Waikato Farming Lifestyles, February 2014 by Integrity Community Media

Waikato

Farming Lifestyles February 2014 Edition

30,300 copies DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Waikato and King Country

Grasslandz will be back

Waikato’s Southern Belle

Songs of a wild colonial past

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Waitomo Sports Day is a long-standing tradition Page 6 –7

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

The Waikato Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by NorthSouth Multi Media Ltd, a privately owned NZ company. Phone: 0800 466 793 Email: info@nsmm.co.nz General Manager: Deb Wright | debw@nsmm.co.nz 021 639 696 Production Manager: Jessica Wright Editorial: Denise Gunn Paul Campbell Andy Bryenton

Waikato Farming Lifestyles Distribution area

by Paul Campbell

Graphic Design: Gavin Bainbridge Jan Balcombe Paul Bakulich James Menzies

Production: Advertising: Brenda Ilton John Register Viv Webb Betty Willetts Accounts: Lesley Robinson | accounts@nsmm.co.nz Distribution: Laurie Willetts Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

Imported feeds to be screened The Ministry for Primary Industries is moving to reduce animal welfare risks in the nation’s livestock — particularly in the dairy sector — and is inviting submissions on its proposals.

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Audited distribution details Print run 30,300. ABC audited circulation 30,050, audited Jan–Dec 2013. DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Waikato and King Country.

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Hardware disease is the perforation of the stomach wall by sharp metal fragments and known to occur in animals fed with contaminated palm kernel expeller imported into New Zealand New rules will be issued setting the minimum requirements for screening PKE and outline record keeping and traceability requirements for all imported animal feeds, and expected to take effect from April 21 this year. Currently, there is no mandatory requirement to screen PKE although most is already screened onshore. Ministry for Primary Industries Deputy Director General, Ben Dalton, said damage to livestock through hardware disease is a known issue in farming and, after discussion with the industry, there was general agreement on the need for a mandatory minimum screening requirement to be introduced. “It is currently a requirement for all

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importers to ensure that feed is fit for intended purposes. This means all animal feed should not contain physical contamination at levels that could lead to harm or distress when consumed.” Mr Dalton said a key element of the new rules was that the screening be done in New Zealand. “The method of processing, storing and transportation of PKE varies, which makes it difficult to manage the quality of feed to the farmer,” he said. “Mandatory screening on arrival means that animal welfare risks are managed as far as possible through the supply chain.” If MPI becomes aware of physical contamination being present in other imported commodities, additional controls will be considered as part of a wider review of animal feeds. The final draft notice which outlines the new rules can be found through the quick link section on the front page of the Ministry’s website: www.mpi.govt. nz. MPI is interested in any comment by 5pm Thursday March 6. Comments will be considered prior to the notice being gazetted and signed for coming into effect from 21 April.

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Grasslandz will be back

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“People were there to buy, and our exhibitors were well pleased with the decision to come to Grasslandz,” says Event manager, Andrew Reymer, after the success of Grasslandz Expo at the McFarlane Agricultural Contracting property between Hamilton and Morrinsville as January came to a close. 11 minutes and 38 seconds was an official record. Fairbrother Industries sales manager Ken Lawson says this could take some weeks. In the event, two teams of two were competing throughout the two day event.

“Certainly buying decisions were made at the venue — we had a great response and as a result we are looking forward to an expanded and improved event in two years’ time.” “The Grasslandz venue was chosen for its unique characteristics and the McFarlane property has proven its layout and location are well suited to this type of event.” “An extensive range of agricultural machinery was displayed, demonstrated Transporter + Truck & Trailers available for bulk delivery

and ordered, including drilling, ploughing, min-till, power harrows, maize planter, scoops etc — the list was huge.” A notable event at Grasslandz was seeing two fencers from Taumarunui winning the inaugural speed fencing challenge to set a new world record for erecting 30 battens on a nine-wire fence. Ratification has been applied for from the Guinness Book of Records that Bill Brewer and Simon Green’s time of

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Waikato’s Southern Belle Growing healthy products, the way nature intended, is the core focus for Matamata’s Southern Belle Orchard, whose name is a clever play on words. The initials ‘SBO’ also stands for their main objective — Sustainable Biological Origin.

longside their core business, Southern Belle Orchard hosts tour groups, to educate people from around the world on how sustainable farming can be achieved. For an even closer look, guests can take advantage of their B&B and wind down in a luxury apartment overlooking the ancient Waikato river valley. All in all, they offer quite the sustainable package. For Frans and Tineke de Jong, it was the lure of owning a lifestyle block in a less crowded country that brought them to New Zealand in 2003 — that, and the intriguing taste of the feijoa.

Originally from Holland, Frans grew up on a dairy farm and went on to work in an agricultural laboratory for 27 years and Tineke has a background in floristry and is a keen gardener. They say their backgrounds have given them the drive to embrace and develop biological growing methods. “Our philosophy is simple — a plant stays healthy and productive if it is looked after and fed well in a natural way, giving it all the nutrients and micro elements nature provides,” says Frans. “We do regular soil, leaf and nutrient tests to be able to keep a good balance

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In July last year, Frans and Tineke’s son, Talbert and girlfriend, Emily, joined the family business. Like his father, Talbert has a dairy farming background and has spent the last 10 years running a maintenance franchise in Auckland. Emily studied marketing at Waikato University and has a great deal of experience in the not-for-profit field. She now runs a Facebook page for Southern Belle Orchard. “I think a lot of people care about where their food comes from and want to see their food produced in a sustainable, healthy way,” says Emily. “What we do is unique in a world dominated by huge commercial enterprises, and I want to share our approach.” Southern Belle Orchard’s greenhouse is a high tech operation, with three computers working together to control temperature, humidity, nutrient density and irrigation sequence. Irrigation is via a total recycle system which means that any excess nutrients or water will be returned to the main tank and recycled. The greenhouse crop, planted in August with capsicums, sweetpoints and chillies, has a yearly cycle and the

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development of plants is closely monitored. Soil microbes and predatory insects are introduced and daily checks are performed to obtain optimal growth and fruit development. After a production period of about eight and a half months, the plants are removed and used in the compost for the feijoa crop and the whole cycle starts again. In spring, the feijoa orchard shows an abundance of flowers, which are pollinated by birds rather than bees, and the fruit starts to develop in early summer. Late March through until mid-June marks harvest season. Complementing Southern Belle Orchard’s unique approach to horticulture, is their B&B and guided tours, whereby they host both New Zealand and international visitors. Tour groups will be able to sample seasonal fresh products and ‘home-made’ preserved products. The B&B is a selfcontained, quiet apartment equipped with kitchen facilities, a spacious bathroom and a bedroom that can sleep two singles or a couple, with a pull out sofa-bed in the lounge. Most products and produce find their way to restaurants, specialised shops and supermarkets but the de Jongs also enjoy their weekend morning trips to the Hamilton and Tauranga Farmers Market, where their customers keep coming back for more. “It is with pride and joy we will show you our achievements and spread the word of growing in a way that restores nature’s balance.”

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February 2014 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

WAITOMO SPORTS DAY IS A LONG-STANDING TRADITION by Denise Gunn

y are a highlight tr un co e th n w do d an up Spor ts days rming community fa e th ng gi in br , ar nd le ca l on the rura d events. together for a day of fun an The Waitomo Sports Day is one of the largest community-run events of its kind in the North Island, attracting around 2,000 visitors each year. Originating as a community gettogether back in 1939, the Waitomo Sports Day continued as an annual event until it went into recess in 1960. After a successful Mardi Gras in 1966, it was decided to re-establish the sports day with wood-chopping, and horse and pony competitions. In 1970, a shearing stand was moved to the grounds from Otorohanga to introduce sheepshearing competitions. Following the loss of the Otorohanga County Fair in 2009, Waitomo Sports Day organisers have worked extra hard to provide a good quality family day outing and keep the event alive for the competitors and the community. Sheep dog trials, tug-o-war, highland dancing

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and master sportsman events have all featured at previous sports days. The Waitomo Sports Day is primarily organised and run by those in the farming community. Background work usually begins in August with an annual meeting. Committee members also begin preliminary approaches to sponsors. Sponsorship is generally secured by mid-December which enables the programme to be printed and distributed to prospective entrants, stall holders and sponsors the following month. Working bees over several days help to set up the grounds in the week before the sports day, sheep are crutched, logs sourced earlier for woodchopping are delivered, show-rings and showjumps for horses are organised, and staging, tents and equipment set up. Waitomo Sports Day committee spokesman

Some years up to 60 axemen have competed in the woodchopping

Chris Lord said the social connection is quite unique. “It is the only time of the year that some of these people meet and interact with each other.”

“Everyone sits around and enjoys a well-earned beer at the end of the day as they reminisce about past years and make last minute arrangements and organise other equipment that might

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Welcome to 2014 Welcome to the second edition of Abundant Living in 2014. Over the past 10 years I have written over 400 columns covering many topics. Most of these are related in some way to the role of nutrients in protecting and reclaiming our health. In the process I have spoken by phone to thousands of readers and offered personalised advice where appropriate. I trust you will benefit from the comments and advice. I also write a longer weekly email column. To subscribe to this column just follow the instructions below. By way of introduction to new readers, I am the founder of my company Abundant Health, established in 1998. I work with various international experts to formulate what I think are a very special group of nutritional supplements. I also practise as a nutritional medicine practitioner providing personalised advice in a structured way. This column brings together my thoughts as a both a nutritional therapist and supplement formulator and researcher.

The shearing competitions attract a steady crowd

be needed. “While funding is needed to support the event, without the volunteers the sports day would not happen.” Waitomo Sports Day draws competitors from Northland to Taranaki and across to Taupo and Bay of Plenty. Occasionally international competitors, including a Welsh shearing team and axemen from Australia and Canada, have participated at the event. With the event fixed on the fourth Saturday in March each year, competitor numbers can vary depending when that date falls. Occasionally the top axemen may be attending the Royal Easter Show in Sydney around the same time. “That does open the opportunity for younger competitors to be in with a greater chance of winning prize money and so some do travel from further afield to compete,” said Chris. Some years as many as 60 axemen have competed at the sports day. Shearing and wood chopping attract a steady crowd of spectators throughout the day. Crowd attendance increases for the senior shear, the

final of the open competitions, the championship woodchop and the tree event. The aerial lolly scramble held in the afternoon is extremely popular with the crowd swarming onto the centre of the ground. Sponsorship and donations are vital to operating these events and without this support the Waitomo Sports Day would not be able to achieve its goals. “Financial support over the years has tended to be philanthropy rather than sponsorship as we know sponsorship today,” said Chris. “When the sports began, the farmers of the district approached their suppliers and asked for a contribution to the sports as a way of giving something back to the community.” “Sponsors these days are seeking ways to reach or grow their client base and expose their brand, so the committee is beginning to look at ways that it can attract sponsorship as well as donations from the community to remain financially viable and grow the event.” This year’s Waitomo Sports Day will be held on Saturday, March 22 at the Waitomo Caves Domain.

“It is the only time of the year that some of these people meet and interact with each other.”

The next few months will be a very special time for me as we introduce a product I am sure will have a profoundly positive affect on cardiovascular health. This is a completely natural product that research shows is the most effective natural cholesterol support product available. Many people have genetically high cholesterol which causes an imbalance in the series of liver enzymes responsible for new cholesterol production. This US patented product will help balance these enzymes. This will be excellent for people who cannot tolerate cholesterol medicines or for those who prefer not to take them. People on cholesterol medication will also be able to take it safely as it will have many heart health benefits not just cholesterol balance. I will be writing a new series on heart health which will focus on the types of diet and supplements that can offer significant benefits for those concerned about their heart and circulatory health. We will be looking at most aspects of cardiovascular health with everything from cholesterol to the actual processes which cause arteries to block. We will look at hypertension and in particular the types of diet proven to help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. In the meantime feel free to call 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. Contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@ johnarts.co.nz. Join his weekly newsletter at www.johnarts. co.nz. For product information visit www.abundant.co.nz.

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February 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

S O G FA N O S WILD COLONIAL PAST BY ANDY BRYENTON

The history of a nation isn’t all written down in books or gathered in academic papers. In fact, the more vibrant and colourful stories often live on more readily through other mediums, from children’s rhymes to famous poems, and of course, through song.

here’s a long tradition of folk music preserving the kind of ‘real people’ stories which governments and archives would perhaps rather forget — not just in Europe, but around the world. Australia, our nearest neighbour, boasts a wealth of well-known folk songs about colourful characters, many of whom are more well known to Kiwis than our own colonial figures. It’s this realisation which spurred musician and composer Chris Priestley to dig a little deeper into the tales of our own nation’s past. With a passion for folk music, and a thirtyyear history of covering famous New Zealand folk songs such as McKenzie the Sheep Stealer, Chris wanted to branch out into lyrical composition by celebrating some of our literally unsung heroes. “I thought it would be nice to get their stories out there,” he says. “You never get taught this stuff in school.”

And indeed you don’t. Though some of the characters featured on Chris’ new album Unsung Heroes may have come to your attention, many are ghosts from the past, brought to life through

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music, lyrics, and the carefully researched clippings and photographs accompanying the CD. Across the twelve tracks listeners will be introduced to heroes, rogues and daredevils, soldiers, miners and moonshiners. Chris says that the characters appeared one by one as he delved into Kiwi history. “I started writing the song about ‘Darling Jennie’, going through old newspaper clippings and visiting the records’ section of the library for research. But as I researched one character I’d uncover another and another.” Tales of the wild colonial frontier make up a significant part of Unsung Heroes, as befits what was once a perilous and rugged

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

borderland of the British Empire. From the story of ‘Darling’ Jennie Anderson and her troupe of magicians, riding the Cobb and Co. stage coaches from settlement to settlement, to the pioneering life of George Fairweather Moonlight — prospector, publican and one of our first lawmen — Chris’ music and lyrics paint a vivid picture. One particular character who stands out is Gustavus Ferdinand Von Tempsky, and not only for his flamboyantly Germanic monicker. A ‘rock star’ of the late 19th century, the swashbuckling military hero fought in the fierce New Zealand land wars, while returning from his wild forays and pitched battles to serenade the Auckland public as a popular guitarist. Though his image was part Mick Jagger and part Captain Jack Sparrow, Von Tempsky was no retiring artistic type, however. His fierceness in battle and the much-used heavy cavalry sabre which swung at his hip earned him a reputation as a fighter. This Prussian warrior who lived by the sword finally met his end at the siege of Te Ngutu o Te Manu, the fortified pa of Titokuwaru. He’s credited with developing some of the tactics of stealthy, skirmishing forest warfare still used by army rangers today. Or consider Bridget Goodwin, known affectionately as ‘Little Biddy of the Buller’. This slightly built lady (accounts of the day put her at no more than four feet tall) lived in the most rugged of conditions, working as the only female gold miner in New Zealand. She was still panning for gold three years before her death, at the age of 93. It’s captivating stories like these which make Unsung Heroes such a rewarding listen. Chris, along with other talented collaborators such as pianist Linn Lorkin, guitarist Nigel Gavin and many more, weaves music through the lives of these colonial personalities — and because it’s the kind of music which they themselves would have heard, sung, played and enjoyed, the experience comes full circle. Chris plans to take the Unsung Heroes experience on the road,

ADVERTORIAL

Plan your tax payments wisely The current Fonterra milk price is providing a boost to dairy farm cashflow this season, with an expected payout of $8.30 before dividends for the 2013/2014 season. This has been of great benefit in aiding in the recovery from the 2012/2013 drought, and in assisting as the effects of the current dry spell start to affect production. Even taking into account increased expenses due to drought effects, taxable incomes for 2013/2014 will be greater than last year. This seems positive in terms of overall farming performance, but it does mean that farmers need to make sure they have a tax management strategy in place.

The heroic Von Tempsky was the ‘rock star’ of his age

accompanied by a full multimedia show which will include archival pictures and period newspaper clippings detailing the lives and adventures of his subjects. There’s already a buzz about this unique historical and musical project, and it’s one which is sure to pack venues around the country. After all, it’s only fitting that songs about the ‘Pakeha Maori’ Kimble Bent, the wild frontier town of St Bathans, and the eruption of Tarawera should take their place in the New Zealand folk canon ahead of Aussie imports! You can find Unsung Heroes online. A hard copy of the CD along with a handsomely presented booklet of historical notes, pictures and newspaper clippings can be ordered from the website of Marbecks Records — www. marbecksclassical.co.nz

The $8.30+ payout may cause some taxpayers to be caught by the IRD use of money interest regime, which charges you 8.40% for any underpayment of tax. Needless to say, such action is best avoided, and the solution is a simple one. A farm accounting specialist will be able to accurately ‘balance the books’ to

take the relatively high Fonterra milk price into account, saving you time and money. The next provisional tax date for most dairy farmers is February 28. Make sure you have some important questions answered for this, and subsequent tax dates on the financial calendar. A farm accounting specialist will be able to assist you in knowing exactly the minimum you need to pay, as well as how much to set aside to pay later. Critically, it’s important for farmers to know if they are exposed to any IRD interest charges, and if so, how to manage this situation. Remember that securing good advice is half of the battle — talk to a trusted professional today and make the most out of the buoyant milk price, avoiding taxation pitfalls. Rodney McKenzie Farm Accounting Specialist

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

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Then mix in some fresh new HD features — this doesn’t stand for High Definition, it means Heavy Duty. Boy, they’re not kidding, either. A look at the size and reinforcement of the Ranger’s new sway bar, upgraded rear driveshaft and grease fittings is enough to tell you that Polaris mean business. The impression here is that mere rocks, ruts and mud won’t make any significant impact. “The visit by senior Polaris managers and engineers shows not only their commitment

to understanding our market, but also to delivering products that are specifically designed for our quite unique conditions, climate and usage,”says Polaris Industries Australia and New Zealand Country Manager, Brad Wolstenholme. Combine these smooth riding, Kiwifocussed features with best-in-class power, 567kg of towing capacity and 226kg box capacity, no matter the task the Ranger 570 HD will work hard for you.

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www.completehydraulics.co.nz PO Box 5686 •116 Ellis Street Frankton Hamilton PH: 07 847 1514 A/H: 0274 876 475 Fax: 07 847 1521

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

FA R M W H E E L S ADVERTORIAL

Top skills on two wheels or four

Blackwood Yamaha are proud to be the Yamaha Dealership for Cambridge, Hamilton and the greater Waikato area — providing excellence, value and trust in the motorcycle industry for over 18 years. Our expert team attend regular Yamaha technical training courses to stay up to date with the latest technology. Wayne has been a winner of the Oceana Yamaha Technical GP contest, and has brought those technical skills to the business. Shaun Bourke, our service manager and Karl Nicholl, parts manager have also been long standing members of the team, adding a wealth of knowledge and practical acumen. Wayne also looks after the sales side of the business. Our qualified, experienced technicians service all makes and models of motorcycles. We provide genuine Yamaha parts and accessories, as well as a wide range of new Yamahas from farm bikes, ATVs, motocross, scooters, road bikes as well as a range of used motorcycles. We also offer a pick-up and delivery service for your convenience. For the farmers in the area, we offer the Yamaha Viking side by side, the complete range of Grizzly Utility ATV’s

and of course the legendary Yamaha AG bikes. Also, if you are into MX, Enduro, Adventure and trail riding we offer the complete off-road Yamaha range. We can even introduce you to the exciting range of Yamaha road bikes — a collection of race-proven machines with a proud history. We are solely Yamaha dealers and offer Yamaha Motor Finance and Yamaha Motor Insurance. All new Yamaha Utility ATV’s and SSV’s come with a three year factory backed warranty. Whether it’s for the farm, trail, road or race track, Blackwood Yamaha has the knowledge and expertise to help you.

SAFETY FIRST

Feel free to give our friendly, professional and dedicated team a call today, or visit our website for more information. Blackwood Yamaha — excellence, value and trust in the motorcycle industry!

ON THE FARM LOOK OUT FOR YOUR WORK MATES

Come in and talk with them in their Cambridge dealership about your requirements. Opening hours are: Mon — Fri 8am — 5pm, Sat 9am — 12pm.

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MF GC1700 series - check this mate: Yamaha’s range of ATV and ROV utilities are built Kiwi-tough. They’re packed with all the latest features like independent suspension, on-command 2WD/4WD, locking differentials, class-leading Ultramatic transmission, waterproof electrics and a 3-year factory warranty. Better yet, owning one this summer couldn’t be more affordable with attractive ﬁnance rates through YMF. Head down to BLACKWOOD YAMAHA to experience one today.

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22.5 – 24.5 hp For both residential and professional operations. 3-cylinder liquid cooled diesel engine. 2 range hydrostatic transmission. Rear and mid independent PTO. Uncluttered operator’s area, with new ergonomic seat.

www.waikatotractors.co.nz Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton PH 07 843 7237 John Metcalfe 07 843 7953 Glenn Greay 027 243 1750

Ted Murphy 07 889 1505 Keith Stewart 07 854 4048 Neil Lawrence 027 654 0913 Rob Riley 0274 898 720

Finance available to approved AGCO Finance customers. Subject to normal lending criteria. Conditions Apply. OFFER AVAILABLE WHILE STOCKS LAST

February 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

ADVERTORIAL

Move will boost service Reid and Harrison has acquired a new site to cope with their expanding Matamata business. “We have been aware for a couple of years that the business was constrained by the lack of physical space and materials’ handling capability, “ says CEO Keith Cooke. “This was being compounded by the success of the engineering business in addition to the well-known Yardmaster pumps. “In 2013 Metso made the decision to close its Matamata operations and the site offers space for both the R&H (1980) Yardmaster Pumps business and the R&H Engineering. “Four other tenants will also occupy the site and we have developed plans to include retail space, permanent outside and inside displays, product testing areas and increased stock holding. All this with the site lifting capacities, will result in improved service to customers.” A new job role of chief executive was created to focus on operations and business growth, with Seaton Dalley taking the opportunity to refocus his

HUNTING AND FISHING

Casting further with new technology The Abu Garcia company has seen a lot of changes since its foundation in 1921. Primary among them has been the change from manufacturing watches for the Swedish market to making high-tech fishing rods for the anglers of the world.

efforts more on customer contacts and product development. Keith Cooke was appointed CEO. The Yardmaster pump designed and manufactured by R&H has a trouble free design which offers a non-clog feature to its application. With the latest multi-stage pump, increased performance figures of up to 40% more efficiency have been experienced. An important feature of the Yardmaster Pumps is their ability to run dry. R&H with its new capabilities believes customers can only benefit from even better service.

One can only assume that the minute attention to detail required of the manual watchmaker informed their decision to incorporate the tiniest and trickiest of technologies into their latest range of rods — the lightweight Veritas series. Veritas is Latin for truth, and it’s a fitting name for these top-end rods. Picking them up for the first time, many people don’t believe that they’re holding a piece of kit which can take on the ocean’s big predators. Others are suddenly very aware that Abu Garcia’s claims of extensive nanotechnology incorporated in the Veritas must indeed be true. Because even the largest surf-casting Veritas rod weighs very little indeed. This has been achieved by the spaceage means of the atomic manipulation of graphite. It’s the cutting edge of a technology much talked about in science fiction, and slowly crossing the horizon

REMEMBER It is ILLEGAL to use a hand held cellphone while driving a motor vehicle

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into fact. Why here, in a fishing rod, and not in a NASA moon lander? Because here, in a fishing rod, traditional graphite has long been in use. The nanomanipulation process strengthens it and provides a definite sense of whip-like action, with some anglers swearing they can cast half as far again with the Veritas. “I fish for a living, 275 days a year, and have yet to encounter any problems with any of these rods,” says one very happy customer from Texas. “The rods have held up to hundreds of bass caught by my customers with zero failure. “Their sensitivity and strength is beyond compare in my opinion. Besides, the price of these rods makes them the best bargain out there.” And while this particular angler is hooking in fat bass, the Veritas series incorporates rods designed for casting — schooling rig, winch models and spinning configurations as well. With a 30 ton rating and extreme sensitivity transmitting every twitch of the line, they’re great for going after snapper off our coast as well. Kiwi fishos have taken to the nanotech innovation in droves, and it’s a certainty that more than a few hooks will be slung on West Coast beaches this year using Veritas reach and power.

THE WAIKATO’S BEST KEPT SECRET! We provide hunting and fishing experiences on the Waikato’s unique west coast. cial Spe HUNTS G N I m EVENriced fro 50 p 0 – $6 5 $3

• Family owned and operated with hands on experience for all packages. • Common species we retrieve include Snapper, Gurnard, Kahawai, and occasional small grey Sharks. • Enjoy our great New Zealand bush in the safe hands of Rob, an experienced bushman and local search and rescue volunteer, while hunting New Zealand’s splendid Red and Fallow deer. • Just relax, while we provide all the equipment you need, making your stay as hassle free as possible.

• We can do pick ups and drop offs from Waitomo Caves, Te Awamutu or Otorohanga, just enquire. • Package deals starting from $200. • Rabbit or Possum hunting. • Trout fishing (day licence required, which we can arrange). • Accommodation and meals - 20 minutes South of Te Awamutu. • Self-contained units, complete with shower, bathroom, double bed, garage and deck.

Also checkout our website www.surfandturf.co.nz or facebook CALL ROB 027 278 7219

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

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February 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Top building and renovation tips The sun is out, the year is still fresh and new, and it’s time to tackle those building projects. We asked the pros for top tips: 1. Painting and Outdoors Maintenance With the sun shining it’s a great time to tackle those outdoor tasks. Remember — disconnect your water tank before waterblasting or chemically washing gunk off your roof or out of your gutters. Good, stable ladders and scaffolds will save you an unwanted trip

to the emergency room! Wash and demould your outdoor walls before it’s time to paint, and make sure that the paint you have is still up to snuff — stuff left in tins for several years won’t give you great results. With the high UV we experience here in New Zealand, make sure that your paint has a high SPF factor — and that

SEPTIC TANK OWNERS How you can save money by keeping your septic system effective and healthy Septic tanks and multi-stage septic systems are delicately balanced environments. It does not take much to upset them. Common practice is to ignore the septic system until problems occur. Good and best economical practice is to always keep your septic system well maintained.

operating effectively and not endangering you or your family’s health.

A malfunctioning septic system can become a health hazard. When a system is not maintained or operated as a delicately balanced environment, problems occur.These problems include nasty odours, leach line blockages, untreated liquid rising to the surface, toilets gurgling and taking time to empty. At this stage your septic system is a serious health hazard to you and your children. Human waste produces faecal coliform bacteria, a source of viral and bacterial gastroenteritis as well as Hepatitis A and other diseases. Hepatitis can be a debilitating condition and cause long-term harm to children. There are only three remedies. One: stop using the septic system until it recovers. This can take over a month and is not normally practical. Two: excavate your septic system and relocate it.This is very costly and time consuming, sometimes requiring new resource consents and different systems. Three: treat your septic system with Septi-Cure™ every six months. Septi-Cure is Cost effective. By far the most cost effective solution is to pour one litre of Septi-Cure™ down each toilet bowl every six months.This simple action will help keep your system working at top efficiency by reducing solids and scum. Instead of emptying your tank frequently, the reduction in solids and scum saves you expensive pump out costs.Your irrigation field and leach lines will become clear of slimes and blockages so nature can handle the gradual seepage and evaporation for you. When this is happening your system will be

What is Septi-Cure™ Septi-Cure™ is a concentrated mixture of selected naturally occurring microorganisms. These harmless tiny organisms live and multiply by feeding on waste material. When introduced to your septic tank system, they go to work straight away digesting waste material, reducing solids and scum, allowing your septic system to start operating to its maximum efficiency. As they progress through to your irrigation field they feed on the slimes that prevent seepage and evaporation. When seepage and evaporation return to normal, you have reduced the risk of contaminating groundwater and the environment as well as reducing the chances of infection for you and your family. Eventually, they get washed out of the system and have to be replaced to continue their work.This is why you introduce SeptiCure™ to your septic system every six months for maximum efficiency. A satisfied customer in Hamilton has been using Septi-Cure™ for three years. He says this allows them to have an odour-free septic tank with low maintenance costs. He also says that his service person is amazed at how well Septi-Cure™ works, keeping their tank in very good condition. Problematic septic tanks – treat with Septi-Cure™. Prevent septic system problems – treat with Septi-Cure™. For Septi-Cure™ - Call: 0800-109-202 Website: www.ecoworld.co.nz Also Available at

you have bit of the same for your own skin. Nothing makes chores worse like a tender red sunburn! 2. Bathrooms, Showers and Toilets Sometimes the ‘smallest room’ can seem the biggest task when it comes time to renovate. The best advice from a whole lot of plumbers is — ‘leave the wet stuff to the experts!’ Unless you’re super confident and qualified, the septic, sewerage and waste water systems of your home should not be messed with, as they are a real mess when they go wrong. A top tip for bathrooms is to choose a style that’s contemporary and bright, but also easy to clean. High art is one thing, but having the kids troop through after junior rugby is another, after all. If a big renovation is on the cards, or especially if you’re doing the popular thing and adding an en suite, you may want to think about upgrading to an ecofriendly greywater or complete septictank-free waste water system at the

are here to help… with • pre dairy inspection cleanup • shed and roof maintenance • algae and lichen removal • chimney sweeping, gutter cleaning etc We carry… • 3000psi adjustable pressure detergent washer • Weed eater • 200L spray unit … and all the tools required for servicing the back blocks. Servicing Waipa, Waitomo and North King Country. References are available.

same time. And don’t forget that vinyl or tiles in the bathroom are going to take a soaking — extra care is definitely needed. 3. Keeping out Unwanted Pests These come in many varieties — the little ones with wings, and the more dangerous types with crowbars and swag bags. Both may be easily hindered with the application of a little forethought and technology. First up, plan for the installation of screen doors and insect screens when you plan your build or renovation. There are styles to suit all forms of decor these days, and they’ll let a cool breeze in, while keeping mozzies and flies out. Security doors and deadbolt locks will increase your defences against human ‘pests’, while there are so many options these days for security lights and cameras that homeowners are spoiled for choice. A neat trick is the new style of camera systems which can send realtime images to a smartphone — images which can then be sent direct to the Police if necessary. 4. Future Proof your Build With new building laws in place,

Custom Made For You • Frameless Showers • Standard Showers • Security & Insect Screens • Balustrade & Gates • Mirrors • Wardrobe Organisers • Wardrobe Sliding Doors • Awnings • Venetian Blinds COMPLETE BATHROOM RENOVATION SERVICE Free Measure & Quote

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

will finish up for you! Look into the meanings behind Licensed Building Practitioner, Certified Builder and Master Builder insignias, and choose a trusted professional who can not only bring your build together on budget and looking great, but who can also supervise subcontractors as they finish specialist tasks such as fireplace installation, tiling or drainlaying. 5. Fresh Air, Breathe Easy Many people wonder if they should adopt a ventilation system or heat pump technology in their home — especially if it’s a new home just being built. This is a hard question to answer,

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as both systems work well together and can compliment each other to provide a better living environment. As a general rule, the first thing to do is install steam extractors in laundries, bathrooms, and kitchens. If your home suffers from condensation or damp, a full, ducted vent system in the roof will work wonders. For temperature changes, however, a heat pump system is perfect. Don’t forget that a heat transfer tube can be piped in from above your fireplace to your bedrooms for even warmth during winter! 6. Get Roofless this Summer If your roof was leaky last winter,

get ready for the rainy season now! That’s the message from local roofers, who also note that when the roof is off it’s also a great chance to upgrade your insulation. Install piping for the aforementioned heat trans and vent units, and perhaps even get rid of those 1970s Christmas decorations. With guaranteed rain-free days, your roofing crew can get stuck in, with no tarps required. And you can slide in those batts you know you need, without crawling through a tight trapdoor into the dark.

handles brass and

choosing the right builder to oversee your job is more important than ever. Demand the best — check references, insist on seeing a portfolio and your chosen tradeperson’s qualifications, and look into the guarantees offered by your builder which will protect you through the years. Organisations such as the Certified Builders have well written and easy to understand contracts which protect their customers, even in the unlikely event that their chosen builder is injured and can’t complete the job. In this case (as just one example) another fully qualified Certified Builder

architectural hardware specialists

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Consult us for hardware to enhance your home

Visit our showroom 12 Somerset Street, Hamilton p. 07 846 1235 e. sales@handle.co.nz w. handlesandbrass.co.nz

Building vs Buying – from only 5% Deposit* There are plenty of practical reasons to be thinking about selling and moving home – maybe you’ve outgrown your current property? The children have left? Or, maybe they are just arriving? Maybe the garage isn’t big enough? Or your home is starting to show its age and the thought of weekends spent entrenched in DIY warfare just doesn’t appeal. But one of the most common reasons is that your current home just doesn’t deliver the type of lifestyle you want. It’s just not up-to scratch anymore – it’s past its used-by date. The key question then is: how do you balance your needs and get the best value next time round? How do you get it right? That’s where building – not buying – comes into its own. As a home owner, you get your dream home, that’s everything you’ve wanted in a home based on your lifestyle now and for the future, plus a 10 year home first builders guarantee. When you begin thinking about building a new home it’s important not to get confused between cost and value. These are not the same things. Value is the emphasis you place on certain features and aspects in your newly built home – how important is the quality of construction? The features?

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At Platinum Homes® – we like to show-off and there’s no better attention grabber than a new Platinum Home® show home. If you’re thinking of building a new home visit us and see why we’re New Zealand’s trusted name in home building. Indulge in all the great features and design innovations – picture yourself in a home this good. *Not an offer of finance. 5% deposit is indicative only, subject to meeting lending criteria. Lenders terms, rates & conditions apply. Please ask Platinum Homes® for more information.

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At Platinum Homes® we work on the principal of offering good value through a combination of innovative designer plans, quality materials, proven constructing practices and exceptional service. This is why we build with materials such as 4 x 2 timber framing with two rows of nogs, and use extra thick 13mm Gib on ceilings – as a home owner you don’t see these features, but it means a stronger, warmer home that will stand the test of time and provide a better living environment. It all adds up to better value. When you talk to Platinum Homes® we guide you through the whole process helping you to create your wish list, matching you to the right type of plan and taking care of all the details – it’s straight forward and hassle free. If you are thinking of shifting home, talk to us about building – you will be surprised at what can be achieved for your dollar from only 5% deposit.* Call Megan Vanderwiel on 021 276 5556 or Elizabeth Fyfe-Morgan on DEPOSIT * 021 808 460 today!

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How long will you live there and then based on that answer, how well can you live with the fact that you saved a couple of thousand on the kitchen that’s not quite what you wanted…? Maybe you should have taken the upgrade? Cost on the other hand is just that – how much will your new home be? When building a new home you should focus primarily on attaining the best value – not the lowest price, because ideally you do this once and do it right (and not ‘she’ll be right’). You can’t ‘undo’ a home once it’s built. A home constructed from low grade materials will be cheaper to build but in the longrun can cost significantly more through a combination of poor durability, maintenance costs and lower resell value as the home will be less attractive to the new owners. So, how much does it cost to build a quality home? The answer to this question goes back to your needs and wants – and everyone is different. But generally, the cost to build a good quality three-four bedroom house is less than you might think. In fact when compared to buying a second hand home – some else’s old pride and joy – it stacks up very well.

LIN

February 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

LIVESTOCK

Be my Guest

Bill Guest Farmers of New Zealand Membership Services: 09 439 5219 09 430 3758 Email: newzealandfarmers@xtra.co.nz

Keeping farming in the family The family farm has been the cornerstone of farm ownership for well over a century. The issue of succession can be very emotional for many families. There is an old saying, where there is a Will there is a relation. Over Christmas, reading

Keeping Farming in the Family, A guide to farm succession, by author lawyer Allan Ross Blackman, was a very valuable read and I recommend it.

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Registered Chemical Applicator Mobile 027 497 8598 Phone (07) 884 8780 Fax (07) 884 8086 PO Box 170, Te Aroha upw@xtra.co.nz www.upw.co.nz

The majority of us have difficulty in dealing with the issues of testamentary promises, Life Interest Wills, The Inter Vivos Trust, Memorandum of Wishes, Companies, The Succession Plan, Choosing your Advisors, Protecting the Family Farm. The majority of farming families are asset rich and cash poor and if the family farm is to remain an important part of farm ownership, it is important to receive the very best of advice in the setting up of trusts and formulating a good succession plan. Mr Blackman says in his book, that educating the farming client is a vital aspect of succession planning, one that the traditional professional is not inclined to do. The old-fashioned conventional approach by professional advisers has been to tell the client what to do, without explaining why and how. In the context of succession planning, the professional who says do it this way because I say so, is not providing an adequate service. The ability to identify what the farmer needs and provide innovative and flexible solutions is key. Simply forming a trust and divesting all your property into it, requires great thought, particularly when choosing trustees. Under the Trustees Act, there are special responsibilities the trustees must follow in ensuring the interests of the beneficiaries are protected. Many farms have been owned by families through successive generations, but there have been a number of law changes where families under the Family Protection Act, have successfully challenged estates and there is case law, in particular the High Court case Scott vs. Scott which was held in December 2007 in Hamilton and twice in 2008 in Rotorua, that makes compelling reading. This family over a six-year period was in litigation concerning the fate of two farms which had been in the family for many years. In summary, the plaintiff was Mr Lewtyn Scott and the defendants were Lewtyn’s mother and his three sisters. Lewtyn Scott was

encouraged by his father and mother to return from London to take over the main family farm. He purchased his father’s half-share in July 2000 at the registered valuation and his mother promised him her halfshare of the property. He paid $36,000 in interest on the money he borrowed from his mother, up until October 2004 when the family became involved in litigation. He would have thought having paid fair value, that he had an entitlement to the increase in the value of the half-share of the property that he had purchased. Because of the significant increase in the value of the farm land at the time, Lewtyn’s three sisters were concerned that his acquisition of the farm had disadvantaged them. It is also ironical that Lewtyn’s mother in 2002, had promised in writing, to transfer to him her total interest in the farm and that she would make provision in her will to forgive the debt. Her letter concluded — in the meantime you can regard the farm as yours. The letter omitted one important piece of advice, that the second farm had already been transferred to Lewtyn’s three sisters to his exclusion, which he did not accept. The issues surrounding this case were complex but after six years of legal dispute and hundreds of thousands of legal costs, Lewtyn was told by the judge that he had to give back his half-share of the main farm and his mother was not obliged to sell him the other half. The importance of having the legal structures correct, and clearly documented directions as to how the family succession plan will work is important. When the court’s get involved the gloves are off. Ian Ross Blackman’s book Keeping the Family Farm, A guide to farm succession, is a must-read for all farming families. For further details regarding the book, contact Farmers of New Zealand.

For all your livestock needs, contact your

local buyer

AreA

Buyer

MoBile

After hours

Howard Symons

021 956 636

07 827 9062

Paul Cadogan

021 947 321

0800 219 475

Paul Howse

021 984 820

07 839 2001

te aWamutu

Morris Griffin

021 984 829

07 871 4991

otorohanga

Graham Wilson

021 947 327

07 873 1794

taumarunui

Simon Bradley

027 442 6177

07 895 7388

Richard Bevege

027 453 9824

07 877 8176

Ian (Buster) Healey

027 498 5440

06 388 0850

Freephone 0800 233 2669

Marcus Henson

021 589 444

07 378 9780

Freefax 0800 329 225

027 494 7329

0800 462 333

Email lcs@affco.co.nz

regional manager West Waikato cambridge

southern Waikato central plateau taupo, turangi

te kauWhata, morrinsville, te aroha Graham Thomas

competitive prices | top service | premium markets

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

LIVESTOCK

Soil Matters with Peter Burton

How competent farmers handle dry weather ‘Why is it that dry spells are no longer a bother?’ It was a rhetorical question, more a case of thinking out loud and an answer wasn’t expected or required. Pastoral farmers have no guarantee of rain on an as and when required basis and they enter the industry knowing that for best results they must work with the weather and develop strategies and skills that enable them to cope with fluctuations in pasture growth that occur every year. The Waikato and Bay of Plenty are areas of intensive pastoral farming because weather conditions and soil type favour the activity. Rainfall of around 1,250mm a year spread evenly throughout the year compared to other regions provides farmers with a relatively low risk occupation. Healthy well-structured soils provide a buffer when growth conditions are unfavourable with humus, which builds rapidly under pastoral farming, providing moisture for plants to draw on over summer. Because the effect of last summer’s ‘drought’ was confined largely to February and March pasture recovery has been rapid. With winter temperatures higher than normal and little heavy rain during the

period cows were behind wires, pasture growth from early April until mid January has been well above usual. On well managed properties there is now more conserved feed than is usually required for winter. For most areas there is also more pasture cover than normal at this time of the year so production is higher and animal condition better than usual. With the first autumn rain likely to arrive by mid-March the period during which pasture growth is less than required to maintain covers is likely to be no longer than 60 days, or two grazings where a genuine 30-day interval between grazings was established by the end of December. For most it is not until the second grazing in February that there is likely to be a genuine requirement for supplement to be fed, and with plant roots capable of extracting moisture from below half a metre growth in excess of 30kg of dry matter per hectare per day can be expected.

Pastures changing colour in summer can lead people to believe that the amount of feed has diminished and the pasture that is available is low quality. Where a strong dense clover base has been established there is more total feed than may initially be apparent and the quality is high enough for well-fed animals to maintain production without significant weight loss. Dry looking summer grown pasture is likely to contain between 25 and 30%DM — almost double that of spring grown grass so regular and careful observation is important. The comment that production is remarkably good based on what appeared to be ‘not a lot’ is common during this period. However it’s not OK to put animals in paddocks where there is insufficient feed. Apart from the welfare issues it is far more efficient to maintain the condition of animals than allowing them to lose weight and then feed extra in autumn to regain what was lost in the previous two months. Where there is insufficient feed for animals, silage made from rapidly growing spring grass is the ideal complement. This contains protein that allows best use of the high energy and fibre rich feed still in the paddock. Hay or balage made in December and early January is the ideal supplement in autumn to complement short green rapidly growing pasture. As one farmer remarked, ‘feed green when the paddock is brown and brown when the pasture is green’. Ruminants have a requirement for a balance of energy (carbohydrate) protein and fibre and well managed pastures will contain all three but seldom is the balance ideal, which is why making supplement available throughout the year for animals to eat as they require is a sound policy. The pasture on properties where DoloZest/CalciZest based total nutrient programmes are in place are largely untouched by beetle or grub so strong even growth can be expected soon after rain arrives. And with negligible damage by flea or weevil the exceptional clover growth over spring and early summer will have fixed sufficient nitrogen for maximum growth during winter and spring. For more information contact Peter on 0800 843 809.

February 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

LIVESTOCK

The dog’s tail ...

Boss (an me) goes fer Winnie

“So that darn kingmaker gonna briten up the ‘lections campaign agin this yeer,’ seda Boss, as we wotcht ta news ona widescreen Tv ina woolshed. Boss had bin wotchin the crikit reelly, but then it rained ona pitch. Still, we wun tha game ‘ganist them Indian fellas. Sekind time ina row too, an’ Sharlene, tha Boss’ gerlfrend an muther of young Sophy, their dorter, sed ‘them Blak Kaps finally dun something; right’. But back ter Boss. He tole me it’s a lection yeer, and its gunna be rill intristing. “Ya see Dog, we got that Kim Dotkomic formin’ a new party. ‘Party!’. I prickt up me ears cos wen Boss has a party, I gets sum bloody good leftovers

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yep, then Nah, nah, nah. But I dunno about this Dotkomic party. He has this Intanet thing goin;, wear everyone can get in tuch wiv eech other ona computas. Sum ofa blokes ina pub reckin that’s gunna result ina rilly weerd lection result. Ya see Dog, ther’s millyns of people out there wot spends alla time ona computa. They got things corled Twitta, probly cos its for twits, an’ facebook, wear they tells there secrits ta tha werld. “Well, I asks yer. Wot sorta ‘lection candidate they gonna come up with? Sumthink like Sharlene’s Mum?. She spinds alla time ona computa getting’ her fortune told by sum Indian cheef in Merica eh! We might git her ina guvmint if ole Dotkomic gets lucky. “Nah, come ta think of it, I hopes Jon Ki sends ole Winnie a cupla or three cases of skotch.” Hopes yer rite Boss. I’d hate Mum ter go ter Wullingtin. She tops up me tucka bole win yer not lookin! See ya readas. Billy

froma barbecue. “Nah Dog. It’s a political party, wot trys to get people to vote it inta the guvmint,” Boss sed. “That Jon Ki not doing to well, and he’s tellin’ that Winstin Peeters that he mite hava cuppa tee an discus them getting’ a bit cosier. An’ all this wen a cupla yeers ago, he didn’t wanta no ole Winstin. Hah! An I tell yer wot Dog, ole Winnie wood want a case o’ skotch, not a cuppa tee if he wuz gonna get friendly wiv Jon. “So it gonna be a reel intristing yeer comin up. That new Laba leeder, David Cunningliffe is goin’ up an’ down like a yoyo. Wun minite he’s gunna knock of gee es tea frum froot and vegies, then he says nah. Then he sed Laba wood cut taxis on tha first bit of munny people earn, an’ then sez nah. Bit like that Vikar of Dribley ona TV, were the old bloke sez Yep, yep

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“The website is designed to be a starting point to gather and share information on all aspects of rural and farming life and eventually build runoff.co.nz into an encyclopaedia for our farming and rural lifestyle sector,” says Steve. “There are many challenges to keeping rural business and lifestyles prosperous — climatic, environmental, physical, financial and political — but there is also a vast knowledge bank.” As a resource for posting and seeking information on subjects relating to the rural sector, runoff.co.nz can be used freely. It

also provides a venue to buy, sell, and advertise services and vacancies for a fee or commission. “In the past, when I want farming information, I’ve found very little I can hook into and when it comes to trading farm items, the current websites are not specific and they certainly don’t give people a lot of options. With runoff.co.nz, people can talk to each other via email and shake hands over a deal. “Right now, I’m looking for farmers who can contribute ideas, information and handy hints and also for specialists who can share their knowledge in specialist areas. There seems to be a reasonable amount of information for dairy farmers but there is very little available for dry stock farmers, so I am hoping that this website acts as a vehicle to get that information out there.”

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

DAIRY

HOOF TRIMMING SERVICES, EQUIPMENT & TRAINING

Hoof Print with Fred Hoekstra

Following on from my earlier articles on tools, this month I would like to talk about angle grinders and discs.

well-balanced disc which leaves a nice clean smooth surface on the hoof. This makes it easier for the trimmer to see what he or she is dealing with. This disc is about $80 dearer than the grain disc, but the great thing about them is that you can turn the blades around as they have two sharp sides to them. When both sides of all seven blades have been used you can replace the blades rather than the whole disc. This makes the disc more costeffective in the long run. The last disc I want to mention is the disc that we as full-time trimmers use. It is a professional disc that is available in aluminium and titanium. We would be very reluctant to recommend this disc to a farmer. It is very aggressive when

the blades are sharp and I could almost guarantee that you would lose a cow if an inexperienced person were to use this disc. That may be enough to turn you away from this disc, if not, the price probably will! Discs are great tools for hoof trimming and it will still work even if you cut in to stones, however this will dull the blades quicker and therefore it is advised that you flick large stones out first. It is also very handy for preparing the hoof for claw blocks. You may be worried about staff using discs and the risk of damaging the cow. That risk is always there, even with a sharp knife. We always need to be sensible when we trim cows’ feet, and a disc does not make a knife redundant.

EITHER WAY IT’S 20K The angle grinder is becoming increasingly popular for hoof trimming and I am often asked for my opinion about it. If it wasn’t for the angle grinder we would walk around with RSI. It does make the job easier and quicker, but there are a few things to be aware of. There are still people who use normal grinding discs meant for steel on hooves instead of the correct specialised discs. I am sure you wouldn’t use a hoof disc on steel — therefore you shouldn’t use a steel cutting disc on a hoof. The cutting disc will clog up very quickly and overheat the hoof (this is where the burning smell comes from), which causes damage to the live tissue of the hoof, and that is not our aim. There is a range of discs available on the market made especially for hooves, yet I can appreciate that it may still seem like a daunting task to decide on the right one for you. Let’s have a look at some of those discs and what their

pro’s and con’s are. The cheapest disc that we stock is the Wopa grain disc. Obviously, the price is their biggest pro. It is an effective disc and will last for a good number of cows. Most people who use them tell me that they last for at least a year. The disc looks like a really coarse sand paper and many people think that it must be very aggressive. In this case looks are deceiving. It is not too aggressive but because of the way they are made it can lose some bits of grit as you work with it. This may unbalance the disc which will make it vibrate slightly. Another disc we stock is the one made by Demotec in Germany. This is an aluminum disc with seven little carbon blades in it. I was very impressed with this disc when I tried it out. It would be too slow for us as professionals dealing daily with large numbers of cows, to work with, but for a farmer it is ideal. It is a very

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February 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

More water from Waikato?

by Paul Campbell

Waikato Federated Farmers president, James Houghton, has warned that Waikato could face huge costs for future water consents, if an application by the Auckland supercity for more water from the Waikato River gets the green light. Auckland council wants Watercare to take 200,000 cubic metres of water a day from the river to meet the region's

public demand over the next 30 years, in addition to the current take of 150,000cm a day.

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The supercity population is projected to jump by 800,000 to a million people by 2050. Mr Houghton said he was worried for both farmers and businesses in the Waikato. Meanwhile regional council division manager, Brent Sinclair says the application was not a question of being granted or declined. "The outcome is not either zero or 200,000 — it could be somewhere in between, whilst in theory the answer could be no. Logic tells me that within the policy framework that gives importance to people, just because it's in Auckland doesn't change things."

Allocation limits exist for all rivers and streams in Waikato to manage demand and protect the environment with users having to reduce demand when flows are lower. Water for municipal and domestic use takes precedence while land irrigation has the least right. Mr Houghton said farmers would face ‘horrendous costs’ to prove that their application would not have an adverse affect on the environment. "The other thing is that really, under the current rules, it would take very extreme circumstances for you to even get close to be accepted."

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

A precious resource for all by Paul Campbell

With the accent on water as the summer marches on, its pays to keep an eye on sources, especially in rural areas where tanks rule the roost. Therefore, conserving water can be key to peace of mind, and there are many ways of doing this. Underground water lines on residential and rural properties are subject to breaks and leakage. Whether you’re on a large property in the country or a section in town, a leaking water line can lose a massive amount of water — up to 4,000 litres a day for example, through a hole the size of a small nail. With a water meter, it’s easy to do an overnight check for problems. Just read the meter before going to bed, then first thing in the morning. The difference should be minimal. Watching for leaks if you don’t have a meter is a little trickier. To do it, follow these tips: Confirm the path of your water line from the edge of your property to the house. This is usually a direct line from your inlet tap at the property boundary to the outside tap in the front of the house.

Watch for wet spots on dry ground as there could be water soaking the ground from the line below or for grass areas that grow more quickly than others. Sometimes you can hear the water rushing out of the pipe, so keep an ear to the ground! Small leaks lead to big water losses very quickly. There was once a time when water could pretty much be taken for granted. Not so now. We drink it, cook with it, shower under it, or bathe in it. We use it to wash dishes, clothes and cars, and spray lawns and gardens. Access to fresh, clean and plentiful drinking water is a cornerstone of modern society! If you’re on town supply, it’s easy to take water for granted. But it’s no easy task to withdraw it from a source, treat, and deliver it. And it’s expensive. Costs for water treatment and supply along with wastewater treatment are significant in order to meet resource consent requirements and public health standards.

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February 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Mystery Creek Events Centre Tuesday 25 March, from 9am to 3.30pm

Smart effluent solutions on show It’s an inevitable by-product of the core dairy industry — and one which gives rise to a whole raft of economic and ecological issues. But, despite being so naturally fundamental, farm effluent and its management are often misunderstood by the wider public. And as technology keeps pace with progress in this vital

area of farming, it’s always a good idea for those involved at what is literally the ‘ground level’ to keep up with the latest developments. Maximising dairy farm profits while minimising

Innovation fuels effluent efficiency Farm effluent is a resource, not a waste. Effective and efficient effluent disposal systems take time to plan, install and manage. But the returns gained through better use of the dairy farm effluent, together with a user-friendly system, can far offset the initial time and financial investment. Williams Engineering provide a comprehensive range of equipment designed for varying farm types, situations and terrains while complying with environmental requirements. With pump pontoons and booms to suit small tanks to large ponds, in-line filters with various screen sizes, zero-loss hydrants configured to transfer effluent to all corners of your property, PTO pumps, PTO pond stirrers, and the Williams ‘Spider’ range of travelling

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irrigators, Williams Engineering have a product to suit your needs. We believe there are several important points that should be carefully considered to ensure that the efficiency and effectiveness of the pumping is always achieved. Having pumped the effluent to the end of the main line, reducing all head losses possible, you do not need restrictions in your irrigator through bad design in plumbing robbing you of pressure. You must consider the environment the machine is working in and the effects that effluent has on equipment that may have been designed for applications other than effluent.

The 2013 Effluent Expo was a great forum for the discussion of challenges and solutions in the agricultural industry. This year, it’s planned to be even bigger and more engaging

environmental impacts is the goal of good effluent management. That’s the message of this year’s Effluent Expo, due to be held at the Mystery Creek Events Centre near Hamilton on March 25 . At a time when farm finances are tight and community expectations over clean waterways are high, the expo aims to provide farmers with new ways of bolstering their bottom line, and of upholding the quality of waterways which

underpin both economic performance and community values. This fourth annual expo, supported by DairyNZ, also comes at a time when the Waikato Regional Council is working more proactively with farmers whose properties have soils which present a greater risk of waterway impact. That’s one big reason that the council have thrown their expertise into the organisation of the expo.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

Mystery Creek Events Centre Tuesday 25 March, from 9am to 3.30pm

“The Effluent Expo is an opportunity for farmers to get ahead of the game and start looking at the right effluent management system for their farm before the council starts engaging directly with them,” said proactive monitoring manager Ross Wightman. “Alongside DairyNZ, dairy companies and the fertiliser industry, we’re very keen to help farmers get the most effective solutions for their farms so that we all benefit from a healthier economy and environment.” The event itself will run from 9am to 3.30pm. It is designed to be a one-stopshop for farmers who want information about effluent management solutions. Besides the council and DairyNZ, there will be more than 50 suppliers exhibiting indoors and outside, ranging from effluent irrigators through to storage pond and system suppliers. Outside irrigation displays will again be a feature of the expo. Past events have proven very popular and more than 500 farmers are expected at this year’s event. “There are a lot of different effluent solutions available and the expo is the perfect opportunity to find out about

them in one place,” says Mr Wightman. “Getting the right information to maximise the benefits of nutrients in effluent is one key focus of the expo. Another is providing information to help give farmers peace of mind that they’ll be able to comply with the regional council’s effluent management rules.” Seminars will run throughout the day on a wide range of topics, and there will be information available on the council’s new proactive approach to monitoring dairy farms with high-risk soils. Under that approach, which is proving popular with farmers, the council is planning to carry out one-on-one visits to all farms in high-risk areas. That means roughly 80 per cent of the 4000 or so dairy farms in the region are due to be visited personally to ensure effluent systems are up to scratch. “Effluent management systems should enable farmers to comply with council rules 365 days a year — this is an industry standard expectation,” said Mr Wightman. He stresses that a modern system, compliant with council guidelines, must incorporate a variety of factors, such as

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good irrigators, pumps and lines, along with adequate safe storage for times when soils are too waterlogged for irrigation. Key to keeping a good effluent management system working well is vigilance, however — maintenance, forward planning and foresight to tackle any conditions mother nature throws at the Waikato region. The Effluent Expo is the perfect time to take care of another effluent-related council matter as well. Farmers still discharging treated effluent to water under the terms of a consent could use the Expo to look at moving to land application.

“Good effluent management should also maximise the value of nutrients in the farm system so they’re not being wasted,” says Mr Wightman. “Land application is better for the health of our waterways and groundwater, and farmers will save on fertiliser costs.”

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February 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Mystery Creek Events Centre Tuesday 25 March, from 9am to 3.30pm ADVERTORIAL

New Zealand leads world in clean effluent All welcome to a working demonstration of the Clean Green Effluent System, on Wednesday March 26, at Te Aroha, following the Effluent Expo at Mystery Creek. Following it’s successful launch in 2007, the demand for the Clean Green Effluent system which was designed, constructed and patented by Southland dairy farmer Lindsay Lewis has quite literally gone global. From quite humble beginnings, with the initial system being installed on a neighbour’s dairy farm, this innovative yet simple system has been implemented not just in Southland, but throughout New Zealand and soon the United States. Despite the Clean Green Effluent System going in around the world, Mr Lewis has retained his focus around his home base in New Zealand. To further assist clients, the Clean Green Effluent Company is now in a position to provide a full consent and advisory service to Waikato farmers. This enables the Clean Green Effluent Company to streamline the process for our clients, by managing the paperwork and consents process, from everything from a new dairy conversion, covering gravel extraction,

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water consents etc, to renewing an existing FDE discharge consent. The ability to provide this service for both new and existing clients allows them far greater scope to transition from an older high storage/high discharge FDE system to an environmentally neutral Clean Green System with ease. The compact yet highly efficient Clean Green Effluent System automatically disperses effluent with virtually no environmental impact through it’s super low application rate. The system starts by filtering out the solids through the Clean Green Effluent Company’s patented weeping wall. The solids are retained in a concrete bunker and the liquid portion weeps through to a pump chamber. This green liquid is then pumped to a storage tank which is used for external yard wash. This fresh green water is recycled across the yard and back to the weeping wall. The yards are washed clean without having to hose

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off with fresh water. This reduces total fresh water consumption to about 20lt/ cow/day instead of the normal 50 to 70lt/cow/day. As we are now only using 20lt/cow we only have to deal with 20lt/cow per day for storage or distribution to land. The Clean Green Effluent System has a unique distribution system that was designed for all soil types as its super low application depth (0.25mm or ¼ mm) can be applied to any soil type without risk of leaching or run off. This totally automated system removes the risk of over application when soil conditions are not suitable for standard systems. The super low application depth allows for application to soil over periods of the year when soils are near or at field capacity. As the super low application depth allows us to apply farm dairy effluent virtually all year round the storage

requirement is minimal. The Clean Green Effluent System uses 33,000 litre water tanks for total storage. The removal of open ponds reduces the rainwater footprint and reduces the overall farm dairy effluent having to be applied to land. Rainwater catchment with conventional ponds can contribute to millions of litres per year of liquid to be dispersed. Rainwater contribution can equate to more liquid than is produced in the dairy shed. The patented distribution system is fully automated and only requires about three hours work per month to maintain this problem free effluent system. For any further information on the system, please call Lindsay or his team on 0800 400 365, or feel free to visit us at the Effluent Expo, Mystery Creek, and to see the Clean Green Effluent System working, at 376 Eastport Road Te Aroha on March 26 from 11am.

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

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February 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Media Consultant Do you want to relocate to Christchurch? Do you find it easy to create a real connection with people? Helping bring people together is what this role is all about! Connecting our readership with local businesses through powerful, targeted marketing. Can you help us make it happen? If so, NorthSouth Multi Media’s leading farming and community publications would certainly benefit from your expertise, your commitment and your involvement. Due to the rapid expansion and increasing demand on our current team we are now seeking a full-time media consultant to join us. You’ll need to be reliable, computer-literate and able to help our customers make the most out of their marketing – but most of all you’ll have a can-do attitude and a willingness to pitch in. Full training and the support of a nationwide media company will be provided to the successful applicant. Apply now by emailing your CV to jobs@nsmm.co.nz

ADVERTORIAL

Pasture renovation

New trial work by AgResearch shows that routine regrassing of older paddocks on high performing irrigated farms may not always be cost effective. (Keene, Howard. Regrassing no certain silver bullet. Straight Furrow. 22 October 2013) Regrassing is costly, so it’s important to farmers that it pays off. In the trials the farmers chose a paddock they considered “runout”. This was divided into two; one half was renewed with a novel endophyte rye grass (new grass) and the other half remained with the old pasture (the control). After three years the average production over all the farms, perhaps surprisingly, showed the new grass, the control and the good paddocks had all produced the same amount of grass — approx 50 tonnes of dry matter per hectare rendering no production advantage from regrassing a stable, old paddock. AgResearch Senior Scientist Tom Fraser was involved in the trials led by Lincoln based associate Anna Taylor. When we look as nature’s farms like the Serengeti Plains in Africa, most probably the earth’s oldest farm which has been operating for thousands of years, we never question or think about how it operates, it just does. The only interference by man is the culling of exotic animals for money. There are no fertilisers spread upon the plains, no drenches or drench guns used, no veterinarians with chemical wands; it operates by itself, successfully producing hundreds of thousands of kilos of muscle, blood and skin and bone and newborns every year in a very fertile and sustainable natural capital system. The grasslands

provide food for the herbivores and meat for the predators whilst continually renewing themselves without interference. The annual floods that erode the rockdust from the Ethiopian mountain range are providing mineral for the soil microbes living on the plains, who in turn convert that mineral to a plant available form and that’s the system that Agrissentials uses and promotes. It’s not the brand, species or variety of the plant that is important, it’s the mineral value within the plant that is the most critical factor for both animals and people. The formula for growing pasture is minerals, microbes, moisture and sunlight. Agrissentials multi mineral, microbial rich fertilisers are providing the first two parts of the formula; mineral and microbes put these together with rain and sunshine and your animals will do the rest. If you want to get more of that free natural capital to drive your farm forward hook into Agrissentials natural, certified, sustainable fertilisers. To find out more about Agrissentials best on fertilisers phone 0800 THE KEY that’s 0800 843 539 today for a FREE INFO PACK or you can contact your friendly representative Alec Robertson (Coromandel/North Waikato) on 027 522 2687, Robyn Vickers (Central Waikato) 021 0203 6926, Ken Pitts (South/West Waikato) 027 5023 036 and John McGrath (Bay of Plenty) 021 738 521to find out how we can make your farm more successful.

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

Talk to us for your advertising needs

p 0800 466 793

e info@nsmm.co.nz

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Waikato Rural Marketplace IS WATER QUALITY AN ISSUE ON YOUR FARM • NZ made water filtration system to handle high flow rates.

Come & see us for the complete YAMAHA experience... 4 Maniapoto St, Otorohanga

Ph 07 880 9479 Mobiles Mobiles Brodie 0000 Brodie027 027 459 459 0000 Jordan 027291 291 6692 Keat 027 6692

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• GENERAL REPAIRS • WOF SERVICE • TUNE-UPS • EFI REPAIRS • LUBES SCAN TOOL DIAGNOSIS • AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE & REPAIRS Manager Peter Cranch: 027 442 0219 Phone: (07) 883 8272 Fax: (07) 883 8165 Email: putarurutowing@xtra.co.nz

7-9 Neal St, Putaruru

cleaning & complete install requirements

COAST

EFFLUENT SERVICES

POND PUMPING 0800 POO DOO

(0800 766 366)

Jamie Connors

GORDYS FLYTRAP FITTING®

Available from CRT, PGG Wrightson, Farmlands UV Protected Polycarbonate. Fits on any container with a flat surface. Instructions supplied with the fitting.

$20 plus p&p

GORDYS FLYTRAP FITTING 21 LITCHFIELD ST, BLENHEIM

Email: elaine.gordon@xtra.co.nz www.gordys-flytrap-fitting.com Patented in New Zealand/Australia

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Wool • Dress Fabric • Haberdashery Craft Fabrics • Dress Patterns • Bridal Accessories • Ribbons & much more

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Australian-made Hydraulic Woodsplitters

Travel Broker Tel DDI: 64 7 862 8795-Mobile:-021 212 0828Tel DDI: 64 7Email: 862 8795 -Mobile:-021 212 0828. suzie@ttb.co.nz Email:. suzie@ttb.co.nz www.thetravelbrokers.co.nz/suziechaplin DX GA www. 25007,thetravelbrokers.co.nz/suziechaplin PO Box 195, Paeroa 3640, New Zealand DX GA 25007, PO Box 195, Paeroa 3640, New Zealand A member of Just Tickets Ltd. Just Tickets Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Stella Travel Services, 66 Wyndham Street, Auckland A member of Just Tickets Ltd. Just Tickets Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Stella Travel Services, 66 Wyndham Street, Auckland

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• For all Excavation Work • Laser Levelling • Truck & Trailer Cartage • Plus Transporter P 07 827 7710 Bryan (Cos) 027 410 7772 Tony (TC) 027 410 7770 E info@cosseycartage.co.nz W www.cosseycartage.co.nz

EarthmovErs and cartagE contractors

Reach 30,000 Rural Homes • Phone 0800 466 793

• Container and shed lifts • Semi, flatdecks, trailers • Pallet Deliveries

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For Sale STOLEN QUAD-BIKES? — You won’t find any listed here, but you can pre-empt this kind of thing happening and protect your fuel too. Visit www. parabeam.co.nz or call 0508 727 223 for more information. Energy Efficiency DO YOU LIVE IN A WINDY SPOT? 3 phase wind turbines starting at $2,200 includes 450 watt turbine, 6m pole, charge controller and inverter, Batteries not included. Ring Colin at Windpower Waikato 0274 831 041 or A/H 07 843 7983. Email colin@windpowerwaikato.co.nz Rural Services BOWE SPREADING LTD for all your lime and fertiliser needs. Bulk fertiliser spreading. Mini spreader available, obligation free quote. Phone 027 487 8981 or 027 220 2010. RD4 Cambridge, Phone/Fax 07 827 4857. CONCRETE TANK SPECIALIST. Water, effluent, septic tanks. Price quoted, delivered to site. Buy Direct. Phone 0800 487 633. FARM BRIDGES Phone Pat now 0800 222 189, Bridge It NZ Ltd. Visit www.bridgeitnz.co.nz

Travel FURNITURE MOVING Around NZ or around the world. Single items or house lots. Pro Packing, moving, insurance. Via trucks, containers, shared loads. Phone 0800 496 753 www.worldmoving.co.nz “Experience & Advice You Can Trust.”

February 2014 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

FREE DELIVERY ORDERS OVER $1500

Retailer of Rural Piping and Farm Supplies

0800 RURAL DIRECT

FEBRUARY 2014

MAXI culvert Twinwall Culvert Pipe

SIZE NOMINAL ID

225mm 300mm 375mm 450mm 600mm

6M PRICE

3M PRICE

$159.00 $275.00 $349.00 $499.00 $749.00

$ 95.00 $165.00 $209.00 $299.00 $449.00

ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST

NEW SIZE

499.00

Incorporating the strength of corrugated outer shell with the smooth inner wall to optimise hydraulics.

Contractors Ring for a Quote

Smaller coils also available

450mm x 6m

MAXI drain

Punched & Unpunched Drain Coil 110mm OD x 100m 160mm OD x 45m

299.00 $299.00 $

MEGA ROLLS AVAILABLE

110mm x 425m & 160mm x 190m Drainage Contractors call for a quote Manufactured from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

MDPE pressure pipe 9 Bar Rural Pressure Pipe Outside diameter

$ per 100m

$ per 200m

25mm 32mm 40mm 50mm 63mm

$127.00 $159.00 $216.00 $325.00 $495.00

$248.00 $310.00 $421.00 $634.00 $965.00

Other pressure ratings also available Suits compression and electrofusion fittings

Irrigator DRAG hose LDPE Drag Hose

Hard-wearing LDPE suits AG camlocks

63mm x 50m $

199

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63mm x 100m $

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LDPE water pipe Rural Nominal Bore Pipe

ID nominal Pressure $ per 100m bore rating (PSI)

15mm 130 20mm 116 25mm 94 32mm 72 40mm 65 50mm 50 Anka & Hansen

$ per 200m

$ 76.00 $148.00 $141.00 $270.00 $182.00 $355.00 $223.00 $434.00 $264.00 $514.00 $346.00 $674.00 fittings available

20mm x 200m 116PSI

270.00

EFFLUENT pipe 8 Bar Rated - Suits Camlocks

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90mm

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Shop Hours: Weekdays Saturdays

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100% NZ owned and operated

All items in this advertisement are while stocks last. Phone Rural Direct for conditions of delivery. ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST.