``With Westland finishing the 2015-16 year in the unenviable position of offering its shareholders the lowest payout of any New Zealand dairy company, we began the new financial year under considerable financial pressure. ``Understandably, our shareholders were demanding answers and calling for both the board and management to do much better.'' Ms Brendish, who has just completed her first year in the role, initiated a review of the company with a strong focus on managing costs and increasing efficiency. Boosted by a payout prediction for 2017-18 in the $6.40 to $6.80 range, shareholders were now exhibiting more confidence in their company, he said. Ms Brendish said the period of ``enormous change''had set company up to perform far more efficiently and with a more sustainable culture.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 06, 2017 16:06 UTC