Friday, 27 July 2018 10:03

Tributes flow for retiring Fonterra chairman

Written by 
John Wilson. John Wilson.

Politicians and agribusiness leaders are taking to social media to pay tribute to outgoing Fonterra chairman John Wilson.

Wilson stepped down as Fonterra this morning in a shock move; he has been replaced by John Monaghan.

A Fonterra statement says Wilson had recently undergone “significant surgery” and will require on-going treatment.

Tributes flowed for Wilson on twitter. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor wished Wilson a speedy recovery.

“Thanks for all the hard work on behalf of farmers,” O’Connor tweeted.

National agriculture spokesman and former Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy said he enjoyed working with Wilson both locally and on trade missions overseas.

“He’s been a strong advocate for NZ dairy farmers and the co-op. The loan facility saved many farmers when global milk prices crashed. John has achieved a lot in Fonterra and here’s to a speedy recovery,” Guy tweeted.

Former National MP and chief executive of NZ Food and Grocery Council Katherine Rich tweeted that it was sad to see Wilson stepping down.

“John is a patriot and a great New Zealander. He has dedicated his working life to the success of our dairy industry and thus the New Zealand economy.”

Not all tweets were kind to Wilson, however.

Rachel Stewart, a columnist and farmer tweeted “Yes, Shane Jones speaking the truth can be bad for your health”.

Stewart was referring to comments made by NZ First Minister Shane Jones at the National Fieldays on June 13.

Jones, the Regional Development Minister, called for Wilson to follow chief executive Theo Spierings out the door.

Jones said he told the company it should stop being political and instead focus on its business.

More like this

Fonterra's in good shape

Fonterra released its interim results last month, showing a continuation of the strong earnings performance delivered by the co-op through the 2023 financial year. Here’s what Fonterra chair Peter McBride and chief executive Miles Hurrell said about the results…

China trade

OPINION: Last week's revelation that data relating to New Zealand MPs was stolen amid Chinese state-sponsored cyber espionage targeting two arms of the country’s Parliament could test the long-standing trade relations between the two countries.

Featured

Vaccinate against new lepto strain

A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.

TV series to combat food waste

Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.

National

Frontline biosecurity 'untouchable'

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has reiterated that 'frontline' biosecurity services within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will not be cut…

Machinery & Products

New name, new ideas

KGM New Zealand, is part of the London headquartered Inchcape Group, who increased its NZ presence in August 2023 with…

All-terrain fert spreading mode

Effluent specialists the Samson Group have developed a new double unloading system to help optimise uphill and downhill organic fertiliser…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Plant-based bubble bursts

OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter