Issue No.24 • JUL/AUG 2015 • $8.00 Including GST
9 772253 262016
04
Special Amalgamation Report Birthing in Hawke’s Bay
Exporting HB Brainpower
Business Succession
Future Farming Centre
Manuka … A Sweet Solution?
Kitchen Confidence
Assisted Dying
Greens Pick James Shaw
th e r e s e rve s Released August 2015
Issue No.24 • JUL / AUG 2015
THIS MONTH Time to vote on amalgamation. Mānuka honey – the right medicine for HB farmer-foresters? How should business owners plan for succession? Inside the ‘business’ of birthing in Hawke’s Bay. Exporting our region’s brainpower. A new Green Co-leader. Views on assisted dying, a Future Farming Centre, and Police cutbacks. Plus upcoming events, food, travel, the culture scene, and Brendan’s humour.
FEATURES
22 AMALGAMATION SPECIAL
Tom Belford, Doug McKay, Local Government Commission, Rebecca Turner, A Better Hawke’s Bay, Marie Dunninghmam, Paul Paynter
38 BUSINESS CONTINUITY CONUNDRUM
Keith Newman
Passing on a business involves emotion and foresight.
46 FROM ZERO TO HERO
Bridget Freeman-Rock
Is mānuka a sweet solution for Hawke’s Bay?
54 THE BUSINESS OF BIRTH
Jessica Soutar Barron
Midwives take care of our most precious import.
80 EXPORTING HAWKE’S BAY’S BRAINPOWER
Nic Magdalinos
Plenty of Hawke’s Bay ‘brainworkers’ export their wares.
Page 1 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
Issue No.24 • JUL/AUG 2015
JESS SOUTAR BARRON Jess is a wordsmith and project manager whose past gigs have included time with Sky TV, Hastings District Council and Band, as well as three years as a communications managerwith the Metropolitan Police Service. She also produces Fruit Bowl Craft Jam.
KEITH NEWMAN Keith is a journo with nearly 40-years’ experience across mainstream and trade media. He’s won awards for writing about hi-tech, produces Musical Chairs programmes for Radio NZ and has published four books, one on the internet in New Zealand and three others on New Zealand history.
> BEE in the KNOW 08 Annie Dundas scores for tourism. HB Wellness Index. Hot/Not. Superb wines. Super panelbeaters. HB apples shine. Meet the Dogman. Ola Pacifica chocolate. Year of Soils. Enviroschools speech winner. Ki O Rahi in Flaxmere. New water warnings. Events to catch.
> IDEAS & OPINIONS 84 IN HONOUR OF LECRETIA SEALES Libby Smales 88 “HI, I’M JAMES” James Shaw 90 SMART FARMING: USING OUR LOCAL TALENT Tom Belford 92 THINNING THE THIN BLUE LINE Anna Lorck 94 SPORT SPONSORS PROMOTE FAT, NOT FITNESS Damon Harvey
> CULTURE & LIFESTYLE 62 THE SCENE Jessica Soutar Barron
Replacing The Albert. Meet Taruna. Kereru Station. New Taonga at MTG. Wall of pins. Wardini’s book reviews. Jazz at The Common Room. Tape art & matchbook art … and arty lattes. Hideouts to chill. Poetry Day arriving. Red Red Wine in the pasture. Architecture awards. McKinnon h eads HCAG.
74 KITCHEN CONFIDENCE Clare Tanton 78 LE MANS 2015 Malcolm Eves 96 HERETAUNGUS HAS TALENT Brendan Webb BayBuzz articles are archived 30 days after publication at: WWW.BAYBUZZ.CO.NZ For editorial enquiries:editors@baybuzz.co.nz For advertising enquiries:mandy@baybuzz.co.nz
THE BAYBUZZ TEAM EDITOR: Tom Belford. ASSISTANT EDITOR: Jessica Soutar Barron. SENIOR WRITERS: Bridget Freeman-Rock; Jessica Soutar Barron; Keith Newman; Mark Sweet; Tom Belford. COLUMNISTS: Anna Lorck; Brendan Webb; Damon Harvey; David Trubridge; Paul Paynter; Sarah Cates. EDITOR’S RIGHT HAND: Brooks Belford. PHOTOGRAPHY: Tim Whittaker; Sarah Cates. ILLUSTRATION: Brett Monteith. CREATIVE, DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Empire Design; Coast & Co. ADVERTISING SALES & DISTRIBUTION: Mandy Wilson. ONLINE: Mogul. BUSINESS MANAGER: Bernadette Magee. PRINTING: Format Print. COVER ILLUSTRATION BY BRETT MONTEITH Page 2 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
MARK SWEET Napier-born, Mark worked overseas in Hong Kong and Scotland, before returning to Hawke’s Bay, and establishing Pacifica restaurant. Re-creating himself as a writer, Mark’s first novel Zhu Mao was published in 2011; an extract from his next novel, Of Good and Evil, has been short-listed for the Pikihuia Awards, will be published soon. BRIDGET FREEMAN-ROCK Bridget is Hawke’s Bay grown, and a bookworm by vocation, or a ‘literary scientist’ to borrow a German term for the ubiquitous arts degree in English. She freelances as a writer, editor and translator (German), and proofreads BayBuzz, alongside postgrad study and ventures in poetry and fiction. MANDY WILSON Mandy Wilson manages advertising and store sales for BayBuzz. She’s worked in print media in the Bay for 20 years or so (Wow!). In her leisure you can spot Mandy walking or cycling one of the numerous tracks throughout Hawke’s Bay or sipping hot chocolates in any number of cafes. 027 593 5575 ISSN 2253-2625 (PRINT) ISSN 2253-2633 (ONLINE)
This document is printed on an environmentally reponsible paper produced using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) pulp sourced from Sustainable & Legally Harvested Farmed Trees, and manufactured under the strict ISO14001 Environmental Management System.
FROM THE EDITOR TOM BELFORD
Who to Blame?
This edition of BayBuzz provides a heap of information on amalgamation. Deservedly, because how we choose to be governed locally is the biggest political decision we will make for decades. I’ve been writing about the benefits of amalgamation for years, so my position is no secret. I think it’s fair to say that those who have supported this magazine and me as a councillor appreciate that I’m committed to openness and accountability when it comes to local politics and government. And these are objectives that I believe amalgamation would advance. Yet not a few of my strongest supporters are resistant to amalgamation, chiefly for theoretical or philosophical reasons – ‘small is beautiful’ and ‘the best government system is one that can do the least harm’. The latter principle (on which many might agree!) becomes, perversely, an argument in favour of the duplication, inconsistency and bickering that our five councils excel at. To these folks – all of whom I suspect would like to see the region do better – gridlock is better than change with which they might not agree. And so, instead of championing change, some people are content to stick with the status quo, then blame it when the occasion suits. As I’ve watched, often the loudest complaints come from the most clueless about how our local bodies in Hawke’s Bay work, or don’t. But, in their defense, much of the confusion arises from how jurisdiction over various issues is mysteriously allocated. Examples abound … • One council allows homes to encroach upon a mushroom farm; another council prosecutes the mushroom farm for odouroffending its neighbors. • One council ignores advice and funding
Page 4 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
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from another that would help it deal with its sewage treatment duties; the second council, with responsibility to compel clean water, but without authority to direct the method, wrings its hands helplessly. One council suggests to landowners that their coastal properties should be protected; another council mightily resists. One council allows a leaky roof to be built over another council’s headquarters; in retaliation, the wet council sues the dry one. [Try to find the ‘settlement’ in any councils’ books!] One council grants consents ignoring a multi-council approved plan on land use; another council appeals to the Environment Court. One council, with authority over noise, allows seismic testing to identify oil and gas potential; the council with more significant authority over such development is taken completely by surprise, and is blamed for opening the floodgates to oil development. One council agrees to add $1.8 million over three years to the budget of Hawke’s Bay Tourism; and yet is clueless as to what other councils are spending on tourism promotion. With lesser dollars at stake, one can say the same about our councils’ overall spend on economic development. A natural disaster could affect any one of us, at any time, anywhere in Hawke’s Bay, yet five councils niggle over the varying amounts they will voluntarily put in the civil defence kitty. One council proposes a stormwater management plan; another challenges it; they fight it out in an expensive legal appeals process. One council – the one with the most farming output – actively pursues a GE Free status; another hides its head in the sand; three others shrug their shoulders. One council tells a water bottler he can
take aquifer water; another tells him which route his trucks must take to port. • One council seeks to clean-up the Ahuriri Estuary; another council refuses for years to take responsibility for dealing with its polluters. • One council needs contractors to remove riverbed gravel to enable flood protection; another council sells cheaper quarry gravel, leaving the first council ‘high and wet’. Hopefully you’re getting the point. These are ‘real world’ examples from Hawke’s Bay; they defy ‘good government’ theory about keeping everything ‘local’ and dividing the power. If you’ve been a victim of one of these situations – or are merely a concerned ratepayer – it’s nearly impossible to keep track of which council carries which responsibility, who to hold accountable, where to seek action, and where to place blame … when blame is due. There are only but two constituencies that are happy with this state of affairs – the region’s lawyers and the region’s five councils. No ratepayer, no voter, should be.
TOM BELFORD Tom’s past includes the Carter White House, building Ted Turner’s first philanthropic organization, doing heaps of marketing consulting for major nonprofits and corporates. Tom writes an acclaimed blog for professional NGO fundraisers and communicators in North America and Europe, and is a HB Regional Councillor.
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BayBuzz
Needs You! And Yours. Of course, anyone can just read BayBuzz. And we’re delighted that you do. But here are some other ways you … or someone you know … or an organisation or business in which you are involved … can actually help inspire content for the magazine. Foreign Correspondents Hawke’s Bay sends a steady stream of emissaries out into the wide world beyond our region. We’re not talking Dannevirke, but rather Dubai, London, Shanghai, California, New York … even that weird place called Oz. And they’re both taking in the world, comparing it to home (pluses and minuses), and representing Hawke’s Bay to the ‘unwashed’ who live beyond our borders. Can they write? If so, we’d like to read their stories and observations. Can they shoot a photo (or even a video) or take a selfie of something we need to see to believe? If so, we’d like to view it. In short, BayBuzz is looking for ‘foreign correspondents’ who can show us the world as seen by Hawke’s Bay expats. And either make us envious of their good fortune, or make us happy to be right here! Maybe one of those emissaries is your daughter, son, sister or cousin. Get ahold of them. Tell them BayBuzz wants to hear from them. We have a magazine and a website eager for their dispatches.
Returnees Some Hawke’s Bay expats have ‘seen the world’ … and seen enough!
Page 6 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
And home they’ve come. We’d like to know about them too, and hear their stories. What was their overseas experience? Why are they back? Just back from Sydney? We’ve probably heard that one … but give it a try. Just back from Uzbekistan? We’re all ears! Generally, we’ve published ‘returnee’ stories in groups of three or so, under the rubric … They’re Back! We’d like to do this, with your help, with more regularity. Again, they could be your daughter, son, sister or cousin. If they’ve returned to the motherland in the last year or so, get them on our radar screen. By ourselves, we can’t monitor all the borders all the time.
Spies Finally, we need domestic spies. The BayBuzz team is pretty good at scanning the local scene and knowing who’s who and what’s what. But we have blinders just like everyone else … our network needs constant expanding and refreshing. We need BayBuzz readers to alert us to upcoming events, identify individuals and organisations whose special achievements deserve recognition, clue us in to new and
innovative businesses that will help put Hawke’s Bay on the map … and yes, share juicy gossip of community relevance. Naturally, we can’t cover everything and everyone. We’ll leave the ‘normal’ stuff – like hatches, matches and dispatches – to Hawke’s Bay Today. Instead, BayBuzz is looking for the bold, the brash, the brilliant … the undiscovered, unnoticed and unusual. We think our readers have the inside scoop on this kind of stuff. And we hope you’ll share it with us and your fellow readers.
How? It couldn’t be simpler. Whatever kind of content you might be able to share – Foreign Correspondents, Returnees, Spies – all it takes to get our attention is an email. Our computers are never turned off! Of course, we can’t promise that you’ll see each and every submission in print. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. Don’t be shy.
We’re at editors@baybuzz.co.nz Or: PO Box 8322, Havelock North And we’d love to hear from you and yours.
Wine: Stories from Hawke’s Bay
Mark Sweet • Photographs Tim Whittaker A stunning book - the history of Hawke’s Bay’s iconic wine industry as never told before. Brought to life with real stories of its most illustrious players, glorious photographs, extensive archival research, and an insider’s guide to Hawke’s Bay wine-making in the region.
Released October 2015
BEE in the KNOW tim.co.nz
Scoring for Tourism With strong support from hospitality businesses, Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas scored the biggest dollar win in the latest long-term budget planning cycle. Page 8 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
On a promise to accelerate HB tourism to a 5% per annum growth rate, she won budget increases of $300k, $600k and $900k over the next three years. These funds are designated for marketing the Bay outside the region, and supplement the annual $920k operating budget of our regional travel organisation. HBRC made the funding increase contingent on appointment of a Māori representative to the HB Tourism Board, and urged more effort be given to promoting our region's Māori attractions.
BEE in the KNOW
Hawke's Bay Wellness Index Jobs on Seek.co.nz
Homes For Sale
[June 28 2015]
[Realestate.co.nz]
Lamb price at Stortford
207
1,488
$69.80
Homes Sold
Petrol, Regular
Dwelling Assualts
[REINZ]
Average at BP
[Family violence indicator]
in May 2015 [Up 1.8% from May 2014]
[ June 28 ]
in May 2015 [ Up 2 from May 2014]
HB Hospital Emergency Department presentations
Giant jaffas given away by Pipi’s in Havelock North
[ 21 Apr – 22 Jun 2015]
[ Down from 3,774 in March ]
June 28, 2015
AVERAGE [ June 24 ]
[ Down 247 from April ]
248 $1.929 114
227 Burglaries
May 2015
[ Down 7 from May 2014 ]
Visitors to MTG
Admissions, May
2,837 [ Including FREE children ]
7,239 2,108 78 [ Up 98 from same period, 2014 ]
GB
Bay Espresso coffee sold [Jun 2015]
78 gigabytes of data downloaded, in May, on average, by NOW residential customers.
Hawke's Bay Guest Nights
[Commercial Accommodations in April 2015]
1,093 123,000
[ Down 291 kg from April ]
kg
[ Up 12.9% year over April 2014 ]
What's Hot
What's Not
Mobile Video
TV
Jetstar
Air New Zealand
US $$
NZ $$
Amalgamation
Status Quo
Growing Mushrooms
Living Next Door
Tourism
Dairy
Playing Rugby Abroad
Playing Rugby in NZ
Mānuka
Kānuka
Page 9 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
BEE in the KNOW
HB Wine Crushes Elephant Hill has won Best New Zealand Red Wine at the 2015 International Wine Challenge in London for its 2013 Merlot Malbec. To take the Best NZ Red Wine honour the wine was pitted against more than 200 other red wines entered from New Zealand. Elephant Hill managing director Gunter Thies says making an awardwinning wine takes passion, attention to detail and dedication to quality. "Particularly in a competition where thousands of wines are being tasted. The win shows we are doing our best to achieve quality." Elephant Hill sells to 20 markets around the globe and hopes to gain more recognition for themselves, for Hawke's Bay and for New Zealand. "Every award for a Hawke’s Bay company is helping to put Hawke’s Bay on the map. We're happy for others to win awards as it is all making a statement for the industry in Hawke's Bay," says Thies. Other 2015 International Wine Challenge trophy winners from Hawke's Bay are Vidal's Legacy Chardonnay 2012 and Mission Estate's Jewelstone Syrah 2013. Vidal's Legacy Chardonnay has also recently won the Decanter World Wine Awards International Trophy for Chardonnay. "It's a slow burn in Hawke's Bay," says Hugh Crichton, Vidal's award-winning winemaker. "It doesn't jump out at you like Marlborough wine; it's a bit more discreet, a bit more elegant." Page 10 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
BEE in the KNOW
International Year of Soils Celebrations! The United Nations General Assembly has named 2015 as Year of Soils. They hope to raise awareness of the importance of good soil to human life, food security, climate change adaptation, poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Why not mark Year of Soils at your place? Find some fun soil activities, including how to boil an egg in your compost bin, at
www.ilovesoil.kiwi
Bumper Apple Year It's been a big season for apples in New Zealand in an industry that's set to reach $1 billion a year - that's over 550,000 tonnes of fruit. HBR Councillor Peter Beaven, worked in horticulture for twenty years, retiring as chief executive of Pipfruit New Zealand in 2012. He's on the Board of Pipfruit NZ and is current chairman of the World Apple and Pears Association. Beaven says the season has been good, but not great, for Hawke's Bay.
Part of the success of the season can be put down to growers adapting to the changes in the market. "The industry has reduced its reliance on less preferred varieties such as Braeburn and Coxes Orange and has increased volumes of premium niche varieties such as Envy, Pacific Queen and Smitten." About 65% of the apple harvest comes from Hawke's Bay. A third comes from Nelson. New Zealand apples have receptive markets all over the world and continue to get better prices than apples produced by our biggest competitors, including Chile, Thailand, Taiwan and South Africa, with the United States and Britain, taking 40,000 tonnes each.
"Production is high and a lot of the hail from spring has healed, so quality and packouts are good."
Page 11 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
BEE in the KNOW
GREEN SPEECH Hawke’s Bay Enviroschools kids took part in a speech competition in June. The competition was open to children in years 5 to 9 with the theme being ‘Taking Action for a Sustainable Future’. The event was a Hawke's Bay Regional Council initiative and a first for Enviroschools Hawke’s Bay. It was designed to give children who are fully involved in environmental learning through their school a chance to share their insights on environmental issues. Fifty schools and early childhood centres in Hawke’s Bay are signed up to Enviroschools. The speech competition was won by Year 7 student Lola Hamilton from Tikokino School. Here's Lola:
Just do it! Nike came up with this phrase to encourage people to start running, workout and generally become fitter instead of putting it off till tomorrow. And because of this, in 10 years they went from making $877 million to $9.2 billion because people listened to what they said. And we can do the same. The ads made exercise seem like a necessity. The same applies for what we are all talking about at this speech competition. ‘Just do it’ is about taking action! Our topic is all about taking action, not just talking about it in speech form. And to do this we need to start right now. Well, not right at this
second…let’s wait until my speech is finished. We are the start, the beginning, the grass roots of taking action and saving our planet. We are the next generation and we need to help the generations after that. It all starts with us so we need to start! We need to just do it. All of us here know ways to save the environment, but it’s not about what we know, but what we do with what we know. And trust me, we need to do something. You can take daily action in your own home in a so many different ways: 1. Refuse to use clingwrap in your lunch, and instead put your sandwich in one of the millions of containers you already own. 2. Unplug that heater and put another jersey on. 3. Grow your own organic food, you don’t even need much space, you can grow tomatoes in a pot on the smallest balcony. These three small changes would reduce waste, save electricity and minimize the existence of harmful chemicals in your house. For example, the Dutch baby stroller company Joolz encourages families that
Ola is Chocolate Ola Pacifica is just the kind of business we need more of in Hawke's Bay. It's innovative and nimble with a product that's boutique and world-class. Best of all, customers are hungry for it. General Manager Nia Belcher and husband Phil work with Nia's home village in Savaii, Samoa to produce some of the finest cacao nibs and cacao products available on the market. Their range started small three years ago, but has grown to include dark chocolate and drinking chocolate. They're picking up stockists around the country, but in Hawke's Bay Ola Pacifica products can be found at Chantal, Adam & Eva, Village Butcher, Bellatino, Te Mata Mushroom Farm, Black Barn Kitchen, Cornucopia and New World supermarkets. Page 12 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
purchase their products to recycle the product’s cardboard packaging. They do this by putting specific instructions on how to transform the cardboard in many different usable ways like into a chair or birdhouse. It is all so simple and there are things that we can do at every age and ability level. We all have to band together The Ministry of Social Development have a vision for New Zealand. They want New Zealand to be the birthplace of worldchanging people and ideas. We can be these people and provide the ideas New Zealand needs. It all starts with us. Take action now. Have a family meeting tonight and discuss ways your family can take action in your own home. Talk to your neighbours, buy local produce, and create a sustainable healthy peaceful neighbourhood. Do it via a grassroots community sharing of information. Grow a new future as easily as you grow those tomatoes. Make saving our environment a necessity. We won’t make $9.2 billion dollars but we will save our lives. Just do it!
BEE in the KNOW
Water Warnings As Hawke’s Bay ponders implications of the final Tukituki water decision from the Board of Inquiry, we note that the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) has just issued two new reports on New Zealand water quality that should affect our thinking. Update Report – Water quality in New Zealand: Land use and nutrient pollution. This hugely important stock take documents how changing land use, especially the shift to dairying, is adversely affecting our waterways. The PCE notes that the worst is still to come: “The complex nature of hydrological systems means that in some areas at least, the effects of land use change will not be fully seen for many years. The legacy of nitrate in groundwater has been termed ‘the load to come’.” She notes that nitrate in the groundwaters west of Canterbury is 30-60 years, probably reflecting increased used of fertiliser after World War 2. This and later pollution is yet to wash through the system.
regional council is required to do, whether it be difficult or easy … To not aspire to and attempt to at least maintain the quality of water abdicates the functions of a regional council …” Both reports can be found here:
http://bit.ly/1TT0m7B
And for students of the Hawke’s Bay environment, the latest compilation of data and trends for our region can be found in the Regional Council’s new 2009-2013 summary report: Hawke’s Bay Trends – The State of Our Environment. Almost 150 pages of well-presented data, charts, maps and analysis of the Bay’s condition with respect to climate & air quality, surface water, groundwater, land science, and coastal habitat. Printed copies available from HBRC. Online info here:
http://bit.ly/1Hlz1Y0
Managing water quality: Examining the 2014 National Policy Statement. In this report on freshwater management, the PCE makes a recommendation especially pertinent to our region: “As currently written, the NPS envisages regional councils allowing degradation of some waterways to be compensated by improvements in others. This ‘unders and overs‘ approach is unworkable in any scientific way. But even if it were, surely we should, and can be, more aspirational than this. Of course, some waterways may get worse before they get better, but that is no reason to set our sights low.” The PCE’s view corresponds to the recent Environment Court decision which rejected the ‘overs and unders’ approach embraced by HBRC. In its decision the Court rebuked the Regional Council, saying: “… it is a function of every regional council to control the use of land to maintain and enhance the quality of water in water bodies – ie including water in aquifers, and to control the discharges of contaminants into water (again, including water in aquifers). This function is not an option – it is something a
Page 13 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
BEE in the KNOW
Gone to the dogs I meet Alastair Needes, the Dogman, at a crowded dog park with his husky Nanook on the first dry Saturday in weeks. I've never seen the carpark so full. Every time we stop to take a photo dogs crowd around us. It may be his animal magnetism, or perhaps the treats he has in his pocket. Alastair is Hawke's Bay's resident pet psychologist and dog-whisperer. "I'm not really a dog trainer though," he tells me. "I'm a people trainer." He explains that more often than not it's the owner that needs to make change in order to 'solve' the dog's issues. Originally from Shropshire in the UK, Alastair loves living in Hawke's Bay, for the space, the rivers and the climate. He gets contacted by people with dog-woes from all over the country, but he's committed to staying in Hawke's Bay and only works with people based here. Owners seek out the Dogman often in desperate situations. Many times it's aggression or barking that's the problem (dogs, that is); sometimes it's as simple as pulling or not coming when called. Alastair is a strong advocate for socialising dogs from a young age. He runs puppy preschool classes and group training sessions. "A well socialised dog has a better life," he says. "It's important for us as owners to expose a pup to everything they will come into contact with as an adult. More dogs die of behaviour problems (desperate owners find no other solution but to euthanise) than from the diseases we vaccinate them against." His opinions rub against some of the practices dog owners consider 'the norm'. Socialising puppies for example. With vets recommending owners keep their puppies away from other dogs until weeks after their last vaccinations, young dogs are missing out on vital socialisation in those first few months. With rehomed animals socialising is just as important, but can be tricky. Often in the first few weeks a rescue dog may have a honeymoon period of good behaviour, but
Page 14 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
then the reason the dog was rehomed in the first place can come to the fore. "I take my hat off to people who rehome, because it gives that animal another chance at life," says Alastair, but he is aware of how good intentions can end badly. Alastair himself has found new homes for over fifty dogs whose owners felt they couldn't keep them. He often fosters a dog for a short time to work on behaviour issues before finding a suitable home. He calls it his social responsibility. "I earn a living off dogs, so it's important I give back to them," he says. Find the Dogman at:
facebook.com/thedogmannz
Tricks for Treats Dog lovers now have a new place to put some pep in their pup's step. Napier City Council has put up dog agility structures at Park Island, including ramps, a platform and weave bars. Many dogs will enjoy having a go on this equipment. It's not just the traditional 'agility' dogs like collies and labs that like learning new tricks, especially for treats! There's a strong dog agility community in Hawke's Bay already, but putting up this permanent equipment opens up the sport to people wanting to try it out, and gives seasoned dog-runners a chance to hone their skills.
BEE in the KNOW
'Wheel Nice' Win Chris Greaney
Hawke's Bay's City Collision Repairs has won Overall Best Business at the Collision Repair Association of New Zealand Awards. There are 450 businesses in the industry, but City Collision's history of service in probably longer than most. The company has been putting wheels on the road since 1916, so will celebrate its centenary next year. City Collision began as A. Dykes Coachbuilders and Wheelwrights mending wagons, then moved into assembling car bodies on imported chassis. During World War II the company built ambulances and army trucks, then in the 1940s hearses, with one of those vehicles still in active use today. Whatever their core business has been, City Collision has always kept up with technology and had cutting-edge facilities, which have got them noticed on a national level. Alongside the big win, the company was a finalist in the categories of Environmental Awareness and Best Presented Business.
A LEGEND COMES TO LIFE Flaxmere is now the proud owner of the first Ki-O-Rahi field on public land in New Zealand. The woman behind the vision, Moana-Lee Raihania, Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa Maori at Sport Hawke’s Bay, says the idea came to her while she was living in Flaxmere. “I’d seen a video of the one in Whangarei (on Maori land) and I realised Flaxmere Park would be the perfect space. It’s a place lots of families gather. With the addition of the Ki-O-Rahi field they could go from the playground to the field and back to the splash pad to cool off. And all you need to play the game is people and a ball.” Moana-Lee her shared her vision with Hastings District Councillor Henare O’Keefe, and the rest is history.
The game, which is played on a circular field, originated from soldiers of the 28th Maori Battalion in WWII, and was created as a recreational activity to ease the burdens of war. It follows the legend of Rahi Tu Taka Hina, whose wife was kidnapped by patupaiarehe (fairy folk), and his subsequent quest to win her back. The field is available to the public and will play host to an annual secondary schools competition, the winners of which will go on to compete in the national Ki-O-Rahi competition, which is run by the Nga Taonga Taakaro Trust. Page 15 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
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The BUZZ around the BAY Addams Family 8-25 July Theatre restaurant show based on the classic TV show. Full of adult humour but okay for families. Lots of laughs and all your favourite ghouls. Napier Operatic Society. Tabard Theatre.
Te Mana O Te Moana 12 July A great chance to see this documentary following traditional Pasifika sailing vessels on an epic journey at MTG Century Theatre.
Norsewood to Takapau Fun Challenge 12 July Starts at the historic Norsewood Village, then follows the back roads to Takapau taking in beautiful country with the snow-capped Ruahine Ranges in the background. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, breathe in the freshest air and be part of a great fundraising event.
Fruitfed Supplies Raceday 16 July This is the final raceday of the 2014-15 season. There's free admission to the grounds so come down and enjoy a flutter of the geegees.
Winter Deco Weekend 17-19 July
Alan Davies - Little Victories 22 July
Get an early jump on Art Deco and bring some light to midwinter with a weekend of deco delights including a film afternoon, a train journey and a grand ball with big band.
Stand-up from the hilarious Alan Davies from QI and Jonathan Creek. He was here in 2013 and was an absolute hit; this is his eagerly-awaited encore. At Napier Municipal Theatre.
Elvis: One Night With You 18 July The bright lights of Vegas come to the Napier Municipal Theatre with Andy Stankovich channelling Elvis Presley.
Racing EP Tour 17 July Described as ‘other-worldly’ and ‘mindbending’ with ‘rhythms that chant and melodies that hover’, Racing are touring with the heavier than heavy fuzz-junkie trio Husk and in Hawke's Bay they play The Cabana.
Love Off the Shelf 23 July-1 August Love, lust and laughter from New Zealand's favourite playwright, Roger Hall, at The Playhouse in Hastings.
The Big Comedy Show 24 July Two of New Zealand's best-known comedians, Ben Hurley and Dai Henwood are in town as the warm-up act for the big league game at McLean Park, so they are doing a gig at MTG Century Theatre while they're in town.
Page 18 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
The BUZZ around the BAY Melbourne Storm vs St George Illawarra Dragons 25 July Gather the gang and get to McLean Park for the big game. Dress in purple, or red and white to back your team. Kick off at 7.30pm.
Fink About It The Laughing Samoans 25 July They're back in town after a world tour including gigs in the UK and the US. Hugely popular and totally hilarious, a great all-ages gig for comedy fans at the Napier Municipal Theatre.
La Fille Mal Gardee 26 July The Globe Theatrette is the venue for a very special showing of the Royal Ballet dancing this glorious rural comedy choreographed by Frederick Ashton.
Glamourpuss Ball and Charity Auction 1 August An evening of glamour and fun in aid of the Hastings and Napier SPCAs. Don your glad rags and shine up your diamonds for an evening of food, wine, dancing and a charity auction at the beautiful, historic Old Church.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS With school holidays upon us once again, it's time to find activities to keep the kids occupied. Here's 10 to start you off: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
EIT Taster Days Arataki Honey Centre Arts and crafts at MTG Creative Kids at Frimley School Art Attack at the Jacaranda Art School 6. Kids Workshops at the CAN in Napier 7. Weird and Wonderful Warriors programme at HCAG 8. Fun activities at all our libraries 9. Underwater-themed happenings at the National Aquarium 10. Holiday programmes at Riding for the Disabled
Page 19 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
The BUZZ around the BAY Green Drinks 12 August
CF Casino Night 22 August
JB Organics Spring Racing Carnival 29 August
An international movement made local – a gathering of people interested in the environment, green drinks is an apolitical forum for people to discuss local, national or international environmental successes and failures. From 5.30pm at the Hastings Environment Centre.
Viva Las Vegas! This is a fun casino party to raise funds for the HB branch of Cystic Fibrosis. Held at the Havelock North Function Centre this is a night of gambling for a good cause.
All gate proceeds go to the Cancer Society for this special raceday. Kick up your heels and get dressed up, for the first race of the new season.
Swan Lake 16 August The Russian National Ballet Theatre comes to Napier Municipal Theatre with the most cherished classical ballet of all time.
Magic of the Mediterranean with Rick Stein 21 August Rick returns to The Farm at Cape Kidnappers to share the magic of the Mediterranean, from Venice to Istanbul. Rick’s love of fresh produce and authentic cooking and his zest for life will make this weekend one not to be missed!
Page 20 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
A Right Royal SPECTACULAR SPECTACULAR Variety Show 22 August Fun filled frolics for the whole family, a variety concert with something for everyone featuring Ben Throp, Archie Hill and magic from The Great Wardini at the Clive Community Hall.
Redefine 5 September Love your op shop and get creative in support of Presbyterian Support East Coast. This is a great way to find new uses for pre-loved items in this fantastic day out for everyone interested in op shopping. All ages welcome, held at East Pier in Ahuriri.
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Amalgamation … Absolutely
Amalgamation … Absolutely
BY TOM BELFORD
The Board of Inquiry final decision on water quality and the proposed dam. Big issues tackled in preparation for our five councils’ next ten-year plans, including a huge investment in tourism. Controversies over water bottling, the airport name, and mushroom odour. Page 22 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
Plenty to write about in my usual Political Buzz article, but this time amalgamation must be the focus. You’ll see that reflected in the dozen pages that follow. I wasn’t planning to write on the subject myself, thinking I’d yield the space entirely to other voices. As an advocate of amalgamation, I’ve written plenty in the past. But then I saw the latest pandering on the issue by MP Stuart Nash … his grandstanding parliamentary bill that would seek to alter the current ground rules under which amalgamation will be decided … decided by a democratic count of all voters in Hawke’s Bay in the window from 24 August to 15 September. Nash wants less than a dozen voters in Rangitikei to be able to thwart the wishes of a likely 50,000+ voting residents throughout the region. That’s his vision of democracy. He’s entitled to it. But what’s disappointing is that Nash chooses to distract and divert from the real issues on the table. He might accept that there’s an important choice before Hawke’s Bay, and proffer a substantive case as to how Hawke’s Bay might progress without amalgamation – that is, with continuation of the status quo in governance. Instead, he has reverted to campaign form … simply pushing a hot button – not even a pertinent one at this point – to secure his political base. The people of Hawke’s Bay aren’t voting in the coming weeks on Nash’s theory of minority rule; they’re considering whether amalgamation gives Hawke’s Bay a better platform to advance our region’s well-being … in all its dimensions. That’s a debate worth having. If I were to approach the amalgamation issue simply on the basis of how I think my ‘constituency’ views the proposition, I’d be paralyzed. Because I know, from countless conversations, that folks who have supported me as a candidate and publisher are divided. I count among my friends and supporters individuals who are passionately in favour, and others who are passionately opposed. And a fair number who don’t think the outcome matters either way. Under those circumstances, I suppose I could take the time-honoured ‘out’ – “My personal view doesn’t matter; I’ll support whatever the people decide.” But I’m not going to flinch now. I am staunchly in favour of amalgamation. Mine is just one opinion to take or leave. But it’s based on my having covered and participated in local government ‘up close and personal’ for a considerable time now.
Reasons for For starters, I believe it will give ratepayers more bang for their buck. Independent studies have detailed the available efficiencies and associated net savings. The LGC analysis projects $260
AMALGAMATION
Tom Belford
Any honest councillor who watches councils’ budgeting and spending practices closely, as I do, readily sees the overlap and duplication and knows that such efficiencies will be there for the asking. million in savings over 30 years. That’s in line with the original Winder Report, endorsed by all five councils, including Napier’s previous mayor, CEO and council, which identified $10 million per year in net savings. Those efficiencies can either be captured as rates savings or redeployed to meet under-served priorities. Any honest councillor who watches councils’ budgeting and spending practices closely, as I do, readily sees the overlap and duplication and knows that such efficiencies will be there for the asking. But even more importantly, amalgamation will vastly simplify and reduce the ‘transaction costs’ that community leaders and others who try to ‘get things done’ for the region must bear. Enough of the countless dollars and hours wasted in beseeching multiple councils for the most modest of support, for consistent policies and regulations, for coordinated initiatives, and simply for any decisions at all. This is the area where I observe our multicouncil structure to be the greatest drag on progress in our region – wasting the positive human energy and limited time resources of our community, from business people to volunteer (and paid) leaders in every sector. With the added disadvantage of being the perfect structure for avoiding public scrutiny and accountability. Few voters – including the most passionately concerned – understand accurately the ‘division of labour’ amongst our councils on matters like fracking, water bottling, even mushrooms vs. housing. If we set out purposefully to design a governance structure best able to hide responsibility from the public and frustrate
accountability, our present arrangement would be it. No one knows who did or didn’t – who can or cannot – do what! And finally, I do believe the singular voice that amalgamation will enable is absolutely essential to wisely moving our region forward in a sustainable manner for the benefit of all. The biggest issues in front of us – more and better jobs, protecting our environment, lifting quality of life for all, creating more value in our key rural sector, diversifying our economy – require regional focus, solutions and leadership. That, in a nutshell, is why I support amalgamation.
Reasons against What about my friends and constituents who do not? For most, their concerns are not about savings or debt or the fine points of the LGC plan. The three underlying apprehensions about amalgamation that I hear most – and find most frustrating – are these. Small is beautiful. Yes, I read that book … 42 years ago. And I remain sympathetic to its themes (I did move from America to NZ, after all). In terms of governance, sure, whatever decisions can be made prudently locally – because the preferences, circumstances and effects involved are truly local – should be. But small can also be simplistic, siloed, and isolated. Can anyone seriously argue that ineffective wastewater treatment in CHB should pollute water flowing through Hastings? Or that our region’s growth prospects aren’t compromised by five competing plans on how to do so? Or that we should continuously squabble over the need for and funding of major regional facilities and infrastructure? These are issues of scale and increasing complexity, requiring a high degree of technical and professional competence, comprehensive planning and well-aimed funding, and yes, political trade-offs for the benefit of the entire region. There’s another saying with great merit: the sum is greater than the parts. The LGC plan has the balance right. As detailed in the proposal document (pp. 36-38), plenty of discretion, authority and resourcing will be available to local boards, while matters of scale and interdependence will be decided, as they should be, on a regional/unitary level. Paralysis is ‘safer’ than dispatch. Is ‘bigger’ local government inherently somehow more insidious, less trustworthy? The Regional Council has but nine members. These days, how would you rate trust and accountability with respect to that council?
Page 23 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
Photo by Sarah Cates
“If we set out purposefully to design a governance structure best able to hide responsibility from the public and frustrate accountability, our present arrangement would be it.” Some argue that the public interest is somehow ‘safer’ because the more conflicted our five councils are, the more they protect their own patches, the more they erect barriers to each other’s goals, the less harm they can do. In short, paralysis is a better option. Sorry, I think that’s nonsense. First, it’s a recipe for stagnation and ‘lowest common denominator’ outcomes. The sheer pace and competitiveness of the modern world requires our regional decision-making to move with dispatch … and smartly. For example …
Or, if the need is for a strategy – let’s say an events strategy to attract visitors, a regional coastal strategy to deal with erosion, or a facilities strategy to meet the needs of our far-flung sports codes – the outcome is diluted by the requirement of five councils’ box-ticks. And the pace for getting there is measured in years – yes, years. Second, it stymies accountability. As both an outside advocate and now a councillor, I’ve watched concerned citizens struggle – too often unsuccessfully – to keep pace
As George Bernard Shaw said: “Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.” The Government announces a new $25 million fund for a few regional institutes focused on boosting regional economies … a contestable fund, it will be gobbled up in a blink! Jetstar says it will consider flying into four regions, but is looking at six candidates … another competition to be won by the fleetest and most united. Opportunities for the region can come – and go – quickly. We snooze – or wasting time and resource battling amongst ourselves – we lose.
Page 24 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
with the multitude of working parties, stakeholder groups, council meetings, formal and informal consultation processes and the sheer volume of information driven by the avalanche of issues and proposals relentlessly brought forward by five councils. To have any hope of holding councils accountable, the public – and let’s be frank, really, the tiny band that actually pay attention and attempt to engage – must do this on their own dime and devoting their own scarce volunteer time. There’s simply
not enough ‘accountability budget’ to go around. Consequently, five staff-driven councils get to do pretty much whatever they want … or nothing at all. And I’ve already mentioned the sheer confusion around councils’ responsibilities. I find it incredible that people imagine – elevating wishful theory over actual practice – that they can somehow ensure more accountability and better, more responsive outcomes on the big issues with five councils to watch, monitor, berate and beseech rather than one. People matter more than structure. Some argue that changing governance structure (‘moving the deck chairs’) is not important; what matters is getting the right people in the chairs. To that I respond: If you think Hawke’s Bay is muddling along at the bottom of the regional heap because the wrong people have been running the show, who’s to blame? You, the voter, are. You’ve had ample opportunity to get the people right, haven’t you? As George Bernard Shaw said: “Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.” So, if getting the people right hasn’t solved the problem so far, let’s look at the other side of the equation. Cont on p26
Page 25 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
tim.co.nz
“Plenty of discretion, authority and resourcing will be available to local boards, while matters of scale and interdependence will be decided, as they should be, on a regional/unitary level.” I believe our present structure impedes and frustrates those elected representatives who are change-oriented, prepared to move faster, and have a broader vision, while it encourages, even rewards, those who have the most parochial of instincts and scope. With five councils, all incentives point to patch protection – whether for elected representatives or council staff. There’s meager reward, if any, for collaboration; the smallest inter-council gains are incredibly
None of this is to say that those more focused, as councillors, on truly local concerns are not performing valuable public service. Their opportunity to contribute is well provided for in the local boards proposed in the reorganisation plan. To me, the people and the structure are equally important ingredients, and the two influence each other. So it’s not surprising that some people, open to the improvement in governance
I believe our present structure impedes and frustrates those elected representatives who are change-oriented, prepared to move faster, and have a broader vision, while it encourages, even rewards, those who have the most parochial of instincts and scope. hard won; and any bold ideas (and any idea that involves sacrificing self-interest, authority or independence) are hostage to the ultimate veto of one reluctant player … nullifying all preceding collective effort. It’s simply not an environment for getting ‘big picture’ things done, and so it shouldn’t be surprising that those inclined toward getting things done might not be attracted to the party – that is, to elected public service.
Page 26 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
that amalgamation can bring, jump ahead to the question: If we get a unitary council, who will run it? Ideally, it would be nice to ‘table’ that question, on the basis that the new structure will outlast its first and subsequent inhabitants, and should be judged on its own merits. But the reality is, people do leapfrog ahead and personify the issue. Will we get Yule or
Dalton? Tremain or Nash? A new face? Obviously Lawrence Yule is the elected official most regard as the champion of amalgamation. That makes him a demon to some (not me) – whether they’ve battled him on Hastings issues (as I have) or worry he will impose some ‘Hastings’ agenda upon the rest of Hawke’s Bay. Fearful of his possible election as ‘Mayor of Hawke’s Bay’, they find reason in that alone to shun amalgamation. That’s unfortunate. I hope voters will take a more mature approach to their amalgamation decision. As Kiwis are fond of saying: ‘Play the ball, not the man!’ And deal with first things first. Let’s build the ship first, then worry about the crew. The fact is, if amalgamation succeeds, the ship’s master and crew will in no way be a foregone conclusion – not in terms of who runs at any of the various levels, and certainly not in terms of who might win. Who knows who will show up on game day? To me, that’s exciting. The most important political decision Hawke’s Bay voters will make for decades is whether to amalgamate. Mayors, councillors and local board members will come and go; we’ll have many cracks at that. Let’s focus first on giving them the best vehicle for succeeding on behalf of Hawke’s Bay.
Auckland Reorganisation
>
Fiction: “Council employs more staff than the former councils, and staff costs have ballooned.” Facts:
Fiction & Facts
FTEs have decreased from 9,439 pre-amalgamation to 8,825 for the whole Group as at last annual report
Nothing has been more abused by opponents of amalgamation than the facts of what has happened in Auckland since its reorganisation. Horror stories abound. On the one hand, Auckland is Auckland, Timbuktu is Timbuktu, and Hawke’s Bay is Hawke’s Bay – entirely different creatures. One might say comparisons are irrelevant.
Former councils’ staff costs were $649m (2009/10) compared to $671m in 2014/15 But when converted into today’s dollars, Auckland Council’s staff costs are 7.8 percent lower than the former councils
On the other hand, opponents of amalgamation in our region should not be left to dismiss the benefits of Hawke’s Bay reorganisation by misrepresenting the outcome of Auckland’s consolidation. Here are the facts.
Since amalgamation, staff costs as a percentage of operating expenses have remained at 22 percent. This is equal to, or below, other comparable local authorities
[Source: Presentation to Victoria University, Institute for Governance and policy Studies, April 2015, by Doug McKay, former Auckland chief executive.]
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Rates
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Fiction: “Higher rates than the previous councils ...”
Facts:
The average rate increase for the eight years prior to amalgamation was 5.7 percent
Auckland Plan creates one single strategic spatial plan for region – unachievable under old system
Auckland Council inherited a rates increase of more than 9 percent and a proposed average annual rates increase of 6 percent
Series of sub plans – Economic Development, Visitor Strategy, Waste Management, etc
Rates increases reduced every year to a low of 2.5 percent in 2014/15, among the lowest in the country
Harmonising of bylaws (158 down to 30) and user charges – gives certainty and simplicity
For the 2015 LTP period it is proposed to be 3.5 percent a year, well below comparable figures for the preamalgamation councils
Efficiency Savings
City Regional Planning & Implementation Fiction: “Creating a single unitary authority was unnecessary”
Facts:
>
Staff Numbers & Costs
Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan combined the previous 14 regional and district plans into one unitary plan
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Local Boards
Fiction: “Council is wasteful ...”
Fiction: “Local boards have no voice or budget …”
Facts:
Facts:
In its first full year council achieved $81 million worth of efficiency savings The following year a further $50 million of savings were identified For the 2012-22 LTP period council identified $1.7 billion of savings This has increased to $2.64 billion for the next LTP 2015-25, or an average of $264 million per year Every $14 million saved equals a one percent rates reduction
Local boards have real power – negotiate local service standards, manage local facilitates and parks, local events, local board plans, local leadership, identify and propose local bylaws, input into CCO and economic development plans, etc Local boards have a real budget – they have autonomous decision-making authority over one in every four dollars of council’s core budget spent in their local area Local boards have a real voice – they meet collectively each month to influence council’s region-wide decisions, they meet regularly with the council’s CCOs and senior management, they develop local boards plans, etc
Page 27 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
AMALGAMATION
Assessing the Advantages & Disadvantages [Source: Local Government Commission]
Moving to a single Hawke’s Bay council with a governing body and five local boards is a significant change. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this proposal for the people of Hawke’s Bay Region, and the neighbouring Rangitikei and Taupo Districts. The impact of the change is discussed throughout this document, and summarised here. In this section, we set out a balanced assessment of the advantages and disadvantages, as we are required to do under the Local Government Act. The following tables set out the advantages and disadvantages.
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>
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A Single Hawke’s Bay Council
Clause 22 (2)(b) of Schedule 3 of the Local Government Act 2002.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Recognises and reflects the common interests across Hawke’s Bay Region.
Reduces the number of councillors across the region from 49 to 18.
Provides greater scale and capacity to achieve desired outcomes for the people of Hawke’s Bay.
Will result in a period of uncertainty while the new council becomes established.
Brings together both regional council and territorial authority responsibilities for better coordinated economic, social and environmental decision making for the region.
Has the potential to impact on council staff employment.
Gives Hawke’s Bay one voice when promoting the region’s interests with central government and other parties.
Creates a risk of losing key council personnel and institutional knowledge.
Five Local Boards Advantages
Disadvantages
Represent the five distinct and different local communities of interest in the region.
Local board members will be seen as having less powerful roles than councillors.
Provide for democratic local decision making with 37 local board members elected to represent subdivisions of each area.
Boards have less power than current territorial authorities, for example they cannot directly rate their communities, employ staff, enter into contracts, or acquire, hold or dispose of property.
Make decisions and act for, and on behalf of, their communities to the maximum extent possible.
There will be administrative costs for servicing local boards including meeting and annual agreements with the governing body.
Impact On Other Areas Advantages
Disadvantages
The existing Rangitikei and Taupo Districts will remain intact with no disruption to the provision of current council services and activities at the district level.
Bay of Plenty and Manawatu-Whanganui Regional Councils will be responsible for new areas they are presently not familiar with.
Page 28 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
>
>
>
>
Participation & Access Advantages
Disadvantages
The interests of hapu/iwi/Maori groups across the region with be better recognised through one Maori Board for the region, because their rohe don’t often correspond with territorial authority boundaries.
Hapu/iwi/Maori groups may be seen to have a channel to advise and influence the council in a way the rest of the community does not.
The proposal reflects the proposed Treaty of Waitangi settlement legislation relating to Hawke’s Bay.
Rural, primary production and environmental groups may be seen to have a channel to advise and influence the council in a way the rest of the community does not.
Rural, primary production and environmental voices will be heard through the Natural Resources Board.
The council administrative headquarters will be in Napier which is a significant distance from some communities in the north and the south of the region.
Area offices will be located in Wairoa, Napier, Hastings and Waipawa to make it easier for people to access services and attend local board meetings.
The level of services provided at area offices will be decided by the new council and may change over time.
Economic Impact Advantages
Disadvantages
Estimated cost savings of $260m over 30 years and increased efficiency in local government.
Uncertainty for ratepayers about future rates after July 2021 (when the new council will adopt a new integrated rating system).
Simplified planning processes through the integration of regional and district statutory plans and a reduction in the number of plans to be consulted on and adopted.
Additional financial costs, estimated at $19m, arising from the establishment of a transition body including remuneration for the transition board chairperson and payments for any consultants engaged in this period. These costs will offset savings for the first five years of the new council.
Coordinated region-wide planning, prioritising and funding of key infrastructure to support the regional economy.
There may be further unexpected costs as a result of the reorganisation.
One set of regulations, policies and rules relating to land use and activity impacts across Hawke’s Bay.
The level of services provided at area offices will be decided by the new council and may change over time.
Impact On Other Areas Advantages
Disadvantages
The existing Rangitikei and Taupo Districts will remain intact with no disruption to the provision of current council services and activities at the district level.
Bay of Plenty and Manawatu-Whanganui Regional Councils will be responsible for new areas they are presently not familiar with.
Changes To Responsibilities Of Local Authorities Advantages
Disadvantages
There will be one authority (the new council) responsible for the management of the entire Taruarau and Mohaka river catchments and related regional council statutory obligations.
Accountability for regional council functions will be more complex in these parts of Taupo and Rangitikei Districts and will require new processes for identifying required levels of service and necessary funding and accountability arrangements.
Page 29 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
tim.co.nz
AMALGAMATION
Let’s Get There Together BY REBECCA TURNER, CHAIRMAN, A BETTER HAWKE’S BAY The time has now come and we’re thrilled to have the date for the vote on local governance reorganisation set. The feedback we’re receiving is that the people of Hawke’s Bay are too. It’s been a long road to this point, and I’d like to take the opportunity to remind BayBuzz readers that amalgamation is just a stepping stone. A very positive stepping stone on the route towards a more productive and unified Hawke’s Bay. Getting the amalgamation vote across the line won’t automatically fix the woes of the region. The 16th of September won’t see new and improved social statistics and a massive bump in permanent, well-paid jobs advertised. But an amalgamated regional structure will be a framework for improving the region’s prospects through governance which allows our consenting, environmental, economic and social planning to be cohesive and coordinated through a regional strategic plan. We’ll finally have the hardware to move Hawke’s Bay forward, together. A Better Hawke’s Bay was established in 2011 when a steering group of Hawke’s Bay people formed with the distinct purpose of finding out why Hawke’s Bay’s performance was not equal to its vast potential, and how it could fulfill that potential. The group did not start out with the preconcieved notion that Hawke’s Bay’s councils needed to be amalgamated; we wanted expert evidence on what could and should happen here, and we were committed to seeing the project of encouraging regional improvement through. The resulting work (starting with the 2012 Winder Report, whose terms of reference were agreed by all five councils)
made the case for local body reorganisation – or the creation of a single council for the region. And from there ABHB put a first proposal to the Local Government Commission so that they could explore better governance models for Hawke’s Bay, and the amalgamation process began. The Local Government Commission’s final proposal is a compromise of the wishes and ideas of many from around the region. There may be elements you do not agree with. There are one or two that I do not agree with. But the reality is that this was always going to be the case with any proposal regarding the future of the entire region. Weaving together everyone’s opinion on a major idea is always going to involve compromise, and the LGC have come up with a pragmatic solution that balances the interests of all. Now, with a final proposal for the amalgamation of the region’s five councils on the table and a referendum date set, it’s time to go back to the initial role of A Better Hawke’s Bay and focus on the terrific things our region could achieve with the efficiencies of a single council and the collaborative spirit of a united region. Having consulted widely and worked for four years on what would make a better Hawke’s Bay, we’ve heard some fantastic, exciting suggestions. And we’re keen for more. We invite everyone to offer their thoughts on what an amalgamated council could deliver to Hawke’s Bay. We’ll then present these ideas to the incoming Hawke’s Bay Council as a blueprint for the region – for the people, by the people. Read on to discover some of the ideas that have been offered up so far. And to have your say pop along to:
www.whatdoyouthinkhb.co.nz During the amalgamation campaign and debate, we have been asked what all this upset and effort is for. It’s not a grab at power, or change for the sake of it. It’s for a chance to make Hawke’s Bay the very best region it can be. Today, for you, Hawke’s Bay, the status quo, might be working just fine. Maybe you personally are unaffected by the region’s economic doldrums and social ills. But for many of our residents – and for your children and grandchildren – Hawke’s Bay could do much better, offer more opportunity, and be more prosperous and inviting. I implore you all to help our region move forward by sharing your ideas and by voting yes to a positive change. Let’s get there together.
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ADVERTORIAL
A Better Hawke’s Bay
Beginning the Blueprint … What could a single unified council achieve for Hawke’s Bay? So much has been talked about, but never achieved in Hawke’s Bay. With a clear and strategic plan we can focus our efforts on those things that will be better for the whole region, creating jobs and wealth and letting those people who love our region flourish here. Some ideas have floated around, sometimes for decades, and have languished because councils could not work together. This is not to say that a Hawke’s Bay Council will go with all of them, but outlines some of the things the council could, and maybe should prioritise, when there is a single regional structure pushing Hawke’s Bay forward as a region, following a region-wide strategic plan. Now is the chance for the people of Hawke’s Bay to present your ideas on what needs to happen in the region. You can put your ideas up at whatdoyouthinkhb.co.nz Some of the proposals that have been debated – and even agreed upon, but never advanced – are outlined below:
A university campus here? Hawke’s Bay has limited paths for our senior students. There are few major employers who are willing to take on young people and offer them a clear career path. Schools find it difficult to tailor learning activities when there are limited jobs and careers for their students to go into. For students looking to go on to university training, the options are very limited in Hawke’s Bay – often these students go elsewhere for university education and never come back. There is scope for a Hawke’s Bay Council to facilitate a university campus being set up in Hawke’s Bay, possibly in conjunction with EIT. At the moment Massey University has campuses in Wellington and Auckland as well as its main campus in Palmerston North. With Hawke’s Bay’s huge wealth of natural resources and some of the best food production in the world it makes a lot of sense for an agriculturally focused university to be attracted here. While
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Massey or Lincoln are obvious contenders, some of the Australian, US and UK-based universities are all looking to expand and we should be looking to bring them here. Not only does a university campus in Hawke’s Bay give an option for our young people to stay here after school, but it will bring in a flood of other people; students and academic staff will all want to move to Hawke’s Bay to conduct research, study and work while enjoying our fantastic weather and lifestyle. Better infrastructure to attract more tourists? The Hawke’s Bay Council can work with central government to upgrade State Highway 38, and the council-owned sections, all the way through to Rotorua. This is a winding and partially gravel road that connects Rotorua with Wairoa and runs past the jewel in the crown, Lake Waikaremoana. If the road was sealed and easily accessible for campervans and buses, it would create an alternative route through the North Island which would become increasingly viable. Tourists, after visiting Rotorua could easily travel to the beautiful Lake Waikaremoana and then head on to Napier, with time to visit vineyards, potentially adding bednights in Hawke’s Bay before heading south to Wellington and beyond.
Improve our fish stocks? There has been considerable debate and conjecture that Hawke Bay is being overfished and commercial fishing is to blame. The Hawke’s Bay Council could investigate the state of our sea fish stocks and consider lobbying central government to establish a commercial fishing moratorium for the whole of the Hawke’s Bay coast for a fixed period while these fish stocks rebuild. We are renowned for the fly-fishing in our rivers and many locals enjoy fishing off our coasts. Having an unrelenting and coordinated focus on improving the state of our rivers will have a strong impact on freshwater fish.
Become a Centre of Excellence in food production? By encouraging and attracting a university, plus other research institutions and major food companies here, we could see Hawke’s Bay become New Zealand’s centre of excellence of food production. Imagine different organisations all feeding off each other, bright people conducting leading food research along with the best farmers supported by major food companies. There is no reason why major multi-national food production companies do not set up and conduct research here, they just need encouragement. At the same time we need to give serious thought to other issues that affect our marketing. Should Hawke’s Bay further embrace organics? Should we declare the region GE Free (can this even be done?)? Do we need to invest in more sustainable forms of energy and transport to further overcome the food miles debate? How could we embrace more intensive agriculture and water storage?
Review our social services? Central government spends $800 million every year on social services in Hawke’s Bay, but no one knows how effectively it is serving the people of Hawke’s Bay. We should be able to work with the government to determine how much of that is discretionary (much of it goes to funding hospitals, teacher salaries etc) and then do a comprehensive review to make sure that it is being directed into the right areas to have the biggest impact. Government spending is notorious for being poorly focused, representing political interests and being out of date. Lots of government interventions are not monitored to see if they are effective; some may actually be reflective of the needs of Hawke’s Bay twenty years ago rather than today. We may need to make some hard calls to scrap ineffective services so we can invest in services that are making a real difference and encourage innovation among providers. Please add your voice, improving these ideas and adding your own, at:
www.whatdoyouthinkhb.co.nz
Amalgamate.
tim.co.nz
AMALGAMATION … A RELUCTANT ‘YES’ BY MARIE DUNNINGHAM
I have huge problems with amalgamation. My long standing feeling has always been that this region, with its well-defined ring of mountains, three rivers and resulting plains needs an over-arching plan. It cannot be separated into someone doing the mountains, someone having part of a river, someone planning something for the plains and aquifer without regard to the effect on the rest of the region. Our mountains are the backbone of our region. They are very unstable land,
a regional governing body. The one we have has proved fairly ineffectual at putting a regional plan in place. I find it hard to justify Wairoa and its districts in our region. However, it has nowhere else to go and it would be unfair to leave the area to fend for itself if amalgamation occurs. I don’t trust big business – so often it has only a short term interest, uses up or degrades the resources and moves on to suck dry some other area.
“I don’t trust big business – so often it has only a short term interest, uses up or degrades the resources and moves on to suck dry some other area.” much affected by earthquakes. The local greywacke rock is a rotten rock. Frost and snow degrade it easily into sharp stones and sand. Torrential rainfall and snowmelt carry this debris down the rivers and that is how the plains were formed. Earthquakes also uplift the plains, reshaping them. These processes are continuous. The rivers tie the mountains to the foothills, down through the Heretaunga Plains and to the sea. Currents carry all kinds of deposits up the coast forming shingle beaches, and taking sewerage and waste up to Nuhaka. The aquifer comes out as artesian springs well out at sea. Nothing happens that does not have some repercussion over the region. Separate councils have so far not taken these farreaching results into account. The pollution of the rivers being an example. When each problem is taken individually, nobody takes responsibility for what is happening. However, I don’t know that I could trust
I don’t like five-year plans – what about 30 years down the track. I don’t like forced amalgamation. I don’t like National’s agenda. I believe small is beautiful. But five separate councils for 160,000 people seems like over-kill.
How do you decide what to do? With all its faults, the Local Government Act 2002 had those magic words in it: “to promote social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being”. These have been removed since 2012 by the National Government. The ‘Better Local Government’ package takes the ‘local’ out of local government. It aims to make local government more efficient, keep rates down and to reduce council debt. Sounds good enough but National’s real agenda reduces local democracy by encouraging amalgamation of councils, narrows the scope of local government and is a step towards
privatisation of community assets, with many council functions such as water, sewerage and transport being transferred to corporate boards. Local government will be under the thumb of central government. Who then will run libraries, art galleries, install local sculptures, parks and gardens, plant trees? These are not core local government activities but define a town’s and region’s individuality. Your region, where you belong. At a recent meeting we were shown some interesting local statistics. Most people are very happy to live here, yet our crime, health, level of poverty and employment figures are terrible. So what makes this place tick? It’s got an excellent climate, easy going pace of life, places to go, things to do, friendly people and wonderful back country. Of course we used to have rivers we could swim in for free too. In our haste to push for economic growth we ought not to lose sight of the very things that bring people in to the district. We have a high level of ‘returned’ locals who have been away 10-30 years and come back. Most for the lifestyle, many to retire as well. We need clear rivers for water, fish, recreation and beauty. We need land that isn’t poisoned with chemicals. We need clean air over the whole region, not just over the houses of Hastings. We need an earthquake plan, a flood plan, a climate plan, a transport plan, a town development plan, a sewerage plan and a health plan. We need a plan to accommodate the growing population over 65 and in particular over 95. They are here and we are already well behind with a plan that keeps this group healthy, mobile and in the community. We need some way to attract young people to either stay here or come to this region. Lack of employment is a major hurdle. While young people have always left the district, the jobs that brought them back have gone. Country service for teachers, bank managers Cont on p36
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TRIBALISM AFFLICTS HAWKE’S BAY BY PAUL PAYNTER
Tribalism. It seems to cause a great deal of trouble in the world. People find these ways of delineating themselves into ‘us and them’ on the basis of gender, race, culture – economics even. Religion gets a bad rap too, but maybe God and eternity are important enough to get worked up about. Hawke’s Bay’s inter-city tribalism is at the more baffling end of things. Our mayors seem to work together cooperatively one day and take pot shots at each other the next. Sure this niggly tête-à-tête is entertaining, but it’s not that productive. There is a bewildering feature in the middle of the grisly old, single-laned Brookfields Bridge. It’s an enclosed, triangular area where two or three people can stand and watch the river drift by. The really odd thing is that there appears no way to access it – short of throwing yourself out of the car midway across the bridge. The first thing you realise when you stand there is that people look at you funny. I perch myself on the edge and look to the north bank of Napier City, then to the south bank of Hastings District. I wonder about tribalism and why these respective regions need separate local body administration. On what basis do the needs of their residents differ? Why is there a Hastings tribe and a Napier tribe? Could it be the ol’ art deco buildings versus vineyards tension? Or is it the longstanding Whakatu/Onekawa industrial rivalry? The first error people seem to make is to consider their local council as the personification of their region and the font from which all prosperity flows. I know bombastic politicians like to appear at popular functions and to talk about regional economic development strategies and other such drivel. The reality is that councils are responsible
for building regulations, dog control, drainage, the water supply, some roading and other key infrastructure and regulatory issues - ‘dry balls stuff ’ as one councillor described it to me. Now, these are important responsibilities and I’m thankful for the competent people that apply themselves to such things – but councils are the tablecloth, not the main course. And the administrative needs of the respective residents of Napier and Hastings would appear to have a great deal of commonality. I’ve entertained many out-of-town friends
So who’s right and who’s wrong? It’s actually a very important issue. Two of the biggest industries in the region are apples and wine. Together I’d wager they generate around a billion dollars in top-line annual economic activity. The reason Hawke’s Bay is such a great place to grow fruit crops is that it has the rare combination of versatile soils, abundant water and an especially benign climate; most particularly an annual rainfall of less than 800mm. The land in Hawke’s Bay is extremely
“Why is there a Hastings tribe and a Napier tribe? Could it be the ol’ art deco buildings versus vineyards tension? Or is it the longstanding Whakatu/Onekawa industrial rivalry?” and business associates and almost always it’s a similar routine – a drive up Te Mata Peak, lunch at a winery and a tour of Napier’s finest art deco streets. They all talk about their trip to Hawke’s Bay, never Napier or Hastings. My company owns and operates orchards immediately on each side of the Brookfields Bridge and over the last decade the city and district plans have been quite different when it comes to land use. Hastings, trying to preserve its versatile soils, has had a minimum subdivision of 12 hectares, while in the more urbanite Napier area, it has been just 4 hectares. Hastings has allowed the aggregation of two rural titles for the subdivision of a small lifestyle block. Napier doesn’t have this approach. Hastings has allowed ‘places of assembly’ or recreation as permitted activities, while Napier has not. You can see the impacts of this in the number of ‘churches’ that have been set up in the Hastings plains zone. Napier would likely not allow such a thing.
precious and widely under-appreciated. Most other regions of New Zealand are too wet, too frosty, or have poor soils. Perhaps only Nelson can rival Hawke’s Bay for crop diversity, but their rainfall levels create a great deal of disease pressure for both grapes and apples. It would seem impossible to sensibly manage our land resource while the Hastings and Napier councils are separately administered. From a land use perspective Hastings city is an egregious error, the consequences of which have become increasingly apparent. The original settlement of Havelock North was sensibly located, on many poorly draining clay soils, as many a local gardener will attest to. Then came the railway which was more conveniently located in the centre of the plains. Hastings was born and flourished. Our glorious plains soils were formed by tens of thousands of years of flooding, by the three mighty rivers – the Tutaekuri in north, the Ngaruroro in the centre and the Tukituki Cont on p37 Page 35 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
AMALGAMATION
Dunningham Cont... of small branch banks on their way to learning their job and positions in bigger offices – even Head Office – door to door salesmen for housebound families, small family businesses passed on from generation to generation and all the agricultural work that used to keep young people here are gone. Banks are run from ‘holes in the wall’, buying is done over the internet, the postal services are much reduced as email takes over, shops close, dental clinics close, nursing is centralised, schools are amalgamated (that word again). The life blood of a community is squeezed dry. A growing pool of dependent, unemployed people has appeared, who cannot afford to buy houses, pay doctors and participate in their community. Of course there are exceptions; there are always exceptions. Look at what volunteers do in a community. What we don’t need is inward-looking small town politics, petty arguments, local empire building, rules and regulations which change from each council area and are not in tune with our existing regional council. So what am I going to do? I don’t really want to amalgamate – big is rarely beautiful. But neither is small-mindedness.
I am going to vote to amalgamate, with huge reservations, but it seems the only logical, sane, holistic and purposeful way to go. The input of the people must be maintained. We don’t want a great clobbering machine. Governing bodies must be accessible to the public (though the public can be very narrow-minded and introverted.) I wonder if we have anybody locally who has enough vision and courage to be running an inclusive regional council. Our history of inter-council bickering does not bode well for the future of any system of local government.
Help! Perhaps I am so muddled I shouldn’t vote at all. But not voting is a quick way to opt out of democracy. The powers that be rapidly step in to decide for you. I have one other issue: I find I usually agree more with those who favour amalgamation and less with those who stand against it. If we all took a step back and thought what we would like for the region instead of our own little patch, or if we all got off our own pet hobby horses and if we all voted: then we might get a united regional council that does the best for us and our region. Amalgamation has to be the only way we can achieve this.
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Paynter Cont... in the south. Of these, the richest and most versatile soils were formed by the Ngaruroro. Until 1897 the Ngaruroro followed the path of the Karamu Stream, looping around the city and flowing between Hastings and Havelock North. Along this course the exquisite Twyford and Hastings soils were formed. Now I might be in the minority here but digging a hole in or cultivating some Class 6, Twyford Silt Loam is an overwhelmingly emotional experience. I want to take my clothes off and roll in it. I’ve seen soils all over the world but nothing like those we have here. So what did we do with these soils? We built all over them! On the very best soils Hastings has recently developed the abominable Lyndhurst subdivision and has zoned the right hand side of Omahu Road as ‘deferred industrial’. The Hastings District Council does these things because it has to ‘compete’ with Napier for investment and economic activity. It shouldn’t happen. Napier has swathes of poor quality soils, suitable for industrial development. They are better located in terms of access to major roads and the port. It’s only with a collective approach that we’ll start to make more sensible planning decisions.
AMALGAMATION
Opponents of amalgamation will argue that the solution to the issues I raise, is the same as for operational matters – shared services. If we can work together operationally, then we can also find common ground in terms of district and city plans. Well I’ve talked to a handful of councillors and senior managers about shared services to see how it’s going. Initially they tow the positive party line: ‘We’re trying to work through the issues”. But press them a little more and they’ll admit: ‘It’s a disaster. We’re not really making much progress’. They report the same tribal tensions between managers as we see between our mayors. The truth is that no politician or bureaucrat will vote themselves out of a job… Actually there was one. The merger of Taradale and Napier was suggested as early as 1948, but the concept
was widely opposed by successive Taradale mayors and residents alike. Amongst the opponents in the 1960’s was then-mayor, Arthur Miller, a leader that history accords great respect. Some locals, led by the Chamber of Commerce then began to argue that amalgamation would deliver better civic and cultural amenities and, most of all, better funding for roads. Then a remarkable thing happened. Mayor Miller stood up at a public meeting and said, and I paraphrase, ‘I was wrong. I’ve been thinking too small. We should amalgamate.’ It’s not clear now whether the mayor led the public sentiment or followed it, but in the subsequent poll amalgamation was approved by 71% of Taradale residents. In 1968 Arthur Miller campaigned and voted himself out of a job. After amalgamation, Taradale had its democratic voice fatally eroded, it floundered economically and lost its unique identity. Wait; no, it didn’t! Taradale today could argue it’s the best little suburb in Hawke’s Bay. Or does the title go to a post-amalgamation Havelock North. I know there are pros and cons but my vote is clear - let’s amalgamate.
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Business Continuity Conundrum BY KEITH NEWMAN PHOTOS BY TIM WHITTAKER
Business owners who hold the reins too tightly for too long can put the future of their enterprises at risk. And the region’s economy can suffer as a consequence.
Paul, John and Jonathan Paynter
The Icehouse has mentored around 270 mainly mediumsized Hawke’s Bay businesses on how to grow their output and influence, including advice on succession planning. New IMS CEO Doug Jopling (left) and Kevin Atkinson
For too many, including family businesses, the reality of what happens once they reach retirement age hasn’t dawned and the thought of selling or handing over control is daunting. And some, unable to find a buyer or successor, believe they have no option but to sell-off plant or stock at fire sale prices or simply close the doors. Let’s face it, within a decade, close to a quarter of Hawke’s Bay’s population will be of retirement age, up to 10% higher than the national average. We have to start thinking about what that means in terms of an ageing workforce; and, harsh as it may sound, as more business owners approach their use-by date. The Icehouse has mentored around 270 mainly medium-sized Hawke’s Bay businesses on how to grow their output and influence, including advice on succession planning. Hawke’s Bay regional manager, Michaela Vodanovich, is concerned many smaller businesses may not have an appetite for growth, or even keeping the doors open past retirement age. If an attempt to sell hasn’t worked out they might take it off the market, work another year and shut down, or offer their plant, building and customer base to a competitor for whatever they can get, often leaving their employees “high and dry without a job”.
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Unprepared for a proposal And it’s not just retirement that can trigger an ownership crisis. Illness can strike at any time, and waiting until you get a gold card and pension at 65 years is dangerously late in the game to start thinking about whether the business has a future without you, cautions former Brebner Print director, Neville Smith. Generally, he says, you need five years to introduce new management and get the books looking good so you can ease yourself out, rather than simply closing the doors or cashing up. From the 1980s, while the printing industry was going through massive upheaval in the shift to digital, Smith and his partner Mark Brebner created Napier-based Brebner Print, which grew by acquisition over 25 years. Brebner Print purchased printing companies in Palmerston North, Tauranga, Wellington and Auckland which were in receivership, heading that way or with owners about to retire or facing ill health, none of whom had an exit strategy or had prepared their business for sale. As they watched their print empire grow, Smith and Brebner agreed that they would start planning their own exit before they reached 50 years of age. Ensuring they had the right technology, staff and market positioning meant semi-regular restructuring and “turning things upside down,” says Smith.
Aware of the need for stronger administrative skills, they hired an accountant who worked in the business for a decade and became CEO when they sold to an Australian private equity company in 2005. Although Smith stayed on for seven years after the sale, he quit well before the guano hit the fan through a series of receiverships.
Looking ahead Kevin Atkinson was hoping to hand over the reins of his successful human resources and payroll business Information Management Services (IMS) in 2013 when the investor dropped a bombshell in the final week of negotiations. A clause was added requiring him to quit his prominent directorships with Unison Group and the Hawke’s Bay Health Board and stay on for three years as chief executive. “That was a shock to me … Had we been made aware of this condition earlier on, both parties could have saved around $100,000 in costs and six months in time.” Atkinson had reduced his hands-on time down to three days a week, but the purchaser feared future profitability could be compromised without his full-time involvement, so the deal fell through. In retrospect he concedes he failed to sufficiently prepare IMS for the change and should have appointed a CEO at least three years before putting it on the market.
“The biggest difficulty as owner and CEO for 30 years is you build up an incredible amount of institutional knowledge about how a business works and is run.” Atkinson remedied that situation in November last year, bringing in a shareholding CEO, Doug Jopling, to front the company, which has a client base of 10,000. “He’s got skin in the game and he’ll likely acquire a further shareholding which could be an incentive for a third party to take me out.” The 67 year old say he doesn’t have much choice but to hand over the reins. “When you’re approaching retirement you don’t know what your health is going to be like or what other options might be offered. I turned down some good opportunities because I couldn’t do justice to them.” As part of succession planning you need someone who’s as motivated as you are with the right skillsets, although it does means giving away a chunk of profit, says Atkinson. “If you have an investor with no knowledge of the business, the first thing they’ll want to know is how will it be managed.” And that includes picking up the personal relationships the owner has within the community, with clients, suppliers and staff and being aware of how that relates to the business culture and branding. Atkinson and his business have a long track record of contributing to Hawke’s Bay
charities and sport, and there’s no way he would just cash up or walk away from those commitments or the loyalty he has to his staff. “I can’t just close the doors and tell them they’ve got to find a new job. There are no other payroll companies in Hawke’s Bay and few in New Zealand.”
“With a revenue line business you can start afresh with a new entity and shareholders, but you can’t do that with a capital intensive family business where money needs to be left in for it to survive.” Keeping it in the family A large number of Hawke’s Bay businesses are privately owned or family affairs. Most family businesses have a natural process of grooming sons and/or daughters to take over. It’s often not as simple as it sounds. Familial politics can inhibit fresh thinking. And in some cases the next generation has little or no interest in taking over the manufacturing, retail, farm or orchard business. In large families, internal power struggles can arise around inheritance and performance, particularly if dividends are
reduced or a cash injection is needed. Outside advice is often needed, perhaps engageing skilled independent directors or managers. Numerous Hawke’s Bay family businesses are in the midst of generational handover. Ray McKimm of Big Save is passing the mantle on to his son Tom and daughter Alison; the sons of Te Mata Estate Winery founders John Buck and Michael Morris have now taken over management and senior executive roles, and Graeme Avery of Sileni Estate is passing the mantle to his son Nigel. The pioneering Paynter family moved their apple and stonefruit business from Stoke in the South Island to Havelock North in the early 1900s, and it’s now moving into fifth generation ownership. John Paynter who worked in partnership with his father from the 1960s until he died in 1981, grew the Johnny Appleseed Group of companies by adding new stonefuit and apple varieties and developing the nationally-known Yummyfruit brand. Today the company employs 550 people at the height of the season and delivers produce across the country daily with its own fleet of trucks.
Letting go not easy Paynter says small to medium-sized businesses are the future of the country and succession planning is a huge issue and particularly relevant for family-owned farming
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Neville Smith
Many business owners may have to adjust their expectations when liabilities are shown to be greater than assets, and recognise that any performance and profit promises must be backed by personal guarantees for the next few years. and fruit growing enterprises in Hawke’s Bay. “With a revenue line business you can start afresh with a new entity and shareholders, but you can’t do that with a capital intensive family business where money needs to be left in for it to survive.” Paynter, now 74, knows he needs to change his lifestyle, but is excited about the next 20 years as the company brings on dozens of new varieties. “People ask when I’m going to retire but I feel like I’m just getting going. I’ll never not come to work; this is my life and hobby.” At the same time he concedes he should be having more conversations around succession with his sons, although the speed of growth and constant long-term planning hasn’t left much room for that. Regardless, Paynter has implicit trust in sons Paul, who has horticultural and business degrees, and Jonathan who manages one of the nine orchards. “While growth is outstripping resources it’s pretty hard to step aside…there’s always a work load vacuum and someone needs to fill it.” As he slowly hands over the reins he’s trying not to insist things be done his way. The buffer is a strong senior management structure which is separate from the family ownership.
John’s sons will face a more challenging business environment than he did when he took over Johnny Appleseed 40 years ago; the business was smaller and the banking environment more friendly and forgiving. There are a raft of compliance and accountability issues to deal with, a changing risk profile and the need to keep adding value. “If you want to stand still you will get run over.” While many Hawke’s Bay businesses that started as ‘one man bands’ now have large corporate-style structures, Paynter asks why the majority of family-based farming, manufacturing and Heretaunga St retailers who dominated the region in the 1950s are mostly gone? He points the finger at strong fathers who won’t let go and poor professional advice to protect “businesses as they are” rather than growth strategies with incentives for the next generation. Part of the problem has been the creation of family trusts which discourage innovation and growth because the next generation simply sees themselves as “working for the trust”.
Facing tough realities Preparing to sell Brebner Print a decade ago meant facing harsh realities for director Neville Smith, who says today it’s even more complex, particularly if you’re in the $3 million plus bracket and looking for private equity or a corporate buy-out. Excuses like “it’s a tough market”, “times are hard” and “next year will be better” just don’t cut it. An investor will want to take a three year “weighted average” from spreadsheets to see whether profitability is sustainable. Yesteryear financial models won’t stack up either. Investors or purchasers want to see EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) to confirm your ability to generate cash.
And you’ll most likely need to provide monthly reports to private equity people who typically do not understand your industry, says Smith. Many business owners may have to adjust their expectations when liabilities are shown to be greater than assets, and recognise that any performance and profit promises must be backed by personal guarantees for the next few years. It’s also likely you’ll be required to stay with the business for three years to satisfy the bank. “They’re investing in you and your business relationships,” says Smith. You’ll need to factor in retirement packages for long-term workers, and ensure landlords agree to a change of name on building leases; they may object to the new owner. Staff must have the right industry qualifications, and it helps to have enough younger people who know the technology, and that you meet all health and safety and other ever-changing compliance considerations. Smith can’t emphasise enough the need to get young people involved in industry to counter the ageing workforce, a situation often highlighted by a refusal to take on apprentices. Even a management buyout can be fraught with risk, as owners are expected to leave capital in the business and managerbuyers must provide personal guarantees that could result in losing their homes if things go pear-shaped. Cashing up may not be as simple as it sounds either. Some equipment have less value on the spreadsheet than some imagine, particularly where it’s been superseded by digital systems. If the second hand market is weak, as it is for older printing systems, it’s hard to cash up. That, says Smith, is why many owners have to keep going or sell for what they can get.
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Page 43 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
Rachel Cornwall
Challenging our thinking Rachael Cornwall of Red Consulting in Havelock North is confident more people are thinking about succession planning, although the timing remains a “challenging business function”. While there are plenty of qualified people ready to step up to senior management, it’s a highly competitive area with a limited pool of opportunities, with successful candidates in Hawke’s Bay tending to have longer tenure than those in other cities. That can limit the openings for younger people. Consequently many skilled people in their late 30s to early 50s end up “splintering off ” to start small businesses in engineering, financial services, technology or thought leadership, where much of Hawke’s Bay’s future growth will come from. Cornwall says the greatest threat to jobs in the region is not small businesses closing but big operators rethinking their position because of foreign exchange, Treasury implications or wholesale market changes. “Why do high employing companies come here? We’re just a village really to Watties or Silver Fern. I’d be more worried about losing them. We have to continue demonstrating ways of adding value.”
Maintaining continuity Business Hawke’s Bay CEO Susan White urges ageing business owners to seriously
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consider how they’ll step back, who will step up and how continuity will be maintained. Decisions need to be made about whether this is a quick transaction to get out and take what they can; a tactical exit with the least worries, or whether they’ll want some ongoing role in the business, perhaps as a mentor?
the business different or successful. White says it’s worthwhile calling in advisors to help value the business, prepare it for sale and market it to maximise the opportunities for other stakeholders, including employees, customers and the supply chain. Agreeing on the need to let go and putting some clear strategic thinking
“If it’s your baby and has taken blood, sweat and tears get to this point, that person is taking over a brand that has been carefully crafted and invested-in, and no one wants to see it underperform.” “There are risks involved in cutting the umbilical cord…and it needs planning and thinking about the ramifications and opportunities for all the parties involved,” says White. Some owner-operators may have strong expectation around the right fit for a successor. “If it’s your baby and has taken blood, sweat and tears get to this point, that person is taking over a brand that has been carefully crafted and invested-in, and no one wants to see it underperform.” There’s much to pass on, including seasonal variations, how systems operate and other intellectual property that makes
around succession planning can make all the difference between shutting shop and preparing for growth, investment or sale. Resetting the business for the future might mean developing younger people with the right skills to fill leadership roles, modernising technology, listening to fresh ideas, and preparing a new business and marketing plan. With more working age people leaving the region than coming in, retiring business leaders ought to at least seek professional advice on an exit strategy, otherwise they may end up contributing to Hawke’s Bay’s default setting as New Zealand’s retirement capital.
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From Zero to Hero
Is Manuka a Sweet Solution for Hawke’s Bay?
The unique medicinal properties of New Zealand’s mānuka honey make it the most lucrative and sought after honey in the world. BY BRIDGET FREEMAN-ROCK
Manuka blossoms for only 4-8 weeks
Measuring manuka at Regional Council’s Lake Tutira site With global demand outstripping supply, and the need for more stringent regulation and control, Comvita (our largest premium mānuka honey producer) has partnered with the Ministry for Primary Industries to develop high-performance mānuka plantations as a viable, profitable crop. The irony is that not all that long ago farmers were being incentivised to rip out their regenerating mānuka stands (the honey, classed as inferior, was fed to stock). And now what was once, for agricultural intents and purposes, a native weed, presents a potential boost to wealth, health and our clean green brand. As marketing consultant Lucy Griffiths says: “Mānuka’s gone from zero to hero and business is booming!”
Thanks to the pioneering work of biological scientist Peter Molan, high-active mānuka honey is recognised within the medical establishment as an effective treatment for infected wounds, burns and ulcers, able to clear entrenched antibiotic-resistent pathogens such as MRSA (a staph bacteria strain) like magic. In the US alone, where more than 18,000 people die each year from MRSA infections, mānuka honey wounddressings and topical gels are taking off in a
medical-grade honey is rigorously tested for. There is considerable variance between DHA levels in mānuka plants, even within a localised area, so not all mānuka honey will have a high NPA. The standard testing for NPA (using phenol comparison, otherwise known as carbolic acid) gives the wellknown UMF® scale 5+, 10+, 15+, etc. Kānuka honey (also high in antibacterial activity) is sometimes wrongly marketed as mānuka. It’s a different genus (Kunzea),
Honey’s antimicrobial activity is such that it’s been described as an ‘antibacterial system’, with a raft of anti-inflammatory, immuno-stimulatory and antioxidant properties, and no more so than New Zealand manuka honey.
Magical Manuka For thousands of years honey was used for treating infections, before the advent of penicillin and wide-spread antibiotics in the 1940s relegated its therapeutic qualities to folklore. But in the post-antibiotic era of the superbug there’s been a resurgence of interest. Honey’s antimicrobial activity is such that it’s been described as an ‘antibacterial system’, with a raft of antiinflammatory, immuno-stimulatory and antioxidant properties, and no more so than New Zealand mānuka honey.
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burgeoning multi-billion dollar industry. So what is the ‘unique mānuka factor’? Professor Molan discovered that honey from native mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) contains non-peroxide antimicrobial activity (NPA), in addition to the hydroperoxide activity found in other honeys. The compound responsible has since been identified as DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which is found abundantly in mānuka nectar, and is converted in the bee’s honey-making process into MGO (methylgyoxal) – the compound
but displays similar characteristics; for example, there’s no discernible difference between pollen samples. But kānuka doesn’t have DHA nor do any of the Australian Leptospermum varieties. The unique mānuka factor is absolutely unique.
Land use opportunities Professor Peter Molan is concerned there won’t be enough high-activity mānuka honey to carry out its important work in fighting antibiotic-resistant pathogens, particularly
as demand takes off in China, where natural medicines form an integral approach to health. His plea to rural landowners: “Please get planting – the world needs you!” In May, the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and forestry group Woodnet hosted a seminar on ‘Mānuka and profitable marginal land use’, which was attended by some 300 people, twice the number expected and indicative of the building interest in this field. Campbell Leckie, HBRC’s manager for land services, believes effective land-use solutions are critical for our region’s future. With increasing weather events due to climate change, which exacerbate erosion (already a significant issue) and loss of agricultural productivity, it’s imperative we find smarter ways to farm, particularly in our hill country with its areas of steep or marginal land. The beauty of utilising mānuka is that it’s a pioneer species – hardy, resilient – playing an important role in native bush regeneration. Following the 25-year lifespan of a mānuka plantation, the land could be left to become a second-tier podocarp forest, addressing the issue of declining biodiversity. For retiring marginal land there are government subsidies available, and with vegetation cover, carbon credits. Mānuka could also be planted as shelter belts or riparian strips, as erosion prevention, or for stock to graze amongst once established. Meanwhile it could deliver in honey dividends, and subsidiary products like mānuka oil, an internal rate of return (IRR) more favourable in many instances than pastoral farming or forestry, where “traditional land uses are no longer having the traditional revenues that go with them,” as forestry consultant Stuart Orme observes. Leckie sees mānuka as “a potential part of a solution to balancing our environmental and economic needs”. It’s for this reason
The beauty of utilising manuka is that it’s a pioneer species – hardy, resilient – playing an important role in native bush regeneration. that HBRC has invested in trialing highperformance mānuka (with a 156-hectare plantation at Tūtira). The council is a key player in Mānuka Research Project Ltd and, along with Comvita, an active participant in the Government’s Primary Growth Partnership programme, a nation-wide joint project, which runs from 2011-2018. The project aims to increase both yield and supply: doubling the land area planted in high-DHA mānuka, doubling the number of hives that land can sustain, doubling the amount of medical-grade mānuka honey produced, and doubling the amount of mānuka honey harvested from hives. If successful, the value of the industry could grow from $75 million in 2010 to an estimated $1.2 billion per annum by 2027. Initial results from the Tūtira site, which is planted (1,100 seedlings/ha) in three types of provenances and a replicated trial of cultivars, have so far been promising, with high survival rates, good growth and 100% blossom strike in the second year. The first significant flowering is expected this year, with floral maturity in 2019. Comvita, established in the 1970s, has been instrumental in the development of mānuka honey as a therapeutic product; as the largest bee-product company in Australasia with an annual turn-over of $120 million, it is involved in the end-toend production chain from innovative research to sophisticated marketing. Its apiary business, Kiwi Bee (originally a
HBRC’s Campbell Leckie Hastings company, purchased by Comvita in 2008) manages some 36,000 hives around the country. To encourage commercial trials, Comvita’s current arrangement with landowners is to pay out a 30% share of apiary revenue from the plantation – effectively a 50-50 profit split (the going rate is 10-15%). The company runs a plant-breeding programme for high-performance mānuka cultivars, and provides stock at cost. John Burke (Comvita) says, with natural reversion mānuka, you can expect to average UMF 5+ with your honey harvest; with the Comvita cultivars you can anticipate UMF 15+ plus increased hive productivity, and a 13.8% IRR at maturity. An economically viable site would need to be 20 hectares minimum.
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Page 49 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
“Manuka honey is a holistic, natural product that’s unique to us and drives value in a highquantum market.” CAMPBELL LECKIE
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Trees for Bees Mānuka blossoms for only 4-8 weeks between September and February, so what do bees feed on when the seasonal honey rush is over? Linda Newstrom-Lloyd, a botanist researching pollen protein and the supply of bee forage in New Zealand for Landcare Research, believes “mānuka is a fantastic thing”, but that the industry is putting pressure on traditional beekeeping and has introduced another threat to their increasingly precarious livelihood and essential pollination services: overstocking. Overstocking is prevalent in mānukagrowing regions, as increasing numbers of hives are brought in to cash-up on the DHAnectar. This creates new demands for overwintering sites, which are already pressured by the ongoing decline in floral resources due to intensive farming, land-use changes and weed elimination programmes. Planting mānuka could be the solution to overstocking, but only if you also plant for bees, says Newstrom-Lloyd. Species should be selected to fill the pollen dearth gaps, for high-protein content and diversity. Mānuka is not the food of choice for honey bees (in contrast to native bees), who prefer to feed on other pollen and nectar sources, if available, and forage within a 3-5 km radius. So consideration also needs to be made before planting as to what accessible competition may be flowering at the same time as mānuka. Dr Newstrom-Lloyd recommends using native support species for marginal land because they’re more robust: flax, cabbage tree, tarata and five-finger are great bee-food sources. But many cultivated species provide excellent nutrition, such as oak, maple, flowering ash, and orchard crops like apple and pear. Willow is a keystone bee plant on farms. [See www.treesforbeesnz.org]
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Campbell Leckie agrees that bee health and addressing the challenges faced by the beekeeping industry is crucial for Hawke’s Bay, with so many of our horticultural and agricultural industries dependent on bees for pollination. Planting for bees is an iterative process by design and will cut into establishment costs, but Newstrom-Lloyd believes it’s well worth it: “If you plant a few maples, a few oaks, you’ve got feed forever.” You’ll have healthier hives, thus better honey production, and you won’t have to buy supplemental food that’s good for emergency rations but not ongoing sustenance. She advocates for having permanent residential hives rather than using migratory seasonal hives, and urges landowners to consider this when looking into commercial mānuka. As she sees it, if you plant a “mānuka orchard with supporting bee feed you will help supply the mānuka demand
and take the pressure off native bees and pollination services.” Campbell Leckie agrees that bee health and addressing the challenges faced by the beekeeping industry is crucial for Hawke’s Bay, with so many of our horticultural and agricultural industries dependent on bees for pollination. HBRC sponsors Trees for Bees research (a Sustainable Farming Fund project) and actively encourages landowners to plant trees for multiple benefits, including bee forage. Linda has been working alongside, providing advice for the Tūtira plantation and on suitable plantings to maintain bees there year-round.
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Page 51 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
Bees Threatened Humans and honey bees have a symbiotic relationship, in which a third of the world’s food crops are now dependent on bees for pollination, and with the spread of varroa mite and pathogens, honey bees can no longer survive as wild colonies. But it seems they’re struggling to survive with us too. In the last decade we’ve witnessed unprecedented numbers of bees dying around the globe, with entire colonies succumbing to aggressive diseases, or since 2006, simply failing to return, abandoning queen, food and hive in what’s being termed Colony Collapse Disorder.
wiped out as new parasite spreads through New Zealand’).
Every year the US now loses 30-40% of its bees to CCD, and bee numbers are on a steep decline, with similar figures in parts of Europe. No one knows exactly why, though there are plenty of theories: varroa mite and miticideresistance, new parasites and diseases, crop monocultures, pesticides, electromagnetic radiation….
But whatever caused the losses doesn’t appear to have spread from hive to hive, and MPI say the pathogen has likely been present undetected for longer. While the timing is unusual, and MPI state it is “unwise” to draw a link with CCD, descriptions of the losses have similar correlations.
Independent scientists have identified a new parasite, Lotmaria passim, on the peninsula, and wondered if it’s linked to the losses, particularly in synergy with a strain of Nosema, found in both healthy and sick hives.
Neonicotinoids are a class of neuro-active, systemic insecticides, chemically similar to nicotine (and yes, there are studies suggesting bees become addicted!). They were developed in the 90s and are now the most widely used insecticides on earth. They’ve been linked to CCD – in 2008 Germany banned them as a precautionary measure, and since 2013 the EU has restricted their use.
Janet Luke, urban bee-educator and co-founder of Save Our Bees charitable trust, believes bee decline is an accumulative inter-weave of multiple factors: disease, insecticides, lack of biodiversity and adequate food, overstocking, etc. She works with the motto ‘Healthy bees without disease’ provide the best resilience, with the cornerstone of health: access to good nutrition and minimal stress.
A recent literature review by an international taskforce of independent scientists concluded that neonics cause significant damage to bees, butterflies, earthworms and birds, while a new Harvard study analysing pollen from NZ found multiple neonics in all samples.
“In an ideal situation, hives would be situated in a sunny, sheltered area that has an abundance of nectar and pollen sources from a wide range of plants, all year round.”
New Zealand’s MPI advises growers not to spray near hives and to avoid spraying budding and flowering plants, but the Green Party has called for the Government to put bees first and ban the use of neonics in pesticides. But despite more than a decade of varroa mite, and the widespread use of neonics, our beehive numbers are doubling, numbers of registered beekeepers are on the rise, and there have been no confirmed incidences of CCD. However, NZ Farmer recently reported on the mass losses of bees in the Coromandel last spring, resulting in a 4060% drop in honey production for many commercial beekeepers ( ‘Bee colonies
Page 52 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
She recognises that “with our modern farming and orchard practice, moving bees from site to site is an unfortunate necessity.” But Luke’s been working with Pipfruit NZ, and sees them as an example of industry innovation. While apples in the past have been heavily sprayed, Pipfruit NZ are “trying to proactively lessen the chemical load” and are hoping to eventually have beehives situated in orchards all year round. Luke says “bees are like the canary in the coalmine – they’re a great indicator for environmental health.” If bees can flourish in an orchard that’s a sign the fruit are fit for human consumption and that the ecosystem is working well … and wouldn’t that be a great selling point, she asks.
John Burke (Comvita) and Barry Poole (Hardwood Management) at Lake Tutira site Leckie notes it’s too premature to ascertain what high-performance mānuka could mean for the Bay in actual figures what scale of industry are we looking at? What scope for jobs, skills, collaboration? But personally, he’s excited by the potential it offers: “Mānuka honey is a holistic, natural product that’s unique to us and drives value in a high-quantum market.” That it also offers alternative land-use solutions for achieving better farm and environmental outcomes is the sweetener. However, Leckie cautions that mānuka is not a silver bullet for our region, reiterating that it’s part of “an integrated solution” within a wider environmental, economic and social context. He advises those considering planting mānuka to think it through carefully. For a start, keep in mind that honey is a natural commodity and there’s risks around that (prices go up and down; you have good years, bad years, etc.). Secondly, apiary management is key. It takes skill to manage bees and the honey harvest well, so you have to consider carefully who you will partner with. He says the regional council is more than happy to direct people to appropriate resources. My take-home message from the recent seminar presentation is that the potential for high-UMF mānuka in Hawke’s Bay is huge, but there’s no place for cowboys and it’s going to take conscientious planning. Linda Newstrom-Lloyd: “If we do this
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the right way, it’s a win-win all the way.” But if we do it wrong, she warns, the consequences to the wider ecosystem and regional economy could be dire. Comvita’s John Burke concludes by saying, “If we can pull it off, we have a good news story for rural New Zealand.” Janet Luke
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Page 53 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
The Business Of Birth BY JESSICA SOUTAR BARRON
Nine months from now the first baby will be born in the new primary birthing unit in the grounds of Hawke’s Bay Hospital. As yet unnamed, the unit is currently just a seed, germinating in a hole in the carpark. By the end of the summer it will be a fully-developed, seven-bed maternity space, the first of its type in New Zealand. Of all babies conceived now and due in April, 97% will be born at the hospital; 3% will be born at home. To be allowed to birth in the new unit the mother must be healthy, carrying only one baby and must go into spontaneous labour. There’s no facility for epidural, forceps or ventouse. Whether born at home or in the unit, wrapped around that baby will be a net of
is the envy of the world - known as the Rolls-Royce - in terms of continuity and quality of care. But while mothers birth around 2,000 babies a year in Hawke’s Bay, in a wide variety of circumstances and situations, the people who deliver them are quietly battling the challenges and complexities that come with being at the business end of birth.
“So we are older and fatter and sicker, and there are people who have babies who should never have been pregnant.” support that includes family and friends, but also a bevy of professionals in a range of roles depending on the mother’s wants and needs. Central to that care will be the midwife - the LMC (lead maternity carer) - who will care for mother and baby from conception to baby’s sixth week in a system that is world-class, and free. There are around 40 midwives working in Hawke’s Bay as LMCs. There are another 50 midwives working shifts in the hospital. There are five midwives working for Choices, who predominantly care for Māori women. Some of the other services working in the birth community are Bay Babies and Home Birth Hawke’s Bay, who offer different perspectives on birth in the Bay. New Zealand’s maternity care system
Page 54 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
Positive Birth Ila Northe and Julie Kinloch are the longest serving midwives in Hawke’s Bay. Ila has been delivering babies since the 1970s. Julie was one of the first home birth midwives with an access agreement to the hospital. They call midwifery their business and their passion. They operate out of an old bungalow in Napier, which has recently been given a new lease on life as a Maternity Resource Centre, thanks to a partnership with the DHB. They have three midwives working with them at 234 Kennedy Road at various stages of their midwifery careers. Bec Heyward has been practising for 13 years, Kimai Cure and Karen Maplesden are only just starting out with a couple of years under their belts. With a case load of about 40-50 babies a
year each and with a combined experience of nearly 100 years, the midwives at 234 have met a lot of mothers and attended lots of births. They also wear a number of hats: sitting on steering groups and committees, advocating for midwives and for mothers at a regional and national level. The senior midwives at 234 have seen a big change in the mind set of many mothers over their time delivering babies. They have no doubt that birth has changed because mothers have changed. “There is an assumption now that we have a baby no matter what,” says Ila Northe. “So we are older and fatter and sicker, and there are people who have babies who should never have been pregnant.” “There is more screening and more medicalisation of birth,” explains Bec Heyward. This then changes the way the needs of a pregnant mother are met. Birth has been shifted from a normal part of life, where mothers deliver within their families, to a removed ‘specialist’ setting. Even the new birthing unit has been criticised by some midwives, Choices and the Home Birth community, for being too attached to the hospital. Home birth advocate Rachel Pearson is concerned that medicalising birth is leading to greater rates of not only postnatal depression but post-traumatic stress disorder. “That’s what people come back from war with!” she says. “How we birth is pivotal to
Rachel Pearson with son Miguel
From left: Bec Heyward, Karen Maplesden, Ila Northe and Julie Kinloch
how that family goes on to grow and develop.” “Our culture turns women against the belief that their bodies are made to birth; that it is to be feared and surgically managed,” says Pearson, who resurrected Home Birth Hawke’s Bay in 2004 and carried the organisation through until recently when she stepped down from her leadership role. Julie Kinloch wonders if women are becoming ‘overthinkers’ when it comes to birth. “It’s such a new adventure for a family,” she says. “It’s a whole new university degree they know nothing about. Some people want people around them, some want to read everything there is!” ‘People’ may include a doula, an antenatal coach, those offering complementary therapies. Bay Babies is a collective of practitioners who have a passion for anteand postnatal wellbeing. It’s the love-child of Bronwyn Gardner, an ante-natal teacher, and Di Reefman, who comes from a massage and yoga background, and runs positive birthing classes. Reefman believes women’s mind set around birth has changed partly because there is now too much knowledge available to them in terms of checks, scans and tests. “Knowing is ‘head based’ information. Not ‘feeling based’,” she explains. “This work is not just for the hippy dippies. I’ve worked with all kinds of people. The process is about
Page 56 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
shedding fear and all the other chatter that goes on in the head to get to ‘I am doing this’ with solid reliable tools to get you through.” Jules Arthur is the Midwifery Director at the DHB. She has spearheaded the building of the new unit and is proud of what it means for birth in the Bay. “Low risk women are more likely to come away with positive births and stories. It’s about who owns the birth. My view is women own their birth, we’re just there to give them options and support. It’s about listening to women and their families, to what they’re saying, and hopefully we’ll see intervention rates fall.”
Where the need is The experiences of those giving birth in Hawke’s Bay differ hugely. What is important, what’s a must have, where the gaps lie, what success looks like … are poles apart. At one end of the spectrum are births in poverty situations. Of those 2,000 babies born here each year, 60% are born into decile 8-10 homes (here 8-10 represents the lowest socioeconomic groups). Beverly Te Huia has been a midwife for 15 years but has put practice to one side to concentrate on running Nga Maia and Choices as well as sitting on a number of boards, committees and steering groups, all on a volunteer basis. “Midwifery was bestowed upon me,
my Māori side has always been involved in delivering babies, both the men and women,” explains Te Huia. “The picture of Māori birth is whānau-centred. It is a shared responsibility of all the whanau members.” The only increase in births in Hawke’s Bay, which has a falling birth rate, is in the Māori population. 40% of births each year are into families that identify as Māori. 98% of Choices clients are Māori; many of them living in high deprivation areas. Choices midwives delivered 400 babies in the past year; 6,000 since the service began 20 years ago. Te Huia believes the knowledge held at Choices around birth should be better utilised by the DHB. There’s a disconnect between the guidelines set out by the hospital and the MoH, and what works on the ground for the women Choices cares for; there’s a gap between what is prescribed and what is needed. “Caring for our women puts us out on a limb,” says Te Huia. “We’re left out on a ledge with no support so we come head to head in providing care for our Māori women. A big part of our Māori practice, is defending our practice!” The line between what’s accepted and what is not can be a fine one, and can include everything from what’s suitable in breastfeeding, co-sleeping, treatment of the placenta, adhoc midwife check-ups at hui and on marae.
Bronwyn Gardner (centre) with clients
“When we make decisions, it’s not just the practical that needs to be considered, it’s emotional. It takes its toll. It’s hard to be Māori because you get tangled up in representing the whole of Māori.” The key is for Māori midwifery knowledge to become central in DHB designing and planning. “People have a distrust of kaupapa Māori. If the DHB came here and asked what would help, we would tell them,” Te Huia says. She explains that there is a nervousness among Māori midwives to stick their heads up because often they are rubbing up against guidelines that don’t align with specific circumstances.
“Some of our work could be seen as clinically unsafe, but ethically and culturally it is right for whanau,” she says. “For us to go into a home to raise MoH concerns can seem ridiculous.” Te Huia gives as an example smoking cessation, which is an MoH directive all midwives must follow. “We can go into a home where there are six family members sleeping in the kitchen using the oven as the only heat source. Telling them to stop smoking seems irrelevant. Then the family will isolate themselves further, they won’t be home when we call around - they’re home, but they’re not answering the door.” “The targets of health [MoH] seem so far away from what’s facing you at the time,” says Te Huia. “We’ve been working in the community; they’ve been sitting behind their desks.”
The cave woman within Bay Babies provides a range of support for pregnant women at the other end of the spectrum. Their services have fees attached, so are predominantly used by higher socioeconomic families. Some of the paid services found at Bay Babies would traditionally have been done by
a woman’s family, including her own mother. But in our middle-class communities, time, distance and perceptions of decency put up barriers for women wanting to access support during pregnancy. “We don’t often live near our mothers, sisters and aunties, and we don’t have close relationships with women who we want to expose our bodies to, so the choice of paying someone to be with us at the birth who does that work professionally might be quite comfortable for us,” says Bronwyn Gardner who runs Bay Babies. As much as birth has become something to fear and equate with pain, it has also become something we have little real knowledge of until we’re in the thick of it. “We struggle with birth because we actually have a cruisy, easy life. We’re not out hunting, we’re not scrubbing floors every day, we’re not standing for hours making preserves, life is easy,” say Gardner. “Birth can be the first experience of going past that threshold and meeting a person you don’t recognise, then that can be scary, and fear can set it. Some of what we do is about challenging women to meet the threshold before the birth, like meeting the cave woman inside yourself!”
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Beverly Te Huia
As well as offering birth training and education, Bay Babies includes practitioners of everything from cranial sacral work to homeopathy. Modalities that can offer help to mothers at various times of their journey, but all unfunded. Home birth champion Rachel Pearson advocates for the use of alternative practices alongside orthodox ones and would like to see the current funding model wrap in options for naturopaths, herbalists, acupuncturists, massage therapists. “They’re all saying ‘we can help’, but they’re not getting funded.”
Midwifery as a business A series of changes to Section 88 of the Health and Disability Act had the effect of ‘professionalising’ midwifery, meaning midwives could work as primary healthcare professionals paid by the Ministry of Health. Before that time, midwives worked in hospitals and were paid as specialist nurses. As well as officially validating the role of midwives, for the midwives themselves the changes to the act meant they became selfemployed sole-traders, with all the business responsibilities that entails. Midwifery as a calling remained, but as well as attending births, midwives had to do tax returns and GST, attend professional development courses, advertise their services, compete with others in the market place (a crowded one in Hawke’s Bay). Today, what pregnant women, their families and society sees of midwives is a calm, reassuring, knowledgeable presence who cares for a woman from early pregnancy through to their baby’s sixth week. The reality for the midwife is that with a case load considered manageable of six women due every month they earn a similar wage to a primary school teacher but with all the costs of a small businesses. (The care of each
woman is about 40 hours of work through the time of the pregnancy). On top of that, Ministry of Health directives keep adding to their plates. Midwives are now screening for diabetes, dishing out diet and smoking cessation advice, doing checks on family violence – all prescribed by the MoH but with no added payment for the extra work. “You are now getting a stressed work force, because we’re not funded as we once were. Hospital staff are stressed too, because the pressure flows on to them. The whole maternity health work force is stressed,” says Bec Heyward. New directives and initiatives mean extra training, which is often paid for by the individual midwife who also pays for the person to cover them while they are away, travel to and from the course and accommodation. And if one of their babies is born while they are away and they’re not there to catch it, they miss out on the chunk of pay associated with that part of the process; the payment instead going to the midwife who covered for them. Training student midwives is also an important part of our Hawke’s Bay midwives remit. Supervision of a student equates to 900 hours with a payment of about $1.25 an hour. Sarah Glass has been working as a midwife for 13 years. Alongside her practice she is a vocal proponent for the rights of midwives to earn a fair living. “I am astonished at the disgusting way we are treated,” she says. Midwives are paid in sections; one payment for the first 28 weeks of the pregnancy, a second for the third trimester and the birth, and a third for aftercare. Since the Section 88 changes 25 years ago there has been very little increase in pay, to such an extent that midwives are now being paid less than they were in 1990.
“When I started bringing it up, I felt resistance from midwives because we love our job,” Glass explains. “But the Ministry of Health is taking credit for this state of the art, world-class system, and we the midwives are paying for it.” Glass has calculated that at the end of the day, taking into account the money paid to midwives, the money paid out by them in tax and costs, as well as what would be a living wage, each LMC is donating $40,000 a year to the cause. Glass has calculated they are working for about $23 an hour for being on call 24/7; hospital midwives working shifts are on $32. “It is an unrelenting workload,” says Glass. “What we provide has increased and increased.” The message from the MoH is if you want more money you need to take on more women.” “Midwives do their job because they care, they don’t look at it as ‘what’s in it for me’,” says Glass. “But we’ve come to a crisis point because if we project these numbers into the future it will mean we are doing this for minimum wage, or cutting everything shorter to take on more clients.” Because they are sole traders, midwives have no right to join a union, so there’s no collective bargaining. And if they band together to ask for more money they could be accused of colluding to price fix. Glass is concerned that the future may not be as bright for the quality of midwifery care in New Zealand. “Women will miss out because we could move to a place where woman queue up like cattle in a market place for their clinics and there’s no one there at the c-sections who’s known them through their pregnancy,” says Glass. “We need to work this out with the MoH or ten years in the future we’ll look back and say ‘Wow, look what we lost’.”
www.lookingback.co.nz
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New DHB Unit Due for delivery in the second quarter of 2016, the new DHB unit gets mixed reviews. The unit is the DHB’s response to consultation findings with input from interested parties in maternity health care. It will link to the hospital’s existing ‘secondary’ care unit. If mothers need to use the facility it’s because they need a “managed” birth or they’re not “progressing”, or there’s “complications”. Rachel Pearson was one of the people who submitted when the new unit was still a glint in the DHB’s eye. She feels she wasn’t listened to and the outcome is less than satisfactory. “This is the worst case scenario for encouraging non-intervention birthing,” she explains. “They put it in a carpark, they dressed it as a hospital resource and they joined it by a corridor.” For Julie Kinloch and Ila Northe, and the midwives who work with them, despite some details not being quite right - it would be nice to have the birthing unit in a refurbished home within a garden - the new facility is exciting. “There is an expectation that everyone will have a family member staying the night, usually the father. And Hawke’s Bay is the only place that encourages this,” explains Julie Kinloch. “Also it is midwifery led and midwifery supported so we are sitting in there as midwives running that unit without any secondary input, which is a wonderful thing for the women of Hawke’s Bay.” Bec Heyward agrees: “It’s about supporting normal primary birth because all the research says that if you want a normal birth you need to be at home or in a primary unit – as soon as you go into secondary care there is a higher rate of epidural, vetouse, forceps and c-section.” “Midwives want people to stay in the primary birth unit and not go to secondary, because the place of birth makes a difference,” says Kinloch. “Being in the primary care unit or being at home, the decision making is the same. The new unit is amazing and it’s a great opportunity to change Hawke’s Bay birth culture.” The midwives at 234 believe the unit will become a model other DHBs look at to emulate.
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Jules Arthur
Jules Arthur agrees that environment affects outcomes in birth and has advocated for the primary birthing unit for a number of years, spearheading the initiative through to fruition. Two years ago after community consultation, including with ‘consumers’, Arthur put a paper to the District Health Board. “We didn’t really get any opposition and we were commended by the board for our consultation,” explains Arthur. “It’s pretty amazing for a board to support that, in this climate. We’re one of the few DHBs who are in a position to do this and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Beverly Te Huia, however, was disappointed by the process. She sits on the steering group of the new unit. “I wanted there to be an environment that reflected that lineage of Ngati Kahungunu and I have the balls to say I don’t think there will be,” she say. “I wanted it to be a story, and I was asked ‘how are you going to pay for that?’ but I felt that’s essential, I didn’t want it to be tokenism.” “I signed it off but I’m disheartened. We’ll be asked about a name but we’re more than just a name. We spent more time talking about whether there should be toasters in the rooms than the integral stuff.”
CULTURE and LIFESTYLE
Artist's impression Page 62 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
Greening the Gap
The Albert Hotel in Hastings has been down since early this year and there's been much conversation about what will take its place. Michael Whittaker, who bought the hotel and the site, did have plans to put a number of shipping containers on the site as a mixture of retail, hospitality and office spaces, but has since changed his mind, perhaps due to the number of ‘For Lease’ signs up around the CBD. Now, Hastings District Council has stepped in as a partner and the empty section, on the corner of Karamu Road and Heretaunga St East, is going to become a park, complete
with apple trees ripe for the picking (literally). The section will be grassed over and used in as many guises as HDC, local businesses and the Hastings Business Association, who is leading the initiative, can think up. HBA's Andrea Vernik-Taaffe is spearheading the project. She feels the new space will be an amazing opportunity for all sorts of people to create events. "The vibe for the place is one of creativity; it's a meeting place and a place to express yourself artistically," says Andrea. "But it'll also be good for picnics or for reading a book. It's a place to be, or not to be!"
Potential future uses include adjuncts to existing events such as the annual Blossom Festival, Hastings Night Markets and the Edible Fashion Awards, as well as one-offs including music performances and theatre pieces. With a stage, tucked inside a shipping container when not in use, and a wall designed for use as a giant screen, the possibilities for using the space are limitless. The new park, as yet unnamed but with the working title of Albert Square (fitting as it is in the Eastend of the city) will be ready for use from September.
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CULTURE and LIFESTYLE
Hidden Gem
Taruna staff and students
Driving up to Te Mata Peak there's a wide gladed drive and an odd assortment of buildings thrown up a hill to the left under the name Taruna. Hawke's Bay locals could drive past every day without giving the place a passing thought, but in that collection of classrooms 150 students a year come to the Bay from all over New Zealand and the world to study. Certificates and diplomas on offer include those in Steiner teaching, anthroposophical nursing and biodynamic farming. A third of the students come from overseas and with the courses all NZQA registered, they are here paying international fees. The students stay locally, some for up to a year, and become a part of our Hawke's Bay community that few of us know anything about. Recent students include those from Singapore, Taiwan, Serbia, Brazil, America, Japan, India, Germany, China and Australia. Michelle Vette is the programme director of Holistic Healthcare at the college. She is proud of what is offered at Taruna, but also of the staff, many of whom are recognised internationally for their teaching and programmes. "Our staff are very international and many of them teach throughout Australia and Asia." Taruna's history stretches back to two women who from the 1920s had a major impact on the spiritual and educational life of Hawke's Bay. Edna Burbury and Ruth Nelson were central figures in the
early days of both Woodford House and Taikura Steiner School. The original Taruna building, now the central meeting space and offices, was their homestead until the 1970s. Members of the public can enjoy the hidden gem that is Taruna by getting involved in their programmes and short courses. Details are available online at taruna.ac.nz
CHINA CONNECTION Taruna experienced a set-back recently when after years of planning, NZQA rejected their plans to run a Mandarinbased Steiner education programme
BOOK ALERT! Kereru Station: Two Sisters' Legacy has recently been published by Phantom House Publishing. Written by Mary Shanahan and with stunning photography by Grant Sheehan, it tells the story of one of Hawke's Bay's first large sheep stations and particularly of the two sisters who brought it back from the brink of ruin in the 1940s: Taruna’s Ruth Nelson and her sister Gwen. Page 64 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
specifically designed for Chinese student teachers. With over 20 students already registered on the programme, and mechanisms in place to teach in Mandarin, at the last minute NZQA refused to grant Taruna permission to run the diploma, without further explanation. Demand for Steiner teachers is booming in China. Little more than a decade ago there were no Steiner institutions there; today there are 200 kindergartens and 30 schools, with more opening every year as Steiner-based education catches on. The first Steiner school in China was established in 2004 in Chengdu, Hastings' sister-city.
NEW TAONGA Tryphena Cracknell
CULTURE and LIFESTYLE
Pin Wall Pin Wall is an new collaborative public artwork by artists Sara Hughes and Gregor Kregar. The work has been erected along the Marine Parade wall of MTG. Brightly coloured oversized pins sprout out of the wall giving pattern and texture to the street that plays with the formal flower beds and fairy lit trees across the road. The work is created from 5,000 porcelain glazed balls that stick out from the building on stainless steel rods, individually applied by the artists. In researching the work Hughes and Kregar dug into the Hawke’s Bay Museums Trust collection and found inspiration in a group of 19th century pin cushions and a fabric design archive. “We have referenced a design for a textile print by Avis Higgs depicting New Zealand flora and fauna and turned it into a mosaic of colour. Each pixel of colour will be represented by a pin head,” says Hughes.
Tēnei Tonu, on at the MTG from early August, is a new telling of some of the best and most loved treasures in the collection. The show shares the stories of the continuous occupation of the Heretaunga Plains and surrounding area by the people of Ngāti Kahungunu. The exhibition title, Tēnei Tonu, can be interpreted as Always Here and comes from the words of a Ngāti Kahunganu chief: Ko te putake o o tatau tikanga, tēnei tonu i te rākau kauri. I whānau tonu i konei, i tipu ake tatau i konei, ko tatau te tangata whenua. The source of our rights is that like the kauri we are grounded here, we were nurtured here, we are the people of the land.
Mahe, collection of Hawke's Bay Museums Trust, Ruawharo Ta-u-rangi, 2004/1/199
Pukaea, collection of Hawke's Bay Museums Trust, Ruawharo Ta-u-rangi, 677, 290
MTG’s curator Taonga Māori, Tryphena Cracknell created the exhibition. She explains that selected stories connected to this central theme will be told through a narrative weaving taonga from the collection together with stories from local people. A special feature of the show is its use of space. It will occupy the entire gallery space and the flow will be based on the layout of a wharenui. Supporting this will be architectural carvings like poupou and poutokomanawa.
“Depending on how the work is viewed it can take the form of a vibrant assortment of colour and form, or from a frontal position it will make a more representational image.” The differing lengths of stainless steel rod bring a three-dimensional element to the work and create movement that responds to the viewer moving along the street. Toki, collection of Hawke's Bay Museums Trust, Ruawharo Ta-u-rangi, 95/44/1
The work will bring a dynamic new dimension to the MTG and will be the largest work created from porcelain in New Zealand.
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CULTURE and LIFESTYLE
BOOK REVIEWS Title: Evie's War Author: Anna Mackenzie Publisher: Longacre Child Price: $19.99
Title: The Good Life on Te Muna Road Author: Deborah Coddington Publisher: Random House NZ Price: $40.00
Title: Fallout Author: Paul Thomas Publisher: Upstart Press Price: $34.99
This Young Adult novel, told exclusively in diary form, tells the story of the 18-year-old Evie Faulkner as she leaves New Zealand with her family to journey to England. The characters are immediately drawn in few words: Evie is bright, droll, naïve; her brother Edmund is dull, traditional, inexperienced; their mother conservative, fractious, a little spoilt. As the novel progresses their lives are thrown into war and of course, everything changes.
What a life Deborah Coddington has had! Originally from Hawke’s Bay, she has worked as a restauranteur, journalist and broadcaster, married and had a daughter before becoming an ACT list MP.
Twenty-seven years after the murder of seventeen-year-old Polly Stenson, a new lead surfaces and Detective Sergeant Tito Ihaka is put on the case. While conducting the official enquiry, he is also investigating another, unofficial cold case, the death of his father. Set mostly in Auckland, Ihaka's enquiries do briefly take him to Hawke's Bay where he visits Clive, Havelock North and an unspecified winery.
The narrative follows Evie’s experiences and as her diary progresses, we see how war encroaches quickly and violently, but at first does not seem real – her diary entry of 28th July states without emotion that Austria has declared war on Serbia; on the 29th she is playing tennis. Evie’s War is a many-layered and wellresearched novel of some depth. The character development is rapid and authentic – the sudden shocks that war brings has inevitable effects on the cast of the story. The Evie we know at the end of the book is a young woman much changed by her experiences and as the reader we feel that we have been there with her.
The ‘good life’ to which the title refers is her life with a Wellington lawyer living on his land in Martinborough. She puts her heart and soul into becoming a wine grower and describes a strong sense of homecoming and belonging. Her descriptions of her many lives are, although disjointed, evocative and fascinating. It’s like guiltily reading several issues of a gossip magazine all at once, but with much more heart and atmosphere. Whatever your opinion of Deborah Coddington as a public figure, her life has been full, interesting, scandalous and worthy of note. The Good Life on Te Muna Road is the kind of book that makes you want to walk a mile in her shoes.
Louise & Gareth Ward – www.wardini.co.nz
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Fallout is a thoroughly enjoyable crime thriller that keeps the reader hooked until the very end. Thomas has a knack for creating vivid pen portraits of his characters, giving them the depth to be believable while not overburdening with excessive detail. He masterfully feeds snippets of information to progress the plot, while holding back enough to maintain the suspense so there's no choice but to keep reading. The plot was well constructed, and much like a real investigation, each new truth or half-truth uncovered closes down one avenue of inquiry while opening up several more. The dialogue is pithy, original and in places extremely profane.
ALL THAT
JAZZ
CULTURE and LIFESTYLE
Thursday nights in central Hastings is jazz night at Common Room. It's the only place in Hawke's Bay where you can hear jazz on a weekly basis. Gerard Barron, the man behind the bar at Common Room, says the jazz nights grew out of a need to show off the top quality jazz musicians who live in the Bay. "There's a lot of great jazz musos living here of a really top, world-class level of talent," says Gerard. "We are very lucky to have them and they turn the bar into a jazz club you would be happy to find in any big city in the world, in Hastings!" Regular performers include saxophonist Anton Wuts, drummer Tom Pierard, double bassist Dan Fulton, guitarist Bob Jackson, and Will McCee who has played drums on Roy Orbison recordings. Thursday night jazz … indulge your passion.
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Struan Ashby and Erica Duthie are Tape Art NZ
CULTURE and LIFESTYLE
STUCK ON ART
Public art with a fresh twist will be part of this year's Blossom Festival. Artists Erica Duthie and Struan Ashby will be working at various sites in Hastings over the duration of the Festival making works out of tape – bright blue, masking tape. The artists have been part of a huge variety of festivals and events all over New Zealand and around the world. Their distinctive tape murals can be many storeys high and often represent local stories and people. While they're in Hastings Duthie and Ashby will involve the public in making art works, as well as filling shop fronts with images that resonate with the vibe of the annual Festival. They will also run flowermaking workshops teaching the public how to make stained glass-like tape and cellophane flowers. The tape artworks are temporary but will last the duration of the Festival, and if the new twist is a hit it may become a permanent fixture.
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Blossoming Parade The Blossom Parade is set for Saturday 12 September so if you, your group or school are considering a float now is the time to settle on your theme and register. The overarching theme is Great Things Grow Here, which fits perfectly with the blossom, spring and garden imagery the Parade is famous for. Prizes are awarded for best use of flowers, best dressed, best community and most humorous, as well as best overall float. Contact Creative Hastings to register.
Little & Lovely
CULTURE and LIFESTYLE
It may be that the best things do come in tiny packages. An annual highlight of the Napier community arts scene is the ‘Secrets and Treasures’ matchbox exhibition where each art work is based in or around a matchbox (although it can be an 11cm 'extra-long' matchbox).
Members of the community, as well as aspiring and established artists, have been invited to submit works to 'inspire, horrify, give pleasure, surprise, amuse, challenge, revolt and fascinate' using any material include animals (as long as they're dead and dried).
Seuss Show Rare and limited edition Dr Seuss works are coming to the CAN. Collector Ron Epskamp, who runs a gallery in Wellington is bringing the works, which include limited edition prints and unique books rarely seen by audiences. The CAN is planning as many Seuss-related activities for children as possible to coincide with the show which runs in Napier from 14-27 August.
This is a fun show to take the kids along to, tucked into the new Community Arts Centre Napier (CAN) small gallery. ‘Secrets and Treasures’ offers inspiration for the school holidays and may even pique enough interest to enter next year. On at the CAN until 23 July.
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CULTURE and LIFESTYLE
Arty Lattes
Secret Hideaways
Looking for new hideout? To escape the chill, read a book, be indulged or nourished. It seems there's a cafe on every corner in Hawke's Bay and more popping up every month. You might be a double-shot soy or a straight-up short black aficianado, but if you prefer your latte arty, then the place to go is Onekawa Coffee Corner. It could be the smallest cafe in the region. And you can tell from a distance it houses an eccentric artist because the outside is painted bright purple. Inside, amid the tradies and truckers eating toasties, barista Dave Hancox is finetuning his latest design.
The Latham Street Cafe is just like the shabby chic lounge we all wish we owned. Bookshelves sorted by colour beats alphabetical or the Dewey system hands down. The eclectic magazine collection has something for most tastes. And - talk about tasty! - the delicious sweet treats are just like Nana used to bake. Maina is the swish new, bright and breezy hangout in Havelock. There's a taste of old school, new cool in here and the links
back to the past are very real, but it's a lively buzzing place too. Named after the family matriarch, Maina is a family business through and through and the bakery and cooking reflect that.
And if you love ‘new and fresh’ look out for The Conscious Kitchen opening soon in Ahuriri. Superfoods are the ingredients of choice but super-tasty and super-good go hand in hand in their dishes. Juices, salads and delicious delights that won't blow the diet are all on the menu. Look out for this newbie which promises an August opening.
"I'm working on a swan preening itself." Other designs include a teddy bear, a dog, an elephant and a butterfly. It's not just a bit of fun – that's just the froth on top – the real business is staying one step ahead of the competition. "In the Bay you can get a good cup of coffee in lots of places," agrees Dave. "But when you see latte art you know the barista really cares, that he knows what he's doing. It shows a bit of love." Dave has been making coffee for 22 years and says with so many cafes about there's no excuse for drinking bad coffee. "If you get a bad one, don't go back, drive 500 metres further down the road to the next place." For home baristas, Dave says it's all about the milk. Make sure it's chilled and then only heated to 40 or 50 degrees. Full fat milk is best and a metal skewer does the trick for sketching on eyes and even names.
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Stu and Katie from Maina
A Poesy of Poems Poet Emily Dobson
RED RED WINE UB40 is coming to Hawke's Bay, news that excited enough people to see 1,800 tickets sell out in under four hours; 500 of those ‘early birds’ that went in the first minute. The success has been good news for Black Barn and its events manager Francis de Jager, but has also offered up challenges; namely, how to ensure all the people who want to see the big name reggae band get a chance to do so.
New Zealand's National Poetry Day is Friday 28 August, and there's a few ways you can get involved. Wardini Books in Havelock North is leading the celebration with Hawke's Bay's poetry stalwarts Live Poets' Society, one of the longest lasting poetry groups in New Zealand at 22 years and still going strong. Bill Sutton, Live Poets' secretary and treasurer says his group keeps the poetry light alive throughout the year through their monthly poetry sessions and their Radio Kidnappers show, but special celebrations are this year down to the Wardinis. In the run up to the big day budding poets can get in the poetry mood by penning a poem for the National Poetry Day competition. The Great Big Poetry Competition has categories for all poets from five years to adult, and is inviting entries right through July until 14 August. Winning poems will be published in The Village Press and for the kids' entries online at Poetry Box. Winners will also receive a bag of books to inspire and fuel their creativity. Judging the poems are Paula Green and Emily Dobson, both published poets. Enter via email at books@wardini. co.nz or drop in to the shop. Emily Dobson certainly know her poetry. With two books of poetry published she is well versed in what makes a good poem.
"Poetry is a lot of different things - it's art, self-expression, sometimes, in the case of the bawdy ballads my uncle writes, true entertainment" says Emily. "It's about getting closer to that great unknowable at the heart of the human condition. We can never quite get there, but poetry can get us oh so tantalisingly close." Dobson encourages everyone to get involved in National Poetry Day. "Everyone has the capacity to be moved or entertained by poetry, whatever format that poetry comes in," she says. On the day itself there are two events, back to back. After school, resident magician The Great Wardini will perform magic tricks set to children's poetry in a crazy poem/magic mash up. This is a free event for children age 3-and-up at Wardini Books from 3.45-4.30pm. That evening, an Open Mic Night - also at Wardini's - will give poets a chance to read their own works, or those of their poetry heroes. Local poets will read their work, but members of the public are also invited to share poems. The evening event starts at 7pm and entry is $5, which includes a glass of wine. For a regular poetry fix join Live Poets at the Hastings Community Arts Centre (second Monday of every month) or tune in to the show on Radio Kidnappers (third Monday of every month).
That's meant taking Black Barn off-site, to a field on Kahuranaki Road. Now, on 8 January, instead of being at Black Barn's amphitheatre, UB40 fans will enjoy an evening by the river, with the stunning views afforded by the Tuki Tuki Valley. "UB40 really fits well with the laid back summer vibe that Black Barn has," says Francis. The new venue will match that well, and for future events Black Barn is even considering embracing the festival atmosphere completely by having multi day events including the opportunity for a spot of 'glamping' (glamorous camping). "We want to create something that's legendary. From the first year people will love it because of the setting that's so different and unusual." Having a new adjunct site to their existing offering at Black Barn opens up lots of opportunities. "It gives us the option to put together a list of international guests we want to have here and just go for it," Francis says. With such big acts come flow on effects for businesses in Havelock North and in Hastings. "We're getting hits for tickets to this from Australia, the US and even the UK," says Francis, explaining that 30-40% of tickets have been sold to people outside of Hawke's Bay. Thanks to the change in venue, tickets to UB40's Red Red Wine Tour are still available and can be bought through the Black Barn website. There are also some transport options offered to ensure people enjoy the evening safely. Page 71 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
CULTURE and LIFESTYLE
'Re-use' is a big theme in this year's Gisborne Hawke's Bay Architecture Awards, which is judged by a panel of industry peers. Re-use is a big theme in this year's Gisborne Hawke's Bay Architecture Awards, which is judged by a panel of industry peers. Tracey Thomson-Gray, convenor of the awards jury: “We visited a number of refurbishment projects and it was very pleasing to see clients and architects deciding to re-use existing buildings. This has resulted in some wonderful repurposed buildings and spaces.”
ARCHITECTURE AWARDS:
Performing Arts & Public Loos F.G. Smith
“It was also great to see projects where limited resources and budgets had not precluded a high standard of architecture, with architects clearly working hard to achieve a great result.” Two projects by Paris Magdalinos Architects won awards, both are refurbishments. Paxie's Lane and the welldetailed Paxie building addition were noted as being “open, light, vibrant and inviting spaces", while the F.G.Smith project in Ahuriri won for its clever use of existing industrial heritage by incorporating structural features as design elements. Monica Loves bar tucked down a lane off Tennyson Street in Napier won an award for architect Nott Architecture. It was noted for its “strong and stylish industrial aesthetic”. The jury felt the design created “intimate interior and exterior spaces to inhabit and enjoy”. Both Hawke's Bay projects from Aucklandbased practice Stevens Lawson for Iona College won awards. The jury said of the Blyth Performing Arts Centre that it “commands attention from the moment you enter the school gates”. The new information resource centre won for creating spaces that "inspire, stimulate and encourage open and enquiring minds”.
Iona College
Blyth Performing Art Centre
Two residential projects were also lauded. The McClintock House in Havelock North, designed by Simon Clarkson, was described as a “strong and elegant house" and the jury called the single-bedroom John’s House Pavilion, designed by Bossley Architects and Citrus Studio “a perfect space for reviving the soul”. Another small project by Citrus Studio Architecture also won an award. Hastings’ William Nelson Park Public Toilet was called a “well-considered building using materials and details of human scale, and providing a sense of texture, play and delight”. Bravo!
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William Nelson Park public toilets
Paxie's Lane
NEW GALLERY HEAD Toni MacKinnon is since March the new director of the Hastings City Art Gallery. She comes to the Bay from Auckland Museum. Her big drive is making art at the HCAG accessible to new audiences, a continuation of the ‘Art for All’ catch-cry the gallery adopted last year during its state of flux after the departure of Marie Mills. MacKinnon believes New Zealand has a thriving and interesting art scene and she'd like the HCAG's exhibition programme to make full use of it.
"While the gallery won't shy away from challenging exhibition content, it will increase its efforts to engage families and new audiences with the content of the shows," she says. Finding a balance between what appeals to class groups and mums with prams, and what strikes a chord with serious gallery-goers can be tricky, but the shows programmed at HCAG over the past year have proved it is possible. Fingers crossed that lasts under the new chief.
HCAG Director Toni MacKinnon
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Ben Cruse & Lucinda Sherratt
KITCHEN CONFIDENCE
BY CLARE TANTON PHOTOS BY TIM WHITTAKER
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
Could it be that you’ve been overindulging? In humble pie that is. A recent national survey by Gregg’s shows that Kiwis lack confidence in their cooking ability. According to the results only one in ten New Zealanders rates their cooking as excellent, while one in five feels the need to apologise to guests for their home cooking. If the thought of cooking a meal to entertain guests gives you shakes that only a hefty glass of wine will calm, read on. I went in search of some expert advice from around the Bay for those looking to wield a spatula with greater aplomb. The Hawke’s Bay chefs interviewed have years of experience in the kitchen and among them a plethora of awards, but even they have had their fair share of kitchen ‘oopses’. Here they offer their top tips on cooking with ease, their most unforgettable kitchen nightmares, and some ideas on fail-safe meals for entertaining.
Kent Baddeley Ten Twenty Four “Keep it simple, fresh and easy.” That’s the advice from Kent for anyone feeling clumsy in the kitchen. “Take a moment to think your dish through. Then have all your ingredients to hand.” On kitchen disasters: “They do happen! The worst for me was in London where a pot of boiled eggs was forgotten. The explosion was like being in a war zone and the smell! The eggs exploded into millions
of pieces which were found throughout the kitchen for days. I was not popular!” Kent’s favourite dish to cook for guests? Grilled bacon tossed through fresh pasta with herbs and a couple of eggs in it to bind the carbonara, plus good cheese grated over the top.
Peter Hallgarth Clearview Estate Winery Peter advocates simplicity in the kitchen, “Try not to overcomplicate your cooking. Doing one or two things really well is better than trying to do lots of things and stressing yourself out.” His philosophy: “Good food comes from being relaxed and enjoying what you’re doing. So have fun cooking and trust your instincts, they are usually right.” His kitchen disaster happened quite recently, and publicly: “At Locavores Lunch (FAWC 2014), I was cooking duck breast on the barbeque and the fat ignited causing some impressive flames and smoke. Luckily the duck was saved and finished on another barbeque, the fire was put out, and mine wasn’t the only barbeque to catch on fire.” Phew. Peter’s go-to, no-stress dinner party dish is rosemary and garlic roasted lamb leg with roasted root vegetable salad. “This is great for both winter and summer. In winter toss a bit of honey and a few spices over the veges before roasting, and reduce some red wine in the roasting juices to make a quick tasty gravy. In summer toss a bit of feta and some fresh oregano, basil, mint or a combination of your favorites through the veges after cooking. Some salsa verde splashed over the lamb before serving is a great addition.”
open daily from 10am
Jennifer Le Comte Opera Kitchen “The oven is not a miracle worker!” Jennifer warns, “If it doesn’t taste good going into the oven, it won’t coming out either.” Her tips for learning to cook with greater assurance: “Cook what you like to eat, and make it by tasting every step of the way.” Advice that may be music to your ears when it comes to baking. Jennifer’s favourite meals for entertaining are, “Anything that you can do the day before and reheat. I love tagines, slow roasted lamb, pies.” All dishes that are perfect for these icy winter evenings.
Prue Barton Mr D Prue recommends starting with a tried and true recipe book. “Troll through bookshops as it is inspiring to read recipes and view pictures.” Her other tip to secretly gain new tips and advance your cooking skills: “Take time out to go to cooking classes.” Her worst kitchen nightmare was catering for a large event and coming in on the day only to find that the beans in the cassoulet – even though refrigerated – had fermented overnight and could not be used. “The portions suddenly got a lot smaller!” Prue’s fail safe meal: “French roast chicken. Cook the chicken in a large casserole dish with the lid on. Baste it with olive oil and add a good splash of chicken stock. Not a lot can go wrong with roasting a chicken and serving a delicious salad on the side.” And for the cheats among us? “The other idea for summer is to go to a reputable deli and purchase some items and make up platters - no cooking required.”
114 Havelock Road
BooK noW: 877 0008 www.offthetrack.co.nz
Page 75 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
CULTURE and & LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE
Namaskar
Prue Barton
Havelock North’s little piece of India is Namaskar, which won the Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant Award at the Hawke’s Bay Hospitality Awards this year. The family-run restaurant was established in 2012 and offers authentic Indian meals, friendly service and great atmosphere. Head chef Giri Singh recommends this easy to prepare authentic curry as a fail-safe dish to entertain friends and family. Serve with salad and Jeera Aloo (Bombay Potatos):
Chicken Curry in a Hurry Serves 4 • • • • • • • • • • •
800g chicken, cut into small pieces 1 cup onion roughly chopped 2 cup tomato roughly chopped 1/2 cup fresh coriander roughly chopped 100ml oil 1 tsp cumin seeds 3 tsp garlic and ginger paste 2 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp garam masala Salt and chilli to taste
Blend all ingredients (except chicken, oil, cumin and fresh coriander) together with one cup of water to make a puree. Heat oil in pan and add cumin seeds. Fry till dark brown, then turn heat on low, add chicken pieces and one teaspoon salt and mix well. Cover it for 2 minutes. Then open the lid, add puree and 2 cups water. Season with salt and chilli to taste and mix well. Cover and cook on medium high heat until chicken is cooked, add fresh chopped coriander, and put the lid on and leave for five minutes before serving.
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John Cornforth Peter Hallgarth
John Cornforth Off The Track
Lucinda Sherratt and Ben Cruse Little Black Bird Eatery & Catering
John’s advice is in line with a common theme, “Keeping it simple is always a good idea and using fresh ingredients is the key.” His mantra: “Try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless and above all have fun.” Having been lucky enough to dodge any major kitchen mishaps in his cooking career so far, he does however recall: “Probably the worst would be the power going out in the middle of service with a full restaurant ready to order.” John’s ‘go to’ easy meal for entertaining is a beef or venison casserole. Winter comfort food at its best
“Make a cooking vow,” suggest Lucinda and Ben, such as: “I will try one new thing every week.” To achieve this they propose searching for inspiration in cookbooks, magazines, websites, YouTube, Pinterest and even Facebook. “Don’t be afraid to ask chefs at your favourite eatery how they do things. Try something simple first then as you gain confidence start to delve deeper; it’s a lifelong journey.” Lucinda’s worst kitchen nightmare happened just when she thought her event was going off like a bang. “I was on an onsite catering job for 60 people; everything was going like clockwork, the main meal was due to be served in 20 minutes so all the food was in the ovens and BOOM (literally) the power went off! There was a complete shut down for 40 minutes which involved electricians and a lot of stress to rectify. The meal was still amazing and the guests were very understanding of the delay, but it was definitely a touch and go situation.”
Andy Glover The Old Church Andy is a proponent of stepping outside your comfort zone in order to expand your culinary skills. “Try a new recipe and you may be surprised.” He also recommends visiting the Hastings Farmers' Market on Sundays to check out all the amazing local produce. Andy cites his worst kitchen disaster as being a particularly messy one: “I was doing a cooking demo a few years ago and I had just finished making a stew. When I was taking it off the stove to show everyone somehow my tea towel got caught on the stove top. This ended up with the pan tipping over and me promptly emptying the contents onto the floor! Everyone was very good about it.” “I have to be honest when I answer this question,” says Andy of his fail-safe meal, “My wife Emma cooks a mean roast or wild duck curry.”
Kent Baddeley
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Jennifer Le Comte
Page 77 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
LE MANS 2015 BY MALCOM EVES
We’re off to France, but it’s not gay Paree or the Mediterranean Coast with exotic beaches that excites. It’s to Le Mans, an ancient walled city 200 kilometers west of Paris that annually comes alive this time each year. I am as excited as a school boy on his first date! If you are a follower of motorsport you will understand why. New Zealand motorsport has a chance to repeat history this year. What an opportunity! This year is different because Kiwi drivers are in with a big chance. Not since the heyday of the 1960’s - when Bruce McLaren, Chris Amon and Denny Hulme strode the world, winning motor races all over - have we had this chance. Now commercialism and needing lots of money steal away the chances of most aspiring Kiwi drivers reaching the top. To reach the top something special had to happen, and by golly something really special has happened. We are here for the 24 Heures du Mans; indeed the 83rd edition of this most famous of motor races. Held every year since 1923 (apart from the war years of the 1940’s) on the Circuit de la Sarthe, comprising mainly public roads, but closed for the racing. Just south of the city we are just a part of the 350,000 crowd here to witness the unique challenge of racing
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for 24 hours' duration. Nothing comes close to this challenge of man and machine being stressed to the limits of endurance and speed. In 1966 McLaren and Amon won this event driving 360 laps of the circuit and 4,843 kilometers in a Ford GT40 to win and be the only New Zealanders ever to do so. Over the decades, famous marques like Bentley, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes, Jaguar, Ferrari, Porsche and Audi have all competed at Le Mans for the prestige that winning this endurance event brings. Fortunes have been spent and so to have four Kiwi drivers racing there, with two of them having a real chance of outright victory … it’s just too good to miss!
Kiwi contenders Brendan Hartley and Earl Bamber have done hard yards. Relying on family, friends and personal sacrifice they have become Porsche factory drivers and will race in the premier LMP1 class for Porsche, who are here to win - outright! LMP1’s – with hybrid technology that captures heat energy from
the engine and brakes, turning it into electric power saved in a powerful battery that drives an electric motor together with the turbocharged engine – are premier class … these cars look sinister and fast. ‘Beautiful’ is the other word to describe their ‘dark invader’ appearance. With nearly 1,000 horsepower the fastest cars will be reaching 345kph down Mulsanne straight, 275kph through the Porsche curves, according to Earl when discussing the ‘feel’ with us. That’s fast! Porsche are spending €200 million on this venture, such is the prestige and financial reward on winning this event. And there is no doubt this technology is the forerunner of what we will be buying from the showroom very soon. Mitch Evans and Richie Stanaway will also represent New Zealand, but race in different classes of car than Hartley and Bamber. Qualifying has resulted in a Porsche 1, 2, 3 for the race start. Our boys are looking good so far, but this is a race over 24 hours, not just a sprint for an hour or so like a grand prix. Twenty four hours is a hell of a long time for man and machine to be at the limit, and the organisation to get three of the most sophisticated cars to the end is simply massive. We got to the track by 12.30pm, two and a half hours before race start. The track
was already crowded, but thousands upon thousands kept pouring into the circuit jamming every vantage point for the 3pm race start; expectations of a titanic struggle between the three giants – Porsche, Audi, Toyota – was expected. For a full 40 minutes the national anthems of every driver participating was played. We leapt to our feet for ‘God Defend New Zealand’, to the notice of a few who surrounded us. ‘Kiwis eh?’, the chap next to us said with a very British accent. Yeah, right on mate, we’re here for a repeat of history, and it was agreed this was possible.
The start Le Mans is special. It’s like four races in one because there are four categories of cars all racing at the same time, all competing within their individual classes. The parade lap behind the safety car over, the fastest cars (LMP1), the ones called hybrids where our two boys were competing, surged from the line in such an awesome display of speed, it was breathtaking. After only one lap the four separate divisions became very clear, with the next category (LMP2) already being 25 seconds behind the hybrids. From the get-go this was clearly going to be a dogfight between Audi and Porsche for the next 24 hours, as already last years' championship winning Toyota’s were suffering under the lap record pace of the two marques in front. Red 17 Porsche (Hartley’s, driven by his teammate) was setting the pace, while in the initial exchange the white 19 Porsche of Bamber’s teammate drifted slightly behind in 6th place. After one and a half hours Audi hit the front for the first time of many lead swaps. This fierce dicing was to continue all race long. You might think that it’s not possible to race at the limit for 24 hours. Not so, the reason being there are three drivers per car, all driving stints of three to four hours at a time.
CULTURE and LIFESTYLE
Earl Bamber with Malcolm Eves The teams can measure a driver’s pace sector by sector, lap by lap, hour after hour so every driver is driving his best, every corner. What makes their efforts so remarkable is the speed differential between the fastest hybrid cars and the slowest GTE category cars. Just why there aren’t more massive shunts is remarkable as the hybrids swoop upon these slower cars so quickly. Every driver is on full alert, especially at night. It’s part of the drama of Le Mans. Minimising pit stops for refuelling and tyres means this is a truly team event. And breakages result in the mechanics too coming under extreme pressure. Night time racing adds to the intensity and drama.
The finish Getting to the ‘witching hour’ stints before the dawn, Webber in Porsche 17 copped a 1min 20sec penalty for a pit lane infringement, putting Audi back in front. But, two Kiwi lads from Whanganui and Palmerston North held the fortunes of the mighty German factory Porsche team in their hands. How ironic is that?! And they did it well. Bamber in 19 Porsche delivered an outstanding 3+ hour stint through to the dawn and was now in the lead. Hartley in 17 Porsche was chasing, trying to recover lost ground. We returned to the circuit at 6.30am having had a few hours sleep ourselves to find our boys’ cars were not only in with chance … but
were the ones to beat! Could they hang on? Bamber was a lap up now, anything could go wrong under this pressure. Hartley’s Red 17 was the factory favorite to win, but to Porsche’s credit they didn’t invoke team orders. The ‘junior’ third entry car was too far ahead and if they tried to switch the lead around it could all end in tears if Audi slipped by while the Porsche boys played with the outcome. And so it was. After 24 hours of gruelling racing and 395 laps, 24-year-old Earl Bamber became a rookie winner of Le Mans. 25-yearold Brendan Hartley sent out for the last stint to try to reel in the leader had to settle for second place. Atop the podium amidst the laurels, the trophies and, of course, the champagne were two New Zealanders. Mitch Evans was also up there having come in second in the LMP2 class and for a while it looked possible that Ritchie Stanaway in GTEPro might get up there too, but not this year. We waved the silver fern high and long! We managed to get into the enclosure (illegal of course, but that’s another story) to congratulate our heroes. Earl looked drawn, such had been the intensity of his effort. Brendan tired and somewhat wistful that it wasn’t him on the top step, I suspect, but what an outcome. Le Mans 2015, New Zealanders made history on the track again punching way above our weight. Was I proud to be a New Zealander that day? You bet! The party at the car park later was a biggie. Dawn came around all too soon and we had other plans to fulfill, all efficiently made by the expert staff at House of Travel in Havelock North. Why didn’t they give us a bigger break....Jenny?! Thankfully a day of sobriety has put us back on track. Yes Dave, we will make your flights to Majorca after all, so thanks for your care and planning. Cheers!
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Page 79 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
Exporting Hawke’s Bay’s Brainpower BY NIC MAGDALINOS
Hawke’s Bay is typically defined by its climate and landscape. Primary industry is clearly our region’s principal economic sector, and rightly so. We produce worldclass food and wine. It’s in our DNA. Hawke’s Bay’s strong agrarian sector and abundant natural resources have dictated the economic performance of the region. However, the conundrum here is this also perpetuates a limited labour market and a low wage and low skill economy. While there is no panacea for regional prosperity, part of our economic development model should seek to support and develop our ability to export professional services – our brainpower – to other regions, cities and countries. Hawke’s Bay can be proud of a strong professional services sector, essentially built off our strong rural hinterland, but extending beyond. This sector ranges from architecture, engineering and construction firms to designers and marketing/ advertising mavens to digital entrepreneurs. While we will always be reliant upon our primary sector, it is advantageous that we look to our highly-skilled services sector to generate better long-term growth opportunities and create a regional economic hub in Hawke’s Bay. Some urgency is called for. New Zealand is at a crossroads. The growth in Auckland is massive, and this is set to continue. Furthermore the growth in Hamilton and Tauranga will galvanise their status as the ‘Golden Triangle’. Within the next decade these three centres will account for roughly 50% of New Zealand’s population. Surely our proximity, comparatively cheap land and lifestyle appeal can be exploited to see us grow? Let’s not complain about the two speed economy in New Zealand – let’s exploit it. Let us focus on the larger domestic markets and build ‘Brand Hawke’s Bay’ to mean more than quality fruit, veg, meat and sunshine. Let it mean quality, talented and intelligent people working in specialist areas. Let it mean a creative, knowledgebased economic resurgence. Let Hawke’s Bay’s iconic brand grow up.
The knowledge wave
Fifteen or so years ago, Helen Clark and her government placed significant emphasis on ‘a knowledge-based economy’. In 2001 Prime Minister Clark spoke about New Zealand ‘catching the knowledge wave’. While the structure of the national economy has changed since then, and while New Zealand as a whole was not as affected as other OECD countries by the GFC, there is still much to be gained from rethinking and implementing knowledge-based economic development.
Guy Lethbridge, Russell Nettlingham, and Duncan Bruce from Strata Group
The sector I know best – architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) – is a dynamic one that demonstrates how we can be experts and leaders contributing to national and indeed international projects while based in Hawke’s Bay. To give some background, Paris Magdalinos Architects (PMA), while domiciled in Napier is focused on New Zealand. We are one of a number of firms who have not added to the region’s brain drain, but who have grown, developed and prospered based upon the above model. In 1989 Paris Magdalinos Architects Ltd
national profile and a significant amount of national work. Our challenge was to implement a structure and succession plan which would allow us to continue to grow and develop over the coming decade, rather than stagnate within the local marketplace. Accordingly we sought to instil a more robust governance structure and to further develop our national networks. When Paris passed away unexpectedly in 2008, we kept pushing forward, taking on projects internationally and nationally while focusing and developing our staff base in Hawke’s Bay. We are now seeing
“Hawke’s Bay’s strong agrarian sector and abundant natural resources have dictated the economic performance of the region. However, the conundrum here is this also perpetuates a limited labour market and a low wage and low skill economy.” was formed. For most of our history 80% of the company’s work has been outside of Hawke’s Bay. We have undertaken work nationally and internationally, and brought that back to Hawke’s Bay to employ highly skilled professional staff. Today, our company employs over 20 staff, plus a number of external contractors. We are also a founding member of Designgroup New Zealand – an association of architectural firms which also works collectively and employs 170 staff. All technical staff have a minimum bachelors degree or equivalent industry registration and accreditation. Furthermore, all staff employed since 2008 have university degrees. In 2007 our firm went through some significant structural changes. Through the work of our founder Paris, we had a
significant activity in all other regions, particularly in the main city centres and predominantly in Auckland. PMA have office space in Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown. Our association with Designgroup has allowed us to compete and win commissions in these cities. Currently we are working on key pieces of our national social infrastructure including the new Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre, the Wellington International Airport new control tower and a host of multi-unit residential and significant commercial/retail work in Auckland, Christchurch and several large hotel and accommodation projects in Queenstown.
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More AEC exporters
Other companies in the AEC sector are driving their growth through the larger domestic marketplace. Many of these are looking to establish satellite offices in Auckland and elsewhere. The local engineering profession has a number of robust firms operating nationally. Structural Concepts based in Napier has seen significant growth, practically since the Canterbury Earthquakes. Their company services the majority of their work from Hawke’s Bay, and also has an office in Christchurch. Lead by engineering director Garry Newton and general manager Wayne Baird, Structural Concepts market profile sees a staggering 90% of their work outside of the Region. Similarly, Hastings-based Strata Group have also grown significantly over the past decade. Strata Group was established in 2008, when directors Guy Lethbridge & Russell Nettlingham merged their engineering practices (founded in Hawke’s Bay in the early 90s). The firm has expanded with the purchase of a local consultancy in Christchurch, and today employs around 25 staff in two offices and four locations across NZ. In a unique response to their growing practice Strata Group and the accountancy practice Moore Stephens Markhams are investing in a new professional services hub in the former Bay Ford premises in Hastings. This commercial office development has been designed around these two primary tenants but has been designed to appeal and to draw together related disciplines and practices and to create their own knowledge hub in Hastings. The construction sector in Hawke’s Bay also punches above its weight. In fact we at PMA rate the main contractors in Hawke’s Bay alongside the larger national construction companies. Alexander Construction led by managing director Mark Hamilton has embraced the changing construction marketplace and recently purchased Amtec Hawke’s Bay & Taupo, as well as establishing a commercial firm in Palmerston North out of the ashes of the Mainzeal collapse. For much of its history Gemco Group has had established work primarily in Wellington where they are a market leader in aged care construction. Similarly Mackersey Construction has never seen its Hawke’s Bay base as an impediment to winning key national projects. Their experience in the Corrections sector has seen them work on some of New Zealand’s most innovative prison projects. Atkin Construction and Stead Construction also continue the trend of
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Jenni Giblin, Giblin Group
well-managed firms able to compete and win projects outside of the region and staff them, support them, and manage them, from their Hawke’s Bay offices. Redsteel, the large structural steel fabricators led by Bob Hawley also work on key national projects, including ‘The Cloud’ on Auckland’s waterfront. Also excelling on the national stage is Your Solutions led by Adam Satherley and Troy Morgan, a firm specialising in shop fitting, joinery and construction. Their enviable client list includes national contracts with Burger Fuel, Big Save, Jetts Gyms and Starbucks Coffee. These examples alone indicate a strong non-primary industry exporting sector.
More brains
But it is not just the AEC sector where we have companies that prove Hawke’s Bay brains are as good as any. In the property sector, the Tremains Group has decades of credibility as a national brand.
George & Matt Miller, Mogul
The Tremain family have grown this business to be a leader in the property sector and a significant employer locally. Moreover Cam Ward, shareholder in Tremain Group and managing director of Colliers Hawke’s Bay, is a wonderful example of a regional player succeeding on the national stage. Cam has been the highest grossing Colliers Commercial agent nationally since 2012, selling circa $100M of commercial property per annum – a staggering number given the size of individual transactions in the larger city centres. Other ‘brainwork’ companies that excel beyond Hawke’s Bay include the Giblin Group and Mogul. Giblin Group provides central and local governments – as well as iwi, hapū and whānau – the specialist skills they need in order for them to deliver to their communities. Giblin Group secures millions of dollars for infrastructure; undertakes strategic planning, policy development
and analysis; and assists with Māori development. Although based in Hastings, with an office in Wellington, 90% of their work is done outside of Hawke’s Bay. Mogul, the web development firm operated by Matt and George Miller, does more business outside the region than within Hawke’s Bay – 39% of their client revenue comes from elsewhere in New Zealand, and 26% from overseas. And Sportsground.co.nz, managed from Havelock North, supports the online presence of 40% of all sports clubs and organisations in New Zealand. Our creative sector also deserves mention. This includes many of our prominent artists, including Martin Popplewell, whose national profile sees many of his commissions exported nationally and internationally. Jacob Scott is another wonderful example of a creative exporter. Recently he completed working on the significant Australia War Memorial in Wellington and is working in Indonesia as the principal design consultant for a resort in Bali. Film and video production company Indelible is also seeking to broaden their reach with Dan Brown establishing an office in Auckland and servicing the work out of Hawke’s Bay. And of course lighting and furniture designer David Trubridge enjoys a stellar global reach and reputation. In short, Hawke’s Bay can and must connect with the rest of NZ to sell its ‘brainpower’, to sell knowledge. Even our largest tertiary provider EIT has an Auckland campus. EIT is one of the leading tertiary providers in NZ and their expansion into Auckland offers opportunity back to the region as it enables better prospects for skills, training and the attraction of skilled labour.
Garry Newton and Wayne Baird from Structural Concepts
Accelerating success
These are just a few examples that illustrate the potential of Hawke’s Bay’s brainpower at work. I believe we must utilise our proximity to national and international markets, our unique environment and corresponding lifestyle options to attract, retain and export professional services. How can we expand and accelerate the success of Hawke’s Bay’s brainwork sector? Rather than writing about what is wrong with Hawke’s Bay – we must focus on what is right. We need to celebrate success and look to attract and foster those that are able to add highly skilled, high-paying jobs and prospects for those in Hawke’s Bay. Our services sector must begin to work collaboratively. Rather than competing for a share of the work within Hawke’s Bay, related disciplines and companies would gain more by working together to win work outside of the region, bringing the economic benefit back to the Bay and sharing in success.
Our economic development agencies (councils and Business Hawke’s Bay) require a deliberate and coordinated strategy to help grow our services sector, attract and retain human capital, and export our services. We have utilised our port well to export our primary produce, now we need to leverage our connectivity, ITC networks and skilled services sector to sell nationally and internationally. We need to plant our flag more visibly and emphatically in Auckland. While it has been magnificent to launch a regional business hub in Ahuriri, why not set up a shared Hawke’s Bay office in Auckland? A base from where our companies can attract clients and service our largest domestic marketplace? As a region we need to focus not just on our products, but our people. We need to help our people bring work to the Bay. Let brand Hawke’s Bay mean an accessible, and naturally beautiful region – world class not just in food and wine, but in people, intelligent output and creativity.
The Ultimate Orchard and Vineyard Choice
For Further Information Contact: www.ecrl.co.nz | Tel: +64 6 876 9835 400 Ellison Road, Hastings 4122
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IN HONOUR OF LECRETIA SEALES BY LIBBY SMALES
What next? Lecretia touched so many hearts and minds with her courageous bid to make a difference to the way we die. Young, intelligent, of sound mind and dying of an incurable brain tumour, she dreaded losing her mind, her dignity, her independence and her control of bladder and bowels. She was asking for the right to choose to ask for aid in dying if her suffering became unbearable. Specifically she wanted her GP to be able, if necessary, to give her medications that would end her suffering by ending her life, without fear of prosecution. She wanted to be able to live her life as long and as fully as she could, secure in the knowledge that if her suffering ever became unbearable, she could ask for help to end it. She may have failed to secure the reassurance that she sought; however what she has done is to place this important issue slap bang in front of us all, in a way that demands our attention and also demands change. This is not a new issue, it is not restricted to NZ, it is current and important in many countries now; an issue that will not go away, until we get it right. Life is uncertain,
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death is inevitable, unbearable suffering at the end of a life is a possibility for each of us, not just for someone else. I believe, as do many, that for most of us, when we are dying, good palliative care is exactly what we need, however as Judge Collins pointed out in his determination: “Palliative care cannot necessarily provide relief from suffering in all cases”. It is precisely this group we are concerned with. It may be a small group numerically, however the suffering involved cannot be described as small. The Horizon Poll, as long ago as 2012 found that, at that time, 16.2% of adults (ie about 519,740 people) currently knew someone whose medical or mental condition was terminal, irreversible and making their life unbearable. Overall about 2.1 million of us knew or had known someone like that. Given the real extent of the problem, understanding that the impact of a ‘bad death’ affects not just the dying person, but many people for a considerable time, that the one dying with unbearable suffering also has to witness the suffering of those who care, it seems extraordinary that we have so far failed to address it. Currently polls consistently report that 70-80% of us recognise the problem and favour legislative change. This is true for Australia, the UK, Canada and for many states in the USA.
Such laws are in place in parts of Europe, and the USA, and being considered in many more. These laws have been studied extensively, the research is freely and widely available. The research shows that: • The laws are working well. • The numbers who access the legislation are small (eg in in Oregon, population 4.5 million, 2.3/1000 deaths). • Of those who do access medication to end their life, only about half need to use it. • A universal comment is that knowing they can end their suffering, if they need to, is an enormous comfort to the dying person and to those who love them. • People can live longer and more fully if not fretting about what suffering might lie ahead. (**A friend of mine who was dying of motor neurone disease, voiced these feelings, while she could still speak “Dying is not the worst thing, if I could be sure about when, I could make much better use of now.”). • Knowing that they can die peacefully with their family and friends is a comfort to the dying. • Wherever such legislation is in place, and referral to hospice/palliative care services is mandatory, these services have markedly improved, they are better funded, access is more equitable and standards of care have risen.
I have read and discussed the data, I can find no credible evidence of slippery slopes, abuse of the elderly, disabled or other vulnerable people. Nor can I find credible data to support continuing to condone unbearable suffering. As Dr Jack Havill, president of Voluntary Euthanasia Society of NZ, has commented, no more would die, but fewer would suffer. I have also heard anonymous stories of deeply compassionate doctors intervening to end suffering in situations where access to palliative care has not been possible. This hit and miss reality, is in my opinion, unsafe for doctors and patients. I accept that religious beliefs may include
attitudes about the meaning of suffering which I do not share. I also understand that what usually prevents us from doing something different and/or challenging is fear. I find I agree with Dr Christiaan Barnard who famously conquered his fears to change cardiovascular surgery. He commented: “I have learned from my life in medicine, that death is not always the enemy, often it is good medicine, often it achieves what medicine cannot, it stops suffering.” I find curious the difference between what doctors and nurses say in private and anecdotally, and the official position statements of the various organisations and governing bodies. It raises questions about whose role it is to make these decisions so that all of us can feel safe when we are dying, not just most of us. This week in California, the State Senate has passed Compassion and Choices ‘End of Life Options Bill’ and, significantly, the Californian Medical Association has withdrawn their opposition to the bill. Several years ago now, Professor Sam Ahmedzai a palliative care specialist from the UK, whose position at the time was anti-law change, went to live in Oregon for a short time to see for himself how their legislation works. As a result he changed his stance from anti to neutral, and continues to work with doctors to help them do the same. I remain convinced of the value of good palliative care, my working life has been concerned with the relief of pain and suffering in this context. However, once I left the hospice I started to hear stories of truly heart-breaking deaths in other settings. One woman commented: “I would be prosecuted if I let my dog suffer the way my mother did”. I heard about people who were driven to end their own lives to avoid suffering that was unbearable to them, and which they did not want their families or friends to have to witness. Suicides have to happen alone for fear of prosecution of anyone deemed to have helped. They have to happen before an individual loses the ability to carry out their plan; in other words, these people probably
“I have heard anonymous stories of deeply compassionate doctors intervening to end suffering in situations where access to palliative care has not been possible. This hit and miss reality, is in my opinion, unsafe for doctors and patients.”
die sooner than they otherwise might. Men often use guns, leaving a distressing physical and metaphorical mess for those left behind to clear up. Women tend to choose less obvious methods preferring pills to weapons. I do not know how many people choose this path, good stats are hard to find. A figure of 5-8% of coroners suicides is sometimes quoted. I personally know of three people who have died this way in the last few years, and others who wished they had ended their lives while they could. Such deaths are legal, assisting is not, even though the courts here and overseas are demonstrating increasing understanding. There are several recent landmark cases
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where family members have admitted helping someone suffering unbearably to die, and faced imprisonment/home detention. Ending one’s life by stopping eating and drinking, as a friend did in January this year, is also legal. Extremely intelligent, fiercely independent, aged 84, in pain which did not respond to any pain relief she could tolerate and faced with the prospect of gangrene requiring amputation of her legs, she made a well-researched, informed and unshakeable decision to end her life while she could. The nine days it took were long and challenging for all concerned. I also hear stories about futile medical interventions, prolonging existence but not life. This issue also needs to be part of the wider debate. There is wide recognition of the amazing things that modern medicine can achieve. Sadly there is also considerable concern about the shame/blame culture that sometimes exists which encourages intervention, when this may well create unintended suffering. The fact that there are so many more ways in which we could intervene, does not always mean that we should. My borrowed daughter living in London, an experienced nurse, sees this happening in the hospitals where she works. She also comments on UK TV advertisements for law firms, asking: “Have you come to harm at the hands of your doctor or dentist? Call us, no result; no fee”….. No pressure! We all need to write our own Advanced Directives/Advanced Care Plans so that we think the issues through, discuss with our GPs and specialists who can answer our questions and discuss with our families who need to understand what we might want when, not if, we die. The more we write /review these plans and make sure they are on our medical records with our DHB, GP, lawyer, known by friends and family, the more likely they are to be respected and act as a valuable guide for those who care for us and about us, particularly in an emergency. I no longer work in clinical palliative care. I do, however, sometimes work with those left behind and struggling to cope with the impact of a ‘bad death’. The fallout is considerable. I cannot believe this is the best we can do. My hope is that Lecretia’s courageous challenge to the status quo will lead to much needed law change. If ‘Aid in Dying’/ ‘Voluntary Euthanasia’/ Death with Dignity’/ End of Life Choice’ legislation – whatever name we choose – can work in so many other jurisdictions, why not here? We have good models to inform our debate and then our laws and practice – Switzerland (since 1940), The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Albania, Oregon, Montana, Washington, Vermont, Quebec, Columbia. Information from advocacy group Compassion and Choices in the USA comments that by the end of this year they hope to have laws in place or before the courts in 50% of American states.
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Lecretia Seales In February this year, the Canadian Supreme Court ruled that denying terminally ill people help to end their lives breached human rights. In April a South African judge similarly held that a doctor should be allowed to help a 65 year old man dying of metastatic prostate cancer to end his suffering. I am not suggesting that we copy any of these laws, but we can use them to draft our own, hopefully better ones. We also have previous bills to help us decide what we need. So far in NZ, attempts to pass legislation have failed, Michael Laws’ Death with Dignity Bill in 1995, by 61:29 votes; in 2003 Peter Brown’s Death with Dignity Bill by 59:58 votes, tantalisingly close, twelve years ago, I think times and feelings have changed. In 2012 Maryan Street put her End of Life Choice Bill in the ballot box, it was never drawn and the Labour Party pressured her to withdraw it, which she did in July 2013, before the general election in 2014. This year Iain Lees Galloway considered re-introducing this bill, but was pressured by Andrew Little not to do so. I think this matter is too significant to consign to the uncertainty of the ballot box. It is not something to play party political games with; it is far too important. It needs
consideration and good debate at Select Committee level, as well as at grass roots level, then good law making to ensure that the process for those who need it and choose it, is rigorous, safe and workable, and for those who are compassionate enough to work within it, ethically sound. In other words, better than the current unsafe system which is risky for patients needing release from their suffering as well as the compassionate doctors and family who sometimes help them. Better than lonely premature death motivated by fear, or a death in unbearable suffering. I hope there is enough courage and compassion for this to happen. In the meantime we all need to address these issues in any and every way we can, signing the VESNZ petition for law change, writing our Advanced Directives/Advanced Care Plans, thinking about and talking about the issues. Dr Libby Smales CNZM, FAChPM is a retired palliative care physician. She trained at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London. Dr Smales was Medical Director at Cranford Hospice for many years, and served as President of Hospice NZ.
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“Hi, I’m James.” BY JAMES SHAW, CO-LEADER, GREEN PARTY. SPEECH TO 2015 GREEN AGM
[Editor: In May, James Shaw was elected Co-leader of the Green Party, overcoming the ‘baggage’, to some, of having a business background. Following are remarks (abridged) he made at the Party’s AGM, picked up after he paid tribute to outgoing Russel Norman and his Co-leader Metiria Turei.] I want to tell you a little about myself. I’m 42 years old. I was born in Wellington. I grew up there. My mother was a history teacher. She looked after me on her own for the first 12 years of my life. She was – and still is – a unionist and a feminist, and we lived in the Aro Valley, so it was inevitable that I would join the Green Party. In 1991 I ran for Wellington City Council as a Green candidate. I door-knocked in Karori wearing a paisley waistcoat. It didn’t go that well. But in 1993 I was the campaign manager for the Victoria University Student’s Association and we ran a nationwide campaign to mobilise students to vote for MMP. That went very well. I worked alongside some of the giants of our movement. People like Rod Donald, who taught me that politics is hard work, but that it’s worth it, because we can change the system. We can win. In 1997 I left New Zealand. I spent the next 13 years working overseas, first in Brussels, then in London, and then just about everywhere. I worked on poverty alleviation in the Andes and environmental protection in the Amazon. I helped develop microhydroelectricity schemes in Indonesia and negotiated the protection of forestry preserves in the Himalayas. My career has always been about bringing the values of the Green Party into the
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business world. Since I returned to New Zealand in 2010 I’ve taken the skills and experience I learned in business and put them to work for the Green Party. That’s what I want to do as Co-leader. During this co-leadership campaign a lot of people from different sides of the political spectrum announced that I was the rightwing candidate. I worked in the corporate sector in New York and London, so surely I must be a champion of capitalism and an enemy of socialism.
I
was in London during the second half of 2008, during the global financial crisis, when the financial sectors of all of the advanced capitalist economies collapsed. And then an amazing thing happened. Their governments socialised them. They decided that the financial sector, the heart of the free market capitalist system, would be guaranteed by the state. When companies in that sector failed, they were rescued by the taxpayer. This happened right here, in New Zealand. The Government guaranteed deposits in all of our banks and financial institutions. We spent over a billion dollars bailing out investors when some of those companies failed. So I am not a hero of free market capitalism, because free market capitalism is dead. It has been dead for seven years. The reality of politics in the wake of the global financial crisis is that there is no longer a struggle between capitalism and socialism. What we have now is a hybrid model that takes some of the good but most of the bad elements of both systems. We have an economy where profits are privatised but the risks – and the social and environmental costs – of that profit are socialised.
Paid for by the state. By the people. It’s an economy based on rational irresponsibility. It encourages people and companies to extract as much short-term wealth as they can, from the environment or from their workers, regardless of the damage they cause, because they don’t have to pay for it. Everyone else does. Now and for many generations. There’s no name for this system that we now live under. It’s not capitalism or neoliberalism. And it’s not conservatism. It’s not conservative to destroy all of your rivers and streams, and mine your oceans and national parks. It is definitely not compassionate conservatism. There’s nothing compassionate about the rapid extinction of our native species. And it’s not compassionate or conservative to subsidise businesses to damage the atmosphere of the planet that we’re living on. There is no name for this system. Nobody speaks for it. Nobody voted for it. It happens in the spaces between speeches and elections. It happens behind closed doors or over dinner with lobbyists. We have a political economy of friendly deals and whispers. Of overnight polling and focus groups. The government is supposed to help those who need help the most, not those who need it the least. Those who have little, not those who already have everything, and always want more, and more, and more. My opposition to our current, deliberately broken economic system is not ideological. It is moral. I oppose it because it is wrong. Some economists and commentators tell us that the Green Party shouldn’t worry about social issues. We should stop talking about the economy and focus on
the environment. That’s like saying, ‘Stop complaining that your kitchen is on fire and focus more on your house.’ We talk about social and economic issues because we are an environmental party. All of these things are bound together. We cannot talk about any of them without talking about all of them. To change one we must change them all.
C
hange. It’s a word that can be inspiring. It can be frightening. I stood for Parliament and for Coleader because I want to change things. And some change is urgent. Our climate can’t wait while politicians squabble over how to fix it. I have been clear on the campaign trail that while I don’t support a formal coalition with National, I am very open to working with National where there is common cause. Let us build common cause on climate change. The Government is currently setting an emissions reduction target to take to the Paris climate talks. The Green Party has just launched a climate campaign. We should talk to each other rather than past each other, and agree on an ambitious target that New Zealanders can be proud off. New Zealanders want their politicians to work together, and act on common interest. Let’s find common interest on climate change. That is my challenge to John Key today. Because if we don’t the future looks bleak. Our cities and our regions and our environment are transforming, changing in radical ways, at terrifying rates. One of the key aims of the Green Party should be to stop this radical change. To treasure and preserve what we have. Instead of bringing in a strange new world, we want to protect and restore what we can of this one. Three of the core Green Party values are
“We talk about social and economic issues because we are an environmental party. All of these things are bound together. We cannot talk about any of them without talking about all of them. To change one we must change them all.” sustainability, consensus-building and longterm thinking. We will take these values into government with us. The stability of that government and the long term consequences of its policies will be at the heart of any coalition agreement we enter into. Any change we make will be careful and sustainable, and it will be made with future generations of New Zealanders in mind. I also want to change the Green Party. We need to grow. We need to transition from an opposition party to a party of government. But how do we do this without losing sight of who we are? And how do we change so we can bring about the change we seek?
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he Co-leaders in the Green Party can’t just wave our hands and demand that the party does our bidding. The party is bigger than we are. So I’m going to talk about what I want us to do, and I hope I can convince you. First. We need more of us. I want to double the membership of our party this year and then double it again next year. The National Party is a behemoth of money and skilled strategists and power. The Green Party’s strength comes from its members, and if we’re going to contend with such a formidable adversary, we need a lot more of
them. And then twice that number again. Second. We need to be more like modern New Zealand. People vote for people they feel a connection to. If we aim to govern the country then we need to represent it. That means more Māori candidates. More Pasifika candidates. More Asian New Zealanders. More farmers. More business people. Doctors. Lawyers. More of almost everyone. Although, National can keep their tobacco lobbyists. Third. We need to modernise the way we run campaigns. Ever since the 2008 Obama campaign there has been a revolution in the way political parties win elections. Technology-based, data-driven but founded on communities, self-organisation, and on the passion of volunteers. This type of campaigning is perfect for the Green Party. We used it in Wellington Central last year. We need to use it in every electorate in the country in 2017. Because my job now is to deliver on the promises I made to you to get here. I know that not everyone here supported me, but I am accountable to all of you. My job is to listen. My job is to learn. And my job is to change the party so that we can change the country. The campaign to put the Greens in government in 2017 starts today. Thank you.
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Sponsoring insight into smart farming in Hawke’s Bay Barrie Ridler, Future Farming Centre advocate
USING OUR LOCAL TALENT tim.co.nz
BY TOM BELFORD My latest collection of farm publications included these headlines: • More innovation needed – PM • (Ag) Science suffers as middle managers meddle more and more • Fonterra to wield the axe • Bees vanish as parasite spreads • Too many people are dying on farms • Exporters missing out on leveraging Brand NZ • Primary sector’s shortcomings outlined The last headline relates to KPMG’s latest Agribusiness Agenda, an authoritative annual review of what farming leaders deem necessary to lift their sector’s performance. Speaking of New Zealand’s aspirational role as the ‘world’s delicatessen’, KPMG’s Ian Proudfoot comments that “environmental reputation would underpin everything”. Farmers could no longer afford to do the right thing just because a regulation told them to. “It’s no longer acceptable to do the bare minimum”. Consumers are defining sustainability as being able to farm indefinitely. This is KPMG speaking, not the Green Party! The report says: “…the industry needs to be ruthless in culling poorly performing operators … No primary sector business should be allowed to ‘freeload’ on the efforts of the wider industry.” With tough words like these from the industry itself, you might think that any initiative to ‘raise the bar’ for current farming practices would be more than welcome. Especially here in Hawke’s Bay, where the primary sector forms the bedrock of our regional economy. Yet consider what happened when a group of Hawke’s Bay’s most experienced
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farmers/growers, farm advisers and economists, and soil/land management experts recently made a proposal to do just that to the Regional Council. Here’s the still-growing group (organizations for identification only): John Bell (Massey), Dan Bloomer (Centre for Land & Water/ LandWISE), John Bostock (biggest organic grower), Murray Cammock & Andrew Wilson (CHB farmers), Garth Eyles (soil expert and former HBRC land management manager), Scott Lawson (LandWISE, HB Veggie Growers), David Manktelow (farm consultant), Nicole Masters & Phyllis Titchinin (soil consultants), Barrie Ridler (farm economist), and Ngahiwi Tomoana (Ngāti Kahungunu). These are folks with well-established credibility and deep networks into the region’s agriculture sector. They called for a step-change improvement in Hawke’s Bay farming practices, aimed at better productivity, profitability AND sustainability. They argued that Hawke’s Bay had plenty of talent right here in the region to get the job done, if the Regional Council would help kickstart the initiative. They proposed creating a Hawke’s Bay Future Farming Centre. Unfortunately, most of the Council resisted … one councillor called their proposal ‘too big’. A senior staffer, meeting with representatives of the group, basically said: ‘Who the heck are you?!’ Yet people wonder what holds Hawke’s Bay back! Especially in view of the fact that the Government has just proposed a $25 million fund to seed the creation of four Regional Research Institutes to advance regional economies. The Government is looking to seed fund precisely the kind of public/private entities the Future
Farming group is proposing. From the Government announcement: “The proposed new research institutes would support innovation in regional areas … by maximising the unique business, technology, and economic growth opportunities in a region. “They would be funded from a mixture of public and private sources … We envisage funding the launch of between one and three new institutes over the next four to five years depending on demand. “Regional Research Institutes would focus on scientific research relevant to a particular region, with a strong emphasis on the effective transfer of research into new technologies, new firms, and new products and services.” One to three centres, “depending on demand”! You can bet your butt that councils from Southland to Northland have read that announcement and will press their case with vigour. Here at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, the attitude is: We’re doing a lot already. We’ll mull it over. Maybe we’ll put a discussion on the agenda in a few months’ time. Zzzzzz! In abridged form, here is the proposal made by our local experts. Hopefully they’ll proceed with or without Regional Council support. What do you think of it?
Hawke’s Bay Future Farming Centre Hawke’s Bay planners consistently emphasise that the past, present and future of the region’s economy is grounded, literally, in the primary production sector. The sector is estimated to generate upwards of 50% of the region’s GDP, when all associated business activity is taken into account.
Yet Hawke’s Bay does not have a central, focused initiative or institution dedicated to advancing the productivity and value of that sector, in the context of environmental sustainability. We lack a regional focal point that is commensurate in scale and aspiration to the importance, now and in the future, of our primary sector. The time has come for such a regional initiative. We have more than ample talent, right here in the region, waiting to be tapped, to fuel such an initiative and make it successful.
What limits our region’s primary sector? Our ability to produce even more value from this sector is constrained by: 1. Less than optimal farming practices, with slow adoption of best practices and inappropriate focus on scale rather than farmer profit. 2. Inadequate focus on growing premium products and/or adding value through processing in HB. 3. Serious soil erosion and less than optimal soil health, alongside of inattention to improving hill country pasture management. 4. Inadequate marketing – including lack of a ‘HB appellation’ that clearly signals safe, sustainable, quality food. Plus increasing shortage of well-trained farming personnel, adverse environmental impacts of some farming practices, and underutilised Māori land in multiple ownership. Going forward, these factors must be addressed in the context of climate change and higher input and transport costs. Moreover, increased farm productivity must be achieved alongside more stringent environmental standards.
To address these issues, we need … 1. Outside of the square thinking, and willingness to challenge the status quo. 2. Total command of what constitutes best practice with respect to production, environmental protection and ecosystem services. This requires systematic scanning of the NZ and global horizons for information and technology that has practical value to HB growers facing HB conditions. 3. Direct applied research to specific HB needs, combined with effective outreach and stepped-up engagement to propagate relevant knowledge to farmers and growers – typically 10-20% of the farming community are initiators or early adopters. We are targeting the next 60%. 4. Incentives – financial and regulatory – for adoption of new technologies and practices. 5. Food products and marketing aligned with the food safety and sustainability values of premium global customers. All of these objectives championed by an independent Hawke’s Bay-based institution devoted to our primary sector … The HB Future Farming Centre.
Getting Started We would begin by undertaking a stocktake of all initiatives currently impacting farming practices in Hawke’s Bay, including the stakeholders, resources, and current levels of knowledge and uptake. This includes tapping HBRC’s growing regional knowledge of soil mapping, land use capability, hydrology, ecosystem services, climate factors and environmental health. Looking beyond Hawke’s Bay, we must investigate known science through formal literature review, and identify initiatives occurring elsewhere that have applicability to our region.
We’d then develop specific ‘smarter farming’ options for HB, assessing the practicality of specific farming systems – forages, crops, animal and pasture systems, erosion control, land retirement, complementary industries (such as mānuka honey) – suited to HB’s growing conditions. Applied research projects specific to the needs of Hawke’s Bay would be conducted. On-farm trials would evaluate performance of specific systems that emerged from the research process. Dissemination and on-farm adoption of new approaches would be promoted using demonstration farms and local farmer groups, workshops, design of farm-specific management plans, assistance from extension staff, plus online learning and information to enhance. The Centre would promote agriculture as a career path for HB youth, and recommend regional policies and incentivise to encourage best practices. Eventually, the Centre would move beyond on-farm practices to address the marketing challenges and prospects of our Hawke’s Bay ‘appellation’ – extracting and attaching more value to what we produce. Here in stagnating Hawke’s Bay we yearn for greater and more sustainable returns from our primary sector. But we will not succeed unless we break through the historic logjam of slow farmer adoption of best practices. To break through we must drive the process from within the region, tapping the talent and experience of local, switched-on practitioners in Hawke’s Bay. We need a credible independent institution – our regional centre of excellence – persistently advocating farming approaches whose benefit has been proven right here in our region, in our farming conditions. That institution is: The Future Farming Centre.
Sustainable, healthy and pure Bostock New Zealand grows packs and markets high quality squash, onions, grain and organic apples. We are committed to sustainable growing practices, protecting our land and rivers for future generations. Our apple orchards are 100% organic, free of synthetic pesticides and artificial substances. We believe in having GE-Free land, fertile soils and clean water supplies to produce premium products. If you have cropping land to lease please contact us: www.bostock.co.nz
Page 91 • Issue 24 • Jul / Aug 2015 • BAY BUZZ
Thinning the Thin Blue Line BY ANNA LORCK
Photograph Sarah Cates
Ted Tolbeck and Anna Lorck
Right now police jobs are on the line while our Eastern District has the worst crime rates in the country. We are told over and over that crime is coming down – but I think we are being hoodwinked by a numbers game. The real story behind those lower ‘recorded’ crime figures has more to do with people, no longer reporting crime like they used to, for whatever reason. But what’s telling is that despite the suggestion there is apparently less crime to solve, resolution rates remain at just under 50%. A review of our Eastern Police District is ongoing and there is real concern that its focus is reducing staffing numbers to work within frozen budgets. Our district has 430 sworn staff, when our ratified number (which is population-based not crimebased) is 417. We have lost 36 general duty police officers in six years. So how can we expect our police to do more, with less? The days are numbered for all of the region’s community police stations in our towns and villages. Clive’s has shut, Havelock North’s could be next, Flaxmere is down to one community-based police officer, and there have been no replacements made for the three vacant community police jobs in Hastings. The plan is instead to centralise all our police to new headquarters in Hastings and Napier and then send them out in teams on the beat. Perhaps people should accept it as a sign of the times, that those once vibrant community police stations are now history. But just because something has become a victim of circumstance, doesn’t mean it’s right. The biggest risk worrying me is our future generation will grow up disconnected from the police, who are doing their best to serve us. Police officers won’t be known positively as valued people living and working in our communities. It will be a uniform to fear – not trust. And it’s for this very reason that people from across our communities are concerned
and determined do something about it. And believe me, we can, all you need to do is start from grassroots and build a groundswell of support. Because when the people start to move in numbers, those who have been elected to serve us get twitchy. So when Ted Tolbeck called – asking me to help to try save Clive from losing its community constable after the local station closed without warning – I jumped in boots and all. I have huge respect for the police who are flat out trying to fight crime. They can’t be expected to fight for their jobs as well; they need us to do it for them. I met up with Ted, along with Clive stalwart and retired district councillor Mary Hannan and Whakatu ‘mayor’ Des Ratima to see what we could do. The fiery Cape Coast
“... when it comes to things like police numbers ... we will have to get all five councils on board and convince our local leaders that fighting for our region’s police is the right thing to do.” campaigner Ann Redstone was already on the case and together we started the Hawke’s Bay Community Collective. We all agreed that the closure of a single police station was not the fight, but the catalyst for action. Within three weekends – with a lot of door knocking and local shops offering to have a petition – we’ve now collected nearly 2,000 signatures (and the number is growing by the day) petitioning the Police to consult with the public before cutting staff numbers and shutting down more of our local community stations. All we want is for them to talk to us first, to listen to what the public wants and to ensure we keep police in the heart of our communities. Our plan is to keep the petition going and build our numbers so we can raise greater
awareness because it’s not good enough that decisions which should be made in the public interest, like closing our community police stations, are done behind closed doors. The public are being sold a message that we are apathetic, that we are too busy going about our everyday business to care about political decisions. But when it comes to things that really do matter – like keeping our children, our families and our neighbours safe – the public will rise up. Eventually, I think those in power hope that people like us will go away. But they are underestimating the people who have joined the collective. It’s far more than a click to ‘Like’ a Facebook page – by signing the petition in person we are all calling for action and accountability, and we expect it. What is frustrating though is that we have to then take our petition to five councils to get regional support. It’s easier to make decisions for the whole region when you have one Hawke’s Bay voice, like the District Health Board. When you can lobby locally to those who have been elected to represent the whole of Hawke’s Bay with a mandate to make the best decisions in the interests of all our region. In the case of the DHB and health issues, that’s right from Wairoa to Central Hawke’s Bay – they are representing us, and accountable to all of us. You saw this when our gutsy DHB took a stand against the Government’s Health Benefits company wanting to outsource our hospital food to an Auckland corporation and ship us down their frozen meals. Believe me, the board and management would have been under pressure to sign. But they did what was right for Hawke’s Bay, responded to local concerns, and said, ‘No way!’ Unfortuately, when it comes to things like police numbers, the decision is not at a local level. So instead we will have to get all five councils on board and convince our local leaders that fighting for our region’s police is the right thing to do. And then herd them to Wellington. Where I hope they will stand on the front line as a force to reckon with – united for our police and Hawke’s Bay.
Brett Monteith Mobile 021 1684 381 bretthamiltonmonteith@gmail.com facebook.com/gupillodes
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Redcliffe, Queensland
SPORT SPONSORS PROMOTE FAT, NOT FITNESS BY DAMON HARVEY
I recently took our two youngest girls to see their grandparents in Brisbane. Queensland is regarded as the Sunshine State and a place that inspires a life of living outside. My wife tells people that I’m an exercise addict, and while in Australia I needed to find an alternative to my daily CrossFit habit. Before leaving for Oz, I went online and worked out that there was a CrossFit Box (gym) close to where we were staying, but a casual visit would cost an arm and a leg. I decided to do one class during the week and then swim and run on the other days. We were also staying in a hotel for a couple of nights, so the in-house gym would also be on the exercise list. Unfortunately the gym was smaller than an average toilet, so I was then looking for my fix outside. As we went through the week, I started each day with a run along the waterfront, both in the coastal town of Redcliffe, but also down on the Gold Coast. I also managed a couple of swims, one in a 50 metre pool (something Hawke’s Bay doesn’t have) and the other in the surf on the Goldie. While on the GC, I looked on with envy as surfers were getting their daily fix, something that I am in dire need of before my upcoming surfing trip of a lifetime to the Mentawai Islands. Since Queensland is the sunshine state, you would expect many people to be out walking, cycling and doing other forms of exercise. The many parks along the golden sand beaches boast fitness equipment (similar to what’s now on Marine Parade) and personal trainers are busy pushing their daily fitness warriors. Each morning at 6am people were out and about getting their daily exercise fix. However while out running I had two realisations … The first was on a Tuesday night as I was driving past a KFC store that was jammed packed with people queuing inside or in the drive thru. I wondered whether this was a daily fix for some. When I returned to my parents’ place, I said I’d just driven past KFC and it was packed. Why I asked? They quickly responded that it was ‘Special Deal Tuesday’. They knew this because it’s pumped continuously in the TV advert breaks and during the NRL rugby league. My next observation was that my nephew (aged 20) and my niece (aged 15) spent a lot of time on the couch drinking orange juice and eating crap food. My nephew hardly exercises, while my niece plays rugby league, but also could spend more time on her fitness. Now I’m not actually picking on them. It’s more that I’ve noticed more teenagers and those in their 20s not focusing on their health and wellbeing, instead being media attacked by the likes of KFC and Coca Cola. It was also evident in the many shopping
malls, which are stacked with fast food options, and very few healthy alternatives. Back to KFC and the marketing ploys of fast food giants. For those that don’t watch rugby league, every try goes to the television ref to decide whether it’s a try or no try and the decision is then revealed to the TV audience and ground crowd along with KFC special deals. Everyday and everywhere you go you now see fast food companies and soft drink companies preying on youth. For a laugh, visit www.csr.kfc.com.au These companies are aligning themselves with sport, but showing no social responsibility for keeping kids in sport or healthy. They throw millions of dollars at
cigarette packet, there are horrible and scary pictures of what smoking can do. Perhaps we need to start doing the same with sugar and fast food – with messages on all marketing materials about the impact of eating burgers, chips and pizza. The fast food companies and fizzy drink manufacturers should also be promoting exercise on their marketing materials and ensuring that a portion of revenues should go into promoting active recreation. The Queensland government is obviously well aware of the problem and has an awareness campaign directing people to a website to work out if your health and age match up. It then recommends a range of activities. See www.healthier.qld.gov.au
“I don’t have all the answers, but while there’s a lot of debate about sugar, the debate needs to be wider and be more about healthy food and better lifestyles.” sport, similar to tobacco companies in the 70s and 80s. On top of this, sport organisations such as the NRL and AFL along with broadcasters are falling over themselves to get a larger share of the pie or chicken burger. This isn’t just an Australian issue, this is actually a worldwide sports issue, with major health ramifications. Most sports need financial support and unfortunately it’s the products that can cause significant health issues that are the ones more than likely to back sport. So how do we get KFC out of the living room and children out onto a playing field? I don’t have all the answers, but while there’s a lot of debate about sugar, the debate needs to be wider and be more about healthy food and better lifestyles. As my children observed on my mother’s
Back in Hawke’s Bay we are actually no different. And we are also falling well behind in many health measures, while we also have lower than average participation numbers in sport. This is something Sport Hawke’s Bay in partnership with the region’s councils hopes to turn around. We want to create a campaign that is fun and engaging – and not too demanding – so that people give it a go without losing interest. We need to form a habit, much like the fast food giants have created. One of the things we will encounter is competing against the financial resources of the likes of KFC and getting our messages out to the community with high frequency. We will have to be much smarter to do so. As chairman of Sport Hawke’s Bay, I’d love to hear your thoughts: active@sporthb.net.nz
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HERETAUNGUS HAS TALENT BY BRENDAN WEBB The long queue of hopefuls stretched from the main doors of the amphitheatre, Circus McLeanus, to the town square in the distance. They huddled around small fires to keep warm in the chilly winter air. Some had camped outside for three days. The four judges stood at a window looking at the crowd below. Behind them was a long table holding several jugs of wine and lavishly adorned with bowls of fruit, olives and figs. In the centre was a large terracotta platter piled high with plump dormice, their bodies stuffed with minced pork, herbs, pepper and pine nuts. The main judge, Simonus Cowlus, plucked one of the rotund rodents from the platter, letting it spin on its tail before devouring it in swift bites. He washed it down with a goblet of wine. He smacked his lips and gave a loud belch. “Right, I think we’re ready for the auditions now,” he said to the others.
decades – one voice for our region.” There was a smattering of applause before Cowlus took his place alongside the other judges. “Let’s have the first contestant,” he said. A figure appeared from the wings dressed in a black singlet, woollen hat, coarse overalls and dung-coated boots. He looked at the judges and scratched the seat of his trousers. “My name is Fentonious … er Spontaneous,” he stammered. “This is a watered-down version of a song I wrote during a boring public hearing the other day. It’s called Frankly, I Don’t Give A Damn. It goes something like this … ” He blew a sharp note with his shepherd’s whistle. “I don’t give a damn about critics, their complaints are becoming a farce. I’d like to roll up all of their submissions and stick ….” Cowlus held up his hand. “Next please,”
“Welcome to Heretaungus Has Talent, the contest that will produce what all of our local politicians have failed to provide for decades – one voice for our region.” Outside in the street, a sudden murmur ran through the waiting queue. People began to get to their feet, uncertain about what was happening but anxious not to be left behind. There was a rattle from inside the amphitheatre doors and the sound of heavy bolts being slid across. An excited roar went up from the crowd as the heavy wooden doors swung open. The queue surged toward the gates and into the amphitheatre, which was already filled with people. As they jostled forward, they glimpsed the empty stage and a huge banner bearing the words Heretaungus Has Talent. It took an hour before all the contestants had been herded backstage. Then Simonus Cowlus walked out on stage to a mixture of cheers and boos. He gave the audience an icy stare then cleared his throat. “Welcome to Heretaungus Has Talent, the contest that will produce what all of our local politicians have failed to provide for
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he called. Spontaneous trudged off, muttering to himself. A bearded man wearing a straw hat, striped robe and brandishing a cane strode on stage. “Name?” called Cowlus. “Doltus Cassandrus,’ said the man. He picked up a leather speaking trumpet and began to sing in a quavering voice. “I hear you knockin’, but you can’t come in. I hear you knockin’, go back to where you’ve been … boop boop dee doop.” Cowlus shook his head. “All a bit old-fashioned I fear,” he said, as Doltus stomped off the stage, shaking his fist at the jeering audience. “Next contestant.” Cowlus shielded his eyes as a tall figure walked from the wings, his tunic glittering with sequins. He wore a peacock-feather cape and rhinestone-studded sandals. The man turned and smiled, a row of white teeth flashing light into the audience.
“Great Jupiter! Who in heaven are you?” exclaimed Cowlus. “Lawrencus Oratorius at your service,” said the costumed contestant. “I’m told the sound of my voice is music to the ears of Mars, my legendary lungs are a symphony to Saturn. I have called my song Amalgamatus Entwinus … or Come Together. He twirled his cape and struck a saucy pose, drawing whistles from the audience. “Tear down the ring fence, open your gates, a new day is dawning, amalgamation awaits,” he began in a shrill falsetto. “I’ll be your voice, it will be my great pleasure. If you tick the right box, we can all come together.” There were whistles and catcalls from audience. The four judges looked stunned. Cowlus leaned over to his colleagues. “Perhaps if the three of them formed a trio they’d sound better,” he ventured. But the other judges shook their heads. “It would never work. One sings like he’s treading water, one seems to have acute paranoia and the third has a voice like a deflating sheep’s bladder.” Cowlus held his head in his hands and groaned. “Have we got any more contestants?” he asked. The second judge consulted his list. “The last entry is a massed chorus of some sort. They call themselves The Silentus Majorus.” “The what?” said Cowlus. “The Silent Majority,” replied his companion. A large group trooped on stage, milling around in no apparent order. “Let all of Heretaungus hear your voices,” beamed Cowlus. There was a deathly silence. Several scratched their heads and stared blankly at the audience. Someone in the back row coughed. A man on the left yawned. After an awkward silence they slowly wandered off stage. The judged looked at each other. “I think we’ve found the voice of Heretaungus,” said Cowlus.
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