New Fonterra Shareholders’ Council Chairman Simon Couper knows he has a tough act to follow replacing the departing Blue Read.

The Waipu dairy farmer won election after Read and deputy Chairman Campbell Shearer both decided not to run for another term.

Couper says his predecessor leaves a lasting legacy, having negotiated the tricky issue of Fonterra’s capital restructuring.

“He did a fantastic job, nobody would fault the time, effort and sincerity with which he approached the role and advanced the co-operative." 

Mr Couper now that the Trading Among Farmers scheme has been given the go-ahead, the co-operative is entering a new era.

"It’s a new era, we’ve got the stage three vote through, now it’s all about the implementation, and that will take the Shareholders' Council into new territory.”

And Federated Farmers isn’t predicting any teething problems as the new leadership of the Shareholders’ Council beds itself in.

Outgoing chairman Blue Read surprised many by not seeking re-election, along with his deputy Campbell Shearer.

Feds Dairy Chairman Lachlan McKenzie says while little is known about Simon Couper, the transition should be a smooth one.

“I expect that Blue and most other people do the best that they can to the best of their ability – they wish to serve farmers.

"When somebody thinks they have a different style or different approach, they have the process in place for somebody to step up and fill the role.”

Couper will be joined by Ian Brown from Tokoroa in the Deputy Chairman role.