S OOR D E UR S
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October 2023 edition
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The value of sustainability Pages 8–9
The lure of riches
Ladies lead a shearing renaissance
P4
Quenched in dry times
P6
P19
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October 2023 NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES
The Northern Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned Northland company.
Otiria bridge complete
Traffic travelling north or south through Moerewa can now enjoy the new $3.5 million, 60-metre bridge which is key to the Otiria and Moerewa flood scheme.
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The completed bridge will help prevent flooding on the main road north at Moerewa
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Construction of the Pokapu Road bridge on multiply-owned whānau land with the blessing of its shareholders, began in January after a dawn blessing ceremony late last year. Another dawn blessing ceremony was held at the site on Saturday, October 7, ahead of the bridge’s official opening to traffic. “The bridge is a critical part of a scheme designed to better protect the communities of Otiria and Moerewa from the adverse impacts of flooding,” says Taumarere Flood Mitigation Working Group chair, Northland Regional Councillor Geoff Crawford. “The smaller 18-metre bridge the new structure replaces acted like a dam in a flood, diverting flood waters towards Otiria and Moerewa and worsening flooding problems in the area. The new structure has wider spans, and it, and an associated spillway due to be completed before Christmas, are designed to allow three times more floodwaters to pass underneath, enabling it to cope with a oncein-a-century flood event.” The old bridge will be removed over the next few weeks and beams salvaged from it will be repurposed at Whangārei’s Quarry Gardens. “A large number of people and organisations played a role in the work, paying tribute to the local community, the whānau shareholders of the Māori-owned block where the new bridge is built and local kaitiaki who had worked closely with the construction crew.” The project is part of the Resilient River Communities Programme. More information about these projects can be found online at resilientrivers.nz. “An overarching aim of the project has been to restore the Otiria Stream to its natural flow, which was impeded decades ago due to the construction of Ngapipito and Pokapu Roads and Otiria’s railroad embankment.
Geoff Crawford, Taumarere Flood Mitigation Working Group chair and Northland Regional Councillor
“The local community had several years ago come up with the idea of returning the water to its natural flow as it was before any built infrastructure and into an area historically much better able to cope with the large volumes of water which floods involved. “In previous floods, this water would typically be diverted, in part by the old bridge structure and railroad, downstream to land at Otiria and Moerewa. The works cumulatively mean that in a flood, most water will be sent down the new spillway and into the Waiharakeke River, where the river is considerably wider and deeper and where the river flowed for centuries. “While floods will still occur, parts of the area previously subjected to potentially damaging and life-threatening half-metre deep floodwaters should see that reduced to just ankle height instead. The project has also seen two kaitiaki employed as cultural monitors during the construction, which was considered essential due to the rich Māori history and high number of sites of significance in the area.”
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NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
Changes for charity
OctOber 2023
by Ann van Engelen
Meat The Need, a farmer-led charity, is farewelling its cofounder Wayne Langford as general manager as he takes a seat on the board to allow him to focus on his role as Federated Farmers president. Launching in 2020, Wayne, from Golden Bay, co-founded the charity alongside Siobhan O’Malley during the height of the Covid lockdowns to facilitate donations of livestock and milk from farmers to food banks across the country. “I’m incredibly proud of everything team Meat The Need has achieved in the last three years,” says Wayne. “What started as a simple idea has now grown into providing 1.4 million meat meals and three million milk meals to people in need through more than 110 food banks across the country. It’s been amazing to see what we can achieve as a team and to do it at scale alongside our amazing processors Silver Fern Farms, Miraka, Fonterra and ANZCO. The idea for the charity was born when his family dropped some mince to a local food bank in 2019. They were shocked to learn it would feed families for a few months. “We thought there must be something more we could do as farmers to make sure we feed New Zealand first before we go out and feed the world. It wasn’t about reinventing the wheel. All farmers were missing was a link to be able to donate their livestock or milk to people in need, and Meat The Need was able to connect the dots to make it happen. “It was about building relationships with food banks, farmers and processors and connecting the whole supply chain to ensure we could get a consistent supply to food banks. This is what we do as farmers, we feed our community, and we’re making that connection through food.”
“A simple idea has now grown into providing 1.4 million meat meals and three million milk meals to people in need.” The knock-on effect throughout communities was seen following the devastating Canterbury floods in May 2021, when a local farmer who had donated animals had his farm decimated and needed a hand. “We filled up a van with a bunch of men from the Christchurch City Mission men’s shelter, the very same men that had eaten the exact donation from that farmer, and headed out on the farm to clean up his fences. “Not only were they able to help a farmer in need, the men themselves were incredibly grateful for the fresh air and interested in farming, a completely new experience for many of them. Two of those men then got a job on a dairy farm in Ashburton and are still working. “That’s the butterfly effect in action, and it really brings you back down to earth about why farmers produce food, what we’re doing in our communities and the positive impact we can all have. At the end of the day, if every farmer in New Zealand donated 0.1% of what they produce, we could feed New Zealand.” The new general manager will be announced in the near future.
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Meat the Need co-founder Wayne Langford with some of the donated meat
Wayne with co-founder Siobhan O’Malley delivering Meat the Need products
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OctOber 2023 NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
THE LURE OF
RICHES
BY LIZ CLARK
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Puhipuhi was a drawcard for its vast natural resources of kauri, silver and mercury — the latter left a toxic legacy in its wake.
T
he kauri forests of the region were extensively milled with timber leases and rights being gained by sawmillers such as New Foundland-born William Gibbons Foote, who managed an extensive enterprise at Whakapara with one of his brothers. Foote had initially managed bushfelling operations at Manukau Heads for his uncle Robert Gibbons, who was involved in the Gibbons family sawmilling businesses in Huia, Whatipū and other regions of West Auckland. Foote later obtained cutting rights to extensive kauri forests at Whananaki North, which led to the obtaining of timber leases at Puhipuhi. For 14 years, the significant stands of kauri were cut down and milled, with more than 66 million feet of timber produced. The mill at Whakapara was once the largest timber
processing operation in the Whangārei District. William Gibbons Foote passed away in 1947 at the age of 92. Kauri wasn’t the only lucrative treasure found in the Puhipuhi region — so was silver. In November 1889, the news reports of the day were full of the talk of a silver find holding great promise. A trial crushing of ore at Waiorongomai produced 764 ounces. The New Zealand Herald commented: ‘The reefs are very large in the Puhipuhi country, and if the stone goes anything like that all over, then we are on the eve of a mining boom’. A month earlier, a prospecting claim of 60 acres had been taken up by E Smith, and several more would follow. By January 1890, the Prospectors’ Claim, as it was now named, had been set up, and its manager, Mr Fraser, took
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The Foote brothers’ sawmilling operation at Whakapara processed kauri from the Puhipuhi forests for 14 years
some silver ore samples to Whangārei. The Northern Advocate reported the find as ‘native silver’. It commented: ‘The discovery is an important one and goes to prove the undoubted value as a silver field’. A month later, the government considered
opening up the new silver fields under the Mining Act. Special regulations were to be enacted for the area. At the time, more than 20 companies had registered and had prospectors throughout the kauri forests searching for valuable ore.
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A bushman’s camp — one of the many set up in the Puhipuhi kauri forests
However, the government intended to divide up the forested areas into 30-acre leases for mining operations, much to the ire of the Auckland Star. ‘The change was intended to secure under 30-acre leases. The fact of the forest being opened under the Mining Act, will give every holder of a miner’s right power to peg off one man’s ground and thus split the land up into uselessly small areas. The feeling against the government is more bitter than ever.’ By September 1890, while the Prospectors’ mine had been working, little headway had been made in silver production. Despite the slow progress, faith remained the silver fields of Puhipuhi would soon yield a fortune. Impassable roads, government red tape and the Public Works Department made getting
the machinery needed for the mining works almost impossible. At the time, the Prospectors’ company considered making a road access to the claim sites using employees. By December, the machinery was finally delivered from Whangārei. The following year, despite the machinery being in place, problems with extracting the precious metal out of sulphide-laden rock continued, resulting in small yields. In September 1891, it was reported that an extraordinary meeting was to be held with the commentary: ‘There must be carelessness or incompetence somewhere. The mine itself is a splendid property, but the trouble lies in the treating of the ore’. By November 1891, the low production rate from the several mine
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OctOber 2023
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Accommodation for the miners at the first silver mine was basic and living conditions were harsh
sites in Puhipuhi was taking its toll. By 1892, the mining operations were all but at a halt. Despite subsequent attempts by other companies and investors to make the silver mine venture work — it was a failure. Puhipuhi was left with a toxic legacy due to mercury mining in the 20th century. Several companies attempted to extract the poisonous metal from cinnabar rock using unsafe methods. It resulted in the death and severe illnesses of many workers at the mine sites, especially with the unsafe processing. While demand was high for mercury, the mining ventures all but disappeared. Today, the former mercury mine site remains can be found on Department of Conservation land and is still considered toxic.
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OctOber 2023 NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
LADIES LEAD A SHEARING RENAISSANCE BY PAUL CAMPBELL There’s been a wave of shearing record attempts listed for the New Zealand summer with the World Sheep Sheep Shearing Records Society receiving seven applications for challenges in New Zealand from December 15 2023 to February 14 2024, thought to be the most in New Zealand in any season in 55 years.
S
ociety secretary Hugh McCarroll of Tauranga said the latest application was from Pahiatua shearer Amy Silcock, who will attempt the women’s solo eight-hour strong wool ewes record at Ross Na Clonagh Farm, near Pahiatua on January 7 2024, one of five big-daysout for women’s record attempts. She first attempted the record last February, when she shore 348 ewes, which averaged more than four kilograms of wool a sheep, more than one kilogram over the minimum requirement. It fell 22 short of the mark set by Marie Prebble in England the previous August.
Three of the record bids will take place in the 10 days before Christmas, starting on December 15, with Megan Whitehead and Hannah McColl attempting the solo and two-stand strongwool lambs records in Southland. Four days later, near Mossburn, Sacha Bond will attempt to add the women’s solo nine-hour strongwool lambs record to the eight-hour record she set last summer. In a Wairarapa woolshed on December 23, Paerata Abraham and Chris Dickson will attempt the men’s solo and two-stand lambs records for eight hours.
Credits: SSNZ
Otorohanga teenager Sonya Fagan (right) after winning the Corwen Shears Intermediate woolhandling final and getting another Fagan name on to the honours board at one of the biggest shearing and woolhandling competitions in Wales
Silcock’s attempt will be followed on January 10 by Catherine Mullooly’s attempt on the women’s solo eight-hour strong wool ewes record attempt in the King Country. The remaining two are both in Southland, on
January 14, when a Forde Winders Shearing crew will bid for the men’s five-stand eighthour strongwool lambs record. On February 14, Bond will attempt the women’s ninehour strongwool ewes record.
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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES
Sacha Bond has two more records lined-up for the summer ahead
As well as the record attempts in New Zealand, McCarroll is anticipating there will also be several attempts in Australia during the southern summer. Meanwhile, in recent competition in the UK, three New Zealanders have grabbed back some Kiwi pride with wins at glamour Welsh lamb shearing and woolhandling competition the Corwen Shears. The wins went to Jack Fagan, 31, of Te Kuiti, in the Open shearing final and Sonya Fagan (Jack Fagan’s second cousin), age 19 and from Otorohanga, in the Intermediate woolhandling final. On the flipside, the Wools of New Zealand Shearing Sports New Zealand team of Masterton brothers-in-law Paerata Abraham and David Gordon ended its 2023 UK tour without a win in a three-test series against Wales. The Fagan victories continued a family link to the Corwen lamb shearing
championships, with brothers John and David Fagan, Jack Fagan’s brother and father, respectively, closely involved in the event when it was established in 1989. They presented the Fagan Brothers Trophy, the silverware that was claimed by Jack Fagan. The now-Sir David Fagan won the first final and went on to win 13 times, and John Fagan also won, as did son James. Sonya Fagan is now one of five King Country Fagans on the Corwen Shears honours board after capping a promising season in the UK with her first win. A daughter of Craig and Sarah Fagan of Otorohanga, she arrived in the Northern Hemisphere to work in Norway in February. It became a dream to be at the Royal Highland Show and 2023 Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling
October 2023
7
Wairarapa shearer Amy Silcock during a women’s four-stand record
Championships, held in Scotland in June with competitors from more than 30 countries. Sonya expects to be heading home to New Zealand in November and relaunching her New Zealand show career in January, probably at the Taihape A&P Show. “I’ve been in the shearing shed since I was, like, born, really,” she said. “I did my first main shear rousing when I was 11 and have done about 10 main shears in New Zealand.” She has also competed as a shearer, and armed with the skills for a travelling lifestyle, and a short interrupted stint at university, said: “I want to travel and see the world, but when I’ve found a place to settle down I want to go back to do agricultural business. I love farming, and I want to learn the business side of it.”
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OctOber 2023 NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
THE VALUE OF
SUSTAINABILITY BY AMY FIFITA
Delwyn Simpson and Nicky Maccabee are enthusiastic about beekeeping and enjoy meeting and selling their honey at local markets around the Far North.
“I
have lived up in the area for about 30 years, and our bee house is in Fern Flat, which was originally Nick’s parents’ house, which he purchased off them in the 1990s,” says Delwyn. “Nick’s initial career involved international deep-sea fishing, but he soon came to the realisation that it was not sustainable in the long run. Seeking a more environmentally conscious and fulfilling path, he returned to New Zealand in search of a new career. “We met in the early 2000s, and a pivotal moment for us was during one of our camping trips to Spirits Bay. We found
ourselves watching a beautiful sunset and discussing our future. It was during this tranquil moment that fate seemed to intervene. “A bee landed on my blue shoe, as bees are often attracted to the colour blue. I whimsically remarked to Nick, with a name like Maccabee, you have to be a beekeeper. He responded by revealing his childhood experiences with it. “His parents had taught him about beekeeping during their alternative 1970s lifestyle. It was a fortuitous moment that led us down an environmental stewardship path.
Delwyn Simpson and Nicky Maccabee are passionate about maintaining a sustainable future for their beekeeping operation
“It also aligned with our shared values and aspirations for a more sustainable future. We prioritise the wellbeing of our bees, minimise chemical use, suppor t natural
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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES
James helps Nicky, his dad, in their bee suits making sure that the hives are in good health
“Our passion for bees and honey drives us to care for our hives, nurture our environment, and produce exceptional honey. The positive impacts we witness daily, and the satisfaction of being our own bosses make this endeavour truly fulfilling. “We own property in the Far North, and our children were born here. We love the climate, fishing, diving and camping, the native bush and the laid-back lifestyle the area provides.” Initially, Nick and Delwyn focussed on commercial and export pathways. However, after the industry declined, they thought of other options to sell their goods.
“You don’t get honey every year. Last year was a poor season with the weather and varroa mite. It is something you have to be committed to and have money behind you.” “The last three years have been a struggle due to changing government regulations. Last year, my main problem was the varroa mite because there were many abandoned sites that had it. Some people had up to 150 hives but went back to their other regular jobs. “More government regulations are the solution, and I know that no one wants to hear that. However, the industry needs to be protected from bulk honey being exported to minimise adulteration and
October 2023
Another part of Delwyn’s and Nicky’s operation is queen bee breeding
hive movements across the country to minimise disease. There also needs to be a quota on areas to avoid overpopulation of hives in small areas because it damages the ecosystem and accountability for abandoned hives. “There has always been more money in beekeeping, and now we are at rock bottom. The average price for normal honey is $6 a kilogram, but you need at least $7kg to run your hive, so everyone selling bulk is running at a loss. “That is why we started doing markets and selling the honey in smaller pots
to be able to survive. One good thing about the markets is that you get out and talk with people because they give me feedback, and now I realise that my product is amazing. “Before we started doing markets, I sent the honey off, got paid, and no one gave me any feedback. “Now, people offer me feedback and bring me gifts of gratitude. Our diligence is beginning to pay off, our website is picking up, and it would be great to see more parcels going out on the courier.” Email: sales@mtpokaka.co.nz Phone: 09 407 7271
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10
October 2023 NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES
KMR to help plant natives on erodible hillsides Aotearoa’s largest harbour restoration project, the Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) programme, is now partnering with landowners to reduce erosion by planting natives on hillsides. During the first 18 months of operation, KMR co-funding has largely focused on fencing and planting projects near waterways, with the project expanding to further help the environment. KMR leader Justine Daw says an increasing focus throughout winter and spring has been tackling erosion by planting natives on erodible hillsides, which complements ongoing work to protect waterways through fencing and planting. “Steep land with bare dirt or signs of active movement and erosion is being prioritised for treatment – particularly if water flowing over this land will drain directly into a waterway or the Kaipara Moana itself,” says Justine. This can include land affected by the 2023 floods, storms and Cyclone Gabrielle. “On flatter land, the minimum KMR project size for planting is 0.25ha, and in the hill country, we are seeking projects involving larger than 1ha of highly erodible land.” However, the first deadline for co-funding of native planting or regeneration projects is looming on November 13 and Justine is encouraging landowners to lodge their interest with urgency. “The team at KMR wants to hear from landowners wanting to establish or regenerate native plants on erodible hill slopes or along waterways,” she says. “We also want landowners to make expressions of interest by November 13 if they are interested in planting exotic trees on eroding hillsides such as eucalyptus or redwoods. “Those who want to plant poplars on eroding hillsides are also invited to express interest before March 31, 2024, to plant in winter 2024. This is part of our ongoing support for landowners across the catchment, including those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and other adverse weather events. “It is important to us that landowners throughout the Kaipara Moana catchment understand the sediment reduction options that KMR can co-fund and can access the support they need to reduce erosion, in a way that fits their aspirations. This may require a farm system perspective, forestry best practice, or simply having easy access to funding,” says Justine. The Kaipara Moana is the largest harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, home to rare and threatened species and habitats. The harbour has major economic value as the breeding ground for New Zealand’s snapper fishery. However, high sediment levels have put this at risk. As Aotearoa’s largest harbour restoration programme, genuine partnership is key across the 6,000km2 Kaipara Moana catchment spanning both Auckland and Northland regions. In October 2020, the Ministry for the Environment, Kaipara Uri (Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua, Te Uri o Hau), Northland Regional Council and Auckland Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly protect and restore the mauri of the Kaipara Moana. Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) is a multi-year programme which invests in projects with the long term aim of halving sediment flows into the Kaipara Moana. As a Jobs for Nature investment, KMR also supports local, nature-based employment, training, and accreditation.
w: kmr.org.nz | e: hono@kmr.org.nz
NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
OctOber 2023
11
ADVERTORIAL
Spring Fling returns
Rural Women New Zealand is an integral part of New Zealand’s rural landscape. From our early days as the Women’s Division of the Farmer’s Union in 1925, RWNZ has become a voice on health services, education, environment and social issues in the rural sector. It provides social and business networking opportunities for members. The organisation often canvasses the opinions of members and the wider rural community on issues to make regular submissions on education, social, health, safety and land concerns affecting rural people. Rural Women NZ is pleased to be hosting its second Spring Fling event in the north following the successful first one held in 2022 in Arapohue. This year the event is in Wellsford and we invite all women to join us for the fun day. We encourage members, friends, neighbours and family groups to get together and come along for a great day. We are really pleased to have Trish Allen from Mahurangi Wastebusters and Sophie Gray, author and Destitute Gourmet, as our guest speakers for the day. Trish Allen Trish Allen is passionate about wasting nothing. She founded the Mahurangi Wastebusters Trust in 2017 to reduce waste to landfill and recover resources for the benefit of the community and the planet. Mahurangi Wastebusters runs two community recycling centres and undertakes waste education programmes in early childhood centres and schools.
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Trish will give a short talk on practical tips to reduce our waste. Sophie Gray — the Destitute Gourmet Destitute Gourmet is a resource for people wanting to eat well and spend less. Through this website, DG community workshops, cookbooks, social media and any means possible, our mission is to help people eat well and spend less so they have money left to spend on some other important areas of life. A DG class comprises several components, including teaching, cooking and tasting. During a demonstration, Sophie explains practical and effective ways to shop, cook, eat and save money at the supermarket. Using her personal experience, anecdotes and loads of tips,
tricks and techniques, she’ll show how to make family food more interesting, healthy and cost-effective. Sophie will demonstrate four to five recipes, of which two to three will provide tastings for attendees so your group can sample some of the dishes being demonstrated. She provides all her own tools and ingredients and recipe booklets containing the recipes used in that class, for each attendee to take away. Anyone wishing to attend the day is asked to register by contacting our Region Leader, Heather Sorensen, at heathersorensen55@gmail.com or 027 472 4485. The cost for the day will be $20 for RWNZ members and $25 for non-members.
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Call 0800 300 488 or visit www.bigblocks.co.nz
12
October 2023 NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES
Albany Dargaville Kaikohe Kaitaia Kaiwaka Kumeu Mangawhai
Albany Mowers & Machinery Farrand & Mason Ltd Kaikohe Lawnmowers & Chainsaws Ltd Kaitaia Tractors Ltd Kaiwaka Motorcycles Ltd Kumeu Chainsaw & Mower Services Mangawhai Small Engines
09 415 9756 09 439 7335 09 401 0151 09 408 0670 09 431 2127 09 412 8109 09 431 5270
Mangonui
Mangonui Mowers & Chainsaws Ltd
09 406 0584
Silverdale
Gatmans Mowers & More
09 426 5612
Waipapa
Northland Honda
09 407 7736
Wairau Valley Gardening Aids Ltd
09 444 9493
Warkworth
Rodney Honda
09 945 3989
Whangarei
Regent Lawnmowers and Cycles
0800 438 296
The bitter and the sweet
by Liz Clark
Everyone at some point or another has thought about having a lemon tree or two in the garden, and why not? Lemon trees can be grown in large pots in a courtyard or on a sunny deck if space is an issue. They can be planted in autumn until late spring, just before the summer heat. Choose a variety to suit your taste and requirements for culinary or making lemonade and other delights to enjoy. As with all other citrus species, lemons need nutrient-rich soil, good drainage and a pH level slightly on the acidic side. They do need some care to keep them at their best and fruiting prolifically. Choose a warm site with full sun for most of the day and sheltered from strong prevailing winds. If planting in a pot, ensure to use terracotta rather than a glazed type. While it may require more watering, lemon and other citrus varieties do better in a terracotta pot, allowing the roots to breathe. The soil mix should be rich in organic matter. Use a commercially available planting medium specifically for citrus trees that can be obtained from a local garden retailer or nursery. Regular watering, especially in the dry summer months, is essential to maintain the moisture uptake in the root system. Too dry, the root system will lose the ability to take up water, and the tree will die. The best variety for fruiting year-round is the Meyer. It’s cold-hardy, smooth-
NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
13
ADVERTORIAL
Where has the chondroitin gone? by John Arts
A quick review of New Zealand-made joint supplements found none with the recommended levels of chondroitin sulphate.
skinned and full of juice, making it ideal for desserts, marinades and even lemonade. Once established, a lack of lemons for baking or flavouring fish won’t be an issue. The other two varieties are Eureka, a more traditional type and bitter, and Lemonade used for its juice. The main pest for lemons is the lemon tree borer. Signs are holes in the branches and rapid dieback; remove any infected branches and fill the holes with an appropriate insecticide. Scale insects can be controlled with a dual-purpose commercially prepared spray or organic if preferred. If the leaves are yellowing and the tree is failing to thrive, apply a dressing of Epsom salts to correct the problem. Talk to your local garden centre about which tree best suits your requirements.
I did find two quality US-made supplements for sale in NZ that do meet this standard, as does my joint supplement. The international research and recommendation of CS for osteoarthritis (OA) is not in dispute. It has been available on prescription in Europe at doses of 800mg+ (daily) for over a decade. There are numerous overseas companies that manufacture supplements that have therapeutic levels of CS. This begs the question as to why not in NZ? What could be the reason NZ companies exclude therapeutic amounts of CS? A quick check on the most extensive online supplement store found that most NZ-made joint supplements, including the biggestselling products, had, on average, 200mg of CS when research recommends 800mg. Typically, these are marketed as ‘one a day’ products that are mostly glucosamine with little or no chondroitin. The only reason I can conclude is the cost of chondroitin. I have just purchased a new batch of high-grade avian-
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• 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.
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sourced CS, and the cost is about nine times that of glucosamine. I have no doubt that most of the benefits people get from my joint supplement are from the chondroitin. Scientists have identified about 30 therapeutic benefits of chondroitin on the chemistry and function of joints and the joint capsule. Whilst some of these are complex, the benefits are mostly to improve the function of cartilage-secreting chondrocyte cells and by regulating destructive enzymes and joint capsule inflammation. The bottom line is usually less pain and more mobility. By way of example, I have been helping someone with osteoarthritis in his feet, which restricted his ability to exercise. He noticed improvements after two months and now has significant improvements. 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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A satisfied customer in Hamilton has been using Septi-Cure™ for over five years. He says this allows them to have an odour free septic tank with low maintenance costs. He also says that his service person is amazed at how well Septi-Cure™ works, keeping their tank in very good condition. *Results may vary
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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.” (John Arts, Founder, Abundant Health)
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14
October 2023 NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES
GSH 40
38.9cc 1.7kW 2.3HP 14” Bar & Chain
GS 411
$349
GS 451 50yr
39.0cc 1.9kW 2.6HP 16” Bar & Chain
GS 650
GSH 56
$849
SPARTA 441T 50yr
54.5cc 2.6kW 3.5HP 18” Bar & Chain
$549
BCH 250 D
63.4cc 3.5kW 4.7HP 20” Bar & Chain
$1549
BV 250
50 year Anniversary Models
42.9cc 2.1kW 2.9HP 18” Bar & Chain
$799
40.2cc 1.6kW 2.1HP Bull Handle
$799
Was $949
BCH 250 S
25.4cc 0.9kW 1.2HP Loop Handle
Was $899
BCH 250 T
$399
TORNADO 398
25.4cc 0.9kW 1.2HP Bull Handle
$449
TORNADO 5108W
25.4cc 0.9kW 1.2HP Loop Handle, Multifunction Trimmer, Hedgetrimmer, Pole Saw & Extension
$349 Powerhead only
BC 270 S
27cc 1.0kW 1.3HP Loop Handle
$999
25.4cc 1.0kW 1.3HP Dry Weight 3.7kg Optional Vac Kit
$499
BC 400 T
44cc 1.83kW 2.5HP Bull Handle
$1399
ESTATE 384
ESTATE 598W
$4599
$5699
$5999
$6799
98cm (38”) Sid de Dischharge Stiga ST 400 Engine Electromagnetic Blade Engage Hydrostatic Drive Optional Mulch Kit
108cm (42”) Side Discharge Stiga ST 550 Twin Engine Electromagnetic Blade Engage Hydrostatic Drive Optional Mulch Kit
84cm (33”) Catching Stiga ST 450 Engine Electromagnetic Blade Engage Hydrostatic Drive Optional Mulch Kit
98cm (38”)) Catching Stiga ST 550 Twin Engine Electromagnetic Blade Engage Hydrostatic Drive Optional Mulch Kit
POLAND MOTORS 343 Rodney St Wellsford, PH 09 423 7788 MAUNGATUROTO MOTOCYCLES 117 Hurndall St East Maungaturoto, PH 09 431 8555 GODFREYS CHAINSAWS 3 Parore St Dargaville, PH 09 439 8881 KAMO MOWERS & CHAINSAWS 376 Kamo Rd, Whangarei, PH 09 435 0222 ROB TITTER FARM SERVICES 34 Station Rd Kaikohe, PH 09 401 1774 WAIPAPA MOWERS LTD 7a Pataka Lane, Waipapa, Kerikeri, PH 09 407 7378
NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
OctOber 2023
15
ADVERTORIAL
The smart way
Established in 2018, SmartSteel Buildings Ltd is an independent New Zealand-owned company that designs, supplies and builds steel sheds and canopies and creates industrial steel solutions. “We pride ourselves on delivering great communication, strategic solutions and results,” says company director Haemish Reid. “It’s this unique combination of expertise and market-leading project management tools that delivers a service that you can trust. Our accredited distributor partners are all seasoned steel industry professionals who bring decades of experience and knowledge to complement our company-wide innovative systems and software. “We are independently owned and operated in New Zealand and can fit the right solutions to each job, every time. True independence means providing the right design, team and products for every project. “Our guys are not part of a corporate group, so what we deliver is a true cost without any royalty for franchise fees attached. We give our customers free access to our suppliers and have full autonomy to purchase material from the best suppliers at the best cost and service without being dictated to one supplier.” Without ties to franchised systems, exclusive contracts, franchise fees and monthly fees, SmartSteel has the flexibility to choose the best and most cost-effective systems for their clients without restriction. “When you choose SmartSteel Buildings, you choose a partner who shares your values. We’re dedicated to delivering outstanding results, fostering a culture of safety, excellence and responsibility in every project we undertake. Our stringent safety protocols and ongoing training programmes guarantee that every project is executed with the highest level of care and compliance. “We strive for excellence in every aspect of our work, from the initial design phase to project completion, and never settle for anything less than the best so
into heavier mild steel products such as big ‘I’ beams and hot-rolled products for larger, bigger buildings. “With our software program, we provide instant design, instant engineered sign-off, instant bill of materials, instant fabrication drawings and instant council drawings to provide an instant price, and we can instantly build once delivered on-site! “The process is very quick, and we can provide a format for our buildings
Haemish Reid, SmartSteel Buildings Ltd director
we can build a future that’s not only structurally sound but also sustainable and impactful. “We provide three systems: SS-inline a structural system with purlins/girts nested inside portals and rafters; SSTopH, a tophat system. We’re branching
Dr Hud’s
Killing & Processing BOOK YOUR BEAST IN NOW FOR CHRISTMAS 10 weeks left till Christmas • Offal & Hide deposal by arrangement (extra fee). • All beasts weighed onsite Meat returned & weighed back. • All beasts vac packed & hung on the bone minimum of 7 days. • Operating for 22 years. • We know our job well. - ANDREW & SOMMAI HUDSON -
Surgery: 11 Hood Street, Wellsford 0900
Ph: 09 423 7213 e: info@drhudshomekill.co.nz w: www.drhudshomekill.co.nz
where our customers and builders can see every single part of the building and where it’s located in a live drivethrough app. This product shows the homeowner and builder exactly where every part of the building goes. At SmartSteel we pride ourselves on great results.” Located at 21a Saleyards Rd, Kauri, Whangarei — visit smartsteelbuildings. co.nz for more information and other locations.
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16
OctOber 2023 NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
AG CONTRACTORS & SUPPLIERS Call for rural banking probe
by Andy Bryenton
The new government will be asked to launch an independent inquiry into rural banking, with serious questions raised by Federated Farmers on whether their constituents are getting a raw deal. With the Commerce Commission currently undertaking a study on personal banking, Federated Farmers members and leadership are concerned that its terms of reference shut farm banking practices out of the debate. “Farmers are doing it tough right now with rising costs, bad weather and falling payouts. The last thing they want to be worrying about is whether they’re getting a fair deal from their bank,” said Federated Farmers domestic commerce and competition spokesperson Richard McIntyre. A survey from May this year shows how farmers feel the squeeze, not just from the
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cost of living and inflationary pressures but directly from their banks. Twenty-four per cent reported feeling they were under undue pressure from their bank following a four per cent interest rate hike since 2021. “Those numbers will only have increased since May as interest rates have continued to climb, economic conditions have quickly deteriorated, and many farmers have rolled off their fixed rates,” McIntyre said. “Kiwi farmers are currently carrying around $63 billion of debt, so a four per cent increase in interest rates means there will be $2.5 billion fewer dollars circulating in our rural economy.”
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Contact Bruce Sisley mob 021 308 466 or email bruce@rgfs.biz
Farmers rely on banks to fund big investments in equipment and infrastructure, but issues of trust have arisen says Federated Farmers
Three points of contention, above all else, deserve the focus of an independent inquiry by the Commerce Commission, says Feds. The first is the much higher interest rate charged to farmers by banks, as compared to the rate for home loans on residential property. Mr McIntyre noted there was no clear reason why this should be the case, and raises the question: are farmers cross-subsidising a much more competitive market for home loans? Branch closures in rural towns are also an issue, with ease of access to banking advice and negotiation a sore point for farmers who feel they are paying big interest rates for eroding service.
Finally, there’s a major worry over the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, an agreement between all banks to modify lending to push a carbonneutral agenda in farming. Under this alliance, banks have collectively agreed lending strategies, including setting 2030 targets for reducing the level of emissions levels associated with lending. “This banking alliance raises some very serious questions about whether our banks are acting in a truly competitive manner or if the joint commitment is effectively banks collaborating on a joint lending strategy,” Mr McIntyre said.
OUR BUSINESS IS GROWING CLOVER
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Fertiliser products for healthier stronger pastures
Fertco offers the New Zealand agricultural industry some of the most effective soil and plant nutrient products on the market today. Fertilisers that can deliver you a better return and often are kinder to our environment at the same time. Topdressing Orchard Spreading Fertiliser & Lime office@pgsmithltd.co.nz Kaikohe/Kerikeri 09 405 2229 • Kaitaia 09 408 6666 • Whangarei 09 437 1116 • Wellsford 09 423 8372 • Helensville 09 420 7079
For more information contact your local fertco consultant or visit our website:
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NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
OctOber 2023
17
AG CONTRACTORS & SUPPLIERS Force of nature
by Andy Bryenton
It’s been a year since the refined and redefined CFMOTO CForce 520 touched down in New Zealand, and they have been four of the toughest seasons in living memory, a good test for any ATV’s toughness. The mid-sized segment of the market was always a winner for CFMOTO, even before a big range upgrade pushed the specs higher late in 2022. A sharp price point, with even the beefiest, powersteering equipped 520 EPS coming in under $10,000, was part of the compelling package. The rest was down to good design and capable application. “The CFMOTO middleweight ATV range has been a key pillar of our business for a long time.” said CFMOTO New Zealand director Michael Poynton.
SPRAYING
“All three models have been absolute warriors, but the time was right for an update, and CFMOTO obliged by delivering a range with improvements and refinements across the board.” Normally, such an upgrade might deliver a few percentage points of power and torque and a new cosmetic look. However, CFMOTO went over the CForce mid-range with a ruler and callipers, delivering a 25 per cent better turning radius, an impressive 50 per cent more front and rear
FENCING
CATTLE MUSTERING
CFMOTO’s CForce 520 EPS has been on Kiwi shores for a year now, and its combination of practicality, price and performance has made it popular
rack loading capacity, a frame which was 30 per cent stronger and 10 per cent lighter, 26 per cent more suspension travel, and lots more clever design points.
It’s fair to say that the upgraded CForce 520EPS was well received. Even commentators in the brand-focussed and power-hungry US market called this ATV highly impressive.
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18
OctOber 2023 NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
AG CONTRACTORS & SUPPLIERS K P Dreadon Ltd Ag Contracting by Andy Bryenton
Specialising in
Weather watchers, including almost everyone who lives in rural New Zealand, have often heard the Spanish terms El Niño and La Niña.
• Bulk cartage • Groundspreading • Fertiliser cartage and spreading
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The return of El Niño and what it means
of us ignore online ads
In direct translation, they mean ‘the little boy’ and ‘little girl’, though there have rarely been less appropriate names for such huge events. Both El Niño and La Niña are opposing ends of the ENSO cycle, which disrupts the normal flow of the trade winds at the equator and changes the weather in New Zealand dramatically. This ‘little’ boy and girl are vast climatic events spanning a quarter of the planet or more. The name El Niño came from South American fishermen in the 1600s, who noticed that some years brought warmer waters and different fish around Christmas time. Superstitious about mentioning Jesus, who was famously a patron of
fishermen in the Bible, but attributing this miraculous event to him nonetheless, they called the phenomenon ‘El Niño de Navidad, the ‘little boy born at Christmas’. Meteorologists thought it only fitting to give the opposite effect the opposite gender. We’re coming into an El Niño year now, meaning Northland is in for a hot, dry summer. Here’s how it works. When the trade winds weaken, they cease to push west toward Asia. Warm water flows back toward South America, and New Zealand is the last stop before those shores. The ocean heats up, and what happens down there happens up in the sky. There’s less rain and hotter temperatures all over. The dry years of 2018 and 2019 were classic El Niño, with no rain from November until March. “This should be a welcome change for areas at the top of the country, whether that’s people wanting to get outside and enjoy more tranquil, drier conditions, or farmers hoping for a decrease in their paddocks’ soil moisture levels,” Niwa meteorologist Ben Noll said on the topic.
Ships like the US research vessel Okeanos Explorer have been important in discovering just what triggers and sustains the cycle of El Niño and La Niña phenomena
Of course, there’s the desire to get those paddocks a little drier, and then there’s the threat of not enough water at all. It’s been unusually rainy during this very La Niña past year or two, and right now, the wisdom of investing in water storage is being borne out. Projects such as the Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust dams in Kaikohe and Red Hill will prove their worth on the cusp of such swings between La Niña and El Niño, but so, too, will measures on a smaller scale like extra tanks, bigger dams, and even fixing up leaks and inefficiencies in reticulation.
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NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
OctOber 2023
19
AG CONTRACTORS & SUPPLIERS Quenched in dry times
by Amy Fifita
Linear irrigators are similar to a pivot system. They spray liquid from above and move in straight lines, making them suitable for rectangular areas. Agriculturalists can determine the application of fine mist or heavier droplets and control water usage, optimising its effects.
With drought expected to hit Northland, irrigation is a must-have for farmers wanting to survive the arid El Niño weather pattern. Revitalise the land with a refreshing spray of water using several irrigation techniques to ensure that the crops and livestock are in good health. Water uptake for irrigation requires resource consent from the local regional council, which should be obtained before proceeding. Farmers can match their property’s terrain to the irrigation systems’ effectiveness and know that they are prepared for drought. Pivot, K-line pod, travelling, sub-surface, drip and linear are options to select from. Pivot irrigation offers circular or semicircular refreshments to crops and can work around the clock. Its aerial spray method is ideal for tall crops, although it is suitable for most vegetation, including shelter belts. It is a highly effective method and valuable when applying water on uneven terrain. Travelling systems use a nozzle to spray high-pressurised water as it moves on an often automated path. It provides ease to those wanting to refresh large or irregularshaped land masses and is excellent if no water sources are nearby. If treated with care, these systems can last 10–30 years.
Farmers can help conserve soil water during a dry summer with a linear irrigation system
K-line irrigation is a low-ebb and cost-effective method to provide water to plants and is a beneficial alternative to pivot and travelling irrigation. These sprinklers are capable of spraying oddshaped sites, sports fields, construction sites, steep terrain and home properties, including lifestyle blocks.
Instead of aerial spraying, sub-surface drip systems quench greenery from the roots by providing wet underground soil with tubes and pipes. It is highly efficient and versatile for crops and pasture while using low-pressure water. This method can help save water and provides moisture directly to the plants.
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OctOber 2023 NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
AG CONTRACTORS & SUPPLIERS Avoiding the chaos farm by Liz Clark
The rural lifestyle block dream is something many an urban dweller battling the traffic into work each day would love to achieve — if you have congratulations. The big move is made on to the largeacre dream and plans quickly get underway to have the animals, the big orchard, sheds and many other things a farmlet should have. Many these days have started with a bare block and perhaps a tiny home, while some have purchased an existing property with a home and everything else already in place. Either way, if you’re new to rural living and lifestyle blocks, you need to know a few things. Fences — Before planning to get stock of any kind, ensure your boundary
fences are secure. Walk the property and check the battens are straight and properly stapled. Posts should all be straight, structurally sound and the wires tensioned. Use a professional fencing contractor to replace or repair your boundary and inner fences before getting any stock. A poorly maintained boundary fence is a recipe for trouble. If your stock gets out on to the road and is struck by a vehicle, then the liability rests with the owner of the animal to pay for the damage. Talk to your rural insurance professional
DRIVEWAY DEALS BOOK YOUR DRIVEWAY REPAIR IN ADVANCE. • DRIVEWAY REPAIR AND RE-SURFACING • FARM DRAINAGE • QUARRY AGGREGATES – SUPPLY & DELIVER Call us for a FREE quote 0800 4 SWALE or 09 420 8352 • 103 Mill Road Helensville
Taking the advice and using the services of your local rural professionals will avoid scenes like this — a hay-stealing Jersey
EARTHMOVERS
to get public liability insurance, should an incident happen. Stock — Choosing the right animals to graze your property can be an exercise
in confusing advice and conflicting information. If there’s a plan to get cattle in for the freezer, register the farm first with NAIT. A NAIT number stays with the property rather than the owner — it’s also a legal requirement. For sheep and cattle, talk to a knowledgeable stock agent about the best options or the next best thing — your farmer neighbours. The same applies for goats and other livestock. Talk to knowledgeable breeders who can provide you with the right advice. Above all if one of your animals is sick or showing signs of illness, don’t turn to social media forums — always call a veterinarian. A word of wisdom — The attitude of ‘we know better’ isn’t the road to take when new to rural living. Get along with your neighbours and plan ahead. Order winter feed well in advance from a local supplier and reduce stock ahead of the colder months before the grass growth slows down. Above all, take the good advice of your local rural professionals to save time, money and, in yours truly’s case, hay-stealing Jersey cows.
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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES
October 2023
Want more for your whānau?
Undertaking vocational learning can benefit not only you, but also your whānau and wider community as well. When you enrol to study with us at NorthTec | Te Pūkenga you have the option to study online, on-campus, or on-the-job at multiple locations around Tai Tokerau. This means you can learn new skills, train in a trade, or undertake higher learning, all while staying close to home. That way you can work towards your dream job, or gain new skills in your chosen area, without having to travel.
Not only do we help you stay close to your family while continuing your learning journey, but our courses can also help you reconnect or deepen your connection to your family, whānau, or culture. Many of our courses have a regional flair helping our learners connect with the history and people of the area in a meaningful way. We also run te reo Māori and Mātauranga Māori courses at our many regional campuses throughout Tai Tokerau.
By studying local you also have the options to stay connected to your family and wider whānau, helping you be supported throughout your learning journey. This also means you can continue to take care of your whānau responsibilities while studying towards your goals. With options for full-time, part-time, or even paper-by-paper learning, you can fit your learning in around your life, without sacrificing the important things.
So why not enrol with us and gain valuable skills that you can then use to support your whānau and your community.
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22
OctOber 2023 NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
Exposing character floors
by Andy Bryenton
New Zealand homes are unique in many ways, but one factor which makes classic villas and bungalows built before the second world war stand out is the beautiful native wood often used for flooring. At the time, the rimu, kauri and matai used to floor these dwellings were simply commonly available wood. However, for those seeking to restore a vintage home or enhance the features which make it special, exposing and beautifying the knots, grain and contours of this timber is a definitive trend. Moreover, the character timbers now adding value and style to a classic Kiwi home were, at the time, building materials. Their original owners may not have treated them with much reverence. It’s a big task to restore such cover-ups and reveal the golden, rustic character of the wood beneath, but it’s well worth it. Polished native wood floors are high on the wish list of people seeking restored
bungalows and villas, and they help such homes command excellent prices. It all begins with sanding and preparation. There are two types of sander. Firstly, the more powerful but less subtle drum sander can strip a half millimetre off the timber surface and even out any inconsistencies that have developed in the floor boards themselves. A drum sander can take wood back to a timber yard fresh surface, but it may erase characterful aspects of a classic floor some are keen to preserve. If vintage-looking nailhead stains, bespoke, hand-sawn cut marks and other little inconsistencies are your thing, it’s best to use a finishing sander and simply prepare the surface of your floor.
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Sanding and restoring classic native timber floors is a rewarding but colossal task; thankfully, there are professionals who can help smooth the way
No matter how you sand, you’ll likely need to fill some holes and gaps. Many vintage floors are nailed directly to the supporting beams below, with no insulation, so they may have moved and separated over the decades. This step is particularly important considering that most modern renovators will also take this time to install underfloor insulation to take the chill off of their new wooden floor finish.
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The other big decision to make, which will affect the character of your wooden floor, is whether to use an oil finish, a stain, or a glossy polyurethane coating. Each style has its fans and detractors, with good and bad points for each. The warmth of a product like Danish Oil suits a floor with a truly rustic look, while the hard gloss of a polyurethane coating can even out little inconsistencies and is easy to keep clean.
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NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
OctOber 2023
23
ADVERTORIAL
Industry tips for your new build and renovation by Aaron Patterson, Building, Engineering & Design
Wanting to do a renovation, remodel, new deck or new build? These industry tips will help you tackle that project you have been thinking about. 1. Know your budget: Once you have an idea of what you want, get an estimate. Your budget will constrain what you can and can’t do. Get bank preapproval early. Typical costs: bathroom renovation $30,000, kitchen renovation $25,000, extension/new build $4,000m², decks start from $700m². 2. Understand the process: Do you need a building consent or resource consent? If yes, you will need designs, engineering and council fees will be applicable — allow two months for this stage. 3. Design: Find photos online you like. Start with quality 3D concept plans that show every detail and allow for a budget estimate, then cut the cloth to suit. 4. Choose a builder: Post a job a online via Builderscrack or Bark. Engage a builder early on, ensure they’re licensed, get references, a project schedule and proper contract from your builder. 5. Living Situation: During your renovation or new build, you will
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have sections of your house which are unusable. Make sure you plan for this and schedule with your builder minimal for interruption. 6. Enjoy the journey: Building or renovating is one of the most challenging, stressful, and ultimately, rewarding things you ever do. Enjoy the journey with a positive frame of mind.
At Building, Engineering & Design, we specialise in optimising bang for your buck for your project. Call us to discuss your project to arrange for a free quote and assessment. Aaron Patterson, the managing director, is a chartered engineer and licensed building practitioner, with a Master’s in Business Administration.
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OctOber 2023 NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
ATJ HIRE EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT FOR HIRE AND SALE
Dumpers, Diggers, Rollers and Trailers for Hire.
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1 to 20 tonne excavators available
We can mulch whole trees, orchard trimmings & prunings, scrub and shelter belts. Mulching services available anywhere in the North Island
Check out our full range of dumpers, diggers & rollers for hire in Northland
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MONDAY TO FRIDAY
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2 Ducks Contracting Covering the wider Whangarei and Kaipara Regions, we can help with all your power maintenance and power installation services including... • Overhead / Underground Power builds, alterations & extensions, maintenance & upgrades • Small Subdivisions
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Heavy Mulching Stump Chipping Land Clearing Raking • Clean-up work Mulching of whole trees Shelter belt removal Orchard Clearing (All with the one machine and operator) Fast, efficient & value for money
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NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
OctOber 2023
25
Virtual minds creating real spaces
by Andy Bryenton
Letting machines help design homes for human beings could help make them more affordable and cut down on the need to compromise in design. “Artificial intelligence in the construction industry is here,” says Doug Dockery, chief technology officer at ConstructConnect, a US building solutions leader. “It has emerged as a technology that is poised to transform our industry. As we enter this next frontier of construction technology, it is essential to understand what artificial intelligence is and how it offers unique solutions.” The part of AI’s toolkit appealing most to those in construction is what’s known as machine learning, and specifically, deep learning. Think about the advances in AI applications such as Chat GPT and Midjourney, which can create good facsimiles of written language and visual art, respectively. How does this help an architect, designer or builder? One way comes in the planning stage of a project when there can be a lot of conflicting opinions about what is most important for a design. There is the physical space where a home is to be built, with its own constraints. Then there
are the aesthetic choices of the architect and their clients, the needs imposed by building codes and regulations, the requirements of electricians, heating and ventilation engineers, plumbers and other tradespeople. These could all conceivably deliver wholly different plans for the same project. Previously, compromising, mediating and coming up with a harmonious final design was a human task. Now, AI can take all the different ideals from a variety of sources and blend them into a design incorporating the most of each one possible. By letting a machine use deep learning AI applications to amalgamate plans, there’s a distinct possibility of solutions being found which would have eluded human minds, and of course, a machine is unbiased. In experiments involving setting up the most efficient way to wire and plumb a building, for example, AI came up with clever ways to build safer, more efficiently and, importantly, for less cost.
Leslie Drainage
Architects and designers of the near future will use AI to balance budgets, aesthetics, functionality and regulations when they go to the digital drawing board for their clients
That is another field where AI excels in the building trade. Machines that can learn can give very accurate estimates of the total budget needed for a build,
especially when factoring in the input of many different professionals. Expect to see more future homes designed with machine assistance in the years to come.
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CERTIFIED DRAINLAYERS • WHANGAREI BASED • COVERING NORTHLAND WIDE
“Locally owned and operated Drainage Company in Whangarei. All aspects of drainage covered as well as earthworks and landscaping. Residential, commercial, rural or urban. Phone us for a free quote.” Richard Leslie of Leslie Drainage Ltd based in Whangarei has been a drainlayer for around 20 years, following on from his father before him. Northland is his home and he has grown very well known in the area for his vast knowledge of his trade. Together, with his wife Karyn in the office, Leslie Drainage services anywhere between Wellsford through to Cape Reinga. No job is too big or small and Richard loves to see a job completed properly. Skilled in all aspects of drainage – subdivisions/commercial, private domestic jobs, farms etc. Septic tank and water tank supply and installation and also custom drainage design. Whether you are building a brand new home, placing a relocatable on a section, adding a cabin, creating a subdivision, driveways, parking areas, landscaping, need a soakage field or just have problems with surface flooding on your backyard, you name it – we can do it.
For a free, no obligation quote please call 021 0809 0752 to arrange a site visit
09 435 5007 • 021 0809 0752 • leslie.drainage@gmail.com
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26
OctOber 2023 NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
DAIRY & LIVESTOCK
by Andy Bryenton
A new voice for dairy farmers
Dairy New Zealand has a new leader, coinciding with new leadership in Wellington and taking over from an incumbent who has served during a tumultuous decade. Dr Tim Mackle has stepped down from the leadership of DairyNZ after guiding the industry advocate group through the era of Covid-19 and critical negotiations with the central government over emissions and regulation in the sector. He is replaced by Waikato-based CEO Campbell Parker, who comes to the role
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with formidable experience in both the rural and corporate worlds. Before his selection as DairyNZ’s chief executive, he was CEO of GEA Farm Technologies, an industry leader. “Recruiting a new chief executive who is passionate about dairy farming and its future has been hugely important to us, alongside leadership skills to continue DairyNZ’s positive direction, as an organisation here first and foremost to represent our dairy farmers,” said Dairy NZ chair Jim van der Poel. “Campbell brings significant leadership and sector experience that will be invaluable to both DairyNZ’s senior team and in supporting and representing our farmer levy payers in a wide range of forums.” As well as CEO experience with GEA Farm Technologies, Mr Parker has also worked at a high level with well-known firms such as PGG Wrightson, the Bank of New Zealand and Ballance AgriNutrients. He says that he is excited to meet the challenges of his new role, contributing to dairy farming across New Zealand. “I am genuinely humbled and excited to be joining DairyNZ as the next chief
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New DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker has thanked his predecessor as he steps up to an important role in rural advocacy
executive. I am passionate about the role the dairy sector plays in creating jobs, building communities, and contributing to the success of the New Zealand economy,” said Mr Parker. “It is important to build on the good work Tim and the team have done over the past decade and to keep that moving, working collaboratively to ensure longterm sustainability and profitability of the sector.”
DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel was also complimentary of Dr Mackle’s significant work through the years. “Tim has been a true advocate for our dairy farmers and a steadying force at DairyNZ during a period of significant change and challenge for the dairy sector,” Mr van der Poel said. “His knowledge, expertise and tireless passion for dairy will be missed. We thank Tim for his commitment to farmers and wish him all the very best.”
We can provide you with the latest technology in Wastewater Treatment Systems. Phone us for a no obligation site inspection to evaluate your requirements Mobile: 021 628 847 Email: enquiries@cleartechinstallations.co.nz Or visit: www.cleartechinstallations.co.nz
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NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
OctOber 2023
DAIRY & LIVESTOCK
27
Honouring our rural lifesavers by Colin Hannah — Federated Farmers Northland President
I want to acknowledge the efforts of those people behind our Northland Rescue Helicopters. This life-saving and life-changing air ambulance service is critical to the safety of people in Northland. Farmers and families in the remote, rural areas of Northland should be particularly thankful it is here for them every day and every minute of the year. Our Northland Chopper crews are on standby to fly and help us all 24/7. It is, without doubt, one of the best air ambulance services in the world, with a constant and unwavering focus on being the best in every aspect of the operation. I know many of the people involved, and they are great examples of communityminded folk, from our urban cousins to farmers and growers, children, business folk, children, sports people, educators, volunteers and more. Since the service embarked on flight number one in 1988, it has flown well over 25,000 missions and now averages 1,200 flights annually. We cannot do without it. That’s why I am encouraging people to get behind the 2023 annual appeal and donate what they can. If everyone in Northland donated $2, it would make a massive difference to the operation. Every year, this charity must raise around $2 million to help cover its daily operational costs due to a financial shortfall because it is not fully funded by the government.
Our Northland Rescue Helicopter operation continues to grow and is now served by 19 pilots, 15 paramedics, all highly trained, and a team of seven engineers, who safely keep the choppers in the air, along with those key people in the back office. It is a slick operation driven by total humility and a genuine desire to care for people. The service doesn’t just fly in Northland. It flies to vessels hundreds of kilometres offshore and throughout the North Island when other rescue helicopter services need back-up. That is thanks to the speed and ability of the Sikorskys, which can fly 570km on a tank of gas. We were privileged to share our stand at the Northland Field Days earlier this year, and it was great getting to know the team and seeing them interacting with the community. It was quite remarkable observing members of the public coming to the stand, sharing their stories of when they were rescued and expressing their gratitude. I personally know many people who have been flown to safety in that ‘golden hour’, which has greatly improved their path back to good health. It is often said that you never know when you might need the help of our Northland Rescue Helicopters, and that is why we need to get behind and support the service and donate at nest.org.nz/donate. A big thanks to all first responders in Northland.
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28
OctOber 2023 NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
RURAL WHEELS
Cruising into the future
by Andy Bryenton
It wasn’t long after Toyota turned the off-road world on its head with the advent of the Land Cruiser that it decided to make a version tailored to a different market.
The new Prado is Toyota’s flagship hybrid-electric SUV, but it’s no kerbside cafe cruiser — expect true off-road abilities when it lands in 2024
USED TRACTORS & MACHINERY 2021 WALCO 6-75 2016 TRIMAX 282 PTO SPREADER������������������������������������� $2,500 TOPPER������������������������������������������������� $8000 SIERRA 1�5 2015 HUSQVARNA Z254I 1�5 BOX SCRAPER �������������������������������� $1,000 ZERO-TURN MOWER ���������������������������� $4,700 2016 GILTRAP G2 JOHN DEERE 4049M BALE FEEDER����������������������������������������� $6,500 TRACTOR ������������������������������������������� $35,000 WALLENSTEIN BX52 2020 HUSQVARNA Z242E CHIPPER����������������������������������������������� $4,000 LOW HOURS����������������������������������������� $6,304 All prices exclude GST
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EM sales@kaitaiatractors.nz • www.kaitaiatractors.co.nz
While the big Land Cruiser was greeted like a long-lost son by farmers, tradespeople and even some armies, 1984 saw the introduction of a smaller, light-duty J70 variant. Sporty and nimble, the little J70 gained traction with adventurous types and helped kickstart the world’s love affair with a new kind of vehicle, the sports utility or SUV. There are some who might say that there have been very few better examples of what a ‘real’ SUV should be — ever since. The Prado name was adopted in 1990. It has spanned several generations, becoming more comfortable over the years but never forgetting its roots. While the big ‘landys’ have become synonymous with hard work, the Prado has become associated with family life, perhaps due to its internal space, three rows of seats, and huge towing capacity. Now, there’s a new Prado set to arrive in New Zealand, and it’s the first of a new generation. It is a hybrid Land Cruiser with a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine, mated to a 48-volt hybrid electric system. Delivering power through an eight-speed transmission, this new Prado will have quicker linear acceleration and a boost
in towing capacity, now hauling up to 3,500 kilograms. “The new Prado is going to make a statement for the customers who purchase it. It’s an iconic design and will be a significant game changer that will continue to light up our line-up, and I am excited for it to arrive in New Zealand,” says Neeraj Lala, Toyota New Zealand’s chief executive. “Toyota’s design decisions are around making the cars appeal to our customers rather than making them all look the same. This new Prado is an absolute knockout. It’s strong, and it’s tough.” That is where it’s good to note that in a world of faux SUVs and off-road crossovers, the new Prado boasts oldschool body-on-frame construction, like its ‘big brother’. That’s matched with serious off-road capacity, which you won’t find in some of its contemporaries elsewhere. There’s a lot to love about its squaresided, retro-futurist styling as well. A homage to Prados of the past, way back to that J70, is apparent, but there’s a distinctive modernity to the interior and those aggressive headlamps and rims, as well as the hybrid system under the hood.
For all Service & Parts related enquiries 09 425 8439 | 09 425 1092 service@warkworthtoyota.co.nz
18 Mansel Drive, Warkworth
For all Sales related enquires 09 415 7859 | 09 425 8439 sales@warkworthtoyota.co.nz
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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES
October 2023
REAL WORLD. WORK READY. The UFORCE 1000 takes UTVs to the next level and, even more importantly, at a price that’s simply too good to refuse.
CFORCE RANGE
$7,990
9,990
8,990
7,490
$
$
$
NOW
SAVE $500
400cc engine, 30hp Selectable 4WD Steel wheels Steel carrier racks Available in Sky Blue
11,490
$
EX GST
EX GST
EX GST
$11,990
400cc engine, 30hp Selectable 4WD Power steer Alloy wheels 2500lb winch Available in Lava Orange
495cc engine, 34hp Power steer LED headlights Alloy wheels 2500lb winch 5-inch display Available in Force Red
NOW
EX GST
SAVE $500
580cc engine, 40hp Power steer Front and rear diff lock Alloy wheels 2500lb winch Available in Velocity Grey
UFORCE RANGE
$15,490
14,490
$
NOW
EX GST
SAVE 1000 $
Limited Edition Camo 800cc V-twin, 62hp Power steer Front bar & bonnet rack Headlight guards 3500lb winch Available in Camo
15,490
$
EX GST
580cc engine, 41hp Two drive modes Hill descent control Power steer LSD - rear limited slip differential 3500lb winch 680kg tow capacity 250kg rear tray capacity Available in Velocity Grey
16,990
$
EX GST
580cc engine, 41hp Power steer Hill descent control Dual snorkel kit Front, rear & side bars Half windscreen 3500lb winch 680kg tow capacity 250kg tray capacity Available in Camo
$19,490
18,990
$
NOW
EX GST
SAVE 500 $
963cc V-twin, 71hp Two drive modes Power steer Hill descent control 800kg tow capacity 350kg rear tray capacity Available in Twilight Blue
FIND YOUR CFMOTO DEALER Gatmans Mowers & More 2200 E Coast Rd, Silverdale, Auckland P: 09 426 5612 Northland Powersports 15 Rewa Rewa Road, Raumanga, Whangarei P: 09 437 5451 Maungaturoto Motorcycles 117 Hurndall Street, Maungaturoto P: 09 431 8555 Rob Titter Farm Services 55 Station Rd, Kaikohe P: 09 401 1774 Rouse Motorcycles 1 King Street, Hikurangi, Northland P: 09 4338 471 *Valid from 01/09/2023 to 31/10/2023 or while stocks last. Ride away prices quoted exclude GST. Visit www.cfmoto.co.nz for more information.
www.cfmoto.co.nz
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OctOber 2023 NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
by Andy Bryenton
RURAL WHEELS
The Kiwi love affair with classic cars
A recent survey commissioned by the New Zealand Federation of Motoring Clubs has discovered a secret in our garages and barns — $11 billion worth of classic cars. It was no small poll either; 15,500 respondents weighed in on the vintage, classic and collectable cars they keep tucked away or proudly display at auto shows and hot rod meetings nationwide. “The New Zealand Federation of Motoring Clubs was inspired to undertake this survey by our UK counterpart, who has done several such surveys, which have provided really valuable information on the importance of the historic and classic vehicle sector to that country’s people and economy,” said federation president Garry Jackson. The figures alone are astonishing. According to the survey, there are more than 270,000 classic and historic vehicles in New Zealand, and that’s not counting more modern machines, which have already become very desirable and collectible. To reach the figure of $11 billion, the survey added up the cost of the cars themselves, their maintenance and insurance, the underpinning of a vast industry. The larger question is, why? Surely older cars are more expensive to buy, less safe and less efficient, hard to find parts for and generally outdated? Those who own and love a classic machine will dismiss such arguments as irrelevant. Some wish to own the car they coveted as a child or a model their father or grandfather
New Zealand’s classic car addiction is worth $11 billion, proving that a vast number of us see vehicles as more than just appliances for transport
drove. Some wish to own an automobile as art. Certainly, some of the finest machines ever penned by craftspeople are cars. The Jaguar E-Type, the Ford GT40 and the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado come to mind as examples of rolling art. Then some would argue that modern cars, with their fly-by-wire steering, electric engine and automatic gear changes, are missing the
visceral thrill of actual driving, the note of a carbureted V8 engine, the snick of a manual gearbox with a clutch, or the feel of the road through a wooden steering wheel. All of these are now as much vintage sensations as hefting a nicely balanced longsword. Classic owners wouldn’t even consider the use of many modern vehicles ‘driving’ — it’s just transport with no visceral thrill.
One could even make the sneaky argument that by not buying a new car, you’re not using up limited resources of steel and wire, let alone the arcane stuff that goes into batteries. You might well opine that classic cars are part of our history and should be preserved for posterity, so why not drive them in the meantime?
GLOBAL Series 74 to 132hp ONLY
0.0% FINANCE
VERY limited stock availability! Finance T&C’s apply and only available while stock lasts
38 Rewa Rewa Road, Whangarei
WWW.PIAKOTRACTORS.CO.NZ P. 09 438 1319
IVO YELAVICH: 027 368 3920 ANDY a'BECKETT: 027 208 8702
ADAM UJDUR: 027 490 9826
NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
OctOber 2023
31
Northern Rural Marketplace Acraflex Dairy Wall Coatings New or existing walls
Able to be applied between milkings during summer months
Colourcrete Dairy Floor Resurfacing System Suitable for repairing damaged dairy floors or slippery areas Bruce Cameron 027 498 8412 / 09 235 8263
Harrison Water Ram Pumps Pump water on your farm or to your house
4 Models 24/7 NO Electricity Bills. Also Available Solar Water Pumps (No Batteries)
15-2 0mm $895 prices froMmodel .0
0 Inc
Enquiries: harrisons@actrix.co.nz, Ph 027 483 9996 John or 022 059 5166
Our local HRV team is in your neighbourhood right now. So if you’ve noticed condensation or dampness in your home, we’re here to help! Call us now or scan the QR code to visit our website
. GST
hrv.co.nz 0800 478 123
VEĂ NTIL ĂAĂ TIO Ă N R Ă E IĂN V E N T E D
IES CONSTRUCTION LTD. CONCRETE AND TILT SLAB CONSTRUCTION • Bridges • Farm buildings • Feed pads • Bins
PO Box 448, Kerikeri, 0245 • PHONE: 09 407 8784 EMAIL: ies@concrete.net.nz
info@locksmart.co.nz
www.locksmart.co.nz
www.animalherbs.co.nz We courier to your door!
Specialists in Fertiliser & Palm Kernel Cartage
Mobile: 0274 302 934 Phone: 09 430 2934 Email: dougw@nrh.co.nz
Doug Wilson
www.northernruralhaulage.co.nz Local Tree Services
* House Wash
teamvegetation.co.nz
* Concrete Clean
0800 933 326
* Gutter Clean
Safer, Faster & Cheaper • • • • •
aaron@washrite.co.nz
* Cowshed Wash
022 438 8838
T, WORK, P EA L Y,
AY
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* Roof Treatments
Tree Felling Tree Pruning Chipping Stump Grinding Shelter Belt Removal/ Topping Land Clearing
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING LOCAL
A big range of Health Solutions for you, your family and animals
• Solutions for control of fleas, ticks • Consult with Pat for solutions and worms with WashBar products, to skin problems and other Diatomaceous Earth and Flee Flea health issues for your pet • Herbal and Homeopathic remedies • Orijen Organic Dog and Cat Food — no grains for you and your animals
Ph 09 432 0820
Email: homeopath@animalherbs.co.nz Visit: animalherbs.co.nz to buy online
90%
OF NeW ZeALANDerS
Believe consumers should have the right to choose how they receive communications
70%
Either in print or ELECTRONICALLY FREE OF CHARGE
PREFER TO READ MAGAZINES IN PRINT
76%
of New Zealanders are concerned about “fake news” and its implications
COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS NEWS YOU CAN TRUST
NORTHERN FARMING CLASSIFIEDS Reach 33,300 Rural Homes — Phone 0800 466 793
Fencing FENCING, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus... call Jeff 027 476 5458.
For Sale 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.
For Sale
Tree Services
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.
ARBORIST & TREE WORK Residential/ Commercial — trimming, pruning, removal, chipping. Northland’s only Truck and Grapple Saw for large/tricky projects. CALL Team Vegetation on 0800 933 326 for FREE QUOTE.
ATV MATS from $89 — Come in & see us at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Ph 080 096 3636. www. atvtyres.co.nz.
76%
of us ignore online ads
SOCIAL MEDIA
16%
is trusted as a news source by only
OF KIWIS
32
OctOber 2023 NORTHERN FArMING LIFeStYLeS
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CAN-AM TODAY Hikurangi/Whangarei: Rouse Motorcycles Ph: 09 433 8471 Kaitaia: Kaitaia Tractors Ph: 09 408 0670 Warkworth: Warkworth Motorcycles Ph: 09 425 8535 WARRANTY & EXTENDED SERVICE Factory Warranty 2 years / 15,000 km, whicveer comes first Service Intervals 200 hours / 12 months / 3000 km 2 years 15000kms.