Fonterra has today released details of its $500 million public offer, which will be by far the biggest issue to hit the NZX this year when it lists on November 30.

World dairy prices rose 1.8 per cent in the latest overnight auction, with whole milk powder prices soaring 9.2 per cent.

Why is van der Heyden sticking around?

World dairy prices dipped in last nights online global dairy products auction.

Fonterra paid its former chief executive, Andrew Ferrier, an $8.2 million "golden goodbye" when he left last year.

Fonterra said its net profit fell by 19 per cent to $624 million in the 2011-12 year to July 31.

World dairy prices were up again in the latest overnight auction, the fourth straight gain.

Dairy giants are coming under increasing pressure to reveal how much of a controversial "snot-like" by-product they put in their milk.

World dairy prices rose to the highest level since early April in last night's online auction, for the third straight gain.

The high Kiwi dollar has pushed dairy giant Fonterra to slash its forecast to its farmer members, despite world dairy prices rising due to drought in the US.