RL April-May 2016

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ruralliving.co.nz

April/May 2016

Pig-nic time A word from the Nation www.ruralliving.co.nz

Pat-a-paca

Hollie’s hellish heaven

Wild woman to Borneo Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 1

Brought to you by members of Franklin’s

Largest Rural/Lifestyle Sales Team PUKEKOHE | TUAKAU PUKEKOHE 68 King St, PO Box 147, Pukekohe | bus. 09 238 7019 | fax. 09 238 7018 | www.barfoot.co.nz/pukekohe Spookers – Run for your Freak’n Life

may ■ ANIMAL ANTICS

■ SPORT & FITNESS

Fibrant auckland April 28-may 1, Pukekohe Town Hall and NZ Steel gallery, massey Avenue, Pukekohe Weaving together a varied mix of entertainment and events, the Fibrant Auckland Festival is set to allow visitors the chance to cut their cloth to suit.

Featuring a runway show, workshops, exhibitions, awards, lectures, a fashion challenge and more, Fibrant Auckland is designed to celebrate natural fibres. See creativefibre.org.nz/festival2016.

run for your Freak’n Life may 14, 11am-3pm, Spookers, 833 Kingseat Road, Auckland Sure, fun runs can be enjoyable, ambling by all that beautiful scenery, and personal best times can result. However, they’re darn near a certainty when there really is a reason to run as fast as you can!

An obstacle course with a difference – namely hungry zombies to be avoided at all costs – Run for your Freak’n Life takes in the ‘serene’ surrounds of the former Kingseat Psychiatric Hospital and offers a screamingly good time.

Visit runforyourfreaknlife.com for more information about this 13+ event and see page 30 to read about a certain ghoulish girl you may just meet along the way.

national alpaca day may 8, locations vary Picking a winner at the track may tricky, but that’s not the case when petting a ‘paca; on National Alpaca Day at least. On May 8, alpaca farms across the country will open their farm gates to welcome visitors who wish to meet these curious (and beautiful) creatures face to face. For more information (including details of participating farms in Franklin) see alpaca. org.nz.

■ FAMILY FUN doll and teddy Bear show may 21-22, from 10am, Hamilton gardens, Hungerford Crescent, SH1 (Off Cobham Drive), Hamilton If you go down to Hamilton Gardens in May you’re in for a (not so) big surprise! Although adults who really expect teddy bears to be gadding about during this event really should lay off the beersies, children are sure to find fun-filled adventure in abundance during the Doll and Teddy Bear Show. See hamiltongardens.co.nz/events for further details.

Craig

Trudy

Brendon

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2 — Rural Living — April-May 2016 Moore Ashby Boyce

■ ART & MUSIC sarj hada exhibition Now-may 21 (may be extended) Thursdays-Sundays, John Hill estate, Cnr John Hill & White Roads, Hunua Drawing on influences including Jackson Pollock, Van Gogh, Brett Whiteley and Arthur Boyd, Auckland artist, Sarj Hada is rapidly becoming a major player on the New Zealand art scene. During this exhibition, the Nepal-born painter presents 12 large works and numerous others in a broad portfolio in black and white and abstract colours. For more information, contact via johnhillestate. co.nz.

Quintessentially kiwi April 28, 11am-1pm, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Drive, Papakura If it weren’t for our Fred Dagg, where would we be? Without our gumboots, for one thing, or this classic Kiwiana

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McCardle Alderlieste

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concert for another. Featuring songs made famous by home-grown stars including Sir Howard Morrison, John Rowles, Fred Dagg, the Topp Twins, and Ray Columbus, this show is a celebration of our sound. So, kick it in the guts, Trev’ and head on down to Hawkins! Details via daytimeconcerts.co.nz.

■ EXPOS & FESTIVALS the great nz Food show April 30-may 1, from 10am, mystery Creek events Centre, 125 mystery Creek Road, mystery Creek, Hamilton From demonstrations by well-known chefs, to cooking classes, tastings and ‘munch, munch’ more, The Great NZ Food Show is sure to offer a table laden with tasty treats. Billed as a vibrant culinary showcase, this event is liable to serve up inspiration not only to culinary connoisseurs, but the ‘can burn water’ brigade too. For more information, see greatnzfoodshow.co.nz.

Waiuku steel ‘n’ Wheels Festival may 8, 10am-2pm, Waiuku Town Centre, 40 Queen Street, Waiuku Steel yourself for a ride on the Waiuku side as hot-rods, bikes, military vehicles and classic and vintage cars roll on up Queen Street. Visitors will also witness everything from lawnmower racing to police and fire department demos. For more information, see page 39 or visit the events section at waiukutown.co.nz.

Hadley

Pierce

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Angeline

Graeme

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www.ruralliving.co.nz Hurring Willson

Community Calendar TUAKAU 22 George St, Tuakau | bus. 09 237 8310 | fax. 09 237 8331 | www.barfoot.co.nz/tuakau

the hutchwilco new zealand Boat show may 12-15, ASB Showgrounds, 217 green lane West, greenlane If hope floats, dreams are fairly set to sail when thousands flock to ASB Showgrounds for the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show. Featuring almost everything imaginable for old salt boaties and new fish alike, from watercraft to safety gear and beyond, this show is a must-go event for every Kiwi who can’t wait to cast off. See boatshow.co.nz.

Women’s Lifestyle expo may 14-15, from 10am, Claudelands Arena, Brooklyn Road, Hamilton Let the boys have their toys, it leaves more time for ladies to get down to Hamilton for the serious business of jewellery, beauty products, pampering, crafts, fitness, and food and wine sampling too, of course!

Tailored specifically for sophisticated ladies who are all business, girls who wanna have fun, and every woman in between, the expo even includes a designer fashion outlet sale for the first time. See expos. co.nz for details. antique & Collectables Fair may 21-22, 10am-5pm, Pukekohe Indian Association Centre, 57 Ward Street, Pukekohe From china, porcelain and pottery, to paintings, jewellery and clothing, antiques and collectables are expected to be available in abundance and all at a ‘fair’ price.

(which stars the indomitable Dawn French), OSPA’s production seems sure to abound in similarly irreverent humour.

See the ‘what’s on’ tab at ospa.org.nz. to kill a Mockingbird may 6-22, show times vary, Auckland Civic Theatre, corner Queen and Wellesley streets, Auckland City Few greats of modern literature have been less prolific with their work than Harper Lee. However this (perhaps) makes her novels even more poignant, powerful and important. Following her passing early this year, Auckland Theatre Company will present Ms Lee’s iconic tale of prejudice and struggle with change, To Kill a mockingbird. See the ‘what’s on’ section at atc.co.nz.

Laugh out Loud – papakura may 12, from 8pm, 13 Ray Small Drive, Papakura While central city kids might laugh out loud at the NZ International Comedy Festival, some of the last laughs are liable to be had in Papakura. One of the last shows in the fest’ programme, this two-hour showcase will feature top club circuit professional stand-ups, including Billy T award-winner Mike Loder. So, to get a load of Loder and co’, start by visiting hawkinstheatre.co.nz.

To Kill A Mockingbird

Waikato horticultural society – rhododendrons may 26, from 7.30pm, Wintec classroom (access from gate 2), Hamilton gardens, Cobham Drive, Hamilton Why drive down to Hamilton Gardens on a Thursday night? Well, to rhodo’ lovers, the answer’s blooming obvious!

Rodney Wilson from Cross Hills Gardens will be speaking about the history of the seven hectare rhododendron garden, new hybrids and his recent trip to the UK. Plants will be available for purchase.

Details at hamiltongardens.co.nz/events.

■ MARKETS pukekohe Market every Saturday, 8am-12pm, massey Street, Pukekohe pokeno Market every Sunday, 8am-2pm, main street, Pokeno Crafty Cows Market – pokeno Second Sunday of each month, 10am-1pm, Pokeno Town Hall awhitu Country Market last Sunday monthly or long weekend Sunday, 10am-2pm, matakawau Hall, Awhitu Road, Awhitu Peninsula Clevedon village Market every Sunday, 9am-2pm, Clevedon Community Centre, 1 Papakura-Clevedon Road, Clevedon

■ THEATRE & COMEDY the vicar of dibley April 29 – may 7, times vary, OSPA Theatre, 24 Hall Road, Onewhero While the sleepy, traditional, rural English village of a Dibley may be able to accept a chocolate-loving, rock ‘n’ rolling vicar, can it handle the wild ways of a woman of the cloth? Based on episodes of the popular TV show of the same name

David Kevin Scott Katrina www.ruralliving.co.nz Powell Lim McElhinney Riedel 027 485 9321 027 4987 8223 027 210 8887 021 170 2970

■ GARDENING

Clevedon Farmers Market every Sunday, 8.30am-1pm, Clevedon Showgrounds, monument Road, Clevedon alfriston Country Market First Saturday of each month except January, 9am-12pm, Alfriston Community Hall, mill Road, Alfriston

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Rural Living — April-May 2016 —3 Croft Macrae Hirini

Covershot

from the editor...

l BASKET CASE: Some magazines might sprawl dainty darlings (or hot ‘chicks’) across their covers, but that’s not the case with Rural living.

While fashionistas may beg to differ, we think this month’s ‘cover girl’ is amongst the cutest we’ve ever seen.

Despite making herself at home in the pig-nic basket, this little piggy is certainly not destined for market and, instead, also graces our pages. See page 15 for more.

Photo Alita & Terrance Dickinson

A PUBLICATION OF TIMES HOUSE PUBLISHING LTD

Freephone: 0800 456 789 www.ruralliving.co.nz info@ruralliving.co.nz Editor: Helen Perry DDI 09 271 8036 Email: editor@ruralliving.co.nz

Sales: Kate Ockelford-Green DDI 09 271 8090 Email: kate@ruralliving.co.nz Bev Drake DDI 09 271 8092 Email: @ruralliving.co.nz Art Director: Clare McGillivray DDI 09 271 8067, Fax: 09 271 8071 Email: clare@ruralliving.co.nz Publisher: Brian Neben Level 1, The Lane, Botany Town Centre, Chapel Road, Auckland PO Box 259-243, Botany, Auckland 2163 Ph: 09 271 8080, Fax: 09 271 8099 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 magazine. All the material in this magazine has the protection of international copyright. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Times House Publishing Ltd.

4 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

ife is always busy in the Rural living office and I love every minute but sometimes I long for a little more time with my two young grandsons who never fail to bring love and laughter into my life.

As a family we enjoy many amusing moments. Just recently, when paternal grandfather recently suggested to younger grandson (almost four) that they were friends, the little one replied, extremely seriously, “no, I’m your grandson!”

Elder grandson (nearly seven) then took it on himself to test his lesson on using 111 in an emergency. Unfortunately, there was no emergency and daughter was left apologising profusely to the men in blue.

But I was particularly amused when a friend, chatting with the younger lad about holidays, asked him “and, what’s mummy’s favourite place?” to which he promptly answered, “Farmers!”

And talking of farmers (men and women of the land, that is) I must mention a children’s book that is featured in this month’s Rural living – lulu moo and the mystery of the Big Belly, by former Patumahoe resident, Wendy Walls in conjunction with Charlotte Giblin.

Its colourful presentation and delightful storyline immediately appealed to me and I just had to have it for smallest lad, already an avid ‘reader’.

Well, in the space of a couple of weeks it has been read and re-read. Not only does this

lovely book provide a lesson in rural life on the farm, it is funny and heart-warming. I do hope Wendy has her next Lulu Moo book in the pipeline because I know one little boy who just can’t wait.

And, I’m hoping readers feel the same about Rural living. If they do, then hopefully when they pick up this issue they will think the wait has been worthwhile.

Of course, some might get the fright of their life when they open page 30. If that’s the case, quell your beating heart and start salivating instead by turning to the recipe on page 40.

This month we also look at flowers which serve as a living memorial to our wartime fallen and, with Mother’s Day upon us, we have some great reading suggestions for book-loving Mums.

But, most importantly, with Men’s Health Month coming up in June, Angela Kemp takes a look at counselling, advice and health services available to rural men, a particularly timely topic when one realises the toll the farming downturn has taken on some families.

Cheers

Helen Perry, editor

inside PAGE 31 Reay’s Diary – musings from a city lass

PAGE 2-3 Community calender sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson Pukekohe

PAGE 33 What’s in Natalie’s handbag?

PAGE 6-7 Penny Young sowing seed for wider use of hemp PAGE 8 Brian’s Diary PAGE 12-13 Over the Gate – Fieldays with Peter Nation PAGE 14 Babydolls at home in Franklin PAGE 17 Horse racing back on track at Pukekohe Park

PAGE 34-35 Sam Boston – call of the wild Beach hop – page 51

PAGE 20-21 Dose up for Men’s Health Month PAGE 24-25 National Alpaca Day PAGE 26-28 RE:Tired? Change is as good as a rest PAGE 29 Win!

PAGE 37 Talking Sevens with Waisake Sotutu PAGE 38 Book into Mother’s Day PAGE 42 Weed report – put flight to moth plant PAGE 50 Right on Guy – of animal welfare and other matters www.ruralliving.co.nz

asy.

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Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 5

Hemp grower no dope It seems only a matter of time before a law change will legalise the cultivation of medicinal cannabis in New Zealand. Watching developments closely is Franklin hemp grower Penny Young. She talked to Angela Kemp.

O

ften it’s personal experience that sparks a passion to help not just yourself, but others, as is the case with Paparimu’s Penny Young.

As an intensive care nurse, motherof-three Penny has seen more than her fair share of people in extreme pain. At a personal level, she’s been treated for a painful medical condition and is married to an anaesthetist who is a chronic pain specialist. Their youngest child, fiveyear-old Henry has seizures.

She’s just harvested her second crop of industrial hemp on her 20-acre block in the shadow of the Hunua Ranges.

As secretary of the New Zealand Hemp Industries Association, Penny is actively campaigning for food regulations to be changed to allow the whole plant to be consumed thus enabling its wide-ranging health benefits to be universally available.

Although many people associate hemp with its sister plant marijuana (cannabis sativa) there are more than 600 cultivars of industrial hemp of which just one is grown for marijuana.

It’s a popular misconception that they are one and the same, something the NZHIA is keen to correct.

Industrial hemp is a cannabis varietal which has been cultivated specifically for industrial production. It has a minimum of the psychoactive substances commonly associated with smoking marijuana, most notably THC. Moreover, the cannabis cultivars

referred to as hemp contain more CBD, an important cannabinoid not long recognised as having potentially remarkable medical properties.

At present local growers such as Penny, and Richard Barge in Howick, are not allowed to sell any product other than hemp oil for human consumption.

All cannabis plants can produce hemp oil, but usually only industrial hemp is used. Hemp oil is typically almost free of THC and has no psychoactive properties.

As a dietary supplement, hemp seed oil has been dubbed nature’s most perfectly

balanced oil and is a rich source of proteins, vitamins and minerals as well as essential fatty acids.

Penny says it can help with a wide range of medical conditions from arthritis to ulcers.

It can be used in salad dressings or smoothies and has a nutty, dense flavour.

Hemp oil is also used in soaps, beauty creams, hair products and is a natural cleaning agent.

Penny sells hemp oil in nearby Clevedon under her business Moumoukai Hemp Ltd. She is freezing the residual plant material from the oil production until a law change will allow its use. Australia and NZ are the only countries in the world who have banned hemp seed foods as a class C Drug.

As soon as she is allowed, Penny wants to sell high protein flour and hulled hempseeds which are considered ‘superfoods’.

“The health benefits of hemp are enormous both on a personal and environmental level,”she says.

“Hemp is naturally pest resistant so requires little or no pesticides. It’s a quick growing crop and is remarkable for cleaning contaminated soil of heavy metals such as old orchards which have been subjected to years of spraying.

“The plant is highly nutritious and includes protein and essential omega 3 and 6 as well as 9 fatty acids. There is no harm in taking hemp products at all. I give it to my children every day and

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6 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

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Unhampered hempers – Penny and farm manager, Aaron Sanders, prepare hemp for market.

Photos supplied

believe they are much healthier for it.

“You cannot get high off hemp.”

If the Government gives the go-ahead to medicinal cannabis, Penny says she has another block of land set aside for the special cultivar as it cannot be grown alongside industrial hemp.

Whilst everyone involved is agreed that more scientific research is needed to fully understand its effects, the NZ Drug Foundation concedes there is some evidence that certain cannabis products can help with: nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, long-lasting pain, muscle problems due to multiple sclerosis or paraplegia, anxiety, sleep problems and movement problems due to Tourette syndrome.

It points to promising evidence that cannabis (hemp)-based medicines can help with epilepsy and seizures.

There’s also research occurring into the usefulness of cannabis to treat cancer, type II diabetes, psychiatric disorders and inflammation.

Penny believes that full cannabis extract should be more of the focus as opposed to synthetic-cannabis. The strains need to be titrated. Different strains for different pains.

A number of high profile cases around the use of cannabis for pain relief has prompted Associate Health Minister, Peter Dunne to announce a review of the guidelines for its use.

Former Council and Trade Unions president, Helen Kelly, who has terminal lung cancer, had her application for medical cannabis turned down earlier this year by the Ministry of Health. She says it’s the only product she takes that allows her to sleep at night.

It has been revealed that broadcaster, Paul Holmes and cricketer, Martin Crowe both used cannabis before their deaths without official approval.

The Ministry of Health has the power to authorise the medicinal use of cannabis products, the application must be put forward by a medical specialist on

behalf of the patient.

There have been few applications and ministerial approval has been granted for only a small number of patients. Some 70 New Zealanders have been granted approval to use medical syntheticcannabis spray Sativex but most patients must fund the $1000-a-month prescription cost themselves.

Using cannabis or cannabis-based products as medicine without the proper approval is illegal.

“Both my husband and I have read about studies which have shown the effectiveness of full-plant medical cannabis in treating chronic pain,” Penny says. “The industry needs to be regulated and the sooner this happens the better it will be for the health of the country.”

She adds that when the Government eventually bows to the evidence supporting the use of medicinal cannabis she hopes licences will be awarded to members of the NZHIA who are already licensed to grow industrial hemp.

Hemp at heart of growing rural economy The NZ Hemp Industries Association believes that more people farming hemp could help to revitalise rural economies.

It says hemp, an industrial cultivar of cannabis, can provide three times the current rate of return of other traditional land uses of between $400 to $4000 per acre.

Another bonus of growing hemp is that it cleans and reconditions the www.ruralliving.co.nz

soil, requiring no pesticides, fungicides and herbicides resulting in a more environmentally sustainable use of available farm land.

Potential hemp farmers need to apply to the Ministry of Health for a permit to cultivate, breed, import or sell seed, and must pay a fee of $500 or so per licence.

Certain conditions must be met including having a secure site not less

than five km from a school. The growing area should not be visible from the road.

Two responsible people must sign the application on which police checks will be carried out. Only cultivars with less than 0.35% THC can be grown.

Further details from the Controlled Drugs Advisor for Medicines Control on 04 496 2018, or email medicinescontrol@moh.govt.nz.

Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 7

No better name

tHan BetterBrOOK!

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

COUNTRY LAD

O

ur filly finally has a name!

After all our problems with the registration application going astray and then our preferred name being rejected because it had already been taken, we were recently advised that our second choice of name – Betterbrook – had been accepted.

Congratulations to Pam Bedwell who submitted Betterbrook as one of her entries. She wins a dinner for two at Alexandra Park on a date of her choice.

Once again I must thank readers who entered the competition and for all the kind words accompanying their entries.

At the time of writing, we were still experiencing lovely autumn weather with temperatures still up in the 20’s. It really has been a superb summer without the drought-like conditions we have had for the past few years. Everything has stayed green and our tanks and ponds are full but there has been some confusion among our trees – the plum tree came out in blossom last week!

Normally, by this time of year, we are raking up tonnes of leaves from our large London Plane trees. The shedding of these leaves generally spreads out over several weeks but, hopefully, this year they will all

Dog and pony – Betterbrook’s first canine encounter.

drop at once and be easier to clear.

Another problem has been a resurgence of thistles. I think those on our property are nodding thistles and they have come back with a vengeance even though I had treated with broadleaf spray and grubbed out remaining plants – job well done, or so I thought. But over the past two weeks I’ve been mowing them back down and pulling more out by hand – the joys of rural living!

I usually have three or four steers on our little property but for the past 20 months

Photo Wayne Martin

I’ve had only two white faced steers. They had done really well and were 560kgs when I sold them last week. Now, I’ll rest my pasture over winter then apply fertiliser in the spring. Hopefully that will promote some good growth. I will then buy more weaners to raise over the next period.

And if my steers have gone, the wasps haven’t. We’ve seen an unusually large amount of wasps around the property this year so, perhaps, it’s time to call in Coastal Pests.

And, with that, it’s Go the Chiefs!

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8 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

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On the move?

G

ypsy Day looms – June 1 – and as dairy herds move to winter grazing and workers and managers on dairy farms move to another farm or other work, there’s a lot happening on rural roads and properties.

The question one needs to ask is: ‘are your animals fit for transport?’

New Zealand law takes animal welfare seriously and has strict rules relating to animal transport and suffering. The MPI Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare covers all regulations and while some may seem like commonsense it should come as no surprise how often rules and sound practices are overlooked.

The following information aims to help you decide if an animal is fit for transport.

Firstly, the person in charge must examine the selected dairy cattle, prior to transport, to ensure that all animals are fit and healthy for transportation All dairy cattle must be able to stand and bear weight on all four limbs and be fit enough to withstand the journey without suffering unnecessary pain or distress Any animal likely to give birth during transport must not be selected.

Animals must not be transported if they display any injuries, signs of disease, abnormal behaviour or physical abnormalities that could compromise their welfare during the journey unless one has a current veterinary certificate as to the fitness of the animal for transport.

Ensuring there are no signs of injury and sickness means: ◆◆Any injuries, or skin lesions should be healed and free from discharges. ◆◆No mastitis, eg hot, swollen udders. ◆◆Animals are acting normally and are not lethargic or staggering. ◆◆There is nothing hanging out eg

Best a pet can net When pets are ill, it can be tough for them to communicate that they’re feeling a little... ruff, and this may be problematic for their caring humans.

So, prescribing to the notion that prevention is always a better option than cure, Nordic Naturals has released Omega-3 Pet oil for dogs and cats.

Just a few drops in food delivers omega-3 fatty acids from fish that cannot be produced by their bodies.

Because many pet foods provide plenty of omega-6 fatty acids from meat and vegetable oils, it’s important to strike the right balance by supplementing their diets with omega-3.

From skin and coat health, to heart and joint support, and even brain and eye function, omega-3 can help keep tails wagging.

Omega-3 Pet is available (60ml, RRP $34.15 or 237ml, $52.35) from health shops and pharmacies.

retained fetal membranes, prolapses. ◆◆Eyes are free from pink eye and discharges, and cancer eye lesions are confined to the eye. ◆◆Animals with horns should be transported separately if they are likely to injure other animals. Horns that are growing towards an animal’s head and are touching the skin should be shortened more than 7 days before transport. ◆◆Animals must not have been dehorned or had any painful procedure performed on them within 7 days of transport.

Also remember that keeping effluent off public roads is the responsibility of all people involved in transporting stock Rural Living has a – the farmer, transport company, stock bottle of Omega-3 broker/agent, commercial destination Pet up for grabs. points (works and sale yards) and councils.

To enter, visit Even though most stock trucks are fitted ruralliving.co.nz with collection tanks, these can overflow and complete the quickly especially in wet weather if animals form. One entry are not stood before transport, or if tanks per person/email have not been emptied often enough. address; entries Stand stock off green feed, with water, close May 31, 2016. for at least 4 hoursFor before transport..

For Winner notified byweek, you can the price of a couple of coffees each more visit www.dairynz.co.nz/animal/ phone or email. help Forest & Bird protect and restore of New Zealand’s herd-management/transporting-stock/.

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Photo: David Hallett

Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 9

Best start for calves T

he not so secret ‘secret ability’ to rear calves well is about giving calves the best start possible, then maintaining a steady growth rate through the transition periods from milk to meal feed, and eventually on to grass.

Good nutrition is an essential part of the process and quality feeds with the right ingredients, formulated as a balanced diet, are a must.

A young stomach, or the rumen in the case of calves, should continue to develop and adapt to the change from milk to solids without a check in their growth rate, provided the animals remain free of infection or disease.

Good growth in calves is mostly about protein. An easily digestible source of protein is found in maize, along with other grains such as barley and wheat.

A good starter feed for calves will have 20% protein content from these easily digested grains. At this stage of life, the main energy source for calves will still be milk. At 2-4 weeks of age, calves can

begin to be moved on to a grower feed.

This will have 18% protein, and more energy content, as nutritionally the calves become more reliant on the meal feed for both growth and energy.

Sugars and starch, also from maize and other grains, are the main energy components of a meal feed. Maize starch and maize sugars are easily digested in the stomach of a young calf.

Another component which should be included in a calf meal feed is a coccidiostat, such as Bovatec, for the prevention and control of coccidiosis in calves. Also ensure a complete range of vitamins and minerals are in the mix for healthy calves.

A feed that is palatable is important, meaning calves like to eat it. If they are attracted to the feed, then in no time they learn to change to the new meal diet.

A coating of molasses on meal pellets provides some energy, but even better, calves can smell it, are attracted to it, and they will quickly make the change to the coated pellets. The slightly sticky molasses coating also helps to keep the feed pellet intact, so there is no dust and less wastage when fed to calves.

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Healthy, safe and ‘appy

Nation ready for Fieldays

T

here’s no mystery about what’s on the agenda for farming folk come June 15-18, when Fieldays once again takes centre

stage.

Earlier this month, the 2016 edition of agribusiness event was officially launched at Hamilton’s Mystery Creek Events Centre. Peter Nation, NZ National Fieldays Society CEO, says such events are particularly important during tough times on the land.

“With New Zealand’s dairy sector being hard hit recently, we believe it’s through collaboration that the rural communities will weather this blow.

In this vein, Fieldays is a place where visitors and exhibitors are welcomed and

can celebrate our industry – an industry that New Zealand has been built on and one that we are incredibly proud of.”

By bringing all facets of the agricultural industry together, Fieldays is not only designed to celebrate the rural sector but to encourage innovation, he adds.

“Fieldays prides itself on our focused pedestal to innovation and celebrates what this means to our industry, our country, our many innovative exhibitors, and the inventors that bring their innovations to our event.

“What will be shown to the world on June 15 may well contribute to revolutionise the future of farming.”

To read more about Peter, the man behind Fieldays, see pages 12-13.

While the new Health and Safety at Work Act may not make farmers’ bank balances quite so healthy, a new app could even the playing field.

Specifically designed for farmers, the OnSide app simplifies health and safety compliance, OnSide chief executive, Ryan Higgs, says.

“We’ve been listening to farmers and collaborating with health and safety experts and leaders in the rural sector to ensure OnSide meets farmers’ needs. We’ve spent months conducting on-farm research and have run a trial with 50 farmers, as we’ve brought our vision to life.”

Featuring satellite maps of users’ farms, the app allows farmers and employees (as well as contractors and other visitors) to spot and manage risk factors via smart phones. Risks or incidents can be reported and updated in real time with easy access emergency instructions delivered.

“Farmers can expect scrutiny around health and safety compliance to ramp up as the result of the Act,” Mr Higgs adds. “There was a real need in the industry to have an easy and cost effective way to meet these requirements, and this is what we have created OnSide to provide.”

Farmers can gain free access to the app during April via www. onside.co.nz.

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Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 11

Over

the gate

With fieldays ceo

Peter Nation

Do you have a background in farming or as a lifestyler? Either way, is there enough at these events to attract lifestylers, or are they focused on the ‘big boys’?

I was born and bred on a sheep and beef farm and have devoted my career to the agribusiness industry. For the past 17 years, my wife and I have our own lifestyle block in Tamahere [south of Hamilton]. The beauty of Fieldays is that there’s something for everyone. Being a small farmer myself, I know that exhibitors cater well for our style of farming.

You’ve been on the Fieldays Society board since 2004 and VP since 2013. Why is now the right time to take the next step up and what does your new role entail?

It was time for me to make another contribution to the agribusiness market.

I think I have a lot to offer given my experience and knowledge of the rural industry. National Fieldays Society is well connected and recognised and I can help further enhance the reputation and grow our industry involvement with a strong focus on innovation.

I’ll lead a team of staff and volunteers to grow and enhance one of the biggest agri shows in the world along with many other exciting events we run at Mystery Creek.

I get to steer the direction of this exciting organisation through strategy and focus on the future. It’s quite the opportunity.

Is there room for event improvements and if so what can be expected this year?

Yes, there are always further opportunities.

The society has invested huge amounts in the development of the site both in time and money. The master plans have enhanced the roading, increased the number of exhibitors and generally made the whole experience better. We will not stop there either, I have many things on my whiteboard and there are plenty more improvements to come!

Is it important for farmers to embrace the latest technology?

Simply put, yes! We must move forward.

NZ is well known for producing pioneers in technology on-farm and for exporting our technology to the world. Mystery Creek 12 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

Photo Wayne Martin

events display and enhance this and help potential users understand it better, while supporting exhibitors and technology pioneers as they take their technology to the world.

What are the most pressing challenges farmers will face in the near future and how can Fieldays help prepare them?

Fieldays will keep adapting to the needs of the industry, this is what’s drives us and gives us our competitive advantage.

Environmental issues have challenged farmers of late, but I think these are becoming a part of everyday business.

Challenges that remain likely to affect farmers are labour, productivity gains, water availability and the costs of doing business – compliance, running costs generally. Also, they are crying out for better collaboration with the industry, whether that’s through technology, compatibility or support groups, for example. It is all a bit cluttered and our organisation will help with these challenges in any way we can.

The society board is undergoing a bit of a

‘reshuffle’. Why the need for fresh faces?

It’s important to have fresh thinking and new skills on a board of any organisation.

They bring new ideas and challenge each other. Organisations such as Fieldays are evolving with the changing landscape.

Whether that be health and safety or other legislation, meeting our visitor and exhibitors’ expectations and demands or looking at new technology, we need strong knowledge, experience and the connections of our board, together with sound governance.

Will you miss working as national sales manager at rural product giants, Gallagher, and do you look forward to working with new board member, John Gallagher?

Yes. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Gallagher. It was a big decision to make; Gallagher is a globally recognised brand, renowned for innovation and holds a special place in rural NZ. The Gallagher family has been involved with the Society from day dot. In particular, John and William are strong advocates www.ruralliving.co.nz

Running two of the biggest events on the rural calendar (Fieldays and Equidays) must be a daunting task. However, new NZ National Fieldays Society CEO, Peter Nation, seems to be champing at the bit for starter’s orders. This month, Rural Living discusses the state of New Zealand’s largest agribusiness events while also investigating the... state of the Nation. for Fieldays, driven by a lifetime focus on technology and improving farmers business and profitability through new technologies. Anyone living in the Waikato knows their passion for giving and helping organisations grow and contribute, so it will be great to have John’s input and the continued support of the Gallagher Group as an exhibitor [at Fieldays], which it has been for the past 48 years.

If you could grow any crop or raise any animal imaginable, what and why?

I’m not sure what exactly, but it would have to be something that was edible, healthy and had a minimum impact on our environment. It would need to yield well too, so we wouldn’t need huge space in which to grow it. Lastly, it’d need to be sustainable with little need for high input fertility; basically, a super food!

What would you do first if you could be Minister for Primary Industries for one day?

One day is probably not enough time, but I think I would call for better collaboration.

To me, there seems to be huge duplication in our industry which increases costs and, in my opinion, confusion to end users. This has come about for the right reasons – trying to solve problems – but it seems we are not always doing the industry a favour and working together as well as we should.

For the benefit of ‘NZ Inc’ we should be taking on the world, not each other!

If you could invite any three people to dinner (living or dead) who and why?

Steve Hansen. He’s probably the most successful coach of a world sports’ team in my lifetime and a bloody good man manager. He’s not glossy or showy, gets on

with the job, ensures he has great people around him, and he’s a typical, humble Kiwi bloke.

Sir Edmund Hillary. He did something no one else had ever done and he did it the Kiwi way, through hard work and sheer determination.

John Key. He will probably never be the most popular prime minister but he certainly is one of the most intelligent and ‘normal’ New Zealander’s I’ve seen.

I know you said three, but I’m going to be cheeky and set another place at the table for Helen Clark. She’s probably the greatest woman politician NZ has ever produced.

But, beyond that, she’s now well recognised on the world stage. She came from rural stock and can relate to any Kiwi, irrespective of political background. As PM, she had the ability to align herself with the ‘blue side’ when needed and under her reign I think New Zealand was going along okay.

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Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 13

lifestylers flock

tO BaBydOlls cHarm

If mary had a little lamb, chances are it would be an old english Babydoll Southdown sheep. ANgelA KemP tracked down a small but perfectly formed flock of the rare breed in glenbrook.

s

mall block owners (myself included) frequently find the responsibilities and work involved in running a few sheep often outweigh the benefits. Well meaning neighbours will advise that sheep are “nothing but trouble”. My experience confirms it.

So it was with some scepticism that I went to see one of the rarest breeds of the ovine family, the quaintly-named Babydoll, said to be very docile and quiet in nature and not prone to wander or bother fences.

Highly desirable for lifestyle properties and organic orchards and vineyards, the breed came to the fore after winemaker Peter Yealand used them to graze his Marlborough vineyards.

Due to their shorter stature and heavy set muscles, the Babydolls find it difficult to reach the fruit but make pint-sized organic weeders providing year round mowing and pest control (plus a handy dose of fertiliser).

After moving to their 10-acre block in Glenbrook a couple of years ago, Lennox Vellekoop and Tracy Leach with daughter, 11-year-old Sophia, ran a few cattle.

But after hearing about Peter Yealand’s pet project they decided Babydolls were the way to go and set about trying to track down the near extinct breed. As a result, their breeding programme, Babydoll Sheep NZ, was born.

“We were given the opportunity to buy some that had come from the same breeder in Australia,” says Tracy.

The couple are now in their second breeding season and have grown their flock to more than 20.

She says people want them to keep the grass down in organic orchards and vineyards and others enjoy them as pets because “they are just so cute”.

“Most people buy them sight unseen and when anybody comes to look them over, they just fall in love with them.

Almost immediately there was a demand for them and we needed to boost the flock as quickly as possible.”

Last year they invested in an embryo transplant programme using recipient 14 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

the table because their small size meant they could be eaten safely before the days of refrigeration, Tracy palls at the thought of her flock ending up on a plate.

“We are not raising them to be sold for meat. I can’t really eat lamb anymore.”

Tracy and Lennox sell their lambs for around $950 compared to the $3000 plus cost of importing a Babydoll from Australia – if you can find one. Stocks of the breed are low over the ditch as well and waiting lists can be as long as three years.

But if you want a well-mannered sheep which is described as having a ‘teddy bear’ face thanks to its bushy eyebrows, wool on their faces and big teddy bearlike smile, it’s well worth the wait. If that doesn’t convince you, their charming, smiling expression surely will. It did me.

BaBydoLLs have a Long history

(non Babydoll) ewes as surrogates. This resulted in more than 20 lambs being born in September from both natural and embryo transfer. All but one were twins.

“We still have 17 embryos in storage and already have people who want them, so demand may well exceed supply.

“We are thinking of changing the model so that they can buy a recipient ewe with a baby doll lamb on board. Another option is for us to supply the embryos.

“It’s really nice that buyers have them as newborn lambs and if they are bottle fed, they end up following you everywhere – just gorgeous.”

“Ultimately we will look to extend the breed through bringing in more animals from off shore. But that is a slow and somewhat onerous process so we have to take our time to work through that.

“Babydolls are docile but definitely not dumb and they’re friendlier than regular sheep”.

Although they were originally bred for

The Southdown breed of sheep commonly known as Babydolls originated in the South Downs of Sussex, England.

Historically it’s one of the most important of the British breeds of sheep, valued for fleece, meat, and for improvement of other breeds.

It originated from the native sheep of the region, which were improved beginning in the late 1700s. Southdown sheep were known as hardy and quick growing, and the quality of their meat was celebrated.

Unlike other breeds, Babydolls don’t generally bother trees and shrubs, so they make wonderful lawnmowers. Because of their short legs and little bodies, they are perfect for small areas and make great companions for other livestock such as goats and horses.

They are used in therapy programs because of their mild and sweet personalities and make ideal animals for children, the handicapped, and older people who can no longer deal with larger breeds, but don’t want to stop raising sheep. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Get off the grass!

Comical anecdotes, cute photographs and other bits and bobs sent in by our readers. Keep sending us your briefs, trivia and photos of country life – email to info@ruralliving.co.nz.

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The 11-year-old rugby fan’s cheek was rewarded after the Chiefs’ win over the Blues earlier this month when he asked Shaun for his autograph.

His grandmother and Rural living reader, Marnie, says Mason (aka Masey Moo Moo) is a keen Mooloo and Chiefs’ supporter and, to him, this gift is a step up from any cup (or medal) from a certain Sonny Bill Williams!

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When changing from suits into gumboots, it pays to put our best foot forward. However, as lifestylers routinely need to perform such quick changes, fashion gaffes are bound to occur.

After exchanging glad rags for farm garments recently, one reader realised she needed to return to town for provisions. Unfortunately, a piece of appendage apparel went along for the ride.

From the library to Countdown and all along King Street our rustically adorned reader wandered and wondered why she received quizzical looks.

On arriving home she realised (as this photo shows) and concluded that, perhaps when socks seem to have done a runner from the dryer, it’s most likely they’re just trying to hitch a lift into town.

We now return you to our semi-regular story of a family that’s gone to the pigs!

By now, many Rural living readers will be familiar with the Dickinsons of Ararimu and their precocious pet porkers.

The latest instalment features this cute kune kune , who’s definitely not camera shy, simply enjoying life.

Thanks again to Alita, Terrance and all the Dickinson crew for sharing so many porkie pics of pets over the years (this one also appears on our cover).

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Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 15

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Track upgrade a winner I t seemed as if everyone was backing the ‘gee-gees when racing recently returned to the newly upgraded track at Pukekohe Park.

After excessive nominations, an eight card race day (on April 10) turned to nine, and 95 quality horses filled the fields for what was an exciting day of thoroughbred action hosted by Counties Racing Club.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

On-course turnover topped more than $97,000 and positive feedback on the new course came from all quarters.

Entertainment, including live equestrian vaulting, Kidz Kartz and a jazz combo, kept crowds humming between races and by the end of the day local businesses, trainers, jockeys, punters and the public were already talking about Counties

Racing Club plans for the future.

The next race meeting is the club’s annual Trades Day, coming up on Friday, May 6 and punters should also plan for the club’s big feature meeting, Counties Cup Day in November.

Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 17

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There are only three remedies.

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To conserve and protect

I

n her efforts to protect the vulnerable, Maggie Barry is relying on increasing the powers of rangers.

The Conservation Minister has put forward an amendment to the Wildlife Act 1953. If passed, specialist DOC rangers will work with police in investigating and prosecuting those suspected of committing such crimes as smuggling, poaching and hunting.

“This amendment bill is a small but important change to our legislation which will make it easier for DOC staff to do their job protecting our native wildlife,” she says.

“The Act’s enforcement powers haven’t been updated for 60 years and, in many cases, are hopelessly out of date. For example, [it] currently specifies that rangers can only call for assistance from men if they need help from a member of the public!”

If passed, the amended bill will increase rangers abilities to: prevent or stop offences, detain suspects, seize a broader

Alison STeps Up To board

There will be no time for a day off for Te Kuiti dairy farmer and primary teacher Alison Ferris following her appointment to the Dairy Women’s Network Board. She becomes the first regional convenor to hold a place at the top table.

“Convenors work at grass roots level so it’s good to have one on the board ensuring the board’s strategic direction aligns to what is required at a grass roots level,” she says.

Dairy Women’s Network chair, Justine Kidd, adds that the board looks forward to Alison’s input.

“We expect this move will continue to grow our leadership by doing’ model of talent development in the industry,” Ms Kidd says.

“Alison will be exposed to the bigger picture of the network and our governing processes, [while] we will benefit from her insights and daily connection with our membership and volunteers.” www.ruralliving.co.nz

range of evidence (including laptops, cameras and mobile phones), and require proof of identification.

DOC’s enforcement officers will also be able to make arrests in cases of serious offending against wildlife or obstruction of investigations.

“The intention of the [Wildlife (Powers)

Amendment Bill] is to modernise the legislation and empower DOC’s specialist staff to protect our wildlife from exploitation,” Ms Barry explains.

The Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Bill passed its first reading late last month and will now be considered by a select committee.

Iron fist reply

to velvet leaf threat

I

mporters may need to ‘beet’ a hasty retreat should they fail to comply with MPI. Tough, new border restrictions have been set in place to stop fodder beet seeds contaminated with velvet leaf – an invasive weed – from entering the country, Stephen Butcher from MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) says.

“We already have strong border controls in place to stop contaminated seed from entering New Zealand. The new interim measures will provide another layer of biosecurity until we know exactly how the contaminated fodder beet seeds entered the country.”

The move follows the discovery of velvet leaf in seeds from Europe and outbreaks on farms across the country, including the Waikato. The Ministry’s interim measures include laboratory testing in some cases and visits to fodder beet-growing regions in Europe.

Permanent changes to New Zealand’s seed importing requirements are expected following further investigation.

“The measures will result in the increased scrutiny of seed imports. And they will ensure this scrutiny takes place at the highest level of MPI, based on specialist advice,” Mr Butcher adds.

“We want to review the certification systems that countries use to assure New Zealand that imported seed is free of contaminants.”

Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 19

Rural men’s health no easy ride With as many as one in four struggling dairy farmers forecast to go out of business, it’s no surprise that depression is an increasing issue for rural communities. High rates of work-related injury and illness further make agriculture a risky business. But as ANGELA KEMP discovered, help and support is coming to the farm gate to help turn the tide.

Q

uad bikes have made farming easier, but they’re also the leading cause of death from injury on New Zealand farms.

Rural GP and farmer, Tim Malloy lived to tell the tale when he was crushed by a quad bike in January as he was moving stock on his hill country property near Puhoi north of Auckland.

The former RNZCGP president knows he is one lucky man.

Travelling at just one kilometre an hour, he tipped slowly over the edge of a ditch, did a forward roll into it and watched as the bike tumbled on top of him. Dr Malloy sustained 15 fractures to his ribs, a collapsed lung, burns and nerve damage to his leg.

“I wasn’t driving like a 16-year-old or anything like that. I have 40 years quad bike experience.”

He remembers vividly every second of the four­and­a ­half hours he waited for help, as he never lost consciousness.

After spending two weeks in intensive care and another in a ward then weeks at home recovering and thinking about his accident, Dr Malloy is calling for evidence-based research to identify how four-wheelers can be modified to make them safe to use in New Zealand conditions.

“There are 850 quad bike accidents a year in New Zealand which is ridiculous.

We have to do something about it.

“Since my accident I have had two separate people write to me with ideas that have been implemented by them or their families. One of them includes putting two wheels on the back to create added width and stability for the quad bike.

“Another has added water into the tyres which is something farmers have been doing in tractors for many years. He

20 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

Dr Tim Malloy – lucky to be alive after quad accident.

believes it has improved his quad bike’s stability significantly.”

Dr Malloy recently returned to his medical practice and said he had no alternative but to get back on his quad bike to manage his steep hillside farm where he keeps 1000 sheep and 200 head of cattle.

Despite the ordeal, he hasn’t lost his sense of humour and says “stupidity” is not the sole domain of youth.

“Silly old bastards can make bad decisions too. I just made a wrong choice and turned the wrong way.”

While farming-related injuries make for sorry statistics, it’s the often hidden misery of mental illness that blights our rural communities.

A Federated Farmers poll found that more than one in 10 dairy farmers were facing pressure from banks to service mortgages. The Reserve Bank said at worst, farm prices could fall by as much as 40 per cent, with banks writing off

more than $5 billion in loans. The bank puts the current level of debt in the New Zealand dairy sector at $38b.

No wonder many of our farmers are depressed and it accounts, perhaps, for the significantly higher rate of suicide in rural areas than in urban areas. The suicide rate in rural Waikato tripled as international dairy prices halved, and numbers are expected to rise further.

But the industry is fighting back thanks to organisations such as Farmstrong which was set up in 2015 to help farmers and growers across New Zealand.

A joint initiative between leading rural insurer FMG and the Mental Health Foundation, Farmstrong is shifting the focus of mental health from depression and illness to one of wellbeing. In its first year Farmstrong claims to have made a positive difference to the lives of 1000 farmers.

“Farmstrong helps to highlight that farmers are the most important asset on the farm. By taking proactive steps to look after their mental and physical heath, they’re better prepared to run their business and support their family, staff and community,” says Chris Black chief executive FMG. Through its website farmers can access practical tools and resources that will help them take care of themselves, with information on topics such as nutrition, managing fatigue, exercise, the importance of getting off the farm and coping with pressure.

“In the same way that farmers have www.ruralliving.co.nz

Everyday danger – doctor prescribes measures for quad bike safety.

Keeping healthy on the farm ‘not rocket science’

R

a system for milking cows or shearing sheep for, they need a practical system to keep themselves in good shape too.

By having this they’ll likely feel better, improve productivity, and be better prepared to handle the ups and downs of farming” says Mr Black.

Research shows that farmers are great at looking after stock and equipment but often neglect their own needs. In a survey farmers identified wellbeing and quality of life as being top of their minds and said they wanted more information on how to look after themselves.

Mental Health Foundation chief executive, Judi Clements says making small behaviour changes over a period of time can help support big improvements in mental and physical wellbeing.

“Every farmer’s performance is affected by their level of health, fitness and happiness,” she says. “We’re not born knowing how to maintain these – we need to actively practice strategies that will improve our mental health.

“Farmstrong will help show farmers how they can do this.”

It also runs a series of Healthy Thinking workshops, delivered and facilitated by renowned ‘Attitude Doctor’, Dr Tom Mulholland from the Healthy Thinking Institute.

Farmers learn about techniques to help understand emotional alarms, strategies to manage emotions and accounts from others regarding their experiences in a farming business. www.ruralliving.co.nz

eaching out to men from all walks of life is the Men’s Health Trust, a not-for-profit trust that encourages and promotes proactive good health and rewarding lifestyle choices.

It works across a range of activities to improve men’s heath and has developed a ‘Rural Men’ health brochure in conjunction with Stay Well NZ with funding from Trust Waikato.

Stay Well is the brainchild of Joyce Brown. who alongside her husband Warwick, has been dairy farming in the Waikato for 35 years.

“I see what many people in the rural community experience because of the consistently high physical and mental demands required of the job.”

Joyce runs a mobile health and wellness service which offers a free, fast and friendly health check for farmers at rural events. It is supported by Lifeline which provides volunteers trained to encourage conversations around mental wellness and giving ongoing counselling services when needed.

“We check blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol and glucose, and talk about common health risks on the farm such as protection from sun and damaging noise. We also provide free health checks for fundamental conditions such as blood pressure, cholesterol and skin problems.”

Joyce and her team talk about stress, burnout and how to minimise personal risk factors, and where to get help.

More than half of the people checked are referred on, and within three months nearly all of them have been proactive in getting further help.

As a registered nurse, Joyce says she came to the farming world with objectivity which has allowed her to see opportunities for more positive outcomes if farmers look after themselves better.

“In many situations, men in the rural community expect to have their physical health intact despite lack of sleep, diet inappropriate for their physical activity and regardless of the mental pressure it puts on them and their families.

“If monetary pressure is also a concern, perhaps from high debt levels and poor weather for grass growth, the situation can quickly spiral out of control with tragic results or avoidable accidents.”

Joyce says keeping well isn’t rocket

Joyce Brown of Stay Well.

science and recommends farmers take better care of themselves by eating a good diet, getting enough sleep, taking non-work related exercise, reducing stress to manageable levels, enjoying the company of family and friends and realising they are not on their own.

“As a farmer’s wife for many years, I have always known that farmers look after animals and tractors better than they look after themselves.

“As a nurse, I also know many health challenges can be treated successfully, if they are found early and treated properly.

With an average age of 55 plus, rural men need to be proactive in keeping themselves well.”

JUne – Men’s HeaLth month FMG has just sponsored another print run of 5,000 ‘Rural Men’ health brochures which will be distributed at nationwide rural events through the Farmstrong programme and to rural GPs. Men’s Health Month in June is an international awareness month that aims to raise the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment. The Men’;s Health Trust is encouraging men to start talking; to start asking their mates how they are doing. It all part of the 2016 theme – MenStartTalking. (www.menshealthmonth.co.nz) Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 21

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utumn is always a busy time for pest controllers. We take lots of new calls about rats and mice moving into buildings; wasp nests reach a peak in activity and then there’s the whole winter possum season to get ready for.

Rats and mice have been particularly active with many heading indoors for winter following each downpour during the past month. It seems they may be a bit of a problem for a lot homes over the coming months.

If you have, or even suspect rat and mouse issues in your buildings, it’s time to get out the bait stations and load them up.

Quality toxin and well placed stations are the only way to go and the right action now usually means you can forget about them for the rest of the winter.

The wasp season usually kicks off in early summer but it really never got going this year until well into January. But, it’s certainly in full swing now and my wife has treated a phenomenal number of nests in the last two months – well over 100!

We are not seeing the really big nests this year, (no doubt due to the late start) but average nests of 20-40,000 wasps are really common.

Wasp nests can become very dangerous in late summer/autumn. If you have one, I suggest you get help from a professional.

Wasp nests can usually be completely killed in just one treatment and doing them now will likely result in fewer wasps in your area next spring.

Following wasp flight paths in the early morning or late evening is a good way to locate nests, and if you know roughly where they are,

then professional treatment will be nice and quick.

Sloping and north-facing sunny spots, in amongst vegetation, are favoured for underground nests so, be sure not to stand on one while searching!

Most possum control programmes will be dusting off traps and ordering toxin for a mid April start to the season.

Most possums are born in April in this part of the country so it’s a great opportunity to get twice the bang for your buck by removing pregnant females and those with new young.

Now is the right time to decide whether to poison or trap; do it yourself or get some help.

In general, small scale sites can be trapped with ease and a well-designed poison operation can make even large scale possum control fairly easy.

Rabbit numbers… Goose and I are still shooting several hundred per week so I guess its fair to say they are still at it across wider Auckland.

Over the last few, really dry years we have become accustomed to seeing lots of rabbits, My feeling at the moment is that they are not as bad as they have been; but then, we ARE still shooting several hundred/week so it’s not all good news.

It’s always a good idea to undertake control while the numbers are at their lowest point, so make the most of this winter and make a plan to deal with any remaining rabbits you have before next breeding season.

Remember, you can always look at back issues of Rural living online for our specific guidelines on doing much of this work yourself.

If you need further help or advice for pest problems I am only a phone call away.

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every eQuine Has its day

BY THE FARROW LOAD: Ian Carter (NZPork) inspects farrowing crates.

Photo supplied

crate eXpectatiOns f

management, farrowing huts provide good arrowing crates – used to outcomes for piglet welfare and much temporarily house nursing sows improved welfare for sows.”

– appear set to remain a fixture of The review also encouraged industry to farming following a recent review. work towards alternatives which would National Animal Welfare Advisory enhance welfare. NZPork chairman, Ian Committee (NAWAC) found: “there is [no] Carter, welcomes NAWAC’s findings. practical alternative system that provides “Farmers care for their animals. Our comparable levels of piglet welfare while specialist farrowing systems are the best better meeting the welfare needs of sows.” way to look after the welfare of sows and However, animal welfare activist, Hans piglets around the time the piglets are Kriek from SAFE disagrees. born and up until weaning,” he says. “ When NAWAC says there are no While the crates provide security for practical alternatives to farrowing crates, the mother, optimal feed and water they are only talking about alternatives without competition from other sows, and within a factory farming system,” he says. maintain the environment at her preferred “Farrowing crates do not meet the temperature range, piglets also benefit, he obligations of the Animal Welfare Act as CUSTOMER SOUTH AUCKLAND MOTORS PU PUBLISHING 12/04/16 adds. sows kept in these crates cannot express SALES REP ROSE.ROSSALL PUBLICATION FRANKLIN COUNTY NEWS “The newborn piglets need a warm, their normal ADVERTISING behaviour.”

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Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 23

Packing plenty of charm

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very year the charm of alpaca herds draw the smitten to farms which open their gates to visitors on National Alpaca Day. And once again, on May 8, farms around the country will welcome interest from landowners who want to keep two or three as pets or, alternatively, are interested in keep a larger herd to produce and sell the fibre.

And, of course, children just love to pat these gentle animals. In fact one parent recounts saying to his little son, “Look, Nathan – alpacas!” to which the little man replied, “Daddy, they’re not ‘our pacas’ they’re the farmer’s pacas!”

Personable, hardy and easy to keep, not only does the appealing alpaca have eyes to die for, its fleece is coveted worldwide.

Today there are numerous shops in major centres dedicated to alpaca products such as shawls, jerseys, blankets, hats, gloves and more.

Members of the family Camelidae, these South American camelids have been a fully domesticated for some 5000 years. New Zealand received its first alpacas in 1986 and is now home to about 15,000 alpacas, a far cry from the estimated two million in Peru.

Intelligent and highly social, they are popular with lifestyle farmers not just for their sweet nature but because they eat less grass than other grazers and convert it to energy more efficiently.

Valued by the ancient Inca royalty for their fine, lustrous fibre, alpaca fibre is still prized by fashion designers the world over. This fibre was even used to create costumes for the ‘Lord of the Rings’ film series because it resembled the ‘fibre of the time’.

Stronger than merino wool, it is hypoallergenic, containing no lanolin or oils making it suitable for anyone allergic to wool. Warm and extremely lightweight, the colours don’t fade so a black scarf will

be truly black, and will stay black.

There are two main alpaca breeds: the huacaya and the rarer suri – the latter more highly prized for its fibre (measured in microns; the finer the micron, the more valuable), which has a soft, luxurious lustre.

The huacaya’s fleece grows like sheep’s wool, at right angles to the body, and displays crimp This is the animal most people visualise when they hear the word “alpaca”. The suri fleece hangs down in long silky locks.

In New Zealand the most common colours are black, dark brown, medium brown, light brown, dark fawn, medium fawn, light fawn, white, dark grey, medium grey, light grey and rose grey (or roan) although, more recently, the appaloosa leopard, whose fleece is highly soughtafter, is making an impact. In Peru there are at least another 10 recognised colours.

Alpacas stand abut 1-1.4 metres tall and weigh between 45 kg to 80 kg and they hum! This humming sound is often a comfort noise to let other alpacas know they are present and content.

Alpacas not only interact with each other but with people too. They like to sunbathe, lying on their sides with their bellies to the sun. They don’t need special fencing or shelters but appreciate shade on a hot day. It’s important to note that bracken fern, oleander, and some azaleas are poisonous to alpacas.

In winter their thick fleeces can withstand quite cold temperatures but their feet need regular trimming.

Otherwise they are easy-care, not prone to fly strike or footrot and can be expected to live for some 20 years. Because they are a herd animal it is best to keep at least two.

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Alpaca fibre turned to good use

F

or many lifestylers keeping a few alpacas is a pet project – these ‘teddy bear-faced’ animals appeal because they are endearing, nonaggressive, and relatively easy to care for.

Some owners go as far as gathering their beautiful fibre for spinning and weaving. However, those with larger herds have realised there is a bigger market for alpaca fibre and are exploring options.

Pacific Alpacas is one of the largest alpaca fibre pools in New Zealand collecting fibre from breeders and growers throughout New Zealand. The fibre is then sorted, scoured and sold to domestic and international buyers.

Established six years ago, the company has sold more than 50,000kgs of fibre and has collection points across the country.

With the accepted shearing season now over, the next step is sorting the fibre then

scouring over the next couple of months.

Selling takes place between June and August, and collection from August to October. Suppliers are paid out at the end of November.

Managing director, John Carr says Pacific Alpacas pay for all the collection and processing costs up front including sorting, grading and scouring, through to fibre sales.

“We take all types of lengths, microns, colours from both Suri and Huacaya.

We take blankets and necks, bellies and legs. We try to make the process straightforward and uncomplicated and we are implementing new systems and controls to improve productivity while driving down wastage and costs, in order to maximise the payout.”

John suggests the following practices to those Alpaca owners who wish to sell their fibre:

◆◆Ensure fibre is as free of sticks, dirt, stones, vegetable and any other detritus.

This will help fetch the best price. (Tip: one grower uses a leaf blower to blow dust and detritus off their animals BEFORE they shear them!) ◆◆Clearly label every bag of fibre waiting for collection with: farm name and/or your name; contents; e.g. white blanket, white shorts, black blanket etc; bag number and total number of bags. If possible add the gross weight of the bag although this is not essential. We will weigh the bags on pickup anyway and again on arrival at the collection depot. ◆◆Tape, tie or otherwise secure your bags closed. ◆◆Complete any consignment forms as fully as possible and give to the collection person at time of pickup.

For more information visit www. pacificalpacas.com

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26 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

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No time to be retiring!

C ommunities have heard plenty about the retirement of baby boomers impacting on the economy and not all of it is good. But among those on the verge of retirement, the consensus may well be that there’s no better time than now!

Seniors born within the two decades after the Second World War have, in many cases, enjoyed long careers and worked hard.

They may have big investments or just a

little nest but, regardless, a goodly number are relishing the idea of no more pressing work schedules, family obligations, mortgage commitments or other major responsibilities.

That doesn’t mean to say everyone wants to give up work altogether. Some will be happy to retain a job, possibly parttime, while others will look to hobbies such as a sport, crafts, travel, volunteer work or just spending more time with grandchildren to keep them occupied.

However, a goodly number have no set retirement plan other than to be active and involved in something, somewhere.

Having helped shaped the world, as well as their local communities, for the best part of half a century or more, society may now label them seniors but the aspirations of retirees are often positively youthful.

So, if the magical retirement age of 65 is upon you, perhaps it’s time to carve out a new lifestyle or follow an old dream now that you have the freedom to do so.

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All systems are go at Copper Crest Village Estate where villas are available and new homes under construction making it the perfect time to visit this much-applauded retirement village and, perhaps, ensure you secure a slice of the action.

Quality villas are now available including stand-alone options. All are on elevated, north-facing sites at this Pyes Pa address where independent living is offered within a secure environment.

Villas feature the convenience of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sunroom and double garaging.

To keep up with demand, 25 new villas are under construction, due to be completed over the next 10 months With various housing options available at Copper Crest, prices start at $499,000.

There are more than 97 impeccably built and highly spec’d homes that are either two or three bedroomed with the option www.ruralliving.co.nz

of single or double garaging.

Importantly, Copper Crest offers all the essential amenities required by those of retirement age … and then some.

The list of facilities is lengthy and includes a library, gym, indoor heated swimming pool, spa, cinema, indoor owls, snooker and table tennis tables, hair and beauty salon, bar and dancing and dining areas, and a luxurious common area with gas fireplace.

There are communal and individual vegetable gardens, bowling greens and a

hobby room, too. All these can be enjoyed with other residents in this wonderful, caring, village community. In addition, Copper Crest has campervan parking, plus outdoor seating areas to make the most of the quiet surroundings.

Copper Crest also has an active social and events committee and a van for outings and there is a healthy understanding that retirement isn’t necessarily about doing less; it’s about doing more of what you enjoy. Come and join the fun!

Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 27

Staying alive – Staying Active

T

he Bee Gees sang: Well now, I get low and I get high, and if I can’t get either, I really try...I’m staying alive, staying alive! Lyrics some seniors can no doubt, relate to.

Indeed, while retirement may spell, ‘rest’, it shouldn’t be all about a sedentary lifestyle. Staying alive is also about staying active and this can be done in a number of ways – exercise classes, swimming/ aquarobics, bowls, walking/running, golf, yoga, tai chi and dancing to name a few.

All are a great way of keeping up one’s strength and ensuring cardio and respiratory fitness. It’s as simple as a brisk morning walk with a partner, friend or the dog whilst also keeping to a nutritious diet.

Singles especially find it all too easy to slip into bad eating habits and may need the encouragement of friends and family to motivate them into exercise, outings and eating that helps them look and feel good.

Keeping the mind mentally fit is as important as keep the body in shape and retirement shouldn’t mean you stop

learning about the world even if you learn at a slightly slower pace!

There are plenty of ways to keep that mind sharp – take up crosswords, chess or scrabble. Creatives might try their hand at painting or a craft; readers will always find copious books to open the mind to new thoughts and ideas or perhaps learning a musical instrument is the way to go.

Some enquiring minds might even link up to U3A (University of the Third Age).

These social and cultural groups cater for people in retirement or semi-retirement and promote healthy ageing by sharing

educational, creative and leisure activities organised by their own members.

There is no qualification for membership and no degrees or diplomas are awarded; activities are for stimulation and enjoyment in a friendly atmosphere.

What’s more, socialising in retirement is an important part of staying active and happy. Now that you have the time, catch up with old friends and make some new ones, too.

Consider becoming involved in a club – either a specific hobby group or perhaps a Cosmopolitan or Returned Services Club where you can meet people who share similar interests. Some of the larger clubs have special interest groups within the organisation such as golf, billiards, fishing and more and their premises are well set up for dining and events.

Use the Internet, community newspapers, libraries and councils to look for a club to suit. There are countless possibilities to socialise and enjoy newfound freedom.

The Denture and Denture Implant Clinics

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issing teeth? There’s no need to any longer when the All Dentures team is on the case! While some may be able to keep their teeth in tip top condition, others are not so lucky.

Fortunately, clinical dental technician, Dr Marc Adams, and the team from All Dentures (in Pukekohe and Papatoetoe) are on hand to ensure smiles can last a lifetime.

“Years ago, dentures could be cumbersome and uncomfortable, but we’ve come a long way since then,” he says. “These days, by drawing on the best techniques and equipment modern technology can offer, at All Dentures we can tailor-make top quality dentures to suit.”

From full or partial dentures to repairs, relines and even mouth guards,

Marc’s highly trained team can ‘make it, fit it and fix it.’

“From initial consultation to dental work – undertaken by dentists and oral surgeons – we provide a comprehensive service, offering the highest level of care during every step of treatment,” Marc explains.

“We’re committed to making quality dentures that are comfortable and functional for our patients so they can get back to sinking their teeth into life!”

To take that first step to a brighter smile, contact Marc and team at either of their two clinics. “Simply give us a call and we’ll take it from there,” says Marc, “Our clinical dental technicians offer full dental laboratory services and no dentist appointments or referrals are required.”

11 West Street, Pukekohe. Phone 09 238 0095 3/208 Great South Road, Papatoetoe Phone 09 277 2233 28 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

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Win!

To enter the draw for any of these competitions visit ruralliving.co.nz, click on the competitions link then fill in the form. One entry per person/email address; entries close May 31, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email.

Win! High Street to Homestead It’s a long way from the bright lights of inner city Auckland to the golden hills of rural Wairarapa, but Angela Williams was determined to exchange her world of glitz, glamour and working with Louis Vuitton for a country homestead. In High Street to Homestead Angela tells how she managed the transition in order to indulge her life’s love of horses. Angela Williams: High Street to Homestead | RRP $40 | Random House NZ

WIN! Living Nature’s new RED lipsticks Bold, beautiful and RED, Living Nature’s two new certified organic red lipsticks exude allure – they are the ultimate statement in glamour and confidence. With research showing that women can ingest up to 1.7kgs of lipstick over a lifetime, it is important that lipstick contains only safe, natural ingredients. Both Wild Fire and Pure Passion are 100% natural and packed with moisturising goodness as well as being gluten and cruelty-free. Thanks to Living Nature we have two packs containing this duo of gorgeous certified COSMOS organic lipsticks (valued at $66 per pack) to giveaway.

Win! Dot’s Cooking Spray twin pack Anyone who has used Dot’s Cooking Spray (RRP $6.19, 400g) will know it makes entertaining so easy! Use it and you don’t have to worry too much about mess, food sticking or cleaning up pots and pans. Made from canola oil, a vegetable oil high in monounsaturated fats and naturally free from cholesterol, there are no added flavours, colours or preservatives. Rural Living has a twin pack of Dot’s up for grabs.

Win! Joico Tint Shot twin pack

Win! Plant Strong prize packs Ceres Organics is certainly serious about using protein powder made from organically-grown, raw, sprouted brown rice. Vegan, dairy-free, and wheat-free, this powder is made through a chemicalfree sprouting process that extracts naturally-occurring plant protein to create a shake with essential amino acids the body can’t produce on its own. Plant Strong is available in a range of flavours from shop.ceres.co.nz and pharmacies and health food stores nationwide. Rural Living has THREE prize packs valued at $85 each (featuring protein powder and a shaker) up for grabs. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Hats off to Joico! There’s no need to consult a haberdasher in efforts to cover up that grey thanks to Joico Tint Shot. Because this product dries quickly and lasts until hair is shampooed, it can conceal greying roots even when on the go.

Available in four shades (blonde, light brown, dark brown and black) it’s designed to match almost any hair colour. Rural Living has a twin pack (includes blonde and light brown) up for grabs so both our winner and a friend can try before they buy.

WIN! BEROCCA FIZZY MELTS A dose of mental sharpness mixed with a good measure of physical energy is welcome when winter slows us down and now new Berocca Fizzy Melts are designed to provide a boost of both – anytime, anywhere. Berocca Fizzy Melts can be taken without water and come in two delicious flavours – Berry Burst and Orange Fresh. A convenient way to get a balanced combo of B vitamins, vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium and zinc.

RRP $9.99 from supermarkets & pharmacies, Rural Living has three double packs to give away.

Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 29

Hollie’s horrific hobby If (as the TV show suggests) we should fear the walking dead, we should be absolutely terrified about zombies on the run! As Spookers’ Run for your Freak’n Life event draws near, JON RAWLINSON spoke with a ‘ghoul’ who can say ‘boo’ about her life amongst the living dead.

S

caring the ‘Hollie’ hell out of patrons is not usually the best approach to business, but it’s the precise intention of the team at Spookers Scream Park.

With the haunted ‘scream’ park soon to hold its Run for your Freak’n Life event on May 14, Hollie Nicole Codling – who’s relatively new to the crew – says she is expecting the unexpected.

“We’ll have to get in early because it’s so much fun there are a lot of actors who want to do it. It’ll be very muddy, that alone will make it a good laugh. Although, basically, anyone can do it, there will be a lot of people with chainsaws, zombies and all sorts of scary things running at them, so it’s still best to run fast!”

Originally from England, Hollie has been living in Beachlands with her partner, Jasper Sole, for the past year.

Approximately five months ago, the pair joined Spookers, located at the former Kingseat Psychiatric Hospital. In addition to being a volunteer fire-fighter, Hollie Nicole Codling this ‘bad penny’ has another most contrasting flip side.

Photo Wayne Martin “I’m actually a trained counsellor Terror-ific picture – Hollie (above) made up and ready to scare. and work at Geneva Healthcare,” have had some very real scares of their improvisation, she she explains. “It is a strange own. confirms. combination. During the day, I’m “There are so many rumours about “Some people comforting people who have very how this nurse was hanged here, or that a have regular real issues with their lives, but spirit appears in a certain room, and most characters – such when I’m at Spookers I’m chasing of the actors have a story of unexplained as Ricky who has a people and scaring the life out of incidences. Some don’t even want to work saw come out of his them! They’re quite opposite to one in certain rooms,” she says. face, for example – another, really.”

“I guess we all enjoy a good fright now but I prefer to play Despite a background in theatre, and then. It comes down to endorphins, a variety of roles in all sorts of makeup.

Hollie is unlikely to hit Hollywood anytime which are released by excitement from One week, I might be a skeleton and the soon; she says her nocturnal activities at a sudden scare. But, there’s also a great next a mad butcher. There’s a lot of artistic Spookers scratch that acting bug. feeling of relief, of safety, when you freedom with this job.”

“I studied acting in the UK and actually walk away knowing you’ve Despite being a poet by day (therefore performed in some local productions. I’ve ‘survived’.” likely a sensitive ‘Sole’) her partner, Jasper, also done a bit of extra work, on Shortland Although Spookers offers chills on a no doubt sets his girl’s heart racing. Hollie Street... surprisingly,” she quips. “I once regular basis, Hollie advises that, in addition says he tends to focus on a butcher thought that one day I’d be a star, but to Run for your Freak’n Life, another special character with similarities to Sweeny Todd acting really is more of a hobby now and fright night is set to thrill.

– aka the demon barber of Fleet Street.

Spookers offers a good laugh. It’s also very “We’ll have a very big night on Friday One would think that working in such sociable.”

[May] the 13th. One time, we had 13 a place would be a nightmare, or the Performances at the ‘scream park’ may clowns and another 13 people wielding cause of a few at least, but that’s not the share many aspects of stage acting – chainsaws; I can’t tell you what it’ll be this case for this frightening femme. And yet, such as makeup, costumes, characters time around but you can be sure it’ll be a considering the location’s history, behind and some rehearsed ‘scares’ – but they ‘killer’ of a surprise!” the veil of make-believe, staff members also involve a great deal of reacting and

30 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Phone ire spark-ed Reay Neben is a Franklin resident and publisher of Rural living.

CITY LASS

e

very month seems to roll by faster than the last and April has been no exception. For me the month has been one of issues and I get really frustrated when I think I have sorted something and then it turns to custard.

This month I contacted Spark about the huge bill I had received. All went well – at first. In fact, I was amazed that the person I spoke to gave me great advice plus suggestions about our choices regarding broadband and the two phone lines coming into the house.

We decided that two lines was an extravagance and, as we didn’t really use one, it was superfluous to our needs. We agreed there would be one phone line into the property and that our unlimited broadband would be changed over with no interruption to our service.

After being on the phone for over an hour I very proudly announced to the husband that I was incredibly smart and all was absolutely fine. The changeover at the exchange would happen over the next couple of days but we wouldn’t notice anything. Wrong!

The following Sunday night we lost all broadband so I phoned Spark. They were too busy to talk and said someone would ring back within an hour. Someone did, but then left me on hold for 15 minutes so, why call me back?

Sam Neill and Julian Dennison star in the family comedy hunt for the Wilderpeople based on Barry’s Crump’s book Wild pork and Watercress.

It turned out, according to the woman on the phone, that we didn’t have any broadband on the line left in place. So, once again, I went over the long story and was told everyone had gone from the department I needed and could I ring back in the morning? Great!

Anyway, I did so only to tell my story all over again and once again I was told Spark understood exactly what was wrong and the problem would be sorted that day.

Wrong!

The following day I spent another four hours on the phone talking to different people but, in the end, a lovely man came from Chorus and problem was finally solved but, what a mission.

This month I was going to talk about attending the premiere of Flashdance The musical which was to open in Auckland on April 20. The daughters and I were so looking forward to being in the front row on opening night.

However, while I was holding on

the line to Spark I read an email from Ticketmaster to say that the first two nights of the show had been cancelled. What a disappointment.

We had bought the tickets before Christmas and were so looking forward to the event. I will let you know next month how it goes even though it won’t be the premiere.

On the other hand, we did attend the fabulous movie, Hunt for the Wilderpeople based on a book by Barry Crump. What a funny, really Kiwi film it is and for me, quite personal.

Back in his days of Town and Around and other exploits, Barry Crump was a good friend and was actually best man at my wedding. The character Sam Neill plays in the film has many of Barry’s characteristics but Sam is much better looking than poor old Barry. If you haven’t seen it, do go. I haven’t yet heard of anyone who hasn’t enjoyed it. And with that it’s time to go.

See you next month.

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Cherry Cooper M. 021 955 141 I E. c.cooper@barfoot.co.nz Papakura Office 09 298 8029 www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 31

tHe cHOices we’ve made Natasha Harris from Alberts Hair Salon, Pukekohe brings you the latest in hair trends.

a

The effect of cancer, and cancer treatment, on appearance can really lower spirits. That’s why we started our Look Good Feel Better workshops over 25 years ago. The work we do helps women, men and teens with cancer improve the way they look, making a real difference to their confidence, strength and positivity.

Cancer, and cancer treatment, has many impacts. One that The support we give is free to anyone with any cancer, and can be very hard to bear is the toll it takes on appearance. extends right across New Zealand. We rely entirely on donations, At Look Good Feel Better we’ve been supporting women, men the generosity of the cosmetics industry and the work of volunteers and teens with cancer for over 25 years. Our workshops help people with cancer improve the way they look, letting them to keep going. By donating to Look Good Feel Better you help face the world with more confidence, strength and positivity. make a difference to people’s lives when they need it most.

The support we give is free to anyone with any cancer, and And every dollar goes directly to running the workshops. extends right across New Zealand. We rely entirely on donations, Please visit our website or find us on Facebook to contribute. the generosity of the cosmetics industry and the work of

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volunteers to keep going. By donating to Look Good Feel Better you help bring smiles to faces that have had little to smile about.

And every dollar goes directly to running the workshops.

Please visit our website or find us on Facebook to contribute. www.lgfb.co.nz

LookGoodFeelBetterNZ

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lberts Hair Salon welcomes the arrival of Colour.

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Shop 2/23 Hall St, Pukekohe | 09 238 75 76 | www.alberts.co.nz 00431

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What’s in

M

Natalie’s handbag?

arketing coordinator for Counties Racing Club, Natalie Jamieson, is accustomed to jockeying tasks and often has her hands full with paraphernalia to suit so, a handbag – usually slung over her shoulder – is not just a fashion accessory but a practical carry all!

Natalie joined the Counties Racing Club team in August last year, working part time while she completed her Bachelor of Communication majoring in events managements – she was capped in April.

“I’m now full time and quite at home in the racing world having grown up on a farm, learnt to ride and even gained my amateur jockey’s licence, she says. “Last year I even rode a few races and had a win but I’ve never considered a track career.”

And while Natalie’s a big throroughbred fan, her partner is into harness racing so between the two there’s little time for other interests other than renovating her home – “and that means a lot more bits and bobs have found their way into my bag, it’s fairly bulging!” she laughs.

And on that note we just had to ask her “And what is in your handbag, Natalie!”

Do you have a favourite style or colour?

Definitely, I go for the classic black or white. I like simple over flashy, and something easy to clean as bags soon get dirty when you live on a farm and are on the go all the time!

Do you prefer a small or large handbag?

Somewhere in the middle – big enough to fit all my junk and lunch in it, but small enough to cart around with me everywhere I go. When I’m at the races I usually carry a small clutch with only the essentials. It can be difficult to juggle a camera in one hand, horse in the other AND a bag!

happening at Pukekohe Park (which is all the time!!) not to mention the hundreds of photos I take on race days or events.

I also have a stopwatch to time track gallops every Tuesday and Thursday so I can write the Trackwork reports (published in The Informant and on our website).

What can’t you leave home without having in your bag?

Wallet!! How many times I have gone to the petrol station and grocery store without it! It’s embarrassing and annoying!

I now double check to make sure it is there before I leave the house.

Photo Wayne Martin

What items are likely to be found in your handbag at any one time?

On a day to day basis I would have all the basic things with me – my diary, chapstick, mobile phones x2 (1 for work) plus a charger because, these days, phones are nothing like the old Nokia’s with a weeklong battery life! Plenty of pens (these always seem to go missing and you never know when you might need one), business cards and more.

But after buying my first property, I now carry a new set of keys, measuring tape and all sorts of random renovation items such as an Philips screwdriver as we are in full “The Block” mode at our new place.

With my job, I also carry my camera or Go Pro just in case there are those beautiful mornings down at the track that I just must capture, or, perhaps, something

What’s in there you don’t really need?

The millions of receipts that I swear I should stop getting when I buy things (save the world and all that..) and my expired Amateur Jockey licence that I used last season (I actually won a race! but decided to retire on a high, haha). I also have various old race tickets and betting slips from Alexandra Park and Cambridge Raceway as my partner owns a couple of pacers and trotters and that seems to be where we are come a Friday night.

What’s the most embarrassing thing to fall out of your bag?

I don’t have any embarrassing moments with my handbag. But I am well known in the office for the amount of V energy drink I seem bring in to work. I swear I’m not addicted – but I do hide these in my handbag when I walk into the office.

A final thought!

I don’t think we women realise how much our handbags means to us – they are always by your side! And the way we carry our bags says a lot about us – on the arm, over the shoulder, hand-held or across the body. It’s most revealing.

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Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 33

Work on the wild side Cute kitties and precocious pups may be favoured by many, but Sam Boston doesn’t ‘ape’ such behaviour.

Instead, the Papakura local takes a broader approach to animal care, as she explains to JON RAWLINSON.

To read more about Sam, or to assist with some most worthy causes, see givealittle.co.nz/cause/ orangutanconservation.

A shopping guide for palm-oil-free products is available via aucklandzoo.co.nz.

A

lthough Sam Boston may have grown up surrounded by the usual family pets, these days the cats and dogs she tends are often much larger. When not drawing on her skills as a veterinary nurse at Bucklands Beach Veterinary Clinic, or working as a nutritionist at Bombay Petfoods (aka Jimbo’s) Sam looks much further afield.

“When I was little, I really didn’t consider there was a big, wide world with elephants and wolves, and it wasn’t until I was at uni’ that I realised I wanted to get involved with wildlife conservation,” she explains.

“I love working at the vet clinic, they’re lovely there. However, it’s a lot different [to my field work]; you can get close and cuddly with pets, but that’s not so easy with a wild wolf!”

Beyond her next volunteer adventure (to work orang-utans in Borneo – see secondary story), Sam intends to revisit her first mission abroad, working with the wild wolves of Washington State.

“There’s a preconception that wolves are very aggressive but they’re quite shy.

However, once they get to know you and, more or less, accept you as a member of the pack, they are a lot like dogs, only massive! It was terrifying the first time I came face to face with a wolf but they accepted me very quickly, which was lovely,” she says.

Sam interned at Oregon’s White Wolf Sanctuary soon after finishing her studies in wildlife management; she returned there for a second spell in 2014.

While invaluable, she says other roles at Auckland Zoo, and the now closed Whitford Wild Bird Centre and the former Franklin Zoo, did not fully prepare her for the experience.

“I’ve always been obsessed with wolves, they’re my favourite animal, but until I travelled to the USA, I’d never seen one

34 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

Sam cares for pup, Alice, at Bucklands Beach Vet Clinic.

face to face as we don’t have them in zoos here,” she says.

“As long as they’re fed and watered, the wolves pretty much take care of themselves, so our job largely involved educating people touring the sanctuary, as well as keeping wolves fed, healthy and busy. Putting flea treatment on a wolf can be hilarious and terrifying; they don’t like it

Photo Wayne Martin

any more than house pets!”

Beyond Oregon, Sam seems set on turning to cats rather than dogs.

“Next year, I’ll be back in Oregon again, but after that I may head to Africa. I’ve been approached by a place in Kenya to work with all sorts of animals, mainly lions.

It is a little scary, but I’m hoping they’ll be like pussycats compared to wolves!” www.ruralliving.co.nz

Of a caring keeper

Sam Boston – up close and personal with a white wolf in Oregon.

Photo supplied

Boston to Borneo When Papakura vet nurse and qualified zookeeper, Sam Boston, began working at Auckland Zoo aged 18 (while studying), she had no idea how far afield the experience would lead.

Now looking ahead to volunteer work coming up at an orang-utan sanctuary in Borneo, she says her work with primates began much closer to home, with the last of the ‘tea party’ chimpanzees, Janie.

“Janie was over sixty when she passed away. She was very lonely and needed a lot of care. Through working with her – as well as orang-utans later on – I became interested in working with primates,” she says. “It opened my eyes to the fact that there’s a lot of work to be done and a lot of animals that could use my help. It’s one thing to read about issues affecting wild animals, quite another to be up close and personal with an animal which has been taken out of the wild.”

Sam, an experienced zookeeper, will head to the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre in early July where she will remain surrounded by jungle for approximately three months.

The work will involve teaching orang-utans – most made homeless by deforestation – to fend for themselves www.ruralliving.co.nz

before being released back into the wild.

“The region has been hit hard by forest fires recently so the sanctuary has had a huge intake. There will be some rescued from the pet trade but, for the most part, they’ll be fresh from the wild and in need of a lot of care,” she explains.

While the plight of orang-utans may seem far removed from her life in Auckland, Sam says at least one cause does stem (in part) from home.

“One reason I want to volunteer over there is because we New Zealanders are contributing to these problems. We’re just as responsible as anyone else for creating demand for palm oil which leads to massive deforestation.”

She says approximately 300 football fields of forest are cleared every hour to make way for palm oil plantations, leaving a huge number of animals homeless.

“In New Zealand, there’s no mandatory labelling for products containing palm oil, which is in so many things that it makes it really hard to avoid. But, through raising awareness, we can help protect the orang-utans before it’s too late,” says Sam. “I know one person can’t do it alone but it brings me some peace to know I’ve made a difference.”

During her training, a young Sam Boston worked with Franklin Zoo keeper, the late Helen Schofield.

While she says the zoo’s procedures and protocols were “amazing”, and Helen was highly professional, Sam was shocked to hear of her untimely death.

“I volunteered there around 2011-12, on the weekends, so Helen actually trained me. She cared so much and was ‘hands-on’ with everything; you’ll never meet another person like her! For her, it was all about doing the right thing by the animals,” she says.

Sam – who today volunteers at animal sanctuaries worldwide – says the accident, in which Helen was killed by African elephant, Mila, served as a profound reminder of the risk faced by people in her line of work.

“I left quite soon before she died; they were just getting Mila in at the time. It’s just a tragic accident and, unfortunately, they can happen.

“You can never really predict with any certainty what wild animals are going to do, so it’s dangerous work. My family worries, but I have the training and experience, and the value of the work I’m doing far outweighs the risk. Also, if I didn’t do it, I wouldn’t feel like I was really living my life to the full.”

Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 35

FREE MOVEMENT & PLAY FOR INFANTS

By Elisha Stokman, Suits & Gumboots Country Daycare

W

e all want our children to play freely. We would like to see them engaging in activities for longer periods of time, to develop critical thinking, explore their natural sense of creativity and curiosity and to extend their concentration spans.

With the busy lifestyle we all live, how often do our children have the opportunity to play without interruption (our interruption as well); to play without a tight schedule or to enjoy the latest baby device i.e. exersaucers or jolly jumpers?

If we can create an environment for our infants, where they are safe to freely explore, with no time limit, we are empowering them to have the chance to be the leader, the explorer and the discoverer of their own natural development.

From the time babies are born, they are born capable of knowing and moving at their own pace, ready to learn and know within themselves, the next step down their physical and emotional learning journey.

They are learning right from the beginning about what their bodies are capable of and how to extend on this. But, they need free space and time to do this.

Babies need no ‘help’ to reach milestones in life, we can, however, support them with patience and love.

If we give infants the opportunities to take time to learn each of the physical steps on their own, they will learn to overcome difficulties. They will also know the feeling of satisfaction and joy, which is derived from success – the result of patience and persistence.

This can start right at the beginning by letting an infant learn to roll or sit himself up. If he or she cannot get out of a position, you can imagine the child will probably feel quite trapped and in turn- no longer free in movement.

By allowing babies uninterrupted time for play, within a nurturing and safe environment for the stage they are at, and the freedom to explore, they will be very capable of entertaining themselves. As a result, there’s time to sit back, trust and enjoy life as it takes place.

Suits & Gumboots Country Daycare 12 Helenslee Rd, Pokeno.

46 Waerenga Rd, Te Kauwhata Phone 0800 464656 www.suitsandgumboots.co.nz

36 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

Writing

on the Walls

S

ince Wendy Walls moved from Patumahoe to Whitianga early last year, her creative talents have seen her explore a fresh medium. Along with Charlotte Giblin, Wendy has penned (and illustrated) a top notch kids’ classic in the making, Lulu Moo and the Mystery of the Big Belly.

Many locals would remember the Walls well; Wendy is an accomplished artist and her husband Joe is the New Zealand Bloodstock Chairman and head auctioneer.

Inspired by real-life stories from the former family farm in Patumahoe, the Lulu Moo books (there are more to come!) are focused on teaching young ones all about rural life on the farm – a world so few city children experience these days.

Lulu Moo and the Mystery of the Big Belly, takes a light-hearted look at healthy eating and fitness; as cow grows fatter, a young boy must help her lose weight.

“This first book is based on real-life events involving my son Tim, and after all these years I finally found the right person to help bring the book to life!” explains Wendy.

“Charlotte and I just clicked. She is a well-known artist and author who shares my sense of humour and passion for animals.

This project is a true collaboration with a natural sharing of the artwork, writing and editing.”

As a former teacher, Wendy says she is passionate about education, and delighted to have the first of her stories in print.

This moo-ving book is available online at ariespublishing.co.nz; to read more about Wendy and her love of art, see Rural Living’s Feb-March 2014 issue at ruralliving.co.nz. ◆ Charlotte Giblin & Wendy Walls: Lulu Moo and the Mystery of the Big Belly | RRP $25 (+$5 p&p) | Aires Publishing

Win! Lulu Moo and the Mystery of the Big Belly Thanks to Wendy, Charlotte and the good folk at Aries Publishing, we have THREE copies of this book up for grabs. To be in to win, complete the form under the competitions tab at ruralliving.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close May 31, 2016. Winners notified by phone or email. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Recalling local rugby roots Wesley College’s 1st XV has seen plenty of stars – more than an England fullback after being trod underfoot by Jonah Lomu, in fact! JON RAWLINSON recently spoke with one such rugby star to emerge from the local college, former Fijian international and current Auckland Sevens coach, Waisake Sotutu.

H

e may have experienced a globetrotting childhood, and would later represent Auckland, the Blues, the Crusaders, Japanese franchises and Fiji, but Wesley College alumnus Waisake Sotutu says the Counties region will always retain a special place in his heart.

“I started at Wesley when I was 11, as a border. It was a bit of a shock to the system as my parents were overseas – Dad worked for the United Nations,” he says.

“I played a bit of football in the UK, which was my first love, but when I got to Wesley it was all about rugby and it was a big thing to make the 1st XV. I didn’t even know the rules so I learnt a lot about the game there.”

Despite a late start in the oval ball code, the talented back quickly reached the 1st XV and even made one appearance for Counties Manukau while still at school.

“In my last year [1989], I was asked to play for Counties, which was rare for someone so young at the time. It was the last game of the season – a promotion/ relegation game against Northland. I was in my school uniform when I was dropped off to my first training by a teacher. The players – guys who were heroes at the time – were like ‘what club are you from?’ I just said, ‘nah, I’m still at school’!”

During his schooldays, Waisake first set eyes on a kid who would become an icon.

“He used to spend a bit of time in our flat when I was head boy. Naughty boys caught doing silly stuff would have to make our beds and tidy up – Jonah was often one of those boys! Also, he used to come up and eat – he could eat that one!

Waisake would later play alongside Jonah Lomu at the Blues and against him in the then NPC (National Provincial Championship) – the former at Auckland, the latter, Counties Manukau. The pair also attended ‘infamous’ Laurie Mains’ All Black

www.ruralliving.co.nz

camps together.

Despite almost 100 games for Auckland, winning the inaugural Super 12 rugby crown with the Blues and representing Fiji in the ’99 Rugby World Cup, Waisake says his most memorable moment involved more than just a little local, grass roots rivalry.

“It was a Ranfurly Shield match, Auckland against Counties in Pukekohe, and Counties were beating us. I could hear old [Wesley College] schoolmates giving me grief from the sidelines,” he explains.

“I ended up scoring the winning try on full time and when I turned around to shake hands with the Counties players, I was mugged by all my old mates who were shouting: ‘how could you do that to us!? We thought we were Counties brothers!’ and the like. It was quite a funny moment. I guess it’s because Auckland and Counties are so close – we’re in the same city in some ways, but in others we’re most definitely not!”

Sevens – up for Olympics?

All Black Rugby Sevens’ fans will be hoping this year’s team will be good as gold come the Olympic Games but could laurels of victory become grapes of wrath? Former Wesley College star, secondary schools sevens selector and Auckland sevens coach, Waisake Sotutu, believes our team could well be given a run for their money in Rio. “The New Zealand team will be sharper; they will definitely be prepared and ready to go, Tich (coach, Gordon Tietjens) will have the players he wants and it’ll probably be the strongest squad they’ve had for a while.

“Having said that, the other teams are putting a lot more money into getting better and some– Fiji, for example – would

Photo Wayne Martin

see sevens as their best chance to win Olympic gold, so it’s going to be tough.”

Although New Zealand’s first Commonwealth Games squad (in 1998) boasted such 15s stars as Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu and Joeli Vidiri, only Sonny Bill Williams and Liam Messam are likely to back up World Cup gold with Olympic medals.

In addition, former sevens stars including Victor Vito (heading to France) and Malakai Fekitoa are conspicuously absent.

However, Waisake believes that sevens has become a game for specialists.

“I think [All Blacks] who are available for the Olympics have already played in this year’s World Series. Because players had to pick [15s or sevens], there are some boys who could (or have already been), awesome sevens players who won’t go to Rio,” he says.

“These days, the makeup of the players’ bodies is also different due to the type of training they do. Fifteens players need to be built to take heavy impact, whereas – while the game’s getting more physical – sevens players don’t need to be up to dealing with 80 minutes of getting hammered.”

And, yet, while reputations can be forged on the sevens circuit, particularly as more nations invest in going for gold, Waisake doubts whether the game is yet to yield the rewards needed to retain its best and brightest.

“The problem is that we find young talent, give them a bit of training, but unfortunately, if they perform well, they often tend to be offered [15s] contracts, maybe go on to Super Rugby and can be lost to sevens.”

Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 37

Mum’s the... words Forget those hackneyed Mother’s Day gifts – or new-fangled gizmos for that matter – it’s time to turn over a new leaf (or a few hundred) by choosing an old favourite gift for mum.

The Paris of the West The streets of San Francisco may be half a world away from war-ravaged Paris, however, the trauma of the Second World War is not so easy to escape, as Celina and her family discover in this tale of love and loss. From jazz clubs to sun-kissed vineyards, The Paris of the West offers high hopes to new immigrants but betrayal and fresh heartbreak could be just around the corner. ◆◆Karen McMillan: The Paris of the West | RRP $34.99 | McKenzie Publishing

Needle Felting: From Basics to Bears Loaded with crafty ways to build skills, this book provides a comprehensive guide to making soft toys at home. Featuring stepby-step instructions and more than 400 photos, Needle Felting: From Basics to Bears is a useful resource even for those new to this craft.

◆◆Liz Adams: Needle Felting – From Basics to Bears | RRP $34.99 | Dave Bateman Ltd

Love as a Stranger Love can be beautiful but it can also prove an obsession. When Sarah takes a stroll through Symonds Street Cemetery, she begins a story which could lead to life and death decisions. In Love as a Stranger, Owen Marshall presents a world of affairs, passion and disquieting demands as an unexpected love develops. ◆◆Owen Marshall: Love as a Stranger | RRP $38.00 | Penguin Random House

Superfoods for Kids Since time immemorial, enticing children into eating their greens has been an uphill struggle for mums and dads. Fortunately, Rena Patten has developed a fresh, superfood strategy to ensure children eat fruits, vegetables and grains, and enjoy them too. Featuring recipes especially designed for children, Superfoods for Kids is intended to help busy parents establish healthy eating patterns in young ones from an early age. ◆◆Rena Patten: Superfoods for Kids | RRP $29.99 | New Holland

Mad about Buttons Sew what? Sew buttons, that’s what!

These days mending clothing may be somewhat ‘old hat’, but there are many other applications for all those buttons that somehow linger often long after the garment they once belonged to has gone. In Mad about Buttons, Alice Vinten demonstrates a wide range of ways to up-cycle buttons by creating keepsakes, artworks and jewellery. ◆◆Alice Vinten: Mad about Buttons | RRP $29.99 | New Holland

Win!

While these books make great gifts for Mother’s Day, we’re sharing the love with copies of each up for grabs. To be in to win any (or all) titles, complete the form at www.ruralliving.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close May 31,2016. Winners notified by phone or email.

care+advice

Your new, friendly local pharmacy – opening soon at 71 Hingaia Road, Karaka retail@karakapharmacy.co.nz 12573

38 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Waiuku wheels ‘em in T Rockers, Switch, Brilleaux, Sunset Coast Big Band and the Waiuku Country Music Club, and Steel ‘n’ Wheels seems certain to set toes a-tapping.

What’s more, because getting there is half the fun, mums can enjoy a 7.5km trip to Waiuku’s Victoria Avenue Station absolutely free, courtesy of Glenbrook Vintage Railway.

They’ll even be in our draw to win a

12605

www.ruralliving.co.nz

bouquet, and the railway will be offering motor jigger rides throughout the festival to one and all.

With admission by way of a gold coin only, this event is geared towards providing family fun in abundance.

For more information about what to expect during this rev-ival of vintage proportions, see the events section at waiukutown.co.nz.

12606

rains, planes and automobiles will soon see visitors flock to a Waiuku weekend of fun-fuelled entertainment during the Steel ‘n’ Wheels Festival on Mothers’ Day, May 8.

But this is not just an excuse for a bloke’s day out, because Glenbrook Vintage Railway is also offering mums the chance to ride the rails for free!

On arrival, visitors will be treated to new attractions including a car ‘squash’ – as Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade shows its car-cutting techniques – police dog and forensics unit demonstrations and St John Ambulance displays.

Racing trucks, lawnmower racing, drift bikes, hot-rods, classic and vintage cars, military displays, helicopter rides, a display from the Warbirds and pony rides for the kids are also expected to enliven the crowds.

Throw in memorabilia, a huge craft and food market and entertainment including a kid’s carnival and magic show, plus live music from artists such as The Recliner

Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 39

Pipi at Home f orget the ‘sophisticated’ bistros of Ponsonby where micro mouthfuls are strategically placed on oversized plates using Pythagorean theorems! Sometimes food is simply made to be eaten.

With Pipi at Home, Alexandra Tylee serves up a book of down-home, rustic recipes.

Sharing recipes regularly prepared at her Hawke’s Bay farmhouse, she presents a book loaded with family favourites.

As long as the food is healthy and tasty, it doesn’t matter that it might not win a prize in a tricky cooking competition,” she says.

Pipi at Home is available from bookstores nationwide. However, we have a sneak peek with a tempting recipe.

Alexandra writes: “I once knew an Indian woman (actually she is my son Zeus’s grandmother, my mother-in-law), who was a

WIN! PIPI AT HOME To be in to win a copy of this most delightful book, visit the competitions section at ruralliving.co.nz.

One entry per person/email address; entries close May 31, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email.

doctor by profession but also a very good cook. Every day she spent a lot of time lovingly preparing meals for her family.

“This dish, which is similar to one she often made, was one of my favourites. She made it as a side dish but I would quite happily eat just that for breakfast, and maybe with a poached egg for lunch or dinner.”

masala pOtatO Serves 4 as a side dish or 2 if you are eating it on its own

ingredients ◆ 600g potatoes, peeled ◆ 2 tbsp light olive oil ◆ 1 tsp black mustard seeds ◆ 1/2 tbsp deseeded and finely chopped green chilli ◆ 1 tsp turmeric ◆ 1 tsp garam masala ◆ 1/2 tsp ground coriander ◆ 1/2 tsp flaky salt ◆ 350g spinach, washed and stalks removed

Method Steam the potatoes until soft and then drain and cut up into small cubes, about 1–2cm.

Heat the olive oil in a pan over a moderate heat and when hot add the mustard seeds. Half cover with a lid until they start to pop and crackle, then add the potatoes and green chilli. Stir the potatoes around in the pan so they mix together,

letting them get crisp and a little brown.

This will take about 20 minutes, stirring every so often. Add more oil if the spuds are sticking.

Once the potatoes have browned lightly, add the turmeric, garam masala, coriander and salt. Turn the potatoes over until they are all thoroughly coated with the spices, using a thin spatula so you do not break them up. Let them cook, caramelise, and brown further for another 5 minutes.

While the potatoes are cooking, cook the spinach. Heat 1/4 cup water in a saucepan and add the spinach, letting it cook down and turning it over a few times until soft. Now drain the spinach in a colander, squeezing gently with tongs to get the last of the water out.

Finally, add the cooked spinach to the spiced potatoes and gently fold them together.

Reproduced with permission from Pipi at Home, by Alexandra Tylee. Published

by Random House (NZ). RRP $65. Text © Alexandra Tylee, 2016. Photographs © Richard Brimer, 2016.

win! a year in my real fOOd KitcHen New Zealand commonly experiences four seasons in one day and yet, are we really in tune with nature when it comes to four seasons in one year?

Thanks to Emma Galloway (of my Darling lemon Thyme fame) we can be. From spring and summer to autumn and winter, A Year In my Real Food Kitchen takes readers on a journey through the seasonal rhythms of Emma’s own garden and kitchen, providing recipes for vegetarian and gluten-free dishes using the right 40 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

produce at the right time of year. ◆ Emma Galloway: A Year in my Real Food Kitchen | RRP $44.99 | HarperCollins

Win! Rural living has a copy of this book up for grabs.

See the competitions page at ruralliving.co.nz to be in to win. One entry per person/email address; entries close May 31, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email. www.ruralliving.co.nz

dining Mains $10-$24 = $ Mains $25-$34 = $$ Mains $35+ = $$$

 1981 BAR & RESTAURANT

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Located just off the Southern Motorway, 1981 is Manukau’s busiest nightspot. For those wanting to dine in or simply socialise with a few after work drinks then 1981 has it all. An all day brunch and full dinner menu caters for all ages.

Fully licensed with two function rooms, three outdoor decks and ample room for walk-ins, come check out our tasty bourbon ribs, homemade pizzas and more. Contact us for more information.

There’s nothing Szimpla than dropping in at a popular gastro bar for a taste of great food and atmosphere. Stop and linger before or after a flight, and revel in the magic of Szimpla’s beautiful Balinese courtyard and contemporary decor. Close to accommodation and the airport; forget the hassle, just sit back, relax and enjoy the Szimplicity. Weekend brunches from 10am.

Elsie’s Restaurant in the award-winning Tuakau Hotel offers classical dining with elegant country ambiance. For an intimate evening out or a group celebration, Elsie’s Restaurant is the popular choice, enjoy a fantastic menu created with locally sourced ingredients, adding a city sophistication to traditional menu favourites. Book your table today and try what our region has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you.

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712 Great South Road, Manukau. Ph 263 9696.

Open 7 days from 12pm www.1981.co.nz

2 Leonard Isitt Dr, Auckland Airport.

Ph 215 1220. Open 7 days 10am-late. info@szimpla.co.nz • www.szimpla.co.nz

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The Village Bar offers you a great vibe and delicious food. Come along and soak up the atmosphere in the bar or all-weather garden bar and enjoy casual dining prepared by our experienced kitchen staff. Our authentic Italian home baked breads and sourdough pizza bases make our pizzas a very popular choice!

The Longkeeper is Pukekohe’s legendary onion.

It’s also Pukekohe’s newest bar and restaurant that’s here to stay. With delicious food and plenty of beverage choices, The Longkeeper is your destination for a relaxing afternoon, an after work drink or to party with friends into the night. Grab a bite, sit back with a drink and join us for our weekly rituals.

Tucked down Jesmond Rd, just 1km from the motorway off-ramp at Drury, Red Shed Palazzo is a stylish eatery nestled amongst beautiful country gardens. Family (and dog) friendly with a children’s playground, the tranquil environment offers relaxed indoor/outdoor dining and is perfect for special occasions.

• Courtesy van – free pick up/drop off • Members night every Tuesday • Quiz night every Wednesday • Live music every Saturday night • Bikers nights last Sunday of every month

• Kids dine FREE every Saturday • See the website for exciting daily rituals!

• Join the Loyalty Club for exclusive member deals

Red Shed Palazzo is a fully licensed country cafe offering a mouth-watering menu of creative breakfasts, well-balanced lunches, outstanding cake/dessert selection and delicious ALLPRESS coffee.

1 Patumahoe Rd, Franklin. Ph 09 236 3571.

Mon to Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 10am-late www.thevillagebar.co.nz

249 King St, Pukekohe. Ph 09 239 2653.

Open 7 days 11am-late, brunch Sat/Sun 8-11am www.thelongkeeper.co.nz

64 Jesmond Road, Karaka.

Ph 09 294 6687. open 7 days, 8.30am-4pm. www.redshedpalazzo.co.nz

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Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 41

Weed

REPORT

time for moth plants to take flight

t

here’s no time like now to tackle one of the country’s most invasive weeds – moth plant (Araujia hortorum) sometimes called cruel plant or kapok vine.

Originating from South America and also found in western and central Mediterranean areas, moth plant was brought to New Zealand in the late 1880’s as an ornamental plant but is now a serious pest, smothering existing native vegetation.

While its pink flowers and large chokolike pods (fruit) are attractive to some, moth plant poses a significant threat to our native forests, urban reserves, gardens and also farmlands, growing quickly and dominating other plants.

Butterflies, moths and bees are attracted to its flowers but become trapped in them, hence the common name, ‘cruel plant’.

Growing from a short taproot (main root) and other shallow roots, it prefers loose, fertile soils in warm, wet areas. The plant spreads mainly by wind borne seeds with each pod producing between 250 and 1000 seeds.

When the pod, or fruit, dries out and splits open, it releases these poisonous seeds (harmful to people and animals) in large numbers attached to silky threads.

Look out for them during summer and autumn and be aware that seeds can travel up to 40 kilometres and remain viable for several years.

Pods and stems also contain a milky sap which can irritate the skin so care is needed when removing plants.

to reMove ◆ Pull out seedlings when earth is wet or damp. Hoe or dig out mature plants, removing as many roots as possible. ◆ Leave any detached vines in the host tree to wither and die ◆ Remove any seed pods and take them to a refuse transfer station to prevent further spread. Do not burn the pods. ◆ Revisit the site after three to five days when missed plants will be obvious. Dig out any remaining vines. Continue to do so at intervals. ◆ Always wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after handling the plant to avoid skin irritations. Once the plant has 42 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

been removed it is important to continue to follow up and remove any seedling regrowth. Left untouched it can easily spread.

Using herBiCides Remove all seed pods from the vine before using a herbicide. Don’t burn them – and don’t compost them or leave them lying around, as the seeds might spread.

Take them to a refuse transfer station. ◆ Cut vine treatment (for smaller infestations): Cut stems 20cm above the ground, then coat the stem and hanging ends liberally with herbicide which must be applied immediately after the cut is made. Some herbicides are available in a bottle or gel form, making application easy and convenient. To purchase the herbicide, visit your local hardware, rural supply store or garden centre. ◆ Spray application (for larger infestations): Spray the plant and totally cover leaf surfaces with herbicide. Apply the herbicide carefully to avoid serious damage to other plants you want to keep. Apply during the active growing

season (spring to autumn) for best results. ◆ Methods which can also help: Cut down and stump – treat larger stems with 200mls Banvine® per 1 litre water or 100mls Brushkiller per 1 litre water or Vigilant® gel. Alternatively, clear off desirable trees and spray carefully with 120mls Banvine® per 10 litres water or 120mls Brushkiller per 10 litres water or use 5g metsulfuron-methyl (600 g/ kg e.g. Escort®) + 10mls penetrant per 10 litres water. Spraying pods with this product also appears to kill the seeds.

Moth plant is required to be controlled on properties within the Waitakere and Hunua weed control zones as well as the Hibiscus Coast and Hauraki Gulf Islands.

In most other Auckland areas there is no legal requirement to remove these plants, however, they are banned from sale, propagation and distribution.

In the Waikato, all landowners/ occupiers are responsible for controlling moth plant on their properties. Moth plant is also banned from being sold, propagated, distributed or included in commercial displays in this region. www.ruralliving.co.nz

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 43 12487

Lily

Forget Me Not

Gallipoli Rose

Rosemary

living memorials Remembering those diggers who gave their all so we might never again turn plough shears into swords is most significant at this time of year. However, keen gardeners can produce plants to provide sources of remembrance year-round, as JUDY HORTON from Yates explains.

w

then – I recommend Dynamic Lifter Plus Flower Food. If planted now, rock roses should be nicely established in time for next year’s commemorations.

classic, fragrant, icy white trumpets. April’s a great time of year to look for lilium bulbs and there are lots of colours and shapes from which to choose.

Forget Me not

poppies

Rosemary’s probably the first plant that leaps to mind, because it has been used as a symbol of remembrance since ancient times. These days, it’s easy to find a spot for rosemary in the garden because there’s such a proliferation of large and small varieties.

The name ‘forget me not’ instantly connects the plant with the notion of remembrance. It’s so named because it’s said that once you have these pretty spring flowers in the garden, they’re with you forever.

While individual plants are short-lived, they seed so profusely that they come up again and again. Yates’ packet seed range includes Forget Me Not Little Bluebird, a sweetly named variety which is an ideal filler in flower borders.

gaLLipoLi rose

LiLies

Cistus, or rock rose, became known as the Gallipoli rose because it grew and flowered so profusely on the Gallipoli hillsides. This pretty little Mediterranean shrub has slightly hairy leaves, and flowers very similar to pink or white single roses.

These perennial shrubs thrive in full sun during cool winter or dry summer climates and look especially attractive in pots. Apart from the occasional light trim, they will only need feeding every now and

White lilies often feature in lists of plants signifying remembrance. My all-time favourite is the perfumed Lilium longiflorum, which is variously known as November lily or Christmas lily, depending on the climate in which it’s grown.

It’s hard to look past this traditional, white favourite that in late spring/early summer sends up metre-tall stems topped with

Finally, Flanders poppies (pictured) are the plants most associated with the First World War battlefields and the trenches of Western Europe. It’s thought that the soil disturbance caused mass germination of poppy seeds and, subsequently, their blood-red flowers – often marked with a black cross – became symbols of the massive loss of life.

This association was further cemented after the war’s end when red paper poppies were sold to raise funds to assist survivors.

Sow seeds into pots of seed raising mix and transplant carefully when the seedlings are large enough to handle.

If sown in April, poppy seedlings will be ready to be planted out into a sunny, sheltered spot in the garden once the soil has cooled.

hile numerous ANZAC Day commemorations have taken place recently, one simple thing that can be done in our own backyards is remembrance planting.

Depending on space, a tree or something as small as a flowering plant may be selected. It’s not the size or longevity that counts, but the personal significance.

roseMary

44 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Joint initiative

grOws sweet ‘p’ cOOKs

a

n initiative at Spring Hill Corrections Facility, south of Meremere, could well turn crafty crooks into crafty cooks.

In addition to growing and cooking their own vegetables, prisoners will be offered cooking classes and even recipe books to take with them on release.

Corrections Minister (and Papakura MP) Judith Collins expects The Seedlings, Grow, Cook and Eat programme will actually help curb crime.

“Not only will prisoners learn useful gardening skills, this initiative will help them learn to cook meals economically.

Initiatives such as this support positive life changes that can help prisoners to lead a crime-free life on release,” she says.

Under the programme, existing gardens (currently tended by prisoners nearing the ends of their sentences), will be expanded.

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Judith Collins, accompanied by Corrections officers, inspects gardens at the Spring Hill facility.

141 Great South Road, Drury Phone: 0800TOPSOIL or 09 294 8410

Open 7 days a week www.centrallandscapes.co.nz

s we head into May, Mother’s Day will be foremost in the minds of many a gardener and what better gift for a loved mum than flowers especially a potted plant which blooms for weeks instead of days?

There are plenty of choices such as daphne, dianthus, polyanthus, calendula, chrysanthemums and cyclamen – all are popular although the choices are many more and varied.

If mum is a gardener what about presenting her with an attractive garden pot packed full of seeds, bulbs, garden care products, hand tools and the like?

Not sure what to include? Well, this is a good time to sow forget-me-knots, pansies, sweet peas dianthus, violas, carnations, alyssum and more. What about a bag of potting mix or some liquid fertiliser – great for potted plants If it’s a veggie garden mum is cultivating then broccoli, spring onions, spinach, peas and lettuce can be sown or, in some cases, seedlings planted now. When it

comes to lettuce try hardy buttercrunch which is cold tolerant and, by taking just a few leaves at a time, you’ll have lettuce for weeks.

If mum is doing some major garden maintenance she may appreciate a trailer load of compost or our Blackgold mulch to top up beds. What about some ponga logs to define garden areas?

Citrus fruit will be ripening over the coming months and will need deep watering to prevent moisture stress which can result in fruit dropping prematurely.

Use Yates Thrive Citrus Fertiliser weekly while fruit is maturing and ripening.

With our mild autumn, now’s the time to tackle all those last minute garden chores before it becomes too wet to do any digging or major maintenance. A good time to attend to lawns sowing and maintenance, too.

And just keep in mind that pots and hanging baskets are a way to inject some cheerful colour around the home when winter gloom sets in.

We can deliver and also have FREE LOAN TRAILERS

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 45

Out and about with Post • THE •

Colour fun run Above: Onewhero Area School student leader, Maia Thackham, teacher, Keryn Chitty, and student leader, Elysha Ehrhorn, celebrate a successfully organised Colour Run last Friday.

The trio organised the event as a fundraiser for the student leaders who will be attending Outward Bound in Akaroa. Photos on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/districtpost

Waiuku

NETBALL OPENS Above: David McDonald proved he is one of the best sawyers in the world, taking out the World Title in the Single Saw Woodchopping at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Above: Sharlene Druyven walks onto the court with fellow Jarney Harwood is a Angie & Vaughan joint winners best team mate Frances Warrior in the making Run dressed Waiuku Fire Brigade Poker Fowlie.

Above: Ian McDougall, Councillor Bill Cashmore, Mayor hopeful Victoria Crone, MP for Hunua Andrew Bayly & Franklin Local Board member Alan Cole in Pukekohe where National Party members got to meet Victoria firsthand.

Above: After a spectacular crash and cheating serious injury earlier this year, Dave West is back with his fully rebuilt super truck and was ready to tackle the tarmac at Pukekohe Race Track where he ended up 3rd in the final race and 8th overall.

WORKING TOGETHER: Rural Living – Franklin’s Lifestyle Magazine & The Post – Franklin’s Community Newspaper

46 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Primary education

at secondary schools

E

fforts to bolster New Zealand’s primary industries could see more students return to education’s grass roots.

Peter Hampton, deputy headmaster of Hamilton’s St Paul’s Collegiate School, says increased government involvement in agribusiness education in secondary schools is necessary to grow the sector.

“By introducing academically rigorous Agribusiness courses to secondary school students, more of New Zealand’s brightest young minds will become inspired by the opportunities available in the sector and realise that career prospects go beyond the farm gate,” he says.

“They can become food scientists, marketers, business professionals,

economists, technicians or the CEO of one of New Zealand’s major Agribusiness companies – the possibilities are endless.”

St Paul’s opened a new, purpose built agribusiness learning space earlier this month and has been working with bodies including DairyNZ and Beef + LambNZ. The Ministry of Education recently announced that it would lend its support in extending secondary level agribusiness studies across New Zealand schools.

“Three years ago, DairyNZ identified a major skills shortage in the agribusiness sector with research showing that the industry needed 1250 tertiary qualified workers entering the sector each year,” Mr Hampton adds.

“The Government’s target of doubling New Zealand’s primary sector exports by 2025 in itself will require around 25,000 more graduates.”

records set across New Zealand

By David Powell, Barfoot & Thompson, Pukekohe

Zealand in March are the highest since March 2007. Apart from Auckland the regions showing most growth in prices include Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Nelson/Marlborough, Canterbury Westland and Central Otago Lakes.

March also demonstrates a noticeable surge in sales of higher priced properties, with the number of sales over $1 million having increased by 27% on March 2015. In Auckland, one property in three is selling at over the $1 million price tag. Auckland sales volumes are still being held back by lower listings with volume of sales for March this year

Record median house prices are being seen across multiple regions of New Zealand according to the latest REINZ statistics for March. The Auckland housing virus has certainly spread to the regions and after a bit of a splutter in February, Auckland is once again cranking.

Sales numbers throughout New

New

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h

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down 12% on March 2015.

Auctions in the Auckland region make up 63.3% of all sales down on March 2015 where it stood at 77%. The rest of New Zealand are not so enamoured with auctions with most regions only recording 5-18% in comparison.

REINZ Chief Executive, Colleen Milne notes: “Recent fears about the Auckland market cooling off have been overstated.” What’s more, Auckland investors are probably responsible for price and volume growth throughout the regions. While listing numbers remain low in most regions this should result in firm prices.

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www.platinumhomes.co.nz Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 47

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE Contact us now for a FREE competitive quote for your pre-purchase house inspection

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Thank you for responses to last month’s poll and congratulations to our prize pack winner! We asked the question: “What do you look for when comparing quotes from builders?”

Many people said: ‘making sure the price is right’, and ‘in the end, the best price wins the job!’ But what about value for money?

Our readers impressed us with responses such as: ◆◆A price that is not too high or low - we have found the low prices don’t always include everything ◆◆No hidden costs ◆◆Having sections that break down inclusions and exclusions ◆◆Get everything in writing You do need to know how much bang you’re getting for your buck! A great builder will work with your budget to include all the ‘must haves’ and as many of your ‘nice to haves’ as possible.

Most banks ask for FIXED PRICE contracts before lending, so it’s really important to identify which is which. This will help you and your builder match expectation with budget, and get your selections correct from the start. Homes are usually our biggest investments - make sure you are getting what you really want.

Ensure products specified, such as bathroom or kitchenware, are to the style and finish you want. Look out for P.C. sums or allowances. Ensure sufficient is allowed to cover the quality or finish you want or what is specified in the plans. We suggest that if anything discussed is not on the quote, ask the builder to confirm in writing that is included. When comparing quotes, if you can’t see apples for apples – ask for the quote to be altered accordingly so you can see which one offer the most value.

It’s also important to check the quote for less obvious aspects - who is responsible for what; are planning costs included; who submits to council; health and safety measures; landscaping, letterboxes and paths. Ask about insurances, additional guarantees offered and if the builder is affiliated to a building association.

These details may affect your selection of contractor.

This month tell us what you think about Building Guarantees – Are they really worth the extra cost? Respond at: www.facebook. com/nickbosanacbuilder/ Alternatively, call now to discuss your build project, or talk shop about your build queries: 09 236 8413.

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48 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

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Reward for right environment

T

he Department of Conservation was recently named Most Attractive Employer by the recruitment and HR company for the second year running, after placing third and fifth in 2014 and 2013 respectively.

Brien Keegan from Randstad says, given New Zealand’s competitive labour market, it is critical organisations look at ways in which they can attract, inspire and retain talented and skilled individuals.

“The Department of Conservation continues to be recognised as one of the DOC’s Andrew Baucke and Meg Poutasi celebrate success. country’s top employers.

“This is demonstrated by it being balance’, and being ‘environmentally and ranked number one by respondents socially aware’,” he says. when it came to a ‘pleasant working The annual honour is awarded based atmosphere’, providing a ‘good work-life on research conducted by Randstad

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into the perceptions of potential job seekers.

This year, seven of the top 10 organisations were from the public or education and training services sectors. TVNZ placed second, the New Zealand Customs Service, third.

“It’s really rewarding to see New Zealand’s public and educational institutions being perceived so positively as employers,” Mr Keegan adds.

“New Zealand’s public services are amongst the best in the world, and our educational bodies help Photo supplied keep us at the forefront of cutting-edge research.

“This recognition will help these organisations attract and retain the best and brightest talent.”

02252

Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 49

Right ‘Hon’, Guy! Our great mate Nate (aka Minister for Primary Industries, the Honourable Nathan Guy) has been dealing with some tricky issues of late, from animal welfare issues to getting down to brass tacks (and grass roots) in Europe. Once again Rural Living takes a closer look at just some of his latest escapades.

Mr Guy goes to Europe On setting out for a flying visit of the European Union recently, Nathan Guy was optimistic that free trade could soon prove fruitful for New Zealand’s primary industries.

The EU is New Zealand’s third-largest trading partner, with two-way trade valued at NZ$19.6 billion in the year to June 2015, he said.

“The EU is a key bilateral partner, and building a comprehensive partnership that includes a free trade agreement (FTA) is a longstanding objective.

“This visit is an opportunity to continue to build understanding of New Zealand’s role in international agricultural trade and investment, and the mutual benefits of a potential FTA for sectors and agribusinesses.”

Mr Guy attended the OECD’s Committee of Agriculture Ministerial meeting in Paris, followed by meetings with agriculture sector representatives in Germany.

“The benefits of an EU-NZ FTA would include establishing a modern, comprehensive foundation to grow economic and trade opportunities in areas ranging from primary products to capital equipment, manufactured goods, services, innovation and investment. It would also level the playing field for companies operating in each other’s markets.”

ANIMALS – is ALL WELL AND FARE? While Doctor Doolittle could talk to the animals, Nathan Guy appears prepared to do more than a little to address animal welfare issues.

Following amendments to the Animal Welfare Act last year, he has been calling for public feedback on new proposals.

“Animal welfare matters to New Zealanders and global consumers. Twothirds of households own a pet, and animal products generate $23b in exports every year,” he says.

“Our animal welfare system is considered one of the best in the world.

50 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

Guy on Rhine – Nathan with NZ Ambassador to Germany, Rod Harris, at German Farmers Union headquarters.

Photo supplied

The proposed regulations will further strengthen our reputation as a country that cares for animals.”

Proposals cover such aspects as: handling of bobby calves, infringements for offending, who may perform surgical or painful procedures and under what conditions, and exporting of live animals for breeding.

See mpi.govt.nz for additional information, including details of public meetings. Submissions can be made before May 19.

of bets offshore Nathan Guy is betting changes to the Racing Act could ensure offshore gambling agencies won’t profit as much as they have from Kiwi punters.

Seeking public feedback on proposed amendments, the Minister for Racing says New Zealanders turned over $518 million offshore with $58 million in losses in 2015.

“These proposals are not designed

to get more people gambling – they’re about attracting New Zealand money currently gambled overseas back within our framework.”

Currently, the New Zealand Racing Board (NZRB) is the only New Zealandbased provider of racing and sports betting via the TAB, Mr Guy confirms.

“This system ensures any proceeds from gambling [will] support local sporting and racing, and that punters operate within a regulatory framework which minimises gambling harm. Neither of these occurs when people bet with offshore providers.”

Proposals include: consumption and ‘use of data’ fees for offshore operators accepting bets from New Zealand, permitting the TAB to expand its range of gambling products and take bets during races. Restrictions limiting the TAB to sports represented by national sporting organisations could also be removed.

Submissions can be made until May 27.

Further information is available via dia. govt.nz. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Hopping to Whangamata

By Alistair Davidson

W

hen Whangamata hosted the first Beach Hop rock ‘n’ roll festival in 2001 it attracted 6000 people and 100 cars.

Repco Beach Hop 16, held March 30 to April 3,this year packed Whangamata to capacity with an estimated 120,000 people, 1300 car and bike entries, and a similar number of vehicles that weren’t officially part of the event.

No other festival in New Zealand (or Australia) has captured car enthusiasts’ imaginations like Beach Hop. The combination of rock ‘n’ roll bands, cruising, partying, car and bike displays, surfing, talent quests and retro pin-up and wearable automotive art competitions keep petrol heads going back for more.

Day and night, Port Road (Whangamata’s ‘main drag’) looks and sounds like a scene from the cult movie ‘American Graffiti’. Hot rods, street machines and muscle cars idle up and down the road, their V8s burbling. People line the street two and three deep soaking up the atmosphere, while bands play in the bars and cafes.

Beach Hop is all about having fun, and the fun started a day early this year with a new ‘Power Cruise’ to Whitianga in which 300 vehicles parked up in the centre of town.

Wednesday’s increasingly popular ‘Waihi Warm up’cruise and car show attracted a record number of participants, who enjoyed live music and a somewhat different take on ‘drag racing’ – blokes in skirts sprinting down the main street.

The first two days of the Hop were treated to sunshine and blue sky.

Unfortunately, the good weather didn’t

Photos Alistair Davidson

last; occasional heavy showers set in for Thursday’s cruise to Tairua, Friday’s Castrol Edge Thunder Cruise to Onemana Beach, and the biggie: Saturday’s Main Street Parade and various car shows in Whangamata.

Although it rained on Repco Beach Hop’s parade, a bit of moisture didn’t stop the car enthusiasts or the public from turning out in their droves. Another record crowd enjoyed a two-hour parade

of vehicles that came from all over the country, including 93 cars from the South Island.

Sunday’s Classic Insurance Nostalgia Fair and Top Car and Bike prize-giving on Sunday brought a six-day overdose of chrome, whitewalls, metalflake paint and rock ‘n’ roll to a close.

Next year’s Repco Beach Hop runs from March 22 to 26. Check out www. beachhop.co.nz for details.

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Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 51

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52 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

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April/May 2016

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Subscribe to Rural Living Rural Living is a stimulating magazine delivered to RD addresses in the Franklin district. It is designed to provide readers with varied rural information, which is both informative and helpful to the lifestyle market, as well as a ‘Living’ section providing for all aspects of living.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: For your free e-edition of Rural Living delivered straight to your inbox go to www.ruralliving.co.nz/ subscriptions/e-edition For a copy of Rural Living mailed to your letterbox go to www.ruralliving.co.nz/subscriptions/print subscriptions. Postage costs $49 inc GST per annum.

Wild woman to Borneo

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RL april-may 2016.indd 1

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Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 1

22/04/2016 1:54:48 p.m.

Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 53

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Visit us online at www.mastercraft.co.nz 54 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

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Rural Living is available FREE from selected advertisers and the following locations: Pukekohe RD1 Pukekohe, 239 Manukau Rd. Cafe Kaos, 44 Edinburgh St. Barfoot and Thompson, 68 King St. Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Ave. Franklin Vets, 86 Harris St. Papakura Franklin Vets, 365 Great South Rd. Pokeno Pokeno Bacon, Great South Rd. Waiuku Franklin Vets, 2 Court St.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Mitre 10, 25 Bowen St. Bombay Autobahn, State Highway 1.

Tuakau Tuakau Meats, 23 George St. Tuakau Pharmacy, 51 George St. H.R Fiskens, 295 Tuakau Rd. Field Fresh Fruit & Vege, 3/53 George St. Profarm Tuakau, Cnr Madill Rd and George St. Ardmore Animal Stuff, 192 Airfield Rd.

R1101130-v3

Painting and Decorating

Karaka Animal Stuff, 671 Karaka Rd. Drury Animal Stuff, 222 Great South Rd. Drury Butcher, 232a Great South Rd. Town & Country Vets, 257 Great South Rd. Patumahoe The Butchers Shop Cafe, 4 Patumahoe Rd.

Rural Living is delivered in the first week of each month. Copies will go quickly so be quick to collect yours from any of the following outlets.

An electronic version is also available at ruralliving.co.nz

Clevedon Clevedon Dairy, 14 Main Rd, Clevedon Village Clevedon Rural Supplies, 13 Papakura-Clevedon Rd, Clevedon Village Te Kauwhata Te Kauwhata Pharmacy, 14 Main Rd.

Rural Living — April-May 2016 — 55

56 — Rural Living — April-May 2016

www.ruralliving.co.nz 02231-v3