Northern Farming Lifestyles, June 2024

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Hard-hitting changes to resource consent

by Andy Bryenton

Recently, the coalition government made its first move toward replacing the Resource Management Act and the alternatives

government.

Leslie Drainage

“Locally

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Richard Leslie of Leslie Drainage Ltd based in Whangarei has been a drainlayer for around 20 years, following on from his father before him. Northland is his home and he has grown very well known in the area for his vast knowledge of his trade. Together, with his wife Karyn in the office, Leslie Drainage services anywhere between Wellsford through to Cape Reinga.

No job is too big or small and Richard loves to see a job completed properly.

Skilled in all aspects of drainage – subdivisions/commercial, private domestic jobs, farms etc. Septic tank and water tank supply and installation and also custom drainage design. Whether you are building a brand new home, placing a relocatable on a section, adding a cabin, creating a subdivision, driveways, parking areas, landscaping, need a soakage field or just have problems with surface flooding on your backyard, you name it – we can do it.

The so-called RM Bill 1 is packed with good news for farmers. It includes urgent changes to amend stock exclusion regulations relating to sloped land, repeal intensive winter grazing regulations and remove the requirement for councils to chart Significant Natural Areas.

“RM Bill 1 focusses on targeted changes that can take effect quickly and give certainty to councils and consent applicants while new legislation to replace the RMA is developed,” says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop.

“This bill will reduce the regulatory burden on resource consent applicants and support development in key sectors, including farming, mining and other primary industries. These sectors are critical to rebuilding the New Zealand economy.”

The ministers involved say the bill will clarify that, while the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management is being reviewed and replaced, resource consent applicants no longer need to demonstrate their proposed activities follow the Te Mana o te Wai hierarchy of obligations, as set out in the NPS-FM.

“Removing the need for resource consent applicants to demonstrate that their activities follow the hierarchy of obligations will better reflect the interests of all water users,” said Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.

“Cabinet has agreed upon changes to stock exclusion and winter grazing regulations representing a move to a more risk-based, catchment-focussed approach.

“We’re proposing to remove the problematic and contentious low slope map and for regional councils and farmers to determine where stock needs to be excluded, based on risk. The focus is on farm-level and regionally suitable solutions. This will reduce costs for farmers.”

“This announcement will be a relief for many farmers who were faced with an unnecessary regulatory burden and significant on-farm compliance costs. As always, details matter, and we are eager to see the details that follow this announcement,” says Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair Kate Acland.

“Farmers need clarity and certainty to make on-farm investments and changes to their farming systems safe in the knowledge that regulations will be science-based, practical and enduring.

“Farmers have made significant environmental improvements in the last few years by excluding stock from waterways and better managing the risks of winter grazing.”

RM Bill 1 was introduced to parliament in May and passed into law later this year. In the interim, regulations based on Labour-era National Policy Statements may still apply — consult your local council.

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has found his RMA 1 Bill favourably received by many in the rural community

Aquaculture for regional growth

by Andy Bryenton

Shane Jones has introduced a bill into parliament to help aquaculture and marine farming by dramatically reducing the cost and complexity of resource consenting for the industry.

The bill foreshadows a sweeping review of the rules for establishing new aquaculture farms, part of the coalition government’s RMA reform process. In the meantime, marine farmers, including those who cultivate shellfish in the Kaipara Harbour, will benefit from swift, decisive RMA cutbacks.

“The current resource consent process is complicated, costly and time-consuming. Removing this unnecessary red tape through the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Bill will give marine farmers greater confidence to invest in improvements, new technology, species and practices to make them more productive and sustainable,” said Mr Jones.

Currently, there are approximately 1,200 aquaculture farms in New Zealand that need one or more resource consents to operate. The proposed bill will extend the duration of these consents by up to 20 years. Each consent can cost between $20,000 to $100,000 to renew, meaning the New Zealand First minister’s bill could potentially save the industry millions.

Mr Jones opines this is money that will be spent on growth, especially in areas with untapped potential, such as Northland’s harbours, where oyster farming has proven viable but slow to expand. Internationally, aquaculture is an area of rapid growth, providing a highvalue export commodity. Something New Zealand’s maritime farmers are keen to emulate.

“Aquaculture is incredibly important for New Zealand. It provides jobs in the regions and contributes to our export-led recovery. One of my priorities is to remove barriers to the growth of aquaculture,” Jones said.

“Aquaculture generated $575 million in export revenue and employed 3,225 people in 2023. The money the aquaculture industry spends on reconsenting, estimated to be $6 million for 2024 alone, will be much better spent on employing more Kiwis, developing new technology and investing in the future of the industry.”

This latest attempt to slash the red tape of the existing Resource

Management Act is expected to pass into law by July, providing immediate relief to the approximately 200 aquaculture operations that would otherwise require immediate RMA renewals. Looking ahead, an overhaul of the consenting process for new sea farms could unlock the productivity of Northland’s many large, sheltered harbours and inlets.

76% of New Zealanders are concerned about “fake news” and its implications

A new bill proposing to cut resource consenting red tape for aquaculture is currently before parliament

The Riverview Rest Home and Village was established over twenty-five years ago by the Maungaturoto Community Charitable Trust (MCCT) to service the Maungaturoto District.

Originally set up as a sixteen-bed Maungaturoto Rest Home. The complex has evolved to include a newly built 14 bed Specialised Dementia Unit. A residential area adjacent to the rest home offers eleven rental units and fourteen ‘own your own’ villas. A medical Centre, operated by Coast to Coast Healthcare, provides convenient onsite care for all residents.

PRACTICAL AND RESPECTFUL

BY ANN VAN ENGELEN

Philip and Julia Leaf of Brierly Hill in Matakohe are dedicated to caring for the land they are custodians of, ensuring it is kept in the best condition they can for future generations.

“I’m a fifth–generation farmer, and our property has been in my family since 1862,” says Philip.

“Julia and I have raised our family here. It’s 600ha in Matakohe, with 472ha effective, and we strive to improve our farming system through land management and ensuring the wellbeing of our stock is important to us. I’ve worked here since leaving school at 16 years old.”

Philip and Julia took out the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust Biodiversity Award and the Northland Regional Council Water Quality Enhancement Award at the 2024 Northland Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

“We run up to 900 trading cattle at a time, observing the mobs at least every

two days, closely monitoring weight gain to assess stock health. We’ve established our own cell grazing grid, which features up to 32 mobs at any one time.

“Our grid is a variation of intensive grazing with paddocks being put together to suit my typography and trough positions. My average paddock size is just under 0.9 of a hectare. I haven’t gone down the techno system route to involve others to work it out, but I still keep good grass control.

“My system’s still based on what some people do, but being trained by my dad, I’m a bit old-fashioned. I’m not super technical and know a lot of the stuff in my head, but reproducing it on paper for others takes time.”

The property was a monitor farm for three years in the early 2000s.

“I learned a lot being a monitor farm, and that took us into the position we’re in now. The award judges were impressed with the high standards and level of organisation on the property. Our intensive beef business was noted for complementing income derived from harvesting radiata pine, which has been gradually planted across 77ha since 1980.

“The property features 46ha of native bush parcels that thrive alongside our beef system. We want to diversify into other plantings, including more native or other production classes. We also have a strong focus on reducing weeds, along with extensive planting and fencing off waterways.

“We started with the Northland Regional Council planting programme

in the early 2000s, and now use the Kaipara Moana Remediation programme, and they’re fantastic. They cover the consulting, which is extremely helpful, and we’re given valuable information.”

The Leafs have fenced off bush blocks and utilise KMR funding at accredited nurseries.

“KMR desires to fund the local area, so we use Otamatea HarbourCare, which procures trees from the area.

Julia and I are very grateful to have heard about the programme. It’s an amazing opportunity and we encourage others to join.

“You have to want to do what they’re wanting, but it’s still on you to get things done and create a happy place.”

Philip’s knowledge spans sediment capture, mitigating erosion and soil health. He has built strong relationships with

Brierly Hill run up to 900 trading cattle, which are closely monitored

the wider industry and local authorities, which has helped him stay ahead of environmental regulations.

“I think we won the water quality award because I showed the judges some crossings I added that are catching a huge amount of sediment. We position the culverts for soil or sediment catchment areas.

“Julia and I have a strong emphasis on the wellbeing of both family and staff and are keen for everyone to enjoy the benefits of a farming lifestyle. We’re dedicated to farming the land and animals while being the best stewards we can.

“We’re getting pests under control, minimising possums and we’ve been working on weeds. I haven’t blanketsprayed the farm with a helicopter for more than eight years, so we have a very low seed stock of thistles.

“We grub the farm ourselves and it’s manageable with a bit of spot spraying. To me, that’s an animal health benefit. Dad hasn’t been on-farm for the last couple of years, but a big part of his role up to that time was thistles.

“With Leaf as my surname, and my favourite colour being green, I find it’s a nice farm to get around. There is such a variety in the bush that we have. The judges saw the native bush and the different colours of green as aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

“My heritage has always been that I’m a steward of the land, not an owner. We’re here taking care of it so others can enjoy it in the future because I will pass away eventually. We’re well on track to achieve our overarching goal of leaving Brierly Hill in a better condition than when we began our journey here.”

Children and parents from the Otamatea Christian School helping the Leafs plant out as a fundraiser for their school

Philip and Julia with his parents, Bruce and Christine, at the 2024 Northland Ballance Farm Environment Awards

LEADING THE WAY

BY ANN VAN ENGELEN

“Itravel to various parts of New Zealand competing, judging and judging the region judges,” says Murray.

“Several legacies run through my family from farming, cricket and dog trials. I’ve spent more than 45 years attending New Zealand and Island trials. I went to the world championship in Ireland in 2005, which was really interesting, with something like 24 countries competing.”

As a member of the Maungakaramea Sheep Dog Trial Club, Murray is well known for his dog trialling passion, excellence in competition, and involvement as a New Zealand judges’ selection panel member and ambassador for Purina Pro Plan.

“I provide training days with Pro Plan for local dog trial clubs and their communities, sharing my knowledge and expertise to upskill farmers and their dogs.

dog,

“My family has farmed in Maungakaramea for 160 years. We run sheep and beef on 400 hectares of the original farm. I couldn’t do what I do without Kathy’s support. She looks after the dogs when I’m away at events, while our son Dean looks after the farm while I’m away.”

and his

their skills from their father, Ellis.

“Our father was a stalwart in New Zealand dog trialling and a former Auckland and Northern Districts cricketer. Our grandfather, Cyril, was also a keen dog triallist and won a place in the North Island back in 1951.

Murray and his

Brie, after winning the recent Long Head competition in the South Island

Murray

brother Neville learned

Northland Sheep Dog Trial stalwart Murray Child is influential across the country due to his competition successes and sharing of industry knowledge.

Child’s family has farmed in the

“My sons, John and Dean, have also run dogs in trials at different times. Stuart and Hamish, my brother Neville’s sons, are also successful dog triallists, with Stuart just winning the New Zealand Champs in Taranaki this year.

“Sheep are a tourist attraction in the north now, and we are one of the few sheep farms around these days. We have Romney-Coopworth ewes and fatten all the lambs and we also have LimousinAngus cross cows, and sell the offspring as yearlings.

“Dog trialling is still very popular in the south of the North Island and in the South Island where there are a lot of young shepherds. In the north, however, we struggle a bit as we don’t have those numbers, but we promote

it where possible, especially good stockmanship and the welfare of working dogs.”

Murray earned a place in the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Hall of Fame due to winning five New Zealand Titles and his commitment to the sport.

“It wasn’t easy when we first started. We learned through watching the experienced dog triallists and listening to what they said. We didn’t have much success for quite a few years.

“Training dogs is like training children. You have to earn their respect, reprimand them and compliment them when required. It’s all about repetition and consistency. At the end of the day, farm dogs are the best trial dogs. They earn their keep before they compete.

competition

”I love the comradery, travelling around the country talking to people and learning what they do. The sport is very competitive, and to become good is all about practising and setting high standards. We’ve been lucky to have well-bred dogs, and have stuck to a good line.

“I recently won the South Island but didn’t have any luck at the North Island and New Zealand championships in Taranaki. It went extremely well with 270 entries in each event. We now have a lot of young shepherds joining us and the standard has become better over the years.

“Being the North Island ambassador with Purina Pro Plan, I’ve managed 10 training days a year throughout the island for the last five years. People bring their

dogs along, and I try to help them make it better, so stock work is a pleasure, not a chore.

“People can check nzsheepdogs. co.nz for more information and upcoming events. Competing is a great leveller. It’s very similar to cricket. You can get a 100 one day and a duck the next. There’s a bit of luck involved, but if you draw the rogue sheep, it makes it a lot harder.

“I plan to continue both dog trialling and farming. I enjoy meeting up with other people around the country who have similar interests, and there’s a great camaraderie. I believe I’m very lucky because dog trialling and farming go together. Working the dogs every day is part of my job.”

Unit 16, Opua Marine Park Baffin Street, Opua Bay of Islands

Murray

Maungakaramea area for more than 160 years

Murray with other competitors and their dogs at the South Island

THE SPIRIT OF CONNECTION

BY AMY FIFITA

KITSET BUILDINGS

“Waiotira School is special to our community. We don’t have a shop and I feel our community has experienced a connection resurgence after Covid, with the pony club, golf club, hall and school going strong,” said principal Jess Southee.

“Our gardens took off after we began our school centenary preparations in 2022. When researching the school’s history, we were reminded about owning the paddock on the original school site.

After rediscovering the former Waiotira School site, the students and teachers were inspired to grow their māra kai nui (big food field) and share generosity within their community.

The staff have strong roots in the community, and all have children attending the school

“We discovered a special kauri tree growing at the original site, and former students still in the area relayed a story from seven decades ago.

“There were naturally-grown kauri trees that a couple of boys decided to cut down to craft into a bow and arrow. The boys replanted six kauri trees, but all of the trees died. However, one of the original stumps started growing again.

“It is a cool history story. One of our newer pupils is a seventh-generation community member, and one of his family members cut the original trees.”

Northland Regional Council representative Liam came to the school to discuss kauri dieback and confirmed the tree grew correctly to back up the

story — the kauri split off, resulting from significant trauma.

“It fits the time bracket, too, as he estimated the tree is about 70 years old. After discussing creating a community garden with the students and community, we reclaimed the paddock by planting fruit trees and installing an apiary.

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Love the life you choose

“A student’s dad built a mobile pātaka kai from recycled materials and bike wheels the children donated. That started us thinking about gaining more community engagement, so we filled the mobile pātaka kai with plants, honey and kawakawa balm.

“We invited our community to share any surplus fruit and vegetables and ask for either a koha or a produce swap. Whatever we get, we feed the children first and offer the rest to the community.”

The former railway community consists of farmers and lifestyle block owners, many of whom have donated fruit trees to the garden. Amanda Ball and Lisa Hamilton also teach at the school and on the māra kai nui.

“I have taught at Waiotira on and off for the past decade in the senior classroom. Two of my daughters have gone through the school, and I have my third girl there now,” said teacher Lisa Hamilton

“Our junior teacher Amanda Ball has two daughters here. Our teaching staff is very connected to the school, and one of our ambitions, since before Covid, was to strengthen our connection with our community.

“We learnt during the lockdowns that Waiotira is quite isolated. We are reinforcing cooking and basic rongoā, and the community has been awesome and come on board with our māra kai nui.

“Our māra kai nui is in its early stages. The community has been great with donations and garden mahi. They also support us by sharing their knowledge.”

The principal, Jess, recognised her connection to the area through the Waiotira whanaunga (ancestor) chief Manukau. She feels more aligned with the area because of her ancestry and her husband’s family being in the community for more than 40 years.

“Mark, my husband, and his siblings came to this school, and I have taught here

for a decade intermittently. We live on a beef and sheep farm with our four daughters — Leah, Ivy, Pippa and Carly,” said Jess.

“We are in an interesting place. Many people think we are on Ngāpuhi land,

STEVE WOOD CONTRACTING

but we are located on the Ngāti Whātua side, as my ancestors who came up to Waikiekie and Waiotira are from Kaipara. It is exciting because I am Ngāti Whātua and my family are Te Uri o Hau from Poutō.”

The ARG Lab 24

From May 17 to May 25, Te Tai Tokerau, Northland, became a vibrant hub of creativity and technological innovation with the Alternative Reality Gardening Lab 24 (ARG Lab 24).

For years we thought that cartilage in our joints just wore away over time. We now know that OA is a complex disease where the processes that reduce cartilage are affected by genetics, past joint trauma and nutrition, especially levels of important antioxidants.

Cartilage is different from other tissue types. It has no nerve or blood supply, and it appears as lifeless tissue. Cartilage is dynamic tissue: a matrix of proteins (collagen and elastin), chondroitin sulphate, water and living cells called chondrocytes.

Research shows that the health of chondrocytes is central to the development of OA. Each chondrocyte looks after a small patch of cartilage, repairing damage by secreting new cartilage matrix where needed. The problem is when chondrocytes are damaged or die. This means that the cell can no longer maintain cartilage. Eventually, the cartilage thins, leading to a painful bone on bone scenario.

I use a two-pronged approach to supporting cartilage. Firstly, we add compounds, especially chondroitin, that can support and repair cartilage. Secondly, we add curcumin from turmeric and omega-3 fish oil to reduce

Photo Credit Nabulen Photography

Dr Maggie Buxton and Kim Newall, Awhiworld

inflammation. Often the inflammation causes more pain and mobility loss than the actual cartilage damage. Thirdly, we add the antioxidants that protect chondrocyte cells from further damage.

One of the most annoying and painful arthritic joints are small hand joints. While nutritional therapy can help, these are among the slowest joints to respond. It seems counter-intuitive, but big weightbearing joints, especially knees, tend to respond faster.

I have been helping someone with OA in their base thumb joint at the wrist. Within three months, the pain had reduced, and now, after a year, the discomfort is really minor only when under heavy use.

Racers say yes

by Andy Bryenton

Top rally racing teams are already accepting the challenge to tackle Dargaville and Ruawai roads when the Ventia Rally of Dargaville Tunatahi roars into action this July.

The initial response from racing teams to the new confirmed date and an extended racing route has been very positive. The appetite to get into the four special stages, set amid scenery, which includes the Northern Wairoa River, Tokatoka Peak, Maungaraho Rock and the Ripiro Coast is high.

“We have timed July 27, so that the top six or seven teams in the competition can take part,” says event organiser Marty Roestenburg, who has been in contact with New Zealand’s premiere drivers.

“I’ve rung quite a few of them personally, and they are all saying yes.”

Marty says changes to the rally route, adding a further 20 kilometres of challenging back-country driving on the west Kaipara’s gravel roads, have increased the appeal for racing teams. Racers have whetted their appetites in the early season of rally action and are reportedly excited about the new challenge afforded by a fresh location for their sport.

“It’s not often that you get two opportunities to make a first impression,” says Marty, emphasising the positives of the Ventia Rally of Dargaville Tunatahi’s date change.

Sixty teams are anticipated to truck in, featuring mechanics, strategists, drivers

and navigators. Then there’s the fans, and those providing coverage of the exciting day of racing with cameras and drones. The total number will run deep into four figures, and Dargaville’s hospitality, dining and coffee outlets have been primed to brace for extreme demand.

To entertain those fans, plans are afoot for a large mobile stage to be placed, allowing bands, such as already-confirmed local rockers Socially Awkward, to add some extra fun to proceedings.

“Saturday morning’s ceremonial start will include driver poster signings, a kapa haka performance, karakia and a welcome from mayor Craig Jepson before the cars file away to special stages one and two north of Dargaville. A quick service, and a repeat loop to bring the cars back to Dargaville for lunch and service in the Parenga Street car park,” Marty said.

Dargaville, and the rally racing community, send out a warm welcome to the rest of the north to come and experience some west coast hospitality as the engines roar. Mark your calendar for July 27, and head down to Kaipara for a day of family fun and highoctane excitement.

The problem of potholes and the solution

by Grant McCallum, MP for Northland.

We have known about them for years. We have moaned about them for years. And we have waited for years for somebody to do something about them.

Finally, somebody has.

I am talking about the potholes that have plagued our roads for years, and the announcement this month by transport minister Simeon Brown that the Nationalled coalition government is committing almost $4 billion over the next three years to pothole repair and prevention funds.

There is even better news within that announcement; $149 million of those funds is earmarked for Northland. That’s an increase of 58% on previous funds, one of the most significant increases for any province in New Zealand.

This tells me a couple of things about this new government. First, is that they didn’t waste their time while in opposition. While the government of the time was consistently failing to deliver on virtually anything, the National Party and its now coalition partners were identifying the issues, such as the state of our roads, that really concerned New Zealanders, and they were putting together workable plans to address them as soon as they had the opportunity to do so.

The second pleasing aspect of that announcement is the recognition of Northland. Look at that figure again: $149 million! That is more than any other single region in New Zealand, except for Auckland, Canterbury and Waikato.

That tells me Northland is no longer a forgotten province as far as the central government is concerned.

This must be encouraging for a province such as ours that, under the previous administration, not once received its fair

share of government expenditure and has largely been forgotten and neglected.

That’s all changed.

Under this government, Northland has rounded the corner, and is at last on the right road.

Grant McCallum is enthusiastic about new funds allocated to fixing potholes, the scourge of Northland drivers

Fine-tuning for the future

by Glen Dunseath – CEO NZ Operations, Darling Group

I find myself repeating the same sentiment from my editorials of the last few months: it’s been a tough avocado season.

For growers, the struggle to make ends meet persists long after the harvest is over. Yet, amidst the challenges, there’s a prevailing spirit of resilience among those in the industry. Passionate individuals are determined to play on and seek ways to emerge stronger from this downturn. In conversations with growers, one question we frequently hear is: What will it take to succeed in the seasons to come?

At Darling Group and Just Avocados we believe at the heart of success lies a relentless pursuit of improvement, from the orchard to the marketplace. Growers must focus on fine-tuning the things that are within their control, such as refining their growing methods, exploring new techniques and optimising every aspect of production. Likewise, partnering with packers and marketers they trust who are moving the needle on efficiency in the supply chain and will sell their crops for the best outcome.

It’s also important that growers assess their financial situation and take time to understand the drivers of profitability on their orchard, so they can plan where improvements could be made.

In measuring profitability, we must look beyond per-tray returns and consider the broader economic factors. Return per hectare is what really matters. This nuanced approach challenges conventional wisdom, but it’s essential for truly understanding the orchard’s financial health and potential. In recent years, the Just Avocados team has produced some helpful resources for growers on profitability, reducing costs, and budgeting. Please ask our team to take you through these. So, growers need cash, yes, but they also need return crops to be sustainable. Money made in one season contributes little to success if you make nothing the next season.

In 2019, Just Avocados reviewed what they were trying to achieve for their growers and how they were going to set themselves apart. Out of that came their focus on long-term profitability and

business sustainability. Central to this is the overarching philosophy that harvesting 70% of crop before flowering is critical to tree health and return crop. Leaving fruit to hang late reduces pack outs, increases the chance of quality issues, and, in many situations, reduces the tree’s ability to produce consistent crops year-on-year.

For Just Avocados, this orchard management philosophy for long-term success is more than rhetoric. It’s a guiding principle that is demonstrated across our end-to-end service from production advice, orchard services and harvesting to logistics, packing and market selection.

At the marketing end, for growers, it is critical that their post-harvest logistics and sales channel has access to multiple markets, domestically and overseas, and that they have the responsiveness to adapt to changing dynamics. Looking ahead for 2024, Canada and the Asian markets are queued up for Darling Group and Australia may get a spin. However, success in this arena requires strategic assessment throughout the year, and the ability to be nimble and transparent communication back to growers.

Ultimately, Just Avocados’ mission for success is clear: to ensure that grower outcomes remain paramount in all our endeavours today while building a sustainable future for tomorrow for the industry we proudly serve.

• Avoid costly penalties

• Repair lactose/acid erosion to cowshed/ dairies/vat stands/walls

• Repair unhygienic cracks

• Strengthens concrete under heavy use

• Also for abattoirs, butcheries, chicken farms etc

• No smell (low V.O.C.) volatile organic compounds

• No downtime

• Site Safe Accredited

Glen Dunseath — CEO NZ Operations, Darling Group

Honouring lifesaving efforts

Crews from the Northland Rescue Helicopter are paying tribute to fellow emergency service providers for their efforts in keeping people safe.

“We couldn’t perform technical offshore winch rescues in challenging weather without the support of numerous agencies and community volunteers,” says senior critical care paramedic and aircrew officer Paul Davis.

“When I think of the numerous offshore winch operations we’ve undertaken over the years, we could not have safely and successfully completed these missions without the support from other agencies.

“These include Maritime New Zealand, the Rescue Coordination Centre, Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Coastguard and the police. We also train extensively to ensure our crews are well prepared and have the necessary skills and experience required.”

Northland Rescue Helicopters was recognised at the 2023 New Zealand Search and Rescue Awards, where the charitable

trust received a Certificate of Achievement — Operational Activity. The accolade is for the rescue of a sailor 100 nautical miles from Kerikeri on May 12 2023.

Awards given in the operations category recognise significant rescue operations that took place between January 1 and December 31 2023. Forty nominations were received for 2023, with two gold awards and 10 certificates of achievement being awarded at this year’s ceremony.

“The award is humbling for me and my crewmates, pilots Murray Plowright and Joel Higgie and fellow critical care paramedic and rescue swimmer Blake Murray, not to mention the wider Northland Rescue Helicopter team.

“We’re lucky to work with a bunch of very talented and passionate people throughout the organisation. That is what allows us to get out there and safely undertake the work we do, helping our Northland communities and visitors.

“I would also like to thank NZSAR and acknowledge the other award winners from Northland and around the country. They are all clearly deserving of recognition for going above and beyond to help others in their time of need.

“The night-time PatriotX mission is among the top three most challenging rescues of my career.”

The Northland Rescue Helicopter service flies more than 1,000 missions each year and has flown more than 28,000 missions since its establishment in 1988.

The NZSAR awards are presented annually in recognition of outstanding achievements within New Zealand’s search and rescue region, which covers 30 million square kilometres.

For superb accomodation, award winning chefs, stunning location and views, choose Taipa Beach Resort.

Swim in the pool or in the ocean, play tennis or just soak up the sun. We have an onsite restaurant and bar, swimming pool, BBQ, tennis court and car and boat parking.

Paul Davis, Northland Rescue Helicopter senior critical care paramedic and aircrew officer

Northland Rescue Helicopter crew members who flew the PatriotX rescue mission in 2023, from left, Joel Higgie (deputy training manager/pilot), Blake Murray (paramedic), Murray Plowright (pilot), Paul Davis (senior critical care paramedic and aircrew officer)

Helping the sector flourish

by New Zealand First

New Zealand First recognises the critical role of a thriving primary sector as the engine room of New Zealand’s economy.

Improving primary sector profitability is crucial for New Zealand to remain competitive internationally and to put value back behind the farm gate.

By developing our international connections and trade options, the government is planning to double New Zealand’s exports in the next ten years. A significant portion of this will be achieved through agriculture and forestry.

We are getting provincial New Zealand thriving again with $1.2 billion to establish the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF). This includes protecting our rural communities with an initial investment of $200 million into flood resilience infrastructure.

We know that investing in proactive strategies is more cost-effective than paying to rebuild after disastrous weather events. For every $1 invested in flood protection, it is estimated between $5–$8 in direct losses are avoided.

Rural communities are where our heartland industries thrive, and regional investment not only protects our primary productive base but also supports primary industry growth.

Changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) and the introduction of Fasttrack Consenting legislation will also dramatically impact our rural sector.

Streamlining consenting and bureaucratic processes, and removing red and green tape for initiatives such as irrigation, water storage, and flood

protection schemes is imperative. These measures are aimed at expediting the implementation of infrastructure projects, facilitating economic growth, strengthening community resilience against natural disasters, and ensuring that the communities surrounding these projects can prosper.

Previous investment through the Provincial Growth Fund has positively impacted our regions through projects such as water storage in Northland and Hawke’s Bay, and flood resilience infrastructure in Canterbury. Further investment through the RIF will continue to bolster these

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areas against future weather events and environmental planning burdens.

New Zealand First made clear commitments in our coalition agreement that will back farm environment plans, reduce regulatory hurdles for farmers, and solidify our dedication to a commonsense approach to agricultural sustainability.

We are deeply committed to championing our country’s hard-working rural sector and celebrating the unique kiwi industry that our export economy relies on.

76% of New Zealanders are concerned about “fake news” and its implications

Backing our Regions with $1 2 billion for the Regional Infrastructure Fund to turbocharge rural communities.

Supporting young kiwis with $24 million to Gumboot Friday for free mental health counselling sessions

Getting tough on rising crime with $651 million for 500 more police officers and the tools they need to do their job.

Building our future workforce with $65 million for ‘Apprenticeship Boost’ to help tradies keep and take on new apprentices.

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by Andy Bryenton

Excelling in the arts

Dargaville High School students have won both the Northland Showquest and the solo section of the Northland Rockquest for 2024, providing a strong example of how the performing arts can build confidence as part of the curriculum.

“Showquest was initially a dance competition, but it has evolved into a performing arts showcase. You can show your skills and personality through it, and it’s a great confidence boost,” says Tracy Shortland, part of the 36-strong team who beat all competitors at Forum North in early June.

That meant months of honing their song, dance and acting skills, putting in weekends and after-school hours with the team’s seven choreographers, and sharpening up technical skills with lighting, staging and video backdrop projection.

“We leaned heavily into comedy, which is not something you often see at Showquest. The crowd absolutely loved it,” says young actor Thomas Cole.

In total, the DHS crew took home six awards in addition to the top prize of the contest. These were awarded for the best use of the venue’s digital video wall, best props, best styling, school spirit, and a commendation for lighting. The team

also won the award for best soundtrack, partly thanks to the guitar skills of young Dargaville musician Te Timatanga Henare.

He also won a prestigious title at Northland’s Rockquest in the same week, opening up the possibility of a victory at the national finals.

Te Timatanga won the ‘solo or duo’ section of the Rockquest, a long-running showcase of musical talent, which has been the springboard for many notable Kiwi

music careers. His original composition, Insane, wowed the judges and put him at the top of a shortlist of seven finalists.

“I’m going to have to take some time off school to focus on this for a while,” says Te Timatanga. “This is the biggest thing, which has ever happened to me.”

The young guitarist, multiinstrumentalist and composer cites artists such as Coldplay, The 1975 and John Mayer as influences. Like many creators, he’s also keen to develop his material beyond its current state; even the song, which secured him victory at Rockquest.

“As with most music, I want to expand on it. It’s still an idea with room to grow,” he says.

The double victory for Dargaville students points to a strong arts education focus at the school, and the calibre of competition at both Showquest and Rockquest reveals a similar positive energy across Northland. It’s a reminder that while core subjects are of primary importance, the arts and culture are vital to creating confident, well-rounded future leaders.

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Showquest winners from Dargaville High School take to the stage, as part of an artistic challenge participated in by many Northland schools

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The local pantry

Visitors from all over the north delve into the rural cuisine and produce of Warkworth each week, at the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market.

Local growers, creators and chefs all show their flare and flavours at the famous weekly event. The market was the brainchild of locals Christine and Richard Didsbury, along with Joe Polaischer and Trish Allen. All four wanted to celebrate producers in the area.

Buyers can enjoy more than fresh produce, with offerings of award-winning beverages, from artisanal coffee to Pūhoi distillers’ Batch10. The markets have various culinary treats like baked goods, pies, pizza, breads and crepes.

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For a taste of Italy, indulge in chef Giorgio Ridolfi’s pasta mantecata nella forma di parmigiana (cheese wheel pasta) or delight in a classic pizza from culinary crafters, Italian in the Village.

People wanting to get creative with food can stock up on Egyptian and Middle Eastern goods and select items from Cobara Authentic Food. Established in 1999, the duo Barbara and Conrad Blind started their business for New Zealanders to appreciate various dukkah flavours.

Discover condiments to add vitality to homemade dishes by purchasing sauces and chutneys at A Bit Dressy, Pūhoi River Cottage or Jimmy’s Craft Food. Enjoy the

organically grown morsels at Kauri Creek Gardens with its collection of salads and dressings. The possibilities are enticing!

Marketgoers can savour hot meals and refreshing beverages for brunch or breakfast while listening to local musicians perform. People also have the opportunity to bite into one of New Zealand’s delicacies at the Manāki Whitebait stall.

Matakana Village and Farmers’ Markets is located at 2 Matakana Valley Road from 8am–1pm every Saturday. The organisers also take time to celebrate special occasions throughout the year, with gala events like the recent Kings Birthday Weekend market.

The next on the list is the Matariki at Matakana Village event on Friday, June 28 from 11am–3pm. Traditional Māori practices of flax weaving will be on display, as well as Māori cuisine and kapa haka performances; all part of the celebration.

People desiring to embrace the richness of Aotearoa’s culture can view a free screening of Whetū Mārama — Bright Star at 9am at the Matakana Cinema. Book your spot by visiting their website or calling 09 423 0217, as numbers are limited.

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WELCOME TO THE REGION

Motivated by challenge

Rural Support Trust Northland is hosting a series of community dinners with Sharon ‘Shaz’ Dagg around Northland in June and July where she will share her journey.

Following a freak farm accident Shaz severely injured her left arm leaving her to decide to continue using a barely usable arm or have it amputated. She opted for amputation.

“She hasn’t let her experience restrict her. Instead, she transformed the tricky life challenge to her advantage and used it for motivation,” said Rural Support Trust Northland event coordinator Fleur Massey.

The para-triathlete has excelled in sport and has received the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Local Hero Award.

“She’s had a remarkable journey through sports and her speaking engagements travelling around the country to talk to people about her story. Her overarching message is to aim to overcome challenges and you never know what amazing opportunities present themselves.”

Fleur reports RST Northland have received excellent feedback about Shaz’s previous events, and it is finally bringing her to the north.

“Rural Support Trust Northland is about rallying the rural community to engage, connect and learn new tools to support

Para-athlete Sharon ‘Shaz’ Dagg shares her story of how she let her struggle motivate her to succeed in sport and life

their mental wellbeing. We’re excited to bring Shaz’s amazing story to Northland’s rural communities.”

All events start at 6pm. Tickets are $10 a person and include dinner. Book online at humanitix.com and search — community dinner. The community dinner with Shaz Dagg events are as follows:

• Lake Ohia on Tuesday, June 18, at the Lake Ohia Community Centre, 4906 State Highway 10

• Hūkerenui on Wednesday, June 19 at the Hūkerenui Memorial Hall, 9 Domain Road

• Kaeo on Thursday, June 20, at Lonsdale Park, 208 Matauri Bay Road

• Houhora on Friday, June 21, at the Sandbar and Restaurant, Houhora Big Game and Sports Fishing Club, 4036 Far North Road

• Waimamaku on Tuesday, June 25, at the Waimamaku Hall, 7232 State Highway 12

• Te Kōpuru on Wednesday, June 26, at the Southern Rugby Club, Te Kōpuru 0391

• Tangiteroria on Thursday, June 27, at the Tangiteroria Sports Complex, 23 Pukehuia Road

• Kaipara Flats on Tuesday, July 2, at the Kaipara Flats Sports Club, Kaipara Flats Road

• Paparoa on Wednesday, July 3, at the Paparoa Sports Pavilion, 2070 Paparoa Valley Road

• Tomarata on Thursday, July 4, at the Tomarata Public Hall, 706 Mangawhai Road

• South Head on Friday, July 5, at the South Head Golf Club, 1640 South Head Road

• Okaihau on Thursday, July 11, at the Okaihau Hall, 9 Settlers Way

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WELCOME TO THE REGION

Moving to green pastures

“The

by Andy Bryenton

June 1 was Gypsy Day or Moving Day for farmers all across New Zealand, a tradition, which has its origins in the very distant past, and its roots in the calendar of the seasons.

For many years, the traditional moving day for farmers has gone by the title of Gypsy Day. It’s a moniker with little to do with the real Roma people except its name. The naming of the day is said to be no insult to Europe’s travellers but rather a favourable comparison. It is a gentle nudge at the farmers and sharemilkers themselves, taking their whole household to the open road to move farms in a way infinitely less graceful or ordered than the convoys of the travelling folk. Bystanders must have laughed to see whole herds and homesteads unsteadily hitting the highway.

In New Zealand, some opine that the selection of June 1 as a day for all rural transactions and contracts to take effect was decided when the State Advances Corporation came into being in 1894. Stories abound of clerks in Wellington spending a frantic week and an even more frantic June 1 making sure that manual paperwork for thousands of farms was put to rights in an era before computers. Even earlier than the use of the term Gypsy Day, farms changed hands on June 1 in mediaeval England for a very important reason. In the world of livestock, the most important resource for a farmer was hay. The productivity of a farming area was measured by how much hay could be mown to tide cattle over the cold winters.

June 1 was the traditional beginning of the hay harvest when peasants with

the image of the

scythes went into the fields to reap fodder for their animals. Before this harvest was the best time to buy a farm, and assess its worth. The date was kept by the local priest, who kept track of the calendar to observe important religious holidays and the phases of the farming cycle.

The move to the southern hemisphere turned this upside down, but there’s another important factor in Kiwi farming, which comes at this time of year. Cows

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begin to dry off and calving looms, as winter turns colder. It’s a natural progression to see June 1 as the start of a different part of the cycle of the rural seasons.

This year, sharemilkers and new farm owners on the move for June 1 were echoing those days of yore. In modern times, the start of June also brings International Milk Appreciation Day, which fits in nicely with this old farming tradition.

Cattle hit the road on a traditional Gypsy Day move; while livestock trucks are more commonly used today,

mobile farmstead remains in the popular imagination

Farming advocates back fast-track bill

by Andy Bryenton

committee, which is hearing views and opinions on the proposed legislation.

DairyNZ noted that while the fast-track legislation would have little impact on individual dairy farmers, many in the sector could benefit from big, regionallevel resource resilience works.

‘Projects in scope for fast-tracking could include those that increase the resilience of the agricultural sector through enabling infrastructure that assists adaptation such as water storage, irrigation or flood protection,’ wrote DNZ in its submission.

Federated Farmers was also on board with plans to speed up the implementation of major projects.

‘Federated Farmers supports the aim of the bill to enable faster approval of infrastructure and other projects that have significant regional or national benefits. We agree that consenting major infrastructure and other projects in New Zealand takes too long, costs too much and places insufficient value on the economic and social benefits of development relative to other considerations,’ it stated. However, a notable piece of advice included by both organisations was

the insistence that a fast-track regime should not serve as a release valve for a poorly scripted replacement to the current, ungainly Resource Management Act. DairyNZ and Federated Farmers mentioned the recommendation of a sunset clause, which would usher out the fast-track process as a new, better RMA surrogate was phased in.

‘We believe that reform of the RMA should ultimately enable the development of infrastructure and other projects. Once the RMA has been replaced and regional councils have implemented new regional environmental frameworks, there should be no need for a stand-alone Fast-Track Approvals Act. We therefore recommend a sunset clause is inserted in the bill’, wrote Federated Farmers.

‘The Environment Select Committee should consider that this bill is required for a temporary term to meet its purpose of enabling delivery of infrastructure and development projects with significant regional or national benefits until the RMA has been replaced,’ stated DNZ.

Support for Chris Bishop and Shane Jones’ fast-track legislation has come from rural sector advocates

Flood deflection bank

A $650,000 project is underway to construct a deflection bank to protect low-lying businesses along Old Whangae Road and Kawakawa’s main street from flooding.

Taumarere Flood Working Group chair and Northland Regional Council chair Geoff Crawford says the project was approved by the group and had originally been scheduled to be completed next summer but had been brought forward at the community’s request.

“The project aims to give one-in-50year flood protection from the Waiomio River,” says chair Crawford.

It is being jointly funded by the government through the Cyclone Recovery fund ($350,000) and the Northland Regional Council ($300,000).

“Ten, 50 and 100-year flood modelling has been completed to assess potential risks and determine effective mitigation, and 50-year protection has been deemed the most feasible and practical.

“The project involves the construction of a one-metre-high, 200-metre-long deflection bank, which is designed to ‘deflect’ flood water on to the opposite and expansive floodplain.

“The floodplain is 900m wide, with the protected area around 100m wide. The relatively small area protected means the development has negligible adverse effects on surrounding farmland and other public infrastructure.

“The deflection bank joins the existing decorative bund in the Hundertwasser library park, and follows the bank of the Waiomio River downstream towards the town’s three road bridges.”

He says regional council consent and landowner approvals were gained over the summer and the work, which began at the end of March, is being carried out by local contractors Ngawati Digger Works.

“The Old Whangae Road bridge is located halfway down the bank and had to be raised 700mm to tie in with the deflection bank crest. This work was completed in late March by Barfoote Construction.

“The removal of weeds and willows down the length of the river has also been completed with the assistance of local project group Te Papa Pa Orooro. Two floodgated culverts will also be installed in the bank to drain stormwater from Kawakawa township.

“The project team has also been working closely with landowners, hapū, the Hundertwasser Trust and Pou Herenga Tai — Twin Coast Cycle Trail trust on this project as the cycle trail crossed through the raised area.

“The project is expected to be completed by the end of the month, and will include grassing and replanting of trees to restore and enhance the natural habitat.”

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Meg Tyler, Northland Regional Council Rivers project manager, at the site of the project to protect low-lying businesses along Old Whangae Road and Kawakawa’s main street from flooding

Local healthcare serving community

EchoNorth Ultrasound Specialists, owned by Angela and Chris Browne, opened its doors to a locally owned and operated specialist ultrasound clinic in 2012 when Angela identifi ed a need for this service in Northland.

Since its inception, EchoNorth Ultrasound Specialists has made significant strides, transitioning from a small cottage with three staff to a purpose-built premises, with an all-female team of 10.

Chris, who runs his own contracting business, CBM Northland, refurbished the building with input from other local trade businesses. With Chris’s attention to detail, stemming from his background in boatbuilding, and Angela’s understanding of the requirements of an ultrasound business, they collaborated to design the premises, prioritising patient confidentiality and comfort.

EchoNorth Ultrasound Specialists is the sole provider of varicose vein treatments in Northland, offering what is now considered the gold standard Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation, together with Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy.

Angela, with almost 30 years of experience in vascular ultrasound, is highly respected within the medical community. She is proud to head our vein team, comprising administrative staff, nurses and doctors providing these treatments in a brand new custom-built procedure room.

After two years in our new premises, Angela and Chris collaborated again to create a clinical, yet serene, procedure

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Our varicose vein treatments are noninvasive, non-surgical procedures that do not require a general anaesthetic.

An ultrasound mapping of the leg is carried out to assess the veins, followed

by a consultation with one of our doctors, who utilises this information, along with your medical history, to devise a personalised treatment plan. Following treatment, you will receive comprehensive follow-up from a team with a passion for great outcomes.

Time to shake up local government

by Colin Hannah — Federated Farmers Northland president

I get a very strong impression from my rural colleagues, there is a strong sense that the local government is out of control.

The Reserve Bank tells us that inflation is running around seven per cent for the past year, so it is interesting that local council rate increases are in double digits all over the country. People often stand for council to bring costs and wasteful spending under control but they get consumed by this bureaucratic monster called council. They are dished up endless papers with options that bureaucrats have given them to vote on.

Often this is approved instead of being challenged — only to be told this is what is required from endless interpretation of government legislation. So much of it is unworkable. The poor quality of councillors, for example governance, who often stand on ideological grounds, doesn’t help.

Sadly, too many of us ratepayers are stricken by ongoing apathy. We don’t make the effort to understand the issues and vote — nor stand for election — so it is our fault that we don’t get quality local body representatives.

Councillors should be no different from a board of directors because in essence, that is what they are. They are

Hannah — Federated Farmers of NZ, Northland president in control of ‘businesses/entities’, that in some cases are bigger than some of our major companies. They would not get close to a directorship in a medium-sized New Zealand organisation. Too much is at stake.

There are too many people elected as councillors without the ability to think

TIMBER SHEDS & SLEEP-OUTS

and question what is being dished up from salaried council staff who are too often focussed on protecting their own patch. These are high-cost operations that when managed poorly cost ratepayers and regions dearly. They need far more scrutiny.

The lack of productivity and barriers to progress are part and parcel of the bureaucratic nightmare. Try and get a consent for a water dam on your property. A close farming friend was quoted $35,000 before he could even start. Another spent more on consent, endless inspections and paperwork than the dam itself. The council called this the recovery of their costs. Yeah right.

Our local bureaucrats should remember that parliament is the highest court in the land and make the rules that New Zealand lives by, not ideology that they might wish to adhere to.

If central government is going through a review of staffing levels to drive more efficiency, why not a review of local bodies with far too many staff making decisions and setting direction with too much ideology and nowhere enough life and business reality.

Colin

Check before working

A recent Environment Court case seeing a man ordered to remove extensive work carried out along the coast in Northland has highlighted the need to follow the Coastal Marine Area rules.

In its decision, the Environment Court ordered the removal of a network of unauthorised gabion baskets, a 52-metre-long concrete base plinth and a boat ramp, all illegally installed by a homeowner at Langs Beach. The man was also ordered to restore an accessway over an esplanade reserve.

“There are strict rules that regulate the occupation or placement of a structure, including a hard protection structure, in or on the foreshore and seabed in Northland,” said NRC compliance monitoring manager Clark Ehlers.

“Those illegally carrying out works face potential prosecution and fines of up to $600,000 for a company, or $300,000 for an individual, and even imprisonment in extreme cases, as well as being ordered to reinstate an area.

“A structure is a building, or a piece of equipment, device, pipeline or other facility that is fixed to land. It can also include a structure, which is fixed to another structure, which is fixed to land. Structures can include bridges, jetties, boat ramps, pipelines, wharves, hard protection structures and spillways.”

Some of the unauthorised works on Cove Road in Langs Beach

After Cyclone Gabrielle, the regional council received more reports from members of the public that unauthorised seawalls had been built.

A seawall is a hard protection structure as it has the primary purpose of protecting an activity from a coastal hazard, including erosion. It is important to note that building a seawall or any other hard protection structure needs resource consent if its purpose is to protect a property from coastal hazards.

“Northland has a long, beautiful and, in some areas, remote coastline, which attracts large numbers of visitors each year, as well as residents who make Northland their permanent home or temporary home.

“More baches or permanent homes, with associated structures which may occupy space in the common marine and coastal area, are being built at a time of climate change and increased weather events.

“The basis of regulation of coastal structures is to ensure that our coastline does not become impacted by too many structures that are not well designed, placed or maintained to preserve public open space and visual amenity value of our coastline.”

WELCOME TO THE REGION

Making safety a priority

by Ann van Engelen

With a determination to make a difference to rural road safety, Tauraroa Area School Year 12 student Kendall Hucker started a Kaitiaki o Ara/Students Against Dangerous Driving group 20 years after her mum did the same.

Kendall says road safety and good driving habits are everybody’s responsibility.

“I was inspired to take a lead on road safety after attending the three-day SADD conference in the recent school holidays,” says Kendall.

SADD is a student-led charity with the collective goal of preventing loss on New Zealand roads, and Kerry Campbell, programme delivery lead for the Upper North Island, is pleased

Kendall has stepped up to raise awareness.

“I’ve already assembled a team of schoolmates, which includes co-leader Lily Johns and Tauraroa Wellbeing Prefect Madi Johnston to lead the charge.

“At the conference, I saw how the student national leaders were doing their projects in their areas, and how much we would be able to change our small and close-knit community.

LANCE KEAY

“We are working on some ideas to promote road safety and better driver habits. Quite a few of the Year 12 and 13 students drive to school and we want them to be safe. We hope our work will stop them from being in crashes by doing things as simple as leaving their phones alone while driving.

“Being aware of their surroundings is also really important, because there are lots of potholes and sharp corners in Maungakaramea, so we want people adopting good driving habits from the start.

“We also have concerns about safety at nearby rail crossings, so we plan to do some work around promoting safety there as well, because the signs that are there are very hard to see.”

Kerry and the team at SADD are focussed on empowering young people

to make safer and better choices on the road, while also preventing loss on New Zealand roads.

“What Kendall, Lily and Madi are doing is taking on leadership in a rural area. We need people like them to take the road safety conversation home to their families and everybody in the community,” says Kerry.

“The SADD team provide guidance and support using best practice, evidencebased road safety education approaches to influence their peers and the wider community to positively promote safe road user behaviours.

“We encourage whole community approaches to bring about positive, lifelong road user behaviours and reduce the incidence and severity of harm caused by road trauma.”

Tauraroa Area School SADD group leaders Kendall Hucker, Lily Johns and Madi Johnston

WELCOME TO THE REGION

Pouto’s link to the sea

by Andy Bryenton

A bright winter morning saw dignitaries and locals gather at Poutō’s seashore, to celebrate the fruition of a project 22 years in the making.

Kaipara mayor Craig Jepson, Waikāretu Marae kaumātua Ben Hita, Northland MP Grant McCallum, the Northland Regional Council’s Geoff Crawford and John Blackwell, associate regional development minister Mark Patterson and former mayor Dr Jason Smith officiated as Poutō Point’s new wharf was officially opened.

“Poutō is many things; beautiful, rugged, raw, and with wonderful people. It’s a place which draws you back,” said mayor Jepson.

“Poutō is not just a special place for its scenic beauty, but for its people. Projects like these, so important for our regional economy, cannot be completed without help from the central government.”

Wellington did indeed assist in making this build possible, and thanks were given to Shane Jones, who helmed the Provincial Growth Fund which prioritised Poutō’s wharf construction. His colleague Mark Patterson was buoyant about the economic advantages of the wharf.

“The opportunity this gives your community to leverage off regional development is clear. This is enabling infrastructure to let you grow businesses.”

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Ventures in tourism and agriculture are first on that list, with Waikāretu Marae pioneering a seedling nursery, which may soon ship out native plants as well. As Poutō’s new wharf was opened last week, this development was already underway.

“We are looking forward to our first venture, for self-sustainability across all our regional marae,” said Ben Hita, who has been one of the masterminds behind a plan to cultivate native plants at the site south of Dargaville.

The fertile soil of the peninsula is well documented; recent dam-building efforts by the Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust have sought to unlock farmland with irrigation to maximise the cropping opportunities of the area. Spurred by the advent of the new wharf, the construction of the first phase of the Waikāretu nursery was a marathon effort, completed in just seven days.

The 9,000 plants there can be monitored and watered from anywhere connected to a computer network. While this is high-tech, the plans to distribute the grown seedlings hark back to older times.

Poutō’s new wharf is not just a scenic spot, but a link to new business and horticultural opportunities

The Waikaretu leadership say that their vision is to clean up waterways not just in the Kaipara’s catchment, but further afield, such as in Waikato, where riparian planting outstrips supply. A century ago,

goods left Poutō wharf bound for the Manukau Harbour, Port Waikato and points south; the new wharf could see them do so again, starting with lifegiving seedlings.

Length: 600mm

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Moana bulls on sale

Ray and Alan McEvoy of Moana Stud at Baylys Beach are currently holding one of their final inpaddock, two-year-old Polled Hereford bull sales.

“The property is 236 hectares with views across the Tasman Sea,” says Alan.

“We have been in the business since the early 1960s and last year was our 52nd bull sale. We have sourced our sires from across New Zealand and Australia with repeat buyers purchasing our stock.

“Our property is also for sale at present as my father is 95 years old and

I’m getting on, too, so it’s time for us to retire. We recently sold our cow herd and are currently selling the remaining two-year-old bulls. Next year will be our last sale if the farm doesn’t sell.

“We love Herefords and working with stock. Moana Stud is well known for our sales and breeding bulls for size and milking ability. They are big, with a strong confirmation.”

The Moana Stud sale is ongoing until the end of July.

“If anyone wants to come and look, earlier would be better than later as it’s usually first in best dressed with a set price on the bulls. We envisage most of the stock will be gone by the end of July.

“We get great reports of the calves that are born with return buyers proving the worth of our stock and we’re confident that the bulls display the usual soundness and power, show a quietness that is really remarkable. Our herd is also selected on growth and milk, which is evident in their figures.

“It’s extremely disappointing for us to retire but physically we cannot do it anymore. It was a very sad day for us when our cow herd got on the truck. We’ve lived with our cattle for more than 60 years.”

For more information call Alan 021 439 461 or email alan.mcevoy@ yahoo.com.

Moana Stud is well known for its Polled Hereford bulls

by Geoff Hill

The maturing Tuatara utility vehicle

Tuatara Machinery has been manufacturing all-steel off-road utility vehicles for more than ten years. This time has allowed for a progression of significant upgrades to be undertaken, which continue to the present time. Many of the improvements have come at the recommendation of our customers, whose advice and opinions we value.

I think it would be a mistake to try to compare the Tuatara with the plastic, four-wheel motorbike “putt-putts” with their limited carriage and towing capacity. The Tuatara is a genuine utility vehicle that is designed for towing and carrying substantial weights and to pretty much go wherever it is pointed. Tuatara owners will bear testimony to this.

Four years ago, saw the introduction of our all-electric eTuatara, which was based on the same platform as our petrol model. This allowed us to capitalise on the lessons learnt in the design of the petrol Tuatara, with the only signifi cant change being the means of propulsion. The takeup of the eTuatara has exceeded our expectations, with sales in the region of 70% EV and 30% petrol. I believe

the reasons for this have been the low running costs (ie approximately 3 cents per km on electricity) as well as the reduced servicing costs due to the simplicity of EVs as compared with ICEs (ie internal combustion engines).

Farming actually suits the EV option due to the fact that most farmers don’t exceed more than 40km a day and can charge the battery overnight.

Steady improvements have been made with our eTuatara in the past four years, with one of the major innovations being a remote diagnosis capability. This allows us to examine the battery health of the vehicle from literally anywhere and even to do software updates remotely.

Further groundbreaking upgrades, and new vehicle model additions will be introduced in coming months so please watch this space.

The eTuatara has proved popular in Northland and has seen steady improvements in the past four years

Road safety champions

Hikurangi icon Mark van Engelen has been a Driver Reviver road safety stop champion for 17 years — where he and the team from the Northland Road Safety Association offer drivers a cup of tea and a yarn while they stretch their legs.

“The first driver reviver I attended had 40 people pull over on a Labour Weekend,” he says.

Mark was doubtful he would get to stop number two. However, he has no plans to retire despite taking part in more than 100 driver reviver events in Northland at an average of five a year.

“I thought it was a waste of time because it seemed motorists weren’t interested in what we were offering, which was to actually help break up their trip, have a breather, stretch their legs and refresh somewhat so they could safely continue on their journey.”

Mark decided to have a second crack, and to his surprise, it was a roaring success, and he was sold on the concept.

“Road safety is really important, and I find it a nice day out. It’s the people you meet from all over the world that make it interesting. The last one at Uretiti was on Easter Weekend, and 200 motorists pulled over to see us and enjoy a BBQ, bacon and egg pie, a cuppa and some giveaways.

“I want to give a shout-out to Fulton Hogan. They set up the whole site and the barbecue. We couldn’t do it without them. They’ve been excellent to us. We also have the likes of AIG helping us, and they also do a marvellous job.

“We try to get people to stop to take a break and freshen up. I remember one lady with three teenagers driving from Gisborne to Kaitaia for the weekend and then heading home. It was good she took the chance to stop and recharge.

“As the years roll by I’m grateful for the community effort, and can’t see the community-minded spirit diminishing.

However, there is a need for more Northlanders to pitch in to help keep drivers safe and alert and for some younger blood to volunteer for NRSA.

“My message to people is ‘if you are too tired to drive, stay home’, and whenever you’re driving, have patience and sit 200 metres behind the vehicle in front of you. Surely, we can all wait a couple of minutes

to get to our destination and leave our phones alone while driving to make sure you’re concentrating on what you’re doing.

“I’m also a great believer that if you see people taking care of an accident scene, don’t rubber neck because you could cause a nose to tail, and someone else’s misfortune is none of your business anyway.”

Mark believes too many crashes on our roads happen because people are in a hurry.

“When you’re driving under the speed limit, you have more time to look at your surroundings, and you can react quicker. It’s common sense that will keep you alive behind that steering wheel.”

Mark van Engelen encourages drivers to stop and take a break when they see a Driver Reviver road safety stop

Catalogue in-store now!

Northern Rural Marketplace

The Northern Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned Northland company.

Phone: 0800 466 793 Email: info@integrity.nz

Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville

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