Andy Macfarlane: Fonterra has “reset the ship” but more work lies ahead
Retiring Fonterra director Andy Macfarlane believes the co-operative has made good progress over the past decade but adds that there's still a way to go.
Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dean Hamilton has been appointed to the Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) board for a three-year term.
Hamilton joined the board as a venison processor-appointee on 1 July, replacing Andrew West.
Deer Industry New Zealand chair Andy Macfarlane welcomed Hamilton saying “Silver Fern Farms is our largest venison processor and marketer and we are very pleased to now have a close connection to that company through Dean’s appointment. To have a leader of his calibre on the board will be an asset for DINZ and is a good signal of Silver Fern Farms’ commitment to the deer industry.”
Hamilton joined Silver Fern Farms as chief strategy officer in April 2014 and was appointed chief executive in November 2014. He has more than 20 years’ experience in corporate finance and investment in both New Zealand and Australia, before which he held senior operational roles including chief executive of meat processor Riverlands Foods.
Macfarlane also acknowledged West’s contribution to the board.
“Andy West is an astute strategic thinker, and his insights have been invaluable over the last three years as DINZ has been developing its strategic direction. We are very grateful for his input as a director.”
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.