Local farmer rises to top

New Fonterra chairman Monaghan follows family tradition in leading co-operative

Former Eketahuna farmer John Monaghan has been appointed Fonterra’s new chairman following the decision last week by incumbent John Wilson to step down as he recovers from a recent serious health scare.

Wilson will remain a Fonterra director until the co-operative’s annual meeting in November, when he will retire from the board.

Monaghan is an experienced director who has been on the Fonterra board since 2008.

During his time on the board, Monaghan has served on multiple committees, chairing several of them.

He has taken a lead role in representing Fonterra’s interests on customer visits and global trade issues and has strong networks both domestically and internationally with key stakeholders.

Monaghan was the third generation of his family to take the step from the paddock to the boardroom when he was appointed to the Fonterra board, following a stint as the chairman of the Fonterra Shareholders’ Council.

His father and grandfather were both at the helm of dairy companies in the days when dozens of cooperatives were scattered throughout rural New Zealand.

His grandfather chaired the Newman co-operative company in the Eketahuna district and his father Jack chaired at least five cooperatives in the Tararua district.

The Monaghan family have a proud 110-year connection with the Eketahuna community.

“I take some pride in having farmed all my life,” Monaghan told the

“We were talked about as the sunset industry in the 1980s and told to put fences around our properties for horticulture.”

Monaghan has been closely involved in the process to appoint a new chief executive at Fonterra and will now lead the advancement of this appointment with the full involvement of the board.

Kieran McAnulty, Labour List MP based in Masterton, saidhe was delighted by Monaghan’s appointment.

“Fonterra plays a crucial role in the New Zealand economy. Its leadership over the last few years in transitioning away from volume to value, and environmentally sustainable production contributes significantly to how New Zealand is seen by overseas consumers.

“In many ways Fonterra has paved

In many ways Fonterra has paved the way for other New Zealand companies . . . John has played a leading role within Fonterra over this period.