Northern Farming Lifestyles, January 2020 by Integrity Community Media

CONTACT US 0800 867 6737 33,144 copies DELIVERED FREE to every farm and rural delivery address from Albany to Cape Reinga

Driest year in decades

www.ef.net.nz

January 2020 Edition

Children deserve necessities

The arapawa black sheep

6 2 2

7 2

11 11

1 8 3

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January 2020

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Integrity community media

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 Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz Distribution: Laurie Willetts Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

Distribution details Print run 33,144. ABC audited circulation 32,975, audited Jan–Dec 2014. DELIVERED FREE to every farm and rural delivery address from Albany to Cape Reinga.

Matt King Northland MP Meet Matt your local MP I’m here to help you I’m here to represent you in the electorate and in Parliament. Please phone my office to make an appointment. 09 407 7219 @ Northland@parliament.govt.nz fb.com/mattkingmp

Authorised by Matt King, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

Marcus Bracey is the owner of, and hands-on builder for the Northland Stonewood Homes Franchise. With many years of home building experience under his belt, his knowledge of the industry and attention to detail is evident in every home he builds. “My philosophy has always been to treat every house I have built as if it were my own,” he says. Marcus is involved in every build and many of his homes have gone on to achieve success in the Master Builders House of the Year Awards, including recent category and gold awards. Stonewood Homes Whangarei are AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY EXISTS a small dedicated team and pride themselves on their good This is an excellent opportunity to join this multi relationship with clients, many of whom are repeat. As well as Award Winning team within the Whangarei/ having a wide range of plans available for perusal, which can be Kaipara Franchise. We offer the potential to customised to suit the individual, clients can also approach the earn the income that you have dreamed of, one team with their own design ideas. Every care is made to make which is only capped by your own desire and sure that your build is everything you’re hoping for. Working commitment. with clients to achieve their dream home is what sets Stonewood apart, and the results speak for themselves. Only the best need apply as we demand the best View the Marsden Cove Stonewood show home at 60 Stace Hopper Drive, Marsden Cove Thursday–Sunday from 11am–3pm or by appointment.

for our clients. Offering an excellent customer experience and journey will be key to your success. If this sounds like you and you believe you satisfy these requirements please email your CV and cover letter to julie.scott@stonewood.co.nz.

Lambing percentages low On average, sheep and beef farmers achieved a lower lambing percentage in spring 2019 than in 2018, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Lamb Crop 2019 report. B+LNZ’s Economic Service estimates the number of lambs tailed in spring 2019 decreased by 2.4 per cent or 552,000 head on the previous spring to 22.7 million head. Most of the decline occurred in the South Island. The lower number of lambs tailed in the South Island is expected to have reduced the number of lambs processed for export in the first quarter of the 2019–20 season, from October to December. Lambs from ewe hoggets also fell, as fewer ewe hoggets were mated and the number of adult sheep processed is expected to increase 9.2 per cent from 3.4 million head in 2018–19 to 3.7 million head in 2019–20. The lambing percentage was 127.1 per cent, 1.5 percentage points lower than in spring 2018. That means 127 lambs were born for every hundred ewes, compared with an average of 123 during the prior 10 years. For spring 2019, a one percentage point change in the New Zealand ewe lambing percentage is equivalent to 170,000 lambs. Andrew Burtt, Chief Economist of B+LNZ’s Economic Service, says that while the record high lambing percentage achieved in spring 2018 was always going to be difficult to match after conditions were favourable overall that year, there were some regional declines that were a little surprising in spring 2019 and a reminder of the natural systems that farmers have to work with. “2018’s result was such a fantastic achievement that proved farmers were efficient and doing more with less. It was going to be difficult to set another record. The South Island, and Otago in particular, really struggled in 2019 due to drier conditions leading to lower feed availability.” Otago recorded an average lambing percentage of 116.6 per cent, a decrease of 5.4 percentage points from 2018, continuing the decline since the 142.3 per cent achieved in 2017. It was also the lowest result since 2010. There was a strong regional variation

Andrew Burtt, Chief Economist of B+LNZ’s Economic Service

in spring 2019, and lamb growth rates were better in the North Island than in the South Island. “When considering these numbers, we need to keep in mind that not all regions experience the same conditions for weather and pasture growth, and other challenges occur. We shouldn’t expect regions to perform exactly the same.” Early schedule prices were exceptionally strong, with some regions achieving record-high prices for lambs. Farmers were under little pressure to send lambs to processing early, but despite the high prices, farmer morale is low as they contemplate the impact of proposed government regulations and tighter bank lending conditions. The tonnage of lamb produced is expected to decrease 4.4 per cent due to a combination of fewer lambs and a slightly lower average carcase weight. B+LNZ Economic Service’s Lamb Crop survey is drawn from its Sheep and Beef Farm Survey, which covers a statistically representative sample of more than 500 commercial sheep and beef farms.

Over the cattle stop feature What’s happening over the cattle stop? As any farmer knows, the answer is — ‘everything!’ — as you can see in our light-hearted front page cartoon. This January the Northern Farming Lifestyles is a little different, as we’ve matched all of the

top agricultural support businesses between our covers with a bustling rural scene on page one. The aim of the game is to match the numbers next to each little image of Kiwi farm life to the businesses who exemplify them.

Over the cattle stop map key 1 2 3 4

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All about Vehicles and Machinery All about building All about farming Education & Training Fashion, Health & Beauty Fishing, Hunting, Outdoors

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Forestry Horticultural & Orchardists Leisure, Travel & Accommodation Professional Services Interior & Exterior

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES January 2020

Driest year in decades

With no significant summer rain forecast, local authorities are keeping a wary eye on an increasingly parched Northland, parts of which experienced some of the driest conditions in decades last year. Colin Dall, the Northland Regional Council’s group manager Regulatory Services says with 2019 now over, rainfall figures for the entire year had confirmed it had been one of the driest on record in many parts of Northland. In one case, the second driest where those records stretched back more than a century. “A number of Northland rivers are now below designated ‘minimum flow’ levels designed to limit the amount of water that can be taken during dry periods to protect river ecology. “Things are changing as staff carry out manual gauging to confirm low flows in different catchments, but at this point, we have got about half a dozen consent holders who have ceased their takes in accordance with their resource consent conditions, mainly in the mid and Far North areas, and council has also imposed restrictions on other users. “District councils taking water for public supply and farmers irrigating pasture are among the biggest users among the several hundred people or organisations with resource consent to take water, including some major

users consented to take hundreds of thousands of litres daily. There are also hundreds of other Northland users taking relatively small amounts of water who don’t need resource consent.” Council has advised people not to waste water and to ensure sensible precautions for the dry conditions, especially those relying on their own supply with water tanks. “Council has contacted some of its more vulnerable water take consent holders/water users urging them to conserve water where possible. With summer now in full swing and no significant rain forecast, members of the council’s hydrology team are gauging some of the critical rivers in the region to ensure they had the most up-to-date data and figures to work with. “Preliminary information suggests a number of rivers are already below ‘minimum flow’ levels, and although this isn’t unusual over a dry summer, this wouldn’t usually happen until February or March and is linked to last year’s drier conditions.” A dry 2019 and unusually low flows for this time of year, and associated

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Northland Regional Council Hydrology Monitoring officer Marcus Schlesier gauging flow rates in the Kerikeri area

reduced oxygen levels, were leading to stagnation and blackish-looking water in some rivers, which is often incorrectly confused with sewage discharges. The regional council is receiving a high volume of calls from members of the public reporting potentially unauthorised

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January 2020

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Children deserve necessities BY ANN VAN ENGELEN

Julie Chapman formed KidsCan NZ in 2005 after hearing children across New Zealand were going without the basic necessities of life such as food and rain jackets to get to school.

“P

eople were telling me that due to the cost of living many families were going without food and children didn’t have jackets to stay warm on wet or cold days,” says Julie. “These children don’t want to shame the family, so they stay home, which means they miss out on education. I asked 80 low decile schools if they had children lacking the basics of life.” That included small rural schools, and the results were so high that Julie immediately took action to help. “In the early days, it was about making sure whatever we did was practical, like introducing food and raincoats because the lack was impacting the children’s ability to learn. They can’t concentrate on an empty stomach or being cold.

“From Kaitaia to Invercargill, north to south, east to west, KidsCan NZ now distributes raincoats, food, health and hygiene products and much more to 740 decile one to four schools and preschools. Thanks to our distribution partners, we reach deep into rural communities who are also affected. It can be due to seasonal work or families have to travel long distances to shops, and if they have transport issues, it is hard to put food on the table. It is not budgeting badly. It is the reality of how difficult it is on low incomes with high living costs. “We believe every child deserves to live with dignity, and it is unfair and unjust for them to miss out on the basics of life. Education equals the opportunity to lift themselves out

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Rural children are supported as much as urban students with breakfast often being the start to their school day

of poverty in the future and providing food, clothing and shoes enables them to participate and learn.” In 2019 KidsCan NZ provided 30,000 children a day across New Zealand with food. “We distributed more than five million food items, added 4,000 hot meals in winter, provided 40,000 raincoats, 25,000 pairs of shoes and 50,000 pairs of socks. Our health and hygiene programme provided more than 30,000 feminine hygiene packs. “The majority of poverty simply comes down to the high cost of living, including housing prices and a low wage economy. It isn’t bad budgeting — many families are paying 50–60 per cent of their income to keep a roof over their head. Parents have to decide to pay for power, car registration and petrol to get to work or buy food. It is actually no one’s fault. They have done nothing wrong — the cost of living is just too high. “People move to the country for affordable housing. It is often some

distance to school and because of transport children are at school at 7.15am. They are often tired from waking up early and haven’t had time to eat, let alone get food ready if there is any. Our breakfast programme supplies baked beans and fruit, and the teachers sit the students down to eat and chat before starting their school day. “We increased our food programme for school camps — so all children have a better chance of attending. Rural schools have smaller rolls, and we provide whatever it is they need. So they can use their funds for other educational things such as a school trip showing children the outside world. “Some older children go to higher decile schools for boarding but are from a low decile area. Some are born for farm work and thrive on the outdoors, but others are not that personality type but don’t realise what they can aim for career-wise at first. “Prior to us partnering with a school, the food often came from the school

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Julie Chapman established KidsCan NZ to help provide basic necessities such as food and rain jackets for children

budget. We have stories of children sharing one sandwich between four at lunch, a child wearing her mother’s oversized shoes for a nature walk because she had none. Her teacher taped the footwear on to the girl’s feet so she could walk in them. “With us helping, schools don’t have to worry about where the food is coming from. They put the money back into positive experiences and helping encourage the children with options. We have seen and heard many positive outcomes that have happened as a direct result of KidsCan sponsorship. Together we have changed the lives of thousands of children. “To help counteract the needs of families in our very own country, for as little as $30 a month, you can provide food, a raincoat, shoes and socks and basic health and hygiene items for a New Zealand child living in poverty. We appreciate every penny we get to help these families. To join us on our mission, go to kidscan.org.nz.”

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January 2020

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

IMPROVING FARMER

WELLBEING by Denise Gunn The award-winning Fit 4 Farming Trust is committed to improving rural health, with a vision for New Zealand to be the fittest, healthiest farming nation in the world.

ounder and former farmer, Ian Handcock, knows firsthand the benefits of physical fitness and the link to mental wellbeing. With a background of working in both the building and dairy farming industries, Ian is also a keen marathon runner, endurance cyclist and rugby coach. He has incorporated his skills and knowledge to shape the Fit 4 Farming Trust. The trust’s initial concept was developed when Ian attended the 2014 Kellogg’s rural leaders programme. “I remembered when I went from building to farming, I found dairy farming physically less demanding,” said Ian. “Suspecting there was a drop-off in the physical health of farmers due to

the changing nature of farming, I did my project on farmer fitness. I have always had an interest in how some people seem to be happier or others that achieve more.” Now working as a farm consultant, Ian is keen to help farmers improve their physical fitness levels and reach their goals. “I played ruby, then coached rugby right up until 2014. I always felt the fitter I was, the happier I was. I achieved more, enjoyed sport and life more and accomplished more in a year. I used the same philosophy when coaching sport and coached three unbeaten rugby teams in the Thames Valley. I also love strategy, and use techniques learnt through rugby to help coach

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES January 2020

New Zealand in 2016 aimed to raise awareness of the link between farmers physical fitness and mental wellbeing. “We promote balancing work with an active lifestyle to improve health and happiness,” said Ian. “The Fit 4 Farming’s logo portrays the workboot and the running shoe representing the balance between work and recreation. The name embodies personal wellbeing and the ability to perform your job to the best of your capability.” “In 2017, I organised the 12-hour milking world record where one man milked over 5,000 cows. It promoted good nutrition and preparing physically for peak season.” Ian is currently arranging a baton relay through rural New Zealand to illustrate how people disconnect from their work to connect with others. The trust has expanded to include coaching farmers and wellbeing workshops too. “The ultimate outcome would be to have farmers fit and healthy enough to manage the stresses of modernday farming. “I will add it is not just farmers who are feeling the stress. We all have times when we feel overwhelmed and find it difficult to rationalise our thoughts.” Ian said active people have a positive attitude to life, confidence in decisionmaking, better time management, create positive cultures and contribute to their communities. “They have a better metabolism, lower blood pressure, and can manage their weight better, which equates to better health. They will potentially suffer fewer injuries, have less burnout and will stay in the industry for longer.

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Through Fit 4 Farming, Ian promotes the importance of balancing work with an active lifestyle “Being able to step away from your farm with a recreation activity allows you to organise your mind and free some of the clutter from living in the job 24/7. No one can operate at 100 per cent all the time without a mental break. Physical activity allows this to happen. The other important fact is the socialisation that sports give you.” Ian is in the process of taking Fit 4 Farming completely under his wing and winding up the trust. “I want to continue doing events that get rural people out there and active to improve their health.” Fit 4 Farming workshops will be advertised

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on the organisation’s Facebook page. The only way to really improve physical fitness is to be active. However, I can structure a specific workshop to cater for organisations that are serious about improving wellbeing. My take on life is we can do much more than we think. We just need to believe it and have support that believes in you too,” said Ian.

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January 2020

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

THE ARAPAWA

black sheep by Ann van Engelen

Anthony and Lisa Uphof’s Black Sheep farm is home to their flock of black Arapawa sheep, set elevated rolling pasture and native forest near Waipu.

“A

nthony is from South Africa, and I am a Kiwi. We met in Spain and married in Italy. After living and working in Europe having been involved in the superyacht industry, we returned to New Zealand,” says Lisa. “We had a beach property at Langs Beach and decided to school our children here and be self-sufficient and grow our own fruit, vegetables, meat and chickens for eggs. This property came up for sale, and we thought since we had looked after guests on a floating superyacht we could look after guests on stable land at a bed and breakfast. “We restored the paddocks and purchased our sheep from a friend who

was selling her flock of 30 pregnant ewes. We chose the Arapawa because they aren’t too fatty like white lamb. We had a lovely black Arapawa ram and buying pregnant ewes meant our flock grew quickly. You can get fungal issues due to the damp and moisture and these sheep have resistance foot rot, facial eczema, fly strike and things like that. They self shear, but we shear once a year. Their wool is beautiful and similar to merino, but no one has asked for it — so the shearer takes it away with him. “Our sheep lamb in September and we get a few twins. They are born jet black and as they age, their faces

Anthony and Lisa Uphof are passionate about their flock of rare breed Arapawa black sheep

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES January 2020

remain black but their body becomes more charcoal/camel coloured. We don’t use a dog to move the flock — we use a bucket of sheep nuts. Once one comes running for the nuts, the others follow and if you bottle-feed one, you have a friend for life. “The sheep are a rare breed and were originally on Arapawa Island near Picton. We think they may have come from Scotland as a meat source for the whalers. Years ago the island was getting cleared of stock, and someone took the sheep to save the breed. They are elegant and gracious with some of the males Roman looking. They are very self-sufficient and are easy breeders. “The old homestead was built by a Yugoslavian man and is very European with five-metre high ceilings and a lot of features. We designed the vegetable gardens, added chickens and planted trees to improve the property. We work on the permaculture perspective and spend a lot of time to produce from seed. It is about growing the soil first starting with compost to regenerate it. We gather things around the property, including leaves, branches and weeds and put them in a hot compost pile giving our waste new life as it eventually goes back into the garden. Our cut grass is packed around the garden beds to stop evaporation of the soil. “Our two cows, 70 sheep and 20 chickens enjoy the property with us. We initially let the chickens free range, but they helped themselves to the garden, so now we have them in moveable enclosures that we rotate. It helps keep the weeds down, and the chickens

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Black Sheep Farm is based on a permaculture system and is run as organically as possible fertilise as they go. We are chemical-free and rarely have any issues — even the sheep live ‘au naturel’. “We have a good strong, stress-free flock here and we sell ewes and lambs if need be for stocking rates. We have a few white sheep for fun, and they cross with the black ram but still have white lambs although once we had a white ewe birth twins — one black and one white, that was amazing. “We love Country Homestead at Black Sheep Farm. All our jams, breads, cakes and croissants are made by us. We bottle fresh produce, make our own

yoghurt, cheese and other delicacies. We host guests from Europe, America, England, Scotland, Canada, Chili and beyond. They come to experience the farm life and enjoy the lush greenery, beaches, native bush and birdlife. “International tourists come thinking they can see sheep everywhere like kangaroos in Australia. However, it isn’t like that any more as a lot of farms converted to cattle or the sheep are high up in the hills. It gives them the chance to interact with quirky sheep and having black is an extra bonus.”

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January 2020

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

2020 vision by Matt King, Member of Parliament for Northland

Using the new year as a time and a launchpad to resolve to do something to improve our lives or those of others makes perfect sense. That is, after all, why we call them New Year’s Resolutions. A new year brings new beginnings and new hopes; let’s grab them while we can. However — there is a problem. We can’t always keep to them. An article I read yesterday said that by January 12 most of us had largely dispensed with them. However, they were fun while they lasted — right, and there is always next year. I wonder what resolutions the government has for 2020. I imagine one of them is to survive through to the election. I can’t imagine they would dare have many more, given the litany of broken promises and failed objectives that constitute a failed experiment based more on long-held and archaic ideological concepts instead of sound, rational thought and expert advice. I believe the country now sees that. The government may, of course, have resolved to ‘do better’, given

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their report card suggests strongly — that they need to. Nevertheless, I don’t hold out any great hope there. The core skills are not apparent, and in 2020, there is a singular lack of vision. So I think the country will stumble along blindly until it can get to the next election and the opportunity to make real and constructive change. That is what I have set my sights on, and I know that is what the National Party is working toward. We are buoyed by the fact that there is a growing call for change, and this is even before we have rolled out many of our major, and visionary, policies. I am looking forward to 2020. I think it will be a great year and certainly a busy one. It is also the start of a new decade and unlike the short-sighted ‘Year of Delivery’, a resolution by the Labour Party that lasted until the proverbial January 12, it will be a Decade of Delivery under a new and confident National government.

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Supporting forestry sector One Billion Trees Grants and Partnership Funding continued to support New Zealand’s forestry sector and regions, funding $42.55 million across 42 innovative projects during 2019. Te Uru Rakau’s acting deputy directorgeneral, Sam Keenan, says 228 grant applications were received in the year to November 30, with $22.2 million approved for 10,758.4 hectares of new planting. “To date, approximately 17,056,165 trees comprised of 9,785,067 native and 7,271,098 exotic trees have been funded.” A key aspect of many of the One Billion Trees-funded projects is reliable science, which is why $499,321 has been funded to AUT’s Living Laboratories Project for research about integrating native canopy tree species like rimu within agricultural landscapes, while $376,850 has been funded to Manaaki Whenua — Landcare Research to build understanding about how New Zealanders perceive forestry. “Tane’s Tree Trust has received $165,863 to devise ways of upscaling cost-effective planting and native forest reversion. Funding of $100,000 is enabling New Zealand Plant Producers Incorporated (NZPPI) to develop industry standards to reduce the risk of spreading pests and pathogens through plant production systems, while a further $39,500 has been granted to NZPPI’s New Zealand Nursery Practice Guidelines Project, so experienced nurserymen and scientists to share expertise.

“One Billion Trees Grants and Partnership funding has funded Waikato Regional Council $800,000 to expand its Riparian Restoration project programme, improving the region’s water quality by integrating trees into farm settings. Tararua District Council has also been funded $145,000 for its decision support tool that gives landowners information about planting options on farms and to strategically plan future forestry in the area. One Billion Trees has contributed funding of $95,000 to lay the foundations for Rotary’s 100 Forests of Peace and Remembrance Project too. “Anyone who is keen to find out more about One Billion Trees Grants and Partnerships funding should visit the Te Uru Rakau website for more information. Summer is a great time to prepare an application for 2020,” says Mr Keenan.

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Effluent and soil properties

Farmers agree there is an absolute need to work together to address water quality needs and achieve the objectives of the government-initiated National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. “Dairy effluent can be a great resource for nutrients, but if application isn’t managed properly it can also be a significant source of contaminants and nutrient leaching and run-off that can seriously impair the health of waterways,” says sustainable agriculture adviser Bala Tikkisetty. “Soil properties should be weighed up when applying effluent to pasture to maximise nutrient benefits and the protection of waterways. Soil texture and structure determine the amount of water that can enter and be retained within a particular soil, and the rate of transmission of excess water through that soil. “Effluent irrigation systems should be matched to soil properties to minimise run-off and leaching. The rate at which effluent can infiltrate soil must be adequate to avoid run-off into waterways. “The nature of the effluent and cattle treading on soils can affect the infiltration rate. Treading damage, which occurs most when the soils are wet, significantly reduces infiltration rate. It can result in accumulation of effluent below slopes and in intersecting hollows which can then enter surface waterways. “Movement of water through soil pores is described as hydraulic conductivity. When hydraulic conductivity of the soil is low, irrigation of effluent will result in ponding and run-off once

the total water capacity of the soil is exceeded or if application rates exceed infiltration rates. Low rates of hydraulic conductivity are found in soils that are poorly drained, and ponding and runoff often occur with high rainfall. Many of these soils are artificially drained to reduce the incidence of ponding and waterlogging. “Leaching occurs in response to movement of excess water from the soil, meaning soils with lower waterholding capacity are more susceptible to leaching. “Soils with high water-holding capacity (deep silt loams) can store significant quantities of effluent. Most soils have moderate water-holding capacities, soils with low available water-holding capacities are the shallow to moderately deep, sandy or stony soils. “Lower water-holding capacities are the result of restricted rooting depths due to the shallow nature of the soils and high water tables. Effluent irrigation on these soils is likely to result in leaching.” Drainage and the level of biological activity of the soil at the application site are important. “Apply effluent at a rate that keeps it in the root zone so that the nutrients can be utilised by pasture. “Permeable soils with a deep water table and no drainage limitations are

best for putting effluent on. On stony soils, the risk of effluent draining directly to groundwater would be an issue to consider — application depths and rates should be adjusted to account for this risk. “When effluent application rates are higher than infiltration rates, water can enter continuous macropores that are open at the soil surface, and then move very rapidly via ‘bypass flow’ through a relatively dry soil matrix. It means little

opportunity for the water to be retained within the root zone and high leaching of nitrate is likely to occur. “Bypass flow of farm dairy effluent can occur in soils that undergo shrinkage and fissuring during drying, especially when these soils have been previously compacted by treading. “A key to avoiding over-application can be having adequate effluent storage so that irrigation can be deferred if conditions aren’t right.”

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January 2020

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There are so many fly fishing spots to experience right across New Zealand — including Manawatu, Taranaki, Waikato and beyond. We were catch and release people before we came here and still are because we are conservationists at heart. “We release the hook once the fish is caught and resuscitate when necessary by holding the fish under their belly and by the tail and moving them back and forth, so the water goes through the gills. “You move them until they struggle a bit and then you let them swim away. It helps them recover because when they are tired from the fight, they are vulnerable to eels and other fish.” Robert was a fly fisherman when the couple met, and he asked if Denise would like to have a go. “I jumped at the chance as it was a big part of his life. We hired a casting coach to teach me, and I loved the experience. You see amazing countryside, and it is a good sport. Most of the women I have met fishing are from overseas, which is a shame. “When I was in Seattle, I was a member of the largest women’s fly fishing club in the USA with 150 members. I don’t know why I don’t see more women on the stream here. “Hiring a casting coach or attending classes at a fishing club will improve your casting technique. “It is not about how strong you are — it is about what you do and maximising your equipment. We are firm believers in hiring a local professional guide

when fishing in a new area. Their local knowledge is invaluable because they know what the fish eat and where they are eating it, whether on or under the water, are the insects coming up or flowing by. “Always fish in pairs at least as it can be dangerous. You are in waders up to your chest, and if you fall in, they can fill with water. It is not something to be taken lightly, as it is about safety, and after 30 years, I am still learning. “You have to find the individual rod for you because everybody has a different style and joining a fly fishing club means you make friends to go out with. “Releasing keeps the cycle going and if you can’t get the fly out of their mouth just cut the line, and the hook will rust off. “We clamp our hooks slightly, so it is not too harsh on the fish. It is a real thrill to see a fish rise up from the river to take your fly — it is better than a sale at your favourite department store. If you catch a large fish, remember it has lived a long time to get to that size. We believe it is not our right to kill it — a photograph is our reward. “You don’t need to be super fit, but you do hike around a bit. We have seen blue ducks and amazing remote areas. If going on private property, you need to ask permission and shut gates you open and show respect. “We have met the most amazing, kind and generous people. We usually photograph our catch before releasing, and when we do keep fish, mainly if it can’t be revived, we smoke it. It is a

Denise and Robert travel around the country to various fly fishing spots and hire local guides at new locations they visit good sport, and we enjoy going out on adventures together as a couple. For many anglers, this is their time out and a great way to relax. If there are any women

who are interested in learning to fly fish, they can contact their local fishing club or email me at Denisefuentes53@gmail. com.” 1

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES January 2020 ADVERTORIAL

Change signalled in avocado industry Just Avocados managing director, Andrew Darling, says that for the New Zealand avocado industry to be sustainable and profitable in the future, the industry needs a consistent supply of avocados. “The challenge we have is that we haven’t actually advanced in our ability to produce a consistent volume of avocados for 20 years and it is quite concerning. “We also see growers chasing dollars in Australia post-Christmas and not understanding the cost of getting that fruit to that time of year. “Lost fruit, maturing fruit, colouring fruit, fruit quality issues in the market, and most important, impact on return crop. “Until there is a step change in people’s philosophy around harvesting early and the link to better production, the industry will continue to have the same outcomes.” Andrew says there are growers with an early harvest strategy who are using new genetics and applying smarts around tree height, plant growth regulators and fertigation who are producing consistently and are commercially profitable. “Moving forward as the market becomes fuller of fruit from other producing nations, the price point will be lower on the sale and this business will be about scale, volume and managing cost to ensure sustainability of profits.” Just Avocados has a focus on production for the future with its growers (who are spread from the Bay of Plenty

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES January 2020 ADVERTORIAL

Arapohue show sounds great The show of 2019 was a success, with a big crowd, great weather and the committee has been organising to make the 2020 Northern Wairoa A&P Show even better. Once again, thanks to generous sponsorship from Pub Charities, we can offer sideshows for a gold coin donation. It has become a feature of our shows and has proved very popular. Cattle are making a come back this year. It is still not a full competition, because of the threat of M Bovis, but there will be a display of several breeds of cattle. Members of the public will be invited to take part in a judging competition, with prizes at stake. The full range of Young Farmer Activity will again feature with plenty of opportunities for all ages to take part and great prizes and sponsorship on offer. Of particular note, is the fact, that with the assistance of a community grant from Kaipara District Council, we have been able to purchase a pretty good sound system. So we will be able to keep everybody on the grounds informed as to what is coming up and what is on along with music in the background. The ANZ Northland Shearing Competition promises to be a mustsee event. A great spectator sport, as well as showcasing an integral part of our industry. There will be five horse rings in action at once, including the perennially

popular minis, and all the fun of the fair and trading stalls. At Arapohue the skills on display in the indoor section are truly impressive, and it is just amazing some of the produce that residents of this area can grow. Prepare to be inspired. It promises to be a great day out for all the family. So come along and take part as we celebrate all that is good about agriculture and rural communities.

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During the past few months DairyNZ has seen significant improvements in the M bovis programme, and along with their partners MPI and Beef + Lamb remain committed to achieving freedom from this unwanted disease. “I believe it remains vital that we keep up the momentum into 2020, so that we catch and stop the disease quickly. We are constantly working to make sure that the programme is on track, that farmers are supported, and that you are getting value for money,” says DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle. “There is still a risk of infection, and all farmers need to be taking the right steps to protect their herds. NAIT is a vital part of helping us achieve eradication and protecting the sector. Tag every animal, register it into the system, and record every movement between NAIT locations. The NAIT system itself needs improvements, and we’ll be working with our partners in 2020 to support this. “I also encourage you to take a look over the DairyNZ Biosecurity WOF that has simple steps to take to help protect your farm from M bovis and other diseases, pests and weeds.” Biosecurity is about reducing the risk of diseases, weeds or pests entering, spreading or leaving your farm. There are simple steps you can take to help protect your farm, business and

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES January 2020

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January 2020

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Sustainability tops resolution list

Tackling climate change, caring for waterways and reducing the use of plastic packaging, the New Zealand dairy industry, and food producers are grappling with significant challenges around sustainability. “These challenges will continue in 2020 and through the next decade, and decades, to come,” says Fonterra’s Global Director of Sustainability, Carolyn Mortland. “Globally, food production systems are facing a transformational challenge. New Zealand dairy farmers feed around 40 million people globally. As the world grows, food producers will need to find new ways to feed 10

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billion people by 2050. We need to meet these demands while protecting and restoring the environment. It is being driven by consumers becoming increasingly discerning when it comes to the products they buy and the food they eat.” Recent market research found that 75 per cent of millennials, those 20–35 years old, are altering their buying habits with the environment in mind. Thirty-four per cent of baby boomers are willing to change what they buy if it means purchasing more sustainable products. “These present unique challenges for New Zealand food producers and Fonterra is no different. There is no easy or quick fix, so as a co-operative, we are deeply invested in New Zealand’s success and take a long-term view. We are a business built from farms passed down from one generation to the next, and that means ensuring the land and natural bounty of our country are preserved for generations to come. “Agriculture depends upon a stable global climate and is particularly impacted by environmental effects. Our farmers are close to the land and will feel climate change hard. That is why

we have put sustainability at the heart of our co-op’s new strategy. It means doing what is right and expected of us for the long-term. “It means producing dairy nutrition in a way that cares for people, animals and the land, and brings value to our communities. That is not only the right thing to do but has become increasingly important as more consumers choose environmentallyfriendly products. “As a country, New Zealand has got a head start. We are already one of the best and most sustainable places in the world to produce milk. Our farmers can make a litre of milk for 60 per cent fewer emissions than the global average. We are Carolyn Mortland, Fonterra’s Global Director of Sustainability known for producing some of the best food in the world, and By working together and focussing on balancing this production with our ambitious common goals, the power of green, clean reputation. We have got collaboration can find solutions. innovative people working to reduce “With New Zealand’s natural our environmental impacts, from cutting environment and some of the world’s water use through to researching world- most efficient farmers, we are wellleading science to reduce greenhouse positioned to lead change. We must gas emissions. No one can do this find ways to achieve food and agriculture alone. Tackling complex issues like sustainability for New Zealand and climate change, improving biodiversity our export markets. Fonterra doesn’t and freshwater, and addressing plastic pretend to have all the answers. We waste will take a collective effort by have got a long way to go on our own government, local and regional councils, sustainability journey but believe we the business community, scientists, can make positive change. We have iwi, community groups and consumers. committed to doing our bit.”

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES January 2020

The four-day concept

THE SHORT DROP LIMITED

The four-day week discussion is set to accelerate this year, and a number of Kiwi companies are looking to pilot the idea. The initiative was created by Andrew Barnes and Charlotte Lockhart at Perpetual Guardian who say evidence shows very clearly how chasing productivity is good for the business. “Maybe, more importantly, being able to free up time for employees gives them the choice to learn a new skill, spend time with family or do something for the local community,” says FintechNZ general manager and four-day week ambassador, James Brown. “Microsoft in Japan has agreed to trial it, and the United Kingdom government is looking at a 32-hour working week. “How high will this be on the New Zealand Government’s radar, especially with all the conversation around health and wellbeing. 2020 will see more investment from overseas into the UK now that the new government has been elected. “That is particularly good for New Zealand as the first free trade agreement discussions will be with the UK and New Zealand, which will focus on our services offering. “It will really help make fintech a key motivation for us. Now that Brexit is as good as done, the talent who were hesitant about relocating to the UK will

now make the jump so they should see, a sharp jump in talent availability. 2020 will also be the year that fintech truly goes global with the likes of GoCardless, with the global network platform around direct debit. “Others like Transferwise, who recently entered the New Zealand market, will continue to expand into new markets. “Values, health and wellbeing, will become more prominent in the Kiwi conversation and how AI plays a role in diagnosis and tracking a patient.” Green fintech will gather momentum with a large focus on how tech can tackle climate change. “We saw the UK open the world’s first Green Bank in 2019. “Now, New Zealand has a chance to insert some measures and initiatives into the FTA with the UK and help lead the charge. “Conversational AI will be adopted more by large Kiwi companies around customer engagement as we continue to streamline and automate mundane processes. “We will see more collaboration between fintech and incumbents. We have seen examples with ASB Bank

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taking a stake in Trade Window, which is just the start of things to come. “This is an election year, and we will see more investment in infrastructure, which is much needed in this country. “Our agriculture will face challenges with the rise of meatless meats and questions around environmental impact. “Tourism has slowed due to restrictions on overseas investors and environmental challenges around travel. “So, what can help stimulate our economy? The short answer is fintech. We only have to look at New York, London, Singapore and Hong Kong driving the conversation around fintech and its role in economic growth. “It has all taken place because the government, the regulators and industry have all come together for the greater good. “That is what I hope to achieve in 2020 with an industry-wide led initiative around open data. “We must learn from the UK to help drive more competition in a dominated market and provide more transparency to help rebuild some of the trust that has been lost across our financial services sector.”

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January 2020

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Child author releases second book

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One year after publishing her first book The Good Baby and the Bad Hippo, Northland’s eight-yearold Madison Macmillan has published her second book The Good Baby and the Hairy Monster. Madison donates a portion of every book sale to the Northland Rescue Helicopter Service for which she is an ambassador. “Northland’s Rescue Choppers is one of the busiest air ambulance services in the country. My dad works for them, and they work very hard. I donated $750 from the sales of my first book to them last year,” says Madison. “It is important to teach children to call 111 if anyone has an accident because not all children know how to do this. “It is very exciting having another book published. This book is about the shadow of a cat. I love writing adventurous stories. The Good Baby is very funny and has many curious adventures and experiences in lots of places. I am now working on my sixth Good Baby story.” Madison teamed up with Whangarei firefighter and illustrator Adam Anderson for her latest story. It is the first time he has illustrated a book and is now working on more stories in the series. “It has been great fun bringing Madison’s story to life. The Good Baby character has a unique view of the world. She is the product of an eightyear-old’s unconstrained imagination,” says Adam. “The good baby is a great character to draw because it is no big deal that

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Eight-year-old author Madison Macmillan with her second published book The Good Baby and the Hairy Monster

she lives in a cave but owns a steampunk telescope. That is just how it is, and kids love that. The best kid’s stories have the least rules.” To order the books email steve. macmillan@northpower.com. If you would like to win one of two sets of The Good Baby books, find

the five icons representing rescue helicopters around the country. Email the page numbers and publication name with your name and phone number to competition@integrity.nz. Employees of Integrity Community Media and their immediate family members are ineligible to enter. Judge’s decision is final.

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES January 2020

End of the road for Commodore by Andy Bryenton

We grew up together, went to school together, ended up being flatmates for a while in those university days; no surprise, as we both came into this world in 1978. That’s where the similarities between this writer and the Holden Commodore end, however. Nevertheless, I’m only one of the millions who are sad to see it disappear. Holden’s flagship sedan hit the roads as the oil crisis gave way to the decade of excess. However, it was lighter and therefore more economical than its rivals, or its HQ predecessor. New blue series engines came in with the upgrade to the VC Commodore in 1980, with the SS badge returning the year after, and the third-generation VH seeing the debut of Peter Brock’s HDT group one, two and three highperformance packages. Through to the VK and VL generations, motor racing legends were built and consolidated. Many a V8 Commodore was adorned with the stickers and paint jobs of racing icons from the tarmac of Bathurst. Commodores took many of us to school and many more on holiday. Big Commodore wagons were the family hauliers of the day, before the advent of the SUV and the people mover. The shape of the distinctive VR and VS car’s noses, especially in white, can still cause a pang of worry in drivers of a certain age, who have developed pattern recognition in their brains that

identifies them as traffic cops. It all came to an end with the launch of the ZB Commodore just a couple of years ago, with construction moving away from Australia. Now comes the news that the Commodore badge is history, with Holden confirming that both their big sedan and the Astra will be discontinued in 2020. That will leave Holden in a position akin to Nissan, with nothing on offer but SUVs and utes, barring hardcore sports cars. For Holden, this will mean the powerful new midengined Corvette. Arch-rivals Ford, who axed the Falcon badge two years ago, has moved into a different position. With a strong showing for their Fiesta compact, Focus hatch and Focus RS hot hatch, Mustang front-engined sports car and Mondeo sedan and wagon combo. Is the sedan really dead and gone, considering the continuing popularity of powerful European four doors? Only time will tell. Time will be on the side of Commodore collectors, who now own a piece of history.

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January 2020

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

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Regatta fun at Pahi

PAHI REGATTA

by Ann van Engelen

Dating back to 1886, the Pahi Regatta is still going strong with large crowds entertained each year by launch and runabout races, kayak contests, an outboard-powered bathtub competition and much more at the annual Auckland Anniversary weekend. The regatta attracts visitors from Northland, Auckland, and beyond including overseas tourists pleased to stumble onto some genuine kiwi action. “We are extremely proud of the fact that the regatta is still a very successful event,” says committee member Mike Donald. “The weekend includes water-based events, as well as onshore sideshows, carnival rides, beauty contests — anything from Miss and Mrs Pahi, to the ‘best beer belly’ competition, along with the presentation of prizes for winners on the water. “A crowd favourite is the iconic bathtub races and some of the creations people come up with are amazing. That in itself is worth coming along to see. Anyone can enter the races on the day. “The regatta is run by our large team of volunteers with an emphasis on family fun in a safe environment. “The friendly atmosphere is appreciated by all. People can go to the foreshore and have picnics and relax as they watch the races — that is what it is all about. “Last year we held a competition of who could do the biggest bomb off the wharf and other little events mixing things up a bit. After the daytime

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES January 2020

25 & 26 January 2020 Launch and Runabout Races, Miss Pahi, Hot Food Saturday Night Meal Available. Live Music in marquee on both Saturday and Sunday nights.

Free Entry Kayak Races The famous Bath Tub Race

1st Prize — $500 COME AND ENJOY THE NOSTALGIC EXPERIENCE THAT IS THE REGATTA

For further information contact Mike Donald

027 285 1408

or email pahiboatclub@gmail.com

Oi!

Mike Donald

activities, there is entertainment in the big marquee on Saturday night with a hangi meal available along with hamburgers, mussel fritters, bacon and eggs among other foods and

refreshments on sale to help keep hunger at bay during the weekend.” The Pahi Regatta will be held at Pahi Beach on Saturday, January 27 and Sunday, January 28.

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Myrtle rust infected ramarama Roanne Sutherland, Scion

S TS R FORE U O E V LO THEM ECTING T O R P BY

The forest industry’s national surveillance for pests and diseases benefits everyone. The myrtle rust fungus, for instance, is a threat to all of our eucalyptus plantations, native rata ra-ta- and pohutukawa, poand to feijoa orchards. When we keep an eye on our forests, we are also watching out for everyone who has a tree in their backyard, grows crops, or who enjoys a walk in the bush.

January 2020

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Global cars of the year

by Andy Bryenton

There’s been a worldwide trend towards the sensible and forward-thinking in the annual ‘car of the year’ sweepstakes. In a year notable for the nativity of some big horsepower and sporty new generations of classics past, the winners have universally been of a different stripe.

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Take the winner of our own Kiwi Car of the Year, as chosen in December 2019. In a field, which included some major players, including the much-feted Toyota Supra, the winner was Ford’s all-new Focus hatchback — a car well within the grasp of the average motorist. When this latest model of the Focus was launched, Ford was enthusiastic about its combination of economy, performance and safety, and Ford’s spokespeople followed through when it was shortlisted, saying:

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“This all-new generation has the best combination of the well-renowned Focus character, performance all with the latest technology throughout. Being a Top Ten COTY Finalist is further recognition that our Ford engineers and designers in Europe aced it!” In North America, it was a similar story. Ford had reason to anticipate a win there too, with their Mustang continuing to dominate and a Shelby 500 sports model crushing the competition. Chevrolet’s new corvette, the first to mount its engine amidships like a supercar, has also been called ‘sublime’. The winner was the allelectric Hyundai Kona, a small SUV that runs on batteries and originates from South Korea. Finally, the last bastion of horsepower and bombast should surely have been Europe, where the annual Top Gear top ten is awaited with trepidation by the makers of supercars. Their

choice, in a list that included offerings by Bugatti and Lamborghini to name but a couple, was another all-electric car. In this case, the deservingly victorious Porsche Taycan. The name comes from Turkish and means a ‘spirited young horse’, but the Taycan is as far from a horse and cart as one can get in terms of modern tech. It’s been touted as ‘the best way to embarrass a Tesla driver’ with its blistering acceleration. Porsche’s styling department has, for once, hit the nail on the head with a design that echoes the classic 911 while still being original. Three signs, then, of a changing landscape in auto appreciation. There’s certainly more surprises in store for 2020, as the advent of a new decade is sure to make carmakers look ahead with some truly out of the box concepts for this year’s motor shows.

QUAD BIKE SAFETY Wear a helmet. A helmet is a must while riding a quad bike around the farm.

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES January 2020

Northern Rural Marketplace Acraflex Dairy Wall Coatings Colourcrete Dairy Floor Resurfacing System Suitable for repairing damaged dairy floors or slippery areas Bruce Cameron 027 498 8412 / 09 235 8263

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TREE WORK Tree climbing Tree felling Saw milling Firewood cutting & splitting Phone Daron

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

January 2020

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

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Shaw Motorcycles - 111 Cameron Street | 09 438 1183