Critics say the Govt's planned rule changes on the sale of farmland to foreign investors are too vague, weak and prone to political pressure.

The Government has tightened foreign investment rules around the potential sale of big chunks of farmland to overseas buyers.

Up to 11 species of beetle may be introduced to NZ.

Fonterra has unveiled its second highest ever farmer payout, at $6.70 per kilo of milksolid, and says profits are up 12pc.

Gales and heavy rain pounding the North Island have shattered weather records, and winds last night hampered rescue efforts after a mass whale stranding at the northern tip of NZ.

The corpses of newborn lambs are piling up in their tens of thousands as cold weather continues to hit Southland.