Let’s take nothing away from the great work Fonterra and its predecessor the NZ Dairy Board have done; New Zealand needs them. But the Miraka deal shows the value of these innovators. In just two years Miraka has set up a joint venture with the biggest dairy company in Vietnam, Vinamilk, and is shipping product to many parts of the globe.
It has a waiting list of suppliers which speaks volumes. This latest deal with Shanghai Pengxin shows that big overseas international companies have faith and confidence in some of our niche providers.
The Miraka deal is timely in other ways. It comes just days after an MPI report which highlights the potential of Maori agriculture: $8 billion dollars if Maori land was managed to its potential.
Miraka is showing what can be done; so are many other Maori trusts – role models for Maori and pakeha farmers. Take PKW in Taranaki, Fonterra’s biggest milk supplier in the region, producing upwards of three million kgMS/year. And dozens of other trusts and incorporations are worthy of mention.
The example of Miraka and its trusts should inspire others to follow suit and we would hope Miraka will share knowledge to lift the performance of others.
The challenge for Miraka, as with all successful small companies, is to retain competitive advantage. It must also keep fostering the ‘personal touch’ – workers in tune with managers and leaders to achieve company goals. Miraka has a strong company culture and the positive spirit of the workforce is evident when you visit their plant.
Being small and successful is not easy; hopefully Miraka can continue to do deals and retain a ‘family’ culture.
