Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, February 2024 by Integrity Community Media

February 2024 edition

Honey industry benefits community Pages 6–7

New equipment to track kiwi

Swapping city for country life

Water policy wait could span two years

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February 2024

TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

Welcome back farming

by Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country. The Taranaki Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned NZ company. Phone: 0800 466 793

Email: info@integrity.nz

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Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville

The upcoming round of New Zealand’s iconic agricultural field days, the first of which, Central Districts Field Days, is featured in this newspaper, gives farmers an opportunity to make a powerful statement.

Editor: Deb Wright 021 639 696 deb.wright@integrity.nz Journalists: Denise Gunn | Andy Bryenton | Amy Fifita Advertising: Debra Seymour 027 525 8217 Production: Gavin Bainbridge | Anna Fredericksen | Kelsey Harrison | Liz Clark Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz Distribution: Laurie Willetts

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Website: farminglifestyles.co.nz Opinions expressed in this publication and in advertising inserts, by contributors or advertisers, are not necessarily those of Integrity Community Media. All inserts delivered with the publication are not produced by Integrity Community Media.

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Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country

A statement we have waited years to make — farming is back! Of course, we never went away. We knew it. The people of New Zealand (most of them) knew it. Our suppliers and export markets knew it. It was just that for six long years, the government of the day also thought we were back — back in time, back in the back blocks, back out there where they needn’t see or ignore us. That changed last year on October 14 when the electorate, by a massive margin, rejected Labour’s appallingly conceived policies and voted to bring back common sense. I guess there was an inevitability about it. You cannot simply ignore, let alone hamstring, an industry that is the backbone of the country, the largest export earner and one of its largest employers. Yet, they did. Here, I come to a point that I think we are all coming to realise: for farming, as for

Barbara Kuriger MP for Taranaki-King Country Backing Rural and Provincial New Zealand Inglewood Office 80 Rata St, PO Box 124, Inglewood 4330 • 06 756 6032 Kuriger.Inglewood@parliament.govt.nz Te Awamutu Office 196 Alexandra Street Te Awamutu, 3800 • 07 870 1005 Kuriger.Teawamutu@parliament.govt.nz King Country Virtual Office 021 815 017 • Kuriger.Kingcountry@parliament.govt.nz Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Barbara Kuriger, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

all other sectors of our society, it will not be easy to clean up this mess. We are going to have to work hard just to identify where it all went wrong, let alone put in the scarce resources to make it right. Still — we will. Specifically, for the agricultural sector, we have a top-class minister of agriculture in Todd McLay (I was singing his praises in this column way back in June), supported by associate ministers Nicola Grigg, Mark Patterson and Andrew Hoggard. Just as important for the wider community, we have a government with a clear vision for the country and, even more important, given what we have experienced in the last six years, the ability and the expertise to deliver on that vision. The field days give me the chance to talk more about that and to share ideas with you. Moreover, I look forward to sharing our newfound positivity of being back — back on track.

TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

New equipment to track kiwi

February 2024

Kaitake Community Board’s gift of new tracking equipment to the Kaitake Ranges Conservation Trust will help keep tabs on kiwi. The board purchased the $3,000 tracking equipment from its budget through funding from the New Plymouth District Council. The council allocates $100,000 annually to each of the five community boards in the region. “Our members use the new equipment to track monitored kiwi and detect health issues and study their behaviour, including feeding times and whether the males are nesting,” said trust chairperson Pete Morgan. The Kaitake Ranges Conservation Trust has worked with other community groups and local iwi to release 31 adult North Island brown Kiwi in the Kaitake Ranges over the last three years. They also work together to keep the kiwi safe with a network of 827 traps. Volunteers are currently tracking 14 kiwi, each fitted with a small radio transmitter that has its own radio frequency. These transmitters track the location and send information on the activity and breeding status of the kiwi. “Our natural environment is at the heart of the Kaitake community, and our residents are passionate about protecting it,” said Kaitake Community Board chair Graham Chard. “Saving our kiwi and restoring our natural ecosystems helps us to build a sustainable lifestyle capital for our tamariki and future generations.” The Kaitake Ranges, inland from the coastal town of Ōakura, are part

From left: Kaitake Ranges Conservation Trust chairperson Pete Morgan using a kiwi tracker with Kaitake Community Board chair Graham Chard at Lucy’s Gully

of the Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki/ Egmont National Park. In addition to the mayor and councillors representing four wards and the district at large, the five community boards give the smaller communities another voice on issues and keep an overview of council services. The four other boards are Clifton Community Board, Inglewood Community Board, Puketapu-Bell Community Board, and Waitara Community Board. The Kaitake Community Board represents the centres of Ōmata, Ōakura and Ōkato, and a large rural population around communities such as Tataraimaka, Pitone and Hurworth.

Each board is made up of four members. The $100,000 allocated from the New Plymouth District Council is used to fund small projects in their community.

Every three years, each board creates a community board plan to set out the issues and aspirations and to identify where resources are needed.

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Participants must have a 2023 game licence and obtain a permit from Fish & Game or their local licence agent. Land occupiers hunting on the properties they occupy must hold a permit but are exempt the $5 administrative charge. 2023 day licences can be purchased on-line at www.fishandgame.org.nz for $25.00 per day. Hunters must comply with the 2023 game season regulations, including restrictions on the use and possession of lead shot. Rangers will be checking on compliance. There is no hunting within 100m of any urban sewage oxidation pond. For further information phone 021 270 0239 or 06 757 9676.

February 2024

TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

SWAPPING CITY FOR COUNTRY LIFE BY DENISE GUNN

Swapping the city life of San Francisco to milk cows in Taranaki would come as a huge culture shock for most, but Ethan Elejorde has taken it all in his stride.

pending time in New Zealand had been on Ethan’s mind for quite some time. Family connections drew him to Taranaki. “Originally, when I was at high school in the States, I always joked around with my mates that I would get out of the country and milk cows,” he said. “I came out to New Zealand to spend time with my grandfather and get everything set up for a longer stay.” After saving money from his supermarket job and waiting for Covid-19

travel restrictions to end, Ethan then made the move to Taranaki. “I started working as a farm assistant for Peter Arnold of Swiss Dairies in the middle of May 2022. I also started a sixmonth Western Institute of Technology Taranaki (WITT) course.” Ethan was able to combine studying towards the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture Farming Systems (Level 3) with part-time work. This hands-on qualification prepares students for careers in agriculture. In

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When Ethan took up his first position as a dairy assistant, he also started a six-month Western Institute of Technology Taranaki (WITT) course

addition to covering a wide range of skills, the course includes on-farm, practical assessments and gives students an understanding of various pastoral farming systems. Ethan said he loved the hands-on nature that came with studying at WITT and enjoyed the respectful learning environment that tutor Adrian Edser built. “I highly recommend the course, and the tutor had a unique teaching style that really helped me learn a lot.”

Moving to Taranaki and knowing very few people was difficult for Ethan at the beginning. “It was really tough at first being so alone. However, I started to go to local hall events and became a committee member for one of the local halls. After that, it started feeling like home.” In September 2022, Ethan began working for David and Yoana Werder, milking around 340 Jersey crossbred cows on their 104ha effective Hurleyville farm.

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February 2024

From left: Ethan and a workmate out on the farm

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The Werders also own another farm in the area, which happens to be the same property Ethan’s grandfather sharemilked on before he bought his own farm. Ethan’s mother was raised in the Hurleyville area, too. “So it was like going to my roots.” As well as milking, Ethan is in charge of feeding calves and feeding out. “One of the big jobs is spreading urea on the farm,” he said. The 21-year-old enjoys the dairy farming lifestyle and each day that comes

with it. Although he was a self-confessed city boy, he now loves the peacefulness of working on the land and feels quite at home in a rural environment. “The big thing I love is starting the morning by milking and finishing the day by milking. One of the highlights is calving cows. It’s quite rewarding to bring new life into the world. When you compare a calf to a human baby, and they get up within the first 5 to 10 minutes of being born. It’s quite amazing,” he said.

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Ethan swapped the bright lights of city life in San Francisco for dairy farming in Taranaki

“Since I’ve started farming, I think we shouldn’t have these big cities. It’s something everybody in this whole world should experience at least once in their life. Farming is what brought society together. It’s the backbone of it.” Ethan said his goal is to go contract milking. “I also dream of farming on the same farm that my grandfather did 50 years ago.”

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February 2024

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Deep in the hill country east of Stratford, the team at Pouatu Mānuka is producing awardwinning, export-quality honey.

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he boutique company is based on a 1,300-acre, multi-generational sheep and beef farm at Tangarakau. Beekeeper and honey production manager Simon Faull said the farm belonged to his father-in-law, Bruce Herbert, and his late wife, Joan. “He took it over from his father. Joan passed away when my wife was 12 or 13. It was, at that time, quite rugged country.

As time went by, the farm reverted back to the mānuka as Bruce concentrated on his three children. “I married his eldest daughter, Sarah. No one was living on the farm except Bruce, and it was getting too much for him to manage due to his age.” The Faulls were based in south Wairarapa at the time, and Simon commuted to Wellington, where he

The Pouatu Mānuka team

owned a commercial glass business. In 2015, Simon and Sarah bought half of the farm from Bruce and moved to the property. “Sarah’s mum had set up a bushland camping ground on the farm. That consisted of a toilet and shower block, a cookhouse and three cabins. When Sarah and I moved out there, I would still commute down to Wellington three days a week to run my glass business.

“In the back of my mind, I had thoughts of selling the company and doing something out there on the farm.” Sarah and her siblings restored the campground, which has been fully upgraded with accommodation. Each summer commercial beekeepers would travel to Tangarakau and place hives on the farm for the mānuka flow. As the honey was taken out of the region and away from the farmer, Simon decided to buy 50 beehives.

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“I knew nothing about it, but I learnt very quickly. I surrounded myself with knowledgeable people who lent a hand.” The Italian bee was chosen due to its laid-back nature. “They are the easiest to work with, not so aggressive, and we breed our own queens so we have stronger hives.” Simon’s glass business was sold to allow him to concentrate solely on the bees and honey production. “We cover the entire Forgotten World Highway, and our hives are all over the Taranaki region. We do a multi-crop, so go to other regions when the mānuka is in flower. In remote places, we helicopter the hives in.” Initially, Simon took the honey off-farm for extraction. Eventually, a purpose-built honey extraction facility was built in Tangarakau — the honey was then sent away for packaging.

“It comes back fully labelled and in cartons, ready to export,” said Simon. “We export to South Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and Germany under our brand, Pouatu Mānuka.” Simon and Bruce are 50% shareholders of the business. Grant Fuller and Paul Stephens are the other shareholders. “We run as two separate companies. Tangarakau Gold is a production company owned by Bruce and myself. Grant is in the retail brand, and Paul is a 25% shareholder. Paul and Grant’s expertise is throughout Southeast Asia.” As founder and director of Goldkiwi Asia, Paul Stephens’ Singapore-based marketing and sales business was sold to Alliance Group in 2017. Goldkiwi Asia was responsible for exporting hundreds of millions of dollars of meat every year. Grant was the former trade commissioner to China for 12 years.

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February 2024

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When first venturing into beekeeping, Simon initially found it to be a rogue industry. “It’s about us being transparent and accountable to farmers so that everybody wins out of the relationship.” American Foulbrood, Varroa, and the downturn in the honey industry in the past few years also presented challenges. “Many companies haven’t survived, but we can see some really good strong growth and bounce coming back. It’s heading in the right direction. “We work very closely with Egmont Honey, and they are incredibly supportive of our journey. As Taranaki businesses, we do work well together for the benefit of the region.” “Pouatu Mānuka is a big supporter of the local community, school and employment,” said Simon. “We’ve created a sustainable industry, and bring really good benefits to rural New Zealand.”

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February 2024

TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

Planting the waterways

by Liz Clark

Nationwide, the debate over whether or not the fencing and planting of waterways has been a hot topic for several years. With ever-increasing environmental regulations imposed on farmers, the benefits of planting waterways and wetlands outweigh the loss in productivity overall. Using natives locally sourced from your region is a far better option than attempting to plant with exotics, which may block up the waterway as they mature. Planted streams, lakes, dams and wetlands have the potential to provide spawning habitats for native fish, such as īnanga, and vegetative cover for native birds and beneficial pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and other insects. Natives also filter sediment and nitrogen from exposed pastures and stabilise erosionprone areas. At the same time, riparian zone plantings also improve and maintain water quality. Once established, riparian plants shade the water and lower its temperature, providing stability for native fish, eels and koura that may be inhabiting the ecosystem. The shade also helps prevent the rapid growth of unwanted aquatic weeds and algae, which can clog the flow and deplete the water of oxygen. Free-flowing water increases oxygen diffusion. During dry periods, water will be conserved for far longer periods if shaded.

Native fish, such as īnanga, benefit greatly from riparian planting

In mature plantings, if time is taken to look carefully, there will be a noticeable increase in species biodiversity where each species has a role in the food web connected to the aquatic ecosystem. In

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turn, each species benefits the other and the plants on the water’s edges. They also take advantage of the shelter provided by the plant roots to avoid other predators or for use during the day if they are nocturnal. As with forest habitat, riparian areas have what is known as zones. The upper zone only floods sometimes. Drought-tolerant plants

such as broadleaf, tōtara, pōhutakawa and kōwhai are an excellent choice for this area. For the middle zone, plant swamp flax (Phormium tenax), cabbage trees, toetoe, kānuka and mānuka. Then, in the low zone, where it will get flooded, native sedges and rushes, including raupō, are the best species to plant in this area.

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Magnesium is one of my most frequently prescribed supplements; this is because magnesium is used in multiple enzymes and affects most tissue types. In particular, it relaxes both nerves and blood vessels. Relaxing nerves is helpful for sleep and restless legs while relaxing blood vessels helps with lowering blood pressure and helping circulation. Magnesium is involved in numerous body processes and can help problems in different tissue types and body systems, especially muscles. I recommend it for cramps, restless legs, PMS, hypertension and heart rhythm problems. I usually recommend that magnesium be taken 30–60 minutes in bed for maximum impact on muscles and nerves and to help with sleep. If taken for hypertension — daytime and evening dose is recommended. I have many clients now largely free of night cramps and restless legs. In stubborn cases, I also add a multi-mineral/antioxidant complex to help with nighttime circulation and improve muscle function. It is rare that we cannot get improvements with these problems that can significantly disrupt our sleep. Unfortunately, many magnesium supplements have just one form of

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February 2024

by Liz Clark

When you tire of commuting in the gridlocked traffic of large cities like Wellington, the yearning to move to somewhere more tranquil, like a lifestyle block, can be powerful. Well, it’s a great idea — if you can make it happen. There are a few things to consider before making the decision. First of all, how much land do you really want? For many, a large lifestyle section can meet all the criteria without the hassle of maintaining a far larger property, especially for those in more senior years who might be semi-retired. That’s something to consider. Lifestyle properties are not cheap, either. Starting from scratch on a bare block of land is backbreaking work, and nothing comes easily — that’s the truth of the matter. Several factors come into play when building a home in a rural area. First, finding a building contractor, within your chosen area should be a priority. A locally-based contractor or reputable home construction company should be your first port of call. Check reviews and also ask local people for recommendations. Alternatively, a relocated home or cabin can both be viable options. Try to use companies that know the area well enough and are familiar with local council building requirements. The other thing to consider is power supply, likewise, for subcontractors, such as plumbers,

electricians and others involved in home construction. Don’t expect power to be available onsite unless it’s an already formed and consented lifestyle subdivision. Get a quote from your local power authority. Expect costs for power supply installation to be anywhere from $10,000 to more than $50,000, which can be offputting. The alternative is to go off-grid and use solar power. Even that comes with significant costs to be taken into consideration. Still, the exercise is worth it. On an existing property, check the boundary fences to ensure they are robust and secure. Have a fencing contractor come in and repair or replace fence lines where needed or put in new fencing on a bare block. Hold off getting animals until all the fences are done, and the stock water supply is in place. If you plan to get cattle, register your property with NAIT before proceeding. Consider your stocking levels, too. If you have, for instance, a couple of acres, you wouldn’t be putting your horses on it or several cattle, for example. Whatever you decide, a lifestyle block is just that — lifestyle and a great one, too.

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February 2024

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Crop trials break new ground

FEBRUARY 2024

Regional development agency Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki is seeing early results from its first crops in the pioneering Branching Out project. The medicinal plant and gin botanicals trials, which began in November 2023, are considered the first of these crops grown commercially in New Zealand. The goal of this growing trial, along with the project’s other crops, is to refine the growing process. Should the trials prove sustainable and economically viable, the trialists and other interested landowners can proceed to commercial production armed with a wealth of knowledge and learnings. Ashwagandha and calendula are being grown in the medicinal plants trial. The gin botanicals trial comprises angelica and liquorice. Branching Out project manager Michelle Bauer said the aim of the trial is to assess the effect of plant population and plant variety on yield and quality. “The combined data from all trial sites will be used to determine the suitability of Taranaki for the commercial production of these crops. “It’s exciting to see the plants showing good growth after a significant amount of time and research going into the initial crop selection, agronomy, commercial viability and value-added processing opportunities. “We are looking forward to holding open days for those interested in this work later this month.” North Taranaki whānau farm operator, Rawiri McClutchie, is involved in the crop trials.

The McClutchie whānau is involved in the crop trials

“We, as a whānau, are looking for ways we can farm our land ourselves and ways to make it financially viable for generations to come. Grazing to the neighbour is not an ideal long-term solution for us,” he said. Crops have been grown from direct seeding and transplants, with a minimum of three seed lines being trialled for each crop. Seeds have been sourced from North America, Europe, Asia and New Zealand. Most trial sites are growing a selection of medicinal plants and gin botanicals.

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Ideal weather conditions have resulted in the crops’ strong establishment. It’s also meant weed growth. Site maintenance, including weeding, has been a top priority on all sites for trialists and Venture Taranaki field agronomist Vanesa Martin. Harvesting of the calendula and ashwagandha will start soon. Quality testing and evaluation will follow.

“Again, this is an exciting time for the project, and we would like to thank our trialists for their hard work in maintaining the sites,” said Michelle. “Special mention must be made of the McClutchie whānau at Rehutai and the team at Pouakai Farm for maintaining such exemplary trial sites.”

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TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

WATER MATTERS Water policy wait could span two years

by Andy Bryenton

A slash-and-burn series of repeals and cancellations has dismantled much of the water, resource consent and environmental protection legislation enacted by the previous Labour Government, but farmers are still cautious about how and when these will be replaced. Work began within the coalition’s first 100 days to do away with the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020, or NPS-FM.

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This contentious piece of policy, released in September 2020, was roundly criticised by farming advocacy groups as they began to see the regulations and restrictions regional councils were proposing to enact to comply with the then-government’s direction. In the last parliamentary week before Christmas, Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced that the NPS for Freshwater Management was scrapped. “The existing NPS-FM has become extremely complex and expensive to implement and will not deliver the outcomes for freshwater that New Zealanders expect,” said Ms Simmonds. “We are announcing that work on the NPS-FM replacement will start immediately,” said Mr Hoggard. “This process is expected to take between 18 and 24 months and will include a robust and full consultation process.” That consultation and implementation of feedback from it was what farming

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groups perceived to be lacking from the former government’s plans. Mr Hoggard was at the centre of this debate, as at the time he served as Federated Farmers president. Now, some of the Federated Farmers leadership say that a two-year wait for certainty is two years too long. That is partly because regional councils are still in the process of tailoring local rules to fit the already-cancelled NPS. “This feels less than ideal,” said Feds vice-president Colin Hurst, speaking just after the announcement of the policy statement’s cancellation.

“Simply pushing out the dates for implementation probably won’t be enough to have councils stop work on this because the National Policy Statement requires councils to give effect to the regulations ‘as soon as practicable’.” Others in the rural sector agreed, opining that 24 months in limbo could cause bureaucratic confusion. “The most important thing is that the regional policy processes to give effect to the existing legislation must stop,” said Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair Kate Acland. “Farmers need certainty and if those regional processes don’t stop, further measures will be needed to achieve that.” Opposition to the cancellation of the NPS-FM has come from a group of 50 prominent scientists, who lobbied the prime minister to retain freshwater protections. ‘To remove, replace or rewrite our country’s national freshwater policy at this time, so soon after it has been brought in, would be a terrible mistake,’ they stated in a letter to Chris Luxon on December 18.

TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

February 2024

WATER MATTERS

A new tool to save water

by Andy Bryenton

Tests seeking to put AI water-saving power in the hands of small farms overseas could unlock a new level of assistance for drought-prone parts of New Zealand. It’s estimated by such sources as the World Economic Forum and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that global demand for freshwater may exceed supply by as much as 40 per cent by 2030. Nearly 80 per cent of the world’s 570 million farms are classed as smallholder farms, with many located in under-resourced and water-stressed regions. Technology is being sought for an answer. “Many of the poor around the world are small, subsistence farmers,” says Susan Amrose, a research scientist with MIT in the US. “With intensification of food production needs, worsening soil, water scarcity, and smaller plots, these farmers can’t continue with their current practices.” Drip irrigation and irrigating plants only when they need water help reduce the massive water uptake required for effective agriculture. However, traditionally, this method has required a large amount of sensor data to work perfectly, with sensors installed near the roots of crops, in water reservoirs, and potentially mounted to drones and weather stations, too. It isn’t practical for some small farmers, especially in places

Drip irrigation can make a huge difference to water use patterns, especially when partnered with AI

like West Africa, Jordan and Central America, where trials of a new, AI-based solution are being fielded. Artificial intelligence is the key to replacing a large and costly physical sensor array with machine learning and access to free-source, cloud-based data. AI programs can be ‘taught’ about the transpiration rates and water usage rates of a sample population of a particular crop and then cross-reference this with real-time rainfall data from satellites. It means drip irrigators can deliver a very accurate estimate of what a crop needs at different points of its development, based on machine learning rather than the superior but costly realtime data probes could deliver.

What’s more, such programs need not be run on massive, costly and expensive machines. Cloud-based solutions and better access to satellite Internet, thanks

to initiatives like Starlink, mean a farmer with an older-generation smartphone or similar device could conceivably run a drip irrigation network governed by AI. It could know all about the water needs of their plants, cross-referencing this with weather data, including predictions of forthcoming rainfall. What does this mean for the already technologically empowered farmers of the developed world? In short, flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Drip irrigation using AI could be perfect for snap decisions about seasonal planting, small-batch cropping to fix nitrogen, or for the sustainable homestead garden.

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February 2024

TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

WATER MATTERS Safe bore water

by Amy Fifita

Part of living rurally and away from a town water supply involves ensuring that it is safe for the family, visitors, pets and livestock to drink all year round. Rural property owners remain responsible for testing and maintaining their water quality. Supplies require testing, especially since some contaminants cannot be seen by the eye. Contaminants like chemicals, bacteria, viruses and micro-organism pollutants can only be discovered under a microscopic lens. Part of maintaining drinkable water is protecting reservoirs and ensuring they are a suitable distance from rivers and septic tanks. Even groundwater supplies from wells and bores need to be tested. Bore systems rely on aquifers under the ground. It is useful knowledge to determine whether they are secured or unsecured. A secured aquifer is an underground space protected by solid materials like rock

and overlays. That makes it difficult for pollutants to penetrate that confinement, making it more unlikely to be spoiled. If the aquifer is unprotected by hard materials, it is classified as unconfined. Rural landowners can discover whether the aquifer is confined or unconfined when the initial bore is being drilled. There are ways to protect the water so it remains safe to drink. Sealing the area with concrete will prevent rain or surface water from penetrating the reservoir, as will sealing the cables to the well. If a well is unused, a protective cap can be used to reduce the chances of contamination. Ensure that rubbish, pesticides, fertiliser and other potential pollutants are secured away from the area. Installing an approved filtering or purification system can reassure

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Central Districts

February 2024

14–16 MARCH 2024

FIELD DAYS An event for everyone

MANFIELD PARK, FEILDING

by Amy Fifita

The Central Districts Field Days 2024 is approaching and will begin on Thursday, March 14, until Saturday, March 16, at Manfeild, Feilding, with plenty in store for visitors. the event to participate in the familyfriendly farming affair. Pony rides were a feature for children, and there was plenty of entertainment for those young and old. The Kids Zone has a choice of inflatable adventures or the playground for children to bide their time in, or their faces can be bedazzled at the facepainting marquee. There is also some entertainment on-site for children who enjoy some canine shenanigans. Visitors can watch competitors face each other at the New Zealand Fencing Competition or the National Excavator Operator Competition area. It is an affair that can help businesses grow, farmers network and give people a fun time. Purchase your tickets online to catch a cheaper entrance fee. There are individual prices and family passes. To book online or discover more information about the event, visit cdfielddays.co.nz.

Boasting being the largest agricultural fete in the region, the field days is an event everyone based in rural or urban areas can enjoy. There are competitions, entertainment, culinary treats, machinery and more. There were nearly 500 exhibitors in 2023, with more than 100 being new. So far, there are various exhibitors ready to showcase their clothing, pet and working dog accessories, outdoor gear, farming equipment, power tools, buildings and much more. In the Cuisine Pavillion, there will be a selection of tasty treats for guests to indulge in. Stallholders are ready to sell patrons traditionally-made cheese, sheep’s milk products, chutneys, honey, sweet delights and rich-tasting adult beverages. The Premier Foodcourt lies next to the culinary marketplace. Visitors will discover various food courts around the grounds to enjoy at their leisure. Last year, for its 30th anniversary, more than 27,000 visitors crowded

Children can enjoy some creativity at the Central Districts Field Days face painting marquee in the Kids Zone

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February 2024

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Chris says: “An application of Prolan is an easy process with minimal preparation required on the surface to be coated. The clean-up of the spray gear was easy, too, with a quick clean of the sprayer with a hot water flush.” In January 2024, Chris did a quality check on all the gear in the business’s downtime. As part of this, the sprayer boom was checked for cracks and general maintenance was carried out. The Prolan coating was removed to see if there were any problems. Chris says: “To remove the Prolan Extreme, a hot wash high-pressure washer was applied to the boom. It took about three hours at temperatures above 100C to remove the Prolan coating — the whole process was easy.” The results speak for themselves, say Chris and Greg, “Unbelievable the boom returned to its original tiptop condition with no corrosion or parts replacement required. The Prolan remained on the surface; although it became dusty, the protection was there.

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February 2024

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Central Districts

14–16 MARCH 2024

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MANFIELD PARK, FEILDING

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Central District Field Days visitors can enjoy watching contestants go head-to-head in several competitions and see who will win the central district title. For those wanting to watch people showcase their rural ability, there are

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several competitions to see. The Civil Contractors NZ CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition commences on Thursday, March 16, and is an all-day affair. Visitors can watch talented operators perform various challenges. In previous years, contestants have completed tasks like the tea pour, ball and chain, water pour and wine glass on a manhole transfer with heavy machinery. Be amazed by the peculiar tricks the operators can do with a bucket. This competition is an all-day event on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. People can see the operators display their expertise at the National Excavator Operator Competition area on Norwood Road. Witness craft and technique at the Central Districts Double Power Fencing Competition. This event starts on day two. Fencers battle it out for the winning podium, exhibiting their skill and timeliness. Those attending can see the event live at 9.30am and watch as

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finalists are awarded at 3.30pm at the fencing area behind the CD Field Days’ headquarters. This year, the event is also hosting the regional final for the FMG Taranaki and Manawatu Young Farmers. Friday, March 15, is the qualifying day for farming youth to demonstrate their rural abilities. Youth from Inglewood, Masset, Marton, Opiki, South and Central Taranaki,

Urenui, Whanganui and Fitzherbert are competing. The AgriKidsNZ and TeenAg competitions begin on Saturday, March 16, and are run in line with this competition. The showdown will be on Saturday at the Feilding Civic Centre, 84 Aorangi Street, where the regional winners will be announced. The grand final for these contests will happen in Julyin Hamilton.

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February 2024

AG CONTRACTORS In a Claas of its own

by Andy Bryenton

In sports, a hat trick of three wins is a rare and prestigious achievement, but it’s even more so in the world of technical design, where major agricultural manufacturers compete with multi-million-dollar research budgets. The triple crown of accolades for any tractor encompasses three awards. Firstly, the Tractor of the Year award from Europe’s immense Agritechnica. Secondly, the Farm Machine of the Year award was decided by the discerning judges of the German Deutscher Landwirtschaftsverlag council of farming experts. Finally, the US-based AE50 award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. To claim one of these is a careerdefining victory. To claim all three takes a very special machine indeed. This year, all these top awards went to a single tractor, the Claas Xerion 12 series. “We are delighted about the renowned AE50 Award for our new Xerion 12 series,” said senior vice president of Product Unit System Tractors Dr Johannes Weisbrodt. “After two high-ranking awards at Agritechnica, this award is another great confirmation of our Xerion development team and its years of work, and underlines the innovative approach of the series with numerous features that are unique in this performance class.” That class is undoubtedly heavyweight. The big Xerion has been designed from

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AG CONTRACTORS Electric orchard evolution

by Andy Bryenton

Alongside the coveted title of tractor of the year for 2024 sits a more specialised category, set aside for machines with a more focussed approach. This year, the Fendt e107 Vario made it onto the shortlist for this category. Some opine that it only missed out on the top spot due to winning another very important accolade at Europe’s gigantic Agritechnica festival and show, the title of Sustainable Tractor of the Year. Slim and able to manoeuvre between the tight rows and close-packed trees of commercial orchards dealing in highvalue crops, the new Fendt is remarkable since it’s entirely electric. A 45-minute charge will give this machine a runtime of approximately four hours, putting in the hard yards with a top speed of 40km/h and 90 horsepower on tap. There’s no compromise on versatility, as the e107 V can utilise all of Fendt’s existing suite of implements, through a front and rear PTO system that works just like those on a diesel tractor. To keep slim

and fit between the rows in vineyards, the Fendt is only 1.07 metres wide, running on specially designed Trelleborg tyres with low rolling resistance and maximum grip in a tight corner. “Lead engineer Christoph Mayer and his team have developed a sustainable and practical tractor,” said Fendt research and development managing director Walter Wagner. “The challenge lies in the right overall package of dimensions, weight and performance. Charged with green electricity, it is CO neutral and has numerous functions for particularly efficient use of energy.” The international jury agreed, lauding that this is the first specialist orchard and vine tractor to market, which is fully electric. However, green credentials aside, the jurors were also impressed by the comfort and

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space of the Fendt’s cab, which allows for greater all-around visibility thanks to a lack of an exhaust stack. There’s more room inside for the operator, a big concern in tractors with the narrow profile needed in tight conditions, thanks to the battery infrastructure being placed down low on the frame and a lack of diesel engine components up top. Fendt may have missed out on taking home two awards, as the Landini Rex

4-120 GT RoboShift Dynamic took home the gold for specialised tractors in 2024. However, to win the eco-tractor crown with a whole new type of machine and yet still challenge more than 100 years of internal combustion dominance by making the shortlist for the specialised category speaks volumes about just how much thought and technology Fendt has packed into its e107 V.

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TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

February 2024

RURAL WHEELS

Ready to rock

by Andy Bryenton

The new Volkswagen Amarok ute debuted last year with a reimagining of the German brand’s pickup truck offering, and critics were quick to praise its polished and refined evolution. “The Volkswagen design team has delivered a practical ute with unique styling and driving traits, which customers will testify,” said Jarlath Sweeney, president and chairman of the prestigious International Pickup Award (IPUA) jury. “This seventh running of the IPUA sees the new generation Amarok adding to the titles won in 2011 and again in 2017 with the upgraded version,” he said. Sweeney noted that the first and fourth top prizes in the award’s history also went to previous Amarok iterations. There’s much to like about the Amarok, which has also added trophies from NZ4WD and Company Vehicle magazine to the VW cabinet. Drivers and award jurors cited the torque and smoothness of the ute’s drivetrain as a deciding factor. There are three engines to choose from, ranging from a two-litre unit boasting 405 Nm through to a twin-turbocharged version of the same delivering and even 500 Nm, and a big three-litre powerplant at the top of the range, generating 600 Nm of torque. All of this power goes to the ground through a 10-speed shift-by-wire gearbox and Volkswagen’s consummate four-wheel drive technology, 4Motion. What this means in practical terms is

excellent grip and the ability to easily tow up to 3,500kg. As one would expect from a modern ute, there’s also a spacious tray and an improved, more spacious cab. In a world of imitation off-roaders and crossover SUVs, the new Amarok is also notable for its real capabilities when the tarmac runs out. That aforementioned 4Motion system provides a good start, but other details have been attended to by VW engineers to ensure real off-road acuity. For example, while the wheelbase of the Amarok has grown by some 10cm, the body overhangs have been pared back to increase the ute’s ability to handle water crossings and big bumps. Chassis strength and ground clearance are up, too. While other offerings in this very competitive sector are hardly spartan, the Amarok is also notable for its level of comfort. There’s a high level of electronic assistance and accessories combined to enhance the safety and enjoyment of a drive in VW’s new ute. The brochure claims that there are no less than 30 programs operating to keep you safe when you’re behind the wheel, but critics describe this full suite as unobtrusive. It’s not noticed unless it’s needed, and it’s quite intuitive.

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February 2024

TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

RURAL WHEELS

by Andy Bryenton

Pedigree cat out of the bag

Ford has a long history of creating ST cars, the two letters denoting a sporty, racing-inspired driving experience. Focus and Fiesta ST models are known for extra power, sharp handling and an overall suite of options designed to put a grin on drivers’ faces. Legendary racer Ken Block had a hand in creating the Focus ST, for example. It might seem a little odd to give the full ST treatment to Ford’s Puma, the compact and economical little head-turner sitting in their range as the smallest SUV

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“The hybridised one-litre EcoBoost engine extracts 125 kilowatts of power and 200 Nm of torque.” Ford Puma ST — that rare combination of fun and fiscal responsibility that’s hard to go past

wearing the blue oval. However, those in the know will recall that the Puma badge went racing in the 1990s, attached to a different model and that it was anything but slow. For the present iteration, Ford has stuck with a hybridised one-litre EcoBoost engine. Its tech wizards have managed to extract 125 kilowatts of power and 200 Nm of torque from this little block. The EcoBoost is award-winning, and for good reason. It’s hard to believe that a single litre of anything, even concentrated rocket fuel, could provide such zip. A paddle-shift seven-speed gearbox smooths out power delivery and adds engagement.

Now, it’s not the more than 300 wild horses you’d find in Ken Block’s Focus, but there’s more to performance than just raw power. The Puma ST has better torsional stiffness, improved handling, a quicker steering rack and bigger brakes. This combo makes for more precise cornering, with everything tuned for a more spirited deriving feel. As a nice bonus, the hybrid tech deployed here means you’ll have frugal fuel bills. “The Ford Performance team called on all of its experience developing the original Puma ST to deliver ST signature fun-to-drive without losing the practicality of our compact SUV,” said Ford

Performance manager, Europe division, Stefan Muenzinger. So why this car, and why now? The Puma ST has been out since late last year but now could be its time to shine. That’s due to the looming deadline for electric cars to pay road user charges and the intimation from the government that soon all petrol taxes will be slashed, with RUCs for all vehicles. In that scenario, a non-plug-in hybrid, which is fun to drive, looks like a very good bet. The Puma ST, therefore, makes sound economic sense, which may help the angel on your right shoulder team up with the devil on your left, who loves how it looks and drives.

Beat the heat with an A/C Service to ensure your holiday travels are comfortable and as cool as a cucumber. See us for all your Auto Air Conditioning needs. We are a registered Ford service agent and supplier of genuine Ford parts. Our new Showroom for the IRONMAN 4X4 Parts and Accessories is now open for all your 4-wheel drive needs to get you off the beaten track over the festive season. We offer: WOF • Service • Mechanical Repairs • Tyres • Wheel Alignment Auto Air Conditioning • Parts & Accessories (not just Ford, but for all makes and models) DIY auto parts & accessories • Car Care • 4X4 parts & accessories (including Bull Bars, Winches, Lighting, Recovery Equipment, Air components, Suspension components & upgrades) Underbody Protection • Canopies • Camping & Outdoor Equipment • Trailer WOF • Service & repair, and more. Mountain Motors now has a great range of tyres, and we cater for all budgets. Ranging from Commercial and Trailer tyres to Passenger Vehicles and SUV/4X4. We have MAXXIS RAZR, MAXXIS BRAVO, HIFLY AND ROVELO, as well as HANKOOK AT EXTREME, GO PRO, LUAFEEN and FORROAD tyres, just to name a few. And to top it off, for the remainder of this month, if you book in and have all 4 tyres replaced, we will throw in a Wheel Alignment ABSOLUTELY FREE. Call us today for this great offer. As we are all aware, times are a little tough at the moment due to the current economic climate. We are all feeling the pinch and in particular, the crew that keeps the country afloat, the FARMERS. Poor buggers have had a bit of a bum steer of late so the team here at Mountain Motors, Taranaki’s Home of IRONMAN 4X4 are going to throw them a small, but I’m sure, welcome, lifeline. For ALL BOOKINGS and PARTS between now and the new Financial Year, ALL FARMERS will get an automatic 10% DISCOUNT across the board. It’s just a small way for us to say a BIG thank you and we hope the struggle ends soon.

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri, 8.00am - 5.00pm excluding public holidays | Sat - 8am - 2pm admin@mountainmotors.co.nz 06 765 6059 (24/7) | 147 Broadway, Stratford 4332

TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

February 2024

RURAL WHEELS

by Andy Bryenton

Polaris picked as technology leader

Polaris has won a prestigious award from Popular Science magazine, which each year selects a small number of groundbreaking technologies as its ‘best of what’s new’. “This award from Popular Science underlines our vehicle’s performance and our unceasing effort to innovate in the offroad industry,” said Polaris vice-president Josh Hermes. “The Ranger XP Kinetic can also tow up to 2,500 pounds (1,133kg) and haul 1,250 pounds (566kg), which leads the segment and makes life easier for those who rely on UTVs as working machines. Farmers, ranchers, or anyone with a large property can use it as an electric pack mule, and all you have to do to feed it is plug it in,” said the Popular Science panel, which conferred the award. In this case, the futuristic tech on display was the 110-horsepower Polaris Ranger Kinetic XP. It’s an entirely electric off-roader and is the fruit of a collaboration with Zero Motorcycles. That’s a partnership now a decade deep and is hitting its stride. Customers can pick a model with a 14.9-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery for 70 kilometres of range, or a heavy-duty 29.8 KWh battery extending that range to 128 kilometres. The Kinetic XP can reach full charge from a normal 240-volt socket in five hours. The major payoff here is not just in fuel savings or even in the environmental

impact of an emissions-free side-by-side. Polaris has engineered the Kinetic XP to require far less maintenance than a comparable petrol-powered machine. That makes a huge difference for those planning to use their off-roader for daily work. Electric side-by-sides have been seen before, but another advantage which enabled the Polaris to grab the Popular Science title is its immediate torque delivery and seamless, quiet operation. Many users of similar machines need to haul heavy loads and need precise control when doing so on rough terrain. Special attention has been taken to ensure that the Kinetic XP delivers. As another bonus, no engine noise means it’s perfectly fine to fire up this Polaris before dawn or after dusk. It’s also a godsend around skittish livestock. Popular Science has been picking top new technologies in this way since 1988, and it is usually not far off the mark, choosing inventions like the mobile phone, the digital camera and the home computer in prior editions. Whether the new Polaris Kinetic XP achieves this kind of iconic status remains to be seen, but being featured this way makes it a notable trailblazer.

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Polaris has taken home a top industry accolade, with its all-electric Ranger being picked as ‘the best of what’s new’ by Popular Science magazine

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February 2024

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Tuia Taitonga g

Southlink He karere tā te Kaunihera ō Taranaki ki te Tonga News from the South Taranaki District Council

Saviing Water on the Farm It is more imporrtant than ever for you to conserve water wherevver possible as streams are now under morre pressure due to variances in rainfall, temperature and increased land and w water use and/or losses which, all add d to impacts on cultural values, the en nvironment and aquatic life. Recent legislation and regulation changes point us all to respect and value water, via Te Mana o te Wai. As part of new TTaranaki Regional Council consent cconditions, if rivers where we take water from drop to a certain level, w wee must introduce water restrictions. Checcking your water meter is one of thee best things you can do to see how efficient you are being with your water use, or whether there are any leaks on farm. Generally, there should be little water use in the middle of the night. By reading your meters in the evening and checking it again first thing in the morning, the difference in the readings could be due to water leak(s). See the example pictured to the right. For instance overflowing stock water troughs lose a lot of water and so do leaks from water pipes. If not repaired promptly, leaks will also add significantly to

water bills – which consumers are liable for. Water resources in our rural water schemes are always in high demand during the peak season. The water supply is limited and it is important that all users do what they can to manage their water use efficiently to ensure there is enough water to go around. One of the easiest things to do is to check your meter and check for leaks. You know your property best; some obvious checks include: • Is there a tank filling overnight? • Is there a ballcock set too high in a trough causing constant overflow? • Is there water flowing through the milk pre-cooler? • Undertaking a simple meter reading overnight could save a lot of time, money and save impacts on the environment.

District-wide Partial Water Restrictions now in place - irrigation systems are banned until further notice

Check troughs regularly An important preventative measure for leaks is having a maintenance system for water troughs that staff know. • Use time bringing in the cows to look out for anything on the farm that might need attention, such as overflowing or empty water troughs. • Tilting troughs slightly toward the race will make it easier to spot water loss on the drive by. • Carrying spare parts and tools on the farm bike allows for the immediate repair of simple problems. • Schedule in regular trough maintenance. Include replacing troublesome ballcocks and checking balls, strings, arms and pins. Have a system to record and sign off these checks.

Are you prepared for an emergency? Are your animals? If an emergency happened today, do you have a plan in place to save yourself, your family, and your animals? Learn how to prepare to ensure the welfare of your animals during a disaster, such as a drought or ﬁre. The Ministry for Primary Industries has a lot of information available on its website at www.mpi. govt.nz/animal/animal-welfare with brochures, guidesheets and checklists for every type of emergency.

The easiest way to stay up-to-date The fastest and easiest way of hearing about water restrictions, or any other Council news, is by downloading the free mobile app, Antenno. Antenno sends you alerts and notiﬁcations about places and topics that you care about. it doesn’t ask for any personal information or log in details, so it’s a nice and easy way to stay informed. There are two ways you can use Antenno; to recieve www.southtaranaki.com

notiﬁcations from Council about the places you have marked as important to you, or by reporting back to Council on issues that need sorting or feedback for us. Other ways to stay up--to-date are by: • liking and following our Facebook page. Simply log in to www.facebook.com and search for ‘South Taranaki District Council’. • Heading to our website www.southtaranaki.com

Call us 24/7 on 0800 111 323