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 chairman Peter McBride says Leonie Guiney has made a significant leadership contribution to the co-op.
"While stepping down as a director, Leonie will remain a passionate and highly valued member of our co-op,” he says.
“A hard-working director, over the years she has chaired our safety and risk committee and been a member of the audit, finance and risk; co-operative relations; and people, culture and safety committees.
“She has also been a member of the milk price panel and served on the capital structure committee and divestment review committee.
“Always generous with her time and energy, Leonie made a personal sacrifice to give back to the co-op that she loves. We cannot thank her enough. I know Kieran and the family will be glad to get that time back, but I’m sure Leonie’s leadership qualities will not be lost to our industry,’’ says McBride.
More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.
Despite difficult trading conditions for European machinery manufacturers brought about conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, alongside the United States imposing punitive tariffs, Italian manufacturer Maschio Gaspardo, has seen turnover increase 12% in 2025 to €390 million (NZ$775m) with a net profit of €11.2 million (NZ$22.3).
New Zealand innovation company Techion, best known for its animal diagnostics platform, FECPAK has signed an exclusive strategic partnership with Farmlands to bring independent animal health disease intelligence to its customers.
Zespri says it welcomes the recently signed Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal, describing it as an important step towards supporting growth in the region and for New Zealand's kiwifruit industry.
Troubled milk processor Synlait has lost its third chief executive in five years.
Westgold butter has been named New Zealand's tastiest in a blind tasting conducted by Consumer New Zealand.

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