Fuel disruption highlights governance responses in latest Boardroom Table update

Datamine’s latest Boardroom Table update highlights how New Zealand companies are responding to fuel supply disruption and rising input costs, alongside its monthly director rankings. 

The April release reflects the early impact of the 2026 fuel crisis, with diesel prices rising 97% following disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. With up to 95% of farming equipment and 93% of freight relying on diesel, the shock is not contained to any one sector – it runs through the economy. The effects are being felt across multiple sectors, particularly freight and logistics, where fuel is a primary cost input.  

Drawing on data from more than 200 publicly available sources, The Boardroom Table measures the relative impact individual directors have on company performance and sentiment over time. The April results are based on data to 31 March 2026.  

As part of its latest update, Datamine points to differences in how companies are responding to the disruption. 

In the freight sector, this is illustrated through contrasting approaches to communication and operational response. 

Datamine says Mainfreight moved early to communicate pricing adjustments and supply chain pressures, outlining a dual-source fuel strategy and providing customers with options to manage rising costs.  

Freightways confirmed the use of Fuel Adjustment Factors across its operations as a cost-recovery mechanism, while taking a more measured public position on broader market conditions.  

Datamine notes that differences in communication and response strategies can influence customer and market perception, particularly during periods of sustained disruption.  

The update also highlights directors associated with companies demonstrating sustained performance across varying conditions. 

Pip Greenwood CMInstD, a director of a2 Milk and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, has led The Boardroom Table rankings since October 2025. Both companies continue to benchmark strongly against peers.  

Kate Parsons entered the rankings for the first time this month. Parsons has served on the Mainfreight board since 2017, during a period of sustained company growth.  

Datamine says the rankings reflect not only financial outcomes, but also how boards respond to changing operating conditions, including how decisions are communicated to stakeholders. 

The April edition reflects data gathered to 31 March 2026. Full rankings are available at theboardroomtable.com.