RNZ: Country Life

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, here.In this episode:0:00 - Wonderful wool: Nuffield scholar see's bright future for natural fibre0:00 - Rural News Wrap0:00 - Closing the loop: wool to yarn without leaving the farm0:00 - A country music pilgrimageWith thanks to:Lisa Portas, Nuffield ScholarMel Kiernan and Patrizia VienoAnnabel Roy, Jaydin Shingleton, The Rusty Pickups, Sandra Campbell, and Laura KootMake 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

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

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.co.nz for more details

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

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 details

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 their communities28:12 - From the Archives: City to Farm - how leftovers are giving back to the landWith thanks to:Anthony ClydeGuillermo and Christina Tolentino, Kristine Asuncion, Aline Ciron, Vincent Travasas and Edwin PatulinBetsy Kettle, Phil Grainger, Jenny Grainger, Nick Wotton, Dylan Hatt, and Jill ClarkMake 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

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 Grainger, Nick Wotton, Dylan Hatt, and Jill ClarkMake 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 info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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

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

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

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 Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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

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

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 info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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

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 Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 about RNZ Podcasts? Join the RNZ Podcasts Discussion Facebook group where we share behind the scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 StreylMake 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 info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 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 info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 scenes info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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: Walking a mile in a farrier's shoes38:36 - A little bit country, a little bit Middle EarthWith thanks to:Louise Brough, Massey UniversityBruce Barton, Barton Blacksmith ServicesWilliam Kircher and Nicole Chesterman-KircherMake 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

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 Nicole Chesterman KircherMake 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 info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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

A round-up of the week's rural news.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 Fernglen FarmFrans Steenkamp of the now closed Brooklyn CreameryDr Gert-Jan Moggré, the man behind Plant and Food's Barley Dairy ProjectGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:42 - Rural News Wrap7:37 - Farming takes a village15:49 - Northland's storms test award-winning farm 30:16 - Spawning day on a salmon farmGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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

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 this episode on our webpage, here, and the Ahuwhenua Trophy here.With thanks to:Wess WetereMatthew PayneKirean WetereAhuwhenua TrophyGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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

A wrap of news from RNZ's rural news deskGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 generationWith thanks to:Blair CoatesWill Wright, Mark and Jenny McDonald, Campbell Sommerville and Sonja VreugdenhilAllen and Sophie Juno, Ray Scrimgeour and Melissa Jessen, Stu Fraser and Grant Wilson, Beau Mulgrew and Benji Allen, Hiki Nathan and Robert-John MuraahiMake 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

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 Allen Juno, here.With thanks to:Allen and Sophie Juno, Ray Scrimgeour and Melissa Jessen, Stu Fraser and Grant Wilson, Beau Mulgrew and Benji Allen, Hiki Nathan and Robert-John MuraahiMake 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 info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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

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. With thanks to:Blair CoatesGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A round-up of the week's rural news.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 Levet, Justin Connor, Katie Rosati, Jane Riddiford and Mika ZollnerMake 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

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 read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Sheldon Levet, Justin Connor, Katie Rosati, Jane Riddiford and Mika ZollnerMake 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 info about our series, and invite you to share feedback, recommendations and ask us questions.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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

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

A wrap of conditions on farms and orchards around the country. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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: Halcombe honours its Home Guard29:17 - Fencing in the classroomWith thanks to:Oliver GarlandAlex ShortWayne ShortSarah Foley-SmithDan DouglassStruan MooreStudents of Geraldine High SchoolMake 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

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