Informed decision urged

Local Fonterra Shareholders’ councillor Grant Wills is urging the region’s farmers to participate in the Fonterra elections and elect to their board the candidates who have the required skills to drive the Co-op forward.

Wills said Fonterra needed world-class, experienced directors if it was to continue to succeed in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. ‘‘As shareholders we have a responsibility to not only vote but do so in an informed way which benefits our Co-op. The best way to do this is to get an understanding of the attributes candidates require if they are to contribute meaningfully at a Fonterra board level.

‘‘There is some very good information in the voting packs, which shareholders have received, and on Farm Source including videos of the six candidates answering some governance-related questions.’’

Wills said Fonterra farmers were incredibly passionate about ensuring 100 per cent supplying shareholder ownership and control of their Co-op.

‘‘Voting in the elections is a critical part of participation and I encourage farmers to vote in an informed manner which will benefit Fonterra and all its shareholders.’’

Voting information

Voting for the directors’ and the shareholders’ council elections closes at 10.30am on Monday, November 23 with the results announced later that day. Shareholders can vote online, by fax or post, using the Single Transferable Vote system.

Three seats on the Fonterra board will be contested by six candidates: Murray Beach, Greg Maughan, Blue Read, Nicola Shadbolt, Ashley Waugh, and John Wilson.