Country Life

RNZ Originals
  • 5.0 (7)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Country Life team take you all over the motu to hear the extraordinary stories of every day rural New Zealand.

  1. 4D AGO

    FULL SHOW: Country Life for 13 February 2026

    Country Life gets the latest on the beef market and cherry harvest, learns how pairing solar and horticulture could help with growing and joins one of Pāmu’s young apprentices on a King Country farm. Follow Country Life on your favourite podcast platform or listen on the RNZ website. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here. In this episode: 0:41 - A yarn on the farm with beef farmer Craig Pickens7:23 - Rural News Wrap12:12 - New study into growing crops under solar panels18:33 - Growing a farmer - Archie's life as a Pāmu apprentice34:22 - Central Otago a fruitgrower's cherry pickWith thanks to: Craig PickensPieter-Willem HendriksArchie Davidson and Alan MacDonald, PāmuKris Robb and Mike Mangau, Clyde OrchardsMake 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.nz Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    51 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Ruby jewels of Otago a Lunar New Year treat

    A look at how Clyde Orchard's recent cherry and stonefruit harvest has gone and a tour of a new purpose built accommodation for its RSE workers. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here. You can learn more about Clyde Orchards, here. With thanks to: Kris Robb and Mike MangauMake 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.nz Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    15 min

  3. 5D AGO

    Growing a farmer - Archie's life as a Pāmu apprentice

    Archie's 17 and an apprentice to Micky, champion shearer and Pāmu farm manager on King Country sheep and beef farm Te Wharua. We head out mustering and Archie shows how he's working with his whistle and his dogs. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here. With thanks to: Archie Davidson and Alan MacDonald, PāmuGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    16 min

  4. 5D AGO

    New study into growing crops under solar panels

    Growing crops alongside solar farming is a new field for New Zealand, so researchers here have been analysing studies of these sorts of systems around the world. Dr Pieter-Willem Hendriks from the research team at Lincoln University spoke to Sally Round. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here. With thanks to: Pieter-Willem HendriksGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    6 min

  5. 5D AGO

    Rural News Wrap for 13 February 2026

    A wrap of the week's news from the primary sector. You can find more from RNZ's rural news team, here. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    5 min

  6. 5D AGO

    A yarn on the farm with beef farmer Craig Pickens

    A little bit of luck as well as good management is behind our guest's entry into the roaring beef market. Craig Pickens has been farming in King Country since 2005 and his present farm, Waimiha, has gone through some changes, lately the move to finishing beef cattle. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here. With thanks to: Craig PickensGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    7 min

  7. FEB 6

    FULL SHOW: Country Life for 6 February 2026

    This week the Country Life team takes you riverside to find out about an unusual ferry which has been running for 130 years, they delve into the science of insect vibrations which may be a way of protecting crops, and getting a taste of Americana at Burkes Pass. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here. Make 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.nz Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

    51 min

  8. FEB 6

    A Little Route 66 on State Highway 8

    Producer 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 replica 1950s Americana village complete with its own "Pin Up Queen". 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

    20 min
See All (305)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Country Life team take you all over the motu to hear the extraordinary stories of every day rural New Zealand.

Information

  • Channel
    RNZ Originals
  • Creator
    RNZ
  • Years Active
    2006 - 2026
  • Episodes
    305
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) Radio New Zealand 2026
  • Show Website
    Country Life

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