Researchers have found 'nationally significant' marine habitats at Kapiti Island.

Northern areas could be hammered by heavy rain next week, while the south could get snow.

Water quality in cities was twice as bad as on farmland, Nick Smith said today.

Some orchardists using windmills, frost fans and overhead irrigation to combat a freeze.

A climate scientist gives a 25 per cent chance of Tropical Cyclone Donna visiting NZ.

Whangaparaoa was drenched with nearly five times its normal April rainfall, figures show.

If it feels like it's been the most rain-soaked April ever, weather books have the proof.

Did a wave the height of a four-storey building really form off the Bay of Plenty?

Five findings from a new independent stocktake of the state of our lakes and rivers.

It is expected to pour with rain today.

The skies are beginning to clear after last night's storm, but the respite may be short-lived, with thunderstorms and more heavy rain forecast for later today.

While the eastern region swelters in one of the most rain-deprived Januaries in more than a century, some western areas have been drenched.

Kiwis "must be vigilant" about swimming in our rivers, a freshwater scientist says, with data often showing high levels of E. coli in waterways.

Climate change scientists have projected continued global greenhouse gas emissions would heat Northland heat up more than other regions

Northland farmers are facing drier than normal conditions.

Heavy rain and wind is forecast to batter the upper South Island and lower North Island this afternoon.

Summer likely to be wetter than average according to long-term Niwa forecast.

Hotter than average temperatures can be expected across the entire country over the next three months - but the warm won't come without rain.

Growing global market opportunities and the need to strengthen supply chains are creating a thirst for capital among agricultural co-operatives around the world, rural lending specialist Rabobank said.

Drought in much of the country is helping to drive dairy prices higher, but farmgate prices for beef and sheepmeat are weakening.

NZ farmers are facing summer water restrictions in some regions as an El Nino weather pattern develops.

Sun-lovers should head to the Bay of Plenty or Hawkes Bay for the best weather this summer, but most of the country can expect warmer, drier weather.

As valuable to marine life as it is prized by humans, the Hauraki Gulf is in decline. Though solutions seem as elusive as the gulf's fish stocks, a groundswell is building for collaboration.

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.