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
Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today congratulated the winners of the 2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards at Fieldays.
The Government has announced $60,000 to provide one-off grants of $1,000 to each of the 60 New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) clubs across the country.
New Zealand’s rural sector has once again demonstrated its generosity, with the second Rural Industry Leaders Dinner, Debate and Auction raising an impressive $400,000 for the Rural Support Trust.
There has been another twist to the Federated Farmers annual election fiasco.
Analysis of decades of research has revealed the implementation of good farming practices plays a critical role in reducing nutrient losses to improve freshwater outcomes.
Yesterday the Government used the opening of Fieldays to announce a major investment, as part of its Land Use Flexibility package, to support a more productive and sustainable future across six sectors including dairy.

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