Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, November 2022

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Agman Spraying Taranaki Ltd 027 450 8320

Agri-Fencing Taranaki Ltd

jeff@agri-fencing.co.nz

BDO Taranaki 06 777 1510

Beck Helicopters Ltd 0800 336 644

Bioboost Ltd 027 443 1809

Bishop B J Transport 027 447 9232

Blackwell Motors 2020 Ltd 06 759 5223

Branderson Homes Ltd 07 827 3901

Central House Movers – Taranaki 06 758 9111

Chem-Dry Wanganui & Taranaki 0800 22 78 22 / 027 299 9605

CMS Auto & Marine Upholstery 06 272 8115 / 021 353 742

Crawford Agritech 06 762 8023 / 027 220 7701

Cridge Seeds Head Office 0800 4SEEDS (473337)

Egmont Industrial Supply Ltd 06 752 2011

Fabish & Jackson 2010 Ltd 06 756 8093 / 027 447 0708

First National Real Estate Collective 06 278 0360

Fitzgerald Contracting

06 764 6604 / 027 450 9731

Gateway Finance Brokers Ltd 0800 888 449

GB Contracting 027 452 6717

Go Karts Direct www.gokartsdirect.co.nz / 027 480 7611

Honda Hub Hawera 06 278 5972

Johnny Neil Building Ltd 06 272 6564

Kindergarten Taranaki 06 759 7036

Mach1 Yamaha 06 757 9747

Max Pennington Auto City 06 769 5371 / 027 874 0487

Mid West Helicopters NZ Ltd 027 241 2015

Miners Creek Ltd 027 963 5396

Moratti Earthmoving Ltd

06 752 3570 / 027 449 7400

New Plymouth Physiotherapy 06 757 8800

Newton Gordge Joinery 06 751 5065

Paul’s Lawnmowers & Chainsaws 06 754 6022

Rio Motor Body Works 06 751 1456

Rural Direct Taranaki Branch 0800 RURAL DIRECT / 06 272 8187

Scary Sharp and SIS Ballcocks 0800 175 720

Skin Centre 06 281 1698

Stratford ITM 06 765 7800

Supa Concrete Products Ltd 027 484 4784

Taranaki Motorcycles – Can-Am

06 765 6942 / 021 478 558

Taranaki Refrigeration 06 759 0092

TC Supersoils

021 316 9054 / 027 303 4541

Think Water New Plymouth 06 757 5064

Tuatara Machinery Limited 03 347 4956 / 027 477 0070

Value Building Supplies 06 759 7435 / 0800 245 535

Well Drillers Wanganui Ltd 0800 925 379

Wineera Brothers 027 259 3875

by Denise Gunn

The Rural Riders initiative began last summer with Hamish Clausen organising free rides on mountain bike trails in the Central Plateau region. With a successful first season, it expanded further, branching out to Palmerston North with a growing number of riders getting on board. New Plymouth, Christchurch and Rotorua are following this season with free rides and social gatherings planned.

Rural Riders create these rides to get people out in the fresh air, having fun and enjoying spending time together. Promoting good physical and mental health, along with general wellbeing in rural communities, is one of the objectives.

Taranaki Rural Riders facilitator Tim Lloyd heard about the concept last year and wanted to introduce it to this region.

The first ride for Taranaki will be held on Tuesday, January 10. Each ride is expected to kick off at the Mangamahoe Mountain Bike Park, located south of New Plymouth on Plantation Road, off SH3 near Egmont Village, between 5.30–6pm. Riders are to meet in the Plantation Road car park. Rides will be held weekly until Tuesday, January 31.

“We are looking at more rides the following season,” said Tim.

Mountain bike and e-bike riders of all ages are welcome, including children of those participating. “Everyone is more than welcome to attend.”

A few keen riders from the Ballance Kapuni site are also going along to help and support the rides.

The Mangamahoe Mountain Bike Park, with 45 kilometres of track, is considered by many to be the top mountain biking destination in the region. The park has several trail suggestions ranging from an easy six-kilometre loop to intermediate and advanced rides.

The first ride held by Taranaki Rural Riders will last around one hour. A social gathering with refreshments provided will follow.

Tim said the social gatherings give people an opportunity to meet each other and chat.

“The key thing is starting up conversations on the mental

health of farmers and that side of things too.”

Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Rabobank, Tumeke Farming, and Rural Support Trust are major nationwide sponsors of Rural Riders.

For further information, contact Tim on 021 357 478 or visit the Rural Riders Facebook page.

The first ride for Taranaki Rural Riders will be held at Mangamahoe Mountain Bike Park on Tuesday, January 10

BY ANN VAN ENGELEN

Gareth’s uncle, Brian Blair, was the manager of Steel and Tube in Hawke’s Bay. Each morning before work, Brian hitched his Clydesdales to a wagon and set off on the milk run.

“He worked for Gilbert Atkins who had Riverdale Clydesdales. They had about 10 horses they would rotate through different runs. He was very particular about having sound horses and efficiency,” said Gareth.

“I remember going on the milk wagon and delivering milk with him. He just loved the horses, and had the milk run for 26 years. It was one of the last horse-drawn milk runs in New Zealand, continuing until the late 1980s.”

Gareth’s great-grandfather, Alfred Forrest, also worked with teams of draft horses at Napier Harbour in the 1920s.

Around 20 years ago, while living in the Waikato, Gareth and

his wife Jacqueline bought their first Clydesdale.

“My wife and I had thoroughbreds, and I wanted a larger horse. We got our first Clydesdale, a yearling colt, and couldn’t believe the sensibility of the breed. They follow you about and just want to please, are affectionate and really enjoy work.”

The Pryces kept their colt entire, riding and working him in harness as

a stallion. “Once we got the Clydesdale bug, we started acquiring them.”

Gareth and Jacqueline often ride their horses at the beach

Jacqueline, a retired veterinarian, has owned horses since she was a teenager. “It’s something we’ve done as a shared passion,” said Gareth.

Seven years ago, the couple moved their Blackwood Clydesdale Stud to a 16acre property just north of Tongapōrutu.

Gareth is the New Zealand Clydesdale Horse Society secretary, a councillor and also a senior judge. He said the Clydesdale has been in New Zealand since in the early 1840s and is the only enduring draft horse in the country.

“People breaking in New Zealand country saw the Clydesdale as a reliable breed. They are bred to work all day as a heavy draft horse.”

The Clydesdale is now considered a rare breed and tends to be in the at risk category. “Due to competition with people’s time, space and resources, there are only about 25 being registered per year.”

Clydesdales are also under pressure as mares and stallions are bought to

improve other breeds. The couple brought a stallion up from Erewhon Station to outcross with their mares, preferring to stick with traditional breed standards.

They enjoy demonstrating the breed’s versatility, using their horses for wagon treks, competition ploughing, sledge work, haymaking, riding, showing and breeding.

“It’s great getting out and about with the horses, sharing the passion with people who enjoy them.

“We’ve done wagon treks in Taranaki and Waikato. We were members of the Waikato Heavy Horse for a long time, and we did a local wagon trek to raise funds for the Mokau St John ambulance. I work on the ambulance in New Plymouth and we both volunteer in Mokau.”

Gareth said Clydesdales don’t eat as much as people think and probably aren’t as fussy as other breeds.

“They love their feed and love rewards when they’ve been working. Their hooves are about three to four times larger

than a light horse so takes a bit more effort trimming.”

Gareth was taught by Waikato master farrier Derrick Thornton and does all their horses trimming and shoeing. Fifteen years ago, Jacqueline began harness making.

“The old harness makers have retired and passed away. There was a period when only three or four people were making draft horse harnesses.

“So she spent time with John Simpson, a master harness maker in Auckland. She makes a lot of the draft horse harness for people throughout New Zealand. It’s a hobby she enjoys.”

Gareth also restores horsedrawn vehicles.

“We breed Clydesdales for ourselves. We want to keep the breed alive, stay true to breed standards, and introduce people to the joy of the breed.”

FARMING AND TRAVEL ON HORIZON

BY DENISE GUNN

21-year-old grew up on an Omata dairy farm where her parents, Hamish and Lil, were 50/50 sharemilking.

Kate said she was always out on the farm. “I loved it.”

Relief milking after school and during holidays led to Kate’s first full-time

farming position. For the next six months she worked for Grant and Paula Holdt on their 450-cow farm near New Plymouth.

When an opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom came up, Kate flew to England to work for her grandfather and uncle on an arable farm for several months.

Dairy farming has featured throughout Kate Logan’s life, combining her love for stock work and the outdoors.

“I loved working in England. I did the harvest season over there, carting grain, cultivation and drilling.”

Kate said the experience gave her a new aspect on farming.

On her return to New Zealand, Kate worked as a farm assistant on a Hāwera dairy farm for a year. Last season, she moved to her current role as herd manager for Bede and Shirley Kissick on their 115ha farm in Auroa, milking 350 Jersey cows.

Calving, and the silage and maize season, are Kate’s highlights on the dairy farming calendar.

“My favourite times of year are the busiest times. We grow about 16ha of

maize on-farm and buy in PK. We make all our own silage as well.”

Next year, Kate plans to travel and return to work in England

Watching the calves she has raised, as they grow and mature into young stock is another satisfying aspect of the job.

Last season, the herd produced 130,000kgMS. “That’s off 100 effective hectares, with 80 tonnes of PK brought in and 60 units of nitrogen per hectare,” said Kate.

This year, the Kissicks bought the neighbouring farm, merged the two properties and increased the herd size to milk 660 cows.

Studies through Primary ITO have continued with Kate gaining a New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture level two. Currently, she is working towards level four. It was her Primary ITO tutors, along with friends and employers, who encouraged Kate to enter the 2022 Taranaki Dairy Industry awards programme.

“I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn more,” she said.

Kate, a first-time entrant, won the Dairy Trainee of the Year section. She was also recognised for emerging talent in the merit awards.

“I really enjoyed the experience. I didn’t really know what I had got myself into. I entered the day before entries closed.”

Kate said she was sitting at home watching the awards evening online.

“Winning was a huge surprise. I was gobsmacked. It was awesome.”

During her spare time, Kate competes in eventing and showjumping, and enjoys hacking around the surrounding countryside with friends. She appreciates being able to keep her horse on the Kissick’s property.

Towards the end of May next year, Kate plans to do more travelling and return to the job she had with relatives in England.

“I would like to do another harvest. I’m planning to be overseas for a year or two.”

Kate said when she returns to New Zealand, she wants to secure a farm management position.

“When I return, I definitely want to enter the manager section of the awards.

“Dairy farming was a natural choice for me, I love being active and busy, and it’s something I enjoy,” said Kate.

“I want to own my own herd and farm. That would be the ultimate goal.”

Taranaki Dairy Trainee of the Year, Kate Logan

The Kissick’s herd on their Auroa farm

Toko School, classed as an Enviroschool 10 years ago, has several ongoing sustainable environmental projects. In 2013, the school received a Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Award in the education section, as well as a bronze award from the Enviroschools Foundation. Awards have continued to roll in for the school’s environmental efforts. In 2015, Toko School received a silver Enviroschool award, and the following year, received recognition as a Green Gold Enviroschool.

Raising poultry and growing their food has become part of the daily learning.

The 15 chicks, purchased from a Tegel farm in New Plymouth, were initially kept inside a brooder box in the classroom with a heat lamp, newspaper and wood shavings.

Year four student Michael Harvey said the chicks stayed in the classroom where it was nice and warm.

“We fed the chickens chick crumb and fresh water. We cared for them, we named them, and we weighed and measured the chickens every week,” said year five pupil Millie Smith.

An interesting selection of names chosen for the chickens included Ziggy, Soda, Fluff Bomb, Marshmallow and Pumpkin.

Along with other students, Olivia Worthington has learnt to grow chicken greens for the poultry

Students were surprised how much weight the chicks gained in a short time.

“We put leg bands on them so we could tell them apart,” said year four student Cohen Oliver.

When the chicks reached four weeks, they were moved to a small outside run.

Room Three teacher Tash Coulson said three or four students from throughout the school are selected as Enviro Warriors each term.

“On a Friday, they get to go and help around the school with planting, weeding and preserving produce.”

Earlier this year, the Enviro Warriors planted kale in the outside run. Year five and four students, James Fuller and Oscar Sykes found the chickens liked to hide under the kale to start with, but it didn’t take them long to discover that it tasted delicious.

“The chickens loved to scratch around and eat it. We changed their feed to chicken pellets, scraps, kale and silverbeet. They would definitely prefer to eat kale rather than pellets.”

Students mix up a combination of edible plants from their school garden to provide food for the chickens. Trays of chicken greens are also grown.

“We feed two trays at a time. It takes about three weeks for the trays to regrow,” said year five student Olivia Worthington.

At 16 weeks, the chickens were moved to a large shed in preparation for egg production. Although the newly laid eggs were small to start with, students are now finding larger eggs in the nesting boxes. Eggs are placed in cartons with a Toko School sticker on top, then sold at the school’s roadside enviro stand.

The learning for term two focussed on caring for the chickens. Year four student Jackson Connole said the students wrote information reports about chickens, particularly on their own chickens.

During term three, students studied different parts of plants and the growing process.

“We have carried out lots of experiments that have helped us learn about plants and why they are important. We never knew much about seeds or plants but now we know lots,” said year five pupil Jenna Kowalewski.

Students are collecting Little Garden seedlings from New World supermarkets too.

Tash said the class is also looking at ways to process extra food that grows through the warmer months so it can be fed out to the poultry over winter.

“We are looking at dehydrating and drying, and carrying out experiments to see how best to do this. Our goal is to grow and harvest enough food to sustain feeding the chickens through the winter without having to buy in feed.”

Toko School’s participation in the annual Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail provides opportunities to showcase its environmental practices.

From left: Millie Smith and Olivia Slack with young chicks in the classroom

Reigning on his parade

by Andy Bryenton

Many of those reading this article will no doubt attend a Santa or Christmas parade this year, with some even taking part. Santa parades began in 1903, with a promotion by George and Kerseley’s department store in Wellington. To advertise that they were going to have an in-store Santa who would take toy requests from girls and boys, the store arranged

to have ‘Father and Mother Christmas’ turn up at the town’s railway station on a train ‘from the north pole’. So many people came to meet this polar express that the procession of the Claus family through Wellington to the store became an impromptu street theatre occasion.

During the next few years, Santa parades became part of the annual fabric

of New Zealand life. The years before the second world war saw big social groups and organisations taking charge in small-town parades, with schools, churches, charities and the convenors of A&P shows helping out. At this time, the marching bands, lolly scrambles and the strict ‘Santa come at the end of the floats’ tropes of a classic Christmas parade were born.

This year is the first year since Covid that Santa parades can go ahead in many smaller towns. Dedicated people are taking time off work to design floats, don costumes and practice songs. Locals will drive trucks, hang bunting, blow up balloons and throw sweets, all for the kids and a sense of community.

TC

Boost soil with vermicast

a product rich in vermicast, the fertiliser-

casings of worms, one of the leading organic plant growth enhancers on the market.

With a current emphasis on growing one’s own food, MyNoke Pure Vermicast is in high demand with home gardeners — its popularity doesn’t stop there.

TC Supersoils is based at Te Kawa Crossroads, in between Otorohanga and Te Awamutu. MyNoke Pure Vermicast is prized as a reliable soil to grow healthy plants by horticulturalists, oriculturists, orchardists, landscapers, certified organic growers and the general public.

“Vermicast acts like a natural fertiliser with a wide application for growing vegetables, crops and owers of various kinds. Unlike chemical fertilisers, there are no restrictions on how much can be used nor leaching or run-off issues,” says part-owner Trina Brooky.

The manufacturing process utilises food scraps, whey powder from Fonterra, waste fibre from paper from the Kawerau Pulp and Paper Mill, recyclable packaging and other compatible waste materials.

“At several sites in the North Island, the material is carefully stacked in piles to which worms are introduced. They work through the material for about eight months, consuming much of it, which passes through their bodies to be excreted as worm casts.”

The company producing the material is named MyNoke, based on the Maori

word ‘noke’, meaning worm, with the processes all based on scienti c research originating in Germany.

“Our demand comes from people who realise their soils need a boost. If you have been experiencing a decline in your natural soil productivity, we would recommend you try vermicomposting as a cost-effective method of improving productivity.”

Vermicomposting is a natural process whereby earthworms convert waste material with rigid structures into compost.

“It’s an environmentally-friendly natural soil humus product that enriches soils with fungi, mycorrhizae, bene cial bacteria nematodes and, of course, earthworms.”

MyNoke Pure Vermicast absorbs and retains water in dry periods. The natural soil conditioner builds humus levels, improves nitrogen ef ciency, boosts root growth and naturally sequesters carbon.

“Our 20mm screened vermicast is suitable for most commercial fertiliser spreaders and all muck spreaders. It is easy to spread over established pastures, orchards, vineyards, groves and so forth.

“Applying MyNoke Pure Vermicast to the soil surface is ideal as this allows feeder roots to interact with plant growth stimulators and bene cial microorganisms in the product.”

Where is the Chondroitin?

(Part two)

by John Arts, Abundant Health

In the last edition, I asked why most New Zealand-made osteoarthritis support supplements have little or no chondroitin

sulphate (CS).

The research in favour of CS is overwhelming. So much so, that CS is listed as a prescription medicine by the European Medical Agency. The daily dosage recommendation is 800mg, which is the dosage I use in my joint supplement, where I combine CS with 800mg of glucosamine and 100mg of curcumin extract (from turmeric).

Some experts suggest CS has more than 30 positive effects on joints. These are changes that create cartilage (anabolic) and those that prevent the destruction of cartilage (anti-catabolic). Cells called chondrocytes are responsible for repairing, maintaining, and secreting cartilage. They produce CS as it is an important part of joint capsule fluid (synovial fluid) and actual cartilage.

CS is critical as it helps chondrocytes to repair damaged cartilage. If these cells are damaged or die, the cartilage they maintain will eventually disintegrate. The second role of CS is preventing the loss of chondrocytes from

damage by destructive enzymes and free radicals.

That is all great in theory, but what are the impacts of adding therapeutic doses of CS in someone with advanced osteoarthritis?

Earlier this year, I was contacted by someone in her mid-70s with severe OA in one knee and moderately severe in the other. It affected her mobility, and was unable to walk any distance. I started her on my standard OA programme based on an intensive dose of my joint supplement and omega-3 fish oil to reduce inflammation.

After two months, she noticed her knees were more comfortable. Now, after six months, the pain has significantly reduced, and she can now walk freely. For more information, give me a call or email john@abundant.co.nz. You can read my newsletter at abundant. co.nz.

John Arts is a qualified nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559. To read more go to sunlive.co.nz.

A sustainable Kiwi Christmas

by Piper Robson

Don’t be an environmental Grinch this Christmas with these ideas for a low-impact holiday season.

December is looming, and so is the environmental tax brought on by Christmas festivities. Thankfully there’s no need to fear, as it’s now easier than ever to enjoy the holiday season without contributing to harmful over-consumption.

When it comes to gift-giving, sustainable alternatives can ease the stress of running around the mall or tediously wrapping items. Buying secondhand toys, games and gifts from your local op-shop or TradeMe can reduce the amount of plastic packaging that often comes with brand-new items.

If pre-loved isn’t for you, head out and support your local small businesses and Christmas markets for unique, quality gifts. Another environmentally friendly gift idea: consumables and experiences. Spa treatments, movie tickets, seasoned salt; you name it, there is something out there for everybody.

Since wrapping paper, sellotape and plastic ribbons can’t be recycled, gift wrapping is one of the most environmentally taxing aspects of the season. A great swap for wrapping can be scarves, reusable tote bags or bandanas. Jars and tins work wonders for smaller gifts, handmade items and baking.

Decking the halls can also be more sustainable. When decorating your Christmas tree, ditch the tinsel and glitter in favour of popcorn garlands, dried

orange slices or flowers. Not only do these low-waste swaps look great, but the whole family can get involved with making decor that keeps them off the naughty list.

To tree or not to tree? If you own an artificial tree, don’t throw it out. Keep using and maintaining it every year, as they need to be used around 20 times before its impact is equal to the real thing. When buying real trees, it’s good to know how to dispose of them properly. Using the trees for mulch in the garden or replanting the tree altogether is a great way to reduce negative impact.

Everyone loves Christmas day lunch, but they don’t love adding to the 125,000 tonnes of plastic food wrappers discarded

during Christmas. When preparing your Christmas spread, shop local and inseason produce to support your local farmers and lower the amount of travelling done to buy your ingredients.

Avoid single-use plates, glasses and cutlery on the table by offering the real thing. To avoid food waste, fight the urge to prepare a feast if it isn’t necessary. Lock down those RSVPs and your menu to lessen the size of the meal and the bill.

Be sustainable this Christmas by using decorations such as popcorn garlands as a way to decrease waste

“Since wrapping paper, sellotape and plastic ribbons can’t be recycled, gift wrapping is one of the most environmentally taxing aspects of the season.”

Holiday ambassadors wanted

by Andy Bryenton

If you’re planning a Christmas break while the youngsters are off school, why not get out there in a diplomatic capacity for the good of New Zealand?

Instead of planning a normal holiday activity in Taranaki (though let’s be fair; there are plenty to choose from), the option exists to circle January 21 in red on your calendar, hit the Lost World Highway, and visit our closest neighbouring republic on the occasion of their national day. As a bonus, it’s also time for them to pick a new president, so you’ll be there to witness history.

The tiny micro-state in question is the Republic of Whangamomona, a geographical oddity of the very best kind, formed in 1988 when boundary lines were redrawn, splitting the town between Taranaki and Manawatū. Staunchly proud locals decided that arguing over which province was best missed the point. Whangamomona should boldly claim its own sovereignty and go it alone.

During the years, the republic has enjoyed a great relationship with New Zealand. Passports are available at the grand old Whangamomona Hotel, the second building to bear its name after a fire razed the original in 1911. Visitors will find a warm welcome, as the locals practise folkways and traditions very similar to those of New Zealand and have a very similar cuisine, which is highly recommended.

The politics of our neighbour nation are fraught with controversy, but in a different

way from our own. The first president was sworn into office after winning an election he had no idea he was part of. The second president was a goat named Billy the Kid, who served 10 years and died in office. Some suspect he won by eating the other candidates’ ballots. Billy was followed by Tai the poodle, who resigned after a botched assassination. The current president is John Herlihy, who vanquished a sheep, a cockatoo and a stuffed toy bear to seize power in 2019.

Whangamomona’s national Republic Day celebrated on January 21, is right in line with our school

holidays, so it’s possible to plan a trip there for the Christmas break as an ambassadorial party. On the day of the election, there will be a gigantic celebration involving all of the republic’s citizens and all comers from ‘overseas’ as well.

The Republic Day festivities include sheep racing, gumboot throwing, whip cracking, possum skinning and many more rural games, as well as plenty of good times, music, food and drink. It’s well worth the drive through some of New Zealand’s most scenic countryside to take part in an international extravaganza.

The current president of Whangamomona is inaugurated; another election is due on the republic’s 35th birthday, during the Christmas holidays

of New Zealanders are concerned about “fake news” and its implications

Rebranded for growth

After providing six years of quality fencing services, HPFS Solutions is excited to announce the launch of Agri-Fencing Taranaki Limited.

“Moving to a new company structure has really allowed us to grow into new areas of fencing and increase our ability to attract staff,” says operations manager Susanne Rawson.

Previously a partnership, you’ll now nd Agri-Fencing Taranaki had a more memorable name and a new

approach to business. “We still provide the same great service, but we are operating under a new company that better suits our clients. That’s what we are all about, professional service and quality workmanship. Nothing has changed there,” solutions manager Jeff Rawson, says.

In addition to Susanne and Jeff are two staff. Bailee is described as the Administration Ninja, who ensures the administration side is seamless. Bronsyn is a Fencing Assistant who ties a mean gure-eight knot and you’ll see on the fenceline with Jeff.

“These are exciting changes for us. Our clients have been so supportive in seeing us grow. Without them, we wouldn’t have that ability,” Susanne says.

“We’re also fortunate to have received grants from Venture Taranaki to work with several advisers to help us chart our path, including Schurr Ireland and Strategy Collective. Bringing on advisers from Tandem Accounting Group has also helped us ensure that we are operating responsibly.”

The new website Agri-FencingTaranaki. co.nz and revamped Facebook page have also had an overhaul and features some of their past and current projects.

Jeff highlighted their strong points. “We tend to be known for being solutions driven and not having

a too hard basket. Give us a call if we can help you out with your fencing projects!”

HPFS Solutions has rebranded as Agri-Fencing Taranaki

by Amy Fifita

Sure, we have the cliched beach Christmas in New Zealand, but with agriculture being a massive push for our country’s economy, why not have a barnyard Christmas? Invite all your townie relatives out to your farm and show them, with pride, what country life is all about. It can give your mental health a boost too. With summer being the season of droughts, it is important to prepare, and stay positive and resilient. That way you don’t have to stress out, and focus on what you’re here for; family is one of them. Rid them of phones and tablets for a while so they can soak in the fresh air and allow them to explore a recall and wholesome way of life. Enjoy and revel in each other’s company, as opposed to ignoring each other in the same room because of the latest video of some pop icon or youtube figure. Bring them back to the good old days when life was simpler and enjoyable — the farm is perfect for that.

Get out the hay bales and allow your town guests and relatives have a blast in country style. The bonus of hosting outside or in a barn is that you don’t have to worry about the dignity of the carpet. In the muggy heat of a Kiwi summer, a bit of shade and a breeze while eating your meals can be a saviour.

The benefit is that there is plenty of room for the children to play around without the caution of having precious or sentimental ornaments knocked off the shelves. They can always help feed the animals and get a chance to see where their food comes from — not from the supermarket shelves.

If you’re feeling generous, get the safety gear out for a spin on the quads or bikes. Make sure to supervise and educate them on safe usage. Younger ones might enjoy a tractor ride to marvel at the machinery or novelty of being on-farm. Give them

Plan now and have a happy rural Christmas surrounded by family a dose of the rural lifestyle. Everyone will hopefully enjoy the experience of having a wholesome day and being present together.

Freshwater feedback wanted

Taranaki Regional Council is asking the public for feedback on the future of freshwater in the region.

Let’s Kōrero: Essential Freshwater gives the public an opportunity to participate in surveys and have their say. Feedback received shapes new rules on a range of topics from preserving threatened species to how much water can be used for farming or industrial use.

New storymaps on six proposed Freshwater Management Units (FMUs) for Taranaki have been launched alongside the kōrero with the community. These storymaps provide information about the region’s waterways. The six proposed FMUs for Taranaki include the Northern Hill Country, Pātea Catchment, Waitara Catchment, Coastal Terraces, Southern Hill Country and the Volcanic Ring Plain.

Taranaki Regional Council director environment quality, Abby Matthews, said feedback from the community is vital as the council puts together its Natural Resource Plan for freshwater to protect this resource now and for future generations.

“The future of freshwater is in the hands of the people who live in our fantastic region. So it’s really important that they share their views. We want to know what people’s long-term vision is for our waterways and all the things that are important to them.

“That could be identifying those special places where they like to cool off on a hot summer’s day to what we could all be doing to protect the natural beauty of our rivers, streams and lakes. For others, it

may mean being able to practice mahinga kai or other cultural activities.

“We’ve, hopefully, made it easy for people to engage with the kōrero webpages providing all the info you’ll need, and the surveys are short and user-friendly. There’s an interactive map available as well where people can pick a value they want to comment on, place it on the location they’re interested in and share their views.”

Ms Matthews said the council is also seeking views on each of the six FMUs, and if the approach to creating these areas is the right one.

Feedback on the values, and the longterm vision for freshwater in Taranaki, can be made up until Friday, December 9. To provide feedback, visit trcnz. mysocialpinpoint.com/freshwater.

In response to the government’s freshwater regulations aimed at restoring and protecting the health of waterways in New Zealand, TRC is creating a Natural Resources Plan. The Natural Resources Plan for Taranaki will replace the Regional Freshwater Plan and other statutory documents, such as the Regional Policy Statement, Regional Air Plan and Regional Soil Plan.

The plan will assist TRC to promote the sustainable use, development and protection of the region’s natural and physical resources.

A kōrero will also be held on outcomes, limits and targets before notification of the plan in 2024.

www.welldrillers.co.nz

“The future of freshwater is in the hands of the people who live in our fantastic region. We want to know what people’s long-term vision is for our waterways.”

Abby Matthews — Taranaki Regional Council director environment quality

New premises for Think Water Taranaki

Think Water Taranaki is on the move in January to a larger premises in Waiwhakaiho.

2023

Locally owned and operated by Steven and Angela Bevan, Think Water Taranaki has clocked up more than 18 years experience in the dairy and water management industry.

The team offers a vast range of services to the Taranaki farming community, specialising in the installation and service of milking systems. Angela said the business is not just limited to milking systems.

“Ten years ago, we joined the Think Water franchise and rebranded as Think Water Taranaki. We’re now a one-stop shop for just about anything water-related across the entire Taranaki region. If it’s remotely to do with water, we can do it.”

That includes everything from irrigation, ef uent, ltration, pumps and now plumbing. “We’ve grown over the years and added specialists to our team in all the key areas. For our clients, this means we offer the convenience of taking care of everything in one phone call.”

Operations manager Christine Grant said some jobs require several different trades to complete.

“We can take care of it all, from design to supply, to install, and you still

get that specialist expertise because we have designated technicians in all the important areas, including a plumber.”

While Think Water Taranaki offers a diverse range of services, the business is still very invested in the dairy industry, with ef uent systems a core part of the business.

Changing water needs around the region has seen a recent uptick of interest in collecting and ltering rain water.

“Lots of people have become more aware of what they’re drinking, and they want to make sure it’s safe,” said Christine.

“Harvesting rain water is becoming more and more of a thing with water meters coming in over the next couple of years. People are already preparing for that by getting tanks and ltration systems.”

Relocating to 12 Oropuriri Road in Waiwhakaiho from Monday, January 16 2023, will provide Think Water Taranaki’s technicians with more yard space for products and pipes. The larger area will also enable the business to take on new projects and grow their team.

“Think Water Taranaki currently has several job vacancies for anyone who is interested in joining this exciting industry,” Angela said.

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The team at Think Water Taranaki is moving to 12 Oropuriri Road in Waiwhakaiho from Monday, January 16