Rural

'Spend it wisely' Fonterra farmer shareholders told, after improved dividend values released, as many grapple with drought and low production, while global economic uncertainty looms.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay classified the conditions as a medium-scale adverse event, with the drought declaration opening up funding support and tax relief for farmers and growers.

A total of 1200 anglers from every corner of the motu took part in this year's Ninety Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza.

Rainbow Valley is located on regenerating whenua at the end of a gravel road near Tākaka. Several families share the land and help run a small farm for the benefit of the whole community.

Some are milking once-a-day and sending stock to the works early.

A pre-harvest update from Greystone Wines, host recently to the inaugural Underground soil, food and farming festival, with viticulturalist and farming advisor, Nick Gill.

King Country woodchopper Jack Jordan achieved the sport's first ever three-peat at last year's Timbersports World Trophy in Italy.

Two farmers have been temporarily suspended as part of a New Zealand Merino Company investigation into allegations around animal welfare at some of its supplier's farms.

A week in, motorists are still trying to get used to the new road layout, some taking to social media about the backed up traffic caused by the lights.