CountryWide Connect - Show Summary

Hon Todd McClay – Minister for Primary Industries
We open the show from the Primary Industries Summit with Minister Todd McClay, discussing the big issues facing New Zealand’s primary sector, the outlook for farmers, exporters and the Government’s priorities for agriculture.

Rebekah Cain – Chief Sustainability Officer, BNZ
A look at BNZ’s new partnership with Pāmu and what it means for sustainability, innovation and the future of farming systems in New Zealand.

Richard Capie – Chief Advisor, Forest & Bird
The debate over conservation land heats up. We discuss proposed changes, potential land sales, and Forest & Bird’s concerns following new polling on public attitudes.

Dairy Country Panel – Anne Lee & Adam Williamson, Farmer Leadership Team Chairman, Synlait
The Dairy Country team looks at the latest issues affecting dairy farmers, leadership within the sector, and what is happening behind the farm gate.

Professor Hugh Campbell – Sociology Professor, University of Otago
Is rural New Zealand becoming a political battleground? We discuss his views on right-wing parties competing for the rural vote and what changing rural politics means for farmers.

Owen Copinga – President, Holstein Friesian New Zealand
A preview of the 2026 Holstein Friesian NZ AGM & Conference and the ongoing importance of genetics, breeding, and farmer networks.

Tony Trewinnard – Blue Skies Weather (Ravensdown Weather)
Tony joins us with the latest weather outlook, winter patterns, and what farmers should be watching in the weeks ahead.