Northern Farming Lifestyles, January 2023

A new year begins

Welcome to Northern Farming Lifestyles 2023. In this, our first edition for the year, we are

as well as reminiscing through

that we shared

last year.

sharing historical stories from across Northland

articles

with our readers

Here we have Jennifer Rodrigue from Belle Chevre Creamery in Waipū with her Anglo-Nubian goats. Last year Jennifer and her husband Rodger won several awards at the NZ Specialist Cheesemakers Association Champion of Cheese Awards.

FORMERLY KNOWN AS ROBOTECH

Farmers the solution

by Dr Shane Reti, National MP

Last month I was across both nationwide and local agricultural expos, and there were a number of similarities.

Issues Board

The first expo was Fieldays at Mystery Creek in Hamilton. The day I was there, the stallholders were busy with a good turnout. I was wearing my National Party jacket, which gave people permission to stop and talk as I made my way across the site to the National Party stand. The conversations had broadly common themes: concern for the future, concern for the economy, concern for the impact of He Waka Eke Noa.

The stand had an issues board where people placed a blue dot around a list of five concerns, such as law and order and

Party stand, we also had an issues board with the five categories being economy/ cost of living, housing, health, education, environment, and law and order. We have had a lot of ram raids and burglaries of local businesses in Whangārei recently. I thought this would be the top issue. However, by quite some way, it was the economy and cost of living, followed by health, and then law and order.

Both of the issues boards underpinned conversations with hundreds of people who are finding it really hard to make their way at the moment. They see policies

health. We asked people to select the one issue that worries them the most. By an order of magnitude the Fieldays crowd had selected He Waka Eke Noa.

The second event was our own Whangārei A&P show at Barge Park on Saturday, December 3. It was a marvellous day and very successful. At our National

such as Te Pukenga, Three Waters and the Health Reforms as further evidence of “Wellington Knows Best”.

People expressed grave concern for He Waka Eke Noa and afforestation. National backs farmers and the agricultural sector and sees them as the pathway to solutions, not a pathway to the problem.

“I was wearing my National Party jacket, which gave people permission to stop and talk as I made my way across the site to the National Party stand.”

by Andy Bryenton

2, 3 and 4 this year, following two years of unavoidable Covid disruption. With a green light for 2023, the agricultural sector leaders will gather to display their latest innovations in Dargaville.

The main attraction for many is the chance to talk face-to-face with leaders in genetics, feed and pasture, farming machinery and agricultural technology. For others, the Northland Field Days is a festival allowing some family time and a chance to celebrate the resilience and success of the sector.

This year, alongside all of the options to talk farming science and tech, there will be plenty of fun to add spice to the long-running three-day event.

Organisers have assembled a list of sports, challenges and demonstrations to make a visit to the Awakino Point site as exciting as it is informative. These include the return of lawn mower racing, which is sure to attract a spirited crowd, and a grid of ‘mower maniacs’ out to claim the trophy of king of the lawn.

Then there’s the massive horsepower of the tractor pull, where monster machines

be able to see sheep dog trials, fire brigade rescue demos and more. There

will be a bouncy castle, slides and a mobile farm of friendly animals for the young ones, massive market stall areas, gourmet street food trucks and music for the grown-ups.

Northland Field Days roars to life on March 2, 3 and 4, with the tractor pull once again pitting the toughest machines on the turf against each other in a gruelling test and their drivers face off, and the logger sports, the ultimate challenge for the masters of the axe and saw. Patrons will also

Seizing opportunities to grow our economy

by Willow-Jean Prime, MP for Northland

With countries worldwide facing economic challenges, our plan to position New Zealand globally as a great place to visit, trade with and invest in is essential to the financial security of families here in Northland.

As part of this work, the prime minister recently led a business delegation to Asia to advance our ambitious trade agenda and seize new opportunities to grow New Zealand’s economy. While overseas, she announced a new free trade agreement upgrade with the Association of South East Asian Nations and Australia.

This upgrade is really good news and builds on our strong record backing Kiwi businesses and Northland’s exporters. We’ve already concluded four free trade agreements, including major deals with the United Kingdom and European Union, and made upgrades to existing agreements, including with China.

We’ve also seen Kiwi agricultural exports reach a record $53 billion, boosted by the return of tourists proving our goods and services remain in high demand. In fact, the latest figures show that there’s been a big uptick in the number of tourists

On top of being a positive indicator of the strength of our economy, the return of tourists is great news for Northland businesses. More money being spent boosts our regional economy, and working holidaymakers will help address some of the skills shortages we’re facing.

A century plus three

by Ann van Engelen

Born Isabella Munn at her family homestead in Kāretu, Northland, on April 3 1919, Isey still lives with her sons James and Gavin at the farm she brought with her husband Charles in Kawakawa. “I enjoyed making the James and Isey movie celebrating my 100th birthday,” says Isey.

“My secret to a long life is, be happy — don’t worry, be happy. I spent most of my childhood up the road at Kāretu. My grandmother was

“I met my husband Charles on the dance floor up the road at Te Haumi Bay. He was a fisherman, and we would catch herring, thread them on a string of flax and sell six for 2/6 pence to people from Te Haumi Bay to past Moerewa.”

celebrated turning 103 years old on April 3 2022

Many Northlanders celebrated the James and Isey star Mrs Isey Cross turning 103 years old last year.

Hira Hemi Moewaka Kepa. Kepa is Māori for Kemp. She was the daughter of Captain Kemp, who came over on the sailing ships and lived in Kemp House at Kerikeri.

Willow-Jean Prime with Minister Meka Whaitiri returning to Aotearoa as we head into summer.

A shearers’ world

by Ann van Engelen

Toa has been honing his skills since returning to the competitive circuit when he returned home from Australia in 2017. His grandfather and father were shearers, and Toa went into the career from school because he really enjoys everything about the job.

“Being the youngest in the family, I was the keenest to follow in dad’s

footsteps and am the only one left doing it,” he says.

“I returned to New Zealand because I felt it was time to come home to my mum’s family here in Kaiwaka. I have a shearing run with my team and like to encourage people that want to get into shearing to go for it. I travel across the country with my job, and every week I am somewhere different.”

Keeping tradition alive

by Ann van Engelen and Verena Pschorn

We learned that the Northern Wairoa Agricultural & Pastoral Association is heading into its 129th year, with the next A&P Show coming up on Saturday, February 11.

The association is looking for volunteers to support the event. Richard Alspach, president of the Northern Wairoa Agricultural & Pastoral Association, has been a farmer for most of his life.

“I have spent the best part of the last 50 years representing and advocating on behalf of rural communities,” he says.

“A&P Shows are a reflection of our communities, and without volunteers, there wouldn’t be any shows. Volunteering at the Arapohue A&P

Show means becoming part of our rural community. They are a history lesson, a celebration of the community in which they reside, a harvest festival, and they can be a training and networking ground. Arapohue is still a very traditional show, but the shows do change with the community they are in.”

To volunteer, visit the Volunteering Northland Facebook page, go to volunteeringnorthland.nz or phone 09 945 4984.

The horse section of the

Shows is a well-supported event

We celebrated with Kaiwaka shearer Toa Henderson and the team from Northland, who placed well at the recent Rotorua Agrodome Shears competition.

Training to save lives

by Ann van Engelen

“I live on the family farm at Waipū Cove and love helping my grandfather with the farm chores,” says Ava.

“There is no place I would rather be than living the farm life and being involved in surf life saving. It is an amazing lifestyle. My mum Rowan and I are both involved in surf life saving. I joined with my friends because we want to become lifeguards. My best

friend Laura Manning’s mum Kath is our coach.

“Laura and I are rookies, which means we are in Nippers training to be a lifeguard. Nippers is from four years old and really helped build my water confidence. I still remember the first time I went into the surf. I was really nervous, but one of the older lifeguards stuck by my side the whole time to make sure I was OK.”

Farmers support farmers

by Ann van Engelen

The trust is calling for people to join the team of AgFacilitators, a critical part of support services provided to rural communities in the North of Auckland through to Cape Reinga as they face both individual challenges and extreme climatic events.

“My husband Troy and I contract milk 820 cows west of Whangārei in a split calving system,” said Michelle.

“I love the lifestyle of farming, living off the land and with the animals as

well as the opportunities farming gives our family. I became a Rural Support Trust AgFacilitator to help support the community I was living in with my occupational therapist skills and ag knowledge.

“I enjoyed helping people through tough times by giving them extra tools for when things get hard or out of rhythm. Rural Support Trust is our own people helping our own communities.”

Ava training with other surf life savers Millie Backhouse, Samantha Trist and Laura Manning

Michelle and her husband Troy are currently contract milking 820 cows

In September, Michelle Ruddell talked about the Northland Rural Support Trust and how AgFacilitators work directly with rural people in need.

Our northernmost town

by

North young man’ was the cry after the turn of the 20th century as Kaitāia began to emerge from a rural community

on agriculture first established by Ngāti Kahu and Ngāti Kurī tribes but the region was certainly visited, if fleetingly, by European influence many years before pioneer settlement.

As evidence, the Far North Regional Museum holds a great iron anchor, which was lost off the coast in December 1769 by the French explorer Jean François Marie de Surville.

The Te Rarawa leader Nōpera Panakareao invited missionaries into the area and the land made available for purchase once held six pā. At the mission station, established in 1833 by Joseph Matthews and William Puckey, 61 chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi on 28 April 1840. Two early churches were replaced in 1887 by St Saviour’s Church. In its cemetery are the graves of the two missionaries and Nōpera.

Settlers in the Northland region began to dig kauri gum to be used in the manufacture of varnish and linoleum.

Gum digging was most profitable in the years between 1870 and 1935. Thousands of diggers were engaged in the business at its peak around 1900. They worked the gum mainly in wetlands and swamps where there had been ancient kauri forests. Around 450,000 tons, worth £25 million, was sent to Britain or North America between 1850 and 1950.

In the early Kaitaia years, Māori assisted with building, planting and road-

making and grew wheat and food crops. They took their produce to Auckland markets in their sailing ship, the Fairy. A few Europeans arrived in the 1850s, and settlement expanded rapidly between 1870 and 1900, when kauri-gum diggers, including many from Dalmatia, set up.

The Yugoslavian Social Club is a legacy of the district’s gum-digging days, as are the many Dalmatian surnames, sometimes held by descendants of Māori–Dalmatian unions.

Milling and flax made Kaitāia the Far North’s commercial centre by 1900 and the northernmost town in New Zealand. In the 1920s, promotion of settlement began in earnest. Kaitāia was long dependent on the small river port of Awanui, seven kilometres north, from where scows took kauri and gum down the Awanui River and out through Rangaunu Harbour.

A proposed rail link stopped at Ōkaihau, 73 km south-east. The growth of farming and forestry, together with better highways and an air service from 1947, improved links with other settlements and regions. The local economy has been supported by forestry, vineyards, fruit growing, and arts and crafts businesses.

Paul Campbell

Kaitaia has expanded rapidly since this photo was taken from the air in the 1950s

Helping protect community

by Ann van Engelen

In March, Ross Beddows, the Kaitāia Volunteer Fire Brigade deputy chief fire officer, told us why he joined the fire service at 20 years old and still encourages others, especially the younger generation, to take up the challenge.

“I grew up in Kaitāia and moved to work at the Kauri dairy factory near Hikurangi when they closed the Awanui factory,” says Ross.

“The Hikurangi Fire Brigade was recruiting volunteer firefighters who did shift work as they needed people available in the daytime and a work colleague recommended I join. It was a good way to meet people and help the community.

“My wife Bronwyn and I came home to Kaitāia in 2005, and I transferred to the brigade here. Kaitāia is a very busy brigade with more than 400 calls per year. If you would like to join us, check

out your local brigade’s Facebook page or fireandemergency.nz website.”

Missions from above

by Ann van Engelen

help us continue providing these services and ensure the security of the Home’s future, please consult your lawyer.

If

WHY DONATE TO SWITZER?

Finishing his schooling years at Kaitaia college in 1979, Lance then followed in his dad Max’s footsteps as a rescue chopper pilot. “Dad owned the first Northland Rescue Helicopter back in 1989,” says Lance.

“In 1990, dad started the Northland Emergency Services Trust Rescue Helicopter in Whangārei with his Bell Jet

Ranger helicopter. It is very satisfying being part of an organisation that provides an important community service.

“Every mission has to be a team effort, and we have a brilliant team. The Northland Rescue Helicopter is one of the most cohesive operations that I have ever worked with.”

Memorial Trust bank account: 12 - 3096 - 0203868 - 00 (ASB) Include ‘Donation’ as your reference. Let us know so we can send you a receipt: Email: reception@switzer.org.nz or Call: 09 408 1480 You’re welcome to visit us and personally bring your donation to Switzer Residential Care if you prefer. We are located at 71 South Road, Kaitaia

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Northland Rescue Helicopter senior pilot Lance Donnelly told us last May of his love for flying choppers and being an integral part of an extremely cohesive operation.

Lance says the Northland Rescue Helicopter is one of the most cohesive operations he has worked with

Joshua Puckey dampening down after a big scrub fire at Ahipara in January with two other firefighters watching

The hub of the north

by Paul Campbell

The Far North administration is centred on Kaikohe, a Ngāpuhi settlement rich in history and which began to change and develop when a rail link south was made in 1914 and dairy farming developed.

The town was originally called Opanga. In the nineteenth century the village was raided by a rival tribe and after a battle fugitives subsisted on berries among the kohekohe groves on Tokareireia (Kaikohe Hill). After this incident the place became known as Kai kohekohe and this in turn was later shortened to Kaikohe.

European influence arrived in the area when the Rev. Samuel Marsden and party passed through the district in October 1819. Marsden also visited Kaikohe in 1837. Some years earlier the village had

been converted to Christianity by Ripi, a lay mission worker. The district was the scene of fighting during the first Maori War. Paramount among protagonists, Hone Heke settled in Kaikohe after fighting ceased and died there in 1850.

After the first world war returned servicemen settled in Kaikohe and its surrounding area and then in the second world war it was a strategic base for an American army hospital and air force bomber unit. Today some of this history is presented at Kaikohe’s pioneer village and museum.

Squire Funeral

Kaikohe’s main street photographed in 1918

Alleviate injuries — get back to work faster

Working on a farm poses numerous risks, from dealing with large animals and machinery to traversing slippery or uneven terrain. The risks associated with these activities can lead to musculoskeletal injuries, including soft tissue injury, fractures and dislocations.

As farmers are generally their own main asset, injuries can seriously impact workload capabilities and livelihood. That’s where the support of a physiotherapist becomes invaluable, as they can often help to alleviate injuries and get you back to work faster.

For more than 15 years, Bodyworks Physiotherapy & Wellness has been dedicated to helping the farming community of Kerikeri and surrounds. Its experienced team of therapists provides the highest level of care for a range of musculoskeletal injuries via customised rehab plans, exercise, and specially selected treatment techniques to help speed up recovery.

Modalities such as massage, acupuncture, joint mobilisation, strapping techniques and exercise

prescription are just some of the treatment techniques utilised by Bodyworks’ physiotherapists to help alleviate pain

and swelling and improve function. Its team is also skilled at providing useful advice on movement strategies suited to your working environment that can help to reduce pain further and prevent future injuries from reoccurring.

Don’t let your injuries slow you down on the farm. Make an appointment with your local Bodyworks physiotherapist and bene t from their contribution towards getting you back on track.

Bodyworks Physiotherapy & Wellness is located at 2/7 Homestead Road in Kerikeri, alongside Northland Pathology and across the road from The Doctors Kerikeri.

Bodyworks Physiotherapy & Wellness has been dedicated to helping the farming community for more than 15 years

The journey north

by Amy Fifita

“Originally, family members and others in the industry in about 1992 began to import Wagyu genetics into New Zealand,” said Malcom.

“You couldn’t import animals; you could only import embryos. We’re seeing more interest in Wagyu than five or 10 years ago. My late friend, Michael McCool, was one of the original pioneers of the Wagyu breed in New Zealand. My herd was bred up from a

Friesian base using AI. In 1994, we first acquired Wagyu-Friesian cross heifers. They were black, and they looked like Wagyu. Apart from a few full-bloods dotted around the world, exported from Japan as embryos, the only full-blood Wagyu cattle existed in Japan.”

In 2015 Malcom and his wife, Chari, created the NZ Wagyu Breeding Association Incorporated website, where he is the president.

Smoking fine delicacies

by Ann van Engelen

Kerry Le Gallais of Big K’s Cheese told us how growing up in Northland gave many different life experiences, including tasting smoked cheese in recent years,

“My wife Lynnette and I tried some smoked cheese for the first time five years ago,” says Kerry.

“We really liked it, and Lynnette thought I would be able to master making my own. I experimented, and one day Lynette said I needed to start selling it instead of giving it away.

“My first cheese was a mild, Edam and a Colby, and I started going to the Hikurangi market. I went from there to

Tūtūkākā, Hatea Drive in Whangārei and the Old Packhouse Market in Kerikeri once a fortnight. We have the A Grade council approval.

“I love teaching people about what the different cheeses are. I think it is really important for people to catch up with friends and family, especially if you live in the country. Having dinners and BBQs where you can have nice food is always good for the soul.”

Malcom’s farm wraps around part of Pouērua behind him in this photo, a mountain of spiritual significance to the Ngāpuhi iwi

Malcom Collier shared how he started breeding Wagyu in 1994, something he became interested in after his family got involved in the early years of the breed coming into New Zealand.

which became a passion.

Kerry Le Gallais turned an enjoyment of tasting smoked cheese into Big K’s Cheese after perfecting his recipes

A city is born

by Paul Campbell

Northland settlement sprang from the giant trees that first met the Māori voyagers and later provided the livelihoods of early visitors, first from itinerant seamen and adventurers and then settlers seeking new lives.

Whangārei was born in this era as kauri trees and kauri gum provided the means of development. Settlements grew in the north and elsewhere in the country as harbour and river ports, dependent on the north’s coastal shipping fleet for transport and communication.

Settlers set up stores to supply goods and services. By the end of the 19th century, timber towns began appearing in

inland areas. Over the region as a whole, however, settlement remained scattered and sparse while Whangārei grew.

The areas of felled forest steadily expanded in the 19th century, and shipbuilding developed. Tramways, bullocks and river dams took the felled logs out to local mills or ports for shipping to Auckland. By 1900 timber from the north supplied many of Auckland’s mills.

The first European settler in the Whangārei area was a Scotsman. William Carruth, a trader who arrived in 1839 and was soon joined by Gilbert Mair later to become a figure of note in the New Zealand story. Relations between the settlers and local Māori were friendly. However, in February 1842, settler farms were plundered in revenge after European settlers, perhaps in ignorance, breached local tapu provisions.

In April 1845, during the Flagstaff War, settlers fled from Whangārei. By the mid-1850s, there were a number of farmers and orchardists in the area, and Whangārei began to grow. With industry contributing to progress in the following years, from 1855, the town developed from the current Town Basin area. More substantial progress came with the establishment of coal production from Whau Valley, Kamo and Hikurangi. Fire bricks made from clay deposits near the

Whangārei was the most urbanised area in Northland towards the end of the 19th century but grew slowly in the 20th century. The district slowly exhausted most of its natural resources but was sustained by agriculture, especially dairying. Shipping was the main transport link until the North Auckland

railway line reached the town in 1925, and the road from Auckland was not suitable for travel in poor weather until 1934. This then resulted in a shipping decline and provided the impetus for the town to grow as the service centre for Northland.

The second half of the 20th century brought the establishment and expansion of the now-closed oil refinery at Marsden Point, with Northport now a focus of future proposed development.

Flashback: Limestone Island cement works were a foundation for Whangārei’s growth

Kamo mines supported brick works then limestone was quarried at Hikurangi, Portland and Limestone Island to produce cement.

A sanctuary of lotus

by Ann van Engelen

International move success

by Ann van Engelen

Soenke and Antje Paarmann celebrated winning the 2022 Northland Share Farmers of the Year at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.

“I was always interested in gardening as a child and would beg my mother to have a section of garden as my own,” says Pauline.

“Hugh and I moved to Parua Bay in 2001. One day, Hugh brought me some lotus seeds, as he knows I love experimenting with new things. I knew nothing about them, but I managed to germinate some seeds. They are amazing

and are a completely different family from the water lily. The lotus starts growing in mud, and it is a very messy job to plant them in ponds.

“Lotus sits above the water, and the leaves repel water when it falls on them. It runs off like little pearls due to the hairs on the leaf surface. When water is on the leaf, it is stunning.”

The couple moved from Germany to become dairy farmers and pursue their love of working on the land and caring for the animals in their lives.

“Soenke and I enjoy working outdoors and with animals and saw opportunities in New Zealand that we wouldn’t have had in Germany,” says Antje.

“Neither of us had farming in our family, but Soenke grew up in a farming village, and my family stayed

on a farm and helped during school holidays. When we came to New Zealand, walking through our own herd in our first sharemilking position was a great moment.

“Our cows are our biggest asset, and we look after them in the best possible way. We believe it would be great to show the general public what a fantastic industry it is and how we support each other to get ahead to achieve our goals.”

Pauline and Hugh Rose showed us through Land of the Lotus, their lotus plant haven that they created in purpose-built ponds at their Maungatapere property.

Pauline began her adventure with lotus plants when her husband Hugh gifted her some seeds

The Paarmanns were named the 2022 Northland Share Farmers of the Year at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards

by Ann van Engelen

“We work with various land owners and support them with their goals to eliminate pests on their properties,” says Rolf.

“The biosecurity team can support people on how to make a plan, set the traps and source the correct materials they may need. One family I have helped is the Macmillan family in Pipiwai.

“The family has native trees, birds and grows various heritage fruit trees, and eliminating the pests will help protect the orchards. Between March 25 and July 6 the family had collected

more than 472 possum kills with the traps. Farmers like the Macmillans are doing incredibly well.”

Steve Macmillan says throughout his entire life, he was encouraged by his parents and elders around the district to make the most of what nature offers, and utilise, nurture and give back to the environment.

“That is because the land is our income and our future, so it is in our interests to look after the environment. Everything good we do for the environment adds up.”

Rolf Fuchs and Madison Macmillan with some of the possums the team have eradicated from the Pipiwai property

Northland Regional Council’s Rolf Fuchs explained how the council supports biosecurity on farms through various programmes targeting environmental pests.

Fired up for cooking alfresco

Here are our top tips for making the most of cooking alfresco this summer. Be prepared

When you first uncover your barbecue, do a quick check of the legs and wheels to make sure they’re in good condition. Check the LPG bottle is still tted properly. For charcoal models, ensure your leftover wood chips and briquettes are still nice and dry.

Spray the grill with a cleaner, give it a good scrub and then re up the bbq for 5–10 minutes before you start cooking to burn off any residue.

If your current barbecue is looking a bit past its best-by date, summer is a good time to get a new one, with plenty of stock and model varieties in store.

Make sure you have all the accessories you need too. Top of our list is the iGrill meat thermometer, ideal for cooking pork, chicken or lamb to perfection.

Be adventurous

Barbecues can cook a much wider variety of foods than most people use them for. Try a barbecue breakfast this summer with bacon and eggs, hash browns, and even pancakes cooked on the hotplate. Put the hood down to cook your food faster and create a smokier taste, which many people prefer. You can also cook pizzas and even bake deserts this way too.

If you really want to get adventurous, try an outdoor re that can cook your food while providing warmth and ambience as well. There are many styles, including options that are standalone, built-in with bricks, or kitset surrounds you can build yourself. One of our favourites is the Ecsea Outdoor Fire Table, a circular table with a cool outer edge to sit at and a re pit in the middle for cooking, roasting marshmallows and keeping you warm once the sun goes down.

We hope these tips help you and your family enjoy cooking outdoors this summer.

Gatmans has a range of gas, charcoal and electric Weber models available.

Gatmans has a range of gas, charcoal and electric Weber models available

Summer is a great time for alfresco dining

A town’s claim to fame

by Paul Campbell

A town that has made its mark in many years of history, Warkworth has its roots in 1843 when an early settler purchased the area and named it for his English birthplace.

Many historical milestones, though, have been recorded up until almost the present day, with technology placing a firm stamp on the community.

More of that later in this article, with the first events being in the 19th century as shipbuilding developed with timber from the kauri forests. The location of Warkworth was known by Māori as Puhinui, and the waterfall is known as Puhinui Falls.

When the government surveyed the land and offered it for sale, John Anderson Brown purchased 153 acres, and his daughter Amelia, a further 81 acres. Brown then surveyed the land into allotments where streets such as Lilburn, Alnwick, Neville, and Bertram were named. Six months later, in May 1854, the allotments were offered for sale.

Bridge House Lodge, established on the site of John Brown’s home next door to the Warkworth Bridge, is the oldest surviving building today.

Settlers also developed orchards on land too poor for crops — one of these with 250,000 trees. Another important industry was Nathaniel Wilson’s Cement Works, to produce Portland cement to build a growing Auckland and other towns.

Later, orchards were turned into dairy and sheep farms. As coastal land

values have soared, farms have been redeveloped as wealthy housing estates or replaced by vineyards, deer and other small farms with a lifestyle ethic.

Warkworth came to national and international attention when technology advanced. New Zealand’s main satellite communications station was established just south of Warkworth in 1971.

Film of the first satellite television link from outside New Zealand came from NHK Tokyo, Japan’s national public broadcaster. The New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation was then New Zealand’s public broadcaster, and it received pictures of Japanese dancing, but the eight millimetre silent film was not transmitted publicly.

Now, compact satellite dishes adorn most buildings and homes in the country, and big dishes have faded into their own sector of history. In 2000 the new Southern Cross Cable across the Pacific captured 80% of the country’s voice traffic, and the original TV receptor, Warkworth One, was dismantled in 2008

The site housed a 30-metre dish for the Warkworth Radio Astronomical Observatory. Late last year, it was announced that Auckland University of Technology planned to cut 150 academics and 80 staff members in restructuring it

Among activities listed as facing the chop, being no longer needed

and set for being wound down, was the Warkworth site, perhaps spelling the end of the town’s window on communication fame.

Dr Brian Sloan

General ophthalmology, oculoplastics, cataracts

Dr David Squirrell

General ophthalmology, medical retina, cataracts

Dr Jo Koppens

General ophthalmology, glaucoma, cataracts

Dr Dan Gosling General Opthalmology Glaucoma Cataracts.

Introducing our new Opthalmologist; Dr Dan Gosling has clinic’s in Warkworth on alternate Wednesday mornings.

Dr Rasha Altaie

General ophthalmology, paediatrics, cornea, cataracts

Dr Nadeem Ahmad

General ophthalmology, medical & surgical retina, cataracts

The Warkworth radio telescope may be mothballed. put down to economic pressures and a drop-off in international students.

Farmers helping families

by

by

The best of nature

With 15 years of hairdressing experience and a belief in positive affirmations, Rebecca Johnstone explained how she took an idea to create a natural plant-based hair curl product.

“I was blogging my way out of mental health troubles a few years ago as the YOLOFarmerNZ,” says Wayne.

“The idea was to do something every day for our family during my recovery. One day we took some minced meat to the local food bank and asked them how long it would last. The answer was two to three months. I thought if we donated one cow annually, no one in our area would go

hungry. Then I wondered what it would take to feed other places across New Zealand.

“The project now reaches from Kaitaia to Invercargill. People donate a beast, sheep, deer or lamb through Silver Fern Farms or other meat processors, and we are given a value for the animal. To get on board you can donate a virtual sheep, beast, lamb or deer by contacting us at meattheneed.org.”

“I am a believer in the law of attraction and manifestation and always thank the universe for the things we don’t have,” says Rebecca.

“I enjoy walking in the bush, and one day had the thought to make a hair product to control my curls. Being of Māori descent, I wondered what plants were used in the past, and I found an article about a guy trying to make a fragrance from New Zealand native plants. One photo he had is of an epiphyte that is abundant on our land. I used the plant infused with water, and when the process was complete and on my hair, I immediately loved the control it gave my curls. I had

15

Once Rebecca received the feedback, she began packaging her products, calling her business Mauri Essence Skin & Hair.

Dairy farmer Wayne Langford told us how he came up with a plan to help supply meat to families struggling across the country and Meat the Need was born.

Ann van Engelen

The team at the recent Meat the Need telethon

Ann van Engelen

Rebecca Johnstone loves everything about nature and living off-grid in the bush near Waipū Caves

people of all ages with different hair try my product.”

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If you plan on travelling

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Look out for yourself and others

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If you feel unwell

• If you feel unwell, take a RAT test

• If you test positive, you must self-isolate for 7 days.

• Get antiviral medication if you’re eligible.

Getting help over the summer

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• For any other non-urgent health concerns, call the general Healthline number on 0800 611 116 for free.

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New machine boosts ef ciency

by Just Avocados

The new system has enabled the company to signi cantly increase its throughput and labour ef ciency. Nearly half of Darling Group’s marketable volume is produced in Tapora, Mid North and Far North. This season, 67% of that volume will be packed at Just Avocados.

Its new machine, sourced from France, is a MAF RODA Pomone two-lane sizer. Just Avocados has been running the new technology since the beginning of the 2022–23 avocado season.

Packhouse and cool store business manager Jonathan Baker says the system is unique to Just Avocados. Many other set-ups in the Bay of Plenty are designed for kiwifruit and then altered to suit the avocado season.

“Our machine is purpose-built and dedicated to avocados all year round. We are the only pack house with a water bath in the bin tip area. It is like a presoak that helps to loosen any debris on the avocados before they pass through the water blaster.”

Introducing a camera grading system (Global scan 7) has increased ef ciency versus the previous hand grading and guarantees grading consistency. The new machine was estimated to give

Just Avocados up to a 65% increase in ef ciency. Jonathan says the machine has exceeded this with throughput increasing by 73%.

While the technology has removed a signi cant portion of human interaction

in the handling and sorting process, Jonathan says staff levels have remained the same.

“With training, we have been able to redeploy our staff within the shed to t the new process. The new line has

also assisted in the packing process being more composed and systematic and has helped alleviate staff issues around fatigue. Grower reaction to the upgraded facility has been positive.”

Major site developments were also undertaken to accommodate a redesigned work ow. Just Avocados’ re tted packhouse will be on display during the World Avocado Congress in April.

Darling Group is the major New Zealand sponsor of this international event. It promises to be an exciting way to engage with the latest information on the science, marketing and growing of avocados in a fun environment surrounded by passionate members of the global avocado industry.

Specially priced registrations are still available for growers. Head to wacnz2023.com and register with your PPIN.

Stellar Machinery is family-owned Kiwi business providing forklift solutions to New Zealanders since 1984.

We specialise in rough terrain 4x4 and all terrain diff lock forklifts for all markets across New Zealand.

Avocados ascend to the camera grading system after passing through the unique water bath and upgraded water blaster in Just Avocados’ new MAF RODA fruit handling machine

Darling Group’s Just Avocados packhouse in Katikati, Bay of Plenty, has undergone signi cant change and physical transformation in the past eight months with the commissioning of a new state-of-the-art avocado handling and sorting machine.

“Our machine is purpose-built and dedicated to avocados.”

by Andy Bryenton

Gas and Tyre has teamed up with legendary off-road equipment manufacturers ARB to deliver a winning combination for drivers.

With sites across the north, Gas and Tyre was already ahead of the game in the world of 4x4 adventure, supplying some of the toughest tyres by brands like Maxxis and Mickey Thompson. It seemed a natural extension of their service to farmers, tradies and off-road adventurers to branch out into the realm where ARB has established a legendary name. They are now the new ‘home of ARB’ in Northland.

The ARB story started in 1975 when Australian four-wheel drive enthusiast Tony Brown took a trip through the rugged ‘top end’ of the big red country.

Armed with a Series One Land Rover and a ton of kit, which was supposed to be the toughest in the business, the trek punished both machine and equipment to near destruction. On his return, Tony set out to craft a range of 4x4 accessories that would face the challenge Australia’s merciless outback provided.

Fast-forward to the present day, and what ARB brings to the table alongside Gas and Tyre is a range of off-road equipment forged by experience with the toughest terrain across the Tasman and New Zealand. Those approaching the ARB catalogue with a fresh and

factory- nished ute or SUV are spoiled for choice when it comes to upgrades, both for durability in the back blocks and adventure tourism and daily work.

For those looking to explore the wilderness, there are options to armour up with side rails and steps, bull bars, bash plates and protection for moving parts. There are also mounting points for land anchors and powerful winches to ensure no situation is too muddy or dif cult to drive out of. Those seeking storage can browse roof racks, ute lids, canopies and sliding cargo solutions. There are even powered fridge-freezers to store supplies.

Off-road camping is a growing trend. ARB offers rooftop tents that are a breeze to set up, along with ultimate convenience in the form of a complete fold-and-slide-away kitchen. You can drive the beach, catch a fresh sh dinner and prepare and cook it right there from out of your vehicle. Then there’s lighting, communications, fuel supply and electrics — the list is comprehensive.

Gas and Tyre will bring the ARB difference to all of its locations, making things easier for 4x4 fans across the top end of New Zealand. It will also

premiere some amazing ideas to spark your imagination at the forthcoming Northland Field Days, coming to Dargaville in early March.

Gas and Tyre has joined forces with top off-road suppliers ARB to deliver the complete package for 4x4 fans in Northland

Colonel Bell and the road trip from hell

by Andy Bryenton

There’s a certain kind of dark humour to be had from imagining politicians up to their waists in mud, struggling to move a bogged-down car on the ruined, washed-out road between two small Northland towns.

However, this vision is not from some recent daydream. In 1917, responding to a challenge from passionate Northland promoter Colonel Allen Bell, a large contingent of Wellington’s finest took to the road in early autos, headed for a loop of the ‘top end’. Their experience would go down in history as a gruelling feat of endurance and an introduction of the motor car to the north.

Allen Bell had fought in the Boer War in South Africa, so he knew about bad roads. The military veteran had taken up farming near Kaitaia and was very keen on the progress of his adopted province. He was one of the people credited with changing the name of the area from North Auckland to Northland. Like modern-day advocates of regional growth, one of his big gripes with the government was about roading.

Bell was sick of the dust in summer and the mud in winter, and he challenged parliamentarians to come and see for themselves what was holding back trade and commerce in the north. A large group accepted, including the speaker of the house. Still, being savvy politicians, they picked January 16 to set out, reasoning that the mud would be minimal in a northern summer. Their vehicles were

predominantly early Fords, though other US brands were in evidence in the 33-strong fleet, as well as imports from Europe.

The first obstacle was dust. Choking clouds led to arguments about a rota to break trail. Everyone behind the lead car became caked in powder and had to breathe through a scarf or handkerchief. It was the main issue up the east coast to Kaitaia. However, between there and Ahipara, the rains came, and the mud began. Witnesses to the tour describe members of parliament covered in mud, wading up to their knees or waists in it, pushing cars and trying to tow each other out of ditches. The party bought every rope and chain in Ahipara, and even with all this help, it took six hours to drive the 26 kilometres to Herekino.

A brief respite was had when some of the drivers opened up the throttle on Ninety Mile Beach, hitting an unheardof 60 miles an hour on the hard sand. Then it was back to the mud and a grim procession toward the Hokianga, where several drivers gave up at Kohukohu and took ship for Auckland. The convoy continued down via Dargaville and across to Brynderwyn, then back to the city.

It was a shattering experience for many. The trip, which could be undertaken in a

Conditions like these, and worse, faced the 1917 parliamentary tour of Northland around every corner; still, the politicians were not convinced to fix the roads

day or two with modern roads, took two weeks. Of the 33 cars that started, only 10 reached the finish line. Politicians, journalists and roading engineers were bathed in mud, choked in dust and forced to make repairs on the fly in harsh conditions.

However, Bell’s mission proved unsuccessful in the short term. Just like today, politicians baulked at spending money on Northland roads. It would be

15 years before a paved highway even made it as far as Whangārei. Allen Bell became editor of the Northern Age and expressed in his editorials about a lack of economic development in his beloved province. It’s likely that when he was frustrated by the lack of progress, he could comfort himself with the memory of those parliamentary personages slipping and sliding in the mud on the road from Ahipara to Herekino.