Worked at Fonterra before?  This one’s for you

3 MINUTE READ

We’re proud of our history.

Farming has been our life and our love for close to 150 years, and that will never change – we’re proud of what we do and the goodness we create.

Over the years, many people have come and gone at Fonterra. Regardless of their role or length of tenure, these employees remain forever part of our Co-op. It’s what makes us a true Co-operative.

Our Purpose is about creating goodness for generations, so it seems fitting to establish a community recognising those who have been part of our team over the years. 

That’s why we’re launching the Fonterra Co-operative Alumni, to bring everyone together to rekindle old friendships and form new ways for us all to collaborate.

We’re keen to hear from colleagues past and present who want to join, connect with people they used to work with or are interested in staying across our plans as we work towards the future.  

The Alumni is not only a way for us all to stay connected, it also creates opportunities for networking, partnerships and sharing of ideas and knowledge. It will also be the first port of call for all news Fonterra – think media releases and new product launches.

Matt Bolger, who after an 18-year career with Fonterra left to lead the business school at Waikato University, and is now a part of the Fonterra Alumni committee, says staying connected with both the people and the organisation is beneficial.

I built up a lot of friendships as well as professional connections. Fonterra has so many brilliant people and a lot go on to pursue different careers and do amazing things

Matt Bolger

“Fonterra has such a special role in New Zealand. The sheer scale of the Co-op and our small country means it’s highly likely you’ll have friends or family involved with Fonterra and you always see it in the news. And it’s the same globally – Fonterra has a huge presence in the food industry worldwide.

“I built up a lot of friendships as well as professional connections. Fonterra has so many brilliant people and a lot go on to pursue different careers and do amazing things – starting their own business, going into further study or following their passion. It’s fascinating to watch where people go in their lives, and because Fonterra has always had amazing people, it’s a handy network to keep in touch with when you need to make a connection.”

And it’s not only those later in their careers that can benefit from this group.

Imogen Payton, who has been working with Fonterra since she left university in 2017, says she’s had the opportunity to work with and learn from some incredibly special people, and is looking forward to reconnecting with the ones she’s lost touch with.

“Being an active member of an alumni community is a fantastic way to remain up to date with business developments, stay connected to colleagues and even help to keep doors open if at some stage you wish to leave the business and return further down the track.”

The Alumni group is hosted on LinkedIn, so if you’re interested in joining, connecting and staying a part of this family, check it out here.