Latest fromMinistry for Primary Industries
Psa strategy to focus on 'aggressive containment'
Biosecurity Minister David Carter says hopes of eradicating the Psa disease are fading, with the number of infected orchards climbing.
Infected kiwifruit orchards have doubled
The kiwifruit crisis in the Bay of Plenty is reaching new heights, with the number of stricken Te Puke orchards today doubling to eight. Another 82 are under investigation.
Fourth kiwifruit orchard infected
A fourth orchard in Te Puke has been confirmed with the kiwifruit vine-killing disease PSA. MAF is currently investigating 82 orchards in total.
Billion-dollar crisis in the orchard
It was just another day at Zespri, until the phone rang and the jaw-dropping news came through.
Eradication of Psa becoming "increasingly difficult" - MAF
As suspicions grow that Psa has spread to kiwfruit orchards outside the BOP, MAF says it's unlikely it will be able to eradicate the disease.
Burning of vines may start today
The Govt could learn today whether diseased kiwifruit vines will need to be destroyed, as leaves begin to wilt on the first properties reported.
Redbacks could threaten native wildlife - scientist
Redback spiders could thrive in some areas of NZ, posing a real threat to native wildlife, a scientist says.
Hundreds of millions of kiwifruit dollars at risk
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.
Suspected kiwifruit pest hits big NZ operators
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.
Disease fears threaten NZ kiwifruit
An orchard is under quarantine after the discovery of a suspected bacterial disease that may threaten NZ's $1.5b kiwifruit industry.
Jews fundraise to fight animal welfare code
Heads of the NZ Jewish communities are protesting the Government's proposed animal-welfare ban on shechita, the Jewish ritual slaughter of livestock.
Boa constrictor found at Ports of Auckland
A crate of plants came with an exotic surprise this afternoon as biodiversity officials discovered a live boa constrictor hiding inside.
Green gold
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.
Dairy and red meat sectors get $300m boost
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.