Fonterra Board director Michael Spaans has stepped down from his post effective immediately due to ill health.

Fonterra Chairman John Wilson says Michael's tireless contribution to the New Zealand dairy industry has been significant both inside and outside the Fonterra boardroom.

'Michael, a dairy farmer, came up through the ranks, spending time on the New Zealand Dairy Group Shareholder Council and then the Fonterra Shareholders' Council before building his governance experience outside the industry.

'As a result, his insights and experience are invaluable, particularly on Fonterra's Milk Price Panel, Audit and Finance Committee and the Co-operative Relations Committee.”

The coop agrees with the now former-director that once he's given a clean bill of health Michael should consider standing again for the Fonterra Board.

To fill the vacancy created by Michael's resignation, Fonterra has appointed Ian Farrelly as new board director. Ian spent nine years as a Fonterra Director until retiring in December 2016.

John says the Fonterra Constitution allowed for an appointment to fill a casual vacancy and Ian's appointment will continue until the 2017 Annual Meeting.

'Ian is a highly qualified director with very recent and valued experience on the board. We are very grateful that he has agreed to continue his contribution to Fonterra.”