CountryWide CONNECT

CountryWide CONNECT's weekly weather update by Tony Trewinnard from Blue Skies Weather, New Zealand’s trusted independent weather forecaster.
Key topics
Cyclone Vianu forecast and potential impact on the North Island
The role of warm ocean temperatures in cyclone development
The 2026 El Nino super event and drought implications
Warm Autumn weather patterns supporting pasture growth
Farmers' strategic responses to cyclone and weather forecasts
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CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is our weekly DAIRY Country panel featuring insights from the Dairy Environment Leaders Group, the importance of community catchment groups, with insights from Waikato dairy farmer Tor Peterson, winner of the Waikato Supreme Award for the Ballance Farm Environment.
"It's about what we can all do together - both the Dairy Environment Leaders group as well as the sheep and beef sector," says Tor Pedersen.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Dairy Panel and Guest
01:09 Meet Tor Peterson: Farm Location and Operations
02:38 Contract Milking and Farm Heritage
04:04 Family Values and Environmental Philosophy
05:26 Moving Waterways for Better Water Quality
06:19 Long-Term Farm Improvements and Rewards
07:37 Winning the Waikato Supreme Award
08:23 Insights from the Dairy Environment Leaders Group
09:20 Managing Water Quality with Neighbors
10:52 Science in Waterway Management: eDNA Testing
12:17 The Future of Catchment Groups and Farmer Collaboration
13:08 The Value of Learning and Industry Engagement
Resources
Dairy Environment Leaders Group (DELG) - https://www.dairynz.co.nz/environment/
CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An insightful discussion with former NZ politican and USA politics pundit, Todd Muller, on the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, US foreign policy, and the implications for global stability, featuring expert analysis on Trump's strategies, Iran's response, and New Zealand's diplomatic positioning.
"I think that Winston Peters being able to get a meeting at this tense time with Marco Rubio is extraordinary," says Todd Muller.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
00:29 Current Middle East Tensions and Potential Ceasefire
01:25 Back-Channel Diplomacy and Regional Facilitators
02:16 Trump's Motivation and Geopolitical Goals in the Middle East
03:12 US and Iran's Military Strategies and Escalation Risks
04:05 Ground Troops and European Responses
05:29 US Escalation Threats and Iran's Capabilities
06:52 Trump's Domestic Support and Public Opinion
08:45 Winston Peters' Diplomatic Mission in Washington
10:03 New Zealand's Position in Global Geopolitics
11:30 The Importance of Rules-Based International Institutions
12:25 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook
CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode explores the governments $18 million loan for pre-construction work for the ambitious water storage and irrigation projects Hawke's Bay which would unlock a potential $700 million in value. Mark discusses the Tukituki project's being an example of how the coalition government is fast-tracking legislation is being used to accelerate regional development.
"Investors want certainty in environmental approvals so hopefully this fast track legislation helps unlocks the investment to get this project off the ground," says Mark Patterson, Minister for Rural Communities.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Hawke's Bay Water Initiatives
01:29 Details of the $18 Million Loan for Rurotanafa
02:25 Lessons from the Ruatanawha Project
03:21 Projected Costs and Economic Impact of the Dam
04:21 Addressing Water Shortages and Future Needs
05:09 Funding Mechanisms and Investment Strategies
06:05 Political Support and Regional Development Policies
07:33 Role of Fast Track Legislation in Project Acceleration
08:33 Other Water Storage Projects in New Zealand
09:02 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook
Resources
Tukituki Water Security Project - https://www.tukitukiwater.co.nz/
CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This interview with Heather Sorensen, the new president of Rural Woman New Zealand, explores her vision for the organisation as it celebrates it's Centennial in July 2026. She talks about the duplication of rural women leadership and her thoughts on the change of guard following former president Sandra Matthews sudden departure.

"We need to connect more with our grassroots members," says Heather.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Heather Sorensen and Rural Woman New Zealand
03:43 Heather's Vision for Rural Women
06:39 Leadership Development for Rural Women
Resources
Rural Women New Zealand Official Website - https://ruralwomennz.nz/

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.