Rural
100 years of rural broadcasting
Informing, entertaining and connecting isolated farmers was a prime goal of the Radio Broadcasting Company, officially incorporated in August 1925 and a forerunner to RNZ. As RNZ celebrates the… Audio
Farming 101: The difference between a heading dog
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. Audio
Demand for caskets made from sheeps wool on the rise
As well as selling top quality wool to buyers around the world, Polly and Ross McGuckin's Yaldhurst Wools business also provides funeral homes with biodegradable caskets and ash urns made from New… Audio
Preserving native bush and local history on the 'perfect farm'
Former South-Taranaki mayor Ross Dunlop has led the way with conservation efforts on his family farm. Audio
Country Life Friday 23 May 2025
This week Country Life visits a Taranaki conservationist on the family farm, learns more about a Canterbury family making cosy coffins from their farms wool to provide a comfortable send off, and we… Audio
Demand for cheap butter sends queues out the door
Shoppers at Costco say they're saving hundreds by queuing for slabs of the $10/kg butter. Audio
Telling stories from the country for 100 years
As RNZ celebrates an important centenary, Country Life dips back into the archives to bring you some of the well-loved voices and shows from its rural team through the decades.
Trade surplus hits historic $1.4b high amid soaring primary exports
New Zealand's primary sector has recorded its highest monthly trade surplus since 1960.
AgriTech leaders say Budget sows seeds but real growth requires bold vision
Tax incentives and a $100 million venture capital boost signal government support for food and fibre innovation but agritech leaders say it's time to step up with a bold national growth strategy. Audio
New discovery in the fight against facial eczema
New Zealand scientists studying a complex fungal disease that affects sheep have made a scientific breakthrough.
Horse riders feel 'overlooked' by snubs for road protections
Equestrians are feeling "frustrated" as repeated bids for greater safety measures fall on deaf ears.
Midday Rural News for 20 May 2025
North Island oyster farmers say sewage run off will ruin their businesses. Audio
Midday Rural News for 20 May 2025
North Island oyster farmers say sewage run off will ruin their businesses. Audio
A day in the life of a rural midwife
Rural midwife Sheryl Wright drives a winding dangerous road and even fords rivers to get to pregnant and new mothers in northwest Coromandel. She provides maternity care in the largest "very remote"… Audio
Where there's wool there's a way
Taranaki weaver Alison Ross is trying to bring back woollen-blankets made from locally-grown wool to highlight the fibre's benefits. Audio
Lambs are flying out of the pens at the Canterbury Saleyards
A lot of Waitaha farmers are moving away from the traditional system of running ewes and finishing their own lambs. Now they're all in the market to buy in and finish other people's lambs. Audio
