TODAY on COUNTRYWIDE CONNECT

Thursday 15 October 2026 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
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11:05am – Rex Newman
President, HATA
The push to keep agricultural and horticultural science as a standalone Year 11 subject in the national curriculum.
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11:18am – Scott Peterson
Rural Salesperson, McGrath Estate Agents
Farm expansion across the Tasman and how rural property market cycles are shaping opportunities for buyers in Australia.
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11:33am – Michael Whittaker
CEO, Tabula
The journey from TracMap to Tabula, the future of connected agriculture, and how technology is supporting day-to-day farming operations.
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11:48am – Dr Matthew Stone
Chair, National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC)
The review of the rodeo code of welfare and the new standards coming in for rodeo animals.
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12:00pm – RURAL NEWS UPDATE
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12:03pm – Dr Troy Baisden
Co-President, New Zealand Association of Scientists
The closure of FoodHQ and what the wider reforms across New Zealand’s science sector mean for research.
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12:18pm – Hilton Collier
Chief Executive, Tairāwhiti Whenua
Three winters on from Cyclone Gabrielle, what has genuinely changed in recovery, resilience and land use, and the lessons learned.
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12:33pm – Charlie McCaig
LIFT Programme Lead, Pāmu
Pāmu’s LIFT programme, its virtual fencing trials, and the growing role of technology in farm management.
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12:48pm – Toby Williams & Harriet Bremner
North/South Farmer Panel
Farmers from both ends of the country compare notes on conditions, challenges and what’s happening on farm this week.
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1:00pm – Show ends