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Reading the fine print- I urge everyone to read an open letter to farmers penned by Rt-hon. Winston Peters in regard to the imminent sale By Fonterra. It is amazing what the company and media have left out about the sale.
Open Letter to the Farmers
Rt Hon Winston Peters October 17, 2025
Open … View moreReading the fine print- I urge everyone to read an open letter to farmers penned by Rt-hon. Winston Peters in regard to the imminent sale By Fonterra. It is amazing what the company and media have left out about the sale.
Open Letter to the Farmers
Rt Hon Winston Peters October 17, 2025
Open Letter to the Farmers
Author: Rt Hon Winston Peters, Leader of New Zealand First
Dear Shareholders,
Around 9,000 farming families across New Zealand are considering their Fonterra voting papers. The proposition is of critical importance to the entire New Zealand economy: selling iconic dairy brands like Mainland, Anchor, Kapiti and others to the largest dairy company in the world, French firm Lactalis.
Farmers must consider this very carefully.
The decision is yours. We caution you to think not of the short-term sugar hit from selling, but to the long-term security for their children, grandchildren, and country.
Why? It is there in black and white. The sale terms provide everything you need to know: after three years Lactalis can terminate milk supply from Fonterra for Anchor and Mainland.
Or to put it in the jargon of Fonterra, “the initial term is three years. Following the initial term, the Global Supply Agreement automatically renews until it is terminated.”
“Automatically renews until it is terminated” is corporate flannel, executive flimflam, tier one C-Suite rubbish that translates to: ‘after three years, we cancel.’
That’s it. Milk split. Fonterra will be a wholesaler. Lactalis will control your brands.
Farmers, under this deal you will not control the very thing that has underpinned your success for generations: quality.
Why would we expect Lactalis to offer any long-term security to New Zealand farmers? Every incentive is on Lactalis to do the opposite. The most direct commercial lever they will have is to terminate their supply deal, and dilute New Zealand milk with lower quality, cheaper milk and vegetable fat.
Why would we believe Lactalis would want to secure New Zealand milk for more than three years? If they do, why has Lactalis not offered a longer supply agreement? If they meant it, it would be in the deal. They want ten years of your raw milk for their own brands, but only want your raw milk for three years for Anchor and Mainland.
And where is the Fonterra executive? They have not been open and upfront. There has been a casual easiness about this sale, reported by a pliant media and welcomed by middle manager analysts who couldn’t run a tuck shop and don’t know what it means to have their livelihoods at risk.
Fonterra issued a press release and did a media stand up in August. Last Friday, they declined to do interviews and live on air we heard Radio New Zealand offer excuses for their non-appearance.
This week, former Fonterra Council Chair James Barron did an interview with limp defences of the serious questions we have asked. Mr Barron was Chair when Fonterra’s balance sheet took a $880 million hit from its ill-fated China Farms and Beingmate investments.
Fonterra executives have been invited to present their arguments to Select Committees twice. They have declined to do so twice. This, from a company that is a creature of statute and owes its existence to legislation passed in 2001 providing favourable regulatory settings.
Their ‘she’ll be right’ mentality is not the sign of hard-nosed commercial realist. That is the sign of people who have been sucked in and are expecting you to be too.
We, in a party called New Zealand First, are commercial realists. We know that this country’s economic fortunes rest upon the hard-won sweat and tears of New Zealanders. You and your forebears, starting in 1886, built Anchor with 130 years of product development, consumer trust, just as all the other brands have been built.
For $4 billion, they are giving it away.
The short-sighted may have dollar signs in their eyes, having heard that farmers stand to have hundreds of thousands put in their bank account. But when the sugar rushes, the ants follow. Watch how quickly that money goes.
Will your children thank you when the interest in our milk dries up once Lactalis behaves like a rational commercial actor and reduces the percentage of New Zealand milk in their products? They will feel that decision at the farmgate price for years to come.
Fonterra tell you that these brands require billions to scale up. This is nonsense. Fonterra’s new UHT plant in Edendale is said to cost $30 million, and similar expansions are possible at similar costs. Further, Fonterra already partners with other companies to use their plants and equipment, like milk powder packaging in Christchurch and high-end milk processing in Hawke’s Bay.
There are companies who would support partnership deals so Fonterra can grow, but the short-term sugar hit is too appealing to those chasing short-term incentive payments.
Did you notice that CEO Miles Hurrell did not respond to the open secret put to him, that it is said he will depart Fonterra once his year-end bonus is paid? The company offered a flimflam statement about not having bonuses tied directly to this deal. Well, we know that. That is not how corporate bonuses work. Fonterra will have baked this deal into their full-year forecasts, and achieving that forecast is what drives the bonus.
Some of us are here for the long-term future of this country. If this deal proceeds, then perhaps we need to revisit the regulatory environment for Fonterra. Fonterra is required to sell a portion of its raw milk to other New Zealand producers, and these rules have been relaxed in recent years.
Without the value-add of consumer brands owned by Fonterra, it is reasonable to ask whether Fonterra should sell more of its milk to other producers so they can develop New Zealand products.
Lactalis need to know that the preference position they seek to buy and exploit is not guaranteed.
Farmers have a choice, and we hope they will make the right decision. In the end, we will ensure New Zealand’s economic interests are safeguarded even if Fonterra executives do not.
Yours sincerely
Rt Hon Winston Peters
Leader of New Zealand First
Paint it Orange - Arthritis - 1st - 29th November 2025
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We’re delighted to have been awarded silver in the 2026 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards.
This is the eighth time we’ve been honoured in these awards since they began in 2015.
Each year, Reader’s Digest conducts the Quality Service Awards survey to discover New Zealanders’ … View moreWe’re delighted to have been awarded silver in the 2026 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards.
This is the eighth time we’ve been honoured in these awards since they began in 2015.
Each year, Reader’s Digest conducts the Quality Service Awards survey to discover New Zealanders’ attitudes towards services from business across various industries.
Companies are assessed based on five pillars: personalisation, understanding, simplicity, satisfaction and consistency.
This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication and excellence that our teams strive for every day in our villages to deliver exceptional service standards.
Thank you to our amazing teams and to all those who took the time to complete the surveys!
With Christmas fast approaching and trees beginning to twinkle in homes across New Zealand, we’re on the hunt for NZ’s Most Loved Christmas Tree!
Whether it’s bursting with colour, elegantly minimal, or filled with sentimental touches from years past, we want to see how Kiwis are spreading… View moreWith Christmas fast approaching and trees beginning to twinkle in homes across New Zealand, we’re on the hunt for NZ’s Most Loved Christmas Tree!
Whether it’s bursting with colour, elegantly minimal, or filled with sentimental touches from years past, we want to see how Kiwis are spreading Christmas magic this season.
And now for the showstopper... 🌟
One tree will rise above them all, capturing the most public votes and the title of NZ’s Most Loved Christmas Tree 2025, along with the iPhone 17 Pro in Cosmic Orange, this year’s ultimate Christmas prize. 🎁🎄
To spread the cheer even further, four lucky trees will be chosen as Santa’s Lucky Trees, each receiving a $200 Space General Gift Voucher, the perfect way to add extra sparkle this season. 🎅🎁
Need a tree first? Explore our beautiful range here and start your Christmas magic!
📅 Public voting opens: 10 November 2025
⏳ Entries close: 17 December 2025
🎄 Winners unwrapped before Christmas — so strike a pose and share your festive masterpiece!
Hi neighbors!
We’re giving away a 9kg Samsung top-load washing machine, a 40-inch LG TV, and a computer tower. They’re not currently working, so they might be good for parts or a repair project. We’re located in Browns Bay, and you can pick them up for free. If you’re interested, just … View moreHi neighbors!
We’re giving away a 9kg Samsung top-load washing machine, a 40-inch LG TV, and a computer tower. They’re not currently working, so they might be good for parts or a repair project. We’re located in Browns Bay, and you can pick them up for free. If you’re interested, just give me a text at 021-0816-9003 and I’ll share the exact address. Thanks!
Hello Neighbours
If anyone needs a Builder or a Handyman, you can contact Carl of Bayview Builders. He’s our local builder with more than 20 years of experience in Building Industry.
You can check his Facebook page
www.facebook.com...
Transform wooden pallets into a portable bench or kitchen island with Resene paints and wood stains. Find out how to make and paint your own portable bench with these easy step by step instructions.
From 2 to 26 November, we will be installing a new electronic overhead sign on SH20 near the Portage Road overbridge. Works will take place Sunday to Thursday nights, between 10pm and 5am.
Expect a combination of northbound and southbound closures as well as lane restrictions.
We bought it a few years ago, now it's still in good condition. Measurements: 132 cm x 56 cm x 113 cm (L x W x H), it's quite heavy since made from solid wood. The piano stool is included. It must be picked up ( by piano mover), thanks!
At Practical Training Solutions we create confident first aiders through a relaxed, inclusive learning environment allowing you to gain skills while having a bit of fun.
Join one of our classes and see how far you can propel the ping pong ball when practising your first aid choking technique.
… View moreAt Practical Training Solutions we create confident first aiders through a relaxed, inclusive learning environment allowing you to gain skills while having a bit of fun.
Join one of our classes and see how far you can propel the ping pong ball when practising your first aid choking technique.
50% off introductory discount on all first aid courses until Christmas. That means:
- $112.50 for Workplace First Aider
- $67.50 for Revalidation
(All GST incl.)
This is your chance to get NZQA-approved, flexible, and engaging training at half the price. Book your course now at www.pts....
A big congratulations to the 2025 Resene Bright Spots winners! We are proud to announce our ten winners who have all won a $250 Prezzy card and a $250 Resene Gift card!
Deepa Keenawinna - Lower Hutt (home crafts)
Slava Voronin - Kerikeri (blossoming tree)
Sam Holliday - Paraparaumu (hot pink … View moreA big congratulations to the 2025 Resene Bright Spots winners! We are proud to announce our ten winners who have all won a $250 Prezzy card and a $250 Resene Gift card!
Deepa Keenawinna - Lower Hutt (home crafts)
Slava Voronin - Kerikeri (blossoming tree)
Sam Holliday - Paraparaumu (hot pink outdoor chair)
Chris Carlyon - Waikanae (French Bulldog painting)
Joel Bradley - Auckland (Kea painting)
Jayne Walton - Rangiora (rainbow gate
Charmaine Macpherson - Cheviot (colourful bathtab)
Adele Whittaker - Auckland (school mural)
Karan Robson - Foxton Beach (blue backdoor)
Dave Bang - Levin (native bird mural)
Take a look at their wonderful colourful entries below. A huge thank you to everyone who shared a Bright Spot in their community this year; we have loved seeing the places in your neighbourhood that bring you joy.
Kitten season is almost here. Over the next six months, more than 10,000 kittens and mums will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these families the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today!
Fostering saves lives and helps mums raise their bubs in a safe and quiet … View moreKitten season is almost here. Over the next six months, more than 10,000 kittens and mums will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these families the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today!
Fostering saves lives and helps mums raise their bubs in a safe and quiet environment. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!
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Fonterra is selling some of its well-known brands — including Anchor, Mainland, Fernleaf, and Kapiti Fine Foods — to French company Lactalis.
Why? Fonterra says it wants to focus on ingredients rather than consumer brands.
💭 What do you think about the move?
Keen to read more? Luke … View moreFonterra is selling some of its well-known brands — including Anchor, Mainland, Fernleaf, and Kapiti Fine Foods — to French company Lactalis.
Why? Fonterra says it wants to focus on ingredients rather than consumer brands.
💭 What do you think about the move?
Keen to read more? Luke Malpass offers his opinion in The Press
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