Rural

The eight-strong team is heading to the World Butchers' Challenge in Paris later this month to represent New Zealand.

Under level 4 restrictions introduced this week in Dargaville, town supply water may be used only for drinking, cooking, washing clothes and showering.

The yellow invasive plant grows in the shape of a messy circle and entwines itself around other plants.

The digger arm for construction, horticultural and tree work will be put to the test at the country's largest rural field days.

While volumes are down slightly, the quality of fruit is good, a grower says.

'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.