Podcasts about Northland

This week on The Back of the Pack Podcast, we celebrate Memorial Day with two race reviews from a hot, humid, hilly Kansas City weekend. First up is the Hometown Half Marathon in the Northland, where what looked like a friendly park course quickly turned into a roller coaster of hills, humidity, bike paths, confusing signage, and one very large license-plate-sized finisher medal. We talk about the good, the tough, and the “wait, are we supposed to turn here?” moments from a race that definitely made everyone earn their finish. Then we head to Loose Park for the Going the Distance 5K/10K, a Memorial Day race supporting the Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City. This one brought out the Kansas City running community in full force, along with more hills, rising temperatures, and a meaningful cause connected to some truly inspiring local runners. Along the way, we discuss course prep, race-day etiquette between runners and cyclists, the return of summer running conditions, and why sometimes a cold Coke after a humid half marathon feels like bottled magic. It was a weekend of tired legs, big medals, good people, and races that reminded us why showing up matters. Join us as we recap two very different but very memorable Memorial Day weekend races from the back of the pack.

Bryce Heem is one of the most underrated rugby players New Zealand has produced. From leaving school early and working trades, to partying his way through his late teens, Bryce carved out a 15-year professional rugby career through hard work, resilience and taking every opportunity that came his way.Playing for the Auckland, Northland, Tasman, the Chiefs, the Blues, NZ Sevens, Worcester and Toulon, Bryce built a career that took him all around the world and made him one of the most respected teammates in the game.Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…- How he's found his transition from rugby to mortgage broking- Going from working in refrigeration and air conditioning to marking Hosea Gear in his first professional game- The brutal fitness standards and lessons he learned under Gordon Tietjens in NZ Sevens- Why he chose to leave New Zealand rugby for Worcester and the reality of overseas rugby life- Returning home from France after his dad was diagnosed with lung cancer- How a simple message helped earn him a contract with the Blues- Winning Super Rugby with the Blues after years of being so close- His thoughts on missing out on the All Blacks and why he has no regrets about his career- Why “don't burn bridges” became one of the biggest lessons he learned through rugbyBryce is one of those lads everyone he played with will conform he's a legendary man. Tough as nails on the field, humble off it and full of great perspective from a career that took him all over the world. Plenty of laughs, honest reflections and awesome stories in this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three couples have taken a leap and opened a bouldering gym in Whangarei - no ropes, no harnesses and a climb of up to 4.5m.

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

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

Peter discusses the planned managed retreat of the township of Whirinaki, the social housing planned for a flood zone in Kawakawa, the mystery death of a dirt biker in Northland and victory for the people of Rawene who have battled for a decade to keep wastewater out of their harbour.

Heath and Eva Nixon remove people's unwanted household items, furniture, appliances, and general clutter. 

A Northland fish and chip shop got a huge surprise this weekend - with Pierce Brosnan stopping by. Owner Fiona White spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

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

Teachers who were with 15-year-old Karnin Petera on a school caving trip in May 2023 gave emotional evidence at an inquest into his death in Whangarei. Northland reporter Peter de Graaf spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

This is quite possibly from our "hopeless causes" file. But can I at least try and make the plea that we have a look at the economic damage done by trigger-happy weather offices and compliant clickbait media when it comes to storm warnings? Cyclone Vaianu was the latest and is hopefully still fresh enough in our memories to remind us of a week's worth of hyperbole and headline nonsense that actually caused quite a lot of damage. Not storm damage, but economic damage. Spending in Northland was down 48%. Auckland down 46%. Waikato down 52% (that would have included the Supercars that got canned). Bay of Plenty down 68%. Gisborne down 51%. Hawkes Bay down 56%. Now obviously in the middle of a storm on that blowy, old Saturday and into Sunday you have already worked out you're not booking an outdoor table for lunch. But these figures will include the week building up to the event, the drama that started the previous Sunday, with the ever-present "keep an eye on this one" headlines, and as the week progressed, the alarmism grew. Not because alarmism was required, but because the weather wonks and the media feed off each other. The weather people love publicity and the media, especially digital, love potential clickbait. And nothing baits your click like pending metrological carnage. So in that prior Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, how many things got cancelled? Bookings killed? Trips binned? Decisions altered? That's the economic damage we can avoid. If you remember, it wasn't until Friday they actually knew what the weather, they thought, would do. They were still wrong. But at least by Friday they had confidence in the ensuing days. When so much of our potential economic activity got canned, they were still speculating and blabbering on about trampolines and holiday travel and telling you how to live your life. Somewhere along the line the weather people got carried away with their own self-importance and the media gee'd them up and what is a two-day storm turned into a week-long extravaganza. An orgy of verbal diarrhoea, amping and amping and amping. And, as the data shows, doing untold damage to regions that didn't really need it, as well as a storm. The forlorn hope? That this data sobers a few people up and maybe, just maybe, next time a few grown-ups drive the narrative. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A newlywed couple driving through the deep, dark north woods hit a deer, and then find themselves at the mercy of the vicious King of the Forest, a supernatural buck bent on revenge.“Road Kill” is an original tale of the Northland from the Icebox Radio Theater. It starred Linnaea Yount as Michelle, and Dalton Johnson as Drew. The deputies were played by Jeffrey Adams and Caleb Silvers. Written and directed by Jeffrey Adams. Recorded at the IBRT studios, International Falls, Minnesota. This program copyright 2025 by the Icebox Radio Theater. For more information, visit iceboxradio dot o-r-g.

Three Northland men are likely celebrating being alive this evening after their boat capsized in the Bay of Islands last night, leaving them clinging to a chilly bin for survival. Northland reporter Peter de Graaf reports on the rescue.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Anna Rawhiti-Connell and Mike Yardley. First up, so-called coalition cracks are back in focus after Winston Peters' office released internal emails in an OIA where Prime Minister Christopher Luxon suggested showing "explicit public support" for US strikes on Iran. Political analyst Grant Duncan unpacks the latest. Then, Northland locals are decrying a proposed $4.50 toll for the new expressway. Business group board member Julian Smith explains.

An inquest into the death of a 15-year-old boy during a school caving trip three years ago is underway in Whangarei. Karnin Petera died when floodwaters surged through the cave he and classmates were exploring during a storm. Northland reporter Peter de Graaf has more.

The NZ Transport Agency has proposed a $4.50 toll on the proposed new highway between Warkworth and Te Hana, and it's proven controversial. AA has called on the Government to lower the proposed toll price for the first stage of the Northland Expressway. NorthChamber chair Tim Robinson says this is going to bring a significant benefit to the region economically, and the toll is fair. "Those of us here in Northland, we've been crying out for the opportunity to grow our economy and create the right environment for our kids and our grandkids - to be able to choose to live and work and play here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 28, 2026 - It's a Pledge Drive edition of Birding With Batt today.  Shelley Pierce from the Shuffle Function morning show joins the conversation.  Listen in and see how well Al does identifying Shelley's recorded sounds from the Northland.

Larry Weber talks about some new sounds and sights in the Northland as Spring goes into full swing

MetService has issued orange heavy rain warnings for many parts of Auckland and Northland. 

Plans for a new social housing complex are raising hackles in the Far North town of Kawakawa. Northland reporter Peter de Graaf reports.

A trial of the striking and exotic dragon fruit is hitting its straps in Northland. Could the new sweet varieties grown under cover be a viable crop in New Zealand amid a changing climate? You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.And you can find Sally's other story from Northland Te Tai Tokerau about the Land family, here.With thanks to:Satish Kumar, Bioeconomy Science InstituteLuke Beehre and Jeanette Johnstone, Northland IncGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Trevor Pumnea, Executive Director, Northland Arboretum, to talk about the many activities and classes available at the Arboretum. Trevor also did a winter recap and talked about the Arbor Day event at the Northland Arboretum and additional programming available.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This country runs on diesel and without it we come to a halt. Duncan is joined by Peter Williams and Ani O'Brien on the panel, to break down the massive spike in fuel costs and why the government is caught between a rock and a hard place. We also look at the rising tensions in Northland over co-governance and whether the public service is still too bloated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

North Islanders have taken another hammering with Vaianu lashing the North and East of the country. RNZ reporter Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira travelled from Northland to the Bay of Plenty.

Weather warnings or watches have been issued for the entire North Island, as Aotearoa braces for the arrival of Cyclone Vaianu. There's an orange heavy rain warning for parts of Northland that kicks in from 9pm Saturday. Some kumara growers are rushing to harvest before the weather hits. Further down the island, Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island currently have the highest level warning, a red strong wind warning from 5am til 6pm on Sunday. Damaging Wind gusts of up to 140km/h are expected Sunday afternoon. MetService Meteorologist John Law spoke to Lisa Owen.

As the country braces for a potential life-threatening cyclone, Northland farmers are still in clean-up mode and the World Rural Health Conference is in New Zealand for the first time. The latest rural news with Gianina Schwanecke.

MetService is warning of a cyclone heading our way from the tropics. This one, forecasters say, could get wild, with the possibility of winds like New Zealanders haven't experienced before. The Prime Minister too warned people to prepare for Cyclone Vaianu's impact, which he said is shaping up to be a "significant and damaging weather event." Peter de Graaf has more.

With high fuel prices and a big storm closing in on the country, some Northland business owners are worried visitors could be scared off during a busy time of year. Russell's Duke of Marlborough Hotel co-owner Riki Kinnaird spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Peter discusses the possible timber mill closures in Kaitaia, the toll roads planned for between Northland and Auckland, recovery after more flooding batters the region and the latest on the shooting that lead to the discovery of a rare bat.

In some corners of Northland, the clean-up is just beginning following recent flooding. Reporter Peter de Graaf has been speaking to some of the people picking up the pieces.

Our Changing Word heads to Whangārei to speak to a Northland Regional Council scientist whose been using stormwater drains to estimate the scale of our plastic pollution problem. Plus, just outside Christchurch, one of New Zealand's biggest lakes is home to the ‘canary in the coalmine' of wetlands. The secretive and elusive Australasian bittern seems to be in trouble - how can we help? Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.Learn more:Join Alison Ballance on a kayak across a lake to listen to some booming bittern crooners.Listen to the nine to noon interview with John Sumich about the 2025 Matuku muster.The research into microplastics was part of the AIM2 project, which was reported on in 2021 as part of the OCW episode ‘Unwelcome visitors'.Another source of microplastics is textile waste, but an international project is looking to a future where our clothes are fully biodegradable.Guests:Richard Griffiths, Northland Regional CouncilPeter Langlands, Bittern Conservation – New ZealandHarry Caley, Department of ConservationGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Campervans are a common sight around the Northland region - but The Refillery is one with a difference. 

There have been a few meteorological and weather events in the region this week! Tuesday's Tonga earthquake, the Ambae eruption in Vanuatu and the flooding that hit Northland and Coromandel. Saturday Morning's regular guest Graham Leonard speaks to Mihi about the risks and wonders of the weather. Graham is the General Manager of Geological Hazards at Earth Sciences New Zealand.

The severe weather that swept into Northland has moved swiftly down the island, leaving the region in clean up & recovery mode and others bracing for impact. Kaikohe residents are being asked to urgently conserve water after the town's treatment plant was damaged by flooding. In Kaitaia a rapid relief team's been serving free meals to evacuees. NZTA is urging caution with an number of roads damaged.

The red heavy rain warning for Northland east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangarei remains in place until 4am..

States of Emergency have been declared in Whangarei and the Far North with storm conditions expected get worse overnight. Northland east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangarei is under a red weather warning until 4am tomorrow. 25 schools closed throughout the region, affecting nearly 4000 students. State Highway 1 is also closed at four different locations around Northland. Civil Defence Co-ordinator in Whangaruru, Noeline Whitehead spoke to Lisa Owen.

It's been a wet and wild 24 hours for the top of the country, with some areas seeing more than 200 millimetres of rain. Whangārei District Council and the Far North District Council have each declared states of emergency. The deluge has closed roads, including the two routes that connect the tip of the Far North to the rest of the motu. Locals are now bracing for another night of rough weather, with Civil Defence warning the worst could be yet to come. Teuila Fuatai reports. 

States of local emergency remain in place in Northland this morning, as the wild weather moves south. Far North Mayor Moko Tepania spoke to Corin Dann.

The Northland settlement of Oakura has been one of the worst affected areas as wild weather lashes the top of the country. Oakura Bay Store owner Nena Rogers spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The Mangonui Waterfront Festival is happening tomorrow and for today's regional spotlight, Eddie Bellas from the festival's organisation committee spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Matt Shiles takes the week off, so Pastor Gus Davies takes the host seat and leads Pastor Josh through a discussion of this, his third sermon in the 2026 Genesis series. PJ explains the mission that God has us on, and the threats to that mission. Join us for this informative conversation between 2 of Northland's pastors as they dive deep into the threats we face and how God's plan cannot be thwarted.

Extensive flooding is already affecting parts of Northland as the region faces what the Met Service is describing as an "impactful multi-hazard event."

Northlanders are urged to take the red heavy rain warning seriously and be ready to go if they have to. The warning is in place for the eastern area from Doubtless Bay down to Whangarei until 4am Friday. An orange heavy rain warning and strong wind watch remain in place for the rest of the region, with the worst expected to hit from Thursday afternoon. Northland Civil Defence spokesperson Zach Wood spoke to Lisa Owen.

It's been two months since the Northland floods, and residents in the coastal town of Oakura Bay remain largely cut off. Oakura community hall chairman Glenn Fergusson spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Heavy rain and wind are battering Northland, with up to 320 millimetres of rain expected to fall on the region. Whangarei Mayor Ken Couper spoke to Corin Dann.

Communities in Northland are being battered by very heavy rain this morning, as a red warning remains in place across parts of the region. Jude Thompson of Whangaruru Civil Defence spoke to Corin Dann.

Country Life visits a mosque in remote Southland, the sheep of the future in Northland, and traverses Mid Canterbury's rivers and shorelines with pest trappers. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:45 - The Masjid that's made a home in Mataura5:26 - Rural News Wrap10:06 - The future role of meat and dairy in feeding humans18:22 - Meaty, eco-friendly, good-looking but not so woolly - the making of NZ's future flock30:53 - A trap down the river: Pest control along Mid Canterbury's waterwaysWith thanks to:Haji Zamberi MatyunusDonald MooreKapiro FarmAlastair Stewart and Ray CossarKen BodyThe Rickard familyMake 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

Climate change, increasing costs, fussier consumers and changing rules have researchers and breeders working hard to develop a sheep that will not only be economic to farm but good for the planet. Country Life visits Kapiro Farm in Northland which is five years into a seven-year project to design the sheep of the future.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Ian Leaf, PāmuGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

In the Bay of Islands the spike in fuel prices couldn't have come at a worst time for tourism and hospitality operators, who are already seeing a dip in their visitor numbers. While the latest GDP figures showed rises in retail and accomodation spending - giving tourism a bit of a boost nationally - Northland guest nights dipped 1.5 percent in the year to December 2025. Co-Owner of The Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell, Riki Kinnaird spoke to Lisa Owen. 

A Far North community has rallied around its local electrician after three vehicles and his tools were stolen from outside his Tauranga Bay property.