Our Structure
As a co-operatively owned dairy company we are governed by four external groups.
New Zealand Dairy Farmers
Fonterra is owned by nearly 11,000 New Zealand dairy farmers who supply us with more than 14 billion litres of milk each year. Our shareholders represent 95 per cent of the country's dairy farmers and are spread throughout New Zealand from Cape Reinga in the Far North to Bluff in the south.
Fonterra Board of Directors
There are up to 13 directors on the Board of Directors. Nine are elected by shareholders and the rest are appointed by the Board.
Shareholders' Council
The Shareholders' Council looks after our shareholders. It is made up of 35 shareholders representing 35 wards all over New Zealand. The Council operates independently of Fonterra and its main responsibility is to make sure the needs of supplier shareholders are recognised by the Board.
Milk Commissioner
The Milk Commissioner is appointed by the Shareholders' Council to mediate any disputes between shareholders and Fonterra.
