Country Life
The Country Life team takes you all over New Zealand to hear the extraordinary stories of everyday rural life. From farming to community events, the podcast explores the unique challenges and joys of living in the countryside. Each episode features interviews with locals and insights into the agricultural heart of the nation.
Episodes
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 17 July 2026
This week on Country life, the team chat to Irish farmer and author John Connell and heads to East Timor to see how money earnt in New Zealand orchards is benefiting those back home.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:54 - Rural news wrap5:27 - Yarn on a farm: Sheep, beef and trees in South Otago12:32 - John Connell: Life lesso
A Ticket to a Better Life: Timor-Leste enters New Zealand's RSE programme
Thousands of Timorese have applied to join New Zealand's seasonal worker scheme, which opened to Timor Leste for the first time in 2026. Seven months of orchard work could earn them up to $40,000, considered a fortune in one of the world's poorest countries. Anna Thomas travelled to Timor Leste to meet some of the families benefiting from their remittances.
You can find photos and read more about
John Connell: Life lessons from those who work on the land
Irish writer and farmer John Connell latest book is The Wisdom of Farmers. He shares some of the pearls of wisdom he has learnt from a decade of farming with Country Life.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:John ConnellMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.
Yarn on the Farm: Sheep, beef and trees in South Otago
Anisha Satya speaks with farmer Nigel Woodhead about his "mosaic" farming system.With thanks to:Nigel WoodheadMake 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 country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Rural News Wrap for 17 July 2026
A wrap of news from RNZ's rural news deskGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
From the Archives: Sam Neill - finding balance among the vines
The late Sir Sam Neill told Country Life he was excited by the "farming" side of wine, that and the beautiful Otago landscape where his Two Paddocks vineyard is set. We paid the actor and vintner a visit back in the spring of 2022.You can find photos and read more about our visit our webpage, here.With thanks to:The late Sir Sam NeillGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 10 July 2026
This week Country Life takes you stargazing at a farm near Lake Tekapo, goes behind the scenes of a wool auction in Napier and is with some belching cows being measured for methane emissions at a giant barn in Waikato. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:54 - Rural News Wrap8:50 - Inside the 'animal Hilton': Pamu'
Garden diaries: Beneath the stars
Gianina gives an update on her suburban vege garden. She's preparing to plant garlic as the stars align around Matariki.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can see photos and hear more about the garden set up from our previous episode, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Stars on the farm
Anisha learns about Matariki, lightyears, and farm diversification on a starry night in Lake Tekapo.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Sam Blair and Steve BergeMake 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? J
Wool for sale - inside a Kells Wool auction
Country Life steps ringside for the "verbal boxing match" of a wool auction in Napier. Richard Kells of Kells Wool traces his experience of the wool industry from the era of skinny sheep in the 1980s to the reviving industry of present day.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Richard Kells, Holly Tarrant, Jess Williams, Ken Tunnicl
Inside the 'Animal Hilton': Pamu's methane measurement barn
A giant barn in Waikato features 10 feeder bins for cows to graze from freely allowing their burps to be measured for methane emissions.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Diane Karaitiana Bryant, PāmuGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Rural News Wrap for 10 July 2026
A wrap of the week's news from RNZ's rural news team.
You can find more from RNZ's rural news team, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 3 July 2026
Sally Round chats to Otago farmer Becks Smith about her ventures, and Braden Crosby of the Bragato Institute. Anisha Satya eats deep-friend locusts, and Mark Leishman checks out the drones fighting wilding pines in South Canterbury.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:48 - Rural news wrap6:06 - Becks Smith13:34 - Lunching on
Drilling down into drones on farm
Mark Leishman heads to a South Canterbury farm to join a drone pilot extinguishing weeds and finds out about the potential of the technology on farm.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Rowland SommerSPS AutomationMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Want t
Should you mothball your vineyard - and how do you do it?
French grape growers are being paid to pull out vines in order to rebalance supply and demand, while those in Australia have taken out millions and turned to other crops. In New Zealand, with our Sauvignon Blanc still in demand, growers are being offered a tool to help them decide whether to mothball vines until the market improves. Braden Crosby of the Marlborough-based Bragato Research Institute
Lunching on locusts
Anisha eats locusts at a food-grade insect farm in Dunedin.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Becks Smith - farmer, solar entrepreneur and podcaster
Otago farmer, vet and entrepreneur Becks Smith has many jobs. You might find her on a roof installing solar panels, scanning ewes in the yard or sitting in front of a microphone for her podcast about sustainability in farming. She is Country Life's guest this week.
With thanks to:Becks SmithMake sure you’re following Country Life on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every
Rural News Wrap for 3 July 2026
A wrap of the week's news from RNZ's rural news team.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 26 June 2026
Gianina Schwanecke is talking bulls at a bull sale on the East Coast. Tangihau Angus stud is famous for setting the nation’s top prices. Can it do it again this year? Sally Round is at a coffee tree orchard in the Far North whose trailblazing owner Rob Schluter is on a new path to focus on the mystique of coffee and Anisha Satya sits down for a yarn on the farm with Bill Deans whose family farm in
Brewing up a taste for New Zealand grown coffee
Ikarus coffee has been a trailblazer growing coffee in NZ. Fourteen years after the first successful seedlings went in, Rob Schluter has doubled the number of coffee trees on his steep farm above Doubtless Bay, and there's a new venture brewing to bring the magic of coffee to life from farm to cup.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks
A bullish market at the East Coast bull sales
For the past two years Tangihau Angus had set the top price for the breed and all bulls - breaking two national records. Gianina Schwanecke returned to see how they'd fare this year.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can catch our previous story on Tangihau Angus, here.Or learn more from them directly, here.With thanks to:Paul Hickman, Phil
On-farm planting creates mudfish haven
Bill Deans shares how planting waterways on his family's farm have provided a home for New Zealand's second-rarest native fish.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Bill DeansGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
On the Farm for 26 June 2026
A wrap of conditions on farms and orchards around the country for the month of JuneGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 19 June 2026
Country Life heads to Gore for the Tussock Country Music festival, visits a woollen mill in the heart of a remote hill country station whose farmer has fulfilled her dream of creating a hub for wool, and Nuffield scholar Lisa Portas chats about the potential for New Zealand farmers to increase the value of the fibre.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage
A country music pilgrimage
Anisha visits Gore for a slice of the Tussock Country Music Festival - boots, utes, mullets and all!You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Annabel Roy, Jaydin Shingleton, The Rusty Pickups, Sandra Campbell, and Laura KootGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Closing the loop: wool to yarn without leaving the farm
Taking the wool off the sheep's back and turning it into yarn within a few paces of the shearing shed has been a dream come true for a North Island sheep farmer. Patrizia Vieno has built a mini mill on her hill country station near Tinui.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Mel Kiernan and Patrizia VienoGo to this episode on rnz.c
Rural News Wrap for 19 June 2026
A wrap of the week's news from RNZ's rural news team.
You can find more from RNZ's rural news team, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Wonderful Wool: Nuffield scholar see's bright future for natural fibre
Wairarapa-based Nuffield Scholar Lisa Portas recently wrapped up her research looking into why New Zealand's strong-wool sector struggles to capture value despite producing a sustainable fibre.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can find her Nuffield Scholar report, here.With thanks to:Lisa PortasGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more deta
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 12 June 2026
This week Country Life heads to a basketball game to celebrate rural migrants, checks out the new tech at Fieldays and follows the journey of urban food scraps to a banana farm.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:00 - Rural News Wrap8:41 - Galvbike: E-bike makers riding agritech wave at Fieldays16:43 - Migrants give back to th
From the Archives: City to Farm
Food scraps from retirement villages and schools are heping to nourish a banana orchard and other farms via the City to Farm project, which aims to keep organic waste out of landfill and help curb climate change. This story was first broadcast in July 2025.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Betsy Kettle, Phil Grainger, Jenny Gra
Migrants give back to their communities
Anisha learns how the rural Filipino migrant community has grown in the last 20 years - and watches some basketball.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Guillermo and Christina Tolentino, Kristine Asuncion, Aline Ciron, Vincent Travasas and Edwin PatulinGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Galvbike: E-bike makers riding agritech wave at Fieldays
Anthony Clyde, considered the godfather of e-bikes in New Zealand, has created a new electric farmbike that's proving a hit at Fieldays, the Galvbike.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about Galvbike, here.With thanks to:Anthony Clyde Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Rural News Wrap for 12 June 2026
A wrap of the week's news from RNZ's rural news team.
You can find more from RNZ's rural news team, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Country Life's Garden Diaries: From lawn to leafy greens
Follow along over the next few months as Gianina Schwanecke turns her backyard into a food garden in the name of resiliency.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Hannah ZwartzMake 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
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 5 June 2026
Country Life digs into the art of growing your own food and dips into the archives to to visit one of the country's longest running alternative communities.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
From the Archives: A visit to Rainbow Valley
Rainbow Valley in Golden Bay is one of New Zealand's longest running alternative communities. Country Life paid the community a visit last year as it turned 50 years old.
You can find photos and read more about this story here.With thanks to:The Rainbow Valley communityGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
From the Philippines to Southland
Guillermo and Christina Tolentino share the joys and challenges of migrating to rural New Zealand.With thanks to:Guillermo TolentinoChristina TolentinoMake 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
Rural News Wrap for 5 June 2026
A wrap of the week's news from RNZ's rural news team.You can find more from RNZ's rural news team, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 29 May 2026
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 Dis
Oysters every way
Anisha heads to Bluff to understand the state of the wild oyster fishery.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.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 abo
Teaching trust to the Kaimanawas
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 Streyl
Northland pests no match for backyard trap-maker
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
On the Farm for 29 May 2026
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 sce
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 22 May 2026
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: Walki
A little bit country, a little bit Middle Earth
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 Nicol
Hoofin' it in Central Otago: Walking a mile in a farrier's shoes
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
Rural News Wrap for 22 May 2026
A round-up of the week's rural news.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Milking it: Which milk is best?
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
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 15 May 2026
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
Spawning day on a salmon farm
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
Northland's storms test award-winning farm with "million-dollar" herd
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 thi
Farming takes a village
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
Rural News Wrap for 15 May 2026
A wrap of news from RNZ's rural news deskGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 8 May 2026
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 generati
Hunting out the next generation of hunters at the Pureora Hunting Competition
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 Alle
On-farm conservation
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
Skinny-dipping inspires back-to-nature rural venture
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
Rural News Wrap for 8 May 2026
A round-up of the week's rural news.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 1 May 2026
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
Pumpkins, potatoes and a plot of land: Welcome to the Carb Club
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 re
We hunt at dawn
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
Country music talks with Molly Harrison
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
On the Farm for 1 May 2026
A wrap of conditions on farms and orchards around the country.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 24 April 2026
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: H
Fencing in the classroom
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
From Farm to Front Line: Halcombe honours its Home Guard
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 arc
Roar ready: Busy season underway for taxidermists and wild game butchers
"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
Rural News Wrap for 24 April 2026
A round-up of the week's rural news.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 17 April 2026
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 - Wonde
Here be dragons, under cover in Northland
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
Arable farmers chase greener pastures
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 favour
Wonder Worm
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
Rural News Wrap for 17 April 2026
A wrap of news from RNZ's rural news deskGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 10 April 2026
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 co
Crunchy, crispy cranberries
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 Po
Mustering the trusty ute at Methven A&P Show
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's 'pinch me' moment
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
Rural News Wrap for 10 April 2026
A round-up of the week's rural news.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 3 April 2026
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
Poultry 'pioneers': Three generations of Bennik's behind an egg empire
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
