Thursday, September 18, 2014
Northern Advocate
13
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2014
PROPERTY
Economist: Keep calm and carry on
COMMENT
FRAN O’SULLIVAN
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14
Northern Advocate
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Pair show what can be done
Two Northland women are among 17 contenders for Enterprising Rural Women Awards presented annually by Rural Women NZ to raise awareness of the contribution entrepreneurial women make to rural communities, creating local employment and often supplementing on-farm income. The pair — Rachael Chester, of Poroti, 20km west of Whangarei, and Fran Farrant, from the Aranga area about 33km north of Dargaville — are competing in two of the four entry categories, which each carry a $1000 prize. The overall supreme winner of the contest will receive an additional $1000. Ms Chester is a bee product manufacturer in the Making it in Rural category along with a lamb coat-maker, a blueberry venture, a traditional hard cheese-maker, an organic winemaker and a peony-based healthcare and soap producer. Ms Farrant, who with husband Ian operates Waipoua Lodge on State Highway 12 near
the southern entrance to Waipoua Forest, is in the Stay, Play Rural category alongside other rural tourism operators. Ms Chester turned her back on a career in the urban corporate world to develop her passion for rural living and running a sustainable business from home. She came up with the idea of creating an e-commerce store that sold only NZ-made healthy, organic, sustainable and ecofriendly products, setting up her website www.ecochi.co.nz. She then started creating her own line of natural products, beginning with Bee Kind beeswax polishes for furniture and leather sold through www.beekind.co.nz, using traditional recipes and ingredients such as Carnauba wax, plant oils, essential certified plant oils, eucalyptus and manuka oil. Last year, she developed a range of honey-based skin care products and balms with manuka oil and active UMF
CREATIVE: Rachael Chester sells beeswax polishes, honey-based skin care products and animal soap on the internet from her Poroti home.
manuka honey now sold through www.honeybeekind.co.nz. She also has a soap called Kaimanawash to fundraise for the Kaimanawa horses and a commercial non-chemical horse and dog soap named Naturally White. Ms Chester’s products are sold throughout New Zealand and exported. Ms Farrant, a former Ministry of Education consultant, said the 100-year-old kauri Waipoua Lodge had
Qualmark 5 status in 2007 but needed significant work when she and her husband bought it at the start of the global financial crisis. The couple invested in maintenance and, last year, retained their Qualmark status and also achieved an Enviro Gold Award. They have also developed valuable relationships, combining with two other regional tourism operators to form the Kauri Coast Tourism
HARD WORK: Fran and Ian Farrant have restored the century-old Waipoua Lodge to its former glory.
Development Trust to promote the Kauri Coast experience. Award winners will be announced on the opening night of the Rural Women NZ national conference in Rotorua on November 15.
Rural Ramblings
Rain, a mad cow and hopeless farm dog Someone told me we’ve just survived Northland’s second wettest winter on record — I wonder if the last deluge tipped us into the wettest ever. We’re nowhere near as badly off as farmers further north, but our grazing block at One Tree Point did go right under for the first time ever, to the point where the electric fences weren’t working because they were submerged, and a flock of swans took up residence on their new lake. Meanwhile, calving goes on — Bruce had a few days off with gallivanting around the country for hockey tournaments, but went to work as soon as he got back. One of his jobs is checking the calving mob and he took our sons with him for one visit. A cow was having difficulty pushing a large calf out, so he stepped in to give her a hand, tying some rope around the calf’s front legs for some strategic pulling, which usually
Julie Paton does the trick. Unfortunately, the cow decided she’d prefer to birth unassisted, and trotted off, dragging Bruce, with the rope wrapped around his wrists, behind her. Realising she wasn’t shaking him off, she increased her speed until Bruce was fair galloping after her, still clinging on. The boys, safely outside the paddock, cheered their father on — as Bruce and the cow cantered along the fenceline, Jack ran alongside, yelling “You can do it, Dad, you can do it!”. After spending countless hours on the sidelines of sportsfields encouraging his children, Bruce was glad to have the favour returned and perhaps it spurred
WELL SOAKED: The sun might be shining, but it’s been our wettest winter ever.
PHOTO SUPPLIED
on his efforts because within minutes the calf was safely ejected from its mother. She halted her flight and began washing her newborn without a sign of gratitude for the help received. Bruce still has sore wrists. Farms are constantly emanating unattractive smells of one variety or another, you never know when you’ll be assailed by a new one. Monday morning the kids and I all leapt into the car for our usual hasty dash to the bus stop, only to be
overwhelmed by the most disgusting smell. Something was rotting, but what? We checked under all the seats and in the side pockets, but there was no sign of anything that would emit such a foul stench — so all we could do was grit our teeth and wind down the windows. I mentioned it to Bruce later in the day, and he immediately looked guilty. Oh, he said, I picked up some silage wrap from some rotten silage and forgot to take it out for a while. A week later and the car still reeks. This is why
he’s generally not allowed to use the car, because he’ll have it smelling as unpleasant as his ute in no time. Another ingrate of an animal is Rocky, the new farm dog we inherited — not only does he feel rounding up one herd per day is more than enough to expect from him, he also still runs away any chance he gets. So far, we’ve managed to find him each time — although he did get handed in to Ruakaka dog rescue one day. He was so excited when he saw children and so good with them, the lady said he’d make a great family dog if the farm dog thing didn’t work out. So that’s an option, because it’s still not certain he’s going to make it as a farm dog. In his latest escapade, he fled the farm — half an hour later the runoff manager, who lives nearby, was putting his rubbish out at the kerb and was startled by a tail-wagging, delighted-to-see-him Rocky.
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Thursday, September 18, 2014
Northern Advocate
15
Going mobile is as sweet as . . . By Mike Barrington Grant and Kim Engels have savoured the sweet taste of success since they switched from beef and dairy cattle to bees. When they sold their Kaikohe dairy farm milking 170 cows and became apiarists at Kerikeri in 2011, Mr Engels developed a mobile harvester which enables honey to be taken for processing right by the hive rather than removing honey boxes to enable honey extraction. The couple, who trade as Revolutionary Beekeeping Ltd, started marketing harvesters for $3500 each before the invention won them the Launch NZ Innovation of the Year Award at the National Agricultural Fieldays in Hamilton last year. The win intensified interest in the harvester and the couple stopped selling the machines, instead leasing them to registered hobby beekeepers for $250 a year and buying the honey they produce. Mr Engels said the response
Briefly Pugging field day Beef + Lamb New Zealand will hold a field day on Grant and Christine West’s farm at 65 Roberts West Rd, Tangiteroria, from 2-5pm today to look at “the good, the bad and the ugly” results of the covered stand-off pad built to reduce the pugging damage costing the couple $30,000 annually in lost pasture production. Barbecue and refreshments supplied. For more information, call Alison Whiteford on 027 489 7343.
to the leasing move had been “overwhelming” and the Kerikeri company has courier services bringing them raw honey from hobby beekeepers all over the North Island. The honey harvesting and sales service for people with a few hives is believed to be the first of its kind in the world. And Revolutionary Beekeeping is now one of the 10 finalists in the agriculture and environment division of the 2014 New Zealand Innovators Awards, the winners of which will be announced at a ceremony in Auckland on October 15. The patented mobile harvester, manufactured by Automation Solutions at Te Aroha, is manually operated at hive sites, removing the raw honey from plastic combs so it can be put into food-grade pails and sent to the Revolutionary Beekeeping Kerikeri for removal of wax, packaging and sale. The Revolutionary Beekeeping service has Ministry for Primary Industries approval and the company pays a
DairyNZ skills session The Far/Mid North DairyNZ BizGrow group will focus on farm business management skills from 10.30am-2.30pm next Wednesday, with a motivational session on creating wealth and setting goals, facilitated by Abby Hull. Lunch will be provided. For more details, register with Kylie Harnett on 027 838 5868 by Saturday.
Top Dairy Woman Nominations opened on Monday for the 2015 Dairy Woman of the Year Awards, this year won by Whangarei
BEE-UTIFUL IDEA: Grant Engels holds a honey frame which will go through the mobile harvester. PHOTO/PETER DE GRAAF
premium for high-value manuka honey. “Our service gives low-
volume suppliers export prices,” Mr Engels said. It also reduces the potential
accountant and farmer Charmaine O’Shea. The awards coincide with the annual conference of the Dairy Women’s Network being held in Invercargill on March 18-19, themed “Entering tomorrow’s world”. Nominations close on November 15. Visit www.dwn.co.nz.
with 2000 sheep would pay $297 a year. The new Wool Levy Organisation will use the funds for non-commercial activities to improve returns for the $700 million wool industry. Voting closes on October 10.
Wool vote opens Voting for the Wool Levy referendum has opened with voting papers sent to all sheep farmers last week. The levy will be 2.75c a kilogram on the average 5.4kg that each sheep produces annually, or 14.85c a sheep, which means a farmer
Berry business booms Shannon and Robert Auton, who bought a rundown 9ha blueberry orchard beside the Omaha estuary, 16km northeast of Warkworth in 2000, have signed a multi-milliondollar deal to supply products to 750 Coles supermarkets in Australia. They already supply 860 Woolworths stores and will ship more than 500 tonnes of
risk of a spread of disease if honey boxes taken into extraction facilities get contaminated. Mr Engels, 33, grew up on a Wairarapa farm and tried sheep and beef along with dairying before becoming an apiarist. He credits former dairy farmer turned beekeeper Mark Frear, of Kerikeri, for alerting him to bees. Mr Engels said he had always dabbled in engineering and, like most farmers, could weld and enjoyed working on farm machinery. The Engels, who have two young daughters, are excited about their company’s prospects, with expansion into the South Island a possibility for the future. But at present their focus is on the Innovation of the Year contest. “Being a finalist for this award is an absolute honour and I am proud that my new business is being recognised among New Zealand’s most innovative companies,” Mr Engels said. fruit this financial year. The couple’s Omaha Organic Berries company has experienced sales growth of more than 45 per cent year on year and employs 25 people.
Probe into swedes Veterinarians are investigating cows becoming ill — with some of them dying — after grazing on swede crops in Southland in July. Cows that had eaten swedes developed symptoms including photosensitivity, weight loss and/or ill thrift. Autopsies found unusual signs of liver disease. Vets suspect the HT variety of swedes is linked to most cases.
CONTACT US ADVERTISING
EDITORIAL
NATIONAL ADVERTISING
NATIONAL EDITORIAL
Cam Mitchell 09 470 2882, 021 225 9692 cam.mitchell@northernadvocate.co.nz
Mike Barrington 09 470 2837 mike.barrington@northernadvocate.co.nz
Matthew Sherry 021 2710364 matthew.sherry@apn.co.nz
Colleen Thorpe 021 775 005 colleen.thorpe@apn.co.nz
The Land is published every Thursday in APN Regional Newspapers throughout the North Island.
For advice on your farm contact our team: Far North: James Tattersall - 09 430 4915 KeriKeri: Peter Stott - 09 430 4911 Whangarei/Dargerville: Kylie Mounter - 09 470 3325, Nicola Smith - 09 430 4874
9681681AC
The Land GlobalDairyTrade Previous US$/t 16/9/14 Auction WMP 2673 " 2692 AMF 3360 ! 3264 Average 2787 " 2795
Agrifax WMP Price
4500
2500
Jun
Sep 2012/13
Dec 2013/14
Mar 2014/15
NZc/kg (net)
475
North Is. Schedule This $/kg CW net Week P2 Steer " 4.74 M2 Bull " 4.57 M Cow " 3.43
North Island Steer Schedule
425 375 325
Oct
Jan 5Wyr avg
Apr 2012/13
Jul 2013/14
NZ$/hd (net)
125
North Is. Schedule This $/head net Week Lamb 17.5kg " 102.22 Lamb 19kg " 111.16 Mutton 21kg # 62.1
North Island Lamb Schedule
100 75 50
Oct
Jan 5Wyr avg
Apr 2012/13
Jul
2013/14
million m² (floor area)
At the lowered prices there were increased sales off the ports which improved importer confidence, but there has recently been a dip in sales which suggests that the increased price level might not be supported by lumber processors in China. Buyers there are speculating on continued increases in prices, which means that there is potential for prices to go above sustainable levels. There is, however, a suggestion that sales of radiata pine had been strong in 10 8 6 4
NZ Cumulative Monthly Building Consents 2004W08 avg 2009W13 avg 2014
2 0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
"
Year Versus Ago 5-yr Avg 4.48 +17% 4.07 +19% 3.19 +16%
FARMGATE PRICES Last Week 101.54 110.42 62.1
"
Year Versus Ago 5-yr Avg 100.22 –5% 108.86 –5% 61.20 –1%
120
Agrifax Log Price Indicator
100 80 60 40 SepW12
ivan.luketina@nzx.com
MarW13
SepW13
500 400 300
200 SepW12 MarW13 Sep 12 Mar 13 Milling wheat
SepW13 Sep 13 Feed wheat
MarW14 SepW14 Mar 14 Sep 14 Feed barley
SepW13 39 Micron
MarW14
WOOL 800
Wool Prices
600 400
MarW13 29 Micron
NZX DAIRY PGI Last 15 Days Pasture Growth Index Above normal Near normal Below normal The NZX Pasture Growth Index (PGI) is an indicator of potential pasture growth based on three key climatic variables – temperature, moisture and light.
China In-market Log Price And NZ Log ExportsTo China 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0
Jan 12
Jul 12 Jan 13 Jul 13 Exports to China
Jan 14 Jul 14 AWgrade
180 150 120 90 60 30 0
MORE: The information above is extracted from key reports produced by NZX Agrifax, the leading provider of specialist industry data and intelligence on the New Zealand sheep, beef, dairy, forestry, venison, wool and grain sectors. Please contact us to view the full reports. www.agrifax.co.nz | info@nzxagrifax.co.nz
SepW14
NZ Feed Grain Indicator
As at September 15, 2014
Domestic log prices have remained mostly flat, but there has been a 3-4% decline in pulp log prices in the North Island, as the availability of low value industrial logs that would have previously been exported has increased. Pruned logs might be in for slight price increases due to constrained log supply. Structural log processors are expecting a busy summer, with New Zealand building consents at their highest level since 2008, but prices are likely to stay flat in the fourth quarter due to the current reduced competition at the wharf-gate.
MarW14
GRAIN & FEED
200 SepW12
China, and inventories of New Zealand pine had reduced but were offset by increases in US and Canadian product. If volumes start to decrease from these areas, there may be a steeper decline in inventory levels.
million m³ exported
Export log prices have started to pick back up off the floor, but exporters are cautious as the increasing prices are not accompanied with any real decrease in inventory levels in China. In-market prices in China have increased 8% since July, while inventory levels have declined only slightly from their high levels.
Last Week 4.72 4.54 3.41
Lamb schedules have finally started to move upwards, with the bobby kill starting to slow down and Christmas chilled lamb processing on the horizon. Gross schedules have lifted about 10c/kg in the past week to $6.30/kg.
PRICES IMPROVE BUT INVENTORIES REMAIN HIGH IVAN LUKETINA – Agriculture Market Analyst
FARMGATE PRICES
FORESTRY
The US beef market continues to surge higher on limited supplies. Manufacturing 95CL bull meat reached US$3.10/lb in the past week. The bull schedule has lifted again with prices in excess of $5.30/kg paid for 300kg bull, well above base schedule rates.
# OVERSEAS PRICES
SHEEP
Year Versus Ago 5-yr Avg 5096 –25% 4940 –24% 4880 –23%
Prices were unchanged at the September 16 GDT auction, with the GDT Price Index remaining at 822 points despite an increase in the simple weighted-average price. Both milk powders look to have stabilized, gaining close to 1% each. Fat products declined by just over 2%.
" OVERSEAS PRICES
BEEF
!
NZc/kg
US$/t
6500
FAT PRODUCTS
NZ$/t
# POWDER PRODUCTS
DAIRY
Thursday, September 18, 2014
NZ$/t
Northern Advocate
AWGrade US$/JAS
16
18Sep2014 metservice.com | graphic compiled by
Lamb
SepW14
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Northern Advocate
17
Business writers Fran O’Sullivan and Alexander Speirs call the shots here every Thursday
OPINION
Tax would hit farm values
with FRAN O’SULLIVAN
T
A capital gains tax would contribute to a long-term squeeze on the dairy sector
HE introduction of a capital gains tax has long been a football in the political arena. For the 2014 election, Labour has put capital gains on the table as a staple policy in their proposed tax regime. We don’t have much more than a philosophical outline from Labour about how that policy will work, but whatever its form it stands to have a material impact on farming. The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research was commissioned by Federated Farmers to study the effects of a capital gains tax on New Zealand and the farming sector. The NZIER’s report says that although a capital gains tax would take time to ramp up, they estimate the immediate reduction in current farm values would be between 1 and 5 per cent — or $2.4 billion to $7.6 billion in monetary terms. That’s a significant figure considering Labour expects to gain only $1.3 billion from the farming sector through the capital gains tax in the next 15 years. NZIER revised that figure to a paltry $590 million from their own analysis. With the RBNZ putting dairy farmer debt at $32 billion, denting farm values stands to place a further long-term squeeze on the dairy sector. Implementing an effective tax on a group facing a less than promising outlook on the export front will place added stress on farmers. NZIER’s report says that the effective tax rates experienced by farmers are higher than other industries because of the capital intensity of the work. About 75 per cent of value added in agriculture is from capital — land, plant, equipment and machinery — compared to an economy-wide average closer to 50 per cent. In addition to being a revenue tool, the capital gains policy has the potential to see farmers hold on to their farms for longer in the face of declining asset
values. Although Labour may view that as a positive consequence, the reality is that it has the potential to materially impact the exit options available to farmers. Labour came out strongly against the report with shadow finance minister David Parker calling the release of the NZIER report part of an “an orchestrated attack” in coordination with the National Party which made public its own
About 75 per cent of value added in agriculture is from capital — land, plant, equipment and machinery — compared to an economy-wide average closer to 50 per cent.
response to the capital gains tax on the same day. Parker said that Labour’s capital gains tax would make farms subject to the smallbusiness exemption. Under the clause, the first $250,000 of gains are tax-free if the seller is aged over 55 and has personally owned the business for more than 15 years. Parker also called the NZIER report “plain wrong”, saying “I wrote to NZIER showing errors in the report. Further errors have been identified by BERL overnight.” He said that the report mistakenly underestimates capital gains because it does not properly calculate all realised gains after the date or introduction of the tax. Parker also doubted the validity of the work, with much of it being based on the effects of the Australia capital gains tax which taxes different portions at different rates. He called on NZIER and Federated Farmers to admit their errors and print a correction. But NZIER is holding its ground. The institute says it has double-checked its numbers against Parker’s claims and stands by its report. A capital gains tax will be a certainty if the government changes and farmers will need to factor its impact into their planning. Pity that there is no consensus on that impact ahead of the Saturday election. Fran O’Sullivan is a business columnist for the NZ Herald and Alexander Speirs (right) is a business journalist for Herald Business Reports
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18
Northern Advocate
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Rural radio personality Dominic George vents his views here every Thursday
COMMENT
Grateful last round has started I
with DOMINIC GEORGE
TEND to watch sport one way; I yell at it. From kids sport on Saturday morning to the test later that night and everything in between, I yell at it. It’s not necessarily negative – it’s the whole lot; applause, lament, encouragement, despair, joy and disappointment are all verbalised in the same sort of way. I’m reminded of this as the election draws close. We’ll be at the polls in a couple of days deciding, to a point, the make-up of the next government. People will have election parties, others will quietly watch the numbers come through on the TV, and others still will avoid it like the plague. As I’ve mentioned before, some support their political team like they’re watching a sporting contest or backing a winner at the track; no objectivity to speak of. They’re left, they’re right or somewhere in the middle, and never shall any of it meet . . . This is dangerous and stupid most of the time but, I guess once you’ve cast your vote, you presumably want your horse to come in first, or at least place. So let’s assess the state of play. There is no better analogy than: ‘Lining up in the blue corner this weekend is the reigning champion with a sparse but dependable entourage in the form of United Future and the Maori Party . . . and Act – ha ha, just joking.
POLARISING: Sport and politics involve plenty of passion.
‘In the red corner, the contenders. They’re giving away height and reach advantage in this bout and have a less than flattering recent record. In contrast to the blue corner, their entourage is positively overflowing, although as is usually the case with most big fights, the contender has a puncher’s chance if the whole camp is on the top of their game.’ But, as we know, there can be outside influences that can determine the eventual outcome of a contest; referees, judges, bookies and mobsters to name the most obvious. And we’ve had our fair share of these in the election campaign so far. The irony for the Nats is all the dirty politics and, more importantly, the gerrymandering of Kim Dotcom and co is playing right into their hands. Some are seeing it as Dotcom versus John Key and, despite where your political persuasions may lie, I think most rational New Zealanders
would pick Key in that particular twoway contest. Add to that, the Hager book has lost all its steam in the past couple of weeks. Which brings us to the question; who is set to benefit? Sure, to the victor goes the spoils, but throughout history, and taking the liberty of sticking to the boxing analogy, it’s the promoters who end up lining their pockets in big fights. Who is the promoter in this stoush? Winston Peters, of course. Like a savvy old whisky-drinking, cigar-smoking businessman, Winston has kept up the intrigue by not stating who he thinks the favourite is. Provided he’s in a position to help form a government and numbers suggest he is, it’s been a master-class from the veteran. I’ve even heard this week – no joke this time – that Winston Peters could become Prime Minister. Ya’what? Yes, Prime Minister. Outlandish, yes,
but possible? More than you may care to consider. The rationale is if the Labour vote plummets to levels as dire as National circa 2002 and the Greens and New Zealand First continue to pick up numbers, then conceivably they’re all in a relatively similar position, insofar as there’s no overwhelming mandate for any one of them to form a government. Could Winston ask for the key to the kingdom in return for his support? It’s all intriguing stuff and I’m looking forward to Saturday night. Ironically, the one thing that’s annoyed me this election is the response of campaign chairman Steven Joyce to the allegations the National Party ripped off an Eminem song for their election ads. Now, I know it’s not the party per se, it’s the company they hired to find them a jingle for their ads, but spare me the bollocks about changing the music two weeks ago and that some people found it too “full on”. What a load of utter garbage. It’s about as full-on as the sound of water trickling down a bloody plughole. Plus, I heard the ad yesterday when I was writing this. Now I’m yelling and there’s no sport in sight. Dominic George hosts Farming First, 5am-6am weekdays on Radio Sport.
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Thursday, September 18, 2014
Northern Advocate
19
Water management combined effort COMMENT
Nothing should be allowed to interfere with our combined objective
with CHRIS ALLEN
F
RESH water is this country’s greatest natural asset. No one would argue with you there, except in election year. In the process of setting social, cultural, economic and environmental values for water we must not let election hype distract us from what we are trying to achieve. The balancing act may involve robbing Peter to pay Paul, but that is the price of living. The recently introduced national policy statement (NPS) for water management is a major first and we need everyone at the table to be part of the solution rather than politicking from the sidelines. In Canterbury we’ve jumped ahead in the water quality conversation by setting up 10 zone committees appointed by Environment Canterbury (ECan) and the region’s city and district councils. They are in charge of developing zone implementation programmes, or ZIPs. You could say they are zipping up recommendations to ECan on water quality and quantity limits. When it comes to setting water limits it is an understatement that this is a complicated beast. It is typified by a debate of perspectives, frequently based on opinion rather than fact. As Dr Michelle Shields observes in her ladder of inference: “We take in raw
NOT EASY: When it comes to setting water limits it is an understatement that this is a complicated beast.
data, filter it based on previous experiences, beliefs and preferences, interpret it, and form emotional reactions, form assumptions, develop conclusions, then confirm our beliefs based on what transpires”. A key part of the process is the establishment of community values, where data, science, economic impacts, and values play a major part in the community debate about Canterbury’s land use and water quality. This is a process that takes consideration and inclusion; it is not a time for rushing rules through to a deadline as the unintended consequences for a community may outweigh any gains. We are at a pivotal time in determining our future as a region, but before you find the solution you need to identify the problem, and from that solutions should be achieved
over sensible timeframes. Although we already have the ball rolling in this process, it has largely been based on conflicting perceptions and values. We must now take the time to address the solutions, fully understanding the costs and implications. I believe we all are looking for a way to live sustainably as a community and a country, but one man’s sustainability may be another man’s exploitation. So the Canterbury water management strategy (CWMS), states that infrastructure and development should take place alongside environmental protection and restoration. Hear, hear. The CWMS contains 10 sets of targets that must be achieved in parallel. If you thought this was going to be easy you can think again. The NPS framework on fresh water quality is tough on all New Zealand, with absolutely no free passes for farming or urban communities. We are now all in the same boat, so perhaps now we can admit that we have some of the most pristine rivers in the world. The farming community is investing extensively in environmental science, but when it comes to biological systems there is no instant gratification. Just like a super-tanker, it takes time to navigate the minefield that is human livelihoods, dreams and values. It is extremely important to give farmers and urban communities
realistic timeframes to invest and adapt. When you are dealing with the Canterbury land and water regional plan, Environment Canterbury’s implementation of the NPS, the only way to make your voice heard is through High Court appeal on points of law. Within the limited appeal rights, Federated Farmers has chosen to appeal key parts of the plan that to us are of the greatest concern. Meanwhile we are working constructively with Environment Canterbury to address other issues. We are our own organisation and our approach has been very much a reflection of today’s regulatory climate, if you are not at the table you are on the menu. It is not easy to balance community values, so the key is for the community to be informed with accurate and unbiased information. Federated Farmers is not in this because it’s easy, we are in this because everyone needs to be heard, especially those whose hands are in the soil. We are part of the solution and looking at the big picture is fundamental in getting this right. Setting people and communities up to fail is not an option; we are working damn hard to provide solutions that serve the wellbeing of the whole region. Chris Allen is Federated Farmers’ midCanterbury provincial president and board member
Advertorial
Spring into Calf Club season
E
very spring we see the young people in our community enthusiastically rearing their calves and lambs for school pet day.
This is an important part of our farming heritage and Ag days, or Calf Club Days, are synonymous with our rural lifestyle. With the population growth in our communities nowadays, these events also allow ‘country folk’ to impart their knowledge and techniques of animal husbandry to children of non farming families.
In recent years there has been a growth in lifestyle blocks, and the needs of animals are able to be communicated to those new to the rural lifestyle via agricultural days in our schools.
Historically these days have highlighted the competitive nature of not only the children but in many instances the parents as well. (I am assured that one tip for those new to leading and calling pets is to treat them from an early age with pellets or chocolate chippy biscuits. On the
day a pocket full of these will invariably assist with leading the calf or calling the lamb - don’t let the judges notice however).
The Vet Centre staff at our four clinics are well versed in the needs of these pets and are proud to continue their support of these events, especially the Otamatea Group Day, with the sponsorship of ribbons and sashes. We send best wishes to all those participating and hope that they enjoy continuing this rural tradition.
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Northern Advocate
Thursday, September 18, 2014
We’ll be ready if fruit flies visit again The Ministry for Primary Industries has identified a potential increase in the threat to New Zealand from the Queensland fruit fly because of an increase in numbers and its spread into previously pest-free areas of Australia. As a result, MPI has been looking at each pathway and what can be done to better manage risks, and has produced
No.8 WIRE with DOUG LAING
a report that gives an overview of how New Zealand manages
the threat, but is unable to identify a likely pathway for the two fruit flies found recently in Whangarei.
GOOD MUMS Animal welfare scientists in the UK are helping supermarket chain Sainsbury’s to identify “good mums” for free farrowing systems on their pig farms. It is
hoped the results will encourage more farmers to switch to higher welfare systems in which pregnant sows can be kept loose during and after the birth of their piglets. A Freesow project is under way, guided by scientists from Scotland’s Rural College and Newcastle University. Also involving breeders and farmers, the project will identify the characteristics of the ideal mother for the free farrowing system of management. “Animal welfare is paramount to us and our customers and we are proud to support and be part of this industry-leading project,” says Sainsbury’s pork manager Philip Hambling.
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A Food Crime Unit is being established in the UK to battle fraudulent food trade. It comes with mass adoption of recommendations in a report following a horse meat scandal last year. The review acknowledges the damage that procurement policies of some larger retailers could have on the sustainability of UK farming
and the integrity of the food industry, with particular concern for a practice of procuring goods for less than recognised reasonable prices. The farmers’ union is urging consumers in the UK to buy only product carrying the “Red Tractor” quality assurance symbol.
ALL OVER, ROVER Every day on farms the animals, whether the sheep, the cattle or the dogs, do something to keep one amused in those moments of solitude and isolation in the paddock or in the yards. One such case was the farm dog that decided on a sniffing exercise up the rear of a cow as it stuck its head through an electric fence. Suddenly, the cow lifted its head, received a shock, and the rest was just part of nature, really. For the dog it was a case of all-over Rover, from head to toe. Moral of the story is, apparently, if you do have to stick your nose into other people’s business you have to be prepared for what comes out. Think of stories. There must be a few others out there, so jump on your UFB and email them to colleen.thorpe@apn.co.nz.
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RURAL PROPERTY
Thursday, September 18, 2014
with TONY VERDON
Northern Advocate
21
Keep calm and carry on, says BNZ chief economist Though international dairy prices are falling, there should be no significant impact on rural property values
CONFIDENT: Tony Alexander says rural real estate is selling well.
S
UGGESTIONS that falling international dairy prices are going to devastate rural property prices have been dismissed by the Bank of New Zealand’s chief economist, Tony Alexander. Though there is likely to be some short-term fallout as a result of the fall in dairy prices, longer-term prospects for the dairy industry remain strong. Tony Alexander agrees the sharp fall in international dairy prices has been a shock to some, and that farmers need to be cautious, but he says these drops are nothing new. Pay-out projections by Fonterra indicate the $8.40 payment last season will fall to $6 this year, with further downside likely. He points out the milk pay-out dropped by a similar proportion in 2003 and 2009.
THE FIGURES Illustrating the dairy price cycle are the prices, working backwards, over six year periods for the past three decades:
2015
-35% (using $5.50)
2009
-34%
2003
-32%
1997
-9%
1991
-33%
1985
+12%
The table suggests dairy farmers should watch the debt level they take on in 2020-21.
“A shock pay-out decline is nothing new therefore the idea that this latest decline somehow signals a deep need to restructure the economy is ridiculous,” he says. “Equally ridiculous is the idea
WISH
that this decline will munt the rural real estate market, though clearly it will put a short-term dent in some sales activity.” Alexander says it is also unlikely to stop foreign buyers wanting to buy property here. The decline was driven by a combination of rising supply in many markets in response to better weather conditions and to higher prices in other markets such as the European Union and the United States. The decline had been triggered in its speed by Chinese buyers
REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE RURAL PROPERTY STATISTICS RELEASED LAST MONTH SUGGEST THERE HAS BEEN A SOLID INCREASE IN VOLUMES AND PRICES OF RURAL PROPERTIES SOLD OVER THE PAST YEAR.
pulling back because of a build-up in dairy inventories. “This is not the last time we will see this in the dairy sector so the next time producers see good demand coming out of China they need to keep an eye on stock levels and budget for co-ordinated reductions in buying at some point,” he says. Prices were unlikely to jump in the near term, with countries from Australia to Indonesia to the European Union raising dairy production. Tony Alexander says grain prices have fallen this year, which implied greater and cheaper production from grain-fed dairy operations, notably in the United States. Real Estate Institute rural property statistics released last month suggest there has been a solid increase in volumes and prices of rural properties sold over the past year, three monthly figures to the end of July indicate an easing in both volume and prices. The institute’s rural spokesman, Brian Peacock, said it was expected at this time of the year when peak workloads dominated all other activity, dairy farm sales had virtually come to a standstill. “By contrast, sales of finishing and grazing properties have maintained some momentum, with reasonable enquiry for beef farms in the north, for dairy support properties through the centre of the country, and for sheep, beef properties and dairy support farms in the lower south,” he says REINZ statistics suggest sales in the horticultural sector were steady during the three months to July.
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NZ’s No.1 rural real estate brand Licensed under the REA Act 2008
22
Northern Advocate
Thursday, September 18, 2014
INSIST ON GENUINE PARTS & LUBRICANTS We take pride in knowing that the parts and lubricants we supply are to the manufacturer’s specification, ensuring the perfect fit and longevity of your precious farm equipment. All Fendt Parts come with a genuine 12 month warranty, giving you pure peace of mind. IF IT’S NOT LABELLED FENDT OR AGCO PARTS, CHANCES ARE IT’S NOT GENUINE!!
Bryant Tractors 38 Rewa Rewa Road, Raumanga, Whangarei P: (09) 438 1319 E: parts@bryanttractors.co.nz www. bryanttractors.co.nz
Mel’s Milk and Meat Tire or retire? Welcome to another "season" of Mel’s Milk and Meat. Once again I find myself reflecting on the last farming year from my "younger than some and older than many" perception. Most farming folk frantically work through younger years chasing the juicy carrot, planning to one day slow down, rip into the "bucket list" and enjoy rich rewards at their own pace. Personally; working by "choice and not compulsion" beats retirement but often dulls family life. When we look back at life in general from your mid-teens to your thirties most you were hard out establishing a reputation, building an empire and or a brood, being a self-acclaimed bread winner, husband, father, jack of all trades and master of none. Then came your thirties and forties possibly having picked well you are still on marriage number one, your assets continued to grow along with your debt but somehow you want more. If you are not so lucky, depending on perception, then you have gone through the division of assets and excruciating custody pain where the only winners seem to be the lawyers leaving you again busy rebuilding your empire and or brood. Next comes the fifties and sixties. Time to ease back hand over the reins and plan the "bucket list". But wait, to retire and fulfil all the dreams and desires will you need more? You are a much larger property owner, meat or milk supplier, pier of the community than at the beginning of you farming life than you ever dreamed possible. Only one catch, LARGER BANK DEBT. If you just keep going for another 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 …….. Where does it end? Next you hit the seventies/eighties the body decides it has had enough, no longer your decision and its game over. Like many of you I am constantly “doing the maths” thinking to myself, time to slow down? "Yeah right". My passion for a "fair farming sale" and not just a "sale at any price" keeps me well away from dipping into my "bucket list". It would be my pleasure to enjoy a chat around your kitchen table for a confidential dip into your "bucket list". Phone Mel to discuss your options.
Mel Currin B 09 470 2522 M 021 134 6472 E mel.currin@pggwrightson.co.nz
www.pggwre.co.nz
Helping grow the country Licensed REAA 2008
Beware of risky GE experiments
GE Free Northland chairwoman Zelka Grammer is a horticulturist farming near Maungakaramea with her husband Tim Vallings. Here, she pens an open letter to Environment Minister Amy Adams Kia ora Amy, Welcome to Northland, one of New Zealand’s premium food producing regions. Our unique salubrious climate and soils produce high quality, exceptional produce — meat, dairy and wines — some of the best to be found anywhere. Our brand is Northland, Naturally. Our fields and orchards not only produce safe and clean, nourishing food of the highest quality but serve our discerning customers, who don’t want to eat genetically engineered (GE) food. Our key markets won’t accept even trace GE contamination. We are concerned that outdoor GE field trials or releases could contaminate our farms (a regular occurrence overseas). We share the concerns of Local Government NZ and all councils from south Auckland to Cape Reinga about the risks of outdoor use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and gaps in the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act. Our fields and forests are currently free of GMOs. As local food producers and foresters we want to keep it that way. The Forest Stewardship Council, the global certification body for truly sustainable forests, prohibits the use of GMOs in FSC certified forests due to the ecological risks and market rejection. GM free status is an essential component of our competitive advantage. High-end consumers around the world consistently reject GM food and that doesn’t look set to change any time soon. We should know. Together, our supporters supply domestic and export markets to the tune of millions. Our community overwhelmingly recognises the economic opportunity — 72 per cent of Northland residents think GM free is good for Northland’s reputation and want our local councils to protect that status in law. A recent independent Colmar Brunton poll, commissioned by primary producers in Hawke’s Bay, showed four out of five New Zealanders think councils should be able to keep their districts GM free using local plans.
Zelka Grammer
CORN: Genetically modified corn, top, looks less appetising than natural corn, bottom, in this image from a US website. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
Earlier this year, the National Party announced its intention to change the law to prevent the regions from doing so. But 79 per cent of New Zealanders participating in the national poll said councils should be able to use to the Resource Management Act (RMA) to prohibit GM releases in their territories. We need local plans to protect our GM free status — only they can give us the certainty we need to brand our products as made in GE free Northland, Naturally. Inadequate frontline border control, the lack of core biodiversity protection funding, and the National Party’s plan to strip local councils of their ability to protect local economies and ratepayers from risky GE experiments make for tough times for farmers committed to farming sustainably. Incursions of unwanted new organisms, GMO and otherwise, make our job of producing safe and clean food for the most discerning customers harder. We need you to work with us. Don’t change the RMA and prevent our councils from passing the laws we need to protect our environment and remain competitive. Let Northland food producers and exporters decide — because it’s our business to know the market and our regional economic opportunities, not some Wellington bureaucrat.
Herd reproduction is an all year round focus, early calving cows get back in calf faster. Will your herdd’s calving pattern have a positive impact on this year’s mating? Cows that reach industry body condition score targets get in calf faster. If more than 15% of your herd is below BCS 5-5.5 at calving and 4.0 at mating it will drop the mating performance of your herd.
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TAKE THE 6 WEEK CHALLENGE AT www.6weeks.co.nz
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Northern Advocate
23
DAIRY
Get ahead with herd’s on-heat cycles Northland dairy farm manager Luke Boylan says accurate heat detection is a skill worth fine-tuning, as a missed heat costs at estimated $200.
I
n 2012 Luke Boylan attended a heat detection workshop in Kokopu, Northland, and is now putting the skills he learned to good use on a 280-cow farm in Purua. Boylan says he learned the signs to look for to detect a cow on heat and put a plan in place to check cows. “I noticed my heat detection skills improved and I was able to get cows in-calf quicker,” says Boylan. “By checking the cows routinely (three times a day), I picked up the cows whose signs weren’t as obvious and got them in-calf on their first heat.” As a new manager, Luke is aiming to achieve industry targets for submission rates (90 per cent in the first three weeks of mating) and six-week in-calf rates (78 per cent). Luke says the session on heat detection aids and hearing what other farmers were doing were really useful and he plans to use heat detection aids this year. A series of DairyNZ heat detection workshops will be held throughout the country again in September and October to help farmers improve reproduction performance.
HEAT DETECTION EVENTS Register at dairynz.co.nz/heatdetection BAY OF PLENTY Mangakino
September 19
TARANAKI New Plymouth Stratford
September 24 September 25
LOWER NORTH ISLAND Palmerston North Masterton Takapau
September 23 September 24 September 25
The workshops will cover a skills refresher, lifting team performance and evaluating heat detection performance. The skills refresher will focus on recognising the signs of heat, using heat detection aids, systems and procedures for recording and observing heats. Training team members and putting plans in place is the focus of the session on lifting team performance. The third session will cover submission rate and six-week in-calf rate targets as a way of evaluating heat detection performance. Luke says the workshop will benefit all experience levels.
Luke Boylan with his wife Jaime-Lee and their son Connor.
“Whether you’re an experienced farmer looking to refresh your heat detection skills or if you want to equip your staff with the required skills, it’s a good chance for the whole farm
team to develop vital skills. “It also helps to have the whole team on the same page when it comes to heat detection and reproduction management.”
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Northern Advocate
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Learning for better future Language and life courses being offered for migrant farm workers in rural towns
A pilot language course is to be offered to non-English speaking migrant farm workers who have difficulty understanding basic terms. Rotorua English Language Partners manager Anna Hayes said eight Filipino dairy farm workers had enrolled in the twice-weekly evening class based near Tirau. The number of migrants coming to New Zealand to work in the rural sector has increased almost 50 per cent in the past four years. Last year about 2875 migrants were employed in farming — the majority in the dairy industry — according to Immigration NZ figures. There was an urgent need to offer language courses to help improve basic English speaking skills, said Ms Hayes. “They are extremely hard working and passionate but many migrants working on farms lack basic English skills which makes doing their job more difficult.” The evening classes will also teach life skills, including cooking, and basic conversation skills based around farm work. Because of limited English
Mike Watson language skills, many migrants find it difficult to integrate into rural communities. “Rural terminology is difficult for most people who are not from a rural background — it is twice as difficult for someone who has English as their second language. “The classes will be aimed at helping the students with their language and life skills so they can gain confidence to help feel them at home and belong in New Zealand.” Many male migrant farm workers are often separated from their spouses and are not familiar with cooking for themselves, until their wives and family join them several years later. The evening classes will cater for different levels of English, depending on the students’ abilities. English as a second language tutor, and farmer’s wife, Bridget Skinner, said migrant workers
Briefly Brantley for Ballance Genesis Energy chief executive Albert Brantley has been appointed to Ballance Agri-Nutrients board as an independent director. Ballance has three appointed directors and six regional directors on its board. Chairman David Peacocke said independent directors were crucial to the governance of the cooperative with its turnover of close to $1 billion and profits of $90 million.
Feedback required
SPEAK VOLUMES: Migrant farm workers are being helped to improve basic language skills. PHOTO/FILE
struggled initially with Kiwi phrases and terms. “I am always surprised how many idioms we use in our everyday conversations that we take for granted and we don’t notice, but are often difficult for migrants to understand,” she said. Mrs Skinner, who has worked in the dairy industry for 20 years, said more language
NEED LEGAL ADVICE FOR YOUR FARM? JOIN FEDERATED FARMERS AND GET IT FOR FREE 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646) www.fedfarm.org.nz
courses were needed because of the big increase in migrants working on farms in the past five years. “They are definitely keen to work and don’t come here for a holiday so they’re a bonus for farming communities,” she said. “They also help open up our eyes and minds to different cultures and rural communities can only benefit.”
Rangitaiki River Forum is seeking feedback on the draft Rangitaiki River Document, “Te Ara o Rangitaiki — Pathways of the Rangitaiki”. The forum has drafted a vision, desired outcomes and objectives for the Rangita ¯iki catchment in Te Ara o ¯ Rangita ¯iki/ Pathway of the Rangita ¯iki. Rangitaiki River Forum chairman Bronco Carson said that he hoped there would be plenty of feedback on the direction the forum had taken. More information and a More information and an electronic version of the document are available online at www.rangitaiki.org.nz. Submissions close October 15.
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Thursday, September 18, 2014
Northern Advocate
25
Living high on the hog with new vision By Sonya Bateson Pet pigs Piggy Sue and Lulu can see again thanks to the thousands of dollars spent on them by their doting owner, Preetha David. When the kunekune pigs were 4, they put on a lot of weight and developed enlarged skin folds over their eyes, causing them to lose their vision. Mrs David tried to get her beloved pets to lose weight and regain some vision, but after two years the duo were still relying on smell, feel and sound to get around. In late August, the pigs went under the knife at Holistic Vets in Tauranga. Mrs David consulted veterinarian and international pig specialist John Carr and flew him to New Zealand to assist the Holistic Vets team in performing corrective surgery to restore the pigs’ sight. The cost of the surgery, including bringing Dr Carr out from Australia, was about $7000. Mrs David also has pet goats, cows, rabbits, chickens and ducks and said she would have done it for any of them because they were highly treasured. “Basically they weren’t able to see and it’s something we could fix and their quality of life really goes down if they can’t see. It’s like one of our babies. It’s not like we’re rolling in it.” The wait to see how it all went was nerve-racking because pigs were delicate and sometimes did not wake, she said. Dr Carr’s assistance was needed because no one had done much work with pigs in New Zealand. “We were looking for a vet for two
The operations
SIGHT RESTORED: Lulu (left) and Piggy Sue (right) before they had surgery to remedy their lack of vision.
PHOTOS/SUPPLIED
years all over the place. No one was willing to do it even with the doctor from Australia.” Liza Schneider, director of Holistic Vets, said an anaesthetic machine for cats and dogs was used with a special modification to keep the pigs under anaesthetic while she, assisted by Tara Buxton, performed the surgery under Dr Carr’s guidance. While the pigs were sleeping, they also had hoof trims, “manicure and pedicures”, dental checks and ear cleans. Blood was taken for testing. “Piggy Sue’s surgery was complicated as she also has a condition called micro opthalmia [abnormally small eyes], making it more difficult to restore her vision. Lulu’s surgery was relatively straightforward. “Lulu’s surgery has been a complete success. It’s expected that Lulu will have
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full vision permanently restored but further surgery may need to be performed on Piggy Sue in six to 12 months depending on her progress.” Lulu’s surgery took an hour and Piggy Sue’s two. They were back in their Cambridge home the same day. Mrs David said they recovered rapidly.
■ Removed enlarged skin folds over their eyes which caused them to lose their vision ■ Total cost of $7000 ■ International pig specialist John Carr flown in from Australia ■ Lulu’s surgery took one hour and Piggy Sue’s two hours
26
Northern Advocate
Briefly Help for job seekers
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Fed Farmers in tax wrangle
A new one-stop training and career support shop has been set up for rural job hunters. DoBetter.co.nz brings plans to provide the platform that would showcase training providers and allow people to tap into free career support. Marketing manager Naell Crosby-Roe said it did not matter where you lived you could access support to help you map out the next step in your career or polish up your CV. Job seekers would have access to a wealth of information, he said. www.dobetter.co.nz
By Carmen Hall
China link cemented
Funding help to clean up waterways
Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre has signed a memorandum of understanding with the China Rural Technology Development Centre. Taratahi CEO, Donovan Wearing said Taratahi was well placed to assist China with its agricultural reforms. China had 900 million people working in the rural sector and the Chinese Government recently announced major reforms in the vocational training sector, he said. The MOU focuses on improving the co-operation between New Zealand and China to improve global agricultural sustainable development.
Breeding success LIC has bred 21 of the top 25 bulls, according to DairyNZ’s ranking of active sires. The farmer-owned co-operative also owns the top three bulls listed for all breeds. Biological systems general manager Geoff Corbett said its Premier Sires teams would be used by most New Zealand dairy farmers this season. Now it was working to have eight of the top 10 bulls on the RAS list for its three breeds — Jersey, KiwiCross and Holstein Friesian. The Holstein Friesian and KiwiCross bulls had achieved that this year and Jersey wasn’t far behind with LIC owning nine out of the top 15 bulls for that breed, he said.
A spat has broken out between Labour and Federated Farmers after the release of a report damning the party’s capital gains tax policy. Labour’s finance spokesman David Parker said the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research report commissioned by Federated Farmers in June was incorrect and an ‘‘orchestrated attack’’, timed to be released one week before the election. ‘‘Federated Farmers is just plain wrong. I wrote to NZIER
By Carmen Hall About 120,000 tonnes of sediment washes from pastoral land into local waterways and down the catchment into Tauranga Harbour each year. But Bay of Plenty Regional Council western land manager Robyn Skelton said this year 58 landowners had signed up to help fence and plant along waterways in the Tauranga catchment. “Together we’ve fenced 78 kilometres of river and stream margins and put 100,000 plants in the ground this year,” Ms Skelton said. In 2012/13, the council assisted landowners to fence 23.4km of river and stream margins. Up to 25 per cent funding was available for most work under its Riparian Management Programme and there was a “trees at cost” option, she said. “It enables landowners to get the cost of the plants and trees at the cost of propagation from nurseries. Funded work can include fencing of waterways or harbour margins, weed control, native planting, troughs, pest control and afforestation of erosion-prone land.”
showing errors in the report. Further errors have been identified by BERL. Federated Farmers should admit their errors and print a correction.’’ But Federated Farmers said it had deliberately selected an independent organisation to prepare the report, which was issued to generate discussion on what could become a major change to New Zealand’s taxation base. President William Rollerston said the most concerning aspect of the report was Labour’s revenue assumptions. ‘‘Labour expects to raise at
Whitebait season was about to go into full swing and the regional council wanted to encourage more people to step up and care for their local waterways, she said. Whitebait numbers have been in decline for years, mainly due to land use change that’s caused a loss of breeding habitat and declining water quality. “It’s great to have had so many local landowners step up and start to turn that around,” Ms Skelton said. Fencing and planting could also improve stock health and management, help prevent river bank erosion, and improve water quality by reducing the amount of run-off into the river. “Fencing and planting of waterways can reduce that, making local rivers and streams better for swimming and water supply. Less sediment will help keep Tauranga Harbour healthy and accessible, too. That’s good for other wildlife and the people that rely on the harbour for fun, income and kaimoana.” To get funding or advice, all a landowner needs to do is talk to a regional council land management officer about what
drawn from countries with a capital gains tax was they were not immune from rising house prices, as it was reported Sydney and Melbourne had just had their strongest winter price surge since 2007, he said. But Mr Parker defended the party’s stance on a 15 per cent capital gains tax, saying it would clamp down on property speculators and encourage capital towards productive investment that lifted productivity, wages and exports. The report had incorrect figures based on Australia’s tax and miscalculations, he said.
least $1.3 billion from the farming sector but a more realistic estimate is half that sum in 15 years’ time. NZIER further estimates that the loss in current farm values will be between $2.4 billion and $7.6 billion. Lower land values meant lower tax revenue too,” Mr Rollerston said. ‘‘A capital gains tax genuinely risks capital lock-in with the housing market. To avoid taxable gains, people will choose not to sell, achieving the opposite of what is desired for productive investment.’’ The lesson that could be
WATERWAY: The Wainui Stream.
PHOTO/FILE KAP270214SPLSTREAM
they want to do and the officer will assess whether it fits the criteria for funding. In most circumstances
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Thursday, September 18, 2014
Northern Advocate
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Northern Advocate
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Hi-Cane spraying concerns raised The kiwifruit spraying season is over but a concerned community group says hydrogen cyanamide poses potential risk to people and the environment. Member Rangi Ahipene said more transparency was needed when it came to Hi-Cane as there were about 10,000 hectares of kiwifruit orchards in the Bay GROWTH: The hydrogen cyanamide spray is integral to kiwi orchard maintenance.
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of Plenty. The industry also played a major part in data gathering and complaint investigations, he said. “They have a direct interest so the information coming from those investigations can’t be considered objective because they have got a bias.” Mr Ahipene said he was also concerned about the amount of Hi-Cane going into the environment and New Zealand’s clean, green image. “The industry needs to start looking at alternatives. I think kiwifruit is hanging on to the coat-tails of that brand but the reality is far from that.” Thousands of litres of Hi-Cane were being sprayed on to orchards every year, he said. Zespri science and innovation general manager David Tanner said about 25,000 applications of Hi-Cane were applied annually. However fewer than 1 per cent of those applications resulted in a complaint, he said. “The kiwifruit industry recognises its responsibility to the community and environment — the industry developed best practice spray guidelines and set up the Spray Action Group in 2009 with representatives from Zespri, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, spray contractors, community groups and other parties including rural posties. “This group has promoted low spraydrift technologies which are now compulsory, education for growers and spray contractors, improved neighbourhood notification and investigation of spray complaints and non-compliances.” Hi-Cane was essential for economically-viable levels of production on kiwifruit orchards, Mr Tanner said. “Without it, the amount of flowers and fruit would become uneconomic in many of New Zealand’s growing districts, especially in warm winters.” Bay of Plenty Regional Council regional pollution prevention team leader Stephen Mellor said Hi-Cane was approved by the EPA as being safe for use under appropriate conditions. “It is not appropriate for the council to reconsider the decision of a national statutory agency.” The council identified that Hi-Cane was difficult to test for in normal circumstances, such as spray drift cases, and has been working with Hills Laboratories to design a sampling regime that would enable to test for spray drift on foliage, he said. “As with any agrichemical spray, the application of hydrogen cyanamide, if undertaken as required under the New Zealand Standard Management of Agrichemicals 2004 and the Bay of Plenty Regional Air Plan, the risk to off-site effects are greatly reduced.” In 2011, the council received 47 complaints compared to 11 in 2012 and 22 in 2013. The Kiwifruit Growers Association also received complaints directly and has been trained by council staff to undertake investigations, Mr Mellor said. “We can also use these members if our staff are unable to attend.” Growers that failed to follow the rules and regulations were subject to a range of possible penalties.
— APN News & Media
Hi-Cane ■ hydrogen cyanamide, known by the brand name Hi-Cane ■ It is sprayed on kiwifruit vines to increase the number of fruit on the vines, promote bud break and ensure earlier and shorter flowering