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 23 October 2026
Country Life hops in the cab of a stock truck moving cattle, joins a crew planting a food forest in Canterbury and takes a tour of the country's largest wool scouring factory.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:1:06 - Rural News Wrap8:15 - Fleece flies again at Napier's WoolWorks16:10 - Future-focussed food forests32:04 - Ri
Ride along: Ninety years helping drive Hawke's Bay's economy
Gianina takes a drive through remote parts of Hawke's Bay with Stephenson Transport, a multi-generation family run business still going strong.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:John Robson, Bruce Stephenson, Todd Stephenson, and Kim McRaeMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes
Future-focussed food forests
A supermarket in forest form - Anisha joins researchers at Lincoln University to see how fruits, veggies and medicinal plants can coexist in a food forest.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Chrystal O'Connor, Jorie Knook, Hiraina Tangiora, and Harry BaitzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Fleeces fly again at Napier's WoolWorks
After devastating cyclone damage, WoolWorks' Napier plant is humming again, transforming fleece from hill country shearing sheds into the clean, dry, pressed, product ready for carpet makers and other manufacturers. Country Life takes a tour.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Rosstan Mazey and Tony CunninghamGo to this episode o
Rural News Wrap for 23 October 2026
A wrap of news from RNZ's rural newsdesk.
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 16 October 2026
Country Life checks in with the Electoral Commission about rural voting enrolments and turnout, gets stuck into a spring tidy of Gianina's garden, and visits pubs around the lower South Island to learn what makes a publican.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:58 - Rural News Wrap6:38 - The state of the rural vote14:23 - Garde
What it takes to run a country pub
How are pubs across the central South Island faring in 2026 - and what do their futures look like?You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Keith Fenwick, Donna Hall, Jim McDougall, Pravesh and Monika KumarMake 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
Garden Diaries: Spring has sprung
The warmer weather means it's time to turn my attention back to the garden, bringing in the crops ready for harvest and preparing my seedlings for the coming season too.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can find our first diary entry and details of the garden set up, here.With thanks to:Hannah ZwartzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for mor
The state of the rural vote
Electoral Commision chief executive Karl Le Quesne chats about rural voters, and how they can turn out to the polls in October.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Karl Le QuesneGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Rural News Wrap for 16 October 2026
A wrap of news from RNZ's rural newsdesk.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 9 October 2026
Country Life meets a New Zealander looking after rescue bears in rural Germany and visits an orchid farm in Taranaki.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:58 - Rural News Wrap8:25 - The Kiwi among bears in Bavaria16:32 - From the Archives: Striding out on Te Aratipi Station35:25 - An Eye for an OrchidWith thanks to:John PickardRo
An eye for an orchid
Eric Lander has grown cymbidium orchids for nearly half a century. His blooms can be found in vases from Dubai to New York, carefully bred and nurtured from large greenhouses on an old sheep and dairy farm in the lee of Mt Taranaki.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Eric Lander, Wendy Holt, and Chris GarrettMake sure you’re foll
From the Archives: Striding out on Te Aratipi Station
Set on the coast of Hawke's Bay, Te Aratipi Station offers walkers on the farm views across the bay, from the Māhia Peninsula right around to Mt Ruapehu on a clear day.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.For the original story, look here.You can find more about Te Aratipi Station, and their new venture The Bush Table, here.With thanks to:Ro, Ed
The Kiwi among bears in Bavaria
John Pickard chats to Country Life from the German countryside where the New Zealander has an unusual job helping rescued bears learn to hibernate and regain some of their freedom.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:John PickardGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Rural News Wrap for 9 October 2026
A wrap of news from RNZ's rural newsdesk.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 2 October 2026
This week Country Life gets some tips for the coming season from drought-hardened farmers, meets a flower grower turning blooms into bouquets and balms and heads to the Clash of the Colleges where students compete in ag events.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:1:09 - Rural News Wrap9:33 - The Potion Room: 'Therapeutic flow
Lessons from the dry years as El Niño gathers force
As farmers prepare for the impacts of the intense El Niño weather pattern, drought veterans, younger farmers and rural support specialists compare plans, share hard-earned lessons and discuss when to act before dry conditions arrive. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Willie Falloon, Hannah French, John Booth, and Robert HicksonP
A clash-course in agriculture
Motorbikes, fencing and gumboot throwing - the Canterbury Clash of the Colleges has it all.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Daniel O'Regan, Tess Bamford, Maddi Ballinger, Evan McSherry, and Chris AdamsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Potion Room: 'Therapeutic flowers'
A Nūhaka teacher turns flowers and plants grown in her garden into budget bouquets, balms and healing treatments in her at home Potion Room.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Kelly Doyle, The Potion RoomGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Rural News Wrap for 2 October 2026
A wrap of news from RNZ's rural newsdesk.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 25 September 2026
This week Country Life is at a rural school in Wairarapa celebrating its sesquicentennial and visits a Taranaki piggery to hear how one farming family is adapting to major changes in New Zealand's pork industry.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:47 - On the Farm7:58 - Good greens, small sprouts14:33 - Room to oink28:40 - 150 y
150 years of Tinui School
While pastoral farming saw the settlement of Tinui established over 150 years ago, things have changed as farmland's been converted to forestry and the school's roll has decreased. Earlier this month past pupils gathered to reflect on the school's sesquicentennial and its future.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.Learn more about Tinui School
Taranaki pig farmer goes whole hog to stay ahead
A Taranaki pig farmer is spending $2 million creating more space for pigs as welfare expectations change. Country Life visits Stanley Bros near Ōpunake to see what's involved.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Karl StanleyGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Good greens, small sprouts
Southern Alps Sprouts owner Karen McGrath shares her business' journey.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Karen McGrath, Southern Alps SproutsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
On the Farm for 25 September 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 18 September 2026
Country Life looks back over the Ron Vine Collection of farming photos from the 1930s and 40s, gains insights into a King Country Māori-owned farm, and learns about on-farm biodiversity efforts in Banks Peninsula.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:59 - Rural News Wrap7:29 - The farm photographer who captured a changing New Ze
25 years of farmland conservation
Anisha joins the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust for a day to learn about on-farm native restoration.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Maree Burnett, Tim Coop, James Wright, Josh Foster, Sarah Anderson and Ian LuxfordMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday eveni
'Looking for an edge': Data driven decisions on a Māori owned farm
At Pukepoto it's about using data to 'grow more grass, make more money' and set the farm up for future generations.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Weo Maag, Aloma Shearer, Terry Head, and Darren McNae,Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The farm photographer who captured a changing New Zealand
A collection of more than 1,400 photographs taken by pioneering agricultural journalist Ron Vine between 1934 and 1947 has been recognised for its unique record of New Zealand farming, land development and Māori communities during a period of profound change.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Malcom DuffyWalsh Memorial Library a
Rural News Wrap for 18 September 2026
A wrap of news from RNZ's rural newsdesk.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 11 September 2026
This week Country Life is in Ōtaki finding out about the town's plans to become carbon neutral, and looks at the art of making tallow and the different qualities of raw milk.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:48 - Turing tallow into skincare8:43 - Rural News Wrap15:55 - A 24/7 milk machine: The Good Cow28:38 - The small town g
The small town growing a forest
Can a small town plant its way towards carbon neutrality? In Ōtaki, landowners, school children, volunteers and community groups are creating a ring of native forest around the town.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can find more about the Ōtaki Carbon Forest Project, here.With thanks to:Di Buchan, Cam Butler, Drew Mackenzie, Rhian Salmo
A 24/7 milk machine: The Good Cow
Anisha visits The Good Cow's milk vending station in North Canterbury.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Tammy Acton-AdamsInterested in vending machine milk? Listen to Sally’s story on a stall near Wellington, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Rural News Wrap for 11 September 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
Turning tallow into skincare
Zoë Vaughan shares how Earth Glow converts butchery waste into balms and creams.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Zoë VaughanGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 4 September 2026
This week Country Life is food foraging around Christchurch, picking flowers for a floral fundraiser and finding out what it takes to become a top young winegrower.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:54 - Rural News Wrap7:40 - Green fingers, golden flowers14:13 - Tomorrow's vineyard leaders put to the test27:36 - From red
From red zone to restaurant
Chef Adam Harrison forages produce around Christchurch for his Michelin-starred kitchen.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Adam Harrison and Shannon DwyerMake 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
Tomorrow's vineyard leaders put to the test
New Zealand's top young viticulturists put their technical knowledge, practical skills and leadership abilities to the test in the Young Viticulturist of the Year competition.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Sam BainNicky GrandorgeKris GodsallCyril ButlerPaul FairweatherJames KennyAlex CoombsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for
Green fingers, golden flowers
"Every corner of this farm she's touched something, planted something," says Pattie O'Boyle of the legacy left behind by Marangai's first farming family.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:The O’Boyle family, MarangaiGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Rural News Wrap for 4 September 2026
A wrap of news from RNZ's rural news desk
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 28 August 2026
This week Country Life is on a high tech beef farm and visits a training centre teaching how to handle rural health emergencies.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:57 - The Bird Nurse7:27 - On the Farm14:15 - Farming 101: Triple Trouble?29:05 - Training the future of rural emergency care31:57 - Techno grazing on an intergenerat
Techno grazing on an intergenerational family farm in Taranaki
Introducing virtual fencing and other technology has helped the Hardwick-Smith family double the profitability of some parts of their sheep and beef hill country farm.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:George, Julia and Sue Hardwick-SmithMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes
Farming 101 - Triple Trouble?
With lambing well underway, sheep grazier Peter Crook shares some down-to-earth advice on how to deal with triplet lambs.
With thanks to:Peter CrookGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Training the future of rural emergency care
The Rural Health Academic Centre, Ashburton, teaches young doctors and nurses how to handle rural emergencies.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Chris Hill, William Wu, Eleanor Dunn, and Paradise LesateleGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
The Bird Nurse
Injured feathered patients find a safe and restful spot to recuperate in Averil Osborne's ward.
With thanks to:Averil OsborneGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
On the Farm for 28 August 2026
A wrap of conditions on farms and orchards around New ZealandGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 21 August 2026
This week Country Life is on farms looking for meteorites, and newborn calves, visits a herd home for cows and takes you into the world of a station cook preparing "smoko". You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:56 - Rural News Wrap7:45 - What’s for Smoko?14:38 - From the Archives: It's calving time26:57 - Herd home: How a Ta
Great ball of fire, tiny rocks and a very big paddock
Searching for a bit of space debris in a farm paddock is like looking for a needle in a haystack, except you're not quite sure where the haystack is. Country Life joins in the hunt for fragments of the fireball which shot over the lower North Island in late July.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Steve Wyn-Harris, John Murray, C
Herd home: How a Taranaki dairy farm lifted its milk solids by 30,000 kilograms
Spending an extra half a million dollars building a herd home for his cows means Paul Kuriger can milk for an extra month while helping protect the many waterways on his farm, Crystal Rivers.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Paul Kuriger, Crystal RiversGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
From the Archives: It's calving time
Back in 2021 producer Sally Round got up before the birds to meet Carterton dairy farmer Jodie James and his team to find out what happens over calving.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
What's for Smoko with Philippa Cameron
Our Changing World's Claire Concannon talks to station cook Philippa Cameron.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Philippa CameronClaire ConcannonTune in to Our Changing World to find out what Claire was in Duntroon for.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Rural News Wrap for 21 August 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 14 August 2026
Country Life visits a centre helping injured birds of prey return to the wild and an insect farm breeding beneficial bugs.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:1:01 - Rural news wrap8:29- Instagram-able rural scene causing headache for locals13:49 - A force to be reckoned with28:17 - Raptor rescues in TimaruWith thanks to:Amanda J
Raptor rescues in Timaru
The NZ Raptor Trust has spent the last decade helping birds of prey recover from road accidents and return to the wild.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Ron Lindsay, Jenni Fraser and Angie Tidy, New Zealand Raptor TrustMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evenin
A force to be reckoned with
Bioforce grows beneficial insects, sending them around the country to gardeners and orchardists, providing a fighting force to beat back pests in tunnel houses and greenhouses, the natural way.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Chris and John Thompson, BioforceGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Instagram-able rural scene causing headache for locals
Dairy farmer Amanda Jordan lives in view of one of Aotearoa's most beautiful sights, but she says visitors are playing with lives snapping photos of Mt Taranaki on the winding rural road where she lives.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Amanda JordanGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Rural News Wrap for 14 August 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 7 August 2026
This week Country Life delves into the world of rare breeds, meets a farmer foraging seed for her native trees and heads to an olive grove on the Kapiti Coast.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:1:00 - Rural news wrap7:29 - Rare breeds at Avonstour Heritage Farm14:07 - The farmer with the seed fridge28:59 - From hill Country to
From hill country to olive country
After decades farming sheep and beef on rugged hill country, Diana and Grant Crosse made an unlikely career change, swapping livestock for olive trees near Ōtaki on the Kāpiti Coast. The transition has brought new challenges, new skills and a whole new lifestyle, but much of their farming know-how still applies.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, h
The farmer with the seed fridge
Farmer Sandra Campbell shows us the native trees she's grown from foraged seed, and how they're making her farm a "nicer place to be."
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Sandra CampbellYou can follow Sandra's planting adventures on Instagram @ourwatercarejourneyMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so
Rare breeds at Avonstour Heritage Farm
John Earney finds the value in rare, sometimes almost forgotten breeds of animal. The president of the Rare Breeds Conservation Society of New Zealand says that's the key to ensuring their survival - be they farm animals or native species.
With thanks to:John EarneyMake sure you’re following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don’t miss new episodes every Friday evening.Send us your feedback
Rural News Wrap for 7 August 2026
A wrap of the week's news from RNZ's rural news team.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 country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
FULL SHOW: Country Life for 31 July 2026
This week Country Life digs into the arable world, meets the maker of the world's "supreme champion cheese" and learns about growing plants hydroponically in Horowhenua.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:58 - On the Farm8:18 - The state of the arable industry - and it's future15:04 - A world champion from a little town ca
Hydroponics in Horowhenua: Growing with water
Husband and wife duo Tony and Lisa Dale-Low traded corporate life in the city for growing fresh herbs and salad greens.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Tony and Lisa Dale-Low, Waikawa FreshMake 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 ge
A world champion from a little town called Eltham
In the heart of Taranaki dairy country, a large silver trophy has arrived from Europe.
The team at Lactalis' Bridge Street plant in Eltham are the proud makers of a cheese judged Supreme Champion at the 2026 International Cheese and Dairy Awards in June. Sally Round went to meet master cheesemaker Cathy Lang.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, her
The state of the arable industry - and it's future
Scott Champion shares how the Foundation for Arable Research is working to rebuild confidence and stability in the cropping sector.With thanks to:Scott Champion, Foundation for Arable ResearchGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
On the Farm for 31 July 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 July 2026
This week Country life talks to an American poultry farmer about her bird flu experience, visits a llama farmer and meets a family who've been farming celery for more than a century.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:59 - Rural news wrap5:45- What New Zealand can learn from a farmer who lived through H5N117:43 - Addicted to ya
Celery, butterflies and Travis the goat
For 120 years, the Franklin family has farmed celery through changing markets, wild weather and six generations of family life. Alongside the celery fields, visitors now wander through sunflower patches, butterfly houses and a bustling farmyard where one cheeky goat has become a bit of a celebrity.
You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.You can fin
Addicted to yarn: Llama herd follows love of fibre
It was the 1990s when many farms were looking to diversify. 'Why not llamas?', thought Southland spinner and farmer Janette Buckingham.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Janette Buckingham, Thickthorne LlamasGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
What New Zealand can learn from a farmer who lived through H5N1
What happens when bird flu arrives on your farm? Delaware poultry farmer and educator Georgie Cartanza shares her first hand experience of an H5N1 outbreak, the loss of 148,000 birds, and the biosecurity lessons she believes every farmer should know.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Georgie Cartanza, University of DelawareGo to
Rural News Wrap for 24 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 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
