Country Life

This week Country Life is at a training centre for wild Kaimanawa horses, and checks out the oyster harvest in Bluff.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.Make sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Anisha heads to Bluff to understand the state of the wild oyster fishery.With thanks to:Graeme WrightJohn EdminstinMax RussellAnn, Margaret and Betty RobertsonMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Kelly Wilson trains Kaimanawa wild horses at the sanctuary she's built on just over 18 hectares, a few minutes out of Taupō. Jimmy Ellingham paid her a visit to see how she helps get them used to the human touch so they can be rehomed. You can find photos, video and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Kelly Wilson, Morgan Chandler-Bruce and Bjarne StreylMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Steve Allan's been trapping and making traps for nearly 50 years. His simple, strong kill traps made in his home factory in Northland have eradicated thousands of pests over the years and can be found as far away as the Falkland Islands.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Steve AllanMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A round up of conditions on farms and orchards around the countryYou can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.Make sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life follows a farrier as he fits a horse with new shoes, compares different milks and their nutritional benefits, and visit's an actor's bit of country in Middle Earth.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:38 - Milking it: Which milk is best?16:36 - Rural News Wrap24:36 - Hoofin' it in Central Otago: Walking a mile in a farrier's shoes38:36 - A little bit country, a little bit Middle EarthWith thanks to:Louise Brough, Massey UniversityBruce Barton, Barton Blacksmith ServicesWilliam Kircher and Nicole Chesterman-KircherMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

William Kircher, known for his role as Bifur the dwarf in The Hobbit trilogy, has moved to the country. When not performing overseas, he and jazz singer Nicole Chesterman Kircher are enjoying the rural pace with sheep, chooks, fruit trees and an honesty box at the gate. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:William Kircher and Nicole Chesterman KircherMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

From working with 2000 degrees Celsius heat to moving a half tonne animal, being a farrier is no easy job, as Country Life found out.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can find more about Barton Blacksmithing Services, here.With thanks to:Bruce Barton, Twix and RipGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A round-up of the week's rural news.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Country Life speaks to a Massey University professor who specialises in nutrition and food chemistry about different types of milk - their pros and cons.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Louise Brough, Massey UniversityAnd to hear more from the previous guests featured:Alex Irvine of Canterbury's ChoiceCameron Ravenwood of Fernglen FarmFrans Steenkamp of the now closed Brooklyn CreameryDr Gert-Jan Moggré, the man behind Plant and Food's Barley Dairy ProjectGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Ever wondered how farmed salmon produce the next generation? Anisha tours Akaroa King Salmon's hatchery in Canterbury, and an award-winning Māori trust-owned farm in Te Tai Tokerau has had to battle fierce flooding this year. Sally is in the farm ute touring the damage. Also, Dairy Woman of the Year Hinehou Timutimu talks about how she is inspired to farm for the community. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:42 - Rural News Wrap7:37 - Farming takes a village15:49 - Northland's storms test award-winning farm 30:16 - Spawning day on a salmon farmGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

What does it take to make salmon babies that grow into big, tasty fish. Anisha Satya visits Akaroa King Salmon's hatchery in North Canterbury.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Stewart HawthronHagen KockschHenry WilsonGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In just three years the Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust's beef farm in Northland was able to boast a "million-dollar herd" on its rehabilitated whenua, winning the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy in 2025. But this year the farm has been hit by floods and mudslides from intense weather events. Sally Round paid a visit to see how the farm has coped. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here, and the Ahuwhenua Trophy, here.With thanks to:Wess WetereMatthew PayneKirean WetereAhuwhenua TrophyGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Anisha Satya speaks to Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year winner, Hinehou Timutimu, about how community-focused farming makes an impact. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Hinehou TimutimuGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A wrap of news from RNZ's rural news deskGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Sally meets the founder of skincare brand Nudi Point, Gianina's at the Pureore Hunting Competition, and Anisha's bug-hunting in the Ashburton Forks. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:39 - Rural News Wrap5:56 - Skinny-dipping inspires back-to-nature rural venture15:17 - On-farm conservation30:20 - Hunting out the next generationWith thanks to:Blair CoatesWill Wright, Mark and Jenny McDonald, Campbell Sommerville and Sonja VreugdenhilAllen and Sophie Juno, Ray Scrimgeour and Melissa Jessen, Stu Fraser and Grant Wilson, Beau Mulgrew and Benji Allen, Hiki Nathan and Robert-John MuraahiMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The nearly 40-year-old competition, which runs during the peak hunting period known as the roar, is the only such of its kind run by the Department of Conservation. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can find more about the Pureora Hunting Competition, here.Check out last week's episode when Country Life headed out for a hunt with Allen Juno, here.With thanks to:Allen and Sophie Juno, Ray Scrimgeour and Melissa Jessen, Stu Fraser and Grant Wilson, Beau Mulgrew and Benji Allen, Hiki Nathan and Robert-John MuraahiMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Anisha meets Ashburton Forks farmers who are trapping, planting and testing their way to healthier farms. With thanks to:Will WrightMark McDonaldJenny McDonaldCampbell SommervilleSonja VreugdenhilGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Northland skin care brand Nudi Point is named after the swimming hole where Blair Coates spent many happy summers. The former banker who suffered bad skin as a teen makes moisturisers and serums in the converted cow shed. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Blair CoatesGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A round-up of the week's rural news.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Anisha sits down with a country musician, Gianina joins a Waikato farmer on a deer hunt, and Sally visits the Carb Club, a shared food-growing initiative. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:42 - Conditions Wrap9:19 - Country music chats15:53 - We hunt at dawn29:35 - The Carb ClubWith thanks to:Molly HarrisonAllen JunoSheldon Levet, Justin Connor, Katie Rosati, Jane Riddiford and Mika ZollnerMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

It takes a grower, a gatherer - of people - and a plot of land to create a "carb club". The idea is to make it easier for people to grow staple crops which might need more than your average-sized backyard vegetable garden. About 20 families have been pooling their labour to produce enough potatoes and pumpkins to see them through the year, and have a lot of fun besides. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Sheldon Levet, Justin Connor, Katie Rosati, Jane Riddiford and Mika ZollnerMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Gianina Schwanecke heads for the hills of Waikato to learn more about the art of deer stalking during the roar.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Allen and Sophie JunoTune in next week to learn more about the Pureora Hunting Competition.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A chat about New Zealand's country music scene with Ashburton-based artist, Molly Harrison.With thanks toMolly HarrisonListen to her music, From the Hillside, on all streaming platforms.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A wrap of conditions on farms and orchards around the country. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Gianina chats with an Otago taxidermist during the roar; Sally visits Halcombe, a community remembering its Home Guard this ANZAC weekend, and Anisha heads to Geraldine High School to learn about a farming pathways course.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:40 - Roar Ready4:41 - Rural News Wrap11:08 - From Farm to Front Line: Halcombe honours its Home Guard29:17 - Fencing in the classroomWith thanks to:Oliver GarlandAlex ShortWayne ShortSarah Foley-SmithDan DouglassStruan MooreStudents of Geraldine High SchoolMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Anisha heads to Geraldine High School to learn about their farming skills course, the Primary Industries Academy.Learn more about Geraldine High School's Primary Industries Academy here.You can find photos here.With thanks to:Sarah Foley-SmithDan DouglassStruan MooreStudents of Geraldine High SchoolGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Many small towns in New Zealand had their own "Dad's Army" during the second world war. But far from feeble and fumbling like those in the well-known TV series, the volunteers were highly trained and ingenious but had few resources, according to research. Country Life is in Halcombe which remembers their own Home Guard this year.You can find photos, here.With thanks to:Alex ShortWayne ShortThe archival sound in this podcast is from the New Zealand National Film Unit film Citizen Soldiers (1942), which can be viewed via Archives New Zealand hereGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

"Once the reds start roaring, it really, really gets busy," Oliver Garland of All Over Taxidermy says.You can find photos, here.With thanks to:Oliver Garland, All Over TaxidermyJordan Hamilton-Bicknell, Wild GameGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A round-up of the week's rural news.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week on Country Life Gianina meets a worm farmer in Hawke's Bay, while Sally drops in on a Kerikeri orchard growing dragon fruit and Anisha is with some Canterbury grain farmers. Amid punishing weather and high costs, they're making the switch to dairying.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:47 - Rural News Wrap6:30 - Wonder Worm12:56 - Trading crops for cows31:50 -In Northland there be dragonsWith thanks to:Trevor HellyerDavid Clark, Rod May, and David BirkettSatish Kumar, Luke Beehre, and Jeanette JohnstoneMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A trial of the striking and exotic dragon fruit is hitting its straps in Northland. Could the new sweet varieties grown under cover be a viable crop in New Zealand amid a changing climate? You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.And you can find Sally's other story from Northland Te Tai Tokerau about the Land family, here.With thanks to:Satish Kumar, Bioeconomy Science InstituteLuke Beehre and Jeanette Johnstone, Northland IncGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Canterbury is an arable powerhouse, but in recent years, many have started moving into dairying. What's behind the change?You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.And you can find that other story we mentioned about the Wairarapa Grains Collective, here.With thanks to:David Clark, Rod May, and David BirkettMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Trevor Hellyer made the move from one mud loving animal to another - changing from pig farming to worm farming just outside Havelock North. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A wrap of news from RNZ's rural news deskGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Country Life visits New Zealand's only cranberry farm, finds out about the origins and passion for the trusty ute and meets Laura Watson of Monowai StationYou can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.Make sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Anisha Satya visits New Zealand's only cranberry farm - and samples the produce.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Kevin MacGregor and Kate BuckleyMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

While Americans have their pick-ups, Kiwis and Aussies have the ute. Mark Leishman finds out about the ubiquitous farmers' and tradies' vehicle at the Methven A & P Show's Ute Muster You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Laura Watson is a the fourth generation of her family to run Monowai Station. She's not only helping restore wetlands and pockets of native bush on her family farm but across wider Te Tairāwhiti. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Laura Watson, Monowai StationGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A round-up of the week's rural news.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life meets some pioneer egg producers and a farmer growing and harvesting an ancient grain.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:38 - Answering the roar - hunting venison for people in need6:34 - Rural News Wrap13:19 - Four farmers, one forgotten grain and the pasta-maker bringing it to the plate28:57 - Poultry 'pioneers': Three generations of Bennik's behind an egg empireWith thanks to:Lisa DauntonMonty Petrie and Mick Williams, Wairarapa Grains CollectiveNick, Harry, Rhonda and Courtney Bennik, Bennik's EggsMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

From moving to cage-free farming in the 90's, becoming SPCA animal welfare accredited and launching a liquid egg processing plant - the Bennik family has never been afraid to try something new and ruffle a few feathers. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about Bennik's Eggs, here, or the NZ Egg Group, here.With thanks to:Nick, Harry, Rhonda and Courtney BennikMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want to chat to us or find out more about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Amid a growing eat local movement, durum wheat is being grown and turned into pasta by an artisan food producer and a group of Wairarapa farmers. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.Find out more about the Wairarapa Grains Collective here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A round-up of the week's rural news.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

For a few years now Lisa Daunton has been stocking food banks in Te Tai Rāwhiti with wild venison which she harvests with fellow hunters. With thanks to Lisa DauntonFor more on the story, click hereTo find out more about Kaiwhakangau and Kai Connect, click hereGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Country Life meets a family using bullock-power instead of diesel to grow their own food, and gets a taste of the tomatoes grown by some of Wellington's Italian community.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:47 - Conditions wrap7:04- Standing up for migrant farmers14:45 - Roots that run deep - Capri tomatoes26:24 - Off-grid, thriving and feeding whānau without fossil fuelsWith thanks to:Kristine AsuncionNina and Teresa CuccurulloMarissa DowlingThe Land familyMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at [email protected] to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Bullocks and horses power the Land's farm in the Hokianga where three generations live off-grid, growing practically all their own food without the need for fossil fuels. Country Life spent a morning with the families whose way of life echoes more traditional modes of farming last century.With thanks to:The Land familyHead here for photos and more informationGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

From Italy to Wellington's south coast, growing and eating great food is central to the Cuccurullo family maintaining its cultural heritage. For the past 60 years, they've kept the tradition of growing tomatoes from seeds first sourced in Capri in the 1960s.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about Island Bay's Italian community, here.With thanks to:Nina and Teresa CuccurulloGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Anisha Satya chats with Kristine Asuncion, Filipina dairy farmer and advocate.With thanks to:Kristine AsuncionGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A wrap of conditions on farms and orchards around the country. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details