Rural
Wanaka's health struggles raised at fiery public meeting
Wanaka's health woes have taken centre stage today at a fiery public meeting with government ministers. At the third stop on a rural roadshow, Matt Doocey, Mark Patterson and health chiefs were… Audio
Risk of contamination in rural school water extremely high
In a report, the Water Services Authority says the schools and ministry need to do more.
Midday Report Essentials for Monday 30th June 2025
In today's episode, Farmers in Tasman and Nelson are getting on with repairs while they wait to see if more bad weather comes to frutition, 17 homes in Nelson and Tasman are currently uninhabitable… Audio
South Island farmers badly affected by the storm
Farmers in Nelson and Tasman are reeling from a major weather event that's left some farms totally devastated. Ingrid Hipkiss spoke to Federated Farmers president Kerry Irvine. Audio
Invest in nature, no gumboots required
Country Life: What are biodiversity credits and how can they work for NZ?
Roebuck Farm Where the garden beds are rich 'like chocolate cak
Over the past 20 years, Jodi Roebuck and his wife Tanya have turned a bare paddock into a thriving market garden with an emphasis on microgreens, teachers others from around the world how to do the… Audio
Bokashi by the Tonne Farmers turns waste into natural fertilise
The Japanese anaerobic composting system, which ferments organic matter, is helping to maintain healthy soils on a sheep and dairy grazing farm in North Canterbury. Audio
Dollars for nature - a look at biodiversity credits
News that government this month said is looking to support a market system to help fund the huge cost of restoring nature could be music to the ears of farmers and iwi wanting to do their bit for… Audio
Full Episode for Friday 27 June 2025
This week Country Life dives underground to take a closer look at soils, from Canterbury farmers using the Japanese Bokashi system to a market gardener making garden beds as rich as chocolate cake in… Audio
Bokashi by the tonne - chocolate brown and teeming with worms
Two North Canterbury farmers have been bitten by the bokashi bug. As well as being a soil superfood, it's also cost effective.
Pygmy goats: Big business in a tiny package
New Zealand's first, and smallest, pygmy goats are in high demand - and big prices are being paid.
Advocates renew calls to end colony-cage egg farms
After the ban of conventional cages, producers had the option to move to colony cages, barns and free-range systems.
Weather warnings in place for parts of the South Island
Most of the South Island is in the firing line for wild weather with warnings and watches across Te Waiponamu. MetService forecaster Mmathapelo Makgabutlane spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Could spiders help manage pests on New Zealand's farms?
It's been estimated that spiders consume up to 800 million tons of (mostly) bugs globally per year.
Midday Rural News for 23 June 2025
New Zealand fruit growers are getting together to tackle future challenges. Audio
Family linked to rugby royalty gives homestead new lease on life
The home at Kiwitea, near Feilding, now lends itself to agritourism due to its quiet and accessible location.
