King Country News | June 6, 2024

King Country

A remarkable kuia

Sigrid Christiansen

A driving force who spearheaded New Zealand’s first Waitangi Tribunal treaty settlement in 1989 – a farmer and mother with no formal legal background – has been appointed a Companion of the King’s Service Order for services to Māori.

Josephine Huti Anderson’s lifetime of service to land, language and tikanga saw the Waitomo kuia receive the honour in the King’s Birthday list.

Anderson worked alongside husband Walter and others including Te Aue Davis and Bob Koroheke on the 1989 Ruapuha Uekaha mediated settlement,

chiefly concerning the Waitomo Caves.

Because of this work, the taonga is today owned and cared for by tangata whenua, rather than the Crown.

The “strong and determined” Anderson is described by Te Nehenehenui chair and relation

Peter Douglas as “spearheading” the process.

He spoke to The News because Anderson is unwell although “doing well”.

The settlement work was especially notable because it was the first time one had ever taken place.

The process was kicked off by a Government decision to sell off

State owned assets, in particular the Waitomo Caves Hotel. That could be the subject of much discussion in its own right – but it saw Anderson and the other “folks from a little village… thrust into the position” of negotiating the settlement.

The Waitangi Tribunal was given power to look into historic claims in 1985, Douglas said. So in the next few years, the Ruapuha Uekaha settlement was breaking new ground.

“It was extraordinary,” he said. “You can’t underestimate how hard that must have been. During the Maniapoto settlement, we used the Treaty Settlement office plan.

“But in the 1980s, no one had ever done a settlement. Not on the Māori side, not on the Crown side. She was so ahead of her time.”

The two worked together from the early 1980s to to day – through that first settle ment, and the subsequent stressful 12 years of legal chal lenges. Both are also commit tee members of Tokikapu marae in Waitomo.

“We’ve become close as a result of those experiences.”

Continued on page 2

RIGHT: Josephine Anderson

Rugby boss to move on

By Paul Charman

King Country Rugby Union general manager Kurt McQuilkin is stepping down after just under four years in the role.

McQuilkin, who lives in Taupo and works one-day a week in Te Kūiti, will step down on July 5.

“I just want to finish my time out professionally and on good terms, while wishing everyone well. I’m in very early discussions that may eventuate in a year or so that involves rugby, possibly overseas,” he

said.

He met his wife Barbara while playing and coaching in Ireland and they have two daughters - Ella, 23, who graduated from Victoria University and is working in a Taupō accountancy firm and Lily, 20, who is a cabin crew member with Air New Zealand.

There is a high turnover rate for rugby chiefs – McQuilkin noted 13 chief executives have resigned while he has been in his present job.

On the calls for New Zealand Rugby Union to reform its governance structure he says it’s good that its being debated.

“I agree with the provincial unions take on this. There should be at least three people on the NZR board who have a feel for the

game at provincial level and have served on a provincial board at some stage during their time.  Along with much needed representation from our Māori and Pasifika communities, we also need people with that bit of grass roots knowledge, who have moved through the systems, in order to create effective governance.”

On the state of the game in King Country he says since Covid, numbers are picking up again, especially at school level.

“Numbers are on a good trajectory and we have a good KCRU board in place who will hopefully drive that along. Our flagship side, the Rams, had a relatively good season last year and we hope to build on that. We have

Continued on page 11

Kurt McQuilkin

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Survival story inspires students

Sigrid Christiansen

William Pike lost a leg after being trapped in a volcanic explosion, but he told children at the National Young Leaders Day Hamilton event how he continued to follow his dreams.

He was speaking at a motivational day out for senior primary and high school students at Claudelands last week.

Āria student Olivia Brown listened intently as Pike described waking up to a rumbling sound outside the mountain hut in which he was sleeping.

USA inspired her to train harder, to win next time.

Neal spoke alongside Māori Millionaire founder Te Kahukura Boynton, who is just 20, and several artists and musicians.

She reminded students that “successful people read everyday”.

At just 16, climate and conservation warrior Nate Wilbourne was the youngest speaker. He is the founder of ‘Gen-Z Aotearoa,’ a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering and educating rangatahi through digital platforms.

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“He could see rocks flying through the air and lava rushing around the hut... but he soon got stuck in the mud. He thought he was going to die, trying to keep himself awake with maths, but falling asleep with hypothermia. When he got down from the volcano he found himself in hospital, and his right leg had to be amputated.”

“You are never too young to make a change” he told the youngsters,

“That really stood out to me,” Waitaria Bodger-Kearns said. “To me that means if I can make a change, even small. It’ll have an impact. I’m grateful I got to attend… it felt like the speakers trusted us to tell us such personal stories.”

She said it was a lesson in persistence and bravery.

Āria Year 6 Izaiah Eccles felt the same way.

Another hit speaker was hockey international Brooke Neal who played 176 times for the Black Sticks.

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She shared the story of her battle to get o the bench and onto the field – all the way to the Commonwealth Games, and about how an early loss to the

“Nate Willborne was very encouraging and I think he was a great speaker. He is an environmentalist which means he looks after nature and birds. He started at a young age by going on a school trip. He worked for a company that planted trees and helped to look after the environment. He all

also caught rats, stoats and all other pests. He was 16 when he started all this work. I learnt that you should never give up and dream big so that you can do things that your heart desires” Izaiah said.

Benneydale/Maniaiti and Āria were among the King Country schools who sent students,

A remarkable kuia

– and that was a reassuring feeling.”

“She kept immaculate records.

Sometimes she would hand me typewritten letters from those times and say, ‘this is what I was talking about.’ “They would be extraordinarily insightful.”

Anderson is not just highly respected; she is loved.

“Gracious is an appropriate word for her. She looks out for people. Although she is very well known through Maniapoto and the wider Tainui area, she is a humble person.”

“She was raised in a di erent time.”

At hui, she is often a witty and perceptive presence and a woman

of few words, rather than a maker of long speeches.

“She doesn’t need to say much – but when she does, people listen. She has incredible energy.”

He believes it was “her conviction that she was in the right” which gave her strength.

“She knew she was embarking on a very di cult responsibility.”

“She is one of these people whose philosophy is to ‘get on with it’ and make of it what you can.”

Alongside the settlement process, Anderson and husband Walter were also responsible for much of the day-to-day running of Tokikapu Marae, which regularly hosts many large

Parts • Tyres

thanks to funding from the Waitomo district’s Rangatahi Pathways programme, administered by Aotahi.

The National Young Leaders Days are the largest and longest running leadership event for primary and intermediate school students and has catered for 13,000 of them since 2001.

Continued from page 1

groups, especially school groups, throughout the year.

“The pair of them did a lot for the community,” Douglas said.

On hearing of the honour, the whānau were “all fizzing” he added.

A statement released by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet recognised the depth of her work on behalf of her iwi and the wider community and acknowledged her key role in the Ruapuha Uekaha settlement process for 34 years and multiple governance roles.

“She has been a member of the Waitomo Caves Management Committee since 1990.

“She is a past Trustee and kuia

advisor for the Waitomo Caves Museum. She continues to act as a kuia advisor for Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Waitomo Caves School, Waitomo Caves Water Catchment Group, and Tourism Group Holdings.

“Mrs Anderson is a member of the Maniapoto Marae Pact Trust Kaumatua Group and a former member of the Māori Women’s Welfare League Waitomo branch.”

Her daughter Marama Morrison, told Te Ao Māori News that her mother felt, if anything, embarrassed about all the fuss.

It had been “just another day” for Amderson she added.

Āria students with teacher aide Rebecca Bates at Young Leaders Day, Hamilton.

Confronting the forestry issue

Waitomo district councillors heard impassioned pleas this week against their plans to hike rates on forestry blocks. The views eventually carried enough weight to influence a change of mind. Andy Campbell reports.

On the morning of their mother’s funeral, Rachel Barton’s three children walked behind their farm ute spreading road metal to make the Mapara South Road safe for the 400 or so guests expected, Waitomo district councillors heard.

Greenplan Forestry office manager Deb Bryant’s submission against the council’s Long Term Plan proposal to massively increase its rating differential on forestry blocks, was among many illustrating the depth of the disconnect between the Waitomo District council and its rural ratepayers.

In her submission Bryant said she attended a meeting in October last year with council where Rachel Barton expressed her concern over the state of the road and her repeated requests for maintenance being ignored.

She was concerned about the safety people expected to use the road to attend the 21st birthday of her twin daughters. Her requests were unanswered and council did no remediation, said Bryant.

Rachel died on April 2 this year and her funeral service was held at home with about 400 people attending.

“Ethan, Emma and Ellie were up early on the morning of their mother’s funeral, not to spend time together as a family to grieve their mum, or to celebrate their mum’s life,” Bryant said.

“But each of them armed with a shovel they walked behind the old farm ute

filled with metal, and they did what they could to make the road safe for those people coming to attend their mum’s funeral.”

She said the council didn’t want to look back and be accountable for its lack of planning for the Mapara South Road. It wanted to look forward, with the current preferred approach to increase roading rates by nearly 1200 per cent.

“Looking forward this will create unfair vulnerabilities for these families and other ratepayers and members of the community who will in turn become unfairly disadvantaged by such an extreme increase,” she said.

“I don’t believe a rushed 1200 per cent increase to the roading rate is either fair or sustainable.”

Other submitters like Theo Muller were more blunt. He submitted the council knew for 30 years the trees were growing

“You woke up today after a 30 year snooze and decided to increase the rate by nearly 1200 per cent. That smacks of gross mismanagement.”

Forestry professional Cam Kendrick said while money may be spent on road maintenance, the work does not get done.

“We’ve struggled to get trucks down, to get staff down. We have seen the damage.

“Pinnacles Civil might turn up to the meeting, they send people down to spray paint around potholes and then we sit

there and wait, and nothing’s done,” adding he spent most of the last five years on Mapara South Road.

“And when Inframax do turn up, you would have six people doing traffic control, all sitting in vehicles.

“You have got one digger and a six tonne truck.”

The contractors were not doing their job, he said. It was a result of poor oversight or no oversight.

“You can’t make an informed decision and I guess you can’t set this rate, this multiplication factor right, if you are basing it off spending that has achieved nothing.”

Forestry rates – issue solved

Waitomo District Council has accepted an offer from Greenplan Forestry for the industry to maintain and repair roads used by logging operators and has in return reduced a proposed more than $40 a hectare forestry rating differential.

The adjustment is in response to a flood of submissions against the differential increase, which would have taken the differential from just over $4 to more than $40 per hectare on farm forestry blocks.

The proposed differential increase is now just under $12 per hectare. Mayor John Robertson said the increase would cover the cost of damage to secondary roads.

For instance log trucks exiting Mapara South Road, turned onto Kopaki Road.

The proposed three times differential would bring an additional $160,000 to $200,000 which could be applied to district roads used by logging trucks, roads that were

not repaired and maintained by logging companies.

“$160 to $200,000 does not go far. We need to seek subsidiary funding from NZTA to increase this,” Robertson said. “Whether we will get this is unknown.”

There would also be a cost to council for an employee tasked with making the road repair and maintenance agreements with the industry and rural residents.

He described it as a welcome novel solution that made sense, that resolved a substantial part of the issue the district council was confronted with.

Forestry was a significant industry in Waitomo representing some six per cent of the total land area in the district. Logs supported a local timber processing industry feeding domestic and export markets. See Mayor John Robertson’s column on Page 10.

Greenplan office manager Deb Bryant (left) and Matt Barton spoke against the council’s proposed forestry rate

The forestry industry will maintain and repair roads.

A day of celebration town wide Community gem celebrates its centenary

early

The day of celebrating the 100th birthday of the Otorohanga Railway Station has been planned for the whole town and all its visitors to enjoy.

Organiser Trish Fisher says it made sense to use Wahanui Crescent for the day on June 8 because the station itself was a bit too small for all that is planned.

“We will be closing off Wahanui Crescent from 9am till 2pm with street market stalls, a soundstage for entertainment with music and dancing and lots more,” she says.

The event will be opened with a powhiri, and those involved in the day include Gambit the magician, clowns, stiltwalkers, those dressed in Kiwiana.

who took away the first sod turned by Rewi Maniapoto for the railway line back in 1885,” Trish says.

The wheelbarrow in which this was done will be on display in the museum. In the station itself will be displays such as a matchstick model of a train along with other memorabilia ranging from scales to old luggage. These will be surrounded by display boards denoting the history and interesting facts around the station.

Plans for the station were provided by well known Chief Architect for New Zealand Railways of the time, George Alexander Troup.

The Northern Explorer train usually arrives around 10.40am on a Saturday and a kapa haka has been organized to welcome it and the dignitaries on board that will include mayor Max Baxter and Otorohanga District Council CEO Tanya Winters. A cake cutting will also ensue.

“We will have Wikitoria Katipa-Maikuku there as well, who is a direct descendent of Wahanui,

There will be vintage vehicles, machinery and equipment on display at the Otorohanga Club, an art exhibition, and at the library, children’s colouring competition and an “eggspress” event, making trains from egg cartons.

The organisers will be supplying street maps for people who arrive on the day, which will also include the location of the town’s eateries – all part of keeping the “shop local” flag flying, Trish says.

The Otorohanga Railway Station stands as a part of New Zealand’s rich railway history, and this month celebrates its 100th birthday.

The Heritage New Zealand Category 2 building’s story wasn’t an easy journey – it is one of three the town has had since the first was erected in the late 19th Century when the New Zealand government embarked on developing a nationwide railway network.

As part of this grand vision, construction of the original Otorohanga Railway Station commenced on the opposite side of the tracks to the existing one, in 1886.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Otorohanga Railway Station saw agricultural produce, timber, coal, and dairy products flowing through its platforms, fueling the region’s economy. Meanwhile, travellers embarked on journeys both north and south.

In 1910, the second of the three stations was built, but its lifespan was abruptly cut short in 1923 when it was destroyed by fire, leaving nothing but the brick chimney and the standard railway safe behind - with all its contents undamaged.

In a newspaper of the time, it was thought the fire started through a waste fire that had been blazing across the road blowing sparks under the building and catching waste paper that was abruptly fanned into flames in the early hours of the following morning due to a combination of high winds and a good sized gap under the building foundations.

George Alexander Troup, an English born and Scottish educated engineer and architect (famous for the 1904 Dunedin Railway Station design) and at the time the chief architect for New Zealand railways, was brought in to design the new station. It was duly opened on the side of the tracks it now stands, in 1924.

But by 2000, it had fallen into disrepair and pleas to renovate it fell on the deaf ears of TranzRail until Liz Cowan got involved and managed the deal of the century.

In this, TranzRail agreed to sell the building to the community of Otorohanga for $1 on the proviso it was either restored or demolished.

So a community working party was set up and with the help of the council, Waitomo Community Trust and the Lotteries Commission, enough money was raised to refurbish the building back to its original glory.

Origin Coffee was the stations first tenant and remains so today.

An

photo of the Ōtorohanga Railway station. Courtesy Te Awamutu Museum.

Food challenge looms

By Paul Charman

Tough times are biting just as King Country food banks face up to being a self-funded model.

Te Kūiti Korowai Aroha Charitable Trust chair Antonio (Shane) Mangioni-Ashby says the Government’s recent announcement that it would end support for food banks from July 1 ignored present realities. He had heard numerous heart rending stories, just in the last few days.

“We’ve been approached a solo mum sharing a bedsit with her three children while paying $400 a week in rent; a woman paying $280 for a single room in a house, but without access to the cooking facilities, and we’re now getting inquiries from local business people whose shops are

struggling. It’s not just beneficiaries; many with jobs can find themselves with nothing to buy food some weeks, following, say, an unexpected car or medical bill.”

He said with funding set up during the Covid epidemic to support food banks disappearing, the trust was returning to reliance on donations.

“Since they signalled this we’ve become more proactive approaching trusts and corporate donors for help, but our core support has always been locals who’ve given cash, groceries, tinned food and produce. Farmers have always given us donations of meat.

Ashby was well aware things had become much tighter even for food bank donors in the past few years, but he believed donors would still come through despite the challenges.

“I think people can see how essential it is to have access to food in a crisis. We are only ever an interim solution – food banks can’t feed people every week, because if they did they would have to have huge amounts of funding.

“But having access to food in time of great need – I think our donors get it. And while this used to be a problem for those at the bottom of the ladder, it’s now a ecting the middle class as well.”

At the Te Kūiti Food Bank, run by Journey Church, clients and donors had been telling sta how di cult times are financially.

“Everyone is feeling the pressure of ever-increasing prices, leading to

a higher cost of living,” said Journey Church pastor Terry Bradley said.

“The purpose of the food bank is to serve as a bridge, enabling people to find a temporary relief for when things get better, and/or they can get connected to other supporting social services on the other side.

“The big problem is that bridge seems to be unable to reach the far bank, and that far bank is getting further away.

“It is vital that wherever we may find ourselves, that we do all we can to help lift the level of hope, and self-belief in others. This isn’t the first time we as a community have faced this, and probably won’t be the last. We need champions of hope,” Bradley said.

Fieldays challenge

Farmers will address the challenges facing the rural community at this year’s National Agricultural Fieldays. Fieldays has partnered with Federated Farmers to launch a Rural Advocacy Hub at the expo opening on Wednesday and has invited likeminded organisations to join them.

Fieldays chief executive Peter Nation approached Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford after reading an article where Langford talked about getting everyone in the same team pointing forward for the good of the industry.

“It'll be everything,” Nation said, when asked what the likely topics will be. “

Nation is expecting Government ministers, chief executives, board chairs, and industry leaders to join the conversation.

Antonio (Shane) Mangioni-Ashby says the middle class people are more prominent among those reaching out for food parcels.

Journey Church pastor Terry Bradley.

Fieldays chief executive Peter Nation.

Wide choices for great prices

Wide choices for great prices

Budget Day protests draw 100

A pre-dawn march – a whīkoi by 40 people – down Te Kūiti’s Rora St signalled the start of a King Country protest on Budget Day last week.

There were similar peaceful protests around the country – another one involved a group of about 60 meeting at the Ōtorohanga Jim Barker Memorial Playground to avoid disrupting the activities of local people and businesses, whaea Pera Rangitaawa MacDonald told The News. Ōtorohanga spokesperson Whakarongotai Hohepa said the day’s kaupapa was“safe-guarding the future for our tamariki, our mokopuna”.

MacDonald said school lunches were a key issue for the community.

“We talk about our children being the

leaders of tomorrow: feed them. Educate them. Don’t take their food away.” She and Hohepa agreed the concern for future generations went across the whole community.

“Those who stand with us are here for their children as well, because a lot of our Māori people and our Pākeha people have married into each other.

“We all feel the same about our tamariki, about how well fed and how well educated they should be, to lead our country into the next millennium.

Thousands of people marched through the country’s major centres on the day protesting at the Government’s perceived assault on Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi.

BUSINESS SHOWCASE

Good, strong and competitive prices for top quality products and service – that’s the tagline for Otorohanga’s newest business, Brooks Flooring.

Cole Brooks and his family have been involved in the business since he was a child, and he grew up working with his father learning every aspect of the trade from measuring to laying, from selling to advising.

Good, strong and competitive prices for top quality products and service – that’s the tagline for Otorohanga’s newest business, Brooks Flooring. Cole Brooks and his family have been involved in the business since he was a child, and he grew up working with his father learning every aspect of the trade from measuring to laying, from selling to advising.

‘I spent a lot of time contracting to other companies throughout the Waikato,” he says.

‘I spent a lot of time contracting to other companies throughout the Waikato,” he says.

“I’ve been self-employed for much of the past 19 years since I left school.”

“I’ve been self-employed for much of the past 19 years since I left school.”

The Otorohanga resident and his partner Bec made

The Otorohanga resident and his partner Bec made the decision to open their

the decision to open their business in the town in which they live because it made good economic sense to do so – it’s a growing town with a positive vibrancy that appeals to many.

business in the town in which they live because it made good economic sense to do so – it’s a growing town with a positive vibrancy that appeals to many.

“We provide a full range of products here, from carpets, garage carpet, sheet vinyl and vinyl planking,” Cole says.

“We provide a full range of products here, from carpets, garage carpet, sheet vinyl and vinyl planking,” Cole says.

“Technology has changed a lot in recent years and that means there is a much broader range of styles, colours and textures that are produced in a variety of thicknesses and quality.

“Technology has changed a lot in recent years and that means there is a much broader range of styles, colours and textures that are produced in a variety of thicknesses and quality.

Brooks Flooring

fit your needs.

for example, to provide the best advice of what might suit a new build or renovation.

This is all part of the business philosophy, which is to create good, long lasting relationships with their clients.

choices, Cole and Bec also work with building and kitchen companies for example, to provide the best advice of what might suit a new build or renovation. This is all part of the business philosophy, which is to create good, long lasting relationships with their clients.

ranges, the construction and quality is actually very good.”

The beauty of this is that no matter what your budget,

“Even in our lower priced ranges, the construction and quality is actually very good.”

The same goes for their vinyl ranges, which include a wide range of different brands with an extensive variety of colours and styles.

The beauty of this is that no matter what your budget, there is something that will fit your needs.

The same goes for their vinyl ranges, which include a wide range of different brands with an extensive variety of colours and styles.

Because of Cole’s experience, Brooks Flooring also provides floor preparation for all flooring needs.

Because of Cole’s experience, Brooks Flooring also provides floor preparation for all flooring needs.

And for those who are struggling with colour choices, Cole and Bec also work with building and kitchen companies

And for those who are struggling with colour

“We are great believers in this – we want a client to be so satisfied with their experience with us that we are who they turn to even 10 years down the line when they’ve bought or built a new home, or simply want to change the décor.

“What we do is not just a one-off thing; relationship building is very important to us.”

“We are great believers in this – we want a client to be so satisfied with their experience with us that we are who they turn to even 10 years down the line when they’ve bought or built a new home, or simply want to change the décor. “What we do is not just a one-off thing; relationship building is very important to us.”

Brooks Flooring is open Monday to Friday, at 14 Tuhoro St, Otorohanga from 9am till 4pm and by appointment on Saturdays. They offer a free measure and quote service and look forward to working with you in the future.

Brooks Flooring is open Monday to Friday, at 14 Tuhoro St, Otorohanga from 9am till 4pm and by appointment on Saturdays. They offer a free measure and quote service and look forward to working with you in the future.

Protesters gather on Rora St Te Kūiti.

Backing for King Country

By Paul Charman

King Country/Te Rohe Pōtae should be a made an o cial name to be used on maps and road signs.

That’s the message Hamilton playwrite Russell Armitage gave the Waitomo District Council’s long term planning committee last week.

Armitage’s play, “A Wellspring of Tears - He Puna O Te Roimata”, is set at the foundation of the Kīngitanga.

He was in Te Kūiti two weeks ago to discuss a performance of his play in town and was surprised to find those he met had not heard of the Wellspring of Tears meeting in 1857.

“However, on further questioning they had all seen the white commemoration plaque in a layby between Te Kūiti and Ōtorohanga, but had never stopped to see what it was,” he said.

“The other matter that came up, almost as a side issue, was how strongly they all felt about being lumped in with the Waikato when the area was mentioned in the media. They were very adamant that this area, is the King Country.”

He suggested signs at the borders of the district should convey a message like, “You are now entering the King Country/Te Rohe Pōtae”.

“The nature of the signs is up to you and Ngāti Maniapoto.

“What I cannot understand, is that if this has been wanted by your residents for such a long time why it hasn’t been done before,” Armitage said.

After hearing the submission councillor

Dan Tasker was fully supportive.

“I moved to Te Kūiti in 2020, and since then I have come to highly respect and appreciate the stories of old and the people of this area – past and present.

“I love history and learning the things that have shaped the place and people, so hearing the stories of Orōkau, the aukati and how this place became known as ‘King Country’ captured my imagination immediately.

“Russell’s submission reflects what many of us think. These stories actually happened and are unique fibres woven into the

tapestry of these lands.

“As a rugby man, King Country has made me think of an underdog standing their ground against the odds.

“All Blacks Sir Colin and Stan Meads were hard rural men up against the best in the world, and the great King Country team of the 1990s punched above their weight in the first division.

“It’s my observation these characteristics were true of Ngāti Maniapoto’s support of the kīngitanga, as they resisted the force of the Crown pinching their land,” Tasker said.

“I am fully supportive of King Country being recognised as its own area given its historical significance, but to achieve this, we will need the help and support of everyone.”

YOUR VIEWS

An identity issue

We think the name change to King Country/ Te Rohe Pōtae would be a good idea. For so long the area has been tacked on to Waikato. We live in Taumarunui and sometimes when we have a list of options to choose the area we are in it only o ers Waikato or sometimes Whanganui. It’s time now to be recognised. The King Country was a significant place in history. Give us back our identity.

Nina and Ken Spencer Taumarunui

A yes from him..

Yes! Bring it on! Enough of this Waikato claptrap!

Mark Verry Piopio

From ‘new’

Kiwis

Being new Kiwis coming to Waikato more than 20 years ago, we tried to learn more about the history of the area. We have learnt about settlements, about battles, about Orakau, about peaceful coexistence and acceptance of each other. We have lived in Hamilton, in Cambridge, in Kihikihi and we are now living in Te Kuiti and everywhere we have been accepted with courtesy and grace. During our search to understand more about the King Country, we found a little book, “King Country ‘’ published in 1990 by Dick Craig, a former editor of Waitomo News. In my humble opinion, we do live in King Country. The area has always been known to me as such and signboards claiming it as such will be most welcome. (Abridged) Gary Bester Te Kuiti

• Email your thoughts to editor@goodlocal. nz and put King Country in the subject line.

Russell Armitage.

Dan Tasker.

Park a no goat zone

A major search of the Tongariro National Park has failed to find a single wild goat.

“The results attest to the e ectiveness of our ongoing goat control e orts in surrounding areas; but we know by their nature aerial surveys can’t spot everything,” Department of Conservation Biodiversity Supervisor

Danial van der Lubbe said.

A wild goat control programme has been running in neighbouring Tongariro Forest and Erua conservation areas.

The latest search covered 82 per cent of the 28,618ha national park, using a high-resolution thermal camera. Follow-up eDNA testing at several waterways – aimed at detecting genetic material of any species in the area –also failed to detect goats

“It will be an ongoing challenge, monitoring and preventing any establishment in the national park,”

van der Lubbe said. “We had a sighting of a goat near the boundary of the national park in April, so it’s always possible one will turn up.

Wild goats can cause significant damage to alpine and forest ecosystems by browsing on native plants and eating seedlings.

Doc estimates wild goats are found in 14 per cent of the country, half of them on public conservation land, and their numbers are thought to be several hundred thousand.

The department began eradicating goats where they were competing with sheep for grazing in the 1930s and today areas targeted are those where the goats threaten rare native plants.

The last goat on Mount Taranaki was destroyed in 2022, the result of a combined operation which included the Taranaki iwi chairs forum.

They remain a common site though, particularly on Mt Messenger.

King joins RDA

Sigrid Christiansen

There’s always a waitlist for sessions at Ōtorohanga Riding for the Disabled – but it just got shorter, thanks to King.

At 15 hands high the Gisborne bred gelding is the latest equine to join the team, thanks to a $6500 donation from the Lions Club.

The RDA’s Rebecca Hurley told King Country News King was bought from Lynda Baines, a current RDA volunteer.

“It was hard for her to part with him, but she needed to downsize. This way, she can see him every week.

“Everyone who sees him says he’s such an amazing and talented horse. He could be competing anywhere around the world. But Linda chose to sell him to us. We’re very grateful.”

The RDA has seven horses. It runs four half hour sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

This time of year, the horses are all having a holiday over the winter. King will be in Kāwhia going for beach rides, Rebecca said.

The organisation is always looking for volunteers and helpers don’t have to be comfortable with horses themselves - there are many jobs that don’t involve direct contact with them.

Riding for the disabled has a history of successfully helping people with disabilities or specific challenges.

CALL OUTS

If you have an accident with a

pole, call

Ōtorohanga

Ōtorohanga

May 31: At 8.28 pm the brigade was called out after an alarm sounded at the Beattie Home. The cause was traced to a wheat pack which had been left in a microwave oven.

June 1: At 11.55am the Ōtorohanga brigade despatched its re truck and utility vehilce, which wre supported by a re truck from Te Awamutu, after a truck rolled down a bank and hit a car on St H 3, near Kio Kio Station Rd.

The occupant of the car had to be rescued by re ghters, who cut open the vehicle’s roof.

The person, who was thought to have sustained serious injuries, was then evacuated to Waikato Hospital by rescue helicopter. The serious crash unit is investigating the incident.

Te Kuīti

May 29: The brigade was called out at 12.35 pm after a tree fell in Awakino Rd, blocking tra c near the passing lanes. Fire ghters cleared away debris and directed tra c. At 1.45 pm that day the brigade was called out after the wind lifted a shed roof at a property on SH3, near Oparure Rd. Since the damage had already been done, the brigade reassured the home owner and left the matter of repairs in her hands.

June 2: At 7.44pm the brigade was called out following a report of a re in a property on the Esplanade. The re turned out to be con ned to a brazier in a back yard.

Te Kūiti

Tipene Kawerau, pictured with Lynda Baines, enjoys riding King

Bus verdict: cruise it or lose it…

By Mary Anne Gill

Te Kūiti’s Connector bus service is struggling after a year’s trial and its future is under threat.

There are concerns at Waikato Regional Council headquarters in Hamilton about its King Country and South Waikato connector services.

While services to and from Waipā –Cambridge and Te Awamutu – are enjoying growth, the buses from further afield are not.

The Te Kūiti bus leaves the town’s i-Site at 6.40am and is in Hamilton at 8.10am and Wintec Rotokauri 15 minutes later. The service leaves 5.15pm and gets back to Te Kūiti at 6.47pm.

Waitomo mayor John Robertson said his council originally agreed to support the service for the first year of operation until July 1 2024, but it appeared the regional council’s plan was for district support to continue until July 2025.

“We submitted to the regional council about that, that they bring that date forward one year,” Robertson said.

He believed the initial Waitomo support which will be discontinued on July 1, was

about $20,000 and thought Ōtorohanga District Council support was at a similar level. Hamilton education providers also contributed to the service.

But he noted public transport funding was a responsibliity of the regional council, he said.

Getting “bums on seats” is the aim of Waikato Regional Council’s Customer Focus team leader Sandra Sesto-Dekic.

Numbers on the Te Kūiti connector would be even worse if overcrowding on Te Awamutu buses had not encouraged passengers to hop on the early morning King Country service.

She says the message on the trial service to and from Te Kūiti is use it or lose it.

Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency funded 51 per cent for the trial.

“It is a shame, it is a trial and for the trial to be successful, someone will be looking at those numbers while they are making their decision as to whether it should continue or not,” Sesto-Dekic said.

Waikato’s regional bus services have enjoyed a huge injection of cash and resources which have brought expanded timetables, electric buses and connector routes south to Te Kūiti.

Heads up, we’re flying by

The number 24 Te Awamutu service to Hamilton has a record 13,000 passengers last month – soaring ahead of pre Covid numbers – and up nearly 40 per cent on May last year.

The other Waipā service – number 20 from Cambridge – carried more than 12,000 passengers last month while the TamahereMatangi trial in Waikato district, launched in February, has started with a hiss and a roar.

Frequency has been given as the major reason for the boost in numbers plus the introduction of modern electric models.

Over the coming weeks we’ll be under taking an aerial sur vey of TLC-owned lines and equipment using helicopters.

The footage will help identify areas needing maintenance, repairs or even replacement of structures and equipment — keeping your lights on. It will also help us to keep our community and workers safe. The survey is weather dependent. The aircraft will rapidly fly over TLC-owned lines and infrastructure — only taking visual footage of equipment, not of private property, people or livestock.

More information thelinescompany.co.nz 0800 367 546

Meanwhile, all regional bus fares will go up on July 1.

“We are now looking at the biggest ever tari changes since we had the Bee card,” said Sesto-Dekic.

Part of it is the government’s decision to scrap subsidies for age-based fares. Before April 30, children aged five to 12 travelled free and 13-24 got half price fares.

The regional council opted to keep those until July 1.

In Waitomo patrons have another option of catching the Taumarunui hospital bus which stops at Te Kūiti Hospital weekdays at 9.15am and arrives in Hamilton at 10.40am. The return journey starts at 3pm and reaches Te Kūiti at 5pm.

Super Gold card holders and those with an impairment, which means they are unable to drive, remain free.

The Te Kūiti Connector departs Hamilton Transport Centre for Wintec Rotokauri. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

All the passengers got o this Te Kūiti Connector bus in Hamilton; none continued through to Wintec, Rotokauri. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

Buy now, pay in four instalments over six weeks and never pay interest.

Afterpay is free when you pay on time. Pay nothing to sign up, no establishment fees and no monthly account fees.

MAYOR’S VIEW

Partnership and compromise

By Waitomo mayor John Robertson

Last month I wrote about damage to our roads from logging trucks. I noted that council was seeking submissions on a proposal for a special rate on exotic forests to cover this cost.

Submissions poured in, mostly from forest industry players. Most expressed their opposition to a rate of the size proposed.

Federated Farmers welcomed a rate being imposed, so long as it was “proportionate to the costs associated with maintaining and upgrading roads impacted by forestry operations.”

Elected members took note. We also reflected on the need for the forest industry, rather than general ratepayers, to pay for the damage to our roads caused by logging trucks.

roads takes place.

Forestry is a significant industry locally. Over 22,000 hectares are planted representing six percent of the total land area in our Waitomo District.

‘Elected member too note… I am con dent we have found a way forward’

On Tuesday elected members decided as follows:

We accepted the o er by forestry that the industry would contribute substantially, by negotiated agreement, towards the cost of fixing the damage to the council roads from logging trucks entering directly onto council’s roading network.

We resolved to reduce the size of the proposed rate from a factor of 12 times the current roading rate applied to such properties to a factor of three times.

We resolved that council would start to record harvesting plans to get a picture of when and where it will take place across the district. This information will inform council as negotiations on funding and fixing

Logs feed local sawmills. Processed timber from these mills services the local and overseas markets. Contracts for harvesting are awarded to our local contractors. Jobs are created.

This has been and remains a complex matter to address. We have not been helped by the fact that investment returns are at an all-time low for those who invested 30 years ago.

Nevertheless, having heard from forest managers through the submissions process, I am confident that we have found a way forward. This is about working in partnership and compromise.

Negotiations will take place with the larger players as harvesting times approach. Three forestry management companies look after around fifty percent of the plantations in our district. This makes the task of recording harvesting plans and negotiating funding and road maintenance agreements achievable.

I think we have landed in a good place on a contentious issue. Time will tell.

HEADS UP, WE’RE FLYING BY!

From Monday 17 June, we’ll use a helicopter for a day or two to survey our lines and equipment in your area. This survey is crucial for ensuring your lights stay on and our community stays safe.

The footage we gather will help identify areas needing maintenance, repairs, or replacement. Our aircraft will fly over Waipā Networks-owned lines and infrastructure, capturing visual footage of equipment only – no private property or livestock!

The survey is weather-dependent, so stay tuned on our social media for updates!

By Paul Charman

Rugby boss to move on Rugby boss was ‘pretty green’

Born and bred in Te Kūiti, the man remembered as a “hard running and savvy centre” first played for Dublin’s Bective Rangers club side, in 1993 where his father Noel was doing some coaching.

Leinster Rugby, one of Ireland’s four provincial rugby sides were soon calling, and Kurt  McQuilkin ended up playing for and eventually captaining the province.

After three years of residency he got the call from Ireland and made his test debut against the United States in Atlanta in 1996 at the age of 29. He won four more caps in the green jersey.

A few years later, when Michael Cheika - who spent five years coaching at Leinster - sounded him out about a coaching gig there, he jumped at the chance.

Defence was McQuilkin’s remit

and he built the province into one of the meanest defensive teams in Europe.

The Daily Mail noted that staunch defence was the bedrock of the team’s breakthrough Heineken Cup win in 2009.

The newspaper ran an extensive interview with McQuilkin to get his take following Ireland’s test series win over New Zealand in 2022.

He told rugby writer Rory Keane he was not conflicted at all when watching New Zealand play Ireland.

“I always cheer for the Irish. It’s mad. Even my parents cheer for Ireland when they’re playing the All Blacks. The All Blacks always get our support when playing any other country, but with an Irish wife we’re pretty green when it comes to the New Zealand v Ireland games.”

Continued from page 1

He says the Rams need to take another step and finish in the top half of the Heartland Championship this season.

On the state of the game he thinks replicating some of the marketing ploys used by the likes of the NRL would attract more people to the game.

“New Zealand rugby may have dropped the ball in this regard and rested a wee bit on its laurels…

“Look at the Ireland team’s last tour here. The Irish absolutely respect the history and what the All Blacks stand for, but they don’t fear them as in the past and they demonstrated that by winning their first ever test series in New Zealand. A lot of international sides took notice of those feats and when they get to face a team in black they now fancy their chances, which is great for the global game”

He says the NZR must not take the Heartland provinces for granted as they are the breeding ground for future Super Rugby players, NPC players and All Blacks.

“With all of the angst that has been created over the recent NZRU governance issues and which have unfortunately been played out in the public arena, the NZRU shouldn’t marginalise the Heartland provinces as they aren’t asking for anything special, they just want to be valued and treated fairly amongst the NZ provincial rugby community.”

Union boss Kurt McQuilkin is probably better known in Ireland than in his own country.

Kurt McQuilkin during his playing days for Dublin’s Leinster Rugby. Photo: Allstar Picture Library

Hobbiton – in tourist’s hands

By Chris Gardner

Tourists are binge-watching Sir Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies on smartphones and tablets as they take in the sights of Middle-earth.

That’s good news for one of the locations used for filming – near Piopio.

British backpacker Hannah Flowers, 19, fell in love with Middle-earth when she arrived in New Zealand for a whistle stop North Island tour in April.

“I wasn’t a fan, but a lot of people who are close to me are massive fans,’” said Flowers.

“A flight to New Zealand sounded like a perfect time. As they were readily available on Netflix, I downloaded them and began watching The Lord of The Rings trilogy on my flight.”

She completed The Hobbit Trilogy while backpacking.

A visit to Hobbiton near Matamata was inevitable. Half of the hundreds of thousands of visitors have not read the books or seen the films.

“Hobbiton was really interesting, and the attention to detail was the selling point, especially in the Hobbit holes that you can enter. The atmosphere and the tour guides brought the place to life, and it did feel like stepping into another world. “

She paid $120 to enter.

“It was well worth the entry price, even more so compared to the UK, where novelty attractions such as this are priced around the same, if not more. I would recommend it to anyone visiting New Zealand, and if I come back, I will be visiting Hobbiton again.”

“The ability to access films on-the-go has been a benefit to movie locations,” said Hairy Feet Waitomo Scenic Film Location Tour owner Suzie Denize.

The King Country location near Piopio was used in The Hobbit films, and film crews returned for three episodes of the first season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

“Visitors love to ‘be in the scenes’ that they see on their device,” she said.

“Our tours are longer than before, as we have more film locations to share with guests, since The Rings of Power filmed here. We’re always tweaking and adding to our experience; whether it’s a new pathway, prop, or story.”

Denize said most Hairy Feet Waitomo guests booked well in advance from Europe, North America, and Australasia.

“When they land in New Zealand, they tend to have an itinerary as to where they are going, what activities they will do and where they will be staying.”

Middle-earth location guidebook author Ian Brodie said easy access to the films and television series via streaming services allowed visitors to look at particular scenes and identify those they wish to visit.

“New Zealand is now indelibly stamped as Middle-earth and the countries continued star role in other films and television series just furthers the country and its landscape.”

He was seeing more sales per annum than there had been for quite a while.

“The interest is still just as poignant. We are dealing with beautiful parts of the country, so they are always at the forefront of people’s location choices.”

Hairy Feet Waitomo’s Suzie Denize, seen with husband Warrick, says media streaming has benefited tourism.

Hobbiton – in tourist’s hands

By Chris Gardner

Tourists are binge-watching Sir Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies on smartphones and tablets as they take in the sights of Middle-earth.

That’s good news for one of the locations used for filming – near Piopio.

British backpacker Hannah Flowers, 19, fell in love with Middle-earth when she arrived in New Zealand for a whistle stop North Island tour in April.

“I wasn’t a fan, but a lot of people who are close to me are massive fans,’” said Flowers.

“A flight to New Zealand sounded like a perfect time. As they were readily available on Netflix, I downloaded them and began watching The Lord of The Rings trilogy on my flight.”

She completed The Hobbit Trilogy while backpacking. A visit to Hobbiton was inevitable near Matamata. Half of the hundreds of thousands of visitors have not read the books or seen the films.

“Hobbiton was really interesting, and the attention to detail was the selling point, especially in the Hobbit holes that you can enter. The atmosphere and the tour guides brought the place to life, and it did feel like stepping into another world. “

She paid $120 to enter.

“It was well worth the entry price, even more so compared to the UK, where novelty attractions such as this are priced around the same, if not more. I would recommend it to anyone visiting New Zealand, and if I come back, I will be visiting Hobbiton again.”

“The ability to access films on-the-go has been a benefit to movie locations,” said Hairy Feet Waitomo Scenic Film Location Tour owner Suzie Denize.

The King Country location near Piopio was used in The Hobbit films, and film crews returned for three episodes of the first season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

“Visitors love to ‘be in the scenes’ that they see on their device,” she said. “Our tours are longer than before, as we have more film locations to share with guests, since The Rings of Power filmed here. We’re always tweaking and adding to our experience; whether it’s a new pathway, prop, or story.”

Denize said most Hairy Feet Waitomo guests booked well in advance from Europe, North America, and Australasia.

“When they land in New Zealand, they tend to have an itinerary as to where they are going, what activities they will do and where they will be staying.”

Middle-earth location guidebook author Ian Brodie said easy access to the films and television series via streaming services allowed visitors to look at particular scenes and identify those they wish to visit.

“New Zealand is now indelibly stamped as Middle-earth and the countries continued star role in other films and television series just furthers the country and its landscape.”

He was seeing more sales per annum than there had been for quite a while.

“The interest is still just as poignant. We are dealing with beautiful parts of the country, so they are always at the forefront of people’s location choices.”

PROFESSIONALS

Buying or selling a business in New Zealand requires careful consideration and planning. As lawyers, we are here to guide you through the process and advise you on the legal intricacies.

For sellers:

Have your accountant involved from the beginning to advise on tax implications and determine values.

• Identify the assets you will be selling and categorise into tangible and intangible. Tangible assets are physical, including buildings and machinery. Intangible assets are just as important, although not physically seen, including goodwill which can be valuable.

• If a lease is involved, it needs to be valid and signed so it can be transferred to the purchaser.

• The purchaser may want to take on any key supplier contracts so check they can be transferred over.

For purchasers: Due diligence is key. Look at all aspects of the business, the assets, the transferability of key supplier contracts, and financial viability with the help of your accountant.

• If you are a new entrepreneur, consider forming a company to purchase the business. Review the lease terms, in particular the length of the lease and options to renew as you will need premises. Examine rent review dates as the landlord may

RAT BAIT POISONING

With the cooler weather here you may have noticed an increase in rodents around your area. Many people will be laying rat bait to rid their farm sheds and homes of these pests. As a pet owner it is crucial that we are aware of and take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of harm to our companion and working animals. The most common rat bait poisoning we see in clinic is that of the anti-coagulant type. These products interfere with the animals ability

to utilize vitamin K which effectively prevents the bloods ability to clot. Unfortunately most owners aren’t always aware that their pet has ingested rat bait and the animal may not show any signs of illness for 3 to 5 days. Generally the animal will have signs of weakness and lethargy, inappetence, difficulty breathing & very pale gums. Recognising these symptoms is critical and the animal must be seen immediately by a vet if treatment is going to

increase the rent. Outgoings are another aspect to consider as ideally you will want tenants to pay most of these.

Employees are another consideration, as current employees can be re-employed under new contracts or new employees hired.

• For your protection, include a restraint of trade clause to prevent the vendor immediately becoming your competition. There are a lot of different considerations that come into business transactions. It is prudent to not carry the weight of these transactions alone and to obtain the assistance of your lawyer and accountant.

be successful. Even if you only suspect your pet may have ingested bait it is still vital that they see a vet.

Where possible find out what the product is called or even bring the container to the clinic so we can see the specific toxin and treat appropriately.

If you are laying bait, be sure to place the baits in animal proof bait stations and to store unused baits in a secure container on a high shelf, preferably in a cupboard.

and brushing your tongue.

If you are concerned about your breath or someone else has complained about it, then come and visit the dentist for them to do a full checkup around your mouth and diagnose the cause of the odour.

It can sometimes be as simple as requiring a

dental clean, or decay in the tooth cause the odour.

As oral health professionals we are very used to seeing patients with this issue, so there is absolutely no reason to feel embarrassed about it. If you find you’re self conscious about your breath or reaching for the mints often. Come see us and let us help you.

Hairy Feet Waitomo’s Suzie Denize, seen with husband Warrick, says media streaming has bene ted tourism.

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Farmer King Country

Moving day biosecurity risk

The cows, the kids, the cats – and biosecurity

As if there weren’t enough stressors on dairy farmers and contractors on June 1 (moving day) the Waikato Regional Council has added a biosecurity warning.

“It’s a time of huge biosecurity risk,” Waikato Regional Council pest plants team leader, Darion Embling said. “While there are many really dedicated farmers and contractors who rigorously clean their gear to protect the next property they’re moving to, not everyone is as committed.

“Any form of plant or soil contamination has a real potential of harbouring pests or weeds. Machinery movements in particular pose a persistent high risk in pest spread, with at least 80 pest species known to be typically moved by unclean machinery.”

The recent discovery of the highly invasive velvetleaf on two new properties in the region was a wake up call for the ag sector, Embling said.

“It spreads easily through unclean

machinery and we are really keen to stop it in its tracks.

“Weed infestations can lead to financial loss for farmers and horticultural producers, and seriously harm our natural environment, so stopping new infestations taking hold is often the most economic strategy.”

The standard was no visible soil or plant matter which might spread pests or weeds, and this was on diggers, harvesting equipment, ploughs and undersowers, Embling said.

“It’s important these biosecurity practices are adopted by all farmers, and that landowners insist only clean machinery enters their farm gate.”

Moving Day occurs in the week leading up to and immediately following 1 June each year.

It involves the mass transporting of cows and machinery around the country’s roads as farm contractors relocate themselves and their stock in time for the new season.

New farm changes herd environment

Teat care afficiaados FIL says farmers moving on June 1 should contact them early in the process because a new farm could present the herd with a change of water quality, plant type or farm environment that could mean a change in dairy hygiene and teat care programme is required.

Milk samples from farms across New Zealand are analysed at Farm Medix’s in-house laboratory at the Waikato Innovation Park, the only facility in New Zealand solely dedicated to mastitis testing and prevention.

The laboratory partners with FIL to create targeted strategies, effectively lowering somatic cell counts and reducing clinical mastitis.

The approach delivers bespoke solutions said to be unmatched in accuracy and efficacy.

“Over the past six years, FIL and Farm Medix have recognised and addressed the challenges farmers in New Zealand face with managing mastitis within their herds,” says Colin May, FIL’s National Sales Manager.

Moving day was also a good time to start preparing for early lactation, he said.

FIL has a 10-step milking plan for handling freshly calved cows and to help prevent early mastitis in the spring.

As part of the 10-step plan, have good RMT (rapid mastitis test) procedures in place and RMT all cows before

transitioning to the supply vat.

Talk to us if you need further assistance in this area.”

Reducing mastitis, in addition to improving animal welfare, also helped the dairy industry reduce emissions, he said.

Healthy herds increased milk production and reduced the overall footprint of dairy farming.

A healthier cow translated to increased efficiency, decreased antibiotic usage, and less use of resources. This shift towards proactive health management enhanced farm profitability and mitigates on-farm emissions, aligning with New Zealand’s emission reduction goals.

“Dairy companies are realising that preventing mastitis, not just treating it, results in more milk in the vat,” May said.

“Lowering somatic cell counts and reducing antibiotic usage helps reduce emissions and hit targets.

It also has a positive impact on the industry.

“We’ve truly shifted farmer thinking about mastitis through our dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility.

“Through evidence-based interventions, we are improving milk quality, increasing herd productivity, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices, both within New Zealand and globally,” he said.

On a wing and a prayer

Paul Charman

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has spread globally since December 2021 –but not detected in New Zealand.

There have been nearly 900 human cases of the virus, also called HPAI, or bird flu, globally since 2003, according to the World Health Organization.

The virus has decimated bird populations around the world and jumped the species gap then adapted to spread between cows in the United States earlier this year.

By late May there were 58 known infected dairy herds across the US.

Two human infections had been docu-

“We have seen with Mycoplasma bovis the implications of what can happen when a serious bio-hazard gets established in this country,” Federated Farmers Waikato Meat and Wool Chair Reon Verry said.

“If bird flu were to get here and cause an outbreak in sheep, cattle or deer herds, which then had to be destroyed it could get very expensive very quickly.

“That kind of scenario would be devastating for families working in the rural sector,” he added.

flocks of starlings and potentially large groups of waterfowl in urban areas.

“It’s about ensuring that vulnerable humans are not in contact with (infected) fetal matter from these animals.”

Rusell said vaccinations of birds were being trialled internationally.

“We’re watching this as a zoo and aquarium industry and looking at whether that (vaccinating native birds) is an option for us further down the track.

“The key really is that our monitoring continues so that if it becomes an issue in New Zealand, we’re onto it really quickly and that the public know what to do if they see animals that are distressed and unwell.”

Biosecurity NZ, a branch within the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), says it is monitoring the global situation closely, and the risk may increase as the disease spreads to regions where it has

not previously been identified.

“New Zealand is lucky to be isolated from other land masses, does not have migratory waterfowl pathways, and we have good border biosecurity which will reduce the risk of arrival of HPAI,” a DOC spokesperson said.

“Biosecurity New Zealand has systems in place to prevent HPAI entering New Zealand through human activity and to ensure early detection if it does arrive.”

Can our wool survive?

Paul Charman

Years of poor returns could push strong wool beyond a point of no return.

That’s the message from fourth generation wool farmer, Matthew Scott, of Ōpārau, who sees popularisation of shedding sheep breeds and sheep farmers expanding their beef operations as a flashing red light.

“I suppose if I had an option I wouldn’t be a wool farmer.

“I would rather go to Wiltshires or one of the shedding breeds,” he said.

“Still, as a generational producer I’d

like to think there’s some hope for a comeback, as the price has lifted marginally.”

Scott and his wife Hayley farm 1300 ha, comprising about 2000 ewes and 360 cows plus trading stock.

Sons James and Cooper are working on the farm and daughter Bree – in her third year of sports science degree – helps out when she can.

James is a semi-professional motocross, enduro and cross country rider, while Cooper will be attending Lincoln College next year.

“So they’re fifth generation, and I guess said. See stories pages 6-7

In the United States 58 dairy herds have reported bird flu infection.

Ōtorohanga Kiwi House general manager Jo Russell.

From dairy to beef

The top 10 tips for producing valuable dairy beef calves:

1. The supply of dairy beef calves is greater than the current demand for them (by around two million calves). In order to increase demand, we need to make dairy beef more land-use competitive.

This means the quality of dairy beef calves on offer needs to improve.

2. Growth rate is the number one trait bringing value to beef finishers. Age at weaning (driven by pre-weaning growth) is the number one trait bringing value to calf-rearers. You need to select proven beef sires that will produce high growth calves.

3. The best beef sires, that are proven, are only available via artificial insemination (AI) and ranked through the Dairy Beef Progeny Test (DBPT). These beef sires will reliably generate the most valuable dairy beef calves. Look for ways to incorporate more AI into your mating plan.

4. Cow monitoring technology will bring a range of benefits to your herd, including automated heat detection, which makes whole season AI an option.

This creates space for proven beef bulls in the mating programme.

5. A planned mating programme allows you to generate replacements from your best dairy genetics and beef genetics from other cows.

How many daughters do you want from your bottom 25 per cent of cows anyway? Use a planned programme to drive genetic gain and produce quality beef calves.

6. If you have smaller cows, selec-

tion of a high performing beef sire is essential to ensure your beef calves have value to a finisher.

7. A high-performing beef sire is one that is proven high growth through the DBPT. Breed alone (or even acceptance into the DBPT) is not an indicator of performance.

Look up their growth performance in the DBPT.

8. The growth potential of a calf is not obvious from looking at it (a white face isn’t a guarantee), so you will need to promote the value of your calves to buyers based on facts.

9. Develop a marketing plan for your beef-sired calves by:

• Promoting the value proposition to the purchasers of your calves.

• Establish a business connection with beef finisher(s) who will likely purchase to specification and greatly appreciate the value afforded with high genetic merit calves.

• Consider that you may need to link through to the beef finisher via a professional calf rearer who will rear the calves to 100kg liveweight.

• Remember that beef finishers will prefer to buy dairy beef weaners in the autumn at ~200kg liveweight and not in the spring at 100kg liveweight. Can you help them with that requirement?

10. Improving the quality of dairy beef calves will increase the uptake of these calves by finishers, rather than increase the price paid. Increasing uptake is important to the dairy industry.

Source – Beef and Lamb NZ

How dairy can

Chris Gardner

Beef and dairy farmers don’t typically work together, but that will soon change if Bob Thomson gets his way.

Thomson, an Agfirst agribusiness consultant of 50 years’ experience, is leading a project he hopes will unleash

dairy beef potential through partnerships between two quite different segments of the agricultural sector.

One is geared towards producing beef, the other milk.

“We’re proposing to put up a project to demonstrate how partnerships between dairy farmers and beef farmers can

Dairy cows can provide a boost for the meat industry.

beef up the meat industry

work,” Thomson said following a May 28 workshop at Owl Farm, Cambridge.

Owl Farm is a joint venture between St Peter’s School and Lincoln University that aims to demonstrate excellence in farm performance, share knowledge and provide opportunities for students.

Owl Farm cows are in the top three precent when it comes to breeding worth.

“They don’t need to mate all of their cows to a dairy sire to generate the next crop of replacement calves, so they have cows available to mate to something else. Their calves could just be surplus, or they could be generated for a useful purpose,” Thomson said.

That purpose is joining the national beef herd.

“The timing is right for this, and the reason is we’ve now identified beef bulls that provide a real value proposition, a real good reason to establish a relationship that you can get these calves of these top sires back onto your farm for finishing as a beef breeder,” he said.

“Dairy farmers have got surplus calves. It’s not such a big deal now we can bobby a number.

“In the future we’re having to think about that might not be an option. So, if we can start working on solutions now, that would be a great thing.”

The project is relying on a decade’s worth of dairy beef progeny data collected from two 800 cow herds at Limestone Downs, Port Waikato, and

Wairakei, Taupo.

Typically, beef farmers don’t collect the depth of data on their animals that dairy farmers do.

But this dairy beef progeny data set changes all that, including crucial birth weight, calving ease, gestation length and days to weaning data.

“Information has not been collected and available like this before,” Thomson said.

“This was a first.

“We’ve actually learned that not one breed has got a monopoly on good performance.

“There are a number of different breeds that have that.”

Thomson described it as a “win win situation” for both dairy and beef segments of the agricultural sector, one focused on milk solids production, the other on carcass weight.

“It’s real data giving them the confidence that they’re not dealing with estimations. They’re dealing with actual information.”

“With cattle from dairy farms making up fifty percent of all beef-finishing cattle in New Zealand it is imperative that we seek breeding solutions that meet dairy farmers objective of short gestation and easing calving and provide a high growth, excellent quality animal for the beef industry,” Owl Farm demonstration manager Jo Sheridan said:

“With the advances in technology to mate cows and the data coming from superior beef sires - we have the ability

to improve productivity for both dairy and beef farmers by creating a highquality dairy beef calf that adds value to everyone along the supply chain.”

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Agfirst agribusiness consultant Bob Thomson, Fonterra Farm Source’s Dr Rebecca Hickson, Owl Farm demonstration manager Jo Sheridan, farmer Jeremy Lee, WormWise programme manager Ginny Dodunski, Beef and Lamb director Phil Weir at the Owl Farm workshop.

Nearing the tipping point

Fourth generation sheep farmer Matthew Scott fears for the future of the industry –he shared his concerns with Paul Charman.

Matthew Scott began farming in the 1990s when a shearer could earn enough money in a few years to put a deposit on a farm.

“We’d shear lambs before Christmas which doesn’t get done now because of the state of the wool industry, I remember my grandfather talking about the first block (647 ha) he bought off the BNZ bank.”

It was paid for in full by the wool cheque he received in his second year.

Thrity-plus years on the recent improvement from the rock bottom returns of 80c a kg to the current $2.50$2.60 had been appreciated - but not so much when one considered the assessment of farm adviser Trevor Cook.

Cook told Scott that a return of $10 a kg should be considered the break-even to cover costs of crutching, dipping, animal health, growth rates, viral pneumonia and other factors.

“So you can see how dire things are,” Scott said.

“Right now we’re on a very fine line of a tipping point where we risk not having a labour industry to remove the wool off the animal because so many farmers have already moved to shedding sheep to remove that cost.”

Initially, even before the wool price crashed, an increase in labour costs took a big chunk of farmers’ profits, but Scott doesn’t complain about that.

“I believe quite possibly the shearers,

rousies and pressers aren’t paid enough. Its a pretty demanding job and all credit to those people who put their hands up to do it.”

What needs to happen?

“I would like to see wool be utilised more and recognised worldwide for its qualities. There’s still little understanding of where it comes from and how its processed.

“Some out there still think the animals are killed to get the wool, or they perceive shearing as a form of cruelty, or whatever.”

He is mystified that environmental pundits like those in the Green Party do not shout the benefits of wool from the roof tops.

“Wool is superior to sythetics now getting the blame for shedding microfibres which have gotten into the food chain.

“It almost feels like people don’t want to recognise wool because its coming out of farming.

“There seems to be a stigma that farmers are to be regarded as environmental criminals. Potentially this has perception has held wool back.

“We need the whole of Parliament to get behind wool, not just one party. It’s probably the premium product coming out of our contry with most going for it environmentally.

“Somebody is always cooking up with a new idea, like the use of strong wool in nappy liners, and they seem promising but it never seems to get off the ground.

“We always on the verge of a breakthrough through technology and that’s great. But for wool to survive the famer is going to have to be paid more now.”

Fourth generation wool farmer, Matthew Scott and his wife Hayley at their Ōpārau property. PHOTO: PAUL CHARMAN

Six month turnaround - MP

Paul Charman

Associate Minister of Agriculture Mark Patterson has given himself six months to begin turning around the fortunes of wool.

“I agree that the situation is dire, but there’s so much going on behind the scenes which farmers should know about,” he said.

“We’ve got six months to make a coherent plan for recovery, because that is the time we have between now and when farmers begin to purchase their genetics for next year.”

Patterson agreed with Matthew Scott’s comments on $10 being the break-even price for wool.

“While we won’t be seeing the wool price rise to $10 a kg in six months, we want farmers to see the pathway to get there.”

The coalition Government was aware of the situation and he had been tasked with, “getting under the bonnet and making a real change”.

But counterintuitive as it sounded, he said the issue was less about wool than the profitability of hill country sheep and beef farming and its ability to be a sustainable land use, particularly in competition with forestry.

“If we don’t have wool contributing to farmers’ bottom line in a meaningful manner, that whole model is in jeopardy.

“Then pastureland will be lost to pines with disastrous consequences for rural

communities. Wool couldn’t be a higher priority in terms of recognising this issue.”

With Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and fellow Associate Minister, Andrew Hoggard, Patterson has been explaining the Government’s thinking at a series of 30 shearing shed meetings across the country.

“The situation is bad and many wool farmers are making what is to them a logical move in the short term to shedding sheep.”

He described the situation as a burning platform.

“But there is only one way to turn this around; we need demand exceeding supply (with wool) going into end uses that can support a much higher farm gate price.

He said in the last two or three years $38m had been invested in 30 technology projects.

“Also, we have co-funded Wool Impact, which has been tasked with looking at ways which we can lift returns for strong wool.

“We’re seeing things like 3D printed acoustic panels and wool going into medical grade bandaging, nappies and sanitary pads.”

Wool Source NZ had deconstructed wool into powders dyes and pigments.

“A lot of those initiatives are at a point where they are ready to up-scale and go

commercial.

“The big opportunity we have is that there is a real move back to natural fibres and a growing awareness of issues like micro plastics.

“It’s also good news that following a $50m rebuild, the cyclone damaged wool scourer at Awatoto, near Napier, is back up and running.”

He said pathways to take wool to market should be improved.

“We have to look at the likes of Zespri and Fonterra; we’re not going to be able to replicate them, but there could well be a more direct link between the growers and the end market.

That’s not the big prize but it’s certainly part of the puzzle.”

Down to the last 24.4 million

A long-term drop in the total area of grassland is, unsurprisingly, being blamed for a drop in livestock numbers.

Agricultural statistics senior manager at Statistics NZ, Stuart Jones said the national sheep flock was 24.4 million for the year ended June 2023 – a three per cent (773,000) drop.

In the same period, total beef cattle numbers fell four per cent (167,000) to 3.7 million and dairy cattle by 1 percent (45,000) to 5.9 million.

The total area in grassland, excluding tussock, fell 12 per cent (942,000 hectares) from 2011 to 2023. Over that period sheep numbers fell 22 per cent (6.8 million) and beef cattle numbers by five per cent.

The area was about 15 times the size of Lake Taupō. The area in pine and other exotic forest grew 11 per cent(179,000 hectares) in that period.

Dairy cattle numbers peaked in 2014, and have since fallen by 12 percent (813,000). The exception to that fall is Canterbury where numbers rose 27,000 – two per cent.

The use of fertiliser usage also fell – by 54,000 tonnes, 11 per cent in the period.

Agriculture continues to be a mainstay of New Zealand’s export industry. Of New Zealand’s total $69 billion exports for the year to 31 March 2024, the top four export products by value were dairy products ($19.6 billion), meat and edible offal ($8.7 billion), timber ($4.9 billion) and fruit ($3.7 billion).

The country’s sheep population has dropped by almost seven million since 2011.

Hot Tips for Successful Farm Succession

Farming is a way of life, so it can be difficult to imagine handing over the reins, exiting from it altogether or selling a particular farming asset.

For many, planning for rural farm succession doesn’t come easily, forcing you to think about the unexpected and plan ahead for what you want to happen. In this article, Gallie Miles rural farm succession experts Sue Garmonsway and Alex McIvor walk you through the rural farm succession process and share their top tips on having a robust rural succession plan.

1. Consider the ‘what ifs’

While you’re busy living your day-to-day of life, thinking about the unimaginable ‘what if’ scenarios of life can be difficult. Working through these is key to having a robust succession plan.

“In life, things can go wrong and the unexpected can crop up,” says Sue.

“A good succession plan requires consideration of all the ‘what ifs’ – death, separation, loss of capacity, family falling out, new in-laws becoming involved.”

“As part of our succession planning discussions, we encourage you to have those difficult conversations and workshop through all the ‘what ifs’ so that you can be

clear about what you want to happen.”

“I’m like the pessimist in the equation. I come up with everything bad that could happen and derail the outcome they want and force people to think about those ‘what ifs’. They’re all relevant to the succession equation.”

2.Get everyone in the same room

Having a good professional team surrounding you helps you to map out your options and shape your plan.

“Ideally, your lawyer, accountant and banker are all together in the one room when the plan is being discussed and formulated,” says Alex.

“Each professional brings a slightly different perspective to the debate, which helps you to consider all avenues and options.”

“What I think of as a fantastic plan may have disastrous tax implications. What your accountant thinks will work might not be legally robust, and what your accountant and lawyer come up with, the bank might not finance,” adds Sue.

“It’s really important to have all those professionals involved at the outset to try to make a difficult process easier.”

3. Every plan is different

There is no one size fits all solution, or one single approach.

“It depends on the assets, outcomes and personalities involved,” says Sue.

“For the person leaving the farm, it’s about ‘how much do I still want to earn as a living,’ and for the ones coming in, it’s a question of ‘what can I afford to pay?’”

“Managing expectations can be hard and everyone’s perspectives need to be considered.”

4. It’s a commitment in time and energy

Alex says the process takes time to get it right, and it’s a commitment in both time and energy.

“It takes time and requires commitment from all parties,” says Alex.

“Some people take longer to get onto the same page or come around to a succession discussion, and emotions can run high at times. Some are happy to take risks, and others want to mitigate every risk possible and don’t care what it costs.”

5. Consider all structures

Good succession requires consideration of all of the structures available, says Sue.

“Each situation is different, and a company, a trust, or partnership may be appropriate,” she says.

“Trusts add an extra level of complexity and were often drafted for specific reasons at a

given moment in time. But they are still a useful way to achieve succession,” she says.

“However the farming business is being operated, documentation also needs careful consideration, including Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Shareholder Agreement and Partnership Agreement.”

At the end of the day, it’s about being thorough, seeking professional advice and having those difficult conversations to get everyone on the same page.

“The biggest thing we can’t stress enough is the need for a really well documented plan.

A lawyer is crucial to that,” says Alex.

“When you look at the individual farm succession transactions in isolation, unless you have context, it’s really hard down the

track to look into the reasons behind each decision made. Also if someone dies during the process, you need a legally enforceable document.”

Contact the Gallie Miles team to start your succession journey.

Mark Patterson.

Secrets of an award winning farm

Sigrid Christiansen talks to

Group General Manager

Anaru Smiler about how Ahuwhenua award winners Wairarapa Moana ki Pouakani

Incorporation’s policies have led to its success.

“Looking after people:” that’s the short answer. “Research and evaluation,” might be a slightly longer one. In the calving season’s peak, WMI workers are provided with food drops. They don’t have to find time for supermarket visits during what is always an intense time of year on any dairy farm, however well managed.

It’s just one part suite of strategies aimed at keeping a healthy, happy, workforce.

There’s recognition: an annual awards night in Taupō. And there’s implementation of the Healthy Homes scheme to ensure staff housing is a cut above the norm for dairy farming.

The farming roster is designed to support worker’ wellbeing in an industry notorious for long hours.

“There’s a 7 on, 2 off, 7 on 2 off, 7 on 3 off roster – so workers get the usual two day breaks, plus every third weekend is a long weekend,” Smiler said.

On some farms, things are done because that’s how they’ve always been done. Not here.

“Evaluation is a big part of what we do.” We have a responsibility to our shareholders, so we don’t invest in products or systems unless we’ve used our processes to determine whether they will be right for our farms.”

The evaluation process works by trialling initiatives on just one of the group’s farms, and rolling it out to the others. Cow collars are one such example; they’re currently being tested just on one block, before a bigger investment.

After all, with 12,000 cows across the board, that’s a substantial dollar cost.

The overall goal is keeping the farm productive with an increasing focus on environmental goals.

“We have been lowering inputs such as feed supplementation and nitrogen, while maintaining our production.”

According to Kim Turner, the manager of Farm 4 – the dairy unit that won the Ahuwhenua Trophy – that low input model is one of the things that sets the farm apart from others. It is the farm’s biggest challenge, but one of its biggest assets.

Kim said the almost all female team was another: she found her workforce reliable, as well as respectful of each other, the cows, and the farm equipment.

GM Anaru Smiler said herd genetics were also central.

“One of the ways we’ve done this is through understanding our genetics –so we increase the number of high BW (breeding worth) cows in our herd, as an example.”

Wairarapa Moana Ki Pouakani (WMI) currently consists of 12 dairy units across 4,300ha, three dairy support units comprising 1,900 ha and two forestry blocks totalling 6,100ha.

The dairy side of the operation aims to produce five million milksolids from its 12,000 cow herd and is the largest supplier to milk processor Miraka Ltd,

CALF MILK PUMP

of which WMI is a cornerstone shareholder.

WMI coperates under the stewardship of the mokopuna of the original 230 owners, Kingi Smiler (Chair), Te Horipo Karaitiana (Deputy Chair), Anne Carter, Sonya Rimene and Brad Tatere. The Committee’s aspiration is to continue to nurture their taonga for future generations guided by the overarching philosophy of kaitiakitanga. With a strong focus on optimising both economic and environmental performance, WMI has comprehensive

business and environmental plans, aimed at building a sustainable and resilient business.

WMI also provides cultural and social investment to support the well-being of their tipuna marae, owners and wider whānau, as well as the community in Mangakino.

It will be another three years before the Ahuwhenua trophy is again awarded to a dairy farm.

It rotates its process of recognition between horticulture, sheep and beef, and dairy – and 2024 was dairy’s turn.

Wairarapa Moana leaders Sonya Rimene, Anaru Smiler, Lyn Whata and Kingi Smiler. PHOTO: ALPHAPIX

Market change for red meat

Strengthening red meat demand from the United States has overtaken a diminishing China market, Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva says (pictured).

Exports to China were down 37 per cent to $231 million, compared to April 2023, as meat importers continued to draw down on frozen inventory built up over Covid. China has consistently been New Zealand’s largest market since July 2018, with the exception of February 2020 when there was a significant drop at the start of the Covid pandemic.

to the UK rose 62 per cent to $43 million and by 38 per cent to the US, to $57 million. China accounted for 26 per cent of sheepmeat exports by value for the month, compared to 40 per cent last April.

Sheepmeat exports to the EU were worth $89 million, down from $104 million - still the second highest April figure for exports to the EU since 2018.

Beef exports remained steady year-on-year, with overall exports up two per cent by volume and value to 45,174 tonnes and $403 million.

Self-interested participants in the energy sector who make money from selling as much power as possible are quick to say New Zealand needs to generate more power but do not push reducing overall energy demand, Ecobulb managing director Chris Mardon said.

Exports to the US rose 19 per cent to $261 million in April, making it the largest market for the month, and there was also a large increase in exports to Canada, up 105 per cent to $32 million. Livestock numbers in both the US and Canada have been declining following widespread drought.

The sector exported red meat worth $922 million during the month, down four per cent from last April. Sheep meat exports were down two per cent on last April, at 37,057 tonnes. The value was down 10 per cent to $345 million.

Exports to China were down 27 per cent to 16,081 tonnes and the value down 44 per cent to $88 million. Exports

The US was the largest market for the month, up five per cent by volume to 17,678 tonnes and 15 per cent by value to $176 million.

Exports to China were down 21 per cent by volume to 14,347 tonnes and 34 per cent by value to $98 million.

There was a significant increase in exports to Japan compared to last April, up 170 per cent by volume to 3,833 tonnes and 161 per cent by value to $36 million attributed to Japan’s significant growth in tourist numbers this year, particularly in the food service sector. The country recorded a record 3.1 million foreign visitors in March.

Exports to Canada were up 239 per cent by volume to 2,045 tonnes and 235 per cent by value to $19 million.

He says the impact of energy efficient appliances is ignored because it reduces power consumption and therefore their growth in profits.

Ecobulb developed a software platform in the King Country in 2021 to undertake in-home and on-line energy assessments.

It says in less than a year it combined its software platform with commercial, human and process innovations to deliver 2289 energy assessments and $1.34 million a year in savings on power bills to King Country homes.

“All too frequently we hear talk that New Zealand’s power system cannot keep up with demand and needs to burn thousands of tonnes of carbon-belching Indonesian coal, that blackouts are possible, and spot prices are at sky-high

levels,” Mardon said.

“What’s missing is the larger energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emission reduction potential from the widespread rollout of efficient lighting, hot water heating and electric motors in New Zealand homes and buildings.”

Ecobulb has recommended to ministers and the Climate Change Commission that the government recommence and scale up its co-investment for energy efficiency programmes that deliver electricity savings at a lower cost than new electricity generation – and oblige and incentivise lines companies and electricity retailers to improve energy efficiency.

He noted a Concept Consulting evaluation found that replacing all 29 million inefficient light bulbs in New Zealand homes with LEDs would deliver 3.9 million tonnes of avoided carbon dioxide emissions through to 2040.

The country was warned last month to reduce their electricity use amid potential tightness in supply as spot prices hit $5,000 per MWh.

The way through a cold winter is energy efficiency, says Ecobulb.

Record turnout for price hedging

Chris Gardner

A record number of dairy farmers and rural professionals have turned out for a milk price hedging workshop.

Thirty-two people showed up for the workshop at Fonterra Farm Source, Cambridge, a larger turnout than previous workshops in the Waikato, Taranaki, and the South Island.

“Farmers are becoming more interested, which is really positive, interest

has been growing pretty rapidly over the past three years” said NZX derivatives sales manager James Atkinson said.

More than 20 per cent of New Zealand milk produced by just under five million dairy cows in more than 11,000 dairy herds is being managed via milk hedging tools.

Milk price makes up more than half of an average dairy farm’s risk profile when looking at different costs and

revenue streams on farm from season to season.

Fonterra dairy farmers have been able to use fixed milk price tools since 2019. Futures and Options have been available since 2017, however, they have seen more uptake from farmers over the past few years.

Milk price hedging uses financial instruments such as futures contracts and options or processor fixed contracts to hedge against fluctuations in milk price driven by climactic, economic, and political factors.

Futures can be used to lock in a milk price for a future season.

“Farmers pay an initial margin upfront which generally decreases over the life of the future position as volatility reduces and the milk price becomes more known,” Atkinson said.

“The variation margin is marked daily to the futures market price.”

Options are like insurance, Farmer pays a premium up front, to protect themselves from a falling milk price.

“Options protect against downside risk in milk price and can be an effective tool for farmers who want to set a price floor,” he said.

“There are a number of strategies farmers can use with Options.

“The ’24 season milk price futures dropped to as low as $6.70 per kilogram of milk solids then peaked above $10.30 throughout the life of the contract. Every season can be volatile.”

Fonterra’s May 29 forecast was between $7.70 and $7.90 per kilogrammes of milk solids.

“Fixed milk price is a handy way to get farmers started in the education.

They can build from that to other products and tools.”

“A lot of other businesses use these sorts of tools to lock in the margin and lock in profit.”

“Farmers use the tools for hedging purposes, which means to manage their price risk and manage their business more effectively. So, if you can lock in margins above costs on farm that can build resilience within a business. It’s for managing milk price risk.” • Quality, professional advice to farmers and businesses

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NZX derivatives sales manager James Atkinson.

Pushback on carbon forest claims

Independent forest ecologist Adam Forbes says the notion carbon credit pine plantations can reliably be transitioned into permanent native forests at large scales is false.

New Zealand Carbon Farming claims pines can be managed for use as a nursery to established native forests over periods of up to 100 years.

Forbes thinks this is highly unlikely. Having researched the subject for 12 years he concluded the intensive management required to achieve it would probably render such a venture unprofitable.

Instead, he predicts many of the carbon forests now planted across the North Island, including those in the King Country, will be subject to wildfires and become infested with plant and animal pests.

“The scale of the land under pine forests in the Central North Island – which now cover many thousands of hectares – means that controlling browsing animals such as goats and deer to the level required (for native regeneration) would be near impossible.

These will wipe out the native plants needed to establish a permanent native forest,” Forbes

said.

“Add to this the fact that these forests are likely to become unstable as many of the trees have been planted on very thin skeletal soils.

“This means that once they begin to windthrow they will continue to windthrow.”

He measured the diversity of natives that grow in pine forests and concluded that it was generally far too low to sustain the growth of a native canopy that would eventually enable a permanent self-sustaining forest.

Outside of a few “hot spot areas” in the King Country, such as near the Pureora Forest, it is not feasible to envisage that sufficient native seeds will be available to grow a sustainable native forest over time, he said.

But this image is being projected by NZ Carbon Farming. Its website has an animation portraying the progress over the next 100 years of a property slowly turning into native forest after being planted in pines.

Light wells are created, while planting long-lived totara and rewarewa.

And at about 100 years this property is a bio diversity rich permanent native forest.

“I think there is more uncertainty than certainty over what they are saying,” says Forbes.

“If those stands don’t achieve what they are claiming the likely outcome is that they will harbour pests, both browsing animals (deer and goats) and plant pests.

“There will be a wildfire risk and the stands could be unstable as pines are planted on skeletal soils, like those in many parts of the King Country, where pines are shallow rooted.

“Why would you expect carbon investors to reinvest so heavily in forest management when they are faced with costs to deal with all these issues.”

NZ Carbon Farming was given an opportunuity to comment.

Dr Adam Forbes has specialist expertise in forest ecology and restoration and operates primarily as a consultant ecologist based in Havelock North.

He holds a PhD in Forestry and is a Research Associate with the University of Canterbury (UC) School of Forestry.

In 2019 he was appointed as the UC Restoration Ambassador, is a role in which he provides expert restoration advice to landowners across New Zealand.

FARM PROFESSIONALS

Independent forest ecologist Adam Forbes.

PHOTO

refurbished conveyor, elevator and floor, tidy order ready for the season. REF: 17215

Sam 4.75T Fert Spreader, cover & pipe with mesh frame, tandem axle, stainless spinner tubes REF: 17153

Agrotron K610, Trima Euro loader, 6cyl, 127hp, powershift transmission. REF: 17425

New Holland T7.200, auto command trans, super steer, electronic rear remotes, good value. REF: 17617

Jaylor 5425 Mixer Wagon, very tidy and only traded because of change of farming practice, Scales etc all good, hook on and load up to feed the herd. REF: 18051

Case IH Farmall JX90, 90 horsepower, Sigma Euro loader, wet clutch transmission, only 2400hrs, excel. REF: 17243

New Holland T6020, 110 horsepower, fitted with U10 MX loader, 3rd service, tidy cond. REF: 17330

Robertson Super Comby, 10.5 cube, will feed rounds, squares, maize and silage, as traded, has been workshop checked. REF: 17696

Robertson Super Comb, SF 1750, tandem axle, side feed, fi tted with brakes and scales, big capacity

condition. REF: 17672

Deutz Agrotron K430 Cab, 2018, 4206 hrs, with Trima Loader, bucket and 3rd service, 3 rear remotes, front weights, good tyres, ready for work. REF: 18164

John Deere 6120 Rops, 2008, 4751 hrs, Tidy one owner tractor, Dual rear wheels, two rear remotes, Loader, 3rd service, euro hitch, new suspension seat fitted. REF: 18085

Club

welcome all new farmers to the district

•

entertainment every Friday night 11 Sports Sections

• Free wifi

of parking at rear of building

• Function rooms available for hire

107 Maniapoto St, Ōtorohanga 07 873 8021 • oto.club@xtra.co.nz

Welcome to the King Country

We have a team of experienced dairy, sheep & beef veterinarians who look forward to working with you to help ensure the success of your business. We o er a range of services from animal health planning and advisory services through to dehorning, pregnancy scanning and everything in between.

120 Maniapoto St, Ōtorohanga 07 873 8156

Here to help you Ōtorohanga District Council Services

RESOURCE CONSENTS

If you’re thinking of subdividing or developing your land, you may need to apply for a resource consent under council’s district plan. Council’s planning staff can advise whether a consent will be needed, and what you need to do if a consent is required.

LIBRARY SERVICES

The Ōtorohanga District Library is a modern, welcoming community space in the centre of Ōtorohanga. Membership is free to residents and ratepayers of the district and the library offers a range of resources including books for adults, teens, children and babies. There are computers available for free public use, as well as free WiFi. Ōtorohanga Library runs a variety of programmes including Wriggle & Rhyme for babies, Story�me for children aged 2-4, winter and summer holiday reading programmes and children’s school holiday ac�vi�es. An a�erschool STEM programme runs Monday and Thursdays (Term �me only). An adult reading discussion group meets monthly in the library.

Our small branch library at Kāwhia is open 7.5 hours per week and off ers 24/7 WiFi. You can view the catalogue, download e-books and e-audio books, and access digital research resources here: ōtorohanga.kotui.org.nz.

DOG REGISTRATION

Don’t forget your best friend! Dogs moving into a new district must be registered in the new area. It only takes a few minutes to transfer registra�on from other councils and there is no charge for this service. It is an offence to have unregistered dogs, so to avoid penal�es and/or infringements for non-registered dogs please call or visit our office.

BUILDING/RENOVATION

Thinking of building or altering your home or shed, or installing a fireplace? Then it’s likely you will need a building consent.

Council’s friendly and knowledgeable building control team can help provide the guidance you need to ensure that your building work

meets the requirements of the Building Act. Our team can assist you with the applica�on process and the documents needed for a consent applica�on. We make it stress-free and easy, saving you �me and money.

REFUSE/RECYCLING

Council provides a weekly refuse andrecycling collec�on service to the urban communi�es of Ōtorohanga, Kāwhia and Aotea. Refuse must be in official bags available from local stores. Council does not provide refuse collec�on services to rural areas, but there are a number of refuse and recycling centres where approved recyclable materials can be deposited free of charge. Household rubbish may incur a cost unless in an official bag. Further details of these facili�es and services, including the types of materials accepted for recycling can be obtained from Council. Head to https://www.otodc.govt.nz/ council-services/rubbish-and-recycling

SWIMMING POOL

The Ōtorohanga Memorial Pool is a great facility with three separate pools and a fi tness centre. The 20m heated indoor pool is open all year, with learn to swim lessons available for all ages. Call in to discuss your fi tness or swimming needs. For further details please visit clmnz.co.nz/ōtorohanga/ or phone: 07 873 8646.

CONTACT US

Ques�ons or queries? Call us on 07 873 4000, email info@otodc.govt.nz or visit our offi ce at 17 Maniapoto St. Keep an eye out on our social media channels, website and newspapers for the latest updates.

Facebook: Follow council on Facebook for the latest news www.facebook.com/ŌtorohangaDistrictCouncil

Instagram: Our latest news is also on Instagram www.instagram.com/otorohangadistrictcouncil Web: www.otodc.govt.nz

Pop in and meet Scott and the team, We offer safe, natural, drug free healthcare.

008 An Assemblies of God Church 10:30am Sunday 10 Sheridan St, Te Kuiti Pastor Terry & Rowena Bradley 07 878 8694 A

The NPG team would like to welcome all new farmers and families to the District. We offer comprehensive plumbing services, specializing in drainage, roofing and gas fitting at competative prices • Darts • 8 Ball • Rod n Reel • Outdoor Bowls • Indoor Bowls • Quiz • Social

Snooker • Trapshooters • Golf

TAB • Gaming Machines • Bistro

Courtesy Shuttle • Membership Draws Come down and see why the Waitomo Club is a friendly and fun environment Waitomo Club INC Corner of King St East and Taupiri St 07 878 8263 I waitomoclub@xtra.co.nz

OSBORNES

Welcomes all new families to the district.

For all your accounting, taxation, and financial advice phone us on 07 873 8189

or call in to 11 Tuhoro St, Ōtorohanga

Making a positive difference in your life

44 Waitete Road, Te Kuiti

are our west coast villages of Awakino, Mōkau, Marokopa and Te Waitere.

Our district has many special features, including exceptional landscapes and significant stands of native bush. These offer you great walking, and cycling opportunities.

Tourism plays a huge role in our district. The world famous Waitomo Caves sit within our boundaries. Alongside these caves are other attractions for you to explore, including activities such as black water rafting. Further east, the Pureora forest is home to thousand year old native trees. The Timber Trail winds its way through this forest and is one of New Zealand’s premier cycle ways. The village of Maniaiti/Benneydale has a rich history.

To the south of our district lies the village of Piopio, famous as one of the locations where The Hobbit was filmed. Then there

Waitomo District Council’s role is to lead and represent our communities and provide quality infrastructure, local public services, and compliance functions such as building control and animal control services. We are a customer and community focussed organisation. We value feedback because it provides information about what we need to focus on to improve our services and facilities.

We would like to hear from you once you’ve settled in, so we can make sure all your details are up to date in our system, and we can keep you informed on topics of interest - such as dog registration and rates. Paying rates invoices is simple with our Easy Pay (direct debit) arrangement.

We encourage you to get involved in Council’s future plan-

ning for our district, by sharing your views during public consultation, attending Council meetings and events, or sharing your opinion with the Elected Members. Please feel comfortable to contact WDC on 0800 932 4357 for general queries or to make a service request.

Our website www.waitomo. govt.nz will help you find information on all Council services, and our Facebook page www. facebook.com/waitomodistrict will keep you up to date with Council projects and news.

Welcome to the district from

“The Super Maori

Fullas”

We can help you with reglazing, aluminium joinery repairs, splash backs, showers, glass balustrades and more

0800 554 527 • 027 554 5270 info@jakesglass.co.nz

Waitomo Mayor John Robertson

A place to call home

Solid, elevated and located in a quiet cul-de-sac you will fall in love with this charming three bedroom, one bathroom home.

A fabulous layout includes a large family living area complete with a cosy fireplace for those chilly winter nights and it adjoins the dining area and kitchen.

The property also features a garden shed, perfect for storing your gardening tools, wood or outdoor equipment.

With a spacious land area of approximately

857sqm and a building area of approx 150sqm, there’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy all that this property has to offer.

If garaging and storage is high on the priority list, prepare to be amazed by this large double basement garage, with an additional workshop space and a room which would make ideal ‘mancave’.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to own a piece of paradise in Ōtorohanga. Contact Sonia today to schedule a viewing and make this property your new home

LOCATION | 8 Glenview Ave, Ōtorohanga

LAND I 857m2 HOUSE I 150m2

HOUSE | 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, two car spaces

PRICE | $559,000

LICENSED AGENT | Ray White Te Awamutu

LICENSED SALESPERSON | Sonia Furniss 027 540 0726

WEBSITE | rwteawamutu.co.nz

WEB ID | TEA30889

1, 627 Waitomo

Otorohanga, 8105sqm rural lifestyle section. Phone Julie $370,000

Lots 90-108 Harpers Avenue, 486sqm to 962sqm, Westridge II subdivision. Phone John From $220,000ea

Te Kūiti sections (sizes are approximate)

54A Ailsa Street (Lot 1), Te Kuiti, 2159sqm, end of a cul de sac, STT. Phone Buzz By Negotiation

54A Ailsa Street (Lot 2), Te Kuiti, 1707sqm, end of a cul de sac, STT. Phone Buzz By Negotiation

Other sections (sizes are approximate)

0 Raglan Road, Kawhia, 2648sqm lifestyle section, no covenants, completely off grid. Ph Julie $340,000 neg

147 Maukutea Drive, Kawhia, 600sqm, covenants apply, services at drive, water tank on site. Ph Julie $375,000

20C Parihoro Road, Pirongia, 5004sqm (STT), 4 bay shed wired for power, bore water. Ph Cherie $450,000

254B Pekanui Rd, Pirongia, 1.9225ha, 12min drive to Pirongia village, covenants. Ph Cherie or Noldy $295,000

194E Pekanui Rd, Pirongia, 1.9973ha, 12min drive to Pirongia village, covenants.

Kawhia 112 Tainui Street

The location doesn’t get much better, close to the beach and amenities with plenty of parking and space for the boat and tents.

Holidaying in Kawhia will be sorted as this three bedroom home is situated on a typical Kiwi quarter-acre 1012m2 freehold section.

A super tidy easy care property with the option to buy fully-furnished and ready to enjoy. It would also make an ideal permanent coastal residence.

Selling as a Deceased Estate and priced well below the capital value of $630,000 we don’t expect this one to sit for long.

We encourage you to view at this weekends open home as we know this property is going to generate early interest. Don’t let it be the one that got away!

For Sale $580,000 View blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22465

Team Kerry & Karen

Ōtorohanga 6 Glen View Avenue

A north facing suntrap with elevation, this tidy home with three double bedrooms is the perfect starter or secondstep property.

Located in a quiet cul-dec sac with a rural outlook from the deck this home has had a full renovation and redecorated a couple of years ago including a modern kitchen and more recently, a new bathroom too with only the flooring left to complete.

Better in brick with a basement storage area (which can be accessed by vehicle) provides a good dry lock up area for toys, tools and the spare freezer.

A sound property as a rental with the changes to the brightline test just a month away.

In-zone for Otorohanga South School and priced to sell!

Get your offer in quick as the sellers have purchased elsewhere.

For Sale $529,000 View blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22468

kjharty@harcourts.co.nz

Karen Lennox 027 559 4468

karen.lennox@harcourts.co.nz

Situated on 1.5353 hectares of land which has been well subdivided with numerous paddocks and comfortably grazing a couple of beef cattle this could be the self sufficient lifestyle you have been yearning, with the added bonus of a large set of yards, a massive implement shed and bore water.

To say this property is punching well above it price tag would be an understatement. Seriously for sale, this is a property that wont take long to acquire a sold sticker so view with urgency at our next open home to avoid missing out.

For Sale $560,000 View blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22467 Handy to both Otorohanga and Te Kuiti this entry level lifestyle has a lot on offer for the price tag, including a good sized cosy four bedroom home which is healthy home compliant, as well as an outside room which with a bit of imagination could have a multitude of uses.

LIFESTYLE Ōtorohanga 105 Mangaorongo Road

A home home you need to view to appreciate the quality, finish and size as its bigger than it looks with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. A desirable location for those wishing to be just north of town and this exceptional property delivers on style, location, presentation with the bonus of a large two bay shed with workshop. Just enough space for a pony, with 5900sqm of land.

For Sale $849,000

View blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22459

Blue Ribbon Realty Limited Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Well positioned opportunity

Three-bedroom, weather board home set on a flat, low maintenance 1,012 m2, fully fenced section. Built in 1938 the home is set back from the road behind a low rise, concrete art deco style fence, an attractive property with great street appeal. All bedrooms are of double size as is the lounge, bathroom and laundry and storage options in every room. 15 Ngarongo Street has a single garage/workshop with power and concrete floor plus oodles of room for the kids to play safely in the fully enclosed garden. Alternatively develop the yard with raised garden beds, fruit trees or additional shedding.

Te Kuiti 15 Ngarongo Street

Te Kuiti 12A Seddon Street

Piopio 13 Kuku Street

Te Kuiti 15 Duke Street

Te Kuiti 16 Anzac Street

Mokau 8 Point Road

Otorohanga

GARDENING

Tips for growing garlic

Well wasn’t the first weekend of winter a great one, with only a little bit of drizzle here and there! I for one took full advantage of the fine weather and water blasted all my concrete and finished off removing unwanted plants

and re-planting so the view out my kitchen window is more appealing. Great plants to have in your garden which produce flowers for this time of year are Camellia sasanqua’s. They are flowering now and will continue to do so though Winter and the bees love them and at this time of year their food source is in short supply.

My favourites are: Camellia sasanqua ‘Crimson King’ a fast-growing dense upright shrub with large single bright red fragrant blooms, with masses of bright yellow stamens. Great choice for hedges or screen.

Camellia sasanqua ‘Early Pearly’ produces small, formal, double flowers that are white with a hint of pink. Early Pearly has an upright, open habit with dark green leaves.

Great for hedges and my favourite camellia.

Camellia sasanqua ‘Gay Boarder’ produces large fragrant single flowers, displaying a white to pale pink hue, with rose red shading on the boarders. Thrives in acidic soil, partial shade but can also tolerate full sun.

Camellia sasanqua ‘Mine-no-yuki’ is known for its elegant snow-white double blooms that feature orange anthers. It is great as an addition to your garden with its upright, willowy habit, with arching, cascading branches that add to its visual appearance.

Camellia sasanqua ‘Plantation Pink’ produces large light pink flowers with lovely yellow stamens. It thrives in moist, well drained soils and a sheltered site with full sun to partial shade. Perfect for a hedge or screen.

Camellia sasanqua ‘Setsugekka’ has medium sized single to semidouble pure white flowers with lovely yellow stamens with a slight fragrance. It has a upright, vigorous growth habit making it an excellent choice for a hedge or screen.

Across 1.

8.

11. Merciless (8)

13. Employees (9)

17. Month with birthstone of amethyst (8)

Last week

19. Threesome (4) 21. Spooky

22. Badly behaved (7) 23. Family of trees that includes

and manuka (6)

24. Armoured vehicle (4) Down

2. Colourful arc (7)

3. Mythical creature (4)

4. Distance around something (13)

5. Leaflet (8)

6. Pitch forward (5)

7. Untidy (5)

8. Brass instrument (4)

Dispute (8)

Made of clay (7)

Following (5)

Imitate (4)

Large and strong (person) (5)

Terse (4)

HELILENNAHCCFHPFBQ IPCEFEIWYLULCOURSE COKQLGETBRBALHCJZS PYRHNRTLRRAZQAFIWT DRAINNIEDAOTEUFTCR GHRWBTNVLDHOUNIUZE DPIOPTXQEUUCKBDFPA SOCLOJGMERVPOAIOEM RNOFNRUBEDNIILORYR XEXLULEIWDAVRLFATT LRDSFTASKEDCREEKEC PNHPOURGENLYSLICLU RORGUYREORULWAWAOD EHNANXCAVOVOWKCNHE SUCDTLLOPLNOYEDAEU YWZTALYKSIUNIAILRQ ECTAILRACEDCCRBROA

Across: 1. Inept, 4. Bother, 8. Radiant, 9. Alibi, 10. Strip, 11. Explore, 12. Sachet, 14. Severe, 17. Impulse, 19. Elect, 21. Least, 22. Sharpen, 23. Season, 24. Thyme.

Down: 1. Irresistible, 2. Elder, 3. Trample, 4. Bitter, 5. Tramp, 6. Episode, 7. Life sentence, 13. Cupcake, 15. Elegant, 16. Lesson, 18. Lotus, 20. Empty.

Unravel or become worn (4)

4. Paver (6)

Short message system (7) 9. Unit of weight (5) 10. Infant (4)

(5)

pohutukawa

Katrina Christison Tidy Gardens

TRADE PROFESSIONALS

Quality Painting

HANDYMAN

Mike & Allana 027 350 0836 info@handy-man.co.nz

Meetings

Waitomo Indoor Sports Centre Inc

AGM

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 @ 7pm at Te Kūiti Little Theatre King Street West, Te Kūiti All Welcome

Tenders

The purpose of this contract is to provide efficient cleaning and servicing of three public toilets and one public BBQ area in the vicinity of Kāwhia. This request for tender can be found on www.gets.govt. nz.

‘GETS’ RFx ID: 29511560

Tender Open Date: 31/05/2024 at 2pm

Tender Closing Date: 21/06/2024 at 2pm

All enquiries can be made to Robbie Whiteman by calling 027 2139 172 or emailing robbie@otodc.govt.nz with the reference ‘C1153 Kāwhia Toilet Cleaning’.

Ministry of Health advicePlumbosolvency

Sometimes small traces of metal can accumulate in plumbing fittings. Although the health risk is small, the Ministry of Health recommends that you discard a mugful of water from your tap each morning before use, to remove any metals that may have dissolved from the plumbing fittings. This simple tip is recommened for all households (both public and private water supplies).

Waitomo Search & Rescue AGM

Thursday, June 20 7pm

Te Kūiti Fire Station

Taupiri St, Te Kūiti All welcome Enquiries to Sandra (sec) 027 316 1768

Please take note RATANA WHAKAMOEMITI

Where: Te Kūiti Indoor

Bowls, Queen St, Te Kūiti

When: Sunday, June 9

Time: 11am

Contact: Waikura Jacobs 022 329 0512 Nau mai haere mai

Please bring a plate

GREEN Lynn (Girl):

On June 4, 2024 in Paeroa, aged 68 years.

Tamāhine a Kohatu rāua ko Wati Green. The youngest of the 18. Mum to Marea and Kevin, Erana, Kohatu and Teresa. Nunna to her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mum will lay at Tokikapu Marae with Rā Nehu, Friday, June 7 at 11am. One thing is for certain Mum, you definitely left your mark on this world. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

Taupiri St, Te Kuiti Notice to all members AGM 11am

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Doors will be locked at 11:10am

AGENDA: Apologies

Minutes of 2023 AGM

Consideratin of President’s report Financial statement for the year ending March 31, 2024

Election of officers

Election of auditor General business

No vote is required for President, Treasurer as nominations were equalled to the positions available.

A vote is required for the Vice President as two nominations were received. The unsuccessful candidate for Vice President will automatically full the 7th committee position.

Have something you need to photocopy?

We offer a wide range of photocopy and printing services at very competitive prices – in fact we are the cheapest in town! Bring your own paper or choose from our wide range of speciality paper and card. Call in and see us now at 18 King St East, Te Kuiti

ASHBY, Sarah: June 8, 2020. Four years now mum. Its as though it was yesterday. God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he placed his arms around you and he whispered ‘Come with me’. With tearful eyes I watched you. I watched you fade away although I loved you dearly I could not make you stay. Forever in our hearts Antonio (Shane) and Kelly

Quota Club Inc