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 John Wilson says the final vote on governance and representation reflects shareholder sentiment.
He says that the recommendations were a significant improvement and it was time to move the cooperative forward.
“Cooperatives, by their nature, need consensus on the important decisions. That is as it should be and today we have agreed on the final recommendations after a very constructive eight months of discussions and refinements,” says Wilson.
“It is a clear signal from our shareholder base that it is time to push on so the co-op can focus on our business priorities.”
Fonterra shareholders voted 85.96% in favour of the new proposal by the board.
The main effect of the changes is that a new election process for farmer directors will come into force. Under this process, candidates are selected by an Independent Selection Panel, then approved by the Nominations Committee of the Board and by the Shareholders Council before they are put forward to shareholders for their vote and support.
There is also provision for candidates to stand outside this process and self-nominate, provided they are supported by 35 other shareholders. A first past the post majority voting system will mean all director candidates now need at least 50% farmer support.
New Zealand farmers have been told they all have amazing people on their farms and have been urged to be “that one person” that can make a huge difference to those going through tough times.
OPINION: For thousands of Southland farmers, this week would have tipped them into the non-compliant category when it comes to following regional freshwater plan rules. But the Government has stepped in to give them the clarity they deserve.
The stark realities of the world trade that New Zealand is having to face have been revealed by Trade Minister Todd McClay.
New Zealand and the European Union are closer than ever.
The latest data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) reveals a mixed rural property market due to consistent inflation concerns.
Animal welfare improvements as well as reduced costs for dairy farmers are at the heart of a new move which could help cut back on the waste of unused vet drugs.