Fonterra cements position as the big cheese!
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
Fonterra is facing the heat from social media users after planning to hold an International Women’s Day panel with only male speakers.
The panel will be talking on "breaking the bias".
Since the photo of the line-up of the male speakers was posted on twitter, the co-operative has been facing a barrage of criticisms.
One tweet says the event “reminds me of the time when Muller (former Opposition leader Todd Muller) introduced his new front bench and the only Maori on it were Simon Bridges and Paula Bennett”.
Another tweet claimed that it seems rather at odds with their statement to the Ministry of Women.
"Fonterra’s board has signed up to a 50-50 male-female split at leadership level, it’s CEO refuses to speak on panels unless they are diverse so as to have fullness of discussions,” the tweet claims.
Another tweet questioned what was wrong was Fonterra.
“So many amazing, innovative rural women NZ: It’s not the 50’s,” it said.
Fonterra’s twitter account jumped in to explain, but the criticisms continue.
"We know this doesn’t look great and want to share a bit more context,” Fonterra says.
“We have a range of events lined up for International Women's Day. We have inspiring females sharing their stories and this panel of male allies talking about the important role males play in helping to overcome bias in the workplace. Both views are equally as important to achieve change. We’re really committed to improving gender diversity.”
One twitter user replied to Fonterra’s post: “As a bit of context from a woman I don't really want to listen to a panel of men congratulating themselves for being good allies. Give them their cookies and get some women in.”
The red meat sector is welcoming the start of trade negotiations between New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Meat processor Alliance Group's cash-strapped farmer shareholders face a dilemma - either pour more money into the co-operative or risk losing 100% ownership and control.
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.