Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, December 2022

Emissions pricing proposals discussed

by Denise Gunn

Federated Farmers held two public meetings in Taranaki recently to discuss implications and strategies in response to the government’s agricultural emissions pricing proposals.

Although Federated Farmers, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ support certain principles in the He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) agricultural emissions proposal, the government’s alternative proposal to reduce agricultural emissions is causing widespread concerns to industry bodies, farmers and the general public.

Federated Farmers national board member Mark Hooper said Federated Farmers voted not to sign the joint agricultural partner submission (HWEN) as the organisation has taken a tougher stance.

“Federated Farmers does not support any pricing mechanism unless there is a commitment to review the methane reduction targets to a zero carbon equivalent.”

A PowerPoint presentation during both meetings outlined contributions the primary sector makes to New Zealand’s economy, the sector’s commitment to work with the government and iwi to tackle climate change, and the projected impacts from the government’s modelling compared to Federated Farmers own data models.

“Farmers really appreciated the presentation and explanation of what is really quite a complex subject. They were also very supportive of Federated Farmers taking a tough stance on not supporting any pricing mechanism, unless the methane reduction targets were reviewed to a zero carbon equivalent based on no additional warming.”

Mark said the public is generally concerned about the negative impact on communities and the economy.

“They are concerned that reducing food production in New Zealand will lead to increased food prices and that we are just creating more emissions offshore.

“We are working to change the current public narrative and help people to understand that because the government supports a split gas approach in New Zealand. That means agriculture is only responsible for 18% of New Zealand’s long-lived emissions and 90% of New Zealand’s short-lived emissions. However, short-lived gases do not need to reduce to net zero, only stabilise or reduce slightly in order to have no additional warming impact.

“Some farmers are already achieving this stabilised target for short-lived gases and therefore are not adding any additional warming. In addition, the government is not currently recognising a wide range of woody sequestration that is occurring on farms which, if all recognised, would make some farms already at net zero for long-lived gases also.”

Farmer sentiment at the meetings was consistent with Federated Farmers’ membership survey. Mark said 44% do not support any pricing mechanism, and 70% in total do not support the May 31 HWEN pricing proposal.

“Hence we did not sign the joint submission as it generally supported the 31st May proposal. However, we did highlight in our Federated Farmers submission the parts of the joint submission we were all in agreement on.”

Attendees of the meetings were encouraged to make their own submissions. A template to guide individual submissions was provided by Federated Farmers.

“Nationwide 518 farmers utilised this service

made their own submissions,” Mark said.

Mark Hooper, Federated Farmers national board member

New game encourages road trips

by Denise Gunn

Regional development agency Venture Taranaki/Te Puna Umanga and South Taranaki District Council teamed up to develop the new game Trip-to. It’s designed to encourage locals and visitors to explore the region, unearthing hidden gems and local stories on the way.

Each trip is different as it caters to the user’s interests and curiosities with plenty of games, puzzles, stories and activities provided along the chosen route.

Venture Taranaki general manager — destination Brylee Flutey said Taranaki is full of intriguing places, fascinating stories and memorable moments for visitors and locals alike.

“Trip-to makes it easy to hit the road with whānau or friends for a surprise journey ahead, and in turn, provides economic benefits to local businesses and communities.”

Brylee said Trip-to is intended to focus on a growing segment of travellers seeking to explore their backyard and find the path less travelled, and connect deeper with people, environments and culture.

South Taranaki mayor Phil Nixon recently tested out the game-based experience, completing the Shipwreck to Roses trip.

“Trip-to is an easy-to-use game full of fun activities that will take you directly to hidden gems and must-see spots. It’s a great way to explore our wonderful region and have a summer adventure with your kids, visiting friends or relatives.”

Surf Highway 45, the coastal route between New Plymouth and Hāwera, was specifically selected as the initial focus to draw in visitors.

Trip-to was created from the Designing the Visitor Futures of Taranaki report released by Venture Taranaki in July 2021. The report focussed on identifying future areas of opportunities that the visitor section can support when developing existing experiences or looking at new initiatives to attract people to the region.

“This initial launch will enable us to test and refine, with the possibility to expand the trips to other areas of the district over time. We have launched with six different journeys, and another five trips will be released before Christmas,” Brylee said.

“This summer, we encourage you to slow down, take your time, and discover some of the lesser-known highlights of Taranaki.”

Visit tripto.taranaki.co.nz to explore the six trips: Shipwrecks to Roses, Murals to Waterfalls, Towers to Driftwood, Bandstands to Burgers, Beaches to Lakes, and Statues to Foxes.

Photo: South Taranaki District Council

South Taranaki mayor Phil Nixon visits King Edward Park in Hāwera while testing out Trip-to

“Trip-to makes for a surprise journey ahead and provides economic benefits to local businesses and communities.”

FARMERS RAISE FUNDSFOR

raised close to $1 million since the scheme began, providing vital funding for the facility.

Eric Weir (QSM) of Waverley came up with the initial cattle-raising fundraising concept to support the hospice. The scheme was established in 2005, just three years after the hospice building was opened by Dame Catherine Tizard. Six trustees manage the project.

Farming Friends Trust chairman Brian Doughty became involved in the scheme around 2006. The former Brunswick dairy farmer also had a lengthy involvement with Federated Farmers before retirement.

Brian said the trustees spread the workload between them. Cattle are purchased through stock agents and then distributed to willing participants for grazing.

“We have one person who looks after purchasing the cattle, and two or three of us place the cattle.”

There are currently 200 cattle with 170 graziers from Taranaki to the Whangaehu River, north to Taihape and Waimarino.

“It covers the old DHB area,” said Brian. “We buy the cattle and have a list of willing participants who graze them for us. We spread them around — then they go to the works. We get the margin from what we buy for and what we sell for.”

Graziers range from large-scale farmers to lifestyle block owners. “Anybody who wants to participate in the scheme.”

All cattle are purchased through stock agents as rising two-year-old stock weighing between 400–450kg.

“We don’t buy anything at saleyards. With the advent of M bovis and TB, we deemed it more important to safeguard our graziers.”

HOSPICE

Think new friends in every neighbour.

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Cattle graze until they reach slaughter weight, usually within 12 months. Arrangements are then made to have

the livestock processed with proceeds deposited into the Farming Friends of Hospice Whanganui account.

Credit: Carly Thomas

Farming Friends of Hospice Whanganui Trust chairman Brian Doughty

“We cover the transport of stock, and we get a discounted price with a local

said Brian.

Farmers and lifestyle block owners can take on cattle to graze, donate cattle for sale or make a monetary donation to Farming Friends of Hospice Whanganui. Some farmers prefer to supply the scheme with their own cattle.

“We do have donations of calves, lambs and culled ewes going to the works, and we get the funds from that. We just get an invoice from one of the companies.”

All donors are thanked by the trust for their donations. In the previous financial year, Farming Friends contributed $60,000 to Hospice Whanganui. The scheme has become a critical part of the hospice’s income stream.

These funds have enabled the hospice to pay for clinical operating expenses, medical supplies, practising certificates for clinical staff, subscription for clinical IT systems, and clinical expenses for community nursing teams.

Half of Hospice Whanganui’s annual operating budget is received from Te Whatu Ora o Whanganui. The remainder of the budget, around $1.7 million, needs to be fundraised from the community through the hospice’s shops, donations and other fundraising initiatives.

At any one time, there are around 80 patients, plus their whānau, under the care of Hospice Whanganui.

This year, more than 300 patients and their families will require specialist end-oflife care. Although the majority of patients

are cared for in their homes, Hospice Whanganui’s inpatient unit has five beds available to manage their needs.

Clinical staff work in mixed roles across the inpatient and community team settings. This ensures flexibility to meet the needs of the community, covering an area south to Turakina, north to Waverley and across the Waimarino district. Two palliative care specialists share their

time between Hospice Whanganui and Arohanui Hospice in Palmerston North. For more information on becoming involved with Farming Friends of Whanganui Hospice, contact Brian at 027 485 7903.

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Hospice Whanganui chief executive Davene Vroon and Farming Friends of Hospice Whanganui Trust chairman Brian Doughty

beds available

of patients

BY DENISE GUNN

Liz, a qualified geologist, and her husband Nick, who works as an engineer, bought their nine-acre property three years ago, building a house on the land for their family.

After struggling to find work locally in the geology field, Liz initially came up with the idea to grow spray-free vegetables on their property.

The couple, originally from Australia, began their no-dig approach to vegetable growing by focussing on feeding the soil.

They smothered the grass and weeds with black plastic, then layered the beds up with cardboard and compost. Liz and Nick mulched between the rows for grass and weed suppression.

“This took roughly around six months to establish,” said Liz. “Just like everyone else that farms under the mountain, it is insanely challenging with wind and rain. At the time, we didn’t have enough shelter in place, so almost every crop was damaged. The only thing that flourished was the strawberries.”

The couple then decided to plant around an acre in strawberries. “The strawberries require the soil to be worked every year to a fine crumb. The beds are shaped and poly-laid all in the same day, and the beds are rested for a couple of months.”

As the plants arrive bare-rooted in winter, planting takes place in very cold and wet conditions. Liz said from the start of bed preparation to harvest is generally around nine months between strawberry seasons. “However, it took almost 12 months in the beginning.”

Strawberries are sold fresh, frozen or are chopped up for ice cream

This year, the Fynans planted 25,000 strawberry plants in the poly rows. “Last season, I planted the majority of it alone and on my hands and knees in the mud. This year, we had designed a cart for us to sit on to help with planting and harvesting.”

With planting completed, the couple set up an irrigation system and monitor plants for weeds and pests.

“I purchase predators, generally mites, from Bioforce to control two spottedspider mites, aphids and thrips. All weeding is done by hand or by mulching to reduce them.

“I also handpick off slugs each night and kill them with salt. It’s such a timeconsuming task, but it’s worth every

minute because it’s important for me to feed the soil and be spray-free, especially when it’s food we are going to consume.

“Thankfully, we have a lot of frosts that help kill pests, which helps me remain spray free.”

When Nick returns home from work in the evenings, he enjoys getting outdoors to assist with the strawberries. The couple’s two children, Imogen (18) and Oliver (6), also help.

It’s taken a lot of time and effort to establish the business, but Liz opened their Kaimiro Farm, off Egmont Road, last season with two acres in strawberries and vegetables.

Kaimiro Farm now grows around 1.5 tonnes of strawberries and a variety of

vegetables. The majority of the produce is sold from an on-site shop, but Kaimiro Farms also supplies an organic produce box subscription in north Taranaki, along with a few other places. Spring and summer are hectic.

“In the weeks before we open, I start picking the first strawberries, chopping them ready for ice-cream. During harvest, one of us is up around 5.30am to start picking, while the other manages the house, does the school run and back to picking before the shop opens,” said Liz.

Living in a supportive and welcoming community, growing sustainable food are among the highlights. Liz also loves to see smiling children with red-stained faces after eating strawberries at Kaimiro Farm.

“I love providing a wholesome, familyfriendly experience where kids get to know a bit more about growing food.”

Giving back to the community is important to the Fynan family. “Every year, we donate close to a thousand plants to several community gardens, which include Sustainable Taranaki, Egmont Village School garden and the Taranaki Retreat. We also donate fresh and frozen fruit to the retreat for their cafe in New Plymouth.

“We live in such an amazing region where there are so many local producers and growers, and I’m thrilled to be part of this industry. It’s great to be a local producer of fresh, spray-free food and doing a small part to help make Taranaki more sustainable, particularly in reducing food miles.”

Liz grows strawberries and vegetables at Kaimiro Farm During harvest season picking strawberries begins around 5.30am

celebrations recommence

by Amy Fifita

The World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) festival will finally be in New Zealand again after being cancelled due to Covid for three years running.

The past few years have been difficult for many events following the worldwide spread of the coronavirus. WOMAD, a celebration of multicultural art across the globe and the arts world, is due to arrive in Taranaki once again from March 17–19 2023. It will star a collection of talented people from various countries. Amongst the mix will be comedians, musicians,

artists, wordsmiths and dancers from Aotearoa and abroad encompassing what each country stands for on a cultural level. Explore other nations’ beats and creativity and widen your knowledge of what makes them beautiful. The celebration captures diversity and entices its audience to enjoy the arts on another level.

The vast range of artisans in New Zealand show how multicultural our country is. The local Kiwi artists include authors Phil Lester, Laurie Winkless, Dr Susette Goldsmith, Michael Bennett, Rose Carlyle, Anna Fifield, Lil O’Brien and Lisa Murray.

Representing the country’s musical talents are Rubi Du, Mazbou Q, Kita, Fly my Pretties, Deva Mahal, Avantdale Bowling Club and Acapollinations. Narukami Taiko is a collaborative musical group between Kiwi and Japanese drum performers.

Dancers from Wellington’s Mudra Dance Company will perform and represent its Indian culture in New Zealand. Le Moana will take to the stage with some Pasifika movement.

James Nokise brings a dose of Kiwi humour, as does the trio from Mad

Doggerel Cabaret with a musical spin on things. Poetry Slam performers are Daren Kamali, Chris Tse and Womad champion Penny Ashton.

Also at the event will be mathematician Professor Hinke Osinga, MNZM artist Dick Frizzel and 4Phase Gaming creative director Morgana Watson and her team with a Māori role-playing game.

Other countries represented are Korea, Romania, America, Argentina, Germany, Morocco, France, Cuba, Canada, Afghanistan, the United Kingdom, Italy, Niger, India, Pakistan, Zambia, Belize and Senegal.

Embrace and explore the world and its cultures in New Plymouth’s Bowl of Brooklands Park at WOMAD 2023. Tickets are available on ticketspace.nz.

Enjoy the different cultures at WOMAD 2023 in New Plymouth this coming March

GROWING CHRISTMAS TREES AND MEMORIES

BY DENISE GUNN

The couple bought their Waina View property 10 years ago. Previously the farm, formerly known as Taratu Farm, grew asparagus commercially.

Shannon grew up in the area on her parents’ Arabian horse stud, while Blair

spent some of his primary school years on his family’s sheep and beef farm near Lake Rotorangi.

“We were high school sweethearts, got married, and had two sons, now 21 and 19. We wanted our children to grow

up with room to move and have the opportunity to have a connection with the land and animals,” said Shannon.

The couple began on a three and a half acre block of land in Tariki before moving to a five-acre property near Hāwera. Shannon said buying their 64-acre farm, also near Hāwera, gave them more room to grow.

“When we first purchased the farm, where we are today, it had only just been seeded into grass. There was very little feed heading into winter, minimal fencing and we had no farm equipment. We had doubled the size of our mortgage and things were tough, but we saw potential in the land.”

Growing Christmas trees has become a significant venture on Blair and Shannon Gorrie’s south Taranaki property.

Blair and Shannon Gorrie grow Christmas trees on the 64-acre property

Winter grazers helped provide additional income during the early years. Around the time Blair and Shannon harvested a stand of pine trees on their land, they heard that a local Christmas tree farm was looking to close after 13 years.

Shannon said this created an opening for them to fill the gap in the market to supply trees to the community. “Before we knew it, we had dived in and had a paddock full of trees.”

However, the couple soon found that Christmas tree farming is not for the faint-hearted.

“There is a lot more involved than meets the eye. The notion that it is possible to navigate seasonal elements and life’s curveballs and turn out green, perfectly manicured specimens in time for the Christmas period each year is not always realistic.”

Year-round work is required on the trees, and the harvest wait time can be up to three years. “If anything goes wrong, there is no quick recovery and nowhere to hide.”

The first year Blair and Shannon planted seedlings a cold snap turned the entire crop brown.

“We thought that our Christmas tree farm experience was a short-lived venture. Still, given time, the trees burst back into life, only for rabbits or hares to eat the tops off a hundred or two.”

During the initial couple of years selling trees, Blair travelled to Auckland and brought trees back to supplement their supplies. He also learnt a few pruning tricks and tips.

This year, the couple discovered blight in the paddocks. Extra hours were put in spraying for blight, mowing, fertilising, trimming and weeding between showers of rain.

“As a small family business, we are eternally grateful for our family members who give up their time willingly to help with the labourious tasks that need doing in the lead-up to selling, as well as during our sales season.”

Up until last year, Shannon and Blair worked full-time while caring for the trees. Blair works in civil construction as a project manager and traffic planner. Recently, he established his own company, Waina View Civil.

“He’s practical by nature, and has done the majority of the work on the farm himself after work hours.” Shannon, a qualified teacher, now oversees the dayto-day running of the operation. Their two sons, Ethan and Travis, also help out.

“We have approximately 4,000 Christmas trees planted. Not all of them will make the grade for selling, but these numbers give us some protection for keeping a satisfied customer base for now.”

Trees are priced according to size, shape and quality. “So much has changed on the farm since purchasing it 10 years ago. We have loved the journey and where it has taken us,” said Shannon.

Harvest time can be up to three years after planting

Ode from a water tank

by The Rural Laureate

I am the unsung hero of the Kiwi countryside. In concrete, plastic, and in iron, you’ll find me nationwide. Sworn at when I’m empty, but forgotten when I’m brimming. Without my help there’d be no homebrew, no bubble baths or swimming.

If I’m kept from cracking up, or rust, I’m good and watertight

I’ll hold more litres than the local pub on Friday night

And while you humans quench your thirst with milkshakes from a straw I’m prone to gulp down 50,000 litres from the bore

They say I have a belly; well — I’m usually quite round

The farmer slaps my side to hear my level from the sound

Or looks up, where a floating orange ball provides the proof

That through the winter’s storms I’ve drunk the rain right off the roof

Now, on that little note, I have some grumbles and some mutters

About the leaves and bird-poop which come swirling down the gutters Not to mention mice, and things less nice, you wouldn’t want to drink

It’s up to ME to keep that kind of stink out of your sink!

To help me out, I’ve usually got a filter keeping guard, So go on, switch it out, you’ll find it’s really not too hard.

And please, guys, keep my lid on - it’s really quite a panic

When a possum gets inside and goes the way of the ‘Titanic’.

Sometime’s there’ll come a season when I give all that I’ve got

It’s usually a summer — one that’s extra-blazing hot

The level get quite low, and that’s the perfect time for cleaning

A healthy scrub inside and out; you fellers get my meaning.

Then it’s time to call my trusty friend, the local water tanker

The driver never hears me, but I gurgle as I thank her

And I keep that water cool despite the sunshine on my top

When you could fry an egg up there, or get your corn to pop.

When visitors and rellies call, there’s limits to my powers

I wasn’t made to give the whole clan never-ending showers

And if your auntie needs to soak for hours to feel pretty

Inform her gently she can do that — back home in the city.

See, aside from all of this, a water tank has got it made

My life is cool and comfortable, cats lounging in my shade

I can gossip with the garage, ask the shed ‘bout each machine.

And I know to never, EVER ask the longdrop what it’s seen!

by Andy Bryenton

year, the big winner is the Fendt 728 Vario.

It’s the second time the big German 700 series of all-around tractors have topped the podium at the huge EIMA agri-trade show, with their first gold medal coming in 1999.

“Models in the Fendt 700 Vario series are our best-selling tractors and are used by farmers all over the world,” says Fendt Management Board chairman Christoph Gröblinghoff.

“For our Fendt engineers, it was, therefore, a challenge to make something good even better. Factors such as low fuel consumption combined with high performance of up to 300 horsepower, soil conservation and maximum flexibility for different applications are very important for our professional customers worldwide.”

To grasp the top award, Fendt engineers took a leaf from the playbook of fellow German world-leaders Porsche. The Vario retains the classic look of a Fendt tractor in green and red, but, like fresh versions of Porsche’s 911 sports car, it’s all new underneath. The seventh-generation Vario has an all-new driveline, a new hydraulic and cooling system, and a super-tight turning radius making this large machine tuck in like a hot hatchback.

The new Fendt also packs a more powerful engine. A 7.5-litre six-cylinder unit made by AGCO-Power churning out 283 horsepower and seemingly bottomless torque. All that power now has

to haul far less weight, thanks to improved efficiencies in material technology and compact components manufacture, making the 728 Vario more economical and softer on the soil.

Intelligently controlled all-wheel drive management is one of the other advantages of Fendt’s VarioDrive system, as deployed on the 728. This innovative drivetrain eliminates the need for manual switching when changing between field and road operations. It drives the front and rear axles as needed, sending power where it’s needed on the fly. In the field, the full tractive force is available, and stresses are avoided when driving on country roads and navigating bends.

“I am very pleased to receive this award for our new top model Fendt 728 Vario from an international and independent jury of experts,” says Christoph Gröblinghoff. He’s got a good reason to be proud. This win represents all the number sevens for Fendt; the seventh-generation, 7.5-litre 700 series is the seventh Fendt tractor to gain the gold.

Fendt’s Vario tractors have taken out no less than seven prestigious Tractor of the Year awards

“For our engineers, it was, therefore, a challenge to make something good even better.”

by Andy Bryenton

The biggest hurdle for farmers and rural people, which will be thrown up by Three Waters reforms does not concern the monolithic entities posited to run all municipal water amenities. Instead, the issue comes from water safety watchdog Taumata Arowai, which initially appeared to require all water sources serving two or more houses to meet stringent new testing requirements at a level akin to municipalities.

Federated Farmers said that its ‘worst fears about the definition of a water supplier’ were justified after the reading of the government’s Water Services bill. It was their estimate that approximately 75,000 drinking water suppliers could be impacted, including most farms. The requirements on these suppliers went above and beyond the level of water health assurance recommended for the average rural household in both scope and cost.

“We asked for anyone supplying less than 50 people to be exempted, but in the end, we were not heard,” Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard said. “If water suppliers were able to treat water at the end-point by attaching treatment units to homes, it would not be so daunting. Still, that will not be an acceptable solution under the legislation.”

It would appear to be the outcome of recent changes, which fall in line with the

Rural Drinking Water Programme. It has recently passed into law as of November 2022. While this programme sets standards for water health, it also offers funding to get the job done. A sum of $20 million has been set aside specifically to upgrade water treatment systems for rural marae, kāinga and kōhanga reo. A further $10 million has been set aside specifically for private drinking water suppliers that are not-for-profit in areas of high vulnerability. The funding acknowledges the historical inequities of access to safe drinking water in rural areas.

Bill Bayfield, chief executive of Taumata Arowai, addressed concerns that small suppliers may face huge monitoring and treatment infrastructure costs. His last day will be January 27 2023, following his resignation in late September.

“In bigger cities or towns, councilsupplied drinking water is treated before it goes into the pipes that take it to your house, but for these small communities

who are supplying water, it’s equally important that we have safe drinking water, but we don’t need to treat water that, for example, is going to be used for stock or irrigation or force expensive treatment systems on small numbers of households,” said Mr Bayfield.

Bill Bayfield

less than 50 people to be exempted, but, we were not heard.”