Rural
The Soil Hacker - one farmer's quest to outsmart the weather
Kaipara farmer Stephen Newman is intent on improving soils and pasture in low cost, natural ways. He's now helping others too and hopes these methods will become even more useful as the country… Audio
A wrap from RNZ's rural news desk
A round-up of the week's news from the primary sector. Audio
'Planning key' to getting winter grazing right
Over the winter months many farmers rely on intensively grazing stock on high nutrition crops to make the most of limited feed, however, this can lead to environmental challenges and even animal… Audio
Country Life Friday 8 August 2025
This week Country Life takes a look at efforts to save soil on farms at both ends of the country and takes you to taste some traditional kai in the Bay of Plenty. Audio
Fiery meeting held in North Canterbury over police station closures
Hundreds of north Canterbury locals turned out to a fiery meeting in Culverden on Wednesday night, angry about a proposal to remove the town's two police officers. Anna Sargent reports. Audio
Canterbury firm keeps craft wool processing in New Zealand
The country's last operational woollen dye house and spinning mill has been saved from the scrap heap.
Federated Farmers' comments on police 'not helpful', district commander says
Police are accusing Federated Farmers of scaremongering over a proposed restructure in rural Canterbury. Audio
Are NZ shoppers hungry for genetically-modified foods?
Food Standards Australia New Zealand approved updated definitions for genetically-modified food in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code in June for review, following public consultation. Audio
Canterbury farmers upset over proposal to cut local police services
Farmers in Canterbury are furious about a proposal to cut local police services in favour of 24/7 hubs in Rangiora and Rolleston. North Canterbury Federated Farmers' president Bex Green spoke to Corin… Audio
Organic vegetable farm loses $250,000 worth of crops in floods
Untamed Earth Organic Farm co-owner Penny Platt said their farm at Coes Ford was completely underwater and the deluge caused damage to their other sites.
Country Life: On the Farm
The latest regional wrap of conditions on farms and orchards around New Zealand.
Outsmarting a million dollar pest
Are some grapevines better at defending themselves from pests? Trials are being conducted to find out.
Faith Farm Fresh keeps milk flowing direct to customers
It's a busy time of year for Stacey Faith, calving 300-plus cows, rearing their calves and keeping the Faith Farm's roadside milk dispensing outlet going, providing locals with milk fresh from the… Audio
On the Farm a wrap of conditions around the country
A wrap of conditions on farms and orchards around New Zealand. Audio
One year, one hospital, one community
With rural health care under the spotlight, our guest this week sheds some light on working in a small country hospital. Sophia Zohrab is among 12 med students on Auckland University's rural medicine… Audio
Full Episode for Friday 1 August 2025
This week Country Life takes you to a dairy farm with a difference, supplying milk direct to the customer, and the team checks in at a lab where work is underway to stop a tiny pest munching through… Audio
