Podcasts about north canterbury

This man is usually known as a North Canterbury livestock agent for PGG Wrightson; however, today Jamie wants to speak to him in his capacity as the president of the Boar Breeders Association.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister of Finance is standing in a North Canterbury cow paddock where Kiwi ag-tech company, Āmua, has secured $1.2million from AgriZeroNZ to accelerate development of its cow wearable technology. The Canterbury start-up, based on a hill country farm near Waiau, is developing a smart device that enables the rich nitrogen in cow urine to be spread evenly as fertiliser - potentially solving freshwater nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions at their source.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Canterbury dairy farmer updates on the horrific damage in the Culverden district from the recent wind event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with champion axeman Jack Jordan about winning the coveted individual Timbersports world championship title in Milan for the first time, achieving a personal best in the Hot Saw section of the event following last year's hiccup which ultimately cost him the title and getting back to life on the farm in the King Country... He talks with NZ Young Farmers CEO Cheyne Gillooly about its new 'Gift a Membership' initiative, the growing popularity of Young Farmers clubs around the country and what led him to take up the CEO role... And he talks with Meg McFarlane, Chair of the Hurunui Garden Festival committee, about the frantic clean up efforts of the North Canterbury garden owners to get their properties back in shape after last week's storm, what the festival means to both the local community and visitors and the other events run in conjunction with the festival. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Dom talks with Meg McFarlane, Chair of the Hurunui Garden Festival committee, about the frantic clean up efforts of the North Canterbury garden owners to get their properties back in shape after last week's storm, what the festival means to both the local community and visitors and the other events run in conjunction with the festival. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Meanwhile, a state of local emergency remains in place for Canterbury, which was lashed by gales yesterday. Thousands remain without power and key highways remain closed, as people begin to clean up ahead of more bad weather forecast for Labour Day. Keiller MacDuff reports from North Canterbury.

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson about the devastating storms that hit the country this week, the calls for a review of the warnings issued ahead of the recent weather event in the Waitomo District and his take on the Alliance shareholders vote to sell 65% of the co-op to Dawn Meats, as well as the impending vote by Fonterra shareholders to sell the co-op's consumer products business to Lactalis... He talks with Hamish Murray from Rotoiti Farm in North Canterbury about being named the 2025 Lumina Lamb Breeder of the Year, how he achieves consistency and some of the challenges he's faced along the way... And he talks with Dan Lewis and Belinda Coco, managers of the Makikihi Hotel, about winning the Rural Guardian 2025 South Island Country Pub of the Year, why it's such a popular venue and the role it plays in the community. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Dom talks with Hamish Murray from Rotoiti Farm in North Canterbury about being named the 2025 Lumina Lamb Breeder of the Year, how he achieves consistency and some of the challenges he's faced along the way. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

RNZ's South Island correspondent Anna Sargent is North-Canterbury-bound and talks to Kathryn about the weather situation that's unravelling there.

One girl became so sick she needed a blood transfusion after drinking contaminated water during a school trip to a popular North Canterbury campground. An outbreak of gastroenteritis caused by the water supply at Hanmer Springs Forest Camp sent six people to hospital, while at least 10 others fell ill. The camp's a popular destination for school trips and there's anger nothing was done to halt visits when the risks of sickness became apparent. Keiller MacDuff reports.

David discusses the decision by police to cancel controversial restructuring in Canterbury , progress in local election voting and Environment Canterbury's Ngai Tahu councillors reflect on their first term. David Hill is a Local Democracy Reporter with North Canterbury News, based in Rangiora

For today’s Mental Health Awareness Week interview, we catch up with Federated Farmers’ North Canterbury president to learn more about how a major injury affected her wellbeing and her marriage. She shares how she fought her way back to physical and mental wellness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man dubbed the Bush Janitor hopes his caretaking efforts will result in kiwi being reintroduced to a North Canterbury sheep and beef farm in the next decade. It might sound ambitious, even outlandish, but he's got the backing of the farm's fourth generation cockie. Our reporter, Timothy Brown, spent the day at Island Hills Station and filed this report.

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Associate Professor Tim Curran from Lincoln University about his research into how plants respond to extreme disturbance events such as fire, drought, frost and cyclones, his recent focus on identifying low flammability species to plant as green firebreaks and how using a 'plant BBQ' is helping facilitate the research... He talks with Callum Eastwood, DairyNZ Senior Scientist and organiser of the International Precision Dairy Conference in Christchurch (Dec 3-5), about the conference being held in NZ for the first time, the purpose of it and what attendees can expect... And he talks with North Canterbury farmer Jim Sidey about using hemp-based products to fix his joint pain and other ailments from years of physical labour and his newly found talents in front of the camera. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Dom talks with North Canterbury farmer Jim Sidey about using hemp-based products to fix his joint pain and other ailments from years of physical labour and his newly found talents in front of the camera. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Hear about travel to the top half of New Zealand's South Island as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about his adopted country. Why should you visit the top half of New Zealand's South Island? Jonty says that this area has "spectacular scenery, natural hot springs, beautiful beaches, world-class vineyards, and whale watching". Jonty suggests a two-week road trip (with additional optional side trips, particularly for multi-day hikes) starting in Christchurch and looping north through North Canterbury, Nelson/Tasman, Marlborough, and Kaikōura before returning to Christchurch. The trip combines cities, hot springs, alpine passes, national parks, short walks and multi-day hikes, vineyards, wildlife, and heritage. Suggested Itinerary Days 1–2: Christchurch Explore the city centre, largely rebuilt post the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes: Hagley Park, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Avon River punting, and the Christchurch Earthquake Memorial. Visit cultural sites: Canterbury Museum, Christ Church Cathedral ruins, Christchurch Transitional Cathedral, aka the cardboard cathedral, Christchurch Art Centre, Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities, Rutherford's Den, and Christchurch Art Gallery. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/northern-south-island-of-new-zealand/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Voting papers are about to arrive for the local body elections, but for residents in two districts they won't include anything about a mayoral contest. The mayors of Manawatu, in the lower North Island, and Hurunui, in North Canterbury, will be elected unopposed. They see it as a sign of their districts seeking consistency, although one local government academic says it could actually signal apathy. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

After a lifetime of working to clear land, Chris Bolderston is rewilding parts of his sheep and beef farm in North Canterbury. This story was first broadcast in September 2024.You can find photos and read more about this story here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week Country Life is on a nighttime nature walk in the Bay of Plenty alongside a young conservationist with a passion for bugs, meets Te Horo's backyard builders on a fledgling trapping project and revisits a North Canterbury farm where native trees are making a comeback, all in celebration of Conservation Week. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

David updates us on the latest in the local body election campaigns in the region, a proposed toll for the planned Woodend bypass hasn't gone down well with residents, and how have North Canterbury councils reacted to new emergency management reforms, which may lead to rates rises.

In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, host Billy Galanko sits down with Sherwyn Veldhuizen and Marcel Giesen, the visionary winegrowers behind Bell Hill, one of New Zealand's most distinctive producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. From a chance blind tasting that led Billy to discover their wines, to the couple's deep Burgundian inspiration and painstaking work establishing Bell Hill on a former limestone quarry in North Canterbury, this conversation explores what makes their wines so compelling.Sherwyn and Marcel reflect on their early days studying viticulture, their formative trips through Burgundy, and the long process of importing rootstocks that could thrive on Bell Hill's high pH soils. They discuss the evolution of their vineyard—from their first plantings in 1997 to their recent experiments with extremely high-density vines—and share insights into single parcel bottlings, screwcap closures, cellar aging, and New Zealand's growing reputation for world-class Chardonnay.

Hundreds of north Canterbury locals turned out to a fiery meeting in Culverden on Wednesday night, angry about a proposal to remove the town's two police officers. Anna Sargent reports.

There's disappointment Canterbury communities weren't consulted on a proposal to shut down rural Police stations. Police are looking to reduce personnel, disestablishing some rural roles in favour of larger 24/7 hubs based in Rolleston and Rangiora. Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green told Mike Hosking the community's heard about it via the media. She says their Police live in their area and know their people, and if you lose that in a rural community it has a huge impact. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Five Questions on the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Marcel Giesen and Sherwyn Veldhuizen, the visionary winegrowers behind Bell Hill Vineyard in North Canterbury, New Zealand. From the limestone-rich soils in the Weka Pass, the duo crafts small-lot, high-density Pinot Noir and Chardonnay inspired by the farming traditions of Burgundy.We explore what makes Bell Hill so distinctive, from its limestone soils to their philosophy of “growing” wine rather than making it. Marcel and Sherwyn share which vintages have defined their journey, including their first Chardonnay in 2002 and a standout single-parcel expression from 2016. They also reflect on the influence of Champagne and Burgundy, their evolving approach to biodiversity and sustainability, and what lies ahead for the estate, including a sparkling wine project and long-term land stewardship goals.

David discusses the Local Government NZ Conference and reactions from local councils to instructions from the Resource Management Act.

Rangiora High School students John Lundy and Harry Parish were awarded one of New Zealand's top primary sector accolades at last weekend's FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final in Southland. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Sharlene Wilson has turned her rural property in North Canterbury into a haven for rescued farm animals who find healing, freedom and a place to truly belong. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:12 - Animals of all shapes and sizes4:38 - In search of a new home9:40 - Meet Marshmallow13:48 - VolunteersWith thanks to:Sharlene Wilson, Canterbury Tails Animal Rescue SanctuaryMake 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 returns to a vegetable farm to see whether it's radical plan to feed the community is working and looks at plans for plastic waste on farm. And the team meet a animal advocate who has turned her rural property in North Canterbury into a haven for rescued farm animals.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:43 - On the Farm8:30 - Agrecovery: Rural recycling on the rise16:08 - Crooked Vege's pay-what-you-can model feeding families two years on30:16 - Snorts, snuggles and second chances at animal sanctuaryWith thanks to guests:Tony Wilson, AgrecoveryJonathan Mines, Crooked VegeSharlene Wilson, Canterbury Tails Animal Rescue SanctuaryMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

For the month of July, North Canterbury is celebrating all things flaky, steamy and meaty: The Made North Canterbury Pie Trail will direct pie-lovers to over 20 local artisans. Kelly Lynch, of Enterprise North Canterbury, joins Emile Donovan to opine pies.

Bokashi, the Japanese anaerobic composting system which ferments organic matter, is helping to maintain healthy soils on a sheep and dairy grazing farm in North Canterbury.You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Tim Hawke and Murray WeaverGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Wine: Tiki Single Vineyard Pinot Gris 2024, North Canterbury, $23.00 In recognition of Matariki and to highlight we have a growing number of Māori wine producers in NZ (Tiki, Tarras, Steve Bird, te PA, Tohu). A crisp, dry style Pinot Gris with aromas and flavours of green pear and apple, some citrus highlights and a touch of quince. Just dry on the palate with an immediate bite of acidity and phenolics for texture and mouthfeel. There's a fine less quality adding complexity and breadth across the palate. Best drinking from late 2024 through 2027. The Food: A wine that is delicious with all sorts of hangi fare – especially kumara and pork belly. If you prefer seafood, then poached salmon with lemon is a great match. Vegetarians will like this wine with cashew nut dusted tofu burger with red beet and tasty cheese. The season: 2024 was an excellent year for most growers in NZ. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David discusses the latest news in North Canterbury including updates on the earthquake damaged Glen Alton bridge funding, calls for a local driving licence test route in Kaikoura, reactions from local mayors on the government's bid to get young people off a jobseekers benefit, and there have been reports of dog attacks on little penguins along Kaikoura's coastline. David Hill is a Local Democracy Reporter with North Canterbury News, based in Rangiora.

This week, we have Charlie from Stonyhurst on the show. Charlie and Ferg have worked together for a long time, both passionate about breeding healthy, productive sheep. They discuss how Stonyhurst has managed to breed finewool sheep that don't need footrot treatment, improving lambing and weaning percentages, and dropping their micron. Charlie also discusses Stonyhurst's cattle and deer operation and some of the 175 years of history his family have there on the property. If you breed finewools sheep and you've been wondering how to fix your footrot woes, this podcast is the one for you. Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE

Tackling drench resistance requires both technical know-how and practical on-farm application. In episode four of Drench Wise, Farm Smart, brought to you by Zolvix Plus from Elanco, The Country’s Rowena Duncum is joined by Elanco’s Colin McKay and North Canterbury sheep and beef farmer - and vet - Angus Gibb. Angus shares how he’s combining veterinary insight with hands-on farming to manage roundworm challenges proactively, from strategic breeding and pasture planning to testing protocols and reducing risk from bought-in stock. It’s a valuable listen for anyone wanting to farm smarter and stay on top of roundworm management. Zolvix Plus for Sheep and Cattle is registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, number A011107. Always read and follow label instructions. Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David discusses the latest events in North Canterbury including updates in Kaikoura's annual plan, Environment Canterbury is boosting bus services and raising fares, and the restored Soldiers' Block in Hanmer Springs was officially opened on Anzac Day.

Wild weather is lashing the country, with Canterbury bearing the brunt of a low pressure system bringing heavy rain, strong winds and snow. A rain warning could be upgraded to red for North Canterbury, while much of the rest of the region is under an orange warning. In the Cook Straight, ferries are cancelled from this evening in the face of five-metre swells forecast off the Wellington and Wairarapa coasts. Anna Sargent reports.

Around the motu: David Hill is Local Democracy Reporter with North Canterbury News

One of the alluring, unmistakable truths about Hanmer Springs is that the gorgeous alpine haven has stayed true to its roots. It's been a sanctuary for the weary and the leisure-seeking for centuries. With a long and storied legacy as a hot-spot for healing mind, body and soul, Hanmer Springs proudly remains a premium alpine spa destination, whether you're a loved-up couple looking for a weekend escape, treating the whole family to some elemental treats, or you're after some personal pampering. And it's just an easy90 minute drive from Christchurch Airport, through the bucolic North Canterbury hinterland. Nature is the unbeatable balm to sooth the soul and spark your spirits in this secluded high-country basin. My first stop was at the resort village's crowning glory, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. With a lustrous back-story, the hot springs were developed as a publicly-owned bathhouse in 1884, fortuitously chiming with that insatiable Victorian passion for geothermal water and its therapeutic qualities. Prior to that, pounamu-gathering Māori had used the area as a resting place for centuries, while returning soldiers were sent to Hanmer to recuperate, after both world wars. (It's great to see the historic old Soldiers' Block, next to the pools, is currently being restored and set to reopen on Anzac Day.) Hanmer Springs is my runaway favourite place to get into hot water. But before surrendering to the sweet sensation of this watery wonderland, my body was in need of some professional panel-beating, so I headed to The Spa Hanmer Springs. It's one of New Zealand's busiest day spas, so book in advance and take your pick from the slew of exquisite treatments, from facials and feet retreats to the full body affair. I was booked in for a Spa Signature Massage, which is a full body relaxation massage. But as I chatted to my charming therapist Sophie about my various aches and pains, she switched up the treatment into a deep tissue recovery massage. Spending copious hours on the keyboard and long-distance driving, plus several days of line-trimming my jungle-like garden into a presentable state had all taken its toll. Over the course of an hour, Sophie's skilful techniques dealt to all the knots in my lower back, and released the stress and strain from my muscles. It was a liberating, corrective massage and I floated out of the spa like a happy little cloud. Luring over half a million visitors annually, the adjoining thermal pools complex is a sizzling attraction, where you can hop-scotch between the 22-strong network of rockpools, aqua therapy pools and sulphur pools. The latter are completely natural, containing unfiltered mineral water, with a soft and silky feel and piping hot at 42-45C. You can also laze in the highly-sociable hexagonal pools, loll about in the freshwater lap pool and lazy river, or enjoy some high-action spills on the waterslides, headlined by the nation's biggest slide Conical Thrill, and the recently installed hydro slides, Violet Vortex and Waiau Winder. I lolloped around the pools on multiple occasions during my stay. They're just so good. https://hanmersprings.co.nz/ After enjoying some body therapy, I dabbled in some retail therapy from the eye-catching assortment of independent boutiques, homeware and gift stores clustered around the tree-lined main street. There's a host of temptations, but I'm a big fan of Homestead and the Ada Design Store, for beautiful gifts and artistic home décor. Sweet tooths? The kids go crazy at the Lolly Pot, while a perennial go-to for nearly 25 years is Fudgelato, for fresh and creamy fudge and gelato. (Great name!) Two-wheeled pursuits are a big draw in Hanmer and after far too much indulgence, I had excess calories to burn. Pop into Hanmer Adventure's main street store who will get you pedalling in paradise, with a full range of rental bikes to choose from, from e-bikes to basic hardtail. They'll get you geared up too, with helmets and gloves. There's nearly 20 mountain bike tracks around Hanmer Springs, spanning all levels of expertise and endurance. If you're up for a gentle introduction, Hanmer Forest Park's Camp Walk Loop is a cracker, under a vast canopy of mature trees, while Alligator Alley and Snakes & Ladders are excellent trails too for easy-riding. www.hanmeradventure.co.nz A family-favourite on foot in the Hanmer Heritage Forest, off Jollies Pass Road, is the Forest Amble Walk and the animal sculpture trail. These whimsical wooden sculptures were created by Christchurch sculptor, Andrew Lyons, crafted out of a felled Redwood. The sculptures include a friendly giant, a hawk, a dog, possum and orangutan. The 30-minute return walk follows a flat and easy track and it's very embracing - suitable for toddlers, buggies and the elderly. Where to dine? Fuel up for your day's adventures with a cranking breakfast at the Powerhouse Café. Located in a historic hydro power station which celebrates its centenary next year, you'll find an enticing menu of hearty fare, sensational coffee, boutique beers and splendid Waipara wines. I had a great chat to the café owner, Mary Holloway, who has been in charge of the Powerhouse for over 20 years and a mainstay of the village community. For breakfast, don't go past the chilli scrambled eggs. They're served on toasted sourdough with stir-fried greens and roast chilli. Delish! Spoil yourself with dinner at the hospitality winner, No. 31 Restaurant & Bar. Housed in a characterful main street cottage, No. 31 is lauded for its upmarket intimate dining. Joining many other discerning diners for dinner, I started with an entrée of beetroot arancini, plump with an almond & cheese filling. Despite the lavish selection of locally-sourced meat mains, I opted for the grilled calamari dish, marinated in parsley, lemon and olive oil and served on a bed of garden leaves. The desserts are deliriously good too, plumping for a warm sticky liquorice pudding with salted caramel sauce, candied walnuts and vanilla bean ice cream. As you'd expect from such a decorated establishment, the cocktail menu is just as creative. Order up a Mushroom Sour, a modern take on a whisky sour, infused with mushroom powder. It marries the earthy richness of fungi with the classic blend of whisky, lemon and a creamy egg white froth. It's a savory and citrusy hit. Where to stay? Amplify the sooth-factor by bedding down at Village Lake Luxury Apartments. Just a two minute walk from the thermal pools & spa off Jollies Pass Road, my expansive apartment was utterly idyllic. The balcony reached out to embrace the forest-draped vista of Conical Hill, Mt. Isobel and the sprawling Hanmer Range. But it's the wraparound sense of serenity at the end of day and in the morning calm that makes this property such a sweet oasis. Lavishly appointed with all the creature comforts, you'll have a designer kitchen to drool over, full laundry facilities, gas fire, underfloor heating, top-quality bedding and posh toiletries to ramp up the sense of indulgence..www.villagelake.co.nz If you're a forward-planner, here's something to lock into your diary. Hanmer Springs' Alpine Winter Festival will return mid-year, kicking off for a fortnight of seasonal frolics on June 28. Enjoy icy plunge pools, night light tree top climbing, dazzling light displays, kids' quizzes and glowing mini golf. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Spoil yourself in Hanmer Springs. Mike Yardley is our resident traveller on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BOB'S BEST BUYS Valentine's Day Selection Wine: Pegasus Bay Gewurztraminer 2024 North Canterbury, $30 Why I chose it: Gewurztraminer is an aromatic wine with punchy aromas that often resemble flowers (in this case rose petals). National Lamb Day Selection Wine: Trinity Hill 2021 The Gimblett, Hawke's Bay, $39.99 Why I chose it: It's NZ Lamb Day today and I wanted to choose a wine that would make a great match with lamb. Lamb is high in fat, which makes it a high flavour meat. Cabernet Sauvignon is a thick-skinned red grape that is also high in flavour making it a perfect partner for lamb. Trinity Hill 2021 The Gimblett is a blend of Cabernet Franc 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 46%, and Petit Verdot 4%. The wine even has a subtle minty character which gives it a built-in mint sauce-like component that's perfect for lamb. What does it taste like? Dense, intense red with cassis/dark berry, chocolate/mocha, vanilla, cigar box, and spicy oak flavours with a touch of mint. Approachable now with good ageing potential. A powerhouse red that was built to enhance the flavours of NZ lamb. It's from the Gimblett Gravels, a premium red-wine region in Hawke's Bay, Where can you buy it? Whisky and More, Waikato, $34 Liquor Legends, Auckland $34 The Good Wine Co, Auckland $35.99 Will it keep? Yes, with careful storage this wine will still deliver pleasure after 5-10 years or more LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter with North Canterbury News,  brings us news from the region.

Anna Hiatt grew up on a farm in North Canterbury and spent much of her early years in her granny's vegetable garden.

Environment Canterbury votes to delay notifying the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement, Kaikoura considers world heritage status bid, Amberley's proposed new cricket ground is approved, despite opposition, and we have updates on school building projects in North Canterbury.

A warning to beware Santa's nemesis, parcel pinchers are targeting mailboxes and courier drop offs during the festive season. A 29 year old has this week been arrested over large scale thefts from rural mailboxes in North Canterbury. Inspector Brett Callander spoke to Lisa Owen.

Young school students plant habitat for an endangered skink and learn about biodiversity at a nature reserve on a North Canterbury dairy farm.

David discusses how Canterbury's councils are reacting to a report from the Office of the Auditor-General which is calling councils to work together to tackle climate change. The Hurunui District Council has confirmed funding for a new embankment project to fight rising sea levels. The rain fall in North Canterbury during Labour Weekend providing much relief for the drought afflicted region. And Waimakariri's Deputy Mayor has called on the Canterbury Regional Council to stop side stepping issues with the Kaiapoi River.

Kiwifruit is starting to bloom in Bay of Plenty, dairy farmers up and down the country are busy breeding the next season's calves, while North Canterbury farms have welcomed some recent rain to break the dry.

North Canterbury has five projects included among 149 projects in the Government's Fast Track Approvals Bill.

Ocean views makes harvesting of iceberg lettuce and broccoli a lot more pleasant for Ben Scott and staff at his winter grown vegetables farm in North Canterbury.

Dome glamping, farm tours and jetting up the Hurunui River supplements income and highlights cultural heritage at a traditional sheep and beef farm in North Canterbury.