Farming
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… Audio
Rural News Wrap
A look at what's been making headlines on the rural news desk this week. Audio
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… Audio
Coalition promises to snuff out feared 'water tax' for farmers
The government has promised to change a contentious clause in legislation the could leave the door open to a future water tax for farmers.
Premium prices for enviro-positive wool
Regenerative sheep farmers could muster an above-market pay cheque for their sustainable wool clip, thanks to a new industry deal.
Morning rural update
Fears rural school bus changes will hollow out communities and work is progressing on restoring exports of Meyer lemons to Korea. The morning's rural news with Gianina Schwanecke. Audio
Midday Rural News for 10 February 2026
An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team. Audio
Midday Rural News for 9 February 2026
An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team. 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.
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 A fire in the 1990s destroyed most of the Burkes Pass Hotel run by his grandparents and has been replaced by a… Audio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
