Ah Tatua, You've Done It Again!
Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.
Stevenson, who milks 1500 cows in the Wairarapa, chaired the council since November 2022.
He will retire at Fonterra's annual general meeting in November after reaching the maximum nine-year tenure.
Stevenson told Dairy News that he has always enjoyed the direct nature of conversation with farmers.
"They never leave you wondering what they are thinking, and they demand accountability."
Stevenson believes the council is in a strong position moving forward.
"We have a group of really capable councillors and a strong management team, all of whom will ensure Fonterra farmers are strongly represented into the future."
However, Stevenson isn't slowing down on the final stretch of his term.
"There is plenty of work to do before I finish at the AGM.
"This includes running the director elections, the production of our annual report, analysing Fonterra's financial results and our assessment of how well Fonterra has performed against our letter of expectations."
Stevenson's successor is expected to be named at a council meeting this week.
He represents the Wairarapa ward in the 28-member council, which comprises 25 elected members and three appointed councillors.
Stevenson is one of seven elected councillors, who's terms are up for re-election. Other councillors retiring end of this year are Cushla Smith, Southern Northland ward, and Aleisha Broomfield, Piako ward.
Councillors seeking re-election are Grant Coombes, Waikato West, Andrew Myers, Waipa, Kylie Leonard, Central Plateau, and Don Moore, Eastern Southland.
Nominations close at midday, Thursday October 1.
The council's role is to support shareholders' democratic control of Fonterra and to actively represent members' interests as owners, investors and suppliers.
Meanwhile nominations are being called for Fonterra board elections.
This year, directors Brent Goldsack and Cathy Quinn retire by rotation, Quinn is standing for re-election while Goldsack is retiring from the board.
An independent assessment process, where candidates are assessed by a three-member panel, was held last month. Candidates who opted for the process will be announced this week.
The non-assessment process - where farmers can put themselves forward as a candidate for the board outside the Independent Assessment Process - is now open for nominations.
The Returning Officer will confirm all directors' election candidates on Friday 2 October.
