From business magnates like the founders of Fisher & Paykel, to early settler farmers, and major wartime philanthropists, many of these breeders have played key roles in New Zealand's wider history.

Landowners John and Dorothy Wakeling bought a derelict quarry in the mid-1990s, and have since carried out an extensive planting campaign to transform the park into Waitakaruru Arboretum.

The latest in Minneapolis after the shooting of Alex Pretti, after the state became the epicentre of President Trump's immigration enforcement plans.

Launched as a trial in 2023, Health15 supports busy construction workers by providing free 15-minute on-site health checks.

Concerns over red tape and the cost pressures the regime places on reporting entities - some of which are small businesses with minimal resources has lead to further clarification and tweaking of the system.

Kennedy has been to visit the site of the final battle of Ruapekapeka, he'll talk about the New Year's Day sand sculputures at Matapouri, and he's reflecting on the joy of kingfishers.

Making the most of the locally grown wheat was the driving force behind Monty and Sons, which uses duram wheat grown by the Wairarapa Grains Collective.

Gareth, Ben and Kathryn discuss the latest in politics.

Around the motu: Simon Wilson in Auckland.

Louise Ward of Wardini Books reviews three of her favourite books from last year.