Paul Polman to NZ primary sector: don't be 'commoditised B2B'

NZIER's report on food and fibre sector exports was launched at a small event in Auckland. (Image: BusinessDesk)

Wed, 17 Apr 2024

Former Unilever chief executive Paul Polman did not hold back as he spoke about New Zealand’s food and fibre sector at a virtual appearance in Auckland on Tuesday morning. “The value you’re extracting versus the capabilities that you have is well below your potential.“You need to become a vital ingredient in the value chain.”Polman, a former chief executive of Unilever, is known for his leadership on corporate sustainability issues. “At the end of the day you are part of the value chain and you have...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Finance

Baker's dozen: Westpac NZ hikes FY profit by 13%

Lift for bank's NZ arm comes as Aussie parent sees its bottom line slip.

Andy Macdonald 10:49am

The Wall Street Journal

OPEC and allies agree to boost oil production, then pause

The move comes after a month of turmoil in the oil market.

The Wall Street Journal 9:30am

OPEC and allies agree to boost oil production, then pause

The Quiz Free

QuiznessDesk, Monday, Nov 3

It's like a pub quiz but on BusinessDesk.

The Quizmaster 9:15am

Sponsored

Health insurance proving a valuable negotiating tool for Kiwi businesses

More employers see health insurance as key to staff wellbeing.

Moneyfit

Sponsored

Move-in ready offices: How business are rethinking workspace

Businesses want agility – and office space is evolving fast

Sponsored by Precinct Properties

More Primary Sector

Primary Sector

Rising volumes push Port of Tauranga profit outlook higher

Port of Tauranga expects its full-year net profit after tax to fall somewhere between $137 million and $147m.The NZX-listed port company’s container volumes increased 9% to 319,649 TEUs in the first three months to Sept 30.Total trade increased 5.9% in volume compared to the same...

Staff reporters 31 Oct 2025

Primary Sector

AgriZeroNZ invests $1.7m in Australian cattle IVF platform

AgriZeroNZ has invested A$1.5 million (NZ$1.7m) into Queensland biotech company Nbyro, which aims for faster breeding of more emissions-efficient livestock.The public-private joint venture was the co-leader in a wider funding round for Nbyro. The stake is AgriZeroNZ’s 10th equity...

Staff reporters 31 Oct 2025