Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, June 2023

The Taranaki Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned NZ company.

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Here’s to those in boots and utes

by Barbara Kuriger,

If we are going to have an economy that makes and grows things, then we need to use our resources wisely.

Everything we have is grazed on the land, grown in the soil and extracted from underneath. That includes mining. The general exception is fish.

In 2017, Labour announced it would ban all mining on Conservation land.

New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals has granted 52 prospecting permits, 78 exploration permits, 81 mining permits and one for special mining permits.*

There are huge possibilities to make the most of our natural resources, utilising the many hectares of stewardship land with little to no conservation value.

Given we are going to rebuild roads, bridges to get our country and economy back on track, then we need to utilise our natural resources right now.

I believe we can do that, in harmony with nature.

Meanwhile, the government’s interest in conservation, seemed to have waned. There was nothing extra in Budget 2023 for the conservation efforts by our longterm land stewards.

The pest and predator-free groups, forest and bird protectors, conservation organisations, as well as farmers do jobs for nature every day. They are the ones in boots, driving utes.

Many farmers have land under Queen Elizabeth II Trust covenants (in perpetuity), are involved in restoring biodiversity, look after thousands of Significant Natural Areas (SNAs), and have developed or are developing their own wetlands.

All off their own bat and largely out of their own pockets.

• Source: Straterra newsletter, Mined Our Business — Straterra is NZ’s mining industry association

Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country

MP for Taranaki-King Country

Varroa mite on the rise

by Denise Gunn

The Varroa destructor mite has caused an estimated 6.4% loss of bee colonies, according to a recent Landcare Research survey.

These small parasites live on honey bees, feeding and reproducing on larvae, which can spread viruses, cause malformation and shorten bees’ lifespans, eventually destroying colonies. The mite first appeared in New Zealand in the early 2000s, and since then, more bees have been affected.

Varroa was first noticed as the leading cause of bee losses at a rate of 5.3% in 2021. With the destructive effects of Varroa mite on the rise, the annual survey attributed nearly half of all colony losses to the mite and related complications during last year’s winter.

Regional loss rates during the 2021 winter showed considerable variation. Losses over the following winter hovered near the national average, ranging from 11.5% in the middle of the South Island to 15.5% in the upper North Island and lower South Island.

Efforts to slow down the spread of Varroa for the past 23 years proved successful, in part by ensuring only effective treatments had Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicine (ACVM) approval for use. However, Varroa is now endemic and appears to be gathering momentum. Failing to treat is fatal.

Taranaki Beekeepers Club member Francis Proffit said Varroa has always been a problem in the region.

“However, this year, it seems to be a heavier infestation as the lack of summer flowers has seen bees visiting neighbouring hives that have been treated too late. In a recent exotic survey I undertook in New Plymouth, I estimated that up to half of the hives could die unless they were retreated.”

The Landcare Research survey found Varroa management rates have markedly improved. Beekeepers who reported not treating for Varroa at all in the 2021–2022 season dropped to 1.5%, compared with 4.4% the previous year.

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hives. These strips are highly toxic for mites yet totally safe for honey, beeswax, brood and queen. No residue is left in hive products, and the hive will remain healthy. Eventually, the mites are unable to cling to their bee hosts and fall to the bottom of the hive.

Frank recommends the use of commercial strips as treatment for the Varroa mite, alternating different brands.

“A lot of beekeepers have been using organic methods; however, I have heard of major losses as a result.”

The dose and timing of treatment are also important, with spring and autumn generally the best seasons to do this. Animal and Plant Health NZ and its members, are committed to supporting the New Zealand bee population by providing effective treatment for Varroa and continuing to support bestpractice farming.

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Bee with Varroa riding on its thorax

LIVESTOCK

A rural background is proving helpful as Young Farmer member Eliza Reid prepares to compete in the stock judging section at the national grand final.

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s the youngest of seven children growing up in a farming family, Eliza Reid was often out on the farm helping out. Her great-grandparents ran a Jersey stud in Greytown under the prefix Pahuri. Eliza’s grandparents and parents also farmed around the North Island.

When the annual school calf club day rolled around, Eliza was a keen participant. This competition was followed by the district group day and the local A&P show.

Since leaving secondary school, Eliza has taken on a variety of jobs and study. Currently, she is the supervisor at the Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park. She said her rural upbringing also comes in handy when the neighbour’s cows break through the park fence.

“I don’t really think I had a chore that I didn’t really enjoy. I guess the one downside was some of the cold and frosty early morning starts.”Joining the Whanganui Young Farmers has kept Eliza’s connection to farming and helped her to meet more likeminded people.

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“My main role in our club is organising our social media content, although I help out any way I can, as well as supporting the other members in their roles.

“It’s great to see everyone get together with our fundraising efforts, from bake sales to haystacks and even our successful bottle cap quiz night.”

The 22-year-old recently placed third in the stock judging section of the TaranakiManawatū Young Farmers regional final, earning a place in next month’s grand final.

“I saw the Taranaki-Manawatū regional final as a great opportunity to try something new. Before the event, I did do some online research on what stock judging would involve. So I wasn’t entirely out of my depth.”

Eliza Reid will represent the Taranaki/Manawatū wider region in the stock judging at the 2023 Young Farmer Grand Final

Contestants judged sheep, dairy cattle and horses in three separate classes. In each class, stock were ranked, and competitors explained their rankings to the judge.

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“During the stock judging competition itself, I just made sure I was confident in the rankings I gave the stock and my reasoning for this. We had about 10 minutes to judge the stock before we presented our oral reasoning to the judge.

“The type of attributes varied for each class we were judging as we were looking for different things.”

Eliza explained that in the dairy class she looked for the cow with the most ideal dairy type.

“She needed to have a large capacity to carry calves and a level udder with good attachment. Along with other characteristics that indicated the ability for good dairyness and an overall positive constitution.”

Conformation was taken into consideration while evaluating the horses. “We looked at body proportions, their top line and the angle of the legs in a neutral position.”

Sheep were judged on meat development for market value. “I looked for an even cover of fat along the ribs, the size

of the frame, including length and depth as well as the structural correctness. All were taken into consideration together with the overall health of the sheep, including bright eyes and showing character.”

Contestants were scored individually on their rankings and reasonings. Tallies from each class were combined for an overall score. Listening to judges’ rankings and reasoning was another interesting aspect of the competition.

“It was great to see the differences and similarities in their reasonings compared

to my own while also picking up on other attributes to look out for.

“It was an eye-opening experience, and I really enjoyed being outside my comfort zone. I’m quite chuffed with being able to do it all over again at the grand final.”

Eliza will join numerous other competitors from around New Zealand when she competes in the stock judging during the 2023 Young Farmer Grand Final. Timaru is hosting this year’s event from Thursday, July 6, to Saturday, July 8.

Contestants judged sheep, dairy cattle and horses at the regional final

The top three stock judging place-getters in the regional final

Noteverything is equal.

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FARMING WITH FAMILY

BY DENISE GUNN

Blake said his parents, Hugh and Christine, always had him and his three older brothers involved on the farm, working with bikes, tractors and animals and enjoying the variety offered through farming.

Although Blake considered a career as a diesel mechanic, he thought university looked more appealing. He graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science.

“My first actual job was driving tractors for a local contracting firm and seeing a variety of farms out there.”

Blake’s agricultural science degree led him to a role at Vetcare Grazing, where he was involved with managing dairy replacements.

“Then the opportunity came up to go home, and although I loved my job at Vetcare Grazing, I didn’t know when the opportunity to go home would come up again.”

He is now in his second season working on the Cameron family’s 73ha, 240-cow farm near Hāwera.

“Mum and Dad have basically left me to it. I have played with mating and dry-off dates and saw small improvements in the herd, and the farm, over my first two seasons.

“It has been very rewarding to see, and I look forward to continuing tweaking the farm to suit my management, with the intention to benefit the farm.”

In Blake’s first season, he wanted to feed the cows as much as possible to

push the farm production. This season, he’s held back and looked at the operation from a cost point of view.

“Next season, I will be able to take something from each approach,” he said.

Blake grew up on the family farm

Taranaki Dairy Manager of the Year Blake Cameron’s love of farming began at a young age, growing up on the family farm.

Most of the supplementary feed is brought into the Cameron’s farm. Blake also makes a couple of hundred silage bales on-farm from surplus pasture.

“Maize and grass silage, and concentrates are purchased to give us a system three to four.”

Last season, the predominantly Jersey herd produced 450kgMS each cow and close to 1,500kgMS a hectare.

“This season, I’ll be looking at about 1,400kgMS per hectare. We had a few less cows, and inputs have been substantially lower with the wet summer.”

The 28-year-old attends as many workshops and field days as possible to build on his knowledge. Blake finds farming is full of challenges.

“Having steps in place before the challenges occur helps you manage it. Weather, animal health, pasture

management, feed shortages and surpluses, and fatigue all come at you throughout the season.

“Some mornings, it’s pulling yourself out of bed to go and put on a damp raincoat. Other days, there are animal health issues, or machinery breaks down can completely stuff your day.

“I learnt not to plan too much ahead of myself pretty quickly. As long as the essentials are done — tomorrow is another day.”

He aims to be part of the success in the dairy industry. “Innovation is exciting, so many people want to see dairy do well.

“I enjoy the fact there are so many resources and rural professionals out there who can give advice to help you maximise your approach. Also being able to see on a milk docket each day if

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my management decisions need to be adjusted or not helps.”

Planning a wedding with his fiancée, Hanna Russell is one of Blake’s short-term goals. He aims to continue on a farming progression path into a sharemilking position, too, purchasing land and raising a family to love farming.

“The best advice I got was to stay in school, get a trade or qualification before going farming, and work for someone else before going home to the family farm. I can thank mum and dad for that one.

“I hope I can help the next generation want to be part of the industry as well, by sharing my knowledge and experience as I grow in my career. It’s an industry where it’s hard not to want to be a part of.”

Blake also won the Dairy Trust Taranaki Pasture and Feed Management merit award.

Prior to returning to work on the family farm, Blake was employed by Vetcare Grazing managing dairy replacements

Taranaki Dairy Manager of the Year Blake Cameron

The Cameron family milk 240 cows on their 73ha farm near Hāwera

Blake graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science

Farmall 100 years young

It’s a big year for Case IH’s Farmall tractor, the iconic machine celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023.

While the history of the Farmall is a primary focus this year, Case IH is also highlighting the ongoing evolution of the smallest tractor in the range to meet the demands of customers seeking increased productivity and ef ciency for their businesses. That includes introducing new models to the Farmall range to suit the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Late last year, Case IH Australia/ New Zealand launched the Farmall JXM 55 and 65hp models, increasing the local JXM range to four tractor options.

Seamus McCarthy, Case IH Australia/ New Zealand product manager for midhorsepower and compact tractors, said the decision to bring the JXM Series to Australia and New Zealand in 2018 was based on the needs of the hobby farmer and leisure market. Moreover, the latest lower horsepower additions would only increase the range’s appeal.

“The Farmall JXM has the power and performance Farmall owners have come to expect, but in a very cost-effective package. With the addition of the 55hp and 65hp JXMs, the options are now even greater for those in the market for a low horsepower utility tractor to meet the needs of farmers with smaller landholdings and looking for a reliable, robust machine at a very competitive price point,” Seamus said.

“Since we introduced the JXM Series to our Australia/New Zealand range, it’s been very popular, so we’ve listened to our customers and provided more choice within this segment. There is a

demand for low horsepower models with a bigger frame and more weight, and the 55hp and 65hp JXMs will t this market perfectly.”

Seamus said the JXMs were well suited to a range of farming businesses, whether it be as the hard-working utility tractor in a bigger operation or the goto machine in a smaller farm business.

The Farmall is also the focus of some attractive nance deals in the run-up to the end-of- nancial year, with great offers available across the entire model range, including the Farmall JXM, B, JX, C, JX and U Series.

There are no substitutes when it comes to Grandpas Feeders. If you aren’t satisfied in both the workmanship and the effectiveness, we will refund your purchase price in full, up to 24 months following purchase.

Customers who buy before June 30 can access an additional 12 months warranty, bringing the total warranty coverage to a full three years or 3,000 hours, and interest rates starting at a low 0.9%.

Seamus said the Farmall JXM stood apart from the other Farmall series because it offered value and productivity bene ts across broad

applications but with a more basic operator interface.

“Our JXM Series is de ned by the fact it’s a tractor up to a multitude of jobs in a variety of operations, which it carries out with maximum ef ciency and a minimum of fuss,” he said.

For more information, relating to Case IH’s end-of- nancial deal offers, contact your local Case IH dealership.

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The new Firearms Registry is coming

Register your firearms and help make New Zealand safer.

New Zealand will have a firearms registry from 24 June 2023. If you’re a firearms licence holder, you’ll be required to provide information about your firearms or arms items from this date.

The Registry will help us make New Zealand safer. It will give licence holders more confidence when buying or selling firearms, as the Registry will let you know if you’re

dealing with a current licence holder and if the firearm has been reported stolen.

The Registry is one of the ways we’re strengthening how we manage firearms in New Zealand. With responsible firearms licence holders doing the right thing and filling in the Registry, it will help keep track of legally owned firearms and help prevent their transfer to those who use them for criminal purposes.

You have 5 years until 24 June 2028 to register your firearms. However there are some circumstances where you are required to provide information for the Registry in a shorter time frame. These are referred to in the Arms Amendment Regulations as ‘activating circumstances’. It’s up to you to keep your information up to date. You can find information on these timeframes at: firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/registry

Examples of activating circumstances

Applying for or renewing a licence or endorsement

Notifying us of a change in circumstances, such as a change of address

What needs to be registered

Non-prohibited firearms including Specially Dangerous Airguns (PCPs)

Restricted weapons

Pistols

Loss, theft or destruction of a firearm

Registry goes live on 24 June 2023

You can register your firearms or arms items on our website at any time. Just click on MyFirearms, the private and secure portal that houses the Registry. Otherwise our Registry and Services team will be available by phone to help during business hours.

Scan QRcode for more information

Selling, hiring, purchasing or receiving a firearm

Major parts

Prohibited firearms and magazines

Pistol carbine conversion kits

Importing, exporting or manufacturing a firearm or ammunition

If you’re subject to any compliance or enforcement action under the Arms Act

There will be no charge for registering your firearms.

Details needed to register your firearms

• Type (rifle, shotgun etc)

• Make

• Model

• Action

• Calibre/gauge

• If it has a non-detachable magazine (and, if so, its capacity)

• Identifying marking (serial number)

• A photograph of the firearm (if requested)

Protect your machinery with lanolin

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Do I need extra magnesium?

by John Arts

Magnesium is one of my most frequently prescribed supplements. Before I supplemented with magnesium, I remember getting cramps in my legs and having to get up and jump around the bedroom to unlock seized muscles.

Magnesium is involved in numerous body processes and can help problems in various body systems, especially muscles. I recommend it for cramps, restless legs, PMS, hypertension and heart rhythm problems. I usually recommend that magnesium be taken before bed for maximum impact on muscles, nerves and to help with sleep.

cheaper low-grade ingredients, which are harsh on the digestive tract. The only real downside of magnesium supplements is they can cause temporary diarrhoea. However, this mild laxative effect can be helpful for those that tend towards constipation.

The protection comes from Prolan, an iconic by-product of New Zealand’s sheep industry — Lanolin. Prolan makes natural, environmentally friendly lubricants and corrosion inhibitors which are getting noticed on the other side of the world.

Prolan owners Murray and Julie Shaw now export their product to Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, the UK, Netherlands, Canada and even Guam. Prolan is used for wind turbines and cranes as well as by pump manufacturers and trucking rms.

Prolan NZ Director, Murray Shaw, said the company has an extensive range of products made from lanolin (wool grease,) which is secreted by sheep to protect their eece in harsh conditions. We’ve replicated that action to protect a range of surfaces.

“We spent a lot of money researching how to take the lanolin and blend it with natural products to make industrial lubricants,” says Murray. “I’m so proud of the ground we’ve made in our export markets. We’re well ahead of our competitors. It’s solid progress, and it’s exciting.

“Prolan’s rust treatment more than doubles the life of farm machinery. A quad bike, for example, costs around $20,000 and often only has a life of four to ve years on a dairy farm. Washing and drying that bike and applying a coating of Prolan will prevent the chassis of that bike (or any other farm implement) from developing rust — effectively doubling or tripling its life.”

The Prolan can simply be applied by a compressed air paint system and, once dried to a waxy surface, will withstand water-blasting.

“Where paint hardens and cracks as the implement exes under use, the Prolan coating remains exible, preventing any ingress of moisture,” Murray said.

“It’s so versatile — everyone should have a can. We live in a coastal country, so anyone with a motorhome, a boat, a trailer or a quad bike would bene t from the anti-corrosive properties. Even small jobs like a squeaky door hinge or a sticky shower door are an easy x with Prolan.”

It’s also environmentally friendly — taken from nature to protect nature.

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• Quadbike & vehicle chassis

• Fertiliser loaders & spreaders

• Motorhomes, caravans & buses

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• Machinery & tools

Did you see us at the Mystery Creek ? Fieldays®

I have many clients now largely free of night cramps and restless legs. In stubborn cases, I also add an antioxidant complex or a multimineral complex to help with nighttime circulation and improve muscle function. It is rare that we cannot get improvements with these problems that can disrupt our sleep.

Unfortunately, many magnesium supplements are one a day, making dose experimentation almost impossible. In my experience, the required dosage differs a lot between people with similar problems. Additionally, many supplements use

I prefer to use three different forms of magnesium. I combine bioavailable marine (seaweed) sourced magnesium with amino acid chelated magnesium di-glycinate with magnesium citrate. I deliberately formulated the capsules to have a dosage range. Normally two capsules before bed will suf ce, but short-term doses of four capsules can be used. Please contact me for personalised advice.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv. Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his newsletter at abundant.co.nz.

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small investment to stop rust will lengthen the life of farm machinery like quad bikes, ATVs, trucks, loaders and fertiliser spreaders, just to name a few.

Vehicle chassis coated with Prolan Extreme

Outdoors and active

by Denise Gunn

With the Taranaki region recording the most sunshine hours in New Zealand for the past couple of years, the old adage ‘if you can see the mountain, it’s going to rain and if you can’t see it, it’s already raining’ may no longer apply.

Mount Taranaki is the centrepiece of the region, surrounded by native bush, farmland and ocean, all offering a variety of outdoor activities as diverse as the landscape. Popular with mountaineers, hikers and skiers, the mountain is nestled within Egmont National Park. An abundance of scenic walks on and around the mountain vary in required skills and fitness levels.

Surf Highway 45 hugs the coastline between New Plymouth and Hāwera and views the mountain throughout the entire trip. Surfers know where to find the best surf breaks along this route as they carry their surfboards across farmland to the sea.

To the east, the Forgotten World Highway winds its way through the hill country back blocks of Taranaki, between Stratford and Taumarunui. The 155km long heritage trail passes through Whangamōmona. Since the village’s declaration as a republic in 1989,

Whangamōmona has held a Republic Day celebration every two years, attracting thousands of visitors.

The Forgotten World Highway climbs over four saddles and navigates several one-way historic tunnels. Mount Damper Falls, the North Island’s second-highest waterfall, can be viewed in this area.

Covering 52ha in New Plymouth, Pukekura Park is one of New Zealand’s premier botanical gardens. The park is also listed as a Garden of Significance by the New Zealand Garden Trust. Landscaped areas, formal gardens, children’s playgrounds and a sports area are linked through paths meandering through the park.

As a popular outdoor venue for events and sports, Pukekura Park hosts regular events, including the Taranaki Garden Spectacular from late October to early November, the Festival of Lights during summer, and the World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) in mid-March.

Walking or cycling along the Coastal Walkway is a popular pastime among residents and visitors. This award-winning path covers 13.2km along the sea-edge promenade from Pioneer Park at Port Taranaki to Bell Block Beach. Many points of interest, including the Wind Wand and the much-photographed Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, are found along this route.

The view from the top of Paritutu Rock, near New Plymouth’s port, rewards climbers with an expansive 360-degree view from the 156m summit, taking in Mount Taranaki, the coastline and the city.

From the mountain to the sea, Taranaki offers activities for all ages and abilities, all-year-round.

Mountain biking at Lake Mangamahoe

So much to see and do

by Denise Gunn

A selection of museums, art trails, events, food and fun is bound to delight all those travelling around Taranaki.

Americana cruises into the region in February each year with a range of vehicles travelling in convoy, celebrating American car and motorcycle culture. This four-day event brings people together to present their polished vehicles as they visit different towns throughout Taranaki.

Step back in history with a visit to the award-winning Tawhiti Museum near Hāwera. Artist Nigel Ogle has created life-size and miniature models, dioramas and collections to illustrate aspects of Taranaki history.

Ongoing exhibits, along with new displays, are showcased at New Plymouth’s Puke Ariki museum. New Plymouth’s history can also be discovered during a two-kilometre walk around the city with Puke Ariki’s experienced guides.

The shimmering stainless steel frontage of the Len Lye Centre, adjoining the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, offers a tantalising expectation of the exhibits found inside. The exhibitions are changed a couple of times a year so there are always artworks to admire and films to view in the small cinema.

Holden enthusiasts will relish a visit to the Hillsborough Car Museum in New Plymouth. A private collection of early Holden models, which have been carefully restored, along with late model

Ma’dore

new vehicles, are all on display. Holden memorabilia also features.

For almost a decade, the Taranaki Arts Trail has connected the public with artists in their studios or workshops. In recent years, the Taranaki Arts Trail has partnered with the Taranaki Garden Festival, providing more than a week of art and garden inspiration.

Toys are bound to jog some childhood memories at the Fun Ho! National Toy Museum in Inglewood. Models manufactured between 1935 to 1982 are on display here, and if toymaker Richard Jordan is on-site, visitors may be treated to watching him create toys.

Hāwera resident, Kevin David Wasley has collected Elvis Presley memorabilia for many years. His private collection is

open to the public at the Elvis Presley Museum on Argyle Street, Hāwera. Driving around the region, with the ever-present view of Mount Taranaki, will undoubtedly lead to working up an appetite and thirst. Choose a mountain, sea, city or garden view at the numerous cafēs, bars and restaurants available. Relaxing over a meal and drink will recharge the batteries in preparation for the next adventure in Taranaki.

Family visiting Puke Ariki museum

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Provincial style with equestrian vibe

Cindy James and Beau Burmester of Property Brokers

New Plymouth proudly presents for sale this fabulous lifestyle block situated at 315 Tarata Road, Inglewood.

Situated on 3.50 hectares (8.6 acres) of easy rolling land, this very well-presented and recently refurbished family home of a generous 391m² (approximately) proportions comprises four bedrooms with a very inviting front entranceway into the generous formal living area, an office off the formal lounge, reading room, internal access large double garaging with storage.

For heating, there is the option of an open fire or the newly refurbished gas central heating unit and all-new double glazing. In addition to the master bedroom with ensuite, his and her wardrobe system and dressing room at the east end of the property.

The west end has three double bedrooms, family bathroom, separate toilet, separate laundry, and a generous size rumpus room upstairs with plenty of storage. The large designer kitchen/dining

and informal lounge lead out to the large north-facing entertaining deck area, complete with a swimming pool.

The outside of the property has been extremely well laid out with ample space for entertaining, for the kids to run around and secure for pets.

The majority of the property is post and rail fenced with various sized paddocks, with the following equestrian facilities; a newly developed horse arena with 50/50 sand and rubber surface, round lunging pen, breeding crush, large American barn, stables and hay barn, tack room, wash bay/tie up area and loading ramps.

Viewing this very special property is strictly by appointment only. Buyers from $1.9 million should inspect. Cindy James, 021 269 2280, cindy. james@pb.co.nz. Beau Burmester, 021 759 465 beau@pb.co.nz.

Property Brokers New Plymouth is marketing this prime 3.5ha lifestyle and equestrian property in Inglewood

The discovery of iron

by Andy Bryenton

Materials technology has advanced in recent years to the point where new, laboratory-forged substances are put to work in everything from supercars to medical prosthetics, but despite this, we still live in the age of iron and steel.

Most of our technology, from transportation to appliances to weapons of war and tools of farming and construction, rely on iron. However, in terms of humanity’s tool-using past, iron is a recent invention, coming out of Egypt some 6,000 years ago.

Gold has always entranced humans, and copper and bronze made fine weapons and tools to supplant the technology of the stone age. Iron is more elusive and requires more knowledge, labour and skill to extract from ore and work into useful things.

That is unless it literally falls from the sky.

The Sumerians and Hittites knew of iron and ascribed it magical properties. Many of the stories of magical swords and impenetrable shields from the age of myth and legend really refer to war gear made of iron at a time when other warriors were armed and armoured with much softer bronze. The interesting and mystical part of this myth-making is all of the iron these early cultures found came from space in the form of meteors.

The Sumerian word for iron was anbar, meaning ‘fire from heaven’, and the ancient Egyptians called it bia-en, the thunderbolt made solid. The metal found in fallen meteors was extremely rare, and only a few smiths ever got the chance to work with it. Items made from iron were reserved for kings and their mightiest generals. A similar story played out in more recent history when a meteor struck the land of the Nama people in South Africa in the 1820s. Boer settlers living nearby reported that the core of the rock was made into assegai fighting spears and pots used for rituals.

The Hittites became obsessed with iron, coveting it the way other nations lusted for gold. By 1,200 BCE, their smiths and priests (there was a lot of crossover in that culture between these professions) had developed a process for smelting iron. The realisation that meteors fell to the ground in a redhot state led them to the conclusion that stone could become iron if it was heated hot enough. This is, of course, somewhat true of iron ore, and so the Hittites’ religious assumption was proven right.

The late Sir Terry Pratchett, a British author, was knighted using a sword he had hand-forged from the core of a meteor, just like the ‘magic swords’ out of legends

Motivating your mind

by Amy Fifita

Embrace education and aim for your future using various techniques that enrich your learning and encourage you to achieve your goals.

While some forms of education are enjoyable, some learning tasks can be tedious. There are various ways you can tackle your study load so you can enjoy investing in your mind or your career. Knowing whether you learn academically or practically will impact on the experience.

Schedules work for some people. It allows them to see their time and allocate what needs to be done accordingly. You can break up long tasks making it easier to manage, and it gives you time to process what you are doing.

If you are studying extramurally, you have more freedom to decide where you study. Sometimes, it is refreshing to have a change of surrounding and take your laptop outside. If you prefer working at a desk, then you could play some music that helps you focus. The learning environment can impact how your course work.

Get involved in what you are learning. If you are studying art, contact some local artisans or volunteer at a nearby gallery.

That way you, can immerse yourself in it and understand how it works practically. Being hands-on can increase your understanding of what you are learning. You will also be able to create a network of like-minded individuals or collective so you can grow in what you are interested in.

Be creative in what you are doing if the subject allows for it. It will give you a different perspective on your material and hopefully motivate you. Involve what you are passionate into your coursework to give you more incentive to achieve your goal.

Some research suggests that having fun during the educational process can help students retain information better. The more ease and enjoyment you create when studying will strengthen your understanding of what you are learning. You will also create meaningful memories of the experience. Embrace what you are learning even if it is difficult, and take things one step at a time while investing in your mind and future.

UN praises Kiwi dairy farms

by Andy Bryenton

The global day chosen by the United Nations to celebrate the importance of milk to the cuisine, economy and wellbeing of the world has identified New Zealand as the most efficient dairy farming nation.

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) launched world milk day in 2001, and this year they put the focus on the carbon emissions efficiency of modern dairying. With controversy swirling in New Zealand politics over regulation and taxation of our dairy herd’s emissions, one could be forgiven for thinking that Kiwi farms are a problem. However, the FAO’s research proved that New Zealand has a carbon footprint for on-farm milk production 70 per cent lower than the global average.

“To continue the progress, Dairy New Zealand is investing in R&D alongside sector and research partners to build understanding of methane-reducing technologies,” said DNZ’s CEO, Dr Tim Mackle, responding to this news.

“We should all be proud of our dairy farmers for helping maintain New Zealand’s success, producing more environmentally efficient products while supporting communities and the economy. Dairy provides jobs for 50,000 Kiwis and brings in about $22 billion of export earnings a year, which leads to about $50 billion in New Zealand’s economy.”

The revelation that Kiwi dairy farmers are confirmed world leaders came on World Milk Day, June 1. By coincidence, this is the occasion formerly known as ‘gypsy day’ on dairy farms across the country, when new sharemilking contracts go live, and farmers take possession of new properties.

Dr Mackle and other pundits within the industry say that the FAO’s finding point

out two truths. Firstly, the dairy industry in New Zealand has taken it upon itself, in the absence of an emissions trading scheme, to make great leaps forward in environmental responsibility.

Secondly, the FAO has reinforced the warning many in the dairy community have voiced in recent times. If Kiwi dairy farms, now confirmed to be 70 per cent more carbon friendly than some foreign counterparts, are driven out of business by over-regulation and the creep of carbon-related non-indigenous forestation, other nations with a worse environmental pedigree will pick up the slack. The demand for milk is not decreasing. The more of it which comes from New Zealand, the better — for the economy and, it seems, for the planet.

United Nations Food and Agriculture director-general Qu Dongyu has confirmed that New Zealand dairy farms are the most carbon efficient on the planet

“We should all be proud of our dairy farmers for producing more environmentally efficient products.”

Caring for our community

South Taranaki Funeral Services is dedicated to caring for our community. Locally owned and operated, it is one of the oldest and longest-standing funeral homes in Hawera.

Managing director Glenn Rogers puts his clients at the forefront of everything he does.

“As a family-owned funeral service, we understand a family’s emotional journey following the loss of a loved one. Our main focus is care and support.”

Glenn stresses the importance of the right kind of support when navigating grief.

“Every family is different, every service is different. We have large and small chapels

designed to feel warm and welcoming for intimate gatherings of remembrance, or larger funerals of over 200.”

With more than 25 years of industry experience, he’s a trusted expert.

“We believe in heartfelt and meaningful celebrations of life. Our team is professional, quali ed and local. We’re here to support our community when they need us most.”

Their service reaches beyond the ordinary, they’re always thinking

about how they can best support their community. That’s why the South Taranaki Funeral Services team have lovingly restored a 1976 Holden Statesman de Ville hearse — for the service that requires something special.

“Thinking about aftercare is important too,” says Glenn.

“Grief continues after the funeral. Families are left wondering how to honour their loved one while trying to keep putting one foot in front of the

other in everyday life. We’ve curated a carefully chosen memorial range to help with this.”

The range includes classic, unique jewellery, display items such as ash stones and mantle decor.

“It’s about having choice, being able to do things your way, and if you wish, to have a piece of them with you, always.”

South Taranaki Funeral Services — Caring for Our Community.

Taranaki Rural Marketplace

South Taranaki Funeral Services in Hawera