As of March 7, the driest areas of New Zealand have been officially shifted to the second level of drought; what the government calls ‘a medium-scale adverse event’.
This puts the current big dry on the same scale as other natural disasters, and with hot conditions projected by NIWA to continue through into April, relief from the cloudless skies is far from guaranteed.
“Below average rainfall continues to make it difficult for farmers as soil moisture levels dry out and stock feed and water become tight in some areas,” says Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.
“Northland, Waikato, King Country, Manawatū, Tararua, Marlborough, Tasman, Nelson and parts of Taupō and Rotorua are all experiencing extended hot, dry conditions. This has reduced pasture growth rates and farmers are having to feed-out earlier to fill the gap.”
Mr McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Paterson have told farmers that they are working to release pressure on the rural sector caused by the drought, a factor of the La Niña weather system currently dominating the South Pacific Zone.
Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson is encouraging farmers and growers to seek support if they need it. This includes help for rural support groups and organisations who work with
farmers in affected areas, assisting with the practical aspects of beating the big dry, as well as the mental and social toll.
“I encourage farmers and growers to talk to their neighbours, mates, networks and industry representatives if they need advice or support,” Mr Patterson says.
Meanwhile, the classification of the drought as a medium-scale adverse event has unlocked tax relief for farmers, addressing the fiscal bite that comes with long periods of dry weather. The Ministry of Social Development can also now consider rural assistance payments for those who have been hit hardest by the economic toll of the drought.
The Ministry for Primary Industries continues to monitor the situation, checking on conditions across the affected regions as autumn arrives. While scattered showers and cloud cover increase in meteorological predictions as April approaches, it will take substantial rain to fill tanks, replenish ground water and revitalise parched pastures.
Farmers can contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 or MPI’s On Farm Support team on 0800 707 133 for support.
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Dry conditions dominate much of the North Island, leading to government assistance for farmers and rural support groups
by Andy Bryenton
Export figures show ‘green shoots’
The government is hailing export gains made across the dairy, beef and lab sectors as
turnaround, and the harbinger of reined-in inflation.
By the numbers, the results look positive for a government aiming to position itself as the force that crushed the cost-of-living crisis through smart fiscal management. A strong demand for Kiwi beef and lamb in Europe and the Middle East has added approximately $1.2 billion to the economy in 2025.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says one of the driving factors behind this result is the diversification of trade. For example, thanks to a recently inked agreement with the European Union, 24 per cent more Kiwi goods are finding their way to EU markets.
“This is extremely positive news for sheep and beef farmers who have been doing it tough over the last six years,” said Mr McClay. “Red meat exports are forecast to grow by 13 per cent this year which will have a positive economic impact on many of our provincial towns.”
Over the fence in the dairy industry, increased production and higher export prices are also having an impact, with an additional $4.5 billion forecast for dairy farmers in 2025. Milk production is at its highest level in a decade, up four per cent on the previous year.
“The primary sector is fundamental to achieving our ambitious goal of doubling exports by value in 10 years and the
coalition government is backing farmers to be the world’s best,” says Mr McClay.
“With strong production already in the vat, feed crops coming in, and consumers eager for our products, the sector is well positioned to turbo charge the economy and deliver for every New Zealander.”
While production and efficiency are in the hands of producers, making trade deals which, like the aforementioned EU agreement, leverage Kiwi advantages into dollars is a matter of diplomacy.
As some markets and nations become more volatile with talk of trade wars and tariffs, New Zealand negotiators come from a place of relative stability, with a desirable product.
A more difficult balancing act may lie in promoting the rural sector, and thus the entire Kiwi economy, while still meeting ambitious new climate and emissions targets.
“The government is committed to meeting our environmental and climate change obligations, but we will do this without closing down farms or sending jobs and production overseas,” McClay said.
Export earnings for dairy and the red sector are projected to bring in billions during 2025, a feat touted a bellwether moment economically
Their success or failure may be measured in the number of carbon-credit pines planted in the next 12 months in regional New Zealand.
Support needed for vital service
by Denise Gunn
A current lack of funding has led to a crisis situation and uncertain future for the Manawatū Rural Support Service (MRSS).
The non-profit organisation endeavours to ensure the wellbeing of all rural individuals, families and communities through providing free, confidential at-home information, support advocacy and referral services.
In response to demand and interest, services were expanded last year to cover the entire rural Manawatū district. Previously, MRSS operated only in the northern Manawatū.
“We provide support during sickness, bereavement, unemployment, relationship breakdowns, parenting, financial issues, isolation or when people are struggling with personal difficulties,” said MRSS manager Linda Sievwright.
“Our rural community workers do this through cold calling, referrals and workshops. We work closely and collaborate with many other organisations in the region, such as the police,
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Neighbourhood Support, the ManawatūRangitikei Rural Family Support Trust, Hato Hone St John — to name a few.
“This is with the intention of encouraging personal resilience and fostering independence of our rural people,” said Linda.
Workshops on topics requested by each community are also provided. Funding for MRSS is provided through contracts with the Manawatū District Council and Oranga Tamariki. Grants are also received
from philanthropic funders and donations from the community.
However, the withdrawal of the Oranga Tamariki contract has left a significant hole in MRSS’s budget.
“We usually employ two part-time rural community workers for a total of 50 hours a week. However, due to our loss of funding, we are currently operating at reduced capacity, with just one rural community worker doing 20 hours a week.”
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Manawatū Rural Support Service manager Linda Sievwright
A typical working week for a rural community worker involves being out on the road visiting rural individuals and families, participating in meetings with a wide range of organisations or working in the office. Workers liaise with schools, early childhood centres and community groups to support wellbeing, too.
Rural community workers also distribute information and resources, including Civil Defence and emergency event guidance to keep communities well informed. Although MRSS is not an emergency service, the organisation is able to support rural families should an event occur.
Linda said the current lack of security around funding has led to their current crisis situation.
“We are seriously considering whether to close down MRSS. Therefore, we feel it would be unethical to employ a second
community worker when our future funding is so uncertain.”
In addition to rural community workers, a governance board made up of eight volunteers oversee MRSS.
Board members ensure rural community workers fulfil the MRSS vision for the rural community with protocol, regularly meeting with them to support their work.
Additionally, the board applies for funding and provides accountability reports for the funders.
“This is about the right number to effectively operate an organisation of this nature. However, at least five of those members have been involved for many years and are now looking to take a step back.
“This means we need to attract new board members at a time when attracting volunteers is proving difficult in many organisations.”
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At this stage, there are no MRSS events planned for 2025 due to the uncertainty surrounding future funding.
“Therefore, we have prioritised referrals and requests for assistance over education events.”
Linda said the main short and longterm goal for MRSS is to attract funding and new board members.
“We will then again be in a position to be a vibrant, viable social services organisation that provides essential support services to rural Manawatū community members.”
Those interested in volunteering as a board member should contact MRSS at mrssinc@gmail.com.
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Farm life nurtures writing inspiration
by Denise Gunn
Award-winning author and farmer Tim Saunders has ventured into writing for children with his latest book,
Wobbly Wheel.
Tim has previously written two nonfiction books, This Farming Life, and Under a Big Sky. Both of these books provide a realistic look at every day and seasonal challenges faced by farmers.
He said This Farming Life, published in 2020, is a journey through the seasons on his family’s fifth generation sheep, beef and cropping farm in Glen Oroua.
Two years later, Under a Big Sky was published, taking readers through
the challenges of farming through the Covid-19 lockdowns.
“As well as navigating the difficulties of running a business, we also had to deal with my father’s sudden illness and the pressures of becoming more environmentally friendly. This is a book about how farming affects the world, and how everything is interconnected.”
Tim’s inspiration to write these books came from his love of the
land and changing attitudes towards farming.
“I wanted to look at where farming has been and where it is going. I wanted to write in a way that captured the sights and sounds and smells of our farm, so that readers could experience the soul of farming.”
The Tractor Has a Wobbly Wheel was written in almost one sitting. The book features various animals trying to find solutions to a tractor’s wobbly wheel.
“I was driving the ute across the paddock one day, and I had the whole book planned out by the time I reached the gate.
“As a poet, I love playing with rhythm and rhyme. I love selecting words and letting them find a place in whatever I am writing.”
Machinery breaking down on the farm was the inspiration behind the story.
“Kids love tractors and love animals. The book is bright and colourful, and
The Saunders farm has been in the family for five generations
and many people view art as not being as important as business.
“Art is important. It feeds the soul. It provides entertainment for people and that is good for mental health. I enjoy the thought that my writing has given someone somewhere a break from their normal lives, perhaps made them smile or given them something to think about.”
He already has another children’s book accepted for publication.
Tim’s love for reading led him to writing. When he was a child, his grandmother lived next door and always read to him.
“My parents always knew that’s where I could be found if I was missing. Books opened up the world to me and inspired a lifelong love of reading.”
Prior to settling down on the farm, Tim trained in the TV and film industry at Avalon Studios in Lower Hutt, specialising in children’s television.
“This gave me invaluable experience in writing for young audiences.”
Fitting writing into his day before heading out on the farm is becoming
more of a struggle with farming paperwork and meetings taking up time. He starts writing early in the morning, usually before six o’clock. “I write for a couple of hours before going out on the farm,” said Tim.
A notebook is always within reach for Tim to write down ideas and lines of poetry, too.
“I find inspiration for poems everywhere and the wide open spaces give me the quietness needed to be in my own head.”
Tim also finds driving a tractor a great process for writing.
“The endless drone of an engine puts me in the right headspace.”
If stuck for ideas, Tim picks up a book to read, finding something to inspire him.
“The secret to good writing is to read lots; every genre and form. Expose yourself to as much good writing as you can.”
He still gets a kick out of getting his work accepted into journals and publications, inspiring him to continue writing.
“Being shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize was a big thing for me. Winning prizes like the Caselberg Trust International Poetry Competition is always exciting.
“Witi Ihimaera once told me I was born to write, which was a massive compliment.” Tim said writing is a craft
Wide open spaces provide the quietness beneficial for writing inspiration
Tim’s new book, The Tractor Has a Wobbly Wheel, is aimed towards three to six-year-olds hopefully, inspires children to read more and one day become writers.”
Long history breeding hardy Herefords
by Denise Gunn
Third-generation Hereford breeder Kelly O’Neill is continuing the family legacy on his property near Raetihi.
Kelly’s grandfather, Alexander Patrick O’Neill, began breeding Herefords in the early 1900s, finding the breed performed well in the Central Plateau conditions.
When the baton was passed to Kelly’s father, Alexander Stuart (Pat) O’Neill, a herd of horned cows were purchased at Mayfield Stud’s special dispersal sale in 1947. Over the years, Pat introduced Polled Hereford sires, registering the herd under the stud name Okahu.
Growing up around the breed, Kelly was out helping on the farm from a young age. He’s farmed in the district since the late 1970s, and is a life member of New Zealand Herefords.
At an altitude of 610m above sea level and located in a subalpine region, the farm can encounter harsh weather conditions with frosts and snow. The property covers a mixture of medium and rolling hill country, as well as some flats.
Kelly said his grandfather moved to Ore Ore with a mixed breed herd in the early 1900s.
“He soon found that the Herefords did the best. The decision to breed Herefords only from then onwards was an easy one for him.
“For me, the characteristic hardiness and docility of the breed, mean that the red and white animals that thrive in harsh conditions will continue to run on the hills alongside my Romney sheep.”
The farm receives an average annual rainfall of around 1,575mm a year. Due to its high altitude location, seasons are later than most other areas. March is
Hereford breeder Kelly O’Neill is the third generation to continue the family legacy
Okahu Polled Hereford Stud is situated at an altitude of 610m above sea level on the Central Plateau
the driest month with an average rainfall of 83mm.
The Makotutu and Makara Rivers provide a reliable water source, even in dry conditions. Around 160mm of rain usually falls in September and October.
“This last September has been the wettest that I can remember,” said Kelly.
With the introduction of stud sires purchased to improve and maintain genetic diversity, Okahu Polled Herefords is a self-replacing closed herd. Semen has been imported over the years, and Kelly still runs an AI programme.
He aims to breed practical, hardy, heavy-muscled cattle with good hindquarters for the beef market that can compete with sheep on the hills under natural conditions.
Ohaku Herefords has been successful in both the show and sales rings around
the North Island, winning Meat and Wool cups, interbreed championships and champion of champions’ awards.
After 50 years of on-farm sales at the home base, Kelly has opted to run a private treaty sales day on the property each May. Stud and commercial bulls are displayed and offered for private sale.
The next private treaty sales day, to be held on Thursday, May 15, will kick off New Zealand’s Hereford sales season.
“Anyone is welcome to come and have a cuppa any time during the day or by appointment at any other time,” said Kelly.
Surplus stock are sold to freezing works, and some are offered through the Feilding Saleyards.
Although Kelly runs the farming operation single-handedly, he has a good support network of family, friends
OKAHU POLLED HEREFORDS
and professionals to call on. Farming in the district’s harsh, wet and cold climate presents challenges.
“Maintaining good nutrition and animal health practices is vital to keeping the stock in good order,” said Kelly.
“I have built a covered working area on my cattle yards to help workflow during wet periods. Often, the outer yards get pretty boggy at times.”
Ash fallout when Mount Ruapehu has erupted in the past has posed a threat to Okahu’s livestock. However, the network of Hereford breeders have always been available to help out if required.
“Hereford breeders from other districts in New Zealand have offered to look after my cattle if there was a need to evacuate them. Fortunately, I have never had to take up the offer but am grateful
for the friendship and generosity of fellow breeders.”
Kelly continues to run a profitable beef and sheep operation, endeavouring to use the latest techniques to improve his pastures. This includes using a helicopter for spraying and seeding some of his hill country.
“Dad would be so delighted to see the new pastures up on top of some of the hills,” he said.
The stud’s upcoming on-farm sale in May kicks off New Zealand’s Hereford sales season Maintaining good nutrition and animal health practices keeps the stock in good condition
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by John Arts
Farming can be hard on joints (Part
two)
Some occupations seem to increase the risk of osteoarthritis. I have spoken to many farmers whose osteoarthritis started when they came off second best in an incident with livestock.
Builders, mechanics, nurses and similar roles are very physical. We know for certain that repetitive joint strain and trauma is a contributor to osteoarthritis.
There are also many people who develop osteoarthritis who have had more sedentary occupations. This indicates that ‘wear and tear’ is not necessarily the reason for cartilage loss. An X-ray of a farmer or teacher with knee osteoarthritis looks much the same, despite significant differences in occupation.
The key diagnostic features on X-rays are a narrowing in the spaces between joints and the growth of bony spurs on the ends of the bones of the joint. X-rays do not show cartilage. All they show is the space between the bones. Cartilage is calculated on the size of the joint space. If wide, this means cartilage exists. If little or none, this means the cartilage has largely disintegrated.
It might surprise you that cartilage is not lost by wear. It is lost by disease processes.
Cartilage is maintained by amazing cells called chondrocytes. Each chondrocyte is responsible for maintaining a patch of cartilage. Chondrocytes are damaged by a combination of free radicals and destructive enzymes. Adding 800mg-plus of chondroitin sulphate can be very effective as this stimulates chondrocytes to secrete cartilage.
Nutritional therapy for osteoarthritis can be very effective. Last year I had a call from someone with pain from osteoarthritis in both his hips and knee. I started him on intensive doses of chondroitin sulphate (1,600mg) glucosamine sulphate (1,600mg) and 100% water soluble curcumin extract (400mg). He noticed a difference within a few months and now reports significant benefits. Please email me if you would like a copy of my osteoarthritis programme.
John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his newsletter at abundant.co.nz.
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Design with an eye for the future
Farmers know better than anyone the importance of caring for the land. However, that same level of care isn’t always evident when considering what we build on that land.
As such, New Zealand has an unenviable reputation for poorly constructed homes, and it’s the people living in them who pay the price, from health problems to high energy bills.
Duncan Sinclair believes we as a community can do better, and the Whanganui-based architecture firm he founded in 2012 is on a 100-year mission to prove it.
The Black Pine approach is as much about being a ‘good ancestor’ as it is about designing healthy homes. It’s about recognising the balance between an immediate need for a physical structure, and an intrinsic desire to leave a positive legacy.
“Many farmers already lead the way in long-term thinking and sustainable practices, whether it’s regenerative agriculture, water conservation or biodiversity protection,” says Duncan. “They are stewards of the land, looking after it for whoever comes next. We believe having a sustainable, highperformance home is a natural extension of that mindset.”
To create healthier buildings for clients and community groups, the Black Pine design team applies Passivhaus principles. This international standard is a leading approach to sustainable building, with a strong focus on energy efficiency and reducing the ecological footprint of a building — modern comfort and exceptional indoor air quality is assured.
For people used to living and working in a rural setting, where the connection to nature is deep and life is dictated by the seasons, the concept of a home that doesn’t need to be heated or cooled can be surprising.
“In this country we’re used to housing being too cold in winter and too hot in
summer. It’s how most of us grew up, so we’re conditioned to believe that’s the way it has to be. Still, it’s not, it is a choice,” Duncan says.
“By putting thought into the design process, building for a specific location and constructing to higher standards, we can have a beautiful home, sympathetic to its surroundings, warm, dry, and fit for purpose. As an example, we recently finished a project down in Cromwell, a very harsh alpine environment, right up in the snowline, that effectively requires no additional heating. The fireplace is literally for show!”
While Passivhaus is at the heart of Black Pine’s design approach, what drives the
business forward is a philosophy that favours long-term thinking and making choices that improve the wellbeing of future generations.
“The people who choose to work with us share our values,” says Duncan. “They understand that the homes and community spaces we create together aren’t just for ourselves; they’re for our children and grandchildren. If we can put thought and care into good designs that will last for generations, it’s a commitment to the future of our families, communities and the land.”
TO BUILD OR RENOVATE
by Paul Campbell
Plan for indoors and out
The onset of cooler weather might be the time that attention in the home turns to that long-delayed project to improve the house with repairs or additions. The Kiwi do-it-yourself attitude is still strong and it pays to ensure what you have in mind is going to meet the rules.
All building work in New Zealand must comply with the Building Code, even if it doesn’t require a building consent and the code simply makes sure that buildings are safe, healthy and durable for everyone who may use them in the future.
Plans and specifications are assessed by building consent authorities (BCAs), usually the council, to ensure the proposed building work will complies for a building consent for the work to get underway.
The code is regulated under the Building Act 2004 that sets out the rules for the construction, alteration, demolition and maintenance of new and existing buildings, alongside other legislation for health, safety, consumer protection and land use.
Also, where do you start? Some typical home projects can include the garage. It might be a simple conversion to a rumpus room, a man-cave, games area or even a replacement. However, building a new garage will always require a building consent.
A deck may require a building consent
Before setting out it pays to check with the local council. For instance, check if you need a consent to add, repair or replace a gazebo or a garden shed.
Another popular home addition is often the addition of a deck for the next summer’s barbecues and this will probably involve paperwork, so prepare a consent application in case.
Another home addition might be a fence. This becomes more complicated
because it may well involve neighbouring property, so you might need a consent, and you certainly have to talk to the neighbour, as this can also involve shared costs arrangements.
Of course, there may be other home areas you plan to improve, from kitchens to bathrooms or a new coat of paint in interior rooms to refresh your living environment. Doing it yourself or with family help can be cheaper and also
rewarding, as you are saving in paying labour or contractors.
Among things to look at could be painting walls, the lounge and bedrooms, building bookshelves or putting down new floor coverings. The kitchen, though, is more complex, and it might help to look at kitsets that can be introduced. It’s all work that can make a lot of difference to your living space
TO BUILD OR RENOVATE
Committed to building excellence
by Denise Gunn
The experienced team at Presidential Homes is committed to attaining a
they build.
Working with an accomplished architectural team, clients can build from an existing plan with options to customise the design, layout, budget and site. Presidential Homes takes care of the building and relocation consent applications.
When construction is underway, clients meet with project manager Shane McEldowney to finalise details for power points, switches and aerials. Advice on interior design and finishes can be arranged through recommended suppliers.
A new 9,000m² factory premises onsite in Palmerston North ensures there are no project delays caused by adverse weather conditions. Presidential Homes aims to have each home completed within three months.
Several completed show homes are also available to view and a variety of homes are ready for immediate purchase.
Completed homes, built with quality locally-sourced materials every step of the way, are transported by the skilled Central House Movers team.
Presidential Homes covers the entire North Island with many completed building projects transported to central and lower North Island sites. The Wairarapa, including more remote areas such as Tora, Flat Point and Cape Palliser, is also proving to be a popular location for transportable homes.
Presidential Homes director Keith Marriott has a solid three decades of experience spanning various sectors within the residential building industry. His experienced team builds great relationships with clients, guiding them along the journey to make their dream a reality and house a home.
“We build quality homes with architectural integrity, while offering the ease and affordability that comes with a prefabrication process,” he said. “Every site is unique, and every family will have different needs. Whether it’s your home, an addition to your property or a family bach or lake house, we can build anything and any size to fit your vision.”
Some standout projects over the years include Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) accommodation, large offices, homes
The new 9,000m² factory premises in Palmerston North with attached internal access garages, and, more recently, a 442m² sports pavilion for the Greytown community.
Manager Emily McEldowney said the team at Presidential Homes is amazing.
“Keith’s involvement day-to-day is a massive key to the business’s success. We enjoy getting to meet great people, families and investors, speaking with them once they
have moved in and hearing how happy they are with their new home.”
Presidential Homes plans to utilise its brand new factory to produce large quantities of homes for families and Kiwis.
“We want to continue evolving with designs and bringing new ideas to life and construction, and creating jobs for locals and young people,” Emily said.
TO BUILD OR RENOVATE
Where rural living meets architectural excellence
Slate Architecture & Construction Ltd brings 25 years of architectural building expertise to your rural property.
As local builders who understand country living in Taranaki and Manawatu, we’ve developed an approach that combines sophisticated design with the practical demands of rural life.
We understand that time is precious when you’re managing a farm. That’s why we handle everything, resource consents, designs, construction and follow-up care, with the efficiency that country life demands.
Our team coordinates around your schedule, ensuring your project progresses smoothly while respecting your daily commitments.
Whether you’re planning a modern farmhouse that seamlessly blends indooroutdoor living, a secondary dwelling for family or staff, or a country retreat that captures those stunning rural views, we deliver homes built to withstand the region’s unique conditions. Every project comes with a 10-year Stamford Build Warranty and fixedprice contracts, giving you complete certainty from start to finish.
Being locally based in both Taranaki and Manawatu-Whanganui/Horowhenua
means we understand the unique challenges of building in rural areas, from managing long driveways to ensuring structures can handle the coastal winds or inland frosts. You get sophisticated architectural design without the urban price tag or the hassle of dealing with out-of-town builders who don’t understand rural requirements.
Need to talk through your ideas? We’ll come to you, whether that’s on-site or via
to maximising those panoramic views, with realistic costings and timelines that align with your needs.
View our project portfolio at slate.co.nz.
Let’s discuss how Slate can create a home that perfectly balances sophisticated design with rural practicality — a place your family will cherish for generations to come.
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TO BUILD OR RENOVATE
by Paul Campbell
Colour your world
Perhaps the simplest home improvement project for the do-it-yorself layman is changing the colour of the environment and, in simple terms, that means a paint brush in the hand. However, simple is perhaps a misnomer, with many factors in play to get started.
To start, find out all about what type of paint to use, which tools will work best and study paint quality and colour charts to determine a plan. Buy good quality gear, and that includes brushes first and then rollers and paint containers, masking tape and, of course, suitable sheets to use as furniture and flooring covers.
You will probably be spending the most money on paint, and there’s not much point in doing so with a cheap application when it comes to the actual job. Good brushes and rollers give good coverage and guard against second coats and touch ups, which are time-consuming.
Preparation is important to ensure a final finish. You should look for flaking or peeling areas that need to be lightly sanded or scraped and washed with clean water and let dry before applying primer or undercoat to a clean, dust-free surface.
When applying the final coat, be aware of the weather because humidity means drips and slow drying. So avoid painting on a rainy day. If it’s humid too often, then choose slow-drying paint to correct
your errors before moving on to the next coat.
Those sheets are important, too, as you should cover floors, furniture and hardware before you begin lifting a brush with paint. Plastic bags or food plastic wraps can protect small fittings. Paint is expensive. When you are shopping for your chosen colours, you should take advantage of the trade by getting good advice on a realistic estimate of how much paint you’ll need, so that you can buy it all at once. Today’s premium paints flow on easily, and with rollers, choose a type suitable for the job. If painting on concrete surfaces, it might need to be a thicker nap, with a lighter roller on smooth surfaces. Use a roller extension handle to reach higher on the walls and into less accessible areas and on ceilings.
A final tip then is keep your painting area well ventilated. Modern paints, and in particular water-based, have a lighter fume component, but for peace of mind and comfort have the windows
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open. If the weather dictates otherwise, the old cut lemon in a dish might help.
Paint rollers make the job easier
TO BUILD OR RENOVATE
Plan ahead before you build
by Liz Clark
With an increasing number of rules for building in rural areas, getting it right
The best source of information is from a local council’s planning department. Talk to your local council if you’re planning to build a home, a shed or another structure on your land before rushing ahead and getting in the digger to clear the building platform.
While it may seem cheaper and easier to get a kitset, for instance, it pays to talk to the planning team about whether or not the plans for the build meet the building and resource consent requirements. A reputable building company can supply all the plans and site drawings for the proposed building. In some instances, where the proposed building is noncompliant with the district plan rules, such as a relocatable house, resource consent will be required.
The best plan of action for any build is to use a local licensed building practitioner who knows the local council
rules and regulations to get construction underway. Alternatively, a well-established company with a locally based team can provide the expertise required to navigate local council rules for rural builds and obtain the necessary building consent to get construction underway. Always research before committing to a building project and ensure the best professionals who know the region are engaged to make it happen.
Check first on the Licensed Building Practitioners website at kete-lbp. mbie.govt.nz before committing to any contract. The same applies to any subcontractors your builder may engage for work such as plumbing and electrical, which requires certification by a registered electrician. Your builder and their subcontractors should all have public liability insurance — your bank will require verification of this and a copy of
COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS NEWS YOU CAN TRUST
Planning and research are essential before committing to a build project the building contract, especially if it is a fixed-price one.
Once the house is complete and the council inspector has done the final certification, if there are concerns, engage an independent building inspector to
ensure your new home meets the required specifications. There is usually a grace period of two weeks for due diligence on your new home after moving in before the final settlement is made with your construction professional.
owner Wayne
TO BUILD OR RENOVATE
by Amy Fifita
Filtered for safety
From nanofiltration to photocatalytic, water purification technology is making leaps and to provide homeowners with safe drinking water.
When building or moving into an existing home, safe drinking water is a must. Ensuring properties have a goodquality and trusted filtration system protects inhabitants from the risk of disease or sickness.
While town supplies are kept drinkable with water treatment plants, using tank water can leave people exposed to germs and viruses. With the right filtration system in place, tank owners can consume rainwater without having to worry about the likes of giardia and E coli.
Water purification systems typically rely on physical, biological or chemical filtration methods to create drinkable water. Physical filtration uses a barrier such as a semi-permeable membrane to filter out sediments and other unwanted contaminants.
Biological filtration uses living matter like biofilm or biologically activated carbon to break down organic compounds. Chemicals purify or disinfect the water. Nanofiltration is a technological advancement that uses a porous
membrane to filter nanoparticles that other filters can’t decontaminate. Nanofilters are more efficient than conventional designs and produce a similar or faster flow rate.
They are renowned for being more efficient than their filter counterparts. For additional disinfection, chlorine dioxide can be fitted to the device.
The MadiDrop also uses nanotechnology. Using silver and copper nanoparticles, it ensures water is safe for human consumption. Reverse osmosis filter systems are another good device that ensures water remains healthy and free from contaminants.
Even houses connected to the town supply can benefit from having a water filter in place. Home water filters can remove or minimise fluoride, nitrates, chlorine and pesticides among other things from the supply.
Using filters, even on the town supply, leaves residents drinking and washing in clean water without worry. Regardless of the chosen method, homeowners and inhabitants can rest easy knowing they are using safe water.
LEADERS IN QUALITY PAINT FINISHES
Whether based in town or country, ensure your water is safe to drink with a filtration system
by Andy Bryenton
The Lely farm machinery company from the Netherlands is no stranger to innovating at the very edge of what’s possible, and this time it’s developed a robot that brings high technology to a fundamental of farming.
In New Zealand, we know the value of grass-fed cattle, and how there’s really little substitute for verdant pasture. Sowing and seeding is underway this autumn to deliver a new crop, driving the engine room of the rural economy one blade at a time.
However, barn and covered-pad cattle farming is prevalent overseas, and farmers in this situation were calling out for a means to deliver fresh grass to their herds. What Lely came up with also works well when a whole herd might pug a pasture to pieces, but a single robot can move lightly.
The Lely Exos is about the size of a delivery van, and it’s centred around a voluminous grass catchment hopper. This is fed by belts and cutters, which slice a swathe through fresh pasture, chopping it into a cattle-friendly feed. At the same time, the Exos disperses liquid fertiliser to replenish the land it traverses. This means that pasture quickly regenerates in its wake, ready for another round later on. The whole operation is accomplished as gently as possible, both for the grass itself and the land it springs from.
Despite being battery-powered and completely autonomous, the Exos is lighter than many tractors, and it runs on big wide flotation tires with just 0.8 bar pressure. This means that Lely’s machine can operate deep into the
TAONUI GROUNDSPREADING
Lely has automated the harvesting and delivery of fresh grass with a system that points the way toward pasture management robotics for tomorrow
muddy conditions of a European autumn, getting the most out of the entire grassgrowing season.
The robotic nature of the Exos should be no surprise to those who know the Lely name. The company’s automatic milking machines, such as the Astronaut, have proven popular with farmers and with cattle too. Lely has made the Exos work without a human operator, heading out multiple times each day to cut a hopper full of grass and serve it up directly to cattle in a barn or feed-pad situation. It can even work at night.
Lely touts the better nutritional value of fresh grass compared to silage or hay, and Kiwi farmers who utilise the more direct method of pasturing their cattle right on top of their lunch would likely agree. The principles behind this machine, and the level of robotic autonomy it represents, point toward a near future where other pasture management tools are no longer linked to a tractor and a human driver. Seed drills, soil testers and balers using lightweight construction and adaptive AI are already in the works at multiple companies.
Bringing the roadshow closer
Rural Contractors NZ will kick off its 2025 roadshows in four centres in June and like the organisation’s conference, attendance will be largely free.
The RCNZ Board confirmed the dates and venues at its February meeting. CEO Andrew Olsen says the first roadshow will be held at the Distinction Hotel in Hamilton on Tuesday, June 17, with another, the following day, at Palmerston North’s Distinction Hotel.
The following week sees roadshows at the Croydon Lodge in Gore on Tuesday, June 24, and at the Commodore Hotel in Christchurch, the next day. He said the roadshows, initiated in 2022, provide RCNZ members with an alternative to attending the organisation’s now biannual conference.
“We’ve got more than 600 members country-wide, and fewer than a third can attend our conference. So, we are putting together the roadshows for more members to engage,” said Mr Olsen.
The roadshows will kick off with an early afternoon session, sponsored by Nufarm, dedicated to members who are agricultural sprayers. It will then merge
with those focussed on grass harvesting and other cropping-related activities.
Andrew is planning for some short industry updates, including one on health and safety in rural contracting, which will reinforce the RCNZ’s summer campaign on fatigue risks. The afternoon will finish with an opportunity to have a drink and catch up with old mates and some sponsor prize draws.
Andrew says any Rural Contractor NZ member is entitled to attend and also bring three other family or staff members for free. Any further attendees are welcome for a modest charge.
“Our balance sheet and the support of our partners allows us to put this on for our membership at no cost. We know it is a challenge for all of our members to get to our conference every second year, so we are bringing the roadshows to their regions.”
The 2026 RCNZ conference will be held in June next year in Christchurch.
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What’s
All roadshows start with an early afternoon session dedicated to agricultural sprayers
by Amy Fifita
Self-care creates a safer season
With an abundance of work for contractors during autumn, one vital job is not in the paddock, but looking after themselves and minimising fatigue.
While the farming community is wellknown to persevere to achieve what must be done, it is often at the expense of themselves. Employers and employees have the responsibility to make a difference in safer practices.
Rural Contractors New Zealand is rerunning its fatigue prevention campaign for the autumn season. With crops needing to be harvested, sprayed, or fertilised and weather a major factor, ensuring staff, coworkers and yourself are work-fit is a priority. Being fatigued doesn’t just mean being physically exhausted, it includes your mental and emotional state, too. Having regular breaks, food and water helps minimise the risk.
Symptoms include having a depressed or irritable mental state, communication breakdown, delayed reaction time, sluggishness and more. There are useful tricks to encourage workers to remain in a fit working state.
Enabling staff to be well-rested and healthy reduces the risk of machine accidents and injuries. Employers can keep their workplaces safe by monitoring timesheets, hiring extra staff, accessing staff, collecting near-miss information and rotating staff tasks and machines.
Creating an open discussion between staff and management allows workers to voice their concerns about themselves or their coworkers. Allowing staff to take time off when needed allows for better recuperation and safer machinery operation.
As landowners, the responsibility lies in stopping unnecessary pressure and allowing for breaks and sleep. Staff can avoid fatigue by eating a healthy diet, drinking water, taking available breaks and abstaining from alcohol the night before work.
Employers allowing staff to have regular breaks encourages robust mental, emotional and physical workers, creating a safe and healthy workplace environment.
With employees looked after, expect a quality work performance. Visit ruralcontractors.org.nz/dangers-offatigue for further information.
Taking a step out of machinery to have a break and rotating machine operators can help mitigate fatigue during autumn farming tasks
Consultation on future water services
Horowhenua District Council is calling on residents to have their say on one of the most significant decisions for the district’s future — how water services will be delivered.
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Under the government’s Local Water Done Well programme, all councils must consult with their communities on the future delivery of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services.
With increasing costs, regulatory requirements and ageing infrastructure, HDC must decide on the best approach to ensure safe, reliable and financially sustainable water services.
“Drinking water is absolutely essential to maintaining life, and the costs associated with treating and delivering it are significant,” says Horowhenua District Council mayor Bernie Wanden.
“Our current approach places a growing financial burden on the council, which could impact service levels across other council activities.”
The HDC and councils nationwide face major challenges in maintaining and upgrading essential infrastructure like water, roads and electricity. The costs of meeting new drinking water standards, climate change mitigation, population growth and ageing infrastructure replacement are
Full Round Baleage and Hay Services
Full Square Baleage and Hay Services
Fine Chop Grass and Maize Silage
Ploughing/Discing/Levelling
Race/Track Maintenance and Digger Work
Grass and Stubble Mulching
Airseeder/Roller/Drill Direct Drill
Precision Maize Planting
Fertiliser Spreading & Bulk Cartage
Pohangina Valley to Shannon & Pahiatua to Rongotea Areas COVERING FROM:
increasing. These pressures will impact taxpayers and ratepayers, making this consultation crucial.
The council explored multiple options for water service delivery. It ruled out single council-owned entities and independent consumer trusts due to affordability and funding constraints.
Instead, this consultation focusses on three key options that would ensure:
• Water services are fit for purpose
• Financial sustainability is maintained
• Stronger oversight and regulation of water quality and costs
HDC stated each option has pros and cons, but the more residents who share the cost of delivering water services, the more affordable it will be for everyone.
The council said it was committed to transparency and ensuring the community has the best possible information and
is advocating for residents to ensure their voices are heard, despite tight government timeframes.
“We know this is a complex issue, but it’s essential that our community gets involved,” said mayor Wanden.
“Together, we can ensure that local water services are delivered well for the future.”
Community members can learn more and have their say by:
• Visiting Let’s Kōrero
• Attending Cuppa with a Councillor sessions
• Joining a Citizens’ Panel workshop
• Joining Facebook Live Q&As
• Submitting feedback before April 10
For more details on the consultation, including a breakdown of the options and projected costs, visit letskorero. horowhenua.govt.nz/LWDW.
Horowhenua District Council is asking residents to have a say on the future of its water services
by Andy Bryenton
The dogs who built a rural legend
Traditional Kiwi A&P shows are full of rural sports action, from tractor handling tests to off-road endurance, but perhaps the most timehonoured pursuit on display takes place in the sheepdog trials arena.
The sport of herding sheep with the aid of a dog goes back to the 1860s, and it’s a New Zealand-bred tradition. It’s said that the art of herding sheep with canine help goes back to the same James MacKenzie, for whom the rugged high country of the South Island is named. His dog, Friday, was the first modern sheepdog, helping the larcenous larrikin MacKenzie rustle 1,000 sheep and drive them up through the high passes. This feat had other drovers scratching their heads, but soon adopting his methods when they became known.
Australia followed along, and produced a whole new breed of dog to contest the new sport of sheepdog trials. A pup given by a Mr Jack Gleeson to his friend, Mr King, was named after his mother, Kelpie, and the name stuck to the breed when King’s young dog grew up to be an ace herder. Another relative of the original Kelpie was Brutus, who blitzed the early dog trials scene in Australia, taking titles in 1871 and 1872. The kelpie breed has become legendarily popular, and the name Brutus carries some
weight, too. A pup of the same name and similar looks was sold in a charity auction recently for AU$50,000.
By 1883 the first recorded instance of a sheep dog handler using just hand gestures and whistles to communicate with his canine partner on the field came about. In Hawick, England, a Mr Wallace of Otterburn, Northumberland caused a sensation by commanding his dog Moss ‘with a mere hiss at hand and a low whistle at distance’. Moss changed the game, and a quieter, more calculated working dog was soon to arise to become the icon of the sport.
Adam Telfer was a Northumberland man, too, and it’s almost certain he would have followed the career of Wallace and Moss with interest. He bred two of his dogs, Meg and Roy, to gain a combination of a strong eye, a willing temperament and smart, quiet habits in the field. The result was a dog called Old Hemp (though the ‘old’ was likely added in later years). From the age of six weeks, Hemp followed sheep, and he developed a silent, intense method of
and
herding, which established him not just as the greatest sheepdog since Friday, but also as the progenitor of the entire border collie breed. It was a pleasure to see the dogs and their owners
putting their skills to the test at field days, carrying on a tradition, which has produced not just great dogs of legend, but also better farming practices and a sport that’s stood the test of time.
Old Hemp, the first true border collie, is distantly related to every one of this intelligent
