CountryLife Friday August 24, 2018
CountryLife – 1
AUGUST 2018
Bloomin’ marvellous
Successful lily producers Anne and David Blewden (centre), with operations manager Josh Bull (left) and marketing manager Bobby Grindrod. See story page 2
2 – CountryLife
Lilies with a tale to tell By Viv Posselt
Twenty-five years ago, Anne and David Blewden stepped out of a classroom and into a venture that has blossomed, quite literally, into a successful secondary career. They’re the couple behind Lilies by Blewden, an operation tucked down the bottom of Pukerimu Lane. It’s there that they turned a onetime asparagus field into 11,000 square metres of automated greenhouses producing 1.1 million stems a year; and it’s from there that they have garnered respect as one of the country largest producers of premium-grade lilies. The Blewdens’ journey grew out of a frustration with teaching, yet oddly redirected their innate ability to nurture children into nurturing flowers of a different sort. Now, after a whirlwind two decades of perfecting systems, of expansion, exporting and bedding in their markets, the Blewdens’ focus is on quality and margins. “There are probably about four other lily growers in New Zealand that are around the same size as us. A lot of growers believe that they must keep getting bigger to remain profitable,” David explained. “We followed that model for years, but now all our energy goes into innovation, research and development. It’s about how we improve our efficiency with what we have; improve our margins in relation to production.” To that end, they invested heavily in what David calls ‘business intelligence’, installing computer dashboard software that allows them to watch in real time how many flower stems sell per labour unit, tracking their progress minuteby-minute. “It’s important for us because we are price-takers, rather than price-makers.
Having that technical ability lets us see what the market is doing in real time, it allows us to see how our business is flying.” They then package that up with added value in terms of quality of service, part of which is the application of a product imported from Holland which extends the vase life of cut lilies by up to 50 per cent. Stems are treated after harvesting, and customers are able to purchase the product to add to their vase at home. It’s all a delicate dance linking nature, science, business and technology. Bulbs are purchased from Holland, then planted, tended and harvested at Blewdens in an operation David describes more as factory than farm. The lilies themselves include Asiatics, Longiflorums, L/As (Longiflorum/Asiatic cross), Orientals, and the relatively new OTs (Oriental/Trumpets), all grown in fully automated greenhouses where heating, ventilation and irrigation is tightly controlled. Intermittent trips to the Netherlands keep them abreast with new cultivars. Their next visit is June 2019, when they will also attend the annual Dutch lily trade fair. They’re hoping to be able to take with them the prototype of a new development currently under wraps. It’s all part of that innovation they espouse, and they’re saying little else right now beyond the fact it involves a university, Callaghan Innovation and robotics. The Blewdens stumbled upon this secondary career after an architect friend of David’s, a man whose heart was really in horticulture, squired them around the Pukerimu Lane property on which he was growing asparagus and calla lilies. At the same time, other friends were growing Asiatic and Oriental lilies. Those connections, combined with the Blewdens’ growing
frustration with their occupation, saw them purchase part of the Pukerimu Lane property. Once in, they kept the asparagus going for a while, put greenhouses up and mapped out their future - all the while teaching part-time to keep body and soul together. A quarter of a century later, they now employ six full-timers and one part-timer to help them run what has become a thumping good business
Friday August 24, 2018
Continued from page1 selling lilies. And they’re not stopping there – next up for the Blewdens are peonies … trials, it seems, are already underway. A limited number of tickets for a behindthe-scenes tour of Lilies by Blewden are being offered as an ‘optional extra’ of the November 18 Garden Festival, a new Cambridge Rotary Club fundraising event. Tickets for those are available via the website www.cgf.nz
Bloomin’ marvellous – a beautiful success story just out of Cambridge.
Come along to our biggest event of the year!
CountryLife – 3
Friday August 24, 2018
Extending a hand of mateship By Claire Castle
Michele and Roy Connell have stepped up to help struggling Aussie farmers, working with Federated Farmers to set up breaks for the farmers from their drought-stricken farms.
initiative to give the Aussies a break was launched two weeks ago. “It’s pretty dire straits over there,” Michele said, adding that 61 per cent of New South Wales is currently experiencing drought, with another $1B allocated to drought relief by the state government over there. It will be three to four weeks until the first travellers come over, and Michele said the offers of help are already rolling in from Kiwi farmers keen to help, with some even offering airfares for their trans-Tasman counterparts. “It’s fantastic really,” Michele said. All this fits in nicely with Off the
A local couple is stepping up to help Australian farmers in need, working with Federated Farmers and their Aussie counterparts to offer droughtstricken farmers the chance to come over the ditch for a break from their parched farms. Matangi dairy farmers Michele and Roy Connell started their website, Off the Beaten Track, in 2017 and it is designed to connect lovers of the great outdoors with undiscovered locations and experiences that are privately owned. They are now using their expertise to provide relief for farmers buckling under the pressure of the ongoing drought in Australia. “We were inspired while watching an episode of Country Calendar in 2016…the spark of an idea became a reality and now we proudly offer private land adventures and experiences all over New Zealand,” Michele said. Teaming up with Federated Farmers and their Australian 60-62 Tirau Street Putaruru counterparts, the
Beaten Track, which can connect landowners who can earn money by sharing their piece of paradise, with holidaymakers who want to experience unique New Zealand and enjoy a holiday with a difference. The pair said they would love for the local rural community to get involved, seeing it as a way for landowners and farmers to extend the hand of mateship over the ditch and make new friends in the process. Visit offthebeatentrack.co.nz for more information about how you can help an Australian farmer have a break from the brutal drought conditions.
4 – CountryLife
Friday August 24, 2018
CountryLife – 5
Friday August 24, 2018
Healthy rivers plan holdup
Add value to your home
By Stu Kneebone, Waikato Regional Councillor, Waipa/King Country Some readers will be aware of an extension to the Healthy Rivers plan change timeline, so I thought it useful to summarise where we are at, and the reasoning behind the delay. Proposed plan change one (PPC1) was notified for submissions on October 22, 2016, and subsequently received 1023 submissions. However following concerns raised by Hauraki Iwi that they had not been consultated with appropriately, an area of interest to them was withdrawn, and consultation with Hauraki undertaken. This resulted in what became known as Variation 1 to PPC1 which was then notified for public submissions, with the submission period closing May 23, 2018, with 61 submissions received. The withdrawn area has subsequently been reinstated, and these two processes (PPC1 and Variation 1) will be bought together and heard as one hearings and
Our weed and feed service takes care of any lawn – large or small. So don’t delay. Contact us today for your FREE lawn inspection.
Now you can enjoy a perfect lawn for less cost than you can do it yourself!
D-I-WHY? Weeds? Disease? Moss? Insects?
Stu Kneebone the withdrawl and subsequent re-insertation of variation one means that we will also not meet the statutory two year timeframe by which a local authority is required to give its decision on the provisions and matters raised in submissions following notification of a proposed plan. Therefore council at its meeting on July 26 formally extended the date by which it is required to make a decision on the matters raised in the submissions for PPC1 by 18 months to April 30, 2020. The hearings panel will be aiming for a decision on the plan change by September 2019, at which point council will be considering their recomendations. Stu Kneebone Ph 021 943 055 Councillor Waipa/King Country
®
0800 111 001
www.pimpmylawn.co.nz
8988501AA
decisions process. This extra consultation and associated work was the fundamental reason behind time delays, which has led to a number of changes of key compliance dates. Registration of farm details, nitrogen reference points, establishment of farm environment plans and stock exclusion compliance dates have all been extended by approximately 18 months. A further submission period opened on August 20. This process effectively allows you to support or oppose other people’s submissions, and comment on how other submission points may affect you. Further submissions are open until September 17 - see the WRC website for details. This process has taken longer than originally anticipated. The number of submissions, and the matters associated with them are in many cases complex. The hearings panel will need sufficient time to understand the issues, and ensure that the submitters receive a fair hearing. This, combined with
with a well cared for, great lawn!
For ALL Your Civil Engineering Requirements For all your earthmoving requirements, contact the family firm with 60 years of outstanding workmanship, experienced personnel, a great reputation based on a history of honesty and integrity. Depots in Cambridge and Putaruru
We deliver on time, on cost.
No job too large or too small, free estimates available. 78 Hautapu Road CAMBRIDGE Ph 07 827 5820
24 Hour Free phone 0800 847 283 www.tem.co.nz
Berloni, I’Italia che piace.
BERLONI New Zealand
3/1189 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua 3010 0800 BERLONI | www.berloni.nz
1906 State Highway 1 PUTARURU Ph 07 883 8372
6 – CountryLife
Friday August 24, 2018
Transportable home wins in Wellington By Viv Posselt
Hot on the heels of a Waikato category win in July, Lee Turner and his team have been recognised again, this time in the 2018 Wellington/Wairarapa ADNZ/Resene Architectural Design Awards. Lee and his team at Cambridge’s Turner Road Architecture received a Commended in the Residential Compact New Home up to 150m2 category earlier this month. The kudos came for the “Lyall Bay LongBox”, a stylish 131m2 transportable home tucked into a tight suburban space in the capital. Judges at the Wellington event described it as an “iconic, relocatable three-bedroomed home with eclectic charm”. The win marks a company first for one of their transportable models. Last month, one of their on-
site home designs in Cambridge saw them named Waikato regional winner of the Residential New Home over 300m2. Lee started a secondary company – Elevate – about four years ago, primarily to test the market for high-quality transportable homes that were as far from ordinary as it was possible to be. He wanted to move away from traditional thinking, which had long pegged transportable homes as ‘fairly basic’. “I wanted to see if the market was ready to pay a higher price for an architecturally-designed transportable home. We built a ShortBox, with three bedrooms and one bathroom, and got a lot of enquiries from that.” Lee’s wife and the company’s marketing manager, Kristin Turner, said while people were impressed with that first model – which was
Professional Farm Services Ltd, cnr of Queen & Albert Streets, Cambridge enquiries@profarms.co.nz www.profarmservices.co.nz
When it comes to outdoor shade solutions, it’s definitely not a case of one size fits all.
Bruce Edwards Upholstery offers expect advice on the best outdoor shade solution for your place, as well as a large selection of shade solutions to choose from. “I will visit your property and offer advice on the best solutions, whether that be my products or something that will work in tandem with my products,” says owner Bruce Edwards. One of the company’s biggest sellers is Ziptrak blinds which keep outdoor areas cool in summer and warm in winter, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor lifestyle no matter what the season. The blinds come in avariety of high-tech quality fabrics, mesh or clear PVC with specially designed tracks on both sides of the blind to glide smoothly and easily, stopping anywhere you want.
Umbrellas Retractable Sails Shade Sails Outdoor Blinds
Awnings Customised Covers Interior Blinds
quickly purchased and taken to a site in Hamilton – many wanted something similar but bigger, ideally with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a scullery and a laundry. “They were looking for family homes, as well as baches and secondary dwellings,” she said. Lee and his team set about doing more, and now have a range of around 14 models, currently either their Box range, or their Barn range. The benefits are many, he said. Architectural design advice at the outset, having all the project management done on-site at their Hautapu yard, a ready ability to make changes if required, and having a tried and tested team of tradesmen on tap were just some he cited. “There are less likely to be surprises by doing it this way, and surprises are often what make people building their own homes say, ‘never again’. And
The transportable LongBox home in Lyall Bay that won yet another accolade for Cambridge’s Turner Road Architecture.
The company offers a wide range of shade sails, including custom-made and ready-made for those who prefer a DIY option. Awnings are another speciality of Bruce Edwards Upholstery, providing weatherproof protection for both residential and commercial patios, entrance ways and exposed areas. They can be manual or motorised and feature removable posts, a revel or face fix, reverse handle and a pull stick for hard-to-reach blinds. Shade sails are also a popular outdoor shade solution, including retractablewave shades that are ideal for people with Clearlite or open frame pergolas. “By adding a wave shade you can cut down the heat in these pergolas by about 15 percent,” says Bruce. “And in winter you can simply unclip them and put them away.’
because we’ve done it repeatedly, we are able to streamline the consents process.” Lee and the crew have completed about 17 in all; coming up with new designs is ongoing. Currently underway is a 148m2 big barn model, some 21.5m long, and others they have done involve pods, transported separately and linked together on site. Lee said he thinks the transportable side could be a game-changer in New Zealand’s housing market – assuming stumbling blocks around mortgages can be worked through. “We are currently working with one of the major banks. They are very close to offering a full-funding model for transportable buildings – the first major bank to do this,” he said. “We’re hoping to be able to offer this option to our clients within the next few weeks all going well. If so, this will significantly open up the transportable market.”
Options include fixed frame and folding arm awnings which can either be operated by a gearbox with a handle, or automated with the press of a button. The company also offers a wide range of Shade 7 umbrellas, including cantilever, market and commercial umbrellas. “The Riviera cantilever is our most popular umbrella,” says Bruce. “Because there is no centre post you can direct the shade wherever you want it without the post getting in the way. It’s also strong and sturdy and can handle winds of up to 60kph.”
E i
Friday August 24, 2018
Fonterra CEO steps down By Claire Castle
Fonterra announced last week that its chief executive officer (CEO), Theo Spierings, was standing down. In his place, Miles Hurrell has taken over as the interim CEO, with immediate effect. Prior to that, Miles was the chief operating officer of Farm Source – the unit responsible for working directly with the co-operative’s farmerowners. He has worked for Fonterra since 2000.
Theo Spierings’ resignation and departure follows the July departure of chairman John Wilson, who stepped down citing the need to recover from a serious health scare. Fonterra’s chairman, John Monaghan, said the board was clear it was not best practice to have both the chairman and CEO step down at the same time, however events have overtaken that decision and time would need to be taken to appoint a new CEO. “I have agreed with the board that we will stop the global CEO search while we
EPA calls for neonicotinoid information The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for information about three specific neonicotinoids – pesticides which can impact bees and other pollinators if not used correctly – to understand how and where they are being used within New Zealand. The move follows recently updated risk assessments published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in February 2018. "We believe some of the EFSA findings may be relevant to our New Zealand environment,” said Dr Fiona Thomson-Carter, EPA’s General Manager of Hazardous Substances. Neonicotinoids have been used in New Zealand for more than 20 years. The EPA sets strict controls around their application. “To fully understand any potential new risks, it’s important that we gather data from across New Zealand. Our aim is to build a detailed understanding that will help us ensure our
environment and our pollinators remain fully protected,” said Dr Thomson-Carter. “We are seeking specific evidence, from manufacturers, importers and industry users, on clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. “We want to know how they’re being used, the frequency and scale of their use, and the specific mitigation measures that are being adopted on application. We’re keen to work closely with interested parties and stakeholders to gather that information.” Manufacturers, importers and users have until October 26, 2018 to supply information. Further details can be found on the EPA website. Beekeepers are also encouraged to complete the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Colony Loss and Survival survey, which is being sent directly to registered beekeepers. The EPA also uses the results of the survey to understand bee health, losses and beekeeping practice.
Buildings for every situation.
review the co-operative’s current portfolio and direction. “It’s important that we give ourselves the time to take stock of where we are as a co-operative, breathe some fresh air into the business, then determine any changes that are needed,” John said. John said the board and Mr Spierings had agreed it was the right time for him to step down, and he would be working with Miles to ensure a smooth transition through to September 1. Theo Spierings earned an $8.323M salary package including bonuses last year, bringing his 6-year earnings to just under $30M, according to
CountryLife – 7
information gleaned from annual reports, making him New Zealand’s highest-paid chief executive. Calculations showed that Theo Spierings was earning the equivalent of the salary of a New Zealand MP – $160,000 – every week, which last year attracted the ire of New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, who labelled it a “fat cat payout”. Fonterra defended the remuneration, saying that the CEO had been responsible for a three-year “transformational” strategy which had added $2billion to Fonterra’s balance sheet in 2016 and 2016, a year ahead of target. Theo Spierings announced in March that he would be stepping down sometime this year.
Miles Hurrell has taken over as Fonterra’s interim CEO, replacing Theo Spierings who has resigned with immediate effect.
Exactly what you need. Whether it’s a growing family you need to accommodate, a specialised workshop, or you want to add value to your current property, Versatile have the space you need. Talk to Jace Cosson on 07 823 1141 about designing a building that best suits your needs. 07 823 1141 57-59 Albert Street, Cambridge
0800 VERSATILE versatile.co.nz
8 – CountryLife
Friday August 24, 2018
Quality Used Stock for Work or Play ALL PRICES INCL GST
$7,495
$13,495
$5,995
2010 SUZUKI LTA750: Good cond, power steer KingQuad, off sheep farm, 21233kms, 2450hrs, CVT trans, Hi/Lo & Difflock, 2WD/4WD + downhill engine brakes
2016 HONDA TRX500: FA6G, one dry stock owner, 13819kms, 998hrs, new dog mat, full independent susp, automatic with electric shift option (manual), bullbars, tow bar, mud flaps
2012 YAMAHA YZ250F: Good cond, top end rebuild 28hrs ago, new linkage bearings & lower shock bush, Psychic brake lever with brake snake, Pro Taper bars, GYTR unbreakable levers, blue bling.
$6,495
$13,995
$15,995
$11,995
2013 POLARIS RANGER XP900: 1673hrs, inner mudflaps, adjust seat & steering wheel, On Demand AWD, 2WD/Turf, tilt deck, front & rear LED lights.
2013 POLARIS RANGER XP900: 1673hrs, inner mudflaps, adjust seat & steering wheel, On Demand AWD, 2WD/Turf, tilt deck, front & rear LED lights.
2016 POLARIS RANGER 570 HD: Tidy cond, 1 own/op, sheep farm, 14372kms, 1546hrs, roof, screen & wiper, rear screen, handbrake, CVT belt drive, Hi/Lo ratio, Turf mode/2wd/AWD, ADC, tilt tray.
2014 POLARIS UTE 570: One own/op, sheep farm, 5123kms, 767hrs, canvas seat cover, Maxi Grip tyres, power steer, fuel inj, 2WD/4WD & engine braking, tip box, mirrors, indicators & horn.
$11,495
$15,995
2015 YAMAHA VIKING: Good cond, one own/op, 8247kms, new Maxxis tyres, power steer, roof 1/4 screen, tilt tray, 3 seater, push button 2WD/4WD & diff lock, 4 wheel engine braking.
2016 POLARIS RANGER 570 HD: Super tidy for age, one own/op, 2wd/Awd, downhill descent, two seater, handbrake, hi/lo cvt auto trans, roof, screen, wiper, rear window, 20143kms
$7,995
2017 SUZUKI LTF300: Only 991 kms!! King Quad 300 like new cond, with bullbar kit, 3-speed sub-trans with high, low & super-low ranges + 2WD/4WD & front diff-locked 4WD.
$2,750
$3,995
2012 SUZUKI DR200 SE: Good cond, 13535kms, new rear tyre, 4 stroke air cooled, lever protectors, dual side stands, big carry racks.
2014 HONDA CRF125: Very tidy small wheel, 4 stroke, 5 spd manual trans with clutch, electric & kick start, 735mm seat height.
$2,995
$7,995
$1,995
$2,995
2012 KTM 65SX: Tidy cond, 6 spd, hydraulic clutch, 125hrs with recent top end, Got Speed Media full graphics kit, Vforce 3 Reed valve, Renthal bars, MotoSR RG3 suspension, new Pirelli 32 rear tyre.
2018 KAWASAKI KLX450R: Like new condition, one meticulous owner from new, only 13Hrs, 320KMs, 5 speed, electric & kick start, Cross Pro Aluminium Bash Plate, Michelin Starcross tyres.
2018 YAMAHA PW80: Tidy & original Peewee! Autolube 2 stroke, 3 speed semi auto trans, kick start only, low seat height 635mm.
2007 HONDA CR85: Very tidy big wheel, 2 stroke, full graphics kit, Moto SR RG3 susp, FMF Shorty, Vforce 3 Reed valve, oversized alloy radiator + red hoses, Pro Taper bars & clutch
$9,495
$1,995
$8,495
2008 SUZUKI GSF1250: Bandit ABS, excellent cond, 1 meticulous owner, only 34,084kms, fuel inj, 6 speed, Scott oiler, ABS Brakes, Givi Pannier Bags, top box rack, wind deflector, Pirelli Angel GT tyres.
2015 HONDA CBR650F: One owner from new, great cond, LAMS approved, liquid cooled inline four cylinder, ABS, good tyres, 6690kms.
$2,995
2016 SUZUKI GN125: Like new, just 84kms! Reliable & proven 4 stroke, electric start, excellent headlight, alloy wheels, low seat height, 5-speed trans, road registerable.
2011 YAMAHA YFM90: Very tidy 90cc 4 stroke kids quad. Adjustable RPM limiter, electric & kick start, CVT auto trans, adjustable shocks, full floorboards.
Finance available to approved purchasers. Ask us about flexible terms and options, so we can provide a quote specific to you. You may even qualify for ZERO $$ DEPOSIT. Interest rates subject to change, application fees, terms and conditions apply.
Buy with confidence from a LMVD. All our used bikes are fully workshop serviced 4 Maniapoto St Otorohanga // T: 07 873 8196 // www.biketorque.co.nz E: btsales@biketorque.co.nz Joel 027 279 5425 Justin Hawkless 021 285 1635 // Jette 0274 46 48 49 // Russell 0274 775 771