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Aerowork celebrates 75 years
Aerowork celebrated its 75th anniversary of service to the rural sector this month, marking the milestone with an event at Whanganui Airport.
The Whanganui topdressing company began in 1949 when pilot Wally Harding converted his Tiger Moth aircraft to spread fertiliser on his high-country station. Aerowork has since grown to become the largest aerial applicator in New Zealand, operating in both the North Island and South Island.
As the family company grew, its skilled pilots often doubled as emergency responders for lifesaving rural rescues.
Whanganui Aero Work was owned and operated by the Harding family until 2004. When current owner, fertiliser company Ravensdown bought the company, it was later renamed Aerowork.
Richmond Harding was the CEO at the time of the sale. He said Ravensdown’s science expertise would help develop Aerowork’s aviation and spreading technology.
Farmers, families, friends and colleagues turned out to celebrate the occasion and look back on 75 years of Kiwi topdressing history. Rural pilots put on a rare public display, showcasing their aerial expertise.
Aerowork CEO and self-described aviation history buff, Harald Hendel, said it was great to have all its people and aircraft together, as well as several aircraft from years gone by.
“Our team services rural communities across the country. They fly tirelessly to help maintain farms in the most remote parts of New Zealand, so it’s fantastic to have the full team in one place.
“Aerowork is the only topdressing company with a dedicated team of engineers to build their own aircraft components, and today, attendees had a chance to view their technical prowess in action.
“We also had an original Tiger Moth and a 1950s Fletcher aircraft to do a flyby alongside a modern Cresco. Seeing the three generations of aircraft together was something special.”
Members of the Harding family and descendants of Wally Harding; Shane Wareham, Bruce Harding and Richmond ‘Ditch’ Harding, flew the three generations of topdressing aircraft.
If you would prefer to transport your animal yourself or have your horse or cow put down on the farm then we can arrange this with a No Hassell guarantee.
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Harald said Ravensdown has made good on that promise and come a long way since then.
“We now use a world-class GPS system to achieve far greater fertiliser application accuracy, avoid environmentally sensitive areas, and seamlessly interact with farm innovations like Ravensdown’s HawkEye software.
“This gives customers a detailed overview of their nutrient plan, from calculating nitrogen use efficiency, to ordering fertiliser, to proof of placement.”
He said the event was a wholesome way to round out a challenging year for Aerowork and its customers.
“The past year has been tough for farmers, and because topdressing is intrinsically tied to the ups and downs of the industry, we’ve been right there with them.
“We’ve been serving some farms for decades so they’re more than clients — many are friends. Today was a great way to celebrate 75 years of success with them and look forward to the blue skies and fair winds ahead.”
Our in-house processing plant enables us to guarantee the consistent quality and reliability of the process from the picking-up to the putting-down of the animal. As a recognised specialist you can rest assured that our years of expertise and close connection to the farming industry makes our service as convenient, respectful and professional as it can be.
Ohakea War Memorial Hall has been given a new lease of life thanks to the efforts of three local men with a passion for aviation history.
The hall, located near RNZAF Base Ohakea, served the surrounding community for many years. Dances, celebrations and meetings drew the community together. However, in recent times, the hall has sat empty.
Two years ago, local aviation enthusiast Greg Bradley walked into the Manawatū District Council with big dreams of opening a war memorial aviation centre. Days later, he was given the keys to Ohakea Hall.
It was only by coincidence that the location of the hall, on the corner of
Speedy and Tangimoana Roads, is near RNZAF Base Ohakea. The building needed a lot of repairs and cleaning.
Together with other local aviation enthusiasts Mike Summer and Warrick Jones, the trio set to work to transform the building. Greg’s passion for aviation history developed during his 20 years of employment at RNZAF Base Ohakea. When the Skyhawks were sold, Greg felt it was time to retire.
Knowing how important the air force’s history is to the Manawatū, Greg wanted to ensure that the next generation had
Ohakea War Memorial Aviation Centre is now open most days from 10.30am to 2.30pm, and 45-minute tours of the displays are available. The tour journeys through the decades of war and aviation’s role within the war.
The displays are primarily made up from Mike’s personal collection, with some rare items not found in other national exhibitions.
Thanks to the efforts of Greg, Mike and Warrick sharing the past with future generations, the history of war and the community hall will continue to be preserved for years to come. Entry to the
is by donation.
From left: Warrick Jones, Greg Bradley and Mike Summer, with Manawatū District Council parks and property officer James Adamson, inside the Ohakea War Memorial Aviation Centre
The Ohakea War Memorial Aviation Centre is open most days from 10.30am to 2.30pm the opportunity to see and learn in a public place.
Ohakea War Memorial Aviation Centre
TEAMWORK PAVES THE WAY
Growing up on a sheep and beef farm in Apiti instilled Sam’s love for the outdoors and working with animals. She worked her way up the dairying ladder with a contract milking goal in mind.
Now in her third year contract milking for Hill Brothers’ on their 80ha Rongotea farm, Sam milks a herd of 180 Ayrshire cows through a 14-aside herringbone shed. She has been contract milking for the past five years.
BY DENISE GUNN
At 24, Tom left farming to follow his machinery passion. Currently, he manages a quarry while Sam runs the dairy farm. Tom said Sam’s biggest challenge is constantly proving that a female can manage a farm as well as be a wife and mother.
The couple have three young daughters between them. “It’s been a long path for Sam to get where she is now,” said Tom. Support from Tom, and her former employer, Colin Rider, have helped Sam to strive to achieve her goals. She’s also
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appreciative of other people who have given her a chance to show what she is capable of doing.
In her first year contract milking, Sam achieved top production.
“Running the dairy farm, and Tom managing a quarry, is a huge challenge for us to manage our work and life balance with the family,” said Sam.
“We manage this by getting the family out on the farm and trying to make it fun. We also make sure we all get off the farm as a family.”
Time management is a key factor with running the farm and getting children to school. Tom said Sam is always up early to milk the cows, so she will be on time to do the school run.
The herd is milking through a 14-aside herringbone shed
“She also plans the farm ahead so she can make it to all Kendall’s school activities.”
High school sweethearts Tom and Samantha Lumsden both left school to embark on careers in the dairy industry.
As the property’s clay soil is prone to pugging during winter, the herd is grazed off the farm. The cows return as they get closer to calving. When calving season rolls around, Sam takes care of this, as well as rearing 120 calves on her own.
“It means four months with no time off,” she said. “I manage this by making sure I have plenty of sleep so I can deal with what’s thrown at me. Tom is always a phone call away, and will come home if I’m having trouble calving a cow. He’s a huge support over calving.”
Spring is Sam’s favourite season onfarm when the grass is growing and calving is almost finished.
“Working outside and with animals, along with the diverse skills that you need, means you need to be a jack of all trades, which makes every day interesting.
Seven hectares of maize is grown on the farm’s support block, providing 90 tonnes for in-shed feed.
“The farm owners cut and harvest the crop themselves. We also cut an average of 450 bales of balage a season. We also feed six hectares of turnips during summer,” she said.
Both Tom and Sam have continued studying through PrimaryITO. Sam is currently halfway through completing a Diploma in Primary Industry Business Management.
Their teamwork saw the couple place third in the Manawatū Dairy Industry Awards earlier this year. The first-time entrants also gained merits in health and safety, and the people and culture awards.
“We both enjoy passing on our knowledge and giving other people opportunities.”
This season, Sam is on track to achieve her goal for top production. She also wants to keep the empty rate low.
“The empty rate for this farm has always sat around the 20%. Sam got it down to nine per cent last season,” said Tom.
Long-term plans include contract milking or sharemilking on a larger farm. The couple is keen to help and give people similar opportunities and support that they’ve received through their dairy careers.
“We want to be able to create a team where we can set them up to leave to bigger things in the dairy industry. However, we also want to be such good bosses that they don’t want to leave,” said Sam.
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Sam runs the dairy farm while her husband Tom manages a quarry
The couple placed third in the 2024 Manawatū Dairy Industry Awards
TBY DENISE GUNN
ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY
stewards the land indefinitely for the purposes of promoting education, sustainability, equity and wellbeing. In 2021, a successful crowdfunding campaign saw the trust raise $825,000 to purchase the land outright.
Wetlands, regenerating forests, springs and permaculture food systems serve as outdoor classrooms. An off-grid infrastructure includes roads, solar power, water systems, a native tree nursery, hot house, tool sheds, campsites, outdoor kitchens and ablutions.
Sixteen part-time staff are employed by the trust across six teams: education, native regeneration, kai systems, infrastructure, equitable communities and operations.
Education coordinator Emma Morris said over the past three years their highlyskilled employees have been regenerating the land’s waterways and soil with great care.
“We’re engaging local communities through working with hapū, iwi, marae, schools, education providers, local and regional councils, community organisations and international programmes.”
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SERVICES
Pruning Thinning Scrub Cutting
Located on the banks of the Whanganui River at Papaiti, Pīwaiwaka Farm is home of the Learning Environment, an educational charity demonstrating a model for global impact.
The team is building a strong network to support resilience through collaboration locally, nationally and internationally.
The majority of the education programmes are held in summer with students camping on-site most weeks.
“We offer learning experiences for three main groups: rangatahi, community education and international programmes. Over the past year, we have hosted 558 learners across 36 education programmes, ranging from one-day workshops to sevenmonth courses.”
Over the last two years, 25,000 native trees have been grown on Pīwaiwaka and sold to private landowners, schools, agencies and iwi
currently supported by a grant through the Whanganui District Council for an initiative called Koha Kai.
Emma said some of the kai is used to provide meals for the education courses held on-site and gifted to their volunteers and employees.
Pīwaiwaka Farm’s native nursery business helps support the organisation’s financial sustainability. All native trees are grown from eco-sourced seed found mostly in the forest or on the farm.
“Over the last two years, we have grown and sold 25,000 native trees within the region to private landowners, schools, agencies and iwi. We are continuing to grow this business with a goal of growing 80,000 within the next financial year.
“If you are looking for eco-sourced native plants for your next large planting project, get in touch.”
A recent programme co-delivered by the Learning Environment was Te Hoeroa kī Tū Manawa Ora. The seven-month programme was held in collaboration with Te Oranganui, Healthy Families, Whanganui Rangitīkei Ruapehu, Te Ao Hou Marae, Te Awanui ā Rua Charitable Trust, and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
“Rangatahi came out to the farm for three days each week, and every second week they camped for two nights. During the programme, 15 rangatahi journeyed from mountains to sea, immersed in te taiao and marae contexts, and learned to build, grow, hunt, camp, work with the
whenua, manaaki each other and support their community.”
Programme participants also gained a number of NCEA qualifications, as well as outdoor first aid, firearms and light utility vehicle licences. Emma said the feedback from programme participants and their wider families has been incredible.
A wide range of organic, heritage fruit and vegetable varieties are grown on the farm for donation and sale.
“We are currently completing our third, and final, year of Hua Parakore organics certification, which guarantees that all our produce is pure, healthy and nutrient-packed. All the food we grow is
“Our Koha Kai initiative aims to enhance access to locally-grown nutrientdense produce in Whanganui’s Aramoho/ Papaiti area. The project donates free fruits, vegetables, seeds and seedlings to community services, families, maraes and events.”
For the past two years, Koha Kai has donated 5,200kg of organic vegetables and 6,300kg of heritage apples to local communities. Some of the organic heritage apples have been sold to a small family-owned cider brewery, too.
A network of traps, regular volunteers and a team of hunters eradicate pests to support the farm’s forest to thrive.
The team at Pīwaiwaka Farm have several future goals, including launching a holistic health clinic, expanding the native tree nursery to grow 80,000 plants a year, and developing perennial food systems, including syntropic food forestry.
Donations and funding makes the team’s work possible.
“In the long-term we plan to build a community hub that has a wellbeing clinic, classrooms and spaces for community to use and enjoy.”
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Rocking it for summer
by Amy Fifita
Music lovers can take advantage of the vast assortment of artists in January at The Growing Light: A Night of Explosive and Eclectic Rock.
The Friday, January 10 event comes to life at 7pm, and promises a spectacular line-up until midnight at Porridge Watson, 30 Drews Avenue, Whanganui. Enjoy and celebrate local bands with all acts firmly rooted in New Zealand.
From psychedelic rock to classic rock vibes, concertgoers can experience an eclectic mix of songs from People of the Sun, Stoker and The Bravo Uniform Mikes (aka The BUMs).
People of the Sun consists of Joseph Anderson on vocals and guitar, Djordje Nikolic on bass and vocals and Tom Scrase on vocals and taonga.
The band will bring psychedelic rock to the stage. Band members mix their inspiration of rock, jazz, soul and indigenous sounds to create music to represent Aotearoa and its beauty.
Influenced by Queens of the Stone Age and The Datsuns among others, The BUMS will produce an energetic performance for spectators.
“Enjoy and celebrate local bands.”
Nick Potts and Tomas Fuller make up the two-person band, and released their EP Punching Darts and Breaking Hearts this year. This year alone has seen The BUMS performing more than 35 gigs and releasing two EPs, with more excitement expected in 2025.
Stoker is a four-person band, consisting of drummer Terry Jackson, bass guitarist Will Palmer and Pete Bass on guitar.
The Palmerston North band will play songs like You Know You Want It and others across the evening. Founding member Abby Brown has included belly dancing in the band’s gigs and writes the lyrics for the songs.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit eventfinda.co.nz and search The Growing Light. Tickets cost $10 (booking fees excluded) online and door sales are $15.
Rock it up this summer and enjoy New Zealand bands at the three performances in one concert The Growing Light: A Night of Explosive and Eclectic Rock
Holiday Guide
Support builds communities
by Andy Bryenton
Statistics from a survey of small-town US retailers are borne out by personal experience when it comes to the support local businesses show for their communities.
A recent study conducted across several US states aimed to illustrate how mum and dad retailers and tradespeople outperform big corporate chains when it comes to acts of charitable giving. What was discovered, however, is that there’s not just a small difference in this field. Locally-owned companies on average commit 250% more to causes in their areas, and it doesn’t stop with payments of cash.
The finding of the study, conducted by UCLA at Berkley, found that people employed by, or owning small businesses are the most likely to be volunteers for those same causes they donate too. Sports coaches, volunteer firefighters, lifeguards, youth mentors and carers for the elderly, all come from the ranks of small local businesses.
While a study in the same depth has not been compiled in New Zealand, there’s a wealth of evidence that the main streets of regional towns are much the same when it comes to generosity. Take the nation’s volunteer firefighters, for example. A cadre of dedicated men and women who have to leave work when the siren sounds, and must have the full support of their employers, if they aren’t
business owners themselves, giving up profit to save lives.
It dates back to the first firefighters who suited up to protect Kiwi towns more than a century ago. They, like their present-day counterparts, had to make their apologies to employers and foremen when the siren called, and all acknowledged that it was a very worthwhile thing to do. That survey we mentioned earlier proved that this spirit is alive and well among US small business owners: 42 per cent regularly give to their local first responders. Here, the figure may be even higher.
Added to the vital role of the fire brigade are other volunteers who can help save lives thanks to the generosity of townsfolk. The ambulance service and surf lifesavers, for example, are largely made up of citizens who want to give back. They are backed up by donations from the business community, many of which go unseen and humbly unheralded. That’s all worth thinking about next time you go shopping. Supporting your local retailers and tradespeople doesn’t just grow the economy — it also helps to build safer, more caring communities.
ITALY ITALY
ACTIVE TASMANIA
Local businesses overwhelmingly support local emergency services such as volunteer firefighters — they also fund clubs, teams, charities, food banks and youth groups
by Amy Fifita
Summer market madness
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With summer being the season most people like to get out and about, it is also an opportunity to discover and purchase from local talents.
Community markets are great places to explore what your part of the region has to offer and a way to support local families to thrive.
Enjoy the culinary selection at the Friday Night Food Trucks at The Lot, 48 Main Street, Pahīatua, on Friday, December 27, from 4.30pm to 7pm. The monthly treat happens on the fourth Friday of each month, and is a place where locals can come together to enjoy each other’s company and a meal.
Get pampered at the Joy Emporium on Saturday, January 11, from 10am to 2pm, at the McKelvie Hall, 17 Kuku Street, Tangimoana. Attendees can enjoy a relaxing day of therapeutic services and goods to revive themselves from the holiday bustle.
The Whanganui River Markets at the Moutoa Quay are weekly on Saturday from 8.30am to 1pm. People can purchase locally-made and grown goods, including from river traders.
Purchase fresh produce and locally made items at the Hokowhitu Village Farmers’ Markets on the first and third
Sunday of each month. The markets are held on Albert Street in Palmerston North.
Enjoy the Medieval Market at the Levin Showgrounds on February 8, between 9am and 4pm. For a small fee guests can attend the 30th year of the theme affair and marvel at re-enactments, men in chainmail and combat.
Those looking for boutique items will be satisfied at the Mish Mash Markets held monthly on the last Sunday from 10am to 3pm, at 397 Church Street, Palmerston North.
Weekly shoppers can attend the Feilding Farmer’s Market at Manchester Square every Friday from 8.30pm to 1pm.
The Highbury Flea Market is every Sunday from 7am to 1pm at the Highbury Shopping Centre Carpark. The Sanson Flea Market is on the corner of State Highway One and Three every Sunday from 7.30pm to 1.30 pm.
The district has plenty of other markets that can be found at manawatunz.co.nz/ stories/local-markets-youll-love.
The coalition government has intervened in the complex matter of freshwater management rules, adding a new section to its Resource Management Act Amendment Bill, which will stop regional councils from rolling out new water rules.
The Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill returned to Parliament for its final readings and came into force on 25 October. This bill restricts council powers to notify freshwater plans before the coalition finishes its work on a replacement to the former government’s National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management.
“The government is taking this step to provide farmers the clarity they need around freshwater management, and to minimise inefficiencies and duplication for councils, and prevent unnecessary costs for ratepayers,” said Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.
The freshwater plans rolled out by many regional council authorities were met with opposition from farmers late in 2023. Farmers’ groups protested that stock exclusion and fencing costs could slash almost one-third from their income in some areas.
Nevertheless, wide-reaching water protection plans are seen by their supporters as vital in managing the health of waterways, now and into the future. If the bill before
says Todd McClay
parliament passes, these council-led plans, some of which are already significantly advanced, will be unable to be notified, leaving water rules in stasis. The repeal legislation extends the date that councils are required to notify freshwater plan changes, by three years to December 31 2027.
“Labour’s NPS-FM is extremely complex and expensive for farmers and councils to implement. Despite that it won’t deliver the outcomes for freshwater that New
Zealanders would expect,” says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop.
“Ratepayers and farmers need certainty, and they don’t deserve to have their money wasted,” said Todd McClay. “By delaying plan notifications, we are providing certainty to farmers that their planning efforts will be in sync with national direction.”
“Labour’s NPS-FM is already set to be repealed. Yet some councils continue to trudge ahead with new freshwater plans, wasting ratepayer money and resources on something that will soon be redundant and have to be reworked anyway.
“The proposed amendment will stop ratepayer money being wasted and restore certainty for farmers and other resource users,” said ACT’s farming spokesman Mark Cameron.
“Labour’s policy centralised control in Wellington, allowing bureaucrats to impose strict rules that don’t respect the practical realities of farming. The amorphous concept of ‘Te Mana o te Wai’, the mana of the water, was elevated above all else leading to even more restrictive red tape being imposed on farmers by regional councils.”
A second RMA amendment bill will be introduced to Parliament in December and is due to become law in mid-2025, bringing more changes to the resource management landscape.
Tōtara Reserve Management Tōtara Reserve Management Plan Review Plan Review
Tōtara Reserve, the jewel of the Horizons Region, is undergoing a management plan review
The draft plan is now available to view, and we want your thoughts on it and the future of the reserve.
Have your say before 7 February, 2025 at haveyoursay.govt.nz/TotaraReserve
“This amendment ensures that councils don’t waste time and resources developing plans that will soon be superseded by the new NPS-FM,”
Feedback sought on reserve plan
Horizons Regional Council is asking the community for feedback on its draft reserve management plan for Tōtara Reserve Regional Park.
Tōtara Reserve has always had a management plan that provides direction on how the reserve would be managed. It has been a decade since the current plan was written in 2014, and is now up for a review of the long-term aspirations for the reserve. Horizons is required to have a reserve management plan under The Reserves Act 1977.
“We would like to thank everyone who provided feedback to our initial engagement survey in July/August. This has helped us to shape the draft plan we are now presenting to the community,” said Tōtara Reserve Advisory Board chair Fiona Gordon.
“We are asking the community, whether they are campers or day visitors, to let us know what they think about the plan, whether they agree with the
policies and the proposed activities, which set the development of Tōtara Reserve for the next 10 years.
“One of the main issues that needs to be addressed in the revised plan is the impact of frequent flooding in the campgrounds, most recently experienced during Cyclone Gabrielle.
“The draft plan supports the continuation of camping activity in the reserve. However, it also offers a range of options that are being considered around how the council might manage the ongoing flood risk and damage to assets at Tōtara Reserve into the future.”
Submissions on the draft plan can be made from this month onwards until 5pm, Friday, February 7 2025. Further information and the online survey is available at haveyoursay.horizons.govt.nz.
If you’re into trout fishing, you’re in luck
The Rangitikei and Manawatu river catchments are home to some fantastic brown and rainbow trout fisheries.
the Kawhatau confluence. For spots further upstream, you’ll just need permission from the landowners.
Whether you’re looking for peaceful back-country streams or a bit of a wilderness adventure, the Kaimanawa, Ruahine and Tararua Forest Parks offer some of the best angling experiences around.
Angler Access Made Easy
Wondering where to go? Good news!
There’s plenty of public access, especially along the lower Rangitikei, downstream of
Wellington Fish & Game has made it even easier for anglers with a handy upgrade to access info. All of its access pamphlets are now available digitally, so you can download them straight from the Fish and Game website. Plus, there’s an interactive map to help you navigate the region and find access points across the lower North Island. Happy fishing!
Visit fishandgamenzaccess.org/ fg-wellington-taranaki-region/ for more information.
A beautiful Rangitikei River rainbow trout — Copyright Hamish Carnachan
WATER MATTERS
by Andy Bryenton
A new life for grey water
Most of the water used in your household goes down the plughole and is forgotten, but what if it could do double duty, and help make a limited resource last longer in summer?
Some, like that used to flush your toilet, must, by necessity, end up in the septic system or sewer. However, what about the many litres used to wash dirt off vegetables before a meal, poured out from boiling pots of pasta, or used to wash your hands or take a shower? This grey water may not be pure and crystal clean, and it’s not good to drink. Still, there are many other uses for a water source which, according to studies done in the Kapiti region, makes up 68 per cent of total household water use.
Kiwi health and building rules define greywater as ‘the domestic wastes from a bath, shower, basin, laundry and kitchen, but excluding toilet and urinal wastes.’ However, there are limits on what comes out of sinks and washing machines, too. That’s because the number one use for grey water is irrigation, especially the irrigation of gardens and kitchen crops. Many greywater systems come with internal filtration to remove nasties from the water before it reaches the roots of
green and growing produce. It’s still risky to use water from a washing machine that’s often topped up with harsh chemical soaps, softeners and bleaches. Similarly, in-sink waste disposals are not always the best fit for a greywater reclamation system, as the ground-up organic matter which can pass through them may clog up the system. Normal hand soaps in small amounts, a bit of
dirt or peeling or two are easily trapped, however. A greywater tank can quickly fill up with the usual cycle of washes, cooking and ablutions during the day.
Some greywater systems, as noted, use filters to purify their content further, and these will add maintenance to the home’s entire water reticulation
operation. However, the payoff comes from having an ample supply of irrigation water when the summer gets hot. While it’s not recommended to spray greywater on to plants in the style of a sprinkler irrigation set-up, under-the-soil trickle pipes can effectively send this water down to the roots of flowers, shrubs, fruit and vegetables, making gardens greener even when tanks run low and hosepipe bans are in effect from local councils.
The best place to start, if you are now looking at your shower and bath water as a precious resource second time around, is with your local plumber. They can advise you on how safe your grey water is for reuse and discuss options for the correct siting of a tank, filter and irrigation system. In these times of food inflation, a home garden is a great blessing, and keeping it growing strong, even in the summer, using something that was once a waste? That’s pure green gold.
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Grey water systems can help irrigate your garden in the heat of summer — all from otherwise wasted water resources
