Stories by Monique Steele
News
NZ onion industry celebrates 'significant step' in exporting to China
The onion industry is celebrating a step closer to getting its produce into China but there was still a "little bit of work" to get there.
Juken mill closure: Dozens lose jobs as demand for pine products falls
The forestry company has decided to close its Gisborne mill - with 60 workers set to lose their jobs before Christmas.
Future of gene tech likely focus for National-led government
The future of controversial gene technologies are expected to be top of agenda for the incoming National-led government.
Wonky Box eyes South Island expansion
South Island growers may soon have a new way to sell their wonky or ugly fruit and vegetables rejected by the supermarkets.
Hope blossoms at cyclone-hit cherry orchards in Hawke's Bay
Cherry trees are blossoming at a cyclone-damaged orchard in Hawke's Bay, sparking hopes for a good harvest for Christmas.
Global honey glut leaves sour taste for health and wellbeing company
Me Today has been left with tonnes of liquid gold to shift.
Fertiliser prices tipped to rise if Middle East war spreads
Fertiliser prices are coming off the boil, but the conflict in Gaza has thrown uncertainty into the market.
Charity calls on government to better support virtual learning systems for rural schools
An educational charity is calling on the government to do more to help rural high school students succeed.
Hawke's Bay council delays possum control programme
It is going to be another five years at least before local authorities in Hawke's Bay pay for professional possum hunters to knock back the pest's population.
Rural students face bigger climb to enter university
New research has laid bare the challenges rural high school students face getting into tertiary education, compared to city students.
Southland Rural Support Trust given $20,000 to distribute after September flooding
Farmers and growers across parts of the lower South Island hit by last month's storm are being urged to reach out for help if they need it.
Testing time ahead for NZ agri-business, report predicts
A challenging year ahead for New Zealand agri-business is predicted in a new rural banking report.
NZ cannabis company now exporting strains around the world
A medicinal cannabis company says illogical legislation has stopped it supplying product for New Zealand patients and it's exporting its East Coast strains around the world instead.
Strawberry grower facing shortage of plants turns to vege production
Heavy rainfall destroyed around four million young plants at the country's three main propagators at Bay of Plenty nurseries earlier this year.
Government funding for silt removal drying up in Hawke's Bay
The Hawke's Bay Fruitgrowers' Association says the slow-down of work to remove silt and debris on cyclone-hit orchards could cost the region, its people and the economy if not finished soon.
Global dairy prices up 2.7% in first rise for four months
The average price in the global auction increased 2.7 percent, regaining some ground after hitting a near five-year low in August.
Alliance Group begins consultation process after review of operating model
Some meat workers' jobs may be on the chopping block as the farmer-owned processing company signals cuts to come.
High commodities, cyclone damage lead to $9m loss for Pāmu
State-owned farming enterprise Pāmu is staying optimistic about the future in light of falling profits.
Plans for 200-hectare solar farm in North Canterbury
A North Canterbury farmer says installing 200 hectares of solar panels on his farm would be a win-win situation.
Māori farms bigger, carry more stock than average - data
New figures from Stats NZ show Māori farms are much larger than the average, and they are running a lot more stock.
'It's been tough': Some olive growers struggle with harvest
Extreme weather and the spread of disease have seen some North Island olive growers ditch harvesting altogether this season.
Zespri files civil case in China over unauthorised production and sale of gold kiwifruit
Zespri's chief executive said the legal action was a significant step in protecting the investment made by New Zealand producers in developing the licensed kiwifruit varieties.
Truffles rotting as wet weather hampers harvest efforts
Growers have been out since early June harvesting the fungi, but wet weather has hampered progress.
Federated Farmers says a levy could help unify wool industry
Federated Farmers is asking the government to consider bringing back a wool levy, 14 years after farmers booted it out.