Kiwi agritech is using AI to transform global orchards // Matt Blomfield, CEO, Hectre

This episode features Matt Blomfield, CEO, Hectre discussing how Kiwi agritech is using AI to transform global orchards, the challenge of scaling technology internationally, and why New Zealand continues punching above its weight in agricultural innovation. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson …

Jenni Vernon reflects on leadership, governance and the future // Jenni Vernon, Board Chair, New Zealand National Fieldays Society

This episode features Jenni Vernon, Board Chair, New Zealand National Fieldays Society discussing winning the E Tipu Women in Agribusiness Thought Leadership & Governance Award. We discuss rural leadership, governance, mentoring the next generation, and the future direction of New Zealand agricultu…

How science helped build modern rural New Zealand // Mark Piper, Transition CEO, Bioeconomy Science Institute

This episode features Mark Piper, Transition CEO, Bioeconomy Science Institute discussing 100 years of publicly funded science in New Zealand. We look at the legacy of the DSIR, how science transformed our export economy, and the major opportunities ahead for the primary sector. CountryWide CONNE…

Recognising leadership and excellence on farm // Dansy Coppell, Founder, GM & Business Development, Repost

This episode features Dansy Coppell, Founder, GM & Business Development, Repost discussing her win in the E Tipu Women in Agribusiness On Farm category. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-wide.co.n…

Rural Leaders Trust evening looks to build on last year’s success // Mike Green, Rural Industry Leaders

This episode features Mike Green, Rural Industry Leaders discussing fundraising initiatives, auction items, and the importance of developing the next generation of rural leaders. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit…

Global tensions are rising — What does it mean for NZ? // Todd Muller, Political Commentator

This episode features Todd Muller, Political Commentator discussing Donald Trump, growing tensions between China and the United States, instability in the Middle East, and what escalating geopolitical risk means for a small trading nation like New Zealand. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson &…

25th May 2026 // Rural News in partnership with Farmlands

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.

FULL SHOW - 25th May 2026

We kick the show off with political commentator Todd Muller discussing Donald Trump, growing tensions between China and the United States, instability in the Middle East, and what escalating geopolitical risk means for a small trading nation like New Zealand. Mike Green joins us to discuss fundrai…

Why wilding pines are becoming a massive rural threat // Andrew Hoggard, Minister of Biosecurity

This episode features Andrew Hoggard, Minister of Biosecurity discussing the Government’s new $79 million funding boost for wilding pine eradication. We cover the threat wildings pose to productive farmland, biodiversity and water catchments, and how the Government plans to scale up control efforts…

Super Rugby clashes & Warriors watch: Weekend sport // Dave Worsley & Graeme Beasley, Sports Commentators

This episode features Dave Worsley & Graeme Beasley, Sports Commentators discussing the weekend's biggest matchups across Super Rugby and the Warriors. CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit https://country-wide.co.nz…