Synlait CEO Resignation Highlights Deeper Challenges Facing Dairy Processor
A revolving door of chief executives at milk processor Synlait is a warning sign, says Lincon University senior lecturer in agribusiness Nic Lees.
Canterbury milk processor Synlait has announced a new supply agreement with New Hope Nutritionals for production of their infant formula brands.
Synlait says the arrangement will provide certainty of supply for both companies over five years.
New Hope Nutritionals is a joint venture between New Hope Group and Synlait Milk Ltd.
“This supply agreement has clarified our infant formula partnership with New Hope Nutritionals for the near future, allowing both of us to plan with confidence,” managing director John Penno says. “The agreement secures a threefold increase from current volumes over the five year period.”
He adds the agreement will also underpin applications to register New Hope Nutritionals’ Akara and e-Akara infant formula brands with the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA).
Synlait says its infant formula volumes with New Hope Nutritionals and other customers will be met by blending and canning capacity at the company’s Dunsandel site and eventually at its new Auckland plant.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…