THE WAIKATO Regional Council and stakeholders are discussing potential action if dry, drought-like conditions continue in parts of the Waikato and South Auckland.

MOBILE AND broadband options just got better for residents and visitors to the Te Kowhai West area of Hamilton, as Vodafone lights up its newly built cell site under the Government's Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI).

Leaders in the science, education and agriculture sector met to progress plans for the Waikato Agricultural Research Hub.

DairyNZ chairman and former cabinet minister, John Luxton, is chairing a high-powered group overseeing the development of a Waikato regional economic strategy.

CIRCUS ELEPHANTS are believed to have been indirectly responsible for a large outbreak near Hamilton of the notorious pest plant alligator weed which can quickly take over pasture.

Top players in agribusiness will get together the night before the Fieldays to discuss building export earnings from agribusiness innovation.

The Waikato Innovation Park has brought $16 million of establishment funding into the region and employee-related benefits from those working at the park have contributed more than $100million to the regional economy.

The Waikato Regional Council has welcomed a $3 million funding injection from the Government to ensure the long-term protection of Lake Taupo's excellent water quality.

The Waikato Regional Council says it hopes the forecast rain this week will ease pressure on low flows in the Waikato River.

Walton farmers Grant Wills and Karen Preston have scooped a string of awards in the 2013 Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Awards, including the highly coveted Supreme title.