By KATTERNS, Tanya THE effects of the summer drought continue to hurt struggling sheep and beef farmers as well-off dairy farmers drive up the price of crucial winter feed.

By KATTERNS, Tanya WAIRARAPA residents have voted overwhelmingly in favour of exploring plans for a community- owned and operated hospice.

By KATTERNS, Tanya SECRECY surrounds a private oil company's attempt to discover black gold in Wairarapa.

There is concern about the return rate of votes from the region.

The heat goes on the finalists for the New Zealand Dairy Industry awards with $100,000 up for grabs.