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Taranaki leads approach to attracting medical professionals
Attracting medical practitioners to rural areas is crucial for addressing healthcare disparities and ensuring that these communities have access to essential medical services. While this challenge can be significant, promising strides are being made.
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Recently, I had the privilege of attending the introduction of a Rural Training Hub established by Hāwera Hospital and South Taranaki Rural Health, at the invitation of Dr Kyle Eggleton, associate dean of rural health at Auckland University’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. This initiative stands out for its innovative approach tailored specifically for rural environments.
The hub is community-designed, emphasising inter-professional collaboration and vertical teaching to create a comprehensive learning experience for medical students. Central to its philosophy is the concept of ‘for rural, by rural, in rural’, which deeply roots the training within the local community.
This collaborative effort not only integrates students into community activities but also provides pastoral support, catering to their unique needs. Furthermore, the initiative aims to assist
the partners of students by offering employment opportunities and even exploring housing options to incentivise medical practitioners.
Taranaki can take pride in this initiative, but I firmly believe it should be replicated throughout rural New Zealand. By fostering supportive environments, we can enhance the opportunities for healthcare providers and simultaneously improve health outcomes for rural populations. Implementing strategies that prioritise community involvement and adequate support for medical practitioners is essential in creating an inviting atmosphere for healthcare professionals. Such initiatives will ultimately lead to healthier, more resilient rural communities and help bridge the gap in healthcare services across the nation. The Rural Training Hub is an excellent example of how focussed efforts can pave the way for a brighter healthcare future in rural areas.
Hāwera Hospital to train medical students in the rural immersion programme
by Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country
Bob’s Bikes
McKinnon
McKinnon
Climate change action near target
by Paul Campbell
A 38.5% reduction in carbon emissions monitored by the Waikato Regional Council Climate Action Committee has been recorded against a planned reduction for this year of 45%.
Climate Action Committee chair
Jennifer Nickel says the council is confident it will meet its target of a 68% reduction in emissions by 2030, despite challenging conditions.
She said the target for 2023/2024 was a 45% reduction, and the council would have met that target if not for a restock of diesel for flood pump generators and having to run diesel pumps for five months during a pump station upgrade.
“The previous year, you’ll see we had unusually high rainfall, which led to a massive increase in flood pumping hours and corresponding increases in electricity and diesel,” says Cr Nickel.
“We know what we can control from an emissions perspective, so we’ll continue to decarbonise our vehicle fleet and investigate energy efficiency opportunities with regards to our infrastructure, particularly when it comes to our flood protection assets.”
Cr Nickel says progress is being made to offset the council’s hard-toreduce emissions, and public transport emissions, to net zero by 2050 looking at the feasibility of tree planting restoration projects on council-owned land.
It’s estimated that to achieve corporate emissions neutrality, the council would
have to plant less than two hectares a year for 20 years from 2025. For council corporate and public transport emissions neutrality, it would have to plant 7 to 12 hectares a year for 20 years, from 2025.
The committee recommended a draft climate risk report to be completed by the end of the year to provide an overview of regional climate change hazards and risks. These were identified in collaboration with territorial authorities, iwi and other
stakeholders, and provide the foundation for setting regional priorities.
The council will continue to build up quantitative data on climate change hazards and risk, so that information is available to others to assist understanding of exposure and risk. Cr Nickel says the committee also had a presentation about its plans to develop a large-scale offshore wind farm along the Waikato west coast.
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Jennifer Nickel, Waikato Climate Action Committee chair
Marlies met her husband Caleb, while travelling in Australia, before marrying him in the mid2000s. Now the happy parents of three daughters, Kate, Anna and Jaylee, Marlies wanted to replicate her fond childhood memories and return to New Zealand.
“Caleb and our children are American, so we lived overseas for a long time, and I returned with them to New Zealand in 2017. It was easy to fall back into doing markets and we’ve spent two years in the US since then.
“I loved my childhood of growing up in New Zealand, so taking responsibility for the gardens was an opportunity to see how living there would work. I knew the basics of tending to the tomatoes, because when my dad was doing courses, I would help my mum in the greenhouse.
“Caleb was the caretaker of the feijoa orchard and has since taken over to homeschool our girls.
“Since I have had the garden, we have been spray-free. In the beginning, we used natural products like neem oil and plant soap but don’t use those anymore.”
Since Marlies took on the responsibility, she has grown the business even more with various crops. In creating diversity, she has decreased the weekly markets she attends to three — Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Hamilton.
“I have expanded our selection with produce like snow peas, kohlrabi, rock melon and ginger. Both my parents and I grew various capsicum varieties.
“With tomatoes, you must work on them weekly because we grow everything
Christmas Messages A FAMILY THAT GROWS TOGETHER
BY AMY FIFITA
Marlies and Caleb Clemens are bringing up their daughters Kate, Anna and Jaylee, on the farm Marlies was raised on
vertically. Ginger is easy to grow. It does its thing, and then I harvest it before winter and am the only seller at the markets for it. Snowpeas grow and climb themselves meaning all I have to do is harvest them.
“The girls have always helped at the farmer’s markets. They had their flowerselling stall at the market, and my youngest daughter, Jaylee, also has a balloon animal business.”
Marlies encourages other people to get involved in their local farmers’ markets and buyers to support their local sellers.
“It is a great group to network with, and you get to work for yourself but also be involved with people and customers.
“People love variety, so doing something that is not there already can help drive customers. It is great for people to shop locally and avoid the supermarkets.
Market products are fresher and have more flavour because you are picking it ripe. It is a win-win for everyone.
“You are working for yourself, but there is the sense that you have colleagues
around you because you are all building the market together. We all want success for the markets.”
While Marlies is settled with the Kiwi lifestyle, she came from the Netherlands with her parents Johan and Miriam van der Gaag when she was two years old. Her parents were the ones who started Rivendell Gardenz.
“Having always been Lord of the Rings fans, my parents built a plastic greenhouse and named the farm Rivendell Gardenz. My parents replaced the plastic greenhouse with a glass one from the Netherlands in 1995.
“For the first 20 years, they provided one type of tomato to mostly supermarkets. When picking for the supermarket, you harvest it slightly underripe so it makes it to the store and then to people’s homes.”
Moving to the market provided a positive change for Johan and Miriam. Selling directly gave the couple the freedom to cut out the middleman, dictate sales prices and forge relationships with buyers.
“In 2009, they switched to doing the farmers’ market and expanded into growing cucumbers, beans, courgettes and more. The farmers’ market is a lifesaver for many smaller gardens.
“They preferred the farmers’ market, and it got them talking and building customer relationships. Even since I’ve taken over, my customers ask how they are doing.”
With a successful garden and her daughters already with a mindset for business, Marlies has provided her daughters with an upbringing similar to hers.
“I grew up in New Zealand and am back in the house I grew up in. I like that the Waikato is central to other places in the North Island and the weather is pretty mild, as long as it doesn’t rain too much. When I am in the greenhouse, I eat as I go because it is a very natural product.”
At first, the family garden only provided tomatoes but expanded once they ventured into selling at local farmers’ markets
The Rivendell Gardenz stall can be found at the farmers’ markets in Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Hamilton
WHERE MANY DREAMS MEET
AScottish-born veterinarian Rory Dean has released his first book, Adventures of a Country Vet: true stories from the horse’s mouth, a collection of humourous and, sometimes, sad tales of his time in the profession.
t a young age, Rory wanted to be an author. After working on farms and reading James Herriot’s books during his teenage years, he realised a new dream and sought a career as a rural veterinarian.
“Many of the people, who I went to university with, knew they wanted to be a vet from childhood but that wasn’t me,” said Rory.
“I was brought up and went to school in South West Scotland. My dad Geoff provided me with the guidance that working hard pays off, and that is what got me through school, vet school and my career, so far.
“I used to have a little white van, and would drive around the farms milking cows and working with lambs. I was doing well at school, so becoming a vet seemed like a natural progression.
“Going to university at the Royal School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh was an amazing experience. A day after I graduated, I went on a very fragile plane journey to New Zealand.
“Unsure if I wanted to continue with the veterinary profession, and having a real passion for agriculture, I worked on a dairy farm in the South Island for six months.”
At the end of the six months, Rory returned to the UK to work in farm animal practices in the South West of England, in Somerset and Devon. Having just a taste of New Zealand left him wanting more.
“The moment I stepped off the plane, I knew I had to go back, and spent just over a year in the South West of England before returning to New Zealand.
“When I returned, I went to Waimate in the South Island, before being offered
BY AMY FIFITA
a job in Northland, Ruawai. I have been here for the last five years and love the Kaipara, the community, the work and being involved in the Northern Wairoa Football Club.”
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In his downtime, Rory loves spending time with his fiancée Melanie and two dogs, Alfie and Scrappy
New Zealand offered a place for Rory to reflect and make his childhood dream of becoming an author come true. His book was recently published and is in stores now.
Scrappy has been Rory’s faithful companion and accompanies him on farm visits: he says it helps keep him grounded and in the moment
“I wanted to create something humorous, although some stories are sad because they show the less-than-perfect side of being a vet. They are hopefully interesting, and perhaps, eye-opening for people unsure of what being a rural vet entails.
“Writing the book and working with publishers was enjoyable, and I learned a lot, because I had no training or experience. Overall, it was an excellent learning journey.
“It was awesome from the start because I often undervalue myself, so getting the contract felt neat. It is amazing
to think I have a book published, and for me, a highlight was remembering what I’ve been through.”
Rory is grateful for the people, and his two fox terriers, Scrappy and Alfie, who have supported him throughout his journey as a vet, author and New Zealander.
“Scrappy has been with me for the last six years, and he comes with me on my jobs. He keeps me grounded, and helps me stay in the moment, because when things are going well or terribly, I have to look after him.
“Melanie my fiancée has been an amazing support — she’s a patient woman.
My parents, Geoff and Jackie, have visited me in New Zealand. It is difficult being so far apart, but they love visiting and can time it for their winter and can get some sun here.”
While Rory uplifts those who have been cornerstones in his life, he also takes time to give back to the community.
“I volunteer for the Rural Youth and Adult Literacy Trust as a community ambassador, and am donating some of the royalty revenue I receive personally to them.
“The trust provides support for isolated people with literacy challenges across
New Zealand and is always looking for volunteer coaches and support.”
From a boy with a dream to be an author to a man pursuing a rural veterinary career, Rory has found a place to call home in New Zealand. Since returning, he has upskilled in his career, become a published author and settled down with Scrappy, Alfie and his wife-to-be Melanie.
“Kaipara feels like home. I love spending time with Mel and Alfie and Scrappy, playing football for my beloved local Northern Wairoa FC, hunting, travelling, running, politics and learning languages — French and Spanish.”
Rory has had Scrappy for six years, and added Alfie to the family about two years ago
New DairyNZ leadership confirmed
Tracy Brown and Cameron Henderson have been confirmed as chair and deputy chair of the DairyNZ board.
Brown had previously been announced as chair-elect in June 2024 when former chair Jim van der Poel signalled his impending retirement from the role.
Tracy said she was enthusiastic about the new direction and future of DairyNZ.
“We are changing things at DairyNZ to focus more on the long-term success of the sector, as opposed to the day-today farming that farmers already do so well,” she said.
“We represent all 10,600 dairy farmers, and have a powerful data set and science base with which to crack our future challenges.
“Our new strategy focusses on key issues, such as genetics, climate resilient pastures, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and strong biosecurity systems.”
Cameron said he was excited by the appointment and looked forward to bringing the positive, progressive and pragmatic approach that he uses on-farm to his board leadership role.
“I am excited to take on this role during an important time for the dairy sector where we continue to do more with less,” said Cameron.
“Milk production average for the past decade is slightly up and cow numbers are slightly down. We are building resilience into our systems,
facing up to the current challenges, and we are harnessing opportunity.
“Technological uptake, Kiwi innovation and a commitment to sustainable grassfed farming will continue to deliver a bright future for us.”
DairyNZ’s board of directors is made up of five farmer-elected directors and three independent directors. For more information about the board — visit the DairyNZ website.
BIOROCK: the non-electric wastewater treatment system
In 1988 a Dutch civil engineer was working on the design of remote game lodges in South Africa where no services were available; guests were kept warm by outdoor fireplaces.
It was these fireplaces and the chimney effect that captured his imagination. He believed there must be a way of treating domestic sewage to secondary effluent quality without using electricity, using natural aspiration to produce sufficient air flow to provide the necessary oxygen for aerobic digestion. After trialling installations with different piping arrangements, a prototype BIOROCK was born, with a low-level air inlet and a highlevel air outlet working like a fireplace.
Initially, BIOROCK units were constructed of fibreglass, a labour-intensive process at a non-competitive price. The relationship in 2010 between BIOROCK and Rotomade S.A., a Luxembourg-based roto-moulding company, saw the development of various models certified compliant to the structural and effluent quality requirements of CEN standard EN 12566-3.
BIOROCK (NZ) Ltd was formed in 2013, and the now-called ECOROCK 2000, was tested and certified compliant with AS/NZ 1546.1:2008 and met the effluent quality requirements of AS/NZS 1547: 2012.
A BIOROCK system is a two-stage process, a septic (primary) tank for anaerobic digestion and sedimentation and a bioreactor (trickling filter) filled with layers of BIOROCK media.
Clarified primary-treated effluent distributed across the top of the media, gravitates through the media to the base of the bioreactor tank and is discharged to a pumped or gravity disposal system.
Air, introduced into the bioreactor through an air inlet flows through the media providing oxygen for aerobic digestion, travels through the top of the primary tank removing H₂S, and discharging through a high-level outlet fitted with a wind-driven ventilator, thus reducing the possibility of odour and damage to the media.
Tracy Brown, DairyNZ board chair
by Paul Campbell
Fagan flies in to win
King Country shearer Jack Fagan has won his second New Zealand Corriedale shearing championship, after he flew in from Western Australia for his successful bid to regain a title he won for the first time two years ago.
With fastest time in the final and best quality in pen-judging he won by 2.37 points from 2020 winner, Scotland international and Southern Hawke’s Bay farmer Gavin Mutch. Southland shearer and defending champion Nathan Stratford, with four wins in the event dating back to his first in 2005, was third.
Fagan, son of Sir David Fagan, who won the title 13 times between 1984 and 2009, shore the 12 sheep in 13min 19.56sec.
Southern Hawke’s Bay shearer Laura Bradley firmly established herself as possibly New Zealand’s, and even the world’s, most successful female competition shearer when she won the senior final as well as the women’s event.
She’s now had seven wins in the senior class and is on the brink of becoming the first women to be promoted to open class based on competition results. She has won three successive women’s events this year, at the Golden Shears in Masterton and the New Zealand Shears in Te Kūiti at the end of last season, and now, the Corriedale championships.
shearer Bruce Grace by 15 seconds, with Bradley next in 12min 27.84sec.
The senior final was also triumph for the north, with Taumarunui shearer Taelor Tarrant first to finish, shearing the seven sheep in 12min 1.13sec, beating Wairoa
Fagan made an even more successful trip of it by winning the Waiau Rugby Club Speedshear open final in North Canterbury with a fastest sheep of 22.8 seconds.
The only remaining competitions in the North Island before Christmas are the Whangārei A&P Show, also with a speedshear, on December 7, when the Rotorua A&P Show shearing and woolhandling championships will also be held.
Photo Credits: Thomas Lambert
Te Kuiti shearer Jack Fagan into the pen during the New Zealand Corriedale Shearing championship open final in Christchurch winning the event for a second time
Laura Bradley, winning the Senior final at the New Zealand Corriedale shearing championships taking her closer to being the first woman to graduate to Open class competition
by Paul Campbell
Festive stress or family fun?
Christmas means many things
many people and, in this modern world, the chances are many would-be celebrants will find
The writer recalls very few Christmas holidays as a journalist rostered on a shift because news does not stop, and the same applies for all those service jobs from medicine to policing, defence, fire and many more occupations.
Even farmers might need added support as commodity prices and government regulations cause a lack of sleep, along with an unhelpful bank manager.
The holiday season might be a time for feet up, present opening, family gatherings and spending time with loved ones. However, it is not all beer and skittles. Unfortunately, Christmas can also cause stress and depression for some people and even families in poor economic times.
“Keeping a focus on the positives can bring a sense of wellbeing.”
Worrying about the financial cost of buying Christmas presents, combined with the gloomy predictions about the economy, getting presents organised in time and feeling pressure to celebrate, even though you may have fractious relationships with family members.
The rising cost of living coupled with having less money to spend, while seeing an abundance of goods on display in shops, can trigger stress. Finding ways to cut back and better manage finances during the period can help you feel less stressed.
Research proves, in fact, Christmas is considered one of the six moststressful life events, along with divorce, moving house and changing jobs. This year, after the Covid-19 upheaval, natural disasters, rising inflation and dour predictions for the economy, you may be struggling to embrace the season of joy.
There are various factors that can cause stress. You may feel tense because you are worried about finances, concerned about relationships, or just feel exhausted after working long hours to get things finished before the holidays.
Christmas can also have a positive impact on your mental health. Keeping a focus on the positives, sharing social connection, eating well and relaxing can all bring a sense of wellbeing.
Consider researching ways to add new meaning to Christmas or create new family traditions. In general, be kind to yourself and others when planning what you will do, and consider changing your expectations of the season to remove stress, while aiming for a mentally healthy festive break.
Rural mental health gets fresh support
by Andy Bryenton
An online resource with contacts, information and tools to promote better mental health in rural areas of New Zealand has been launched in a joint effort led by FarmStrong and Health New Zealand.
When Cyclone Gabrielle struck, it was not just weaknesses in infrastructure and flood management that were exposed. The mental toll, which came from the disaster and its clean-up, was keenly felt by farmers, many of whom were faced with the double shock of rebuilding their farms while suffering significant economic hardship.
“Adverse weather events are an increasingly common reality for our farmers and growers. It’s vital that people know that they’re not alone and that they can get through this and come out the other side stronger,” says Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey.
“Farming and growing isn’t easy work. There are already a ton of challenges to navigate, even before the likes of floods and cyclones are thrown into the mix. When things get bad, it’s OK not to be OK, but it’s critical people know to ask for help.”
Part of the North Island Weather Events Response and Recovery Package, an aid plan for a more resilient rebuild, was allocated to FarmStrong to develop rural mental health resources.
Meetings were held in hard-hit areas, including the Hawke’s Bay and Northland,
and questions asked about how people facing adversity found the will to come back strong. Feedback from farmers was incorporated, and insights from some of those struck by the cyclone are part of FarmStrong’s resources.
Almost $350,000 was spent on developing the Getting Through package of easy-to-use, practical mental health tools available at gettingthrough. farmstrong.co.nz.
Good news for sore joints (Part one)
by John Arts, Abundant Health
I am writing this early on a Wednesday morning. Overnight, I have had feedback from clients that I am helping with osteoarthritis.
One reported real improvement with sore toes and his partner with much less knee pain.
Over the weekend, there was a client who had booked in hip replacement surgery. We put in place a temporary programme to make her more comfortable while she waited for surgery. She reported that most of the hip pain had gone and no longer needed daily painkillers. I have got to the stage that I am genuinely surprised that people cannot get noticeable improvements in joints affected by osteoarthritis.
I am often asked whether nutritional therapy can restore lost or damaged cartilage. My answer is that, in most cases, what is lost cannot be restored. However, we can certainly help retain current cartilage. The better question is whether we can do anything about pain and loss of mobility.
Most of the discomfort from osteoarthritis comes from inflammation. Cartilage has no nerves. We cannot feel cartilage loss. What we can feel is the inflammation generated by joint capsule immune cells
in response to cartilage loss. We can also feel bones rubbing together where cartilage has completely gone.
My main initial goal is to reduce inflammation in the joint capsule. I have spoken to another client that reported 50% less knee swelling after only a couple of months. This translated to less pain and more mobility.
There is much we can achieve through diet. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet underpins what we do through supplements. Initially, I like to add 1,600mg of highgrade chondroitin sulphate, 1,600mg of the latest non-shellfish glucosamine and 400mg of 100% water soluble curcumin extract. To this we add sufficient omega 3 to get 700–1000mg daily of EPA, the anti-inflammatory component in fish oils. We continue this for six weeks where we review progress.
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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• Bettaflex has 400mg (per capsule) of high-grade avian chondroitin, 400mg of glucosamine and 100mg of BioSolve® bioavailable Curcumin (from turmeric).
• Try Bettaflex for 3 months and see for yourself.
How can Bettaflex help?
• Chondroitin and glucosamine are building blocks of cartilage.
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• Research indicates that chondroitin is highly effective at 800mg daily.
John Arts comments:
“My latest Bettaflex formula includes BioSolve® bioavailable curcumin for faster results. The normal dose is 2 capsules daily but I recommend an initial higher dose for 1-3 bottles to saturate join tissue.”
(John Arts, Founder, Abundant Health)
Mental Health Minister
Matt Doocey has lauded the launch of an online resource of mental health tools for farmers
SPOTLIGHT ON TE AWAMUTU
Submissions still sought on waste incinerator
by Andy Bryenton
A proposal for a waste-to-energy incineration plant in Te Awamutu has gone to a board of inquiry, with the deadline for submissions set for December 18.
An application has been made to construct a waste-to-energy plant on Racecourse Road, with the capacity to process 150,000 tonnes of rubbish each year. Following a request by the Waikato Regional Council and Waipā District Council, the Minister for the Environment has directed that resource consent deliberations should be referred to a board of inquiry.
Other WtE plants have been discussed for the South Island and Kaipara, north of Auckland, one reason that this is considered an issue of national significance.
Waipā District Council mayor Susan O’Regan says that the council is now preparing a submission of its own, after being prompted to do so by the board of inquiry.
“We may have appeared to have been absent from the dialogue about this issue, but there were good reasons for this,” says mayor O’Regan. ”Now, we can take the lead on behalf of our community and identify the key issues we believe the board should consider.”
Supporters of WtE technology, which is widely used in Europe, point to the
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way in which it removes the need for large landfills and generates inexpensive power. However, the mayor was critical of the impacts incineration of more than 400 tonnes of waste each day could bring.
“There is just not enough evidence that this plant will uphold our community’s wellbeing,” said Ms O’Regan. “The impact is not just on the neighbouring streets. What about the impact on the agriculture, which underpins our economy in Waipā?
The stakes are extremely high.
“What’s more, we have done so much work on waste minimisation and recycling. The message this sends, that we need not bother with a circular economy because we can just send it all to be incinerated, just doesn’t sit right.”
Nearly 900 public submissions were made to the WDC during the first stage of the resource consent process. These will all be considered by the board. All previous requests to speak at the hearing will also be carried over.
Anyone can now make a new or further submission by 5pm on Wednesday, December 18, but must do so via the Environmental Protection Authority.
The authority is not involved with the decision-making but manages the public submission process.
To make a submission, visit the Environmental Protection Authority’s website, epa.govt.nz/publicconsultations/open-consultations/teawamutu-waste-to-energy-plant.
Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan says that the stakes are extremely high, as debate about a waste-to-energy plant in Te Awamutu heads to a board of inquiry
SPOTLIGHT ON TE AWAMUTU
A host of surprises
by Liz Clark
Te Awamutu holds many hidden treasures from heritage buildings with a deep past to a museum full of pre-European contact artefacts to another holding those of the future.
Take a walk into the future and past at the Te Awamutu Space Centre. Located at 3 Whitmore Street, Kihikihi, this is a science museum with a difference. The facility offers educational visits to groups by appointment. Visitors can learn and explore the world of space and technology through a series of displays and interactive activities.
Pride of place is the centrepiece exhibit of a small, but fascinating collection of artefacts from the Russian and US space programmes. Visitors will also find informative displays about the universe, the history of space exploration and scientific research. The interactive screens will show what’s in the night sky, take a tour of the solar system, land a spacecraft and more.
The museum is run by Dave Owen, ‘Space Dave’, and his family as a privately funded, ongoing project. For more information about the museum visit spacecentre.nz.
Not to be overlooked is the Te Awamutu Museum, Education & Research Centre, which showcases Waipā District’s local history, social development and bicultural
collaborations between Māori and settlers from 1823, through objects and storytelling. The museum is located at 55 Rickit Road, Te Awamutu, and entry is free. Visitors will be told why British soldiers invaded Waikato in 1863, about the locations, who was involved and its impact on the communities in the surrounding area. Younger visitors are also catered for
through a series of holiday programmes
a series of special events in December.
On December 1 and 2, the club’s special mascot friend Wēta will be the focus of holiday month activities. Find out more about the wēta by visiting the museum, colouring in, learning more
with a special activity book and making an articulated version of this fascinating native insect, too. Bookings are essential — visit tamuseum.org.nz for more information or call 07 872 0085.
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The Te Awamutu Space Centre holds a special collection of Russian and US space programme artefacts
run at the museum. The Tui & Tama Kids Club is having
A floral affair
by Liz Clark
Te Awamutu has a long history associated with gardens and all things associated with the art of growing flowers — especially roses.
1899 was the year that kicked off the pride of growing flowers of all kinds in the thriving Waikato township. In February that year, it was the turn of Te Awamutu to host the annual Waikato Horticultural Show run by the Waikato Fruitgrowers Association.
Flowers and pot plants were well represented and the participants were keenly competitive. The roses were considered ‘not up to standard’, while dahlias dominated the displays. It was noted Mrs W Taylor exhibited a new chrysanthemum cultivar, Flowered Sunflower, and a Delphinium, a flower rarely available in the country during the 19th century.
The Waikato West Flower Show and Fancy Fete came later that same year. The funds raised from the show were to be used for the benefit of the Te Awamutu Public Library. A committee had been formed, energetically gathering cash and goods for show prizes for the November event. Parliamentary member for Waipā Sir Fredric William Lang was appointed show patron.
In the lead-up to the show, the local newspapers were full of enthusiastic reports of special prizes being made available and the committee of ladies working hard to put together the show schedule ready for the big day on November 9, the same day as the Prince of Wales’ birthday. The ladies from the local Anglican church were set to offer refreshments on the day.
On Thursday, November 9 1899 the day of the show came and went. A local correspondent had spent the day on the scene taking photographs of enthusiastic participants, including the entrants of the decorated bicycle section. Ladies decorated their bikes with garlands of flowers and posed for the formal photograph. The winners were Miss Adele
Ahier with a first placing, joined by Miss Flossie Mandeno as the runner-up. Of the day itself? It was ‘a distinct success. The show of flowers was an excellent one and goes to prove what can be done this way, even in a small place, when everyone enters into the spirit of the thing, and contributes his or her quota in the way of exhibits.’
Photo Credit: Auckland Libraries
Proud ladies display their bicycles covered in showy blooms for the local flower show
SPOTLIGHT ON TE AWAMUTU
Township adventures
by Amy Fifita
Let Te Awamutu take you on a journey that showcases the area’s natural beauty, heritage and knowledge.
Explore the local surroundings on the Te Ara Wai Journeys trail. The adventure showcases significant cultural sites throughout the Waipā district, such as Rangiaowhia O Rākau, Kakepuku and Lake Ngā Roto.
Discover the charms of the Te Awamutu Museum. The Ka Whawhai Tonu Mātou Ake Ake Ake (we will fight on forever and ever) exhibition is currently on display, featuring the events leading up to the final battle at O Rākau.
The museum offers plenty of activities and sights to marvel at: Māori myths and legends, educational experiences and interactive tasks. People wanting to get out in nature can stretch their legs by going on a brisk walk at one of the many walks or reserves the area has to offer.
Lake Ngā Roto has a 6km easy loop around the water’s edge or stroll along Yarndley’s Bush. For more of a challenge, trek 14.3km on the Pironga Summit via Mahaukura Track.
The track is ranked hard and takes the average person six hours and seven
minutes to complete. The Te Awamutu War Memorial Park is a place guests can visit for a peaceful stroll.
The Alphra Lavenders farm is a beautiful place to visit from early December to late January as the various species bloom during this period. Visitors can explore
the farm or, if booked in advance, can go on an educational tour.
Old souls may enjoy the art deco verve of the Regent Theatre and enjoy a film.
The old-fashioned feel adds to the movie experience, and is something for people of all ages to enjoy.
Challenge yourself at the Get Out! Escape Rooms. Guests can work together to solve puzzles and discover clues to exit the themed room at top speed within an hour. Visit the Te Awamutu iSite Visitor Information Centre to discover other opportunities or events the town has on offer.
flooring
and quote. T’s & C’s apply.
GUTHRIE BOWRON TE AWAMUTU Mega Centre 8/670 Cambridge Road sales.teawamutu@guthriebowron.co.nz (07) 871 8540
Te Awamutu holds plenty of adventures for visitors and locals to engage in
BUSY ROADS ARE ECONOMIC ARTERIES
Summer means trips to the beach, festivals, parties and BBQs with family and friends. It’s a busy time on our roads because daily life goes on and professional drivers are still out there keeping commerce flowing to towns and rural areas.
Within the Waikato district there are 2,482.28 kilometres of road — 1,886.62 kilometres sealed and 595.66 kilometres unsealed. There are 308.63 kilometres of footpaths and 195 bridges on local roads.
The Waikato Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) sets out the priorities and
BY PAUL CAMPBELL
needs of public transport services and infrastructure to be delivered over a 10year period. It’s prepared in partnership with territorial authorities and key stakeholders from a wide range of sectors. Waikato regional councillors signed off on a bold 10-year plan for public transport in the region.
So road improvement work is a big part of Waikato life, and more closures and detours are coming for the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway as the level of activity picks up to ensure the project is complete in time for Christmas.
Additional contractors have been brought in so that when the closures are in place, work happens on the northbound and southbound lanes at the same time, says Jo Wilton, a senior manager at NZTA.
“We’re absolutely determined to get this finished and open to four lanes of traffic by mid-December, ahead of the busy Christmas period, which is why we’re throwing more resources at this.”
As of November 15 2024, the road toll in the Waikato region stood at eight deaths, additions to the national road toll that add to the authorities’ determination
to look to safer environments marked in part by the government’s plan for Roads of National Significance and Roads of Regional Significance programmes.
However, these are plans in progress, and the NZ Transport Agency can only issue its standard holiday advice to be alert
‘There are more vehicles on the road — more vehicles means a higher risk of crashes. Many people are driving on unfamiliar roads and some driving long hours and getting fatigued — often early morning or late evening.
Waikato rural commerce in action
huge Waikato road reconstruction was the storm-damaged route from Whatawhata to Raglan
‘Increased stress from factors, such as heat, traffic jams, noisy children and general tiredness and may be less vigilant about road safety, for example, speeding, driving when tired, not buckling up. There is also more drink-driving during holiday periods.’
Waikato freight company general manager Scott Johnstone is particularly supportive of the government’s commitment to building safer, modern roads.
“We know that newer roads are safer for all motorists. A 2023 study by the AA Research Foundation found that eight new stretches of highway or expressway around the country had resulted in a 37 per cent reduction in deaths and serious injuries.
“As a general manager, I will feel a lot better knowing that our drivers and their families are operating on safer, modern roads with effective policing of alcohol and drug-impaired drivers.”
While modern roads are something of a national obsession, history tells us the same level of interest was prevalent back in Waikato in the mid-19th century, when Lieutenant-General Duncan Cameron, in command of Imperial and Colonial forces
in New Zealand, was ordered to to extend the Great South Road from Drury to the Waikato River. By early 1863, a metalled road had been completed to Pōkeno where a large redoubt, capable of housing 450 men, was raised.
Transport links assisted settlement and helped Waikato agriculture and industry develop. Before the roads emerged, rivers were the easiest transport routes.
The Waikato River was navigable from Port Waikato to Cambridge, and paddle steamers and barges carried freight, passengers, livestock and mail. The Waikato River system was used for freight until after the second world war. However, shifting sandbars at Port Waikato, willow infestation
and sediment build-up began to impede navigation. Port Waikato closed in 1955, heralding the end of most river transport.
In the 1870s, the Waihou River was cleared to make it navigable to 19 kilometres above Te Aroha, and farm produce, mainly from the Matamata estate of Josiah Clifton Firth, was shipped down the river and across the Firth of Thames to Auckland. Again, willows became a problem and river traffic had ceased by 1947.
After 1864 some Māori tracks were developed for horse transport, and coaches travelled the Great South Road (later part of State Highway 1) between Auckland and Hamilton by 1869. Roads
Shane Davis Bulk Spreading Ltd
were constructed from Hamilton to Cambridge, Morrinsville, Te Aroha, Raglan and other settlements during the 1870s and 1880s. Most were not metalled until the 20th century, and they were hard to negotiate in wet weather. The winding road between Hamilton and Raglan was particularly notorious
Today, we are far from the romance of historic transport, but clearly our reliance on an efficient and ultimately safe roading network is a continuing evolution and will be with us forever.
by Amy Fifita
Forming rural bonds
Annalise Riley is one of 15 graduate vets placed in Waikato as part of the Ministry of Primary Industries Voluntary Bonding Scheme (VBS) for Veterinarians.
“Growing up in Cambridge township, I never had any pets growing up as a child. Throughout high school I was interested in the sciences and enjoyed the medical side of things,” said Annalise.
After obtaining employment at a local vet clinic, Annalise wanted to venture further and relocated to Palmerston North to study veterinarian studies.
“Initially, I envisioned that I’d be a small animal surgeon. I had never considered large animals but throughout university, the more time I spent on farms, the more I enjoyed it.
“I met some excellent mentors throughout my studies who were all farm-orientated and led me to enjoy farm vet work.”
As her studies came to a close, Annalise started arranging her move to Waihi Beach as part of the VBS programme.
“The purpose is to get us into the rural areas and build a community of new graduate vets to bounce ideas off and form close relationships and support systems.
awesome client base here, and I have loved building relationships with them.
“I most enjoy the close relationships I develop with my clients and positively influencing animals and farming businesses. The bond owners have with their animals is deeply rooted, and being able to preserve and strengthen that is what brings me the most joy in my role.”
“Moving to Waihi Beach to commence my first veterinarian job, I started at Franklin Vets Waihi in January this year, and since starting, have really enjoyed getting to know the clients. We have an
“I thoroughly enjoyed my first calving season and had quite a few live calves this year, which was rewarding for myself and the farmers.”
While her first calving season was a positive one, Annalise acknowledges that at times the job poses both challenges and delights.
POND AND DAM LINERS
“It can be emotionally draining, and the reality of not being able to fix or help everything has been a tough lesson to learn. You can only do so much.
SEPTIC TANK CLEANERS
Annalise Riley was brought up in the town of Cambridge where she discovered her interest in becoming a vet
Annalise Riley commenced her first role as a vet at Franklin Vets Waihi earlier this year
All hands on deck
by Andy Bryenton
In the days of tall ships and the majesty of sail, a lot of time aboard a vessel was spent making sure the deck was ship-shape, and the same care should apply to the deck of your house.
Thankfully, when it comes to revitalising the one that’s outside your ranchslider, there are power tools and crafty products available, that those old-time sailors would have given a treasure map for.
Many decks can be given a spruce up with a quick gentle wash-down and treatment with a mould remover, then a cover-up with rejuvenating oil. It’s important to know what kind of wood your deck is made of before you get started, as some can’t take the impact of a powerful water blaster, and certain oils and finishes work best with specific timbers. For the right products, talk to your local paint specialists or hardware store.
For decks in need of a serious restoration, it’s best to get back to basics, by taking off the damaged outer layers and exposing richly textured, fresh new wood. That means sanding, and it’s usually best to hire a drum sander and deck edge finishing sander than to buy new, unless your deck area is truly vast.
The good weather will be your mate for this job, as it’s best to sand and re-oil your deck under sunny skies. Start by giving the deck a good clean, and getting leaves, dirt and grit out from between the boards. Then, once the deck is dry, inspect the planks for cracking and warping, replacing as necessary. Tighten down all the screws,
because the sandpaper you are about to use can snag on these and rip, causing major headaches. There are three stages of sandpaper grit, the level of coarseness, which you should work down through to get the perfect finish. Start with rugged 80 grit, working diagonal to the boards rather
than straight up and down or side to side, a pro tip to make sure you get a smooth finish. Next, switch it out to 100 grit, and work down the boards lengthways. Finally, go back over the whole surface with fine 120 grit paper on the sander, once again, working end-to-end of the boards. The edging or finishing sander is useful here
at the end of the task to clear up patches close to your doors and window joinery. Oil goes on last, without skimping on volume, as you want a good even coat all over that will protect the deck for years to come. Once again, your local paint experts will know just the right one to suit your timber.
A perfect deck is a source of considerable pride, and a great spot to entertain your mates during summer
by Amy Fifita
Waikato celebrates festivities
From markets to parades, Hamilton has many fun Christmas events to keep families and friends in the jubilant spirit.
Sunday, December 1, is a day for shopping and enjoyment at Boyd Park, as the Te Aroha Country Market will put on its Christmas Market and Parade. The event begins at 10am.
Trees at The Meteor returns for its 18th year on Wednesday, December 4, at the Nancy Caiger Gallery. Opening hours from December 4 to 14 are 11am to 2pm and, from December 18 to 20 will be 7pm to 9pm.
This year’s sustainability theme could inspire some artistic designs to the native and creative forest.
Enjoy the Kiwi Christmas Paint Party at The Boundary Restaurant, 65 Devine Road, Tamahere on Friday, December 6. The artistic affair will have a professional artist to guide participants as they add colourful flare to a canvas that they get to take home.
The Matamata Christmas Parade is booked for Saturday, December 7, at 45 Broadway. Anyone wanting to register a float can register online.
The Hamilton Christmas Charitable Trust has family-friendly events to get people in the festive spirit with its tree display, parade and Santa’s Mail Box.
The SkyCity Hamilton Christmas Tree Lighting Festival kicks off on Saturday, November 30, between 5pm and 9pm. The tree will be located at Garden Place
as a beacon of light and activity until New Year’s.
Garden Place visitors have the opportunity to send letters to Santa via its big post box next to the Christmas tree. There are post boxes at other locations, and writing paper is available at each site. There are post boxes for this activity at The Verandah Cafe at the Hamilton Lake Domain, Te Kete Aronui at the
Rototuna Library, Western Community Centre, Hillcrest Library and Glenview Community Centre. People can email a photo of the letter to admin@hamiltonchristmas.co.nz before Sunday, December 1. Enjoy the floats at the First Credit Union Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 8, from 2pm. The parade will appear down Anglesea Street ending at Knox Street.
Waikato sediment rates reduced
Region-wide sediment loads to water are estimated to have decreased by four per cent between 2002 to 2017 in response to soil conservation efforts according to a report presented to Waikato Regional Council’s Integrated Catchment Management Committee.
WRC soil and land scientist Tim Norris, gave the committee a presentation about the work done with Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research to assess the effectiveness of catchment management and river restoration through monitoring and sediment modelling.
SedNetNZ modelling was used to estimate baseline erosion and evaluate the effectiveness of historic riparian restoration efforts (specifically fencing and stock exclusion) and hill-country erosion control measures (such as space planting) for reducing erosion.
Between 2002 and 2017, modelled erosion decreased across most of the council’s eight management zones, with reductions ranging from 3.5 per cent (Lake Taupō zone) to 8.5 per cent (Waipā zone).
Only the upper Waikato zone showed a modelled increase of 9.4 per cent, which Norris attributed to land use changes from forestry to farming.
“The modelling implemented a series of backward-looking scenarios at four points of time: 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017,” said Mr Norris.
“Given the council’s large investment in soil conservation programmes, and the significant investment by landowners, we want to know what impact these programmes are having on reducing erosion and sediment delivery to receiving environments.”
The council’s Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) directorate incentivises landowners to undertake soil conservation mitigations in priority catchments and reaches, providing co-funding support particularly from Waikato River Authority and the Ministry of Primary Industries (Hill Country Erosion Fund).
It assists landowners with funding to enable them to take an integrated approach to keeping soil on land to reduce the impacts of sediment in waterways, and to maintain channel capacity.
Norris said the council undertook a regional survey every five years to assess the overall state of riparian margins across the region, looking at fencing, vegetation and buffer width.
“Over time, we have seen a consistent increase in the proportion of bank length effectively fenced across the region. For dairy farms, the 2017 survey found that 87 per cent of streambanks were effectively fenced.”
The report, Assessing the Effectiveness of Catchment Management and River Restoration through Monitoring and Sediment Modelling, is in the November 7 agenda for the Integrated Catchment Management Committee meeting, which can be viewed at the council website.
