ATS Newsbrief February 2015
Where would we be without our emergency services?
Neal Shaw, Group CEO
Living rurally, it can reasonably be argued we rely even more heavily than our urban counterparts on these services operating well, given our distance from the main centres.
Our fire brigades, St John and search and rescue services rely heavily on volunteer support. Our neighbours, co-workers, family and friends often make up the ranks of those who turn up to all sorts of emergency situations to support us in our time of need. It’s that community minded spirit that sees these organisations continue to exist, and we would be lost without them. It’s easy to think it won’t happen to me, but the reality is none of us knows what’s around the corner and there are many situations which have the potential to escalate and put ourselves and our property at risk. This summer’s tinder dry conditions and the potential fire risk are just one example. We should also remember to be appreciative of the professional services we do have around us—we may not have the full hospital services of a big city, but in an emergency we are extremely well served
by a team of professionals who ably step up to meet whatever challenge comes their way. We are also well served by our Civil Defence personnel, and services such as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Locally we are fortunate to have the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust which relies on locals helping rural people through adverse events such as snowstorms, flooding, drought, and also financial, animal welfare, and personal crises. There are lots of ways ATS and our members can support these services in our community—we can volunteer our time, we can offer financial support through donations, and our businesses and farms can support staff members who choose to volunteer by releasing them from work in the event of a call out. The old adage, prevention is better than cure also holds true, and we encourage our members to be proactive in managing situations before an emergency occurs.
Changes to the Health and Safety Act take effect from April 2015. This training is timely
Farm Safety Training for members 17 February 17 March 21 April
For more information or to RSVP, call 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) or go to www.ats.co.nz/farmsafety
09 March
Nutrient Management Roadshow, Ashburton Register now at www.dwn.co.nz or phone 07 974 4850.
25–27 March
South Island Agricultural Field Days Join ATS and key Suppliers at site 429 for great Field Days specials, a drink and bite to eat. We look forward to seeing you.
Please remember to keep your work colleagues, friends and family safe on your farm by having your Health and Safety plan in place. Spare a thought for the hard work which goes into making our rural communities the safe and well supported environments we all enjoy.
Farm Safety—fundamental to operating a good business Courses providing you with up to date farm safety practises and a manual specific to your needs will be run again this year. Confirmed dates for 2015 are 17 February, 17 March, 21 April, 19 May, 23 June, 21 July, 18 August, 22 September, 17 November with October’s dates yet to be confirmed.
UPCOMING EVENTS
for farmers and small business holders looking to comply with regulations and best practise within their organisation. Upon completion of the training, members will be able to apply for a discount on their ACC levies. Courses cost $550 (GST and member discount inclusive). Seating is limited so get in early to reserve your spot. For more information or make a booking please contact Peter Jacob on 03 307 5124 or 0800 BUY ATS (289 287), email book@ats.co.nz or book online at www.ats.co.nz/farmsafety
STORE HOURS
Ashburton Monday–Friday, 8am–5.30pm Saturday, 9am–12pm
Methven Monday–Friday, 8am–5.30pm
Rakaia Monday–Friday, 8am–5.30pm If you have any urgent requirements during closed hours and public holidays, the duty manager can be reached on 03 307 5100 or 027 487 6865.
Have you got an incorrect charge on you ATS account? If you have an incorrect charge or invoice appearing on your account please advise us as soon as possible. If you intend to short pay your account due because of such an error, ATS need to be advised by the 15th of each month so a corresponding deduction in payment to suppliers can be made. Please phone 0800 (BUY ATS) 289 287.
Preventing stones in grain The occurrence of stones in grain is a growing problem, particularly for end users and especially those processing grain in small crushers on dairy farms. Take care when filling silos and don’t sweep or scoop up grain and stones and add it to your stored grain. Remember to also take accurate running samples for each stored line of grain taking into consideration quality parameters like moisture, test weight, screenings and protein. Contact ATS Seed on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) for more information.
Credit card payment option Don’t forget you can now pay your ATS account by credit card through BNZ. This convenient payment option can create up to 55 days credit depending on when purchases are made during the month.
RURALCO SUPPLIER UPDATES Please visit www.ruralco.co.nz for information on locations and contact details.
Surcharges for this service apply (1% for regular recurring payments set up between ATS and BNZ and 1.75% for payments made on an ad hoc basis). All surcharges will be charged by ATS to your credit card at the time payments are processed and will appear on your ATS statement. The surcharge shown on your statement will be offset by the credit card payment you have already made.
Real discounts for real farmers
NEW SUPPLIERS
Nationwide
HOUSE OF TRAVEL Convenience
South Island Wide
For more information, call the Customer Service team on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287). The terms and conditions are available from the ATS website www.ats.co.nz/About+Us/Services/ Payment+Options
TYRE GENERAL Nett-12.5% discount TYRELAND 5-15% discount
Ashburton
HEDWAY Nett-10% discount
Christchurch
Are you paying too much for your electricity?
Would you like ATS to email you your account? We can now email statements and invoices on the 5th working day of each month. If you have an unreliable postal service or simply prefer your statements electronically please contact ATS on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) to arrange this. Hard copies will still be posted.
ATS Energy can provide you with a free no obligation comparison from our energy partners so you can see if there are any potential savings to be had for your home or farm by paying your electricity accounts through ATS. For more information, contact ATS Energy Account Manager, Tracey Gordon today on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).
LASER VISION EYE CLINIC MERIVALE 3.5% discount R R FISHER AND CO LTD Nett-20% discount COPTHORNE HOTEL COMMODORE CHRISTCHURCH AIRPORT Pricing Schedule OIL CHANGERS PAPANUI Nett-7% discount AFFORDABLE STYLE Nett-10% discount HARTNELL COOLHEAT CHRISTCHURCH Nett-10% discount
Leeston
ELLESMERE DRAPERY Nett-5% discount
North Canterbury
HARTNELL COOLHEAT RANGIORA Nett-10% discount PEGASUS BAY ELECTRICAL Nett-10% discount
Timaru
ECONOMY GLASS Nett-17% discount
Is it time to renew your Approved Handler Certificate? Your Approved Handler Certificate may have expired or be about to expire. Make sure they are up to date before its time to purchase or apply chemicals. If your certificates need renewing, we can help. Please contact Peter Jacob on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) and he will be able to assist you with the renewal process.
Ashburton Trading Society Ltd 97 Burnett Street, PO Box 131 Ashburton
Tel 03 307 5100 Fax 03 307 6723 ats@ats.co.nz
RESIGNED SUPPLIERS CHALLENGE DARFIELD Darfield RX REFINISHING Leeston REVIVE ON OAKVIEW Ashburton
Do you need help with LPG? ATS Energy can help you with your LPG needs. Call us today on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) to discuss which of our suppliers is the best option for you.
www.ats.co.nz