Our largest company has been seeing profits surge, despite a period of contraction in the economy as a whole. 

Fonterra's confirmed a 13% rise in annual operating profit. 

Its final farmgate milk payout to farmers has reached a new record high of $10.16 and its cash return to shareholders is up 30.6%. 

Fonterra Chair Peter McBride told Mike Hosking we need dairy to do well for the country to do well. 

He says dairy is a critical part of the New Zealand economy, and the Government can't grow the economy without growing dairy. 

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