New Zealand Sign Language Week Highlights Inclusion at Fonterra Clandeboye
Last week marked New Zealand Sign Language Week and a South Canterbury tanker operator is sharing what it's like to be deaf in a busy Fonterra depot.
Fonterra director Colin Armer has resigned.
In a statement released this morning, the corporate farmer gave no reason for his decision. He was reportedly on a shortlist for the Fonterra chairmanship, which becomes vacant when Henry van der Heyden retires in December. However, last week Fonterra announced John Wilson as the chairman-elect.
Armer says for many years he has been a strong supporter of the New Zealand dairy industry and an advocate for Fonterra's important work.
"I will continue to be," he says.
Armer thanked shareholders that have supported him in the past and says he will continue to support the cooperative model in the future.
He says he has nothing but praise for the Fonterra chief executive and the management team. He made no mention of the board.
Armer says he will not be available for further comment.
Recently Armer's company Armer Farms (NI) entered a guilty plea in Tauranga District Court to a charge of unlawful discharge of dairy effluent at a Maketu farm two years ago and was fined $72,000.
A move to boost farmer uptake of low methane emitting sheep is underway.
Silver Fern Farms has tackled the ongoing war-induced shipping challenges to mideast markets by airlifting 90 tonnes of chilled New Zealand lamb and beef to the United Arab Emirates.
The primary sector is leading New Zealand's economic recovery, according to economist and researcher Cameron Bagrie.
Dairy industry leader Jim van der Poel didn't make much of the invitation he received to the recent New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Rotorua.
Farmers around the country are going public big time, demanding their local district, city and regional councils come up with amalgamation plans that meet the needs of rural communities and don't allow urban councils to dominate.
The battle for the rural vote is on and parties are securing high profile names to try and bolster their chances at the general election.

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