In a freshly developed central Hawke's Bay vineyard, gazing over an expanse of one-year-old vines he helped plant, Sam Bain has high hopes for the fruit it will bear.

With many wine regions suffering from low yields in vintage 2021, the good growing season for the upcoming harvest has been welcomed with open arms. It comes with plenty of challenges, including the labour shortages looming large and ever present Covid-19 risks, but collaboration, determination and innovation are hard at work in New Zealand vineyards.

Growers in Otago are experiencing severe staff shortages, due to the ongoing impact of border closures and low unemployment in New Zealand, says Summerfruit New Zealand.

Gaining momentum from the global roll-out of its new brand in July, NZ fruit company Rockit has recently launched its biggest sales and marketing campaign.

More Pacific Island workers won’t solve the acute labour shortage faced by New Zealand orchards and vineyards.

As the 2021 harvest approaches, we seek insights from New Zealand's wine regions on the season and labour challenges, as well as learnings from 2020.

Favourable weather conditions and best management practices have lifted winter grazing standards in Southland this year, says Federated Farmers.

Newly-elected Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard wants to see the fun put back into farming.

A more proactive approach to key farming issues and delivered in an authentic farmer’s voice.

OPINION: Uncertainty and challenges loom but don’t worry New Zealand, farmers have your back.