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A point of difference — that’s the difference
Our government is fully committed to rebuilding the country, and I firmly believe we can do it. The real challenge we face is convincing you that we can.
One of the key principles that is frequently overlooked is that economic growth serves as the foundation for national progress. When we prioritise and effectively manage the economy, all other aspects of our society, such as welfare, education and healthcare, will naturally improve, allowing us to return to an upward trajectory.
We know people are doing it tough. We know that unemployment is rising, and although interest rates are falling and inflation is now within an acceptable range, the cost of living is still pinching. We are working hard to bring down costs, remove red tape and improve the lives of all Kiwis.
What sets us apart from previous administrations is that we have a welldocumented plan, the Q1 Action Plan: signifying a government that thinks differently and is determined to make a positive difference for New Zealand.
It is a clear and actionable roadmap consisting of 40 bold and targeted actions
specifically aimed at boosting investment, addressing the housing crisis, strengthening education systems, improving healthcare access and restoring public safety across all communities. Cabinet will be responsible for taking decisions on the major legislative architecture for the government’s replacement of the Resource Management Act.
Likewise, it will take decisions on the new national direction for freshwater, and pragmatic rules for on-farm water storage and vegetable growing, and on a system design for simplified Freshwater Farm Plans. These actions, just a handful of the 40 listed, will make a tangible difference to many people in my electorate and across the country.
Our Q1 Action Plan is not only detailed, but also easily accessible. The government’s website, beehive.govt. nz, and my office can provide you with ample information, so you can explore and understand our goals.
Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country
by Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki—King Country
National recognition for council projects
Two of New Plymouth District Council’s major infrastructure projects have received national recognition as finalists in the Aotearoa New Zealand Excellence Awards.
Repairs to the Te Henui sewage pump station was nominated by the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) in the Best Public Works Project Under $2m category.
The other project, in the same category, as well as the Excellence in Environmental and Sustainability category, is the removal of the broken low-head dam downstream from Lake Mangamahoe.
New Plymouth District Council project delivery manager Sean Cressy said staff working on both of those projects
overcame substantial challenges to get a successful outcome.
“It’s really pleasing to see their efforts recognised at a national level by their peers. The nominations highlight the level of expertise we have working on behalf of our community.”
The pump station developed a leak, which was contained within the building, but needed to be fixed. Building a bypass so the pump station would keep working during the repair works was the biggest challenge.
With just a four-hour window to install the bypass to avoid a sewage overflow to
environment, and you need to look after the river and land around it during the demolition work,” said Sean.
The project took part in two phases. In 2022, emergency repairs and upstream work took place to reinstate the river’s shape for safe fish passage and erosion control. Last year, the low-head dam was removed, and the river channel and surrounding area restored.
Award winners will be announced on Saturday, March 1.
the sea, highly-detailed planning and a marathon overnight effort was required. The planning was so successful that the work was completed with 20 minutes to spare.
The low-head dam at Lake Mangamahoe was built in 1917 but never performed as expected. It was replaced in 1931 by the dam that ultimately formed the lake.
As the low-head dam remained in place, it deteriorated over the years, eventually causing streamside erosion.
“Removing a dam is a complex job because you’re working in a wet
The Te Henui pump station repairs bypass installation required highly-detailed planning and a marathon overnight effort
Low-head dam at Lake Mangamahoe before removal in 2024
SBY DENISE GUNN
SUPPORT BUILDS
A dairy farm placement, as part of Saffron Astwood’s large animal veterinary technician studies, led to full-time employment as a farm assistant.
affron was born in the United Kingdom, moving to New Zealand with her family when she was six.
“I always had an interest in working with animals,” she said. “After leaving high school I had planned on studying to become a vet nurse and work with small animals.”
In 2022, Saffron began studying to become a large animal veterinary technician through the Otago Polytechnic.
As part of the course, students had to undertake different work placements.
Saffron’s dairy placement was on Kenneth and Rachel Short’s 168ha Opunake farm, milking 350 cows. The couple are an equity partnership with Rachel’s parents, Louis and Barbara Kuriger, owning two farms near Opunake.
“They offered me work as a part-time farm assistant doing mostly relief milking
As part of Saffron’s studies to become a large animal veterinary technician, she had a dairy placement on Kenneth and Rachel Short’s Opunake farm
and calf-rearing. This then led to being offered full-time work.”
She said moving from calf rearer and relief milker to farm assistant was a big challenge.
“I knew within the first week of milking cows that I really enjoyed it, but doubted
myself and my capabilities of farming full-time.
“Kenneth and Rachel have taught me so much and helped me overcome this challenge. They have been patient with me and shown me how to do everything I know on-farm.
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“Having people who supported me and believed in me, even when I didn’t, has helped me overcome this challenge immensely.”
Saffron entered the 2024 Taranaki Dairy Industry Awards to gain more experience in the sector, make new friends and learn new skills. Placing second in the dairy trainee section was a huge career highlight for the first time entrant. She was also awarded with the farming knowledge merit award.
“I think entering the dairy industry awards has been a great way to get me out of my comfort zone. Also to prove to myself that I am capable and can do anything I put my mind to.
“Another highlight would be finishing my New Zealand Certificate in Animal
Technology. It was such a great feeling getting my qualification after two hard years of work.”
Since finishing this course, the 25-yearold has gone on to complete two microcredentials through Primary ITO.
“They were Assist with Milk Harvesting and Optimising Milk Quality, and Assisting with Operating Dairy Effluent Management Systems.”
Saffron said it’s exciting to see all the new technology in the industry that is assisting farmers and their businesses.
“Collars, ear tags and boluses can assist farmers in mating, calving and day-to-day jobs, reducing workloads and benefitting a work-life balance. However, I think it is important farmers maintain
their stockmanship. It could be easy to slip in this skill if the only contact with cows is in the shed.”
With a huge passion for large animals, Saffron said working with cows, heifers and calves is the biggest highlight of her day. She also enjoys the variety each day brings with dairy farming. Summer is Saffron’s favourite time of year on-farm as she enjoys working outdoors.
Saffron now works for Riley and Caitlin O’Neill in Tikorangi. The O’Neills are contract milkers for B & B Maxwell Trust, milking 400 Jersey cows through a 24-bail rotary.
“We feed PKE, maize silage and grass silage, running a system three farm,” said Saffron.
“Half of the calves and R2s are reared at the run-off, which is over the road, while the other half go to grazing. We also rear and sell 100 Jersey bulls.”
There are plans to continue more practical on-farm studies to upskill and gain more knowledge in the dairy industry, too.
“I also want to build more relationships with other people in the industry to continue building more connections with people.”
In the next five years, Saffron would like to be managing a farm.
“This is something I am continuing to work towards by studying and gaining extra experience where I can.”
Saffron has a passion for working with large animals
Although excited to see new technology in the dairy industry, Saffron knows the importance of maintaining stockmanship
FThe Pātea Planting Trust has planted thousands of trees alongside the Pātea River walkway since its formation just over a decade ago.
ormed in 2013, the trust holds a vision to revegetate a coastal native habitat area beside the river from the bridge to the sea. Since then, the local community, volunteers, councils, several organisations, groups and schools have stepped in to help with the project.
Trust chairperson Leicester Cooper was the driving force behind getting the project and the organisation off the ground after arriving in Pātea in 2012.
“Not long before I arrived, there had been a massive wind storm here, with a lot of damage to pine plantations and roofs blown off. There was a track went through this area but it was, obviously, unsafe for people to go through the track.”
After contractors came in to clear the track and take fallen trees away, a longitudinal area of land covering around
PLANTING PROJECT GATHERS COMMUNITY TOGETHER
one and half kilometres and about six hectares was left.
With a Master’s in Ecological Restoration and Physical Geography, a revegetation planting project was ideal for Leicester to get involved in.
“I was looking for something to spend time doing things. The council put me together with people who had planted in different spots in the past so we decided to take control of it. There are several people on the trust.”
Planting days are advertised locally, which draws in more volunteers, fostering a sense of community pride and involvement along the way.
Sometimes, there are as many as 40 people helping plant and weed the area.
A local scout group has pitched in and corporate groups have done weeding bees.
BY DENISE GUNN
The project area is now covered with a wide range of native plants
“One year, we had help from preventative detention groups,” said Leicester.
“People who come along are quite diverse. We get townies and farmers, and regional councillors have come along.”
Volunteers have travelled from Wellington and New Plymouth to join in, too.
“The local iwi have also come to plant. It’s a community project, and we always want it to be that.”
Funding has come from various sources and organisations, including the Taranaki Tree Trust, Fonterra’s community fund, Trees that Count, and Powerco’s Replant for Tomorrow.
Renewable energy company BlueFloat is funding this year’s site preparation and planting.
The Taranaki Regional Council and South Taranaki District Council also support the project. A wide range of native plants now cover the area.
“Most of it is on sand country, and plants have to deal with salt winds, so they do get burnt. In the summertime, we have long, dry spells that’s difficult, too.”
The trust tries to work with weeds as much as possible.
“We have to reduce the weed load to make it possible for our plants to care for
themselves. If we can get in there with a good stock of plants, it will make a big difference.”
Leicester said the project area is long and narrow.
“It has a lot of edge in proportion to core, so the weather and weeds get in from outside. There’s a lot of space for this to happen.”
A large quantity of fast-growing ngaio has been planted.
“There are some areas now where we have plants such as kawakawa and mahoe coming through now. When there’s enough canopy cover, there’s a place for the native seed to take.”
Leicester has noticed seedling trees coming up in a canopy shade. Through planting, the previous weedy wasteland is being restored, and now provides
a habitat for native insects, lizards and birds.
“There’s potential interest in gecko and skink monitoring.”
In 2018, the Pātea Planting Trust won an environmental action in the
community award through the Taranaki Regional Council.
“We are trying to ensure at some time in the future, it will revert to what it once originally looked like,” said Leicester.
From left: Pātea Planting Trust trustees on-site in 2024 Bek White, Gary Prentice, Michaela Stoneman, Dianne Burley and Billie Burley
Pātea Planting Trust chairperson Leicester Cooper
THE WONDERS OF GARLIC
BY AMY FIFITA
We continue sharing the story of Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki and the LA Alexander Trust’s Ross Redpath, working alongside school students, sharing his passion for agriculture and horticulture, to trial garlic crops in Taranaki.
With a strong farming and teaching background, Ross draws on his life’s knowledge to help schools provide agricultural education.
“Having grown up on a sheep, beef and deer station in the eastern Bay of Plenty, farming lives in my blood,” said Ross.
“In the 1980s, I went to Massey University for a degree in agricultural science and thought about how I could use it before deciding to attend teaching college.
“I am passionate about horticulture, agriculture and education. The interesting journey has provided me with amazing experiences.
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“It allowed me to engage with the subject’s development and industry groups and attend conferences, both here and overseas. It continues to create new horizons like the ag education and project advisory role with the LA Alexander Trust.
“I am happy to deliver the level three AgHort Science programme to small groups of students, which wouldn’t usually be a viable class in schools from a staffing perspective. In doing so, we are keeping the pathway open for passionate students wanting to learn about the subject and potentially, continue into tertiary education.”
It was this experience that made Ross essential for the garlic trials. While the trials are producing great results, they also provide youth with agricultural education and an opportunity to contribute to their region.
Schools trialled several varieties and identified the different tastes and planting times
“We examine how to grow garlic, knowledge about diseases, planting and harvest times, and how varying these impacts yields.
garlic project sits under a
“Traditionally, garlic is planted on the shortest day of the year and harvested on the longest day. Last year, we planted it in late May, a month before the shortest day of the year, and harvested in early December.
“Students are learning about the regional variations, and end up with experimental data that can be included in their mainstream learning.
“Once the students are engaged in learning, the teacher is like a heading dog to point them in the right direction. They are the ones going out there and checking for rust, measuring growth and monitoring the crop.”
With an inquisitive mind for garlic, students moved forward to look at marketing angles and varieties associated with Taranaki.
While the trial benefits students and progresses the research underway by Venture Taranaki, as part of the Branching
Out project, it also proves benefits for private growers.
“People can grow garlic within 30 to 40 square metres and have a crop manageable to sell at farmer’s markets. Alternatively, growers can plant a hectare and sell the produce to the commercial supply chain or garlic processors — they pay a premium price for New Zealand-grown garlic.”
It is also a testament to the benefit of having trusts like the LA Alexander Trust support education providers.
“Not being employed by a school or the Ministry of Education is a unique model. It allows me to seamlessly deliver teaching and learning across multiple schools, whilst supporting the region’s agricultural and horticultural teachers.
“The trust also supports agricultural education in Taranaki by offering scholarships and supporting schools
through material provisions and specialist facilities like greenhouses.
“Over the past couple of years, my role has been innovative in delivering the trust’s agricultural education objectives, as many schools cannot deliver senior aghort science programmes.
“Another part of my role involves supporting the region’s agriculture and horticulture teachers, because many are not ag-hort graduates but have the passion.”
Ross continues to help agriculture and horticulture come alive in the Taranaki region but desires to see it supported in other regions.
“We have had some enquiries into what I do to see if that model can be duplicated elsewhere. The key is to focus on solutions to overcome barriers, so effective agriculture and horticulture education is being delivered in Taranaki and other regions.”
The
Venture Taranaki initiative — Branching Out Teacher Ashleigh Crowley harvesting garlic at the Inglewood High School gardens
Meeting the region’s decorating needs
The Decorator’s Den specialises in providing top-quality and specialised paint coatings to cover all your decorating requirements throughout the Taranaki region.
Since the store’s grand opening late last year, the team at The Decorator’s Den has worked hard to stock a wide range of products.
The one-stop decorating shop specialises in paints designed for cowsheds and swimming pools, as well as residential coatings. Paints can be mixed to any colour and are available in one, four and 10-litre pails. Stains and clear coatings are also stocked.
Roof paints, factory-made to match Colorsteel, are sold in 15-litre pails for simplicity of use.
A full range of wall coverings, including gib plastering and concrete products, are in-store, along with a selection of associated accessories needed for your projects. The
Decorator’s Den is the local supplier of Trowel Trade Taranaki’s range of products to trade and retail customers.
An experienced team is on-hand to help with expert advice, and can also travel to your premises to provide a full specification for your project. Delivery of goods can be arranged, too. Call in and meet the dedicated, friendly team at The Decorator’s Den to discuss all your decorating requirements.
The Decorator’s Den, located at 145 Molesworth Street, New Plymouth, is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 4pm. Phone the team on 06 242 1330 or 027 411 9547 for further information or free quotes.
• Supply, install and servicing of water pumps
• Install of irrigation systems
• Drainage inspections
• Drainage & installation of sewer, stormwater & effluent
• Blocked drains
• Leak detection
• Water testing
• Roofing, spouting and downpipe repair & maintenance
• General plumbing, drainage and gasfitting services
• Install & servicing of wood fires
• Install & servicing of gas appliances
ingredient in kitchens worldwide. Besides adding flavour to dishes, it’s believed to offer potential
due to its mineral-rich composition.
The Decorator’s Den stocks a wide range of top-quality and specialised paint coatings
Dry conditions continue in region
As dry conditions continue in South Taranaki, the Taranaki Regional Council warns this could mean further restrictions on how much water can be taken from rivers.
A close eye is being kept on rainfall levels, soil moisture, river flows and climate across the region, with most of the council’s monitoring sites recording less rain than usual for the past three months.
Council data for the lowest rainfall sites shows Pātea recorded 61% of typical rainfall between Friday, November 1 and Friday, January 31. Monitoring sites at Glenn Road in Kaupokonui recorded even less, with just 45% of the usual amount of rain.
In the past three months, rainfall in the region was 13% less than usual in November, 34% down on normal in December and 34% less than average in January. The dry conditions are similar to those the district experienced from November 2017 to January 2018.
Drinking water suppliers, farmers, industry and householders are being urged to keep a watching brief on the situation and be prepared for restrictions if the dry conditions continue or worsen.
Taranaki Regional Council director — resource management Fred McLay said a combination of the La Niña weather system, which emerged at the end of last year, and the impacts of climate change, altering rainfall patterns, means restrictions may be needed on how much
water can be safely taken from rivers and streams.
“We’re keeping a close eye on rivers and streams in the region, particularly in south Taranaki, as we have to ensure there is enough water to protect ecosystems in waterways.
“The lack of rain over a prolonged period means waterways are reaching the point where abstraction needs to be carefully managed. If the low rainfall continues then further measures may be needed.”
The warning by the council comes amid the introduction of partial water restrictions by South Taranaki District Council on Saturday, January 18. South Taranaki District Council has brought in the odds and evens water use system and urged residents to limit non-essential water use wherever possible.
New Plymouth District Council has similar restrictions in place. Most pasture irrigation has ceased.
Mr McLay said planting riparian areas can be extremely beneficial.
“Waterways with riparian planting are much better at coping with the impacts of low flows and increased water temperatures.”
He encourages farmers to phone the council on 0800 736 222 for further information about the riparian planting programme.
Dry conditions at the Taranaki Regional Council monitoring site at Waitōtara at Ngutuwera in south Taranaki
2025 FEATURE
Celebrating three decades at Manfeild
by Paul Campbell
More than 500 exhibitors, sprawling across more than 33 hectares, are on offer as all roads lead to Central Districts Field Days at Manfeild in Feilding, Manawatū, from March 13–15 that has been bringing Kiwi communities and industries together for the past 30plus years .
Food, fun and entertainments galore are a given, along with carefully selected brands with a special emphasis on rural New Zealand.
planting. The rural advice team is also available for on-farm support including consenting requirements.
Among the 10-plus automotive brands this year is a new-to-New Zealand e-truck, along with a range of electric machinery offerings, according to CDF event director Henry McLernon.
“From the Power Fencing Competition to the National Excavator Operation Competition, and the Southern North Island Wood Council Golden Loader Championship, there are many rural skills on display.
“New this year are woodchopping and the Golden Loader competition, joining fan favourites, such as the National Excavator and the Power Fencing contests. However, the first bargain on offer is online tickets, which are cheaper than gate sales that bypass the entry queues and straight to the express lane of what is the highlight of the region’s rural calendar.”
“Each year, operators battle it out across the regions, identifying 12 regional champions to vie for the title of New Zealand’s best in the CCNZ Cable Price National Excavator Operation Competition.
Horizons Regional Council will have a range of staff offering advice on a range of rural issues and needs and availability to talk about pest plants and animal control, sustainable land management, including riparian and poplar pole
“After taking out regional competitions from Whangārei to Waimuimu, sometimes against up to 30 opponents on the 13-tonne Hitachi excavators, the national contest piles on the pressure, with competitors battling it out over several days, showcasing skills, with challenges ranging from popping a champagne cork or slam dunking a basketball.”
The popular wood chopping demonstrations return with the Central Axemen’s Association Grade Championships, which features standing block and underhand to double saw and single saw competitions.
Event organiser Patrick Barrett says the 30-plus competitors range from as young as 10 to 12 years old up to 70-plus years. “Woodchopping is such a unique sporting event in the sense that, in my opinion, it’s a glimpse into the past. It really gives spectators an appreciation for how timber was harvested long before chainsaws and heavy machinery.”
If you struggle just getting the winter firewood into a neat pile in the shed, imagine the skill needed to safely and efficiently load logs on to a truck and trailer unit ready for transport. Spectators can get a close-up view of just how skilled loader operators need to be at the Southern North Island Wood Council holds its Golden Loader competition.
Two competitors compete to load and unload a truck-and-trailer unit safely and in line with industry best practice standards. There is a panel of four industry experts judging each competitor. The twoday competition will have a maximum of 20 entrants.
The Southern North Island Wood Council will also be exhibiting a Forestry Hub where visitors can get more information on forestry management and careers in New Zealand.
Some of the best fencers in New Zealand compete in Central Districts Doubles Power Fencing on Friday, March 4. Lugging and lifting are all in a day’s work for the rural community, but Manawatū Strength Club make it look easy as men and women attempt the seemingly impossible during events, such as log ladder lifting and the two-tonne vehicle pull challenge. The carry medley sees contestants with up to 150kg in each hand over distances of up to 110m.
Brandt Construction Demo Zone visitors can have hands-on trials or watch daily live demos of John Deere construction machines — from Compact Excavators to
Skid Steers. Brandt is holding a Trade A Toy special Saturday-only event. Take your used toys to the Brandt Agriculture Zone and trade it in for a new John Deere toy.
“Kids will learn great negotiation skills as they work out a trade-in price with the sales team. They then put that value toward a new toy and all gently-used toys in good condition will be donated to support local communities,” says Bryan.
Health is always a rural concern and field days will host AFK Sports Clinic’s Michael Harvey, a leading pedorthist, who has trained to world standard in clinical assessment and has more than 6,000 patients in Australia. He will assess people who work rurally with a mobile medical clinic aiming to correct biomechanical issues and recommend custom-made orthotics.
“Biomechanical issues can be caused by normal wear and tear, genetic preposition or injury from accidents or incidents,” he says.
On the new inventions front, Bryscorah’s Bryan Cleland has designed a foldable attachment for excavators in the 1.8 to 20-tonne range that extends the reach by approximately 75 per cent. This equates to a 1.8-tonne mini excavator having a similar reach to a 5-tonne machine, with a lesser charge out rate. Moreover, because it folds it can be used in confined spaces and is easier to transport.
“This means it can be used in tight spaces, such as for demolition, tree arbour work with a tree shear fitted (cutting a tree from the top down), horticultural hedge trimming, residential trench work, and as an attachment it can be fitted to an existing machine,” says Bryan. No other hydraulics or controls at the joy stick are required.
“I have used it where a larger machine would not have been able to access the site, and my 1.8-tonne mini digger equates to approximately a 5-tonne machine for reach.” This unique extender has patent and trademark applications in place.
Central District Field Days is on March 13–15. For tickets and visitor information, go to cdfielddays.co.nz.
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ADVERTORIAL
by Denise Gunn
Top team for timber processing
With more than 30 years of hands-on experience, the dedicated team of experts at Eastown Timber Processors are at the forefront of the industry.
The Wanganui-based business offers a range of timber processing options available, including resawing, profiling and coating.
Eastown is also the only contract treater offering Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) treatment for private farmers and sawmillers in the region.
“Heat treating for export is also another process relevant to local exporters,” said managing director James Richardson.
The Eastown team has earned a top reputation not only as global exporters, but also for meeting the needs of locals in the surrounding regions.
James said customers can expect a personal touch from a hands-on team who will ensure the job is done right.
“Our customers are not numbers. We work closely with them to ensure they get the service they need.”
Eastown Timber Processors has rebuilt, following a large fire that took out half of its business in March 2022.
“We are now fully rebuilt with brand new plant and machinery. The new equipment is
far more efficient and all compliant to modern codes. We now have more capacity and can’t wait to put it to use.”
Now that the business is fully operational again, the team’s short-term goal is to build relationships back up with existing and new customers.
“We plan to continue to grow the business and develop our product offerings. There are some exciting new, more environmentallyfriendly treatments we want to introduce, and some key market partnerships we are pursuing.”
The family-run business loves employing locals. James personally finds taking on new staff and watching them grow in the business while developing new skills, is a real highlight.
“Our skilled team enjoy working with the customer to work out what products are going to work best for them.
“If people are unsure of anything to do with timber treating or machining, then please give us a call on 027 222 1820. We are only too happy to help,” said James.
The dedicated, experienced team offer a range of timber processing options
Farming can be tough on joints
by John Arts
Earlier this year, I had a call from a farmer who was having significant problems with osteoarthritis in several joints: notably his hands and shoulders.
I have many farming clients, and not many reach 50 without some joint issue. In many cases, it started with some accident, often involving livestock.
In his case, his hands were extremely painful. He found it difficult to close his hands and they hurt all the time. Shoulder arthritis can be very niggly as the shoulder joint is ‘open’, meaning it relies on ligaments, muscles and tendons to stay in place. This means there can be a lot of referred pain in shoulders.
There are essentially two ways osteoarthritis begins. Firstly, damage to the joint from trauma. Secondly, over time cartilage is lost, which can lead to joint bones touching. While cartilage has no nerves, bones certainly do.
Regardless of the cause, cartilage loss occurs with a trifecta of dysfunctional processes: An overproduction of destructive enzymes, free radical damage of cartilage-secreting cells (chondrocytes) and associated inflammation.
I started my client on an intensive programme for three months. We started with a double dose of my joint
formula. This provided 1,600mg of both high-grade chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine sulphate and 400mg of the latest 100% water soluble curcumin (from turmeric) extract.
I had a review with him after three months. He said the improvement had been significant to the point he now has full use of his hands and wrists. His sore shoulder had improved to the point he hardly noticed it. Once again, this testifies to the power of nutritional medicine for osteoarthritis, and indeed with many chronic conditions.
Combining high doses of chondroitin with supporting glucosamine and curcumin from turmeric can be very beneficial, especially when combined with an antiinflammatory diet. Email me for a copy of my osteoarthritis programme.
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.
New milking machine
Times Past
A highly successful public trial of the Thistle mechanical milking machine was held on Monday at West’s farm, Taranaki Road. Two hundred farmers were present, and 40 cows were milked without a hitch. The machine has now been working for two weeks, and Mr West expresses bhe greatest satisfaction.
North Otago Times, November 5 1896
Significant population growth
No province of New Zealand can point to a record of such substantial progress during recent years as that made by Taranaki. In the matter of population in the 10 years from 1891 to 1901 it
increased from 22,065 to 37,855, equal to 71 per cent, while Wellington increased 55 per cent.
Patea Mail, September 8 1902
Cattle tick menace
More stringent measures for the prevention of the introduction of cattle tick into Taranaki were advocated at a meeting of the Egmont County Council. Councillor R Ferguson said there was a great danger of the tick being introduced into Taranaki, because there were many cattle being brought from infected districts up north to the Waitara freezing works without any protest.
Hawera & Normanby Star, February 15 1923
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.
• 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.”
FISHING, HUNTING & OUTDOORS
Summer hunting for paradise shelduck
With its recent game bird trend counts all tallied up, Taranaki Fish & Game is pleased to confirm the 2025 special summer hunting season for paradise shelduck.
The special season provides seven days of hunting spread over three weekends from Saturday, February 22 up to, and including, Taranaki Anniversary Day on Monday, March 10.
The hunting season is only for paradise shelduck and only in game management Area C, which extends from the north bank of the Waitotara River to the Mohakatino River and includes all of the Stratford district.
Hunting hours on each of the seven days will be from 6.30am until 8pm. The daily bag limit has been set at 10 parries for each hunter.
Fish & Game senior field officer Allen Stancliff says the aim is to disperse the ducks, moving them back to their home territories after they’ve gathered together for their annual moult.
“This reduces the potential for mobs to cause damage to chicory crops, recovering hay paddocks and areas of new grass, before the main game bird hunting season gets underway in May.”
Hunters who want to take part in the special season must hold a 2024 game bird hunting
licence and obtain a $5 permit from Fish & Game or a local game bird licence agent.
The permit is free to land occupiers who want to hunt their own land, but they still need to hold a permit.
Hunters who didn’t purchase a 2024 game licence can still participate in the special season by purchasing day licences online at fishandgame.org.nz.
“This is a great opportunity for some enjoyable summer hunting that helps our farmers. All we ask is that hunters stick to the rules, including that there is no hunting within 100m of any urban sewage oxidation pond.
“Also please remember that hunters need permission to hunt on private land – don’t forget to ask the landowner.”
O ur loca l kn owle dge
go e s a l o ng way.
O u r Ta ra n a ki tea m h ave ove r 70 yea r s of co m b in e d exp e rie n ce in yo u r reg io n .
Ta lk to o n e of o u r A g ri M a nage r s to day:
Taranaki Hub Lead
S outh Taranaki: R yan Tate 021 900 2 26
S outh Taranaki Coa st al: Nicole Stieller 021 900 215
Nor th Taranaki/ Coa st al: S arah G o o d 021 560 413
S outh Taranaki: Jame s Living ston 021 900 307
Strat ford/ Ea st Taranaki: Julie Rob er t s 021 900 316
by Andy Bryenton
Tractor technology at the top of its game
The Tractor of the Year Awards have been held in Italy, with the top contenders across a variety of categories going through their paces for a panel of expert judges.
The winner of the high-powered category was the Case IH Quadtrac 715, boasting 715 horsepower and the ability to master the largest of implements. Case IH pioneered the four-tracked tractor, and its Quadtrac for 2025 features incredible efficiency in delivering its mountain of torque and power to the ground with the minimum of compaction. Cutting edge, but easy-to-use computer technology and driver comfort, also helped the big red machine sweep the field.
“This is the most productive tractor Case IH has ever built, providing new levels of power, traction and hydraulic output that will help owners do more in less time and so drive down the total cost of ownership,” said Case IH spokesperson Marco Lombardi.
Another big winner for TOTY of 2025 was Fendt, a firm that managed to score not one but two top honours amid the best of the best. In the very highly contested mid-power category, the Fendt 620 Vario DP was the undisputed winner. A new engine, called the iD, sits at the
heart of this machine and is one of the big reasons for its victory. With huge power on tap from very low RPMs and impressive fuel economy, the Vario 620 also shone through with an impressive power to weight ratio, and advanced systems such as centralised on-board tyre pressure control.
Fendt also grabbed gold in the sustainable tractor category, with its e107 Vario breaking ground in purely electric agriculture.
‘This recognition highlights the agricultural industry’s shift towards eco-friendly practices, and Fendt has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability with the introduction of the e107 Vario, a fully electric tractor that leads the agricultural world on the path to energy transition,’ wrote the panel of judges.
Sheer ease of use and versatility muscled out the competition in the utility tractor category, with Steyr’s 4120 Plus exhibiting consummate all-round abilities. A roomy, quiet cabin, intuitive controls and a super-efficient 3.6-litre turbo diesel
Meanwhile, the specialised category for orchardists and vineyards was won by the
Case IH pioneered the four-tracked tractor, and this year, it has refined the formula to be crowned world champions
motor combined with a high degree of flexibility to make this offering from Steyr a standout.
Antonio Carraro Tony 8900, a small and nimble machine with precision control to reach tight spaces among the vines and trees. Its tiny turning circle and big power in a small package put it ahead of the rest.
Shaping the future
The 10th International Day of Women and Girls in Science, was globally celebrated this month, and published DairyNZ scientist, Dr Lucy Hall, is one of those women contributing to the field.
The day, on February 11, recognises the vital contributions women and girls make to the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Dr Hall is helping shape the future of agricultural science at DairyNZ. She has a deep passion for providing research that not only supports dairy farmers but also considers the entire farm system. Lucy’s work has positioned her at the forefront of research aimed at keeping New Zealand’s dairy industry internationally competitive.
With an under-graduate degree in animal science and agriculture from Massey University and a PhD from Lincoln University, Lucy also has had experience working on dairy farms. As a consulting officer, she has brought practical, hands-on experience to her research, and a strong farm systems understanding.
“I am lucky to work in a role, which brings together my passion for animals, science and wellbeing. The science allows us to look at things in new ways while also
giving back to farmers, the sector and the wider country, which is important to me,” says Lucy.
“If you’re interested in grass-based dairy farming systems, there is no place like home. You won’t get access to more impactful projects or credible people anywhere else in the world.”
Lucy’s research focusses on areas vital to the wellbeing and productivity of dairy farmers. One of her most recent achievements was having her PhD journal article, a novel study on sleep deprivation in dairy farmers, selected by the leading peer-reviewed international publication Journal of Dairy Science as a featured article.
The study was the first of its kind, offering quantitative data on the sleep patterns of dairy farmers — an area that had been largely overlooked in research.
“With dairy farmers working with machinery and large animals, sleep deprivation can have serious implications for their health and safety,” Lucy says. “Farmers often work in isolated conditions, which only increases the risk of severe consequences after an accident.”
The work looked to determine whether farmers were getting sufficient sleep quantity and quality over the spring
calving period and identify how different factors affected the sleep quantity and quality.
“I’m looking forward to progressing this research more, with our next project using Garmin watches to better understand farmer sleep and energy exertion over a full day, rather than focussing on evening sleep,” Dr Hall said.
Dr Lucy Hall, DairyNZ scientist
by Andy Bryenton
Climate target ‘beyond reach’
Last year, prime minister Christopher Luxon called hitting New Zealand’s 2030 climate change targets under the Paris Agreement ‘very challenging’; now new, even more ambitious targets are being branded as unachievable by rural industry leaders.
“We have worked hard to set a target that is both ambitious and achievable, reinforcing our commitment to the Paris Agreement and global climate action,” said Climate Change Minister Simon Watt, announcing a new target for greenhouse gas emissions earlier this month.
That target is to reduce emissions by 51 to 55 per cent compared to 2005 levels, by 2035.
“Meeting this target will mean we are doing our fair share towards reducing the impact of climate change,” said Mr Watts.
However, climate change mitigation is an area of vigorous debate, from those who see carbon credit forestry as a threat to Kiwi agriculture and regional economies, those who criticise the way that gases are calculated and accounted for, and others who reason that all green and growing biomass should count toward a carbon-zero calculation, not just certain trees.
These arguments were voluble and ongoing under New Zealand’s old emissions target. Under the new one, rural advocacy groups are even more vocal in their concerns.
“All the target does is commit us to 10 more years of planting pines, because that’s the only way for our country to achieve such a steep
Others point to the fact that New Zealand is one of only two nations looking at imposing penalties on the agricultural sector in a bid to reduce emissions.
“No other country, apart from Denmark, is currently intending to put a price on agricultural emissions,” said Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair Kate Acland.
“However, under the Danish policy proposal the impacts of the price will be offset with billions of dollars of additional subsidies to their farmers.”
“Mr Luxon is right now facing an unachievable target for 2030 left to him by the previous government,” Toby Williams said. To avoid a further 850,000 hectares of non-productive carbon forestry taking up productive farmland, a closer look at the natural cycles and relative lifespans of carbon dioxide and ruminant methane was suggested, and agreed to in parliament in 2019. Simon Watts was allegedly contacted last year by Federated Farmers for a meeting on this issue, but the farming advocacy group received no reply.
reduction,” says Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams, who calls the new target ‘completely beyond reach’.
“There is a very real risk that we could become the great pine plantation of the South Pacific — hardly something to be proud of.”
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has forged ahead with ambitious plans to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, but opponents have questioned the cost to the rural landscape
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TIME TO SORT OUT THE GARDEN PAINTS AND STAIN - IT’S ALL HERE
See us for everything you need to sort out your garden including fertilisers, weedspray, deck and path cleaners bulk or bagged bark, stones etc - we can even deliver to you when you need it!
Spring is here, so see us today for advice on the right paint or stain for your decks and fences - or even repainting the house!
We can also set you up with everything else you’ll need - brushes and rollers you name it we have it!
QUALITY, DURABLE SHEDS BUILT FOR TARANAKI
With over 50+ years building sheds, we can design a shed to match your needs, and stand up to Taranaki’s harsh conditions. From haysheds to implement sheds, workshops to storage, Lifestyle and American barns we can do it all! And if its a kitset you’re after, look no further for one of the most straight forward sheds you’ll ever put together!
