Stories by Adriana Weber
News
'Everything has just dried up'
The deluge of rain expected to hit most of the country this week is unlikely to help regions plagued by water shortages, officials say.
111 calls in 2017: Hair-dye fails to cigarette requests
From complaints about hair-dye fails to requests for cigarettes, police have had to deal with some unusual 111 calls in the past year.
South Canterbury blackcurrant farm cashes in on superfood buzz
A South Canterbury blackcurrant farm is cashing in on the berry's "superfood" status.
Six suspected suicides of farmers 'tragic'
The weather and election stress are factors in a spate of suspected farmer suicides in recent weeks, New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive says.
Sniffer dogs to help detect pesky weed
Dogs will be used to help find a pesky weed on farms and vineyards in Marlborough.
Vertical farming solution to urbanisation
Farming in cities could help attract more young people to the primary sector, according to a international expert in sustainability.
'Brexit will have very little impact on Zespri'
Farmers and exporters are being urged to invest in marketing and branding to protect themselves from potential Brexit fallout.
Honey producers abuzz over promising harvest
A bumper honey harvest is on the cards, according to Apiculture New Zealand, but more dry weather is raising concerns.
Some vineyards struggling to cope with dry weather
Some vineyards are desperately trying to find enough workers to cope with the workload brought on by the dry spell.
Auckland's future: vertical farming?
Urban farming could benefit a rapidly expanding Auckland, an expert in sustainability says.
Mouldy hay bale discovery leads to new NZ cheese
A discovery in a mouldy bale of hay has led to a new type of cheese its makers hope will put New Zealand on the map.
Dairy strategy prioritises environment, animal welfare
Environmentalists are sceptical over the dairy sector's new strategy which puts the environment at the top of a list of six commitments.
Daughter forced to forgo mum's funeral, says she had 'no support'
The daughter of a woman who took her own life says that she and others in a similar position are unaware of the limited services out there to help.
CEO pay packets: 'They're not doing 30 times the work'
Workers on an average wage are frustrated company business leaders are being paid up to 50 times more than them.
Foreign home-buyer ban: will it make any difference?
The government's plan to ban foreigners from buying homes in New Zealand is being dismissed by real estate agents as unlikely to change much.
Pora inflation payout 'only fair' - PM
Increasing Teina Pora's compensation for his two decades of wrongful imprisonment is the fair and right thing to do, according to newly appointed Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Move to reform cannabis laws meets supporters, opponents
The Drug Foundation is welcoming what it calls Labour and the Greens' fresh approach to tackling the country's drug problems.
Thieves targeting tradies' power tools - police
Power drills, nail guns and electric saws are becoming the items of choice for thieves looking to make a quick buck.
Furniture rules could halve death rate - firefighters
House fire deaths could be halved by limiting the use of flammable material in furniture such as sofas, firefighters say. Audio
IRD defends 'offensive' psychometric tests
Inland Revenue is standing by its decision to use psychometric testing as part of a massive restructure which will see more than 800 employees re-apply for their jobs.
Blacklisted fire trucks due back on the road
A multi-million dollar fleet of fire trucks blacklisted by a union because of safety fears about a year ago is expected back on the road by December.
Girl relentlessly bullied before death
A 15-year-old girl who took her own life was the victim of relentless and "vicious" cyber-bullying in the lead up to her death, a coroner has found.
Waikato DHB fails doctor training accreditation
Waikato District Health Board risks losing its ability to train first-year doctors, after failing an accreditation review.
Youth in court for robbery at highest level since 2008
The number of children and teenagers appearing in court for robbery is the highest in almost a decade. Audio
Fuel crisis puts heat on flower industry
Flower growers and exporters are being hit hard by the airline fuel shortage, with some already losing business.