Watters and Pye Secure Positions on Fonterra Board Amid Governance Changes

Alison Watters and newcomer Michelle Pye won positions on the Fonterra board of directors after a closely contested election. Meanwhile, Mike Fleming from Canterbury did not secure a seat in the three-way contest for two farmer director roles. The election filled the seat of Watters, who was re-elected, and the vacancy left by Andy Macfarlane, who chose not to seek another term after being elected in 2017. The successful candidates will assume office following Fonterra's annual meeting on December 11, 2025.

In addition to the board elections, the Cooperative Council saw new members elected, with two Bay of Plenty farmers winning contested wards. David Beuth and Tom Houston were elected to wards 10 and 11, respectively. Other wards, such as Hauraki and South Waikato, had uncontested candidates, allowing them to secure positions without formal ballots.

Fonterra's governance elections occur at a strategic time as the cooperative plans a $4.22 billion divestment of its Mainland Group consumer businesses to Lactalis. The newly elected and returning leaders are expected to oversee this transition and address ongoing challenges like volatile global commodity prices and oversupply conditions.

Fonterra emphasizes democratic farmer governance, allowing farmer-shareholders direct voting rights for board directors and regional council representatives. This process contrasts with conventional corporate governance structures, ensuring accountability and connection with Fonterra's 9,000-plus farmer-owner suppliers across New Zealand.