Following our panel discussion at the 2026 Primary Industries NZ Summit, we reconvened to answer the many audience questions we couldn't fit into the live session. In this follow-up conversation, leaders from Fonterra, Ravensdown and Silver Fern Farms explore the future of New Zealand's agricultural co-operative model and the challenges and opportunities facing farmer-owned businesses over the coming decades.

In this episode of Co-op Leader Conversations, Saya Wahrlich speaks with Mike O'Connor about one of the defining challenges facing cooperative businesses: capital. Together they explore why cooperative capital is different, the risks of adopting corporate approaches, and how boards can protect member purpose while investing for the future.

Dionne Pohler and Marc-Andre Pigeon discuss what enables co-operatives to thrive across generations, exploring governance, capital, member engagement and the leadership practices that help member-owned businesses remain relevant, resilient and future-focused.

Carl Taylor discusses how a small group of builders created a rapidly growing co-op that now supports more than 2,100 members through collective buying power, advocacy, member ownership and consistent storytelling.

Susannah Batley, GM of Sharesies Business discusses how technology is reshaping the co-operative ownership experience, from shareholder communication and mobile-first access to liquidity, succession and long-term member engagement.

Norman Woods, CEO of HRV on why HRV converted from a traditional company model to a co-op and what the shift means for its future.

Liz Thomas on federated housing co-operatives and what New Zealand could learn from Australia’s experience.

Craig Erasmus on active membership, capital discipline and operating a labour co-operative within the RSE scheme.

Luc Vanoirbeek on European horticultural co-ops, climate pressure and five conditions for co-operative success over the next 50 years.

Professor Murray Fulton on why large co-ops fail, early warning signs for boards, and how to keep co-operatives focused for the long term.

Emerging Leader Ashleigh Buchanan on servant leadership, inclusion and growing people capability inside a New Zealand mutual.

John Brosnan on the bioeconomy, climate innovation and why co-ops are central to Ireland’s next growth wave.

Capricorn Society CEO David Fraser on 50 years of cooperative relevance in the automotive sector.

Professor Maryline Filippi on European co-operatives, climate policy and why co-ops are an economic model for the future.

LIC CEO David Chin on genetics, innovation and the cooperative backbone of New Zealand dairy.

Pareto Toolbox’s Chris Harrop on why project portfolio management and governance matter for co-operatives navigating digital change and supply chain risk.

Centrix Managing Director Keith McLaughlin on why credit reports matter for co-operatives, from cash flow protection to risk management.

NZ Truffle Co-operative CEO Lindsay Esler on building scale for a long-cycle crop and practical lessons for new co-op founders.

ProCare Chair Dr Harley Aish on how a GP-owned health co-operative supports 160 practices, 800,000 patients and frontline care through Covid.

Ruralco CEO Rob Sharkie on keeping a 60-year-old agri co-operative relevant, navigating Covid as an essential service, and planning for 2035.