Fonterra’s general manager for sustainable production John Hutchings says the co-operative’s Achilles heel of effluent compliance looks to be strengthening.

Numbers out of Canterbury for the milking season just completed show 59% effluent consent compliance, a jump from 43% the previous season.

Mr Hutchings says while big improvements are pleasing after the poor national showing in March, the co-op needs more of the same.

"Up until now, we’ve responded to advice from regional councils about those who may not be compliant, so it’s been very focused on those who fail.

"This is to go to the top of the cliff, to ensure we provide advice to those who need it, before failure.

"Effluent failure is our Achilles heel – not knowing what’s required or the complexity over the [Resource Management Act] rules. We are trying to take time to sit down with our members and give advice to those who need it."

Significant non-compliance in Canterbury also dropped to 8%, down from 19 the previous season.