New Zealand unexpectedly posted a trade surplus last month as exports rose more than forecast, with higher shipments of wood, dairy and fruit.

There was an unexpected trade surplus in January as exports rose more than forecast, aided by higher shipments of wood, dairy and fruit.

President Barack Obama told governors Monday that he remains "cautiously optimistic" that Congress will approve a sweeping trade deal with 11 Pacific Rim nations this year.

Excess supply in industry augurs tough six months.

Avocado prices have spiked to over $3 each after a "moderate" growing season and surging demand.

Ports of Auckland posted a 9.5 percent increase in first-half profit as the country's third-biggest port slashed its maintenance bill.

New Zealand could miss the boat as an exporter of medicinal cannabis, horticulture expert Dr Mike Nichols said.

After some tough times, apple growers have enjoyed three record years in a row and are well on the way to their $1b target.

State-owned Landcorp and China's Shanghai Pengxin Group - the company that bought the distressed Crafar farms in 2012 - are about to part company.

Westpac is forecasting a Fonterra farmgate milk price of $4 this season and $4.60 in 2016/17.

Environment Canterbury is standing by its decision not to fine or prosecute Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias and her businessman husband Hugh Fletcher after photos emerged of their cattle drinking out of a North Canterbury lake.

A shortage of avocados combined with increasing demand for the fruit has seen prices soar this season.

WATCH: A YouTube video featuring thousands of Northland chickens has unexpectedly gathered more than 600,000 views.

For Garry Reymer, who farms near Cambridge, ongoing low dairy prices will mean more cost control, but he stops short of saying the situation is desperate.

Looking back, it is hard to recall a greater diplomatic achievement than the comprehensive trade and investment agreement that will be signed by representatives of 12 countries in Auckland today.

Music sensation Stan Walker has spoken out against supporting the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Dairy farmers are bracing themselves for still more falls in product prices at tomorrow's Global Dairy Trade auction.

Asia's biggest economy looks to limit manufacturers to three labels and impose stricter safety procedures.

The value of honey exports jumped to $285 million in 2015 from $202 million in 2014, according to the latest data.

Synlait Milk has revised its forecast milk price for the 2015 / 2016 season from $5.00 per kilogram to $4.20.

Banks say more heavily indebted New Zealand dairy farmers will be asked to sell up as non-performing loans increase.

Dairy Farms NZ - likely to list on the NZ stock exchange, has been given permission to buy up South Island farms.

New Zealand exporters say they are concerned that a political consensus on trade has been lost after the Labour Party came out against the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

New Zealand wine exports have reached a new record high for the 2015 year.

Here's what the international media think of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

The Government is eyeing up surplus Crown land to boost Auckland's chronic land supply shortage.

Leading international credit rating agency has downgraded its outlook for New Zealand's economy.

Rain since the New Year has reduced the drought risk associated with the current El Nino weather pattern, ANZ Bank said.