Drought
Will Auckland's water woes affect Waikato food producers
Waikato farmers and horticulturalists fear Auckland's water shortage will ultimately divert resources away from their operations and affect food supplies. The Government has fast-tracked Watercare… Audio
Digging deep to make it through the dry
Tikikino farmer Hadley Boyle budgets on spending $20,000 a year on supplementary feed for his animals. This year, because of the drought, it has cost $250,000 to keep his cattle alive. The Boyle's… Audio, Gallery
Fears misery not over for drought-hit farmers
There's a huge feed deficit in Hawke's Bay despite the green landscape. Ag consultant Lochie MacGillivray, who heads the Rural Advisory Group, says farmers have a tough few months ahead of them. Audio
Auckland Council grilled by WaterCare over water shortage
Auckland Council has today been grilling its own water company, Watercare, over the management of the region's water shortage.
At a council meeting this morning, Watercare said the city is… Audio
Midday Rural News for 24 June 2020
The drought looks likely to reduce the number of lambs that will be born this spring.
Eric Frykberg has the rural news. Audio
Kaitaia iwi launches water storage project following drought
Far north iwi Te Rarawa has launched a new water storage project to safeguard its horticultural business off the back of one of the worst droughts the region has seen.
The project has received $3… Audio
Drought: Auckland on cusp of water emergency as reservoirs dry
Auckland is on the cusp of an emergency water crisis as it stares down the barrel of the region's worst drought in 25 years with reservoirs at just 43 percent. The Auckland Council is scrambling to… Video, Audio
Why aren't we encouraging more rain water harvesting?
With water restrictions being placed on Auckland and Northland due to drought, should urban dwellers be storing rainwater for irrigation and non-potable use when the weather gets dry? Audio
Midday Rural News for 20 May 2020
Relief for Hawke's Bay farmers as the Government forks out more to fight drought.
Eric Frykberg has the rural news. Audio
The big dry: Hawke's Bay farmers face tough decisions
As the drought in Hawke's Bay becomes particularly acute, farmers are being faced with crucial decisions about what to do with their stock. As Covid-19 was cutting a swathe across the world, large… Audio
Feed Convoy heads to Hawkes Bay
Hundreds of bales of donated hay, emblazoned with smiley faces and messages like "kia kaha", are heading to Hawkes Bay this weekend as part of the Rapa Feed Run. Organisers Sophie and Daniel Hansen… Audio
12-year-old photographer brings drought struggles home
The Jowsey family are among many Hawkes Bay farmers struggling with drought. The daily grind of feeding and watering stock on the parched paddocks is being documented on camera by the youngest in the… Audio, Gallery
The Cost of the Drought
Helensville dairy farmers Scott and Sue Narbey have been adding up how much this year's drought has cost them. Audio, Gallery
Farmers struggle as extreme drought continues in Hawke's Bay
We speak to 32-year-old Hadley Boyle from Tikokino in central Hawke's Bay. Audio
Water restrictions in Auckland as drought won't relent
Auckland Council will impose mandatory water restrictions for the first time in more than 25 years as the city faces its worst drought in history.
The past four months have been the driest on record… Audio
Hawke's Bay farmers go online to fight drought woes together
A Facebook page for Hawke's Bay farmers struggling with severe drought is being credited with saving lives.
The lack of rain, lack of feed and trouble selling, or sending stock to the meat works… Video, Audio
Auckand Council votes in favour of regional water restrictions
Watercare CEO Raveen Jaduram speaks to the panel about water restrictions throughout the region from next week. Audio
Agriculture to get funds to help cope with drought conditions
Agriculture is getting a hand out to alleviate drought related problems, but there's been nothing for horticulture. Horticulture NZ Chief Executive Mike Chapman joins the discussion. Audio
Farmers optimistic under Level 3
We speak to Extension 350 manager and farmer Luke Beehre. Audio
Farmer hotline gives feed advice
Farmers in drought stricken areas will be hanging out for the forecast rain this Easter weekend after months of looking out on parched pastures. There's now an 0800 number they can call for support… Audio