Nelson Marlborough Farming November 2021

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Enthusiasm for FTA agreement

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Three Waters ‘a step too far’

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NZ farmers most at risk of skin cancer

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Farming with a side of forestry

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When new the neighbours complain about the cows

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The true value of Golden Bay Dolomite

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Life as a farmer and a mayor Tim King is both a farmer and the mayor of the Tasman District. Jenny Nicholson talked with him about how he balances his jobs.

What type of farm do you have?

Sheep and cattle. It’s a typical Tasman/Moutere farm that is big enough to keep you busy but not enough to make a living off.

Between what we own and what we lease it’s about 220 acres.

Farmers are your peers. How does that impact your work as mayor?

It’s a huge advantage to my understanding of challenges that particularly impact on rural communities. But it also presents its’ own challenges. I have a degree of empathy and understanding, but also have obligations on the other side. You don’t have a lot of choices with the legislative stuff about what it is you are implementing. How you go about it, absolutely you have got a degree of control over, and that is always the focus. How we

go about implementing a lot of these things is as important as what we are implementing.

Mental health is a huge issue.

Even just recently, one of the people I know had experience with the tragic end of the mental health spectrum in rural New Zealand and this again brings home that this is not an academic conversation. It’s an absolutely crucially important issue and one of the things that continues to need a huge amount of emphasis is that mental health conversation.

What about the stressors just related to farmers?

Often, it’s working alone. So many of the things that impact on you day to day are uncontrollable. From the markets to the

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Balancing life as a farmer and a mayor NELSON

weather to government legislation, council rules. At the moment the combination of all those things is bigger. Understanding all those things is important for the council.

When we are out there having a conversation about thing, we need to be really clear that whatever we are out there discussing is not the only thing people are having to focus on, or even the most important thing going on in their day.

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People have access to your phone number and email. Is that a problem at times?

Someone from the UK was here and said they couldn’t believe all my phone numbers were publicly available. But actually, people are usually really good. It’s part of it I quite enjoy. I’d much rather have the conversation than not in most cases.

Do you have areas on your farm affected by Significant Natural Areas?

No, probably not. By in large, the intention is that it shouldn’t prevent rural landowners doing anything they are already doing. The challenge is it’s a sector where you have to be able to change and adapt. That ability is crucially important to long term sustainability and where that is limited by government legislation or council rules it’s a huge challenges. No-one is sure what they will be doing in 5, 10, 15 years. It’s not as simple as saying you can continue to do what you are doing. In the world we live in that is often not an option and we often need to change and adapt.

Have you ever had a time when as a farmer and as a mayor, it’s hard?

Tasman mayor Tim King at his desk at council offices. Photo: Jenny Nicholson.

Oh yeah, I often have those days.

I can have a personal view in things, but the job is to reflect the wider community opinion. And in all these issues there is no one community view. Except for Three Waters.

Lots of people acknowledge there needs to be changes going forward, but I am yet to find anyone a fan of the current proposal. That’s unusual to have such a consistent point of view. Most often on anything else whether it’s growth, housing, issues around fresh water, or RMA, there are a whole range of different views.

How do you balance being your roles with issues like housing?

One of the toughest things is to avoid being led by our own personal views on things. The classic example is housing versus productive land.

As someone who comes from the productive land sector, I completely understand the necessity to protect the land, and the importance of horticulture and farming to the re-

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Are decisions made always your opinion?

Quite often they aren’t. Another key thing about the job is that people may have a perception I have a huge amount of individual power or ability to make decisions, but I don’t. My key role is to encourage everyone’s input and contribution and then council collectively makes decisions on key issues. That’s why it’s important to have diverse views on council and a whole range of people to work through this.

The biggest challenge with all of that is there is always a wide range of views. At some point you just must make a decision, understanding, we are never going to please everyone.

We have to make decisions and sometimes they don’t reflect our personal position. That is just part of the job.

Finally, what do you like about farming?

There’s not much better to be doing than growing food and involved with that whole process. The United States Secretary of Agriculture a few years ago talked about how food production is taken for granted. People have forgotten how it frees up others to do what they want to in life.

A very small percentage of people in the world produce the food and it enables others to do all the things they do every day and go to supermarkets or local food providers for their food. It’s relatively new that not everyone has to grow their own food. A huge chunk of the world still have to think about how to grow their own food and get water.

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gion both economically and in lifestyle.

On the flipside, housing is a massive challenge. Finding ways to continue to meet that challenge and to try to do this with limited tools available. Addressing the affordability issues that seemingly are not getting better.

It involves tough conversations on use of flat land close to existing settlements. There can be direct conflict.

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Local producers enthusiastic about FTA agreement Andrew Ritchie Producers in the top of the South Island have reacted positively to a Free Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom announced last month.

The FTA is predicted to result in a $970 million economic boost to the New Zealand economy, and will entirely remove tariffs on most goods produced in New Zealand.

Exports are estimated to increase by 40 per cent with quotas on beef exports to rise from 454 tonnes to 12,000 tonnes.

This will save exporters $44 million in tariffs from year one according to Beef West Coast Tasman MP and Trade Minister Damien O’Connor negociated the and LambNZ. The quota for the UK and the EU com- FTA with the UK. Photo: RNZ. up to 40 per cent and that NZ GDP will bined was 1300 tonnes and this was di- the UK market. vided equally when Britain left the EU. The UK and Ireland are major markets benefit up to $970 million due to the Volumes could rise to 60,000 tonnes for Hunters Wines and Jane said the FTA. reduction in tariff should give them “It was crucial our agreement needed over the next 15 years.

Sheep meat access is currently set at an edge on their overseas competitors. to provide comprehensive and com114,000 tonnes using the World Trade Wine is generally exported on a free on mercially meaningful access for New Organisation quota system. This should board system with duty being paid by Zealand exporters and businesses, and increase by 35,000 tonnes during the the importer or distributor at the point especially to those sectors that are the first four years and up to 50,000 tonnes of entry as with the payment of GST on backbone of New Zealand’s economy such as our dairy and meat producers. after 15 years, by which time access will imports to New Zealand. be tariff and duty free, with access per- So customers distributors and wine This deal achieves that,” he said. companies could benefit from the tar- “By removing tariffs and other barrimitted for unlimited quantities.

Richard Dawkins is the Meat and Wool iff reductions although Jane cautioned ers that have limited the growth of our Chairman for Federated Farmers and it would take time for the agreement to goods and services trade, as well as our farms in the Waihopai Valley. Richard be ratified and for reductions to filter investment connections, our exporters and businesses can now enter a new era said that farmers did everything in their through. power to produce a high quality prod- Apples, kiwi fruit and mussels will also of market access they have never before had available. uct within the farm gate and it was re- be free of tariffs within three years. freshing to see our representatives add- Matthew Hoddy, of Vailima Orchard Dairy Company Association Chairman which grows apples on the Waimea Malcolm Bailey said that the agreement ing value to our efforts.

“The agreement will allow companies, Plains says the FTA is good news for the will provide a long awaited level playing field for New Zealand dairy products to farmers and exporters to expand and apple industry. compete on a level playing field, but one “This is a positive move for growers, it the UK markets. of the major advantages is that it will means we can plan in a more efficent Prior to Britain leaving the EU most imported dairy products were sourced decrease volatility in the market, put- way and manage our crops better.” ting an end to price fluctuations, which Trade Minister and West Coast-Tasman from the countries of the EU with only will give added confidence to produc- MP Damien O’Connor negotiated the 1 per cent provided by New Zealand. deal on behalf of New Zealand. He said Butter and cheese exports will be tariff ers.”

Jedi Linton Date: 03/09/2020 seventh largfree after five years. Butter exports are Currently theAttn: wine industry accumu- the UK was New Zealand’s est trading partner pre-COVID, with expected to rise to 15,000 tonnes and lates a $50 tariff per 100 litres when enCompany: NZ Van Spares limited No. of pages: 1 two-way trade worth nearly $NZ 6 bil- cheese to 48,000 tonnes. tering the UK, this will disappear.

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The (A&P) Show must go on Jonty Dine The original ‘extreme sport’ of New Zealand, woodchopping dates back to the 1870s and is an intrinsic part of Kiwi culture.

New Zealand has always been among the best countries in the world for woodchopping athletes, with Kawakawa’s Jason Wynyard considered one of the sport’s greatest, with more than 100 titles.

New Zealand Axemen president Dave McEwen says interest in the historic sport is still high as competitors get set for the annual A&P showdown in Richmond.

“Last year we had to restrict entries to 48 and we got 48. That’s all we can bloody handle, it has become very popular.”

The two-day show will feature some of the best axemen in the country competing in multiple events, from standing block to underhand and felling with a jigger board.

The wood which will be used for the competition was donated by OneFourtyOne. “They have given us two trailer loads of wood, some of the best radiata pine I’ve seen.”

Dave also had a chance to swing the axe into some of the reject

blocks.

“I was stunned how good it is, good wood is the secret of any competition.”

“With some axes costing close to $1000, competitors aren’t too keen to chop into an inferior product.

Like a cricketer and his bats, Dave says athletes carry up to six axes with them.

“I’ve got about 30 in the shed.”

Though the traditional axeman was generally a bush worker, the sport is becoming all exclusive with women and children also encouraged to pick up an axe and get swinging.

“Women are becoming a force, it’s not just dad going off in the weekend anymore.”

From mechanics to loggers to lawyers, all sectors of society are represented.

“We will have everyone from novices to our most experienced.

It is a heritage sport of New Zealand, and we are trying to grow it as much as we can.”

With spectators not a guarantee, Dave says the event will suffer as a result of no audience.

“No crowd would be pretty gutting, generally it gees you up when you hear people roaring.”

The 127th edition of the A&P

The excavator operator competition tests skills of drivers with challenges such as pouring a cup of tea or opening a bottle.

Show is set to go ahead but organisers are in a bit of a purgatory period as they await announcements on Covid alert levels.

Nelson A&P manager Annette Robinson is still hopeful for public attendance.

Annette says the guidelines around events such as the A&P Show are very ambiguous.

“We can run a type of show, we are just in the middle of debating what type of show it will be,” she says.

She says without clear guidelines

set by Government, it is difficult for them to plan.

“Even with a full show there would be restrictions with masks, social distancing etc.”

Annette says they will take until the end of the month before making any final decisions.

“We would love to avoid that, we are just waiting for something positive to come out.”

Unfortunately, the dog trials will not go ahead in 2021.

There is still a chance to enter as a competitor for the A&P show in a

number of events such as equestrian, the digger competition, highland dancing, and shearing.

The excavator operator competition is another crowd pleaser which will go ahead on Saturday November 20.

Operators are put through a variety of challenges designed to demonstrate the ‘real-world’ skills of excavator operators, such as traversing a trench, lifting and relocation of a manhole cover.

Others are oriented towards being fun and test multiple control skills such as pouring a cup of tea or opening a bottle.

Meanwhile, Marlborough’s 148th A&P Show is set to go ahead in Level 2, however has made the early call to exclude the public.

The show will take place the weekend of November 6 with only the equestrian, sheepdog trials, shearing, wood chopping, home industries and gift sheep events.

The 2020 edition of the show was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions in what was the first time since World War 2 it did not go ahead.

To register for the Nelson show, go to richmondpark.nz or call 544 7181

Wanted: Farming Writer/Coordinator Nelson Marlborough Farming is growing and we’re looking for someone to help coordinate editorial content for our paper, as well as writing a couple of stories a month. The role is around 15 hours a month, give or take, and can be done from home.

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Three Waters mandate ‘a step too far’ Sara Hollyman

She urges people to make their which are in turn appointed by yet voices heard and to write to and get another panel, weaken the accountThe decision by Government to force in touch with their local politicians. ability of water service entities to councils into Three Waters reform has “Our people have spoken and do communities,” he says. been labelled “disgraceful” and a “sad day not want this.”

He says there are also serious quesfor local democracy” by local leaders.

Federated Farmers president Antions around the robustness of the Stu Smith The Government is set to force through drew Hoggard says a majority of government’s estimates of savings its Three Waters reforms, u-turning on a local authorities and many New Zealand- and benefits from moving to the new arprevious promise to make it voluntary for ers have voiced serious misgivings over the rangements. “Federated Farmers has alcouncils to join the amalgamation plan. government’s plans for the water assets to ready said this is cart before the horse Local Government Minister Nanaia Ma- be transferred to the four new enstuff. We’re also in the middle of huta confirmed on Wednesday morning tities. “We remain opposed to this resource management reform and that the Government will push ahead with plan. The government’s announceexamination of the future of local its preferred water services plan. ment that this will be mandatory is government. The government has Three Waters would see each council’s a huge call,” he says. yet to convincingly demonstrate water, stormwater and wastewater assets Minister Mahuta has said a working adequate planning and thought has Tania Gibson transferred from council ownership into group of local government, iwi and gone into how the water services reone of four new large-scale entities. water industry experts will be set forms integrate with these two very Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson says the up to work through design of how the new significant processes.” decision is “absolutely disgraceful”. entities will operate.

Nelson MP Rachel Boyack says fixing the “Councils and our communities from Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese says she feels aging water infrastructure and guaranteearound the country have spoken out about reassured that the minister has taking safe and affordable water for Three Water Reform and the model that en on board concerns from local all New Zealanders is a long-term the government has proposed.” communities with the set-up of this challenge successive Governments Tania says once again government is not working group. have ignored, but that Labour inlistening to its people, its councils, or its “To work through governance tend to fix. mayors. and accountability and that is very John Leggett “Every New Zealander deserves “It is time this government started listen- much at the heart of the concerns clean and safe water. It is not acing to its people. They are tone death and from our council and many others. ceptable to this Government that 34,000 off on their own tangent. It is a sad day for “Ultimately no one likes to feel forced into New Zealanders get sick from drinking local democracy.” a course of action, I don’t think it will come water each year,” she says.

Tania says feedback from the Grey District as a surprise to many as she’s been She says without the four new enwas 95 per cent against the reform. very clear that the national case for tities we’ll keep seeing burst pipes, change has been made, contaminated water, and increasing and I agree, the thing is costs for households. how and really important“If we don’t act water costs are exLOG SPLITTERS ly is the real issues around pected to increase significantly for Rachel rural water and how it will many rural communities and proBoyack affect those communities.” vincial areas. “Without changes, Andrew says the working group household water costs are expected to inwill have its work cut out to allay crease to $6,760 in Tasman.” a multitude of concerns.

However, Kaikōura MP Stuart Smith has “Top of the list for Federcalled the move to mandate, an atated Farmers are issues tack on democracy. around governance and “To split Marlborough, Nelson and Large range in accountability.”

Tasman off from the rest of the stock, motorised He says the complexity of South Island ensures they will have & tractor powered rural water scheme own- Rachel Reese no say on any decisions on water ership and operations has infrastructure.” got rural people worried.

Stuart says his email inbox was “How will the new entities ensure flooded after the announcement, with one the needs of smaller and rural constituent going as far as flying their flag communities are not crowded at half-mast to symbolise the “death of deCHIPPERS out when setting investment pri- mocracy”. orities and plans?

“I think it’s appalling.”

Heavy duty PTO chippers “The proposed arms-length He says history shows that centralising Gravity or hydraulic roller feed governance arrangements with services increases costs and lowers service.

3.5”, 5”, 7” and 10” models directors appointed by panel, “If we look at the vast majority of Marlbor-

ough, the northern part goes into Entity C. How is that entity going to be responsive to their needs? Wellington will get the focus and other areas will end up subsidising Wellington.”

Both Rachel Reese and Tasman District Council Mayor Tim King say the announcement was probably inevitable being that the model has been built around an all-in approach.

Tim says the decision to not provide more time to work through the issues and options and to mandate the reforms through legislation was disappointing.

He says the only certainties that were known at this stage were the removal of the opt-out opportunity and that the reforms would come into effect in 2024.

All other details that relate to Tasman District Council’s submission and many others around ownership, governance and local influence over future decision making, remain unclear at this point.

TDC understands that the Murchison area would now be serviced as part Entity C along with the rest of the Tasman area.

Tim says council had put a lot of time and effort into examining the implications of the proposals for the district, in conjunction with neighbouring top of the south councils and the wider local government sector. He also said that the high level of correspondence and concerns received from residents and ratepayers reflected the scale and importance of the issue.

Marlborough Mayor John Leggett says the mandate will be “a bitter pill to swallow” and says the rushed decision makes it look as though it was pre-determined.

“We provided the Government with constructive feedback on the reform proposal during the eight-week period to 30 September 2021, as did other councils around the country.

“In just three weeks the Government has analysed the feedback from 67 councils, leading many to the conclusion that the decision to mandate it had been predetermined,” he says.

The move defies logic, Mayor Leggett says, vowing to continue to fight for a greater level of control. “We have been offered a few crumbs to address the widespread concern over the loss of local democratic influence and control, but it seems most of the decision has been largely taken away from our communities.

“In my view, this is a step too far.”

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Blenheim spring cattle sale results Andrew Ritchie Local buyers and North Island purchasers ensured a good clearance at the Spring cattle sale at the Riverlands Selling Complex at Blenheim on October 20.

Two year old steers and heifers looked to have wintered well with most carrying some condition, promising a quick turnover.

Among the yearling cattle there were many leaner lots still sporting their winter coats that were discounted by buyers and looking good value.

A feed of spring grass and they would be unrecognisable in a couple of months time.

Two year old steers averaged $3.14/kg with top price for a pen from Edward Ensor Trust achieving $1490/head at $3.31/kg.

Cull cows from Glaze-

brook Station averaged $1.65/kg.

Two year old heifers averaged $3.04/kg.

Summerlands Company topped the sale at $5120/head for a pen of Angus cross heifers weighing in at 501kgs for a price of $3.03/kg.

One year old steers averaged $3.37/kg with a pen of Angus cross fetching $1180 from Brackendale Farm Partners.

Top price per kilogram of $3.75 went to The Barracks for a pen of South Devon cattle at $312kgs.

Yearling heifers averaged $3.12/kg. Top price went to AC Peter and AR Childs for a pen of Angus cross, achieving $1180 at $3.60/kg and averaging 327 kgs/ head.

Ben Morven Farm Ltd sold a pen of Angus heifers for a top price per kilogram of $3.88.

PGG Area Livestock Manager Peter Barnes, right, selling a pen of Hereford/Angus cross steers at the Spring Calf Sale.

Photo: Andrew Ritchie.

Rural events aimed at helping farmers lack of certainty in standards still evolving, drafting challenges awaiting resolution, proposed changes, changes that have already been made to previously unworkable regulations and previously workable regulations. For example, although slope maps are being revised and winter grazing rules changed, a fenced waterway now includes intermittent streambed flows. Natural

Rural Support Trust and Rural Women NZ organised four October events with another scheduled for Tapawera in November where TDC staff introduced current complexities and obscured in acronyms housing rules and regulations descending from central government for them to administer.

They noted issues with the pace of change and available resources to cope with

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Love leads to dairy farming Paula Hulburt Okaramio dairy farmer Lone Sorenson has fallen in love twice.

Once with her late husband Tony.

The other love of her life was, and is, dairy farming.

The Danish native immigrated to New Zealand over thirty years ago and bought a farm in the Buller Gorge after meeting her future husband at a jersey conference.

“My husband and I met at the world jersey conference in 1989 here in New Zealand. We not only fell in love with one another but also with dairy farming.

Tony had a farm in Denmark with jersey cows and had a lot to do with the breed in Denmark.

I also had a love for the jersey cows, being a farm adviser for several jersey herds at the time in Denmark.”

Being surrounded by bush and wilderness and the wonderful people of the West Coast added to the fondness of the newlyformed relationship.

“Unfortunately, we were in a TB (Bovine Tuberculosis, cattle disease) area which meant movement control made it hard for a (cow) breeder like Tony.”

They bought a farm in Long Valley in 1995 and have worked and lived there since.

Lone farms 1500 hectares in the Okaramio area, milking close to 900 jersey cows in separate sheds and runs sheep and angus beef.

Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Lone studied agricultural science at university. A love for animals and nature found her working as an animal husbandry teacher (science of breeding and caring for farm animals) at an organic

farming polytech.

Lone is passionate about dairy farming and the key role it plays on the agricultural landscape.

“Farming is a great industry to be part of. Always something new every day and you never stop learning. There are great career paths in farming too, but you must love animals and working outside in all weather.

Lone speaks of pride in the collective approach by farmers here in Marlborough and across the country with their sustainable, carbon footprint future focus.

“I’m proud of the way we farm, being the most efficient farmers in the world with the smallest environmental footprint. That does not mean we can’t do better but the changes have to be based on facts and robust science with all aspects of the farming operation considered.”

The changes she refers are those from the current government who she insists are fixed on an ideology on all matters of agriculture like carbon emissions, as opposed to the facts or science of farming.

“I find it ironic that a lot of people, including the government, are looking to the tourist industry as the saviour of New Zealand instead of farming. No industry pollutes more than the tourist industry, if you think about it. They all fly or sail here and then drive around in busses or rental vehicles.

“I would like farming to really be pushed as a career option. We are having to depend too much on getting staff from other countries. I think farming has a great future in New Zealand. We are a farming country and have always

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Okaramio farmer Lone Sorensen moved from Denmark to take up farming in the top of the South Island. depended on farming for our well-being.

“I think this will continue. We really haven’t gotten anything else. We don’t want mining or gas and oil exploration so it is down to farming and tourism, but the question has to be asked, how much tourism can New Zealand cope with in the future? “ Lone says farmers are inundated with new rules and regulations from the government like an avalanche hitting the farming sector.

She adds, policies such as the mapping of significant natural areas need to be scrapped as well as the new fuel tax on utes, as farmers do not have an alternative low-emission vehicle to use for work purposes.

Such regulations led Lone to put her hand up as the Marlborough voice of Groundswell New Zealand, the farming advocacy group formed to oppose the government’s policies.

“I am now the Marlborough coordinator for Groundswell. It’s a role I take very seriously. I am helped by two lovely couples from south of Blenheim. We just want things to be fair and well

thought out.

It is wrong that when a farm’s carbon profile is calculated the sequestering of carbon in the soil via our grazing system or any trees you may have on farm sequestering carbon are not considered. I also find it strange that you can not include any vegetation below five metres. That does not make sense. All plants sequester carbon in one way or another. Senseless rules like this make you frustrated as a farmer.”

Lone says the offsetting of carbon emissions by the planting of pine trees is the plant equivalent to the introduction of the possum.

“That seems like the Emperor’s New Clothes to me. It saddens me to see more and more foodproducing land go into pine trees.

I think it is the plant equivalent to the introduction of the possum.

We will live to regret it. The government is already spending millions of dollars trying to eradicate wilding pines. How many do you think we will have in the future?

Not to mention the pollen covering everything and the enormous amount of water the trees drink drying out streams. “

MARLBOROUGH

Lone is asking policy makers to listen to farmers and get alongside them. Indeed, a relationship that is reciprocal and where farmers finally feel valued and acknowledged.

“Most farmers want to leave their farm in a better state than when they took it over. I have never met a farmer who gets up in the morning thinking ‘what can I do today to damage the environment?’ The opposite is the case.

“Proof can be found in the large areas farmers have already put into trust to protect areas of their farm and the many local water groups who have fenced and planted thousands of trees along creeks and waterways.

I think the government have forgotten you get further if you work with people and find solutions specific for local areas. Too much stick and not enough carrots. It does not work to make one shoe fit all. It just doesn’t.”

Lone acknowledges the wonderful work currently being done by the Marlborough District Council to address freshwater initiatives and the networking with farmers across the region “I think we are doing really well locally. We haven’t got a problem with polluted rivers and streams in Marlborough. I drink water from all our streams and rivers on our farm so, yes, I think we are doing pretty good in Marlborough.”

Lone is hopeful that whoever is in charge will one day see sense before it is too late for farmers and the agricultural industry.

“My motivation for carrying on is to see farmers and farming being treated with the respect and fairness they deserve.”

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56 Vintage Ln, Rapaura, Marlborough

With multiple potential income streams here, you don’t have all your eggs in one basket the reducing risk. Passive income options include leasing storage space, including 330m2 storage shed, and 415m2 approx. in the winery, and 86m2 upstairs on a mezzanine. Renting the cottage out (subject to Healthy Homes Certificate) leasing the restaurant/function room and commercial kitchen, leasing office space, and of course a potential grape supply contract.

Looking at all the above potential options and working off approximate potential income this could be a very strong return on investment There are several different purchase and pricing options available for this property and plenty more information available. The advertised price of $2,950,000 + GST refers to 4.9 HA of winery & 3.94 HA of Vineyard, Contact Toby Randall the vendors listing agent for other pricing options.

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The land has been in the vendors family since 1964, during this time there has been so much hard work poured into the land, numerous trees planted, paddocks improved, fantastic sheds built and the crème de la crème is the homestead that was built in 2014 on a building site that is perfectly positioned for the exceptional mountain and river views.

The home is a large four bedroom, two bathroom and two living areas and has been designed to optimise the views and natural light whilst creating a real feel of space. The construction is solid, utilising natural resources like timber milled from the land and South Island Shist rock features, this house has been constructed to last multiple lifetimes.

The property boasts excellent sheds and the mostly flat terraces have been previously utilised to make supplements as well as finishing a number of young cattle. While the approx 10 HA of easy hill country is at the back of the block.

View: www.harcourts.co.nz/NN24993 Open: By Appointment

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Uncertain Kenepuru road opening perplexes locals Tony Orman Marlborough Sounds farmers are patiently waiting for the Kenepuru Sound road to be opened following extreme damage in July’s heavy flooding.

The uncertainty and delays are stressful to farmers and other Sounds residents.

Peter Evans, who farms “Taradale” a 700 ha beef farm near Kenepuru Heads, says “there seemed a deliberate lack of urgency.”

“Light vehicle road access is urgently required. It would be great to have a commitment from the Marlborough District Council in guaranteeing reinstatement of the road,” he says.

Truck and trailer road access is essential for farming business survival.

“All our businesses rely on class one Truck and Trailer road access.”

Dean Heiford, Marlborough District Council’s Recovery Manager says there is a strong push to get residential and farming access via road open as soon as possible. “We’re making good progress,” he says.

In the meantime, council has installed a barge ramp at Fish Bay near the head of Kenepuru Sound to help with farming and other access.

Dean described the slips blocking the road as “very big, the largest seen for many years.”

Farmers in the Kenepuru Sound have been waiting months for roads to be repaired after July’s damaging floods throughout Marlborough. Photo: File.

Tony and Joy Redwood, farming at Okoha in Anakoha Bay facing Cook Strait, depend heavily on road access via Kenepuru.

“Running a farming business in the Outer Sounds without the road is extremely frustrating and more expensive and takes longer and is not as convenient when using a barge to transport stock, vehicles, fertiliser, general freight items and personal. We sent ewes out to Havelock and it cost nearly 4 times the price on the barge compared to truck

“

The barge subsidy is greatly appreciated, but how long is this road closure going to last?

- Kenepuru farmer Emma Hopkinson.

prices,” says Tony.

“Barging is stepping back in time,” he adds.

While the road is closed, farmers are totally dependent barging stock and inward goods vital for

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Peter Evans says the Marlborough District Council’s assistance towards barging costs had been greatly appreciated. But he remained perplexed by the uncertainty as to when the road would be opened.

Emma Hopkinson said the financial impact on the business of farming bites deep.

She and husband Rod farm beef and sheep near the head of Kenepuru Sound.

Emma has warm praise for the Marlborough District Council’s subsidising of the barge.

“The barge subsidy is greatly appreciated, but how long is this road closure going to last?” she asks.

Barges are not a viable long-term option says Adrian Harvey of Clova Bay which is accessed by road from Kenepuru Sound.

“The barges are not suitable for carting cars, utes and trucks with trailers or passengers. Vehicles travelling on barges are subject

to saltwater spray and even waves washing over them. It’s not good as a long-term option.”

Quicker? Questions are niggling in the back of minds. Could reopening the road be quicker?

Peter Evans says the uncertainty caused by no specific target dates

by Marlborough Roads for restoring road access is frustrating.

“We know it takes time but we simply just want to know when so we can plan our farm operation accordingly,” he says.

Adrian Harvey says the lack of clear information about reopening the road and obvious inefficiencies in the system are “not only perplexing but worrisome and stressful.”

Locals talk of past road maintenance being inadequate with residents clearing blocked culverts themselves. “Frankly, there’s a disconnect in the system between contractors, the council and the Marlborough Roads Recovery team,” says Adrian Harvey.

“Recent high costs of general maintenance are perhaps a result of poor decision-making around which contractors to use and the expense of bringing contractors in from outside the district.”

In addition, bureaucratic rules around Health and Safety bog action down and at times seem an excuse for procrastination. The “absurd political mire” is further aggravated by Marlborough Roads being owned 51% NZ Transport Agency and 49% Marlborough District Council.

Adrian Harvey perceives a “them and us” attitude from the Recovery Team but appreciates the sympathy and endeavours of local MDC councillor Barbara Faulls.

Dean Heiford is sympathetic to the Sounds people’s plight and impatience.

“Please keep referring to council’s website and updated links. Phone numbers and emails are there to direct questions to,” he says.

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Beef and Lamb NZ chief executive Sam McIvor. Photo: Supplied.

Government urged to ensure rules are practical Beef and LambNZ and DairyNZ both support freshwater farm plans to improve water quality, but urge government to work closely with sector bodies as it develops rules.

Dairy NZ Strategy and Investment leader –responsible dairy, Dr David Burger says. “Our concerns include how freshwater plans will be used and rolled out. The role of existing farm plans, certification and auditing, how farm plans relate to regional plans and sensitivities on what happens with data.

“Currently nearly half of all dairy farms have comprehensive, auditable Farm Environment Plans prepared with a qualified advisor.”

Half of all sheep and beef farmers also have farm plans. Four years ago the dairy sector committed in its Dairy Tomorrow strategy for all dairy farmers to have a plan by 2025 and progress is well on track to meet that deadline.

In 2018 Beef and LambNZ committed in their Environment Strategy to work towards all farmers in

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‘Duplication’ of rural groups questioned Tony Orman

Andrew Ritchie

November 2021

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the sector to have an industry farm plan by 2025.

B+LNZ CEO Sam McIvor says, “Farmers have already invested significantly in farm plans and we ask that this investment is not lost or compromised.

“Farmers need to be directly involved in developing farm plans to build understanding and ownership. There is a strong risk certified farm plans will be over prescriptive and will lose value to farmers, which would be a massive lost opportunity.

“We also have concerns about the cost to farmers.”

DairyNZ says freshwater farm plans are an effective tool to achieve freshwater quality outcomes but must be alongside regional and catchment planning and consenting as well as national environment standards.

Clarity is needed between the two approaches. For example, DairyNZ and B+LNZ believe effects of winter grazing can be managed through a freshwater farm plan, rather than permitted activity conditions or resource consent.

Questions arose at Marlborough Federated Farmers October meeting over duplication between an independent rural advisory group (acronym RAG) set up several years ago and a similar group recently set up by the Marlborough District Council.

Geoff Evans, former Marlborough District councillor and a foundation member of RAG, questioned the need for another group.

“Do we need MDC setting up a new version of Federated Farmers?” he asked.

He received strong support from Gary Barnett who suggested it would be better to enhance RAG structure and membership than duplicate it with another group.

Ross Beech, an appointed member of MDC’s environment committee, said the concept for

the council’s group stemmed from moves by the three MDC rural councillors, Gerald Hope, Cynthia Brooks and Francis Maher.

“It was felt there wasn’t enough good progressive dialogue with the rural community,” he said.

“We wanted to tap a far wider resource than RAG or Federated Farmers which hasn’t got all farmers as members. We wanted a positive arena to have debates.”

MDC councillor Francis Maher said in support there was a need to have a better channel to work through while senior MDC staff are “on board” with the council’s group.

Marlborough Federated Farmers president Scott Adams said while Federated Farmer did not have all farmers as members, nevertheless the organisation did work for the interessts of all farmers.

Marlborough Federated Farm-

ers’ executive members Scott Adams and Richard Dawkins are both appointees for Federated Farmers on MDC’s group.

However Geoff Evans was not convinced of the need to duplicate RAG’s function.

“RAG has to be given a fair go and see what the council can get out of it,” he said.

RAG had driven the issue of getting broadband to rural areas such as the Waihopai valley with MDC promising to get 95 per cent average of rural Marlborough. “But MDC walked away from that promise despite me as a MDC councillor requesting that the promise be honoured,” said Geoff.

He questioned why a “costly new group” was being formed by the council when RAG should be filling the bill. He felt it would be a shame if, in the future, RAG was not supported by MDC.

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NZ farmers most at risk of skin cancer in the world Jo Kent Farmers and growers are being urged to get sunsmart this summer as they are among the most at risk of melanoma in the world due to New Zealand’s UV radiation intensity, and the time they spend outside.

Federated Farmers vice president and Wairarapa arable farmer Karen Williams says the right protection techniques and annual checks can save a life.

“It needs to become routine to put on sunscreen before going outside. On our farm we have got big pump bottles of sunscreen at the house and down at the sheds, and smaller bottles in all the vehicles, along with plenty of brimmed hats.”

It has been estimated up to 25 per cent of farmers and growers have had a skin cancer.

“Farmers are very busy people, but an annual check on your health and well-being, which includes a skin check, could save your life,” Karen says.

Wearing wide-brimmed hats and covering up with long sleeves is essential to reduce sun exposure on farms. Photo: Supplied.

More than 4000 people in the country are diagnosed with melanoma each year, and about 300 will die from it. In fact, more people die from skin cancer than on our roads.

However, melanoma and skin cancers can be preventable and curable diseases.

Regular self-checking, as well as

regular checks with a specialist or GP, is the best way for those at risk to receive skin monitoring, and if melanoma is detected early enough it can be successfully treated.

Federated Farmers supports Melanoma New Zealand’s recent campaign ‘Get Spotted’ which aims for a New Zealand with no

deaths from melanoma.

Farmers who go and get themselves checked and stock up on sunscreen for themselves, family, staff, and farm visitors will help see this vision realised.

“It’s a legitimate farm expense. It’s no different than buying a high vis vest to be seen, helmets to protect your head, or safety boots

to protect your toes,” Karen says.

Melanoma New Zealand’s partnership with FMG also sees education and prevention messages of melanoma being shared with rural New Zealand, including Melanoma New Zealand teaming up with FMG at the National Fieldays to offer free spot checks.

FMG chief client officer Andrea Brunner says, “Supporting farmers and growers to remain well so that they can continue to grow and prosper is very important to us.”

Melanoma can sometimes be perceived as a concern for older people, but that’s not the case.

Although the chance of developing melanoma increases with age, young people are not immune.

The benefits of doing a regular skin check are undeniable given that if melanoma is caught early, it’s almost always curable.

For more information about early detection and to see a video on doing self-checks, visit melanoma. org.nz/early-detection.

Opinion: Worryworts focus on nitrates Garrick Batten Covid-19 has focussed minds on all health matters. One has been nitrate in aquifer water supplies, based on a 2018 Denmark study that it may increase colorectal cancer risk.

While water nitrate level is important, it does not need hype and misinterpretation by lobby groups, particularly those concerned about agricultural environmental effects, ignoring the qualifying word ‘may’ and adopting the report base of 1mg/L compared with adopted standard of 11.3. Like much research, the devil is in the detail, such as this study not correcting for influential lifestyle and diet factors. It

ignored the World Cancer Research Fund International report recommending a diet of fruit and vegetables associated with low colorectal risk that can contain high nitrates. Little dietary nitrate reaches that part of the gut anyway, mostly gone in urine within 48 hours.

Glyphosate is a similar worry. A WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer advised national regulators that glyphosate is possibly, not probably, carcinogenic to humans. But the Journal of US National Cancer Institute, endorsed by NZ toxicologists and NZEPA, reported no cancer association when used according to label. And USEPA and European Food Safety Authority confirmed

that glyphosate was not classified, or proposed to be classified, as carcinogenic.

The joint WHO International programme on chemical safety and Joint FAO/ WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues also found glyphosate is not carcinogenic.

Another target has been soil and its influence on our nutrition in a recent national magazine article reviewing a book written by a gardener. That linked negatives to mono-cropping, soil erosion, over-grazing, nitrogen fertiliser and other “poisoning” chemical use. Nitrogen is an essential

plant food that has supported increased food production for a global population increasing 300% since 1950. The writer apparently expected them to keep starving. Reality is our soils are also phosphorus-deficient and needed superphosphate to grow grass to feed livestock and crops.

That has added some cadmium to double existing natural levels, but our food products are within WHO Guidelines and well below those affecting human health.

Apparently these and other essential major plant foods missing in NZ soils for growing plants to feed people could be ignored as “bacteria and fungi supply up to 90% of plants’ meals”. He also claimed ploughing caused most

soil harm but ignored that it controlled weeds and incorporated organic matter, or that glyphosate was needed for his alternative direct drilling and reduced soil erosion.

However, when viewed through a New Zealand farming lens, the article was positive. Most soil erosion does not come from farmland. We do not have single cropping or over-grazing. Farmers are well aware of what happens above and below their soils and endorse the author’s advice for “compost, compost, compost”. Grazing animals leave 20% of pasture to return directly to the land plus dung and urine = compost in a system building soils through the country in the last 150 years.

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Trout-Rivers advocacy lauds end to Wairau River threat Tony Orman TrustPower’s recent decision to not renew its resource consent application for a hydro-electricity scheme for the Wairau River has been applauded by the NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers.

NZFFA secretary, David Haynes of Nelson, said the “virtual victory” had come after twenty years of public opposition and over $1 million spent by Fish and Game and lobby group Save the Wairau.

“Congratulations to Save the Wairau for their tenacity, imagination and toughness to stand up to what would have been a highly ecologicallydestructive scheme,” he said.

“Nelson Marlborough Fish and Game are also to be congratulated.”

The now-abandoned scheme

by TrustPower sought to take two thirds of the river’s flow and divert it along a 47km canal by-passing a public river known for its quality trout and salmon angling as well as

unique wildlife values.

The resource consent expired this winter and TrustPower sought to have it extended, arguing they had undertaken sufficient work on the scheme to allow for such an extension. However, Marlborough District Council deemed otherwise and pointed out that none of the consent conditions required prior to any construction had been done. “It’s a win for the environment and the public interest over commercial exploitation,” said David.

NZFFA secretary David Haynes says the lapse of TrustPower’s resource consent on the Wairau River is a win for the environment and public interest. Photo: Supplied.

James Simpson of Gun City in Richmond with the Gamo Swarm Magnum air rifle. Photo: Steve Page.

Air rifle ideal for pest control The Gamo Swarm Magnum could have almost been designed for the farmer.

With an extra 300 FPS, this breakrotary-fed air rifle in 177 or 22 can cleanly and humanely kill most pests out to 100 metres and, best of all providing you are over 18, you don’t need a licence. Once shooters load up their 10-shot rotary magazine, the Magnum can spit .22 cal. pellets at speeds up to 1,300 fps, a full 300 fps faster than the previous Maxxim.

After every shot, simply break the barrel and the magazine automatically loads the next round into the breech. This perfected system has

been left unchanged for multiple shots as fast as you can cock the barrel. Gun city manager Clay Barry says this rifle will quickly become the staple for rural pest control, in particular rabbits and rats.

“While we have a small amount of stock at the moment I do urge customers to be quick because, like the rest of the country, we are having supply difficulties and the pest season is fast approaching.”

The rifle is very high quality and built to be reliable, and retails for $899. It can also be fitted with a scope for pin point accuracy for those long shots.

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Dalton Downs - Superior Dairy Property Dalton Downs is widely regarded as one of Marlborough's premium dairy farms.

Nestled in a sheltered valley adjacent to the Pelorus River the farm is predominantly flat with gentle slopes on the valley margins this 313 hectare (774 acres) farm is contained in four titles.

Production gains in the last two seasons have seen 295,000kg milk solids achieved with further increase budgeted due to the introduction of 15 hectares of ex forestry land being bought into the milking platform which is now 242 hectares.

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Call Greg Lyons or Joe Blakiston today

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Greg Lyons M 027 579 1233 E greg.lyons@pggwrightson.co.nz Joe Blakiston M 027 434 4069 | B 03 579 3702 E jblakiston@pggwrightson.co.nz

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Greg Lyons M 027 579 1233 E greg.lyons@pggwrightson.co.nz Joe Blakiston M 027 434 4069 B 03 579 3702 E jblakiston@pggwrightson.co.nz

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RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

Tasman Report As another wet month ticks over, we buyers we currently are dealing with continue to count the cost of all the looking for property across the board COVID cancellations that are mount- continues to grow – with the demand ing as we try to get to grips with the for lifestyle blocks particularly strong. latest Delta outbreak. Long-running Larger farms are also sought after A&P shows, fundraising events, fes- with Carbon conversions becomtivals and a long list of social and ing very topical as they outstrip the sporting activities have become a value of traditional sheep and beef sad casualty of the buyers for medium to rules that are being apsteep hill country. How plied in various forms this will pan out in the around the country. I years ahead is undo wonder about how known however it plays this will affect our rural into the hands of farmcommunities and the ers looking to sell at organisations that rely present as the buying on group activities to pool continues to grow. continue the great work Listings of dairy farms that goes on away from have been steadJoe Blakiston the spotlight of national ily increasing over the 0274 344 069 events. A lot of hard last few months with work and planning has a number now on the been wasted but the need for so- market in the Tasman region. ‘Dalcial and community activities goes ton Downs’ at Canvastown is widely on – We all see the effect that the regarded as the most desirable dairy strict lockdown is having in the wider farm of scale in the region and is beAuckland region – the sooner we all ing marketed by PGG Wrightson at get Vaxed the better, enough said on present – at 313 hectares and runthat. ning a very efficient milking herd of Despite the wet season, the outlook 795 cows on a 242 hectare milking for rural commodities is very bright platform will create a lot of interest and in particular this is reflected in over the sale period. land prices and listings of land in Please contact me for further details. the top of the South. The number of Have a safe month.

NEW LISTING

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DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY

Sheep / Beef / Deer Finishing Property 653 Long Plain Road is a versatile property currently breeding and finishing beef, sheep and deer.

Plus GST (if any) Closes 2.00pm, Thursday 18th November 2021 No Prior Offers

VIEW By Appointment Only

212 Hectares with approximately 128ha effective in two levels with around 50ha of alluvial river flats and the balance in pakihi terrace. Approximately 8km to Takaka for all services.

Contact Doug for further information.

Doug Smith M 027 543 2280 E douglasjcsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz pggwre.co.nz/NEL34804

NEW LISTING

THORPE, TASMAN

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any)

Dovedale Dairy Dovedale Dairy is a 161ha mixed contour dairy farm centrally located between Richmond and Motueka. The A2 herd of 380 cows is milked once a day, and supplies Fonterra and a local liquid milk processor for a premium return.

A dam supplies irrigation water over the 50ha of flats, and the property could be utilised for Horticulture. The hub of the operation is a 54 bail high spec rotary cow shed centrally placed with the other farm improvements. There is one four bedroom bungalow.

Ample water for irrigation is supplied by a 250 million litre storage dam with the 50ha of flats irrigated by K-Line. Domestic, stock and cowshed water is supplied by a well. Apart from the 50ha of the

flats, 20ha is rolling with the balance in medium to steep hill. There is a 4ha block of native bush in QEII covenant and a 3.8ha block of trees.

This impressive property has the water to develop horticulture if a change in land use is desired and being only 40km to Richmond allows a new owner to experience the convenience and the best that the Nelson lifestyle has to offer.

Closing 2.00pm, Thursday 18th November 2021 (Unless Sold Prior)

VIEW By Appointment Only

Doug Smith M 027 543 2280 E douglasjcsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz Joe Blakiston M 027 434 4069 E jblakiston@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/NEL34789 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Helping grow the country

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Mental health is a hot topic with farmers around the country but also with many young people.

In 2020 119 young people died by suicide and it is estimated another 3100 tried to take their own lives. While Government agencies are doing their best, some kids are stuck waiting up to six months to receive the counselling they so urgently need.

On Friday, November 5, the Key to Life Charitable Trust, founded by comedian Mike King, will host Gumboot Friday, an event to raise money which is used to ensure young people can access quality counsellors when they need them most.

I AM HOPE is the youth and community focused support group run by The Key to Life Charitable Trust. For the last three years Key To Life have been promoting positive attitudinal societal change in schools and communities up and down the country, and funding private care and counselling for young people stuck-in-the-mud

Farming

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on waiting lists.

“We know kids want to take agency of their own mental health de-

velopment AND their communities’. We give kids permission to do just that, and contribute

NELSON

directly to the social change we’re all working towards,” says Mike.

“We speak and communicate di-

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rectly to and with kids. We are unconventional, grassroots, provocative and anti-establishment simply because we know that our approach is effective at engaging with kiwis.”

100% of donations goes to counselling for young people by registered mental health practitioners.

This is so your money goes directly where it’s needed: to young people getting the help and support they need, when they need it most.

Nelson-based Taryn Beattie is an advocate for improved youth mental health services after years facing the problem first-hand.

It’s been more than a decade since Taryn tried to take her own life, but it is only in the past few months that she has felt comfortable enough to ask for help.

“When I decided to act, I didn’t want to talk to anyone,” she says.

“I was happy I had made that decision and I was leaving my family unburdened. I was doing them a favour.”

Helping you untangle

LIFE

Traffic Management Specialists

emotional support services If you are willing, I can help you untangle the issue or issues that have created this distressing period in your life.

Contact George on 0275 353 533 or email george@thepurpleguy.nz

Our qualified staff focus on quality and safety, trust us with the traffic while you get the job done.

Come and talk to Ella the dog and The Purple Guy.

03 928 0475

BRAND MARK

Together, we will help you untangle life.

nmtraffic.nz

We have three colour versions of the brand available for you to use.

We can come to your property anywhere in the Tasman region

So

ld

Choose whichever version suits your requirements.

Use the logo in its entirety.

The CA mark should only be used in conjunction with the words Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

COLOUR VARIATIONS

Proudly Supporting Gumboot Friday

The Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand logo can be used in three different colour combinations or in 80% black (grey) or reverse (white).

• Total Greencare of Lifestyle Blocks

MONOTONE (80% BLACK or REVERSE)

• Vegetation Service

The 80% black (grey) or reverse logo should be used where colour is not possible or where a more formal tone is required.

• Wood Chipping

The reverse logo may be used on solid colour backgrounds where required.

• Stump Removal • Arborist Work • Riparian/Biodiversity Planting

www.colliers.co.nz

Full insurance cover while all work is being done.

2020/2021 Certified Consultant

Contact Morten for a Free Quote

P: 021 206 9914 5

or

03 541 86 85

E: mortenlausen@gmail.com www.nelsonlandscaping.co.nz supergreencare

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Gumboot Friday is I AM HOPE’s annual fundraising appeal, which aims to raise funds for FREE counselling in our region.

Now she is helping spearhead a major fundraising campaign for youth mental health services with Mike King’s I Am Hope programme. This includes next year’s MET for Mental Health Gala which has already raised more than $100,000 and Gumboot Friday.

It took a second national lockdown for Taryn, who was living alone and running a business, to reach out for support.

“I called a friend and told her I don’t feel safe in my brain, and I asked her to move in.”

It had been a long journey for Taryn before willing herself to pick up the phone.

“It’s a rollercoaster, a constant battle but now I am able to be quite open about it and ask for help if I need it from my friends or whoever. Whereas before I would have been a closed book.”

Taryn says Covid-19 has been incredibly detrimental to the country’s collective well-being.

“We saw so many of our team members, family and friends commit suicide, the impact on people’s mental health has been huge.”

She says the services available to those

in the deepest grips of depression are inadequate.

“It’s absolutely ridiculous. People often don’t reach out when they are feeling suicidal, they need help long before that.”

Taryn has recently been trying to find help for a friend having thoughts of ending their life.

“They can’t get appointment for six weeks and every psychiatrist is unavailable until January, that’s an issue.”

Taryn says even in 2021, there is still a serious stigma attached to mental health.

“A lot of people are embarrassed to ask for help or on the other side of that, they ask and then they might get the ‘man up.’

She says as a society we need to address the issue by educating and empowering youth.

“We need to get it into schools, get help accessible and have the finances available for resources.”

To join the ‘Gumboot Army’ go to htt ps://www.gumbootfriday.org.nz/volun teers To donate auction items for the Gala email tarryn@hubbardsflooring.co.nz

WHERE TO GET HELP Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 Lifeline 0800 543 354 Youthline 0800 376 633 Or text or call 1737 any time, 24 hours a day.

You’ll get to talk to (or text with) a trained counsellor, completely free of charge.

Locally owned concrete company.

Specialising in Machine-Formed Kerb & Channel and all general concrete work.

For all your accounting needs

Ph 03 544 6196

Chris: 027 453 3246 Craig: 027 453 3034

205C Queen St, Richmond

Tasman Earthworks & Construction operate throughout the greater Nelson Tasman region providing a wide range of excavation and construction services.

We offer a personal and tailored service to meet your needs .

Contact us today for an estimate for your next project.

CALL US TODAY

027 385 5998 • info@tasmanearthworks.co.nz • www.tasmanearthworks.co.nz

General and Forestry Engineers

Qualified Welder

021 365 812

General Engineering

service@hauler.co.nz

On-Site Maintenance Plant/Machinery Maintenance

Jared Gray 027 511 9322 broadengineering@yahoo.com

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Farming with a side of forestry Do you have steeper areas on your farm that are hard to access, have multiple waterways requiring fencing, love to grow weeds or just don’t have the same productivity levels as the rest of the property? These are the areas of a farm on which farmers are increasingly moving towards establishing a forest.

These forests are being planted as rotational timber crops, while earning carbon revenue during the first rotation to cover establishment costs and development of the rest of their farming operations.

This also adds diversification to a farmer’s portfolio along the way.

Farmers looking to establish a forest on marginal land should bear in mind that there is huge demand for planting labour, seedlings, and chemicals. It pays to plan ahead with your planting to secure the resources you need to get the trees in the ground in good time.

ETS update

We have seen the price of NZUs (carbon credits) rise to a high of $65.

At the start of this year

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Column: Forestry and farming

I watched Country Calen- and figures available. There dar last week, as many of us are numbers galore that do, for it must be one of the show trends, good and not most popular and enduring so good, along with a conprogrammes on the quality siderable amount of crystal content starved television ball gazing. There are reams networks. and reams of writings pointOf course, this ing to the delays programme beneand failures of our fits enormously by immediate past, the visually stunand that’s all fine. ning countryside However, none of that is New Zeait changes where land. It is obvious we are now. There the camera lens is no doubt we loves New Zeaare all on a new Please check your proof carefully approve it or submit corrections the Fin land. Iand do however journey. We by have John Hollis also believe there never been here You can now approve or submit changes to yourisad withinthread the ATOL system at aIt time a common running before. is nowthat evensuits moreyou. J in your ad proof email to view your ad, then click thethrough APPROVE or CORRECTIONS buttontoright from there the people featured, important heed the words contributing greatly to the of a very old saying, ‘If you’re Forests are being planted on steeper land as rotational timber crops, while earning customer PF OLSEN & CO LTD (RMD) publishingprogramme’s 06/24/21 appeal. That starting a long journey, booked size C make carbon revenue during the first rotation to cover establishment cost. advert ID CH-8994297AA (100%) publicationthread Advmust Supp NEM dimensions 12 surely be their sure your first step is in the the price was at $35 per but this is offset against market. and willingness sectionattitude CUSTOM SQUAREto right direction’. proofed 9/ tonne, an increase of over the continued increase in Domestic - Demand for look outside the square, ap- Forestry, as we all know will 80 per cent! shipping costs which have wood products is likely to ply some good old common play a huge part in rectifying Where will it go from risen between 3-400 per be affected by shortages of sense to diversification, ex- all this, despite any apprehere? And how quickly cent this year. associated building matepansion or change of use hensions anyone may have. will it move? These are the Chinese holidays have rials. strategies, and simply give it To provide much needed Please questions on many minds resulted in an increase in This may justcheck meanyour pro-proof carefully and approve it or submit corrections by the Final Proof Alte a go. It appeals to our sense timber alongside the ability right now.

Chinese log inventories duction You can now submittimber changes to of yourindividualism. ad within the ATOL Just follow th approveofor sawn time that suits you.carbon It system also at toa absorb and store in October which may with de- click the APPROVE or CORRECTIONS button right from there - no new emai in your adsee proof can emailcatch to viewup your ad, then highlights the need to use is unique. On top of all that, November pricing sub- mand, so not a significant Log market update customer PF OLSEN & CO LTD (RMD) publishing 06/24/21 booked size it’s CSQ QUART V this ability and start asking with the right advice, very concern to the wood proExport - The October side slightly.advert ID CH-8994297AA (100%) publication Adv questions.

Supp NEM Where possible farming dimensions 12.3X12.4, cms the hard operations prices for export logs But with demand remain- cessing industry at this section SQUARE proofed 9/06/2021 12:2 are theCUSTOM opportunities?

Am I can become more profitable, dropped slightly from ing healthy and shipping stage. missing anything? Where do but as we have indicated earSeptember prices. Chi- costs beginning to flat- New Zealand construcI go for guidance? If we don’t lier, one size does not fit all. nese demand remains ten off, there is a positive tion activity is planned ask these questions we will Your farm is unique, as your strong, and the New Zea- outlook over the coming to remain strong through environmental plan should be left at the starting gate. land dollar has dropped, months for the export log 2022.

There is a myriad of facts be.

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Monthly Forestry Update

The Professional Forest Management Company Windthrow Recent wind events in Nelson/Tasman have left many mature forests with wind damof Choice. age. Depending on the scale of the windthrow, this may mean the salvage of the afNigel Bryant Logging are pleased to provide the complete harvest solution for your forest including all environmental, health and safety compliance as well as harvest planning, engineering, harvesting and post-harvest remedial work.

fected area, or even the harvest of the whole block. Forest owners who already had the relevant council consents issued and earthworks in place for the harvest are well placed to salvage the windthrown trees before they decay.

PF Olsen is the leading provider of independent The Professional Forest Management Company professional forestry services in New Zealand. of Choice.

Log Market update The October prices for export logs remained relatively unchanged from September

CH-8994297AA

PF Olsen is the provider of independent prices.

Chinese demand remains strong, and the NZD has dropped, but this is offsetneeds Contact us now for allleading your forest management againstprofessional the continued increase in shipping costs which have risen between 3-400% forestry services in New Zealand.

We can tailor our harvesting configuration depending on your year. Domestic management demand for wood products and is likely to be affected by shortages •thisHarvest log marketing needs and are proud to employ a team of highly valued, multiof associated building materials. This may just mean production of sawn timber can Contact us now for all your forest management needs: catch • up with demand, so not a significant concern toand the wood processing industry Forest establishment tending skilled forestry professionals, as evident at the Top of the South • Harvest management and log marketing at this stage.

Forestry Awards where three of our team won awards.

• Forest valuations • Forest establishment and tending Emissions Trading Scheme update have seen the price of NZUs (carbon credits) rise to a high of $64 per tonne. At • Forest valuations •We Due diligence on forest purchases/sales the start of this year the price was at $35 per tonne, an increase of over 80%. Where • Due onwillforest will it go from here?diligence And how quickly it move?purchases/sales These are the questions on many minds right now.

03 544 8224 bryantlogging.co.nz

Nelson 03 544 0066 Blenheim 03 577 6675

Nelson 03 544 0066 Blenheim 03 577 6675

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Advert

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Boundary lines are approximate

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When the new neighbours complain about the cows Anna Bensemann Rural lifestyles vary significantly from urban lifestyles, with differences in expected levels of noise generated by neighbours activities, amount of buildings you can see, levels of traffic experienced and indeed the strength and nature of smells.

These features contribute to the anticipated amenity values of those with a rural outlook vs an urban outlook.

So how do you manage the situation when those with urban lifestyle amenity expectations choose to move into a rural neighborhood. The rise of lifestyle blocks in the rural environment over the last 30 years has seen an increase in sensitivity to the effects arising from normal rural activities by those not fully accustomed to wide open spaces. This is known as reverse sensitivity effects and is managed through the district plan when undertaking subdivision in or close to the rural environment.

In the most extreme situations, complaints about the nature of framing activities through cumulative lifestyle block holders with urban type amenity values can push the farming activities to relocate further away from urban areas.

The district plan sets out the minimum allotment size for the rural zone and in most districts this is 20 ha, which

allows for separation between dwellings and farm base areas to avoid effects across boundaries, and maintain the rural amenity anticipated. When seeking dispensation (resource

ries. In some cases, solid fences can provide mitigation from noise or sprays occurring on farming activities, where it is cost effective to install such a fence. Alternatively, the use of acoustic insulation for bedrooms can mitigate noise effects, and such measures are included in the Marlborough District planning frameworks to avoid effects from lawfully established frost fans.

Increased dwelling setback from boundaries can also provide a greater sense of separation from rural activities, which may alleviate effects.

The difficulty is knowing how much of setback will provide sufficient separation to avoid the potential for effects for new landowners to the area. Seeking too much setback can place unnecessary restrictions on future landowners, while insufficient setback will not achieve the desired effect of protecting lawful rural activities.

When considering a subdivision to provide for rural lifestyle allotment, its worth thinking about what future neighbours amenity expectations are likely to be, and if there is sufficient mitigation to ensure the new neighbours have no reason to complain about your cows.

consent) to create allotments smaller than 20 ha, Council are required to consider additional mitigation measures proposed to protect lawfully operating farms in the surrounding area from complaints arising from smaller landholders who’s amenity values may be more aligned with urban expectations.

Measures commonly used include landscaping within property boundaries of smaller allotments, which provides a sense of separation, and avoids visual effects across bounda-

Anna Bensemann, Senior Planner Baseline Group Marlborough, Email: anna@blg.nz Phone 03 578 7299

Got something to buy, sell or promote Contact us sales@nmf.co.nz

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Diploma is more than just a qualification Scott Adams’s large Marlborough date with cash-flow and budgeting property with its mix of native trees, and decisions on what to do and forestry plantation, grape growing, where to spend money in the busihoney production and sheep and ness.” beef farming has been in the family “It helps you understand the implisince 1851. cations of your spending and your Scott runs Coatbridge Farm in the responsibilities with tax, GST and Wairau Valley with his brother and managing expenditure.” parents, and recently completed his He found developing ideas, goals diploma. and plans most valuable. Using a The vastness and varied use of case study or business plan helped the 1600ha property pose identify whether a piece of plenty of challenges. It has work or project was justi800ha of native bush and fied. “It also helps you know trees, 400ha of exotic forwhere you are going, so you estry, a 375ha sheep and do your research and then beef operation and 24ha of work within your budget Scott Adams sauvignon blanc grapes. rather than just doing a Scott gained new skills from un- project and paying for it later.” dertaking the diploma and recom- The family has a range of sustainable mends others take the opportunity management practices, evidenced to upskill with the qualification. by the property still flourishing af“It is a way of getting a higher lev- ter being in the family for over 160 el qualification while you are still years. The grape growing operation working.” is following the practices of SustainThe full programme covers four able Wine Growing New Zealand. modules: Human Resource Man- Scott says the resource management agement, Environment and Sus- and sustainability module was usetainability Management, Financial ful for pastoral operation.

Planning and Management, and “It is thinking about what you are Strategic Planning for Primary In- doing and how you are doing it, for dustry Business. example with fertilisers and chemiScott says he enjoyed the modules cals.” on finance and business planning. You can read more about the diplo“They helped me to be more up to ma at www.primaryitodiploma.co.nz

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The true value of Golden Bay Dolomite With supply of fertiliser inputs from overseas becoming increasingly expensive and erratic, it’s worth focusing on our own resources.

Magnesium is an essential input on virtually all intensive dairy farms and there is no guarantee that magnesium oxide products, all of which are overseas sourced, will continue to be available when required.

Golden Bay dolomite is a local deposit, supply is guaranteed, and prices, unlike other magnesium products, reflect only the cost of production and supply.

There is only one source of dolomite in New Zealand and it’s located in Golden Bay, hence the name.

The price of Golden Bay dolomite delivered varies depending on where you farm. The price delivered to Canterbury Plains farmers is considerably less than

for farmers in Taranaki.

Regardless of where in New Zealand you’re situated, if magnesium is required dolomite provides outstanding value regardless of price.

Dolomite is often referred to as dolomite lime and herein lies much of the confusion that surrounds it.

In pastoral situations, based on extensive experience over the last 23 years, dolomite is best applied at the rate at which magnesium is required.

High rates, based on soil test calculations alone do not provide better protection against calcium/magnesium metabolic disorders in spring.

In our experience 200 - 250kg/ ha applied annually is sufficient to ensure that the likelihood of finding cows down behind hedges at 5.00 in the morning is largely eliminated.

Clients report the occasional wobbly cow, usually during prolonged periods of wet cold weather, however unless there is another contributing factor, there’s time to treat and the re-

sponse is rapid.

Valuable time is not lost deferring immediate tasks to treat cows that may not get to their feet immediately, and cows down for even a few hours suffer significant muscle damage.

High producing animals in

spring are typically on a metabolic knife edge and any shortage or imbalance of nutrient reduces production for the current season.

Magnesium deficiencies are seldom just that. Calcium is nearly always involved, and this is where dolomite is unique.

It contains 24% calcium and 11.5% magnesium, in what has proved to be the near perfect ratio for both plants and animals.

That’s somewhat unsurprising as dolomite is an ancient seabed deposit, laid down over millions of years, and its application finely ground is largely a recycling process returning it to the land from where it originated.

A point made in a Radio NZ interview years ago was that although slivers of Mt Burnett are being mined it’s done so in an environmentally responsible way with ongoing native plant re-establishment as part of the process.

In our view any loss is far outweighed by the benefits available to pastoral farmers from a low-rate yearly application.

Farmers can easily calculate the

financial benefits from an annual investment, often less than $50.00/ ha, with the loss of one top producing cow and her milksolids for the season exceeding $5000.

Dolomite may be applied at any time with a range of other benefits and still provide protection in spring.

Dolomite is a recognised soil conditioner with lighter sandy and pumice-based soils of the North Island benefiting from a little extra stickiness that speeds the formation of soil crumb.

On heavier soils that are prone to treading damage during wet periods over winter it helps speed physical re-structing allowing more rapid recovery of pasture during spring and summer.

Being a natural seabed deposit, it contains a wide range of beneficial trace elements, and although they exist in parts per million and therefore hard to accurately value, there are many people world-wide that swallow a capsule a day knowing that they are better off as a result. For more information call Peter on 0800 436 566.

A modern alternative for transport that is environmentally friendly • Quick, efficient, powerful, and safe transport capable of performing all general tasks • Environmentally friendly and no pollution • Low maintenance • Quiet • Quick release trailer

HARROWS – TRACK CONDITIONER - ARENA GROOMER We custom build in NZ to suit your machinery and soil types WWW.LYNDONHARROWS.CO.NZ

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Tel: 03 528 0067 Mob: 021 045 2943 smartpowerebikes.co.nz

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Fortify your 4WD’s with ultra-strong bash plates Made of steel, and designed for harsh New Zealand conditions, ACFab bash plates are ideal for the farming and forestry sectors, or anyone who uses a 4WD vehicle for everyday work or recreational purposes.

“Bash plates replace factory splash guards under your vehicle and provide 10 times more strength,” says the owner of ACFab Limited, Andrei Cheptitski.

“They are made of 4mm mild steel, which has been zinc plated for corrosion resistance – a much better process than painting or powder coats.

They also resist scratching better than anything else.” Andrei says ACFab bash

plates are ideal for farmers, vineyard owners and forestry businesses that use 4WD’s to get to and from their site and are great for anyone who wants to preserve a vehicle.

Originally a carpenter, Andrei then became an aircraft engineer. “I have been doing that for seven years now, rebuilding jet engines for the Christchurch engine centre,” he says. Andrei got into bash plates because he needed something for his own vehicle, for when he goes four wheel driving up the rivers. “I wanted a quality, locally made product, and because I had a bit of CAD experience and enjoyed muck-

ACFab bash plates can also feature logo cut outs for fleet vehicles or that personalised touch.

ing around making parts in my garage, I thought I’d give it a go. Then someone asked Andrei if he could make them a bash plate, so he put it on Facebook.

The rest is history. ACFab Limited was born.

Designed in CAD, then laser cut, ACFab bash plates are a direct bolt onto factory points and are supplied with all the necessary hardware. Produced in Christchurch, ACFab’s bash plates can be sent to anywhere in New Zealand.

You can view the range of bash plates online at: www.acfab.co.nz. “We have our standard bash plates which can be sent within a few days, or we can cus-

ACFab underbody vehicle protection plates are made with New Zealand conditions in mind, using 4mm mild steel.

tom design your bash plates and potentially attach your company logo to fleet vehicles, which takes a bit longer – usually around three weeks,” says Andrei. “You are welcome to send us a file and we can work with your design.”

New Zealand owned and operated, everything made by ACFab Limited is produced in Christchurch. Andrei runs his business with Laura Gardiner, who assists with the admin side of things.

“We are here to support the local economy with locally made products.”

To find out more, send an email to: acfab.ltd@gmail.com or phone Andrei on 022 696 4614.

ACFab can also create protection plates for specific areas of the vehicle such as under the radiator.

Specialising in vehicle underbody protection Bash plates for 4x4’s Made with heavy duty steel, to replace your factory splash guards Offering custom logo cuts for fleet vehicles 100% New Zealand owned and operated

www.acfab.co.nz

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Coarse wool struggles, fine wool market healthy With the end of the fine wool selling season now firmly in sight, wool brokers in the Canterbury and Otago regions would normally be looking forward to a slowing down of wool coming into stores and an increase in wool moving out.

However, due to the global shipping issues being experienced, wool brokers, wool merchants, wool scourers, and wool dumpers and have found themselves continually juggling warehouse storage space to accommodate the larger number of bales being held by exporters, compared to a similar time last year.

Obviously with shipping and land transport issues tripping up

the movement of vessels and lorries around the world, all wool exporters in NZ are in a similar position, waiting and hoping to have container space allocated as soon as possible to move the wide range of wool types (not just fine wools) to their customers located in more than fifty countries.

Along with delays and shipping space limitations, come additional costs and many stories of considerable freight increases have been relayed during the past several months.

Several shipping companies have increased pricing to cover their costs of visiting NZ ports compared to other closer and possibly quicker turnaround destinations.

Despite freight challenges, plus a high-flying Kiwi dollar, the NZ wool auction market has maintained very good support from global wool processors, and the exporter bench present at

each auction has remained vocal - from behind face masks of course!

From a grower perspective, the coarse wool industry has struggled, and continues to struggle, to deliver meaningful returns and, in my view, there does not appear to be any reason to indicate a sudden upturn in wool price given the uncertain wider environment.

Prices for average style coarse wool measuring from 35 to 40 microns remain in or around the 250 to 270 cents per clean kilogram marks, with best styles reaching nearer 300 cents clean.

More recently a few finer hogget types measuring from about 30 to 32 microns gained slightly better traction fetching prices from around 325 to 355 cents per clean kilogram. Poor styles displaying heavy discoloration (yellowness) and/or high vegetable matter

contamination remained severely discounted.

A quantity of old seasons’ wools offered of late also suffered discounts due to their very stale look and generally poor style.

Halfbred and Corriedale wool types have been in good demand although market prices have favoured those measuring around 26 microns and finer.

With limited Chinese demand for wools measuring from around 27 to 29.5 microns, these types have battled however a few exceptionally well grown and well-prepared clips have drawn attention from astute buyers. At the most recent auction, at time of writing, held on 21st October, the finer edge of the Halfbreds were keenly sought after again with auctioneers continually adjusting their calling prices upwards.

A feature of each wool auction in Christchurch during the past few

weeks, has been the very good selection of Merino wools catalogued.

With European, Scandinavian, and Asian buying interests represented, supported by Australasian interests, the market has been “on fire” across all types and micron ranges.

On 21st October a very good selection of hogget wools was offered in Christchurch delivering extremely good results. Many extra-fine lots (14 to 16 microns) easily exceeded $30.00 per clean kilogram.

A line of hogget wool from “The Bend”, Patearoa, offered by PGG Wrightson, was very keenly sought with a single bale measuring 13.2 microns reaching $81.80 per clean kilogram ($55.30 greasy), and five bales (13.7 microns) at $73.44 clean ($49.50 greasy).

That’s my view.

Hire the next generation Ann Thompson Working on farm over the summer is a great way for students to earn enough to cover some of the expenses facing them in the coming year, to learn some of the tricks of the trade and to see if a career in the primary sector suits them.

Hiring them is just as good, as it provides an extra pair of hands on farm during the holidays and gives farmers the opportunity to teach, handing on their own knowledge.

Teaching someone else’s youngster may be easier than teaching your own too, as is learning from someone who isn’t your parent.

Farming was one of the very first industries in Golden Bay. There are farms here that are multi-generational, with some farms set up in the 1850s still in the same family. The work was done by the family and

the farm handed down, with very few alternative jobs available then.

Today, however, there is so much choice for young people.

Country Calendar features quite a few stories about the next generation helping in the holidays. Not all farmers have this option, with their youngsters choosing other opportunities.

Across the country there is a shortage of New Zealanders willing to work on the land and even with those who have been forced by the Covid pandemic to retrain, often landing jobs in the rural sector, there is still a shortfall. Part of the problem is that schools don’t promote working on the land and in the sea as a worthwhile occupation that can be rewarding, interesting and varied.

Offering students, including those from university, an opportunity to

work on your farm may be the catalyst needed to get them thinking about working on the land. After all, the 2020 Federated FarmersRabo Bank Remuneration Report shows that the mean farm employee package (salary plus benefits such as accommodation, meat, firewood, Kiwisaver, etc) is $57,125 for dairy farm workers, $55,568 across sheep/ beef farms and $58,800 across grain farms.

Federated Farmers here in the Bay has for many years supported senior students who excel in agricultural subjects at high school by providing a prize at both Collingwood Area School and Golden Bay High School. We’re hoping that you, too, can support these young people, by offering them jobs over the school holidays. Only by trying can they get the feel of where they might like to be in 5 years’ time – on farm.

Clay Paton setting up a new break for the cows on a Golden Bay farm. Photo: Supplied.

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Farming NELSON

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News

WEST COAST

27

Nelson Federated Farmers October report Garrick Batten The October Board meeting held in Richmond was well supported by members with valuable contributions to discussion.

Regular flood relief meetings are still continuing to discuss damage and support for people affected. Task Force Green has been operating in Murchison, and Gavin O’Donnell, President Martin O’Connor and others are currently assisting a Peach Island project.

Discussions continue with Jenny Ridgen, MPI around flood funds, labour and support.

However government support is limited to getting farmers back on their feet and permanent long-term support must come from the TDC. Invited speaker Dr Annette Litherland, Landcare Trust, introduced its 25 years of providing independent input into environmental matters.

She emphasised the opportunity and critical importance for farmers to influence environmen-

tal matters through catchment groups, all of which can operate in different ways to suit circumstances.

This stimulated significant discussion covering different ways of achieving objectives, resolving different nitrogen sources in catchments, working with the TDC to formulate individual farm Improvement plans, aspects of water quality based on each catchment, its type of farming, soils, rainfall and other factors.

She noted the existing regional high water quality and the ability to build on-farm carbon neutrality.

She also explained some up and coming work she is planning to develop a profit and environmental farm model based on a systems approach, and workshops with TDC for sheep and beef farmers preparing farm environmental plans.

There was even more discussion following her introduction of the recent TDC Draft Biodiversity Strategy that does not represent the views of any organisation, iwi

The Nelson Federated Farmers meeting was held in Richmond last month. Photo: Supplied. or the Council.

It is the basis for discussion and input from the community with written comment before 7 November 2021 to peter@phoenixfacilitation.co.nz.

Initial conclusions were that it presents a unique, regulatory topdown approach that clearly needs to be more landowner friendly so that they can work within it. One omission noted was the apparent absence of the forest sector. There were others and all farmers are urged to read and submit.

The President led general discussion on Covid-19 around vaccination, quarantine, self-isolating,

and infected staff and processes/ situations should a farmer become infected.

In addition to industry advice now, or soon to be available, MPI are working on a Covid plan with Civil Defence and Health Boards that will be communicated to members. Meanwhile, an individual farm Covid plan is more important than a FEP, as consequences to both people, animals and the business could be more severe.

Jenny Ridgen elaborated on MPI Covid planning, and that was also included in sector reports by delegates Stephen Todd (Dairy) and

Kerry Irvine (Meat and Wool).

She also advised that MPI were assembling information for a Resilience Project that will be later discussed with the industry.

The planning subcommittee presented its Succession planning update and September meeting report.

Key points from discussion were creating effective regional and community networks that are the basis of the industry and methods to achieve that, a specific target of young people, communication channels both within and outside FF, improved liaison with central and local politicians, and confusion about crossovers between B&LNZ, DairyNZ, and independence of Groundswell and other lobby groups.

Any farmer is able to contact Barbara Stuart with suggestions and comments on this important industry topic.

The next Zoom meeting is on Tues 16th Nov at 7pm, with an end of year social catch-up on Saturday 27th Nov at 2pm at Rabbit Island.

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November 2021

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News

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Column: Use of carbon markets Stuart Smith

ing carbon emissions, tend to forget that carbon does not care about international borders. A tonne of carbon in New Zealand is the same as a tonne of carbon in China.

Fortunately the Commission’s report shows that for a carbon price of just $35 per tonne we will be 85 per cent of the way to net zero by 2050 and with a carbon price of $50 we get all the way to net zero emissions of CO2 including agriculture.

What the ETS also reflects is that there is no need to pursue a top down approach to reducing emissions that numerous studies have

Earlier this year the Climate Change Commission’s recent report found we are not meeting our emissions targets, and as I predicted they have recommended that the Government introduce a raft of new policies.

I wrote before the release that it is imperative that the Government does not meddle with the freedoms of New Zealanders and finds solutions to achieving net zero carbon emissions using effective and rational policy.

Those who criticise international markets for the purpose of reduc-

shown to be needlessly costly and ineffective.

The alternative option, is that we leave the ETS Stuart Smith where it is, and we look to purchase overseas carbon credits to make up the 15 per cent shortfall.

National has always been an advocate for international carbon markets.

In 2015, the National Government were a leading figure in the implementation of the interna-

tional carbon market at the Paris climate conference.

Although the New Zealand carbon market is closed to the international market, mainly due to the issues faced in Kyoto, with regards to former Soviet bloc countries, we still need to look for ways to cooperate and engage international carbon markets.

What is crucial about these international markets, is the need to get on board early so that we can gain the best possible deal.

The Swiss were able to broker a deal late last year with Peru to offset their emissions, there are opportunities out there, only if the

Government are brave enough to take the first step.

But let’s not forget, the Climate Commission have said in their report that with the current policies and the ETS in place we will be 85 per cent of the way to our target.

The targets laid out from Paris are more than ambitious and achievable, but the Government does not need nanny-state policies to reduce our carbon footprint.

We need some common sense, we need to use the ETS and where needed, we can look overseas.

Simple as that.

Book review: The Predatory Delay Diaries “The Predatory Delay Diaries”

by Terrence Loomis, published

by Prismaprint, Blenheim.

Price $25 plus postage. Available from www.terrenceloomis. ac.nz/latest-publication.html or by email to <loomistm@yahoo. com> Reviewed by Tony Orman

that I’m aware, has distinguished between natural climate change and people-influenced climate change.

So my confused state on the subject, seemed not a bad position to delve into this book.

Author Dr. Terrence Loomis among other qualifications was a Professor of Development studies at Waikato University and a senior policy advisor to successive National and Labour

I’m not a climate change proponent or a denier for the simple reason as seems to me, no one

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governments. He is emphatic “The climate crisis is worse than previously thought, according to scientists.” And significantly points out “One hundred fossil fuel companies are responsible for over 70 percent of the world’s runaway emissions.”

Eye opening is the way the author exposes the mercenary manipulative manner of the powerful corporate companies.

The sub-title of the book puts it in a nutshell - “The petroleum industry’s survival campaign to slow New Zealand’s transition to a low carbon economy.”

Governments and politicians come under scrutiny. Current Energy Minister Labour’s Megan

Woods gets caned for procrastinating. Former National energy spokesman Jonathan Young is similarly disciplined. PM Jacinda Ardern moves too slowly for political reasons.

“The Prime Minister no doubt has political concerns around a potential backlash from the electorate and businesses if the government moves too quickly—.”

So the corporate spin and lobbying intermingled with political jockeying delays any positive, meaningful action.

“The dilemma for government is not whether to intervene in the economy; they do that all the time.

It’s whether the crisis is becoming so critical that they are

forced to contemplate measures that are not only electorally risky but run directly contrary to the corporate interests of fossil fuel companies — the sort of thing that was done with Big Tobacco to combat lung cancer.”

The book is an intriguing read, exposing the cut and thrust of corporate and political parrying.

It’s not the author’s fault but acronyms have annoyingly become paramount in today’s English and I had to keep referring back to a page listing acronyms used. To me acronyms are journalistic laziness. That cavil aside, this book is strongly recommended.

Farming NELSON

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MDC asks government ‘to pause’ over Three Waters reform Tony Orman The Marlborough District Council have requested a pause in the reform process of Government’s Three Waters Reform to allow time for alternative models to be investigated said Marlborough mayor John Leggett in addressing the October meeting of Marlborough Federated Farmers.

“The Minister of Local Government Hon Nanaia Mahuta has consistently stated the status quo around delivery of three waters is not sustainable and the case for change is compelling and well understood,” he said. “Three Waters is going to hit us like a freight train.”

But he expressed disappointment at the lack of consultation with the central government reform proposal and described public engagement as poor. Common themes across the country’s local bodies concerns were mainly around the proposed water entities governance arrangements, capital programme prioritisation and protection from privatisation “to name a few”.

The Marlborough District Council had analysed government’s claimed benefits of transferring Council’s three waters infrastructure into one or more of the new water entities.

“The benefits are not as compelling as claimed.

Weighing this up against the likelihood MDC would have a greatly reduced level of control over three waters capital expenditure and the prioritisation of spend in our region leads us to question – is this a price worth paying? We have made it clear we reserve our position on the opt in/opt out decision,” said John Leggett.

Minister Mahuta has stated she is refusing to rule out making council participation compulsory, justifying such a move on her opinion that the case for change is “compelling and well understood”.

However John Leggett told the meeting he strongly believed in democracy and under current local government legislation, Council had to consult the people.

Blenheim Ward (7 members), Wairau Awatere Ward (3 members) Marlborough Sounds Ward (2 members); and Marlborough Māori Ward (1 member) and no community boards be established. It is proposed the Omaka Landing and Rose Manor subdivisions which are currently in the Wairau-Awatere ward but are contiguous with the Blenheim Ward, should be transferred to the Blenheim Ward as their communities of interest lie with the urban ward.The consultation period closes 22 October 2021 with the consultation document available on Council’s website: https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/elections/representation-review-2021 “The ward system has worked well but has the restraint of the population formula provided for in the Local Electoral Act 2001. This is why the proposal results in two (2) Marlborough Sounds Ward Councillors, instead of the current three.” said John Leggett.

Gary Barnett said the issue was a matter of local representation. “It shouldn’t be the viewpoint of council but of the people,” he said.

John Leggett responded by saying every councillor is not just representing the ward but Marlborough as a whole.

Richard Dawkins said it was foreseeable that urbanisation will mean less and less rural representation. “In time we could have only one rural councillor,” he added.

John Leggett said under the Act’s current formula that was possible.

Chairman Scott Adams: “Urban councillors needed to get more acquainted with rural issues.”

MDC councillor Francis Maher: “Urban ward councillors are quick to come onside with rural issues. And the MDC staff appreciate they’re not in a big city but a region.”

Rural Wards Mayor Leggett then spoke on a revew as required by law, of the election ward system The Local Electoral Act 2001 (LEA) requires local authorities to carry out a review of their representation arrangements at least once every six years. Council’s last review was prior to the 2016 triennial election. He explained Council is required to adopt a set of representation options as an initial proposal, consult with the public and consider submissions, and adopt a final proposal for public notification.

At a Council meeting, it was decided the preferred option was: that Marlborough District Council consist of a Mayor and 13 councillors, a ward structure of voting iss the most appropriate for Marlborough, the ward structure be

November 2021

29

Farming in adverse weather John Barnes Fertilizer New Zealand Pasture often seems like a simple aspect to farming.

Pastoral plants are made up of a complex array of cells and veins carrying nutrients from the root systems up into the foliage above where it enjoys the sunlight and where photosynthesis takes place, if we do indeed get the sunshine. The frequent rain events this season have not been helpful. Many districts are above their average rainfall and the farms I have been on show signs of pugging which is quite understandable.

What has impressed me is the quality of the soil on the farms of longterm farmers using the Fertilizer New Zealand programme. I have noticed that their soils are drier even

in water-logged areas.

The pastures are still growing even though no, or a minimum amount of, nitrogen has been used.

The reason for this is that these soils have microbes, fungi and carbon in the soil. If all the soil particles have some active carbon and organic matter around them then excess water will drain through and the soils will remain drier. But conversely, when soils dry out moisture will be retained when carbon is present.

This gives a longer growing season in a drought.

Talk about the soil city - microbes and fungi all doing their bit in the soil!

We cannot control the weather but we can control the nutrients we give our plants and this significantly changes the outcome from lessthan-ideal weather events.

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Clover Road Only the top rams from each 80 of the studs on sale.East Brightwater Suffolk Terminal Worth figures range from 1,033 to 1,812 Romney Maternal Worth figures range from 2,120 to 2,825 2021 Date: Friday 3 December Catalogues available from stock agents or vendors.

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Time: 1.30 pm Inspection: 12 noon

30

November 2021

Farming

Motoring

All charged up NELSON

Country MOTORING

Hybrid

In two types mild and standard. All hybrids charge from the petrol motor, cruising, braking or deceleration such as slowing down or descending a hill. There are TV adverts that say “You never need to charge the car” Well that’s true because all the charging is done for you automatically through the energy the petrol engine develops. There is no such thing as perpetual motion so you will always need to refill with petrol when the tank is low.

Mild Hybrids have generally lower battery storage, only allowing for slow speed work such as stop start in traffic or cruising up to around 20km/ hr before the petrol engine cuts in. The easiest way to identify a mild hybrid is that it needs to be started in motion by the petrol engine also being started.

Mild Hybrids seldom have an

MARLBOROUGH

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WEST COAST

The Pro’s

with Ken Strungnell

Hybrid, EV, PHEV What’s the difference?

Due to the prolonged Auckland lockdown, no press vehicles have ventured south of the Bombay’s. So! I’ve not driven a new car in three weeks. What I have had is numerous calls and e-mails about Hybrids and EV’s. What that has taught me is there is much confusion about what non fossil fuelled vehicles actually are?

Putting aside Hydrogen Cell, or even Steam, the heat has really come on to the electric or part electric powered cars with ‘record’ numbers of new vehicles registered, 2282 new registrations up on the previous september by more than 60%.

OK to address the question about what EV’s are? There are three main types of Electric Vehicle though only one is a true EV.

I

PHEV and EV accelerate very briskly compared to their petrol/diesel cousins, often reaching 100km/hr in just 2/3s of the time. They are super quiet have few moving parts and require much less time and expense in servicing as they are significantly less complicated in driveline and motive power.

They are around half the cost or less per Km to run The batteries are sealed so do not allow user servicing.

The greenies laud their pollution free motoring and the lower power use in town when in stop start traffic, they only use battery power when moving, except for heaters/air cond and wipers lights radio etc.

EV button allowing you to run just on electricity.

Standard Hybrids DO have an EV button allowing both starts and running on electric power only, though they only have a short range up to 40-50kms on a full charge that also has come from running the petrol engine. Even using the EV button should you be low on battery storage or ask for high rates of acceleration the petrol motor will kick in. Most manufacturers have some models in their range which are standard hybrids.

PHEV

The acronym stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.

These give you the option to plug the vehicle in at home to your domestic electricity supply either on a standard 3 pin plug or a manufactures supplied fast charger. The fast charger can cut charge time down to about 1/3 the time used on the standard wall outlet. PHEVs also charge like a standard Hybrid while driving.

Most PHEVs have a range of up to 60km without using the petrol engine so can be great for short school or town runs.

EV’s

Pure electric vehicles use battery power alone running only on the charge put into them.

Range anxiety has been an issue to date, though many EV’s will cover 300km without charging while the longer range models in the latest vehicles can stretch this to 600 or even 700km range, much like a petrol vehicle. The important issue to remember is that they must be charged so no jerry can of extra fuel will keep you on the road once the battery energy is used. However they take up to 4 hours or more sometimes with the bigger batteries to fully recharge. They will take a fast charge from the chargers popping up around the country, in only 2 hours to about 80% capacity. EV’s also recharge themselves while braking or decelerating So should I buy a vehicle that has some electric power?

Firstly, as yet despite this government claiming Toyota and Ford had Hybrid Utes, none are yet available and Toyota has stated they do not have any plans to bring in a Hybrid Hi Lux or Land Cruiser.

There are some American

Trucks bigger than Ranger DMax or Triton such as Hummer, Tesla, and Ford Lightning only available in left hand drive in the US only though the newcomer and most exciting is Rivian will be coming to NZ. [rivian.com] Look it up as they will have right hand drive, EV Utes and SUV’s, with 300-500 Mile ranges [500-800km] And WILL TOW UP TO 5000KG. Costs are likely to be well north of $100,000. There are a wide selection of SUV’s and hatches on the market new and second hand and if my experience with the major brands is any guide they are well worth considering especially if short running is the majority of journeys taken.

The best bet today is the PHEVs as they can run on petrol AND you can by careful planning and use just electricity. By far the biggest category in sales terms is the standard Hybrid which does offer savings and are easy to drive. There are some 2nd hand imported models not available new in NZ that are great value.

As more manufacturers bring in new product expect both the range and eventually price will both improve.

Price. Despite the Govt having a temporary rebate that runs out in March 2022 for PHEVs and EV’s [NOT Hybrids] they are still significantly more expensive to purchase new compared to fossil fuelled vehicles. That’s a generalisation as there are some very close to the same cost.

Towing capacity is usually around 1/3 or less than their petrol siblings.

This is changing though at present they are not suitable as tow vehicles as it severely limits their range.

Battery life is an unknown at present and while the battery doesn’t deteriorate like cell phones do, there is a finite life where replacement will be required. The challenge that presents is a cost, likely to be a significant chunk of the original purchase price. We’ve yet to see many battery replacements done and certainly the manufactures are not talking about it at time of purchase.

Weight. Most Hybrids PHEVs and EV’s are at least 300kg’s heavier than the equivalent petrol or diesel model, due to the battery.. While fossil fuelled vehicles lighten in weight as you drive, the batteries do not lose weight at any time.

Cables and having to plug in for extended periods to charge PHEVs and EV’s

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CF Moto 520ATV 9,800 Incl GST 7,995 + on roads

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Farming NELSON

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Advert

WEST COAST

31

#3 Fieldmaster post driver. Full hydraulic offset, rock spike. #12000.00 #9 Clough 3.6m Maxitill, Late model in good cond.$3250.00 #2Kverneland MF 165 Tractor.

212 engine ,Fully serviced. new water pump. Tidy order, $6500.00 #6 CLC Chisel plough.

Good order.$6500.00 #5 Celli Pioneer 170 Spike Rotor, VG order. Cage roller & good spikes.$12500.00

farm machinery & repairs Please delete Same Corsaro.

Quality Used Tractors and machinery

As to photos,ARplease retain thehoe.

4 shown new additions as listed. (shown in the sept ad) #13 Howard 80 inch Rotary Tidy with order,good blades $3500.00 Will attach photos with matching numbered caption .

#13 Howard AR 80 inch Rotary hoe. Tidy order,go

#4 Celli K series Rotary Hoe , 2.5 m, Excellent cond, just had first new set of blades, #9 Maxitill, in good cond.$3250.00 #10 Fieldmaster heavy duty Slasher 120 Hp box $3500.00 HP.$7500.00 #1Clough Same 3.6m Taurus 60HP 2Late WDmodel Tidy original tractor.$6000.00 #3 Fieldmaster post driver.

Full hydraulic offset, rock spike. #12000.00 #5 Celli Pioneer 170 Spike Rotor, VG order. Cage #7 Lely 300 Rake & Tedder V tidy, $3500.00. #6 Kverneland Chisel plough.

Good order.$6500.00 #5 Celli Pioneer 170 Spike Rotor, VG order. Cage CLC roller & good spikes.$12500.00

#13 Howard AR 80 inch Rotary hoe. Tidy order,good blades $3500.00 Same Taurus 60HP 2 WD Fieldmaster post driver. Full Celli K series Rotary Hoe , 2.5 m, Celli Pioneer 170 Spike Same Centurion 75hp very #14 Feildmaster Sabre 1200.

As ,Fully new.$2200.00 #2 MF 165 Tractor.

212 engine serviced. new water pump. Tidy order, $6500.00 #14 Feildmaster Sabre 1200.

As new.$2200.00 #6 Kverneland CLC Chisel plough.

Good order.$6 #4 Celli K series Rotary Hoe , 2.5$7000.00 m, Excellent cond, justhad hadfirst first new set of blades, rated 140 Tidy original tractor. $6000 hydraulic offset, rock spike.

Excellent cond, just new Rotor, VG order.

Cage roller #10 Fieldmaster heavy duty Slasher 120 Hp box hours $3500.00 #7 Lely 300 Rake &3500 Tedder V tidy, tidy low good #8 Duncan 633 Heavy duty Cultivator/Crumbler $4500.00 #11 Fieldmaster Vineyard 2m GMS $3500.00. mower.

Side delivery, With rollers #6 Kverneland CLC Chisel plough.

Good order.$6500.00 HP.$7500.00 $12000 set of blades, rated 140 HP.$7500 & good spikes.$12500 tyres $18500

Kverneland CLC Chisel Lely 300 Rake & Tedder V Duncan 633 Heavy duty Lely Stabilo 6m 600 tedder Farmgard 7ft hydraulic #7 Lely 300 Rake & Tedder V tidy, $3500.00. #3 Fieldmaster post driver.

Full hydraulic offset, rock spike. #12000.00 #15 Giltrap 3m topping mower tidy $5000.00 #7 Lely 300 Rake & Tedder V tidy, $3500.00. #15 Giltrap 3m topping mower tidy $5000.00 plough.

Good order.$6500 tidy, $3500 Cultivator/Crumbler $4500 #13 Howard AR 80 inch Rotary hoe. Tidy order,good $3500.00 #8 Duncan 633 Heavy duty Cultivator/Crumbler $4500.00 #14 Feildmaster Sabre 1200.

As new.$2200.00 rake has rowblades up baskets #11 Fieldmaster Vineyard 2m GMS mower.

Sidedeep delivery, With rollers $7000.00 grader blade $4950 #12 3 tyne ripper, with vibration option..very good order.$3000.00 # 18 Nobli VK 135 Mulcher..$3500.00 and pare wheel $11500

Fieldmaster Sabre 1200. As #8 Giltrap 3m633 topping Howard cond, AR 80 inch #4 Celli Kdeep seriesripper, Rotary with Hoe , 2.5 m, Excellent just hadRotary first new setClough of blades, rated 140 Late 3 tyne 3.6m Maxitill, Duncan Heavy mower duty Cultivator/Crumbler $ #8 Duncan 633 Heavy duty Cultivator/Crumbler $4500.00 # 18 Nobli VK 135 Mulcher..$3500.00 #16 Howard AR 60 inch Rotary hoe.

Tidy with good blades. $3250.00 new. $2200 tidy $5000 #19 Feeder Leader 2 bale feeder.

New chains & slats fitted.New tyres included..$7000.00.

HP.$7500.00 hoe.

Tidy order,good blades vibration option, very good model in good cond.$3250 #16 Howard AR 60 inch Rotary hoe. Tidy with goo #15 Giltrap 3m topping mower tidy $5000.00 #12 3 tyne deep ripper, with vibration option..very good order.$3000.00 $3500 order. $3000 #14 Feildmaster Sabre 1200. As new.$2200.00

Lely speed discs 3 m with Howard AR 60 inch Rotary Bertolini 600 litre Spray Nobli VK 135 Mulcher.

Feeder Leader 2 bale packer roller $10,500 hoe.

Tidy with goodSpray blades. unit.6m boom with foam feeder. New chains & slats #17 Bertolini 600 litre unit.6m# boom with marker. $4750.00 $3500 18 Nobli VKfoam 135 Mulcher..$3500.00 #16chains Howard AR 60fitted.New inch Rotary hoe.included..$7000.00.

TidyBertolini with good $3250.00 #17 600blades. litre Spray unit.6m boom with fo #19 Feeder Leader 2 bale feeder.

New & slats tyres $3250 marker. $4750 fitted.New tyres included. $7000 of these are currently listed in classified section & will need deleting from there. #15 Giltrap 3m topping mower tidyMost $5000.00

plus

Hydralada double in-row vine trimmer. Fully serviced with joy stick. Coming in

Please send a proof through to see how this looks.

Photos to follow Regards Graham Ford 4500 Industrial tractor with loader………………… $6,500 Rata vineyard cultivator crumbler........... range of sizes available Iseki 2160 21hp 4x4 hydrastatic very good……………… $5,500 Clough 4 furrow semi mounted plough good order…… $1,200 Massey Ferguson 135 petrol tractor……………………… $3,500 Kuhn 44, 4 disc mower tidy………………………………… $1,750 6ft MF grader blade………………………………………… $1,850 Rata ripper 4 tynne………………………………………… $4,500 Hustler 4000 bale feeder 2 bale…………………………… $12,000 Kverneland 4 furrow mounted plough, very good cond… $4,000 Hustler Soft Hands well used but sound cond…………… $1,500 Dual wheels Snap/locks 38” 36” 34” 30” ………………. from $2,200 Fella 6 disc hay mower very tidy 2.65m cut……………… $5,000 #17 Bertolini 11 tyne &600 13 tyne grubbers……………………………….from $1,500 litre Spray unit.6m boom with foam marker. $4750.00 #19 Feeder Leader 2 bale feeder. New chains & slats fitted.New tyres included..$7000.00.

Grizzly H D discs 24” blades very heavy 2.9m Duncan 3m Maxitill very tidy……………………………… $2,000 #16 Howard AR 60 inch Rotary hoe. Tidy with good blades. $3250.00 Celli 3m Tiger 190 rotary hoe good condition…………… coming in Berti TFBY 200 mega mulcher…………………………… $5,000 Gallagher HD 80” rotary hoe very good order…………… $4,000 Cambridge roller 3.6m with wheels……………………… $7,500 of these are currently listed in classified & will need deleting from there.

King Hitter Post Driver very goodMost order…………………… $6,000 Bauer section PTO irrigation pump……………………………… $1,500 Please send a proof through to see how this looks.

Hydes hyd post driver good old driver……………………… $1,800 AJAX PTO irrigation pump………………………………… $1,500 Photos to follow Farmgard pre ripper 3m very good condition……………… $5,000 Rollex 6 metre folding roller, clod crusher rings ……....... coming in Regards Chris Grow 1.6m mower ……………………………………$4,000 Clough Contoura tidy order 14 feet …….......................... coming in Graham Pellenc soft touch leaf remover, like new…………………coming in Reid 2 bale feeder…….................................................… coming in Fieldmaster Euro topping mower 3m

Graham Clifford 021 228 3956

#17 Bertolini 600 litre Spray unit.6m boom with foam marker. $4750.00

Most of these are currently listed in classified section & will need deleting from there.

Please send a proof through to see how this looks.

Photos to follow

All prices plus GST

32

November 2021

Farming

Advert

NELSON

I

MARLBOROUGH

I

WEST COAST

in stock now 2 SEATER

3 SEATER

$3,999 incl gst

“We are the longest serving Kawasaki agent in the Top of the South.

We’ve sold more, serviced more and ridden more.”

Christmas for the kids!

in s toc k no w

Current conditions dictate we will have a shortage of traditional Xmas bikes. So, to avoid dissapointment, you need to order now!

$2,299

incl

$2,249

A quality, proper 4 wheeler for the kids. But be quick! incl

Great for helping around the farm

Only $3,651

excl.

Rod Payne

Dave Filer