Wellington, Aug 31 NZPA - Seasonal finance is the biggest issue for farmers following the announcement that a significant rural lender South Canterbury Finance (SCF) has gone into receivership, Federated Farmers says.

By Peter Wilson of NZPA Auckland, July 18 NZPA - Around 500 trade unionists banged drums and bellowed protests outside the National Party's annual conference today while inside it delegates cheered Prime Minister John Key as he announced sweeping changes to employment law.

By Maggie Tait of NZPA Wellington, July 13 NZPA - The Government has confirmed it is axing a scheme to get more people to plant more trees, saying it is not needed now there is an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Wellington, July 13 NZPA - Documents show the Government plans to axe a scheme to encourage people to plant new forests, a move Labour says is foolish.

Auckland, July 2 NZPA - The SPCA has applauded the Government for passing the Animal Welfare Amendment Act, which will see increased penalties for the neglect and ill-treatment of animals. SPCA branches were delighted about the new law, chief executive Robyn Kippenberger said.

Wellington, July 1 NZPA - Penalties for cruelty to animals have been significantly increased under a bill enacted by unanimous vote in Parlianment today. The Animal Welfare Amendment Act started off as a member's bill drafted by Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.

Wellington, June 30 NZPA - Agriculture Minister David Carter says he is pleased that Fonterra shareholders delivered a "resounding" endorsement of constitutional change needed to rejig the cooperative's capital structure.

Feds - can't see this in priors Wellington, June 25 NZPA - Sheep and beef cattle are now covered by a code of animal welfare like that already in place for deer and dairy cattle.

Wellington, June 25 NZPA - Agriculture Minister David Carter has promised the nation's farmers that they will not be made accountable for the greenhouse gas emissions through the Government's emissions trading scheme (ETS), unless trading partners are also feeling some of the financial pain.

Wellington, June 23 NZPA - New Zealand and Australian ministers have signed an updated agreement on coordinating business law as the two countries work towards a single economic market.