Sally Rae

The New Zealand dollar weakened yesterday as markets awaited the reaction in Asia to the discovery of dicyandiamide (DCD) residue in milk.

Log prices, which remained flat most of last year, have risen markedly during the past month, the latest ASB New Zealand Commodities Weekly shows.

The Government's establishment of a company to act as a bridging investor for regional water infrastructure development has been welcomed by the rural sector.

Combined Rural Traders chairman Don McFarlane says the business case for a merger with North Island-based Farmlands is ''very strong'', despite two Farmlands directors resigning over the proposal.

North Otago Dorset Down breeders John and Wendy Dodd had a successful trip to the recent Canterbury A and P Association's stud ram fair.

Shearing was Dave Bateman's life.

Oamaru publican, restaurateur and community stalwart Sally-Ann Donnelly is passionate about the hospitality industry. But as a girl growing up in Oamaru, such a career was the last thing on her mind, as business reporter Sally Rae reports.

When it comes to fashion capitals, the tiny settlement of Kingston is unlikely to feature alongside the likes of Paris or Milan.

A government focus on primary sector growth, alongside increasing concerns about the environment, poses challenges for the future of the agricultural sector, Ravensdown's new chief executive, Greg Campbell, says.

When Duncan Elliot was a young boy, all he wanted was a shearing hand-piece.

Beef farmers could be in for ''continued happy days'' with further gains in beef prices offsetting much of the impact of the high New Zealand dollar, Westpac economist Nathan Penny says.

A rugby game back in 1979 changed Richard Hill's life forever.