Why more dairy farmers are welcoming Irish agricultural students
With 60 young Irish agricultural students preparing to arrive in New Zealand from January 2027, farmers have an opportunity to bring motivated, practically experienced young people into their businesses during the second half of the milking season
Summer’s coming - why wouldn't you call Waimate home?
As summer approaches, Bayleys Waimate agents Dionne Haywood and Jules Davidson share why Waimate is such a great place to call home, and why the warmer months are an ideal time to consider your next property move.
Veterinary Centre backs Big Easy as event celebrates 10 years
The Veterinary Centre is back on board as naming rights sponsor of the Veterinary Centre Whitehorse Big Easy, as the popular Waimate walking, running and mountain biking event celebrates 10 years since it began.
Geraldine rowing gets grant as efforts grow to make the sport more accessible
Geraldine High School has received a $10,000 grant to develop its rowing programme, as efforts continue to reduce financial barriers to participation in the sport.
Fire brigade marks 150 years with a tōtara at Bushtown
There's an interesting connection between Waimate's early bushfires and the Volunteer Fire Brigade's 150th anniversary celebrations.
This weekend, past and present firefighters gathered at Bushtown to mark the milestone in a particularly fitting way – while thousands turned out to celebrate their service to the community.
Plan ahead to keep moving in El Niño conditions
El Niño weather conditions can mean farmers need to move cattle or deer sooner than planned for grazing, selling or to manage feed availability.
Waimate Menzshed creation heading to India
A beautifully crafted macrocarpa presentation box made by the Waimate MenzShed is heading to India this weekend, carrying a special gift to mark an international business relationship.
New chapter for Todd Mudie Group as management team takes the reins
After 26 years at the helm of Todd Mudie Group (TMG), founder Todd Mudie is stepping back from day-to-day management, handing the reins to two long-serving members of his team.
A show generations grow up with
From childhood adventures on his pony Flashlight to watching his grandson enter the show ring, Charles Ruddenklau has seen generations grow up at the Waimate A&P Show.
We talk to some of the people behind this much-loved event about what keeps it going - and why this year's show is well worth a visit, whether you're from town or country.
Spring brings more choice for buyers
With more properties coming to market and buyers taking their time, spring is bringing a shift
in Waimate real estate. District Life caught up with Jules Davidson and Dionne Haywood for their take on what’s happening - and what to expect heading into summer.
Farm diversification with layers
What started as a hunt for laying hens has now grown into a successful business supplying homes and commercial free-range egg producers with happy hens.
Partnering in agritourism
Your land’s pretty special and you know visitors would love to experience it, but you don’t have the time or skills to think about running a tourist venture? There are options. At Island Hills Station tourism’s booming under a different model.
Have a crack and I’ll back you
More than 30 years after someone gave Brent (Red) and Libby Cunningham the backing they needed to have a crack at owning a plumbing business, they're now helping another couple take that next step.
Kelcey’s Bush conservation work earns award recognition
A small group of Waimate volunteers putting thousands of hours into protecting two of the district’s native forests has been named a finalist in the 2026 Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Awards.
Keeping kids safe online focus of school holiday session
Among the new activities at Waimate District Library these holidays is Gaming with Kate - a gaming session for children with a serious message behind the fun.
Latest library initiative puts seeds on the shelves
Books, computers… and now seeds. Waimate Library’s latest initiative is getting the community growing, sharing and saving seeds.
50 years and five more sheep
When Tony Chamberlain steps onto the board at the Waimate Shears in October, he'll be completing a personal challenge. It will be his 50th consecutive year competing at his home event, shearing five sheep as quickly and as cleanly as he can.
Art set to supercharge The Waimate Trail
Creatives across Waimate District are being brought together on an ambitious project to “supercharge” The Waimate Trail – Te Ara Waimatemate.
Large-scale murals, a giant bicycle, a ghost-like moa, 100 butterflies and stone carvings are among the artworks planned for Footsteps of Our Ancestors, the trail's outdoor sculpture project.
Vet Ryan Luckman takes on farming’s big problems
A free bed, some “sheep stuff” and a scholarship brought Ryan Luckman to Waimate as a veterinary student. More than 20 years later, he’s still here.
These days, he’s focused on finding solutions to some pretty complex agricultural challenges.
Aimy, Ange and art
On the other side of the Waitaki River, at Danseys Pass, Aimy Chin has been busy creating stunning artworks. But behind the increasingly bright colours is a much deeper story.