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The bitter battle over butter prices topped the news agenda this week, prompting a ‘please explain' from the finance minister to Fonterra. Are media are missing the main point? Also: pundits say Sky buying Three for $1 strengthens its on-screen sport play - but the cash Saudi Arabia's suddenly splashing could change the big picture.Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:01:00 The price has been rising for months, but all of a sudden the bitter political battle over butter became bulletin-leading stuff this week. Did the media miss the point by zeroing in on this - and the political posturing?17:25 Pundits reckon Sky buying Three strengthens Sky's stranglehold on the top sport it sells to subscribers. But this week The Herald reported TVNZ bidding for next year's FIFA World Cup and the upcoming Olympics as well. But globally, Saudi Arabia's sticking stacks of cash into sport and broadcasting right now. A journalist who's just seen that play out in the US says that could change the picture worldwide - and here:Learn more:Guests: Liam Dann, Adam LeventhalIf you have any thoughts for us - or ideas for us to follow up - get in touch. E-mail mediawatch@rnz.co.nz. You'll also find us @MediawatchNZ on X.Follow Mediawatch and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or any podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode.Find more RNZ Podcasts at the new section of the RNZ website at rnz.co.nz/podcastsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
What's the news? Fonterra has announced an On Farm Services incentive programme for qualifying farmer-shareholders. The scheme allows farmers who meet their cooperative difference standard, a baseline performance and efficiency standard, to receive what is effectively a $1,500 yearly subsidy to invest in on-farm technology or services. Ranges from animal performance tools from genetics companies, as well as pasture and data optimisation tools, and on-farm planting to improve carbon sequestration. Pasture Management: Apps and dashboards, AI and satellite imagery to manage and optimise pasture on farms. Data optimisation: Farmers deal with so much data flowing in through so many on-farm touchpoints, some services aggregate all that info into key insights farmers can rely on to make good decisions. Animal performance: Animal testing on their cows. Why it matters Obviously a massive deal – this contributes so much to on-farm costs and gives farmers a comfortable buffer to experiment with more technology that could be a massive help. It contributes to the trend of growing tech use on-farm by farmers. In a 2023 survey by DairyNZ, 18% of farmers reported using cow wearables (smart monitoring devices like collars or ear tags), compared to 3% in 2018. This growth translates to more than 820,000 cows now equipped with devices. It's great news because technology is helping farmers be more efficient in a world where they face more regulation and compliance requirements. Fonterra/NZ has a great reputation internationally for producing highly efficient, high-quality milk that's desirable compared to many other countries. It drew the attention of food conglomerates Mars and Nestle, who are kicking in to help fund the subsidy. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why is butter so expensive? Can people power really make a difference? What happens if Fonterra leaves the NZ market? We put all our butter questions to Emma Higgins, Senior Agricultural Analyst at Rabobank. Then we talk to someone who has churned their own butter to find out if DIY spreads are an option.
Nicola Willis is defending her decision to seek answers from Fonterra about its prices. The price of butter has almost doubled in the past 14 months because Asia is demanding more, and Europe is producing less. Fonterra is ruling out selling butter to New Zealanders at a lower price than it makes overseas. But Willis told Mike Hosking she has no regrets about raising the issue with the dairy co-op in the first place. She says she can't dismiss an issue lots of New Zealanders are talking about. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nicola Willis appears to be fine with the price NZers are paying for butter saying that "I don't think consumers are getting a raw deal" from Fonterra. She then goes on to throw the supermarkets under the bus but still hasn't come up with a solution to the price of butter, just lots of hot air.Craig aka DairyManNZ on TikTok joins us LIVE at 9pm to talk about butter and the approach the government is taking to help NZers with that price. Follow Craig on TikTok here https://www.tiktok.com/@dairymannzThis Government wants to cancel same day registration for elections in an obvious attempt to make it harder for some people to vote. Any move to restrict any one person in NZ the ability to participate in the right we have to vote, even if you think they should already be registered and only "drop kicks" register on election day, should be seen for what it is, and attack on our democratic process=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of #BHN www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social
Fonterra's boss has given media the silent treatment over the sky high price of butter. Both National and Labour's finance spokespeople met with Fonterra's chief executive Miles Hurrell last night, trying to find out why the cost of a block is so steep. But whether the debate leads to a price correction or just more froth and churn from lawmakers is yet to be seen. Russell Palmer reports.
Wallace Chapman and the Politics Panel discuss and analyse the main political stories of the day. He is joined this week by RNZ's Corin Dann, the NZ Herald's Fran O'Sullivan and former government minister Phil Goff. On the slate today: Nicola Willis says Kiwis are not getting a raw deal from high butter prices (after meeting the CEO of Fonterra); Defence Minister Judith Collins told a crowd of graduating Army recruits last week that they should prepare for "combat"; just 38 percent of respondents to a Talbot Mills poll say the government deserved a second term; is the government using locla councils as a whipping boy and National seems to have found a bright spot in one area of it's party policy: Education.
Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Kiwiblog's David Farrar joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Can we confirm Nicola Willis' meeting with Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell was entirely pointless? Some advocates have blamed the Government's policies for the increase in homelessness. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
So guess what's happening after Nicola Willis' butter meeting with Fonterra last night? Nothing. After hyping the meeting, after Mikey chasing Miles down the street, after the news going live with the banner across the TV that the Fonterra meeting is underway, after all of that - nothing is happening because nothing can happen, because Fonterra's not ripping us off. We're simply paying the same international price as everyone for butter, which Nicola knows because she's an intelligent woman and because she used to work for Fonterra as well. So, nothing has come from the meeting. There is no announcement about what is being fixed. Miles Hurrell is not resigning or apologizing, and the price of butter is not dropping. All that has happened is that Nicola Willis has fronted up for the media today and told them that Miles Hurrell will talk to them at some time soon to explain how the price of butter works, which is a nothing outcome. In which case, you have to ask yourself the question, what was the point of the meeting? If Nicola actually truly does understand the mechanics of butter pricing, and presumably then also understands that Fonterra isn't ripping us off and also had no plans to announce anything after this, why hype the meeting? I can answer that question for you. Because she wanted to pass the buck. She wanted to blame Fonterra, because National is feeling the pressure over the fact that Labour is now more trusted to deal with the cost of living crisis than National is - according to the Ipsos survey, which is out this month. And because the heat has been cranked up on National, who have talked a very big game about getting the economy back on track - and yet 18 months in, it's still very much off track to the extent that people cannot afford butter. Nicola tried to shift the blame from National to Fonterra and it didn't work. Now, the lesson here is that performance politics doesn't work. Blaming the supermarkets but doing nothing, blaming Fonterra but doing nothing, blaming the banks but doing nothing, that kind of stuff doesn't work. And in fact, it's risky, it runs the risk of backfiring, which is exactly what's happening here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 23 July 2025, Space Minister Judith Collins explains why she urgently needed to change the law to crack down on foreign actors manipulating our space industry. Homelessness rose by 37% between 2018 and 2023 - and councils say anecdotally the situation has got even worse since then. Nicola Willis has had her big meeting with Fonterra boss Miles Hurrell to get to the bottom of the butter price - and revealed why your butter is unlikely to get cheaper. Wellington is very excited to finally secure a big concert for the capital again - so can Ed Sheeran spark the city's recovery? Plus, the Huddle debates whether parents still feel comfortable with male daycare teachers. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Finance Minister says all roads lead back to supermarket competition, as questions loom over spiralling dairy prices. Nicola Willis yesterday spoke with with Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell - in a meeting she's called constructive and candid. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's likely the Government will make an announcement on supermarkets in the coming days. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Was Nicola Willis sent on a fool’s errand to Fonterra? The government can’t do anything about the price of butter and cheese (without subsidies), but what can it do to kneecap spendthrift local body councils? Is the Prime Minister concerned with what’s happening at Pāmu, after the sudden resignation of the long-standing and well-regarded manager of Molesworth Station, Jim Ward?Should the state be a farmer? Or is that an outmoded concept? And what about “frickin” Chris Hipkins?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When the Government loses Mike Hosking on the price of butter narrative you know it's a bad look. Nicola Willis' chat with Fonterra will achieve nothing and it's all window dressing and it's the consumer that will foot the bill...literally.Will butter prices be the downfall of this government? Will it remain the example of the cost of living crisis getting out of control and will we measure all our return as 'blocks of butter' as we head into the next election.This week an open letter was sent to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters from 150 of Aotearoa's writers, demanding they take urgent action regarding the atrocities in Gaza. Paul Maunder is the organiser of the Blackball Writers Festival, which is where the idea of the open letter came from, and joins us tonight LIVE at 9pm.Roger Douglas was old and slow and, due to that, was given too much time on The Bradbury Group last night with at least one of the contributors saying Douglas' perspectives were from a different era and maybe it would have been better to leave them there.Fallout from Mehdi Hasan's Surrounded as participants begin to feel real world consequences for the 8Chan perspectives.=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of #BHN www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social
So guess what's happening after Nicola Willis' butter meeting with Fonterra last night? Nothing. After hyping the meeting, after Mikey chasing Miles down the street, after the news going live with the banner across the TV that the Fonterra meeting is underway, after all of that - nothing is happening because nothing can happen, because Fonterra's not ripping us off. We're simply paying the same international price as everyone for butter, which Nicola knows because she's an intelligent woman and because she used to work for Fonterra as well. So, nothing has come from the meeting. There is no announcement about what is being fixed. Miles Hurrell is not resigning or apologizing, and the price of butter is not dropping. All that has happened is that Nicola Willis has fronted up for the media today and told them that Miles Hurrell will talk to them at some time soon to explain how the price of butter works, which is a nothing outcome. In which case, you have to ask yourself the question, what was the point of the meeting? If Nicola actually truly does understand the mechanics of butter pricing, and presumably then also understands that Fonterra isn't ripping us off and also had no plans to announce anything after this, why hype the meeting? I can answer that question for you. Because she wanted to pass the buck. She wanted to blame Fonterra, because National is feeling the pressure over the fact that Labour is now more trusted to deal with the cost of living crisis than National is - according to the Ipsos survey, which is out this month. And because the heat has been cranked up on National, who have talked a very big game about getting the economy back on track - and yet 18 months in, it's still very much off track to the extent that people cannot afford butter. Nicola tried to shift the blame from National to Fonterra and it didn't work. Now, the lesson here is that performance politics doesn't work. Blaming the supermarkets but doing nothing, blaming Fonterra but doing nothing, blaming the banks but doing nothing, that kind of stuff doesn't work. And in fact, it's risky, it runs the risk of backfiring, which is exactly what's happening here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for the 23rd of July 2025, so much talk about butter - and even a TV reporter chasing the boss of Fonterra down the street! Why are we so obsessed? Then memories of Ozzy Osbourne - a reality TV pioneer. And to finish, an odd comment from champion golfer Scotty Scheffler on getting enjoyment out of life when you the reach the pinnacle. Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cost-of-living politics reared its head again at Parliament, with MPs exchanging blows over soaring butter prices. Labour accused the coalition of lacking a plan, a claim immediately thrown back at it by a fired-up Christopher Luxon. All this came as Nicola Willis prepares to meet with the global dairy giant Fonterra to hear its take on dairy costs. Acting political editor Craig McCulloch reports.
Parliament is continuing to clash over the soaring cost of butter, with both major parties raising the issue in meetings last night with Fonterra's chief executive. Labour Leader Chris Hipkins spoke to Corin Dann.
In today's episode, Parliament is continuing to clash over the soaring cost of butter, with both major parties raising the issue in meetings last night with Fonterra's chief executive; The future of regional air travel is at serious risk because some smaller players are being crippled by a huge blow out in costs; Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio has made herself unavailable for this year's international matches; Ozzy Osbourne, the frontman of British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, has died aged 76.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 23rd of July, red meat continues to go gangbusters, but we could be doing better, and the industry has some warnings. Lester Levy is moving from the Health NZ Commissioner to the new board chair, and gives us an exclusive on what he has, and hasn't, achieved. Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen discuss pay transparency, the butter meeting between Nicola Willis and Fonterra, and the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election on Politics Wednesday. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What do you reckon happened at the big butter meeting? Willis and Hurrell. Nicola and Miles. Is it a meeting that took on a hopeless amount of hype, or was it a sign that at times this Government, and Willis in particular, say stuff that makes them look like they are on to it when perhaps they're not? The reality is these two meet regularly. Fonterra plays an outsized roll in our economy and therefore it would be odd if they didn't meet. But Nicola has this penchant for saying stuff that might lead you to believe she could produce an Uzi out of her handbag and blitz the room. She has the banks, who she keeps telling us are people we should not be locked in a dark room with. She has the supermarkets who, in her Clouseau-type way, suggests she has been ferreting about the isles and has found dastardly deeds. Jacinda had the same predilection when she told us the petrol companies were "fleecing us". It's all good stuff for headlines and attention. It's very good guy/bad guy, and if hot air were rocket fuel she could have flown to the moon and back six times. But is your butter any more affordable? Of course not, and in that is the problem – not with the price, but with Nicola. Wouldn't it be fantastic if there was a scandal, or a rip-off, or some highway robbery? Wouldn't it be awesome if she could tie a butter producer to a chair and waterboard them until they screamed out "yes, yes, yes it's true, the real price is only $3.76 not $8.50". Sadly, it isn't going to happen. Presumably, as if she needed it, Miles worked her through the calculations at last night's meeting. We pay the global price for butter, the irony being in this case that's actually good news because dairy in general is booming and we need something to boom. What we would like to do versus what we have to do, for good reason, are two separate things. That's why butter is the price it is. The real question for Nicola is how many meetings, threats and finger waggles does she have to produce for no change before someone calls her out for being a lot of mouth and not a lot of trouser?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Halfway through the week, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen are back with Mike Hosking to discuss the biggest political stories thus far. Labour MP Camilla Bellich's member's bill, the Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill, has passed its second reading. But why do we want to talk about salaries? Nicola Willis has met with Fonterra over the cost of butter – has anything come of it yet? And how intense will the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election be? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tania Waikato joins us LIVE at 9pm to talk about what interest.co.nz described as "the clear strategic imperative for all three Coalition partners is break-out. Each must seize as much of the Right's ideological territory as possible for themselves" over the next 15 monthsStephen Colbert gone, TV3 sold for $1...what's the latest happenings in the world of media telling news stories. New political polling has the National Party headed towards one term in power, with a majority thinking the country is on the “wrong track”, disapproving of the Government's performance and a near majority believing it is time to “give another party a go”.The Finance Minister is meeting with Fonterra's chief executive to discuss the nearly 50 percent surge in butter prices. Nicola Willis has acknowledged Kiwis think the cost of living is too high, and the Opposition agrees, with Labour accusing the Government of failing to address the strain on households.=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of #BHN www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social
Fonterra’s CFO reviews last night’s positive GDT Auction - up 1.1%, WMP + 1.7%, SMP + 2.5%.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National Rural News Monday July 14 In today's National Rural News: Farmers question decisions allowing Lactalis and Fonterra merger, staff shortages in the meat processing sector, South Australian communities cut off by floodwaters -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dairy farmers are raising concerns about plans to merge operations at two major dairy companies. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has approved French company Lactalis' bid to accquire Fonterra's consumer, dairy ingredients and food service businesses. Both companies purchase and process raw milk from dairy farmers in Victoria and Tasmania. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australian Dairy Farmers President Ben Bennett, who says he's 'perplexed' by the decisionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National Rural News Friday July 11 In today's National Rural News: Lactalis and Fonterra given the go ahead to merge operations, Bega to close its peanut processing plants, tracking on-farm fatalities and deaths in real time -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode: News Wrap | Emissions reduction and the profitable farm1:48 – DairyNZ head of data science and modelling Mark Neal tells Bryan about a newly released study that shows any farm in any region can be profitable and emissions efficient. The study drew on data from DairyNZ, Dairybase, Fonterra and LIC.Feature | Agroecology coach favours relationships over recipes7:56 – Nicole Masters, an agroecology coach, reckons that if we're going to improve environmental outcomes we need to stop focusing on data and rules and instead look to relationships and values. Masters says farmers tend to use intuition when making big decisions, rather than relying on facts and figures.Feds Focus | Richard Dawkins takes on sheep and beef challenge20:58 – We catch up with Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Richard Dawkins, a Marlborough farmer who was voted onto the national executive a few weeks ago. Richard talks about his farming life and what the meat and wool executive has planned for the months ahead.The Final Word29:15 – Nuffield scholar Hugh Ritchie has some advice for today's farmers – look up and look out. He says there's plenty of innovation out there that could transform NZ farm systems, if we're willing to find it.
The eye-watering price of butter has prompted Finance Minister, Nicola Willis to ask for a please explain from her former employer Fonterra. Checkpoint has run numerous stories about the cost of the pantry staple, with the price climbing as high as $18 for a tub of semi-soft butter. Fonterra has pinned the price of dairy products here on the global dairy trade auction price, but Willis has questioned why people overseas are getting a better deal. Farmer and former Fonterra Board member Leonie Guiney spoke to Lisa Owen.
DairyNZ head of data science and modelling Mark Neal tells Bryan about a newly released study that shows any farm in any region can be profitable and emissions efficient. The study drew on data from DairyNZ, Dairybase, Fonterra and LIC.
Get a closer look at billion-dollar agritech trailblazer Halter. We’re talking to Andrew Fraser, President, about the innovative cow collar system helping farmers get more from their land and livestock. Discover how this homegrown solution has improved pasture management and herd welfare across NZ, Australia, and the US—and won serious private investment capital. Andrew discusses Halter's recent $165 million Series D funding round, led by VC firm Bond. We get into their strategy for the vast US market, focusing on pasture-based beef farms, and how their technology stands up across different climates and geographies. And hear about Halter's integration with Fonterra milk production data, directly linking farmers’ daily actions to output and revenue. Plus, Andrew’s claims that Halter is helping to attract a new generation to farming—and even winning over a 93-year-old in the process. For more or to watch on YouTube—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunchShared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Australia Limited (ABN 94 648 811 830; AFSL 529893) in Australia and Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions—including a Target Market Determination and IDPS Guide for Sharesies Australian customers—can be found on our relevant Australian or NZ website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fonterra’s chief operating officer reviews last night’s GDT Auction (down 4.1%, WMP down 5.1%). So, is the $10 forecast milk price for the 25/26 season under threat?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kia ora,Welcome to Wednesday's Economy Watch where we follow the economic events and trends that affect Aotearoa/New Zealand.I'm David Chaston and this is the international edition from Interest.co.nz.And today we lead with news the US Senate has agreed the Trump budget, but only after the Vice President broke a deadlock with a casting vote. Financial markets are wondering about the wisdom in all this with equities hesitating, bond yields turning up, and the USD drifting lower. To be fair, none of these movements are large today. But the implications of massively higher US debt levels are as is the opening of the magic-money accounting they have adopted. It will be the bond market that makes the practical judgement.First however, the overnight dairy auction came in as weak as the futures market suggested it might. The SMP price fell -1.7%, but only to match the prior week's Pulse event. However the more important WMP price fell -5.1% and back to levels last seen at the beginning of the year. One local reason may have been the sharp increase in volumes offered, +10,000 tonnes more than at the prior event two weeks ago, and +6.7% more than the event in the same week a year ago. This volume offer jump came as milk production rose in all key producing regions (except Australia).Overall, prices were down -4.1% in USD terms at this even, down -5.2% in NZD as the greenback weakens further.The price downshift will have analysts reaching for their pencils although it might be too soon for them to backtrack on their 2025/26 payout forecasts. Fonterra's current season results are pretty much locked in and will be reported in late September. But their new year may be off to a soft start.Last week, the US Redbook index was +4.9% higher than year ago levels but still in the easing trend that started in early April.The May level of job openings rose unexpectedly to more than 7.7 mln largely on a surge for foodservice jobs. Analysts didn't see this coming but perhaps they should have given the sharp ICE immigration crackdowns underway. These roles at these volumes will be hard to fill.The latest factory PMI report from the ISM shows a sector still in contraction, being led by weak new order inflows. The internationally benchmarked S&P Global/Markit version reported an expansion and a moderate one at that, But both noted rising inflation pressures.It appears that the expected rise in June car sales didn't occur, dipping to its slowest pace of the year.Apparently its a good time to be in the logistics sector in the US with inventory levels rising and supply chains being stressed. The Logistics Managers Index is running at an unusually high level.The Dallas Fed regional services survey reported a continuing contraction, although not as steep in June as May.And the RCM/TIPP Economic Optimism Index was expected to bounce back in July but in fact it resumed the decline in a trend that started in December 2024.After falling to a recent low in April, Japanese consumer sentiment is on the rise again, back to where it was at the start of the year, but not yet back to 2024 levels. But at least it is rising.Yesterday we noted that the official factory PMI for China "improved" but was still showing a contraction. Today, the alternative Caixin factory PMI came in a little better than that, rising from May's tiney contraction to June's small expansion. These shifts don't mean a lot, but at least they are going in an improved direction. The Caixin survey noted "Higher new order inflows supported a renewed rise in production. That said, the rate at which new orders expanded was only marginal amid subdued exports." Trump's trade war may have kneecapped Chinese growth but it hasn't knocked them over.Overnight the ECB released the results of its May survey of consumer inflation expectations and they dipped to 2.8% when a small rise was expected. Consumers apparently thought inflation was running at 3.1% over the past 12 months. Separately the EU released its June CPI data and that shows it running at 2.0%, up from 1.9% in May.In Australia, large parts of the east cost is hunkering down for a lashing of strong winds and heavy rain. And that will include Sydney.The UST 10yr yield is now at 4.25%, and up +2 bps from yesterday at this time.The price of gold will start today at US$3,337/oz, and up +US$45 from yesterday.American oil prices are marginally firmer from yesterday, up +50 USc at just on US$65.50/bbl while the international Brent price is up the same at just over US$67/bbl.The Kiwi dollar is now just on 60.9 USc, unchanged from yesterday. Against the Aussie we are down -10 bps at 92.6 AUc. Against the euro we are down the same at 51.7 euro cents. That all means our TWI-5 starts today at 68.2 and unchanged from yesterday.The bitcoin price starts today at US$106,292 and down -1.3% from this time yesterday. Volatility over the past 24 hours has stayed low at just over +/-0.9%.You can get more news affecting the economy in New Zealand from interest.co.nz.Kia ora. I'm David Chaston. And we will do this again tomorrow.
Jarden's Head of Commodities comment's on last night's GDT Auction - the second of the new 25/26 season - down 1% (WMP down 2.1%). Plus we ask if Fonterra was too optimistic with its $10 opening forecast milk price. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fonterra's chief executive commented on the dairy numbers in MPI's Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report. Plus, will Trump’s tariffs affect dairy? Also, the elephant in the room - dairy conversions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Open Country Dairy's chief executive is enjoying a busy day one of Fieldays. He talks about Fonterra's forecast milk price, US tariffs, a new butter plant, and gives away some cheese.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BusinessDesk rural journalist on the state of the dairy industry and his recent trip to China with Fonterra (with Henry Acland and Hunter McGregor).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. Fonterra: 9/10 It is literally raining money. Record farmgate, record profits, and the milk price starting at $10 for next year. Go buy a ute. Port of Auckland: 2/10 Everything that's wrong with New Zealand – putting prices up because you can. Auckland FC: 7/10 Falling when they did took the shine off, but up until then there was a lot of shine to enjoy. Trump: 4/10 He looks ropier by the day. The meme dinner, the court blocking the tariffs, the ceasefires that haven't happened. It looks rambling, ill-disciplined, and insane. Oh, and that's before you get to Harvard. Coffee: 4/10 $10 a cup and Al Brown is selling filter. It's not right. Radio NZ: 4/10 All that money for all those listeners to wander off to places like the Mike Hosking Breakfast. What's worse value – public radio you don't want or a Waiuku crossing you can't afford? LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fonterra is being cautiously upbeat about the future. The dairy co-op is forecasting a $10 farmgate milk price payout for the current season, and an earnings range of 65 to 75 cents a share. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains what this means for the market. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fonterra’s chief executive fires the shot opening for the forecast milk price for the 25/26 season. And it’s a good one, with the genuine prospect of two $10 payments in a row! We also look at a potential final dividend and a return of capital from the consumer brands divestment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We find Labour’s trade spokesman at the E Tipu conference in Palmerston North, but is it a woke talk fest? We also preview tomorrow’s “Love in” with Federated Farmers in Masterton, but is it a waste of time? Plus, is he in favour of Fonterra selling its Consumer Brands? And what about more conversions in Canterbury?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Tuesday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) Yes, They Are Related/What's Wrong with Warkworth?/Selling Off for a Tickle-Up/Leaving There for Here/Where Was I Anyway?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We look at the results of the final GDT Auction for the 24/25 season with Fonterra’s president of global markets ingredients. Plus what is the Fonterra team doing in Shanghai?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of The Strong Source, we welcome Richard Allen, President of Fonterra Global Ingredients — the world's largest dairy exporter — for an open conversation about the future of dairy, volatility in commodity markets, and the complexity of global supply chains.From his 18-year journey across continents with Fonterra to the bold decision to divest the company's consumer division, Richard shares powerful insights on the evolution of the dairy industry, risk management, and what it takes to lead in uncertain times.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 16th of May, yet another pre-Budget announcement – $275 million for the new Social Investment Agency headed up by Andrew Coster. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters laments the declining standards of Parliament and politicians. Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson talk a new product from Fonterra, Mike's endless golf stories, and whether Mike's a bully or not as they Wrap the Week. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The week has come to an end once more, and Mike Hosking was joined by Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson to Wrap the Week that was. They discussed the new cheese produced by Fonterra, Mike's seemingly endless golf stories, and since today is Pink Shirt Day, they debate whether or not Mike is a bully. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lee Stewart has written the book on sustainable business...No, actually, he really has! He's written the e handbook ‘How to build sustainability into your business strategy' for managers across Australasia. A Kiwi with experience in the UK, Australia and the Pacific, Lee has worked for Fujitsu and Fonterra and now heads ESG Strategies, a consulting company to corporations, and he joins me from a glorious sunny Sydney.
An Auckland cafe owner said a significant jump in the cost of butter could force her to raise her prices, in a market where food businesses seem to be going under every week. Dairy giant Fonterra has written to wholesale clients saying from this week the price of its butter blocks are going up about twelve percent. Its Anchor and Mainland spreads are going up by the same amount, as is bulk butter. Rebecca Dalli-essi owns Onehunga coffee shop and bakery Lot Nineteen, she spoke to Lisa Owen.
Around 120 workers at Fonterra's Canpac site in Hamilton face losing their jobs, with some spending Wednesday at home to process the news. Dairy Workers Union national secretary Chris Flatt spoke to Alexa Cook.
Make sense of the markets with Michelle Lopez, Head of Australasian Equities and Portfolio Manager at PIE Funds. Michelle talks about the ripple effects of tariffs and finding opportunities in a volatile market—identifying the emerging sectors and unexpected advantages. Michelle tells us which industries might be more impacted by US tariffs—and which could benefit. Hear why global trade disruptions could actually lead to deflation for Aussie consumers, and how to identify promising investments that have dropped due to anxious markets. Plus, learn how the decommissioning of Australian oil and gas wells is worth an estimated $60 billion, and gear up for potential IPOs on the ASX from Virgin and Fonterra. For more or to watch on YouTube—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunch Shared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Australia Limited (ABN 94 648 811 830; AFSL 529893) in Australia and Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions—including a Target Market Determination and IDPS Guide for Sharesies Australian customers—can be found on our relevant Australian or NZ website. Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. If you require financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Rhodes Scholar from Nimmitabel with a Master of Philosophy in Economics from Cambridge. He cut his teeth at McKinsey before helping establish Fonterra, the Kiwi dairy co-op whose creation is now studied at Harvard Business School as one of the greatest feats of agribusiness strategy in the modern era. That should qualify him for the role of Federal Treasurer right? Now, he’s pitching nuclear power as the affordable answer to Australia’s energy future and facing the task of trying to win back government against significant headwinds. We ask is he the man from the high country who can win back Teal seats and bring the “colt from Old Regret” back into the fold? Or will the Canberra machine chew him up and spit him out? We talk policy, power bills, and political branding and why Treasurer Jim Chalmers reckons he’d be “shit”. You can judge that for yourself. Like any good country boy, he didn’t arrive at The Advocate’s newsroom empty handed. Angus came bearing hats, a branded mug with his famous self-congratulatory tweet on it, some notepads, shopping bags and stickers. We appreciate that. Good Job, Angus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.