Strong El Niño emerging from record-setting start — farmers advised to plan now to offset losses

Photo: Allied Media files

Farmers heading into a tricky season on the South Island’s east coast are being given fair warning to prepare for a major El Niño, writes Tim Cronshaw.

Tim Cronshaw

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

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Rural Life OtherSeptember 6

Promoting New Zealand’s primary industries through skincare brand

When skincare entrepreneur Megan Seator was on maternity leave with her now five-year-old daughter, times were tough on the farm.

Sally Rae

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Rural PeopleSeptember 6

Helping create female leaders in the rural sector aim of new exec director

Kristi Wright has a very short commute to work these days. She is the new executive director of the Fairlight Foundation, the female-only training institute based at Fairlight Station.

Sally Rae

Helping create female leaders in the rural sector aim of new exec director

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Rural Life OtherSeptember 2

Lobbying to get cows to eat Southland seaweed

A seaweed grower is “lobbying hard” to get a legislation change so the native plant grown in Southland can get government approval for use as a methane inhibitor in ruminant animals.

Shawn McAvinue

Lobbying to get cows to eat Southland seaweed

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Rural EventsSeptember 1

New Zealand dog trial team come from behind to win transtasman test series

Under immense scoreboard pressure, Palmerston dog trialist Lloyd Smith produced a diamond performance to win a transtasman test.

Shawn McAvinue

New Zealand dog trial team come from behind to win transtasman test series