Kiwifruit Growers Prepare for El Niño, Stay Optimistic
Kiwifruit growers are watchful but remain optimistic as concerns around the potential effects of the El Niño weather pattern this season.
THE EAST of the North Island could be warmer than usual through October–December and the southwest and east of the South Island may be cooler, says NIWA.
Temperatures are likely (45-50% chance) to be near average for remaining regions of New Zealand.
October–December rainfall is likely (45-50% chance) to be in the near normal range for the north and west of the North Island, and likely (35-40% chance) to be normal or below normal in the east of the North Island. Normal or above normal rainfall is likely (40% chance) in all South Island regions.
Soil moisture levels and river flows are most likely (40-45% chance) to be in their near normal ranges for all regions of New Zealand.
Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty
Most likely outcomes:
• Temperatures are most likely (50% chance) to be in the near average range.
• Rainfall totals are most likely (45% chance) to be in the near normal range.
• Soil moisture levels and river flows are most likely (45% chance) to be in the near normal range.
Central North Island, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, Wellington
• Temperatures are most likely (50% chance) to be near average.
• Rainfall totals, soil moisture levels and river flows are all most likely (45-50% chance) to be in the near normal range.
Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa
• Temperatures are about equally likely (35-40% chance) to be above average or near average.
• Rainfall totals are about equally likely (35-40% chance) to be in the below normal or normal range.
• Soil moisture levels and river flows are most likely (40% chance) to be in the near normal range.
Nelson, Marlborough, Buller
• Temperatures are most likely (45% chance) to be in the near average range.
• Rainfall totals are equally likely (40% chance) to be in the near normal or above normal range.
• Soil moisture levels and river flow are most likely (40% chance) to be in the normal range.
West Coast, Alps and foothills, inland Otago, Southland
• Temperatures are equally likely (40% chance) to be in the near average or below average range.
• Rainfall totals are equally likely (40% chance) to be in the near normal or above normal range.
• Soil moisture levels and river flows are most likely (45% chance) to be in the near normal range.
Coastal Canterbury, east Otago
• Temperatures are equally likely (40% chance) to be in the near average or below average range.
• Rainfall totals are equally likely (40% chance) to be in the near normal or above normal range.
• Soil moisture levels and river flows are most likely (40% chance) to be in the near normal range.
Farmers have until the end of this week to help shape DairyNZ’s future focus.
Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, has resigned and will leave the organisation on 15 January 2027.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.
Milk powder prices are continuing their merry run, firming up a potential $10/kgMS farmgate price this season.
Teachers are welcoming the outgoing Government’s U-turn allowing agriculture and horticultural science to remain a standalone Year 11 subject.
Outgoing ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron says Saturday’s election result reflects voters deeply impacted by the cost of living.

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