Fonterra Careers

15/12/2025

12/12/2025

Imagine your future in dairy 🌟

Te Mātāpuna Fonterra and Growing Future Farmers are launching a new two-year programme to help rangatahi build real skills, confidence, and NZQA-recognised qualifications for a career in dairy.

Starting early 2026 in Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, the pilot gives you practical on-farm learning alongside experienced Fonterra Farmer Trainers, where you’ll:

✅ Gain real hands-on experience
✅ Learn directly from Fonterra farmers
✅ Work towards an NZQA qualification
✅ Build pathways into roles like farm manager, sharemilker, or future farm owner.

This programme is your first step toward a future in dairy. If you’re aged 16–20 and ready to get started, apply now!

Click the below to learn more and register your interest: https://www.growingfuturefarmers.co.nz/growing-future-farmers-fonterra-dairy-pilot-programme

Growing Future Farmers - Fonterra Dairy Pilot

08/12/2025

Our GFF-Fonterra Dairy Pilot programme is farmer-led and is being co-designed by Fonterra, to meet the Co-operative’s unique needs and recognise the legacy of its farmers. Through this programme our dairy students will gain an understanding of the value of a Co-operative, its purpose, benefits and the connection it provides.
Visit growingfuturefarmers.co.nz/growing-future-farmers-fonterra-dairy-pilot-programme to apply.

Fonterra Careers

25/11/2025

Meet Sheelagh👋 one of our Principal Research Scientists at Fonterra.

With over 40 years at the Fonterra Research & Development Centre, Sheelagh is helping shape the future of dairy through innovation, chemistry, and a whole lot of curiosity.

Her work explores the incredible potential of milk — from developing specialised nutrition for the elderly and unwell, to creating ingredients for beverages, bakery products, probiotics and beyond. Every discovery opens the door to new possibilities, new solutions, and a healthier future.

“At FRDC, there’s always something new to uncover. The opportunities are endless.”

Watch Sheelagh’s video below to hear her story and discover how innovation at Fonterra is shaping tomorrow.

20/11/2025

Our Edendale site has been awarded the Mars Dairy Supplier Quality Award, celebrating top-performing sites across Mars’ global dairy supply chain.

This achievement reflects a multi-year journey of collaboration and a shared commitment to quality and food safety. Mars’ assessment looks beyond audits considering Site Quality Culture, Global Food Safety Standards and overall plant condition – and Edendale delivered.

It’s a great example of how strong partnerships and a focus on doing things right help us deliver value in every product, every relationship and every drop.

Fonterra Edendale has been recognised with the Mars Dairy Supplier Quality Award which awards the top performing supplier sites in Mars dairy supply chain.

11/11/2025

We’re building the future of dairy 🌱

We’re partnering with Growing Future Farmers to launch a new two-year programme for rangatahi (young people) entering the dairy industry.

Starting in early 2026 with a pilot in Waikato and Bay of Plenty, the programme combines hands-on farm experience with NZQA qualifications and mentorship from Fonterra farmers.

This partnership is about more than training – it’s about Imagining Tomorrow with Growing Future Farmers.

Together, we’re creating pathways for rangatahi to:

🌱 Gain real on-farm experience
🌱 Build confidence and develop essential skills
🌱 Access mentorship and NZQA-recognised qualifications

By combining practical learning with strong support, we’re shaping the next generation of farmers who will keep our Co-op and rural communities thriving for years to come.

Learn more about the partnership here: https://brnw.ch/21wXp1q

Apply for the programme: https://brnw.ch/21wXp1p

03/11/2025

Last week, a team from Fonterra took part in the Breast Cancer Research Pink Walk & Run around Hamilton Lake.
An incredible 46 people joined in! It was inspiring to see our Fonterra whānau from across the North Island come together in support of breast cancer research — a true reflection of what Good Together looks like in action.💗

30/10/2025

Meet Sheryl 👋

As Nutritional Business Support Manager at Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, Sheryl believes what truly makes the Co-op special is its people. Every day, she sees how teamwork, trust, and respect come together to create a supportive and balanced workplace.

“The people I work with make any job worthwhile. We’re all here for each other and share the load so no one’s expected to do more than their fair share. There’s a real sense of trust and balance.”

No two days are ever the same for Sheryl. From production planning and people leadership to quality and safety, her role is all about keeping things running smoothly — and supporting her team to do their best work.

Sheryl’s Fonterra journey began at our Waitoa site, where she learned the ins and outs of powder manufacturing. Since then, she’s explored roles across technical and quality teams, and even spent time overseas in our Amsterdam office — before coming full circle back to her roots in manufacturing.

For Sheryl, it’s this inclusive, proactive culture and the great people she works alongside — that make Fonterra such a rewarding place to be.

08/10/2025

Our Waitoa Milk Collection Team farewelled two incredible members of our Depot – Arthur and Neil as they closed a remarkable chapter in their Fonterra journeys.

Neil was part of Fonterra for 20 years, with the last 7 at Waitoa. True to his spirit of challenge, Neil is going to set off on an extraordinary adventure – walking the length of New Zealand alongside his son.

Arthur dedicated 25 years to the Waitoa Depot. He has decided to call time on his career and is looking forward to spending more time with his whānau after an incredible journey on the road with us.

Arthur and Neil’s journeys remind us of what it means to be part of something bigger – bound by whanaungatanga. Every collection made is a story of people, teamwork, and the communities we proudly support, today and into the future.

We wish Neil, Arthur, and their families all the very best in their next chapters 💙

19/09/2025

Meet Jamie, one of our tanker operators helping keep milk moving across Aotearoa New Zealand 💙

Beyond the road, Jamie connects with the community by visiting local schools in Tamura, inspiring curious students and receiving heartfelt letters of thanks. It’s a reminder that meaningful work isn’t just what happens on the job — it’s the impact you have on the people around you.

Over the past year, you might’ve also spotted our Te Mātāpuna tanker. Its design celebrates culture, connection, and community — and it’s been nominated for the Tū Rangatira – Supreme Award at the Ngā Tohu Reo Māori Awards.

17/09/2025

15/09/2025

Māori Language Week is a time to honour and celebrate te reo as a taonga that connects us to culture, identity, and whānau. It’s also a chance to recognise and share the journeys of those embracing and revitalising the language in their everyday lives.

Meet Jeff, who shares how reconnecting with Te Reo Māori has transformed his perspective and deepened his connection to his Māoritanga. Over the past five years, Jeff has been on a haerenga to learn Te Reo Māori alongside his Dad and close friends, an experience he describes as uplifting, fulfilling, and life-changing.

For Jeff, it’s not just about learning the language — it’s about weaving whakapapa, tikanga, and whakaaro Māori into his everyday mahi. Whether it’s teaching colleagues kupu, connecting through kai with karakia, or championing “It’s cool to kōrero,” Jeff is passionate about showcasing the richness of Te Ao Māori in the workplace.

Watch Jeff’s story and hear his journey 🌟