The Country

Hamish McKay talks to Dr Elizabeth Heeg, Hamish Best, Megan Whitehead, Alec Astle, and James Blair.
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The Chief Executive of the New Zealand Forest Owners Association discusses how the forestry industry has come under increasing scrutiny, despite the many positives it delivers. She talks about how the sector is adapting its management systems in response to increased pressure from major storm events, the impact climate change is having on forestry operations, the role forestry plays in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), and whether carbon forestry is really the villain it is sometimes portrayed to be.

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Hamish Best talks about the decision to sell meat locally, what a potential change to Homekill regulations could mean for farmers and producers, and why he believes the future is bright for the primary sector. He also reflects on his journey and what he gained from being a Zanda McDonald Award finalist in 2025.
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Former women's world shearing record holder Megan Whitehead is preparing to reclaim the title. She discusses her training programme, the mental strength required to keep shearing for nine hours, and the importance of having a strong support team on the day.

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Former New Zealand cricketer, and author Alec Astle discusses the history of the Hawke Cup and the special place it holds in rural New Zealand sport.
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