Manawatu Farming Lifestyles, September 2023

Winning ways with wool

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Considering quarry wetlands

The Aggregate & Quarry Association is saying the government needs to include quarries as well as farmland in fresh considerations of using wetlands to absorb carbon.

“Many quarries create or expand wetlands as part of their activities, helping offset the 90 per cent loss of New Zealand’s wetlands, mostly to farming,” says AQA CEO Wayne Scott.

According to a recently released cabinet paper, New Zealand is relying too much on planting exotic forests to remove carbon from the atmosphere, and this brings risks and costs. It recommends incentivising other options like restoring wetlands.

“Quarries have to break ground and create holes to access the rock, sand and stone materials that we all rely on to build anything. These are often later developed into other resources like agriculture, parks or wetlands.

“For example, within a few kilometres of each other in Waikato, we have two quarries which have both won awards for the wetlands they have created, Winstone’s Baldwins Quarry at Meremere and Stevenson’s Waingaro Quarry at Ngaruawahia.

Climate Change Minister James Shaw responded to the suggestion saying, that at the moment, only one technology, planting trees, is being used to draw carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

“Wetlands, mangroves and peatlands soil can also sequestrate carbon dioxide” he said.

Last year, the AQA helped get changes to the government’s National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management, which initially would have halted quarry expansions on land that used a very narrow definition of a wetland.

“If James Shaw wants to encourage further wetland development, he should encourage Forest & Bird to withdraw its appeal against the revised definition,” says Wayne.

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“Many farmers are now recreating wetlands, in part, to help process or reduce nutrient run-off. This can reduce the amount of carbon offset. Quarries don’t have the same need to reduce nutrients, so they can provide wetlands that not only manage water run-off but are even more efficient at storing carbon dioxide.

“Our sector is not looking for incentives. We just need politicians and activists to recognise what we contribute to our communities and the planet through creating and enhancing wetlands, and allow us to keep doing that.”

Wayne Scott, Aggregate and Quarry Association CEO

“We just need politicians and activists to recognise what we contribute to our communities.”

Lifetime serving the rural community

by Denise Gunn

After a lifetime of service in the region’s drainage industry, Richard Algar has handed the keys of his business over to new owner Michael White and his wife Rachel.

Born and raised in Taikorea, Richard knows the Manawatū district like the back of his hand. For the past 45 years, he and his wife, Kathleen, have lived in Rongotea. As a 15-year-old, Richard began working for the Scott brothers in Glen Oroua in December 1965.

“They were contractors in general doing hay, metal and a bit of drainage,” said Richard. “I drove tractors as well to start with. It was a progression. I started off haymaking and carting hay. Two of us used to go on the old digger, and that started up as soon as haymaking finished in March.

“The Scott brothers, Bill and Jack, took me into partnership in July 1974. They had been contracting since the 1940s.”

In 1974, the trio set up a new company called Scott and Algar. “I got on really well with Jack and Bill. They were really good to work for and in the partnership.”

When Jack and Bill left the business, Richard changed the company name in 1981 to Richard Algar Limited. During the first four years in business, Richard was the owner/operator with one digger.

“In early 1978, I bought another digger and had two going so started employing someone else.”

In addition to working for local farmers, Richard has been contracted

to undertake projects for Horizons Regional Council and the Manawatū District Council.

“I used to do a lot of work for the old Manawatū Catchment Board, the

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drains for all the local drainage boards ever since I started driving.”

Following the 2004 floods, Richard and another contractor, Murray Field, were contracted to undertake a large amount of repair work in the Kiwitea stream. Richard also cleaned a lot of drains around Rongotea and Parewanui. “A lot of them got silted up quite badly,” he said.

Richard was also called on to help after Cyclone Bola in 1988 and another storm in 1992. Draining a big swampy area near Waiouru in 1982 was one of the more challenging projects Richard was involved with.

“The swamp was so soft, you couldn’t walk on it. I made some big wooden pads to put the machine on. It took about five or six weeks to complete the job.”

Richard found a lot of his work helping others has been rewarding. At 73, he has decided to retire. “I’ve had one job all my life, really, and lots of memories.”

Michael White and his wife, Rachel, took over the business on Friday, September 1, renaming the company White Rural. A community gathering to acknowledge Richard’s work in the district over the years was held recently in Rongotea. Richard introduced the new business owners during the event.

From left: Michael White (holding daughter Lucy) and his wife Rachel with Kathleen and Richard Algar at a recent community gathering in Rongotea

WINNING WAYS WITH WOOL

BY DENISE GUNN

Nestled in the upper Turakina Valley, Papanui Estate was originally farmed by Ray Hurley before being split between his two sons, Andy and Mike. Andy’s son Sam is now station manager and, together with his wife, Sophie, alongside Sam’s siblings, Jack and Kate, are continuing to grow the family business.

As a sheep and beef breeding and finishing operation, Papanui Estate winters

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25,000 ewes alongside beef trading. The 3,300ha hill property is supported by the family’s finishing blocks in Ohingaiti and Waituna West. Andy and his wife, Anna, live on the Waituna West property.

Papanui Estate sits in a reasonably summer-safe area with a reliable annual rainfall of more than 1,000ml. Temperatures tend to be mild, but with the property reaching heights of up to 800 metres, snow is expected to fall at least once a year.

Papanui Estate, farmed by the Hurley family since the late 1940s, is supporting the wool industry with the third generation, creating a range of accessories from the clip grown on-farm.

The 3,300ha property winters 25,000 ewes alongside beef trading

Sophie was raised in Wanaka and studied marketing at the University of Otago. She moved to Papanui after marrying Sam five years ago. Due to the ongoing decline in wool prices, Sophie and Sam had been looking for new avenues for their wool for some time.

In 2018, as plastic shopping bags were being phased out, they saw an

opportunity to use Papanui’s wool to create alternative options. They felt the strength, sustainability, biodegradability and temperature regulation of wool would be ideal. A few samples were made, and their ideas developed further into creating an entire range of luggage and accessories.

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Two years later, Sam and Sophie launched Honest Wolf, offering luxury everyday accessories. The range, which includes caps, laptop sleeves, shopping and tote bags, overnight bags and wallets, are all made from felted wool and designed by the couple.

Sophie said their sheep are shown twice a year, and all wool used by Honest Wolf is sourced from Papanui Estate.

“Honest Wolf collects nearly 170 tonnes of nature’s wonder produce to go towards the Honest Wolf range. The wool needs to be felted to go into the range of products, which is something that currently cannot be done in New Zealand.”

The wool goes through a cleaning process in Hawke’s Bay before being shipped to India, where it is dyed and made into the woollen felt.

“From there, the felt gets stitched alongside New Zealand leather and made into the range of bags.”

Each bag is lined with a printed map of Papanui Estate, including paddock names. Since starting out as an online business at home, Sam and Sophie have opened a retail store in Hunterville. The store provides the brand with a distribution channel and supports the local community with employment. A coffee shop has recently been added in-store.

In addition to Honest Wolf, a range of New Zealand wool brands, including Wilson Dorset, Ruanui Station, Mount Somers Station, and Sheep-ish are sold in-store.

“We were incredibly lucky to experience an overwhelming demand in the beginning, but that meant we

continued to sell out. Over time, we’ve gained experience and confidence in our product, which means we can forecast better and invest in larger orders.”

The couple focusses less on trenddriven designs and more on creating durable, long-lasting styles using locallysourced quality materials.

“Each Honest Wolf piece will carry across seasons and become a go-to everyday staple for years to come.”

Sophie said despite New Zealand’s reputation as a sheep-loving nation, strong economic competition from synthetic fibres has meant our wool industry has been steadily declining for decades.

“We stand alongside other wool brands that have revived the industry, and seeing that remarkable comeback has been a real highlight for us.”

Amidst their busy lifestyle balancing farming, raising a young family, and running Honest Wolf, Sam and Sophie plan to further improve the product range and grow the brand. The couple would also like to use other farmers’ wool in the future.

“We want to improve the farmgate price that farmers receive for their wool,” said Sophie. “Ultimately, we want to continue to build the profile of New Zealand wool and to sell our products worldwide.”

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Honest Wolf retail store in Hunterville

Sam, Sophie and Harry Hurley on Papanui Station

COLLATING A CENTURY OF STORIES

BY DENISE GUNN

The origins of Flock House trace back to New Zealand’s wool industry. During the second world war all wool was classed as a war commodity and sold at a fixed price to the Imperial Government. Towards the end of the war, the wool surplus was sold on the open

market, fetching higher prices. It was then specified that until one year after the war ended, New Zealand wool growers would receive a fixed average amount for their wool. Growers and the government would equally share the profits.

In 1918, the late Rangitikei MP Edward Newman, proposed that the surplus profits be used in a fund, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the British Royal and Mercantile Navy during the war.

The New Zealand Sheepowners’ Acknowledgement of Debt to British Seamen Fund was created. Part of the fund was used to support the widows and children of sailors in Great Britain. The remainder funded the passage of children of British sailors who had been killed or disabled during the war and their subsequent agricultural training in New Zealand.

The 6,000-acre Flock House near Bulls, along with the adjoining 4,800acre Waitatapia Estate, was purchased to train male cadets; a further 2,000 acres were leased.

In 1925, the first intake of girls, mostly sisters of the young men training at Flock House, arrived and accommodated at Girls Flock House, formerly named Shalimar, in Palmerston North. Here, the girls learnt various agricultural, horticultural and domestic skills until the centre closed in 1930.

In 1924, the first intake of Flock House cadets sailed from Great Britain, arriving on New Zealand shores several weeks later to begin agricultural training.

Credit: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19240515-44-04 Sailors and marines from the Special Service Squadron during a visit Flock House in 1924

Cadets carting at Flock House in 1925

Hundreds of dependents trained at Flock House between 1924 and 1937 before being placed on farms. Alasdair Bettles-Hall’s father, Victor Richard Charles Hall, was one of Flock House’s cadets who travelled to New Zealand in 1929. In an endeavour to collate a shared history of Flock House, Alasdair wants to hear from other descendants of Flock House trainees with stories and information.

“My grandfather was a Royal Marine, and his job was playing a violin or cornet. My father’s mother died in 1923. My grandfather was involved in Royal Marine commitments, so the children were put into a military orphanage.

“When my grandfather came out of the Royal Marines in 1923, he worked in

the pit in a cinema at the local theatre. He fell in love with the pianist, and they married. They had two children but didn’t take the children from the first marriage into the second. So, my father and his brother basically languished in the military orphanage.

“My dad was born in 1914, so when old enough to leave the orphanage at 15, Flock House was then looking for orphans. My father loosely fitted the description.”

Victor’s first placement after training at Flock House was on an Eketahuna farm followed by another in Pohangina.

“My dad basically stayed in the Manawatū apart from a stint in the Wairarapa. My parents remained as farm labourers.”

Sons of British seamen training at Flock House in the 1920s

Gail Dryland’s father, Albert Redvers Northard Briggs, and uncle Francis Edward Briggs, both trained at Flock House.

“Their father drowned at sea when dad was two, and his brother was four. They were sponsored to come to New Zealand and put on the boat around 1929. Dad was only 14,” she said.

Both men were placed on farms after training. “Then their mother came out from England, and together, the three of them applied for a 150-acre ballot farm at Te Teko near Whakatane. Uncle Ted got married, and dad went to the war, then came back, met mum, and got married.”

Gail’s parents settled on the farm, milking 50 cows on 120 acres in a six-

aside walk-through cowshed. She and her five siblings were all born at Te Teko and helped on the farm.

“They farmed there until 1965. From their children, two daughters married farmers. I have three sons farming, and my sister has two sons farming. So it’s passed down the generations, which is really nice to see. Dad spoke highly of Flock House.”

A 100th commemoration is planned for 2024, and a coffee table book containing the cadet’s stories will follow — further information, stories and enquiries to flockhouse.nz.

“There are some lovely stories,” said Alasdair.

BY DENISE GUNN

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The Kinder family own two home blocks, covering a total of 3,000 acres between Whanganui and Ohakune. Another 1,400 acre block is farmed halfway up the Paraparas.

Jack said his mother’s parents, Mervyn and Pam Matthews, ran the farm before his parents bought it. “These are where we run 7,000 ewes and 800-odd steers.”

On lease blocks in Whangamōmona, Waitōtara and Ōtoko, which are mostly scrub, the family run 1,000 cows and another 4,000 sheep, including hoggets and in-lamb ewes. Stock are sold through Silver Fern Farms.

“Any finished stock go through them and get trucked to wherever we can get space for the stock at the time.”

Keeping the horses fit for polocrosse can be challenging at times. However, riding them out on the farm to check stock

and muster is a huge help, particularly when covering the tougher terrain.

“Being able to hack them up and down the big hills knocks them into shape pretty quick,” he said. With two keen polocrosseplaying parents, Jack picked up the sport around the age of seven.

“Mum stopped playing when she had us kids, but dad has carried on. So that’s how I started.”

Jack plays for Te Mata Club based in Hamilton and has gone on to represent New Zealand in the NZ Juniors, NZ Intermediates and NZ Men’s teams.

“I played in the Under 16s New Zealand rep team and went to Albury, Australia, to play. I played in the Under 21s as well and also the NZ Men’s team after that. That included going to Australia and playing against people over there, and represented New Zealand against Australia.”

The family breed their own horses, importing an Australian Stock Horse stallion several years ago. Eight of their own mares run with the stallion, along with a couple of outside mares.

Known for its versatility and calm temperament, the Australian Stock Horse is used in a variety of equestrian sports and is ideal for polocrosse. It’s the most popular breed used for the sport in Australia.

“We break them in, then hack them for a year on the farm and start polocrosse from there,” said Jack. “I’ve been lucky enough to play some amazing horses over the years, which have helped build my skills and get me to where I am today.”

Jack said three mares, Flash, Coke and Firefly, are particular standouts.

“I think they have been better than the rest and taken me a step further.

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Working as a shepherd and training his polocrosse horses on the family farm ties together well for Jack Kinder.

“My favourite would have to be the mare that I’m currently playing called Malibu. She stands out from the rest because she was the first horse that I broke in myself and got going. Now she’s up playing competitive A-grade polocrosse. I feel she has something extra to give.”

Recently, Jack returned to New Zealand from playing polocrosse in Australia for a couple of months. He stayed with a polocrosse-playing family based in Narrabri, New South Wales.

“Each weekend, they are at different locations, so I’ve been all over the show. I played in two tournaments in Queensland and camped up there for a week.

“It was a very good experience. Polocrosse is so small in New Zealand, and we play the same people over and over again. In Aussie,

I was playing different people and at quite a high level, too, which is good.”

New Zealand’s polocrosse season runs from January to March with a carnival each weekend. The 25-year-old is aiming to make the next New Zealand World Cup team to travel to South Africa in 2024.

“So there will be a lot of time and commitment put into that,” said Jack.

Further down the track, Jack plans to keep a high standard of polocrosse horses coming through to keep the sport running and give it publicity.

“I also want to carry on the high standard of farming that mum and dad have set. They’ve put a lot of hard work and effort into where they’ve got today. I want to build on that and aim to put the same, if not more, into the farm.”

Polocrosse player Jack Kinder has represented New Zealand on several occasions

The Kinder family farm a couple of blocks between Whanganui and Ohakune, and also lease land in Taranaki

Chondroitin sulphate for sore joints (Part

one)

by John Arts

The drug classi cation then goes on to give speci c information:

‘Chondroitin sulphate, used with glucosamine, is indicated to alleviate pain and in ammation from primary osteoarthritis. This supplement is reported to improve joint function and slow disease progression.’ (drugbank. ca/drugs/DB09301)

I recently read a health store yer in my morning newspaper. One promotion was for a glucosaminebased joint product. There is no doubt that glucosamine can help joints. That is why I include it in my joint formula. Still, why is there no mention of chondroitin?

The company is a large international company that would clearly know about the bene ts of chondroitin. What, then could be the reason for not including therapeutic amounts of chondroitin?

For that matter, why do most joint products sold in NZ have either no chondroitin or so little to have a negligible impact on joint health? I think the answer is quite simple. Good quality chondroitin costs almost 10 times that of glucosamine.

My preference is to have equal proportions of chondroitin and glucosamine and for most people to start at a double dose. The standard daily dose of my joint supplement delivers 800mg of both ingredients while the double dose is 1,600mg each. This, combined with fully water-soluble, high bioavailability BioSolve® curcumin (from turmeric) extract, can quickly settle sore joints. I usually add omega-3 sh oil rather than plant omega-3 sources as only sh oil has EPA, which is profoundly anti-in ammatory.

As an example, I have been helping someone for several years with sore knees caused by osteoarthritis. He is much more comfortable and mobile and feels so much better about life in general. In his own words, “I have stopped limping and now telling everyone.”

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, 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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Trust farmers to see us right

by Hon Shane Jones

As climate alarmism has risen amongst the furrow-browed fusspots at the Climate Change Commission, life on the farm has continued; La Niña leaves, El Niño arrives and our nation’s finances are precarious.

Financial squeezes, labour shortages and infrastructural problems weigh down our major export industry. Whilst these are not fresh threats, the farming community will struggle to cope in the absence of trustworthy political leadership.

Within New Zealand, there is significant political and cultural turmoil. Labour and the Green Party have tried to transform our nation without an electoral mandate. They have elevated indigeneity and gender identity above cohesion and nationhood.

Their elitist experiment is far removed from rural Kiwis and their day-to-day priorities on the farm. They’ve ignored democratic processes, and it’s no surprise that confidence and trust in our institutions and leaders has declined.

This loss of trust may not be easily quantified, but its economic impact is chilling. The next government must stimulate our primary sector to pay our way.

New carbon taxes upon the farming sector need to be sent to the knacker’s yard. The EU parliament has predominantly exempted its cow herd from emissions taxes. It is foolish for New Zealand not to follow suit.

Regulations against farming in matters of water management and indigenous biodiversity must cease. NZ First believes

Hon Shane Jones

such deadweight impositions must be replaced by singular farm plans.

Our farmers are famed for their tenacity and innovation. They are world leaders. New Zealand First will affirm those enviable global qualities.

Collaboration trumps confrontation. We cannot afford the suspicion-riddled approach from Wellington towards the primary sector. A climate of distrust is inimical to our economic growth as a nation.

New Zealand First knows prosperity depends upon thousands of farmers, not the luxury beliefs of the one per cent in Lambton Quay.

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• Supplementation with correct levels can support healthy cartilage function and cartilage repair processes.

• New BioSolve® bioavailable curcumin helps joint function while gentle on the stomach.

• Research indicates that chondroitin is highly effective at 800mg daily.

John Arts comments:

“My latest Bettaflex formula includes BioSolve® bioavailable curcumin for faster results. The normal dose is 2 capsules daily but I recommend an initial higher dose for 1-3 bottles to saturate join tissue.”

(John Arts, Founder, Abundant Health)

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Ag policy emphasises sector growth

by Rt Hon Winston Peters

As the election campaign reaches its peak and the major parties focus on the big urban populations to harvest votes, I can assure you that at least one political party, New Zealand First, has not forgotten where this country’s economic fortunes are tethered.

Despite the plethora of naysayers, the cold, hard reality is the primary sector, especially pastoral agriculture, is the sector of any scale that New Zealand holds an internationally competitive advantage. The focus of New Zealand First’s Ag policy is unequivocally to play to our strengths and grow the sector.

The sheep and beef sector is particularly dear to my own heart. As a sheep and beef farmer of 36 years, I have unwavering belief in its potential.

What we won’t be doing is shrinking the sheep and beef sector by a quarter by putting a price on agricultural emissions. The He Waka Eke Noa experiment failed, and sheep and beef farming was going to be the proverbial sacrificial lamb at the altar of climate policy, taking with it the viability of many rural communities.

What we will do is incentivise innovation with the tools we do have, like assisting with the roll-out of low-methane genetics, already commercially available in sheep and readily being identified in our cattle genomics. As seedstock breeders, you will have a critical role to play here. It’s something that you are world-class at, and we will back you to the hilt.

There will be restrictions on exotic plantation forestry with limits to the amount of forestry able to be entered into the ETS on good food production land.

We would provide concessionary tax rates for exporters to help grow our export opportunities and support brand NZ initiatives to build on our provenance story. We could look no further for an exemplar than the incredible job the Angus breed has done positioning its products at the premium end of the market.

We intend to deliver a Rural Infrastructure Fund to enable the construction of critical rural infrastructure, like flood banks, water storage and bridges.

Planning laws will be overhauled to be more permissive of light groundworks and focussed on catchment by catchment solutions and weed and pest control prioritised for government support.

New Zealand First has very much focussed on a ‘back to basics’ approach to agriculture that will help grow the sector, support where it’s needed and then get out of your way to let you get on and do what you do best — producing world-class meat and fibre.

The Right Honourable Winston Peters, NZ First leader

THIS SPRING

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Leisure marchers stepping out

by Denise Gunn

Leisure marching teams from around the North Island will participate in Step’N Thyme’s upcoming annual display day in Feilding.

The display day, to be held in November, promises colourful costumes, rhythmic movements, precision marching and music. Sixteen teams have so far registered to perform in the event.

Feilding’s Step’N Thyme leisure marching team formed in 2002, meeting for weekly practice at the Feilding Civic Centre on Mondays from 4pm to 5pm. A team member is involved with training the marchers, and five of the group have previous marching experience.

The team participates in display days around the North Island at least once a month for most of the year.

More than 100 teams throughout New Zealand take part in leisure marching. Teams meet and perform at various events held by local teams. Each event includes a march past parade, team routines, and a serpentine or maze march by all the teams together.

The Step’N Thyme Leisure Marching Team will be stepping out in their new

magenta-coloured jackets, black trousers, white gloves and marching boots.

“We’ve just had new jackets made by a dressmaker,” said group leader Val Talbot. “Uniforms are supplied.”

This year’s North Island display day will be held in Palmerston North at Arena Two in Pascal Street on Saturday, October 14.

The National Leisure Marching Event is held each year in either the North or South Island on an alternate basis. “After the nationals in March, we learn a new display for the coming year. It’s fun, fitness and friendship but we still do our very best.”

Step’N Thyme’s display day will be held at the Feilding Civic Centre in Aorangi Street on Saturday, November 18 from 11am. Entry is free for spectators. The Feilding Brass Band will play throughout the event and for the march past. Manawatū District Council deputy mayor, Michael Ford, will take the salute and open the day.

For further information on the upcoming display day, or to find out more about the team, phone Val on 06 354 8023.

“If you would like to come along, meet the team and perhaps join us, pop along to our

weekly practice between 4–5pm Mondays at the Feilding Civic Centre,” said Val.

The Step’N Thyme Leisure Marching Team will be hosting a display day on Saturday, November 18 at the Feilding Civic Centre

SPOTLIGHT ON FEILDING Standing the test of time

by Denise Gunn

Sharing an interest in people and heritage has been the key to the Feilding Antique Club’s longevity.

Club president Jean Sherrard said there are a lot of old farming families in the district that go back generations. “They have stories to tell.”

The club’s first meeting in February 1975 drew an attendance of 27 people. Membership has since stayed around the same number.

“We have a group come to the club’s meetings from Palmerston North. We’ve also had two new members join this year.”

Over the years, guest speakers, collectors and members have shared their knowledge at the club’s monthly meetings.

“It’s kind of like show and tell. We have speakers, but we pick topics on anything that comes under the umbrella of antiques. It is amazing what comes out of the woodwork,” she said.

“We do love having guest speakers and are always on the lookout for ideas. We’ve had guest speakers with button collections, spoons and a lady who has a doll-making workshop.

“In June, we looked at old family and community documents. We’ve also had paperweights and teapot collections. There were teapots of every shape and size.”

Cindy Lilburn from Te Manawa Museum was the guest speaker at the club’s September meeting. She presented a selection of the museum’s women’s underwear from the Victorian era to the present day.

Earlier this year, the club’s committee organised a bus trip for members to Whanganui, visiting the Museum of Studio Ceramics and a glassblower. Members also viewed The Whanganui Story, which depicts events and people on stained glass windows in the Whanganui District Council building.

Club members occasionally visit historic houses, too. “We are always looking for somewhere we can logistically go,” said Jean.

Marilyn Wightman from Feilding Archives will be the guest speaker at the club’s October meeting. Feilding Antique Club meets at St Paul’s Church hall on Church Street in Feilding every third Monday of the month at 10am.

“Visitors are always welcome. People are welcome to come along as visitors. We are very welcoming. It’s very enjoyable and incredibly interesting,” said Jean.

From left: Feilding Antique Club president Jean Sherrard and guest speaker Cindy Lilburn from Te Manawa hold up some of the museum’s women’s underwear collection at a recent meeting

Our instore Interior Designer Danielle here to make the overwhelming design decions simple and

ADVERTORIAL

For all things

Andrew and Dianna Boustridge at APB Electrical Ltd pride themselves on

the Manawatu region, including excellent electrical, heating

“Our team is qualified for all residential and commercial electrical work. From installing a cost-effective heat pump to creating a good spot for a new USB port to a complete overhaul of the electricals in your bathroom, kitchen or farm buildings,” says Andrew.

“We can also custom-make commercial refrigeration systems for cafes, walk-in freezer rooms for butcheries or a mobile chiller for a home kill service or big game animals hunters come home with. Having a quali ed electrician on the job should go without saying.”

The added advantage of contacting APB Electrical Ltd is you receive the benefit of Andrew’s 30 years of experience as a quali ed electrician and a refrigeration engineer. His electrical and engineering skills are consistently put to good use, supplying a comprehensive service that ticks any box for all manner of requirements.

“Regarded as the most energy-ef cient form of electric heating for New Zealand homes, heat pumps are a de nite forte. We carry the Daikin brand, and APB

Electrical also takes on the full range of electrical tasks, simple or complex, large-scale or small.

“We can streamline each individual design. We are here to offer advice on home renovations, including kitchen lighting styles, appliance selection and all things electric. We have an eye for what looks good, works well and is future-functional.

“The APB showroom has a range of excellent products and ttings to match your colour scheme and decor. We can also do the vital stuff like bringing your

property up to peak electrical safety standards — a mainstay requirement for all new electrical work.

“We will rewire your premises to minimise re risk and maximise cost ef ciencies for power, internet and appliance usage. Our team is fully certi ed to complete these tasks and accordingly certify our work with the mandatory codes of compliance.”

Home ventilation, heat transfer, solar panelling, CCTV security systems for farms, commercial and residential are all part of the services APB Electrical offers.

DARRAGHS

APB Electrical takes pride in the electrical services it offers

The Feilding Craft Market returns to Manfeild Park Stadium on October

Visitors can get their Christmas shopping sorted under one roof when the Feilding Craft Market returns in October.

A total of 250 artisans from around New Zealand have booked their spot in the country’s largest indoor market. Market organiser Heather Philip said the market is held twice a year, and each market brings different stalls.

“The October market brings in our Christmas stalls. Several stallholders from the South Island are attending.

“We have lots of goodies for you coming up in October, whether you’re looking for garden or home interiors, Christmas stocking fillers or wrought iron drawer handles, leather handbags, art, steel art, clothing, slippers, sheepskins, cowhides, authors and so much more.

“Each market has new stallholders and old favourites, so you never know what you are going to see from one market to the next. It’s exciting and fun.”

Heather said the market is a celebration of extraordinary craftsmanship and creativity. “There are lots of one-of-a-kind pieces available.”

When Heather and her husband Gary took over organising the markets from Bubba Perigo about 20 years ago, there were 80 stallholders in the Feilding Civic

“We have lots of goodies for you coming up in October, lots of one-of-a-kind pieces available.”

Centre venue. The market then grew to the centre’s maximum capacity of 120 stallholders.

“When we decided to move to Manfeild, we had about three months to make the change and add enough stallholders to make this work. The Feilding Craft Market has such a great reputation in the craft community that we were able to get to 200 stallholders in three months.”

The market attracts thousands of visitors from all over New Zealand. “They arrive in cars, tour buses and minivan loads,” said Heather.

The Feilding Craft Market will be held at Manfeild Park Stadium on October 13–14, from 9am to 4pm. General admission is $10. Entry for children under 12 is free.

IH | NEW HOLLAND | KUBOTA SAME | FIAT

Care suites in peaceful and tranquil place The ideal choice for Seniors

As our loved ones age, the decision regarding their living arrangements becomes increasingly important.

Care Suites have emerged as a top choice for seniors and their families due to the unique benefits they offer.

Care Suites prioritise preserving seniors' independence These well-designed living spaces provide a private environment with amenities such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchenettes, allowing residents to maintain their dignity

Care Suites include a

“Our

Furthermore, Care Suites facilitate a seamless transition to higher-level care when needed At

13–14

Feilding workshop expands

TRC Tractors is a locally owned and operated business at the gateway to Feilding, 4 Turners Road.

With the workshop growing, they have just moved into their additional workshop space expanding the workshop to allow more space.

TRC Tractors has a team of experienced technicians in the workshop and seven service vehicles on the road, so when you need your machine serviced or repaired, they can come to you. It also carries a large range of parts, oils and accessories for your tractors and implements, so give them a call today. They have a service technician on call 24/7 so they can be there when you need it.

TRC Tractors is an AGCO dealer for brands Massey Ferguson, Fendt and Valtra. They sell a range of tractors from ride-on lawn mowers, lifestyle tractors with mowers and front-end loaders, right through to the top-of-the-line Fendt tractors up to 500hp with all the bells and whistles.

With a range of tractors to suit all jobs, if you need a tractor, come and see their team. They will be able to match you with the tractor that suits your needs and your budget.

They also have nance available through AGCO Finance, with great offers on nance rates, low deposits, deferred payments, etc, and can tailor

a package that works for you and your business.

TRC

is looking forward to the season ahead.

Warm, healthy homes start with blown insulation. If cold or damp are words you’d use to describe your home or if you’re tired of high heating bills, insulation is a major part of the solution. While heating solutions seem like the answer, reducing the amount of heat escaping from your home is the most cost effective way to get an energy efficient, warm, dry home.

TRC Tractors has expanded its Feilding workshop

SPOTLIGHT ON FEILDING

ADVERTORIAL

Little Forest Cabins big on hospitality

by Denise Gunn

Little Forest Cabins offer the perfect getaway, just two minutes drive northeast of Feilding.

Gordy and Carol Brooker opened the farm gate of their lifestyle block to visitors a couple of years ago, with three private self-contained cabins providing accommodation.

A hill site on the property is an ideal setting for the cabins, looking out on panoramic views across farmland towards the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges.

Each spacious cabin has a lounge with TV, kitchenette, bathroom and separate bedroom with a queen-sized bed. A single bed is in the lounge, with space for an additional bed if required. The kitchenette contains a microwave, fridge, toaster and jug, along with tea and coffee. A barbecue is available at each cabin, too.

The bathrooms all have good water pressure. Linens and towels are supplied. With ample space for parking, Gordy said the cabins are in a convenient locality for competitors racing at Manfeild.

“Brides and grooms get ready for their weddings here too. Visitors

Little Forest Cabins offer spacious accommodation a few minutes drive north of Feilding

are all welcome to walk around the paddocks.”

Carol said visiting children enjoy feeding pet lambs and kayaking in the pond.

“There’s plenty of space to run around.”

Plan your next little getaway

Since opening the cabins up as accommodation, the Brookers have enjoyed meeting a variety of people.

“We have regulars who come back all the time. It’s really enjoyable watching the joy people seem to get from being in the country,” said Carol. “Visitors also enjoy taking photos among the trees or just looking at the stars and the moon.”

WE

Feedback has been excellent with visitors then referring Little Forest Cabins to their friends.

“It is a good spot — everybody just loves it,” said Carol. “We have lots of people returning for a weekend break.”

For further information or to make a booking, email littleforestcabins@gmail. com, phone 024 7443 0698 or visit littleforestcabins.co.nz.

AND SELL

Explore the grounds at Little Forest Cabins, feel free to walk around the paddocks or simply relax in one of our amazing little cabins situated on top of a hill with an awesome outlook.

519 Makino Road, Fielding, 4779

Each cabin comes with a TV, separate bedroom with a queen bed, a single bed in the lounge with room for an additional bed, a kitchenette with a microwave, fridge, jug, toaster, tea and coffee. A spacious bathroom with good water pressure. Linens and towels etc are supplied. There is also a BBQ at each cabin. Great location for a weekend break, get accommodation when attending local racing at Manfield or a get ready spot for a bride or groom.

CROP & PASTURE PREP

Spring growth around the corner

Daylight saving heralds longer daylight hours so we can spend more time outside in our gardens and getting ready for barbecues and those long, hot days.

Before the heat kicks in is the best time to get your machines ready for extra work, and at Central Mowers, the

turnaround is still fast, but get in quick before the busy season starts. Here are some tips on how to make sure you have a lush, healthy lawn:

1. Walk the lawn, take a close look at it ,and this year, especially, you might see a lot of weed or moss. If this is the case, you might need to use a metal rake to gently remove it, which will also improve the air circulation.

2. Scarify if you need to do more intensive work on removing weed and moss. Central Mowers has a scari er available for hire if you don’t want to purchase one outright.

3. Check over your mower. Many in this region have been sitting in the garage for the past few weeks (if not months). Check the blades are sharp. If they are not sharp they can damage the grass. An annual service/check over is recommended to check the oil, air lter, blades and make sure that your equipment won’t let you down.

you purchase a new Masport Lawnmower for the month of September, conditions apply, see in-store for details

4. Don’t try to scalp the lawn, the rst few mows into spring should be set on a higher setting to encourage the grass to grow and not get patchy.

5. Use a line trimmer to reshape your edges; this will give a great tidy nish to your lawn.

6. Fertilise the lawn in spring to increase growth; this will also reduce weeds and moss. Apply when the soil is moist or rain due — the best time to apply is early evening. If you are in the market for a new machine, please call in for a free diagnostic on the best products to meet your individual needs and expert information on what is available market-wide.

Central Mowers has a very large range of push mowers, ride-on mowers and second-hand stock available. For all the great brands like Masport, Lawnmaster, Makita, Hustler, Cub Cadet and Stiga — we will have a mower to suit your needs.

For great service and industry knowledge please visit Rob, Megan, Sue, Neil and Sean at Central Mowers, your home of outdoor power equipment servicing the Manawatu region for over 12 years.

We’re at 696 Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North. Phone 06 355-2967. Visit centralmowers.co.nz or nd us on Facebook.

Bert’s Fert

&

Drainage solutions for the district

For more than 40 years, Longburn Draining has offered drainage solutions to farming businesses across the wider Manawatu region.

The specialist drainage business, originally established by the Rolland brothers, began following the purchase of a trencher to dig drains on their own farm. Soon afterwards, they were in demand to work on drainage projects on local farms in the district.

Ten years ago, Brent Wootton bought into Longburn Draining, taking over as a sole trader this year.

The team at Longburn Draining offer a wide variety of services speci cally tailored to the farming community. These include trough installation, ef uent line installs, waterlines and tile draining using smooth bore and ordinary pipe Nova o, tile draining with washed stone to suit soil conditions and mole ploughing.

Brent said one particular business project included a 120-trough dairy water system and signi cant draining on both Fonterra and Landcorp farms. Another highlight was ef uent line installs in the Horowhenua and Pahiatua districts.

Using advanced technology and equipment, Longburn Draining ensures

the highest standard achievable for the draining projects undertaken. A free mapping of the area is offered for future reference.

“We use our specialised laser equipment to establish levels, followed up with our state-of-the-art trencher, which digs and lays the pipe in one action,” said Brent.

“Our custom-built stone hopper then lays the stone over the pipe and we then make a third pass to cover the stone.”

The team’s pipe camera and locator unit will pinpoint old drainage lines. Leaking lines can be replaced, too. Large and small jobs are completed efficiently and with ease. Correct draining solutions will also sort out wet gateways and paddocks.

Longburn Draining covers Levin to Woodville, and Marton to Kiwitea. Phone 0800 888 511 to speak to one of the team or visit longburndraining.co.nz

Longburn Draining

Your local

SERVICES OFFERED:

• Fertiliser spreading • All bulk silage requirements

• Round baling and wrapping • Square baling and wrapping

• Hay - Large rounds / large squares

• Cultivation • Bulk cartage

• Ravensdown Consignment Store with certified weigh bridge

Serving the Horowhenua since 1924

Trotter Contracting Ltd - Agricultural Contractors - Levin Contact - Garry 027 232 2380 Rowan 027 452 2562

Longburn Draining covers the wider Manawatu area

“Our team offers a wide variety of services specifically tailored to the farming community.”

The return of El Niño and what it means

by Andy Bryenton

Weather watchers, including almost everyone who lives in rural New Zealand, have often heard the Spanish terms El Niño and La Niña.

In direct translation, they mean ‘the little boy’ and ‘little girl’, though there have rarely been less appropriate names for such huge events. Both El Niño and La Niña are opposing ends of the ENSO cycle, which disrupts the normal flow of the trade winds at the equator and changes the weather in New Zealand dramatically. This ‘little’ boy and girl are vast climatic events spanning a quarter of the planet or more.

The name El Niño came from South American fishermen in the 1600s, who noticed that some years brought warmer waters and different fish around Christmas time. Superstitious about mentioning Jesus, who was famously a patron of fishermen in the Bible, but attributing this miraculous event to him nonetheless, they called the phenomenon ‘El Niño de Navidad, the ‘little boy born at Christmas’. Meteorologists thought it only fitting to give the opposite effect the opposite gender.

We’re coming into an El Niño year now, meaning Northland is in for a hot, dry summer. Here’s how it works. When the trade winds weaken, they cease to push west toward Asia. Warm water flows back

have been important in discovering just what triggers and sustains the cycle of El Niño and La Niña phenomena

toward South America, and New Zealand is the last stop before those shores. The ocean heats up, and what happens down there happens up in the sky. There’s less rain and hotter temperatures all over. The

dry years of 2018 and 2019 were classic El Niño, with no rain from November until March.

“This should be a welcome change for areas at the top of the country,

whether that’s people wanting to get outside and enjoy more tranquil, drier conditions, or farmers hoping for a decrease in their paddocks’ soil moisture levels,” Niwa meteorologist Ben Noll said on the topic.

Of course, there’s the desire to get those paddocks a little drier, and then there’s the threat of not enough water at all. It’s been unusually rainy during this very La Niña past year or two, and right now, the wisdom of investing in water storage is being borne out. Projects such as the Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust dams in Kaikohe and Red Hill will prove their worth on the cusp of such swings between La Niña and El Niño, but so, too, will measures on a smaller scale like extra tanks, bigger dams, and even fixing up leaks and inefficiencies in reticulation.

Ships like the US research vessel Okeanos Explorer