Farming
Shaking it all up in a greenhouse trial
Researchers from the Bioeconomy Science Institute are investigating whether they can apply the vibrations of insects to disrupt pests in the greenhouse.
Flames, family and a pin-up queen
Mark Leishman goes on a personal journey to Burkes Pass, a place with deep family ties.
Take a punt on the Tuapeka Mouth Ferry
The southern hemisphere's only still operating river ferry celebrates 130 years.
A Little Route 66 on State Highway 8
Mark Leishman goes on a personal journey to Burkes Pass, a place with deep family ties. A fire in the 1990s destroyed most of the Burkes Pass Hotel run by his grandparents and has been replaced by a… Audio
Shaking it all up in a greenhouse trial
Researchers from the Bioeconomy Science Institute are investigating whether they can apply the vibrations of insects to disrupt pests in the greenhouse. Our Changing World's Claire Concannon heads… Audio
130 years: Take a punt on the Tuapeka Mouth Ferry
The southern hemisphere's only still operational river ferry celebrates 130 years. Audio
Country Life Friday 6 February 2026
Now it's time for Country Life and the team is by a river mouth in Otago learning about an unusual way to cross the water. They're also in a greenhouse in Canterbury and feeling the Americana vibe at… Audio
Rural news wrap
A wrap of what's being making headlines on the rural news desk this week Audio
Storm effects hurt 2026 honey harvest
Beekeepers blocked from getting to their hives mid-harvest due to roads closed by recent storms, are expecting a lighter and later honey harvest this year. Audio
Midday Rural News for Wednesday 4th february 2026
An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team. Audio
Synlait’s comeback delayed as costs stay high
The dairy company is forecasting a hefty half-year loss as its recovery takes longer than hoped.
Needle steriliser a 'third hand' for farmers
The final touches are being put on a new gadget promising to speed-up vaccinating or giving pain relief to livestock. Audio
A life in the bush, a woolshed of memories
Lew Pickens' passions hark back to his days clearing land in Northland - camp oven cooking and driving bullock teams. He has a woolshed full of memorabilia on the family farm in King Country and he is…
Milking the opportunity, no herd required
Farmers are being urged to embrace the growing demand for "experiential tourism" from overseas visitors.
IKEA owner's first New Zealand forest: 'We're here for the long term'
Ingka Investments, the parent company of furniture giant IKEA, now owns 30,000 hectares of forestry in Aotearoa. Its first purchase saw the conversion of Wisp Hill Station in southern Otago from…
Camp ovens, bullockies and other tales from the bush
King Country farmer Lew Pickens' passions hark back to his days clearing land in Northland - camp oven cooking and driving bullock teams. He has a woolshed full of early tools and farming machines in… Audio
Ikea owner's first New Zealand forest 'Timber production first
Ingka Investments, the parent company of furniture giant Ikea, now owns 30,000 hectares of forestry in Aotearoa. It's first purchase saw the conversion of Wisp Hill Station in southern Otago from… Audio
