Hawke's Bay is nearing Cyclone Gabrielle's second anniversary, when millions of tonnes of silt were dumped across the region, smothering crops and resulting in over 600 hectares of fruit trees having to be ripped out. Apple grower, and the chief executive of the Yummy Fruit Company, Paul Paynter lost more than 180,000 trees and says many are still dying.

The Country Full Show: Thursday, January 15, 2026
38:20

The Country 15/01/26: Richard Loe talks to Hamish McKay
05:37

The Country 15/01/26: Mike Siermans talks to Hamish McKay
04:02