Trump tariffs
OPINION: Former politicians seem incapable of staying away from the limelight after they retire.
The National Party caucus meets next week to elect a new Prime Minister.
This follows the shock announcement by Prime Minister John Key that he is resigning from the top job.
He made the announcement at his weekly press conference this afternoon.
"This is the hardest decision I've ever made and I don't know what I'll do next,” Key told journalists in Wellington.
Key cited family reasons for leaving, saying the job had required great sacrifices "from those who are dearest to me".
Bill English is expected to take over as Prime Minister and Steven Joyce is expected to take on the finance role.
Key said he would support whoever the caucus chose, but he endorsed Bill English as his replacement.
"There's no way I could have served out a full fourth term," said Key.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

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