Podcasts about Wairarapa

Piers discusses three accidental or unexpected deaths in the region over the weekend, one of Wairarapa's most successful businesses, Tranzit, marks 100 years.

In this story for the long-running programme Spectrum, first broadcast in 1972, Jack Perkins joins a Wairarapa shearing gang, on a farm near Masterton. It starts at the beginning of a day's shearing, with sounds of sheep in the yards, dogs barking and shepherd's whistling.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

Strong gusts of wind are felling trees and posing big challenges for farmers in south Wairarapa this afternoon. One of them, Mike McCreary, was out checking paddocks in his ute when he spoke with our rural reporter Sally Wenley.

In part two, it's to Wairarapa and an update for the weather event there. Then, marine safety experts are warning the government's new Cook Strait ferries will be too big to safely cross the current route to Picton. And finally, the first cohort of a new 'earn as you learn' programme for manufacturing jobs is about to graduate.

Today’s Zanda McDonald Panel updates the weather in Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay, plus they encourage young leaders in agriculture to enter the Zanda McDonald Awards (entries close October 31). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MetService says the strong winds that battered the South Island and lower North are now easing - but there are still a few things to keep an eye on. Red wind warnings have lifted for Canterbury, Southland, Stewart Island, Clutha, Wellington and Wairarapa. Widespread power outages remain across Canterbury, Wairarapa, Manawatu-Whanganui, Marlborough and Southland, where some repairs could take more than a week. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacks the damage further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s been experiencing some wild weather this week. Red wind warnings were issued for much of Canterbury, Marlborough, Wellington and southern Wairarapa as at yesterday afternoon. Flights and ferries were cancelled and tens of thousands of households have been without power. Meanwhile, strong winds had been hampering firefighting efforts in several parts of the country. So, is this usual for this time of year? And how long will we have to wait for some sunny days ahead? Today on The Front Page, NIWA principal scientist Chris Brandolino is with us to take us through what’s causing this stormy weather, and whether there is light at the end of the tunnel. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MetService says the strong winds that battered the South Island and lower North are now easing - but there are still a few things to keep an eye on. Red wind warnings have lifted for Canterbury, Southland, Stewart Island, Clutha, Wellington and Wairarapa. Widespread power outages remain across Canterbury, Wairarapa, Manawatu-Whanganui, Marlborough and Southland, where some repairs could take more than a week. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacks the damage further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The prospect of more ferocious winds has Wairarapa locals on the verge of tears on the eve of one of their biggest holiday weekends. A rare red-level wind warning has been issued tomorrow for Wellington and Wairarapa south of Carteron. It comes after the death of a man in Mount Victoria on Tuesday, who was struck by a falling tree and widespread damage causing power outages in communities across the region. Riversdale's coastal community is one of them. Mary Argue reports.

Mary Argue is in Featherston and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

In the North Island, Red Wind Warnings are in place for Wellington and southern Wairarapa. There are extensive public transport and flight cancellations. Air New Zealand says it's already cancelled almost 100 flights today. CEO Nikhil Ravishankar says told Mike Hosking that it will only operate flights if it's safe to do so. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wairarapa high school has the good oil on olive growing, turning its crop into an award winning product. Wairarapa college took out silver at this year New Zealand Olive oil awards. Students are involved in the process; garden to table with the end product in high demand.

A woman who found a man lying unconscious on a popular Wellington walking track has described the horrific scene that confronted her today. The man later died of wounds suffered when a branch fell on him as gales howled through the capital, and Wairarapa. The wild winds have brought down trees, cut power to thousands of homes, cancelled flights, and torn roofs off buildings. Ellen O'Dwyer reports.

For centuries durum wheat has been recognised as the gold standard of wheats for making great pasta and bread. Much like the rest of our wheat supplies, almost all of it is imported. But, thanks to four families in the Wairarapa, that's beginning to change. Mick Williams from the Wairarapa Grain Collective talks to Jesse.

What are you actually doing when you say you're going to exercise? Matty & PJ each read out a headline and the texts decide who should read out their news story! Winner: "Man eats 3kgs of How was the bad news delivered to you? PJs mum spotted what could be the Canterbury panther in the Wairarapa! What did you swear you'd only do once? Now that Matty has his first tattoo will he want a sleeve?! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Heartland Rugby Bulletin with Heartland Savant Kevin Hare on the Heartland Rugby Semifinals, Thames Valley hammer South Canterbury, Mid Canterbury just pip Wairarapa to set up the Meads Cup Final with Horowhenua & North Otago set for Lochore Cup final Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wairarapa Bush CEO Tanya Dearns joins the show to talk about the 2025 season, their run to the finals, the semifinal v Mid Canterbury, expectations, Silver Ferns saga & more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Sarah Perrim-Lamp and Andie McCombs. First up, the government has reiterated plans to test 18 and 19 year old's benefits against their parents' incomes. Parents earning just over 65 thousand will be required to support their teenagers, instead of the taxpayer. Is this fair? Can't school leavers find work? Then, Alzheimer's Wairarapa says they are scratching their head over repeated rejected applications for Heath NZ funding. Why, they say, with an aging population are they missing out?

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Fonterra Co-operative Council Chair John Stevenson about its recent letter to shareholders revealing 96% of Councillors support the proposal to divest Mainland, why it believes it's a good deal for shareholders and what the role of the council is... He talks with Novum Wines co-owner Rachel Jackson-Hoare about the history of the Marlborough vineyard, its emphasis on the traditional elements of wine-making, including using cork instead of screw caps, and the intricacies of being a small, premium brand... And he talks with Wairarapa farmer Richard 'Tozzie' Tosswill about his Te Awa Awa sheep and beef hill country farm, why he's adopted virtual fencing technology with Halter and what benefits and challenges he's experienced so far. 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 Wairarapa farmer Richard 'Tozzie' Tosswill about his Te Awa Awa sheep and beef hill country farm, why he's adopted virtual fencing technology with Halter and what benefits and challenges he's experienced so far. 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.

Earthquake strengthening on buildings in rural areas, the demolition of Masterton's town hall  and a  bumper year for wine production.  

We catch up with a Wairarapa farmer who’s just been inducted into the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many of us, watching a movie will usually mean logging on to an on-line platform. However, an initiative in Wairarapa is aiming to rekindle the magic and nostalgia of enjoying classic movies as they were intended, on the big screen. The Wairarapa Cinematheque in Masterton opened its doors this month, screening classic films, Kiwi gems and cult favourites. Jane Ross spoke to Jesse.

Wairarapa farmer and high-profile leader in agribusiness who successfully lobbied the Government for a change of tune around agriculture in the school curriculum. He is also the founder of the Zanda McDonald Awards, which will be inducted into the Australian Stockman Hall of Fame next week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stargazers can now head to a new observatory in Wairarapa and take photos of far away galaxies and stars. 

Public hearings are underway on a proposal to close a popular paper road on the Wairarapa coastline due to vandalism and destruction. The paper road, which runs through both Crown and privately owned Maori land, provides access to a remote section of the Cape Palliser coast used by outdoor enthusiasts such as surfers, campers, and hunters. But the proposed bylaw, which would restrict access for up to three years to allow the whenua to heal, has provoked strong feelings from both those sides. Mary Argue reports.

Around the motu: Piers Fuller reports from the Wairarapa

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Lisa Portas, a 2025 Nuffield Scholar and agribusiness director from New Zealand, explores the shifting economics of strong wool. She unpacks why synthetic fibers disrupted the market, what makes value-added wool promising again, and how infrastructure and accreditation could transform the sector. Discover how global travel is shaping her thinking on regenerative farming and supply chain reinvention. Listen now on all major platforms!Meet the guest: Lisa Portas is a director, former farm operator, and a 2025 Nuffield Scholar based in New Zealand's Wairarapa region. With over a decade of leadership in agribusiness diversification, she focuses on value chains, wool innovation, and export development. Her current research explores how strong wool producers can regain profitability through direct supply chains, farm-level practices, and global accreditation strategies.What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction(04:48) Strong wool economics(07:00) Infrastructure decline(10:12) Wool market innovation(14:09) Government policy shifts(18:20) Merino vs. strong wool(24:04) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

A campaign has been launched to help a rare snail find a mate. Ned, was unearthed in a Wairarapa garden earlier this month and found to be something quite special; a left handed snail. That's a snail that's shell spirals in anti-clockwise direction from its smallest point. The problem is, Ned will need to mate with another lefthanded snail, and New Zealand Geographic have launched a nation-wide snail hunt to help him find one. Illustrator, gardener and Ned's finde, Giselle Clarkson spoke to Lisa Owen.

Wairarapa farmer and philanthropist inducted into the NZ Business Hall of Fame. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the past year, Country Life has been in the yards or out in the paddock watching Wairarapa dog triallist Chris Shaw train up his latest working dog, Miley - a young Huntaway that's got that "X-factor". You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.Revisit our first meeting with Chris and Miley to see what progress she has made.You can also find previous training sessions to track her progress, here and here.With thanks to:Chris Shaw and Miley the HuntawayGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A rural mum and nurse has launched a collective to support rural mothers with newborn babies in the Wairarapa region Rural Mama Collective is the brainchild of mum of four Sarah Tatham, who struggled with isolation as a new mum herself. She tells Jesse how lonely it can be.

Send us a question/idea/opinion direct via text message!In this episode of the New Zealand Property Market Podcast, Nick Goodall speaks with Matt Spicer, franchise owner and mortgage adviser at Loan Market Wairarapa. Together Nick and Matt discuss the current state of the New Zealand property market, focusing on the Wairarapa region. They explore trends in first home buyers, property prices, and the impact of interest rates. Matt shares insights on the importance of communication in mortgage advising and the rewarding nature of helping clients navigate the property market. The conversation also touches on the construction market, lifestyle properties, and the role of reverse equity mortgages in supporting clients' financial needs.Sign up for news and insights or contact on LinkedIn, X @NickGoodall_CL or @KDavidson_CL and email nick.goodall@cotality.com or kelvin.davidson@cotality.com

There are high hopes for a revival of Wairarapa's historic agricultural training facility with negotiations under way between the Crown and potential buyers. 

We yarn with a Wairarapa farmer, and one of the country’s leading sheep breeders, about carbon farming, and the future of production forestry and sheep farming. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Wairarapa farmer and philanthropist talks about saving the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We preview the Rabobank farm succession workshops with a Wairarapa farm accountant, hobby farmer and former 1995 Sharemilker of the Year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the podcast, we're joined by James Bruce, a Wairarapa sheep and beef farmer running 6,000-7,000 stock units across hill country in the Maramora area. James shares his practical strategies for managing farmer mental health and well-being.James discusses his "ripple effect" philosophy of how one person's mood affects their entire team, whether in the farm yards or on the rugby field. He also reveals his tidy approach to balancing multiple commitments, the importance of celebrating small wins, and how mentoring young people has improved both his farming operation and community.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

This Matariki, the stars align for Mark and Susannah Guscott - award winners bringing whakapapa and astronomy together on their sixth-generation Wairarapa farm. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about Glen Eden Farms, here. You can also learn more about their Star Safari, here.And for Whitimanuka Retreat, see here.In this episode:0:50 - Roots that run deep5:13 - Changing land uses7:27 - Whitimanuka11:40 - Sheep and beef18:09 - Star SafariWith thanks to:Mark and Susannah GuscottMake 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

Strong family support, innovation and a dash of good luck have seen the Harvey family of Wairarapa clock up a hundred years on Daisybank Farm near Martinborough. They're banking on a similar mix to see them through the next century. You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:1:02 - Life at Daisybank4:10 - The next generation takes over7:23 - 100 years of farming10:17 - 100 years of Harveys15:41 - Experience life on farmWith thanks to:Owen Harvey, John and Emma HarveyMake 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

Piers Fuller is the Editor of the Wairarapa Times-Age, based in Masterton.

Wairarapa dog triallist Chris Shaw breaks down the difference between heading dogs and Huntaway, like young pup Miley, and what they each do on farm.You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can also find more about Rural Edge Contracting and Dog Training, here.You can catch more of Chris and Miley, including the first time we met them, here.With thanks to:Chris ShawGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Wairarapa police are urging to people to dial 111 if they suspect car theives are at work after a significant jump in the number of vehicles being nicked in the district. 29 cars have been stolen in the area in the past two weeks, 25 of them in Masterton. Wairarapa Area Prevention manager Senior Sergeant Gill Flower spoke to Lisa Owen.

There's still a state of emergency in Christchurch and many properties across Wellington, Wairarapa and Manawatu are still without power following the week's wild weather.

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.

Piers Fuller is the editor of the Wairarapa Times-Age, based in Masterton

This week on Country Life we check out an artificially constructed lake on Braemore Farm that's built for water storage and fun we're out with Anna and Mitch Munro are out on the farm every day with 18-month-old Charlie in tow. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:35 - A garden to munch on6:23 - Rural News Wrap14:15 - Wairarapa farmer 'proud' of DIY lake27:26 - Farming with a toddler in towWith thanks to guests:Cath Goodrick, Kai RotoruaLen French, Lake BraemoreAnna and Mitch Munro, Muster PhotographyMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Like what you hear? Tell us! Leave us a review on your favourite podcast app or join the RNZ Podcasts Facebook group and join the convo.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Len French wanted a lake to help with water security on his eastern Wairarapa farm. What he's built, Lake Braemore, is now a community asset that can be enjoyed by all.You can find photos and read more about this episode on our webpage, here.You can learn more about Lake Braemore, here.With thanks to:Len FrenchGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Fernglen Farm is a family affair helping people learn more about the benefits of sheep milk, while finding new ways to balance the hardships of farming on Wairarapa's coast. You can find photos and read more about this story on our webpage, here.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

This week on Country Life the team catch up with a Wairarapa farming family that's added sheep dairy to their farming operation, and every day is a hoot for Gloria Harris, who runs a little owl and morepork rescue service near Invercargill. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:37 - On the Farm 9:23 - Dean Martin from Glenlands Farm14:25 - Southland owl rescue centre29:00 - Fernglen Farm's sheep dairy additionWith thanks to guests:Dean Martin, from Glenlands FarmGloria HarrisJeff and Cameron Ravenwood, from Fernglen FarmMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Like what you hear? Tell us! Leave us a review on your favourite podcast app or join the RNZ Podcasts Facebook group and join the convo.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details