Matt Black says it felt like winning lotto when he and his wife Sarah were selected to became equity partners at Marble Point Station, a scenic 2400 hectare sheep and beef property between Culverdon and Hanmer Springs.

When adversity hits the rural sector, people often turn to the Rural Support Trust. Neil Bateup has been involved with the Trust since its inception and says thankfully, people are now more open to asking for help.

The Waiuku company making fence posts from used plastics has expanded into vineyards, is doubling its production capacity, wants to build a South Island plant and is exporting to Australia.

Hawke's Bay apple trees are bursting into blossom and Canterbury farmers are dealing with wind-damaged irrigators.

Tradition meets passion as four South Westland teams compete for the region's foremost rugby prize, the Woodham Shield. The 71st year saw Fox - Franz - Haast take on Whataroa in this year's final challenge, which took place at Whataroa Domain on a freezing August afternoon.

It's been two years since Country Life started following Te Hera vineyard's John Douglas through a vintage. 2020 turned out to be an interesting one, with harvest occurring during the pandemic lockdown and other disruptions caused by Covid-19. The Pinot Noir is about to be released so it was time to head back for a final visit to find out how it turned out.

The Covid pandemic has lead to a lift in sales for the tiny Rockit apple. The apples are exported in a tube and consumers like that the fruit is not touched by a human hand after it leaves New Zealand.

Gales in Canterbury have toppled trees and taken out power. Avocado growers are having a rocky start to the export season.

This week, Country Life is on the sidelines of a heartland rugby game on the West Coast - tradition meets passion as four South Westland teams compete for the region's foremost rugby prize, the Woodham Shield. The team also dip back into the files and find out how the little Rockit apple is taking off and taste the final wine produced after following Te Hera vineyard's winemaker through last year's vintage.

Internet learning is extending the horizon for children at remote Makuri School. They link up with teachers and pupils in other rural and remote schools around the country for lessons on astronomy, a second language and even song writing. Country Life spends a day at the primary school near Pahiatua.