Northern Farming Lifestyles, December 2021 by Integrity Community Media

December 2021 edition

A miniature horse passion Pages 4–5

Keeping agriculture alive

Teaching sustainable gardening

Marine mammal sanctuary

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December 2021 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

The Northern Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned NZ company. Phone: 0800 466 793 Email: info@integrity.nz General Manager: Deb Wright | deb.wright@integrity.nz | 021 639 696

Editorial: Ann van Engelen, Paul Campbell, Andy Bryenton Advertising: Betty Willetts, Krystal Carey Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz Distribution: Laurie Willetts Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

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Awards to proceed nationally The New Zealand Farm Environment Trust has confirmed that the 2021/2022 Ballance Farm Environment Awards will proceed as planned throughout the country, including the new Catchment Group Award. Even with the disruptions caused by the changes to alert levels in Auckland, Northland and Waikato, the awards have received a pleasing number of entrants across the country. It allows the programme to continue, albeit with some adjustments to ensure the safety of all involved. “Our regional committees have worked hard with the farmers and growers in their communities to ensure a worthwhile and rewarding programme can be completed,” said chair of the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, Joanne van Polanen. “It is more important than ever that the great initiatives and work being done by farmers and growers is being celebrated and shared with others.” The BFEA programme has been slightly adapted to make it safer and less onerous for entrants, given the current Covid-19 situation. That includes the requirement for all judges and entrants to be vaccinated. One round of judging will be used to complete the full judging process, thus limiting the amount of contact between entrants and the judging panels. “Whilst we have had to change our usual processes in an effort to keep our people and participants safe, we have carefully planned and adapted our usual practices to ensure that judging is still thorough and complete,” said Joanne. “Entrants will still receive the valuable feedback that makes entering the awards so worthwhile.” In anticipation of more stringent government requirements and to help protect BFEA entrants and the judging teams, the NZ Farm Environment Trust requires that all judges and entrants are fully vaccinated. “Whilst we respect that individuals have the right to choose whether or not to be vaccinated, the community nature of our programme, including awards functions and field day events, means to align with the government’s Covid

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Joanne van Polanen, New Zealand Farm Environment Trust chair

protection framework, it is the trust’s policy that all BFEA entrants are required to be vaccinated. “We hope that entrants will appreciate that this decision is in the best interests of all involved. Through our regional networks, partners, sponsors and entrants across the country, we have a large number of people involved in the awards, and we need to ensure we are running a safe programme for all.” New to the 2021/2022 awards programme is the Catchment Group Award that recognises the efforts of a rural community group working together to improve water quality in local rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands. Whilst entries for the standard awards programme are now closed, the BFEA regional groups continue to work with NZ Landcare Trust to encourage catchment groups to enter this new award, with entries closing at the end of November. For more information, go to nzfeawards.org.nz.

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Keeping agriculture alive

December 2021

Goats, lambs and calves were all present at Tangiteroria School’s annual agricultural day. “Due to Covid restrictions, we were hindered at the start that the event may not go ahead,” says school administrator Kirsty Jessop. “Because of the weather and restrictions, our Tangiteroria Bike Trail was cancelled. That was hard as it is our biggest annual fundraiser, but we hope it will go ahead early next year. “People wanting to support the school can purchase the trail ride T-shirts for $35 from the school. This is the first year we have made them in 11 years. “To make up for cancellation, we held raffles like a steer on a hoof and groceries, a garden pack and had a guess how many lollies in the jar competition. We also had a trading table with a variety of vegetable seedlings and preserves. “We were fortunate to have volunteer judges attend with Champion Lamb going to Van Johnson for his Suffolk Cross. Riley Nops’ Nubian goat won the Champion Goat, and Lileigh Martin took out the Champion Calf with her Speckle Park. “They are judged on grooming, rearing, type, knowledge of their animals, handling and presentation. We also had indoor exhibits, which consisted of floral sand saucers, digital pictures, hei tiki made from clay for craft, paper mache animals and painted glass art.” The home project was building a construct such as a cat pet gym and letterboxes. The children wrote diamante poems and also decorated biscuits. “The school opened in 1886 and we have photos from 1922. We are always supported by whānau, including aunties,

• • • •

Champion Lamb went to Van Johnson, for his Suffolk cross

uncles and extended family. Our ag day trophies have been kindly donated by families of past pupils — some extend right back to 1951, which is lovely. “We are looking forward to a positive end to the year, and it has been a busy time with the students rehearsing for our biannual end of year production, A Christmas Peter Pan. “It is fabulous being at a country school; it is a real family affair, and considering

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A MINIATURE

HORSE PASSION BY ANN VAN ENGELEN As a child, Leanne Stringer grew up around horses and developed an appreciation for the animals, and now spends her days caring for her herd of miniature horses near the Kaipara Harbour. PART ONE

eanne grew up in Beach Haven, and her mother was heavily involved in the racehorse industry. “My mum rode racehorses, and when I was born, I came out champing at the bit to have a horse,” says Leanne. “She brought me my first pony when I was eight years old. I was involved with everything horsey, including showjumping and eventing. “When my son Hayden was four, I came off my horse and broke my back. That stopped me riding for a few years, and I wasn’t meant to ride again. Hayden kept riding ponies, and we bred and showed Arab horses as well. “As he got older, Hayden wanted to continue being involved with horses. After a few falls, he didn’t want to ride the big ones, so we got him a miniature pony for his 12th birthday, and we were hooked. “He started showing along with my niece who lived with us. One day we visited a big miniature horse breeding farm and came home with even more.

We all had our part to play, and my friend Peter became our farrier to take care of our horses’ feet. “We now have a few from older people who had some on their lifestyle blocks but found they are more difficult to look after than a bigger horse. We have brought them to our property to enjoy their days. “I never thought I would ever be a miniature horse person as I viewed them as pets. There is a lot you can do with them, such as showing and competing, so now I get my horse fix this way since I can’t ride anymore. “They are also really good therapy for a lot of different reasons and situations. At times, I have had troubled teens come to visit, and they sit in the paddock, and the minis stand around and nuzzle them and have chats. “We loaned a couple to a friend who has a sick child. She is able to enjoy her time with her horse, and it has become her best friend.

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Leanne Stringer is often found on the horse showing circuit and has won titles such as Multi Supreme Champion with Marua Colour n pastel

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Peter helps Leanne care for her herd of miniature ponies and ensures their feet are looked after correctly

Miniature horses have individual personalities, and Leanne says they can be very similar to school children

Leanne says with miniatures, you need to keep an eye on their grass intake due to the sugar content, especially after rain. She feeds her horses hay and other supplements and restricts their grass intake at times, which is a dietary need. “With minis, you need good fences to keep them in their paddock and a facility you can remove them to if they gain weight, so you can manage their food intake. “Each horse has individual grass tolerance, so you need to be careful as they get older. They need a vitamin and mineral mix and access to a good mineral

block, and you need a good farrier to keep on top of their feet. “Our dentist comes once a year to check their teeth as they can get impacted and sharp. If this happens, they can fill their cheeks with grass to stop the teeth from rubbing as they can get mouth ulcers. “Spending time grooming them is also a big part of it, and that is really therapeutic for the human as well. When you are having a bad day, there is nothing like walking out into the paddock and having a bunch of little faces come running out to greet you with unconditional love.

The Difference

“Years ago, some studs brought in American Shetlands and put them with traditional miniatures. This made them a lot more leggy and refined, which is a good thing. “When you see a mini, you should be looking at the confirmation of a large horse in a miniature scale. They mostly have lovely personalities, and people have them as therapy animals and take them to rest homes and schools to visit. “Hayden still competes. They do cart and harness, jumping and trail, which is like agility with dogs where they complete an obstacle course. The horses walk over bridges and through water and complete other mentally challenging situations at the competitions.”

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Read part two of Leanne’s life with miniature horses next month.

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TEACHING SUSTAINABLE

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grew up in Hawke’s Bay and had left school and fumbled around the world. It was a long and windy road for me,” says Aaron. “I returned from overseas and relocated here two years ago to be near my sister Sora and attend Tushita Hermitage to study. I set my property up as a woofer volunteer lifestyle. “My partner Carmen and I began our garden in September last year with the help of friends, family and working holiday visa holders Kelly Diggle and Komagum Daehli. “Kelly is from the United Kingdom, and Komagum is from Norway, and they became very reliable volunteers. We hope to be able to financially support employees in the near future.” Tushita Hermitage is a retreat centre offering various meditation retreats. “We decided to create a vegetable garden and native/exotic tree nursery to

Aaron Fahey, Kelly Diggle and Komagum Daehli have been working on the Ārāma gardens together since September last year

put into practice the teachings of a living spiritual master at Tushita. It is a wonderful way to remember our interconnectedness

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“As part of our lifestyle, we are at the meditation centre every six weeks for retreats. We also teach meditation and breathing techniques in schools to help the students with their stress levels. “We help people gain vitality and teach people to notice everything going on in the mind, to take space from thoughts and to come back to the here and now. “I fell into commercial composting accidentally, when offered compostable packaging from the lunches in schools programme. We collect thousands of single-use packages per week from around the Far North and so far have diverted 10 tonnes of waste from the landfill. “We put it through the chipper and mix it with other matter to make compost. It all goes back into the system to grow vegetables, otherwise, it would be landfill. That would be worse than normal rubbish as it needs a compostable environment to break down as it slowly releases methane gas, which is unhealthy. “People are now considering who they are, what they value and how they are going to live. I wanted to set up something with principles of understanding and nurturing the earth. “I feel the earth is often treated as a separate entity, rather than recognising our dependence on the natural environment for our health and survival. “I spent two years trying to grow unsuccessfully on my unsuitable hilly land and ended up leasing 12 acres off my mum and friend’s land on fertile river flats in the valley nearby. “My plan is to have intensive gardens and create a subtropical forest system.

December 2021

“The Eco Centre is a hub for community groups.” We created a nursery to grow native and exotic plants. “We enjoy the idea of making it an educational place with scalable experiments and systems that can be replicated in other places so people can make lush gardens themselves. “We weren’t gardeners but have always enjoyed working with soil. We started with a small greenhouse area and built garden beds with cardboard, mulch, cow manure, silage and seaweed. We are progressing the project as we acquire suitable recyclable materials.” Aaron works closely with the Eco Centre in Kaitaia and permaculture teacher Jo Picollo — the brains behind the design and a local community garden coordinator. “The Eco Centre is a hub for community groups working with an environmental and sustainability focus. We work with groups and local government to bolster the resilience of our community. “We have a lot of volunteers at Ārāma who have a mix of skills and knowledge. We also learn through trial and error and want to use a social enterprise model of doing good while making money. “We are presently working toward a market garden system and would like to

Students from Peria School visited the team at Ārāma and learned about sustainable gardening

supply local cafes, dairies and businesses with quality food. Our native nursery produced around 2,000 seedlings in the first year, which we sold and planted on the land, and we will have around 10,000 plants next season. “Using permaculture principles, we take other people’s waste such as fish, coffee cups, green waste and coffee grinds. Mixed together, it makes a rich

product. The problem is finding enough nitrogen, such as used goat bedding and animal waste, which is a great gift. “My sister Sora and her partner Quanah help local Papa Honez One Whānau At A Time charity. We enjoy seeing our produce put to good use and donate vegetables to them to help feed the people, which is really important to us.”

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ADVENTURE THROUGH

IMAGINATION BY ANN VAN ENGELEN Artist Evan Heasman is inspired by the rural environment as he creates his anime artworks at the coastal township of Waipū.

“I

love the Brothers Grimm, classic fairy tales, nature and animation, and a lot of the theme of my work is fantasy or classic fairy tales,” says Evan. “Anime is Japanese animation. I find it inspiring and exciting. The artists have many wonderful series and movies full of beautiful, rich, dense worlds that they create.” Evan’s art comes under the Soju Shots logo, which has many followers on Facebook. “I would draw for hours as a child, and I studied art through high school. I did a Bachelor in Applied Art majoring in illustration but found it difficult to find employment in the art world, so I did other jobs for a while. “Twelve years ago, I began developing the style, which I have today. I joined HitRecord, an online collaborative media platform founded and owned by actor and director Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

“The company uses a variety of media to produce projects such as short films, books and DVDs. A community of artists work together around the world on separate projects to create one finished piece. It may be music, animation or a book. “HitRecord has shaped the way I work now, and I am loving it. People asked me if I could do various animated characters, and that got me started. I had to teach myself to use a computer as I resisted for many years because I wanted to create and paint my works by hand. “Anime is time-consuming but very rewarding. I draw each part of the character or scene separately, such as its head, arms and legs, trees, branches and flowers so it can be manipulated on the computer by the animator. “Each piece is hand-painted using watercolour paints that my cousin Stacey Dodd hand makes in Wellsford at Stakiwi

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Colours. She is one of the very few people doing this in New Zealand. Her website is amazing. “I then scan and collage the pieces together in Photoshop. Each finished picture is a whole lot of things scanned separately, creating the finished product. It may be flowers, birds, trees and people. I can work all night playing around with my

pieces, with my final style being a mix of handcrafted and digital. “My work used to be a lot darker, but just before lockdown last year, my work brightened. I use all sorts of colour with moments of darkness, just like in fairy tales. When I have completed a picture, I feel like I have done my part to allow people to come up with the storyline for their own fairytale.”

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During the 2020 Covid lockdown, Evan created a series using a fox character. “Fox went through the motions of what people were experiencing. The piece Stand at Dawn is Fox standing in a field of Flanders poppies. The idea came from the nationwide call to make poppies and put them on our letterboxes acknowledging Anzac Day. “I love that people have their own interpretation of what could be going on. I created a series called From the Wild Wild Wood. In The Clearing, a character is standing in a tree, and you don’t know what is passing by below — if there is anything at all.” Evan’s Lush series showcases New Zealand native bush and birds, including the kea, moa, pūriri moth and kiwi. “I am lucky to see a lot of beautiful nature here in Waipū. I include extinct things like the moa because it’s not around anymore, and it feels like a fairytale when you are told about it. “I used to make originals, but this has thrown me more into fine art prints. There is no original as it is a bag of tiny pieces that I paint, pace individually and scan. The original happens on the computer now. “I love that there are no rules to what I am doing, and I can make what I want. I love the concept of character creation

December 2021

Using the Japanese character art form called anime, Evan uses individual parts to create a scene

and that the art doesn’t show anything scary. You can imagine what is happening, and I love creating each scene, trying new techniques. “I love that people have their own interpretation of what could be going on and that the art doesn’t show anything scary. My works are illustrations of fairy tales that don’t exist.”

“I love that there are no rules to what I am doing, and I can make what I want.”

Robots, wolves, birds, foxes and native New Zealand wildlife are all subjects that Evan has developed through his unique creative ability

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NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2021

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Have snow much fun when you bring in your staff or family and friends this festive season. Choose from one of our package options including set menus for lunch or dinner, BBQ buffet lunch or dinners, group buffet lunches or dinners in your own private space including our pool area, or create your own joy filled menu. Our flexible spaces are designed to cater for both intimate groups or large teams of up to 120 guests. Treat your’elf and let our complimentary party planner do the hard work for you. Bookings essential. Email: boi@scenichotels.co.nz Phone: (09) 402 7826 Address: 58 Seaview Road, Paihia 0200

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December 2021 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

FORESTRY AND LOGGING

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Erica Champness is a partner, and competent and discrete manager and licensed agent, with much previous experience in Hawke’s Bay and Remuera residential sales, after being secretary to Peter Williams QC and Jim McClay before he became prime minister. We select salespeople suitable to the particular job, with rapport and frequently with a prospect, therefore increasing the effective size of our agency as needed. A Master Agent Realty Limited Sole Master Agent is defined as “having or showing great skill or proficiency”; an agency controlling the listing and able to offer many other agencies the ability to participate. It generates wider competition, representing buyers and providing more detail in their interest, at no or low commission. Contact Ron mobile 021 722 184 at Master Agent Realty Ltd for a free noobligation quote and further information.

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I am encouraging farmers to stay safe on the farm this summer and to be extra vigilant around safety. Farms are complex operations with plenty of hazards, and with so much machinery around, accidents do happen. We need to do our best to minimise the chance of injury. Part of that is getting your first aid kit in order in the lead up to the Christmas period and, where possible, getting some first aid training under your belt. Farming is a challenging and often dangerous occupation at the best of times. So I am especially keen to encourage farmers and workers to look out for each other and check in on each other every day to make sure they get home safe. Only last year, there was a tractor accident in the Mangakahia Valley whereby a farmer was severely injured. If it was not for the local community and first responders rallying around and calling for the Northland Rescue Chopper, he would have died. The scary thing is, his son was not planning to chat to him until the following day, so we need to make sure we communicate well and check in on each other. I would also

“Farming is a challenging and often dangerous occupation at the best of times.” encourage people on larger farms to invest in some type of emergency locator beacon like the GoodSAM app. That way, if you are in trouble and in a poor mobile coverage area, the app can often still send a signal to 111, giving your location. The main thing is to let people know your plans as best you can. Have a safe and enjoyable summer, and know that the Federated Farmers Northland team is here to support you.

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NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2021

FORESTRY AND LOGGING

Wilding pines projects Northland Regional Council has been awarded $1.3 million of funding for 2021–22 under the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme, creating a significant opportunity to make further progress in the battle against wilding pines. The funding consists of $960,000 for the Far North, Te Hiku area, and $340,000 for Whangārei Heads, including Parua Bay. In Te Hiku, the focus of this year’s control programme is the Aupouri Peninsula, including Mt Camel farms and Te Paki Station. The funding for Whangārei Heads will continue the momentum of projects already underway at various locations. “We have made a strong start to this mahi, and it has had some great results. The brown, dying pine trees people might now see around Northland are actually excellent news for our native species,” says Northland Regional Council chair Penny Smart. “This work is also providing employment for Northlanders, including upskilling and career opportunities for rangatahi. “Wilding pines can significantly affect an area’s biodiversity and disrupt areas of cultural significance for Māori. NRC staff will continue to work together with landowners, iwi/hapū, district councils, Department of Conservation and other stakeholders to tackle this evergrowing problem. “Some of Northland’s most unique habitats are vulnerable to invasion, so it is important to keep on top of this issue. If we can keep the pressure on and

Dying wilding pines at Kauri Mountain Beach are making way for valued ecosystems, such as dunes and forests, to grow stronger

Penny Smart, Northland Regional Council chair

extend that to other areas of Northland in future years, we have a good chance of eradicating wilding pines in Northland within 15 years.” Since Biosecurity NZ began its latest phase of wilding pines control in 2019, Northland has been allocated more than $4 million to protect vulnerable habitats such as dune lakes and wetlands from encroaching wilding pines. “The latest funding extends the mahi that began as a Covid relief programme in 2020. Becoming part of MPI’s national

programme is quite a milestone,” says Pou Tiaki Pūtaiao group manager biosecurity Don McKenzie. “It represents a significant step up in NRC’s capacity to deal with this longstanding problem. We are delighted to be under the umbrella of the national programme to address Northland’s ongoing issue with wilding pines. Pine trees are a valuable resource when in plantation forests, but in the wrong

place, these trees can damage our unique biodiversity. “We applied for funding to cover projects throughout Northland and succeeded in getting funding for the Te Hiku and Whangārei Heads areas. So for this coming year, that’s where our focus will be. “It gives us the chance to make a strong impact on wilding pines in a specific area, and we hope to get funding in future years to cover other areas of Northland.”

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December 2021

ADVERTORIAL

Partnership for New Zealand promotion Mr Avocado, China’s leading avocado brand, has paired up with New Zealand avocado supplier Darling Group to roll out an extensive promotional campaign for the 2021 season for the first time in China. New Zealand avocados gained market access to China three years ago, but there is still significant untapped potential for the fruit. Compared to Chile, Peru and Mexico, New Zealand has the advantage of a much shorter shipping distance to China. Mr Avocado and Darling Group forged their partnership this year (2021). Since the beginning of the season, Darling Group has been shipping two containers to China on a weekly basis. After ripening at Mr Avocado’s dedicated modern ripening facility, Darling Group’s avocados are distributed to close to 5,000 Pagoda fruit stores across the nation. With their stable quality and consistent supply, Mr Avocado-branded avocados have already won over many Chinese consumers. Mr Avocado and Darling Group now plan to develop larger-scale and more in-depth collaboration next year. Mr Avocado recently hit a milestone of selling an average of 180,000 avocados per day. With its consistent product quality and year-round supply, Mr Avocado provides strong and reliable support to retailers seeking to maintain

Jacob Darling, GM Group Sales and Marketing for Darling Group Marketing

the presence of avocados on their shelves and to offer high-quality avocados from around the world to consumers. Mr Avocado is striving to develop deeper supply relationships with different avocado regions around the world and continue to expand its procurement network. Visit darlinggroup.co.nz for more information.

ADVERTORIAL

Do I need a nutritional supplement? by John Arts

It is not hard to motivate someone in pain to do things that will relieve pain. We make more of our Bettaflex joint support supplement than any other. It is harder to motivate healthy people to adopt measures that will keep them healthy. Today, we look at the benefits of nutritional supplements. During the past 25 years, I have seen thousands improve their quality of life with high-grade nutritional supplements. I consider a well-formulated multimineral/vitamin/antioxidant formula is one of the best health investments we can make. Three words summarise the reasons to use nutritional supplements: deficiency, suboptimum and optimum. There are some nutrients lacking to the point where a deficiency causes disease. For example, vitamin D deficiency will cause the bone disease rickets. We thought rickets was a third world problem, but an excellent study (Wheeler et al., 2015) commented that vitamin D deficiencies in NZ children are again causing rickets. Blood levels below 50 nmol/L are considered a deficiency. We then move to sub-optimum nutrition. That is where nutrient levels are above deficiency levels but below

what is really needed. The results are not so obvious, but over time, a range of health problems emerge. Again, choosing vitamin D, sub-optimum levels increase the risk of respiratory problems, immune system disorders, learning difficulties and mental health issues, and many cancers. I consider 50–100 nmol/L is sub-optimum. Then, we have optimum levels. For vitamin D, I consider that above 100 nmol/L is ideal and means your body will have plenty of vitamin D. Adding a well-formulated multi-mineral/ vitamin/antioxidant will firstly prevent deficiencies. More importantly, it will lift nutrient levels to the point that our cells can function at their best. It is optimal function. 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 all-new newsletter at abundant.co.nz.

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December 2021 NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2021

December 2021 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

WATER MATTERS From science to solution

by Andy Bryenton

Water use on dairy farms has come under the microscope in recent years, and dry summers across much of the nation have done their part to make agricultural researchers seek a better method of managing water. One core area where a breakthrough was needed was in the treatment of farm dairy effluent (FDE). Washing down yards and sheds is a large water cost; 70 litres per cow a day is the accepted average. The resulting FDE is 99% water, with a load of only one per cent solid waste material. If

a way could be found to recycle the water while separating the waste, massive gains could be realised. Enter a scholarly paper from 2018 by Keith C Cameron & Hong J Di. These researchers hit upon a solution; flocculation. This term means, in layman’s

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language, making the solid matter clump up and settle to the bottom of a tank via gravity. By using a coagulant, a substance that promotes this process, solid waste in FDE could be encouraged to ‘floc together’. To say that experiments on this idea (using polyferric sulfate, safe for human consumption) was successful is an understatement. “The new method of treating FDE was highly successful in removing the colloidal material and producing clarified water that can be recycled to wash the farmyard,” say Cameron and Di. Turbidity in the treated FDE was reduced by 97%, and the presence of E Coli was slashed by 99%. Effectively, FDE was converted to settled, solid sediment and reusable water ready for further washdowns. Ag company Ravensdown then asked a pertinent question about turning this science into a practical system. What if FDE water could be treated and reused without fear of contamination or risk to

The science of separating water from solids has led to a big advancement in dairy industry water saving, as well as helping manage slurry application and holding volumes

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NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2021

WAT ER M AT T ERS

Three Waters faces bloc of opposition by Andy Bryenton

Entity A, the monolithic proposed Northland-Auckland water management body, is opposed by all of the civic authorities, which were to have been covered by its auspices. A product of planned reforms under minister Nanaia Mahuta’s contentious Three Waters programme, Entity A appears to be in crisis. Major stakeholder, Auckland Council, insisted it will not join up without a referendum from ratepayers. The three civic councils of the north are also voicing their concerns via a range of protests. Kaipara Mayor Dr Jason Smith has labelled the reforms as ‘wretched’ and ‘a hot mess’, last week leading the Kaipara District Council in a vote to join a group of civic authorities Three Waters opposition. Throughout the process, Dr Smith has criticised the government for lack of information provided to councils about the forthcoming mandated changes to water services. The KDC will support the Three Waters ‘rebellion’, a publicity and political pressure campaign to derail the unpopular legislation, and replace it with an alternative. Meanwhile, Whangārei mayor Sheryl Mai is equally vocal in her dissent. Her council have joined a legal challenge over the concept of ‘ownership’ as it relates to Three Waters. “Some councils across New Zealand, including ours in the distant past, have had major problems with freshwater supply and have suffered beach and harbour closures because of sewage

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spills from aging infrastructure,” Mayor Mai said. “Whangārei has addressed many of these issues in recent years, and our water systems are now among the best in the country. We want to see the strong local management that has generated this result continue into the future. “Local ratepayers paid for these assets worth $700 million to $1.2 billion, and they own them. Ratepayers should continue to own and control the assets that they purchased over many years.” Far North District Council Mayor John Carter polled his constituents to gauge resistance to the government scheme. Sixty-nine per cent of those contacted wanted the council to opt out of the reform programme, while 21 per cent wanted the council to join the programme. The FNDC were one of the first to opt out. “The main reason people gave for opposing the reforms is they didn’t believe they would deliver the promised efficiencies or lower costs. People were also concerned that communities wouldn’t have a strong democratic say under the proposed governance structures,” said Mr Carter. “The government believes these problems are best tackled by a national approach rather than community solutions.”

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NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2021

WAT ER M AT T ERS

Getting into hot water

by Andy Bryenton

Hot water costs in the dairy shed can top $50 a day, even for a moderately sized herd, once wash-down of the milk plant, vat and accessories are all accounted for. Here are some options to knock that down to size. Old-fashioned electric resistance elements, like the one in your kitchen kettle, work by sending a current through a metal coil that resists the flow. This resistance makes heat, and hence, your water boils. It’s the second oldest way of creating hot water, after lighting a fire under a cauldron and it’s a robust if relatively expensive technology. The big question is, how to replace or augment it for the best results? How about a heat exchanger? Products exist that can transfer the heat from your excess wash-down water through to freshwater, and some even take the warmth of milk in the vat and do double duty, helping chill the milk and preheat the water at the same time. Even the most efficient of these systems will not bring cold water up to 80 degrees Celsius, but taking the water from its ground state to a middling temperature still slices away a hefty chunk of your power bill. The benefits include possible gains to the milk cooling cycle, cheap operation and simple maintenance, but these are offset by the fact that a secondary heating source is definitely still required. Heat pump technology is ubiquitous in our living rooms, but it’s only just becoming the preferred option for hot water heating.

That is because early hot water heat pumps tended to be large industrial-sized models to handle institutional laundry or commercial dishwashing, hotel showers or swimming pool heating. Smaller, more efficient units are now out there to provide an alternative for the home, and medium sized machines can assist in the milking shed to heat washdown water. The bonus? Lower power bills and greater efficiency. The only downside is a higher investment cost to install over old electric resistance elements. Heat pumps work best between 4 and 32 degrees Celsius. A heat pump unit may be driven, at least in part, by photovoltaic solar panels. That brings us to the ultimate form of free energy, the sun. Solar hot water heating systems range from simple coils of black pipe through to advanced panels using similar technology to photovoltaic arrays, but using the sun’s power to heat cold water to near boiling point. These systems work best in direct sunlight, but pack a surprising thermal punch even on cloudy days. The bonus? Tiny operation costs, just for pumping water to the roof. The downside? These systems can be costly to install and really do require some backup when it’s cold, dreary and dark.

Replacing the old boiler is a great way to save money around the milking shed, and a combination of technologies may present the best option for year-round hot water

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December 2021 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

HUNTING, FISHING AND OUTDOORS

Marine mammal sanctuary

A marine mammal sanctuary in Te Pēiwhairangi/Bay of Islands aims to reverse the decline in the numbers of bottlenose dolphins in the area and better protect visiting orcas and fur seals. “The waters around the Bay of Islands are the perfect nursery habitat for marine mammals,” says Conservation Minister Kiri Allan. “They are also a tourist mecca, particularly over the summer months, with the iconic bottlenose dolphins a major attraction. “Extensive studies have shown that the near-constant presence of people and boats disrupts normal behaviours critical for the mammal’s survival, such as resting and feeding. “A 2016 Massey University report noted the problem is the frequency of interactions — they are being loved too much. “The Bay’s bottlenose dolphins are known to spend an average 86 per cent of daylight hours with at least one boat nearby. That puts pressure on them and other marine mammals that can lead to stress, reduce reproductive success and makes them more vulnerable to other changes in their environment. “We couldn’t allow that to keep happening. By designating this area a sanctuary we are creating an environment where the human-animal interaction co-exists, rather than disrupts, while also protecting an amazing taonga for future generations.

“The decision to declare a sanctuary wasn’t taken lightly. Public consultation was a vital part of the process, and several changes have been made to the original proposal following careful consideration of almost 650 submissions. “The rules let boaties continue to enjoy and use the beautiful waters of the Bay, but in a way that allows our marine mammals to as well. Unlike some other marine refuges, there are no specific restrictions on fishing.” Boats are to maintain a 300m distance from all marine mammals. People need to keep out of the water within 300m of all marine mammals, and boats are to keep to a five-knot speed limit in two marine mammal safe zones. “Our partners in progressing the sanctuary Ngā Hapū o Te Pēwhairangi, have been there side by side with myself and the Department of Conservation on our journey to protect the dolphins. “It is our collective aim to ensure a safe haven for these amazing, intelligent creatures so that they remain a treasured part of the community.” The Te Pēiwhairangi/Bay of Islands Marine Mammal Sanctuary covers the coastal area enclosed by the harbour line from Cape Brett to Tikitiki Island and waters accessed from the towns of Rawhiti, Russell, Opua, Paihia and Kerikeri. The sanctuary came into effect on December 15.

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NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2021

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For more information on how our expertise can benefit you please enquire now and contact us today! Closed from 22nd December | Reopening 13th January CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS 23 Broadway, PO Box 282, Kaikohe 0440 | Ph: 09 401 0198 | Email: info@eq8.co.nz | www.eq8.co.nz

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December 2021 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

RURAL WHEELS

by Andy Bryenton

The ute which would be king

It’s the biggest pair of boots to fill since Andre the Giant left pro wrestling, and all eyes are on the replacement to Ford’s Ranger ute to be a class leader. Highlights of the T6.2 vehicle’s release include a gruelling process of tests and fettling that has turned customer feedback into practical gains, making the 2022 Ranger bigger, wider, longer and tougher. Ford says that before it turns a wheel with a customer aboard, the Ranger has put in six million kilometres of realworld testing, plus four million kilometres off-road. Then there’s the exciting news of a new V6 engine under the hood.

“Certainly, we listened to customers, and I’m hoping that when you get around to driving the vehicle closer to launch, you can make your own mind up about the improvements we’ve made,” said Ford’s Ranger project T6 chief engineer, Ian Foston. “We focussed a lot on the durability of the powertrain, how customers are using trucks and the feedback they get from that in terms of how smooth it is, so

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clearly, these are things we have listened to and taken on board.” There will still be the option for a twolitre Biturbo engine or a new single turbo diesel in the middle of the range. However, gone is the venerable big inline-five with its common rail tech, replaced by a top-ofthe-line V6 derived from Ford’s lion series of engines. This one has done duty in the Territory and the F150. Still, it’s a whole new beast after Ford’s engineers lavished some care and attention on it and hooked it up to a smooth 10-speed transmission. There are also new and clever ways to deploy power to the ground, 190 kilowatts of power and more than 600 Newton-

metres of torque, calculated from the same engine’s performance in the F150. Towing will prove no problem, then. Outside, the Ranger is bigger and bolder, with room on the back tray for a full-sized pallet and an aggressive new look up front that’s in line with its flat-nosed F150 cousins. Inside, the dials have gone digital, and the dash is dominated by a big, tall tablet screen to rival the size of the one you’ll find in a Tesla. For many years, the Ford Ranger has been the best selling, most popular vehicle in New Zealand. This new reinvention has done something that’s difficult, then, it has followed up a class act with something better.

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NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2021

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2021

RURAL WHEELS

New Zealand to choose car of the year MUFFLER

by Andy Bryenton

In Europe, it was the peppy little one-litre Toyota Yaris that took home the prize, but after a hiatus in 2020, the local AA Driven Car of the Year Awards are back to select a Kiwi winner.

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garnered impressive reviews. In the small SUV section, there’s yet a third Yaris, in what has to be a record for a name badge on any kind of car. It’s up against the MX30 from Mazda and the value for money of the Kia Seltos. It all comes back to that premium spot, however, despite the fact that we’re supposed to appreciate cars for their practicality and fuel efficiency these days, the performance section is where our hearts lie. The GR Yaris is very much the third billy goat on to the bridge in this story.

A mad, grin-inducing proper homologation special of a thing, reminiscent of the amazing Peugeot 205 turbo and the original Golf GTI from Volkswagen. We like rally homologation specials. Previous greatest hits include the Audi GT Quattro, the WRX STI, the Lancer Evo and the Lancia Stratos. Roaring, gravel-spitting, sideways genius, each one. From over here, it could be anyone’s victory, but the feeling is, you’d want to drive home from the track in the hottest Yaris of them all.

Toyota’s GR Yaris is in the running for top performance car; if there were a category for ‘most fun’, it would take home the solid chocolate trophy

O AT, W RK, P E L Y,

Unsurprisingly, the Yaris made the cut as a finalist in the dwindling but still very important passenger car section, up against the Honda Jazz and the all-electric Tesla Model 3. The shock is that it’s on the list twice, with the GR Yaris hot hatch in the running against BMW’s alwayspotent M3 and Audi’s electric E-Tron, which shares its DNA with the impressive Porsche Taycan. In other categories, the luxury segment may very well fall to another electric contender, with Mercedes-Benz backing its EQC SUV for the top spot. Audi’s Q5 is a natural competitor, but Hyundai has unexpectedly cracked the top echelon with their Ioniq 5, putting South Korea on the podium with the big German manufacturers, as Kia did not so long ago with the Stinger GT. The Big SUVs also feature a South Korean hopeful. The Kia Sorento goes head to head with the Toyota Highlander and the Subaru Outback in this class, with the Outback completing its multi-year transformation from a station wagon to a full-fledged sports utility. The Seat Ateca Cupra may be the most interesting medium SUV in its own division, but there’s serious competition from the established names here too. Toyota’s RAV4 remains a benchmark car for a reason, and Mazda’s CX-5 has

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December 2021 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

DAIRY AND LIVESTOCK

Possum genetics research

Predator Free 2050 Limited has partnered with the University of Otago to support a research team investigating new genetic technologies that could help eradicate possums from Aotearoa New Zealand, by 2050. “Possums are a serious economic and environmental threat, making possum eradication a national priority,” says PF2050 Ltd science director Professor Dan Tompkins. “The government spends more than $55 million per year on possum control, on top of millions more by regional councils, while the damage inflicted by the pests cost farmers about $40 million annually. “While the application of current tools and approaches for possum eradication

will continue to improve, the scale of the Predator Free 2050 mission, national eradication, means that new solutions and approaches will also be needed. “The University of Otago’s project team has been researching possum reproduction and development since 2019, with the long-term goal of creating genetic control solutions. “Originally backed by MBIE’s Smart Ideas funding, we are now providing $300,000 to support the next step in this project. If successful, the team’s research

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could enable development of new possum eradication options. We are excited to see what they discover.” Research team leader Dr Tim Hore of the University of Otago says the PF2050 support is a valuable endorsement of their research strategy. “While gene editing is going to be a valuable and flexible addition to the possum research toolkit, the techniques required to edit possum genes have not yet been developed. “We are addressing this by developing a novel method that involves targeting and transplanting immature sex cells of possum pouch young, rather than embryonic cells, before they develop into eggs or sperm. “By focussing on unique quirks of possum biology, we hope to provide the tools for developing tailored and effective strategies for possum control. “In one scenario, such technologies could be applied to possum biocontrol to create and spread genes that reduce fitness, resulting in gradual population decline and, ultimately, local eradication. “Alternatively, our gene manipulation research could lead to massive gains without ever requiring field release. We can see gene technologies accelerating control strategies in the same way it has revolutionised biomedical science — essentially, by allowing us to understand what genes do.” The project involves a core team of experts in mammalian cell biology, marsupial reproduction and genomics;

Professor Dan Tompkins, Predator Free 2050 Ltd science director

Dr Hore, Dr Melanie Laird, and Dr Kyle Richardson, of the Department of Anatomy and Professor Andrew Pask, of the University of Melbourne. The team is also leading analysis of the possum genome sequence, an additional collaborative project that provides basic knowledge for genetic control technologies, as well as a raft of other pest control and eradication methods. Funding contribution will support the project team’s research until 2023.

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NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2021

DAIRY AND LIVESTOCK

Solidarity on all fronts by Dr Shane Reti MP

United we stand. Every single National Party MP stands united with our farmers and rural communities. From north to south and east to west, we stand together. We stand as a united front against: Abuse of SNA, legislation over private land – the overreach must stop now! Over regulation — National’s collaborative solutions vary from area to area, not top-down government knows best Ute Tax — a National government will repeal the tax immediately Unfair border restrictions — National will adjust MIQ settings to address workforce shortages The Crow Pastoral Land Reform bill (2020) — National opposes this bill Back in July 2021, in a show of solidarity, we joined the Groundswell NZ protest march. Again, earlier this month, I took to the streets in solidarity with those united in demanding the government listen to the people of Northland and New Zealand. Mandating and dictating is divisive and pulling us apart at a time where, as a small, proud and capable nation, we need to stand together.

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NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2021

Northern Rural Marketplace Acraflex Dairy Wall Coatings New or existing walls

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A big range of Health Solutions for you, your family and animals

• Solutions for control of fleas, ticks • Consult with Pat for solutions and worms with WashBar products, to skin problems and other Diatomaceous Earth and Flee Flea health issues for your pet • Herbal and Homeopathic remedies • Orijen Organic Dog and Cat Food — no grains for you and your animals

North Island Livestock Cartage Don Wilson - Pukekohe 027 497 5825 - don@onroadtransport.nz Blue Vallance - Paparoa 027 480 1072 - blueandgayle@xtra.co.nz Grant Robinson -Whangarei 021 158 8386 - grant@onroadtransport.nz 09 238 4016 | 2169 Buckland Road RD2, Pukekohe 2677 www.onroadtransport.nz

Mike: 027 497 2935 OR Scotty: 027 274 3787 STAN SEMENOFF LIVESTOCK LTD P: 0800 800 585 LIVESTOCK@SEMENOFFGROUP.CO.NZ

* Gutter Clean * Roof Treatments aaron@washrite.co.nz

* Cowshed Wash

022 438 8838

NORTHERN FARMING CLASSIFIEDS Reach 33,300 Rural Homes — Phone 0800 466 793 For Sale ATV MATS from $89 — Come in & see us at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Ph 0800 963 636. www.atvtyres. co.nz.

For Sale BACK 2 WOOD Demolition. We buy & sell renovation materials. Servicing Northland — Auckland. Specialising in Windows, Doors, Ranch Sliders, Kitchens, Vanities, Roofing and More! Check out our website back2wood.co.nz or Ph 0800 10 98 77.

ATV SAFETY HELMETS — from $119 accessories from $15. The law has changed! Have you got yours? Come & see us at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Ph 0800 963 636. www.atvtyres. co.nz. Subject to availability.

HERITAGE APPLE Trees from $30 – Hardy root stocks – Diversify your Farm with an Orchard pack www.tastytrees.co.nz, call 09 408 5443 or text 027 346 7645.

Attention Farmers GIBB-GRO GROWTH PROMOTANT

For Sale NEW YAMAHA FARM ATVs — 5.9% interest & 3 year warranty. Only at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi — phone 0800 963 636 & Yamaha MC Whangarei. Ph 09 438 0804.

T, WORK, P EA L Y,

Fencing FENCING, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus... call Jeff 0274765 458.

Promotes quick pasture growth Only $6 per hectare + GST delivered

0508-GIBB-GRO (442 247) www.gibb-gro.co.nz “The Proven One”

BY PROFESSIONALS IN YOUR COMMUNITY NOT “EXPERTS” ONLINE

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING LOCAL

December 2021 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

Limited stock. Contact us today DARGAVILLE

KAIWAKA

C A Motorcycles - 104 Jervois St Dargaville | 09 439 0170

Warkworth Motorcycles Kaiwaka - 1916 SH 1 | 09 431 2123

HIKURANGI

KAIKOHE

Rouse Motorcycles - 1 King St Hikurangi | 09 433 8471

WARKWORTH

Warkworth Motorcycles - 22 Whitaker Rd | 09 425 8535

WHANGAREI

Shaw Motorcycles - 111 Cameron Street | 09 438 1183

Rob Titter Farm Services - 55 Station Rd E | 09 401 1774

KAITAIA

Kaitaia Tractors - 169 North Rd | 09 408 0670