Northern Farming Lifestyles, March 2021 by Integrity Community Media

March 2021 Edition

Farming with many talents Pages 4–5

Environmental champions sought

Dreaming of the big freeze

Seizing farming opportunities

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March 2021 NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

Integrity community media

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The Northern Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned NZ company. Phone: 0800 466 793 Email: info@integrity.nz General Manager: Deb Wright | deb.wright@integrity.nz | 021 639 696 Editorial: Ann van Engelen, Paul Campbell, Andy Bryenton Advertising: Betty Willetts, Devon Blair Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz Distribution: Laurie Willetts Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

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Erosion planting work begins Landowners experiencing erosion problems are being asked by the Northland Regional Council to make their orders now for heavily-subsidised poplar and willow poles for the approaching winter planting season. NRC member Rick Stolwerk says keeping fertile soils on the land is in the interest of all Northlanders. Without the protection poplars and other trees afford, hills erode and wash away in severe rainstorms. “Eroded sediment is Northland’s biggest natural pollutant, research showing the Bay of Islands alone has lost an average of 500,000 tonnes annually.” Orders are open now. The council’s nursery coordinator Matthew Mabbitt says a subsidised three-metre poplar pole will cost $4 and a one-metre shrub willow pole $2, both plus GST, when a pole typically retails for about $12. The council is also heavily subsidising the planting of poles, and there are about 7,000 poles to sell. Payment doesn’t need to be made until Friday, May 21. However, demand usually outstrips supply, so farmers are being urged to order them sooner rather than later. “While payment doesn’t have to be made now, we will stop taking orders for poles when stocks are all sold. Poplars and willows are the seldomrecognised heroes of Northland’s hill country properties, with a host of benefits including stabilising land and helping hold fertile soil in place instead of polluting waterways as it washes into our estuaries.” Preventing erosion at source, for both environmental and economic reasons, is one of the reasons the regional council has invested heavily in its 16-hectare poplar and willow nursery near Mata, south of Whangarei. “Without the protection these trees offer, many of our hills would seriously erode in bad storms. They stabilise pastoral hill country, increase water storage, reduce sediment runoff,

NRC nursery coordinator Matthew Mabbitt in the thick of it at the Flyger Road nursery

improve water quality, benefit stock and enhance the farm environment.” Anyone interested in securing poles should contact a member of the council’s land management staff on 0800 002 004 or email nursery@nrc. govt.nz to arrange a consultation and free planting plan. Meanwhile, Mr Mabbitt says in a change from previous years and to save costs and comply with Covid-19 guidelines, the council will no longer deliver poles direct to the farm gate. Landowners can collect them up from one of four pick up points beginning Tuesday, June 15 (Far North), Tuesday, June 22 (Mid North), Tuesday, June 29 (Dargaville) and Monday, July 5 (Whangarei). General information about establishing poplars and willows is also available from the council’s website via: nrc.govt.nz/poplars.

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NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

Environmental champions sought

March 2021

The public is asked to put names forward for the Northland Regional Council’s annual Whakamanawa a Taiao — Environmental Awards, with a new category this year recognising ‘action in climate change’. The awards began three years ago to recognise the thousands of people working to improve the north’s environment, many toiling away quietly behind the scenes. A six-week nomination period officially opened on Monday, February 22 and runs until early April. “The awards were conceived as the NRC’s way of publicly thanking those who worked with councillors and staff in their shared mission to create a healthy environment, strong economy and resilient communities,” says NRC chair Penny Smart. “We have made no secret of the fact that we couldn’t do what we do without their efforts. We think what they are doing is incredible, and it deserves celebrating.” The 2021 awards are designed to recognise and celebrate kaitiakitanga in action and highlight the commitment and remarkable contributions so many people from all walks of life are making to help the region’s environment thrive. “Examples include efforts to get rid of pests so our native species can flourish,

clearing weeds, planting erosion-prone land, stream banks and wetlands, and sustainability projects in schools. “Last year, the council received 28 applications, with two decades of tireless work to restore Rakaumangamanga (Cape Brett), securing the two small hapu involved, Patukeha and Ngati Kuta, both the Te Tohu Matua — Supreme Award and the Kaitiakitanga Award.” This year’s awards cover eight categories: community, pest management, education, water quality improvement, industry, leadership, kaitiakitanga and climate change. The last is a new category for 2021, recognising action taken to adapt to our changing climate or transition to a low-carbon future for Te Tai Tokerau. A few examples include finding innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating coastal erosion, improving drought resilience and water management, and protecting habitats from the effects of climate change. Entrants for the wider awards are welcome, including individuals, community groups, schools, whanau, hapu, iwi, businesses and leaders.

Penny Smart — Northland Regional Council chair

Projects, activities and contributions must be located within Northland and demonstrate a significant benefit to the region’s environment. Entries and nominations can be made via nrc.govt.nz/environmentalawards and further information is available by emailing the council’s marketing and engagement team events@nrc.govt.nz or calling freephone 0800 002 004. Entry is free, and people can nominate themselves or others who have agreed

to put their names forward. Entries close at 5pm on Tuesday, April 6 2021. Finalists will receive a certificate and tickets to an official awards ceremony function in Kerikeri on Thursday, May 27, and inclusion in the awards and associated communications. “Award winners in each category will receive a $1,000 cash prize and trophy. Te Tohu Matua — The Supreme Award winner will receive an additional trophy they can hold for one year.”

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March 2021 NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Farming with many talents by Ann van Engelen Tania Cresswell manages her parents’ 55-hectare dairy farm, has artificially inseminated more than 25,000 dairy cows and is often seen on the car-racing circuit. PART TWO

“I

am the third generation from my family to farm the property. We source our genetics from LIC’s premier sires Holstein Friesian bull team during mating,” says Tania. “We have had some really good daughters from Fairmont Mint-Edition, San Ray FM Beamer-ET S2F and Morrows Super Hero-ET S2F. We have also had one of our bulls, 2011-born Whariti EO Hillbury S3F, make the LIC bull team. He sired 2,188 daughters in 664 herds and was the great-grandson of 2000-born cow, Heidi, who was the second calf I had as a pet as a child. “Heidi, who was unregistered, lived until she was 18 years old and had nine daughters. I am still milking some of her descendants. We like a sound, reliable cow that can handle the hills and gets in calf every year — the cows

who reach the age of 10 or 12 and have just got on with the job and not had any issues. “I also used sexed semen last spring for two ageing pets who had only ever produced one daughter each. One is 12 and the other is 13 years old. They were mated to sexed San Ray FM Beamer-ET S2F and Hallville FM Presley S3F. Fingers crossed for two heifers this spring. “We usually rear about 20 bull calves and sell them weaned. That pays for the milk powder to rear all our calves, including the replacement heifers. I also have my Jersey heifers. They stick to me like glue and are very friendly, inquisitive and intelligent. “With the drought, the Jerseys did very well on once-a-day milking, they were dripping milk. They didn’t dry themselves off and got on with it. They

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As farm manager on her parents’ farm Tania has a herd of Holstein Friesians and Jersey cows

NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

looked after themselves and competed with the big cows for the most part.” Tania is often found in the front seat of a rally car on gravel roads, racing at speeds of more than 200km/h. “I am a co-driver for Ashburton drystock farmer Wayne Muckle in the New Zealand Rally Championship. We used to have a hill climb on the public road that goes past our support block. I would go and watch, and thought it looked fun,” she said. “One year I was able to go for a ride in one of the cars and as they say, the rest is history. I am a navigator and an extra set of eyes for Wayne. It is a pretty crucial role. The car is a Mitsubishi Evo 3, which is fitted with a roll cage and other safety features and can reach speeds of up to 230km/h. “I have been doing that for around 15 years and also jump in with other people who need a co-driver. “I organise where we have to be for each rally. I go over the course, analyse video footage and check our pace notes, which I read while we are racing. I tell the driver what is ahead, where to go and make sure he listens. “If you get it wrong things can go very wrong. Last year we ended up upside down on the opposite side of the road. That is why I prefer to stick to being a co-driver. It is a cheap way to enjoy the sport. I don’t have to pay for the car, or the repair bill. “My parents are pleased I found something that keeps me happy and I get a break off farm. I have met some neat people along the way. A lot have their own businesses so you get good conversation. We have won a few rounds

March 2021

Tania Cresswell has been a co-driver on the car-racing circuit for more than 15 years, navigating for various drivers

in various races and placed eighth overall in the top ten in the Group A class South Canterbury Rally. Half of the co-drivers were women, which was cool. “There is still a positive future for farming, you just have to find how to make it work for you. Don’t be hostile toward change. “If you are cooperative you get a lot further. It is easier to work with people than work against them. ”We have had a milk monitoring system put in, and now I can look up the milk temperature on my phone. The app alerts you if anything is wrong and

you don’t want to find your milk hasn’t chilled for a few hours, it tells you in 10 minutes if something is wrong. I think you have to embrace technology in the future because you will get left behind.

“AI is a really fulfilling job and you see other people’s farming systems and their ideas. You pickup and learn from people and if someone is having a bad season you can help encourage them.”

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March 2021 NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

Dreaming of the big freeze by Liz Clark

In 1910, London-born merchant Alfred Bevans had a dream to construct Northland’s first export freezing works facility at Reotahi in the Whangarei Harbour.

efore taking up the lease of the land and foreshore at Reotahi, Bevans had supervised the construction of the Westfield Freezing Works in Auckland. With the building completed, his view now moved to a new project on a substantial scale. With Whangarei Freezing Company’s formation, the first stage of building the complex began in October 1910. Under the supervision of Mr Laird, the foundations for the main building and tallow house were laid, and the framework erected. Stonework for the jetty approach on the foreshore was also

started. By January 1911, however, work had all but come to a grinding halt. Between January and April, promises that building would recommence came to nothing. In late April, the Whangarei Freezing Company announced that work was suspended ‘indefinitely’. In July 1911, the Whangarei Freezing Company was relaunched with a capital of £25,000, with Alfred Bevans as one of the principal shareholders. Work on the site recommenced the following month with 15 workers employed to get the main buildings completed. The company applied for a meat export slaughtering

Then prime minister William Massey attended the official opening of the Moerewa freezing works at the end of March 1922

licence granted by the Whangarei County Council during December that year. Napier-based engineering company JJ Niven and Sons provided the machinery

and equipment for the processing plant necessary for operating the slaughtering chain. The Whangarei Freezing Company opened for processing stock in April

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The heydays of the isolated coastal freezing works ended abruptly after a fire on January 17 1921

1912. In June, the first shipment of frozen carcases had been taken on board the Shaw, Saville and Co vessel Kumara en route direct to the London market. The same day the vessel sailed the official opening had taken place. The celebrations, however, were short-lived. Late in July, the Whangarei Freezing Company announced that it required financial restructuring. Slaughtering operations continued; however, by November 1912, the company was placed in liquidation and its assets put up for sale. In reminiscing the Whangarei Freezing Company’s failure, Alfred Bevans recounted the actions he took to have the freezing works sold in 1913 to London-based meat export company Vestey Brothers. ‘After a lapse of three months, the liquidator Mr Gerard arranged a transfer of the works to me on progress payments. I carried on with difficulty until the end of 1913. Then, as a large payment was falling due, I went to London with the intention of floating a company, but

found the freezing industrial market in a low state, consequent on bad prices and low outlook. ‘Messrs Vestey Bros offered me just enough to clear the liabilities on a purchasing lease. I was forced to accept losing all I had put into the works and five years’ hard and worrying work.’ By October 1913, Vesteys operating under WR Fletcher and Company had taken over operations at the site. With more than 600 retail shops globally, the British-based family company had the capacity and financial strength to expand the processing plant and wharf capacity at Reotahi. The site continued to expand and operate until January 17 1921 when a fire broke out and destroyed a significant portion of the site. In August of the same year, WR Fletcher & Co announced the site was to be closed and the plant dismantled. In contrast, during 1914, a group of dissatisfied Northland farmers expressed their opinion about the lack of killing facilities for their stock at the Reotahi works. As a result, several

The processing plant site at Moerewa in 1947 — one of its many phases as stock slaughtering capacity continued to expand

meetings were held across the region with plans to build alternative processing facilities elsewhere in Northland. The North Auckland Farmers Union formed on June 4 1914. A decision at the inaugural meeting was to approach the Auckland Farmers Freezing Co-operative to establish a branch for processing stock in the Northland region. In 1919, an extensive parcel of land was purchased by the Auckland Farmers Freezing Co-operative at Moerewa. Construction of the freezing works progressed shortly after; however, a delay in the machinery due to a strike in Britain held up any further progress.

The co-operative in January 1921 had advised its suppliers any stock sent for processing would be transferred to its Southdown facility. By October of the same year, the company announced that it would be opening the facilities for processing stock on December 1. The works had a daily killing capacity of 200 cattle and 2,000 sheep with a storage capacity for 100,000 carcases. The freezing works complex was later officially opened by then prime minister William Massey. Now operating under AFFCO, Moerewa remains the oldest processing facility in Northland to this day.

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March 2021 NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

PART TWO

SEIZING FARMING OPPORTUNITIES BY ANN VAN ENGELEN Cam and Lana Brown grew up in the rural Whangarei area and have become farmers who have transitioned from Northland to Southland and on to Australia in the dairy industry.

n 2012 the Browns were hit by a major flood that saw their farm in Victoria go underwater, and their world turned upside down. They have continued to farm but have come up with alternative ways to create income. “Our whole farm was like an ocean of water as we have waterway channels that we can open and shut, and a neighbour shut his, so we flooded, and his farm stayed totally dry,” says Lana. “Had he not shut the channel, we would have been OK. The council came, and Cam opened the stock bank to let

the water out. We were also calving, and one council lady was horrified at what we were living with. “At the time, we were ready to harvest our hay, but it all went underwater. We sold half of our cows as we needed truckloads of feed and had to resow the farm because everything rotted. “We have debt, but we didn’t think of it at the time as we needed to feed our stock. Other farmers around us are in the same boat, and Cam now works off-farm to subsidise our income. “In 2020, we totally stopped milking. We mainly had lucerne, and one morning

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NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

after milking we let the cows out, and on our way to the paddock could smell bloat. We raced to the herd, and they were dropping dead in front of our eyes. “We couldn’t do anything. It was a horrific experience. The cows normally have grain or something first which lines their stomach and has Rumensin in it to stop bloating. That morning was an early frost, and we hadn’t started feeding hay, and they bypassed the feed to get the lucerne as they love it.” The lucerne was shorter than normal and was potent. “When it is good, it’s great, but if you don’t have the mixture right, it can cause chaos. It is a hollow stemmed plant, and they ate it fast, and the gas expanded in their stomach, and they couldn’t get the gas out,” says Cam. “We sold the herd as that experience broke the camel’s back. We have since had sheep off and on, but now our farm is up for sale. There are quite a few Kiwi families here from the same district we grew up in, including Hikurangi, Hukerenui, Opuawhanga and Marua. “We have had to learn things like if you run over a snake on the road, make sure it hasn’t jumped a ride under your car. At the cowshed, we have cats to catch the snakes, and we have them at our swimming pool. “You need to keep rubbish away and always lift things up with a shovel. Aussies say they can tell if a Kiwi has a farm because we are tidy as we are scared of snakes.

“We have now brought a baler, and I go out mowing, slashing, discing, bailing, raking and haymaking for other people down south. A lot of lifestyle blocks have 50 sheep, so I take my portable plant and shears at the same time. “We have a lease block, and when this sells, we will move there and continue on. We are still pleased we made the move. When things were good, they were great, but to get the government benefits in a disaster, you need to be an Australian citizen. We don’t get the help Aussies get in New Zealand, but we never thought about that as we didn’t come here for the benefits — we came to work. “You can take a Kiwi out of New Zealand, but you can’t get the Kiwi out of a Kiwi. We farm the same here but can milk cows in 40–45 degrees. Dairy farming is going because of the water shortage as well. Without water, we are stuffed. Water flows past us, but we can’t afford it as it costs so much from the council. “I would like to go back farming in New Zealand, but the rules are harder than here now, and we have been away a long time. I have taught Lana how to sort the wool, and from here on in, we are going to stick with the sheep. If you have merino wool, it is top dollar. People ask will we come back to New Zealand. “One thing we do miss is travelling to the beaches, but our journey here hasn’t finished yet. When it is time, we will return, but at present, we are still on course.”

March 2021

Lana now helps Cam with running the farm while he is away helping others on their farms

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at your own pace. The service is available throughout Tai Tokerau Northland, so you don’t need to live near a campus. Toa Faneva said: “eCampus is a flexible learning service that works with your lifestyle. It’s ideal for busy people who already have commitments but still want to learn new skills. As long as you have a PC or laptop and internet access, you can gain NZQA-approved qualifications without the need to come to classes. “From your own home, or wherever you want to study, you can learn project management, computing and IT, business

administration or business, book-keeping, management and leadership and more. “eCampus is a great option if you need a flexible study platform that can be fitted around your life. You still get the benefit of supportive and knowledgeable tutors to guide you through your studies, and you gain qualifications which are recognised by industry here in NZ.” To find out more, visit www.northtec.ac.nz/ecampus

Leaving school at 13, Mirinoa Pickering spent the next few years “floating around and getting into trouble.” Reflecting on that time, Mirinoa says she hadn’t realized the importance of education. Keen to explore her passion for writing and inspire her teenage children to pursue higher education, Mirinoa decided to return to the world of learning and began a Diploma in Applied Writing with NorthTec in 2016.

small business plan for her very own business, Guardian Tours Ltd. Mirinoa says, “At the end of Level 4, I felt confident in my business plan and how to make it work.”

Discovering a love of learning, Mirinoa decided to pursue her other interest, business. She saw that the NorthTec powered by eCampus NZ offered the New Zealand Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business) (Level 3), and she enrolled in 2018. After completing this qualification, Mirinoa was “hooked”. She decided to continue her learning journey with eCampus NZ, and in 2019, she was awarded a New Zealand Certificate in Business (Small Business) (Level 4). She also managed to finish her Diploma in Applied Writing with NorthTec in the same year. “It was very busy and a little stressful!” she says.

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Learning online meant that Mirinoa was able to work part-time and save money to cover start-up costs. “I was able to get a part-time job and work at the same time as doing my studies. I was gaining academic experience while working in retail to get practical experience. It all came together at once.” Mirinoa registered Guardian Tours Ltd. in July 2019 and was able to begin operating in December. Guardian Tours offers a range of affordable experiences to cruise ship passengers, from tours of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Kawiti Glow Worm caves to local honey and wine tastings. Asked what helped her most in her studies with eCampus NZ, Mirinoa says, “The course content is broken down so it’s not only easy to understand, but it’s also easy to apply it to everyday experiences.”

But about her courses with eCampus NZ, Mirinoa enthuses, “Every single teacher I’ve had has been awesome! They’re there to help you stay motivated and keep your head in the right space to be able to complete your courses.”

Mirinoa says that successful online learning is all about making time. “Make time every day to go and have a look and do a little bit. If you can make the time to do a little bit every day, it makes all the difference at the end.”

In 2019, everything started to click into place for Mirinoa. With her new skills, she began to develop and implement an effective

Mirinoa is now working towards her Bachelor of Applied Management.

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NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

March 2021

ADVERTORIAL

Just Avocados results Results for Just Avocados’ export pool one for the 2020–21 season have been announced with an average orchard gate return across premium sizes of $27.27 a tray. “We are really proud of the results for export pool one as the season to date has had some significant challenges,” says Just Avocados’ Jacob Darling. “We appreciate the support that Just Avocados’ growers have shown as we have collectively navigated our way through the season.” Good returns were hard-won amid volatile demand through Covid-19, shipping delays, and an industry-wide issue with small fruit of 28 count size and smaller. In one case analysed, Jacob says select picking early and leaving smaller fruit to size for later harvest resulted in an increased overall return of upwards of $0.85 orchard gate return a tray over the total volume harvested. “Through management of size picking in the early pool, the volume of 28 count and smaller being harvested was close to 38%. We managed to remain under 50% for the entire season, whereas the industry overall is circa 56%. Our top-performing growers are now doing circa $70,000 a hectare orchard gate return.” Jacob says the domestic market to date has been stable, with average class two orchard gate returns ranging from $26.75 to $20.53 for 16–28 count

sizes. Just Avocados’ focus on orchard health and return crop encourages harvest of large volumes in the first half of the season. “We offer three marketing options which suit different growers depending on their individual goals. The first export pool is designed to accommodate production focussed growers who want to get a large portion of their crop off prior to flowering to assist with tree health and return crop.” Jacob says the initial plan was to have 70% of fruit loaded out by November 18 2020, putting it into the early pool and consignment marketing options. However, through leaving fruit to size and forecasts of good returns from the Australian market, this changed to 50%, with 50% in the remainder of the season. Just Avocados’ returns for small fruit (30 count size–36 count size) range from an OGR of $22.30 to $18.70 a tray. Overall, for export pool one, Just Avocados has produced an average OGR of $24.99 for all class one sizes, including 42 count size. Further results will be announced for Just Avocados’ export pool two, which will be finalised following the close-out of their export programme.

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Is your body hot, cold or lukewarm? I am not talking about your actual body temperature but the degree to which unwanted inflammation is affecting your body. Some inflammation we can feel and see. There is also silent inflammation that has no symptoms but can cause disease. Inflammation is an amazing part of our body’s healing systems. It is an essential part of how we fight infections and heal against damage caused by injuries. It is always associated with fighting infection. Without inflammation, our first infection or injury would have probably ended our lives. The signs of inflammation are heat, swelling, redness and pain, including loss of function. Inflammation is a process where our immune (white blood) cells produce a wide range of chemicals that coordinate the process of removing the cause of the problem and then clean up the mess to complete the healing process. These processes are incredibly complex and involve a wide range of cell types and a variety of messenger compounds. Many inflammatory problems are caused by overactive messengers triggering unwanted inflammation. The inflammatory process is like your kitchen tap. When working well,

you get cold water when you turn the cold tap and hot water when the hot is on. Unwanted inflammation is like turning the cold tap and getting warm or even hot water instead. A common cause of unwanted inflammation is when our body tries to repair a problem that it cannot fix. That is typical of osteoarthritis. The problem is caused by cartilage erosion. However, most of the pain is caused by immune cells inflaming joint tissue in an attempt to repair it. All this does is cause unnecessary pain, swelling and loss of function. If you are affected by arthritis or any inflammation, I recommend following an anti-inflammatory diet with supplements that can help reduce unwanted inflammation. Feel free to contact me if you have questions. John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv. Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For personalized advice, contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his full weekly newsletter at abundant. co.nz.

WE’RE INVESTING IN YOUR GROWTH At Just Avocados, we believe it takes a fresh approach to yield the best results. That’s why we are focused on optimising orchard health through an innovative model that grows stronger orchards for healthier returns. If you’re looking to partner with a high-performance team, who are goal oriented and future focused, talk to us today. Visit thetruthaboutOGR.co.nz

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March 2021 NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

Monitor autumn feed A warmer autumn could worsen feed deficits in some regions despite recent rain in many areas. Farmers in regions such as Northland, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough and South Canterbury are being urged to monitor their soil moisture levels closely. “NIWA data has been showing a meteorological drought in these regions, and while the recent rain offered some relief, it will be shortlived,” says Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Eastern North Island extension manager Mark Harris. “NIWA has said that long dry periods and average or above-average temperatures are likely to be a feature of our climate through until April. So I would

encourage farmers in these dry regions to be proactive about monitoring their soil moisture levels and make use of the resources available to them to manage and monitor their feed resources. “There are a number of tools available to farmers, such as NIWA’s drought index and seasonal outlook to help inform decision-making, as well as the resources available through B+LNZ. “Autumn feed budgets, body condition scoring and the use of ram harnesses are just some of the levers farmers can pull to help make the most efficient and effective use of limited feed resources.

Mark Harris, Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Eastern North Island extension manager

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Technology offers a helping hand The days when a farmer needed to walk the paddocks to check on pasture growth and see where a renewal programme was needed are still valid and a part of normal farm operation. Technology is also at hand, which makes the job quicker and less tiring perhaps. Technology is opening up handsfree pasture assessment. DairyNZ has established that in the past few years some 50 per cent of farmers are using this for pasture measurement, with the balance surveyed still using visual examination on the land. There are improvements on the old favourites: plate meters, sward sticks, and tow-behinds with Bluetooth connectivity and apps to automatically upload paddock data to software. Some of these tools come with global positioning systems (GPS), so you can link paddock pasture data to your farm map. Also, emerging recently has been pasture measurement by satellite or using a robotic tow-behind to populate your feed wedge or farm map with the data without slipping on the gumboots. Drones have also been found increasingly effective in remote assessment of far-distant paddocks. Of course, that doesn’t mean getting into the paddocks to check pre-grazing covers and post-grazing residuals are any less important. Pasture management software is getting simpler to use, DairyNZ says. With a growing number of options, from simple to advanced, it’s easier than

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Getting ready for springtime lambing and calving now means you can steal a march on time with good planning for the winter months, making it easier to cope. Good management foresight will help farmers, and indeed, lifestyle block aspirants will go a long way to arriving spring and the start of new birth with paddocks in good shape with the optimum amount of grass growth for a good start to the next season. An important thing to remember is that treading and pugging are not just short-term problems but long-term ones as well. Immediate dry matter utilisation can drop by 20% to 40%, and future yield can be severely compromised if soils are damaged or pastures opened up. Paddocks severely pugged, advice from Agriseeds says, can also end up infested with weeds and may need to be earmarked for undersowing with ryegrass in spring to thicken them. It helps to be prepared. Farmers cannot always avoid pasture damage, but with anticipation and careful planning, the worst effects of wet winter weather can be alleviated. It is all about foresight, and planning is the best farming advice, That advice includes ranking paddocks in order from most valuable, perhaps newly-sown Trojan ryegrass and other new productive pastures down to land that is a little less productive or poorly performing. Other paddocks may be earmarked for cropping or spring planting. “The most valuable paddocks should be protected during winter at all costs. You will need them to grow to their

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potential in spring, and they will not be able to do that if they have been damaged,” Agriseeds advises. For cattle, on/off grazing can be useful, giving animals two to four hours’ feed before removing them to a stand-off pad, sacrifice area or yards. If you do go down this track, make sure you address any regional council effluent requirements that can apply to this situation. Other things to consider in your winter pasture plan include: • Avoid grazing tetraploid ryegrass pastures during heavy rain. Diploid pastures are denser and tolerate stock treading better • When cattle are on pasture in wet conditions, spread them

out at a lower stocking rate to minimise damage • If you have paddocks you know are vulnerable to wet conditions, graze these first before they become sodden • It may be necessary to accept higher post-grazing pasture residuals to avoid pugging damage. Focus back onto residuals when weather allows • Keep machinery off wet paddocks — feed out a couple of days in advance If you have a long-term problem with pugging or treading, can you improve the drainage of paddocks? This will protect your soil and improve not only pasture utilisation — but also pasture growth.

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March 2021

A U T U M N PA S T U R E

The importance of renewal Pasture renewal is important for increasing productivity and long-term farm profitability, particularly in the dairy sector. While grasses can grow indefinitely, factors such as drought, pests, and pugging damage will cause deterioration. Total DM production drops, weeds increase and feed value is therefore reduced. Renewal can see increased total pasture yield (one–eight tonnes DM/ha/ yr) and gives control over seasonality of production. It makes pasture management easier by using late heading varieties to minimise the drop in pasture quality as seed heads appear in late spring. New pastures produce, on average, 0.5–0.9 MJME/kg DM more. Reasons for this include higher proportion of desirable species, later and more uniform flowering, leafier sward, with fewer seed heads produced and less dead leaf material. Most new perennial ryegrass cultivars are available with new endophytes developed to solve particular problems in different regions. Thus animals are fed better. Cows on new pasture graze more grass, and that grass is leafier, higher in ME and more palatable. That will be reflected in more milk solids production, faster live-weight gains, higher stocking rates, and at the end of the day, much more contented cows.

Replacing poor-producing pasture is profitable. It is one of the simplest ways to invest on-farm for a significant and relatively predictable rate of return. Although the rate of pasture renewal is often set by historical practices or the budgeted levels, the most profitable rate of renewal for an individual dairy farm is best determined by an analysis of paddock performance, and from this, the cost/benefit for gains through renewal. Analysis of your pasture growth data will help you plan the most profitable renewal programme. While you may instinctively know your best and worst paddocks, without measuring or assessing pasture growth, paddocks cannot be accurately ranked to identify worst performance. The best paddocks to renew are the poorest producers as these have the potential for the greatest improvement. For example, where the yield can be increased by two tonnes of DM/ ha, the return is around 130kg MS/ ha. The return will be greater if the extra growth occurs at a time of the season when animal demand exceeds pasture growth. The highest producing paddocks on a farm indicate the property’s overall potential. Under-producing paddocks

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March 2021 NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

A U T U M N PA S T U R E

Winter is time for stock care New Zealand’s codes of animal welfare generally require that livestock have access to areas that are free of surface water and mud, have protection from adverse weather and are able to lie down and rest comfortably for sufficient periods to meet their behavioural needs. Of course, it goes without saying that stock requires feeding. As winter approaches, farming thoughts are concentrating on good feed sources. Two main risks with winter cropping are that animals can get sick from changing their diet from pasture to crops too quickly, and paddocks can quickly get muddy during long, wet periods. These problems can quickly become welfare concerns. Mud happens. However, it can be managed; some resources to help are available online. The Winter Grazing Action Group, established in early 2020, is made up of 15 representatives from industry organisations, government, vets, farmers and other rural professionals. It’s tasked with implementing recommendations to improve animal welfare in winter grazing systems. The group has put together guidance for farmers. Short-term expected outcomes for animal welfare will help farmers understand what they’re doing well, highlights where improvements can be made, offer advice around planning during the year and has some important winter grazing management practices. Following the guidance will be good for the animals’ welfare. The group says the

practice changes are realistically achievable by spring 2021. Action group chair Dr Lindsay Burton said it’s important everyone worked together to ensure farmers had the right tools to get through winter on MPI’s website. “Ensuring you follow a gradual transition plan when moving your animals from pasture to crop and back again will help prevent issues. This is particularly important for cattle wintered on fodder beet. “For farmers, the focus heading into winter should be on providing the right feed at the right time, as well as shelter and easy access to drinking water. Doing this should have the flow-on effect of limiting stock movement and help reduce damage to crop and soil.” Fa r m e r s and rural professionals should refer to the levy organisations websites — Beef+LambNZ, DairyNZ and Deer Industry NZ. They have advice on good winter grazing practices and specific recommendations for transitioning stock

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NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

Prepare for drought

March 2021

A Hawke’s Bay farmer is ready to repay feed favour if dry conditions worsen this summer. Bruce Goldstone, a sheep and beef farmer, is emphasising the importance of having a buffer of feed to get through tough seasons. He farms 4,000 breeding ewes, 1,000 hoggets and 450 cattle on 1,045 hectares. Bruce started running short of feed for his livestock as a drought gripping the entire North Island early last year continued to worsen. He turned to the national feed coordination service, funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries, for help. “If it had not been for friends and the baleage we sourced through the feed coordination service, we would have been in serious trouble,” says Bruce. “I could not fault the organisation of the service. It was a lifesaver, and I will be forever grateful.” The feed coordination service helps connect farmers who are short of feed with available sources of supplement, such as silage and hay. Bruce sourced 100 round bales of grass silage from the Waikato and the South Island. He had 200 bales of silage and was sent a further 100 bales of baleage by friends and bought 40 tonnes of palm kernel expeller. “The situation was exacerbated because our farm is in a livestock movement control area for tuberculosis. In a normal season, when it got dry, we

would be able to sell store cattle at the saleyards, but we had to carry an extra 50–60 steers through.” The shortage of feed had major flowon effects for his business. “The ewes were not fat enough at mating. That resulted in a 40 per cent drop in our lambing last spring — costing $150,000 in lost income. A further $50,000 was spent buying extra feed.” Bruce reassessed the buffer of feed he needs for significant adverse weather events such as drought. “Last year, 16 hectares of lucerne were planted. Sixty bales of silage were harvested in the first cut of the forage crop. Another 120 bales will be harvested this autumn. An additional seven hectares of lucerne were planted in late 2020, and 40 bales have already been harvested. “Last winter, 21 hectares of ryecorn/ annual grass and seven hectares of oats were sown to provide extra feed. The crops were grazed by cattle. Three hectares of the ryecorn/annual grass regrew, producing 100 bales of baleage in the spring. The Ministry for Primary Industries has extended funding for feed coordination and planning services until the end of June. The feed planning service is delivered by Beef + Lamb New Zealand, DairyNZ, Federated Farmers and other specialist providers.

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ACCOUNTANTS & ADVISORS SINCE WWW.WWC.CO.NZ

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES March 2021

March 2021 NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES March 2021

March 2021 NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

March 2021

TO BUILD OR RENOVATE BUSINESS PROFILE

Sun power down to earth

by Andy Bryenton

Solar power for the home is no longer future technology but an everyday reality for many Kiwis living both on and off the grid. The field has exploded with new technology, so how does one choose the right system? Like the automobile in the early 20th century, photovoltaic solar power has expanded, advanced and diversified in direct proportion to the number of people taking it up as a viable option. Mass appeal means mass investment. Finance turns the wheels of research and development faster, leading to better batteries, more durable, longerlasting panels and cells, and, of course, ease of installation. What was once an expensive outlay with a pay off measured in ecological kindness more than cold hard cash is not a financial calculation that puts householders firmly in credit. Most well-designed modern photovoltaic systems pay for themselves in electricity savings for a short period of time, compared to the projected lifespan of the system. Even when that lifespan is done, decades down the track, we can extrapolate from current trends that replacement panels will be cheaper and even more effective; batteries even smaller and more capacious. The true answer to the question of which solar power system is right for

your home is one best answered by people at the forefront of the industry. We consulted with DAE in Dargaville, suppliers and installers of a wide range of solar applications, from battery-free solar-powered water pumps keeping farms hydrated through to large arrays for modern homes. The opinion among the professionals there was that a kitset system is a perfect, easy to install option for those with minimal power needs, while those seeking a whole-home solution should ideally have a tailor-made plan orchestrated by experts. Like any major investment in one’s home, this means a site visit, a proper measure and quote, and a frank discussion of your power needs. Some homes will operate on USB-friendly low-draw devices, while others insist on three-phase power for electric kitchens, for example. Power use cycles through the day and night may dictate the size and type of batteries needed. DAE has plenty of expertise at its disposal when it comes to setting up an easy to use, unobtrusive photovoltaic

Aggregate and Sand Bark and Mulch Compost and Topsoil Green Waste Disposal Growing Media www.waipapalandscapesupplies.com

09 407 6668 12D Pataka Lane Just off SH10 in Waipapa Turn off by PGG Wrightsons

Solar power isn’t necessarily a one size fits all proposition; talk to the experts to design a tailor-made solution

system, with some units even able to be monitored and controlled via mobile apps or installed as a discreet unit in the style of a so-called ‘power wall’. The first step toward your solar future is to get in touch with your local professionals and run the numbers on just how much you can save in your individual situation.

MAKE THE SUN WORK FOR YOU!

All pumps & water systems Authorised Grundfos Agent

Master Davey Dealer

Open Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm | Sat 9am to 12noon 24hr Emergency Call out Service

Visit our showroom: 31 Woodcocks Rd, Warkworth • Ph 09 425 9100 email splashwater@xtra.co.nz web www.splashwater.co.nz @splashwaterspecialists

BRIDGE BUILDING & PILING SPECIALISTS We offer Design & Build for Bridges including plans, permits, consents and construction. Or see us to strengthen and repair your existing bridge to ensure safe access on your property.

AT SOLARBOSS WE ARE YOUR LOCAL OFF-GRID SOLAR EXPERTS, FOR ALL SIZES OF SYSTEM!

We can custom design, source & install the right systems for you. From small applications to whole homes off the grid! Plus, solar electric fences packages, solar farm water pump systems & more. Ask about our FREE on-site consultation for your needs.

Contact: GHK Piling Phone: 09 435 4443

Address: 9-11 Hewlett St, Whangarei

Email: admin@ghk.co.nz Web: www.ghk.co.nz

YOUR ELECTRICAL WHOLESALER

Phone 0800 323 727 • 09 439 3089 26-30 Normanby Street, Dargaville gosolarboss@gmail.com • www.solarboss.nz

March 2021 NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

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Home of the year sets trends by Andy Bryenton KITCHENS

Kitchens are the Heart of your home Custom made Kitchens, Laundries, Wardrobes (includes Walk-In) & other Cabinetry as required to fit your specific needs!

Free measure & quote option available

Telephone: 09 430 3074

Email: sales@nexteditionkitchens.com

They’re the Academy Awards of tradespeople, the builders’ Golden Globes; the New Zealand Master Builders Home of the Year Awards has been handing out coveted titles for many years. Each of those years is reflecting in the styles, materials and designs utilised in the winning homes. This year 359 entries contested awards across many price-bracket categories, reflecting the ways in which graceful execution of architectural principles could be achieved with modest budgets and small spaces, as well as with grander designs. There were also awards for specific rooms, such as bathrooms and kitchens, awards for outdoor spaces and landscaping, and a special award for sustainability. “House of the Year continues to showcase what is possible in home building each year, across all price brackets,” said David Kelly, chief executive of the Master Builders Association. “We are delighted to play our part, supporting homeowners by protecting their investment during the build and for the next 10 years. Building guarantees are an essential part of the build process, and we are proud to have the most comprehensive product on the market. “Our guarantee has protected more than 140,000 homes through all economic cycles of the past 30 years. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners — you’ve done our sector proud.”

GASWORKS & PLUMBING LTD SPECIALISING IN ALL GAS HOME HEATING SYSTEMS AND WATER HEATING NEEDS

• Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Maintenance • Sheetmetal Fabrication

The New Zealand Master Builders Home of the Year for 2020 has set the trends for 2021 and inspired designers and architects

Longevity, functionality, energy efficiency and clever use of space were all core factors in deciding winners across the country, from a 90 square metre modern bach-style home in Flaxmill Bay, Cooks Beach, through to the long, low, glass-fronted supreme renovation winner, brought to life by Haimes Building in Taupo. The supreme winner was constructed in Queenstown by Triple Star Management, but it’s not the views or location that cinched the top spot. Blending modern techniques and light, airy glazed areas with traditional stone created a visual impact. While it was the small details that impressed;

this home also took out the supreme bathroom award. “This home is an outstanding example of the builder’s attention to detail. Clever use of natural materials creates an intriguing home that has visual warmth and a harmonious balance,” said the judges’ panel. The geometry stirs the imagination with a dramatic use of steeply pitched roofs, sculptured shapes, and five interconnecting pavilions. It’s clear that this incredible home has been designed and built to successfully offer comfortable living. The flawless implementation of these details proves this build was no easy feat.”

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GAS WORKS & PLUMBING LIMITED

Leslie Drainage

SUPPLY, INSTALL & SERVICE

GAS WORKS & PLUMBING LIMITED

Certifying Drainlayers Rural, Urban, Commercial or Residential. Covering ALL aspects of Drainage Northland Wide.

New and Existing Homes — Fibreglass, Polyester, Polystyrene Insulating Homes Since 1992 — 26 years as previous owner of Rodney Insulation Ltd

Hepi Tipene MANAGING DIRECTOR P 0800 364 678 A/H 09 401 6111 M 021 857 232 E fninsulation@gmail.com www.farnorthinsulation.com

PH 021 141 7596 New Builds - Renovations - General Carpentry

We also provide general Earthworks and Landscaping services.

We have a perfect track record of satisfied customers.

Richard Leslie 021 0809 0752 | Shaun Beuker 021 117 5980 09 435 5007 | leslie.drainage@gmail.com

info@breckonbuilders.com www.breckonbuilders.co.nz

NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

March 2021

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Gas axed in proposed plan

BREAM BAY GREENWORLD

A unique wholesale nursery Open to the public

by Andy Bryenton

The plan is in from the central government; no new natural gas connections to the network or bottled LPG connections after 2025. Ailing gas heating and hot water systems may have to switch to electricity or biomass when replaced, and existing natural gas supplies might be phased out as early as 2050. The story of natural gas begins millions of years ago, with the mass extinctions that ushered out the dinosaurs. The end of that story looks likely to be written by government legislation, starting in the present day. Proponents are in favour, for green reasons, preventing what is being called the Anthropocene extinction, the climate shift that could wipe out life as we know it. Detractors point to the almost universal use of natural gas for barbecues, restaurants, welding and more. The end of gas is part of the Climate Change Commission’s report on how New Zealand could go carbon neutral by 2050. While many of the suggestions made in the report are focussed on agriculture and transport, the gas phaseout came as a shock to small businesses in the hospitality industry, where 95 per cent of restaurants are gas-powered. It’s also prompted a rethink by building firms looking at future-proofing their designs, and consumers considering the end of califonts, gas hot water heaters and gas fires, gas ovens and hobs. “We can’t continue to postpone what we need to do to reach our goals,” said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. “The government will not hold back,” she reiterated, saying that future generations should not foot the bill for current inaction. The cost of this is estimated at one per cent of our national gross domestic

Bulk bark, compost, topsoil, shell, river pebble, lime chip, black bark, hedging, natives, subtropicals, edibles

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Selling Macrocarpa & Minor Species Buying Macrocarpa, Jap cedar and Leyland cypress logs (Shelter Belts ok)

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Government proposals to reduce carbon emissions include the recommendation that gas could be turned off for good, starting with no new installs in just four years’ time.

product each year, or roughly $2 to $3 billion. However, those in the gasfitting industry, those who supply gas to homes and restaurants, and those who sell heating, cooking and water heating appliances will feel a much bigger shake up coming. Already gas products have seen a dip in sales, based only on the

revelation that there’s 29 years to go before the tap is turned off. That, to some, is a price being paid today for blue sky (or green) promises tomorrow.

The Insulation Specialists Northland Insulation Ltd Residential • Commerical & Rental Properties

Suppliers & Installers of: • Earthwool Fibreglass • Mammoth Polyester • ClimaFoam XPS Board

Earthworks / Cartage / Effluent design / Construction / Quarry work

09 435 3302 | 027 494 5873 | msmithcontractors@xtra.co.nz

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DRIVEWAY DEALS BOOK YOUR DRIVEWAY REPAIR IN ADVANCE. • DRIVEWAY REPAIR AND RE-SURFACING • FARM DRAINAGE • QUARRY AGGREGATES – SUPPLY & DELIVER Call us for a FREE quote 0800 4 SWALE or 09 420 8352 • 103 Mill Road Helensville

EARTHMOVERS

March 2021 NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

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What will replace the RMA?

by Andy Bryenton

STEEL FRAMED KITSET BUILDINGS

The minister in charge of dismantling the RMA and replacing it with three new, streamlined laws has concurred that healthy and affordable housing had become ‘no longer a reality’ for many New Zealanders, agreeing with multiple commissions that the RMA was beyond its usefulness.

Supplied anywhere in New Zealand or the Pacific. We design and supply directly to you. Over 25 years’ experience in the Steel framed building industry.

Now the spotlight is on Management Act 2003 and what will replace the old the Climate Change Response legislation, which had been Act 2002 to enable clearer kept ‘alive’ since the early and more efficient decision1990s with more than making and investment. 150 amendments and “New spatial strategies new clauses. will enable regions to “Housing problems are plan for the wellbeing a complex mix of demand, of future generations, costs, financing, capacity ensuring development and and supply, and there is no infrastructure occurs in silver bullet. This reform the right places at the right will help by improving how times,” says Parker. central and local government He indicated that the National and Built plan for housing and urban Environments Act, as the core development. This includes piece of legislation replacing better coordination of future the RMA, will be progressed infrastructure with land use, into law first. development and urban “Given its significance growth,” said Environment and complexity, a special Minister David Parker, who is select committee inquiry will overseeing the transition consider an exposure draft “The existing 100-plus of the NBA bill from midRMA council planning Minister David Parker is shepherding the replacements year. It will include the most documents will be reduced to to the soon-defunct RMA through the parliamentary process about 14,” he confirmed, in a important elements of the move which will be welcomed by builders to homogenise the same rules across legislation, including the replacement of Part 2 of the RMA. I expect that and civic planners. It’s been hinted a larger area. that individual councils may not wield The Strategic Planning Act will the complete NBA and the SPA will be resource management power alone but integrate functions under the RMA, Local formally introduced into parliament by amalgamate into larger regional bodies Government Act 2002, Land Transport the end of 2021.”

WEBSITE: www.steelspan.co.nz EMAIL: info@steelspan.co.nz PHONE: 0800 787 726

CHECK BEFORE YOU LIGHT!

AFFORDABLE SEPTIC SERVICES IN YOUR AREA

WAGENER Sparky

The cute wee fire with a big heart

He’s built of solid 5mm steel, has a stovetop cooking surface & optional top rails & wetback.

Using worms, sun and time - we process all our liquid waste into rich compost.

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Composted for 3 years - low in NPK, tested PH7

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5 Allen Bell Dr, Kaitaia Ph (09) 408 2469 Find us on

www.macjimray.co.nz PIERCES

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Home of the Wagener Fairburn, Leon, Butler Multi & CookTop Wagener Stove

CARPET VINYL WOOD FLOORING LAMINATE

The Best Selection The Best Prices The Best Service Quality Workmanship LET PIERCES QUOTE YOUR FLOORING 32 Albert Street Whangarei

Ph 09 438 3746

www.flooringxtra.co.nz office@piercecarpets.co.nz

Residential & Commercial Construction

• NEW HOME BUILDS • RENOVATIONS • ADDITIONS • LEAKY BUILDING DIAGNOSTICS & REPAIR 17 Jackson Road, RD9, Whangarei | Ph: 09 4348178 • Mob: 022 126 9804 email: ezra@ezrabellconstruction.com | web: www.ezrabellconstruction.com

NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

Gunson McLean Ltd CHARTERED

A C C O U N TA N T S

Our aims are: • To provide realistic and practical advice • To provide up to date and accurate advice • To work with you in a friendly, relaxed and straight forward manner

Vinery Lane, Whangarei. PO Box 687, Whangarei 0140, New Zealand Tel: 09 438 1001 • Fax: 09 430 0142 • Email: admin@gunsonmclean.co.nz

Rural Accounting Specialists

Craig W. Gunson CA Shiralee L. McLean CA

Serving all types of business with: • Financial reporting • Taxation • Budget and forecasting • Succession & estate planning • Business structures, valuation & financing

March 2021

www.gunsonmclean.co.nz

Business Services Specialist Services Taxation Services

21 Edward Street, Dargaville, Tel: 09 439 7257. Monday, Wednesday and Friday

We’re now so much more...

Previously KGA Warkworth, we now offer even more support as KGA Accounting Plus - and it’s the Plus that counts. We provide accounting services Plus. We help you achieve results Plus. And we do it all with customer service and commitment Plus.

TAX SUPPORT + BUSINESS ADVISORY + BUSINESS COACHING PH: 09 425 8536 E: info@kgaww.co.nz 54 Whitaker Road, Warkworth 0910

www.kgaww.co.nz

Get in touch to find out which level of support suits you.

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Ph 09 579 4089 or stop in to our factory 7A Carmont Pl, Mt Wellington, Auckland

We have an experienced and friendly team available at EQ8 Accounting offering a wide range of expertise and experience in the world of business and taxation. “At EQ8 Accounting we understand that every business situation is different and require different solutions which is why we are dedicated to providing timely and accurate solutions designed to suit each business’s needs. We work alongside you not only solving problems that may arise, but helping you reach your financial goals.”

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

March 2021 NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

THE ORIGINAL ROBOTIC MOWER!

STARTING FROM

2,599

AM305 Prices refer to units only. Installation kits sold separately. Installation cost apply.

LONGER RUNTIME. LESS WEIGHT Husqvarna’s range of battery-powered handheld equipment, you can now do serious green work without having to worry about fumes and noise.

BATTERY TRIMMERS

BATTERY HEDGE TRIMMERS

STARTING FROM

269*

STARTING FROM

269*

$ *Refers model 115iL excludes battery and charger

*Refers model 115iHD45 excludes battery and charger

BATTERY CHAINSAWS STARTING FROM

BATTERY BLOWERS

309*

369

STARTING FROM

* *Refers model 120I excludes battery and charger

LAWN TRACTORS

STARTING FROM

4,399*

*Refers model 120IB excludes battery and charger

ZTR® ZERO TURNS

STARTING FROM

RIDERS

STARTING FROM

8,099*

6,399*

*Refers model Z146

*Refers model Z246. Valid 01/09/19 - 31/12/2019

*Refers model TS138

*Refers model R216-C94

5 YEAR DOMESTIC WARRANTY*

Purchase genuine Husqvarna oil with your new Husqvarna petrol products to extend the standard 2 year domestic warranty period to 5 years. *Terms and Conditions apply, see HUSQVARNA.COM for details.

Available at your local authorised Husqvarna Dealer, Albany

Albany Mowers & Machinery

09 415 9756

Mangawhai

Mangawhai Small Engines

09 431 5270

Dargaville

Farrand & Mason Ltd

09 439 7335

Mangonui

Mangonui Mowers & Chainsaws Ltd

09 406 0584

Kaikohe

Kaikohe Lawnmowers & Chainsaws Ltd

09 401 0151

Silverdale

Gatmans Mowers & More

09 426 5612

Kaitaia

Kaitaia Tractors Ltd

Kaiwaka

Kaiwaka Motorcycles Ltd

Kumeu

Kumeu Chainsaw & Mower Services

Wairau Valley Gardening Aids Ltd

09 444 9493

09 431 2127

Warkworth

Rodney Honda

09 945 3989

09 412 8109

Whangarei

Regent Lawnmowers and Cycles

09 408 0670

0800 438 296

WWW.HUSQVARNA.COM

NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

March 2021

BUSINESS PROFILE

Engineering easier workdays by Andy Bryenton

Dargaville engineering company Farrand and Mason is a multigenerational business serving a wide rural, manufacturing, processing and forestry base. They’re used to picking the top tools for the job, and that’s why they have been the town’s home of Husqvarna for many years.

DARGAVILLE – MANGAWHAI – WHANGAREI Proudly servicing the Northland region for over 25 years • House Sites & Driveways • Subdivisions • Retaining Walls • Dams & Farm Maintenance • Civil & Forestry Infrastructure • Hydraulic Hose Repairs With an extensive range of heavy earthmoving equipment to get the job done … we’ve got you covered!

Husqvarna have been working ard on new battery powered technology to make workdays easier for arborists, foresters and grounds maintenance staff

Every year sees new innovations from the big Scandinavian brand, with leaps forward in technology and its application. Kevin, Chris, Doug and the team at Farrand and Mason appreciate this on the level of engineering. Still, they are also keen to hear feedback from the full spectrum of their customers on how the latest Husqvarna equipment works in the field. When one customer is a professional forestry worker, the next a farmer, and the one after a small lifestyle block owner, it takes a range and a knowledge of the products on offer to fit the right tool to the right pair of hands. Recently, Husqvarna has doubled down on its commitment to creating powerful battery operated machinery. We’ve seen them release backpackmounted battery packs, which will allow brush cutters or even concrete

saws to operate for hours far from any power points or petrol cans. As battery science improves so too has the power output and durability of the Husqvarna range. A fresh addition that proves the case for electricity comes in two new chainsaws, the 540i XP and it’s tophandled ‘brother’. Tested extensively by arborists who must scale tall trees with all their gear, then safely precision-prune limbs and branches, the pair of batterypowered saws stacked up favourably against their 40cc petrol competition. One reason respondents gave was that the battery saw was lighter. That meant less aching muscles after a day’s work and safer conditions up in the air or on the ground. A saw that’s easier

to position, manage and manoeuvre is one that’s harder to drop or mishandle. The lack of exhaust fumes proved a breath of fresh air for operators and the lack of engine vibration made for more comfortable cutting. Of course, this is just an example of Husqvarna’s way of thinking. They’re applying the same engineering mindset to mowers, developing robotic systems to take back suburban weekends. They’re putting more power and utility into ride-ons, making large yard maintenance easier and safer, and they’re looking at all the other small petrol-engined power equipment in use today with an eye toward improving its efficiency and design.

TRUCKING Ideal maize to maize feed Reason 1 to use Devour... Maize

After maize harvest the same paddock is often sown back into maize the following spring. Devour is the ideal ryegrass to use for grazing/silage during this time.

Call 021 070 8211 Owner / Operator Duncan Mackay

GENERAL CARTAGE SERVICE Metal / Topsoil / Sand / Manure Hay / Silage

BREAM BAY WATER SUPPLIES

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Earthworks Enquiries: 09 439 5838 info@wilsonearthmoving.co.nz 47 Edward Street, Dargaville 0310

www.wilsonearthmoving.co.nz

March 2021 NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

Build it, and they will come

Mussel float trial A Tasman-based company has begun a one-year research trial aimed at reducing the number of mussel floats that get lost at sea each year.

by Chris Penk, MP Kaipara ki Mahurangi electorate

I love the phrase ‘build it, and they will come’. It’s ambitious but also practical. We can make a place better for people to work and play, but only if we ‘build’ in the first place.

Aquaculture float specialist SS Floats is partnering with the Ministry for Primary Industries to devise an improved float and attachment method for longline mussel farming. MPI is contributing $72,500 towards the $145,000 project through Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures. The new design must be able to withstand the unpredictability of open waters better than the existing floats. “Mussel farming in New Zealand began in sheltered bays in the Marlborough Sounds, so the old design, which has been used for the past 40 years, worked pretty well,” says the lead designer for SS Floats Paul Smith. “The industry’s move to more exposed waters has driven our need to come up with a new design.” Currently made of plastic, mussel floats can occasionally come loose due to adverse weather or tidal conditions. “Appropriate buoyancy is a critical element of longline mussel aquaculture and requires a delicate balance. Too much flotation and crops are shaken by wave energy at the surface. Too little flotation and lines can sink. Both can result in crop loss.” Mr Smith has been contemplating this issue for some time, so quickly, had a prototype solution ready to test

The key point is really the order: first, you build, then they come. The thing to ‘build’ is all the infrastructure needed to support a decent standard of living, not just the houses. Then ‘they’ will come to a place they can enjoy. In the case of the electorate I represent, Kaipara ki Mahurangi, stretching across Auckland’s rural north and west, it’s been the case far too often that we encourage people to come here without having built properly beforehand. That’s as true in the rural north, think Warkworth and surrounding areas and the chokepoint that is the infamous Hill Street intersection, as it is in suburban West Auckland, where commuters crawl daily from intersection to intersection across State Highway 16. I’ve been contacting government ministers and various officials about the solutions needed in these places consistently for the past three years. I believe it’s important to offer solutions, having pointed out problems, whenever asking for more.

2020 Ga

rd e o ls n P o w e r To

To that end, I’ve published Penk’s Plan on my social media accounts for a couple of different geographical areas and will be expanding the map soon. The traditional view about what needs to support people in housing still holds true, with three key elements: transport links, safe and sanitary water systems and social infrastructure such as schools, healthcare providers and community spaces to meet and play and, where appropriate, places to work too. I’d add that planning in the 2020s should also include reliable, fast internet connectivity to round out the basics. It’s really the difference between ‘houses’ and ‘housing’. It’s easy enough to build houses but the whole package to support reasonable living standards. The whole housing picture needs much more thought and, dare I say it, political will. I’ll keep pushing along those lines. Wish me luck!

once funding was approved. “We have already got trial floats in the water locally, which are working really well. “We now need to test them in different parts of the country with more exposed waters.” It supports the government’s Aquaculture Strategy objective to extend marine farming into the open ocean. Ned Wells, general manager of the Marine Farming Association, which is supporting the research project, says floats that get loose are generally recovered. “Despite that, it is an expensive exercise for companies to go round and collect them.” Data collected across the last 10 years shows between 500 and 1,500 floats are lost from Top of the South mussel farms each year, with an annual cost of at least $500,000. “If this project is successful, it will mean one less source of plastic in our marine environment,” says director of investment programmes at MPI, Steve Penno. “This could help the mussel industry with another step towards boosting its sustainability while saving time and money.” The new floats will be tested in the open waters of Golden Bay, Tasman Bay, Pegasus Bay and off the coast of Coromandel.

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Reducing environment footprint recommendations. Investment in R&D and support from the government will be crucial.” The Partnership Farms research is part of DairyNZ’s Dairy Action for Climate Change commitment to support dairy farmers and the wider sector to address onfarm methane and nitrogen emissions long-term. The Partnership Farms modelling was carried out for six farms in Waikato, Southland and Canterbury. The work found a strong understanding of the farm, the people and the farm system was important at the beginning. The process involved a Whole Farm Assessment and modelling in Overseer and Farmax. Dr Thorrold said dairy Dr Bruce Thorrold, DairyNZ strategy and investment leader farmers are committed to playing their part in addressing climate A series of Step Change events will change alongside the rest of New start on March 10 to help farmers Zealand. There is a wide range of work explore their options. Farmers interested underway on farms throughout the in learning more about improving country to achieve this. their environmental performance and The next step is for DairyNZ to work profitability can find out more at dairynz. more widely with farmers to start co.nz/stepchange. exploring their own system adaptations through its Step Change project. Step Change is helping farmers understand the options best suited to their farm and how to improve profitability and water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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New DairyNZ research shows farmers can identify ways to increase efficiency and reduce environmental footprint — but there will be challenges for some. The Greenhouse Gas Partnership Farms research project worked with farmers to identify and model how their farms might reduce both nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emissions. “Making these gains will be the first steps as farmers work towards the government’s 2030 climate change targets,” said DairyNZ strategy and investment leader Dr Bruce Thorrold. For some farms, the research identified options that offered a lower footprint and higher profit. For already highly efficient farms, footprint gains tended to come at a cost to profitability. New Zealand dairy farmers are committed to playing their part in addressing climate change alongside the rest of New Zealand. “It is more challenging for farms that are already efficient. For them, it’s about where even the smallest gains can be made. Small improvements on individual farms add up at national level.” The dairy sector is working through a process of helping farmers know their emissions profile numbers, identify options and implement solutions. “The Partnership Farms research highlights that to reduce footprint, all farms had to reduce total feed eaten and nitrogen surplus. The findings highlight the need for ongoing research into technology to reduce footprint without reducing feed. “These technologies are required for dairy farmers to achieve the challenging Climate Change Commission

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Venison marketers planning Deer Industry NZ is expecting improved market conditions for venison in the coming year, with better prices assured for venison animals processed for supply in the European game season. “In the next few weeks, some venison companies will be offering minimum price supply contracts for the game season, for shipment of chilled venison during September and October,” says DINZ chair Ian Walker. “Contracts offered in 2020 were $7–$7.20 a kilogram when Europe was gripped by Covid-19. This year we are seeing restaurants starting to reopen in North America. Also, prices for all meats in major world markets have begun what economists expect will be a steady longrun climb. “With mass vaccination programmes underway in Europe, demand from food service this coming game season could be even stronger. The only note of caution is the strength of the NZ dollar, which has firmed by about 10 per cent against the Euro and US dollar since last October.”

Mr Walker says it is more difficult to predict demand outside the chilled season when a lot of venison is frozen after processing. “Demand for frozen venison comes mainly from northern Europe and now China. In Europe, it is stored until the following game season for use in traditional cold-weather game fare. “There are significant stocks of frozen venison from New Zealand and other countries in Europe from last game season. This will tend to have a bearish effect on prices for the next few months.” Westpac Bank senior agri-economist Nathan Penny, writing for interest.co.nz, expects Covid-19 vaccine roll-outs will boost demand for NZ meat, first in the US, where the roll-out is going very well, and then later in the year in the EU and the UK. This boost will add to

Ian Walker, Deer Industry NZ chair

the demand strength already present in China. Ian Walker says DINZ is working Protect Your Pump From Protect Your Pump From closely with the five major venison Costly Repairs Costly Repairs marketing companies to build Keep Your Water The Best It Can Be year-round demand for venison, Keep Your Water The Best It Can Be at retail and online for Protect Your Pump particularly From home delivery. Costly Repairs • Are you having trouble with rubbish Keep Your Water The Best It“We Canfully Be recognise that deer farmers getting into your farm pump? need a schedule premium over lamb to • Weeds building up on your water filter? make venison production a competitive • Algae blocking your water lines? land use. The industry was achieving Chlorine Tablet & Dispenser that until the impact of Covid-19. • Prevents most algae build up & blockages

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“Venison prices will improve, and hopefully, none of us will have to deal with another pandemic in our lifetimes. Once is more than enough.” He says that because deer farmers can bank on getting better prices during the chilled season, they should target getting venison animals away before the end of October if that fits with their farm system. “Talk to your venison marketing company about their plans and consider locking in supply over this period.”

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Chief executive Sam McIvor says B+LNZ stands by the AUT research it commissioned that arrived at different figures, but the numbers are not the focus. “We absolutely stand by Dr Case’s independently reviewed robust and credible research. While there are differences in some of the methodologies MfE used in their report. Particularly their netting-off of all harvested forest that doesn’t take into account the replanting and additional new planting we know is happening. It reinforces the importance of on-farm sequestration. “What is encouraging is that MfE’s report recognises there is significant sequestration happening on sheep and beef farmland. Even using a highly conservative approach, they have arrived at a figure of a 33 per cent offset of on-farm emissions by vegetation, which shows farmers are well on the journey no matter who is crunching the numbers. “This sequestration is on top of the 30 per cent reduction in absolute emissions that sheep and beef farmers have made since 1990. MfE’s figure of 33 per cent is also sequestration primarily derived from the 1.4 million hectares of native forest on sheep and beef land, which is hugely significant as farmers are currently unable to get most of this recognised in the Emissions Trading Scheme. “Our aim all along has been for sheep and beef farmers to be recognised for the sequestration happening on their land. If farmers are to face a price for their agricultural emissions, it is

only fair they get credit for their action already taken to date on greenhouse gas emissions, such as reductions and sequestration. “We are committed to working with the government, iwi and sector groups on the He Waka Eke Noa process, particularly, to formalise this recognition.” Mr McIvor says the recent Climate Change Commission draft advice to the government highlighted the important role native forests should play in New Zealand’s response to climate change. “The Climate Change Commission is recommending moving away from large scale exotic forestry to encourage the integration of native forest within farms, which B+LNZ supports. MfE’s report also highlights the need for farmers to get recognition of what is already there. “This is a relatively new area of research. Dr Case’s report was the first time anyone had attempted to measure the sequestration happening on-farm. We will keep advocating for a farm-scale view of emissions and sequestration, as well as encouraging our farmers to keep up their great work, protecting and enhancing their landscapes. “This isn’t just about carbon offsetting. Native vegetation, in particular, provides other important ecosystem services such as enhanced biodiversity, soil conservation, and improved water health outcomes. “B+LNZ will soon release new independent research into the amount of planting/replanting that has occurred across New Zealand over the past few years.”

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March 2021 NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

VEHICLES, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Maximum return by Andy Bryenton

Isuzu has taken its time replacing the D-Max ute, largely because it was already tough enough to handle almost anything that could be thrown at it.

New model arrives soon for the smaller lawn... and a small price!

With its big, truck-sized components under the hood and ample space in the back, the D-Max didn’t deviate from its original model for several years because, you might feel, it was already what it set out to be. However, technology has advanced, the demand for more ute for one’s dollar is greater than ever, and Isuzu’s engineers are always up for a challenge. Welcome, then, to the 2021 D-Max, proudly touted as the safest ute you can buy. Part of this is down to what they call the Intelligent Driver Assistance System (IDAS), a suite of artificially smart programs that ensure that the ute ‘sees’ and senses everything around it, using a 3D camera and radar system. What it sees, it can avoid, with steering assist, brake assist and a battery of other grip, stability and countercrash features, which would have sounded like science fiction a mere decade ago.

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As well as five stars from ANCAP’s crash test gurus, the D-Max receives an injection of technology thanks to its development process. Worked on in tandem with Mazda, in the same way Toyota and BMW developed the Supra/ Z4 combo; the D-Max has been given new toys, not the least of which is more aggressive and powerful off-road abilities. The dials have gone digital, the touch screen controlling all the bells and whistles has grown to a big nine-inch central mount. Overall, the cabin looks more refined, especially when wrapped

in top-spec leather, as it is in the fully loaded X-Terrain version. This is just one of four different set ups available on the forecourt, running the gamut from farming utility to fashionable, high street cruising. Not that the city pavement is really any place for a machine with the abilities the new D-Max offers, when it comes to leaving the road behind. It’s almost a shame not to get mud all over those 18-inch alloys and flared, contra-toned arches. Under the hood lurks a new, upgraded three-litre diesel engine, with 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque; the kind of figures necessary when towing and heavy loads are on the cards. Certainly a good comparison with other utilities of its ilk because there’s no doubt that the D-Max will be compared to the Ranger and Hilux yardstick by potential drivers. The only real test is to give it a try; stop by your Isuzu dealer soon to experience five-star safety in a tough, spacious package.

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March 2021

VEHICLES, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

EV target might be unobtainable

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by Andy Bryenton

The climate change commission has the herculean task of making New Zealand carbon neutral by 2050, and hence some of their suggestions are built on a similar heroic scale. One key plank of their platform is to replace the road fleet with electric vehicles. It’s recently been proposed that this might mean the end of internal combustion-engined imports by 2040 or sooner, just around the corner in terms of auto production timelines. Certainly, EV tech has come a long way, but will a nation with, on average, an 11-year-old fleet be ready to plug in and switch on in such a short time? Put this in perspective. Right now, on the road, you’ll see plenty of model year 2000 machines and older. Look at the technological advancements between, say, a Y2K Ford Mondeo and today’s model. Yes, it’s got better in many ways. Would a similar jump forward in technology improve the range, cost and longevity of modern batterypowered cars? The improvement needed there is more akin to that between the 1890 Benz and the 1935 Mercedes. Currently, a new EV costs $60,000 or more, has to be charged mid-journey for long road trips, and there’s the certainty that the batteries will lose capacity and need full, expensive replacement in a matter of years. Yes, infrastructure can and will improve from the two or three charge points for each town, but for every last car to be running on voltage? We’ll need

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hundreds of them. Speaking of which, another core platform of the carbonneutral argument is the closure of a big electricity user, the Tiwai Point smelter. We’re to assume all that juice will go into cars, but it’s a long way from the far south to here, and that’s a lot of power line resistance on the way. Then there’s the elephant in the room. There are plenty of great electric hatchbacks to choose from. Where are the electric utes for 2040’s tradies? The electric trucks and goods vans, electric tractors and excavators? Electric

people movers for big families are even conspicuously absent. How about instead of making big claims and falling short, we aim for something we can achieve in the short term. Cut petrol use back by offering tax breaks to working commuters who buy EVs or hybrids. Hybrid drivetrains are everywhere, they’re proven, and second-hand prices are coming down smartly. The same incentive could be given to buy small-displacement engines because fuel-saving is fuel-saving no matter how it’s packaged.

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©2021 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc (BRP). All rights reserved. ™, ®, and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always wear protective gear & approved helmet. BRP reserves the right to change the promotion at any time. *Terms and Conditions apply.

NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

March 2021

VEHICLES, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Thunder on the track by Andy Bryenton

Yamaha has released its all-new 2021 Yamaha YZ250F, a motocross specialist machine that builds on a long tradition of podium victories for the brand, both in and out of Monster Energy racing livery.

the range has been the most noticeable outcome, and Yamaha is pleased with the performance the new YZ250F has displayed in trials. The engine sits at the core of the redesign for this iconic middleweight bike, but, of course, in the search for more motocross wins — Yamaha did not stop there. The YZ250F features a new, lightweight aluminium bilateral beam frame especially tuned for competition. A new set of engine mounts have been designed with the flexibility to absorb shocks and bumps while maximising traction and cornering performance. Yamaha’s famous fully-adjustable coil

spring fork system has been updated with improved speed-sensitive damping to walk the line between comfort and stability in those moments when long travel is appreciated. It’s the same story with the rear suspension set up; a competitive mix of flex and sportiness. Bigger brakes, reinforced triple clamps, even more, responsive controls and a lighter battery; all have been thrown in the mix to create a bike, which Yamaha say ‘gives riders an edge right out of the gate’. Best of all the new YZ comes with an app to link the engine directly to a mobile phone, for on-thespot diagnostics and tuning.

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Yamaha’s monster energy team has established a reputation on machines like the YZ250F; now, a new model builds on their feedback

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as some of the best at tuning, have delved even deeper. Updating the shift cam and transmission, modernising the clutch architecture and even getting down to tiny details like the blades of the water pump to deliver more power across the whole band and low-down torque aplenty. Boosting power in the top end of

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Promotion available between 1/01/21 to 31/03/21 on new farm vehicles (AG125, AG200, TTR230/A, TW200, XT250, YFM350FA, YFM450FB, YFM450FB/P, YFM700FA, YFM700FB/P, YXC700P, YXE850PBL, YXE850PK, YXF850, YXM700, YXE1000PSEM, YXF1000PSEM), through participating authorised Yamaha dealers while stocks last. Offer available for specified models, and warranty registered on or before 31/03/21. *FINANCE DISCLAIMER: Zero deposit; zero repayments for the first 12 months and 4.95% p.a. fixed interest rate on a 36 month loan term. Asset backed commercial applicants only with NZBN registered for minimum of 1 year. Maximum amount financed is $35,000 and applies to AG125, AG200, TTR230/A, TW200, XT250, YFM350FA, YFM450FB, YFM450FB/P, YFM700FA, YFM700FB/P, YXC700P, YXE850PBL, YXE850PK, YXF850, YXM700, YXE1000PSEM, YXF1000PSEM. Offer available from January 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021 with final settlement date of April 30, 2021. Credit criteria, fees, charges and conditions apply including an application fee of $325, $10 PPSR fee and a dealer administration fee. Finance to approved applicants by Yamaha Motor Finance New Zealand Ltd. (YMF) NZBN 9429036270798 FSP 9622. At participating Yamaha dealerships while stocks last. Information provided is general only and does not take into account your particular objectives, financial situation and needs. **INSURANCE DISCLAIMER: Information provided is general only and does not take into account your particular objectives, financial situation and needs. Please read the Policy Wording available at www.yminz.co.nz before you make any decisions regarding this product. Insurance is underwritten by underwriters at Lloyd’s of London acting through its agent Yamaha Motor Insurance New Zealand Ltd (YMINZ) NZBN 9429045857638 FSP 556706.

March 2021 NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

VEHICLES, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

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Hardcore heritage

by Andy Bryenton

When Toyota says that its Hilux utes have been part of the DNA of New Zealand for decades, they are not kidding. Since 1968 the Hilux badge has been attached to a range of hard-working pickup trucks, and it’s arguable that Toyota invented the ute as we know it. Back in those days, the big automakers of Australia were lopping the back roofs of estate cars to make the form of utes that tradespeople loved, and surfers too. In America, a pickup truck was a beast the size of a small house, with simple technology and a big V8. Neither was a good fit for either Japan, where the Hilux was born, or New Zealand, where it found what some call its spiritual home. Toyota envisioned a ute with the style of the big US haulers, a cab plus chassis with a suspension designed to handle off-road applications, building sites and gravel. They also miniaturised it, made it more reliable, and added economy to the mix. The result has grown up during nine generations, each one packed with more features and boasting more power than the one before. Some opine that the high point of Hilux promotion came with the attempted destruction of a used 1988 diesel model on the television show Top Gear. The experiment saw the little ute drowned, burned, crashed, struck with a wrecking ball and finally blown up atop a high rise building. After each ordeal, it still managed to both start and run. This

New Hilux delivers more of what has made the brand a byword for ‘indestructible’, then adds extra class

reputation for indestructible reliability is one of the reasons the Hilux is prized on Kiwi farms. It’s also why you’ll find the brand in extreme conditions all over the world, from deserts to Arctic tundra. Modified Hiluxes have reached the north pole, and in 2020 more than 40,000 were sold in Brazil, a nation famous for its muddy, intractable jungle roads. The 2021 Hilux builds on this legacy, with 15% more power under the hood, a suite of electronics that would not look out of place in a luxury sedan, and, most importantly the off-road abilities to

tackle New Zealand’s toughest terrain. Towing a boat, working the land or just getting away for the weekend the new Hilux performs with the aplomb that the name is known for. It looks sharp, too — especially with a bit of mud on it. Drivers mix and match cab styles, then add accessories for their own kind of Hilux driving experience, whether it’s work or play-orientated. No matter which you choose, expect a vehicle that keeps its value thanks to a solid reputation and some even more solid engineering underpinning it.

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NORTHERN FarMING LIFESTYLES

March 2021

Northern Rural Marketplace ATJ

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

BRIDGE BUILDING & PILING SPECIALISTS We offer design & build for bridges including plans, permits, consents and construction. Or see us to strengthen and repair your existing bridge to ensure safe access on your property. Contact: GHK Piling Phone: 09 435 4443

Address: 9-11 Hewlett St, Whangarei

• Rollers 1.5 - 13 tonne • Diggers 1-20 tonne • Site dumpers 1-10 tonne • Loaders, Trailers, Plate Compactors etc

Your Carrfields Agent for Kaipara/Rodney area

Call the team at ATJ for your hire needs

PH 027 449 1228

Warkworth 09 425 8845 or Aaron on 021 210 0493 4 Morrosion Drive, Warkworth

Pump water on your farm or to your house 24/7 NO Electricity Bills.

15-2 0mm price Model $895 s from .0

0 Inc

Enquiries: harrisons@actrix.co.nz, Ph 027 483 9996 John or 022 059 5166

. GST

Steers | Bulls | Heifers | Weaner

TUESDAYS 11:00am - Sheep 12:00pm - Prime Cattle

Steers | Bulls | Heifers | Boners

CONTACT Andrew Simpson

11:00am - Calves (seasonal) 12:00pm - Dairy (seasonal)

EMAIL andrewsimpson.ns@hotmail.com

BEEF / DAIRY / SHEEP 100% NZ owned

Harrison Water Ram Pumps Also Available Solar Water Pumps (No Batteries)

Email: admin@ghk.co.nz Web: www.ghk.co.nz

Andrew Simpson

SELF DRIVE MACHINERY HIRE

4 Models

WELLSFORD SALE MONDAYS 12:00pm - Store Cattle

IES CONSTRUCTION LTD. CONCRETE AND TILT SLAB CONSTRUCTION • • • •

Bridges Farm buildings Feed pads Bins

PO Box 448, Kerikeri, 0245 • PHONE: 09 407 8784 EMAIL: ies@concrete.net.nz

Doug Wilson Manager Phone: Fax: Mobile: Email: info@locksmart.co.nz

DARGAVILLE SALE THURSDAYS 11:30am - Feeder Calves 12:30pm - Store Cattle

09 430 2934 09 430 2936 0274 302 934 dougw@nrh.co.nz

Specialising in Fertiliser and Metal cartage. 30 Tonne units available. We cover your country!

www.locksmart.co.nz

www.animalherbs.co.nz

Northland Laser Drainage Ltd Neil Carter Trading as

We courier to your door!

Subsurface Drainage Specialists (Nth) All Services & Maintenance Available PO Box 1174, Whangarei Ph 09 434 7741 • Mobile 027 273 6865

1279 S/H 14, MAUNGATAPERE

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

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

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

Ph 09 432 0820

Email: homeopat@ubernet.co.nz Visit: homeopat@ubernet.co.nz to buy online

* House Wash

TAN

* Concrete Clean

EMENOFF LIVESTOCK LTD

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

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

* Cowshed Wash

022 438 8838 NORTHERN FARMING CLASSIFIEDS

Phone 0800 466 793 For Sale

ATV MATS from $89 — Come in & see us at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Ph 0800 963 636. www.atvtyres.co.nz.

DONATE ONLINE NEST.ORG.NZ/DONATE/

21,000 RESCUE MISSIONS

365 DAYS A YEAR

YEARS IN OPERATION

HIGH SPEED HELICOPTERS

YOUR CONTRIBUTION DIRECTLY SUPPORTS THE ELECTRICITY RESCUE HELICOPTERS OF NORTHLAND, A SERVICE MANAGED BY NORTHLAND EMERGENCY SERVICES TRUST. HELP KEEP OUR EMERGENCY RESCUE HELICOPTERS IN THE AIR, SUPPLYING AIR AMBULANCE SERVICES, MEDICAL FLIGHTS AND SEARCH AND RESCUE SERVICES TO NORTHLAND.

ATV SAFETY HELMETS — from $119 accessories from $15. The law has changed! Have you got yours? Come & see us at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Ph 0800 963 636. www.atvtyres. co.nz. Subject to availability. BACK 2 Wood Demolition. We buy & sell renovation materials. Servicing Northland — Auckland. Specialising in Windows, Doors, Ranch Sliders, Kitchens, Vanities, Roofing and More! Check out our website back2wood.co.nz or Ph 0800 10 98 77. HERITAGE APPLE Trees from $30 – Hardy root stocks – Diversify your Farm with an Orchard tree pack www.tastytrees.co.nz, call 09 408 5443 or text 027 346 7645 NEW YAMAHA FARM ATVs — 5.9% interest & 3 year warranty. Only at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi — phone 0800 963 636 & Yamaha MC Whangarei. Ph 09 438 0804

March 2021 NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

DARGAVILLE C A Motorcycles, 104 Jervois St Dargaville | 09 439 0170 HIKURANGI Rouse Motorcycles, 1 King St | 09 433 8471 WARKWORTH Warkworth Motorcycles, 22 Whitaker Rd | 09 425 8535

KAIWAKA Warkworth Motorcycles Kaiwaka, 1916 SH1 | 09 431 2123 KAIKOHE Rob Titter Farm Services, 55 Station Rd E | 09 401 1774 WHANGAREI Shaw Motorcycles, 111 Cameron Street | 09 438 1183