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 verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.

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