Tatua chair Stephen Allen says he leaves the co-op with a deep sense of gratitude for the people who have contributed to its success. During the 2001 mega-merger that formed Fonterra, Tatua shareholders voted to remain independent. Allen joined the Tatua board in 1996, became deputy chair in 1997, and was appointed chair in 2003 following the retirement of Sir Alan Frampton. During his tenure, he helped guide the co-operative through one of the most significant periods in New Zealand dairy industry history, including the lead-up to dairy sector deregulation. Reflecting on his retirement, Allen says he leaves Tatua with a deep sense of gratitude for the people who have contributed to the co-operative's success.