Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, January 2021 by Integrity Community Media

January 2021 Edition

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JANUARY 2021

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

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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 General Manager: Deb Wright | deb.wright@integrity.nz | 021 639 696 Editorial: Ann van Engelen, Denise Gunn Advertising: Braxton Epere 027 525 8217 Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz Distribution: Laurie Willetts Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

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ACROSS TARANAKI

Red meat sector launches new strategy New Zealand’s red meat sector has launched a new strategy designed to identify and unlock market opportunities along with improving the sector’s sustainability, productivity and prosperity. The strategy, a collaboration between Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and the Meat Industry Association (MIA), sets four key goals for the sector to achieve by 2030: • Sustainably profitable: lift innovation, performance and productivity • Premium value: build a platform to create and capture value • Vibrant communities: provide economic growth and employment • Trust guardians: guardianship of reputation, animals, water and land The blueprint, which builds on the first Red Meat Strategy adopted in 2011, was unveiled at a recent joint B+LNZ — MIA function in Wellington. “Our vision is to grow sustainable value together, and we are committed to doing the right thing by our people, animals and environment,” said Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairman Andrew Morrison. “This strategy establishes the critical priorities that B+LNZ and MIA will work on together with industry partners, linking the whole value chain from farm to fork. “We have set our sights on greater profitability, sustainability and resilience. We are seeking increased value for our customers and consumers and greater social and economic benefits for Aotearoa. Enhanced integrity, trust and reputation will help achieve our goals.” Since the first Red Meat Sector Strategy was adopted, co-operation has continued to grow and expand into new areas, fostering a strong collaborative spirit in the sector, said Mr Morrison. “By partnering across the supply chain on the most important challenges and opportunities for the red meat sector, we have been able to create value for all sector participants, as well as our country, communities and consumers.” Meat Industry Association chairman John Loughlin said the strategy captures the significant work the sector is already

Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairman Andrew Morrison

engaged in and the opportunities that will build the sector’s future. “This strategy outlines three key priorities for the sector based around market position, innovation, sustainability. “By establishing clear goals and priorities, the strategy provides a platform for partnerships of shared aspiration, especially with Maori, the dairy sector, other primary sector leaders and the New Zealand Government.” Mr Loughlin said our people and businesses are integral to New Zealand’s communities and economy. “We are proud of what we do and our contribution to the wellbeing and prosperity of our country, and we’ll keep working hard to constantly improve. “From where we sit today, New Zealand and the world face enormous uncertainty as a result of geopolitical trends and the Covid-19 pandemic, including its flow-on effects. As attention turns to recovery, our sector will provide an engine for New Zealand’s economy and will continue to be integral to achieving our long-term prosperity and wellbeing as a nation.”

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JANUARY 2021

Top spot for Taranaki teenager

A Taranaki teenager has been recognised for his cattle handling skills, ability with a pair of clippers and all-round talent, at a competitive dairy cattle event in Southland. Neko McDonald, 16, was awarded the Paramount Cup at the National All Dairy Breeds Youth Camp in Wyndham, Southland. The award recognises the top-performing Holstein Friesian New Zealand youth member at the camp. The four-day event, which ran from January 8–11, attracted 18 participants from across New Zealand. Each participant was given their own heifer calves to look after for the duration of the camp to feed, groom, teach to lead on a halter and get show-ring ready. Neko, who is in year 11 at Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth, said the highlight of the event was being able to meet like-minded young people and seeing what can be achieved with stock in a short period of time. “It was quite amazing. You get the heifers on the first day, and they are towing you around and can’t lead, and then to see where you get them at the end of the camp is quite amazing.” Neko lives on a drystock property but developed a passion for breeding and showing dairy cows. He learned a lot over the four-day camp. “I’m not the biggest fan of clipping, but I’m slowly getting better. I also liked learning more about leading and being shown how to lead properly. It really made sense once you saw it.”

Pay attention! Taranaki teenager Neko McDonald took top spot at a dairy youth camp in Southland

In the future, Neko would like to have his own stud and eventually his own business as a stock agent. Other awards given at the camp included the Dennis Terry Memorial Trophy which, went to Dylan Beardmore, and the Best Presented Heifer Trophy won by Brad Seager. Brad was also the winner of the 2020 Holstein Friesian Black and White Youth Photo competition with his heifer Westell Alcove Lacey. It was Dylan’s second time at the camp, and he won the trophy for

most improved clipping. The 17-yearold is currently working on his parent’s dairy Taranaki farm where they milk 600 Holstein Friesians and a second herd of 300 crossbred cows. He is also studying through Primary ITO. “It was nice to win the award for the clipping. There is an art to it, and it takes time and practice to perfect it. I’m not perfect yet, but I try.”

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Vet graduates bond to Taranaki By Denise Gunn

Three recently-placed veterinarians to Taranaki are part of the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) Voluntary Bonding Scheme for Veterinarians.

he scheme, which began 11 years ago, aims to help ease the shortage of veterinarians working with production animals in the regions. MPI director investment programmes Steve Penno said the scheme had made a huge difference in attracting graduate vets to rural areas that are traditionally challenging to staff. “The graduate vets will be working with production animals, such as cows, sheep and working dogs, which are essential in our primary industries,” says Mr Penno. Veterinarian James Otto has taken up a position with the Taranaki Vet Centre in Manaia, working mostly with dairy cows and occasionally some small animal work. Although raised in Howick, East Auckland, James’s father’s side of his family are from south Taranaki. James always liked animals and after

volunteering at a veterinary clinic in his Year Nine year of school, he saw firsthand what was involved and thought it might be a fun career. In his second year of vet school, James was able to experience caring for more unusual animals during a placement at Hamilton Zoo. He has also experienced the aftermath of cows killed by a lightning strike. “The lightning strike killed five animals, and there was one, which I had to treat, that had been burned badly. You could see the strike all along the tree where the lightning had hit, and it looked like it had given the rest of the cows a massive scare.” During James’s fourth year of vet training, a placement gave him experience during calving. “I loved it so much. I knew I wanted to come back and do more.” James appreciates the value of the vet bonding

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scheme. “I think the vet bonding scheme is super important when it comes to both enticing young people to move to remote areas for work, as well as helping us get a bit of the debt off our shoulders.

“A vet can rack up close to $100,000 in student loans.” Callum Taylor is now part of the veterinary team for Coastal Vets in the Kaponga clinic. “My workload is predominately dairy production but I do

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James Otto has cared for some unusual animals in the past and is now working for the Taranaki Vet Centre in Manaia

have a handful of small animal consults and a few routine surgeries each week.” He’s already experienced an unusual calving. “During this spring, I calved a cow, which came out two-headed. Unfortunately, it was not alive. I’ve also been a part of a few interesting gut surgeries in cows, which involved either torsions or displacements.” Callum is enjoying getting out into the field and applying his five years of study and knowledge. His special interests in vet science include herd health, mastitis and bovine surgery. Raised on a 25-acre

farm near Omata, Callum always wanted to become a vet. He said growing up on the farm influenced his decision, giving him experience with goats, cattle and sheep. Relief milking though his high school years fuelled his passion to work in the dairy industry. Callum said the vet bonding scheme is going to be a huge help paying off his student loan. “It’s great that the scheme encourages new veterinary graduates back into rural communities.” Science was Sophie Smith’s favourite subject at school, and she knew working

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Sophie Smith has settled into full-time work at the Taranaki Vet Centre in Stratford

with animals would form her career choice. “So really, I just combined the two and applied for vet.” Growing up on a lifestyle block gave Sophie experience with a variety of farm animals. She also competed in showjumping and eventing. Now settled into full-time work for the Taranaki Vet Centre in Stratford, Sophie said the first year is a little daunting. “I’m very lucky to be part of a caring and fun team who have taught me the life skills of being a vet — something you can’t get from a textbook. As I work

predominantly with production animals, the type of vet work that we do changes every few months.” Sophie heard about the vet bonding scheme through the Massey University School of Veterinary Science. “It encouraged me to apply for jobs that were in rural areas that I may not have considered or even been to before.” This year’s successful recipients will receive funding of $55,000 for five years. “MPI is delighted to support the vital role vets play in our regions,” said Mr Penno.

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SINCE THE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF ITS MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE, SURFING FOR FARMERS, A GROWING GROUP OF TARANAKI FARMERS HAVE TAKEN TIME OFF THE FARM TO HIT THE SURF.

icking off in Gisborne in 2018, Surfing for Farmers has since spread to many coastal regions around New Zealand. Founder Stephen Thomson was born and raised on his parents’ farm in the Poverty Bay region. While working as a local agribusiness consultant for more than a decade, he came across farmers under pressure and understood the stress placed on them in their work environment. Now employed as a rural real estate agent in Gisborne, Stephen established Surfing for Farmers to encourage farmers to get off the farm

for a couple of hours each week, to learn a new sport and have fun. In conjunction with the Gisborne Boardriders Club, Stephen sourced coaches, surfboards, wetsuits and sponsorship to offer surf lessons to farmers. Along with the exercise and fresh air, participants rub shoulders with others in rural communities. When New Plymouth Surfriders Club president Mark Dwyer noticed how successful Surfing for Farmers was in Gisborne, he thought it was a fantastic initiative.

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FARMERS AND SURFING COACHES GATHER FOR A SESSION IN THE SURF “The aim is to get farmers away from the farm and do something different for a short time each week, to forget about the farm, and get some healthy exercise. The club tries to support community projects.” Despite 90km winds, 18 participants of all ages turned up to learn how to surf at the first session held at Fitzroy

Beach last December. “We are averaging between 18 to 20 people so far and expect more when the weather comes right,” said Mark. “They all love it, and there are big smiles when heading back to the club.” Sessions are held every Tuesday evening from 5.30pm until around 7.30pm during the summer.

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FARMERS RECEIVE SURFING COACHING AT FITZROY BEACH “We hold sessions in all conditions unless it’s too dangerous.” Several qualified coaches as well at the New Plymouth Boys’ High School surf team and the club’s junior surfers are on hand to give free lessons. The club provides boards and wetsuits. “All they need to bring is a towel and a smile,” said Mark. Usually, an hour is spent in the water each session, followed by a barbecue and drinks on the club’s deck with time to socialise and catch up with others. Sponsorship covers the costs. In November, Stephen was recognised for his efforts getting Surfing for Farmers off the ground, picking up a

community service award at the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand Awards for Excellence. Two young women, Ashlee Paulsen and Minna Wilson are also helping out. They took on a fundraising venture, biking the length of New Zealand to raise funds towards Surfing for Farmers. All funds raised assist in buying surfboards for rural communities without access to board hire. Following a break for the Christmas and New Year period, Surfing for Farmers will start back in mid-January around New Zealand. Sixteen regions, in both the North and South Islands, are now involved.

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During summer, the national goal is to reach close to 3,000 farmers. Farmers, their families and staff who are keen to participate in the Taranaki sessions will need to call Mark on 021 528 263 to register before attending. “Come on down and check it out,” said Mark.

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Encouraging youth careers

The importance of primary industries has been recognised with a new sector to be included in the 2021 Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games to help young people into rural careers. The Rural Games will now include Westpac Agri Futures in association with Property Brokers. This is to be held on Friday, March 12 in Palmerston North. “Agri Futures is all about encouraging the next generation into agriculture sector careers,” said Westpac New Zealand general manager Institutional and Business Banking, Simon Power. “The demand for staff across rural New Zealand has only grown since Covid-19, and Westpac understands the need to support efforts to encourage more Kiwis to enter the rural workforce. “There is a wide breadth of career opportunities available right now. From dairy, horticulture, fencing, shepherding and shearing, through to arboriculture, apiculture, finance, science and increasingly Agri-tech, which is particularly strong in the Manawatu.” Property Brokers chairman Tim Mordaunt said the rural economy is

more buoyant now than it has been in decades. “For those wanting to experience the ultimate Kiwi outdoor lifestyle, a career in the rural sector is unbeatable.” New Zealand Rural Games Trust chair, Margaret Kouvelis MNZM, said Westpac Agri Futures would have a heavy focus on industry bodies and those institutions that specialise in preparing youth for rural careers. In recent decades there has been a strong focus on careers in cities, and this has been to the detriment of rural New Zealand. It is time we brought some balance to the conversation, so young people understand the well-paid opportunities that are there right now.” Westpac Agri Futures will run from 9am to 1pm on March 12 2021 in The Square, Palmerston North. The event runs alongside the Allflex Clash of the Colleges in association with

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Inspire Net and Talent Central. Teams from 15 secondary schools across the mid and lower North Island compete in rural tasks to take home bragging rights in the juniors’ and seniors’ sections. Alongside that is the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Ladies and Rookie Championships and the Rural Golf Challenge. That night is the Norwood New Zealand Rural Sports Awards, and on the Saturday and Sunday is the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games.

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The Westpac Agri Futures Day will host companies including Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Dairy NZ, Fencing Contractors New Zealand, HortNZ, New Zealand Arboriculture Association, New Zealand Shearing Association and Southern North Island Forestry Association. Educational institutes include ACG Training, Southern Institute of Technology, Talent Central, UCOL and Vertical HorizoNZ. To register an exhibit site email info@ruralgames.co.nz.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Dairy award nominations open

Nominations to a national award that flushes out dairy farmers who demonstrate innovation and passion in their approach to sustainable dairying are open until March 20. The Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award was introduced by the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. The awards are to recognise those dairy farmers who are respected by their farming peers and their community for their attitude and role in sustainable dairying. The 2021 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award farmer could come from any of New Zealand’s milk suppliers and any farmer or farming partnership that demonstrates a high calibre of performance and leadership in the areas of responsible and sustainable care of people, animals, ecosystems and communities. “We have excellent, experienced dairy farmers creating and working on wonderful projects that have a positive effect on the environment. We want to hear about the people who are farming responsibly, both environmentally and socially, and showcasing excellence on a daily basis. “This is a chance for people to nominate their neighbour, their employer or someone in their community. This award gives us the opportunity to recognise farmers that have progressed to ownership, demonstrate leadership in their farming practices and are a role model for our younger farmers coming through. The 11 regions are buzzing with 366 entries received for the 2021 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards programme, achieving more entries than last year and notably more Share Farmer of the Year entries, which are traditionally harder to come by. “Waikato came out on top with 66 entries across all three categories, then Canterbury/North Otago with 54 entries, followed by Southland/Otago achieving 39 entries. Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa farmers Nick and Nicky Dawson won

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closing March 20. Three finalists will be selected and interviewed by a panel of judges at the National Final to be held in Hamilton next year with the winner announced at the awards dinner on May 15 2021.

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JANUARY 2021

Training detector dogs to sniff out the highly infectious bacterial disease American Foulbrood (AFB) in beehives could save New Zealand’s beekeeping industry several million dollars a year. The Ministry for Primary Industries is contributing $50,000 through Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures towards the one-year, $95,000 project. The project aims to develop a scientific methodology for training detection dogs to reliably detect AFB by creating a ‘scent picture’ of the disease. It is led by DownUnder Honey, in partnership with Pete Gifford from K9 Search Medical Detection Training Centre and Massey University researchers. “A big part of the project is trying to come up with a pure form of the disease that can be grown in the lab, with no possibility of other scents in the mix,” says Jason Prior, owner of DownUnder Honey. “This will be introduced to the dogs through a clinically sterile environment. It is not the first time dogs have been used to detect AFB, but previous methods have led to inconclusive results in the field. “When bees have AFB they often have other diseases. Previously dogs were trained on infected colonies without isolating the target scent. This project aims to overcome this issue and produce more reliable detection dogs. The new training will focus on detecting actual AFB spores and other relevant AFB bacteria that have come directly from a laboratory.”

Overseas, AFB has been managed through the use of antibiotics, but the disease has developed resistance over time. New Zealand has always treated the disease through destruction of hives and hive equipment, which has a significant cost to industry. New Zealand’s apiculture industry currently pays more than $2 million in annual levies for beehive inspections. “There are almost a million beehives registered in New Zealand, but we are only physically inspecting around 4,000 hives a year. Unless we get some new tools like dogs to rapidly find the disease, it gets more and more expensive to find that last five per cent of the disease out there.” The industry’s ultimate goal is to eradicate AFB, which would be a world first. Dogs can inspect an apiary of 20 hives within two minutes, whereas an inspector could take at least 90 minutes. Dogs can also be used to inspect stored equipment, allowing other sources of infection to be identified and destroyed. MPI Director Investment Programmes, Steve Penno, says this project could be a gamechanger for New Zealand’s apiculture industry. “Being able to detect the disease early would reduce lost production and the need to destroy hives. If successful, we would be the first country in the world

The project is also supported by the Southern North Island Beekeeping Group and the Honey Industry Trust, which have contributed funding and will help with fieldwork.

to use dogs to detect AFB. The detector dogs could be commercially available to farmers as a service.” The project is also supported by the Southern North Island Beekeeping Group and the Honey Industry Trust, which have contributed funding and will help with fieldwork.

Avoid Drink Driving

BE THE SOBER D FOR A NIGHT 1

Cadwallader Industries Ltd

SERVICES

• Plasterboard Stopping • Cornice Installation

027 777 5625 449 Normanby Rd, RD11, Hawera 4671

Mark Cadwallader 027 481 8132 • 06 278 5748 plasteringplus@gmail.com

Office/Fax: 06 272 6564 Email: johnny@johnnyneilbuilding.co.nz

“Outstanding in the field” A IN &

SEED DRESSI

ID G E CRSEEDS

QUA LITY PASTURE SEED

We have various mixtures to suit pasture requirements but can also prescribe exactly what you order.

Here at Lloyd Gernhoefer Contractor Ltd

Seed can be treated at an extra cost if required if you feel there is damage control needed for bug protection or fungal diseases. We have advised, delivered seed mixes and established many fine looking pastures throughout the years and are happy to work with you to have a paddock that the neighbours over the fence will want to know where the seed came from.

Call Lloyd now on 027 446 0443

Higher priority customer service • Seed delivered nationwide Contact Nick 022 083 3579 or Julie 027 324 4431 or 0800 4 Seeds Website: www.cridgeseeds.co.nz

We offer you a wide range of Agricultural Services including Harvesting and Cultivation

for your Seasonal Requirements

Cridge Seeds Ltd

JANUARY 2021

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

CHECK BEFORE YOU LIGHT!

Director elections underway

Director elections will be held for Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Northern North Island and Northern South Island electoral districts after two nominations were received in each district.

Custom Timber Joinery No job too big or small Farmers Drug Unit

Our range of custom products and services includes:

• Timber Joinery • Kitchens • Stairs • Caskets • Re-glazing • Cabinet Making Servicing the Taranaki Region.

Eltham Building Supplies Ltd Let’s Get Started Call Now: 06 764 8616

136 High St, Eltham eltham.bs@gmail.com www.elthambuildingsuppliers.co.nz

Gray Baldwin of Putaruru and Martin Coup of Aria will stand in Northern North Island. Martin is the incumbent director for the district and is standing for re-election. Kate Acland of Ashburton and Phil Smith of Culverden will stand in Northern South Island. Phil is the incumbent

Happy New Year to all of our customers!

director for the district and is standing for re-election. Candidate profiles and voting papers will be posted early February 2021 along with the annual meeting documents, and elections will be conducted by postal and internet voting. The final voting day will be March 12. To be eligible to vote, a livestock farmer must, on June 30 2020, have owned at least 250 sheep, 50 beef

06 278 4756 | 309 South Road, Hawera baileymotorcycles@xtra.co.nz | baileymcparts@xtra.co.nz facebook.com/baileymotorcycles

cattle or 100 dairy cattle. Candidate profiles are available on the Beef + Lamb NZ website. Livestock farmers who meet the criteria in either the Northern North Island electorate or Northern South Island electorate are encouraged to contact B+LNZ on 0800 233 352 to check if they are on the electoral roll. The electoral roll closed on Friday, January 15 2021. An election helpline for any questions and further information is available on 0800 666 046 — or you can email iro@electionz.com.

Yamaha Sales and Service 2

Woodward’s FIREWOOD

Animal Bedding For Stand Off Pads Calf and Goat Sheds Wintering Barns

— Untreated ground up waste wood — — Raw material stockpiled then ground to order — — Pick up or delivered to your farm — — 10m³ truck loads — 65m³ truck loads —

06 755 2047

124 De Havilland Drive, Bell Block • office@woodwardsfirewood.co.nz

www.woodwardsfirewood.co.nz

• Houses • Alterations • Bathrooms • Decks • Fences • Roofing • Kitchens • Concrete • Cowsheds And All Farm Buildings • 40 Years Building Experience

Ph/Fax: 06 752 4044 Mobile: 027 444 8106 E: barronz@xtra.co.nz

GORSE, BLACKBERRY, RAGWORT & THISTLES

For all your gun spraying needs TARANAKI WIDE Call Simon on 027 450 8320 REGISTERED CHEMICAL APPLICATOR

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Silver lining on wheels

JANUARY 2021

by Andy Bryenton

The year 2020 may go down in history as one of the low points, alongside honourable mentions such as 1666 and 1918, but thanks to the relentless momentum and timescale of the auto industry, it was a good year for cars.

Renovation & Alterations New house builds Decks & fences

Mercedes EQC — the all-electric sports utility, which took out the top spot in New Zealand’s 2020 Car of the Year awards

gadget-laden flagship sports utility for the urban cruise rather than military manoeuvres. The price at the pump is totally negated, with two asynchronous electric motors replacing the traditional cylinders and pistons. The range is a handy 354 kilometres according to the United State’s EPA rating, though this traditionally grades lower than Kiwi road tests. That puts the EQC out of the shadow of range anxiety for most local users. Even the $142,900 price tag seems reasonable when weighed against the other heavy

FOR ALL YOUR AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTING NEEDS DOWN ON THE FARM.

W& N HAY, STRA NEW SEASO DAY! TO ER D ILABLE. OR A V A E G LA SI

hitters of the Mercedes range. With the world going electric, the stylishly appointed Benz was a clever choice for the car of the year. Still, most motorists will be focussed on what derives from its technology, as we collectively wait for EVs to rival oldfashioned internal combustion on initial investment cost.

Timo Tutavaha ttutavaha@gmail.com

027 308 3894 1

Do you comply with new cooling regulations?

YOU CAN!!!

with

• Motorbike Seats • Custom made seat covers • All marine work • Milk Shed Bird Screens • Tonneau covers • Canvas work • Rollup Deck Curtains

THE

Most new cars have a gestation spanning years of research, development and crash tests before they see the showroom. That’s why some models linger on with facelift after facelift until they can be wheeled right from the forecourt to a motor museum. A little something like a global viral outbreak did little to slow down the release of new models touting the latest technology. Neither did it slow down sales, which have been relatively buoyant in New Zealand. When it comes to the best of 2020, then, what was the top of the tree? It’s an offering from serial car of the year winners Mercedes Benz, that memorably pipped everyone else for the very first car of the year in 1886, by inventing the car before everyone else. This time, it’s their all-electric SUV, the EQC, which has beaten an admittedly much more challenging field to take top honours. The EQC, which is the subject of a current, somewhat confusing television ad campaign that also features the 1886 Benz-autowagen, is a huge departure for the company that created diesel and boasts several of the 20th century’s greatest cars and petrol engines in its gallery of hits. Contrast the EQC with the venerable, still-trendy G-Wagen, and you’ll find no 5.5-litre V8 fettled by the boys at AMG. The key words used by Mercedes about the EQC are ‘near-silent’, ‘practical’ and ‘refined’, as befits a smooth and

FREE QUOTES

Cliff Steffensen www.kalincontracting.co.nz

027 384 4822

Phone 06 272 8115 021 353 742 cliffsteffensen@yahoo.com 1 9 Wa l l s c o u r t P l a c e , Normanby

• Entrance Gates • Fencing • Post and Rail • Paling Fencing • Electric Wire / Wire and Batton • Wildlife Pest Control 027 549 5530 • www.stonebrookelandscaping.co.nz phill.brooke@stonebrookelandscaping.co.nz

• All your pre-cooling issues solved with one solution • Pre-cooling made simple • Fits your existing chiller unit (no extra load on your power supply) • Maintenance free • One size fits all

Sinclair

Electrical & Refrigeration Ltd

• Utilises cheap night rate electricity • Extremely cost effective • Guaranteed to comply • So simple but it works • Locally made in Taranaki • Installed & serviced by the manufacturer

Ph 761 8084

sinclairelect@xtra.co.nz Okato 752 4084 | Stratford 765 4499 Hawera 274 8084

JANUARY 2021

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Polaris and Zero join forces

JANUARY 2021

by Andy Bryenton

Polaris, makers of the popular Ranger, RZR, General and Sportsman off-road vehicles, has partnered up with electric powertrain innovators Zero Motorcycles, adding an injection of Silicon Valley technology to its business model. Polaris says that this 10-year partnership in off-road vehicles and snowmobiles is a cornerstone component of ‘rEV’d up’, its long-term strategy to position the company as the leader in off-road electric vehicles. While Tesla, the big name in on-road electric cars, is flying high with wild stock prices and rumours that they may buy out one of the big four automakers entirely, Polaris seems to be on track to replicate this feat for the world of off-roaders. “Thanks to advancements in power, pricing and performance over the last several years, and with customer interest surging, now is the right time for Polaris, with Zero Motorcycles as a key strategic partner, to aggressively accelerate our position in the development of off-road electric vehicles,” said Scott Wine, chairman and CEO of Polaris. Wine is not fooling around; models developed jointly by the two firms will see the light of day by the end of this year, and an EV version of every Polaris product, from the Baja desert-beating RZR to the snow, by 2025. “Zero Motorcycles’ mastery of the electric powertrain for powersports is unmatched in the market. We believe this transformative partnership will enable us to leapfrog technological hurdles around range and cost while providing a tremendous speed-tomarket advantage. Leveraging the strengths of our teams, Polaris and Zero will collaborate to shape the future of powersports.” Zero Motorcycles CEO Sam Paschel is equally enthusiastic about combining his firm’s tech know-how with the manufacturing might of Polaris and its global reach. With Polaris’ scale and broad product line-up, this strategic partnership will be the largest in Zero Motorcycles’ history. Under this 10year exclusive agreement, Polaris will develop, manufacture and sell electrified ORVs and snowmobiles using Zero’s powertrain technology, hardware and software.

Polaris and Zero Motorcycles have joined forces to storm the off-road world, promising exciting new electric vehicles on sand, dirt, mud and snow

From the local perspective Alan Collins, Polaris managing director Australia and New Zealand, said: “This news is very exciting for our part of the world. “Our sales of the Ranger EV have grown year-on-year substantially proving the desire from our customers for this type of product.”

NEWLAN REFRIGERATION & ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD

100 IT’S NOT A TARGET

ALL DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL JOINERY

• Kitchens • Stairways • Vanities • Lounge Units • Bench Tops • And more

67 BREAKWATER RD UP NORMA’S WAY • NEW PLYMOUTH PH: (06) 751 5065 • FAX (06) 751 5085 • WWW.NEWTONGORDGE.CO.NZ

We specialise in commercial and industrial refrigeration, air conditioning and electrical, both installation maintenance and service work. 20 Oropuriri Rd New Plymouth P: 06 755 4850 | F: 06 755 4852 24 Hours Service | W: newlan.co.nz

JANUARY 2021

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

10+ REASONS TO BUY YOUR NEW CAN-AM FROM THE

LOCAL!

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Taranaki owned and operated More than 20 years in the powersports business Can-Am and Sea-Doo specialist dealership Manufacturer certified Platinum Dealer “best of the best” Friendly and knowledgeable staff Well-stocked retail showroom Fully equipped workshop Qualified and experienced service technicians Extensive stock of spare parts and accessories No-obligation 3-day ATV and SSV demos* Farmlands discount available on all ATV and SSV models* FREE pickup and delivery for ATV and SSV servicing* Loan bikes available* *Conditions apply

337 Broadway, Stratford 06 765 6942 or 021 478 558 www.canamtaranaki.co.nz ®

WE’RE BUILT FOR THIS.

© 2020 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved.®, TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates. Make sure that all laws and regulations are respected. Ride responsibly. *Terms and conditions apply. Full details can be found at nz.brp.com/off-road/promotions. Offer available at participating BRP approved Can-Am dealerships only.