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At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we’re building a future of inclusion by embedding support across every part of our Co-operative. 
Whether you identify with one of our DEI communities or want to be an ally, we’re here to help you thrive.
We celebrate the diversity of our people—across ethnicity, gender, age, ability, neurotype, culture, and belief. 

Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in how we hire, how we lead, and how we show up every day.
Meet our Employee Networks
At Fonterra, inclusion is at the heart of who we are. It’s how we live our values, especially Good Together, by creating a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Our Employee Networks are one of the ways we bring this to life.
Whether you bring lived experience, want to be an ally, or are simply curious to learn more about others’ journeys, these networks are here for you. They’re safe, supportive spaces where people can connect, share, learn, and lead. Built by our people, for our people, they help us grow stronger together, because when we create community, we create belonging.

If you’re looking for connection, conversation, or a chance to make a difference, there’s a place for you here.
LGBTTQIAP+
Fonterra Pride: Celebrating authenticity, every day.
Fonterra Pride is a vibrant, inclusive space for our LGBTTQIAP+ whānau and allies. More than just a community, it’s a platform for learning, connection, and action, designed to help us grow as individuals and as a Co-op. 
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The network celebrates all rainbow identities and is committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, seen, and supported. Whether you’re part of the rainbow community, an ally wanting to deepen your understanding, or someone curious to learn more - there’s a place for you here.

Fonterra Pride plays a key role in helping us become a truly rainbow-inclusive Co-op by providing learning opportunities, amplifying diverse voices, and driving progress through visibility, advocacy, and support.

Māori
Empowering Māori Talent. Te Whakamana i te Hunga Māori
At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we are proud to support our tangata whenua. We recognise the depth of knowledge, culture, and leadership Māori bring to our Co-operative, and we’re committed to creating meaningful opportunities for Māori to thrive.

Kei Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, e whakahī ana mātou ki te tautoko i ō tātou tangata whenua. E mōhio ana mātou ki te hōhonutanga o te mātauranga, te ahurea, me te ārahitanga ka kawea mai e te iwi Māori ki tō mātou Mahi Tahi, ā, e ū ana mātou ki te waihanga i ngā ara whai tikanga kia angitu ai rātou.
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How We Support Māori Employees:
  • Career development pathways and secondment opportunities.
  • Pay equity reviews and transparent reporting on ethnic pay gaps. 
  • Culturally safe spaces like the Kaimahi Māori Network. 
  • Partnerships with Pūhoro STEMM Academy. 
  • Recognition programmes for kaupapa Māori contributions.

Kaimahi Māori Network:
This network, led by our Māori Strategy team, offers monthly hui and opportunities to contribute to kaupapa Māori. It’s a space to connect, share, and grow.
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Ngā Āwhina mō te Hunga Māori:
  • Ngā ara whanaketanga mahi me ngā tūnga whakawhiti
  • Ngā arotake ōrite utu me te pūrongo mārama mō ngā rerekētanga utu ā-iwi
  • Ngā wāhi haumaru ā-ahurea pērā i te Kaimahi Māori Network
  • Ngā hononga ki te Pūhoro STEMM Academy
  • Ngā hōtaka whakamana mō te hunga e whai wāhi ana ki ngā kaupapa Māori

Kaimahi Māori Network:
He rōpū tēnei e arahina ana e tō mātou tīma Rautaki Māori, e tuku hui ā-marama me ngā huarahi ki te whai wāhi ki ngā kaupapa Māori. He wāhi tēnei hei hono, hei tuari, hei tipu.
Pasifika
Empowering Pasifika Talent
We celebrate the vibrant cultures and contributions of our tangata Pasifika. At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we’re committed to creating a workplace where Pasifika employees feel seen, supported, and set up to succeed.
Pasifika Network
The Pasifika Network is a space created by Pasifika, for Pasifika and open to all who want to walk alongside our community. It’s a place to connect authentically, celebrate Pacific heritage, and elevate Pasifika leadership and visibility across the Co-op.

Whether you’re here to share stories, celebrate your culture, or find a long-lost cousin, this is a space where you can be yourself and be proud. Allies are warmly welcomed because we know that when we stand together, we go further.

Tupu Toa Partnership
Since 2018, we’ve partnered with Tupu Toa to grow Māori and Pasifika leaders. Through paid internships, pastoral care, and cultural training, we help build pathways into professional careers.
Disability & Neurodiversity Support
Celebrating Different Ways of Thinking, Accessibility and Inclusion for All
At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive—regardless of ability or neurotype. We support employees with disabilities and neurodiverse individuals through inclusive policies, reasonable accommodations, and awareness programmes. Our goal is to foster a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.
Creating an Inclusive Environment
We actively work to eliminate barriers that may prevent full participation in the workplace. This includes:
  • Anti-discrimination and harassment policies
  • Disability awareness training and eLearning modules
  • Inclusive recruitment practices that encourage candidates to share access needs
  • On-site facilities such as wellness rooms and quiet spaces
  • Reasonable accommodations tailored to individual needs
  • We stand against discrimination and expect our suppliers to share our commitment to equal opportunity and diversity.

Neurodiversity Network
The Neurodiversity Network is a growing community of neurodivergent employees and allies who are passionate about creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace. Whether you’re neurodivergent yourself, support someone who is, or want to learn more - this is a space for you.

Our mission is to raise awareness, foster understanding, and create a culture where neurodiverse minds can thrive. We believe that by embracing different ways of thinking, we unlock innovation, creativity, and a richer workplace for everyone.

Affiliations and Community Engagement
Our commitment extends beyond the workplace. We partner with organisations like Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative and Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion, to ensure our practices meet the highest standards. We also engage with community initiatives that promote diversity and support individuals with disabilities.
Inclusive Recruitment Practices
We’re committed to delivering a psychologically safe recruitment experience. 

Our job ads and candidate guides use inclusive language and encourage applicants to share support needs.

We welcome applicants of all abilities and are committed to providing a supportive recruitment experience. If a traditional hiring process doesn’t bring out your best, let us know how we can support you.

You can read about our reasonable adjustments here.


Gender Equality at Fonterra
Empowering Progress, Together
Creating an inclusive Co-operative is an investment in our people – our greatest asset. It’s essential to delivering our strategy, living our purpose and values, and making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.

We’re committed to sustaining progress in gender-diverse leadership and pay equity, while growing representation to better reflect our communities. We’re listening to our people and focusing on inclusion through leadership, culture, and employee experience. With clear targets and leadership accountability, we’re building a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
Our Commitment to Gender Equality
We’re proud to be a founding member of the Gender Tick accreditation programme, reflecting our dedication to gender equity across our Co-operative. Our approach is built on transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

We’ve set a bold 40:40:20 gender representation target—40% women, 40% men, and 20% any gender—in senior leadership. This target is embedded in succession planning and leadership development, ensuring gender balance is a core consideration in executive-level decisions.


Inclusive Hiring & Career Development
We’ve reshaped our recruitment practices to remove barriers and expand opportunity:
  • Gender-balanced shortlists (50/50) and inclusive job ad language
  • Unconscious bias training for hiring managers
  • Diverse selection panels and robust hiring parameters

We support wāhine (women) at every stage of their career:
  • Leadership acceleration programmes like Global Women Activate and Powrsuit
  • COO Accelerator programme with 62% women in its first cohort
  • Partnerships with She Sharp and Women in Business to promote tech and commercial careers
  • Support for returning parents through Te Hokinga Mai and financial wellbeing programmes


Building a Culture of Allyship
Inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. We launched New Zealand’s first male allyship programme, Mobilise, with over 60 male leaders participating. This network champions our Inclusion Strategy and helps foster a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Measuring What Matters
At Fonterra, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to be their authentic selves. This means implementing policies and practices that promote gender equality and prevent discrimination and harassment. We provide training and resources to help our employees understand the importance of diversity and inclusion and to equip them with the tools they need to create a more inclusive workplace.
Flexible Work, Real Impact
Flexibility is key to supporting diverse talent. Whether it’s adjusted start times, remote work options, or additional leave, our managers are empowered to create environments where people can thrive—especially female leaders balancing work and personal commitments.
Fonterra Parent Circle
The Fonterra Parent Circle is a supportive space for parents across the Co-op to connect, share experiences, and access helpful resources. Whether you’re navigating the early days of parenthood, juggling work and whānau life, or supporting others on their parenting journey, this network is here for you.

It’s about building community, offering encouragement, and making sure no parent feels like they’re doing it alone.
How We Support Our Communities
Tātou, tātou. You, me, us—together.
When you’re part of this, you’re part of us.
Our Partners
At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we celebrate the unique identities of our team members and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where every member of our whānau (family) can bring their whole selves to work every single day. 
Our partnerships with organisations like It Works for Everyone, Pride Pledge, Accessibility Tick, Gender Tick, Tupu Toa, Champions for Change, Dairy Women’s Network, Global Women, The Diversity Agenda, Jobs for Mums, Pūhoro, CadetMax, She Sharp, The Wonder Project, and Diversity Works underscore our commitment to inclusivity.
Discover Your Connection
Take our interactive quiz to see how your personal values align with ours. It only takes 5 minutes and offers insights into what matters most to us—and to you.
Our DEI Commitments
When everyone feels truly included, we not only improve performance but also strengthen our commitment to making a positive impact on our people, customers, and communities.