Northern Farming Lifestyles, May 2023

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End the government’s war on farmers

by Dr Shane Reti, MP NZ National Party

Farming is a vital part of the economy for towns like Whangārei and even more important for rural communities and lifting New Zealand’s earnings.

ARE YOU BUILDING A BOAT, OR JUST DOING SOME

Do you need to replace a door latch, or redo all the wiring and plumbing aboard?

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Last year, 63 per cent of goods exported from New Zealand came from agriculture. Agriculture employs one in every nine workers. It’s the backbone of the New Zealand economy.

Farmers deserve recognition for their efforts to reduce their environmental footprints. Their livelihoods, and the legacy they leave, depend on them protecting their environment. In the past decade, dairy farmers have fenced 25,000km of waterways.

Indeed, 98 per cent of waterways covered by the Sustainable Dairy Water Accord have been fenced. Additionally, New Zealand has among the world’s most carbon-efficient farmers. Of course, there is work to do, but New Zealand farmers understand that

without a healthy environment — they have nothing.

For many, though, it seems the government has tied farmers up in red tape, introducing more than 20 new or updated rules that have added compliance costs without any meaningful environmental change.

My team and I have a different view and will end Labour’s red tape. Our Getting Back to Farming package of 19 initiatives backs farmers while protecting the environment. We will deliver smarter rules for the future, super-charge the rural economy and get Wellington out of farming. For every new regulation created — we will also remove two.

Whangārei needs farmers. New Zealand needs farmers. Let’s back them.

Farmers deserve recognition for their efforts to reduce their environmental footprints says Dr Shane Reti, NZ National Party MP (pictured on right)

Northlander meets farm success

by Paul Campbell

A childhood growing up on a Northland farm near Whangārei has proved a bonus for Sarah Powell, who has put her youthful experience into practice by being named the 2023 Manawatū Dairy Trainee of the Year while working as a farm assistant on Fonterra’s 283ha, 600cow Longburn farm.

“I spent my childhood on a 90ha dairy heifer grazing and beef farm in Northland where I learned to love the outdoors, but up until my current position, I hadn’t spent any time working in the dairy industry,” said Sarah, who won $7,100 in prizes.

Her parents, Barry and Di Powell, are thrilled with her success. “It is very obvious Sarah enjoys her job. She is a great thinker, loves the outdoors, animals and isn’t afraid of hard work, so dairy farming really suits her,” said Barry.

Sarah says since she grew up on the family farm, “there is not any aspect of farming that I haven’t liked; outdoors, animals, physical work and fresh air are all facts which make my day.” She originally left Northland and home for Palmerston North to study agricultural science at Massey. Working on the Longburn property has included milking 650 cows in modern sheds.

“The thing I do love about dairy farming is the variety of skills and knowledge through the job. Different farms have different systems, dairy types, machinery, assets and personnel. No one farm is the same, and they all have so much to teach you.”

She was encouraged by a number of colleagues who had taken part in the awards programme, “to give it a go, for the learning opportunities and to highlight focus areas.

“It’s evident over the years just how big a role technology has had in influencing the direction of the industry, like apps on our phones. It’s also exciting to note

Sarah Powell has set her farm sights high the increase of women in the workforce, and I’m happy to be one of those women contributing to the industry.”

Creating a good work and life balance in the industry, she says, would help ease fatigue and social isolation. Currently studying towards PrimaryITO Level 4 Dairy, Sarah says her focus is about learning at

For Sale

Hon Kelvin Davis MP

the moment and taking any opportunities that arise. Future farming goals include

progressing to a farm managing position and possibly farm ownership.

COMPANIONS

BY ANN VAN ENGELEN

“Mark and I have 10 male and nine female alpacas,” says Pav.

“I was born in England and came to New Zealand in 1996 to start a new life because when I was young, I decided I didn’t like England. I lived in West Auckland and fell in love with the bush. It was wonderful — I thought it was magic.

“Mark and I married in 2001. I wasn’t looking for a partner when we met through an adventure club. I was a computer software sales representative and had clients in the farming business. Myself

and a colleague went to the Fieldays to catch up with clients and look for prospects when I saw some alpacas on display, and it was love at first sight.

“I have always loved animals and dreamt of being a vet when I was young. When we did biology at school and had to put a knife through a dead frog, I realised being a vet wasn’t going to happen. I couldn’t cut the frog even though it was dead, so I gave up the thought.”

Pav then decided she’d like a small holding with animals but never thought it would be possible, but now has Kandiah Alpacas and Farm Stay.

“Alpaca originate in South America, mainly Peru. They are gentle, intelligent and easy to handle, each with its own

personality. When I saw them at the Fieldays, we only had a quarter-acre bush, but I couldn’t get them out of my mind.

Mark and Pav Stacey have 19 alpaca on the farmstay property based in the hills at Waipū

Pav and Mark Stacey delight in sharing the experience of interacting with their herd of alpaca with visitors to their farm stay based in the hills near Waipū.

“In June 2003, Mark suggested I join the Alpaca Association thinking I’d get them out of my system, but I didn’t. By January 2004, I had visited some alpaca farms in Christchurch and bought my first pregnant female, paying for it to be looked after.

“Initially thinking I was going to have a few for my retirement, I purchased two more, but my herd grew, including having babies. We still had no land and decided to look at a property in Ngunguru and stopped at Waipū for a coffee and liked the town. This property became available as bare land and had everything we wanted — paddocks, pasture, privacy and bush. Mark wanted to build a house based on passive solar, so we put the barn up first, and I moved into it with our 13 animals that winter.

“I had never been a farmer, so attended workshops on animal care, and suddenly I could give them their annual

vaccinations and drenches for internal parasites. Mark still had his business in Auckland and would come up for three to four days a week. He built the house using timbercrete in the blocks, and it’s wonderfully cool in summer and warm in winter.

“We now do farm tours, and people also see Mark’s electric and steam cars, which are his passion. He has a 1922 Stanley Steamer from America, which he is working on. We do a full bush walk, and Mark talks about the native trees and their uses.

“We feed the alpaca, share our animal knowledge and show people what fleece looks like straight off the animal. People don’t realise they carry exquisite fibre. Once shorn, we send the fleece to be washed and carded. It is a valuable item that hand spinners love. I also felt the fleece on to pure silk fabric and make scarves.

DO MORE WITH LESS

B randt Whangarei are now stocking John Deere Compact Construction Equipment.

“Alpaca are an easy care herd animal that stick together. They don’t like being separated, and each has a very individual personality. They are very curious. We went into a paddock with a post hole borer to dig a hole once and thought they’d be terrified, but suddenly, the herd gathered with a look of ‘what are you doing?’ on their faces.

“If they see a bucket, they come screaming around with a look of ‘that must be food’, even if it’s tools. They love watching people and stick their heads up to look inside the house if

there’s movement. When they walk past the house and see themselves in the windows, they stop, and it’s like they are saying, ‘oh, my goodness, an alpaca’.

“People can find out more at kandiah. co.nz. It’s a great place for a getaway, even if you are local. Being with alpacas is a calming experience. We offer free tours for special needs children. They love interacting with the alpaca, and the elderly do too. The animals seem to sense that they are more vulnerable and treat them accordingly. It’s just lovely.”

Pav and Mark often hold tours especially for the elderly or children

Alpaca are known to be very social, curious, intelligent animals

FOUR GENERATIONS OF HONEY

BY AMY FIFITA

It is a passion that continues today with father and son team, John and Liam Gavin, who continue the family interest in beekeeping.

“My grandfather James and his son Terry worked together, and I worked with my father,” says John.

“James slowly built his beehive numbers up and moved to our current property in 1925. They milked cows while they were here for a start, as well as having his bees. The cows got into something, and some of them died, and so he started to do his beekeeping fulltime. I am a third-generation beekeeper, and Liam is the fourth generation.

“I was always down at the shed on the weekends and holidays helping dad, from

when we were old enough. It is not hard to get drawn in by bees and the way the hive runs. They work with nature and it works with them. If you talk to anyone about beekeeping, they enjoy getting into their beehives.

“Every season is different, and every year, you have to adapt to what is going on. It can be exciting as well as challenging. The honey season starts in early November and runs through to the end of February.

“The honey we predominantly do now has changed to what we used to do. The industry in Northland is very much mānuka-driven. We used to produce a lot of comb honey, and now do mānuka. We used to export live bees overseas and did some pollination.

“The rules and regulations that we have to work under are forever changing, as in a lot of other industries at this time, and we have gone in different directions at different times.

“There are not as many jobs in the industry as there were. It is a lot harder now than in previous years, and the

world markets are changing in what they are wanting. It is still an opportunity as a profession.”

John’s father, Terry left school at 13 years old. He did beekeeping his whole life, including being the president of the National Beekeeping Association and running a queen bee business based in Hikurangi.

The Gavin family’s beekeeping passion began in 1912 when James (Jim) John Gavin rode on horseback to collect bees from the wild in the Mangakahia Valley on horseback.

Liam, Rory and John Gavin with jars of their clover and mānuka honey ready for packing

“Being able to work with my dad and grandad has been great. I didn’t work much with my grandad, but I got to spend a lot of time with him,” Liam says.

“He would come down to the shed at morning tea and tell us his stories, and he was incredibly knowledgeable because his whole life was dedicated to beekeeping.

“It is the sort of job that you could take your children out in a vehicle and involve them. From a young age, we would go out in the truck with dad to shift some hives at night.

“When I was old enough to work, I’d work in school holidays. When you grow up with it, you don’t have a fear of bees because you grow up surrounded by it. I have spent my working life doing beekeeping on and off. I enjoy working outdoors, and it takes you to some pretty cool scenes.

Liam’s mother, Cushla, says that Varroa mite came to New Zealand in 2000 and

Matt Clifford

changed the industry forever. It is treated by putting a miticide strip into the hive. However, the mites become resistant to it, and new treatments need to be used.

“The biggest challenge currently is Varroa mite, and has increased the cost of having a hive because of the number of visits required to them. It feeds on the bee and will kill the hive quickly.

“The seasons change how the Varroa acts. It is a big topic of conversation in the industry. It is hugely valuable talking to other beekeepers across the country, knowing how they are getting on.

“Summer is my favourite season to work in. You work all year for the honey flow to start, and it is always rewarding. You do your year’s work, and you see it start to pay off. There is never a cap on what you can learn. It has been familyorientated the whole time, and it provides a great upbringing.”

John and his wife Cushla with Liam (right) and his children Bodi and Rory

Terry Gavin was

and

A WORLD-FIRST FOR AUTHOR

BY ANN VAN ENGELEN

In part one, Dee discussed examples of difficulties people face, including one tradesman she worked with who was excellent at his job, providing his structure was perfect. His van was so well organised his workmates would get what they needed from his vehicle.

“They messed up his structure, even if it was just three open boxes, and he would get behind in his work because he could take two hours to sort his van again,” said Dee.

“I showed him a picture, and he said, ‘that’s me — you captured me completely’. It was such a precious ‘wow, you got me’ moment, and he understood himself better, and we were able to discuss how he could talk to his employer about his situation.

“There are a lot of misunderstandings. I have ASC people asking how neurotypicals work because they feel they keep stuffing things up, and neurotypical people ask me how neurodivergent work.

“My job became a translator between people, and my book explains each other to each other. One of ASC’s key features is called a social development disorder. A baby is born and appears like any other baby, but the social part of their brain doesn’t develop or develops poorly. They can learn social literal rules like ‘put your plate on the bench when finished’, but they miss social cues.

“In neurotypicals, only 10 per cent of our communication is actually words, while 90 per cent is tone of

voice, body language, word choice, the emphasis of where words land and so on. Neurodivergence, plus the common

lack of eye contact, means that children have difficulty observing, learning and absorbing social cues.

Dee taking time out to complete a jigsaw puzzle

When well-known counsellor Dee Jones launched her much-requested book called The Aspie Book, written to help neurodivergent and neurotypical people better understand themselves and each other, Professor Tony Attwood wrote the foreword.

“Neurodiverse ask me to teach them the neurotypical secret code because they just don’t understand. For example, a child may be in the playground sitting on his own, having his lunch. A bigger boy, with his thumbs in a belt loop, walks across with a stare on his face and takes the child’s lunch. Then it happens repeatedly because the child doesn’t pick up the social behaviour and doesn’t know to run.

“The book is written so people can look at the pictures and read the case studies or explanations. It is very understandable, and there is very little reading between the lines. I don’t think

anyone has ever written on neurotypical people, and those on the spectrum want to know how they work.

“Each chapter is self-contained with a little bit of criteria at the beginning of what to look for. There is a beautiful chapter at the end where Aspie people wanted to help others and give their stories. They have been raw, real and open in their personal experiences.

“I wrote a letter to one man’s boss explaining ASC. They knew he had it but didn’t understand it, so I broke it down for them because Aspies are valuable workers. Their work capacity is phenomenal, but it isn’t understood

when they are overwhelmed and not functioning. I have seen very professional people resign and be replaced by three people to do their job.”

ASC isn’t a mental health condition — the brain works differently. Autism is a social development disorder in which people on the spectrum operate differently from neurotypicals.

“Professor Tony Attwood wrote the foreword. He is one of the top three Aspie specialists in the world, and I am honoured that he read the whole book and wrote the foreword. He recommends the book to his colleagues in all professional disciplines with autistic clients.

“My mum said when I was three, she often found me talking to people who were struggling. When I was five, someone explained what a counsellor was, and I knew then that that was what I wanted to do with my life.

“To have finally completed The Aspie Book doesn’t feel real. It certainly was a journey, and I hope that it will make a world of difference to everybody affected in one way or the other.”

The Aspie Book by Dee Jones can be ordered online at Amazon, The Nile and other websites or purchased from bookstores nationwide. To contact Dee — email deejoneswork@yahoo.com.

Picturesque ex-dairy farm

173 Day Road, Rodney.

This 122 hectare ex-dairy farm in popular Tomarata ticks a lot of boxes. The farm spans both sides of Day Road and has two houses, extensive shedding, including a sleepout, a calf rearing shed, hay shed, cattle yards and a wintering barn. There is a 15 aisde cow shed which was used up until four years ago and the neighbouring dairy farm currently leases some land. A flat paddock behind the house has in the past been leased to a market gardener. The farm is very picturesque, with stands of mature native trees and has great road frontage including both sides of Day Road and on Waiteitei Road.

Tenders close on May 18th (if not sold prior)

Call Christine Thomas 021 560 008 or John Barnett 021 790 393 for a viewing

Christine Thomas AREINZ

021 560 008

• 09 431 5415

christine.thomas@bayleys.co.nz

Bayleys,

Limited, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

Author Dee Jones wrote The Aspie book to help neurotypical and neurodivergent people understand each other

Dee with her dog, Storm, who has been appreciated by many clients as a therapy dog

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At NorthTec | Te Pūkenga we offer courses in a wide range of industries including agriculture, horticulture, fencing, forestry, environmental management, and pest control.

Jobs in these sectors allow you to work outside and are hugely variable with room for growth into unique and specialised roles, further responsibilities, or management careers. These industries are also constantly evolving meaning there’s scope to learn new skills, upskill you’re self, and progress in your work.

Not only that, due to the increase in our population, a continually growing need for food production, and an increasing focus nationally on conservation, there is a lot of job availability and security in these industries. There’s a massive demand for trained, qualified individuals in these sectors, and that demand is only set to increase in the coming years.

That’s not all, due to the physical nature of the industries, there is a lot of personal and professional satisfaction to be gained from seeing the results of all your hard work and the effect it can have on your community, your country, or the environment. So why not study for a career in the primary industries or environmental management sector?

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Retreating from a busy life

by Amy Fifita

Waipapa is often a travel-through destination when heading towards Cape Rēinga, but it does hold some hidden gems for visitors and residents to enjoy.

The area is more than the main town. If you venture further, you can take in the natural qualities, whether it be eating at a local restaurant, trekking through the wilderness or admiring the scenic rock formations on Lake Manuwai.

Experience the locally grown and created cuisine at the Blue River Orchard. The family-run blueberry orchard sells freshly made ice creams, treats and natural preserves. The town also has eateries with foods from across the world, such as Chang Siam Thai Restaurant, Hank’s Sushi & Donburi. If you prefer a pub-type atmosphere, go to The Pioneer Bar and Restaurant for refreshments or indulge yourself on its menu with a range of food.

To get to the lake, take a brief detour off of the Twin Coast Discovery Highway at Sandys Road and follow it to the end. There is a boat ramp for watercraft or kayaks to launch off, and there are fish in the lake for keen fishermen who want to bring home their catch. It is an ideal place for people who want some quiet and solitude from the busyness of modern life. Explore the rural area and discover Earth Village down Pangarere Road, a sanctuary for people and nature alike. The village has 386 acres of native bush, and offers various opportunities for youth and

adult guests seeking retreat, education or wellness practices.

Various experiences that can help you relax, such as the Bird of Soul Garden. The retreat aims to revitalise its guests, focussing on wellbeing and nature. It borders the Puketi Forest, another showcase of the area’s natural charms.

The Puketi Forest is a native forest that houses wildlife, some of which are critically endangered. The 15,000-acre expanse, including the Omahuta Forest, has various aquatic species, numerous birdlife and reptiles.

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Much work is put in to keeping the pests such as possums, hedgehogs, rats and stoats at bay to protect its inhabitants. Visitors of all abilities can wander through the native bushland on the various tracks that are from 10 minutes to days in duration. Check the Department of Conservation website for possible closures.

Explore the Pukata Ridge Track in Waipapa’s Puketi Forest or one of the various walks that traverses the native bushland

Safe and affordable water for Kaipara

by Willow-Jean Prime Labour MP for Northland

Every New Zealander deserves safe, reliable and affordable water services. After years of neglect, our water services, drinking water, wastewater and stormwater networks face a crisis.

We know that, without reform, households will face rates rising.

As a government, we’re not prepared to put extra costs on Kiwis during a global cost of living crisis. That’s why we’ve taken another look at our water reform programme and recently announced a pragmatic solution for a way forward.

Our affordable water reforms will fix New Zealand’s water infrastructure and ensure that households don’t foot the bill through huge rate increases.

There’s been a lot of feedback on our plan, and we’ve heard it loud and clear. The reforms need to save households from ballooning costs while also being more locally led. Our changes seek to strike that balance.

That’s why we’ve extended the number of publicly-owned water entities from four to 10. That means every council, and therefore every community, will now have a say over their local water services entities. By setting up more water entities,

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These water entities will be publicly owned and regionally led by industry professionals who will be appointed by local representatives.

These are once-in-a-generation reform, and it’s so important that we strike the right balance. Our plan strengthens the links between the water entities and the

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local communities they serve, while also making sure that New Zealanders, no matter where they live, can access safe, reliable and affordable drinking water now and into the future.

If you want to find out more, there’s lots of information on the website waterservicesreform.govt.nz.

Left to Right; Hon Kelvin Davis, Hon Kieran McAnulty and Hon Willow-Jean Prime we’re ensuring that the

and met.

Who are you going to call?

Before you do it yourself

by Amy Fifita

If you are looking at getting work done on your house or some luxurious additions for the winter months, it’s time to call in the tradespeople.

Doing electrical, plumbing and garden work yourself can save money and provide a learning experience, but what happens when things go wrong? Let’s face it; some jobs should be left to the professionals.

It gives you peace of mind too. Talk to an expert first and see what insurance, such as public liability and certificates they hold and what they and you are liable for. If they cannot provide proof, then,they could be untrained — avoid using them. You can also ask for references or if they have been put in front of a tribunal for poor workmanship or other issues.

Bringing a professional in would ensure the task is done safely, with the added benefit of it being done correctly. It saves the time you may have spent browsing multiple YouTube tutorials looking for the right fit for your situation. You will have a gauge of what you know you can do or have done before. Calling an expert opens up the possibilities. If you are adding home comforts to your property with features such as a

spa or jacuzzi, talk to your local specialist about options to suit your needs. A spa technician can safely get your warm water luxury running so you and your family can enjoy it during winter.

The jobs you need done could be simple maintenance like having a new garage door installed to keep the leaves out and to secure your car and other stored items. Enlist the help of a garage door maintenance person who knows how to fit it properly.

Ensure that all electrical work completed is done by a certified electrician and that it has a safety certificate of compliance. Call a plumber to do major tasks such as refitting and laying pipes. The professionals will know all the necessary permits for the job at hand and are up to date with the current standards.

If you want some outdoor work done, a landscaper may know easier ways to achieve the vision or help you build on your ideas. The company will have an experienced team

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specific tasks and when they should happen.

The professionals already have resources covered and know where to get quality materials at a reasonable price. Although, if you know a cheaper option,

they may allow you to source the products you want, specialised materials or items. Tradespeople or workers can give you practical advice on how to maintain the item or feature. Once it is finished, you can enjoy your new home feature without the possible frustration of doing it yourself.

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pastures

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Bringing in someone with the know-how of performing certain tasks like wiring or installing your electronic garage door can help you avoid the mishaps of doing it yourself that works well together and knows what should happen with

Valuing the rescue helicopters

The heroic efforts of rescue chopper crews come after another record-breaking year of missions in 2022, with a total of 9,847 rescues carried out across the country, including 1,210 in the Northland region.

New Zealand’s Rescue Helicopters flew dozens of critical missions during and after recent storm events across the country, helping save lives and offering an ongoing lifeline to those trapped by floods and slips.

“With chopper appeal month set for May, public fundraising will help keep Kiwi communities safe during future disasters,” says Northern Rescue Helicopter critical care paramedic Paul Davis.

“During Cyclone Gabrielle, the weather conditions limited our ability to fly. However, our crews took part in a multiagency maritime search and rescue operation spanning two days and involving a damaged catamaran swept out to sea.

“The other agencies included the police, coastguard, and the Royal New Zealand Navy. The distressed sailor was rescued in extreme conditions by navy personnel on an inflatable boat launched from the frigate Te Mana while our crew provided overwatch for the safety of all involved.

“We’re really grateful for all donations during Chopper Appeal Month. Whether we’re responding to major natural disasters or flying day-to-day missions, we rely on the public’s generosity to help us keep making a difference in people’s lives.”

Westpac NZ chief executive Catherine McGrath recently visited the east coast and Hawke’s Bay to see the extent of weather damage and the scale of the recovery ahead. She’s asking the public to give generously to support the rescue

and around the country.

“We love working with the choppers to make Aotearoa a safer, greater place. Whether it’s during large-scale emergencies or helping people who get into trouble in their day-to-day lives,” Ms McGrath says.

“Recent events have highlighted that a chopper is always there for you, no matter where you are or what you’re doing, and our fundraising during the month of May really helps to keep them flying.”

Westpac staff nationwide will be raising funds for their local rescue helicopter

service in the annual street appeal on Thursday, May 4.

“Please look out for our people shaking buckets on Street Appeal Day and support them with a donation if you can,” Ms McGrath says.

“We know there are communities struggling to make ends meet at the moment, so please give only what you can. Every dollar will go directly to your

local chopper and help towards keeping them in the air.”

Westpac funds the marketing and administration costs of the Chopper Appeal and distributes all funds raised back to donors’ local rescue helicopter trust.

People wishing to make a donation or find out more information can visit chopperappeal.co.nz.

For more information on how our expertise can benefit you please enquire now and contact us today!

Paul Davis, Northern Rescue Helicopter critical care paramedic helicopters’ vital work in those regions

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Home show pinpoints passions

by Andy Bryenton

The Auckland Home Show returned to its accustomed place in Greenlane in late April, and the numbers who flocked through its gates indicated of a renovations market that’s still running hot.

The nation’s collective passion for property, upgrades and interior decorating style could be seen from the sheer enthusiasm of the crowds who flocked to the four-day long event. More than 40,000 visitors paid the ticket price to witness the latest trends for the modern home. Workshops and symposia on different aspects of renovation were there to add knowledge and inspiration too.

Event organiser Amanda Magnus revealed that there was a large appetite for attendance among vendors, too. The final roll-call listed more than 300 individual businesses that were set up throughout six large pavilions to meet the public. By the time clean-up crews came to break down the site, it was official. The recent home show was the biggest seen in Australasia. A second round is set for September this year.

“Nothing beats that face-to-face interaction, so demand has been great,” said Ms Magnus. “The amount of effort in the design and build of the stands has been phenomenal.”

In terms of content, the first Auckland Home Show in three years reflected the mood in the market. Inflationary and supply chain pressures have put a squeeze on the budgets of those seeking to renovate their own homes, and this pressure has led to both creativity and compromise.

Advice on getting the most visual impact, energy efficiency and resale appeal for one’s dollar was in hot demand. It inevitably focussed a lot of attention on the two big-ticket rooms of the home, the bathroom and kitchen.

The kitchen is a creative place that needs to blend style with utility and accommodate

everything from quick breakfasts and children’s lunches to dinner party prep. The bathroom should be an oasis of calm, but critically, easy to keep spotless.

The other standout area at the recent home show was the rise of the outdoor area as part of the home. It reflects the urban design trend of smaller sections, where a garden is not really a garden but another room which happens to have a 30,000-metre ceiling. New ideas

in cooking, relaxing, and even watching media outdoors were all big parts of the show’s attraction.

The event may be over, but there are a wealth of websites, catalogues, magazines and, most importantly, local businesses that can share the secrets, tips and tricks of New Zealand’s most successful renovators with you. Get inspired, and talk to your locals about turning your flash of genius into reality.

As the weather gets chillier, most of us would rather spend our weekends cosied up by the re (see page 30) than

Power products are your best friend for getting those outside chores done faster and easier and getting you back in the warm, cheering on your favourite sports team, binge-watching or spending time with the kids.

An important consideration with power tools is whether to go with a battery/ electric option or petrol. Gatman’s have both options across most of their power

products range, so you can choose whatever suits you best. Petrol options tend to last longer and have more power. Battery and electric options are quieter and more environmentally friendly but may not be as powerful, and battery life may not last as long.

Here’s a rundown on some useful power tools you may want to consider adding to your tool shed.

 Pole saws: great for trimming tall hedges, climbers and small tree branches.

 Hedge trimmers: for trimming and shaping bushes, hedges and cutting back overgrowth

 Chain saws: cut down dead trees, wayward branches and also use to cut larger limbs into smaller rounds for rewood

 Mini pruner saw: these are compact and light for more precision power cutting than a chain saw when pruning trees and shrubs. They cut branches up to about 100mm

 Blowers: for clearing autumn leaves and debris; there are lots of different sizes and prices.

 Lawn and litter vacuum: rid your patios, driveways, pool areas, decks and fence lines of leaves, litter and debris in no time

 Edgers and trimmers: for keeping all your nooks and crannies tidy

 Brush cutters and wheel trimmer mower: for clearing high grass and weeds on hills and lawns that have got out of hand. Powerful enough for commercial and domestic use

 Chippers and shredders: turn your winter pruning and garden waste into mulch easily and save on waste removal at the same time. There are lots of different sizes and prices available with one model perfect for domestic use

 Water blaster (pressure washer): lots of different sizes for everything from cleaning furniture, patios and garden equipment to vehicles, driveways and stone walls

 Generators: don’t get caught out with power shortages. We have models to suit residential and rural applications We do have a small warning for you. Using power tools will make your outdoor chores so much more fun you may nd yourself wanting to stay outside a little bit longer. Check out the range at gatmans.co.nz.

working outside. Still, our gardens and lawns still need prep and maintenance during the autumn and winter months.

Gatman’s has all your power products covered

Chopper pilot hits milestone

by Ann van Engelen

Northland Rescue Helicopter pilot Sue Dinkelacker says she is humbled by her achievement of flying more than 10,000 helicopter hours as she reflects on her career in the air.

“I am so grateful for my career in helicopters so far. It has taken me on adventures all over the earth,” says Sue.

“It has been a privilege to see the world from a unique perspective and experience extraordinary things. I’ve touched the clouds — literally. One of my favourite aspects is the people I’ve met through flying helicopters, who I have worked with and still do. Flying the Northland Rescue Helicopter is satisfying work.

“I enjoy the spontaneity of rescue flying, never knowing when, or in what direction, the next flight will be, nor what might be required. It could be a boat winch, a night landing in the hills or a transfer between hospitals in stormy weather. I feel very privileged to be part of such an incredibly professional team whose purpose is to help those in need.”

Sue was captivated by the helicopter’s sensitive controls and absolute manoeuvrability from her first flight in a chopper.

“I simply loved trying to hover, which is such a balancing act, and to swoop forward or back, up or down freely in all three dimensions. The feeling of being one with the helicopter, where it seems to fly in response to your thoughts alone, is such a wonderful feeling, but

It intrigued me, and I became hooked.

“Going solo wasn’t nearly enough and getting a full licence, just highlighted how much I still had to learn. I thought perhaps flying a bit more would allow me to finally master it. I soon realised I either must fly for a living or give it up completely, and here I am, 10,000 hours later, still wanting to fly just a little bit more.”

Sue reached her 10,000th hour on helicopters on a rainy day after dropping a patient off on the Whangārei Hospital helipad. Her co-pilot took a snapshot,

which she posted on social media, thinking nothing of it, but the response was amazing.

“For some reason, as I know at least a dozen pilots who have lots more hours than me, the post went viral. It got more than 29,000 ‘likes’ and over 1,100 comments. That amounts to about a thousand strangers that thought enough about my personal milestone to write something congratulatory. I just thought wow.”

You can read more about Sue’s career at nest.org.nz/susan-dinkelacker.

Sue with colleagues Paul Davis (left), winch operator and pilot Peter Scott meeting with Enchanter fishing vessel tragedy survivor Shay Ward his partner Dee, Ayla and Reef tantalisingly illusive.

From the roof down

by Amy Fifita

Once again, it is time to get out our before-winter chores list and ensure we make the best of the weather while it is opportune.

We’ve had various weather events that would have tested the durability of our homes. Although the main cleanups are likely to complete, there may still be more checks to do. We are still in autumn and have at least a month to sort through some tasks to make sure winter is comfortable and effortless.

Check your roofs for loose nails and tiles and see what needs replacing. While up there, assess how much moss, algae and leaf piles are there. Depending on what needs to be done, you could do it yourself or call an expert to water blast and treat it.

You can use a water blaster to clean your roof, house and driveway as part of your before-winter tasks Have a look at spouting for damages, leaks and blockages. Clear out what you can and consider installing one of the many leaf deterrents, such as leaf guards or gutter screens. Gutter spikes may be an option, too, if you want to deter critters

from nesting in what is meant to be a useful building accessory.

Now it’s time to check the body of your home. Are there cracks or movement in your window or door frames? Best to sort that out before the winter weather rushes through

next season. Door sweeps are an inexpensive and fast way to seal your home so the inside is nice and snug in the colder months.

Sort out your garage by replacing worn weather strips. These could be handy on doors and windows to weatherproof your home. One of the positives of doing these tasks now is that it could increase your energy efficiency with heating costs.

With the housework done, look at the rest of your property. Assess your septic tank. Does it need to be emptied or serviced? Take a stroll around the area to assess for leaks. Bring in someone who knows what they are doing.

While you are outside doing maintenance, have a look at your shed. Check the door hinges and clear and organise clutter. You’ll have a fair idea of what you’ll use more during the winter, so bring those items or tools forward to avoid digging through them later.

Your driveway may need some work done too. It might do well with a water blast after your roof is done. If you have a gravel driveway, see if it needs redoing. It improves how your property looks and is safer to walk and drive on.

Keep a record of what work is done so it doesn’t slip your mind, and you can keep up to date with what needs to be done later. It is also useful for future owners of the property and insurers.

When you order your maize from Farm Source, you also get the benefits of local advice and ongoing support combined with personalised farm insights, to help you get the best out of your crop.

Talk

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Buying Macrocarpa, Jap cedar and Leyland cypress logs (Shelter Belts ok)

Selling Macrocarpa & Minor Species

Rural road safety must improve

by Colin Hannah, Federated Farmers Northland president

Northland’s road toll is unacceptably high due to deaths caused by crashes, with 38 deaths around the region in 2022 — the most in one year for 22 years.

That’s why the team at Federated Farmers Northland are strong advocates of road safety and we are pleased to be supporting Road Safety Week for 2023. We work closely with our first responders and rural community to help educate motorists on how to be safe on our roads.

At noon on May 18, we will be joining Northland Road Safety Trust, Northland Transportation Alliance, Police, FENZ, St John, Northland Rescue Helicopter, local schools and more to walk the Hātea Loop in Whangārei. Members of the public are welcome to join us in celebrating our road safety heroes and taking a moment to think of those lives lost and the people injured on our roads every year.

It is critical that we all slow down, drive to the conditions, wear seat belts, don’t speed, don’t be distracted and stay away from drugs, alcohol and mobile phones while driving.

The theme of Road Safety Week 2023 (15–21 May) is ‘be a road safety hero’ by recognising everyone who helps make our roads safer and supporting people after a crash, while also explaining how we can all play a part in making journeys safer for everyone. You can see more at roadsafetyweek.org.nz.

We are also highlighting the fact that Leptospirosis should not be ignored

At our recent Federated Farmers Northland AGM, we learnt about a disease that can kill. The scary part is that the recipients of leptospirosis are between 70 and 90% rural people.

Leptospirosis is a debilitating infectious disease that can spread from infected animals. The people most at risk are farmers, meat processing workers and veterinarians. It is the most common infectious disease caught in the workplace. It is what is known as a zoonotic disease and can spread from animals to humans but can be misdiagnosed as a very bad dose of the flu.

I encourage you to research the disease and be aware of the symptoms because

rural people can pick it up through daily activities like gardening in contaminated soil, milking cows, cleaning out sheds and buildings where rats and mice may have been, walking or wading through flood waters.

Prevention through vaccinating your farm animals is the best way to begin reducing exposure to this disease. If unsure, talk to your vet, and if feeling unwell after working in suspect areas, see your GP immediately.

Colin Hannah — Federated Farmers Northland president

Pasteurisation vat that heats and cools

This recent innovation was designed primarily for pasteurising fresh milk from cows, goats and sheep. The vat heats milk to 64C, which takes approximately one hour, before switching to refrigerated cooling (R32), circulating the milk to 3C in three hours. It can process up to 600–800 litres each cycle or 1,500 litres daily.

Added value can be made to milk production with the manufacture of ice cream, cream cheese, yoghurt and frozen milk using the acoustic freezer.

Moreover, with its versatile function, the unit also provides a broader scope of opportunities for processing other products to boost on-farm income.

“On further inquiry into its functioning, we have determined that there is a vast array of other opportunities that can be generated using this equipment,” says director Julian Fairlie.

Farms have a signi cant range of other products available other than just milk. For instance, waste fruit from the orchard can be processed into pasteurised pure fruit drinks using the 1,000L unit.

Vegetables can be cooked and processed into various products, providing further opportunities for the farm to generate extra income from their resource.

These are just a few of the products that can be produced using the dual-purpose stainless steel pasteurisation vat:

 Make jams, chutneys, pickles and ice cream

 Frozen food packs made from minced meat and vegetables

 Pasteurised pure fruit drinks made from waste fruit

A3 Milk Corporation Ltd

“Pasteurization and Cooling Milk Vats” Vats for Liquid meat production and other equipment

 Production of ‘Liquid Meat’ to make genuine stocks

“The opportunities for ‘adding value’ to farm food resources is really only limited to the farmers thinking and realisation as to the foods that he has available,” says Julian.

“I would welcome interested farmers to contact me about options for producing value-added products with the dual pasteurisation vat.”

˃ Diameter : 1,230 mm; with stirrer being 40 watt and 35 rev/minute

˃ Internal measurements of Vat : 100 cm wide x 100 cm high

˃ Size : Height – 1,800 mm ; material S.S 304; power supply : 3 phase 380 V 50 Hz

˃ Weight : 400 kgs; power supply – Heating elements 12 Kw x 5 = 60 Kw; Cooling – 5 h.p.; after pasteurize, cold water circulated to bring down to 40 deg C, then refrigeration cooling to bring down to 3 or 4 deg C within seventy to eighty minutes

Phone: 09 521 0930

● Special feature;

˃ Will receive fresh, whole Milk, will heat to 64 deg C, will hold for 30 minutes, it takes approx. 1 hour to heat milk.

● Special feature;

˃ Will switch to refrigerated cooling (R32) and circulates the Milk until it reaches 3 deg OC in 3 hours.

˃ Should easily process 600 to 800 litres per cycle, or 1,500 litres per day, or 7,000 litres per week.

● Special feature for additional added-value for your farmed produce; Acoustic freezer should freeze in 2 cycles / day, giving additional added-value products like, Ice cream, Yogurt, Cream cheese, Frozen milk, etc.

● Special feature : Double head, semi automatic, Stainless steel, Filling machine; twin head filling, 500 to 2,000 mls, accuracy +/- 0.5%; filling time for a 2 litre bottle is 30 seconds per head or 240 x 2 litre bottles / hour (500 litres); Milk feed direct from the Milk Vat.

● Special feature; we are negotiating for a ‘bulk’ pricing deal on 1 & 2 litre plastic bottles

˃ Price : NZ$28,850 + GST ex Auckland, for Pasteurizer and Filler, payment options available Farmers must change from being “price takers” for their Milk, to being “price makers” for their milk, and this will be achieved when they have less reliance on a product which has very short shelf life, to one which has very long shelf life. (ACOUSTIC FREEZING)!!!

● Return on Investment: Cows milk

˃ 500 litres per day processed

˃ Milk cost – 0.90c / litre; 2 litre bottle & Cap – 0.55c ; Processing cost – 0.40c = $1.90 / litre, Wholesale - $2.50 per litre ; profit - $0.60 per litre

˃ 500 litres x $0.60 = $300 per day

˃ $300 per day = x 20 days / month = $6,000 per month

˃ Not only can you produce legal milk, but you can also add value to the milk by making ice cream, yogurt, cheese, etc.

We are delighted to introduce The A3 Milk Corporation’s special stainless steel dual-purpose vat that can heat, cook and cool a broad range of food products.

Milk pasteuriser with cooling

Passionate about Herefords

The Northland Hereford Breeder’s Association recently held its annual Herdwalk, with breeders gathering to tour the Hereford cattle at Kaipara Herefords at

Herefords in the Wekaweka Valley.

Dr Hud’s Killing & Processing

BOOK YOUR BEAST IN BEFORE YOU RUN OUT OF GRASS

• Electrical stimulation for accelerated rigor mortis - improving the PH levels & aging process on the bone.

• Offal & Hide deposal by arrangement (extra fee).

• All beasts weighed onsiteMeat returned & weighed back.

• All beasts vac packed & hung on the bone minimum of 7 days.

• Operating for 22 years.

With the 2022 event cancelled due to Covid, breeders relished the opportunity to view some great cattle and share and compare ideas before the winter bullselling season in May.

The breeders aim to produce bulls suitable for both the beef and dairy sectors. Hereford-cross cattle have a reputation for gaining a premium at

the saleyards. They have a detailed knowledge of the pedigrees and genetic characteristics of their cattle; it gives their customers certainty about the history of the bull they are buying. They can also advise buyers about the sustainability of the bulls for both cow and heifer mating. This year, eight breeders are offering bulls during the winter sale season

through on-farm sales and private treaty — see details in our advert below. Several breeders will also have other rising two-year-old bulls and yearling bulls available for the spring bull sale season — look out for our advert in the August issue.

• We know our job well.

- ANDREW & SOMMAI HUDSONSurgery: 11 Hood Street, Wellsford 0900 Ph: 09 423 7213 e: info@drhudshomekill.co.nz w: www.drhudshomekill.co.nz

Northland Hereford breeders at the recent herdwalk: (Left to right) Brian Coutts (Wyborn Herefords), Sam Biddles (Kaipara Herefords), Ian Clements (Matapouri Herefords), Paul Sheperd (Otengi/Waimaire Herefords), Jim Williams (Haumoana Herefords), Ian McInnes (Marua Herefords), Wayne Lambeth (Arahou Herefords)

Autumn calving cows at Hokianga Herefords

Road safety heroes

by Ann van Engelen

The Northland Road Safety campaign is underway, with rural and urban residents being asked to support the emergency services by taking part in the Road Safety Week Hero Walk around Hātea loop walk on May 18.

Fire Emergency New Zealand senior firefighter Ady Mckenzie is one of the local emergency services staff who has seen the impact of what can happen when things go wrong on our roads. Ady is very open about the huge amount of respect she has for her colleagues.

“FENZ is proud to be working alongside Northland Road Safety Trust and the Northland Transportation Alliance as part of Road Safety Week for 2023,” she says.

“It is important locals take part in the Road Safety Week Hero Walk around Hātea Loop on May 18 to reinforce and pay respect to the efforts of all those people trying to keep us safe on Northland roads.

“Hats off to all of my frontline colleagues, full-time staff and all of the amazing volunteer firefighters, who put their community first 24/7. We do this mahi because we care, but there is no denying we encounter some challenging and confronting scenes when attending road crashes.

“The same goes for all first responders and those first on the scene of road crashes because you take that stuff home with you regardless of how well you deal with it at the time. First responders deal with a lot of road crash trauma every year, and it is really sad to see.

Patrick

“It is important we acknowledge everyone who works so hard to keep us safe on our roads, and I encourage all road users to drive with extra caution and patience. So many people put in so much effort to make our roads safer, and much of that work is done voluntarily, but it is us as road users who need to fly the flag for road safety by doing better ourselves.”

The theme of Road Safety Week 2023 (15–21 May) is ‘be a road safety hero’ by recognising everyone who helps to make our roads safer and supporting people after a crash while also explaining how we can all play a part in making journeys safer for everyone. For more information, go to roadsafetyweek.org.nz.

| 021 030 8493 | Find us on Email: northlandvehicletransport@xtra.co.nz

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

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

Ady Mckenzie, Fire Emergency New Zealand senior firefighter

“It is important locals take part in the Road Safety Week Hero Walk and pay respect to all those people trying to keep us safe.”

Power to the people

by Andy Bryenton

It’s been 50 years since Subaru brought its Pleiades-inspired badge and an appetite for all-wheel-drive power to these shores, and it’s worth a look back at their greatest hits as they celebrate.

From rallying triumphs to ubiquity on the roads as one of the nation’s favourite estate car manufacturers, Subaru has come a long way since 1973. While the company had been active in the Japanese market since the 1950s, when it debuted the tiny air-cooled Subaru 360, it was five decades ago that it burst on to the local scene, delivering the Leone sedan and, soon after, the Brumby mini-ute. Things went from strength to strength as Subaru became known for reliability and economical power.

Futuristic models such as the Alcyone, and its successor, the SVX, proved that Subaru designers could mix it up with the visionaries of Europe, and popular models such as the Legacy, WRX and Forester found a place in many family driveways. Some special models, such as the Blitzen, with its twin turbo system designed by Porsche, are coveted classics today. So, too are some of the cars associated with Subaru’s world-beating record in motorsport. There’s a big Kiwi connection there.

It was in 1980 that the name of Peter Raymond George Bourne would become entwined with the racing pedigree of Subaru. As part of the team who captained a Leone in the World Rally Championship that year, the Pukekohe man better known

Subaru is celebrating 50 years of all wheel drive power in New Zealand; their WRX STI rally cars epitomise that legacy to fans as ‘Possum’ began to carve out a reputation that would see him become a household name.

Fellow racing legends Colin McRae, Petter Solberg and Richard Burns also took the wheel of AWD, turbocharged Legacy and WRX rally cars which belted out a string of victories. A whole generation pinned up posters of the blue and gold Subarus, and people who were young in those days still look up at the sound of a snarling boxer-four, hoping to catch a sight of one of the roadgoing examples.

Subaru luminaries gathered early this year to celebrate 50 years of all-wheeldrive action under their starry banner. It was a chance to say thanks to all those who have helped make the brand a local favourite.

“Decades ago, I remember extra airbags as an option on Legacy and asking for disc brakes on Impreza,” said Subaru of New Zealand managing director Wallis Dumper at a gala event celebrating the five-decade milestone earlier this year.

“I remember robust discussions about dropping 50% of our model range to go 100% AWD only and replacing those 2WD units with the Forester. I remember replacing 33% of our sales when we phased out Legacy to go Outback only.

“I remember more robust discussions with our ad agency about moving the brand to high ground — not grinding it down in fleet volumes to retain customer value. The reason why I’m recalling all this is to remind us that 50 years of AWD has gone quickly.”

“Subaru luminaries gathered early this year to celebrate 50 years of all-wheel-drive action under their starry banner. It was a chance to say thanks to all those who have helped make the brand a local favourite.”

From the screen to the pasture

by Andy Bryenton

Valtra tractors are taking gamers out of virtual reality and into the field in real life, with a challenge in France pitting YouTubers and influencers against each other and the clock.

Real-life farmers may be bemused to know that one of the top video games out there for young players is known as Farming Simulator. The franchise is a blockbuster on the same level as motor racing title Gran Turismo, and it features a full stable of very real brand-name tractors, harvesters, implements and other machines. Players have to turn a patch of arable land into a modern farm, by ploughing fertilising, sowing, harvesting and sending their produce to market.

With all this hype, and a new edition out for 2023 on Xbox, the Lycée Agricole du Bourbonnais, a farming training centre in France, has once again challenged players to take their skills into the real world. The teachers at this school, which spans the years of late high school and early university in Kiwi terms, wish to attract gamers to real farming as a career.

To do this, they will gather experts and industry representatives at their farm in rural France on May 13 and challenge the top Farming Simulator champions in the virtual world with a day of haymaking. The young players will drive real tractors donated by Valtra, a major sponsor, and get among the action of mowing, raking, baling and stacking feed.

How serious are the stakes? Well, in Europe, Farming Simulator is a big enough

Farm

deal to have professional players, who give hints and tips, evaluate virtual machinery when it’s released into the game from real-life models, and boast thousands of youtube fans. Bastien Couture, one of the hosts of the ‘Farming Reality’ challenge, goes by the name Stervio online and has close to 400,000 followers. He and fellow

influencer Germain Chousel will be there in the field to encourage the competitors.

The first ever Farming Reality challenge was born in 2021, when the French government’s Ministry of Agriculture was looking for a novel way of getting young people interested in farming. Noting the extreme popularity of Farming Simulator as

ONLY 0.99%

a game, it took the step of making the game real as a publicity stunt. The response was huge, and there has been a definite impact on the number of young French students keen to make farming a career.

Of course, the game is good fun for those involved, who will get to drive real Valtra tractors and immerse themselves in the complete experience of a virtual world come to life. But there is a serious side, too; having proven that they have what it takes to manage a modern farm in a digital realm, competitors will be offered the opportunity to receive formal training in the industry to turn their pastime into a serious, profitable job for life.

Real Deal Tyres

Simulator’s promotional stand at GamesCon; the popular game has been adapted into a challenge introducing young people to farming reality

for the real wheel deals

andMagnesium general health

by John Arts

Science buffs will know that magnesium and calcium are in the same column in the periodic table. It is unsurprising that these two essential minerals control nerve and muscle function.

In muscles, calcium dominates magnesium when muscles contract. Magnesium should then dominate calcium in the relaxation stage. If magnesium is low, then calcium dominates both stages.

What this really means is that inadequate magnesium is a recipe for cramping, stiff, sore and tired muscles. A tell-tale sign of low magnesium is muscle cramps, especially at night. We must be aware that dehydration, low salt intake and some drugs, notably stains, can affect muscles. While muscle cramps are uncomfortable, it is the effects of low magnesium on the heart (cardiac) muscle that are frightening as it can affect electrical impulses and blood ow in the heart.

The best way to think about magnesium is its effects on ‘tubes’ in the body, especially blood vessels.

Our muscles contain tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to our muscles. With suf cient magnesium, our blood vessels should open (dilate) after contraction. Low magnesium does

the opposite, whereby blood vessels narrow and can then spasm.

In our skeletal muscles, this can bring muscle tightness and cramps. In smooth muscle that lines our blood vessels, this can cause blood- ow restriction and can lead to hypertension. It is not just blood vessels that are affected; it is our heart muscle, eyes, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and, in women, their reproductive tracts. That is why magnesium is so helpful for PMS.

For people without symptoms, I recommend my multi-mineral/vitamin/ antioxidant complex as it includes magnesium. If you are symptomatic, I recommend adding my triple formula magnesium that combines marine magnesium, magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv. Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his newsletter at abundant.co.nz.

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Engaging entertainment

Little Green Man Productions is presenting the Wonderland Glow Show, starting its country-wide tour at Te Ahu in Kaitaia on June 19 before going to Kerikeri Turner Centre on June 20 and Whangarei Forum North on July 21.

“The show is a giant-scale glowin-the-dark puppet show and very engaging for children of all ages, but this year it is particularly for babies to seven-year-olds,” says theatre producer Sarah Burren.

“This show is about reading being a superpower. We want to promote literacy with reading and writing. It is not immersion, but we do promote te reo very much in the show, and it is great that all the Northland libraries are behind us.

“There is a team of 18 to make the work, and eight of us go on the road. It is always a collaborative process. We have an exceptional musical director, Jason Smith and Rokalani Lavea, who wrote the script along with others.”

The show bases its narrative around Alice in Wonderland, with the main character named Dallas instead of Alice.

“Dallas gets lost in a world of makebelieve characters. There is an eight-metre Samoan caterpillar called Kavika who sings. There are singing owers that are more than three metres, dancing amingos and a March Hare that is on the loose.

“Dallas has to nd the Book of Dreams that has been stolen, and he has to bring

it back so the characters in Wonderland can have dreams.

“It is very uplifting and exciting for children. It is not dialogue-driven because the age group we are performing to needs to have a lot of fast movement and music.”

Sarah says that the show engages children and educators and has long legs because they can go back to the classroom or kahanga to write, talk about it and make puppets.

“I came up with the glow show concept in 2016, and we started the development of Heaven and Earth, which was one of the rst shows. That turned into the Matariki Glow Show, and we also had the Te Moana Glow Show, which is about a sea character that went around the different Paci c nations.

“We love Northland because we always have a great response there. The show is very magical for children because it is super creative. They know somebody is there, but they don’t see them, and they just see the characters under ultra-violet light, so it is like a big storybook on stage.”

Go to www.glowshow.co.nz for booking information.

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Each bottle has 120 capsules, approx 2 months’ supply per bottle

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Northern Rural Marketplace

Farming & Lifestyle

LAWN SEED/PASTURE SEED/FENCING

Reels and Standards from Northland Seed, Okara Drive, Whangarei. Phone 09 438 0884.

Fencing

FENCING, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus... call Jeff 027 476 5458.

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

6800 LITRE Stainless Steel Vat for sale

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ATV MATS from $89 — Come in & see us at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Ph 080 096 3636. www.atvtyres.co.nz.

NEW YAMAHA FARM ATVS — 5.9% interest & 3 year warranty. Only at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi — phone 080 096 3636 & Yamaha MC Whangarei. Ph 09 438 0804. 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.

6,800 LITRE Stainless Steel Vat for sale

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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 080 096 3636. www.atvtyres.co.nz. Subject to availability. Garden

SEED POTATOES / GARLIC, New Seasons, FERTILISER – Organic Blood & Bone, Citrus, General plus more from Northland Seed, Okara Drive, Whangarei. Phone 09 438 0884. Livestock

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