Redback spiders could thrive in some areas of NZ, posing a real threat to native wildlife, a scientist says.

Orchardists growing gold kiwifruit may have had their hopes of bonanza returns this season dashed as they wait on confirmation that a vine-killing bacteria has arrived in NZ.

Two listed companies are the first victims of a suspected incursion in NZ of a bacterial disease which has ripped through gold kiwifruit varieties overseas, particularly in Italy.

An orchard is under quarantine after the discovery of a suspected bacterial disease that may threaten NZ's $1.5b kiwifruit industry.

Heads of the NZ Jewish communities are protesting the Government's proposed animal-welfare ban on shechita, the Jewish ritual slaughter of livestock.

A crate of plants came with an exotic surprise this afternoon as biodiversity officials discovered a live boa constrictor hiding inside.

After years in the doldrums, forestry is booming. Could this be the start of a new golden age, or is the next bust already on the way? Nick Smith reports.

The Govt is putting up $144.1m into two initiatives worth $321m over seven years to boost productivity and new products for the dairy and red meat sectors.

Sheep and beef farming could all but disappear in New Zealand if "structural issues" causing profits to drop are allowed to continue, says Federated Farmers.

A probe into the escape of genetically engineered plants from a government laboratory found scientists had left routes open.

A teenager has been sent to prison for three months after smuggling two small snakes into the country in his pants.

The NZ Walking Access Commission is producing a mapping system so that people can more easily find out where there is legal public access across land.