Rural Living September 2012

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YO UR RURAL LIFES T YLE M ON T HLY HA N D BOOK – V OL. 7, ISS U E 8 , S E P TE M B E R 2 0 12

HORN FREE! PHOTO WAYNE MARTIN

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2 — Rural Living — September 2012

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Rural Living — September 2012 — 3

A (t)horny problem

By Rebecca Glover New Zealand is noticeably lacking in lions and wolves, yet every year tens of thousands of calves are born ready to grow horns to defend themselves against predators. And every year farmers, vets and professional dehorners remove those horns.

It’s an arduous and stressful process for the calf even though we tell ourselves it’s for their benefit.

Hornless cattle are easier and less dangerous, both to human handlers and each other, and are easier to handle and transport. They also: ■■ Present a lower risk of interference from dominant animals at feeding time ■■ Pose a reduced risk of injury to udders, flanks, and eyes of other cattle ■■ Present a lower injury risk for handlers, horses, and dogs ■■ Exhibit reduced aggressive behaviour; and usually incur fewer financial penalties on sale.

It is noticeable at saleyards that pens of horned adult cattle fetch lower prices than equivalent hornless animals – the larger the horns, the less enthusiastic the buyers.

Saleyard staff hate horned stock, and occasionally yardmen have suffered serious injury from close encounters with large animals who know they’re armed and dangerous.

But dehorning cattle is a controversial topic and incurs considerable opposition from some animal welfarists.

Vegan websites decry the practice, citing it as another reason to eschew animal products. There’s no denying it’s an invasive and painful procedure, and one best done early in life, according to Waiuku vet, Emma Hill.

“The best age to do them is at one or two months old,” she advises. “At that age it’s known as disbudding.

“We burn off the horn buds using a hot iron. For older calves with more horn development we use nippers or mechanical dehorners. Done properly, the horns won’t regrow.

“We always use a local anaesthetic for pain relief, and we sedate them to reduce stress. Calves usually recover quickly without any check in their growth.”

In the past caustic paste was often used to prevent horn growth

A newly dehorned calf sleeps off his sedative. on young calves, but this caused prolonged pain and was often ineffective. Chemical dehorning is no longer deemed acceptable unless performed within days of birth.

Internationally, recommendations on disbudding and dehorning of cattle vary. Swedish law requires that dehorning via cautery be performed under anaesthesia/sedation, while in Denmark, calves up to four weeks old can be dehorned without local anaesthetic.

The USA is not currently regulated. In Australia, dehorning without local anaesthesia or analgesia is restricted to animals less than six months old. New Zealand mandates a nine month age limit for dehorning without pain relief.

Unfortunately, some farmers prefer to avoid veterinary fees by dehorning adult cattle themselves, ignoring their legal and moral obligations to provide pain relief to their animals.

Anyone who has witnessed the visual and aural effects of this operation will have some sympathy with the vegans. And, from a production point of view, it makes little sense, as vet Emma points out: “Cattle will lose condition from the stress.”

Eventually, all cattle take that one way trip to the works, and in recent years rules have tightened regarding acceptance of horned cattle.

“Cattle with large horns can’t fit up the races or into the killing box,” livestock agent Lyn Tennant explains. “There’s added danger at the point of slaughter, when the

Photos Rebecca Glover

animal’s reflexes can cause horns to swing into the path of workers.”

Horns are the single major cause of carcass wastage due to bruising.

“Hide damage from horns can also reduce returns by as much as $70-$80,” says Lyn. “Processors impose a financial disincentive of $100/head for horned stock.”

For owners of horned cattle, dehorning some time before slaughter, or at least removal of sharp tips, remains the only option.

Poll Results Selection and breeding of polled stock eliminates both animal pain and production expenses associated with dehorning.

In the past it was believed the production characteristics of horned cattle were intrinsically superior to those of polled cattle.

Horns like these aren’t welcome at the works.

However, it is now acknowledged that polled individuals have existed in cattle populations throughout recorded history, and that polled genes in Bos taurus have a simple inheritance and are apparently not linked to production performance or behavioural traits.

Polled beef bulls already demonstrate behaviour, growth, carcass quality and reproductive performance equivalent to their horned counterparts.

Polledness is a dominant autosomal trait that appears in all offspring of homozygous polled bulls – ie, those carrying two polling genes. Polled bulls dominate our beef herds and are widely used for tailing dairy herds.

But what of the dairy herds themselves? Dairy farmers shy away from polled calves of Friesian appearance, believing the absence of horns to indicate the intrusion of beef breeding. Now, however, there’s a choice for progressive farmers.

For the first time, semen from a high genetic merit, progeny tested polled Holstein Friesian sire is available.

Livestock Improvement Corporation is promoting Costers Poll Axe for farmers wanting to introduce polled genes into their dairy herds without compromising on production characteristics. Along with a BW of 171, he also offers calving ease and good somatic cell score breeding values. It remains to be seen if Poll Axe can cut through industry prejudices!

ON THE HORNS OF A DILEMMA

By Rebecca Glover Highland cattle breeder Karla Wairau says she has no issue with dehorning young stock but when it comes to dehorning older cull animals she believes it is unethical.

As a breeder of cattle, renowned for their spectacular headgear, she, like fellow breeders, is indeed on the horns of a dilemma when it comes to sending her cattle for slaughter.

“The breed specifications are for horns, so if you want to show your animals there’s no choice,” she explains. “I don’t have a problem with dehorning young stock not destined for the show ring, but show cattle need their horns to be able to compete.

“At the end of their career, though, they still have to go to the works – and that’s where there’s a problem.”

Things weren’t always this way, but nowadays processors can’t – or won’t – accept the horny beasts.

Sometimes, Karla feels, the rules against horned stock aren’t applied consistently. On occasions she has had her Highlands accepted, at other times they have been sent back.

Stock trucks can accommodate horned animals by penning them separately, and Karla can’t see why abattoirs can’t also make special arrangements for them. She’s even prepared to pay an extra fee for the privilege.

The alternative is to have the cattle dehorned before being sent off, but Karla is reluctant to do this.

“Getting a nine year old bull into the yards and taking his horns off isn’t a walk in the park.

“It’s very stressful on all concerned, and potentially downright dangerous. Then the next time he’s yarded, he’ll remember what happened, maybe the smell of blood is still there......what a nightmare.”

Karla feels the animal welfare aspects aren’t being addressed by the industry. “Having them dehorned just so they can go to their death is doubling their stress,” she says.

But in the meantime, the situation seems to be stalemated.

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4 — Rural Living — September 2012

A Publication of Times House Publishing Ltd

Ph: 0800 456 789 Ph: 09 271 8080 www.ruralliving.co.nz sales@ruralliving.co.nz news@ruralliving.co.nz classifieds@ruralliving.co.nz Editor: Helen Perry DDI 09 271 8036, Fax: 09 271 8099 Email: editor@ruralliving.co.nz Sales Consultants: Phoebe Sims DDI 09 271 8029, Fax: 271 8099 Email: phoebe@timeshouse.co.nz

Local kids debut in TV show pilot A group of South Auckland children could be well on their way to television stardom after making their debut in a TV show pilot earlier this month.

The budding actors from Pukekohe, Papakura, Clevedon and Kawakawa Bay were whisked to a specially constructed set in Clevedon where filming of the pilot for a local children’s music series, KindyRock TV, took place.

Classified Advertising: 0800 456 789 Email: classifieds@ruralliving.co.nz Art Director: Clare McGillivray DDI 09 271 8067, Fax: 09 271 8071 Email: clare@ruralliving.co.nz Manager: Karla Wairau DDI 09 271 8083, Fax: 09 271 8099 karla@timeshouse.co.nz Publisher: Brian Neben 50 Stonedon Dr, East Tamaki, AKLD PO Box 259-243, Botany, Auckland 2163 Telephone: 09 271 8080, Fax: 09 271 8099

Aiming to deliver a positive learning musical environment for children using original Kiwi music, the TV concept is the brainchild of Kawakawa Bay resident and respected music educator Judi Cranston.

The author of six children’s music albums that have penetrated international markets, Cranston sees the visual medium as an ideal tool for parents to unleash the power of music for their children’s development.

Cranston says: “As TV is a valid medium for some parents, it is vital that youngsters are provided with quality music and movement programmes. KindyRock TV enables parents to access the same professional resources early childhood teachers use.”

With a well-established professional music education career and a degree in music education,

Children from Pukekohe, Papakura, Clevedon and Kawakawa Bay Photos supplied focus on the camera on the set of KindyRock TV. Cranston believes an early start is essential for children to develop their potential through their natural music abilities.

KindyRock TV is based on Cranston’s existing KindyRock music programme enjoyed by early learning centres, outreach programmes and parents throughout New Zealand.

The stars of the pilot had been exposed to this programme and their familiarity with the catchy

KindyRock tunes meant they adapted quickly to performing their moves in front of the camera.

Impressed with the level of talent and enthusiasm on show, Cranston says the children were extremely dedicated performers given they were faced with a daunting filming situation.

The TV pilot is currently in the can and corporate backing is now being sought to create the entire TV series.

chef inspires schools

DISCLAIMER: Articles published in Rural Living do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or editor.

All material is provided as a general information service only. Times House Publishing Ltd does not assume or accept any responsibility for, and shall not be liable for, the accuracy or appropriate application of any information in this newspaper. All the material in this newspaper has the protection of international copyright. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Times House Publishing Ltd.

Kawakawa Bay Kindergarten’s Bailey Tossell enjoys her film debut on KindyRock TV.

Local parents should be seeing a lot more of their kids in the kitchen this month thanks to a free cooking programme backed by celebrity chef Brett McGregor and Kiwi kitchen appliance brand, Parmco.

A nationwide initiative, Let’s Cook, has just under 400 schools participating in a bid to win one of eight grand prizes of Parmco appliances worth $150,000.

Schools participating from the Franklin area include Waiau Pa

Primary School, Pukekohe Hill Primary School, Awhitu District School and Kelvin Road School, Papakura.

For more information on schools and the programme, go to www.letscookwithparmco.co.nz

A smarter-safer approach to your growing problem!

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Shaun Chisnall is owner/operator of Timberline Contracting, who specialise in the safe, controlled topping/felling of trees.

Shaun operates a specialist machine that reaches to approximately 15 metres high and grabs hold of the tree and cleanly cuts it off. The tree top is then safely lowered to the ground. Up to 400mm diameter trees can be sliced off in a matter of a couple of seconds.

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Rural Living — September 2012 — 5

Rural gardens fit for a queen’s jubilee

By Darren McDonald

From left, variegated holly at Wairere Nursery, Jessie Houston’s flower garden, Glennis Smith’s cactus garden. ophy that their home is their castle, and would argue that their gardens rival those of any royal palace.

And they actually enjoy the luxury that royal castle grounds generally afford – the element of space; for this is Franklin where farms still reign, but gardens are treated with the respect deserving of a monarch.

Take Jessie Houston’s garden. She started in 1982 by planting a few trees in a livestock paddock. These days it is a botanical menagerie of flowering plants and trees, vivid with colour at any time of year.

Long-time Waiau Pa resident, and an avid flower fan, Jessie has seen the area and its gardens evolve. “They get better every year,” she says.

And it is at this time of year that the labours of Jessie’s past efforts and floral passions reveal themselves.

Daffodils, rows and rows of them, pop up where they should be, where they used to be, and where they shouldn’t be any more.

That’s what you get when you plant hundreds of bulbs. They grow, they bloom, they multiply, and every year, they rise defiantly. Jessie remembers a time when her annual harvest would yield a 40 gallon drum of bulbs.

With the blessing of space, Jessie has had free rein to plant species, such as fruit trees which require a little more room to blossom. She also has a vegetable garden to envy. Recently she harvested a second vegetable patch to re-invigorate it for spring, making a winter vege soup with 11 home-picked ingredients!

Just down the country road, at the ‘castle’ where the Jubilee Tea Party was held, Glennis Smith braves win-

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ter, trimming trees and pruning.

There is a spring wedding coming up, and a hospice fundraising tour to prepare for. Hers is a starkly different garden featuring an enormous flowering prickly pear and mature vertical cactus.

The local ducks have just discovered the pond which captures water from the neighbouring farm’s runoff and river rocks accentuate at least a dozen, steel grey Astelia grasses all borne from one host plant. It is a garden testament to what you can do with time and thought on your side.

The Clarks Beach & Waiau Pa Garden group began long ago.

Members are reluctant to say just how long ago, perhaps fearing that their own ages might be revealed.

Ever thirsting inspiration, the group conducts regular day trips to

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Over there in ‘ye old England’, the Queen was celebrating her jubilee by dabbling in a little acting with Daniel Craig and seemingly embarking on a new career as a stuntwoman by parachuting out of a helicopter into the very grand opening ceremony of her country’s Olympic Games.

Half a world away, in our neck of the Commonwealth, the ‘Queen’ was arriving to a celebration in a somewhat more subdued form of transport – a restored vintage car.

It was a grand entrance Franklinstyle. Yes, this was indeed a jubilee celebration, but at this particular event, the loyal subjects were members of the Clarks Beach & Waiau Pa Garden Club, and long time garden club member, Lorna McClune, was a most convincing ‘Queen’.

This was the Clarks Beach & Waiau Pa Garden Club’s Jubilee Tea Party, held in winter when paddocks were soggy and sodden and it was far too cold to wander around a garden.

This was also the time when bulbs, planted long ago, were starting to strike, rising from the biting frost and hinting that spring was on its way. It was the perfect time to dust off the best china, and enjoy afternoon tea.

So, within the warm comfort of a local decorated ‘palace’ the ever so loyal and royal subjects enjoyed tea and English muffins, cucumber sandwiches and meticulously decorated cup cakes – a spread fit for a queen.

Those present all live by the philos-

other notable gardens. At one such excursion to Wairere Nursery in Gordonton, they fanned out amongst the immaculately presented gardens and did it ‘Franklin-style’.

Garden club member Barbara Ellison definitely best expresses what ‘Franklin-style’ means. When quizzed as to whether she was purchasing anything, she replied: “I’m coming back with a trailer!”

Visit Wairere Nursery and you too will feel the urge to install a tow bar.

It is an exquisite nursery with a private and delicately designed garden offering a great deal of inspiration.

“When we first started the nursery we wanted to show people what they could do with the plants they purchase, so it’s a very good selling tool for us,” says part owner Lloyd Houghton. “It has a classic look. A garden should look good in the middle of winter regardless of what has been planted, and structure helps make the garden look good at all times.”

And a lot of thought has gone into this garden. Mature topiary Hollywood junipers grace the nursery’s entrance, and the theme is mirrored in the nursery’s formal garden where a stunning variegated holly takes centre stage.

Eventually, everyone returned home, armed with new knowledge and additional plants, ready to grow another day.

All the garden group wants now is for winter’s watery reign to subside, so they can finally get into their soggy gardens to ensure the ‘castle’ grounds look great.

6 — Rural Living — September 2012

BE IN TO WIN You can be in to win any of these fabulous prizes plus loads more, simply by going to www.garden-nz.co.nz and clicking on the competitions link to enter.

■ Win! A Tui Spring Vegetable Growing Pack – It’s highly understandable that gardeners may take some time out to smell the flowers seeing there is such an abundance of blooms this time of year. Garden-NZ has a Tui spring vegetable growing pack to give away to one lucky reader.

■ Win! A copy of Nancy Tichborne’s Watercolour World – Although little remains of the French settlement in Akaroa, there is one corner of Bank’s Peninsula that will be forever... France! Garden-NZ has a copy of this Nancy Tichborne’s Watercolour World to give away to one lucky reader.

■ Win! Summer Flowering Dahlias from Gardenpost – To make the move from a frisky spring to a summer of love, it’s time for a little flower power by ensuring those dahlias are in the ground this season. Garden-NZ has packs of beautiful summer flowering dahlias to give away to three lucky winners.

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Birth of colt augers well for racing future What excitement at the Alta Dream Lodge stables this past week.

As you all know our brood mare Willowbrook has been in foal and I can now proudly announce, “It’s a boy!”

I am just so thrilled that the new foal is a colt – black with a white star and with all the parts needed to make him whole and healthy.

This is Willowbrook’s first foal and by all reports she has the makings of a good mother – very protective.

The sire was Real Desire, a relative newcomer to the New Zealand market but his early progeny are racing with some success.

Perhaps that will auger well for the future.

When I return from holiday and everything’s back to normal (as if it ever really is) I’m planning to run another naming competition for the new colt and I’m hopeful readers will come up with a suitable title for this young fellow.

As expected, the trees are all in leaf – the new green of spring is always so encouraging – and the first lot of ducklings have been

Brian Neben publishes Rural Living and is also an avid lifestyle farmer

COUNTRY LAD born although they are being terrorised by those dratted pukekos which can be quite brutal in their attacks.

The ducklings, however, are giving us a lot of pleasure especially the tiny grey teals. It’s always so funny watching then leap from the nesting boxes into the water.

They plop right down and then bob up again like little corks. Here’s hoping they survive the pukekos while we are away.

I have now completed the weed spraying and everything’s looking lush at the moment.

I had intended to apply some general fertiliser but as the pasture looks in such good order I will delay this until next autumn.

But right now, we should just about be back from our Fijian holi-

A protective Willowbrook keeps her new foal well away from enthusiastic photographers. day (I wrote my column before departing) and hopefully we will return well rested and ready to tackle fresh jobs around the farm.

Naturally, I will be dying to see

Photo supplied

how the young colt is doing and whether we have any more ducklings. Spring is, indeed, a wonderful time of the year.

See you all next month.

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Rural Living — September 2012 — 7

Winter flight - no ‘plane’ sailing Reay Neben is a Franklin resident and publisher of Rural Living.

You can be in to win any of these fabulous prizes plus loads more, simply by going to www.garden-nz.co.nz and clicking on the competitions link to enter. n Win! A Summer garden pack of wildflowers from Wildflower World – With spring in the air, it’s time to get a little wild! Thanks to Wildflower World, Garden-NZ has packs of wildflower seed mixes to give away to THREE lucky readers.

CITY LASS As you read this I will have just returned from Fiji but this month my column was written early because I felt sure my editor would think that, coming back from holiday, I would be far too relaxed to competently write in time for a tight deadline!

Actually, as I prepare to set off, I’m feeling quite frightened about the flight from Nadi to Yasawa Island – the plane is a very small six-seater. I don’t like jumbos at the best of times and microscopic planes are a definite “no-no!”

Another problem is the luggage.

We can take only 15kg on the little plane so that limits our clothing.

Brian is a typical bloke – fine with three pairs of shorts, a few shirts, two pairs of longs and jandals. That’s easily under 15kg for him.

I am trying to cut down but I like to cover all bases. Weather could be cold, weather could be wet, it should, of course, be hot but it could be too hot. All those scenarios had to be considered so I will let you know what happens.

Now, to the month. Naturally, I have been out and about spend-

be in to win

Yasawa Island Resort – rejuvenating holiday. ing in Puke on a few things for Fiji.

Been into Preview and spent; then on to Footloose and spent; then, to top it off, I headed over the road to Wrights Jewellers and spent again.

I then needed to relax so had coffee with my girlfriend at Cafe Kaos after which I felt better about the spending. My friend is very wise and advised me that if I needed the items then that’s that and not to think about it again.

Next up was Father’s Day so we headed to Monarch Café for an

Photo supplied

early brunch of whitebait fritters.

We all had the same. What a treat.

Movies were also on the agenda this month and we went to see Hope Springs with another couple.

I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it but with the cast including Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones it had to have something going for it.

And I did enjoy it.

We had more than a few laughs although I not sure if they were all about the script or some out of sheer embarrassment.

After the movie we had dinner

at the Tipparost Thai restaurant in Papakura and, as usual, returned home feeling well satisfied.

Frankly, with such a busy month I hardly had time to actually think about the holiday, but as I sit here writing, I’m starting to get excited – perhaps that excitement will help overcome my fearfulness about that itsy-bitsy plane. If not, I guess someone could accidentally knock me out and then I won’t know a thing about it!

See you all when I get back – God willing!

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n Win! A copy of Fuss-free Suppers – If it’s still wet outdoors (thanks spring showers!) foodies and gardeners can still have such fun in the kitchen. Garden-NZ has a copy of this good-looking cook book to give away.

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Advertising provides vital information about the things people need and want and Rural Living tells you where the bargains are, what sales are coming up and why to choose one store over another. It lets you make your initial choice from the comfort of your own home – in your own time.

n Win! A copy of Wildflowers of New Zealand and Landmarks of New Zealand – To appreciate the beauty around us is to truly see the essence of nature.

In these two stunning books, Rob – with the assistance of text and captions by Matt Turner – further illustrates the treasures of these islands we call home. Garden-NZ has a copy of each of these books to give away to one lucky reader.

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‘Wooden’ it be lovely to live in a world where trees come from paper?

Thanks to a nationwide programme, a paper dream has become a reality, as exemplified by one local school that’s delivering a lesson kids are keen to learn.

Joining the Paper4Trees programme earlier this year, Mauku School, west of Pukekohe, is helping educate pupils about the importance of their environment.

Principal, Angela Smith says operating sustainably is one of the school’s key values.

“Our motto is ‘we are the keepers of Mauku School’, we look after the environment for those who follow and this leads to a global perspective.

“We have halved our envirowaste bin empties by recycling, operating a worm farm, composting, keeping chickens and guinea pigs and having no rubbish bins.”

Established to foster environmental awareness in children, Paper4Trees rewards the recycling efforts of schools and preschools with native trees; one for every two cubic metres of paper and cardboard collected.

Programme manager, Cayley Manson, says the trees are an incentive but helping students understand the impact of trees on the environment is the main focus. “We think educating the youth of today is crucial for a sustainable tomorrow.

“Paper4Trees helps chil-

dren understand that paper comes from trees; if they use paper, they are using trees and, therefore, more trees need to be planted.”

Established by Bruce Trask, chairman of the Environmental Education for Resource Sustainability Trust (EERST), Paper4Trees is an addition to the Zero Waste Education Programme (ZWE).

“ZWE educates children about sustainability through reducing, reusing, recycling, composting, conserving water, and reducing their families’ footprint,” says Cayley.

“When teaching ZWE in schools, Bruce saw that, while it was good to teach pupils how to recycle, they needed the systems, and maybe an incentive, to make it work, which is where Paper4Trees comes in.”

To date, 680,000 students, in slightly fewer than 4000 schools and preschools, are

Asian Mix 25kg

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Layer Pellets 25kg

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Maintenance meal for horses

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192 Airfield Rd, Takanini

(next to Mobil)

(next to Caltex)

(Takanini Feeds)

Ph (09) 294 7266

Ayla Johnstone heading for the worm bin.

involved with the programme.

Paper4Trees is designed to take a hands-on approach.

“The trees are the icing on the cake. In order for children to appreciate something, they need to be involved,” Cayley says. “The kids love getting out of the classroom to plant trees at their own school.”

As paper and cardboard typically comprise 70-80 percent of schools’ waste streams, the programme has had a huge impact on the amount of waste schools and preschools send to landfill, Cayley says.

“While some schools that join are already recycling, when they start using our green bins and system, their recycling rates increase. The green bins allow children to take charge of recycling, making it a normal activity.”

In 2011, Paper4Trees schools and preschools earned more than 31,000 native trees for their efforts in recycling approximately 7,750 tonnes of paper and cardboard, equating to more than 62,000 cubic metres of landfill space saved.

“Planting helps replace trees that have been cut down, while educating students about NZ natives,” Cayley says. “Habitats lost to our native wildlife are also restored and schools can attract native wildlife.”

And Paper4Trees helps make learning fun.

“One school earned enough trees for every class to plant one tree each. The teacher said the kids always look out for ‘their tree’ and they can’t wait to see it grow!”

Ph (09) 294 7831

Ph (09) 299 9786

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It’s Equidays – your ride’s here Riders and horse-lovers will be ‘spurred’ on by a unique experience designed to showcase top Kiwi equestrian talent at Equidays, from November 2-4.

The ultimate destination for horse lovers, Equidays is set to attract more than 18,000 visitors to the three-day event at Mystery Creek Events Centre in Hamilton.

It will include clinics – led by renowned international and local clinicians – demonstrations, seminars, trade stalls, and two nightshows with late night shopping available to Saturday evening ticket holders. Clinicians at this year’s event include: ■■ Julie Goodnight, USA ■■ Jen Hamilton, Canada ■■ Vicki Wilson, Showtym Horses, New Zealand ■■ Sarah Rolston, New Zealand ■■ Tina Fagan, Starlight Farm, New Zealand

back in the saddle again Mark your calendars now. On November 24 Hamilton will play host to the International Rodeo when participants and visitors alike will ‘jump’ at the chance to be part of the action.

Featuring a magnificent posse of riders across a range of disciplines, the rodeo promises to thrill, enthral and entertain.

For tickets or more information, visit www.internationalrodeo.co.nz.

Show jumping and barrel racing are major events at this year’s Equidays.

■■ Mark Chamberlin, Olena Stud, New Zealand Both nightshows are expected to delight audiences with exciting performances such as circus-style vaulting, traditional displays, trick riding plus two key note events – Equidays Barrel Race (Friday night)

and the Equidays Showjumping Grand Prix (Saturday).

In addition, at the Breeds Village, visitors will have the opportunity to come face to face with a diverse range of equine breeds.

Tickets are available online; visit www.equidays.co.nz.

Photos supplied

Win! passes Rural Living has double passes to give away to two lucky readers.

To be in to win, simply visit the competitions section at www. ruralliving.co.nz and complete the form. One entry per person; entries close Wednesday, October 17.

Spring is sprung, the grass is riz...

For those with mares foaling, cows calving, ewes lambing or just young stock to feed, the answer for all that extra grass is obvious. But the long awaited lush growth is not without challenges.

Both stock and their owners, tired of the daily grind of feeding out hay or silage, appreciate abundant grass after the privations of winter. But just like pigging out on chocolate cake after weeks of weetbix, too much of the yummy stuff has consequences.

Rural Living — September 2012 — 9

The extra water content and reduced fibre of spring growth can play havoc with ruminants’ digestive systems, as anyone standing too close behind a cow soon finds out. It’s a chore, but your cattle will thank you for continuing to feed hay (in preference to silage). It also helps guard against bloat, another possible side effect of the spring flush.

Spring fertiliser applications can be planned now, with the help of fertiliser company reps and soil or herb-

age tests. Excess grass can be shut up for silage – it’s wonderful feed, can be wrapped to various sizes from 10 bale to single bale equivalent, and doesn’t need storing under cover.

Undersowing is an option for tired pasture. Some horse owners like to sow ‘horse friendly’ pasture species to replace ryegrass and clover, but be aware that these seed mixes may not produce pasture of sufficient quality for the other livestock which should be cross grazing horse paddocks to

Jay Morrow from Wayland, Iowa, USA.

Photo supplied Kevin A Booth

Rebecca Glover looks at what to do with it

reduce parasite burdens.

Spring is also ‘game on’ for weeds, so it’s time to be ready for battle.

If you choose to spray, there’s a plethora of products available, and merchants are happy to advise the best choice for each species. Try to choose sprays which won’t harm clover.

Spraying in windy conditions is problematic, but granules can be used for spot application on some weeds such as ragwort in any conditions.

Then there’s grubbing... don’t groan!

There’s a lot to be said for grubbing thistles: it’s great exercise for body and soul. Who needs the gym – or a shrink – when there’s a search and destroy mission right on your doorstep? Apart from the obvious satisfaction of annihilating the enemy with a mighty blow, it’s also great for venting one’s frustrations .

At the very least it’s a good way of keeping warm. Make a habit of taking your grubber with you whenever you walk through your paddocks.

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10 — Rural Living — September 2012

STYLE

VALUE

QUALITY

NZ MADE MERINO

Weddings, parties, race day, mother-of-the-bride, special occasion This year we have the most amazing occasion wear arriving weekly from now through December. Plus an exclusive range of fascinators and hats from Italy to help you stand out at your special occasion.

Vibrant colours and flattering styles to fit ALL bodies from an 8-22.

New label Chocolat is arriving in store now! Look out for gorgeous jewel-coloured silk jackets, plenty of options with sleeves and a longer hem for those wanting a little more coverage.

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Sizes 8-24 | ‘fashion for the real woman’ | Open 7 days | 4 Manukau Road, Pukekohe | Ph 09 239 2845

Rural Living — September 2012 — 11

fashion Top Drawer Summer Citta range in store now Top Drawer 107 King Street Pukekohe 09 238 7575

New To You Gorgeous range of summer dresses and shoes priced from $60.00. Brand new and preloved designer labels New To You Boutique 5 Mauku Road Patumahoe 021 811 457

Gorgeous new styles in store from Jantzen Palazzi Beachfront and Togs Available at

Michele Ann

53314

PASCOES

WOOL SHOP

52 King St, Pukekohe • Ph: 09 238 7693

Owl pendants $69-$79

Summer instore now

what’s hot

GIVONI MYSTIQUE GINGERLILLY ESSENCE | HOT MILK LOVE & LUSTRE BAKSANA CALVIN KLEIN ARIANNE TRIUMPH | BERLEI JOCKEY LOVABLE FANTASIE NANCY GANZ BONDS CITTA PASSIONATA

michele ann wool shop

baker’s shoes & more Totes Umbrella $35.00 Totes Reversible Bucket Hat $39.95 From the exciting new range of Totes accessories at Baker’s Shoes & More 8 Kitchener Road Waiuku 09 235 8507

New styles from Jantzen Palazzi Beachfront and Togs Michele Ann Woolshop 52 King Street Pukekohe 09 238 7693

Footloose Bordeaux Wosa $149.90 Footloose 98 King Street Pukekohe 09 238 7161

Hours: Monday-Friday 11.00am-5.00pm, Saturday 11.00am-3.00pm Enquire now via website, facebook or phone for New To You Boutique Private Champagne and Shopping Get in now for Christmas. Bookings up to 18 people.

New stock arriving daily. Gucci, Chanel, Sabatini, Trelise Cooper, Verge, VSSP, Karen Walker and much, much more.

Sizes 8-22. Something to suit everyone.

f ootloose

New and Preloved Designer Labels and Shabby Chic Giftware 5 Mauku Rd, Patumahoe.

Ph 021 811 457. www.newtoyou.co.nz

Stunning summer styles in store now

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Stockists of Trelise Cooper, State of Grace, Didier Parakian, Mac Jays, Animale, ADC

Specialists in creating handmade headpieces 53313

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Phone 09 235 8507 www.bakersshoes.co.nz

Stockists of:

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12 — Rural Living — September 2012

the best of times

New tricks for today’s seniors

Become a St John Friends of the Emergency Department volunteer St John Friends of the Emergency Department (FEDs) provide comfort, information and support to patients and their relatives in the Emergency Department at Middlemore Hospital.

If you have a genuine interest in the wellbeing of others, good communication skills, tact and compassion and can commit to a weekly four hour shift, we would like to hear from you.

118979

For an information pack and application form contact Chrissy Crosswell 0800 ST JOHN (0800 785 646) or visit www.stjohn.org.nz

Maxwell’s Functions & Golf Golf coaching available 30 mins south of Auckland

Functions – Golf Accommodation • Boutique events for up to 50 • Beautiful rural setting • Coaching and 9 hole course • Accommodation

Phone: 09 236 0911 or 021 850 924 205B Ingram Rd, Ramarama • www.maxwellsgolf.co.nz 118980

While some retirees may be stupendous surfers, coping with the scope of Skype, fluent in text-speak and besting the net, for many, such techno-babble as phishing, spam, Bluetooth, VoIP and Google may as well be words from a foreign language.

However, the growing technology gap could cause greater problems than struggling to shoot the curl when surfing the web for some, leaving them prone to online scams.

Older New Zealanders who are not technologically-savvy are particularly at risk of becoming victims of modern con’ artists.

There are a lot of ‘scams’ going on online which people should look at or listen to with some reserve and scepticism. But it is easy to be fooled. If it sounds too good to be true, it generally is. In other words, if you don’t recognise the sender, ignore the information and/or delete it pronto!

While many older people feel ‘out of it’ when it comes to some of the subjects friends and family are talking about, a goodly percentage have been able to keep up with the pace. The key is not to become complacent.

With so many technological advances during the last half century, older New Zealanders have done extremely well to stay in touch with technology, however, all can benefit from developing their knowledge.

The way technology is advancing, a certain amount of understanding of what is happening is essential otherwise a lot of knowledge that is beyond the range of some of the current 65+ year-olds could affect them in the future and they might slip further back in the learning curve.

The current saying ‘use it or lose it’ is very pertinent!

Providing technology-based courses to people aged over 50, Seniornet is a nationwide network of training centres designed to help older Kiwis understand new technology and how it impacts their daily lives.

There is no place for old-school techniques, Seniornet, tries not to overwhelm students by presenting knowledge so rapidly that they don’t know what it’s all about.

And anyone who has taken a prior class before is generally welcome to return and go through the class again.

OK computer – techno-savvy seniors know how to surf.

What’s more, new communications’ methods can actually help make those living alone feel more connected to their communities.

While ‘living alone’ people are often quite happy with their lot, it is important to stay abreast with new technology which can help them stay in touch with family and

friends, make banking and bill payments easier, especially if one is housebound and even provide simple pleasures such as reading the news on line or researching new interests.

The main thing for everyone is to take the plunge and try something new!

Personalised eye care Eye Doctors internationally trained surgeons perform hundreds of cataract procedures every year. Consultations are held locally at their rooms in Botany Junction with surgery at Ormiston Hospital.

CATARACT EYE

NORMAL EYE LIGHT RAYS

RETINA

LIGHT RAYS

OPTIC NERVE

CLEAR LENS

The lens focuses light on the retina

What is a cataract?

Like a camera, every eye has a lens. When the lens inside your eye clouds over it reduces the amount of light reaching the retina at the back of the eye. This makes it difficult for you to see clearly and is called a cataract.

Why do cataracts develop?

Cataracts develop as a normal part of the aging process. Sometimes cataracts may develop at a younger age due to other diseases like diabetes, following an eye injury, or due to specific medications like steroids.

What are the main symptoms of a cataract?

The earliest symptoms can begin with glare and sensitivity to bright light or haloes around lights. Vision then typically becomes progressively more blurred, foggy, and sometimes doubled. Colours often become duller and darker.

What does cataract surgery involve?

Modern cataract surgery restores the eyesight lost due to cataract by removing the cloudy lens in the eye and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. Eye Doctors use the latest small incision techniques and most up to date equipment available to give the fastest recovery and best possible vision.

How long does cataract surgery take?

The procedure itself generally takes from ten to twenty minutes. You go home the same day, after spending two to three hours in hospital.

How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?

RETINA

CLOUDY LENS

OPTIC NERVE

When a cataract forms less light gets through to the retina, and this light is scattered.

A patch is worn overnight following surgery and you are advised not to drive until given clearance by your surgeon, which is often the next day. You can resume most normal activities straight away.

Is cataract surgery safe?

Removal of a cataract is the most common eye operation and one of the most common surgical procedures performed in NZ. It has a very high success rate due to the modern methods used by Eye Doctors. It is important to contact Eye Doctors if you have any concerns about the eye following surgery.

Patient testimonial – “The change in my sight was almost instant.

I could not believe the difference it made to the clarity of sight, and 100% improvement in colours. Eye Doctors surgeons come highly recommended by me.”

Dr Andrew Riley Cataract Surgeon

Dr Penny McAllum Cataract Surgeon

What lenses are used?

A variety of intraocular lenses are available for people having cataract surgery. Just as there are different types of glasses, there are different types of lenses that can be inserted into the eye.

The most common lenses used are single focus lenses, which give clear distance vision but usually require glasses for close vision, like when reading. Other options include toric lenses, which correct astigmatism and multi-focal or accommodating lenses for those who wish to have sharp vision for distance as well as near sight without glasses.

117729

More information? Contact Eye Doctors now! www.eyedoctors.co.nz 110 Michael Jones Drive | Botany Junction | Phone 277 6787

Rural Living — September 2012 — 13

the best of times

Great leisure reading One of the nicest aspects of being retired is that usually there is more time for the small pleasures in life – pleasures such as reading!

Now many people they can finally indulge their desire to explore new literary horizons and delve into new subjects.

With this in mind, Rural Living has three great books to give away thanks to Penguin Group (NZ), publishers of all our prize books.

■■ In Love and War, Kiwi soldiers romantic encounters in wartime Italy

by Susan Jacobs. RRP $39.99 A compilation of moving stories from Kiwi soldiers and their Italian war brides, In Love and War recounts many liaisons and love affairs some of which resulted in marriage followed by a new, often strained life for the brides as they set up home on the other side of the world.

For others, the wartime romance ended in heartbreaking separation when the Kiwi soldiers were posted elsewhere or returned home.

Some left behind children who would grow up never meeting their natural fathers.

These touching stories reveal the human side of war and will both enlighten readers born post war or bring back memories for a previous generation.

■■ Back to the Land, a year of country gardens by Linda Hallinan. RRP $45 “When I left the country for the city, I vowed I’d never again find myself at the back end of a cow. And yet, here I am. . .”

Many a country lass has high-tailed it to the city for a different career and promised themselves much the same as Linda Hallinan did. But it seem this gardening guru, who grew up in rural Waikato and left it behind to study journalism in Auckland, eventually discovered where her real purpose in life lay – in the country!

Be in to win To enter any or all of the draws for these three fascinating books just visit www.ruralliving.co.nz then click on the competitions link and fill in the appropriate form.

One entry per person per draw; entries close 12noon, Wednesday, October 17 2012.

Winner notified by phone or email.

After meeting and marrying a man with land, Linda is now happily ensconced with her husband, Jason, and young son, Lucas, on a 20-hectare property named Foggydale Farm at the foot of the Hunua Ranges.

There she has let her gardening talents loose creating a country-sized vegetable garden and heritage fruit orchard.

In Back to the Land, Lynda, with characteristic wit and good humour, shares with readers a year of her gardening exploits. Peppered with practical advice and recipes for making the most of her harvests, her accounts of country life reveal unstoppable energy and down-to-earth enthusiasm for living off the land.

Gardener or not, cook or not, it’s easy to love this book.

Lynda shares plenty of garden advice but also adds in hints and tips, ideas for everything from bottling and baking to brewing your own beer and wine. It’s a great read.

■■ Pilgrimage by Garrie Hutchinson. RRP $50 Ideal for armchair travellers and history lovers, Pilgrimage

Visit New Zealand’s

BEST ST GARDENING WEBSITE

takes readers on a journey of discovery.

There are more than 30,000 New Zealand men and women, casualties from the two world wars, buried in cemeteries and named on memorials around the world. From Gallipoli to the Western Front, Palestine and the Middle East, Greece, Crete, Italy, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, New Zealanders fought and died for their country.

On this journey through time and place, readers will visit these foreign battlefields discovering their past and present. With GPS coordinates, written descriptions and maps, and illustrated with exquisite photography throughout, Pilgrimage is a practical and up-to-date travel companion intertwined with a rich and elegantly told history.

For those interested in visiting the battlefields and cemeteries in person, or just wanting to read the story of New Zealanders in both world wars, Pilgrimage is a timely and touching reminder of the impact New Zealand soldiers made in the global arena of war.

garden-nz.co.nz offers information and advice on home gardens, fruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers, trees and shrubs.

It also includes great giveaways, competitions and a comprehensive directory of products, services and more.

The ultimate online resource for the gardening community

www.garden-nz.co.nz 117618

14 — Rural Living — September 2012

Rabbit Control is fast, efficient and achievable

Coastal Pest Solutions are working in your community – trapping, shooting, poisoning and dog work.

Non toxic rabbit control is available.

Protect your land and environment from all animal pests, call us today!

Coastal Pest Solutions Wild Animal Control & Biosecurity Services 18 Years’ Professional Experience

Tel: 09 536 6020 Mob: 027 393 2125 Email: info@coastalpestsolutions.co.nz

www.coastalpestsolutions.co.nz 31563-V5

pest control

Good riddance to rabbit romp

By Ditch Keeling Coastal Pest Solutions Ltd Earlier this year I wrote about mild winter conditions allowing rabbits to breed at a similar rate to that normally seen only in spring.

Unfortunately, for many landowners this has proved to be all too true and the phone is now running hot with calls for assistance with rabbit control right across the Auckland region.

Rabbit numbers really are getting pretty high out there and, considering it’s only September, there could be some real problems this coming summer.

While many areas across Auckland have pockets of problematic rabbit numbers, several districts are naturally more rabbit prone through factors such as land use, aspect and soil types.

These areas are producing huge numbers.

Any areas with sandy mix soil types generally provide great digging and rabbits along the KarakaWaiau Pa belt benefit hugely from the “easy burrowing” nature of the soil found there.

Good burrowing means good

breeding success to rabbits and established warrens can produce hundreds of new young every year.

Any land use that provides alternative cover e.g. shelter belts, piles of posts, infrequently used sheds and even rubbish piles can increase the chances of having rabbit numbers increase seemingly overnight; it’s so often all about the cover, remove the cover and they just won’t be able to do so well.

Burning rubbish piles and getting stacks of posts right up off the ground now will help. Where rabbits are living underground in burrows, fumigating these with magnesium phosphide will provide very fast results.

Once all cover that rabbits are using is removed, and all of the obvious burrows have been fumigated, it will be necessary to follow up with shooting and/or poisoning to remove the remaining animals.

Shooting is by far the most commonly applied measure of rabbit control and the preference here is always for night shooting with a silenced .22 rifle and spotlight.

Creeping around with a shotgun will simply never achieve the same results as a proficiently applied .22 and I use this method to remove

A successful night’s hunting for Ditch. tens of thousands of rabbits from rural properties every year.

When this work is carried out with a high degree of skill and experience the results are immediate and very cost effective.

Poisoning is best reserved for large and widespread populations and/or those that do not lend themselves to control via the previously discussed methods.

Poisoning with Pindone Rabbit pellets and/or Pindone liquid on cut carrot can be extremely effective but it really is something best undertaken by a professional when it is the only option available.

Photo supplied

For poisoning to be effective baits must be applied straight onto the ground, and to do this you need a Controlled Substance License; making it pretty difficult for the average landowner.

Effective rabbit control often requires a measured combination of all of the above methods.

If you find this is beyond your own ability, give us a call to talk it through.

Please help us to provide the advice you require by sending all pest animal questions to: info@coastalpestsolutions.co.nz.

Vegetation Management • Free quote on all aspects of Vegetation Management • Anywhere in the country INCLUDES: Tree felling/chipping Forest to pasture conversion Shelter belt removal Transplanting Mulch sales/delivery Woodlot purchase/logging Consultancy Mulching/stump grinding

For a free quote please contact 0800 TREEWORK (0800 87 33 96) Take a look at what we do at www.treescape.co.nz Call Chris Sheffield direct on 0276 108 540 52548

Rural Living — September 2012 — 15

pasture management

COUNTIES BULK SPREADERS • GROUND SPREADING • LIME • FERTILISER • UREA • LS100 (50/50 Foul Manure & Lime Mix)

COUNTIES BULK HAULAGE • BULK CARTAGE OF METAL • SAND • FERTILISER • LIME

From left, Scotch Thistle rosette stage, Scotch Thistle flower, Winged Thistle rosette stage.

Photos supplied

Last chance for thistle clean up

By Anna McNaughton “One year’s seeds, seven years’ weeds!” – this old adage is one landowners should heed when it comes to thistles.

A quick spring-clean of any thistles in pasture will, indeed, reap rewards. Overnight, innocent rosette thistle plants will turn into bee-seducing purple-flowered harlots and all too soon their seeds will be set and ready to spread.

Each seed has its own parachute and while most will fall close to the parent plant, windy weather will ensure that neighbours get a share of the bounty.

Thistles are opportunist colonisers of bare/disturbed soils so, the best insurance against them is a healthy, dense pasture sward, well limed and fertilised.

A good, sharp grubber is an ideal, year-round companion on farms. If

thistle populations are small, it is easy to chip them out BUT, at this time of year, every root needs to be chipped out, otherwise a new plant will sprout from leftover roots.

If flower heads are already formed-wear gloves, bag up the chipped plants and incinerate them – the seeds will mature if left in the paddock.

If thistle populations are large, chemical control may be needed.

Some favour granules – they should be clean, dry, easy to use, and also useable in windy weather.

Sprinkle the granules on the freshly-stamped heart of the plant to ensure rapid uptake.

Spot spraying is also very effective. Total pasture spraying should be reserved for severe infestations only as many valuable pasture herbs such as dandelion, chicory, plantain and essential clovers, can be damaged or completely

NEIL & GRANT FITZGERALD • Excavators and truck hire • Farm drainage and races

destroyed by herbicide sprays.

Thistles are a member of the Aster family and there are some charming legends as to how the thistle became the floral emblem of Scotland – my favourite being the Nordic night raid foiled by a barefoot assailant treading on a thistle and crying out in pain!

The large, vigorous Scotch thistle is easy to find and treat; the winged thistle, not much smaller, is a much more aggressive spreader and should be tackled as soon as it is spotted otherwise it will soon take over an area forming waisthigh, dense groves, unappealing to all except goats or perhaps a keen donkey…we even had a broodmare who very helpfully acquired a taste for the flower heads.

The toxic, variegated thistle, which is similar to the winged thistle, but has a pretty silver, variegated leaf, is rarely seen in our

To advertise in the next

pasTure managemenT feaTure phone pHOeBe

09 271 8029

• Driveways and roading • House sites and horse arenas

district. But this too, should be chipped out and removed from the paddock as soon as it is seen.

The much smaller, Californian thistle, with a pale mauve flower head, and also a very keen spreader, is a tricky customer.

Having an extensive underground root system, it is much more difficult to eradicate.

Sometimes, a judicious spring topping will eradicate a whole population; more often, it will regrow following topping and require spraying – sometimes two or three times to clear an area.

A naturally occurring fungal disease sometimes attacks the Californian. Research may eventually lead to a biological treatment.

As with all weed infestations diligence reaps rewards.

Maintaining clean pastures and a tidy property can become a quick routine job.

Boyd (09) 233 4466 0274 978 685 Brenton (09) 236 3639 0274 921 916

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FENCING CONTRACTOR

Grant Escott

• • • •

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Free quotes – Competitive rates

027 236 8753 • 09 236 8753 grant.kylie@xtra.co.nz 52031

Professional tree care and advice by qualified arborist.

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20 years experience • Pruning • Removals Powerline clearing • Hedge work • Stump grinding Mulch sales • Consultancy • Full insurance 24 hour emergency service

• Grader/roller and bulldozer hire • Metal cartage

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Neil 0274 973 865 • Grant 021 678 720 A/hrs 09 232 7709

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Mike Jarvis

09 238 8265 MOBILE 021 323 669

FREE QUOTES. PROMPT TIDY SERVICE — ALWAYS

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Need to get rid of the old goat?

CARRIERS

“THE FIRM BUILT ON SERVICE”

For all your fertiliser supplies and general cartage Stockist of BOP fertilisers Special mixes arranged • Rodney and Waikaretu lime supplies Prompt and efficient spreading by experienced operators

Waiuku Depot — Collingwood Road Phone 09 235 9189 Fax 09 235 8271 Awhitu Depot — Hatton Road.

Phone 09 235 1024 51164

Do you have animals for sale, want to offer a home to a pet in need or need to buy secondhand farm equipment?

Rural Living offers FREE classified line ads for private sellers.

Phone us on 0800 456 789 or email classifieds@ruralliving.co.nz to place your advert.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

16 — Rural Living — September 2012

building and maintenance

Making short work of big jobs There ‘s no easy way to make short work of tree felling or scrub clearing – unless your Glenn Mackenzie, from Land Clearing Solutions at Ararimu.

Glenn has the equipment and the expertise to rid properties of unwanted trees, gorse and scrub and, in the process, produce arable land ready for seeding.

In fact, if you can’t see the wood for the trees call Glen and just say, “timber!” You’ll have his ear and his skills if you need to clear land safely and efficiently.

Coming from a dairy farming background, Glenn set up Land Clearing Solutions (LCS) four years ago investing in top quality equipment such as excavators, tractors and chippers as well as tree felling, stump grinding and mulching attachments to eliminate what was once back-breaking work.

“Our team has the skills to provide a professional yet personal service,” Glenn says. “And when necessary, we also work closely with service partners to deliver a comprehensive onestop shop.

“Our customers range from lifestyle block owners and farmers to land developers, landscapers, local authorities and earthmoving contractors.”

Of course, few jobs are as simple as taking down a tree for two, and even the word ‘tree’ can conjure up dif-

Left, the Cat 320 excavator mulching, above, the new multiforst machine. ferent images – think a stand of ageing pines, a bank of bamboo, two or three huge macrocarpas interfering with overhead lines or a boggy patch where the willows are neither use nor ornament.

Landowners may have paddocks covered in scrub or gorse which need urgent attention or they may need to remove unwanted shelterbelts or create a firebreak on their land. The good news is, whatever the job, LCS can tackle it.

“For example, council is using us to clear land for a public reserve. They are impressed with our new mulching attachment which does four different jobs – mulching, stump grinding, stone crushing and tilling the ground,” Glenn says. “We imported it from Italy and have one of only a handful of this particular attachment in the country.

“We have other specialist equipment such as a 20 tonne excavator that is set up to handle multiple attachments for mulching, stump grinding, digging, raking and, ripping and a log grapple for tree work.

“Then there’s our 18 inch chipper which disposes or felled trees quickly and easily.”

Glenn adds that the beauty of the equipment is its ability to remove tree stumps by grinding and working them into the land leaving it fully ready for planting as opposed to digging out the stumps, burning or disposing of them and often leaving an ugly hole which still needs to be dealt with.

“This is an attractive option where the land needs to be put to productive use as quickly as possible,” he says.

“Land owners should then follow up with soil tests to see what nutrients need to be added so that successive

planting will be successful.”

However, where land is likely to lie idle after clearing, Glenn says it’s important to maintain weed spraying to ensure scrub doesn’t redevelop and require further treatment.

Proud that LCS is a family business, Glenn’s brother- in-law Haydn Woollett works with him, and dad, Grant Mackenzie, oversees the office.

“My aim is to provide a one-stop land and tree clearing shop with the focus on environmental sustainability,” Glenn says.

“We listen to our clients, provide them with personal service and do what we say we will do.

“Health and safety is of prime concern together with cost-effectiveness.

For example, I always suggest removing trees before building work or fencing is begun.

“This allows for manoeuvring

machinery and reduces risk to structures. I also suggest that once equipment is on a property to do the whole job if possible. Moving machinery in and out can be costly.

“And finally, remember because we have the best machinery for the job it will be completed many times faster than two or three people trying to tackle the same job with inadequate equipment.”

Whatever the job, Glenn offers sound advice from the outset and a no obligation quote is as easy as visiting the LCS website www.landclearingsolutions.co.nz. Call Glenn at: Land Clearing Solutions Ltd, 1092 Ararimu RoadR D 3 DruryAuckland 2579 Telephone 0800 CLEAR IT Mobile: 021 165 9043 Email: info@landclearingsolutions.co.nz

Simon Brown

Builders • Survey & fence line clearing • Hedge & shelterbelt removal • Gorse & scrub mulching • Tree felling & removal • Tree mulching & chipping up to 18” • Stump grinding • Gravel road and farm race refurbishing

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Ltd.

52612

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• Sleepouts • Garden Sheds • Calf Shelters • BBQ Tables • • Dog Kennels & Runs • Chook Houses • Aviaries • • Anything Really • Will Deliver •

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52341

56 Avon Rd, Pokeno

Rural Living — September 2012 — 17

home and decor

Home truths for spring

Attention to preparation will ensure your paint job will last. quent attention. The need to repaint is dependent on exposure and how well the home is maintained. Home exteriors should be washed annually with an appropriate cleaning product, such as Resene Paint Prep and Housewash.

Some colours are naturally more durable than others and will retain their colour longer.

When the colour has faded or lightly chalked, the paint system may still be sound, even though the colour has changed.

Do not use water blasters on weatherboard houses as water can be driven under the boards and into the insulation or wall linings. There are many spe-

cialist firms that can provide these services.

Scrape off flaking paint and sand until smooth, using increasingly fine grades of sand paper. If repainting an older home, the previous paint finish may contain lead.

Until around 1965, many paints had high lead levels.

Even if a building has been recently painted, it may have been painted with lead-based paints or have layers of old paint covered by modern paint.

If you suspect the paint may be lead-based, be sure to have it tested before starting work; test kits and advice are available from Resene ColorShops.

Lead based paint can result in harm to the people doing the job, the people who live or work nearby and the environment.

When it comes to repainting, treat any moss, mould and algae, clean down the surface, sand and prime/undercoat where needed. Fill any little holes or cracks that have been exposed by the undercoat.

Apply two coats of exterior paint in the sheen level desired, then sit back, relax and enjoy your well maintained home.

– Contributed by Resene New Zealand

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It’s all too easy to hibernate over winter and let the house take care of itself but with spring comes many things, not the least, excuses for jobs left undone!

Now is the time to put those aside and turn to projects that have been lying in wait during the freezing season.

When householders are busy and budgets are under pressure, property maintenance often goes to the pack.

While not all house maintenance is essential, some is, and to defer it is to do so at your peril. By and large, essential maintenance is about keeping the home warm, dry and in good condition so that your investment is protected. When deciding what can be left until funds are available versus what cannot be ignored, think no further than cladding.

All houses, whether they are weatherboard, plaster, concrete or fibre cement, require regular washing, sanding and repainting. The longevity and look of the final job depends on the care and time put into preparation, and the use of correct products and technique.

A well-painted house should not need repainting for 10 years – although homes near the sea may need more fre-

18 — Rural Living — September 2012

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE

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Rural Living — September 2012 — 19

53277

20 — Rural Living — September 2012

YOU’RE INVITED!

Acacia Cove is a country-style village situated on the beautiful Wattle Downs Peninsula.

Who could ask for more?

For those who appreciate the tranquility of an estuary setting Acacia Cove has it all, as well as its own restaurant, heated indoor pool, library, bowling green and new gym.

Whether you choose to live in a villa or one of our luxurious apartments, you’ll have the security of a 24 hour, fully monitored emergency call system built in.

If you’re aged 55 or over, value your independence but want greater security, come and have a look at the superb properties we have to offer.

A right to occupy dwelling at Acacia Cove Village is unsecured.

Tour our village and join us for lunch on Thursday, October 18 at 10.30am The 2010 RVA Manager of the Year Bruce Cullington will give a brief overview of the life at Acacia Cove.

See and feel for yourself the Acacia Cove lifestyle.

Please RSVP to 268 8522 by Friday, October 12

Wattle Farm Road, Wattle Downs, Manurewa Ph 268 8522 • Fax 268 8422 New Zealand Owned and Operated 52761

Email: acacia@kirkdale.co.nz www.acaciacovevillage.co.nz