Rural
Slash, storms and the fight over responsibility
Extreme weather may be the trigger for deadly and devastating slash, but the lines on who is responsible for prevention and clean-up are blurred. Audio
'Wiped out entire crops' - Canterbury farmers frustrated by wild weather
Canterbury arable farmers are facing millions of dollars of losses after a third big hail storm hit parts of the region on Friday.
Midday Rural News for 26 January 2026
An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team. Audio
150,000 tonnes of fallen trees, $1m council costs: Clutha cleanup continues
One contractor says they now have a two-year local wait list. Audio
Morning Rural News for Monday 26 January
The latest rural news with Gianina Schwanecke. Audio
New chief executive at Federated Farmers
The new chief executive of Federated Farmers says he wants to create an "unfair" advantage for kiwi farmers at home and on the world stage. Mike Siermans spoke to Melissa Chan-Green. Audio
Animal rights advocates call for cameras in shearing sheds
The government and industry have announced a joint $75,000 fund to support welfare training for shearers, but advocates say it's not enough to stop sheep being mistreated.
How planting exotic trees can help native ones grow
"You can come here and see nearly every type of forestry system that can be applied," Blair Jamieson says of Tāmata Hauhā's demonstration farm near Palmerston North.
Country Life: Behind the scenes at the Roy's berry farm
The Roy family all pitch in getting berries from orchard to Christmas plate over the festive season. Country Life goes behind the scenes of the Christmas berry rush.
Country Life: On the job with Whanganui River's rural postie
Rural postie Tracy Marshall takes visitors along her mail delivery route which winds along the Whanganui River.
Life's a strawberry patch with the Roys of Piopio
The Roy family all pitch in getting berries from orchard to Christmas plate over the festive season. They have been growing berries in Piopio for more than three decades, and nearly all are sold from… Audio
RD6: Life along the Whanganui River
Rural postie Tracy Marshall takes visitors along her mail delivery route which winds along the Whanganui River. Audio
How planting exotic trees can enable native trees to grow
"You can come here and see nearly every type of forestry system that can be applied," Blair Jamieson says of Tamata Hauha's demonstration farm near Palmerston North. Audio
The rural posties helping Santa this Christmas
Country Life producer Gianina Schwanecke tagged along with a rural postie making the rounds ahead of Christmas. Audio
Morning Rural News for 17 December 2025
The latest rural news with Gianina Schwanecke. Audio
Canterbury farmers planting special crops to limit nitrate leaching
Some Canterbury dairy farmers are striving to limit nitrate leaching and their cows' environmental footprint by planting special crops and experimenting with new winter grazing systems. Researchers… Audio
