CountryWide CONNECT

This episode features Ray Smith, Director General, MPI discussing his recent address to the Primary Industries New Zealand Summit and the China Business Summit, covering the opportunities and challenges facing New Zealand's primary sector.   WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command ‘Play CountryWide Connect’ on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.     Apple: https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&hl=en_NZSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features Danielle Hovmand, Emerging Leader winner at Primary Industries New Zealand Awards discussing leadership, innovation and helping future-proof New Zealand agriculture.   WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command ‘Play CountryWide Connect’ on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.   Apple: https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&hl=en_NZSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features Neil Bateup, Waikato Hauraki Coromandel Rural Support Trust discussing a lifetime of service to rural communities following his recognition with the Champion Award at the Primary Industries New Zealand Awards.   WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command ‘Play CountryWide Connect’ on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.   Apple: https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&hl=en_NZSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colin Hurst elected Federated Farmers president China Business Summit puts trade relationship under scrutiny a2 Milk declares three-hundred million dollar special dividend Rural News is in partnership with Farmlands as part of CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp - our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.   Colin Hurst elected Federated Farmers president South Canterbury farmer Colin Hurst has been elected as the new president of Federated Farmers, with Gisborne farmer Sandra Faulkner voted in as vice president at today's annual general meeting in Auckland. Hurst says his focus will be ensuring farmers' voices are heard loud and clear wherever decisions are being made. He paid tribute to outgoing president Wayne Langford, saying he had been a phenomenal leader who transformed and modernised the organisation. Faulkner farms with her husband near Gisborne across sheep, beef, cropping, citrus and farm forestry, and has served on the national board for four years. She says there is significant work still to do, particularly as new RMA and local government legislation will shape how future generations farm. Mark Hooper retains his board position, with Richard Dawkins and Karl Dean holding their meat and wool and dairy chair roles respectively.   China Business Summit puts trade relationship under scrutiny New Zealand's largest trading relationship is under the spotlight in Auckland today at the twelfth annual China Business Summit, as business and political leaders weigh commercial interests against a shifting geopolitical landscape. China remains New Zealand's biggest export market by a wide margin — nearly twenty billion dollars in goods last year, close to double the combined total of the next two largest markets. China is also our largest source of imports at eighteen-point-five billion dollars and our third-largest source of international visitors. Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Simon Bridges says while New Zealand has been moving closer to traditional security partners, commercial ties with China must be protected. He says in contrast to the uncertainty surrounding US trade policy, China has positioned itself as a predictable and reliable partner. The Middle East conflict has added complexity — exposing both countries to oil supply vulnerabilities and accelerating New Zealand's uptake of Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles, solar panels and technology. Beijing hosts APEC in Shenzhen later this year, adding further diplomatic weight to the summit's timing.   a2 Milk declares three-hundred million dollar special dividend a2 Milk has declared a three-hundred million dollar special dividend to be paid on July twenty-fourth, following Chinese regulatory approval earlier this week for the company to transition its infant formula product registrations to the a2 brand. Chair Pip Greenwood says the dividend reflects the company's commitment to delivering shareholder returns while maintaining disciplined capital management. The approval from China's State Administration for Market Regulation concluded the final step in a2 Milk's acquisition of the Pokeno facility, with all necessary regulatory hurdles now cleared.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features Will Burrett, Chief Operating Officer for Pāmu discussing how native forests can create environmental, economic and social value, and the role sustainable land management is playing in shaping the future of New Zealand farming.   WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command ‘Play CountryWide Connect’ on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.   Apple: https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&hl=en_NZSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features Ben Dooley, Freshwater Spokesperson Federated Farmers discussing freshwater regulations, practical farm management and the challenge of balancing environmental stewardship with productive farming systems.   WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command ‘Play CountryWide Connect’ on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.   Apple: https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&hl=en_NZSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Primary Industries New Zealand Awards celebrate sector's best in Auckland Safer Farms ambassador Lindy Nelson wins national safety leadership award Government signals options to shield Waikato farmers from old planning rules Rural News is in partnership with Farmlands as part of CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp - our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.   Primary Industries New Zealand Awards celebrate sector's best in Auckland More than five-hundred people gathered in Auckland last night for the Primary Industries New Zealand Awards, with dairy leader Jim van der Poel receiving a standing ovation as the night's highest honour was announced. Van der Poel received the Outstanding Contribution to Primary Industries Award, with judges describing him as an absolute titan of the New Zealand dairy industry. Van Der Poel was instrumental in forming Fonterra and chaired DairyNZ through one of its most challenging periods, including Mycoplasma bovis and significant environmental regulation changes. Jamie Mackay was crowned Agricultural Communicator of the Year, while Beef and Lamb New Zealand chair Kate Acland took the inaugural Rural Woman of the Year Award for inspirational leadership in changing the culture and effectiveness of the organisation. Neil Bateup won the Champion Award for decades of service to rural wellbeing, while Danielle Hovmand claimed the Emerging Leader Award, and Parininihi ki Waitotara won the Kaitiakitanga Award for its conservation work.   Safer Farms ambassador Lindy Nelson wins national safety leadership award Meanwhile Safer Farms ambassador Lindy Nelson has been named winner of the Leadership category at the 2026 New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards also in Auckland. The Wairarapa farmer chaired Safer Farms from 2020 to January this year and was instrumental in developing the sector-wide Farm Without Harm plan. She also helped create campaigns including Half Arsed Stops Here and Safer Rides, which offers farmers financial incentives to install crush protection devices on quad bikes. Safer Farms chair Murray Donald says Nelson's leadership is grounded in real farming experience — she understands the pressures farmers face and has consistently championed practical change that makes a difference on farm. Nelson was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016 for her services to women and agriculture.   Government signals options to shield Waikato farmers from old planning rules Waikato farmers facing potentially costly rules under the regional plan change process have received encouraging news, with Agriculture Minister Todd McClay signalling the Government will look at options to better align regional rulemaking with the incoming national planning system. Speaking at the Primary Industries New Zealand Summit in Auckland, McClay said he had raised the issue directly with Minister Bishop, arguing it made no sense for Waikato farmers to be bound by rules developed under the old Resource Management Act while a new national system was being adopted. Federated Farmers has been urging the Government to pause Waikato Region Plan Change One until major national reforms have settled. Waikato Federated Farmers vice president Andrew Reymer says McClay's comments will be hugely encouraging — but the organisation will now wait to see what options officials bring to the table.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features Jim Van Der Poel, Industry Leader discussing a lifetime of contribution to New Zealand agriculture following his recognition with the Outstanding Contribution to Primary Industries Award.   WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command ‘Play CountryWide Connect’ on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.   Apple: https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&hl=en_NZSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features Tama Potaka, Minister of Conservation discussing the Conservation Amendment Bill, described as the most significant overhaul of New Zealand's conservation system in nearly 40 years, and what it means for conservation, recreation and rural communities.   WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command ‘Play CountryWide Connect’ on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.   Apple: https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&hl=en_NZSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features Tony Trewinnard, Blue Skies Weather discussing the latest weather outlook, winter patterns, and what farmers should be watching in the weeks ahead.   WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command ‘Play CountryWide Connect’ on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.   Apple: https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&hl=en_NZSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features Mike Casey, CEO, Rewiring Aotearoa discussing the uncertainty of which way the election will go.   WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command ‘Play CountryWide Connect’ on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.   Apple: https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&hl=en_NZSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ dairy season sets new production record BNZ and Pāmu pioneer new model to earn revenue from native forests KWKiwi's William Kenna wins Bay of Plenty Young Grower title Rural News is in partnership with Farmlands as part of CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp - our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.   NZ dairy season sets new production record New Zealand's dairy industry has set a new full-season production record, with two-billion-and-twenty-six-million kilograms of milk solids collected in the 2025/26 season — up four-point-five percent on last season and four-point-one percent above the previous record set in 2020/21. May collections alone hit one-hundred-and-eight-million-seven-hundred-and-thirty-thousand kilograms of milk solids, a five percent year-on-year increase and a new record for the month. The record reflects a sector that has shifted back into expansion mode after years of consolidation, driven by stronger global commodity prices, improved farmgate returns and favourable La Niña weather conditions through summer that kept pasture growth strong and reduced supplementary feed requirements. Looking ahead, the growth trajectory is expected to ease. Rising fuel, fertiliser, feed and freight costs linked to the Strait of Hormuz disruption are already lifting input costs, and a strong El Niño event is anticipated. June collections are forecast to ease around three-point-three percent year-on-year, with July also slightly lower.   BNZ and Pāmu pioneer new model to earn revenue from native forests   BNZ and state-owned farming enterprise Pāmu have developed a new way for landowners to generate revenue from existing native forests — without needing to plant new trees or wait decades for carbon credits. Under the model, Pāmu leases a six-hundred hectare native block in northern Hawke's Bay to BNZ, which uses the forest's carbon removals to account for its own emissions. The majority of revenue flows back to Pāmu to fund pest control and additional planting. Native forests planted before 1990 are excluded from the Emissions Trading Scheme, leaving landowners with no way to monetise their conservation assets. This leasehold approach works outside the ETS while meeting international carbon accounting standards. Pāmu chief executive Mark Leslie says the approach values the contribution of established native forests today, rather than waiting decades for new plantings to mature. BNZ hopes others will adopt the model.   KWKiwi's William Kenna wins Bay of Plenty Young Grower title William Kenna, orchard and innovation lead at his family's kiwifruit business KWKiwi near Katikati, has won the Bay of Plenty 2026 Young Grower title and heads to the national competition in Cromwell on August twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth. Kenna returned to the family business in 2020 after studying marketing and logistics, and now splits his time between orchard work and developing in-house technology tools covering fruit quality forecasting, smarter water use and climate insights. Runner-up was Aimee Barker-Gilbert from Hume Pack-N-Cool in Katikati, with Patterson Kelly from Trevelyan's Pack and Cool in Te Puke placing third.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.