The Country
The closest electorate race in the country after preliminary votes
National's Mike Butterick was the incumbent for the Wairarapa seat, but it's close.
Latest rural news
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
World Dairy Summit preview on The Country
Todd McClay, Gilles Froment, Todd Charteris, Chris Brandolino and Barry Soper.
Anna Kelland wins Young Horticulturist of the Year
When she was 7, Anna Kelland decided she wanted to be a winemaker.
Rare tara iti pair could breed at Ruakākā for first time in nearly 40 years
The last confirmed tara iti breeding at Ruakākā was in 1989.
Southland farmers could face wetter, windier weather this summer
Five of Southland’s seven wettest Septembers have occurred since 2020.
Quick-thinking farmer uses another tractor to pull burning tractor from shed
Firefighters say it was a 'very good save' of his shed and his other machinery.
One deer, 200 meals: Wild venison reaches 120 foodbanks
A nationwide scheme is turning donated wild deer into meals for families in need.
Northland in grip of early-stage drought as powerful El Niño tightens hold
Northland received just 36% of its long-term average rainfall in October.
'Common sense has prevailed': Teachers welcome agriculture U-turn
Erica Stanford reversed plans to fold Year 11 Agriculture into general science.
Whanganui scoops ‘most unexpected’ award
The vision is for people aged 16 to 25 to be engaged in employment, education or training.
The Country: What the US midterms mean for global trade
On today: Winston Peters, Michael Every, Trish Rankin, Chris Russell, Rowena Duncum.
Warm air from tropics raises risk of election day thunderstorms, downpours
It's worth keeping an eye on forecasts if you're heading out to vote, MetService says.
Loyal farm dog Pie stays by trapped 89yo farmer all night, leads neighbours to him
Neighbours found Bill Grounds around 9.30am, barely conscious and hypothermic.
'Stressed and under pressure': NZ soils face growing threats
A global report warns New Zealand's productive soils face erosion and water risks.
More than 10,000 people expected at Sika Show near Hamilton
About 200 exhibitors will showcase more than 250 brands.
The Country: Matt Bolger on a booming dairy market
Jamie Mackay talks to Christopher Luxon, Jane Smith, Matt Bolger, and Mike Petersen.
'Massive clouds of wool': Hawke's Bay sheep finally caught and shorn
A team of six people and three dogs finally captured the runaway sheep on Te Mata Peak.
Hawke's Bay growers urged to target higher value crops after McCain closure
A study found Hawke's Bay growers should avoid a McCain-style large-scale model again.
Whangārei District Council holds closed meeting on Waikaraka wild cattle problem
Residents say they were not told about today's council meeting.
Dairy prices keep climbing
Dairy prices rise for a third consecutive Global Dairy Trade auction.
'A seed of hope for the future': $3m backs Hawke's Bay seed hub
The facility provides processing for growers and seed companies across the North Island.
'Significant milestone': NZ dairy production reaches record high
Record milk production highlights gains in genetics and farm performance.
Food forest dream takes root in Welcome Bay
Selena Hardman has planted more than 370 fruit trees on her one-acre property.
The Country: Damien O'Connor talks Election 2026
Jamie Mackay talks to Colin Hurst, Damien O'Connor, Todd Clark and Dr Jacqueline Rowarth.
Search begins for dairy's next leading woman
Nominations are open for the 2027 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award.
Why bringing agriculture back to Year 11 is a win
OPINION: The return of AgHort science sends a strong signal to students.