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Turning the tide
by Grant McCallum, MP for Northland
Access to quality education is essential, and we are fortunate to provide it in this country. However, getting kids to actually attend school has become a significant challenge.
Olive Grove and Orchard Equipment
Phone: 09 945 0890
Email: info@grovesupply.co.nz
Web: grovesupply.co.nz
We are Nicky Maccabee and Delwyn Simpson, the duo behind Maccabees honey which is collected from the Mangonui area. The two of us control every aspect of our production from beekeeping to selling each pot of our Manuka, Kanuka honey. While the Manuka is 50% of our production our main focus is on the Kanuka honey. Maccabees honey has contributed to a 2.5 year study by the Experiment Company dedicated to Kanuka honey research and its unique bioactive properties. The research has produced evidence that Northland Kanuka and Maccabees Honey has one of the highest Arabinogalactan protein (AGP) concentration levels among all of New Zealand honeys. AGPs are important glycoproteins that stimulate our immune system which is beneficial to the body for wound healing and quick recovery. There is now an abundance of research that proves Kanuka honey is also an excellent choice for skin treatments for eczema and psoriasis due to its immune stimulating response. Maccabees Honey is available from our website or find us at the Bay of Islands Farmers Markets and Kerikeri Packhouse market.
The attendance figures for the Northland region are, frankly, alarming. For instance, one statistic I found indicates that regular attendance in term two of 2022 was as low as 28.1%.
While I acknowledge that Covid-19 played a substantial role, it is important to note that the trend had been downward for the six years prior, dropping from a high in 2015 of 60.7% regular attendance.
This brings us to an important question: why is this happening? Is it possible that kids today simply lack motivation? That would be concerning. However, an even more troubling situation would be if their parents were equally disengaged about sending or encouraging them to attend school. How dire would that be?
I want to believe that parents do care more than that. So, I wonder if there’s another underlying reason for the decline
in attendance. Could it be related to the curriculum?
Some may argue that the previous curriculum did not adequately connect with modern society. There is a valid point in this perspective, and those of that view will be encouraged by this government’s renewed focus on core subjects — math, science, reading and writing.
Furthermore, the structured approach and clear guidelines provided by our education minister, Erica Stanford, may also inspire confidence.
The current education environment seems increasingly relevant, and by any definition, it can be considered a quality education. It equips our children to thrive in the real world, and I take pride in that.
Moreover, the positive impact is evident. Remember the 28.1% attendance figure? It has now risen to 42.3%. We are reversing the trend.
Russell Road, RD4 Hikurangi
Grant McCallum, MP for Northland
Rural funding boosts chopper service
by Paul Campbell
From golf tournaments to fishing contests, corporate barbecues and simply passing the hat around, the rural community has come out in force to support the NEST rescue helicopters’ annual appeal that will continue over the coming weeks until Christmas.
“We are forever grateful for the support we receive from locals’ year in, year out, especially in these financially challenging times,” says NEST chair Paul Ahlers.
The appeal has been coordinated by Northland farmer and NEST spokesman, Steve Macmillan, who says the rural sector has had “plenty of first-hand experience” and has responded along with urban residents to keep the service flying.
“We raised over $118,000 in 12 hours during the MoreFM Northland all-day breakfast, and our friends at the Whangaroa Sports Fishing Club raised a whopping $18,561.97 at their chopper fishing contest. It was an awesome event to be part of, with 93 anglers and a total of 205 snapper, kingfish and kahawai.
“A BMC Construction Golf Day was held at Sherwood Golf Course and raised $15,325 for NEST, as 24 teams played on the day. A GRA-X Fishing Contest was down for November 9 at Great Exhibition Bay, and this event has been held since 2019, and raised over $20,000 for NEST over the years.
“A Northern Wairoa Golf Day is being held on November 29, for the third year,
and they have an average to donate around $20,000 each year to NEST. Big thanks to the Dargaville community for continuously getting behind us.”
Meanwhile, a call has gone to Northland farmers. Too many are not armed with communication devices in case of serious accidents or illness, according to Glen Newlove, who says he is lucky to be alive after being crushed in a farm accident.
“A lot of farmers work on their own in remote, inaccessible places — often out of cell phone coverage. Not enough of them have a form of communication in case of an accident,” he says. As a member of the Kauri Coast Four Wheel Drive Club, Glen is driven to do fundraising 4WD trips for the helicopter fund.
Paul Ahlers says while sponsorships from local business and financial donations from individuals is hugely appreciated, the cost of running the air ambulance service continues to climb with NEST among the busiest air ambulance services in New Zealand, flying between 1,000 and 1,200 missions every year, and have flown more than 30,000 missions since being established in 1988.
Unit 9, 22 Highgate Parkway, Millwater, Silverdale 09 948 0700
Farmer Glen Newlove visited the NEST base to say thanks
Where many dreams meet
by Amy Fifita
Scottish-born veterinarian Rory Dean has released his first book, Adventures of a Country Vet: true stories from the horse’s mouth, a collection of humourous and, sometimes, sad tales of his time in the profession.
At a young age, Rory wanted to be an author. After working on farms and reading James Herriot’s books during his teenage years, he realised a new dream and sought a career as a rural veterinarian.
“Many of the people, who I went to university with, knew they wanted to be a vet from childhood but that wasn’t me,” said Rory. “I was brought up and went to school in South West Scotland. My dad Geoff provided me with the guidance that working hard pays off, and that is what got me through school, vet school and my
career, so far. I used to have a little white van, and would drive around the farms milking cows and working with lambs. I was doing well at school, so becoming a vet seemed like a natural progression.
“Going to university at the Royal School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh was an amazing experience. A day after I graduated, I went on a very fragile plane journey to New Zealand.
“Unsure if I wanted to continue with the veterinary profession, and having a real passion for agriculture, I worked on a dairy farm in the South Island for six months.”
Scrappy has been Rory’s faithful companion and accompanies him on farm visits: he says it helps keep him grounded and in the moment
After studying at the Royal School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, Rory moved between the UK and New Zealand before settling in Kaipara
At the end of the six months, Rory returned to the UK to work in farm animal practices in the South West of England, in Somerset and Devon. Having just a taste of New Zealand left him wanting more.
“The moment I stepped off the plane, I knew I had to go back, and spent just over a year in the South West of England before returning to New Zealand.
“When I returned, I went to Waimate in the South Island, before being offered a job in Northland, Ruawai. I have been here for the last five years and love the Kaipara, the community, the work and being involved in the Northern Wairoa Football Club.”
New Zealand offered a place for Rory to reflect and make his childhood dream of becoming an author come true. His book was recently published and is in stores now.
“I wanted to create something humorous, although some stories are sad because they show the less-than-perfect side of being a vet. They are hopefully interesting, and perhaps, eye-opening for people unsure of what being a rural vet entails. Writing the book and working with publishers was enjoyable, and I learned a lot, because I had no training or experience. Overall, it was an excellent learning journey.
“It was awesome from the start because I often undervalue myself, so
getting the contract felt neat. It is amazing to think I have a book published, and for me, a highlight was remembering what I’ve been through.”
Rory is grateful for the people, and his two fox terriers, Scrappy and Alfie, who have supported him throughout his journey as a vet, author and New Zealander.
“Scrappy has been with me for the last six years, and he comes with me on my jobs. He keeps me grounded, and helps me stay in the moment, because when things are going well or terribly, I have to look after him.
“Melanie, my fiancée, has been an amazing support — she’s a patient woman. My parents, Geoff and Jackie, have visited me in New Zealand. It is difficult being so far apart, but they love visiting and can time it for their winter and can get some sun here.”
While Rory uplifts those who have been cornerstones in his life, he also takes time to give back to the community.
“I volunteer for the Rural Youth and Adult Literacy Trust as a community ambassador, and am donating some of the royalty revenue I receive personally to them.
“The trust provides support for isolated people with literacy challenges across New Zealand and is always looking for volunteer coaches and support.”
From a boy with a dream to be an author to a man pursuing a rural veterinary career, Rory has found a place to call home in New Zealand. Since returning, he has upskilled in his career, become a published author and settled down with Scrappy, Alfie and his wife-to-be Melanie.
“Kaipara feels like home. I love spending time with Mel and Alfie and Scrappy, playing football for my beloved local Northern Wairoa FC, hunting, travelling, running, politics and learning languages — French and Spanish.”
In his downtime, Rory loves spending time with his fiancée Melanie and two dogs, Alfie and Scrappy
A northern food bowl explored
by Paul Campbell
The prospect of Northland becoming the food source centre for New Zealand has taken a major step forward with the
project to develop horticulture and processing opportunities.
Northland Inc has launched an entity, Pūtake Whakatupu, to investigate land use and manufacturing opportunities across the region. It comes as a positive report on the future of peanuts as a viable crop has been made by consultants, after a fouryear series of trial plots.
From nuts to avocados, strawberries to bananas, and onwards down to the humble kūmara, produce from the exotic
to the common has an ideal climate and condition to flourish.
The Pūtake Whakatupu entity is described as “the inaugural project under the Tuputupu Grow Northland initiative funded in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund and the Joint Regional Economic Development Committee.
“The initiative’s vision is to see Northland’s primary sector, people and
environment thrive through adaptation and innovation, leading to new commercial opportunities and sustained and resilient economic growth.”
Project lead for the Tuputupu Grow Northland initiative, Luke Beehre, emphasises the significance of the new venture in ensuring existing land use in Northland adapts to the changing environment.
“More than just a project; it’s a pathway to unlocking the full potential of land and
resources across Northland. Our aim is to collaborate closely with landowners, iwi and hapū, industry and local and central government to explore future-focussed land uses and to foster opportunities that align with their aspirations for whenua, whānau and the wider community.
“We believe that sustainable and innovative land use can drive meaningful economic, environmental and cultural outcomes for the region.”
Tuputupu Grow Northland and peanut trials project manager, Greg Hall, alongside Pic Picot, from Pic’s Peanut Butter, and Northland Inc horticulture specialist, Jeanette Johnstone on-site at Poutō
Proof in the pudding: Northland produce becomes food on supermarket shelves
This will involve in-depth engagement with key stakeholders, including landowners, local farmers, growers and associated manufacturing sectors. The project will undertake the development of market opportunity reports that assess economic pathways for optimising land use and creating value-added products in the region.
Following the survey, four workshops will be held across the region in November to facilitate further discussions and gather insights to feed into the market opportunity reports.
“Northland holds a wealth of experience and knowledge across our regional primary industries and associated manufacturing sectors, from landowners and growers through to stakeholders and organisations. We’re eager to tap into this knowledge and get collaboration underway to ensure the project delivers benefits across the region,” says Beehre.
Meanwhile, after year four of the Northland Peanut Trials, Northland Inc’s project manager, Greg Hall, confirmed the actual trials have ended.
“The original trial period for the Northland Peanut Trials has come to an end, with the final report and findings being published this year. Conversations continue between industry and growers around industry development, with a work programme currently being developed.
Tuputupu Grow Northland is designed to support such diversification and industry development efforts, so will continue to be involved in a supporting role.”
Northland Inc also commissioned research consultancy Scarlatti to
assess peanut economic viability, The original peanut proposition came from industry entrepreneur Pic Picot as a driving influence.
‘A Northland peanut industry could create a unique, high-value product with strong local and national appeal. New Zealand-grown peanuts could command a premium price, especially if marketed as a sustainable, locally-produced alternative to imports,’ the Scarlatti report says.
‘Establishing a peanut industry could bring positive environmental and social impacts: creating new jobs in agriculture and processing with reduced Food Miles and a lower carbon footprint than imports.
‘Starting small and scaling up gradually could allow for learning and adaptation. At 100 hectares, partnerships with established brands like Pic’s could be explored.’
It adds that a 1,000-hectare scale could potentially support a full-scale processing facility and diverse product range.
‘With continued research, innovation and strategic partnerships, the potential for a viable Northland peanut industry remains a possibility for the future.’
Workstream under the Tuputupu Grow Northland initiative has kicked off, and Pūtake Whakatupu has engagement opportunities for those associated with the primary and associated manufacturing industries in Northland.
There are upcoming workshops open to all to support future primary sector development:
• Monday, November 25, Kaitaia — 11am to 1pm, Te Ahu Centre
• Tuesday, November 26, Whangārei — 11am to 1pm, The Orchard Business & Event Hub
• Thursday, November 28, Dargaville — 11am to 1pm, The Seed
• Friday, November 29, Ngāwhā — 11am to 1pm, Mahinga Innovation Centre
For more information, visit northlandnz. com/grownorthland.
attended field days for peanut trial plantings
The magic of equine healing
by Amy Fifita
For November, we continue on with Hamish and Dawn Fryer’s journey of using the therapeutic benefit of horses to help struggling and vulnerable youth.
“We have gone from having one horse to 17 horses, and they all have their own quirks and personalities,” said Hamish.
“People offer us horses and me, not wanting to say no, gets one with the intention of working through issues with them and selling on, but they soon become part of the family. We also got a few Kaimanawa horses from the wild and were working along the Wilson Sisters
when they were up here.” Using their stable of horses from different sources, Hamish and Dawn use them to tame people’s personal challenges.
“Normally horse activities are femalebased, so having a male working with horses is unusual. Many are mongrels from the Far North or have issues other people have struggled with.
“Some horses come from rough backgrounds, have had the confidence
knocked out of them, and are very defensive. That resonates with some of the children.
“Suddenly, they have this cool partnership where they can work together and trust each other, and, for some, it is the first time in their life they have experienced that.”
The interactions provide benefits to more than disheartened youth but introverted teenagers, too.
“Introverted people often don’t get heard or are easily pushed around, so the horses help give them more confidence in themselves, their ability and their self-worth.
“Once that happens, they can work with and confidently move some of our big horses around and get them doing different tasks. It is a confidence boost for them because they have struggled to be heard all their life, and suddenly this
Barefoot and Wild takes care of 17 horses on its Northland property
Hamish works with teens and would like to start a men’s group to encourage and support male mental health
big horse is paying attention to them, and they have a harmonious relationship.”
The programme also has a significant impact on neurodivergent children.
“There is a cool story called The Horse Boy. Rupert Isaacson and his non-verbal autistic son Rowan went on a journey to Mongolia to visit shamans and they tried different techniques to help him but it didn’t work.
“Being a horse trainer, one day, he decided to put Rowan on a horse, and as he was riding around, he started beginning to verbalise what he saw.”
Hamish has seen similar and remarkable changes in children he has worked with who have trouble focussing.
“In the past, we ran school holidays, and one lad who attended would not stop
talking. The only horse we had available was a big thoroughbred, and if you got on her with a lot of energy, she would want to move.
“After deciding to keep a close eye on him and put the horse on a rope, I let him get on to see how it would work. The minute he got on her, he was silent and they went off in perfect harmony.
“Both of them were relaxed and calm. Once he hopped off, he was excited and talked heaps, but when he got on again, he was calm and quiet again.
“There is a lot of research coming out showing that the rocking motion of the hips creates an oxytocin release. The movement of the horse creates a chemical change in the rider.
“A benefit of oxytocin is that it opens up the communication pathways and helps form new neurological connections. For him, it helped him process his thoughts internally and offer a moment of stillness.”
While youth work is a centre point for the Fryer family, Hamish would like to branch out to support male mental health.
“I am passionate to encourage men to get on board, especially rural men. We tend to lock ourselves away and get buried in farmwork. I want to get them out of the paddock, and into a safe space to work on themselves with no judgement — it’s just you and the horse.
“Part of the issue is that horses are stereotypically a female domain. It would be great to get some guys in to help them open up and learn about themselves.
“I would love to offer what we do to local schools. It’s a pretty tough job in schools these days, and youth need all the help they can get.
“We have been running teen workshops for those struggling with day-to-day issues. Most of those really needing help aren’t in a position to attend financially, so we have had the generous support of some local businesses to allow us to run them.
“Discover more information and our sponsors by visiting barefootandwild. co.nz.”
Indie is Hamish and Dawn’s youngest daughter, and she enjoys riding horses, too
Good news for sore joints (Part one)
by John Arts, Abundant Health
I am writing this early on a Wednesday morning. Overnight, I have had feedback from clients that I am helping with osteoarthritis.
One reported real improvement with sore toes and his partner with much less knee pain.
Over the weekend, there was a client who had booked in hip replacement surgery. We put in place a temporary programme to make her more comfortable while she waited for surgery. She reported that most of the hip pain had gone and no longer needed daily painkillers. I have got to the stage that I am genuinely surprised that people cannot get noticeable improvements in joints affected by osteoarthritis.
I am often asked whether nutritional therapy can restore lost or damaged cartilage. My answer is that, in most cases, what is lost cannot be restored. However, we can certainly help retain current cartilage. The better question is whether we can do anything about pain and loss of mobility.
Most of the discomfort from osteoarthritis comes from inflammation. Cartilage has no nerves. We cannot feel cartilage loss. What we can feel is the inflammation generated by joint capsule immune cells
in response to cartilage loss. We can also feel bones rubbing together where cartilage has completely gone.
My main initial goal is to reduce inflammation in the joint capsule. I have spoken to another client that reported 50% less knee swelling after only a couple of months. This translated to less pain and more mobility.
There is much we can achieve through diet. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet underpins what we do through supplements. Initially, I like to add 1,600mg of highgrade chondroitin sulphate, 1,600mg of the latest non-shellfish glucosamine and 400mg of 100% water soluble curcumin extract. To this we add sufficient omega 3 to get 700–1000mg daily of EPA, the anti-inflammatory component in fish oils. We continue this for six weeks where we review progress.
John Arts (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.
Academy fears closure
by Amy Fifita
With Kaīnga Ora ceasing further house contracts, the Dargaville High School Trades Academy is concerned about its fate in providing future student training.
Licensed building practitioners
Neil Piper and Justin Robertson teach students who don’t often fit into the regular academic structure. The tutors ensure students have handson experience and allow them to build houses for Kaīnga Ora under their supervision.
“We are finishing houses 8, 9 and 10 now, and there are still 500 families on the Kāinga Ora Northland waiting list — these houses will help,” said Justin.
“Unfortunately, they are the last houses we’ll be doing. We hope the government will reassess its decision, because our course is about delivering houses and students.”
Youth are taught communication, timeliness and other skills to get them work-ready.
“The houses are our blackboard, and it benefits the community with tradesmen working here and students helping them.”
Last year, the academy had a 100% success rate with pupils receiving work placements and is now seeking work for its remaining two students.
The course allows students to explore whether or not they have a passion for the trade in an environment more involved than a first-year apprenticeship.
Neil said one student, Sam Martinac, started the course late and completed
his NCEA levels two and three by studying four days a week.
“Growing up rurally, I knew how to use tools, and doing this course made me more confident. I enjoy using tools and am pursuing being a diesel mechanic,” Sam said.
The Dargaville course is one of many Northland secondary schools running the Te Tai Tokerau Trades Training programme.
First introduced in Tikipunga High School in Whangārei, the academy sought to deliver carpentry, hospitality, agriculture, horticulture and automotive pathways for students. It gained traction, and is now provided at many schools, satellite schools and providers around the region.
What is Bettaflex?
• Bettaflex is a joint support formula to promote healthy joint cartilage function
• Bettaflex has 400mg (per capsule) of high-grade avian chondroitin, 400mg of glucosamine and 100mg of BioSolve® bioavailable Curcumin (from turmeric).
• Try Bettaflex for 3 months and see for yourself.
How can Bettaflex help?
• Chondroitin and glucosamine are building blocks of cartilage.
$99.95
• Supplementation with correct levels can support healthy cartilage function and cartilage repair processes.
• New BioSolve® bioavailable curcumin helps joint function while gentle on the stomach.
• Research indicates that chondroitin is highly effective at 800mg daily.
John Arts comments:
“My latest Bettaflex formula includes BioSolve® bioavailable curcumin for faster results. The normal dose is 2 capsules daily but I recommend an initial higher dose for 1-3 bottles to saturate join tissue.”
Quality Family Home Specialists
Dargaville High School Trades Academy student
Sam Martinac completed NCEA levels two and three within a year, and is moving on to a diesel mechanic career in 2025
by Andy Bryenton
Quarry closure concerns
The former managing director of Dargaville’s Greenleaf Fertiliser co-op lime company has expressed dismay and disappointment at the discontinuation of the Arapohue site, which has been slated for closure this year by current operators Ravensdown.
“It is most important that there is a supply of lime to the district. All the rich soils of the river flats from Ruawai to Dargaville and down to Te Kōpuru will require lime to grow vegetables, for the planned ‘food bowl’ to feed Auckland,” says Bill Hilliam, who once oversaw the rural quarry.
The Greenleaf quarry was in operation from 1946, initially chaired by Mr George Appleton, and it is credited with providing a large amount of the lime that helped to establish the west
Kaipara fertile farmlands. In a missive to Mr Hilliam, Ravensdown CEO Garry Diack explained the reasons for the imminent closure.
“Lower sales volumes and the significant cost of consents and upgrades at Greenleaf, meant there was no economic future for Greenleaf Lime Quarry in our asset portfolio. Operations will wind down over the coming months, and the site will close by early 2025. Ag lime will continue to be available for local customers through Ravensdown’s
Local Tree Services
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Dargaville and Mata lime stores,” said Mr Diack.
Ravensdown took over operations at Greenleaf in 1998, when 445 farmer shareholders had a stake in the quarry.
Former manager Mr Hilliam has concerns that local farmers, including Ruawai and Arapohue’s nationally significant kūmara cultivators, will face prohibitive cartage expenses should the Greenleaf site cease operation. His assessment is that the quarry could very well continue to be productive. This is based on his many years of experience in the industry. Bill is a former president of the New Zealand Ground Spread Fertiliser Association.
“I only hope a consortium will purchase the limeworks at Arapohue to guarantee
a future supply of lime to the farmers of the district,” he says. “I have spoken with so many local farmers and they are not happy about Ravensdown closing the limeworks down.”
His deeper concern is that the added cost of trucking in lime may push some farmers into a decision that’s becoming common in the provinces, and turn their farms over to the cultivation of nonproductive carbon forests.
The last day to order lime from Greenleaf was October 31. Local farmers have noted the irony of this date being an ill-omened Halloween. Collections from the quarry are set to end by midDecember. Whether a consortium rallies in defiance of market forces remains to be seen.
Lime for farming fertiliser has been sourced from the Greenleaf quarry since 1946, when fertiliser spreading used simpler technologies like these
76%
of New Zealanders are concerned about “fake news” and its implications
Lime reduces need for nitrogen fertiliser
With farming profit margins down and the prices of nitrogen fertilisers on the higher side, the one sure way farmers can get the most bang for their buck, while maintaining grass production, is applying lime.
Avoca director Bryce Manderson says lime (calcium carbonate) reduces soil acidity and promotes microbial activity as a result, which encourages the fixation and availability of nitrogen in soils.
“Because lime increases pH, it stimulates nitrogen fixation by legumes. Acid soils hinder nitrogen-fixing bacteria (rhizobia) from colonising legume roots and creating their home within legume root nodules, therefore limiting their fixation of atmospheric nitrogen into organic nitrogen.
“Liming also increases mineralisation of organic nitrogen by microbes — that is, the conversion of organic matter into ammonia.”
Bryce says in a pot experiment, a 125% increase in grams of dry matter in each pot was observed, due to increased mineralisation of organic nitrogen after lime application.
“For the same reason, this result was supported in a New Zealand field study that showed an increase in nitrogen uptake by pasture in limed plots, compared with unlimed plots, equivalent to 50kg of nitrogen a hectare over a two-year period.
“Liming reduces soil acidity, and stimulates nitrification and the conversion of ammonia to plant available nitrates. However, this process is inhibited in low pH soils, as acidity reduces the activity of the nitrifying bacteria that do this work for us. These
microbes also require calcium, which lime provides — so you are killing two birds with one stone.
“Atmospheric nitrogen is abundant and free, so why not utilise it by spreading a bit of lime on your pastures to reduce your soil acidity and get those bacteria in action?”
Liming also encourages the presence of earthworms in soils, of which are considered an indicator of good soil health.
“Having spent 40 years in the lime industry, I have seen a decline in lime application across sheep, beef and dairy units, particularly over the past 20 years. In
dairy farming, there has seen massive overuse of ‘acidifying’ nitrogen.
“That is why I always encourage farmers to raise pH levels to 6.2–6.3 through applying lime, which is contrary to what they are often told, rather than spending lots of money on expensive fertilisers.
“Even applying low rates of lime annually will reduce soil acidity, benefitting soil health, nutrients, structure and biology. A lack of liming will be far more costly long-term.
“I want farmers to understand that without getting pH levels to 6.2–6.3 by applying lime, full nutrient release is unachievable.”
Avoca’s Agricultural Lime (AgLime) and Limestone are manufactured at our three lime quarries at Rarewa (Whangarei), Pokapu (Bay of Islands), and Port Albert (Wellsford). Both are also available at bulk stores in Dargaville and Te Kauwhata (Waikato). From all of these locations, we’re well placed to deliver Agricultural Lime products Northland and Waikato wide. Avoca also provide soil fertility testing and consulting as well as lime and fertiliser products and custom mixes.
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NORTHLAND LIME
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reasons to apply lime to your soils:
Increases nutrient availability; raising soil pH with lime to ~6.3-6.5 releases and balances soil nutrients for plant uptake, maximising return on your fertiliser spend.
Improves pasture yield. Trials have shown pasture production increases up to 68% and corresponding live weight gains.
Reduces need for N-fertiliser; lime stimulates N-fixation by legumes, and N-release from organic matter into plant available forms.
Improves P availability through a ‘phosphate sparing effect’ - trials in Northland showed 50-60kg more P available consistent over 3 years after applying 5t/ha of lime to a pH 5.8 soil. Optimal P availability occurs when soils are limes to pH 6.3-6.5.
Improves pasture palatability allowing for more even grazing of pasture and better pasture utilisation. 5
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Increases soil biological activity and diversity; key to nutrient availability, good soil structure & porosity, and ultimately pasture/crop yield.
Increases resilience to droughts, floods, and runoff/erosion, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and greater root penetration for pasture/crop growth by flocculating (loosening) your soil to improve soil structure and porosity.
Increases water holding capacity in the dry and water drainage in the wet. Lime drives down magnesium in ‘tight, high Mg’ soils such as estuarine soils found in the Hauraki Plains.
Reduces elemental toxicities evident at low pH levels, e.g. Al, preventing subsoil acidification and improving root growth, root development, and reduces P-fixation.
Provides calcium which is essential for both plant and animal growth and health.
by Paul Campbell
Accolade for endangered plant
A rare and endangered Northland lake plant has been voted New Zealand’s Favourite Plant
Conservation Network to find the native plant best-loved by New Zealanders.
Trithuria inconspicua only grows in dune lakes, and is found nowhere else in the world. While tiny in stature, it packs a mighty punch in age, in a plant family more than a hundred million years old, as a living fossil.
At only 55 millimetres tall, it grows partially buried in the sands of the lake floor, so you are more likely to feel it beneath your feet than see it. It has fans of fine, hair-like leaves in which it
since 1998, these have declined to viable populations in only five lakes.
Trithuria needs clean sand and water to survive and is effectively a ‘canary in the coalmine’ as far as water quality is concerned. It is threatened by deteriorating water quality due to nutrient enrichment, pest weed and pest fish impacts and recreational pressures.
Three of the lakes where Trithuria grows are public lakes where people like to swim
“Trithuria is a wonderful example of why these lakes are so special, and its recognition as plant of the year is a reminder to us all of the importance of caring for our dune lakes”
hides tiny flowers that look like miniature water lilies.
“It’s so exciting that a Northland aquatic plant has won, and that people know and love this remarkable little plant,” says Northland Regional Council biodiversity manager Lisa Forester.
It is listed as threatened-nationally critical — the highest threat category. Plant populations were previously found in 13 dune lakes north of Poutō, but
or boat, which puts the plant at extra risk from being trampled or from accidental pest introductions.
Councillor Jack Craw, who chairs NRC’s Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party, says Te Tai Tokerau dune lakes are one of our outstanding ecosystems and are globally rare.
“Trithuria is a wonderful example of why these lakes are so special, and its recognition as plant of the year is a
Rare and endangered Trithuria inconspicua
reminder to us all of the importance of caring for our dune lakes.”
Councillor Craw says dune lakes and their biodiversity face many threats, including the risk of introduced pests like the invasive gold clam,
which is now present in the Waikato River area.
“If this got into our lakes it would be disastrous, and would almost certainly lead to the extinction of Trithuria in those lakes.”
Photo: Dennis Gordon — NIWA
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by Amy Fifita
A month of jovial fun
The build-up to Christmas is here, and Whangārei has plenty of festive activities to help locals get into the seasonal spirit.
The Whangārei Christmas Festival kicks off on Saturday, November 30, in the Cameron Street Mall. Starting at 9.30am, eventgoers can explore and capture a moment with their little ones at Santa’s Grotto before the main event at 11am — the parade.
Photo opportunities with Santa are before and after the parade. The two-hour Living Christmas Tree Workshop is later that day at the Summerset Mount Denby Retirement Village, 7 Par Lane, Tikipunga, at 1pm.
The following day, the retirement village is also hosting a gift-buying opportunity with its market day. The occasion will showcase locally-made items for people to purchase.
While Christmas is often geared towards children’s interests, seniors can enjoy the festivities at the Senior Citizens Christmas Concert.
The performance is free to attend but people must register at Eventfinda or at the Whangārei District Council Civic
Centre. The concert is between 11am and 12.15pm at Forum North on Tuesday, December 3.
Families have three chances to watch the Whangārei Brass Band and the Salvation Army Band at the town basin. The Carols at the Basin event is every Tuesday until Christmas, from 7.30pm to 8.45pm.
Gift wrapping services are available at the Cameron Street Mall on December 12, 13, 14, 19 and 20 between 11am to 3pm.
Lady Abyss Tattoo Studio is hosting the Christmas Flash Weekend on Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15, between 9am and 5pm. The R18 event offers people a tattoo from various neotraditional, traditional, geometric, tā moko, floral, ornamental and fine-line predrawn designs.
Ruakākā residents and visitors can enjoy the Christmas Parade and Fun Day on Saturday, December 14, along Takutai Place and Peter Snell Drive. Enjoy
Last year’s Waipu Christmas Parade drew hundreds of viewers to the area to engage in the festivities physical activity at the Great Whangārei Santa Run on Sunday, December 15, at the Victoria Canopy Bridge. Families have a final chance to see Saint Nicholas on
Christmas Eve at the Waipu Christmas Parade from 5pm to 7pm. The parade will showcase floats along its main street before prize-giving at the Caledonian Park.
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SPOTLIGHT ON WHANGAREI
by Liz Clark
A day out in the park
In 1973, the Northland Regional Society purchased a 65-acre property and the Glorat homestead from the Clarke family to
museum and collections.
The Northland Regional Museum evolved when the new building was completed in 1984. Along with live days featuring Clydesdale horses and other displays, the site became a venue for the future development of what was to become Kiwi North.
The site today covers 25ha of green farmland and native bush, incorporating a museum, kiwi house and heritage park with several important historic buildings on display.
The Whangārei Museum has concentrated on providing visitors with a sense of place through its storytelling experience that includes natural history, Māori taonga and European settlement in the region. Pride of place is a 200-yearold-plus waka, made from kauri and a collection of fossilised moa bones found in a cave on private land by the owner. The display tells the story of the find, providing an insight into the region’s natural history. The museum holds a collection of 80,000 artefacts, which are accessible for researchers and others interested in history.
Day is turned into night at the state-of-theart nocturnal house where North Island brown kiwi forage for live prey in a climate-controlled natural environment designed with them in mind. Photography is permitted but flashes are requested to be turned off while in the kiwi habitat.
The site also houses a collection of endemic invertebrates, including huhu beetles and stick insects. Visitors can find out interesting facts about these insects and the many other species kept at Kiwi North. Also present are Northland and Auckland green geckos, along with the forest gecko, which is the same colour as the bark and lichons on trees and shrubs. The geckos’ diets include invertebrates, nectar and fruit.
Outside in the heritage park area several historic buildings are on display, including the 1886 Glorat homestead, which was built by Dr Alexander Clarke and his wife Mary. The villa housed two generations of the Clarke family until its sale to the Northland Regional Society. Other buildings include the unique 1860s Oruaiti Chapel, from Whangaroa area, the original goal cells that held women prisoners and two other significant buildings.
Epic Show
Glorat homestead was built in 1886 by Dr Alexander Clarke and his wife Mary
SPOTLIGHT ON WHANGAREI
ADVERTORIAL
Connecting power to the people
by Andy Bryenton
When it comes to serious voltage and serious jobs, Northland Power Services has the team, the tools and technical know-how to get it right, first time, and on time.
Since 2021 Alister Bain and his team of power professionals have been doing those jobs that the ‘regular sparky’ can’t tackle. That means handling major tasks like power line maintenance, power line construction, and connections for the growing subdivisions and building projects of Northland.
“I’m a driven, young man keen to grow this business,” says Alister, who comes from a strong background working with high voltage. “I started from scratch, leaving Northpower when I was 25, and I wanted to give business a go. We strive to do our best and provide the customer with a great service and fair price.”
Northland Power Services can take care of those big jobs customers may have thought only Northpower could manage
replacing old power line wires are just some of the tasks that see the team traversing the whole of Northland.
“We want to make sure farmers know we’re there to help,” says Alister. “We can fix their overhead lines to their pump sheds and cowsheds, and anywhere electricity is needed for the modern farm. Don’t leave things until it is too late, and the wires come down, injuring or killing valuable stock, or leaving the farm without water or cooling capacity.”
To leverage his skills into a thriving business, Alister has become fully approved to work on the Northpower network, gaining the necessary certifications and abilities to safely and efficiently take care of those topend electrical jobs. That means a varied day out in the field for Northland Power Services. High voltage cable jointing, underground fault finding, power pole replacements and
Alongside Alister, there are three other Northland Power Services professionals on the team. Jason, Wayne and Kat help to get power where it’s needed, on jobs ranging from one and two-lot builds to massive 100home subdivisions, designing, planning and implementing electrical reticulation, installing high and low voltage cables, and also taking care of power supply on Northland farms.
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With the skills and accreditation, expertise and experience, and a big fleet, which includes machines that can handle tough farm terrain to get cranes and drills where they need to go, Northland Power Services can tackle those big jobs you might have thought only Northpower could handle.
The Northland Power Services team are happy to offer free professional advice and site visits. If you have any queries about your existing power supply, or if you are thinking about removing overhead and running underground cables, northland power services are happy to come to you to discuss your options.
KITCHEN S
by Andy Bryenton
Christmas Preparation
All hands on deck
In the days of tall ships and the majesty of sail, a lot of time aboard a vessel was spent making sure the deck was ship-shape, and the same care should apply to the deck of your house.
Thankfully, when it comes to revitalising the one that’s outside your ranchslider, there are power tools and crafty products available, that those old-time sailors would have given a treasure map for.
Many decks can be given a spruce up with a quick gentle wash-down and treatment with a mould remover, then a cover-up with rejuvenating oil. It’s important to know what kind of wood your deck is made of before you get started, as some can’t take the impact of a powerful water blaster, and certain oils and finishes work best with specific timbers. For the right products, talk to your local paint specialists or hardware store.
For decks in need of a serious restoration, it’s best to get back to basics, by taking off the damaged outer layers and exposing richly textured, fresh new wood. That means sanding, and it’s usually best to hire a drum sander and deck edge finishing sander than to buy new, unless your deck area is truly vast.
The good weather will be your mate for this job, as it’s best to sand and reoil your deck under sunny skies. Start by giving the deck a good clean, and getting leaves, dirt and grit out from between the boards. Then, once the deck is dry, inspect the planks for cracking and warping, replacing as necessary. Tighten down all
the screws, because the sandpaper you are about to use can snag on these and rip, causing major headaches.
There are three stages of sandpaper grit, the level of coarseness, which you should work down through to get the perfect finish. Start with rugged 80 grit, working diagonal to the boards rather than straight up and down or side to side, a pro tip to make sure you get a smooth finish. Next, switch it out to 100 grit, and work down the boards lengthways. Finally, go back over the whole surface with fine 120 grit paper on the sander, once again, working end-to-end of the boards. The edging or finishing sander is useful here at the end of the task to clear up patches close to your doors and window joinery.
Oil goes on last, without skimping on volume, as you want a good even coat all over that will protect the deck for years to come. Once again, your local paint experts will know just the right one to suit your timber.
A perfect deck is a source of considerable pride, and a great spot to entertain your mates during summer
by Paul Campbell
Festive stress or family fun?
Christmas means many things to many
themselves at work.
The writer recalls very few Christmas holidays as a journalist rostered on a shift because news does not stop, and the same applies for all those service jobs from medicine to policing, defence, fire and many more occupations.
Even farmers might need added support as commodity prices and government regulations cause a lack of sleep, along with an unhelpful bank manager.
The holiday season might be a time for feet up, present opening, family gatherings and spending time with loved ones. However, it is not all beer and skittles. Unfortunately, Christmas can also cause stress and depression for some people and even families in poor economic times.
the economy, you may be struggling to embrace the season of joy.
with the gloomy predictions about the economy, getting presents organised in time and feeling pressure to celebrate, even though you may have fractious relationships with family members.
The rising cost of living coupled with having less money to spend, while seeing an abundance of goods on display in shops, can trigger stress. Finding ways to cut back and better manage finances during the period can help you feel less stressed.
yourself and others when planning what you will do, and consider changing your expectations of the season to remove stress, while aiming for a mentally healthy festive break.
Research proves, in fact, Christmas is considered one of the six most-stressful life events, along with divorce, moving house and changing jobs. This year, after the Covid-19 upheaval, natural disasters, rising inflation and dour predictions for
There are various factors that can cause stress. You may feel tense because you are worried about finances, concerned about relationships, or just feel exhausted after working long hours to get things finished before the holidays.
Worrying about the financial cost of buying Christmas presents, combined
Christmas can also have a positive impact on your mental health. Keeping a focus on the positives, sharing social connection, eating well and relaxing can all bring a sense of wellbeing.
Consider researching ways to add new meaning to Christmas or create new family traditions. In general, be kind to
by Paul Campbell
Shearing work became a sport
Shearing was once just a staple task on Kiwi farms as sheep became more numerous by far than the human population and wool had a premium market, but times have changed and the old workplace has become a place of competition.
Shearing Sports New Zealand now stages competition events nationwide, as well as sending teams to Australia, UK and further afield.
The shearing industry began in the 1840s as sheep numbers rapidly increased and the first shearers came from Australia. The first New Zealand shearers, who can be positively identified, are Thomas Hastie and John Bell, who were shearing for William Jaffray at Saddle Hill, Otago, in 1849.
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Most early shearers took hand shears on the road from shed to shed, and young men found plenty of willing employers.
The first purpose-built shearing shed, with a slatted floor in the sheep holding pens, was built about 1857, and in the next decade or so, sheds became common. With that came new jobs, and perhaps, the first appearance of women actively engaged in the industry as assistants in woolhandling that sees them in international competition in the modern-day, handling the fleeces as they are taken off on the boards.
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In competition woolhandling, Ngaio
Pressers packed the wool into bales using a wool press — at first, a screw press, and then a lever press. Blade ears had two blades, joined by a spring bow and In the early years, shearing tallies were not high.
knees of the shearer, who clipped the wool off with strokes or blows, and the style is familiar through to today.
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In 1856 at Te Awaiti, near Martinborough, a gang of eight men tackled 8,256 sheep. One shearer, named Bartlett, recorded the best day’s tally of 79, but the average around this date was 35 sheep a day. Tallies were low because the sheep were Merinos, a hard breed to handle. In the colonial technique, which was adopted in the 1850s, the sheep sat on its rump, held upright between the
The first shearing machines appeared in the 1880s. Long since then, the skill has leapt ahead. During and after the second world war, brothers Ivan and Godfrey Bowen took the best of everything they had seen from shearers around New Zealand, and developed the Bowen technique. The pattern was further refined, with leading shearers such as John and David Fagan making notable contributions in recent years. Today’s best shearers will get the fleece off a sheep in less than 50 blows.
Hanson shows her skill at a recent country show
Regional councils on notice — about time
by Colin Hannah, Federated Farmers Northland president
The government has done the right thing by
farming rules until a new national direction for freshwater has been announced.
By refusing the accept that the government, and therefore the direction of travel, has changed. Councils really left them no choice but to intervene to stop everyone wasting time and money.
The lack of detailed economic analysis from councils about what these rules would cost communities has been incredibly aggravating for many farmers — myself included.
So, too, has the arrogant belief from many council staff that they are above both parliament and the wishes of their community, and that they can force whatever change they think is necessary.
This is why the local government review is so critical to the social and economic wellbeing of rural folk.
The current quality of governance is extremely poor, and staff are delivering impractical and unaffordable policy that is then rubber-stamped by councillors without any robust discussion.
Federated Farmers Northland, in conjunction with NorthChamber, recently organised for Jarred Mair, the head of MPI’s ‘think-tank’, to present to government and council officials in Northland on the New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.
The following day, we invited local farmers and business leaders to hear his thoughts on things like feeding a growing world population, new technologies and gene editing.
The feedback has been exceptional, and we have received plenty of requests to provide more of these types of presentations.
Finally, as members of Northland’s Digital Enable Group, we continue to push for better digital connectivity across our region.
There are still far too many black spots along our main highways, and on-farm connectivity in many places is atrocious.
How are farmers supposed to run our businesses or complete basic tasks like fulfilling our NAIT responsibilities without proper connectivity?
On a nationwide basis, Federated Farmers has had some major wins in recent weeks, with the government stopping unworkable new farming rules in their tracks, but already another major issue is rearing its head for farmers.
Early next year, the government will need to decide how it responds to calls from the United Nations for New Zealand to put in place a new and more ambitious
international emission reduction target. The problem is that we do not have a chance in hell of meeting our existing target, put in place by the previous government, of halving all greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Does anyone really think we can half our agricultural emissions in the next five years? What about our fossil fuel emissions? It is an absurd level of ambition and completely unrealistic.
Unfortunately, the government is expected to make up any shortfall by
either planting our countryside in even more pine trees or buying expensive international carbon units.
Buying enough credits to meet the cost of our current 2030 target would not be cheap and could exceed $20 billion — all at a time when we are already struggling to pay for roads and hospitals.
If we take the other option of planting our way out of the problem, we will only see more jobs and economic activity lost from our rural communities.
by Andy Bryenton
Contenders for top tractor crown
The finalists have been winnowed down from a large and varied field, as a panel of expert judges consider the question: Which is the best tractor for the coming model year of 2025?
The international Tractor of the Year competition is almost a year-round task for the 25 professional agricultural machinery reviewers, who add the weight of their knowledge to the judging panel. The 2025 decision started back in June, when the panel met in Milan to
consider the long list of contenders, at the Let the Challenge Begin gala. They’ll make a call on the best tractors in a variety of categories, spanning orchard specialist machines, giant open-plain crop cultivators and versatile dairying all-rounders.
A new category this year is just for autonomous robot tractors. The TotYBot prize is for tractors without a driver’s cabin or seat, no steering wheel and full self-driving capabilities. It’s a glimpse into a future where a farmer may be able to coordinate a fleet of machines from the front porch. There are four major contenders vying for the first-ever robotic tractor crown, from companies like Black Shire, Field Robotics, AutoAgri and Agxeed, rather than the massively established names that dominate the other categories.
Unlike motor cars, tractors are ready for assessment earlier in their designto-showroom cycle, meaning that the top of the crop for 2025 is ready to be put through its paces now. In the mid-power category, it’s a battle of some of the ‘usual suspects’; those big contenders that often dominate the awards podium and the sales charts. For 2025, Case IH has
the
an updated Puma 260 in the running, up against the CLAAS Arion 660, Fendt’s big Vario 620 DP, the McCormick X7.624 VTDrive and Valtra’s N175 Direct.
The coveted high-power award is hotly contested with a powerful field of five finalists. Case IH is back on track, with the large and impressive Quadtrac 715, rolling on wide triangular-section treads.
The JCB Fastrac 8330 iCON represents the team in yellow, while New Holland roll out the T7.340 HD. Valtra’s new S416 and
the Massey Ferguson 9s.425 round out the heavyweight division.
Those with an eye for coincidence will note that this top 10 of mid and high-powered tractors contains the new versions of all the machines picked by Top Gear back in 2007, when they tried to grow their own biodiesel. The final decision will come soon, with the announcement of 2025’s top tractor across these and three other categories: utility, specialised and sustainable tractors.
For
first time in 2025, the prestigious Tractor of the Year competition will have a category for robotic tractors
by Andy Bryenton
Tank invasion rolls in
GWM, the Chinese manufacturers of the Haval SUV, has cracked the code when
While the Haval range represents excellent value for money, there’s a section of the market, which desires something a bit more blunt and rugged, and a bit more traditionally off-roading, than their family-focussed options. Therefore, a new division of the GWM company has emerged, with a classic, square-sided alternative to the Land Rover Defender or the Mercedes G-Wagen. It has the looks, and it has the name, too. They’ve gone all-in and called it the Tank.
The Tank 300 nails the image of a proper off-road SUV. It’s got everything from a massive T-shaped logo on a prominent grille, to big, flared wheel arch extensions and design carried out using just a ruler and a pencil. It looks military and austere, but internally, it’s quite the opposite. There’s less spartan plastic and more soft-touch materials indoors, with lashings of accentuated stitching and a generously sized touch screen.
distance, but those five people will ride in comfort. There’s even the option for heated and cooled seats.
to the rear-door-mounted spare wheel a glimpse of the big, solid knuckle of the rear diff, and you’ll note that this is no cafe tractor.
does well with its eight or nine-speed auto, depending on whether you choose petrol or hybrid spec.
Which brings us to the price, and that’s where the Tank wins the battle. For just $53,990 you can pick either a fully loaded petrol version or the base hybrid, delivering the impact and image of much pricier 4x4 models at half the cost.
It’s not the size of a King Tiger, with five seats instead of the seven you might expect when looking at its profile from a
They’ll be able to do so over all kinds of terrain as well, because the Tank 300 is not faking its off-road image. The first clue that the Tank is capable is its ladder chassis, the first ingredient of every real 4x4. There’s a full-length running board to help you get up to its elevated ride height, which helps command a great view. Catch
While the two-litre turbo petrol engine is no thumping V8 or a big diesel mill, it’s certainly enough to take the Tank where it wants to go, and the hybrid version develops a healthy 350 horsepower (255 kilowatts) and 648 Newton-metres of torque. Also, while purists love the clunk and click of a manual box, the Tank 300
The GWM Tank 300 has nailed the template of a proper 4x4, right down
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