Tuesday, 22 March 2022 07:55

Positive vibes from Govt on DIRA changes - co op

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Marc Rivers Marc Rivers

Fonterra says it's getting positive signals from the Government on regulatory changes needed to facilitate its new capital structure.

The co-operative's chief financial officer Marc Rivers says discussions are ongoing to make sure all interests are protected under any new regulatory framework.

"We are working through with various stakeholders in Government.

"The signals have been pretty positive," Rivers says.

In December, farmer shareholders gave the co-operative the green light to change its capital structure.

Over 85% of farmers voted for a more flexible shareholding structure, allowing farmers to hold fewer shares and widening the pool to include sharemilkers, contract milkers and farm lessors as associated shareholders.

Fonterra believes it woul make the co-operative more competitive with rival processors who don't require farmers to outlay cash for shares to supply milk, and who have been gaining market share.

The changes requires the Government to amend the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act which enabled Fonterra to be set up 20 years ago.

Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says the "flexible shareholding" capital structure will be critical in helping the co-op maintain a sustainable New Zealand milk supply in an increasing competitive environment.

"Following the successful farmer vote, we are continuing to work with the Government on a regulatory framework which supports the structure.

"These discussions are progressing well.

"While we don't have a firm date for when regulatory changes will be made, we expect to be able to provide a timeline for farmers in the next couple of months."

More like this

Fonterra names Templeman-Jones to Mainland Group board amid divestment

As part of preparing for a potential IPO in relation to the divestment process for its global Consumer business and integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Sri Lanka, Fonterra has named Anne Templeman-Jones as chair-elect of the Audit and Risk Committee for the Mainland Group board.

Featured

National

Machinery & Products

Gongs for best field days site

Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Less hot air

OPINION: Farmers won't get any credit for this from the daily media, so Milking It is giving the bouquets where…

Dollars go offshore

OPINION: The Advertising Standards Authority’s 2024 report revealed that not only is social media rotting our brains, it is also…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter