Vangelis Vitalis: Inside NZ’s trade strategy | EP 93

Vangelis Vitalis: Inside NZ’s trade strategy | EP 93

Vangelis Vitalis is New Zealand's top trade negotiator. He's our man in the room securing better access for our exports, defending our interests overseas, and managing relationships with some of the world's biggest economies. In this episode, Vangelis explains how New Zealand navigates an increasingly complex and unpredictable global trading environment. How does a small exporting nation compete for access to international markets? What happens behind closed doors during trade negotiations? And what does it all mean for farmers? Find out from Vangelis. Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299257/fan_mail/new]

Farming the conservation estate — a fight for common sense | EP 92

Many farmers say DOC’s grazing system has become so restrictive that it’s putting the very landscapes it aims to protect at risk. In this episode, West Coast farmer Simon Cameron and North Otago farmer James Hurst discuss the growing red tape around conservation grazing, the consequences of removing farmers from the land, and why they believe a common-sense reset is urgently needed.  Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299257/fan_mail/new]

Wayne Langford: Five priorities for the next government | EP 91

What do farmers need from the next government? Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford joins us to walk through the organisation's newly released election platform, a five-point plan to double farm productivity, cut costs, improve environmental outcomes, and strengthen rural New Zealand.  Wayne explains the thinking behind each proposal, the challenges farmers are facing on the ground, and why Feds believes these changes would benefit the wider economy as well as the rural sector. Links Media release: 'Federated Farmers launches election priorities' [https://fedfarm.org.nz//Web/Media-Release/2026/Apr/Federated-Farmers-launches-election-priorities.aspx] Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299257/fan_mail/new]

How to avoid getting burned by solar | EP 90

How do you separate solar facts from sales hype? Mike Casey from Rewiring Aotearoa joins us to discuss not only the significant opportunities solar energy presents for farmers, but also how to make sure you're getting the right system. With more farmers exploring solar to reduce power costs, improve on-farm resilience and gain greater control over rising electricity prices, Mike explains why careful research is essential before signing a contract. He shares the warning signs of a poor deal, the sales pitches that should raise questions, and the common mistakes farmers make when choosing a solar system or finance package. Mike also walks us through what a good solar proposal should include, how to compare offers, and the key questions to ask before making a decision.  Useful links Rewiring Aotearoa's Electric Farms Report [https://www.rewiring.nz/electric-farms] Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299257/fan_mail/new]

Kerry Harmer’s fight for consent while winning awards | EP 89

Kerry Harmer and her husband Paul have recently won top environmental awards for their high-country stewardship work, while simultaneously fighting a $150,000 (so far) battle for consent to keep farming. In this episode, the new Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers president talks about the brutal irony of being recognised for environmental leadership while being told they’re not doing enough.  She shares the reality of the Harmers’ costly consent battle, the emotional toll of public scrutiny, and why she believes New Zealand’s consenting system is failing good farmers. Kerry also reflects on her career in farming, life at Castle Ridge Station, high-country resilience, and the leadership she wants to bring to Federated Farmers. Link: Farmers Weekly article about the Harmers [https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/news/high-country-farmers-costly-consent-fight-no-laughing-matter/]  Got a podcast idea for us? Let us know, and give us your feedback on this episode. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2299257/fan_mail/new]