Nominations opened today for the 2026 Fonterra Co-operative Council and Directors’ Remuneration Committee elections.
The Council consists of 28 Councillors, all Fonterra farmers, of whom 25 are elected across 25 Wards around New Zealand. Its role is to support shareholders’ democratic control of Fonterra and to actively represent members’ interests as owners, investors and suppliers.
Its functions include fostering member engagement with their Co-operative; understanding and representing to the Board members’ interests, needs, views and expectations; receiving from and discussing with the Board reports on Fonterra’s performance; seeking Board explanation of and responsibility for Fonterra’s strategy and performance; working with the Board as joint guardians of the Co-operative Philosophy; and being the primary channel for consultation with the Board and management on decisions which have the potential to affect members’ interests in their co-operative.
This year, Councillors can stand in seven Wards. Three Councillors have indicated that they will be retiring, and four Councillors have indicated their intention to seek re-election. The Council encourages contested elections in all Wards.
| Ward | Councillor | ||
| 3 – Southern Northland | Cushla Smith (retiring) | ||
| 4 – Waikato West | Grant Coombes (standing for re-election) | ||
| 6 – Piako | Aleisha Broomfield (retiring) | ||
| 7 – Waipa | Andrew Myers (standing for re-election) | ||
| 12 – Central Plateau | Kylie Leonard (standing for re-election) | ||
| 18 – Wairarapa | John Stevenson (retiring) | ||
| 24 – Eastern Southland | Don Moore (standing for re-election) |
The Directors’ Remuneration Committee considers the remuneration of Directors and Councillors and recommends it to shareholders for approval at the Annual Meeting. The Committee is independent of the Board and comprises six farmer shareholders.
This year, two positions are up for election. Simon Couper and Shirley Trumper are retiring by rotation. Trumper is not standing again, and Couper is eligible for re-election.
Nominations close at midday on Thursday, the 1st of October 2026.
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