Heartland - Ōmarama

Heartland host Gary McCormick visits Ōmarama, 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".  In town over the hot summer break, McCormick spends Christmas day with the Anderson family on their farm, Ben Omar Station. He talks to sheep farmers battling rabbits and invasive hieracium weeds, checks out a fishing contest, flies in a glider and attends the Ōmarama Rodeo. There 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.

All our stock now is bulls or horses, so you know, you got a bit of an idea what you’re getting on at the start of the rodeo so you can psyche up or psyche out — whatever you wanna do.

– Corey Church talks about the rodeo

Key Cast & Crew

Gary McCormick

Presenter

William Grieve

Producer

Swami Hansa

Cinematographer

Stephen McCurdy

Composer

Ken Sparks

Editor

Bruce Morrison

Director