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A point of difference — that’s the difference
Our government is fully committed to rebuilding the country, and I firmly believe we can do it. The real challenge we face is convincing you that we can.
One of the key principles that is frequently overlooked is that economic growth serves as the foundation for national progress. When we prioritise and effectively manage the economy, all other aspects of our society, such as welfare, education and healthcare, will naturally improve, allowing us to return to an upward trajectory.
We know people are doing it tough. We know that unemployment is rising, and although interest rates are falling and inflation is now within an acceptable range, the cost of living is still pinching. We are working hard to bring down costs, remove red tape and improve the lives of all Kiwis.
What sets us apart from previous administrations is that we have a welldocumented plan, the Q1 Action Plan: signifying a government that thinks differently and is determined to make a positive difference for New Zealand.
It is a clear and actionable roadmap consisting of 40 bold and targeted actions
specifically aimed at boosting investment, addressing the housing crisis, strengthening education systems, improving healthcare access and restoring public safety across all communities. Cabinet will be responsible for taking decisions on the major legislative architecture for the government’s replacement of the Resource Management Act.
Likewise, it will take decisions on the new national direction for freshwater, and pragmatic rules for on-farm water storage and vegetable growing, and on a system design for simplified Freshwater Farm Plans. These actions, just a handful of the 40 listed, will make a tangible difference to many people in my electorate and across the country.
Our Q1 Action Plan is not only detailed, but also easily accessible. The government’s website, beehive.govt. nz, and my office can provide you with ample information, so you can explore and understand our goals.
Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country
by Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki—King Country
Hamilton young farmer takes another shot
Hugh Jackson is back in the running for the FMG Young Farmer of the Year title after securing victory in the Waikato Bay of Plenty Regional Final.
The 27-year-old claimed the top spot after a day of intense competition at Waerenga School, tackling a series of practical and theoretical challenges. His win qualified him for his second grand final appearance, having previously competed in 2023, where he finished third overall.
“I’m stoked to get another shot at the grand final. Getting back there is never guaranteed, and I’m looking forward to giving it everything,” says Jackson.
“The Waikato Bay of Plenty is a tough region to compete in, so I knew I had to put in plenty of prep to give myself a decent shot. I was hoping for the win, but nothing was guaranteed with the strong competition I had.
“This is probably my last crack at the big dance, so it’s now or never to give it everything. I’m definitely not heading to the grand final to come second.”
Jackson edged his way to victory by clocking up the most points on the day, defeating fellow Hamilton Young Farmers member Stephen Brunskill. Will Evans from Piarere Young Farmers secured the final spot on the podium.
With several individual challenges thrown their way, including a head-tohead, general knowledge buzzer-style quiz and sponsor-led modules, contestants were tested on a broad range of practical skills, technical know-how and their ability to cope under pressure.
“There were a few modules where I learned heaps, changing a bearing on a tyre was something I’d never done before and struggled with, but now I know how!,” Jackson said.
“The New Holland module was also a challenge for me, getting the settings set up correctly on the tractor was something new to me and I needed some guidance to complete the module.
“I always learn plenty in every competition which is one of the reasons why I keep entering.”
Participants entered one of three categories based on age, ranging from the AgriKidsNZ competition for primary school pupils, the FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year for High School Students, and the tightly fought FMG Young Farmer of the Year category, where eight contestants battled it out for the top spot.
The AgriKidsNZ competition was another crowd favourite. After a busy morning being challenged to their industry know-how, Heidi Morris, Angus Gregory and Harrison Gregory from Elstow-Waihou School emerged as the region’s victors.
Jacob Bolt, Isaac Wilson, John Woodward, from Otewa School and homeschooled, placed second, just ahead of Brearna Bolt, Sam Bluett, Jack Woodward, also from Otewa School and homeschooled. Meanwhile, Ben Ede and Stephen Ede from Cambridge High School took out the title
Hugh Jackson, NZYF Waikato Bay of Plenty regional winner of Waikato Bay of Plenty FMG Junior Young Farmers of the Year, ahead of Grace Dawson and Evelyn Ruegger from Matamata College.
Along with Jackson, the top AgriKidsNZ and FMG junior teams will now compete in July’s grand final in Invercargill.
New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Lynda Coppersmith said the competition continues to highlight the incredible skill and talent of young people in the food and fibre sector.
“Every year, we see more emerging talent stepping up to the challenge. It’s awesome to witness so many competitors putting their skills to the test and showcasing the depth of ability in our industry.”
The FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition celebrates top talent in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector. Now in its 57th year, it remains the country’s most prestigious farming award.
FOR THE LOVE OF TRIALLING
While Northland has been his playground for most of his life, Leo Jecentho settled in the Waikato 11 years ago bringing him closer to his dog trialling passion.
“Iwas brought up in Hokianga on a 7,500-acre dry stock farm, breeding cows and sheep, that my dad, Bruce, and uncle Nook used to run,” said Leo.
“As growing children, the farm was like a big playground. Horses were our toys, a way to get around and go on joy rides with my uncle’s children. I was brought up like that until I left school.”
Leo has been in the dog trialling game for three decades
After leaving school, Leo started working on the Mangamuka Lands and Survey block before moving to Paponga, where Ben Morunga (aka Clark) introduced him to dog trials. Following in his father’s footsteps, Leo had a career in dry stock farming and leaned towards sheep farming
“In my early days, I used to do the local trials, but being a keen rugby player and pig hunter, those came first for a while. As the years continued, I got more serious with the dogs. I love training young dogs and meeting and socialising with people.
“It was a good challenge, and if you have good trial dogs, you have good
working dogs and vice versa. Working with sheep allowed me to train dogs, and I enjoyed seeing them improve.
“It doesn’t worry me what breed they are, as long as they’re good. I began my dog trial career with the Huntaways but now I’m more interested in the heading dogs. With heading dogs, you can do shows and Tux events.”
While Leo had his roots planted firmly in Northland, his farming love has led him into the Waikato region.
After spending most of his time in
“I was working at Te Paki Station in the Far North. It was a great place with wonderful recreational areas like fishing and everything you wanted.
“After finishing at Te Paki, I moved to Waikato to pursue a farming job, and have been here for 11 years. In Northland, finding work on bigger stations is challenging, so I moved south to Waikato and, being more central, it is beneficial to my dog trialling.
“For 30 years, I have been involved in dog trials and, although I had a decade break to do forestry, I returned to farming.”
For Leo, the passion comes from making and improving young dogs, and mentoring young people beginning their dog trial journey.
“Currently, I am training Future Farmers New Zealand students. They come with their pups and we teach them how to get them going. We start with tasks like
putting them on leads and calling their name to come to them.
“It is my second year of working with Future Farmers. They have just come up to north Waikato, but even before that I always strived to mentor young people. I love doing it and seeing them improve.”
Leo now works on a dry stock farm, combined with forestry and says the steep terrain is good for his dogs.
“It is a dry stock farm with forestry; being steep country, it is good for my dogs. We do a little bit of fattening but mostly breeding and we have bulls.
Leo draws from his 30 years of being involved in the dog trials with his last big event in Taupō at the Tux NZ Open Yarding Challenge. He placed second with his dog Tess.
“It was a great feeling and although I always strive to be on top, I’m happy for Shaun and it was still a good feeling to
win second by a 0.25 difference. Shaun’s dog, Sue, is closely related to my shorthair dog, Tess.
“I won the North Island trials with Tess and she was also in the New Zealand Trans-Tasman against Australia in 2023.
“It is a real honour to represent New Zealand. It was my first time, and it felt great beating the Aussies. The Australians’ dogs generally work with merinos, so the canines are more quick on their toes.
“You are always learning about the dog and yourself, but the more you work your dog out, the better you will go. I run five heading dogs at the trials and while some run their canines in the same order, I like moving them around to keep them guessing.
“It is a game where I love seeing young ones come through, trying to promote it and get it out there. We need more young ones out here. People can start at any age — some people start early and some start late.”
Northland, Leo Jecentho settled in Waikato 11 years ago
companions attended the Kaitāia A&P
for the Tux Yarding and Handy Dog event last November
“IFARMING CREATES CONNECTION
Raised in the King Country, on the south side of the Kawhia Harbour, Claire Williamson took advantage of her upbringing and is thriving — growing plants, people and businesses.
was raised in a little settlement called Kinohaku with my parents, Don and Robyn Williamson, on a sheep and beef farm. It was the best environment possible for a childhood,” said Claire.
“Being involved from a young age, I witnessed my parents working hard. I loved connecting with the idea of growing food and animals, it was an amazing way to build resilience and confidence in youth.”
During her secondary years, Claire attended Hamilton’s Sacred Heart Girls’ College boarding school before studying for a bachelor’s in sports and leisure, and an English and French degree in her university years.
“After leaving university, I followed my opportunities managing a sports club before being able to be part of the business I now co-own.
BY AMY FIFITA
“For the past decade, I’ve worked in various fields mostly as a mortgage adviser. I’ve worked in various Waikato towns helping people into homes and have written a book and supported rural communities and young professionals.”
While forming a successful career in finance, Claire has also built a life on the rural outskirts of Cambridge with her partner Adam on an 80-hectare block.
“Adam’s nursery is there, and we run a small herd of Angus breeding cows and deer. We do autumn calving, which fits well with our model and nursery structure.
“For me, connecting with the land is important, and I love being outdoors working with animals. We have fruit trees and are growing food for the community, and have big vegetable gardens for us and our people to enjoy.”
Inspired by her mother Robyn for having a leading role in farming and desiring engagement with the Activator initiative, Claire became involved with Rural Women New Zealand.
“Watching my parents so excellently connecting with people, I saw it as rewarding, and it brought something different to their day beyond the surface. I am always looking for ways to connect with people and communicate better.
and air
Claire made it on the Zanda McDonald Awards shortlist at the end of last year
Since beginning her career a decade ago, Claire has written a book and served on a Rural Women New Zealand board amongst other achievements
“Mum and dad were both involved in the community and demonstrated leadership. I wanted to contribute early, and I am grateful I put my hand up. There is value in diversity around a board table and because of that, we had a strong team at the Rural Women New Zealand.
Regardless of what area of her life it is, Claire loves making her ventures thrive to their full potential.
“Whether it is businesses, plants or people I love encouraging growth. The growth of our people in our current business is special to me and is a big part of what I do.”
The passion for growth has extended into Claire’s woollen coat venture. Launching in late 2018, Claire sought to provide people with sustainable and colourful coats with Velma and Beverley.
“We source our wool from a Wairarapa farm, and the coats are brightly coloured, vibrant and unique.
“Seeing colour and a connection with the farm missing from the industry, I put my own flare on it, focussing on colour and vibrancy. Every customer chooses a lining and colour, making it a little bit bespoke and providing a way for people to express themselves.”
Using the skills developed in her endeavours and with time on her hands, Claire has started the Rural Land Project to encourage people to make the most of their land.
“It is about connecting people and customers with something that’s landbased. It could be accommodation, fibre, food, a meat brand and other capabilities. There is a beautiful sense of stewardship within most of the farming families I know.
“With how returns on those investments can be structured, there are opportunities to take another additional
Adam and Claire live on an 80-hectare block where they have a nursery, look after farm animals and grow produce
income pathway. Being able to help people get a venture off the ground excites me.
“With many rural women setting up businesses, there is a lot of potential and many families are thinking about how to serve multiple generations.”
Claire’s passion for the industry shone through, and she made the Zanda McDonald Awards shortlist at the end of last year. The opportunity broadened her network, and participants were able to explore ideas together.
“It was great throwing around ideas, and networking in a forum of competent and high-achieving people. It was a special environment, and I appreciated being part of it.
“I love this industry — it is unlike anything else. I will never forget being part of the award, and I feel there is more to come from the connections I have made.”
Claire Williamson has used her wholesome farm upbringing to succeed in the finance and agricultural industries
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A PORT THAT BUILT A PROVINCE
BY PAUL CAMPBELL
When the Waikato Land Wars broke out in the early 1860s, naval ships became regular users of the port. It was the designated base then for the so-called New Zealand Flotilla, the first fledgling force that would transform into the Royal New Zealand Navy.
In more modern times we have had the HMNZ Waikato Leander class frigate, now decommissioned and sunk as a Northland dive site, to carry the provincial maritime link forward. An earlier Waikato, was a trading vessel to start the province’s deep sea connections.
Back to earlier times, the passage of the New Zealand Settlements Act in 1863 authorised the confiscation of land belonging to any local tribe judged to have rebelled against the British Queen’s authority.
The European settlement of Hamilton was formally established on August 24 1864, when Captain William Steele came off the gunboat Rangiriri and established the first military redoubt. In the wars that followed, some 4,869 square kilometres of Māori land was confiscated.
Port Waikato in the 19th century was a trade and transportation corridor, and a loading jetty for British troops when it was renamed from the original Putataka.
The Waikato Flotilla was based there as the port became a transhipment point between Northern Steamship Company vessels and the river-borne Waikato Shipping Co carrying goods like timber, coal, flax, flour and farm produce.
The earliest European at Port Waikato was sea captain John Payne in 1826, who settled there. A three masted barque Elizabeth under John Kent was the first European vessel to sail into the river in December 1826. As the Waikato basin was a major source of flax, sailing ships
became regular visitors, particularly as a busy trade developed in swapping flax for muskets.
After these early traders, some civilisation began to arrive, if only with the early missionary movement, and one was Robert Maunsell, who built the Maraetai Mission in 1839. When fighting came with the land wars, naval ships became regular users and, in 1863, the gunboat Avon became the first paddle steamer on the river to tow barges upriver, carrying soldiers, munitions and supplies.
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Photo credits: Angela — Flickr Creative Commons
Port Waikato today is a vibrant coastal community
A small Waikato township on a rivermouth seems an unlikely place for a naval base but Port Waikato, now a busy holiday destination and home to some 800 residents, was the original home of what grew into the maritime defence force.
were
In ensuing years, with relative peace prevailing and the spread of European settlers, the river and port became a highway for ships and barges bringing in building materials, agricultural supplies and provisions, and leaving with timber, coal, flax, flour and agricultural produce. For the next three decades, Port Waikato became a vital port for loading and unloading cargo and an important ship servicing and ship building yard.
Early 1900s the first oil-fired boats and launches were seen on the Waikato River, enabling settlers to trade and have contact with the outside world. At this stage, the river was still the only means of travel.
The Caesar Roose Shipping Company was set up, and in 1903, a bridge over the Waikato River was built at Tuakau. It finally collapsed in 1931, and a new concrete one was built that stands today.
With the development of roads and railways, the use of water transport
began a decline. However, river trade was successfully revived by Caesar Roose from 1910 to the 1940s. However, after the second world war, with the further silting up of the river, as a result of hydro dams being built, and tougher competition from road and rail transport, the era of riverboats was drawing to a close, to be stifled completely when the waterfront disputes in 1951 stopped Port Waikato being used as a coastal port.
The Waikato River and its tributaries were used for transport, and Hamilton became a busy centre of economic activity. The last hundred years have seen sweeping changes to the region’s landscapes where people have settled, used and created resources. In the early 20th century, most of the hill country was developed for farming. After the second world war, more service towns and industries thrived, and small settlements grew around the hydroelectric dam constructions along the Waikato River.
Port Waikato today offers a great holiday opportunity with swimming, surfing, fishing and boating high on most lists, but there is also the opportunity to step back in time, not by a century or so, but by thousands of years. The area also offers fossil finding as a unique pastime with opportunities to discover a slice of Jurassic history.
Home to 65–85-million-year-old sedimentary rock formations, and even
Jurassic-era dinosaur fossils, Port Waikato is advertised by the local holiday park website as ‘a dream location for fossil fossickers. So grab your safari hat and your paleontology chisels, (a baseball cap and blunt tent peg should do the trick, too), and embark on a fossil-collecting expedition around the port’s weathered cliffs and coastal rocks’.
A rich history indeed.
Ships
the lifeblood of early trade at the port
An early provincial namesake was the SS Waikato, a coastal trader
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Farming can be tough on joints
by John Arts
Earlier this year, I had a call from a farmer who was having significant problems with osteoarthritis in several joints: notably his hands and shoulders.
I have many farming clients, and not many reach 50 without some joint issue. In many cases, it started with some accident, often involving livestock.
In his case, his hands were extremely painful. He found it difficult to close his hands and they hurt all the time. Shoulder arthritis can be very niggly as the shoulder joint is ‘open’, meaning it relies on ligaments, muscles and tendons to stay in place. This means there can be a lot of referred pain in shoulders.
There are essentially two ways osteoarthritis begins. Firstly, damage to the joint from trauma. Secondly, over time cartilage is lost, which can lead to joint bones touching. While cartilage has no nerves, bones certainly do.
Regardless of the cause, cartilage loss occurs with a trifecta of dysfunctional processes: An overproduction of destructive enzymes, free radical damage of cartilage-secreting cells (chondrocytes) and associated inflammation.
I started my client on an intensive programme for three months. We started with a double dose of my joint
formula. This provided 1,600mg of both high-grade chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine sulphate and 400mg of the latest 100% water soluble curcumin (from turmeric) extract.
I had a review with him after three months. He said the improvement had been significant to the point he now has full use of his hands and wrists. His sore shoulder had improved to the point he hardly noticed it. Once again, this testifies to the power of nutritional medicine for osteoarthritis, and indeed with many chronic conditions.
Combining high doses of chondroitin with supporting glucosamine and curcumin from turmeric can be very beneficial, especially when combined with an antiinflammatory diet. Email me for a copy of my osteoarthritis programme.
John Arts (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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• Research indicates that chondroitin is highly effective at 800mg daily.
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Avoca’s Agricultural Lime (AgLime) and Limestone are manufactured at our three lime quarries at Rarewa (Whangarei), Pokapu (Bay of Islands), and Port Albert (Wellsford). Both are also available at bulk stores in Dargaville and Te Kauwhata (Waikato). From all of these locations, we’re well placed to deliver Agricultural Lime products Northland and Waikato wide. Avoca also provide soil fertility testing and consulting as well as lime and fertiliser products and custom mixes.
NORTHLAND LIME
10
reasons to apply lime to your soils:
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Increases nutrient availability; raising soil pH with lime to ~6.3-6.5 releases and balances soil nutrients for plant uptake, maximising return on your fertiliser spend.
Improves pasture yield. Trials have shown pasture production increases up to 68% and corresponding live weight gains.
Reduces need for N-fertiliser; lime stimulates N-fixation by legumes, and N-release from organic matter into plant available forms.
Improves P availability through a ‘phosphate sparing effect’ - trials in Northland showed 50-60kg more P available consistent over 3 years after applying 5t/ha of lime to a pH 5.8 soil. Optimal P availability occurs when soils are limed to pH 6.3-6.5.
Improves pasture palatability allowing for more even grazing of pasture and better pasture utilisation. 5
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Increases soil biological activity and diversity; key to nutrient availability, good soil structure & porosity, and ultimately pasture/crop yield.
Increases resilience to droughts, floods, and runoff/erosion, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and greater root penetration for pasture/crop growth by flocculating (loosening) your soil to improve soil structure and porosity.
Increases water holding capacity in the dry and water drainage in the wet. Lime drives down magnesium in ‘tight, high Mg’ soils such as estuarine soils found in the Hauraki Plains.
Reduces elemental toxicities evident at low pH levels, e.g. Al, preventing subsoil acidification and improving root growth, root development, and reduces P-fixation.
Provides calcium which is essential for both plant and animal growth and health.
Lime critical for legume health
Addressing soil acidity via the application of lime to help boost legumes is of significant national importance to the pastoral farming sector, says Avoca director Bryce Manderson.
“The long-term cost of not adequately liming our soils will be far greater for future generations, as agricultural production declines, than the short-term cost of spreading lime now and reaping the benefits,” he says.
Legumes are nitrogen-fixing plants of significant global importance due to their contribution to pastures and cropping land, ultimately feeding the human population.
“One-third of New Zealand’s land mass is intensively-farmed grass-legume pastures, which are inherently facing accelerated soil acidification rates due to an increasing reliance on fertiliser inputs, particularly those that are highly soluble, nitrogen and sulphurbased, and ironically, the abundant use of legumes themselves,” says Manderson.
Manderson says lime must be applied frequently and in sufficient quantities to achieve an optimal soil pH. This is critical to prevent top soil and subsoil acidity, as well as corresponding aluminium toxicity, all of which significantly reduce legume function and yield.
“Legumes fix atmospheric nitrogen into organic forms within themselves and transfer some of it to support the growth of nonleguminous plants, like grasses. It is thanks to the little bacteria, called rhizobia, housed within legume root nodules that nitrogenfixation occurs — in return for carbon from the host plant, of course.”
However, Manderson says when plants die or are grazed by livestock, which excrete
excess nitrogen, the organic nitrogen is transferred to the soil.
“Microbes mineralise what they do not require (mineralisation), of which they then nitrify. Nitrification results in the production of acidity and negatively charged nitrates and, typically, plants do not take up all nitrates produced. The excess leaches out of the soil, which acidifies the soil. The application of soluble nitrogen and sulphur-based fertilisers creates a similar acidifying effect as excess nitrates and sulphates are produced and leached.
“Subsoil acidity develops more gradually but is far more difficult and expensive to remedy than topsoil acidity. Subsoil acidity is prevalent in Australia, and we are running the same risk despite our younger soils, particularly in our high country farms, where the economics of topdressing inhibits sufficient lime application.
Various scientific studies verify that raising soil pH to 6.3 through lime application results in higher numbers of nodules formed, greater rates of nitrogen fixation, and increased dry matter production of legumes (assuming other limiting factors are not present).
Lime trials over the last few decades unanimously report increased pasture growth in response to lime, all exhibiting increases in legume yield, and some of which attribute overall pasture yield increases to the improvement in legume yield alone (rather than to ryegrass as well).
“In raising pH, liming also acts to remedy aluminium toxicity, while also providing calcium, which is in hot demand by legumes. So, it is a no brainer that overly acidic soils will negatively impact your legume yield.” 76% of us ignore online
by Paul Campbell
Central Districts on show
More than 500 exhibitors sprawling across more than 33 hectares are on offer as all roads lead to Central Districts Field Days at Manfeild in Feilding, Manawatū, from March 13-15.
Food, fun and entertainments galore are a given, along with carefully selected brands with a special emphasis on rural New Zealand. Among the 10-plus automotive brands this year is a newto-New Zealand e-truck and a range of electric machinery offerings, according to CDF event director Henry McLernon.
“New this year are woodchopping and the Golden Loader competition, joining fan favourites such as the National Excavator and the Power Fencing contests. However, the first bargain on offer is the online tickets, which are cheaper than gate sales that bypass the entry queues and straight
to the express lane of what is the highlight of the region’s rural calendar.
“Horizons Regional Council will have a range of staff offering advice on a range of rural issues and needs, and will be available to talk about pest plants and animal control, sustainable land management including riparian and poplar pole planting. The rural advice team is also available for on-farm support, including consenting requirements.
“From the Power Fencing Competition to the National Excavator Operation Competition, and the Southern North Island Wood Council Golden Loader Championship, there are many rural skills on display.
Expert advice from the practitioner to OWNZ standards. Supplying BIO-GRO and DEMETER accepted inputs & services.
“Each year, operators battle it out across the regions, identifying 12 regional champions to vie for title of New Zealand’s best in the CCNZ Cable Price National Excavator Operation Competition. After taking out regional competitions from Whangārei to Waimuimu, sometimes against up to 30 opponents on the 13-tonne Hitachi excavators, the national contest piles on the pressure with competitors battling it out over several days, showcasing skills with challenges ranging from popping a champagne cork or slam dunking a basketball.”
The popular woodchopping demonstrations return with the Central Axemen’s Association Grade Championships. Event organiser Patrick Barrett says the 30-plus competitors range from as young as 10 to 12 years old up to 70-plus years.
“Woodchopping is such a unique sporting event in the sense that, in my opinion, it’s a glimpse into the past. It really gives spectators an appreciation for how timber was harvested long before chainsaws and heavy machinery.”
Some of the best fencers in New Zealand compete in Central Districts Doubles Power Fencing on Friday, March 4. Lugging and lifting are all in a day’s work for the rural community, but the Manawatū Strength Club makes it look easy as men and women attempt the seemingly impossible during events, such as log ladder lifting and the two-tonne vehicle pull challenge.
The Southern North Island Wood Council will also be exhibiting a Forestry Hub, where visitors can get more information on forestry management and careers in New Zealand.
Central District Field Days are on March 13–15, 2025. For tickets and visitor information, go to cdfielddays.co.nz.
Henry McLernon, Central District Field Days event director
by Andy Bryenton
Climate target ‘beyond reach’
Last year, prime minister Christopher Luxon called hitting New Zealand’s 2030 climate change targets under the Paris Agreement ‘very challenging’; now new, even more ambitious targets are being branded as unachievable by rural industry leaders.
“We have worked hard to set a target that is both ambitious and achievable, reinforcing our commitment to the Paris Agreement and global climate action,” said Climate Change Minister Simon Watt, announcing a new target for greenhouse gas emissions earlier this month.
That target is to reduce emissions by 51 to 55 per cent compared to 2005 levels, by 2035.
“Meeting this target will mean we are doing our fair share towards reducing the impact of climate change,” said Mr Watts.
However, climate change mitigation is an area of vigorous debate, from those who see carbon credit forestry as a threat to Kiwi agriculture and regional economies, those who criticise the way that gases are calculated and accounted for, and others who reason that all green and growing biomass should count toward a carbon-zero calculation, not just certain trees.
These arguments were voluble and ongoing under New Zealand’s old emissions target. Under the new one, rural advocacy groups are even more vocal in their concerns.
“All the target does is commit us to 10 more years of planting pines, because that’s the only way for our country to achieve such a steep reduction,” says Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams, who calls the new target ‘completely beyond reach’.
“There is a very real risk that we could become the great pine plantation of the South Pacific — hardly something to be proud of.”
Others point to the fact that New Zealand is one of only two nations looking at imposing penalties on the agricultural sector in a bid to reduce emissions.
“No other country, apart from Denmark, is currently intending to put a price on agricultural emissions,” said Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair Kate Acland.
“However, under the Danish policy proposal the impacts of the price will be offset with billions of dollars of additional subsidies to their farmers.”
“Mr Luxon is right now facing an unachievable target for 2030 left to him by the previous government,” Toby Williams said.
To avoid a further 850,000 hectares of non-productive carbon forestry taking
suggested, and agreed to in parliament in 2019. Simon Watts was allegedly contacted last year by Federated Farmers for a meeting on this issue, but the farming advocacy group received no reply.
a closer look at the natural cycles and relative lifespans of carbon dioxide and ruminant methane
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has forged ahead with ambitious plans to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, but opponents have questioned the cost to the rural landscape
up productive farmland,
was
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RURAL CONTRACTORS & SUPPLIERS
Rural sector job opportunities
Rural contracting will be highlighted by tons of machinery at these Central Districts Field Days, and along with this will be an emphasis on job opportunities, with roles from weed spraying and crop drilling to operating and servicing complex machinery.
Opportunities exist for operating large and sophisticated machinery, including combine harvesters and hay balers and similar agricultural machinery.
Even a simple tractor driving job can earn a take-home pay of almost $50,000 annually, and training courses are available in which an operator will connect a variety of equipment and operate it safely on the road, across paddocks and on undulating terrain. Tractor driving requires some prior knowledge or basic training either at a starter course or on-site.
A complex machinery operator could earn up to $80,000, and this job requires good technical skills.
“Operating a combine harvester or foraging machine is like being at the controls of a spaceship,” says one instructor. These are highly technical machines with several computers, touch screens and joysticks to control the variety of operations the machine has to perform.
Mechanical support is another opening, and machinery is key to rural contracting
and needs to function properly. People who can perform regular maintenance and repairs are important, particularly as service centres are often some distance away.
An agri-chemical applicator requires come certification received after training.
Spraying crops to remove pests and encourage growth is an important job in agriculture. Training in the safe use of agri-chemicals, protective equipment and the various types of applicator, from backpacks to large spraying rigs, is available through formal NZQA training and Growsafe accreditation.
The rural economy bodes well for employment, with Fonterra noting a 50c increase for a new forecast range of $9.50 to $10.50 a kilogram of milk solids, with a $10 midpoint for the 2024/2025 season, citing improved market conditions and demand for milk products across China and Southeast Asia. With export prices firming, there is likely to be growing interest and a heightened level of enquiry for dairy farms, according to commentators.
Farm machinery requires operating skills
by Andy Bryenton
Government claims positive momentum
The coalition government has revealed a record jump in farming business confidence, and says that one of the core drivers of this improvement is a commitment to strengthening support for rural communities.
Alongside slashing the regulatory burden often derided as red tape, accelerating the uptake of new farming tech, and making profitable trade deals with foreign nations, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay’s missive last week said the government was intent on ‘improving access to essential services and infrastructure’, and ‘strengthening local support networks.’
That’s good news for small Kiwi towns where access to doctors, government
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services and even some banks have become problematic. It’s also news that will resonate with those who view carbon afforestation as a dire threat to regional towns.
“The positive momentum we are seeing now is just the beginning. The government will continue delivering for rural communities, ensuring they remain at the heart of New Zealand’s economic success,” Mr McClay says. “We are
committed to growing the primary sector, and we won’t be shutting down farms or sending jobs and production overseas.”
The positivity of which the minister speaks is based on the latest Federated Farmers’ farm confidence survey. This survey gauges agri-business confidence in the same way conventional business confidence surveys track the mood in the nation’s boardrooms, and it’s up by an unprecedented 68 points since July of 2024. This is the largest one-off improvement the survey has ever seen, and the government is taking credit for a large part of this.
“With the primary sector generating more than 80 per cent of New Zealand’s goods exports directly, employing more than 359,000 Kiwis, ensuring its continued success is crucial to every Kiwi’s economic future,” said Mr McClay.
“That’s why, last year, we took over 20 actions to slash red tape and free up farming, unwinding the damage done by the previous government. We’re not stopping there. This year, we are going for growth, and will deliver on further actions that will support the long-term success of the rural sector.”
The smaller towns of rural New Zealand evolved as and continue to thrive as rural hubs, serving a productive farming
hinterland. The acknowledgement by the Minister of Agriculture, and his peers in the government, that rural communities need to provide access to essential services is potentially as much of a positive as those 68 points in the Federated Farmers’ survey. Regional citizens, who fear core services being shifted to large urban centres arbitrarily, will be keen to see actions matched to these words.
R & L DRAINAGE R & L DRAINAGE
The Minister of Agriculture has outlined four key points to accelerate rural confidence, ensuring access to essential services in regional towns in high on the list
by Paul Campbell
Women excel in shearing sports
Waikato shearer Alexia ‘Lexi’ Phillips is the latest lady to add her name to the national and international leaderboard as sports competition in the woolshed becomes a major athletic pursuit under the administration of Shearing Sports New Zealand.
Here at home, across the Tasman and around the world competitors with sights set firmly on world championships in Masterton in February next year, women are making their mark. During her solo women’s world eight-hours merino ewes shearing record in West Australia, on February 22, Lexi shore 367, to beat the previous record by nine ewes, and fleece almost 1.6 tonnes of wool.
“She had successive two-hour runs of 91, 92, 92 and 92 to beat the previous record of 358 held by New South Wales shearer Jeanine Kimm, when the record took place about 200km, south-east of Perth. The attempt was overseen by a records society panel of four referees,” says SSNZ spokesman Doug Laing,
“Under World Sheep Shearing Records Society rules, the sheep needed to average at least 3.4kg of wool, each according to a sample shear of 10 ewes the day before the record. Lexi had plenty of support, including Sacha Bond, who last summer in Southland, shore both the lambs’ and ewes’ strong wool solo women’s records for nine hours. The attempt was overseen by a records society panel of four referees.” Back at home, the ladies have also been making their claims to fame. Competition
in February saw history created at the remote Ohura A&P Show, when women won three of the four shearing finals.
“They were Laura Bradley, a mum and farmer from Papatawa, between Dannevirke and Woodville, and who beat three men in a senior final of six sheep each, Sarah Bryant, of Arohena, between Otorohanga and Tokoroa, who beat three males in the intermediate final of four sheep each, and Jodiesha Kirkpatrick, of Gisborne, who was not only the only female in the junior final, of three sheep each, but also the only New Zealander.”
Bradley and Kirkpatrick have each won six finals this season, and three junior woolhandling finals each, while Bryant had her first win just seven days earlier at the Te Puke A&P Show.
Most of New Zealand’s top shearers and woolhandlers are competing as much as possible for points in the year-long process to select New Zealand representatives for the 2026 Golden Shears World Championships in Masterton.
Among the ladies expected is open woolhandling champion Pagan Rimene, of Alexandra, who won the New Zealand Woolhandler of the Year final at the Otago Shears.
Photo Credit: Hettie Davidson Waikato shearer Alexia ‘Lexi’ Phillips in record action
With the invention of the tractor gradually taking over working on the land, horses being used on rural properties in Waikato were becoming an uncommon sight. By the late 1920s, there were fewer Clydesdale horses in harness, and the breed was at risk of being lost to the farming landscape. However, shortly after
the first world war, a strong demand for the heavy draught breed remained, until economic recovery meant more farmers could afford a tractor to replace their horses. This image was captured in 1929 by the Auckland Weekly News at the former Ruakura State Farm of a Clydesdale team ready for ploughing work.
Waikato Regional Council has made a submission that seeks to improve workability, clarity and certainty for local authorities.
The council’s submission was in response to the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill, which proposes targeted amendments to a range of existing sections in the Resource Management Act 1991.
The amendments related to infrastructure and energy, housing, farming and the primary sector, natural hazards and emergencies and system improvements, the council heard at a meeting of the Strategy and Policy Committee.
The council’s submission was generally supportive of the bill. However, it also considered the implications the bill would have on the roles and responsibilities of the council, particularly as a consenting and monitoring authority.
Committee chair Warren Maher said this is a very technical submission that highlights a number of points that will make the bill work better in practice.
The submission included several key recommendations, including adding local government flood defence and land drainage infrastructure to the ‘long-lived infrastructure’ that will receive a default consent duration of 35 years.
WRC recommended amending the proposed default consent duration of 35 years for geothermal energy to provide discretion for councils to set a duration of between 10 and 35 years, to reflect the complexity of geothermal resource management. It also suggested expanding the scope of proposed changes relating to rules about discharges.
The council gave wide support for proposed changes to the freshwater farm plan system, subject to its recommended
Waipa Water Delivery
amendments to improve clarity and consistency and support a more robust and credible system.
It also asked the government to remove the requirement for regional councils to undertake an additional assessment of the impact of proposed rules on fishing and recognise regional councils did not hold information or expertise on the management of fisheries.
WRC supported enabling consenting authorities to refuse land use consent
based on assessment of risk from natural hazards, but recommended including a definition for ‘significant risk’ to the RMA to improve clarity and provide a nationally consistent approach for the management of hazard risk. The regional council also recommended several other key factors in its submission.
“These technical amendments to the bill will help to improve clarity for local authorities and ensure the bill’s workability for future implementation,” Cr Maher said.
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WATER MATTERS
Wetlands to celebrate
by Liz Clark
Last month, World Wetlands Day highlighted the importance of these vital ecosystems worldwide, and Waikato can boast three wetlands of international significance.
The region holds approximately 11% of the nation’s remaining wetlands, with two being the largest freshwater areas in the country. Waikato also has the largest river delta in New Zealand.
Whangamarino, Kopuatai and the Firth of Thames estuary are listed as International Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites). Only seven Ramsar sites are listed in New Zealand.
In the past 160 years, the region’s wetlands have declined by 75%, due to drainage schemes for farmland and other developments. In the 1840s, an estimated 110,000ha of wetlands covered the Hauraki Plains and lower Waikato area.
Currently, around 27,000ha remain, including Whangamarino Wetland with 7,100ha, and Kopuatai Peat Dome containing 9,200 ha. The majority of these areas are in lowland areas in the Waikato, Matamata–Piako and Hauraki districts.
Two main types of wetlands can be found in the region — low-nutrient wetlands (bogs) and highly fertile wetlands (swamps). Fens are intermediate in fertility and sometimes occur at the edges of bogs. Biodiversity varies for each habitat, some species are found in one wetland area but may be less common in another.
The Kopuatai Peat Dome, in the Hauraki Plains, is a prime example of a bog area. It consists of low-nutrient peat, mainly decaying organic matter, fed by rainwater. Rare endemic plants, like the giant cane rush and the small wire rush, are found as part of the botanical community.
Other peat bog plant species include sphagnum moss, orchids, sundews, bladderworts, sedges and umbrella ferns.
The peat dome also supports fernbirds, endangered black mudfish, a significant variety of insects and several native aquatic species.
Highly fertile wetlands are fed by nutrient-rich ground along with surface water and rainwater. Their levels vary according to the time of year and can be flooded with silt-laden water in times of heavy rainfall. They are located on edges of lakes, in poorly drained river deltas and in wet gullies.
Some of the most common plants discovered in these sites include raupō, harakeke (flax) and some sedges. Many species of fish and birds, such as the Australasian bittern, can be found in these types of wetlands.
For more information about wetlands in the Waikato region visit the Waikato Regional Council website.
The critically endangered Australasian bittern is one of the many species inhabiting Waikato wetlands
Trophy finalists announced
The finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Māori sheep and beef farm have been announced by the Minister of Agriculture, Todd McClay.
The Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust and Tawapata South Māori Incorporation— Onenui Station were named as the two finalists for the trophy this year.
Nukuhia Hadfield, Ahuwhenua Trophy management committee chair, said it was fantastic to see these excellent finalists who will add to the impressive alumni created by this award.
She said the last few years have been hard for all sheep and beef farmers around the country as they have fought to stay in business against the odds of adverse weather and lower prices, especially for sheep meat.
“Māori farmers have been among the worst affected by the adverse weather, given that many are in areas such as the East Coast of the North Island, which bore the brunt of Cyclone Gabrielle and other heavy rain storms. I live in this region, and know first-hand what our communities have endured,” she says.
Māori are intergenerational farmers, meaning that while they want to get their properties up and running as quickly as others, they are equally concerned that any such repairs will be of such good quality as to protect the land for future generations.
“A philosophy that is both practical and sensible, and one that is catching on in the wider agri-sector,” Hadfield said.
Other encouraging news for Māori was contained in a recent MPI report, revealing the asset base of Māori collectives (trusts, incorporations and other entities but not individual farmers) has risen from $6 billion in 2013 to $19 billion in 2023.
Hadfield said this data shows conclusively that Māori are a real force in the NZ economy and the future for Māori-agri was very bright.
The finalists in the senior Ahuwhenua Trophy competition will each hold a public field day at their respective properties. Each day runs from 9am–3.30pm and all are welcome. Further details, including start point addresses, will be posted on the Ahuwhenua Trophy website and Facebook page.
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Field day dates are on Thursday, April 3, for the Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust, and Thursday, April 10, held by Tawapata South Māori Incorporation — Onenui Station. The winner will be announced at the awards dinner held in early June in Palmerston North.
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From left: Lester White, Tawapata South
Māori Incorporation — Onenui Station chair, and Morris Pita, Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust co-chair
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