Nick Smith says he makes no apologies for using taxpayers' money to send two Iwi Leadership Group members to the upcoming climate talks in Copenhagen.

John Key warns farmers they reject a response to climate change at their peril - endangering their reputations, future incomes and the economy.

John Key urged farmers to be less agitated about the ETS and tackling climate change in an address to Federated Farmers today.

Fonterra's shareholders have approved the first stage of the dairy giant's capital restructuring plan.

The Trade Minister says the world will be looking to countries like New Zealand in the future, because we have natural resources in abundance.

The price of milk powder climbing to a 13-month high in Fonterra's latest online auction.

Rising dairy prices continue to underpin gains in the ANZ Commodity Price Index, which has recorded its seventh straight monthly gain last month.

More than 25 live cattle found wandering loose on the North Shore have been returned to their owner.

Fonterra's highest-paid employee - likely to be chief executive Andrew Ferrier - appears to have taken a pay cut of up to $360,000.

A high New Zealand dollar and reduced demand for sheep and beef looks set to hurt farmers in the coming year.

New Zealand's largest exporter, Fonterra, says it will receive no protection under planned changes to the emissions trading scheme.

Fonterra farmers keen to get an early start on share trading will have to wait a while yet.

"Significant animal welfare issues" have been found among the 20,000 cows on the 22 farms owned by the Crafar family, a MAF inquiry says.