Community
South Island Dairy Event heads to Ashburton in June 2027
SIDE 2027 brings a farmer-led programme of field trips, workshops and a dinner to Ashburton.
Viticulture technician named Young Horticulturist of the Year
A two-day competition tests young horticulturists on practical, business, science and sustainability challenges.
Provincial roads carry double the road risk of the big cities
New Zealand recorded its lowest rate of road deaths in more than a century in 2025, adjusted for population.
Dairy Woman of the Year nominations open for its 15th year
Fonterra suppliers and non-suppliers alike can be nominated for the 2027 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Rural New Zealand is 151 GPs short as retirements loom
The rural training hubs being rolled out are a partial coordinator role, not the workforce pipeline rural health needs.
Vets push to end private fireworks sales in favour of displays
Pets, livestock, foaling mares and nesting wildlife all suffer when fireworks go off without warning.
Advance votes top 900,000, about 200,000 more than in 2023
The final election result is planned for about 27 November, once special votes are checked.
Agricultural and horticultural science returns at year 11
Industry skills boards are writing nine new school subjects, including a vocational food and fibre subject.
Agriculture is kept as a standalone subject at year 11
Farmers, teachers, principals and industry bodies are urged to take part in consultation on the new subject.