Rural
DOC asks southern farmers to help spot endangered kakī
The native black stilt birds mostly call Mackenzie Basin's braided rivers and wetlands home, but conservation staff expect they could be on the move following recent storms.
Christchurch trials sheep to reduce Port Hills fire risk
Christchurch City Council is trialling sheep as a way to combat fire risk in the Port Hills. The popular Kennedys Bush track is closed until Wednesday to allow sheep to graze the dry grass in the… Audio
Midday Rural News for 3 November 2025
The Bay of Plenty regional council has bought a large dairy farm as part of its sustainability efforts. Audio
'Every-day operation': What it takes to get trees ready for Christmas
Trimming, fertilising, recruiting and ready - Christmas tree farms reckon real trees are more popular than ever.
Morning Rural News for 3 November 2025
The government recently lowered its 2050 methane reduction target from 24 to 47 percent to 14 to 24 percent below the 2017 levels. Audio
Being 'the keeper of the community's stories'
Eketāhuna Museum is a treasure chest of curiosities which shines a light on the small town's Scandinavian heritage and the challenges of running a country museum.
Breeding the 'wagyu of lamb' for an ever-changing environment
Alastair Reeves has followed in his father's footsteps, using genetics to help farmers solve problems on farm by breeding sheep that make for good eating, are tolerant of facial eczema and emit lower…
It's a 'numbers game': Company's quest to breed low methane-emitting bulls
The team of scientists at LIC, the Livestock Improvement Corporation, hope to know by late next year if they can offer farmers more methane-friendly bulls.
Eketāhuna Museum - keeper of the community's stories
Volunteers at the Eketahuna Museum are getting ready to reopen. This treasure chest of curiosities shines a light on the small town's Scandinavian heritage and the challenges of running a country… Audio
Breeding the 'wagyu of lamb' for an every-changing farm environ
Alastair Reeves has followed in his father's footsteps, using genetics to help farmers solve problems on farm by breeding sheep that make for good eating, are tolerant of facial eczema and emit lower… Audio
A 'numbers game' LIC's quest to breed low methane emitting bull
The team of scientists at LIC, the Livestock Improvement Corporation, hope to know by late next year if they offer farmers more methane friendly bulls. Audio
Country Life for 31 October 2025
It's time for Country Life! Farmers in Waikato using genetics to reduce methance emissions from livestock, and we step back in time to find out what makes small country town museums tick. Audio
Fonterra votes to sell Anchor and Mainland to Lactalis
Fonterra shareholders have voted in support of the the sale of its major brands, including Mainland and Anchor, to French dairy giant Lactalis. More than 88 percent of the votes cast at a special… Audio
Farmers' backing of Fonterra brands' sale carefully considered - chair
A move to sell the Mainland, Kāpiti and Anchor brands to a French firm for $4.2 billion will bring long-term benefits to farmers, the co-op council chair says. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 30 October 2025
Fonterra's farmer shareholders have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the sale of the brands like Mainland and Anchor to a French company; Websites and systems around the world are back online after a… Audio
What will farmers spend their $200,000 each on?
Around 60 percent of shareholding farms could receive a windfall, if a Fonterra sale to a French dairy giant goes ahead.
Residents meet with officials to discuss weather damage
Battered by last week's gales and weary from six days without power, rural Clutha residents have finally had the chance to sit down with officials - and with each other. At community events in some of… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 29 October 2025
Farmers are frustrated that KiwiSaver changes promised on the campaign trail are not being fulfilled; Some residents in storm-hit lower South Island could still be without power heading into the… Audio
