Fonterra says around one third of its farmer shareholders have spent $270.7 million buying up new shares in the co-operative.

The Government is keeping close watch on the "big dry" in many regions and will consider drought assistance if conditions worsen, Agriculture Minister David Carter says.

Half of Fonterra's farmers are expected to buy the additional shares being offered by from today, says Federated Farmers.

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.

Labour leader Phil Goff announces the end of the political consensus around the policy targets and tools of the Reserve Bank.

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.

New mobile network 2degrees is spearheading a campaign against New Zealand's relatively high mobile termination rates.