Wāhine inspiring tomorrow at Fonterra
Across our Co-operative, women are leading innovation, advancing science, and transforming data into insight.
From research labs to global strategy, their stories reflect the diversity of roles at Fonterra and a culture that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and growth. These women are building careers today while shaping the future of the Co-op.
Emily Fisher - Research Scientist
Emily Fisher is a scientist in the Product Experience Sciences team, where she focuses on how Fonterra’s products taste and how consumers experience them. Using trained sensory panels and consumer testing, she translates taste, and texture data into insights that guide product development.
Growing up in Ashburton and studying Food Science at Lincoln University, Emily was drawn to Fonterra’s connection to rural communities and the opportunity to build a long-term career. Her curiosity and drive led her to complete a PhD at Massey University with the Co-op’s support, deepening her expertise and confidence.
“Having the encouragement to step outside my comfort zone and pursue further study has been a huge part of my professional growth.”
Emily thrives in a collaborative, knowledge-sharing environment, working alongside world-leading dairy experts. Every day, she applies her learning to create products that consumers genuinely enjoy, turning curiosity into tangible results and shaping what the future of dairy can taste like.
Miti - Senior Technologist
Miti is a Senior Technologist at Fonterra, where she connects new product development with production on the ground. Her role spans rolling out new products, providing technical support to the plant, and continuously improving processes to drive efficiency and quality.
She supports a plant specialising in quick frozen mozzarella—a breakthrough that cuts production time from months to just hours. Her work embodies both technical excellence and forward-thinking innovation.
With a background in Business Management, she joined Fonterra 15 years ago looking for something different. Each role in multiple different areas onsite— from milk treatment to whey protein concentrate to cheese, has expanded her skills and confidence.
“Every time I take on something new, I learn and grow. There’s always another opportunity if you’re open to it.”
Working within a close-knit team of technologists and alongside operators, maintenance and automation specialists, she values the strong culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. For her, making an impact means continuing to innovate, strengthen capability, and help shape the future of dairy.
Melody Taylor - GM COO Data and AI
Melody Taylor leads the COO Data and AI team, turning data from across Fonterra’s value chain into actionable insights. From farm to port, her team helps the business make smarter decisions that shape the Co-op’s future.
Coming from a technology and consulting background, Melody embraced the challenge of a new industry. Navigating complexity, she turned curiosity into solutions that empower teams and create real-world impact.
“If we can empower our people with the right insights and tools, we can continue to make a meaningful difference every day.”
If we can empower our people with the right insights and tools, we can continue to make a meaningful difference every day.
With a culture of ownership, purpose, and support, Melody thrives personally and professionally, balancing family life with a role that drives innovation and growth across the business. Her work ensures that decisions today set Fonterra up for success tomorrow.
Murihiku - Mechanical Apprentice
Murihiku is a Mechanical Apprentice, building on her experience as a former Plant Operator in cheese production. Having previously worked as one of the final quality checkpoints — ensuring products were sealed, scanned and safe before leaving site — Murihiku developed a strong understanding of the end-to-end manufacturing process and a passion for how things work behind the scenes.
During her time as a Plant Operator, Murihiku gained hands-on experience across multiple areas of the site, developing a deep understanding of the journey from milk in its liquid form to finished 20kg cheese blocks ready for customers. Being so close to the process every day sparked her curiosity about the machinery and systems behind it, inspiring her to take the next step and begin a mechanical apprenticeship.
Supported by dedicated mentors and a close-knit, vibrant team, Murihiku thrives in an environment where learning never stops.
“The best thing about working here is the people. The support and opportunities you get make you want to keep growing.”
Looking ahead, Murihiku hopes to continue developing her technical expertise while one day stepping into a role where she can mentor others — giving back the same encouragement and guidance that helped shape her own journey.
Together, these stories reflect the strength and diversity of our Co-operative. From the plant floor to the lab and into data and AI, our wāhine are stepping forward, embracing opportunity, and shaping the future of Fonterra,imagining tomorrow through the work they do every day.
Their journeys show that growth comes from curiosity, courage, and collaboration. By continuing to learn, lead, and lift others, they are not only building meaningful careers — they are inspiring tomorrow at Fonterra.