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AQUAPONICS PAGE 8-9
SHEEP & BEEF PAGE 16
RURAL DRIVER PAGE 29-31
FIELDAYS PAGE 32-38
HERD OF COWS PAGE 39-41
AVOCADOS PAGE 47-49
RETIREMENT PAGE 54-57
May 2015 No.177
Bay of Plenty & Waikato Farm, Orchard & Rural Lifestyle
Testing Young Farmers Jono Singer, 28, of Morrinsville is more familiar with cows than sheep but gave estimating their age by checking teeth his best shot when he represented the Hauraki Young Farmers Club in the Regional Final of the ANZ Young Farmer Contest in Paeroa – see story pages 4-5. Photo by Elaine Fisher.
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COAST & COUNTRY
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No bargain in falling milk prices Brian Rogers Director/ Editor
Claire Rogers Managing Director
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Elaine Fisher Editor 07 928 3046
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That we live in a ‘global village’ is very clear, from the effect good times or bad in other parts of the world have on our own fortunes. New Zealand dairy farmers have done extremely well to return a production just two per cent down of the previous season, despite droughts in many regions. However, they aren’t being rewarded for their efforts because internationally other farmers have also been producing lots of milk, and there’s conflicts in Europe, the Middle East and West Africa, all of which are forcing milk prices down. So low in fact Fonterra chairman John Wilson says at current global milk prices dairy farming in not sustainable for farmers anywhere in the world. That’s pretty disturbing talk. New Zealand’s dairy industry has been expanding at the phenomenal rate and large conversions continue, including around the Central Plateau. It’s to be hoped the confidence farmers are showing in the future of their industry is well-founded but it could be some time before there’s an upswing in returns. Milk is a wonderful food. And cheap milk, it could be argued, is good for consumers but the fact is if it
costs more to produce than it earns, then an abundance of it won’t be around for long. The same is true for most fresh foods. Consumers complain about food prices and increases, but about one-sixth of our household spending has been on food, according to Statistics NZ. About $21 of every $100 spent by households on food is spent on eating out or takeaways. About $17 is spent on meat, poultry and fish, and about $14 on fruit and vegetables. Non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee, soft drinks and fruit juice account for $10, and the remaining $38 is spent on grocery food. Fresh food is a small part of the household budget but a very big part of family health, so it’s good value for money. There are few places in New Zealand where it’s not possible to grow food but that’s not the case in many parts of the world and aquaponics research underway at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic might help – see story on pages 8-9. Morrinsville is creating a little ‘cow envy’ with a clever new community project, painting cows, not the town red, but every other hue – see pages 41 to 43. The descendants of Lone Pine, a chilling landmark at Gallipoli, are now growing throughout New Zealand thanks to a Scion Anzac project – see page 43.
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COAST & COUNTRY
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Farmers’ income at mercy of geo-politics “So far we haven’t heard of any major issues for farmers, but now the low milk prices are going to start hurting. “The message from Rural Support to farmers everywhere, is don’t bottle up your problems, seek help and if you’re okay but you think your neighbour might not be, pay them a visit.” Derek says the unique circumstances of rural life, and in particular the uncertainty around milk payouts, can only be truly understood by rural people who share the same challenges, so farmers are often the best people to talk to. “However, sometimes it’s best to talk about anything but farming, just to give yourself a chance to clear your head.” Derek, who has weathered many climatic and financial storms in his decades of farming, says it’s also vital to talk to accountants and banks about the issues that may be facing a farming business. “Banks are pretty good, they take a long-term view but you have to keep them in the picture. Not telling them what is going on is not wise. “It’s good to hear most farmers seem to be keeping their banks and accountants well informed.”
Provisional tax
With provisional tax payments looming, Derek suggests reviewing finances with accountants as it may not be necessary for some farmers to make the May payment. Financial and global market volatility is expected by farmers, but they once went in yearly cycles. Derek says now the volatility is almost month to month, which makes planning very hard. He wouldn’t be surprised if dairy companies make a further drop in payout predictions before their financial year ends. New Zealand farmers are affected by events across the other side of the world, including the conflict in Ukraine which has led Russia to embargo dairy imports from Europe and the removal of EU milk quotas some predict will see the markets saturated
with milk, forcing a further drop in price. “It’s hard to gauge the effect of the removal of quotas. It could ultimately result in the drop in production as it becomes uneconomic to continue with ‘cut and carry’ farming where feed is cut and taken to the cows.”
World conflicts
That could ultimately benefit New Zealand farmers but the impacts could take time to be felt. Fonterra CEO Theo Spierings is also concerned about international conflicts and political unrest, saying geo-political situations in Russia, the Middle East and West Africa are all having an impact on international milk prices. “The geo-political situation in many ways is worse than at the end of World War II in terms of refugee numbers. All this has an impact on demand.” Theo believes the uncertainties caused by conflicts and political tensions are unlikely to be resolved “any time soon”. Fonterra chairman John Wilson says at current global milk prices dairy farming in not sustainable for farmers anywhere in the world. However, he expects falling prices to result in decreased production but he too believes the markets will remain volatile. “Volatility used to be a five to seven-year cycle but it’s a lot shorter cycle now.” DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says the challenge for farmers will be working through their cash flow position for the coming season.
Tight times
“What we are concerned about is that the low milk price this season coupled with a low retrospective payment this winter – about one-third of what was received last year – will see many farmers dip into the red this spring.” For many, they may not pop back up into the black for some time, says Tim. “Banks are telling us that many farmers will hit $1.50-$2 kilograms of milksolids in overdraft this September. “Knowing those winter payments will drop in this next season will be second nature to many farmers. “But the ones who have already forecasted their cash flows are surprised at how long they stay low. They are now taking steps to put strategies in place
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Dairy farmers could be in for a tough couple of years as global markets remain volatile, warns Derek Spratt of the Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust.
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COAST & COUNTRY
Drystock manager takes regional title Managing thousands of sheep is just part of his day job for Dwayne Cowin. And it’s the practical skills he’s gained in livestock farming which helped the 29-year-old win the Waikato/Bay of Plenty regional final of the 2015 ANZ Young Farmer Contest.
Dwayne was one of eight contestants vying for the regional title in a daylong event at the Paeroa Racecourse last month. By day’s end he’d won prizes worth more than $10,000 including cash, scholarships and products and services from ANZ, FMG, Lincoln University, Ravensdown, AGMARDT, Silver Fern Farms, Honda, Husqvarna and Vodafone. He also took out top honours in the Ravensdown Agri-Skills Challenge.
Fergus King of Matamata welds a gate during the Waikato/Bay of Plenty regional final of the 2015 ANZ Young Farmer Contest at the Paeroa Racecourse.
Dwayne Cowin will represent the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region in the 2015 ANZ Young Farmer Contest. In between preparing sheep for tupping, the livestock operations manager at Lochinver Station is now honing his skills for the grand final in Taupo on July 2-4, where he’ll battle it out for the champion’s title and more than $270,000 in prizes. At Lochinver Station on the Napier/Taupo highway, Dwayne manages 26,500 sheep, 1800 breeding cows, plus heifers and replacement hoggets. He grew up in Tauranga. “Close family members were farmers and I always wanted to go farming.”
Thomas Harliwich of Te Awamutu identifies seeds during the Waikato/Bay of Plenty regional final of the 2015 ANZ Young Farmer Contest at the Paeroa Racecourse.
COAST & COUNTRY
Page 5
Young farmers’ skills and knowledge thoroughly tested the AGMARDT Agri-Business Challenge. Third place went to dairy farm owner Brady Mitchell, 30, of the Reporoa Young Farmers Club and fourth place went to 23-year-old sharemilker Josh MacDonald of the North Waikato
Young Farmers Club. The Lincoln University Agri-Growth Challenge was won by Brady and the crowd-pleasing Silver Fern Farms Agri-Sports Challenge was won by 23-year-old Thomas Harliwich from the Te Kawa West Young Farmers Club. By Elaine Fisher
James Bryan of Cambridge loads silage onto a truck during one of the challenges in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty regional final of the 2015 ANZ Young Farmer Contest.
That happened after he graduated from Massey University with a bachelor of applied science degree.
Variety appeals
Dwayne moved to his current position at Lochinver from managing a 500ha drystock farm near Te Kuiti. “Drystock farming has always appealed because of the variety of the work. No two seasons are the same.” Share farming or leasing a sheep and beef farm within the next 10 years is the aim but in the meantime Dwayne’s working on developing his management skills. It’s the second time he’s won a place in the grand final and both times he’s represented the Reporoa Young Farmers Club. Taking part in the competition is great for both personal development and for networking with others in the primary industry, says Dwayne. Organisers of the finals in Paeroa did a great job in staging the event, which included some testing modules, and the venue was a good one, says Dwayne, who in his spare time enjoys fishing and water-skiing on Lake Taupo in summer and hunting during winter.
Wayne Hofmann of Waihi assesses young Jersey cows.
Modules challenge
The contestants were put through their paces in a variety of challenging modules, from stock judging to engineering, touching on all aspects of farming from practical, hands-on tasks to theory and business components. Second place went to 29-year-old Ravensdown agronomy technical manager James Bryan of the Cambridge Young Farmers Club. He took home $2900 worth of prizes and won
Jono Singer of Morrinsville crutches a sheep.
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COAST & COUNTRY
Fun sparks interest in agri-career Figuring out which body parts in plastic files came from which animals, rendering emergency first aid to an injured friend and measuring a stag’s antlers to calculate a Douglas Score were among the challenges facing the 80 competitors who took part in AgriKids and TeenAg events at Paeroa.
Run alongside the Waikato/Bay of Plenty regional final of the 2015 ANZ Young Farmer Contest, the events aimed to find the top three teams to represent their regions at this year’s Young Farmer grand final in Taupo. The TeenAg competition was won by Shanae Hoffman and Graham Johnson from Te Awamutu College. The Returners of Matamata The AgriKids Intermediate: Stephen Turner, the winners were Ethan patient, and team mates Abel and Jerom The Happy Potters from Matamata Intermediate Kaycha Morris, Anna Morris de Wilde tackle the first aid challenge at Bradley, Ashlyn Lee and Bessie Trower identify animal body and Ben Pettigrew parts during the AgriKids contest at Paeroa. the AgriKids contest at Paeroa. from Elstow Waihou Combined School. AgriKids and TeenAg competitions coordiThere is definitely a strong connection and TeenAg is growing. nator Isabelle Hobbs says the turnout for the between the numbers of entries and whether “So far this year we’ve had three regions hit day’s events was fantastic with 60 competia school has a passionate teacher or parent full capacity, which is 96 AgriKids and 64 tors in 20 teams of three in the AgriKids behind the competition. TeenAg’ers. contest and 20 competitors in 10 teams of “It is extremely crucial for school support, “The members we currently have are two for the TeenAg contest. especially at the AgriKids level because evedefinitely majority rural kids, however we’re Each team faced a series of timed challenges trying to put in initiatives to get more urban rything is organised and implemented by the which encouraged them to use their skills teachers and parents. kids involved as we have a huge jobs opporat following instructions, quick thinking, “If we want to make a difference with agritunities in the agriculture industry in New practical skills, general knowledge and team culture in New Zealand, these programmes Zealand and it is the exposure from a young work. age into the different aspects on offer that we and competitions are a fantastic starting Cheered on by enthusiastic family, teachers hope will start to make a positive difference. point because it creates a spark of interest and friends, the teams also completed a series and passion in the kids and teens which “As an urban girl originally from Wellingof fun races to finally decide the winners. creates a ripple effect through their schools ton this is definitely a focus and passion of Isabelle says the popularity of AgriKids and communities.” mine,” says Isabelle. By Elaine Fisher
Clubs introduce young people to farming TeenAg has grown rapidly since the first clubs started in 2009 and now there are more than 550 club members throughout the country. TeenAg aims to introduce and promote a positive picture about agriculture and agricultural careers from an early age.
The goal is to show the stimulating and fun side of agriculture to students from all walks of life. You don’t need to be off a farm, you just need to have a love of the land and be keen to get your hands dirty. Participants can become members of a TeenAg Club through their school or can join when they compete in the TeenAg
Competitions. AgriKidsNZ is for primary school students aged eight to 13. Membership is free and participation is largely based in the annual fun-filled competition series, which runs alongside the TeenAg Competitions and ANZ Young Farmer contest. The aim is to promote the fun side of agriculture while children develop valuable skills and
make lifelong friendships. Members don’t need to come off a farm, they just need to have a love of the land and be keen to get their hands a bit dirty. Interested in starting up a TeenAg Club or AgriKids club at your school? Get in touch with your local Young Farmers field office. Find out more at www.youngfarmers.co.nz
COAST & COUNTRY
Page 7
Water storage option ensures supply Providing their own water storage is likely to become more common for rural home owners as water demand increases in the Western Bay of Plenty. Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s utilities manager Kelvin Hill says while council didn’t have to impose water restrictions this summer, supplies to some areas were tight. “We are encouraging property owners in some areas of our rural district, particularly on the fringes of our water supply system, to have their own water storage and pumping systems but they won’t need to be completely self-sufficient from the council system.” Because of their elevation relative to council’s storage system, a number of the most affected homes experience a drop in pressure or even loss of supply during times of peak water use, including for irrigation. Kelvin says if tanks were installed, they would still be filled from council’s mains to ensure residents had sufficient supply and so were not affected by peak demand situations and a loss of water supply. He’s also keen to see growers encouraged to use irrigation at night, when domestic demand is lower.
No restrictions
Council draws its water from aquifers which were able to meet demand this summer, without the need of water restrictions. “We were fortunate because
ness to drink – is top of the public’s list of priorities for the water they consume. Other factors, such as uninterrupted supply, smell and taste came next, with cost well down the list. Having fluoride in the water was of little concern to the wider community and his research in fact confirmed consumers prefer minimal chemicals be added to water supply. By Elaine Fisher
Solid Food for Soils
Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s utilities manager Kelvin Hill says water D o l ofrom Z e s t the region’s aquifers is more than 100 years old. CalciZest other neighbouring districts did Western BOP water does not conducted by the Bay843 of Plenty 0800 809 07 362that 7288 water or go to have to impose water restrichave fluoride added however Regional Council www.esi.org.nz tions. However, we did ask that a small amount of chlorine is resources, including from bores, Eco-Logic Soil Improvement people be more conservative added to treat any bugs which are reaching over-allocation with water to ensure this situamay be in the reticulation pipes. in parts of the bay, rural areas tion did not occur.” In areas such as Pongakawa, south of Te Puke in particular. Every summer council puts where the bore water has high “And this is an area which is up water use signs in its rural natural levels of iron and forecasted to experience populacommunities and Kelvin says magnesium, it does need extra tion growth and an increase in these, together with advertising, treatment and filtration. the horticultural industry.” helped make people aware of One hundred years Legal responsibility the need to conserve water. “Water from the aquifers is While council has a legal obliWater metres and the charges more than 100 years old. At gation to supply clean drinking council makes have also had a no stage this summer, did the water to its residents, Kelvin is positive effect on water use. supply drop to levels which a fan of urban and rural home “However, people don’t pay would have meant bringing in owners installing small rainwafor water. Council charges to water restrictions.” ter tanks for garden watering, as extract, treat and deliver it, but However, Kelvin says it’s it’s better for the environment not for the water itself; and it’s unknown what the long-term in the long-term. good value for consumers. effects of drier summers, Kelvin recently completed a “A 1.5 litre bottle of water changes in annual rainfall and thesis on water supply within costs between $2 and $3 while increased draw-off will have on the Western Bay of Plenty 1000 litres of council’s water district and his research showed delivered to your property costs the underground resources. “We do know, from research water safety – quality and safearound $1.”
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Symbiotic relationship benefits fish, plants and people Fish fertiliser is well recognised as a great plant food but at the Bay of Plenty Polytech live – not dead – fish are fertilising plants which return the favour by improving the water quality in their tanks. Tutor and researcher Denise Briggs has established an aquaponics system in a small shade-house growing strawberries and a range of leafy vegetables and herbs, with the help of two tanks each containing about six goldfish. “Aquaponics offer such exciting possibilities, especially to help provide food security for nations without much fertile land or those with harsh growing conditions,” says Denise, who has been experimenting with aquaponics at the polytechnic for about two years. The flexibility and relative simplicity of aquaponics appeals to Denise, who
says home owners can build small units in their backyard and produce both vegetables and protein. On a larger scale the system could feed a village and be big enough to provide income from selling fish and vegetables. Or it can be upscaled to commercial operations. The concept is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. “In Detroit and New York, and in Berlin people are setting up aquaponic systems in unused buildings or small warehouses. “In Australia a group of scientists are using a solar-powered desalination plant to provide water for an aquaponics system, which is growing tomatoes in the desert.”
Added benefits
As the name suggests, aquaponics is the ‘marriage’ of aquaculture and hydroponics, with added benefits. With hydroponics, plants grow in circulating water enriched with nutrients.
The aquaponics system in a small shade house at the polytechnic. Below: one of the goldfish it supports. In aquaculture, snails, shellfish, crayfish, prawns and fish are raised in tanks, with water needing constant changing or filtering because of toxicity caused by excretions. The beauty of aquaponics is that tank water circulated to plants provides them with nutrients and their roots filter the water, improving its quality when it’s returned to the fish tank. “Once the system is working properly, you never need to replace the water – although it does need topping up because of evaporation and transpiration.” “It’s estimated an aquaponics system uses one to 10 per cent of the water in terrestrial-based systems for growing vegetables.”
Year-round food
Systems don’t have to be indoors but because the plants aren’t rooted in soil, some form of wind protection is required. An aquaponics system set up in a greenhouse could provide out-of-season food yearround. The system at the polytechnic consists of two high benches holding long, relatively shallow tanks. On one side vegetables including lettuce, silverbeet and herbs grow in pots filled with medium such as bark. On the opposite bench strawberries grow in a medium of small clay balls. Both media provide the habitat for bacteria essential to help the plants access nutrients in the water, which flows through their roots. “Water is pumped from the fish tanks every three hours to flood the roots, then drained back into the
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Denise Briggs with a native freshwater crayfish, part of the aquaponics experiment. tanks. It is important the roots are not constantly saturated in water or else they will rot.” The ideal ration of fish to plants is dependent on the type of plants growing and the species of fish used. The fish are fed with an organic food, which Denise and her students have developed. “It has to be organic, with no artificial additives because they could kill the plants.” In turn, no sprays are used on the plants, as they pose a risk to the fish.
Koura experiment
While it’s goldfish which are currently feeding the plants, they’re not a suitable edible species so Denise is experimenting with koura, New Zealand’s freshwater crayfish. “We have been working with the iwi at McLaren Falls near Tauranga and have permission to take some koura from there. We’ve been experimenting on making food for them, including pellets made from soya beans. Koura grow to a good size and come in a range of colours which commercially could have appeal to Asian markets.
RuRal Dog owneRs
COAST & COUNTRY Basicset setupup Aquaponics system Basic ofof anan Aquaponics system
Fish: Variety Fish: Variety of of species used. species used. E.g.E.g. Tilapia, goldfish Tilapia, goldfish even or or even freshwater freshwater crayfish crayfish
Growth media: as clay Growth media: suchsuch as clay balls/river stones/coconut husks balls/river stones/coconut husks
Plants: Plants: lotslots of leafy of leafy greens greens
Water tank contains Water flow:flow: from from tank contains ammonia. Is converted ammonia. Is converted by by bacteria. bacteria.
Growth media (where bacteria grow) Growth media (where bacteria grow)
FishFish tank tank
Nitrite Nitrate Ammonia Nitrite Nitrate Bacteria convert: Bacteria convert:Ammonia
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Page 9
Water pump on aon a Water pump Harmful to to Harmful timer. Pumped into into timer. Pumped fish fish grow bed.bed. Periodically grow Periodically drains fromfrom growgrow bed.bed. drains
FishFish waste (left(left overover waste feed andand poo). Produces feed poo). Produces ammonia ammonia
Harmless Harmless to fish. to fish. Absorbed Absorbed by plants by plants
By Denise Briggs Briggs By Denise
Aquaponics answer to food security? “However, they are inclined to escape and fight each other so we have to keep them in separate cages under water.” Freshwater shellfish are also being trailed, and Denise has them placed, not in the fish tank, but under the plants. Overseas tilapia freshwater fish are used in an aquaponics system. “These are ideal because they are relatively easy to raise, have a delicate white flesh and are well-known throughout the world, especially in Asia and the USA. McDonalds has used tilapia in its fish burgers. “However, because of our strict biosecurity standards, we’re not allowed to import them to New Zealand – even though it’s unlikely they would survive should they escape into our waterways because they can’t live in water cooler than 21 degrees Celsius.”
Trout out
Denise says trout would be the ideal commercial aquaponics species in New Zealand but currently Fish & Game has exclusive rights for raising trout. New Zealand’s native freshwater fish are too small to be economically viable and while eels are another possibility, rules around taking them from the wild are getting tougher and they are very hard to contain, says Denise. “Eels are great at escaping. You pretty much need an electric fence around a tank to keep them in.” When Denise decided to study marine biology in Newcastle as an undergraduate and complete a Masters in aquaculture at Swansea, she never expected it would lead her to growing vegetables. “I do like to garden at home but I know very little about plant biology but plenty about the biology of
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fish, which is why it’s great to have the horticultural team here at the polytech.” Denise had an adventurous childhood travelling the world with her parents. “My father was with the Gurkhas, a famous part of the British Army made up of soldiers from Nepal. Later he became a sugar and coco trader in West Africa.” When she left home Denise travelled extensively competing semi-professionally and teaching windsurfing in between university studies.
Pacific Islands
“I had heard what a wonderful place New Zealand was, with an ethos of sustainability, so decided to come here.” Her first position was with NIWA at its Bream Bay aquaculture research centre in Northland. Then three years ago, she took up her current role as a member of the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic’s marine studies academic and teaching staff. “Having lived in Africa I can see the opportunities aquaponics could offer people for who food security is becoming an increasingly pressing issue. “It also has great potential for Pacific Island nations, especially where there is limited fertile ground for growing vegetables and reefs are in danger of being over-fished.” The aquaponics system at the polytech is an important teaching resource for students but also a working experiment designed to help establish the best aquatic food species to use in New Zealand, as well as develop food for the fish or koura and discover what range of plants will grow well. For more information about aquaponics, search the internet or email Denise Briggs at Denise.Briggs@boppoly.ac.nz
2016
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Kitchens & Appliances
Page 10
COAST & COUNTRY
Help needed for wallaby control Small and shy, dama wallabies are slowly spreading outside of their feral range around the Rotorua Lakes forests. Bay of Plenty Regional Council biosecurity officer Dale Williams says hunters and farmers can help stop the spread by keeping watch and calling in
any wallaby sign they see. “Wallabies are a threat to farms, forestry and native bush so we’re working with Waikato Regional Council and the Department of Conservation to keep them contained.” Dama wallabies are different to any other pest the agencies have managed before, so a new set of surveillance and control tools has been developed.
“We’ve trained up a wallaby indicating dog and tested infra-red trail cameras. When we get fresh reports we can deploy the dog and cameras pretty quickly. We need to find these animals as soon as possible before the trail goes cold.” Main areas of concern are anywhere west of Rotorua, east of Kawerau or south of Rainbow Mountain. So if you’re outdoors in the Bay of Plenty this winter and see a wallaby dead or alive, or their sign outside the feral range, note the location, take a photo if you can and call the regional council on 0800 STOP PESTS (0800 780 773) quickly to let them know. Dale says work is also underway to control known “outlier” wallaby populations. “We’ve developed a new paste bait that we’ll be using with encapsulated cyanide later this year, to control a wallaby population near Te Puke. “We’ve also had good success with night shooting to eradicate a group of wallabies near Okere Falls.” Find out more at www.boprc.govt.nz/pestanimals
Sightings of wallabies outside their feral range – as shown on this map – should be reported to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
Wasps ‘stinging’ NZ economy Introduced wasps are estimated to cost New Zealand’s economy more than $130 million a year, according to a new study, with the biggest economic impacts on farming, beekeeping, horticulture and forestry workers. The study ‘An evaluation of the cost of pest wasps (Vespula species) in New Zealand’ by the Sapere Research Group was jointly funded by the Department of Conservation and the Ministry for Primary Industries. Wasps are one of the most damaging invertebrate pests in New Zealand. They harm our native birds and insects and compete for food with our native species. If you put together all the wasps in honeydew beech forests they would weigh more than the weight of birds, rodents and stoats combined. This new study has found wasps also have a major financial impact on primary industries and the health sector.
This includes more than $60 million a year in costs to pastoral farming from wasps disrupting bee pollination activities, reducing the amount of clover in pastures and increasing fertiliser costs. Almost a $9 million-a-year cost to beekeepers from wasps attacking honey bees, robbing their honey and destroying hives. Wasp-related traffic accidents estimated cost $1.4 million a year and more than $1 million each year is spent on health costs from wasp stings. On top of the direct costs, almost $60 million a year is lost in unrealised honey production from beech forest honeydew, which is currently being monopolised by wasps. Honeydew is also a valuable energy source for kaka, tui and bellbirds. DOC scientist Eric Edwards says these numbers are conservative. The actual cost of wasps is much higher especially if you take into account the impact on tourism and our love of the outdoors, which this study wasn’t able to measure in full. “It’s hard to put a dollar value on people’s attitudes to wasps and to what extent wasps prevent them from visiting conservation land
or taking part in outdoor tourism activities,” says Eric. “But we know that wasps are a massive annoyance and their multiple stings can cause a lifetime effect of making young people reluctant to return to forests and parks.” The Ministry for Primary Industries’ Dr Erik van Eyndhoven says reducing wasp abundance would produce major flow-on benefits to pastoral farming and horticulture through increased bee pollination services. “This study shows that it makes economic sense, as well as environmental sense, to invest in research to control wasps,” says Erik. “MPI is working with DOC to encourage the science community, and their funders, to further explore a range of tools needed to control wasps in the long-term.” The MPI Sustainable Farming Fund has recently supported investigations into the bio-control potential of a new mite discovered in wasp nests. The Department of Conservation has been actively working on a programme to better control wasps and has been piloting a targeted bait station method on conservation land.
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Earthquakes prompt sustainable lifestyle Little River’s thriving organic vegetable gardens owe, in some way, their existence to the Christchurch earthquakes. The hectare of land under cultivation near Waihi is a long way from the city so hard hit by earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. But it was those devastating events which reinforced the determination of Sue and Gordon Boyd to create a self-sufficient lifestyle. “We were living in Christchurch at the time of the earthquakes and what happened afterwards made us realise how dependent we have all become on food being delivered to supermarkets, and water and power supplied to our homes,” says Sue. Fortunately, their home wasn’t in an area affected by liquefaction and when the opportunity came they sold up and returned north, seeking a piece of land on which to begin a self-sufficient, offthe-grid lifestyle.
Kaimai Forest
They found it on 25 hectares in Woodlands Rd, Waihi, tucked in close to the Kaimai Forest Park. The land was a grazing block, a little run-down, but filled with potential. “We had always been interested in organics and in fact considered organic farming when we were managing a family dairy farm,” says Gordon. “At the time there wasn’t a premium for organic milk nor as much information or support for organics as now – and
we thought it was too much of risk, so never went ahead.” However, the couple, who later exchanged a backpacker business in Tauranga for property in Christchurch, used their time in the south to learn from keen growers in the region. Then studying through Agriculture New Zealand’s Go Organics courses, Levels 2, 3 and 4. “Knowing what I know now, I would have converted the dairy farm to organics. If there had been any drop in production, it would have been more than offset by the low costs of the systems and the improvements in animal health,” says Gordon.
Gordon Boyd is a compost enthusiast, who makes up to 150 cubic metres of it a year.
Kauri mill
The farm they call Little River was originally the site of a kauri timber mill, where logs from the native bush were processed before being transported along Woodlands Rd. This then linked with Katikati’s Woodland Rd to the Port of Tauranga. Initially, Sue and Gordon lived in the former mill manger’s villa but subsequently brought in a transportable home, placing it on a high point with excellent views of the adjoining native bush and their farm. In keeping with the self-sufficient ethos, the house has solar electricity and a large solid fuel range for cooking, as well as water and area heating. “Initially, we set out to grow all our own vegetables but produced more
Flowering plants encourage beneficial insects into the garden.
Grazing dairy cows is another side to the Little River Organic Farm business.
Sue Gordon with Peruvian ground apple, or yacon, which she says is delicious.
than we needed so started selling them at local markets at Waihi, Thames and Katikati,” says Sue. Demand was strong but the economics and time demands of travelling between so many markets was questionable, so today Little River concentrates solely on the Tauranga Farmers’ Market, where this year it won the Farmers Market New Zealand 2015 Summer Producers section of the annual Producers Awards. They also won the organic section for their five varieties of heritage potatoes Pink Fur, Kowiniwini, Whataroa, Ureniki and Karoro, and were organic runner up for their golden beetroot. The plan was always to grow organically and the path to Organic Farm NZ certification began the day Sue and Gordon purchased Little River. Now, four years later, their produce is fully organic certified. Early soil tests revealed it needed improving and the application of up
to 150 cubic metres of compost each year to growing beds, directly or as a compost tea, has made a significant difference. But essential trace elements and minerals were lacking, so small amounts of Probitas products are also used. A series of old baths on raised frames make up the Little River worm farms, fed by kitchen scrap and producing worm ‘tea’ which is used as a foliar spray for the garden. Sea weed teas are also brewed.
Compost enthusiast
Compost, however, is at the heart of the Little River system and that Gordon is a compost enthusiast is evident by the way he whips back the cover on a large compost mound and digs his hands into the rich dark, not-quite-ready ‘brew’. “It’s all about enhancing soil biology,” he says. The compost heaps are constructed from wood chips bought from arborist
COAST & COUNTRY
Page 13
‘Pink fur’, ground apples and weeds companies, with the addition of just about anything which will add to its nutritional value, including possum carcasses. “We trap possums in the bush for their fur and bury the bodies in the compost. It gets so hot in there that they break down in no time.” Gordon and Sue are moving towards ‘no-till’ gardening which means the soil isn’t dug or rotary hoed – methods which interfere with the natural soil structure and its flora and fauna. Instead, they lay down rows of compost on top of undisturbed ground, cover it with a thick layer of grass clippings and plant seedlings directly into the new bed. “We’ve had a great result from beetroot grown this way and so far it’s out-competing the weeds.” The system of deep mulch also retains moisture – an added benefit in the recent dry summer.
Combat pests
Improving plant and soil health is the best way to combat insect pests, Sue and Gordon believe, as is encouraging beneficial insects which prey on pests. Flowering plants providing nectar and habitat for predators grow among the vegetables. In a year Sue and Gordon grow up to 30 varieties of vegetables, many well-known, others not so familiar, including the Peruvian ground apple or yacon, which has a crisp, sweet tasting tuberous root that Sue says doesn’t need cooking. “It’s delicious just as it is.” The couple also grow edible weeds – well the weeds grow and Gordon and Sue harvest them for customers who love their mix of chickweed, yarrow, clover, creeping mallow, dandelion and more. “This all started because I took some dandelion to the market and then people began to ask me for mixed weeds,” says Sue. She researched what was good to eat with the help of Julia Sich, of Julia’s Edible Weeds, who now holds workshops at Little River in identifying which weeds
Ducks are the ‘unpaid’ pest patrollers at Little River Organic Farm.
Sue and Gordon Boyd of Little River Organic Farm with ureniki potatoes and beetroot, among the many vegetables they grow to sell at the Tauranga Farmers’ Market. are safe to eat and how to use them. The next workshop, Foraging For Wild Edible Weeds and Green Smoothie Workshop, is at Little River on Sunday, May 3. For more go to www.juliasedibleweeds. com Kings Seeds, which has an extensive range of organic and heirloom varieties, provides most of the seeds from which Sue and Gordon grow their plants. And they also harvest their own seed too. “We love to grow produce which is different from the norm. Especially those with colour, unusual shape and those that are heritage and old fashioned, varieties. “These products make for a colourful and inviting stall at the market. It is very satisfying to see costumers try something new and also great to see folk reacquainting themselves with long forgotten varieties. “For us, it makes coming to the market a very worthwhile experience.” By Elaine Fisher
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Proper pond stirring gets results Pond stirring is more important than most people realise. The valuable organic matter contained in the effluent must be agitated in a way that brings it into suspension prior to pumping, so a homogenous effluent mixture can be applied to pasture, says Nevada consultant Michael Prestidge.
Lely Group in the Netherlands and New Zealand-based Livestock Improvement Corporation have entered into a new partnership aimed at accelerating developments in sensor technology and increasing utilisation on farms worldwide. The partnership includes the acquisition of Lely Sensortec by LIC. Lely Sensortec is the Hamilton-based research and development division of Lely Group. The relationship between Lely Group and LIC will also result in joint research and development to develop new sensor technology, and support wider global distribution of LIC’s inline milk sensors, developed by subsidiary business Dairy Automation Limited – known as DAL, which is soon
to become LIC Automation. “Integrated and reliable automation and information technology solutions have the potential to revolutionise farming worldwide and sensor technology is an essential component of this,” says LIC chief executive Wayne McNee. “The big data the systems can deliver, while a cow is being milked, big gains in productivity and profitability for a farming business.” Lely chief executive Alexander van der Lely says the partnership reinforces the impact of the Lely team in New Zealand. With LIC as a strong partner Lely is now able to further focus on developing its sensor technology for herd management.
which quickly creates a strong horizontal flow across the pond, bringing all the solids into suspension. The depth and angle can be adjusted to ensure no areas are missed. The effortless rack and pinion hand winch provides infinite adjustment from the safety of the shore. Many farmers have installed elaborate and expensive separation systems, only to find they still need a stirrer to mix the sludge accumulating in their pond. The best time to install a stirrer is when the pond is built. “It is easier and better to avoid sludge accumulating than to try to remove a build-up. In many instances these farmers would have been more prudent to install a stirrer and not a separator,” says Michael. “With Nevada pond stirrers it’s perfectly acceptable to leave the solids in the effluent stream.” Safety and reliability are of all importance on the dairy farm. That is another reason why Midwest Machinery recommends only Nevada pond-stirrers.” Midwest Machinery specialises in farm dairy effluent equipment and are accredited effluent designers through the Dairy NZ approval process. The Midwest team is proving time and again the importance of thorough efficient pond stirring. Whatever the pond or tank, Nevada have a system to suit.
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SHEEP AND BEEF
Page 16
Improved prices see breeders finally rewarded There seems to be a real shortage of quality beef cattle entering the system, and those breeding them are reaping the rewards, with no sign of it slowing in the near future, says Andrew and Tracey Neal of Potawa Simmentals of Pio. “This year has brought a muchwelcomed continuation of stronger beef prices. It’s great to see farmers who have persisted with breeding cows being rewarded at last. “If there was ever a time to go back to breeding cows, now is it.” The 15-month-old cattle fairs in January were pretty hot, price-wise. However, the weaner sales have rewarded producers even more. “A recent supplementary weaner sale at Te Kuiti saw a client of ours achieve $910 and $850 for her weaner steers and heifers respectively. “This client has a herd of dairy cross nurse cows, mainly Hereford/Friesian, and for four years has been using Potawa
Simmental bulls as sires. “She constantly praises the quietness of the Simmental bulls she’s used, and their offspring, and makes frequent mention of the outstanding growth rates of her weaners. “These comments have been echoed by most of our clients, to ourselves and more pleasingly, to other farmers.” Andrew and Tracey can vouch for the growth rates and yield of Simmentalcross cattle. As commercial farmers on 600 hectares, they had run a large commercial cow herd prior to taking on their Simmental stud 13 years ago. “In that time we trialled many different beef breeds over our Hereford/ Friesian herd and constantly came back to the Simmental as the most productive beef sire we could find. “Simmental cross cattle outgrew and out-yielded every other breed we used.” According to the Simmental NZ website, and based on research both here and in USA, when used as a terminal sire over traditional or dairy cross beef cows, a Simmental sire will breed progeny renowned for: AUCTION 2PM TUESDAY 27TH MAY 2014 WILSON ROAD, PIOPIO
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Rising two-year-old Simmental-cross heifers, mostly Potawa bred, just prior to being sorted for Greenlea Meats. Accelerated weight gain – First cross Simmental cattle demonstrate rapid weight gain. They will finish heavier than other breeds at an earlier age. Superior carcass – Simmental genetics produce highly muscled cattle, resulting in higher carcass yields. Market flexibility – Simmental cross cattle are highly sort after as four day old calves, weaner calves, store cattle, and at slaughter, so creating a variety of profitable options for your stock. Andrew says this last factor is very important. “Flexibility in farming systems owing to climate is becoming a major requirement for many of us. “Our local stock agents make no secret of the fact that Simmental cross cattle will fetch a premium across every class in the sale yards. “The only argument we have
found in recent years from farmers against using Simmental was poor temperament. “It is true, there has been an issue with some breeders selling poor docility bulls, and the Simmental Society is well aware of the problems it has caused.” Andrew says the introduction of a docility trial Estimated Breeding Value is the start of addressing the problem. “However, as always it depends on the person putting in the data – like any information input – crap in, crap out.” Potawa Simmentals is extremely strict on bull selection for sale. Besides testing them individually Tracey and Andrew employ Bill Austin, who is a qualified BeefClass assessor to give a truly independent judgement on the bulls. Bill travels all over the country, assessing all beef breeds in the same
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manner, and is audited regularly to be certain he is as accurate as possible. “Bull buyers can be assured that a BeefClass assessed animal has been tested for temperament and structure. “This information should be readily available in the sale catalogue, so you can make a decision based on as much information as possible.” Recent reports indicate there is a worldwide shortage of beef and short-term prospects are good. “Now is the time to breed cows and the best sire for profitable options and production is a Simmental. Potawa Simmentals has the only auction of fully recorded rising two-year-old Simmental bulls between the Bombay hills and Lake Taupo, visitors are welcome anytime.”
in more than 50 years of artificial breeding in New Zealand. In a special presentation to the breeders, MintEdition was praised for “well and truly living up to his name” since debuting on the co-op’s Premier Sires team in 2009. “Mint-Edition very quickly took his place at the top of the team and proved very popular with farmers who consistently told us he is the best bull they have ever used,” says LIC bull acquisition manager Simon Worth. “Over four consecutive years as a Premier Sire, Mint-Edition averaged nearly 155,000 inseminations each season, and will go on record with a truly impressive lifetime tally of just under 800,000 inseminations.”
CALVING
Page 17
Beef calves offer treble premium Firstlight quality story and want to become part of the supply chain by making Wagyu an option for their non-replacement calves. “We are keen to talk to dairy farmers of both spring and autumn calving herds who want to generate some more cash flow this season, and who may enjoy being part of a really exciting, established premium beef brand.” Typically payment premiums will be up to three times what calves will get as Kiwi Cross bobbies, with guaranteed
Te Poi sharemilker Markus Ruegger enjoys the extra income Wagyu calves can generate. Getting a premium on calves he would otherwise be placing on the bobby calf truck is a seasonal bonus Waikato sharemilker Markus Ruegger will appreciate even more this calving season. For the last four years Markus has been putting Wagyu bulls over his Kiwi Cross heifers he grazes off the farm at Matawai in the Gisborne region. Markus was encouraged to try the different genetics by his grazier who had run Angus cattle and crossed them with Wagyu. Markus was also keen to seek out a breed that would be an easy calving option, and also deliver higher value calves. “The reality is that when you put a Jersey bull over a Kiwi Cross heifer, you are not going to get a calf that is worth very much from it; it will usually be the lowest grade weight.” After much fact-finding Markus was convinced using Firstlight Wagyu bulls was a good option to tick all the boxes for value adding, easy calving and secure purchase contracts once the calves have reached four days old. “Our options around mating are relatively limited. We can’t go down there to do Artificial Insemination on the heifers, so the Wagyu arrangement has provided a really good option to earn more from those calves without compromising our in-calf rate or having any calving difficulties you sometimes get from beef breeds.” He has enjoyed 85-90 per cent calving rates within
three weeks in the 60-65 heifers he puts to the Wagyu bulls every year and calving issues have only been typical of what he had with Jersey bulls. Markus’s wife Esther rears the calves every year from their 310-head herd, and she hasn’t experienced any issues with the Wagyu-cross calves, and appreciates the regular collection at four to six days that’s part of the contract with Firstlight Wagyu. “They learn to drink quickly and like any calf need that colostrum at the start to get going well.” Typically the premium on the four day calves is up to three times what they would get as bobby calves, and this has been underpinned by the strong demand for Wagyu beef in Firstlight’s overseas markets. Firstlight director Gerard Hickey says market demand for grass-fed Wagyu is gaining momentum every year for a brand that’s been quietly establishing itself during the last decade. “We now have our own global sales force in place, with staff in the United Arab Emirates, California and the United Kingdom.” The Firstlight Wagyu ‘story’ of absolute premium quality, antibiotic-free, and grass-fed is one that has found a strong following among high income earners in the United States. Premium supermarkets like Bristol Farms located throughout the Los Angeles County are enjoying strong demand for the beef. “Not a week goes by when we don’t have buyers or consumers tell us this is the best beef they have ever tasted. It’s easy to market a product that is as good as this,” says Gerard. He’s hoping more dairy farmers will appreciate the
collection at four days and payment at 21 days. Markus says he enjoys the extra income the calves generate, but has also had a chance to enjoy some Wagyu steaks. “My mother is a bit of an expert on beef and she swears it’s the best she has ever tasted, you can definitely taste the difference. “For me Wagyu genetics work out well, the heifers calve well and as stressfree as possible and it’s really the best option given they are out grazing.”
CALVING
Page 18
Calf ’s first home sets it up for life
Dedicated calf rearing facilities more than pay for the investment made in them.
Dedicated calf rearing facilities can be provided for as little as one per cent of the cost of a replacement heifer based on an assumed 10-year depreciation time. “Proper calf housing that provide a warm and draft-free environment with adequate ventilation and plenty of sunlight are one of the cornerstones of successful calf rearing,” says Ernst Frei of FlexiTunnel. Live-weight gains in calves reared in a dedicated facility can be up to 10kg higher at six weeks compared to animals reared in ‘conventional’ sheds with the same fed inputs and similar management. “Additional live-weight gains in the first most important few weeks of an animal’s life will certainly go a long way in reaching target weights at the two crucial points further down a heifer’s life, namely at mating with 60 per cent and at calving with 90 per cent. “Unfortunately, the reality is that calf housing often is a low priority on farms or on new conversions being built,” says Ernst. “Neglecting this important part of a dairy farm business often leads to a range of pressures on the
calves, as well as on the person in charge of raising them.” Even today it’s estimated between 75 and 90 per cent of New Zealand farmers still use non-dedicated and woefully inadequate housing like converted wool sheds, hay barns or implement sheds – and therefore risk not reaching the potential of their future herds. “Evidence suggests that the majority of the country’s replacement heifers fall short of reaching expected live-weight targets. “The financial implications are rather far reaching. Heifers that don’t reach the target, produce less milk.” A heifer that falls 20 per cent below the target weight is expected to produce 10 per cent less milk fat in her first lactation. This can equate to an average loss of about 35kg of milk solids or $175 at a $5 payout. “And this represents the loss for just her first productive year. On the other hand, heifers that reach the target weights not only produce more milk, they also have a better reproductive performance, with fewer empties, a better calving pattern and remain longer in the herd,” says Ernst.
Tropical breeds climate change beaters? The herd improvement company has recently widNew Zealand dairy farming is being ened the focus of its tropical dairy genetics scheme, confronted by climate change and Hamilton which has sparked the interest of a handful of Northcompany CRV Ambreed says it’s ready. land-based farmers.
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Once only common in parts of Central America, South America, Asia and Africa, CRV Ambreed introduced Sahiwal and Gyr genetics to its breeding programme to meet a growing overseas demand for heat tolerance and tick resilience, combined with the added benefits of NZ’s grazing genetics. A number of New Zealand farmers dealing with subtropical environmental conditions have since started using the crossbred option to build heat and parasite resistance in their herds. Sahiwal, a popular high merit dairy breed in Central America, South America, Asia and Africa, sires small, fast-growing calves that typically have good temperaments, ease of calving, heat and drought tolerance, and parasite resistance. Gyr, a common dairy breed in Brazil, displays similar traits to the Sahiwal. CRV Ambreed genetic strategist Phil Beatson says while tropical breeds tend to have lower milk production than the temperate dairy breeds like Friesian and Jersey, their key strength is heat and parasite tolerance. When crossed to the temperate breeds, the crossbred cattle have higher milk production than the straight tropical cattle. As the proportion of tropical make-up decreases, it’s expected milk production will increase. For example, 25 per cent tropical cows will have higher production than 50 per cent tropical cows. “Results show that in Northland 34 per cent Sahiwal and 66 percent Friesian cows in a once-a-day system produced up to 1kg of milk solids per day for the first 100 days of lactation. “And 20 per cent Sahiwal cows produced up to 1.3kg milk solids in the same system.”
DAIRY
Trap makes pest-free NZ a possibility The Fiordland Conservation Trust and the Department of Conservation have wiped out a plague population of rats using Goodnature automatic resetting traps and ushered in a long-held dream milestone for New Zealand conservation – the prospect of large mainland island sanctuaries requiring no fences.
With the breeding season now over native birds will already have benefitted from the project by improved fledging of chicks. Fiordland Conservation Trust chairman Murray Willans says keeping pests at low numbers all the time “is critical to increasing our native species populations and to bringing back the birdsong to the Kepler, to have them remain at zero density is even better”. The Kepler result comes on the back of DOC declaring The Kids Restore Kepler Project – a Native Island rat-free conservation educational programme by using a Goodnainvolving the trust – established a 200 ture A24 network on hectare network of Goodnature A24 rat the island, which lies traps with DOC last October on the iconic in Rakiura National Kepler Track. Park (Stewart Island). DOC says after a second rodent monitor Goodnature director its staff cannot find any rats in the area – Stu Barr says it’s the even though they remain at plague levels first time an island outside the project, where they are destroyhad been cleared ing chicks and eggs. of rats solely using The result is due to the design of Goodnature’s constant control system where Goodnature’s trap resets automatically resetting traps and each trap resets automatically to deliver to deliver up to 24 kills before needing a the same can be done up to 24 kills before needing a new CO2 across the mainland. new CO2 canister. canister. This means the traps don’t wait for “Throughout a human to clear and reset the device after dispatching rural New Zealand there are bush blocks shared by each rat. neighbours that through pest control can become DOC predator control expert and project leader Goodnature island sanctuaries. Darren Peters says the self-setting traps are a key tool for “Our vision is to see New Zealand pest-free. We want pest control because they are humane, non-toxic and to see more birds – it’s achievable.” reduce labour costs allowing conservationists to cover Goodnature rat, possum and stoat traps are exclueven larger areas. “They have the potential to slash consively available at Farmlands stores throughout ventional trapping costs by up to 75 per cent.” New Zealand.
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Autumn parasite treatment With young stock needing to eat a lot of grass to meet their growing requirements, there will be plenty of exposure to worms. These internal parasites do a lot of damage to young animals in particular, which makes autumn an important time to have a worming control programme in place. Following repeated exposure to worms, cattle and sheep generate an acquired immunity. This is why adults are less likely to need drenching – unlike young stock that do in order to grow to their full potential. Horses and goats, on the contrary, may
never acquire adequate immunity to worms, therefore in general need drenching periodically throughout their lives. Each species and each specific environment needs a worm control programme tailored to its specific needs. In general there are some common strategies that can be employed as follows. Prevention of disease is better than treating stock that are already sick. With warm temperatures parasites grow faster and start breeding sooner, which we know allows worm populations to become plentiful both inside animals and on pasture. Once populations reach dangerous levels,
young stock will ultimately show signs of diarrhoea, poor growth, sickness and even death. Worms typically have a life cycle of about three weeks, therefore drenching every four weeks, especially in lambs, is crucial to keep worm populations under control. Appreciate what level of challenge and type of worms are present. Whether you are new to a property or it has been a while since a check has been done, it pays to send in some faecal samples to the clinic who can request
lab testing for a Faecal Egg Count. The FEC should provide guidance as to the type of worm control required and sampling is better prior to drenching of stock. Use the correct drench in terms of type, dose rate and frequency to best counter worms on your property. Your local vet clinic staff are willing and able to assist you with this important challenge.
Milk, honey or dough – which did it mix? Milk – well actually cream – and honey were the products readers thought were processed by the mystery item from the Morrinsville Heritage Centre. “That looks like the old honey extractor my dad had. You take the caps off the cells with a cutting wire and then place in between the bars and spin, looks like the compacted model,” writes Mike Golding. “The mystery item in the ‘Coast & Country News’ of March 2015, is a honey extractor. You take out a couple of
supers from the beehive, take the top coating of wax off and tip them into the machine displayed. You then turn the handle and the centrifugal force, forces the honey out to the sides of the drum to drip to the bottom and out the hole” says Graeme Fair. Margaret Amor is also convinced it’s a honey extractor. “My husband says he has in our shed one of the mystery items, and says it is a honey extractor.” Trevor Mitchell of Tokoroa believes the device is another variety of a butter churn. “These gear-operated ones always seemed to me to require more effort than the wooden type with the handle direct drive through the side. “However, I bet they were easier to clean,” he writes. But the team at the Morrinsville museum are not entirely sure what it is.
“It came from the local bakery and was used in the 1920s to 1930s. However, ‘Coast & Country News’ readers could well be right about it being a honey extractor,” says Barbara Dalziel, manager of the Morrinsville Heritage Centre. The centre staff had believed the metal barrel with a wire device was a baker’s mixer. For his entry, Graham Fair has won admission for two to the Morrinsville Heritage Centre. This month’s mystery item from the Te Aroha and District Museum is a medical device used by one of the district’s early GPs, Dr Lawrence. If you know what it is and even better, have a story to tell about seeing Dr Lawrence use it, we’d love to hear from you and you could be in to win a visit for two to the Te Aroha and District Museum. Send your entry to elaine@thesun. co.nz, with ‘Mystery Item’ in the subject line, or post to: Mystery Item, Coast & Country,
PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, to arrive no later than May 27. The winner will be announced in Coast & Country’s July issue.
Do you know what this is? It’s a medical device from the Te Aroha and District Museum.
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Calcium increases nitrogen efficiently While visiting family in New Plymouth during the Easter break, I was surprised to see a sign up by a popular swimming river, the Waiwhakaiho, saying it was not advisable to swim, play or drink water from there due to the presence algae.
When I asked my children, aged eight and 10, why we couldn’t swim here, they answered: “It’s because of the dairy cows”. These days everyone has heard of nutrient budgets – where farmers and fertiliser consultants fill out forms of what fertiliser has been applied to the farm, what the stocking rates are, do you use stand-off pads etc – in an attempt to lower the amount of nitrogen entering waterways and causing nuisance algae and health problems. Air is 80 per cent nitrogen – so why do so many people buy nitrogen in a bag? Would we need nutrient budgets if we encouraged soil bacteria species that convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can use?
Oxygenated soil
A well oxygenated soil encourages good plant root systems and encourages those nitrogen-converting bacteria. To develop a well-oxygenated soil, active calcium is important. Calcium opens up the soil, encourages soil biology – for example earthworms – to create pore spaces for air and water movement. Applying nitrogen from a bag – a water-soluble form – creates smaller plant root systems and soil biology populations. Less soil biology results in further bagged nitrogen being needed to keep up productivity. Research carried out by Kansas State University in 2002 found adding water-soluble calcium, such as calcium ammonium nitrate or calcium nitrate, to nitrogen fertilisers like urea produced the highest yields and the highest nitrogen fertiliser efficiency. This is because the soluble calcium reduces the ammonia volatilisation – nitrogen lost to the air.
Another trial conducted by the University of Tennessee using Urea Calcium Ammonium Nitrate applied to wheat found the optimum nitrogen application was 27kg/N compared to 54-70kg/N when using ammonium nitrate and urea ammonium nitrate.
Optimum yield
So nitrogen fertilisers blended with a water soluble form of calcium can achieve an optimum economic yield by reducing the total amount of nitrogen applied. Who wins here? The grower wins financially, by reduced nitrogen fertiliser costs and the environment through reduction in nitrate leaching into water courses and underground bore water. Who loses – the chemical companies’ balance sheets. Remember, that the surface application of urea requires impeccable timing with rain, it requires 7mm-9mm of rain within 36-48 hours of application, or substantial loses of nitrogen occur. In these trials a threefold increase in yield per kilogram of nitrogen was observed for the nitrogen applied with a soluble calcium source versus a straight nitrogen source like urea, ammonium nitrate and urea ammonium nitrate. How do we identify the water-soluble calcium content in a soil? This is where the Reams Soil Test comes into its own, developed by the famous Dr Carey Reams from the USA. We often see soils containing 6000-10,000kg/ha of soil exchangeable calcium, but when tested by the Reams method we only have 700-1000kg/ha of water soluble calcium. When growing high yielding crops like maize or sweetcorn we need these test figure at 3000-4000kg Ca/ha and for lucerne this needs to be 60008000kgDM/ha of water soluble calcium – this is why we can grow lucerne on a Hauraki marine clay when all the so-called professionals said it can’t be done.
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Testing on animals now banned The Animal Welfare Amendment Bill will ban the use of animals for testing finished cosmetic products and ingredients, says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy. “To the best of our knowledge there never has been any animal testing for cosmetics in New Zealand, but this amendment will send an important message that this kind of testing is unacceptable to New Zealanders and will never happen here.” The new amendment bans animal
testing in New Zealand for finished cosmetic products and ingredients, where those ingredients are being tested for the exclusive purpose of developing a cosmetic. “It’s important to note we already have a strong framework for any animal testing done in New Zealand. Any testing for products like medicines has to be approved by an independent ethics committee and has to show the benefits will outweigh any harm caused.”
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Removing the cheese changes family dynamics This may seem an obscure topic but cheese and mice have a lot of relevance to how we communicate – particularly around expectations in farming.
A psychologist friend once explained to me that people are like mice when it comes to cheese. If you have five alleyways and you provide constant cheese to one, a mouse will obviously get used to going up that particular lane. Stop the constant supply, but put a piece there from time to time and the mouse will continue to visit that lane, cheese or not cheese. Stop the supply and it takes a long time for the mouse to stop visiting that lane.
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Now the parallel between this theory and in humans is we as parents – or our own parents –want to make our children feel involved or benefited, so we keep putting out the cheese. Examples would include hinting we will assist them financially, or hinting at inheritances and so on. In my own case my ‘cheese’ was that I would get the opportunity to take over the family farm. It was not until I was told otherwise did I get off my butt and make my own way towards purchasing my own farm. Someone had to remove the cheese. A client was recently discussing moving her son back from the South Island to be involved on the home farm. There had been two failed attempts previously, because her other two sons were firmly ensconced on the farm. I told her about the ‘cheese’ theory and explained she needed to stop putting out the cheese as the South Island son was confused. He wanted to make his own way but mum just kept putting out the cheese. Fortunately, all the land is in a trust so he will get his ‘just desserts’ in due time.
Resthome
Another example is always hinting to our kids that they’ll get inheritances or what the structure could be. In reality, unless there is a large asset involved there may be no inheritance after the resthome etc. We have left family hanging around for the cheese when in fact there is none. Are you getting the drift? Or a sniff of the cheese? This is a really important concept to get your head
around. Don’t hint and promise at things that may or may not come to pass. We are better to say ‘no’. Then our children will realise they will have to make their own way in life and there is no use waiting around for the cheese. What is really needed is some straight, honest talking with no promises or hints of cheese. As a footnote, I had a client who was leaning heavily on his family and had huge expectations of ongoing financial help – and yes the parents kept putting out the cheese.
Got it
To me it was all very clear what was happening and eventually I suggested to the son that he needed to start creating his own assets and dynasty for himself and his own family, and stop leaning on his parents. To his credit he got it. I then explained the cheese theory to the parents and they immediately understood what was happening and changed the way they communicated. To this day the son is busy creating his own farming family business and no longer dragging on his parents. Family relationships have also improved as a result. These are the opinions of Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Finance. Any decisions made should not be based on this article alone and appropriate professional assistance should be sought. Don Fraser is the principal of Fraser Farm Finance, and a consultant to the farming industry. Contact him on 0800 777 675 or 021 777 675.
Stepping out for 90th birthday Rural Women New Zealand members and friends pulled on their walking shoes and took part in a ‘90km for 90’ challenge to raise funds for women in developing countries. “This year we are celebrating our 90th anniversary as an organisation,” says Rural Women’s national president Wendy McGowan. “So we encouraged each group of members taking part to collectively walk 90km to mark this occasion as part of our annual Women Walk the World event.” Women Walk the World sees rural women groups all over the planet walking to raise funds for the Associated Country Women of the World, an organisation that gives seeding funding to rural women in developing countries to help them step up out of poverty. To help keep track of distances walked, the New Zealand Walking Access Commission sponsored pedometers for each group, along with the ‘Women Walk The World’ t-shirts. Rural Women New Zealand is a charitable, membership-based organisation which supports people in rural communities through opportunities, advocacy and connections. Members are diverse, but all of share rural interests that connect and energise them. Rural Women NZ sees itself as the leading representative body promoting and advocating on rural health, education, land and social issues, and provides information, support, practical learning and leadership opportunities. To find out more go to www.ruralwomen.org.nz
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Understanding drench families a useful tool When it comes to dairy cattle, there are three main types, or families, of worm drenches used in NZ. It’s useful to be familiar with the active ingredients rather than just trade names, as trade names often gives no indication which family the product belongs to. Endectocides – known as Macrocyclic Lactones, ML’s or Mectins – control both internal parasites (worms) and external parasites (lice) include abamectin, ivermectin, moxidectin, doramectin and eprinomectin and are available as pour-ons and injectables. White Drenches – or BZ’s or benzimidazoles – control only worms and are generally oral drenches.
Levamisole controls worms only and are available as oral and pour-on. Because of widespread resistance to the white drenches and levamisole, these two types should generally only be used in combination. There is also widespread resistance in a particular worm called Cooperia to the endectocides, but this parasite is mainly only an issue in young cattle, so endectocides on their own are still useful in adult cattle. In general terms, the two main types of worm treatments used on dairy farms. The first is replacement stock drenching – because of the Cooperia issue any drench-
ing programme after weaning should rely heavily on combination products that contain levamisole, still very effective against Cooperia. This means ideally a combination oral drench – for example eg BZ/Levamisole– or else a combination pouron such as Abamectin/ Levamisole. The second is adult cow drenching – a commonly-practised timing of treatment varies widely from late lactation through the dry period to early lactation. Products used are generally single-active endectocide pour-ons because most have nil milk withholding periods and some also have nil meat WHPs. When used
in late pregnancy meat most– such as thin, old WHPs also apply to the and young cows, and bobby calves. cows that have had previThey are also generally very effective against lice as well. Milk production responses from post-calving drenches are common but some worry about the sustainability of this practice. If you’re considering drenching cows, a more sustainable approach may be to treat only the ‘at-risk’ cows – the ones that need it the
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Clauses clear up commission issues ASk in-STORE FOR YOuR cOMpETiTiVE quOTE
New clauses which make it clear who is owed commission when a rural property sells have been developed by the Real Estate Agents Authority and the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand. REAA is recommending real estate agents selling rural property use the new voluntary standard clauses in their terms and conditions to better protect consumers. As with the clauses for the residential sector that were introduced late last year, the voluntary clauses for rural agency agreements give sellers of rural property more certainty about when an agency agreement ends, and which agent can claim a commission when sellers change real estate agencies. “We are very pleased with the industry’s response to the residential clauses,” says REAA Chief Executive Kevin Lampen-Smith. “Over 700 agencies are now using the residential clauses. “The rural sector asked for these clauses. This is a great outcome as it means that sellers of rural property can now have the same level of certainty about their agency agreements as their residential counterparts. “These clauses make it clear who is owed a commission when a rural property sells, and will avoid sellers getting the nasty surprise of being asked to pay more than one commission.” Using the clauses is a simple way to avoid confusion, disagreements, and complaints to the REAA and REINZ. The clauses provide clarity and protect both
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the seller and the agent. While these clauses are voluntary the REAA recommends those wishing to sell their rural property use real estate agencies that include these standard clauses. The REAA is publishing a list of such agencies on its website. Key aspects of the rural standard clauses include: • Only one agent can claim a commission, and only when the buyer and seller have signed a sale and purchase agreement (even with conditions) at the time that the agent is acting for the seller. • If the seller cancels their contract with the agent and then sells privately to a buyer previously introduced, the agent can only claim a commission for 12 months after the contract ended. This is six months in the residential clauses and is the main difference between the residential and rural clauses. The extended period in the rural clauses allows for the time it can take to negotiate the sale of a rural property. Examples of rural property are farms, orchards, forestry plantations, and vineyards. More information is available on the REAA website including: • An information sheet on the rural standard clauses. • A list of agencies committing to using the rural standard clauses. • A copy of the wording of the recommended rural standard clauses.
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Neal Kinsey here to teach soil fertility Neal Kinsey is returning to New Zealand to take two courses explaining the essentials and finer points of soil fertility.
Herbal ley grown on the Kinsey soil fertility programme produced 23,000 kg/DM per year.
He’ll be at Cambridge from June 29-July 3, 2015. This course covers two days of field trips looking at farms on his world-renown programme, plus three days
of teaching the principles involved – or either one if you prefer. The second course is in the South Island. For details and registration, refer to websites www.goldenbaydolomite or www.kiwifertiliser. co.nz Neal is being hosted by Golden Bay Dolomite and Kiwi Fertiliser. The course he’ll take at Cambridge has been taught in New Zealand and in other parts of the world many times before, but this time it is in a reverse order. The course at Ashburton will be taught in the usual order.
Trace elements
a iN &
SEED DrESSi
ID G E CRSEEDS
Gr
NG
qua lity paSturE SEED
The emphasis and starting point on previous occasions has been on the rules governing calcium and magnesium. By the time we get to trace elements it’s often too late to give them the full treatment they deserve. Trace elements are very important and just don’t appear from nowhere. Many farmers’ soil tests do not even measure them; so they are not applied. Is it any wonder some farms frequently have costly animal health problems? There will be good advice on offer for farmers and reps involved in all types of farming and growing. Dr Linus Pauling, winner of two Nobel Prizes, stated: “In my opinion, one can trace every sickness, every disease and every ailment to mineral deficiency”. If you accept this statement, then improvements can be made in the
following areas by improving fertiliser practices: stock health; insect problems including ticks and mites on stock, pastures and crops; bacterial and fungal diseases; dipping, drenching and dagging regimes; fruit and vegetables that do not keep; fruit and vegetables that don’t taste at all good; kauri die-back; Psa-V of kiwifruit; weeds including yellow bristle grass; the need to inoculate silage; or the fact that large areas of pasture have to be re-grassed each year.
Effluent pond
One test for a dairy farmer is the effluent pond. If it is anaerobic, it will have a tendency to crust over and require constant and costly maintenance. If it is aerobic, no such problems will be observed. The pond is a reflection of the health rest of the property. If it’s not healthy, then neither are the soil or the stock. They could be a lot healthier, and they are fixable. All the above problems are related to soil fertility and can be mitigated to a greater or a lesser degree. The course will cover all essential trace elements including silicon; plus nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, compost, carbon, calcium, magnesium, and much more. Prior to the course itself, we have the opportunity to visit properties carrying out the principles of correct soil fertility. These properties have not been on the system very long, but have already shown clear advantages over the so-called sufficiency (sic) system.
These potatoes grown on the Kinsey soil fertility programme increased by $400/day/ha prior to harvest.
COAST & COUNTRY
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International win for Te Puke rider Abby Lawrence has been riding horses since before she could walk and now the Te Puke equestrian has won the Waipa Home of Champions CIC 3-Star event at the Kihikihi International Horse Trial riding her black gelding Pseudonym.
which he did for a few years, but gave up due to work commitments. It was her mother Raewyn, who introduced Abby to riding. “Mum used to take me on the front of the saddle with her when she went riding on the farm. “She also did a lot of track-work race-
Abby and 16-year-old Pseudonym placed fourth after the dressage, and second after the cross country. It was a clear round over the Gerrit Beker, Tauranga-designed course, which sealed the win at New Zealand’s premier eventing competition in April. They were the only ones of the last seven combinations left in the class to go clear and inside time, to finish on 91.7 penalty points. “It is a nice surprise,” says the 25-year-old full-time rider. “He gave the best ride ever. He was just phenomenal in the cross country, and fantastic today.” Abby’s win is another important milestone in her riding career, with the Kihikihi International Horse Trial is a major event on the New Zealand equestrian calendar. It’s held every April and runs during three days and includes three international classes – CIC 3-star, 2-star, and 1-star – which bring together Australasia’s top eventing riders. The three-day competition attracted 300 horses and riders, who competed across the grades in dressage, cross country and show jumping.
Horses and riding are Abby’s life. She and her horses compete at events nationwide, including the Horse of the Year. When she’s not on the road, Abby is teaching riders through her Abby Lawrence Eventing academy based at Paengaroa.
Top judges
Family support
Top international judges Christina Klingspor of Sweden, Polly Ann Huntington of Australia and Lesley Mawhinney of South Africa were full of praise for Kihikihi. “This is the premier event in the Southern Hemisphere,” says Polly Ann. Lesley described the John Nicholson-designed cross country course as a work of art, while Christina says more people around the world should be lucky enough to ride such courses. Winning such a prestigious event is a thrill for Abby, who won the Kihikihi two-star event on the same horse in 2011. “Now I would like to compete in a four-star event in the next year to 18 months and do have a couple of horses capable of competing at that level.” However, there are only six four-star events in the world and the closest is in Adelaide, Australia. “I’ve competed in Australia before, spending half a season there in 2011.”
Te Puke rider Abby Lawrence on Pseudonym on the way to winning the Waipa Home of Champions CIC 3-Star event. Photo by Libby Law Photography.
She also trains her own horses, bought as four to six year-olds. Her winning mount Pseudonym was bought for her brother to event with competitively,
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horse training for her father when she was young, which is when she show jumped. “It was later in her riding career when she was a regular on the hunt field. She continues to be a great support for my career.” So too is Abby’s father Ian, even though he doesn’t ride.
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Focus on solutions for the arable industry This year Foundation for Arable Research’s 2015 conference is called ‘Future Visions for the Arable Industry’ and will be held at the Ashburton Trust Event Centre on Wednesday, July 22 and Thursday, July 23. Following the very successful 2014 conference in Palmerston North, FAR is expecting this event to be equally well supported. Planning is well underway for sessions on cereals, farm systems, seeds and potatoes. There will also be an afternoon of field visits and a conference dinner. Three international speakers have been confirmed. They are Mike Carver, former director of National Institute of Agricul-
tural Botany, Arable Group Limited – commonly known as NIAB TAG – in England, who did a lot of work with FAR in its first 10 years. Plus, there’s David Firman, a potato yield expert from NIAB Cambridge University Farms, and leading Australian herbicide resistance researcher Chris Preston. The cereals, farm systems and seed sessions will feature a speaker who was involved with FAR at its inception, and who will briefly outline achievements to date. The rest of the session will focus on current issues and research, looking at new ideas and technologies that will provide
solutions for the arable industry moving forward.
Session dates:
Wednesday, July 22: Morning: Cereals. Afternoon: Field trips. Evening: Conference dinner. Thursday, July 23: Morning: Farm systems. Afternoon: Seeds (concurrent) and potatoes (concurrent). One-day registrations will be available for the second day, to allow potato growers to attend this day’s sessions only. Potatoes NZ will run their one-day conference in Ashburton the following day, allowing potato growers to stay on for this event. For more information visit the Foundation for Arable Research website: www.far.org.nz
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Closing your wallets not the answer Instead of burying heads in the sand, now might be a good time for some creative brain-storming to find ways to improve farm performance in light of the dairy payout forecasts. Closing the wallet and cutting back on essential expenditure isn’t the answer. Farmers who take a long hard look at spending and focus on the key factors of animal health and condition and pasture performance will be in a better position to take advantage of not only the current situation but also that when the payout improves. Expenditure should be targeted where it’s needed. Carry out more frequent soil tests to be sure of applying only what’s required, rather than the same again as last year. Dry off low condition scoring cows,
especially young stock, early to retain their condition for next season and get rid of culls.
IT wizardry
The Fieldays are a great opportunity to see what new technology can help more accurately assess farm performance, or save time and money. This might be a good year to buy some new electronic or IT wizardry, rather than a tractor or a ute. Take a long hard look at all aspects of your operation to establish the true costs and returns. That applies to the costs of buying feed too. As I’ve said before, not all wrapped silage is equal – so ask for tests results. If it’s cheap feed, it’s probably poor quality feed too. Just how hard farmers are hit by the reduced payout will depend on their indebtedness. Some well-established farmers will weather it and may even be in a position to take advantage of any opportunities which
arise from the downturn. Our maize harvest is complete and we’ve re-sown paddocks for grazing. The winter crops are in, but a recent paddock walk showed signs of army caterpillars and white butterflies which need spraying.
Brassica pests
Farmers growing brassicas should be vigilant for these pests can quickly munch through crops. Hopefully, cooler weather will slow them down though. Don’t take shortcuts with new pasture you’ve invested in. Spray the weeds and after each grazing, add some nitrogen until the clover gets established. Ordering in winter feed now makes sense, because it’s cheaper than it will be in the middle of winter when everyone wants it – and there’s not so much feed in storage, because less has been grown this season. We still have a good supply of silage and have got plenty of hay and straw on hand.
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COAST & COUNTRY
PROUD LOCAL
RURAL DRIVER
Page 29 Peter Dean from Maddix Park on his family farm.
Triton - a big beast - with style Coast and Country readers need to sit up and take notice of the latest vehicle that Sideline Sid took out for a test drive. The top of the range Mitsubishi Triton 4WD GLS double cab brings versatility in spades to the marketplace, as a workhorse or recreational vehicle, which can also tow a heavily loaded trailer without blinking. There was no need for introductions on the forecourt of Bay City Mitsubishi, as the Metallic Blue Triton double cab stood out like a beacon from the other vehicles on display. First impressions were of a big beast that wore its contemporary lines with style. The J Line curve set the tone, with the stainless steel front bull-bar and the stainless roll bar behind the double cab grabbing immediate eye attention. A quick look at the sales brochure reveals the Mitsubishi Triton comes in an extensive range from a 2WD single cab to the 4WD GLS double cab, which we put through its paces
on Western Bay of Plenty roads. The power unit for the All New Triton series is the newly developed 2.4 litre all alloy MIVEC engine, which produces maximum power of 135KW at 3500 and maximum torque of 437Nm at 2500. Suffice to say – this is one grunty engine. While the Mitsubishi Triton is high off the road, getting into the cab is a breeze courtesy of the running board and two inside handles. Sports bucket seats with cloth trim in the front row are the first hint the work and recreational vehicle has a myriad of touches found in an around town sedan.
Keyless entry
From the keyless entry and the one-touch push start to the handsfree Bluetooth and cruise control, they are all features not normally found in a genuine workhorse. One real advantage for rural drivers is the reversing camera, which is found within the six inch touchscreen. The Triton 4WD GLS also comes with full automatic dual zone air conditioning and has LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights
and rain sensing wipers. Out on the open road the Triton 4WD excelled with relatively light touch of the steering wheel and zipped away when the foot was applied to the accelerator. The manual six-speed transmission is light years away from the manual cars of old that Sid drove in his youth. We took the Mitsubishi vehicle slightly offroad with the Triton 4WD itching to utilise the Super Select 4WD. Coincidently, the Triton 4WD is just one of two utility vehicles available in the country, where the 4WD can be utilised on tarseal roads. Another big tick is awarded for the impressive turning circle. Manoeuvrability is the key in the all-round vehicle – whether you’re on the farm, unloading the catch from the boat or around town, with the Triton turning circle a very compact 11.8 metres.
All-rounder
However, the real value of the Mitsubishi Triton for rural and coastal folk is contained in the rear half of the Mitsubishi all-rounder. The big double cab provides plenty of space
in the back seats with a myriad of room for six foot-plus passengers. Sedan comfort is provided in both front and rear seats with minimal road noise. The beautifully crafted covered wellside tray not only sets the Mitsubishi Triton off in style, but provides one of the longest and deepest trays in its class. As the advertising spiel says: “If you can’t fit your load in here, the problem’s with your forklift”. The split boot raises the lid with effortlessly hydraulic assistance, while the other half drops down with ease. A big step over the tow bar makes for easy loading. The real appeal for the rural community is likely to be the huge payload of 960kg on the back and the towing capacity of about three tonnes. Whether loading up the tray with farm provisions, going bush for a hunting expedition or towing the boat, the Mitsubishi Triton fits the bill on all counts. A real plus for budget-conscience farmers is the outstanding fuel economy, which rates 20 per cent better than the earlier models.
The stated range between 7.2 and 7.6 litres per 100km is relative to bigger sedans with big pricetags. There is Mitsubishi Triton to suit all budgets and choices, starting with the Triton 2WD GLX single cab at $34,790 all the way up to the top of the range Triton GLS 4WD double cab at $57,490. It goes without saying that all Mitsubishi vehicles come with the best manufacturer warranty in the country, courtesy of the Diamond Advantage 10-Year Warranty.
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RURAL DRIVER
Page 30
Leftist Romans influence modern motorists
BMW and Mini ANCAP ratings ‘fall short’ Both the 2014 Mini Cooper 3 and the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer fall short of a five-star ANCAP rating after crash tests reveal the driver could be seriously injured due to a lack of structural protection, the AA reports. The three-door Mini Cooper Hatch was given a four-star rating due to poor protection of the driver’s chest and abdomen in a side impact test. Similarly, the three-cylinder petrol variant of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer left the driver’s legs only marginally protected in a
frontal offset crash test. Both car models have curtain airbags, electronic brake distribution, emergency brake assist and seatbelt reminders fitted to all seats as standard across the range. However, AA general manager motoring services Stella Stocks says focus needs to be maintained on the structural integrity of the vehicles. For a full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings, other vehicle safety information and the specifications of the rated vehicles visit www.aa.co.nz or rightcar.govt.nz
We can blame the Romans and sword-carrying horsemen for the fact we drive on the left while 90 per cent of the world’s nations drive on the right. Road crashes caused by tourists unfamiliar with driving on the left have shocked New Zealanders but in keeping left, we’re definitely out of step with the 65 per cent of the world’s population, who live in righthand driving countries. The remaining 35 per cent of left-side driving motorists, including Kiwis, live in mainly former British colonies. Historians have uncovered evidence which shows the Romans drove their horse-drawn vehicles on the left. And it’s believed because most people are righthanded, horsemen naturally travelled on the left side, holding the reins with the left hand, leaving the right free to use their swords if necessary. Most riders mount a horse from the left – in medieval times they wore scabbards on the left side and
mounting with the right leg first was easier. It’s also theorised swordsmen on foot preferred to walk on the left, so having their right hand free for their swords. The move to driving on the right probably came with the trend in France and America for teams of horses to pull large freight wagons, with no driver’s seat. Instead the driver, known as a postilion, sat on the left rear horse, holding his whip in his right hand. Postilions preferred to pass other traffic on the left so they could avoid collision with the wheels of oncoming traffic. The French revolution and Napoleon are also credited with the trend of driving on the right, with some theories saying it was Napoleon who decreed the change because his enemies kept left and had to give way to his armies marching on the right. Another theory is that French aristocracy traditionally travelled on the left and peasants on the right. During the revolution, it was dangerous to identify yourself as aristocratic so walking on the right became the safest course to take. By Elaine Fisher
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Shortcut almost cut life short The shortcut Andrew Fleming took on his quad bike irrevocably changed his life.
being his weekly income was $265. “Could you live on that?” he asks. “Consider the ‘what if?’ factor. It could someday make a big difference to your quality of life. Don’t go around worrying about ‘what if?’ It might never happen, but be prepared in case it does. “I didn’t think it would happen to me. If I knew then what I know now, I would have done things differently.”
Andrew’s challenges have continued but so has his determination to overcome them – including weaning himself off pain medication, painting a house from a wheelchair – saying “if you need to reach higher with the paint roller get a longer pole” – and taking up snow skiing again. He’s discovered a whole new range of skills, including becoming an inspiration speaker, winning the NSANZ BrightStar Emerging Speaker of the Year for 2014 and writing a book, which is both his personal story of despair and triumph, and also an inspiring read designed to help people achieve the most from their lives – even if they haven’t experienced major trauma like Andrew. Andrew is available as a speaker. See www.SpeakerAndrewFleming.com
Instead of opening six gates on the farm, he chose to ride uphill but a gust of wind flipped him from the bike – and for six hours he lay waiting for help, wondering if he would die. The fit active farmer and accomplished water skier and snow skier was paralysed and during the months ahead his personal life was to also unravel. Andrew found the strength and courage to cope and overcome a series of personal, physical, financial and emotional challenges by “changing the channel” in his head, which is why he’s called his inspirational book ‘Change the Channel’. “Some things we need to do are really challenging. Challenges can be painful and often negative selfdefeating thoughts creep in. “When this happens it is really important to change the channel of your thoughts and focus on looking forward,” writes Andrew. His other big message is – be prepared, especially financially, for something as traumatic as his accident happening to you. New Zealand’s Accident Compensation system is pretty good, he says, but it doesn’t cover everything. Because Andrew was selfemployed his income, for compensation purposes, was Author Andrew Fleming has learnt to ski again after assessed on the worst year of a farming accident which left him paralysed. income in 10 years – the result
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FIELDAYS
Making escape from effluent ponds easier No matter how careful you are, it’s very easy to fall into an effluent pond and it can be extremely hard to get out, says Hamish Forbes of Pondco.
tests, wraps and records each splice made in the marine grade rope.” Manufactured in New Zealand and made from blending polypropylene “That’s why we have developed the Pondco and polyethylene resins, Safety Escape rope system, which can be fitted the rope is UV stabilized to any effluent pond or water storage pond. to meet our extreme UV “The system is designed so that whatever side conditions. The 12mm of the pond a fall may occur, there is always a ropes have a breaking rope close at hand. load of 2654kg and “Our Safety Escape System is made of 100 per the 16mm ropes have a cent marine grade materials, and for most ponds breaking load of 4600kg. only four corner posts are required,” says Hamish. High buoyancy floats, People working around ponds are acutely aware which are 70mm in diameter of the dangers but because of the sloping sides of and also manufactured in most ponds, it’s easy to slip and fall in. New Zealand, are seam“We don’t use plastic liners on our ponds but welded for maximum know that it’s virtually impossible to get out of performance. Pondco life rings can be kept a plastic-lined pond if you don’t have an escape The larger buoys are near effl uent and irrigation system.” also New Zealand made Traditional escape systems are a ladder on one side ponds to aid anyone who has from marine grade PVC fallen in. of the pond, but Hamish says anyone who falls in on and Ultraviolet stabilised. the opposite side from the ladder has little chance of All the fittings used in the reaching it – especially if they are fully-clothed and system are stainless steel. swimming against the effects of the stirrer. Pondco also has life rings, which can be kept near the The Pondco system uses a combination of ropes, ponds, and warning signs to alert people to the fact floats and buoys and all materials are designed to with- they are approaching a pond or water body. stand the tough environment of an effluent pond. “A lot of attention is rightly given to safety on quad “We are working with a New Zealand company bikes and tractors but safety around ponds is also very which has imported a splicing machine which splices, important,” says Hamish.
Farm-inspired garments on the catwalk Fashion designer Robyn Brooks and renowned sculptor Adrian Worsley have been confirmed as judges for Fieldays Ag Art Wear 2015 to be held during Fieldays from June 10-13 in the Fieldays Theatre. The competition to create a wearable art piece from materials found on the farm is a staple on the Fieldays timetable and this year’s judges will demand a higher standard from Ag Art Wear entrants than ever before. “We’re definitely excited to have Robyn and Adrian on board as judges this year,” says Fieldays Ag Art Wear coordinator Wai Taimai. “With the reputations of both Robyn and Adrian as highly-creative and bold artists, 2015’s Ag Art Wear entrants will need to step up their game this year.
“We’re looking forward to meticulously-created and unconventional farm-inspired garments from our entrants.” Ooby Ryn, the brain child of Cambridge-based designer Robyn Brooks, debuted eight years ago as a Verge Breakthrough Designer at Air New Zealand Fashion Week. The concept store opened in
FIELDAYS
Page 33
Time to check equine wardrobes too It’s not just our winter outfits which need attention in autumn. Now is also the time to repair or replace horse covers, says Hoofcamp owner Kathryn Cook.
“We have a new range of winter horse covers in stock including the popular Cavalino and Horze brands.” Whakatane’s popular saddlery with clients throughout the country also repairs and re-waterproofs horse covers. “It’s important to get this done early as it is awful for a horse to be standing out in the rain on a bitterly cold winter’s night wearing ‘wet pyjamas’,” says Kathryn. Winter riding gear is also in stock at Hoofcamp, including down and feather-lined waterproof jackets and vests. With the hunting season underway, men’s hunting jodhpurs Hoofcamp has a comprehensive range of and women’s saddles in stock. riding breeches,
hunt stocks and stock pins, hip flasks and gloves are also available. “We also have winter feed which is very important now the weather's cooler. It’s estimated that a bucket of good quality feed has the same warming effect as a layer of horse cover,” says Kathryn. “Horses need extra feeding just to keep warm and if they don’t get enough of the right food, will lose weight in winter.” As always, Hoofcamp has a comprehensive range of bridles, breast plates, Pessoa and Trainer saddles and also Western saddles. “We also repair and re-stitch riding gear including stirrup leathers. Judges check the gear of riders
competing in shows or eventing so it’s important to ensure everything is correct and in good repair and of course it’s essential for rider safety too.” Hoofcamp’s Facebook page is proving very popular and Kathryn is encouraging people to ‘like’ Hoofcamp on Facebook. “Once you’ve ‘liked’ us you will be the first to know about specials we are offering and what’s new in-store. We are now accepting Farmlands Cards with additional discounts for cardholders,” says Kathryn. Hoofcamp is also happy to courier purchases to out of town customers and has recently sent saddlery products to the South Island and covers to all parts of the North Island.
Top designers judge Ag Art Wear late 2006 and now stocks New Zealand and Australian designer brands. “I’m really looking forward to judging Ag Art Wear at Fieldays this year. It’s always interesting to see what concepts the entrants come up with and I can’t wait to see what original materials will be used this year,” says Robyn. “In the past, we’ve seen a lot of the same thing so I’m hoping entrants have really thought outside the square to come up with some really creative and original ideas,” says Robyn. In Ooby Ryn’s seven short years, Robyn has developed an impressive portfolio that’s a testament to New Zealand design. Whether it’s a party frock, derby day ensemble or lingerie for charity, the one thing Ooby Ryn designs have in common is they’re proudly designed and made right here in New Zealand. Robyn grew up on a sheep and cattle farm in Onewhero and competed in top level show jumping. Renowned sculptor Adrian Worsley is the second judge on the Ag Art Wear panel. He design and constructs unique sculptures from recycling scrap metal, tools, utensils and farm implements sourced locally and around New Zealand. “I am very excited to be chosen as one of the judges for the Ag Art Wear competition. “I think competitions can really bring out the best in people and provide a great opportunity to showcase their creative talents. “Originality, imagination and the true love of art is what I am really looking forward to seeing in the entries this year." Originally a fitter welder, who moved into stainless steel and taught himself woodworking, Adrian discovered a passion for creating with recycled materials. Starting with furniture and cabinetry in houses, restaurants, cafes and vineyards, his focus moved on to sculpture. Opening his own gallery in Te Aroha, and developing his junkyard of raw materials into a treasure trove
of delight, which displays as an artwork in its own right, Adrian now spends all his time there consumed in sculpting his works of art.
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Fieldays’ accelerated boost for innovation companies NZ National Agricultural Fieldays has created the next step in its Innovation programme this year with Fieldays Innovation Accelerator – an exciting new initiative to accelerate Kiwi inventions rise to the global stage, with newlysigned sponsor Callaghan Innovation.
ing them with innovation advice, product development support and research and development funding. “We are really looking forward to joining the current and future crop of agri-tech innovators at the Fieldays.” Exhibiting in Fieldays Innovation Accelerator is a one-off opportunity – after that, companies must exhibit in the main area of Fieldays. Fieldays has seen many Kiwi innovations, whether from the Fieldays Innovation Awards or Fieldays Innovation Den powered by SODA Inc, achieve unprecedented success in their endeavours after entering in the Innovation Centre at Fieldays.
to strength and most recently made headlines for reaching its maximum equity raising target of $1.5m in a week with the equity crowdfunding website Snowball Effect. Ayla Hutchinson entered Kindling Cracker in the Innovations Awards in 2013 and took out the Young Inventor of the Year award. The company again entered in 2014
Situated in the innovation centre, Fieldays Innovation Accelerator will provide a crucial stepping stone for Kiwi companies that have exhibited in previous years to continue their innovation journey with Fieldays, without the financial Kindling Cracker pressure of a full exhibition site. With innovation being a Ayla Hutchinson and the Kindling Cracker Already confirmed to cornerstone of Fieldays, and so she invented will be among the exhibitors exhibit in Fieldays Innovation Accelerator are incredibly important to the conin the Fieldays Innovation Accelerator Aeronavics and Kindling tinued success of New Zealand’s stand this year. Cracker. agri sector, establishing Fieldays Aeronavics, formerly Droidworx, entered Fieldays Innovation Accelerator was the logical evolution for Innovation Den in 2013, introducing its drones to Fieldays Innovation as the incubator and catalyst for the agricultural market, and won the prestigious Most agritech innovation, says Fieldays chief executive Jon Viable Business Award. Calder. Since then, the company has gone from strength “We recognise that Fieldays must continue to evolve and adapt if we are to remain relevant and connected to New Zealand’s agri tech and agribusiness sector. “In this way, Fieldays is much more than a trade show. Our mission is to advance agriculture. “The technology and innovation that Fieldays showcases and supports through our innovation ecosystem are products, concepts and thinking that will continue to ensure New Zealand remains a leading agribusiness nation globally. Jon says collaboration is critical to ensuring efficiency and effectiveness, and the stable of partners Fieldays Ezi-flo pit gates completely clear exit ways and cannot has assembled to drive innovation is formidable. be touched by cows leaving “It’s fantastic to have Callaghan Innovation on board the milking area. as a partner to support Fieldays Innovation Accelerator and work alongside our existing suite of partners The fully galvanised gates and sponsors, including Vodafone, SODA Inc, Locus are available in kitset for Research, James and Wells, NZ Farmer and Tru-Test.” speedy installation
it a
and won the Vodafone People’s Choice Award. Since Fieldays 2014, Kindling Cracker has won three international awards including Hutchinson making the International TeenBusiness Top 20 List for 2014. Kindling Cracker is now being shipped internationally and there are exciting things ahead for the entrepreneurial teen.
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Callaghan Innovation’s general manager of research and technical services Dr Richard Templer says the Government business innovation agency “is delighted to be a partner for the inaugural Innovation Accelerator at this year’s Fieldays and that the theme of innovation continues to grow in profile and importance at the event”. “Many of New Zealand’s technology exporting successes have their roots in the agricultural sector, and agri-tech continues to be a hotbed of innovation in the New Zealand economy,” says Richard. “Callaghan Innovation’s job is to help companies that aspire to succeed through technology by help-
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Fifty years in concrete business Thomson Concrete has been supplying water troughs and concrete products to the greater Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and King Country for more than 50 years.
Thomson Concrete A division of H2o products and services ltd
Based in Otorohanga the company manufactures a variety of concrete products including water troughs, feed troughs, stone traps, cattle stops, porous well liners and septic tanks. Thomson Concrete team members pride themselves on the service they provide to their rural customers, says Lawrence and Pauline Holden, who have owned the company since December 2012. The team of six staff includes a truck driver, who delivers Thomson Concrete’s range of products all over the North Island. “We use very high quality materials in our concrete products and pride ourselves with the end results. “To complement our pre-cast concrete manufactur-
ing, we also have Thomson Concrete Plumbing and Water Supplies – on the same Otorohanga site.” The TCPAWS is a retail outlet for all water and plumbing requirements and is managed by Dave Hamilton. So for farmers, Thomson Concrete is a handy one-stop shop with troughs, culvert pipes to alkathene and fittings all in one place.
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Thomson Concrete makes a range of quality concrete products for farms and lifestyle blocks. Cattle Troughs • Sheep Troughs • Pig Troughs • Cattle Stops • Septic Tanks • Colvert Pipes • Well Liners • Feed Troughs • Foot Baths • Stone Traps • Water Tanks • PVC Pipe • Alkathene LD&MD • Effluent Pipe • Hansen & Anka Fittings Novaflow • Fish Bait • Pool Chemicals
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and remove them,” says Modcom manager Brendon Cole. “If you require something specific we are happy to customise one of our existing plans or alternatively we can build a unit of your own design.” All buildings manufactured by Modcom are structurally engineered and built in accordance with the The company is 100 per cent New Zealand owned New Zealand Building Code and relevant building and operated, which allows it to provide a quality standards. product and excellent service. Modcom buildings are designed to be portable, Constructed of either EPS insulated sandwich panel making them easy and safe to transport. “With our or fire-resistant insulated sandwich panel, Modcom own fleet of trucks and cranes we can remove the buildings provide excellent insulation, strength and reliance on outside providers, and are able to provide low maintenance properties. hassle free delivery to your site.” In addition, all buildings come with a five-year Modcom Portable Buildings Ltd is part of the manufacturer’s warranty. Supermac Group, including Supermac Holdings Ltd Modcom manufactures an exten(specialising in coolsive range of buildings for hire stores and freezers), or sale including offices, Accessmac (specialisablutions units, lunching in booms, cranes rooms, accommodation and scissor lifts), ATF units, and control rooms. (specialising in tem“Hiring is an excellent porary fencing) and option if you require temMidamac (specialising porary buildings on your in earthworks), which site. Just hire the buildings places Modcom in a as you need, for the length position to be able to Modcom Portable Buildings Limited’s two bedroom offer a complete package of time you require, and when you are finished with house is built in accordance with the New Zealand from site preparation to Building Code and relevant building standards. ‘turn-key’. the buildings we will come
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FIELDAYS
Page 37
Fieldays major economic player “Fieldays also plays a big part in helping connect rural and urban Kiwis, showing off what’s best about the primary industries,” says Nathan. “The primary industries are the backbone of New Zealand’s economy. “They make up around 73 per cent of our merchandise exports, helping pay for things like
schools, hospitals and roads.” The Government’s future plans of boosting the industries’ economic impact further means investing in research and development will be crucial. “Our flagship programme in recent years has been the Primary Growth Partnership, with 16 current programmes underway.”
NZ National Fieldays at Mystery Creek Hamilton have evolved into a major player in assuring New Zealand’s economic future, and is a platform unrivalled for showcasing New Zealand agricultural expertise and world leadership, according to Fieldays 2014 Economic Impact Report. The report was prepared by Dr Warren Hughes of the University of Waikato – and Mystery Creek Events Centre chief executive officer Jon Calder says it shows Fieldays measure of success is more than just numbers of visitors through the gate, or the number of sites sold. Fieldays’ mission is to advance agriculture and the growing success of the 46-year-old event is something he’s incredibly proud of. “Having quantifiable data that demonstrates how the event creates value for our customers exhibiting, for the region, and New Zealand as a nation is how we truly measure our success. “In addition to the sales made by our customers exhibiting at Fieldays, the flow on effects to the region through accommodation, hospitality, transport and employment are significant,” says Jon.
Air show
Warren has highlighted that priority should be given to making Fieldays “the agricultural equivalent of the Farnborough Airshow”, such is its importance and relevance to New Zealand and global agriculture. The Farnborough Airshow is widely considered the ‘go-to’ global aviation event. With Fieldays firmly established as New Zealand’s flagship agribusiness event, the organisation is focused on growing Fieldays and leveraging the country’s position as a world leader in Agribusiness to make Fieldays a ‘go-to’. “The growth we are seeing in international visitors, delegations, and companies wanting to exhibit at Fieldays reinforces our growing status as a global Agribusiness event,” says Jon. “International visitors create new opportunities for our customers – and through the international relationships and networks we are building we can now start to create reciprocal opportunities for our customers who export, to exhibit and participate in Agri events offshore.” Fieldays’ international focus, while being important, is definitely a secondary consideration for the event – which will create new exhibition space to allow new exhibitors and expansion by existing customers in 2015. Minister of Primary Industries Nathan Guy says he’s a regular visitor to Fieldays and highlights its importance in the New Zealand agriculture landscape.
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FIELDAYS
Adding a ring increases effluent captivity The ease of increasing storage capacity is among the reasons many farmers are installing Tanks & Silos’ products this season.
“The fact that storage can be increased by adding another ring to the top of the
tank to meet future increased herd size or a lift in production appeals to many of our clients,” says Brett Clow of Tanks & Silos. Tough environmental standards mean farmers have no choice but to provide secure effluent containment for a specified number of days, and the ability to quickly increase capacity without the
expense of building a whole new system is a bonus. Tanks & Silos took on the Permastore distributorship four seasons ago and today the company has a steady demand for its tanks, the reputation of which is well established for effluent or water storage. “We have just completed an 8.2 million litre tank and have another of a similar size to install. We can construct tanks to suit any size of farm from relatively small to very large.” Tanks for either drinking water or effluent storage are built in the same way. Each is constructed on a concrete pad, from panels 2.83 metres by 1.4 metres, which weigh about 140kg each. These panels are bolted together and sealed to become water-tight and the finish is hard wearing, colour-fast, low maintenance and
Paul Lowe and Brett Clow of Tanks & Silos will be at Fieldays once again, talking to farmers about the benefits of Permastore glassfused-to-steel effluent tanks for effluent and water storage. easy to clean. There are specific grades of glass fusion designed for water storage and dairy effluent tanks and tanks can be built to almost any height and diameter. “These tanks have the best properties of both materials – the strength and flexibility of steel
combined with the corrosion resistance of glass on both interior and exterior surfaces, which provides a unique liner-free system,” says Brett. “The big bonus for council installing these tanks, and for farmers too, is that they are virtually maintenance-free.”
Training devices that save lives A company with innovative training and containment technology that’s helped save thousands of dogs from being destroyed is celebrating 25 years in business. Roger and Judy Jay of Innotek are proud of the fact that since introducing Innotek, SportDOG and
PetSafe training aids and containment systems to New Zealand they have not only saved dogs, but also made dog owners, and often their neighbours, very happy. “Our goal is making bad dogs good and good dogs better and these training aids and containment systems are making that happen.” Roger and Judy conduct the business from their home office at Whangaparaoa, just north of Auckland City, and have always enjoyed their association with farmers, shepherds and domestic dog owners throughout New Zealand over the years. “Thousands of farmers that have supported us and benefitted from these products for the quarter century. “These days we have the added brands of SportDOG and PetSafe that lead the world with technology, with their remote trainers, containment systems and antibark training collars.” The Innotek, SportDOG and PetSafe training aids were developed in America and are imported and supported in New Zealand. The product range includes remote trainers for every type of training imaginable, plus the popular anti-bark collars and the dog containment systems, with in and above ground wire systems and more recently completely wireless systems. All Innotek, SportDOG and PetSafe products carry a full three-year parts and labour warranty with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Among the dog owners pleased with the remote trainer system is Jake of Otautau. “Both of our hunterways have stopped biting the stock and the quad bike tyres since we got the SportDOG SD-1825 trainer with two collar units – an excellent training aid,” says Jake. “My pig dogs now leave the possums and goats alone and stay on the job as they should. Good range in cover and open ground,” says Dave of Taumarunui. “Life for us and our neighbours has changed for the better now that Olly does not bark or yap all the time like he used to,” writes Charles of Karaka.
MORRINSVILLE
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Morrinsville’s herd set to double in size outstanding. The fact they are tactile, life-size and painted all over has great appeal. “Every cow is so different and there was a real excitement when they were unveiled.” Nicki says the ‘Herd of Cows?’ project is designed to give people another reason to visit Morrinsville. “We know we are a great town but we are not on a main traffic route so sometimes people pass us by. We hope the cows will change all that.”
The possibilities for the project are only limited by imagination, says Nicki. “We hope, as funds allow, to establish a website and a mobile app so people can download an art trail to visit every cow.” Nicki says she doesn’t have an artistic bone in her body, but can appreciate art – and believes the cows are a great way to showcase Morrinsville, the dairy industry and art too. “The cows are on show 24/7 so people can enjoy them whenever they wish.”
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‘Freedom’ painted by artist Christine Melchior is CooperAitken’s cow in Morrinsville’s ‘Herd of Cows?’ project.
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Fifteen more colourful cows are set to appear in the streets as Morrinsville’s ‘Herd of Cows?’ project takes its next step. “Since the first 15 cows were launched in March I think there’s been quite a lot of cow envy because my phone has been running hot with calls from people who want to sponsor a cow,” says Nicki Robb, of the Cow Project Committee. “We plan to launch another 15 cows hopefully by August. Most will be sponsored by local businesses but several families with long-standing connections to Morrinsville are also going to sponsor cows as a way of giving back to the community.” The Cow Project has a number of artists keen to paint cows but Nicki welcomes more to submit portfolios. “When someone buys a cow, we give them a number of portfolios so they can choose an artist whose work they like.” ‘Herd of cows?’ was an idea Nicki first had about 16 years ago. “I was travelling overseas and saw something similar and thought it would be ideal for rural New Zealand.” Finally she pitched the idea to council and local businesses in Morrinsville in 2014. “The feedback was very positive and thanks to the support of accountants CooperAitken, which funded the cost of making the mould for the fibreglass cows, we were able to get started.” CooperAitken CEO Maree Munro says her company is delighted to be naming sponsor and founding member of the Herd of Cows? Morrinsville Street Art.
Colourella, painted by Heather Olesen, is sponsored by Colour Plus. “We wanted to support this project as a thank you to the community, as we celebrated our 100 years in the town last year”. Not only did the company provide funding to get the project off the ground it’s also sponsored its own cow called ‘Freedom’ painted by artist Christine Melchior in CooperAitken colours, which reflect the company’s values. Christine used an abstract style, which incorporates a koru design, and coins. “The name of the cow comes from our motto, which is ‘Creating freedom in your business’,” says Maree. “‘The Herd of Cows?’ unique, permanent art attraction is already creating a point of difference for Morrinsville to demonstrate its innovation, vibrancy and our dairying heritage, while adding some flare and character to the town.” Locals and visitors alike are enthusiastic about the cows, says Maree, and the artwork on them is
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Soon everyone will have ‘Herd of Cows?’ A few years ago people thought of Morrinsville as a ‘cow town’. It had a Fonterra plant, stockyards, lots of tractors and rural supplies stores, vets, and even a rendering
plant to cope with those that didn’t make the grade. Art? That happened elsewhere, surely? But the owner of that rendering plant also happened to have the largest New Zealand art collection in the country – and, he wanted to show his hometown some of it.
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Slowly, agonisingly so at times, the Morrinsville Art Gallery, part of which shows changing exhibitions of that art, came into being. With two more galleries showing off local and wider exhibitions, Morrinsville and the wider Waikato began to appreciate just how much ‘art’ was around there. Then someone had a bright idea. Let’s not just be a ‘cow town’ but make something of it, and ‘The Cream of the Country’ was happily accepted as a local descriptor. Then others, who had probably travelled overseas, thought decorating the town with full-sized painted cows would make the point even better. So ‘Herd of Cows?’ was born. With initial magnificent sponsorship from farm accountants Cooper Aitken, and the clever modelling skills of Matcraft Marine of Hamilton, which turned their attention from boats to cows at the rate of two or three a week, the herd was born.
Cow sponsors
More local businesses got behind the idea and became cow sponsors, and the art community flocked in droves to get chosen to actually paint them. Resene
Rising to the Challenge, painted by P J Paterson, is sponsored by Greenlea Meats. (Note the rotor on top). supplied paint in a myriad of colours, and the final gloss finish was sprayed by a local panelbeater, so they wouldn’t be covered in graffiti. As they were completed they climbed in the back door of the gallery, until the first herd of 15 were crowded there out of sight. And recently an enormous group of invited people –sponsors, artists, gallery supporters and local councillors, plus farming media – gathered at the gallery to see what had been achieved. The cows were hidden in the Wallace Gallery, doors firmly shut, while the noise created by more than 150 people meeting in the foyer and other galleries, champagne glasses in hand, grew ever louder.
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MORRINSVILLE
Page 41
Cows are a tourism boost overseas experience, it will bring visitors to the town in droves. Google reckons the ‘herds’ in other cities around the world have been seen by half a billion people. The Morrinsville cafes had better get cracking on the scones and coffee ASAP.
By Sue Edmond
Morrinsville’s colourful cows are attention-getters.
Expert advice, local knowledge, from just up the road. Betty, painted by Zena Elliott, is sponsored by Wallace Corp.
When the doors finally opened and they streamed in, there were 15 shrouded creatures, wearing large loose coverings.
Cows revealed
First there were speeches and then, one by one, the ‘art’ was revealed, with a sponsor representative and the relevant artist providing the multiple stories behind the different forms of decoration. Some sponsors had ideas, some just gave carte blanche to the artist, but in every case the result was world class, drawing applause and gasps of amazement from the throng. Some examples were an electric cow, another with a rotor on top, a concrete truck cow which stood in painted wet concrete, a pharmacy cow, a striped cow, one showing all the opportunities for fun Morrinsville offers, a Kiwiana cow, a cow covered in triangles, another showing all aspects of Kiwi farming including a topdressing plane, and one which showed on one side what happened when disaster struck and how it helped to have insurance on the other. A cubist cow, modelled on Picasso’s ideas, also has a secret. If one crawls underneath, her tum has a wonderful owl hidden away. Each of these wonders have now been hidden again by their sponsors, while they await the pouring of their 300kg concrete plinths, which will be sited in prearranged spots throughout the town, and the cows will be bolted to them. All should be revealed in early May. In the meantime another 15 have been sponsored, created and await the next eager bunch of artists. Their launch is planned for July/August.
Cow makers
Before the unveiling I noticed two guys who didn’t seem part of the Morrinsville crowd. They turned out to be the cow makers, and when they saw what
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Kiwiana, painted by Aaron Smith, is sponsored by Evonik.
had been achieved, their grins were definitely from ear to ear. And I’m happy to report the cows themselves are definitely Body Condition Score 5 – just perfect. When the Morrinsville herd is complete, from
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FERTILISER
What will farming look like in 30 years? The LandWISE Conference 2015 will take a look at how our modern farming stacks up next to a prediction made in 1981 by an agricultural engineer – and how New Zealand farmers should tackle the next 15 years. ‘The mechanical farm of 2030’ was presented in 1981 by John Matthews of the UK National Institute for Agricultural Engineering and in it he described a farm 50 years in the future. Soil quality and alternative machinery featured strongly. Computers and robotics were becoming available but GPS, internet and wireless were not. In 2015, with all the benefits of knowing what happened in the last 35 years, the conference on May 20-21 in Havelock North will revisit the issue and ask the question: Are John Matthew’s predictions of technology on-track? And importantly, what must farmers do to ready themselves for next year, five years and 15 years down the track? The 13th LandWISE Annual Conference will be a meeting of technologists, farmers and their many support providers where you can engage with leading researchers and practitioners. An impressive line of international and national speakers will address the conference, including Robert Fitch of the Australian Centre for Field Robotics, University of Sydney; Cheryl McCarthy, National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture, University of Southern Queensland; Tristan Perez, Professor of Robotics at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Queensland University of Technology; John Ahearn, GPS Control Systems; Geoff Bates, Atelier Tech and Cal-
laghan Innovation; Dan Bloomer, LandWISE Inc, Centre for Land and Water; Tom Botterill, Computer Science and Software Engineering, University of Canterbury; Christina Finlayson, Research Associate, Plant & Food Research; Miles Grafton, Institute of Agriculture & Environment, Massey University; Gert Hattingh, Industry Research Champion, Waikato Institute of Technology; Peter Schaare, Bio-engineering, Plant & Food Research; Bruce Searle, Sustainable Production, Plant & Food Research; and Ian Yule, Professor in Precision Agriculture, Massey University. LandWISE promotes sustainable crop production through leadership, support and research. Since beginning in a field in 1999, it has completed a range of projects helping to conserve soils, use water wisely and get environmental and economic benefits from new and old technology options. For the last 10 years the organisation has worked with lead farmers, researchers and industry to understand and share knowledge of how Precision Agriculture can improve farm businesses. LandWISE has presented 12 annual conferences, run numerous other workshops and field events, produced many helpful factsheets, guidebooks and published a book ‘A Guide to Smart Farming’ with a current distribution of more than 6000 copies in New Zealand and worldwide. A key focus is its micro-farm, exploring cropping from a systems perspective. The central question the organisation seeks to address is how we can maximise production with the minimum footprint? To find out more or register for the conference, see www.landwise.org.nz
Fertiliser company fined Fertiliser manufacturer Ballance AgriNutrients has been fined $60,000 for a discharge of sulphur dioxide into the air in May 2014. Bay of Plenty Regional Council prosecuted the company in Tauranga District Court for breaching the Resource Management Act. The charge arose from an incident in May last year, when Port of Tauranga workers suffered breathing difficulties, watering eyes, sore throats and coughing from a discharge of sulphur dioxide from Balance’s plant.
The company’s investigation showed there had been an error by the shift engineer in not reducing the sulphur pump to the recommended level when restarting the acid plant, causing excessive sulphur dioxide to be discharged from the plant’s stack. Judge Jeff Smith said that the Ballance fertiliser plant was within a sensitive environment close to the port and busy roads, and there was a risk of effects on the public from the plant – particularly people working in the open.
FORESTRY
Descendants of Gallipoli tree growing nationwide Descendants of the Gallipoli Peninsula’s Lone Pine have been planted around New Zealand at events associated with Anzac Day centenary commemorations. About 50 two-year-old seedlings of this special tree were propagated by Scion at its research nursery in Rotorua and gifted to Returned Services Associations nationwide.
The seeds were collected in 2012 from the Turkish red pine, scientifically named Pinus brutia, growing at Paeroa’s golfcourse. This tree is an authenticated New Zealand descendant of the original Lone Pine and traces back to a pine cone brought home by Australian soldier Sergeant Keith McDowell after World War I. Scion scientist Toby Stovold, who collected the seeds and helped raise the seedlings, says he first got involved in 2009 when approached by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council wanting to donate seedlings from the Paeroa tree to RSAs in the region. “From the 2012 seed collection we have raised close to 50 seedlings that we have been able to donate for commemorative plantings this year.”
Memorial garden
Scion tree breeder Toby Stovold with a Lone Pine descendant.
RSAs around the country from Waiuku to Invercargill have taken up Scion’s offer to include a seedling in their Anzac Day commemoration ceremonies. Seedlings have also gone to the National Army Museum in Waiouru for a memorial garden. Another seedling is planted in Christchurch’s Park of Remembrance on Poppy Day. In Rotorua, the home of Scion, a seedling was planted in the Government Gardens at an evening ceremony on April 23 to consecrate Rotorua’s Field of Remembrance, from April 23-28. Scion general manager of forest science Brian Richardson says Scion is
uniquely placed to make S o l i dthis F o o meand for Soils ingful contribution to the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign. “I am humbled by the loyalty and sacrifice of all those who have served for our country, and am very proud that Scion can gift these trees as a living memorial to honour our veterans and their descendants.” DoloZest
Lone pine
CalciZest Lone Pine is of significance because 0800 843 809 the tree was an important landmark 07 362 7288 or go to in the battle fields and www.esi.org.nz the site is today marked by a cemetery.Eco-Logic Soil Improvement “At the Lone Pine Cemetery and Memorial at Gallipoli it is moving to realise that this place was once a battlefield,” according to an article about Lone Pine on www.anzacsite.gov. au/5environment/vc/lonepine.html “At Lone Pine, with its sweeping views over the Aegean and down the Gallipoli peninsula, Turks and Australians lived, fought and died. During the days of the Battle of the Landing, April 25 to May 3, this area was the scene of a fierce struggle as the Anzacs tried to push inland and then settled for establishing a line on the seaward side of the plateau against Turkish counterattacks. “There are a number of headstones in the cemetery with dates in April 1915, especially April 25, the day of the landing. “But Lone Pine is not remembered today for those early clashes of the Gallipoli campaign. Many more headstones here carry dates between August 6-9, 1915, the days of the Battle of Lone Pine,” the article reads in part.
Healthy trees conference theme ‘Healthy trees, healthy future’ is the theme for a range of events for industry groups and members of the community at Scion in Rotorua on Monday, May 11. The event will include a presentation by visiting Professor Everett Hansen between 12-1pm in the Rimu Room on the topic ‘Lessons learnt from the management of Phytophthora diseases in North America and beyond’. Everett has recently retired from his role of head of forest pathology at Oregon State University. His research has focused on the biology
and management of forest tree diseases; population biology of forest fungi; ecology, taxonomy and phylogenetics of phytophthora. His research on the phytophthora species has included root rot of Port Orford cedar (phytophthora lateralis) with involvement in the efforts to identify and breed for resistance. His team’s research on phytophthora ramorum has helped clarify the epidemiology of sudden oak death in Oregon forests using molecular population genetics, spore trapping and host range studies. Up until November 2014, Everett was the regional chair for the IUFRO Working Party Phytophthoras in Forest and Natural Ecosystems.
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KIWIFRUIT
Kiwifruit growers have emphatically spoken In February and March, New Zealand kiwifruit growers were asked to vote on 10 propositions to put in place the structural foundations for industry reform. The goal was to futureproof the industry for at least the next decade and lock in wealth creation for the industry and New Zealand. In particular to ensure a high per-
forming marketing structure, the single point of entry, that works for growers; establish enduring grower ownership and control of the NZ kiwifruit industry; and to strengthen industry transparency and flexibility and create a regulatory structure that supports the sustainable, long-term growth of the industry. Growers were also asked to adopt the underlying principle that the NZ kiwifruit industry will act responsibly
and ethically on all economic, sustainability, environmental, social and regulatory issues for the benefit of New Zealand kiwifruit growers and the wider New Zealand community.
Grower feedback
The project that developed the 10 propositions lasted 18 months so all growers could understand what was being proposed and had the opportunity to contribute to the final 10 propositions. More than 100 grower meetings were held and in excess of 600 submissions – many made by groups of growers – were received. Grower feedback was used to shape the final 10 propositions that were put forward. This was a strategy for growers that was developed and shaped by growers. The result was growers turned out in record numbers to vote and gave a very solid mandate for the 10 propositions they were asked to vote on. By number of growers two thirds voted – this is 1866 growers. By production – the number of kiwifruit trays produced for export – just under 80 per cent of production voted. All 10 propositions were supported by 91 per cent or more of growers giving a very solid mandate for the strategy and the proposed changes. The industry’s marketing structure received the highest level of support with 97.37 per cent of growers supporting it. While voting was underway there was a media
campaign and a call made by a group to vote ‘no’ to all 10 propositions, which included a call to vote no against the current marketing structure. This campaign did not find favour with growers and managed only 2.52 per cent support. There were 0.11 per cent invalid voting papers. The overwhelming majority of growers were very firm in their support of the industry’s marketing structure. A vote of 97.37 per cent in support of it is an emphatic and resounding result.
Firm support
More importantly, this result affirms the vast majority of growers support the industry, and the industry is in fact very cohesive and unified, which is something many of us have known for a long time. There will always be calls for improvements, which are encouraged and are always carefully evaluated to see what can be beneficially changed. A good representation of how unified and cohesive the industry is can be seen in how the industry has worked together to manage the Psa-V bacterial disease, and as a result is returning to a growth path. There are more challenges coming for the kiwifruit industry. What the voting confirms is that the industry is well placed to meet those challenges. This vote was an extraordinary and enormous affirmation and mandate for the industry going forward: the very foundation stone for the industry’s future success. The views expressed are the author’s.
My Name is Neil Woodward. I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run business, our team consists of three, being myself, my son and my brother. Our organisation has been established for over 18 years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966. We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We have the equipment to spray orchards with our two Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.
My Name is Neil Woodward. I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run business, our team consists of three, being myself, my son and my brother. Our organisation has been established for over 18 years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966. We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We have the equipment to spray orchards with our two Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.
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Our Atoms are set up with radar speed sensors, this combined with fully automated sprayer controllers and three nozzle rings enhances application efficiency and accuracy. We also use a quad bike for strip weed spray applications. We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap compliance. We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect your crop with excellence.
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HORTICULTURE
Dolomite – the low cost answer When a milking cow in spring runs short on magnesium, the cost incurred isn’t difficult to calculate. In a worst case situation she dies, and the cost is the value of the animal and her production during the coming season. Should she die prior to calving, there’s also the value of the calf. Because the problem becomes increasingly prevalent and severe as cows age, it’s often the more valuable animals affected, and there is a dollar value on their lost breeding potential. Two other things are worth bearing in mind. Animals exhibiting clinical signs are only the tip of the iceberg. For every animal requiring treatment there will be a number of others producing at lower than their potential. Even when treated animals recover, their season’s production will be adversely affected. But the issue most talked about is the cost in human time when an animal requires assistance. Time and frustration, and as one farmer recently stated: “It’s a complete waste – in all ways”. Milking cows are remarkably robust animals, able to survive and produce well on a wide range of diets. So if you’re treating cows suffering calcium/magnesium imbalance and deficiencies in spring as a regular activity, their diet is obviously a long way from that necessary for best performance. The worst of the problem can be corrected simply, easily, and at low cost with an annual application of dolomite to pasture. The transformation that takes place after an application of 200-230kg/ha of dolomite means dolomite clients are a very loyal group. Because grazing ruminants are unable to adequately store magnesium, adequate intake is required every day, and the most effective way is ensuring there is enough of it in every mouthful of pasture eaten. The level of magnesium in dolomite-treated pasture regularly lies between 0.22-0.25 per cent, sufficient to meet the requirements of fully-fed high producing animals. And it’s not at the expense of other essential elements. When cows are unwell in spring it is seldom due to just a lack of magnesium. It’s nearly always a calcium and magnesium imbalance. Too much of one, and too little of the other, with each animal’s requirements being different. Dolomite contains both magnesium and calcium at the ratio required for plant uptake, and the two are released at the same rate, with the speed being dictated by plant demand – the reason for a little going a long way. There’s another aspect often overlooked and that is the cow’s requirement for extra energy in spring, particularly when it’s cold, wet, and windy. Whether it’s because magnesium helps with the availability of phosphorus – an essential element in the formation of plant sugars – or the fact that it’s an ancient seabed deposit carrying a wide range of trace elements, is not clear. However, a single application of bulk dolomite in autumn is remarkably effective in reducing the number and severity of animals requiring treatment in spring. No system is ever completely foolproof, but dolomite applied annually at 200-230kg/ha, providing 23-25kg/Mg/ha is sufficient to meet the annual magnesium requirements of high producing farms. As astute farmers have known for decades, it provides a well proven and reliable base for robust good health and high production in spring. For more information call Peter on 0800 4Dolomite (0800 436 566).
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Page 45
Pukekohe grower takes top title Hamish Gates from Pukekohe has beaten off tough competition from four other entrants to win the title of New Zealand Young Vegetable Grower 2015.
tion was really unexpected and this year’s had some of the best young growers I’ve met,” says Hamish. “I’m looking forward to competing in the national Young Grower title and will be stepping up my preparation over the next few months.” Competition co-ordinator Kiran Hari says it’s great to see how much talent young growers have.
The day-long competition in Pukekohe in April, supported by Horticulture New Zealand, saw competitors battle it out in a series of practical and theoretical challenges designed to test the skills needed to run a successful vegetable growing business. Hamish, 24, works at AS Wilcox & Sons as a carrot wash Hamish Gate line supervisor s of Z ealand Youn Pukekohe has won the and has won a g Vegetable G N rower 2015 ew travel grant for Photos by Rich ti tle. ard Spranger. professional development valued at $2500. Hamish also won a one-day media and presentation course in Wellington, an allexpenses paid trip to Christchurch to compete for the national 2015 Young Grower of the Year title in August and attendance at the 2015 Horticulture New Zealand ckles an Conference. ukekohe ta ew Zealand P f o s te a “Winning the competiHamish G llenge during the N etition. cha comp irrigation Vegetable Grower g Youn
Michael And er vegetables d son from Canterbury id uring one of entifies the chall New Zealan d Young Veg enges in the etable Grower com petition.
“We know that our industry demands a lot, and we’re looking forward to seeing our young talent continue to progress and grow their careers over the coming years.” Michael Anderson, 29, from Canterbury was placed second and third place went to Lance Pratt, 29, from Pukekohe.
Page 46
EARTHWORKS
Environmental investment ‘no-brainer’ John and Joanne Fotheringhame have fenced a kilometre of their stream margins and are planting more than 8000 native trees and shrubs on their Busby Rd property in Katikati next month.
John Fotheringhame discusses the benefits of fencing stream margins with Bay of Plenty Regional Council land management officer Braden Rowson. John says subsidies and incentives from Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council have made the investment a no-brainer. “I didn’t realise my property was eligible. The subsidies and help regional council offers make it easy to get the work done. “Fencing and planting the stream will make it better for my family to take water from and swim in. It’ll make the stream more attractive to look at, reduce stock loss and will be paid for by the increased resale price of the land.” John signed up to a Riparian Management Plan with BOPRC last year, after a chance conversation with council land management officer Braden Rowson. Braden helped John to develop his fencing and planting plan and to find out about transferable development right options and incentives.
John has owned his 11.3 hectare Katikati property for about 25 years. He also owns a well-known earthmoving machinery business, which has seen him involved in many subdivision projects in the Bay of Plenty region. “We’ve got a great stand of native rata, rimu and puriri trees beside the stream. I’d been thinking about protecting it and exploring subdivision options for the kids but had been put off by surveyors I’d talked to about it. “I didn’t think to check it out with regional council,” says John, who is now looking forward to seeing his plants grow along the stream bank during the next few years. He’s committed to five years’ weed and rabbit control to help get the plants established. “After that the plants should look after themselves. I’d like to see my neighbours down the road do the same.” Braden says RMPs are one of the tools regional council is using
to keep land, water and wildlife healthy in and around Tauranga Harbour. “RMPs offer landowners an easy way of meeting their obligation to keep stock out of waterways. “There’s a 25 per cent subsidy and no covenants or other strings attached. Why not fence stock out while it’s still voluntary and there’s a subsidy available?” An action plan is in place for the Uretara catchment, where the Fotheringhame property is located. It identifies about 24km of unprotected waterways and 600ha of steep land that could be better protected to reduce sediment and nutrient run-off into the stream and harbour. Landowners can find out more about RMP funding and advice available to them by calling their local land management officer on 0800 884 880, emailing info@boprc.govt.nz or visiting www.boprc.govt.nz/ landmanagement
Levies help to fund foundation’s research The Foundation for Arable Research was formed in 1995 and operates under the Commodity Levy Legislation. It’s an applied research and information transfer organisation responsible primarily to New Zealand arable growers. Funding comes from a compulsory levy collected from arable growers, grants, co-operative research and information sales. Every five years growers have the opportunity to vote for the continuance of FAR. Currently, FAR has more than 80 per cent support indicating its success in delivering real benefits.
An Arable Commodity Levy is collected at the first point sale for all grain and seed, with the exception of maize which is collected on the seed purchased. Crops FAR collects levies from are wheat, barley, oats, maize, pulses, herbage seeds, brassicas, borage, vegetable seeds and cereal silage. In 2014, FAR took over responsibility for the investment of Potatoes NZ levy funds in research and development to deliver outcomes that will benefit New Zealand potato growers. FAR also receives funds from research grants, cooperative research and information sales.
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AVOCADOS
Page 47
Planting boom reflects industry confidence Thousands of young avocado trees being planted in Northland and the Bay of Plenty are a reflection of renewed confidence in the future of the avocado industry. Seedling nurseries are sold out of stock for the 2015-2016 season and there’s increased demand for clonal varieties. New Zealand Avocado CEO Jen Scoular says the climate is very different from the late-1980s to mid-1990s when avocado trees were planted in the Bay of Plenty and Whangarei mainly for capital gain. “Now it appears new plantings are being made on the economic returns avocados can bring. “People are realising the industry in New Zealand is still small and there is a lot more development to come.”
Record crop
Many of the plantings are in existing orchards, where growers are replacing trees or planting previously empty blocks. However, some very significant bare land properties are also being planted from scratch including at Tapora, on the eastern side of the Kaipara Harbour. Part of the renewed confidence is due to the fact the New Zealand
industry has just completed harvesting its largest crop ever – seven million trays including 4.5 million being exported. The bonus for growers is despite a record crop returns have remained in the mid-teens, which is an improvement on the previous big crop three years ago when returns were disappointing. Rationalisation among exporters, which has seen greater co-operation encouraged by the AIC between exporters, is an important factor in turning around the industry’s fortunes. So too has the partnership between former rivals Southern Produce and Primor Produce to form AVOCO and the co-operation between the three companies, which together export avocados to markets other than Australia under the AVANZA brand.
Global demand
Jen believes the industry is right to have confidence in its future. “Globally, demand for avocados is growing 10 per cent year-on-year but global production is growing at just three per cent.” There are untapped markets such as among the millions of people in India where 56 per cent of the population are vegetarian, who have not tasted avocado. Geoff Thorpe of Riversun Nursery, Gisborne, says the resurgence of confidence in the avocado
industry is heartening. “In 2005 we funded the quarantine importation process for Dusa, Bounty and nine other varieties but initially demand was disappointing, with most orders only being for replacement trees.” That was partly due to an industry-wide lack of understanding about how to establish clonal rootstock trees, along with some unrealistic expectations about their performance in the presence of extreme phytophthora pressure. “Both the Dusa and Bounty clonal rootstocks are really starting to shine and demand is increasing strongly.” Riversun has sold out of clonal stock for spring and booked out of deliveries for next autumn with the company currently taking orders for spring 2016. Geoff credits the turnaround in industry confidence to strong leadership by Jen Scoular, AIC CEO Alvaro Vidiella, and research and development manager and the AIC board and exporters. “Cooperation between exporters means we haven’t experienced the boom and bust cycles of previous seasons and this is underpinning the development of new commercial-scale orchards.” By Elaine Fisher
Revital 30 Avocado Blend
AVOCADOS
Page 48
Collaboration yields strong returns Strong end-of-season demand for New Zealand avocados in Australia has assured Bay of Plenty AVOCO growers of Orchard Gate Returns in the mid-teens – a result which demonstrates the export giant’s ability to succeed in all market conditions. The 2014-2015 season has wound up with AVOCO growers receiving more than $15 on an all size average for export fruit. These returns, achieved during a year of heavy volume, have been welcomed by local growers – many of whom were stung three years ago during the last heavy crop when returns fell to less than $10 a tray after some exporters oversupplied
the Australian market. During 2011-2012 there were 3.7 million avocado trays sent offshore. This last season, volumes were 21 per cent higher and the industry set new records, exporting 4.5 million trays out of a total crop of more than seven million trays. AVOCO’s share of exports this year was 62 per cent. About twothirds of shipments were sent to Australia while the remainder was split between the US and Asia and marketed through AVANZA. AVOCO director John Carroll says it’s incredibly pleasing that AVOCO fulfilled its vision by delivering strong returns to growers in a challenging season.
Foreign exchange
“Not only did we export a record volume of fruit, we were up against a bumper Western Australian crop and trading under
more prohibitive foreign exchange conditions. “Despite these challenges, AVOCO’s estimate of the shift in OGR between this season and the last heavy one is a lift of 50 per cent. Our ability to execute a successful export strategy means AVOCO growers will receive 50 per cent more money per tray.” “As a joint entity, we’ve created a commercial force that now has the scale to manage harvest volumes and fruit flow better than ever before. This has created an environment where AVOCO can maximise returns to growers more effectively than its competitors – in each and every season but especially so when volumes are heavy.” Lessons learnt during 2011-2012 sparked the formation of AVOCO
AVOCO growers should receive average Orchard Gate Returns of $15 this season, despite a record export crop. and a desire among industry leaders to work more collaboratively to avoid market collapse. In 2013, export rivals Southern Produce and Primor set aside their differences to form AVOCO and in doing so became New Zealand’s largest avocado exporter. A focus of the 2014-2015 season was on market diversification and the execution of an export strategy that allowed Australia ‘to breathe’ during potential periods of oversupply. The US, especially, served as a ‘release valve’ with significant volumes being shipped to the US through AVANZA in a programme run in conjunction with US-based Mission Produce.
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Asia awareness
AVANZA, which handles 93 per cent of the industry’s shipments outside Australia, also invested in marketing campaigns across Asia to increase
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awareness of New Zealand’s ‘in season’ avocados and stimulate consumption. This activity led to export growth across Singapore and Korea with sales in Japan growing by 144 per cent compared to the previous season. AVOCO director Alistair Young says this season’s result proves that AVOCO is a business that can adapt and succeed in all market conditions. “Our inaugural season saw our growers enjoy tray prices in the mid-to-high $20s due to high consumer demand and low volumes. A season of high volume was always going to be different but our growers and expert teams dug deep and delivered consumers a premium product which saw them coming back for more,” says Alistair. “Working collaboratively, we’ve demonstrated our ability to deliver results that not only benefit AVOCO growers, but the whole industry. We’re actively encouraging more growers to join us.”
Orchard syndicate worth $5million formed MyFarm, a major New Zealand farm-investment company, has partnered with Tauranga’s GroPlus group to launch a $5 million kiwifruit orchard syndicate. This is the first venture into the horticulture sector by MyFarm, which has previously focused on dairy, sheep and beef investments. The new syndicate, Bay Kiwifruit Limited Partnership, plans to buy
up to 21 canopy hectares of premium Bay of Plenty orchard land, and has a long-term plan to convert Green (Hayward) orchards to new kiwifruit varieties. GroPlus is an orchard management company based at the Newnham Park Horticultural Innovation Centre in Te Puna, and is known for its focus on agro-technology ventures. Orchards bought must have the ability to produce 13,000 trays per canopy hectare within three years.
AVOCADOS
Page 49
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BUSINESS
Page 50
Taxing issue of re-contouring back paddock After tolerating the scrappy, steep and swampy paddock out the back of his farm for several years, Freddy Farmer decided it was the time, in drier conditions and extra cash floating around, to make it pretty. Freddy’s aware that plenty of other local farmers are making the most of good conditions to bring in the
bulldozers and carry out all manner of renovations from flattening hills and filling in creeks and gullies to pushing hillocks into hollows. Freddy’s planning to flatten the steep land on his plot and fill in the swamp so he can plant some rye grass before winter. It’s going to create a large expense invoice and Freddy’s not certain about whether it will be a fully deductible ‘operating expense’ or an item of capital expenditure that he has to capitalise and amortise.
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“My accountant tells me the rules aren’t clear about this sort of thing,” Freddy explains to his mate Jack. “What I have to do is put it through a whole batch of tests to work out how much I can claim.” Some of the questions to be asked include – is this a one-off or regular expenditure? Does it create an enduring benefit? Is it ordinary or extraordinary, part of the business structure or part of business process? Does it expand the capacity of an existing facility? Freddy’s project passes some tests that show his expenditure is capital. Re-contouring costs such as ‘flattening’ and ‘filling’ generally fall under capital expenditure. His project is also a one-off that will create an enduring benefit, is extraordinary, expands the capacity of his farm and is part of the business structure rather than process. “So what can I claim back? Well, Jack. It’s not that simple. There’s a whole swag of farm development tax deductibility bits in the tax rules you have to plough through to work out what’s the best outcome for you.”
Tax deduction
While Freddy’s land flattening capital expenditure doesn’t qualify for 100 per cent, there’s a section in the rules that means he has to capitalise and amortise the costs to receive a tax deduction of six per cent per annum of the diminishing value of the expenditure. “Then there’s the problem of working out what I can get back on the costs of cultivating the rye grass.
Normally, all the cultivating, sowing, fertilising and so on bits of farming are regular operating costs and so fully deductible.” However, in this case it’s not so clear. The question is whether or not the cultivation of this newly contoured land is an operating cost or development cost that needs to be capitalised and amortised.
Full deductible
“From what my accountant says, it seems that because this land’s always been a useless eyesore and this is the first time I’ve sown anything on it, it’s a capital expenditure that I have to capitalise and amortise. “If I was re-grassing it however, then it would be a normal operating cost and fully deductible.” Well, not necessarily. Where re-grassing is done as part of a ‘significant capital outlay’ – for example dairy conversion – then re-grassing costs have to be capitalised as repairs and maintenance and amortised at a rate of 45 per cent of the DV of the asset. This all raises more questions about what’s a significant capital activity and what’s not. “It’s enough to cause nightmares, Jack. So, if you’re planning to do some contouring work and plant some grass and hoping to claim it back on tax, get some help from your accountant first to make sure you’re on track with tax.”
Tim Cooney is a director of BDO Tauranga Chartered Accountants, specialising in rural and horticultural services. Phone Tim 07 571 6280 for considered accounting and business advice.
Trusts - trustee and appointer succession When should a trustee retire? This is a really important question and one that should be considered before it’s too late for Forproviding Tim, providing consideredtrustees to make that very For Tim, considered accounting and business advice advice decision themselves. accounting and business
is based on a good is based on a good Trustee succession is critical to understanding of a client’s understanding of a client’s the successful ongoing managebusiness from the ground up. business from the ground up. ment of a trust. Trustees should retire while they are able, as once CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS & BUSINESS ADVISORS a trustee is unable or unwilling to CHARTERED & BUSINESS ADVISORS Specialists in theACCOUNTANTS Horticulture & Farming Sectors act, the trust will be “frozen” until SpecialistsThe in the Farming Sectors TAURANGA Hub,Horticulture 525 Cameron&Road that trustee has passed away. TE TAURANGA PUKE CornerThe Jocelyn Queen StreetsRoad Hub,&525 Cameron It’s possible a trustee may be in a Ph TE TimPUKE Cooney 07-571-6280 position where they are unable to Corner Jocelynwww.bdo.co.nz & Queen Streets act for a significant period of time. Ph Tim Cooney 07-571-6280 www.bdo.co.nz Appointer succession is as
important as trustee succession. The appointer of a trust is tasked with removing and appointing trustees. The appointer role ensures ongoing management of a trust through the ability to replace trustees when required. A trust’s appointer is usually the person who set up the trust. Appointer succession is similar to trustee succession in that if it’s not addressed prior to the appointer being unable or unwilling to act, the trust can be “frozen” with no ability for the removal and appointment of trustees. The result is trust assets can be
unable to be administered for the benefit of beneficiaries – often elderly settlors relying on those trust assets for their care. Where a trust has no appointer and no ability for trustees to be changed, a court order is the only remedy. This is an unnecessary and expensive process. This means it’s important to review your trustee and appointer succession. Appointer succession may be contained in your trust deed, appointer deed or your will, or a combination of all three. Make a plan now before it is too late.
FARM MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
Page 51
Five generations on the land the one and only chairman of the Roto-o-Rangi Road Board from 1917 until it was taken over by the Pukekura Road Board. He was also chairman of the Dairy Company from 1921 to 1936. It was his son William – or Bill – who took over the farm and for many years his unmarried sister Elsie lived in the family home which still stands on the property.
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Fifth generation His trip to New Zealand was Bill and Dorothy had three children aboard the ship Kaikoura and he Margaret, Maureen had work awaiting and Brian, who him as a teamster on married Jackie (nee the Monavale Estate, Gardner) and the at Roto-o-Rangi near couple have three Cambridge. sons, Paul, JonaThe estate was than and Matthew. managed by William Now in his 80s, Grice Park, a cousin Brian still lives to its owners Richard and works on the and James Grice also property called of Cumberland, and Kaiawa, run by Thomas probably Jonathan who is worked for the family married to Mary before joining their Graham. Their new venture in New children Molly, 11, Zealand. and Toby, nine, are Monavale Estate the fifth generation was established of Robinson to live in 1874 and according to Richard Grice of Cumberland on the land. Brian says while Thomas’s was a co-owner of Monavale Estate at Roto-o-Rangi, the land was grandson which today forms part of the initially a drystock Brian Robinson family farm. farm, the move Robinson, to dairying began was covered in scrub early in its history. and fern when its What is today development as farmcalled Grice Road ing land began. led to Gricedale During time Creamery, the local swamps were drained dairy factory built by 60 miles of on land donated drains and most of by the Grice family the 18,000 acres of and later became land was fenced and known as Rotobrought into pasture. o-Rangi Dairy In its heyday it carried Factory. 9000 sheep and 1200 Thomas Robcattle and had a repuinson miked tation for the working cows in a 12-bail Clydesdale horses bred walk-through shed there. which was eventuIn 1900 the estate ally replaced by was broken up and Brian in 1968 by a lots offered for sale. Thomas Robinson married 22-aside herringThomas bought 261 Margaret Fisher in 1902, not bone. acres and in 1902 long after he bought land at That was later married MargaRoto-o-Rangi – farmed today increased to a ret Muir Fisher. by their descendants. 30-aside shed. Together they had Brian says his two children, Wilgrandfather bred Clydesdales, liam and Elsie. which were in demand in the Thomas, who died in the district. While horses were used for early 1950s, aged 86, was
some farm work, the Robinson’s were early adopters of modern tractors and machinery, especially for hay making.
Hay making
However, Brian remembers turning hay by hand. “It was quite easy once you got the hang of it – as fast as you could walk, you could turn it over in a continuous row.” The hay was built into large stacks, surrounded by temporary fences constructed from barbed wire and wattle branches. “It required quite a lot of labour and neighbours
helped each other.” Bill Robinson didn’t use working horses, but he did have a horse for riding. “He used to ride the horse to herd cows to the sale yards in Cambridge, along the road and across the high level bridge, over the Waikato River – something you’d never get away with now.”
Maize grain
Thomas and Bill were keen fishermen and once the hay was made, the families took up to three weeks’ holiday at Waihi Beach and Waitahanui.
The old pump at Kaiawa farm is no longer in use – but still works.
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Thomas Robinson was 31 when he left Cumberland in England for a new life in the colonies. Like most new settlers, Thomas probably had little idea of what awaited him. But his decision to emigrate was to be fortuitous for himself and his descendants.
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Page 52
FARM MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
Cumberland to Cambridge – fortuitous move For 25 years, 30ha of maize was grown for grain on the property but as prices fell, the land was returned to pasture and the size of the dairy herd increased. Brian had a strong interest in electronics and from Army surplus gear, and built a public address sound system that was used extensively for 25 years at local events, including powerboat and water skiing events, school agricultural days and polo competitions.
He also adapted aqualungs which he used while working as a commercial diver, to improve their efficiency by increasing the amount of air in the tank delivered to the diver. Jonathan, like his father, is not a fulltime farmer. The day-to-day running of Kaiawa is in the hands of Paul Manion, who with wife Kate, won the 2015 Waikato Farm Managers of the Year award.
Rural contracting
Jonathan initially pursued a career in tourism, and today is a partner in the rural contracting business RD3 Contracting Ltd which makes round bale silage in the local area. “Dad is one of our drivers and also our mechanic. We break it, and he fixes it.” The company uses part of the old dairy shed building and stables as its workshop.
In 2012 a new state-ofthe-art 54-bail rotary dairy was built at Kaiawa by Jonathan, close to the old herringbone shed, which is still standing, but maybe not for long. Today Kaiawa farm covers 150ha of rolling flat land with 145ha effective, milking 450-500 cows. Brian has seen significant changes in farming, the district and the land in his lifetime – most of them for Brian Robinson and his son Jonathan are the third and the better, he believes. fourth generations of the family to farm Kaiawa. “We used to have a drought every summer, but only in Janubeginning earlier, says Brian. ary and February and used to struggle to Changes have been rapid in Jonathan’s get hay made before Christmas.” much shorter time too. “Farms have The dry spells are getting longer and been cut up for lifestyle blocks and more people, including from overseas, are coming into the district.” This is adding diversity and colour to the Cambridge community, which the Robinson family has been part of for 119 years. By Elaine Fisher
This aerial photo of the Robinson family farm Today Kaiawa farm covers 150ha of rolling flat land, was taken when about 30ha was in maize. with 145ha effective and milking 450-500 cows.
FARM MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
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RETIREMENT
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Residents happy in friendly village “We have got to know our neighbours better in our new village environment,” says St Kilda Retirement Village residents Ron and Margaret Curwood of Cambridge. “It is harder to get to know neighbours when living in other environments, either because of working or high fences surrounding us.” The Curwoods say they feel very comfortable in joining in St Kilda’s village activities. “It’s very important. We have not done that so much in the past, but we find we love participating in all the village events. “The fact we can leave our windows open because of the security hinges, is a huge advantage. The whole village area is so nice and flat, plus that there are great walking areas next to the village is a bonus.” The couple say St Kilda had the best-presented villas by far. “The first time we walked in, the lighting, the view and ambiance. We could see our
grandchildren running around outside; it felt like we had come home. St Kilda also has the best storage areas in their villas than anywhere else,” the couple say. And they are not alone in their praise of the village. It was the spacious feel of the villa and the pleasing colour scheme that complemented their furnishings, which helped Annette and Graham Goodall decide to become among the first residents of the village Another happy resident is Noeleen Don who says: “I moved from the South Island several years ago to be near to family in Cambridge and have been living in a small unit not far from the Bupa Retirement Village. However, caring for the grounds and garden were taking up much of my time. “I didn’t intend moving to the St Kilda Retirement Village until I saw what it had to offer. I love it and couldn’t wait to move in.” St Kilda Village manager Christine Bax is at the village Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am-3pm to show people around the complex.
The village community centre.
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• One bedroom villas priced from $288,000 • Two bedroom villas priced from $328,000 • All villas are north facing • Five different villa floor plans – some with two toilets • Care home, located adjacent to village • Plenty of space to park camper vans For more information call the Village Manager: Christine Bax (07) 823 9026 or 027 886 1219
91 Alan Livingston Drive, Cambridge, 3434
RETIREMENT
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Affordable, friendly retirement option Trying to decide where to live in your retirement is not an easy decision, says Jackie Long of the Te Kauwhata Retirement Trust Board. “There are many places to choose, each offering their own brand,
model and unique features. We are no different here at Aparangi Village, Te Kauwhata. “We are a rural community, halfway between Auckland and Hamilton. Built by the community over 42 years ago we stand proud. We offer a closeknit community, lots of fresh air and space and have
access to many activities and local events. “Our care unit offers excellent standards of care when it’s needed. We pride ourselves on that. We are more than a retirement village. “We are an extended family/ whanau. We may not have cafes, bars, swimming pools etc but we have heart and energy to ensure you live your retirement in the best
way possible for you.” Residents can purchase an existing property or a new build and the Aparangi team will do all the work. You choose your site and we build the house – this is the hassle-free option we are now offering.” Jackie says Aparangi is an affordable option with both major cities close at
hand and with the new roads access is much easier to all the leading towns. “Come and check us out. We are always happy to meet new people and to share our uniqueness. When you start asking yourself: ‘Where to?’ please think about Aparangi Village here in the heart of Te Kauwhata township. I think you will be surprised at what you find.”
Established since 1978, taking you where the others don’t go! Fully escorted tours designed with senior citizens in mind Aparangi Village is in the heart of Te Kauwhata township.
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Work doesn’t have to stop at 65 There is no ‘retirement age’ in New Zealand. New Zealand Super is paid from age 65, but you don’t have to stop working to get it. These days, more and more people are working beyond 65 either full-time or part-time. People are living longer too. On average, 65-yearold men can now expect to live until they’re 86, and 65-year-old women until they’re 88. In the future, we’ll probably live even longer. Men
reaching 65 in 2031 can expect to live until they’re 88 and women until they’re at least 90. If you plan to retire at 65, you need to save or have another plan to provide the income you want for 20 years or more. And remember, things may not go the way you hope. For example, you may get sick or have some other reason for not working as long as you expect. For more information, visit www.sorted.org.nz
info@scottsdaletours.co.nz | www.scottsdaletours.co.nz info@scottsdaletours.co.nz | www.scottsdaletours.co.nz
Page 56
RETIREMENT
Where life’s a beach for residents Ohope Beach Care is located adjacent to New Zealand’s most loved beach.
Ohope Beach Care offers stage three secure dementia, resthome and respite care in both levels. “We are situated in Harbour R – a stone’s throw from the best beach in New Zealand. We are also next door to the Ohope Library which is well utilised by the residents,” says Sally Durham of the village. “All our staff are trained and are able to offer the best care for your loved one. We encourage you to come and have a look.” Ohope Beach Care has experienced cooks, who cook all the meals from scratch on-site, and with the help of the residents they are able to compile a menu which everyone enjoys. Many of staff have been there for some considerable time and know what’s expected of them and how to
deliver professional care to residents. “We have two clinical nurse managers who are both registered nurses, who work to cover seven days a week looking after all the clients. Our doctor visits once a week, more often if required. Her practice is situated on Pohutukawa Ave.” Ohope Beach sweeps 11km along the Pacific Ocean. Abundant sunshine, warm waters and safe swimming make it the perfect summer holiday destination, which is why it was voted New Zealand’s Most Loved Beach last year. A pleasant village and community has grown up around the popular beach which makes it an excellent location for Ohope Beach Care. “If you’re seeking a homely environment with lots of love and professional care for your loved one please do not hesitate to ring me,” says Sally.
RETIREMENT
Retire into a new lifestyle
Page 57
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Retiring to Althorp Village is as an exciting time to meet new friends, live in a sunny well planned environment and be free to take part in the numerous activities available, says Althorp Village manager Claire Neshat. “Our village is set on 10 hectares of northfacing land that captures all day sun. “Comprehensive facilities ranging from a bowling green and heated swimming pool to a beautifully furnished community centre with more than 30 different activities makes Althorp competitive with any lifestyle village in New Zealand. “The well-manicured lawns and gardens
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enhance what is a special place to call home,” says Claire. There are currently more than 250 residents living in homes varying from onebedroomed to three-bedroomed villas or apartments to serviced apartments for those requiring extra care. The new shopping centre being built right next door has 20 new shops including a small supermarket, medical centre, pharmacy, cafe, food outlets and much more. A very short stroll will make daily outings for shopping, coffee or lunch a breeze. One of the many benefits of living at Althorp is having 24-hour emergency medical care available at the push of a button, says Claire. Althorp Private Hospital located right
next door provides a wide range of services to make life more comfortable and the village residents have priority entry, if and when the need arises. Althorp’s 14 new serviced apartments offer tailor-made client solutions and care packages. Each apartment consists of one bedroom with a large ensuite, and an open plan CLINICAL lounge, dining and kitchenette. “Althorp Village is one of those rare places you can move to and instantly feel at home. So come visit me, take a tour and I’ll show you our amazing facilities and available homes.” Althorp Village, 9 Grantston Drive, Pyes Pa, Tauranga – open daily from 10am to 4pm. Check out the website www.althorpvillage.co.nz
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WINTER WARMTH
Easy fixes for cold, draughty homes It’s autumn and that means cooler days are on the way. Spending a few hours draught-proofing your home will pay off with a warmer, cosier home when winter arrives, says Christian Hoerning from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority. EECA has a number of tips for finding where drafts come from and for fixing the problem. One of the first steps is to check hinges and catches or latches on windows and doors. If they are loose, tighten them up. Weather stripping can be used to seal gaps around many doors or windows and it’s easy to use. If you get draughts from around door or window trims, seal behind them with clear or paintable sealant. For gaps under doors, you can fit draught excluders, either brush strip types or for external doors, spring loaded automatic seals. Damaged rubber seals around aluminium joinery can easily be replaced. If you have an unused fireplace, you will get a lot of draughts. Block the chimney with a rubbish bag filled with shredded newspapers or you can buy inflatable bags. Make sure no one tries to light the fire with a blocked chimney.
Floorboard holes
If you have holes in floorboards, cover from underneath with a small square of timber. Unsealed skirting boards and cornices can be dealt with by using flexible silicon-based or latex sealants to seal the top and bottom of skirting boards and cornices, or remove them and foam the gap where the floor and wall or the ceiling and wall meet. People may be surprised to learn there are gaps around electrical wiring and plumbing passages
through walls, floors and ceilings. Seal using silicone sealants for smaller gaps or polyurethane foam for bigger gaps. These passages are often hidden so don’t forget to look behind kitchen and bathroom cabinetry and inside wardrobes and hot water cupboards. Air leakage and heat loss can be a real problem with older style recessed downlights. Most downlights installed until mid-2012 cannot be sealed or covered as it could cause a fire hazard, so holes are required in insulation to create a safety gap. The best solution is to replace these old style downlights with modern IC or IC-F rated LED downlights that can be insulated over, or removing them altogether. Surface mounted or suspended light fittings allow you to plug the holes in the ceiling and can be insulated right over.
Ceiling insulations
If your house isn’t insulated or the insulation is old or needs topping up, you will struggle to stay warm. If you can do it safely, get a step-ladder and peek through the hatch of your ceiling into your roof space to see if you have insulation. Add a top-up layer of insulation if it is less than 12 cm thick, it should be thicker than the height of the ceiling joists; doesn’t cover the whole ceiling; has gaps in it; or places where it is squashed or tucked in. Check under your house – if you have old ripped foil insulation or old bulk insulation, you will need to get it replaced. You may be able to add the cost of insulation to your rates – talk to your council. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority is the Crown agency that encourages, supports and promotes energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the use of renewable energy in New Zealand. EECA provides information to households at www.energywise.govt.nz and to businesses at www.eecabusiness.govt.nz
Consumers saving millions Consumer and business uptake of energy efficient appliances has resulted in energy savings of more than $96 million in a one-year period, according to analysis by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s Products Programme. EECA’s energy efficient products manager Eddie Thompson says his organisation calculated the energy savings for the year ending March 2014 by tracking
improvements in the energy efficiency of products through sales information, as well as analysing how much businesses and households are avoiding energy costs by using more efficient appliances. “These electricity savings are the equivalent of the electricity used in a year by more than 130,000 New Zealand homes.” Nearly eight million energy efficient products have been sold during the year – about 1.6 million large consumer and industrial products and 6.3 million lighting and small electronics – representing an increase of three per cent compared to the previous year. Plus, 47 million energy efficiency products have been sold since 2002, bringing total savings to $450 million, says Eddie. “New Zealand products are becoming increasingly energy efficient, mainly as a result of minimum energy performance standards developed jointly with the Australian Government. “Minimum energy standards allow New Zealand to make gains in energy efficiency, at low-cost to government and industry, with little impact on consumer choice.”
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Solving ‘gizmo’ mystery a delight for family A Pahoia family has been re-united with a unique piece of equipment brought from Switzerland 20 years ago thanks to Robbie Rogers of Rotorua and Coast & Country News.
stored for a time with a friend of Stephan’s in Rotorua. After Stephan died three years ago his son Elias tried to find his dad’s processions only to discover the friend had also died and no one seemed to know what had happened to Stephan’s things. “It was very upsetting and we just couldn’t get any answers,” says Elias. Then last month Ornella received a phone call from a Swiss friend Walter Stahel of Katikati. Ornella Weber and her He had seen the photograph in Coast & son Elias have also solved Country News and contacted Robbie, who a mystery, which has been agreed to bring ‘gizmo’ from Rotorua for him bugging Robbie ever since to identify. he was asked to identify While pretty sure he knew what it was, Walter the intriguing device. thought Ornella may have actually seen one. “I had no idea what it was, “I have used a scythe for cutting grass in so called it a ‘gizmo’,” says Elias and Ornella Weber are Switzerland and always wished I had one of Robbie, a fencing contractor, who also delighted an article in Coast has a private museum and is pretty & Country News helped them these machines as it would make sharpening the knowledgeable about old machinery. rediscover a piece of equipment blade so much easier,” says Walter. Instead of using a machine, he ‘peened’ The April issue of Coast & Country they had brought to New the scythe blade by hammering it, finishing featured a photograph and story about Zealand 20 years ago. off with a wet stone. the foot-operated device which has a series of springs and cogs and two interlocking jaws that move backwards and forwards over each other. It also has a plate on its side with the name ‘Famos’, a cross, and the words and numbers ‘Patent’ and ‘Contr. No 198U6’. It is in fact a Swiss machine for peening – or sharpening – scythe blades. Its name is ‘T’angeli’ and it was Ornella and her late husband Stephan, who brought it to New Zealand from Switzerland where they had used it when they were farming. The machine, along with other processions, including a small and very heavy wood-burning stove, were
Relief from foot pain
Thorough pre-operative examination that includes specialised X-ray evaluation is essential for the effective treatment of bunions. Healthy and pain-free feet are important for a happy life. Unfortunately, three out of five of us will, at some point, develop foot pain. One of the more common foot disorders are bunions, says Foot Centre podiatric surgeon Stefan Edwards. Clinically described as hallux abducto valgus, bunions are characterised by the abnormal position of the big toe positioned towards or against the lesser toes, often presenting with an enlargement at the big toe joint. This enlargement can be caused by abnormal bony growth and, or overlying bursa – an internal blister – formation at the big toe joint and, or commonly a shift of the long bone that sits directly behind the big toe, the first metatarsal shaft. Two small bones that act like knee caps, sesamoid bones, which normally sit directly underneath the big toe dislocate out of their normal position and compound the bunion deformity. “Professional medical opinions differ as to the cause of bunions. Some say they are genetically derived, others say they are caused by footwear; others say it’s a bit of both.” Established more than 100 years ago and internationally recognised as the gold standard of foot surgical care, podiatric surgeons specialise in the surgical correction of foot disorders and offer modern techniques that provide effective, long-term treatment that permanently correct bunion deformities. “The effective treatment of bunions relies upon a full understanding of the deformity. The secret to the success is in the planning. Thorough pre-operative examination that includes specialised X-ray evaluation is essential. “Understanding the associated abnormal physical forces and taking appropriate measurements enables the appropriate surgical technique to be selected. “To put it simply, it’s an engineering problem that requires a planned and measured approach. Once the appropriate technique is chosen for your bunion, you can expect a good long-term result.” For further information, visit www.footcentre.co.nz
As soon as Ornella saw the device she not only knew what it was, but also knew it was the one she and Stephan brought from Switzerland. “We are delighted to see it again and have it returned.” Another Coast & Country reader, Luke Smits, also knew what the ‘gizmo’ was. “It looks very much like a scythe sharpener, which squeezes the edge of the blade into a thinner edge which then gets sharpened. This used to get done with a hammer and small anvil,” says Luke. Robbie took the machine back to Rotorua to explain its working to members of the Rotorua Tractor and Machinery Club and Elias and Ornella will collect it when they visit Robbie’s private museum in a few weeks. “Now we would just love to find my father’s stove, which also went missing,” says Elias. This small wood stove The stove stands about 1200 high, has tiles belonged to the late down both sides and a chimney fitting to one Stephan Weber and side. If anyone knows where the stove is, please contact Coast & Country News on his family would like 07 578 0030. to find it. By Elaine Fisher
COUNTRY LIVING
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Giving back to farming
When Stanley Powdrell arrived in Auckland from England in 1857 he didn’t stay put. Instead, he walked to the Hawke’s Bay. That overland trek marked the beginnings of the Powdrell farming tradition in New Zealand, for despite what must have been tough and primitive conditions Stanley encouraged other members of his family to join him. Among his descendants is sheep and beef farmer Rick Powdrell of Te Puke, who is also Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers provincial president and Federated Farmers meat and Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers provincial president Rick Powdrell. fibre industry group chairperson. can carry up to 1800 stock units. In addition Rick has federation responsibilities for Each season 2150 ewes and 525 hoggets are mated, animal welfare, education and skills, rural security, and producing 32,000 lambs, or a 136 per cent lambing liaison roles with goat farmers and rural butchers. rate for ewes. “The hoggets are doing okay, but their Rick also chairs the Te Puke Veterinary service, is a percentage is a bit lower.” board member of the Te Puke Economic Development Group and sits on the Bay of Plenty Farmers’ EducaAbove average tion Trust. The sheep are the Romney breed and Rick takes Today Rick and Rose Powdrell farm land developed strong interest in wool. “We’ve been rewarded for that by Rick’s grandfather Jack, who arrived in the district with above average prices.” in 1939 to begin clearing fern from the property in The farm runs 75 beef steers and 365 rising twoRangiuru Rd, south of Te Puke. year-old heifers plus a small number of empty cows. “It was pretty much covered in fern. Even today if By December 250 calves are taken on as grazers and in you don’t keep it under control, the fern grows back. winter 180 in-calf heifers and winter cows are brought There were no trees but my grandfather planted many, in. especially around the house.” Rick has been a member of Federated Farmers since the 1980s but raising a young family and running the Windy day farm took most of his time until recent years, when He also chose an excellent, if at the times exposed, he’s stepped into leadership roles. house site. “I remember my grandmother saying you The decision to do so was a combination of a desire needed two people to put a cover on a horse up here on to give back to an organisation which had supported a windy day.” him, and a chance to put into practice what he learned Rick grew up on the farm, working alongside his from a Kelloggs Rural Leadership Programme. father John until he left home to work for Michael Bell Employing young people on the farm is another way of Fibre Fresh Feeds at Reporoa. Rick sees to give back to the industry, supporting its “That was a great experience. We did things quite future, and releasing him for the increasing demands of differently from on our farm. We grew 200 acres of his Federated Farmers local and national roles. lucerne and ran 4000 ewes.” “I’ve always been grateful for the opportunities I had In 1986 Rick and Rose bought part of the Powdrell as a young man and believe it is important to give family farm, leasing the rest from Rick’s parents and young people the chance to experience farming and now live in the homestead built on the site chosen by understand what it has to offer.” his grandparents. His current farm manager is James Burke, who has The home commands views across farmland to the turned to hands-on farming after being in the banking coast and Rick and Rose have renovated it for modern industry. living, in a manner sympathetic to its colonial style. “It’s great having James here and I can already see the The Powdrell farm is 502ha, with 440ha effective and benefits of two skilled managers on the farm. We have different but complementary skills and its making a difference.” While Rick’s skills lie in his years of extensive farming experience both practical and business-wise, James’ finance and practical skills are complemented by his ready understanding of technology and its application to modern farming. Rick believes it’s important agriculture gets the message out to young people that farming is increasingly high-tech and there are jobs for those with IT skills as well as practical skills. “Precision farming is a reality in so much of what we do, but I would hate to see the time when people didn’t get out there and enjoy the animals and the environment. “That’s, after all, what farming is all about.” By Elaine Fisher
EMILIO’S TIMBERS EST1981
COUNTRY LIVING
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Complex subdivision rules in Waikato The subdivision rules in Waikato are complex to say the least, but opportunities still exist. A number of recent changes have been further complicated by the amalgamation of part of the old Franklin District with Waikato when the super city was formed. There are more changes to come. Since that time we’ve had two sets of subdivision rules to work with. In the original Waikato area recent changes have attempted to force new rural development into the towns and villages by reducing the number of properties eligible to subdivide – effectively pushing them further away from Hamilton. In an interesting twist, the minimum size for a lifestyle block is now 1.6 hectares – more than three times the minimum size allowed in the past. Now you have to start with a property 20-plus hectares that has an older title in order to qualify. The old Franklin District area of the Waikato had its rural subdivision rules set by an Environment Court ruling a couple of years ago. These rules do not allow the subdivision of lifestyle blocks in the same way unless you
have environmental features such as at least two hectares of wetland or native bush on your property that meet certain standards.
Title transfer
The other main way to subdivide off any block smaller than 40 hectares is to transfer a title from somewhere else in Waikato area of the ‘old district’. These titles can be obtained by either amalgamating existing separate rural titles into a single new title, thereby releasing a title, or by protecting an ecological feature somewhere else in the district. By importing these titles you can potentially obtain one new title on a rural lot under four hectares in size or two on lots of more than four hectares. There are restrictions on exactly where titles can be transferred from and to. Because this type of subdivision was available in the old Franklin District it can also be achieved in those parts of Franklin that went to Auckland City and Hauraki District as well as Waikato at present. A visit to council will clarify if your property would have the potential to absorb a transferable title.
Land quality
Ecologically based subdivisions are also possible in the original Waikato area of the district with a different set of criteria of
course. But it is not possible to protect an area on one property to generate a subdivision on another – unless they are adjoining perhaps. We can arrange the purchase of transferable titles but you need to be aware that the cost type required varies significantly according to where you are transferring to and the quality of land that you are subdividing. An assessment must be made on a case-bycase basis as to what title you are able to use. The cost of the title alone could be anywhere from $70,000 to more than $200,000. With a pending review of the Waikato Rules, I believe it is unlikely this transferable title method of subdivision will continue. I also believe council will push up the minimum size of a subdividable lot to 40 hectares at the next review. If you’re interested to find out how the changes may affect you, feel free to give me a call and discuss your particular situation. Brent Trail, Managing Director of Surveying Services, specialises in resource consent applications for subdivisions across the Waikato, Hauraki and Bay of Plenty. For further information call 07 838 1571 or email btrail@surveyingservices.co.nz
Book gives an informative explanation of autism Autism is a strange and baffling condition for not only those with it, but also their family and friends.
autism?” And before he can explain more Kahu is called away by his mum. Left alone in Kahu’s room, Danny decides to find ‘autism’ thinkAuthor Rowena ing it might be an Monds has written an exciting new toy. engaging and informaWhen Kahu returns tive book aimed at both he explains that: children and adults to “Autism describes ‘Where is Autism?’ is the way my brain help explain autism. written by Rowena It’s called ‘Where is works”. Monds, who has an Autism?’ and is enterAnd Kahu goes on autistic child. tainingly illustrated by the tell Danny how Charlotte Giblin. he thinks in pictures, The story begins with Danny how a noisy classroom is upsetvisiting his friend Kahu, who says: ting, loud and unexpected noises “Danny, do you know I have are scary, smells – even subtle ones
like perfume – can make him feel sick, and that he worries a lot. Rowena, who is the mother of an autistic child, is founder of Autism Thinks, which provides information to assist families, professionals and individuals working and living with autism. At the back of the book she provides information and tips for adults about how to understand and assist those with autism. Thanks to Aries Publishing, Coast & Country News has two copies of ‘Where is Autism?’ to give away. To be in to win, email your
name and address, with ‘Where is Autism?’ as the subject, to: elaine@thesun. co.nz Or put these details on the back of an envelope and post to: Coast & Country ‘Where is Autism?’ prize, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, to arrive no later than April 27. The winner will be announced in Coast & Country’s June issue.
What’s good for the bull … service the cows within two days, all my cows. He even broke through the fence and bred with all of my neighbour’s cows.
I recently spent $6500 on a young registered black Angus bull. I put him out with the herd, but he just ate grass and wouldn’t even look at a cow. I was beginning to think I had paid more for that bull than he was worth. Anyhow, I had the vet come and have a look at him. He said the bull was very healthy, but possibly just a little young, so he gave me some pills to feed him once per day. The bull started to
He’s like a machine. I don’t know what was in the pills the vet gave him, but they kind of taste like peppermint.
EXCELLENCE IN DERMATOLOGY
COAST & COUNTRY
Page 62
trades & services
To list your rural event please email: julie@thesun.co.nz with Rural Event in the subject heading.
Sunday 3 May
Wednesday 7 May
Hacienda Suri Alpaca Stud, 1005 Whakamarama Rd, Tauranga 10am4pm. Interact and learn about these endearing animals. An opportunity to see alpacas up close. Hand-feed them and feel just how soft their fleece is. Free entry.
South Waikato Sports & Events Centre, 23 Mossop Rd, Tokoroa. May 19 at Otorohanga Club, 107 Maniapoto St, Otorohanga. May 13 at Don Rowlands Centre, 601 Maungatautari Rd, Karapiro. Mike 027 497 8790.
Alpaca Open Day
Foraging for Wild Edible Weeds
And Green Smoothie Workshop at Sue and Gordon’s farm, 352 Woodlands Rd, Waihi 10am-1pm. Cost: $40 including 60-page ebook (valued at $9.95). Too book a place email: info@juliasedibleweeds.com ph/txt 027 430 8471 or Sue Boyd boyd-anderson@ hotmail.com (prior payment will secure your place).
e We servic of s e k all ma pumps
Wednesday 6 May
Beef & Lamb NZ Taupo Farming for Profit Field-Day
Power of the beef cow. Speakers: Hauhungaroa Partnership manager Lance Aldridge, Agfirst beef cow consultant Bob Thomson on the value of beef cow genetics, and Agfirst farm consultant Darren McNae on farming to benchmark measures. Held at Hauhungaroa Station, 788 Western Rd, Waihaha, Kuratau 10am-4pm. Lunch provided. On-farm tours requires 4WD utes – BYO. Ph NZ Hereford Assn 06 323 0745
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Farming within Environmental Limits: Are You Prepared?
Join a meeting led by farmers near you to better understand: How ‘healthy’ are Waikato’s rivers and lakes? New rules and limits: the impact on your farm, your business and the community. How you can influence the outcome and prepare for change. Held 11am2pm at Te Awamutu Club, 542 Alexander St, Te Awamutu.
Farming within Environmental Limits: Are You Prepared?
Tactics for Tight Times Field Day
Providing tools, tips and tactics to help farmers survive and thrive in a low payout season. Held 10.30am-1.30pm at Rhys Watkins, 78 Smith Rd, Matata. Christie 027 593 4123. May 14 at Nic & Bec Simmonds, 1557 SH 30, Horohoro, Rotorua. Kevin 027 288 8238.
Friday 8 May People Expo
Keep your farm team safe and successful. If you employ staff then this is a not to be missed expo. Topics covered by expert speakers such as employment lawyers, HR specialists and other rural professionals. Lunch is provided. Held at Hamilton Airport Conference Centre 9.30am-2.30pm. Jane 021 246 4580.
Thursday 21 May
Beef & Lamb NZ Franklin/Waikato
Farming for profit field-day. Beyond 2020 – farming into the future. How will you be farming in 2020? More use of technology, greater profit, healthier lifestyle? Back by popular demand, the modular format of this day lets you choose which future farming tools you want to know more about. Held at Glen Murray Hall, 2400 Highway 22 11am5pm. For information, call Jeremy Leigh 09 233 3144 or 027 242 2838.
runon listings employment wanted 24YO FEMALE requires drystock farming position. Has grown up on farms and has 6 years dairying experience. Wanting to move into drystock farming. Hard working, honest and conscientious, fit and in good health. Willing to learn new skills. Ph 027 308 3080
Elite Scooters
Elite Scooters
Where comfort and style matter
www.elitescooters.co.nz Where comfort and style matter
www.elitescooters.co.nz
events
Elite Scooters
POLARIS BIG FOUR 2015 Hunting and Fishing competition. June 21 briefing night. Hunting days 23,24,25,26. Prize giving and weigh in 27 June. Over $85,000 worth of prizes to be won. See
Where comfort and style matter www.elitescooters.co.nz
www.facebook.com/tepunahuntfishclub or email tepunahuntfishclub@gmail.com
for sale PULLETS HY-LINE BROWN, great layers. Phone 07 824 1762 www.eurekapoultryfarm.weebly.com TIMBA FORM TREE Protectors & Fence Panels. See our listings on Trade Me.
join a club WIN $500 CASH Monthly. Join Te Puna Hunting & Fishing club for only $10 per adult and enter our monthly competition Prime Explosives 500, you could win $500 Cash every month. Check out www.tepunahuntfishclub.co.nz or check out our facebook page to keep upto date www.facebook. com/tepunahuntfishclub
advertise ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT or service in the listing every month. Phone Julie on 07 578 0030 or email julie@thesun.co.nz
phone 07 578 0030
email ads@thesun.co.nz
web www.coastandcountrynews.co.nz
COAST & COUNTRY
Caption writing gains traction
Book prize
The prize for this month’s Country Funnies caption is ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Rugby’ by Aaron Cruden, published by Radom House. We may be a rugby-mad nation but for
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activity suggestions in each chapter. Each chapter also has a ‘When it goes bad!’ section, which explain why things, such as placekicks can go wrong. The book is attractively designed with clear, easy-to-read print, broken up and highlighted with precise headings and subheading. The quality and composition of the illustrations are another strong point, with extensive use of photographs to clearly illustrate the points of the game Aaron is explaining.
To be in to win ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Rugby’ email your suggested captions for the photo above, along with your name and address, and with Country Funnies as the subject to: elaine@thesun.co.nz or put these details and captions on the back of an envelope and post to: Country Funnies, Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, to arrive no later than May 27.
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Chrissie Nairn of Te Puke put a modern twist on her caption: “Wilson Parking has branched out from the urban market and will enforce rural-based initiatives to retrieve parking fines from country clients”. “Bugger the erosion,” came from Dean Liddell, Rotorua. Shane and Cheryll Robinson of Atiamuri suggested: “Tane ma Toota”; “The little Fergie that thought it could – bugger” and “FunHo”. Sharlane Rusling of Whakatane also had several captions to offer: “High ‘n’ Dry”, “Lack of traction” and “Wheels of mis-fortune”. There’s a weather theme to two captions: “Be prepare. This drought will end,” from Lindy Buchanan of Tauranga and from Jill McGillvray of Te Awamutu wrote “After the flood.” Carole Appleton of Matamata took a political approach to her caption “First past the post” and C Rugaas of Oropi suggested “Can’t get no traction”. Neil Adamson of Tauranga has an optimistic caption: “Tree-be right, Mate” which has won him ‘Boycie’s Wild Food Adventures’ by Alistair Boyce published by Halcyon Press.
many the rules of rugby are still a mystery. All Black Aaron Cruden sets out to put that right in his book ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Rugby’ aimed at budding young players and mums and dads who want to help with coaching. It begins with a potted history of Aaron’s rugby career – which goes back to his primary school days. Then he gets down to answering the question ‘What is rugby?’ and in the following chapters covers handling, passing, running, getting ready, kicking, hydration, tackling, nutrition, leadership, injury and in chapter seven set play, phase play, penalties, attach and defence. This is not just a book for spectators – it’s also for budding players who want to learn more about the techniques and tactics which put Aaron at the top of his game. To this end most chapters have activity suggestions for practising the techniques he’s described. There are also ‘Cruden clues’ which give extra advice, such as when scoring a try “hold the ball tight with both hands as you dot it down”. Then there are ‘Extras for experts’ which build on the
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Writing captions for the photo of a tractor mounted high on a tree trunk kept Coast & Country readers amused and certainly not stumped for ideas.
feature properties & auctions ADVANTAGE REALTY LTD MREINZ
Page 63
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cars wanted WE ALWAYS PAY MORE!
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0800 382 828
www.harcourts.co.nz
Advantage Realty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent REAA 2008
Tauranga Central Office – 07 578 0879 Cherrywood Office – 07 576 8770 Bethlehem Office – 07 579 2206 Mount Central Office – 07 575 6384 Papamoa Office – 07 542 9012 Te Puke Office – 07 573 4754
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COAST & COUNTRY Ashleigh dressed on up at Gordonton Pony Club all ready for Halloween on her pony ‘Poochi’.
COAST & COUNTRY
PRIZE UP FOR GRABS!
Pictures and details can be emailed (high resolution jpgs) to sarah@thesun. co.nz “Country Camera” or posted to Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga. Please include a name, address and phone number with every entry.
Karen Devine.
Lauren and Jackie Sneddon playing peek-a-boo in the pumpkins during the weigh-in for Waotu’s Pumpkin Competition run by Waotu-Puketurua Playcentre. Sent in by Rebecca Sneddon. Ethan with his pony ‘Sarg’, ready for the beach. Karen Devine.
‘Maxi’ and his girls. Sent in by Hazel Wallace.
Lucas with his pony ‘Rikki’, ready for bed. Karen Devine.
Three-year-old Olivia, hanging out on the Gator with our jack russell ‘Kiwi’. They are my best farm helpers! Sent in by Rosie Richards.