Steven Joyce appointed to Foodstuffs North Island company board

Former Finance Minister Steven Joyce has been appointed to the board of Foodstuffs North Island. Photo / Mike Scott

Former Finance Minister and recently appointed NZME chairman Steven Joyce has been appointed to Foodstuffs North Island’s board of directors.

Foodstuffs North Island (FSNI) said in a statement that Joyce brings decades of experience in business leadership, governance, infrastructure and public policy.

Joyce’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the co-operative with pressure from the coalition Government and the Commerce Commission currently weighing on the grocery sector.

Kiwis are also continuing to grapple with the cost of living, with food prices up 5% in the 12 months to July 2025.

FSNI chair Dean Waddell said Joyce’s experience would be invaluable as the co-operative looks ahead to the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly evolving grocery sector.

“Steven’s combination of commercial expertise, governance experience and understanding of New Zealand’s economic and infrastructure challenges will be a tremendous asset to our board,” Waddell said.

“He knows what it takes to lead through change and he shares our commitment to helping New Zealanders get more out of life.”

Waddell said the sector is operating in a newly regulated environment and FSNI has committed from the outset to making regulation work well for customers, suppliers and retailers alike.

“Steven’s deep experience in infrastructure, regulation, and large-scale business transformation will be a real asset as we deliver on that programme and position the co-op for the future, embracing new technologies, driving innovation and finding new ways to deliver even more value to New Zealanders in the years ahead.”

Before entering Parliament in 2008, Joyce built RadioWorks into one of New Zealand’s largest commercial radio networks.

During his 10 years in politics he served in several senior Cabinet roles, including Minister of Finance, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Science and Innovation, and Minister of Transport.

He was also recently appointed chair of NZME, which owns the New Zealand Herald and a raft of radio stations and regional newspapers.

Tom Raynel is a multimedia business journalist for the Herald, covering small business, retail and tourism.