Former Open Country Dairy Executive Charged with Fraud

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has charged Simon Stewart, a former Group Market Manager at Open Country Dairy, with serious fraud offences after allegedly receiving more than $276,000 in kickbacks fr om Indonesian client company PT Anta Tirta Kirana.

Court documents allege that Stewart received 27 separate payments between 2019 and 2021, ranging from $6,980 to $22,767, in exchange for sharing confidential pricing information and providing undue business advantages. The charges, filed under section 4 of the Secret Commissions Act 1910, were brought before the Manukau District Court, wh ere Stewart has already appeared. His next court date is set for 7 October.

Open Country Dairy, New Zealand’s second-largest dairy processor and part of Talley’s Food Group, initiated an internal investigation before referring the matter to the SFO.

SFO Director Karen Chang said the case highlights how corrupt practices undermine New Zealand’s reputation as a reliable trade partner.

“This kind of commercial offending erodes trust, damages economic growth, and impacts the country’s reputation internationally,” Chang noted.

The case is part of the SFO’s wider focus on combating fraud in New Zealand’s primary industries, including agriculture and dairy, which play a pivotal role in the nation’s economy.