RNZ: Country Life

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Country Life takes you down country roads to meet ordinary people achieving their dreams. We live in a beautiful country...

RNZ


    • Sep 25, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 19m AVG DURATION
    • 1,615 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from RNZ: Country Life

    FULL SHOW: Country Life for 25 September 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2026 51:10


    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 years of Tinui SchoolWith thanks to:Karen McGrath, Southern Alps SproutsKarl StanleyDuncan Smith, Amanda Aitken, Jenny Balfour, Reverend Steve Thomson, Ian Perry, Phyllis French, and Caryl ForestMake 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

    150 years of Tinui School

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2026 21:48


    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 and its 150th celebrations, here.With thanks to:Duncan Smith, Amanda Aitken, Jenny Balfour, Reverend Steve Thomson, Ian Perry, Phyllis French, and Caryl ForestMake 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

    Taranaki pig farmer goes whole hog to stay ahead

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2026 13:57


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2026 6:35


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2026 7:12


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2026 50:39


    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 Zealand15:56 - 'Looking for an edge': Data driven decisions on a Māori owned farm31:00 - 25 years of farmland conservationWith thanks to:Malcolm DuffyWeo Maag, Aloma Shearer, Terry Head, and Darren McNaeMaree 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 evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    25 years of farmland conservation

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2026 18:48


    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 evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    'Looking for an edge': Data driven decisions on a Māori owned farm

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2026 14:50


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2026 8:24


    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 at the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    Rural News Wrap for 18 September 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2026 6:19


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2026 50:29


    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 growing a forestWith thanks to:Di Buchan, Cam Butler, Drew Mackenzie, Rhian Salmon, Patsy Matheson, and Leigh RamsayMake 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 small town growing a forest

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2026 21:13


    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 Salmon, Patsy Matheson, and Leigh RamsayMake 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

    A 24/7 milk machine: The Good Cow

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2026 12:40


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2026 7:15


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2026 7:51


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2026 48:44


    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 zone to restaurantWith thanks to:The O'Boyle family, MarangaiSam Bain, Nicky Grandorge, Kris Godsall, Cyril Butler, Paul Fairweather, James Kenny, Alex CoombsAdam Harrison, Shannon Dwyer, Tussock Hill RestaurantGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    From red zone to restaurant

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2026 20:23


    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 this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    Tomorrow's vineyard leaders put to the test

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2026 13:04


    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 more details

    Green fingers, golden flowers

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2026 6:24


    "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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2026 6:38


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2026 48:55


    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 intergenerational family farm in TaranakiWith thanks to:Averil OsbornePeter CrookChris Hill, William Wu, Eleanor Dunn, and Paradise LesateleGeorge, Julia and Sue Hardwick-SmithMake 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

    Techno grazing on an intergenerational family farm in Taranaki

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2026 16:17


    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 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

    Farming 101 - Triple Trouble?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2026 2:55


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2026 14:36


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2026 6:39


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2026 6:45


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2026 49:27


    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 Taranaki dairy farm lifted its milk solids by 30,000 kilograms36:58 - Great balls of fire, tiny rocks and a very big paddockWith thanks to:Philippa Cameron, Claire ConcannonPaul Kuriger, Crystal RiversSteve Wyn-Harris, John Murray, Chris GarlandMake 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

    Great ball of fire, tiny rocks and a very big paddock

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2026 11:29


    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, Chris GarlandMake 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

    Herd home: How a Taranaki dairy farm lifted its milk solids by 30,000 kilograms

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2026 10:00


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2026 12:06


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2026 6:53


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2026 6:58


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 48:20


    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 JordanChris and John Thompson, BioforceRon 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 evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    Raptor rescues in Timaru

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 19:05


    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 evening.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    A force to be reckoned with

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 14:14


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 5:20


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 7:22


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 48:23


    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 olive countryWith thanks to:John EarneySandra CampbellDiana and Grant CrosseMake 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

    From hill country to olive country

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 18:24


    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, here.With thanks to:Diana and Grant CrosseMake 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 farmer with the seed fridge

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 14:40


    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 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

    Rare breeds at Avonstour Heritage Farm

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 6:37


    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 or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    Rural News Wrap for 7 August 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 6:24


    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

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