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Fonterra Co-operative Group shareholders have voted to elect Michelle Pye to the board, marking her entry into a leadership role at the region's largest dairy exporters.

Pye's election comes alongside the re-election of incumbent Alison Watters, as the cooperative navigates a landscape of evolving challenges and opportunities in the dairy sector.

The elections, held on 9 December 2025, were the first in three years to feature a genuine vacancy, with Pye and Watters competing against Mike Fleming, chair of Fortuna Group, who ultimately did not secure a position.

This election is significant as it follows a period of unopposed incumbency, highlighting a renewed competitive spirit within the cooperative.

Pye, a seasoned farmer from Canterbury, brings extensive experience to the board. She and her husband operate Pye Group, a large-scale agricultural business that spans over 7,000 hectares and includes dairy, cropping and transport operations.

Their dairy segment alone produces 4.5 million milk solids annually, with plans to expand further. Pye's leadership roles extend beyond her business; she is a director of Potatoes NZ and has served as a councillor for the Timaru District Council, demonstrating her commitment to agricultural development and sustainability.

The election comes at a critical juncture for Fonterra, which has been working to enhance its sustainability efforts and adapt to shifting market demands. The cooperative is under pressure to address environmental concerns while maintaining profitability in a competitive global dairy market.

Recent reports indicate that while the dairy sector remains profitable, margins are tightening, necessitating strategic governance to ensure long-term viability.

Fonterra's board will be instrumental in steering the coop through these challenges, particularly as it prepares for its upcoming annual meeting. The focus will likely be on addressing shareholder concerns regarding sustainability initiatives and the cooperative's overall direction in a rapidly changing industry.