Farmers faring well amid summer heat
Dairy farmers are faring well despite data showing above average temperatures for most of the country.
Five nature-based challenges will be delivered via email and promoted on social media over the summer holidays.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.
The initiative kicked off on 8 December 2025 and runs until 1 February 2026.
It encourages participants to exchange screen time for green time through five challenges that encourage families, young people, and nature lovers to connect with the natural world.
Forest & Bird's Lily Duval says summer is the perfect time to reconnect with the outdoors.
"These challenges are about making nature part of everyday life, whether you're in the city, at the beach, or in your own backyard," Duval says.
The five nature-based challenges will be delivered via email and promoted on social media over the course of the summer holidays.
"The first challenge, which launched on 8 December, is called 'Stick Figures'," Duval says. "The aim is to create something out of found natural objects. Other challenges will involve walks, treasure hunts, and more."
The challenges are designed to be accessed from anywhere, open to everyone, and easy to take part in.
To join in on the fun and get more information, visit Forest & Bird’s Summer Adventure Challenges: https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/summer-adventure-challenges-2025-2026
A Local State of Emergency has been declared for the Waikato for a period of seven days as the region prepares for Cyclone Vaianu to hit the area.
Farmers will get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in sheep genetics at the Sheep Breeder Forum this May.
Specialist horticulture and viticulture weather forecasters Metris says the incoming Cyclone Vaianu is likely to impact growers across the country.
A group of old Otago uni mates with a love of South Island back-country have gone the lengths of Waiau Toa Clarence from source to sea. Tim Fulton, who joined the group in the final fun to the river mouth, tells their story.
Operating with a completely different format from conventional tractors and combine harvesters, the NEXAT prime mover combines all steps of crop production in one modular carrier vehicle, from tillage, through seeding to harvesting.
Reports of severe weather forecast to move over the vast majority of New Zealand’s kiwifruit orchards this weekend will be very concerning for a significant number of growers.

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