'We can’t solve the underlying issues but we have to protect our own patch.'

Tradescantia leaf beetles target the rapidly growing South American weed.

'It buys farmers time, it helps local businesses, it’s a win-win for everyone.'

'I've engaged quite constructively with people across the spectrum of views.'

It is 'a critical bit of infrastructure'.

The application was suspended on July 13 and again on August 23.

'It’s a real success story.'

Around 103,000 solar panels will be built by Harmony Energy.

'There is no need for anybody to be using it.'

Maintaining the seal on rural roads has been under pressure 'for several years'.

'The cost of getting a truck out there is ridiculous.'

WPI chief executive Mike Ryan says 'some sort of government intervention' may be required.

'It’s definitely a labour-intensive operation but we love what we’re doing.'

'We did witness a person attempting to drop off a couch.'

'If people are thieving wildfowl from a public place, they should throw the book at them.'

'People definitely needed cups of tea and hot showers.'

"If you get to the finish line you’ll be pretty proud of yourself".

“Something needs to be done and we need to be informed."

Illegal dumping remains a problem in isolated areas.

'This isn't concentrated to just one area, it's network-wide.'

'It’s really getting to be quite a concern at this stage.'

'Being able to tell people you're okay... that is hugely important.'

Rodney the cat spent his last days "sun-puddling" in Otamatea.

"... I’ll be on the road, on the streets, everywhere.”

“That’s my biggest thing - using them for prevention rather than evidence."

“Any potential merger will have a detrimental effect on that representation."

Forestr in the right place definitely has a role to play...."

“This is about getting off-farm, checking in with your mates and checking on yourself".

“Unlike many other submitters, we are actually asking you to do less."

“If you knew Billy you knew the laugh”

“We look after the smallest boat as well as the biggest boat.”

“I just have to back myself. I know I’m capable and I know I can do it.”

“I was gobsmacked by how many people turned up, and by how big that community is."

The pest plant 'has the ability to massively dominate a lake', Horizons says.

The dogs were eventually caught and impounded.

An average of 12,000 tests are being sent out every day.

"It's concerning because we don't know what it is."

A sample from Castlecliff Beach was analysed by an independent laboratory

A Horizons officer was back on the beach on Tuesday to "assess any ongoing affects".

"I've never come across anything this size before, ever."

A warm autumn has ensured farmers are well placed to handle winter.

Rodney had been on the run since last October.

Trip to the hospital for 'little fella' after hooks embedded in his calf.

"It has to meet all the standards [or] we get into a fair bit of hot water, so to speak."