Words by: Anne Lee
Every dairy farmer in New Zealand, no matter who they supply, owes a debt of gratitude to former Fonterra chairman John Wilson for his work on milk price.
He was instrumental in the development of the milk price calculation and, as it is set today, is arguably one of his greatest legacies to the entire dairy farming sector.
For those of us charged with writing about Fonterra’s happenings it was apparent that during the lead up to trading among farmers (TAF) it was John who was steering the process of developing a transparent method of determining what is the mainstay of dairy farmers’ income.
That farmers got the best price for their milk as it went out the farm gate was his priority and farmers, no matter who they supply, should surely take comfort in the fact that its calculation is still the cause of concern and subject of protest from processors other than Fonterra today.
Those who paid tribute to John after he lost his battle with cancer at just 54 years old, frequently spoke of his sharp mind and astute intelligence.
Founding chairman of Fonterra Sir Henry van der Heyden spoke of exactly that at his funeral, held at Mystery Creek in early February.
Sir Henry called him the godfather of the milk price and suggested farmers light a candle to John every season in thanks.
He also spoke of John’s absolute commitment to the co-operative, a stand he fiercely defended and frequently reiterated.
He had been chairman of the Fonterra Shareholders’ Council before joining Fonterra’ board and Sir Henry recalled “some legendary rows” when the two were in their separate leadership roles.
“If I dared use the word company, John could build up a head of steam in seconds, ranting at me ‘it’s the co-operative, Henry, the co-operative’.”
Right from a young age it was apparent John was destined to be a leader but with his boots always well-heeled in the paddock throughout his career.
“John was first and foremost a farmer and passionate New Zealander,” his cousin Grant Trethewey said.
At aged three he was out on the farm with his grandfather and at 10 was dishing out the orders to his siblings on the farm.
He was a boarder at Auckland Grammar School where he made lifelong friendships and remained a stalwart of the school, Grant said.
Tatua chairman and long-time friend Steve Allen paid tribute to John and “his incredible mind always working in overdrive and on overtime”.
He also paid tribute to him as a friend, compassionate and deeply interested in people and as a person who felt strongly the sense of responsibility his position as Fonterra chairman placed on him for his family, farmers and the country.
Together with other families, the Wilsons and Allens had invested in the Canterbury dairy farms, Rangitata Dairies and Steve spoke of John’s abilities to be across everything on the farms and the enjoyment they all got from steering the business together.
He said John’s closest friends and family could see the situation he was in, battling his illness, during his final time at Fonterra and he noted that John was a person of the highest integrity and sound professional intent who would do anything humanly possible to help his team, look after the farmers and protect the business.
“The general public can now see this good man was putting others before himself.”
All paid tribute to his family, wife Belinda and four daughters, Sophie, Victoria, Tessa and Libby for their support of John, thanking them for their sacrifice given the amount of time he gave to the co-operative and farmers.
Belinda and their daughters in turn each paid tribute to John with Belinda thanking him for the sense of loyalty and zest for life he instilled in his daughters.
