Heartland - Omarama

Heartland host Gary McCormick visits Omarama, which is "about as remote as you can get in New Zealand, as it sits in the centre of the South Island at its widest point." Over the Christmas break, McCormick talks to sheep farmers battling pest rabbits and the invasive weed heiracium hawkweed, checks out a fishing competition, and attends the Omarama Rodeo. At the rodeo he meets the Church brothers, cowboys who travel round the country. McCormick also listens to a spot of yodelling, and takes in the children's sheep riding display. 

Rabbits of course are our number one problem. Always have been. But we’ve had a big year this year and spent almost over $30,000 killing rabbits. My grandfather, who bought this place originally, he said that either we go or the rabbits go. And that’s still a fact today.

– Ginger Anderson taking measures to kill pests on his farm

Key Cast & Crew

Ken Sparks

Editor

Stephen McCurdy

Composer

Bruce Morrison

Director

William Grieve

Producer

Allan Baddock

Research

John Patrick

Sound