Fonterra capital return could boost GDP – ANZ Report
The Fonterra divestment capital return should provide “a tailwind to GDP growth” next year, according to a new ANZ NZ report, but it’s not “manna from heaven” for the economy.
ANZ says it is ready to support its customers impacted by the recent severe weather on the East Coast.
“It’s been a tough few days for those impacted by the severe weather events, our thoughts are with those dealing with damage and destruction to the community and their businesses, and their family homes,” says Lorraine Mapu, ANZ managing director of business and agri.
“We want to reassure our business, farming and personal customers the bank is here to work with them in the days and months ahead,” Mapu told Rural News.
Targeted assistance is available for business and farming customers such as temporary overdraft facilities and the ability to defer loan repayments or move to interest only to help ease some financial pressure.
“Our team are reaching out to farmers and our small and medium-sized business customers to see what else is needed,” Mapu says.
“We encourage personal and home loan customers to talk to us if they need to relieve pressure on their financial situation,” she says. “There may be a range of ways we could help, such as restructuring their home loan repayments or providing access to an overdraft facility.”
Business and Agri customers should speak to their relationship manager to discuss the impact on their business and their funding requirements.
All other ANZ customers should call 0800 269 296.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) today announced that Chief Executive Officer Sirma Karapeeva has resigned from the role.
The winners of the 2026 Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Industry Awards were announced at the annual awards dinner held at Copthorne Solway Park in Masterton on Thursday evening.
Environment Southland is welcoming this week’s decision by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to approve the release of Blaptea elguetai, a leaf‑feeding beetle that will help control the highly invasive Chilean flame creeper.
This March, the potato industry is proudly celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March alongside the International Year of the Woman Farmer, recognising the vital role women play across every part of the sector — from paddocks and packhouses to research, leadership, and innovation.
Fruit trader Seeka posted a record profit and returns to shareholders in 2025.
Recent weather events in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairawhiti, and Canterbury have been declared a medium-scale adverse event.

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