Bulletin SUMMER 2023 EDITION
A FEW THOUGHTS FROM TONY:
IN TH IS ED ITI ON + AARON’S COLUMN + GREENLEA CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
Merry Christmas! from the team at Greenlea
I heard recently that Gen Z’s have started a new trend called ‘silent walking’, this involves going outside without your ear pods on and listening to nature. Some of the more adventurous have added a further dimension called ‘barefoot walking’ with a few so far managing to brave up to 10 minutes walking without shoes on. Whether this signals hope for the future of our planet is open to conjecture, but it does suggest that they may have more than a passing interest in climate change.
FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND
Everything I turn on these days seems to have a different opinion and depending on which button you push; things can quickly become controversial. As a Gen X carbon has been challenging….I grew up thinking ‘better out than in’ was why god made methane…I probably have more in common with the average cow than a Gen Z, but increasingly it seems that we are all connected (from A-Z) in the need to find solutions….but seriously do we really think bromoform on our wheetbix is a good idea!
Sonorous and full toned – emissions cheeky humour Now smells like it should have ended sooner.
Before we resort to destroying the next generation of All Blacks, let’s find some alternatives. The shipping industry there is a good example leading the way. Maersk has 740 ships and uses over 10 million tons of fuel oil a year. This equates to one entire day of total global usage. They currently have 23 ships transitioning to green methanol, and they plan to transition their entire fleet over the next 20 years as they come up for renewal. To support this project, they are building a commercial scale green methanol plant in Denmark. More locally, as a cornerstone tenant at the Ruakura inland port here in Hamilton, they are pushing for the electrification of the 115km Hamilton to Tauranga Port railway, along with electric Volvo trucks. This is the type of ambition we need to embrace and to inspire our GenZ’s to go even further in the sunshine!
A whiff of indignation. Permeates the very soul of our nation. It’s fragrant gloom. Spreads fear of a larger global doom.
Shrek’s chagrin ‘Better out than in’ No more a pleasant disposition. Instead Green noses sniff the air. As many seek decarbonisation there. Methanol in our ships Bromoform on our Weetabix Rare earth minerals to detect. Fragile ecosystems to protect. Electric vehicles leading the way. Fossil fuels have had their day. The new government will have its say. We hope in a constructive way. Carbon Footprints softer tread. On a future still well fed!
GREENLEA.CO.NZ
G RE E N L E A C E L E B R AT ES 30 YE A R S A 30th anniversary is typically symbolised by the pearl – a hidden treasure – and this to me explains the often-unsung heroes who make Greenlea great. The pearl has a purity, honesty, and wisdom that are often overlooked but which in essence defines who we are. Few of us – except perhaps Grantie – can remember the ancient Romans. But I can remember thirty years ago, when our own Romulus and Remus – Pete and Alan founded Greenlea. As a young scribe at the time, I followed them around intently unsure which was the Biggus Dickus. In true Roman form, there was plenty of blood and guts and lots of hijinks in the Senate. I remember writing down their teachings on subjects like: • how to be as cunning as a shit house rat and • how to lead, follow or get out of the way I soon realised I was Littlest Dickus at our first annual dinner when I made the unfortunate mistake of peeing on Aunty Joan’s roses. I narrowly escaped being crucified on that occasion and realised that she was in fact the Pontifex Maximus. That’s Latin for the boss!
GREENLEA.CO.NZ
I have come to realise that Greenlea’s ongoing achievements are a legacy of excellence both old and new and that having a strong foundation has contributed to making us the great company we are today. Somewhere in the Middle Ages we added a new Foundation that gives money away. We still kill everything that moves, but at least now we might make it to heaven. Or at the very least, for the less hopeful, get rescued by a bright green helicopter. Each season we strive to be better, while increasingly each morning us oldies discuss our various aliments … we have included Aaron and his latest misadventure with a scooter or motorbike or ride on mower … as this spices things up. We know that soon the next generation will be ready to knock us off our perch. But like the All Blacks they will do so with respect for the history of the jersey, with pride in the mana of the Greenlea bull … and some of the braver ones might even get a tattoo – like Mudgey. And don’t worry Alan and Pete, we will tell them to ‘lead, follow or get out of the way’ and make sure that they are cunning as shit house rats. E XC E R P T F R O M TO N Y ’ S CO M M E N TS O N TH E NI GHT
AARON’S COLUMN Aaron Dodunski, our Agricultural Lead, is filling in for Greg while he’s in the States. With the first two months of the new season behind us, things are rolling along as predicted. Plenty of grass around in most areas, and cattle coming out of winter further forward than they would normally be, has seen supply and carcass weight comfortably ahead of what we’ve come to expect at this time of year. Understandably, cows have been thin on the ground since calving as every litre of milk is valuable, but these have been adequately replaced by the increased numbers of farmed bulls available early, and it is a credit to the supply planning of the buying team and our suppliers that has facilitated this. As always, it is greatly appreciated that our suppliers are prepared to work constructively with us, at a time of year when feed is the cheapest and liveweight gain is the greatest, to find a happy medium that works for both parties.
By the time you read this, the dairy service bull run will be upon us, and with cows thin on the ground it would be great to see a few drifting in to keep the bulls’ company on the journey. If you can accommodate this, your livestock buyer would love to hear from you. The market continues to be very sticky with no real light at the end of the tunnel yet. Significant volumes are heading to the US, but with China still sitting on the sidelines not competing, there is only downward pressure on pricing, and now that chillers and freezers are full, the Mexican standoff cannot continue, and we will be forced to sell into these markets at reduced prices to keep ahead of the volumes going into a carton each week. With cattle supply where it always is at this time of year, the discussion rapidly moves from a price conversation to a space conversation, and as always, it is not possible to process everyone’s spring cattle supply in the three full weeks of December ahead of the Christmas break. Keep an eye on the weather, keep in touch with your livestock buyer, and stick to your supply plan to ensure you achieve the best outcome in what is shaping up to be a tough season right the way through. GREENLEABUTCHER.CO.NZ
GREENLEA RESCUE HELICOPTER OPEN DAY
A GREAT SUCCESS Your Greenlea Rescue Helicopter held their Open Day on Sunday the 29th of October in Taupo. It was our absolute pleasure to welcome everyone to the open day - officially opening our hangar doors to the public after nearly two years! It was amazing for crew and the wider team to be able to say ‘Hi’ and thank you to the amazing supportive donors and sponsors who came along AND to see so many past patients meet the incredible crew who helped save their lives. The Greenlea Premier Meats BBQ was a very busy station with attendees raving about the amazing steak sandwiches and beef sausages on offer. Just through the BBQ alone there was $1,150 raised for the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter which is outstanding! It truly was a fantastic day with lots of smiling faces everyone who attended really enjoying the days activities. The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter winch demonstration and Fire & Emergency fire demonstration being two big crowd favourites. The support from Greenlea Premier Meats is second to none and ensures the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter crew that they can continue to save lives over the upcoming holiday season.
JUST LAUNCHED!
Available for purchase online at rescue.org.nz/grh
Our new book featuring Matiu the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter. A great gift idea for young ones this Christmas!
$18
each including GST and shipping.
It’s been a huge year of missions that we couldn’t have done without your support Together we’ve saved hundreds of lives in our community, meaning more families get to spend treasured moments together this Christmas.
From our crew to you, Merry Christmas!
DONATE TODAY give.rescue.org.nz The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter is dedicated to serving the central plateau, lakes and surrounding regions 24/7, 365 days of the year. Thank you to Greenlea Premier Meats and their farmers for continuing to support the lifesaving service of the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter. You’re helping us touch the lives of many people.
Discover more and donate today |
rescue.org.nz |
0800 11 10 10 |
@rescuehelicoptersNZ |
info@rescue.org.nz @rescuehelicoptersNZ
Or for the helicopter obsessed in the family, this Greenlea Rescue Helicopter diecast replica is sure to be a hit.
$41
each including GST and shipping.