RNZ: Country Life

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 lessons from those who work on the land24:53 - A Ticket to a Better Life: Timor-Leste enters New Zealand's RSE programme45:59 - A word from the late Sam NeillWith thanks to:Nigel WoodheadJohn ConnellLoua Ward, José Ramos-Horta, Cherie Drummond, Marcos Dias and family, Pedro Suarez and Anna ThomasThe late Sir Sam Neill - you can find our preview interview with him hereProducer Anna Thomas travelled to Timor-Leste with assistance from the Asia New Zealand FoundationMake 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

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 the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Loua Ward, José Ramos-Horta, Cherie Drummond, Marcos Dias and family, Pedro Suarez, the Asia New Zealand FoundationProducer Anna Thomas travelled to Timor-Leste with assistance from the Asia New Zealand Foundation.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

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

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

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

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

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's methane measurement barn15:08 - Wool for sale - inside a Kells Wool auction27:22 - Stars on the farm46:10 - Garden diaries: Beneath the starsWith thanks to:Diane Karaitiana Bryant, PāmuRichard Kells, Holly Tarrant, Jess Williams, Ken Tunnicliff, Kim Asquith and Alexa CookSam Blair and Steve BergeMake 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

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

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? 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 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 Tunnicliff, Kim Alquist and Alexa CookGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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

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

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 locusts25.:3 - Braden Crosby of the Bragato Institute32:12 - Drilling down into dronesWith thanks to:Becks SmithMalcolm DiackBraden CrosbyRowland SommerMake 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

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 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

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 explains. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Braden CrosbyTo find the mothballing decision-making tool, go to bri.co.nzMake 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 eats locusts at a food-grade insect farm in Dunedin. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 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.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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 Canterbury is home to the rare and “chunky" mudfish. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:55 - On the Farm8:09- On-farm planting creates mudfish haven14:46 - A bullish market at the East Coast bull sales28:18 - Brewing up a taste for New Zealand-grown coffeeWith thanks to:Bill DeansPaul Hickman, Phil Shea, Dave Martin, Sarah Hussey, Neville Clark, and Dean McHardy of Tangihau AngusMarie-Elodie Proust, Haobo Tong, and Rob Schluter of Ikarus CoffeeMake 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

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 to:Rob Schluter, Marie-Elodie Proust, and Haobo TongMake 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

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 Shea, Dave Martin, Sarah Hussey, Neville Clark, and Dean McHardyAll 56 bulls paraded through the pen sold, for an average price of *$24,550 each. Tangihau's top bull sold for $100,000.*Corrected priceGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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

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

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