Rural Living August-September 2018 by Times Media

Fr ee!

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August/September 2018

CULTIVATING

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Master Farrier

HIS NAME IS EARLE

s ’ k c a l B URS O L O C E U R T Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 1

Brought to you by members of Franklin’s

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august/september ■ EXPOS & FESTIVALS franklin arts festival August 31 - September 9, times vary, Pukekohe Town Hall, cnr Massey Ave and Edinburgh St, Pukekohe Beginning with an opening night (and prize giving) from 7pm on August 31, this annual festival is a celebration of our region’s creative talents. For more information visit franklinartsfestival.co.nz. suﬀrage 125 Franklin September 15, from 9am, King St, Pukekohe Celebrating 125 years since ordinary women (and men) fought to ensure today’s Kiwis (whatever their gender) have the right to vote, Frankliners will be taking to the streets. Culminating in speeches at the Pukekohe Town Hall, this march will honour all those to whom equal opportunity is considered a right, not a privilege. For more information, or to take part, see pukekohe.org.nz for details.

■ COUNTRY CALENDAR Mauku school country Life Day September 15, Mauku School, 389 Union Rd, Mauku When little lambs follow children to Mauku School’s annual Country Life Day, there’s plenty more than ribbons on offer. For more information, contact the school via

mauku.school.nz. Rural Living will include listings of other Calf Club-style events in coming issues; to ensure your school is included, please email details to editor@ ruralliving.co.nz.

abstract artists, such as Maraetai’s Kirsty Black, continue to enthral those with a nose for fine art. Visit railwaystreetstudios. co.nz for details, and see pages 28-29 to read our interview with Kirsty.

■ARTS hau August 27 – October 13, 9am-5pm (weekdays) & 10am-2pm (Saturdays), Papakura Art Gallery, 10 Averiil St, Papakura Four local artists explore the unspoken stories surrounding memorials in Papakura during this exhibition, delivering a fusion of history and art. Details via facebook.com/papakuraartgallery. Dane Mitchell – iris, iris, iris September 1 – February 24, Auckland Art Gallery, cnr Kitchener & Wellesley Sts, Auckland City An exhibition of installation art, Iris, Iris, Iris investigates diverse meanings of the word which can represent a flower, part of an eye or a camera and a Greek goddess. At Rural Living, we think ‘Iris, Iris, Iris... Iris’ would be a better name but, then again, we’re not among New Zealand’s most respected artists! For details about this exhibition – which is practically guaranteed to be ‘eyecatching’, see aucklandartgallery.com. eﬀervescent Dreaming September 6-25, 10am-3pm (Tuesdays-Saturdays), Railway St Studios, 8 Railway St, Newmarket Parallel lines are essential if one is to run a railroad. However, when it comes to a ‘Railway’, there’s no fixed pattern, which is fitting because that’s exactly why

Craig

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2 — Rural Living — August/September Moore2018 McCardle Alderlieste Ashby Boyce

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Kirsty Black’s Carnival Camouﬂage

■ MUSIC & MUSICALS community classics: Worlds collide September 1, 3-4pm, Sir Woolf Fisher Arena, Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Rd, Manukau The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) is taking it to the streets on an adventure south to Manukau. Featuring a wide range of orchestral music, this free show is designed to showcase the variety of music for which APO has become renowned. For details visit apo.co.nz. auckland Youth orchestra concerts September 8, from 7.30pm, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Dr, Papakura, and September 9, from 2.30pm, Auckland Town Hall, Queen St, Auckland City Fresh from its European tour, the Auckland Youth Orchestra is set to celebrate its homecoming. For further information, visit ayo.org.nz/concerts.

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

rendered September 18 – October 3, ASB Waterfront Theatre, 138 Halsey Street, Auckland City When a New Zealander defects to ISIS, Major Aria and her mercenary accomplice must locate them in this play by acclaimed Kiwi playwright and novelist, Stuart Hoar. And, when a kindergarten teacher receives an offer from an American visitor, all six of these characters find their lives inextricably entwined as this tale of intrigue, danger and espionage unfolds. See details about this play – a world premier – at atc.co.nz/ whats-on.

tennessee Waltz September 13, 11am-1pm, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Dr, Papakura If you’re even just a little bit country, this is the show for you! Featuring songs by such stars as John Denver, Johnny Cash, Connie Francis, Kenny Rodgers and Dolly Parton, this Operatunity concert will likely see plenty of fans who’ll stand by their man while walking the line all at the same time! Details via operatunity.co.nz

■ THEATRE

■HOME & GARDEN auckland home show September 5-9, ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane From plush country mansions to compact apartments in the sky, there is no such thing as the typical Auckland home. However, with a vast number of exhibitors presenting their ideas and wares, this show is sure to have something for any home... or castle. More information at aucklandhomesshow.co.nz.

Menopause Made Me Do it September 13-20, times vary, OSPA Hall, Hall Rd, Onewhero Billed as ‘hilarious, poignant and utterly mad’, this show sees five menopausal women (aka the Crazy Ladies) take on a kidnapper who has catastrophically underestimated his quarry. During a weekend of mayhem he may well wind up married or buried or both! Details via ospa.org.nz.

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■SPORT, FITNESS, MOTORING & RACING golden gallops raceday September 5, 11am-5pm, Pukekohe Park, 222-250 Manukau Rd, Pukekohe Expect silver service during this raceday specially tailored for seniors and retirees. Visit pukekohepark.co.nz for more information. hrscc annual swap Meet September 16, from 8am, Massey Hall, Pukekohe Showgrounds, 58 Station Rd, Pukekohe Drop by the showgrounds for a tip top swap op’! Hosted by the Historic Racing & Sports Car Club, this event will see car enthusiasts take part(s) in trading almost all things automotive, including books, tools and memorabilia. For more information visit hrscc.co.nz/events or pukekoheshowgrounds.co.nz.

■FUNDRAISERS vintage swing into spring rock ‘n’ roll Dance September 1, from 7.30pm, Onewhero Community Hall, Hall Rd, Onewhero Dust off those blue suede shoes and jitterbug, jive or simply boogie on down to the Onewhero Community Hall where to strut your stuff during this fundraiser for Onewhero Early Education Centre. For more information or tickets, contact the centre via oecc.co.nz. Waiuku rotary book fair September 8-9, 8.30am-4.30pm, Waiuku Memorial Town Hall, Cnr Queen St and Victoria Ave, Waiuku Book your place at this fair – with thousands of books, DVDs, jigsaws and even records available - to help ensure Waiuku Rotary continues to undertake many a good turn for the community.

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Murray Nick Rural Living — August/September —3 Dawson 2018 Bates Sales Manager Branch Manager

From the editor... as will matching pegs and weekly dusting. I do wonder what quirky habits Rural Living readers can’t dispense with (do people still polish shoes?) or what age-old household hints, passed down by mothers and grandmothers, they still stick with religiously – a lot I’m sure. But, for now, it’s time I stopped reminiscing and encouraged readers to adopt a different habit – that is, to sit down with a cuppa and feet up while they enjoy time out reading Rural Living. What’s more, this one’s a doozey! Read about master farrier, Earle Adlington, check out Maraetai abstract painter, Kirsty Black, and learn about a farming operation which is no bull or should that be all bull! That’s all, folks, (for this month) the politics will keep for another time.

Although my mother ironed during the week, the weekend wash was a Sunday evening ironing chore for either my sister or I. Those were the days before envelope-style pillowcases; instead the ends were closed by tying together two short tapes (two pairs) and, yes, the tapes were always ironed flat It’s hard to put aside life-long habits; I’m only now reluctantly folding terry tea towels straight from the line into the drawer but all others MUST be ironed. I cannot abide even slightly rumpled shirts or t-shirts and trousers, even jeans, must be pressed with a crease. If sheets have dried outside on a windy day, I might just occasionally fold and put them away but even these I still tend to iron – there’s nothing nicer that slipping between crispy sheets. While there is seldom time to devote two or three hours to ironing, I commit myself to six items a day which keeps me more-or-less up to date with just a slightly bigger ironing session come the weekend. So, I think I can safely say ironing will remain one of my compulsive behaviours

Helen Perry, Editor

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ust as I was considering which political football to kick around in Rural Living this month I happened to tune into a discussion about ironing and had to laugh at how many people no longer iron or only manage the bare minimum. One woman said her daughter irons only the front of many dresses because in winter the back is covered by a cardigan, jacket or coat! Is that a bit like spray tanning only below the knees at this time of year? Anyway, with that I had to have my say. Of course, today’s easy wash, easy wear fabrics have eliminated many items from the ironing basket but it made me reflect on my own ironing habits. I still iron practically everything – sheets, T-shirts, tea towels – the kind of things most folk fold neatly and put into drawers. Having grown up without an ironing board – we placed a piece of Pinex over the kitchen table, then a double blanket, followed by a sheet – ironing wasn’t as easy as it is today, especially when it came to shirts!

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THE SHOE FITS: It’s often said that the cobbler’s children are always worst shod, but some magnificent mounts can be sure of putting their best hoof forward at all times thanks to at least one Franklin local. From his Buckland workshop, master farrier, Earle Adlington, has had a ‘hand’ in victories on racetracks nationwide during his lengthy career. Recently, Rural Living tracked down Earle to chat about the career he’s forged and his love of horses. To read our interview, see pages 14-15. Photo Wayne Martin

info@ruralliving.co.nz Editor: Helen Perry DDI 09 271 8036 editor@ruralliving.co.nz Sales: Kate Ockelford-Green DDI 09 271 8090 kate@ruralliving.co.nz Jackie Underhill DDI 09 271 8092 jackie@ruralliving.co.nz Cathy Renolds DDI 09 271 8019 cathy@ruralliving.co.nz Art director: Clare McGillivray DDI 09 271 8067 clare@ruralliving.co.nz design: Clare Robertson media@ruralliving.co.nz Publisher: Brian Neben Level 1, The Lane, Botany Town Centre, Chapel Road, Auckland PO Box 259-243, Botany, Auckland 2163

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Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 5 KAT5300

Raising leading dairy sires Herd improvement company, CRV Ambreed has been focused on innovative herd management solutions in New Zealand for almost 50 years. Part of a global company, it has an ethos of “better cows, better life”, its business built around helping clients achieve the best performing herd possible, starting at its Peninsula Farm operation at Raglan.

here’s nothing ‘bull at a gate’ about one of the country’s most influential farming operations. Rather, CRV Ambreed’s Peninsula Farm bull breeding programme, at the back of Raglan harbour, is carefully calculated, managed and monitored. Peninsula Farm is where CRV Ambreed grazes its young Friesian, jersey and crossbred bulls waiting to find out if they’re the dairy industry’s next megastars. Each year some 150 bull calves are carefully selected for the company’s progeny test programme and are shipped from farms across the country to its Bellevue production and logistics centre. At approximately 12 months of age, the bulls’ semen is harvested and then allocated and distributed to contracted progeny testing herds nationwide. It takes four years to measure the performance, milk production and type of a bull’s daughters. So, for the next three and a half years these young bulls graze in an isolated and controlled environment at Peninsula Farm. In all, 250 Friesian, jersey and crossbred bulls, averaging 800kg each, graze at the farm over winter and up to 310 bulls in spring. They are put into mobs of 10-20

6 — Rural Living — August/September 2018

bulls, and each mob is rotated around three or four paddocks. Annually, 800 silage bales are brought in and fed out from March to October. Farm manager, Darryl Parker, says Peninsula Farm is paradise seven months of the year and wet and windy the rest. As part of CRV Ambreed’s focus on environmental sustainability, large portions of the farm have been planted out with native trees and shrubs to protect coastal erosion. With large animals of up to 1000kg walking around in winter, Darryl says the paddocks can quickly become soft. “We spend a lot of time rolling, levelling and re-growing grass where we can,” he explains. “As you’d expect with a bull farm, there’s also triple the maintenance of a typical dairy farm.” The 240-hectare farm is ideal for quarantine as the farm’s boundary has only 800m of neighbouring farm. Three sides of the farm have a coastal boundary; the fourth side neighbours another property, separated by a gravel road. All sides of the farm are double fenced with a 5m buffer zone, which protects the coastline and completely removes any

possible chance of nose-to-nose contact with other stock. Darryl says all precautions possible are taken on-farm to protect the quarantine disease status of the bulls and manage any known biosecurity risk, including diseases such as Mycoplasma bovis. The farm is also categorised as a fully isolated, controlled environment, managed under strict vet supervision. It is registered and audited bi-annually by the Ministry for Primary Industries. “We follow strict biosecurity practices around hygiene and equipment disinfection,” Darryl says. “We minimise visitors to the farm but when we do have visitors they have to sign in and out, and their vehicles, and any other equipment, is sprayed and washed if they have to come on-farm.” Along with biosecurity, health and safety is always top of mind for Darryl and farm assistant, Jordan Ratima. “I’ve been working for CRV Ambreed for more than 20 years and been on this farm for almost five years, but I am still wary at all times. It’s all about keeping your eyes open, keeping your distance and getting to know the bulls,” he says. “While 98% of the animals are fine to

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handle, for safety we always have two people on-hand to shift and feed the bulls. We don’t walk through paddocks. We’re always on bikes. We use dogs. And, feed is important; we usually use feed to shift the animals.” After the four-year progeny test programme is complete, bulls with the potential to provide the highest genetic gain for dairy farmers are selected to graduate by CRV Ambreed’s product management and product development team. Coincidently, this includes Darryl’s older brother, Aaron. The bulls are once again health tested and put into interim quarantine on Peninsula Farm for 45 days. Once their blood and TB tests come back clear, they return to the CRV production and logistics centre on the outskirts of Cambridge and undergo further quarantine disease testing. The final step of the bulls’ journey is to

enter the semen collection centre where they begin their work being collected for the processing of frozen semen for the purposes of AI for CRV’s customers worldwide. While proven bulls follow a long line of megastar bulls, which are sought after by dairy farmers for their production and performance traits, each season the next group of bulls in waiting make their way to the farm. “Seeing the top bulls go off to collection every year and knowing that I was part of that is really satisfying,” Parker says. “I love working here and I definitely don’t get bored. There are the normal farm chores such as stock work, maintenance and farm development, but then I get to blood bulls, take bull photos and collect semen from a 1000kg bull. “At the end of the working day I can drop a net for a feed of flounder or go white baiting, so it’s a real privilege to live out here.”

Peninsula Farm team – Darryl and Jordan.

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Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 7

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

COUNTRY LAD

t’s so great coming into our driveway at present and seeing the lovely daffodils in all their glory. Everyone knows that means the beginning of spring. Each year we look forward to our London plane trees coming into leaf. At our previous Runciman property we had more than 30 very large plane trees which gave us great delight. On our present property we have just two magnificent specimens and, when their leaves start forming, we know summer isn’t far away – can’t wait. In Rural Living’s November issue last year, I wrote about my grandfather who died in France during the First World War. He was in the British Army and was part of the 7th City of London Battalion, the London Regiment. Some days ago, August 10, in fact, marked 100 years to the day that he died in a clearing house just north of the Somme after his legs had been blown of two days earlier on August 8. Those who died at the clearing house (a temporary hospital set up to treat the injured) were buried in an adjacent field. I think there are about 400 graves in that cemetery which is now maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Now, a bit closer to home and very sad

Brian’s mare Willowbrook with her daughter Willsherocknroll.

for our family; we have just had our lovely brood mare, Willowbrook, euthanised. She became quite sick following the birth of her last foal, a filly called Willsherocknroll, born last year and named by one of our readers in the Name the Filly competition. We gave her a year’s respite from breeding duties in the hope she would come back fit and well. However, during that time, an old injury to one hoof flared up and her full recovery never came about. She has now been buried at Alabar Stud. At 12 years old, we had expected to be breeding from Willowbrook for a few more years yet but it wasn’t to be. While

Photo Wayne Martin

we had her she delivered five foals with three getting to the race track so far. Her last born, Willsherocknroll, is being prepared by Adrienne Matthews for the yearling sales next February. Her fourth foal by Betterbycheddar, named Betterbrook, has just started racing and has run a fourth and a fifth in her two races. She is coming along nicely. Willowbrook’s first two foals were colts. Will Desire had two wins, a second and a third while Willedu has, to date, had 28 starts, five wins, a second and a third. Finally, by the time you read this the ABs will have won the test in Australia (surely?) and we can look forward to the Eden Park Game – Go the ABs.

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Alta Dream Lodge

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ifestyle extraordinaire, your spectacular opportunity to purchase a stunning 7.7ha boutique equestrian breeding property. Absolutely brand new, on gentle land, close to Waiau Pa Village and beautifully presented. Stylish gates take you through to the driveway up to the sparkling Landmark home where the word stylish is so obvious. Every care and attention to detail has been taken, making the home a real find for the lifestyle and entertaining connoisseur. The open plan living area opens out to warm patios on both sides of the home, the north facing one is very luxurious, and from here you can gaze out over the land and the incredible stable complex. The kitchen, with its exquisite lights is a modern dream, complete with a remarkable butlers’ pantry. The main kitchen bench is a statement for entertainment. From here the hostess is always close to the guests but can have an eye on the pulse! Easy entertaining was always top of the list when the vendors were designing the home. The choice of accessories is in keeping with the home with wooden flooring and elegant drapes throughout. There is a smaller lounge to the north as

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well, also with a gas fire, making this a very cosy winter room and close to the kitchen, is a clever bedroom which is used as an office. The master bedroom opens to the patio as well and is a beautiful space to escape to! Moving now to the stable complex where you have an incredible insight into the equestrian breeding industry. Five magnificent stables each with their own separate water supply are within the first barn, including a tack room and a smaller unit where the assistant vet will sleep during foaling time. You could eat your breakfast from the floor – it is that spotless! The north facing land is well raced and has specialist fencing throughout, again all brand new. The property is definitely a “stand alone” specialist lifestyle block but will lend itself to all equestrian disciplines. The sheds of course, would suit all other sorts of applications! If you are a discerning and entrepreneurial purchaser, then this is the spot for you! Close to good schools and beaches, and only 20 minutes to the Bloodstock Centre at Karaka. Enjoy being part of one of the remaining village communities – your family will thrive on it! Inspection will be rewarded!

TENDER Closes 4pm, 19 September at Papakura office

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cherry cooper 021 955 141 / 09 232 0000 c.cooper@barfoot.co.nz Papakura 09 298 8029 barfoot.co.nz

Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 9 KAT6199

Over

the gate

with franklin hospice garden ramble co-ordinator

Steph Coles

The Franklin Hospice Garden Ramble has become a much anticipated local event for avid gardeners and anyone who loves nature and flowers. With a wide array of gardens open to the public for one weekend this November, it is a not to be missed fixture. The Hospice has come to rely heavily on this biennial fundraiser, which has provided for many added services thanks to wonderful sponsors, public participation (property owners and visitors) and two hospice volunteers, Kay McMath and Steph Coles, who co-ordinate the event. Rural Living spoke with Steph Coles, Over the Gate, about the ramble and, in particular, this year’s event. When did the Franklin Hospice Garden Ramble start and how long have you been involved? The Franklin Hospice Garden Ramble began over a chance meeting in the street while walking the dogs in 2012. This year will be our 4th Garden Ramble and two of us have been involved since its inception.

“When your work is finished may you wash your hands and pray, that the glory of the garden will not pass away.”

How did you come to be on the organising side and are you a keen gardener yourself? I enjoy charity work and putting something back into the community. Hospice is an organisation which I am passionate about as few are exempt. If we haven’t experienced Hospice first hand, we will nearly always know someone who has. Yes, I enjoy gardening and the love of plants

The ramble is held every two years, how far in advance do you start planning the event? We start 18 months ahead of the event, sourcing, searching and securing gardens. Planning the route plays a very important part as it all has to flow.

Tuakau. I feel it would be difficult to do them all in one day due to the distance between gardens. Gardens are a place of beauty and are to be admired, not galloped through What kind of gardens – scale and nature – can visitors expect to see? Every garden is unique and all reflect the personality of the owners. We have large five acre plus country gardens as well as smaller town gardens. One garden is a native garden and another garden is entirely topiary. We also have a new garden which shows visitors what you can do with a blank canvas in just three years. Just take your time to enjoy.

How many gardens do you expect to be part of this year’s ramble and can they be covered in a day?

Will there be many gardens included in this year’s ramble which aren’t usually open to the public and haven’t been included in the past?

There are 17 gardens from Ramarama, Drury, Bombay, Pukekohe town and

The only venue which is repeated is the Christmas Market at the Ramarama School

10 — Rural Living — August/September 2018

Hall on Saturday November 10. There are three gardens which have been open to the public for other events. We are so lucky in the Franklin area to be blessed with generous garden hosts who welcome the opportunity to share their private gardens with the public for a great cause so we have never had to repeat a garden. How much does it costs to visit the ramble and is there an early bird offer? Early Bird ticket prices of $45 (until 1 Oct) and $50 per ticket after that, gets you a full weekend of garden rambling. Parties of 10 or more – $40 per ticket – what a bargain for 17 gardens! How beneficial has it been having Barfoot & Thompson as the major sponsor? We are so lucky to have Barfoot and Thompson branches of Waiuku, Papakura, Pukekohe and Tuakau as our major sponsors. They have provided us with a network of facilities and services that have taken many costs out of the running of an event like this. What experience in this kind of charity fundraising does CEO Ric Odom bring to the table and is it a help? The CEO of Franklin Hospice has come from a career in both military and NFP organisations so he is well versed in providing support services from his volunteer “army” of Hospice helpers as well as providing a conduit to corporates www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Steph Coles (right) with Debbie Sisam whose garden will be included in this year’s Franklin Hospice Garden Ramble. The good news is local garden guru, Lynda Hallinan will be present at Debbie’s garden for the ramble weekend selling her new book, Damson and damson plum trees, too. Photo Wayne Martin

who have generously supported Franklin Hospice in the past. Can you provide some examples of how monies raised from the ramble have or will benefit the hospice and its patients? Every garden ramble funds a specific cause for Hospice so in 2012, $40k was used to fund night nursing staff to provide carers of patients some respite care; in 2014, $45k was used to provide a 24/7 phone service for patients and carers so they could contact palliative care nurses at any time; in 2016, $95k was used to upskill the clinical team with specialist skills to make them the most qualified team of palliative www.ruralliving.co.nz

nurses in the country. This year the funds will go to adding counselling support services to the clinical team to assist family and friends of patients to cope with stress. If you could be Minister of Health for a day what would be the first thing you would do? As Minister of Health for the day I would provide incentives for medical practitioners to spend time in rural practices to be sure they are aware of the special needs of rural areas. If you could grow any plant what would it be and why?

“Yesterday, today and tomorrow” a beautiful fragrant shrub with flowers which change colour from spring to summer. They remind us to forget about the worries of yesterday, live each ‘today’ as it comes and look forward to tomorrow! If you could ask any three people to dinner (living or dead) who would they be and why? Sir Rob Fenwick (Living Earth) for his vision for a predator-free NZ, Sir Steven Tindall for his philanthropic endeavours to make New Zealand a better country for all and Lynda Hallinan for her generosity of spirit to events such as ours. Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 11

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nless local growing land is protected from developers’ bulldozers, prices at New Zealand’s supermarkets may not seem so super in future. In fact, the ‘health and wealth of New Zealand’ could be at stake should one of the country’s most productive regions be covered in concrete, Mike Chapman from Horticulture NZ warns. “If decision-makers don’t have a clear view of the value of the Pukekohe food hub, we run the risk of an economic hit to Auckland of up to $1.1 billion in 25 years, with the loss of up to 4500 fulltime jobs, less fruit and vegetables available, and prices up to 58 percent higher. Auckland will also be hungrier, with population set to rise to 2.3 million,” he says. “It makes sense to protect growing hubs close to our main population centres. They not only provide food... but also jobs, and vibrant businesses and communities.” Mr Chapman’s comments come in the wake of the New Zealand’s food story: The Pukekohe hub report. Undertaken by Deloitte, it details Pukekohe’s contribution to horticulture. “This report is part of the evidence-base we will bring to the table as we work on finding the answers to the questions it poses,” he adds. “Food and housing are competing for land and water. We need both, so now is a good time to be smart about longterm planning. We will not always be able to source food from other countries – look at the extremely hot summer the northern part of the world is having and the impact it is having on food production because of drought.” Minister of Agriculture, Damien O’Connor, confirms the sanctity of productive soil must be preserved. “New Zealand’s soils are a precious resource, not just for our growers but for every Kiwi who likes to eat their greens. I support efforts to ensure we protect our elite, food-producing soils so our growers can continue to feed us with healthy, natural produce.” Both the full report and a summary of findings are available via hortnz.co.nz.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

VET TALK

Equine vets with a difference Franklin Vets Equine started in 2010. Since then it has grown to a team of four dedicated equine vets, with Sandra Fisher on customer services as well as other vets and support staff with equine experience. The latest arrival is Dr Kendra McLeod, a Florida native who, on graduating from vet school, furthered her veterinary training by becoming certified in equine acupuncture and veterinary chiropractic. She has worked in both New Zealand and Australia, and is excited to be back here. Kendra looks forward to meeting you and your horses. Dr Kara Watson, originally from Washington State, has been part of the team since 2011. Her special interests are in equine reproduction, lameness and sports medicine. Dr Katie Kindleysides joined the team in 2012 when she arrived from England. Katie enjoys preventative medicine and dentistry in which she has completed postgraduate courses. Dr Melissa Sim joined the equine team last year following an internship in the USA. Her special interests are sport horses, acupuncture, ophthalmology and reproduction. Franklin Vets provides high quality, professional and personal service to its clients, including racing stables, sport horse

Dr Kendra McLeod

Dr Kara Watson

yards, pleasure horses, pony club ponies and retired pets. Services include: ultrasound (for reproduction, lameness and internal medicine cases), digital radiography, an in-house blood machine (for quick results), endoscopy, pre-purchase examinations, breeding (with fresh, chilled, frozen and embryo transfer), preventative medicine, lameness work-ups and treatment, IRAP, PRP and more. ■ Dentistry – The team is focused on preventative medicine and an important preventative health measures for horses is to ensure they have an annual dental check. Reducing sharp edges to relieve painful areas (known as ‘floating’ the mouth) has been done for many years. However, it is now recognised that like people, horses are prone to disease of the gums, teeth and associated structures. These can cause much pain, which the horse deals with by avoiding using the affected areas of the mouth. Therefore, our approach to dentistry is a lot more than just float-

Dr Katie Kindleysides

Dr Melissa Sim

ing those sharp points. Complementary to Franklin Vets conventional veterinary services, chiropractic and acupuncture is also offered. ■ Chiropractic – Kendra is one of only a few certified veterinary chiropractors in NZ. Chiropractic focuses on restoring normal range of motion and movement in the spinal column. Kendra uses her hands to manipulate the joints and is effective even with subtle movements when the horse is relaxed.

Sandra Fisher

■ Acupuncture – Along with Kendra, Melissa is also certified in large animal acupuncture, which has been successfully used to help horses with muscle soreness, facial nerve paralysis, neurologic problems, allergies, and other problems. Melissa says most horses enjoy acupuncture, as it results in an endorphin release. Some enjoy it to the point of looking very sleepy! To talk with our Equine team phone 09 2387486 or email equine@fvs.co.nz

SEPTEMBER CHECKLIST ■ Calves and lambs – parasites are a major risk to younger animals so ensure a robust drenching plan is in place to manage these. Young animals are also sensitive to overdosing so products, such as Iver-Matrix, which have a wider safety margin, can be a good option. Coccidia is also a significant issue for calves. If feeding a meal, then ensure it contains a coccidiostat and consider using Baycox as a preventative. ■ Pets – spring is a good time to ensure animals are up to date with vaccinations before the higher risk period of summer and before they are needed if booking pets into catteries or kennels. We continue to see serious disease and preventable deaths in unvaccinated animals, so this is an incredibly important part of keeping pets happy and healthy.

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Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 13

Earle Adlington: “You wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes that don’t fit you so why should a horse wear shoes that don‘t fit?” 14 — Rural Living — August/September 2018 Photo Wayne Martin

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Earle shoes for sport of kings As if to prove horseshoes bring good luck this octogenarian refuses to retire from his tasking job as a busy farrier. Earle Adlington, who was made a life member of the NZ Farriers’ Association in 2011 in recognition of his outstanding contribution, shod his first horse more than 60 years ago. He tells ANGELA KEMP what keeps him working.

anging in Earle Adlington’s workshop at his Buckland home, are a variety of horseshoes of all shapes and sizes, even one made by a former farrier to Queen Elizabeth II. Despite being called Earle, this local man isn’t an aristocrat, but his name is royalty as one of New Zealand’s longest serving master farriers. At 81-years-young he shows no signs of easing up on the job he loves. He’s duty farrier at six racetracks – Pukekohe Park, Dargaville, Ruakaka, Avondale, Te Arawa and Ellerslie – and has looked after showjumping legend David Goodin’s horses at Te Kauwhata since the 70s. To keep him ticking over in between, Earle also shoes on average two or three horses each day around Franklin district. His story starts in Waiuku where he used to ride his pony to high school and where he first started learning how to shoe. “My uncle Fred Storey was a farrier sergeant major in the New Zealand Army who had 600 horses and 20 farriers under him at the tail end of the Second World War. He bred Clydesdale draughthorses and thanks to him, I learned the basics of shoeing. He was a tough taskmaster.” After school Earle took a farm job at Karaka before a move to Maramarua when he supplemented his income shoeing the district’s work horses as well as its sport horses in his spare time. When the property was sold, he decided to become a fulltime farrier and started his own business in Pukekohe with an anvil, a hammer and $300 in the bank. That was 46 years ago and the same anvil is now anchored to his mobile forge. While he has no idea how many horses he’s shod, Earle is quick to point out he’s put shoes on some of the best horses in Australasia, not least champion racehorse, ‘Solvit’, a winner and second placed in the prestigious Cox Plate in Australia. ‘Solvit’ won more than $1.5 million during his career in the mid-90s for his

Waiuku trainer, Moira Murdoch and a set of his plates hang on Earle’s living room wall. He moved to Buckland 20 years ago after an opportunity arose to purchase a section opposite the War Memorial. “This section has a 100-year-old history of blacksmiths and wheelwrights. It used to be Danes Engineering which made the chassis for TrailLite caravans but the building burned down and the council wouldn’t let them rebuild. “I saw it for sale and thought, by Jove, a 100-year history of blacksmiths on this site so I bought it as a bare section.” At the time Earle used to have his forge at the nearby Franklin Trotting Club track in Pukekohe where he worked with the late George Moyle. “All the shoes were handmade at that stage but not now. It was very busy and once we shod 132 horses in six days between three of us. There were 56 horses on the track in one morning.” But the introduction of GST caused him to scale back and he left the Franklin Trotting Club and moved his workshop to the A & P Showgrounds then later to its present site next to his house in Buckland. Earle has owned racehorses himself in the past (and hasn’t ruled out doing so again) which inadvertently led to one of the biggest embarrassments of his career. “I had a filly which had 17 lifetime starts at the races for six wins and seven placings.

She won four in a row including the Waikato Gold Cup and the Hunter Country Fillies and Mares race against all the flash bred ones at Waikato. “She went into the Auckland Cup but pulled off one of her shoes before she reached the rail gate and I’ve never been allowed to forget it. All the boys still give me a hard time on it but she still ran fourth on three wheels.” While the days of when Pukekohe High School had a training programme for farriers are long gone, Earle says the number of farriers across the board has dramatically reduced from Fred Storey’s day too – “but there’ll always be a job for them,” he asserts. He says around six apprentices a year are recruited by the NZ Farriers’ Association and placed wherever there’s a need around the country. It’s a lengthy indenture requiring 7000 hours of training over four and a half years. Earle has trained several farriers himself including his son-in-law, Jimmy Lobb, who works out of Onewhero. “It’s one of the finest trades you can learn because you are working with something living and it’s up to you to do the best job you can for it. You wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes that don’t fit you so why should a horse wear shoes that don‘t fit?” He says the profession has changed significantly since he began making horse shoes from scratch from a straight metal steel bar or even the flattened tine of an old hay rake. ‘’As long as horses are part of our lives, there will always be work for a farrier, but I would be happier if there were fewer ‘shoe-fitters’ and more registered tradesmen. “Nowadays all the shoes are ready-made which has been the worst thing for the trade as there’s no learning how to make them anymore.” However, Earle says the qualities needed to make a good farrier don’t change and are the same as those for a shearer – a strong back and a weak head!

Greening grants are go Jig’s up for stink bug? A woman with her finger on the pulse of Auckland’s environment (councillor Penny Hulse) is calling on Super City citizens to champion green initiatives. Applications for Regional Environment and Natural Heritage (RENH) grants of $5000 to $40,000 are now open, she confirms. “We know Aucklanders care about their environment and I encourage community groups to take advantage of this opportunity for funding to

tackle local projects and contribute to protecting our environment,” council’s Environment and Community Committee chair says. These ‘greening grants’ will help fund projects which protect, restore or enhance our region’s natural heritage environment. Applications close August 31; see aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

protect & conserve Auckland’s number one public servant will soon recognise those who protect and conserve our natural environment. “The [Mayoral Conservation Awards] will acknowledge communities and individuals who demonstrate excellence in conservation,” Karaka local and Super City Mayor, Phil Goff, says. “Our environment is precious and we want to credit those who work so hard to protect and conserve it.” Winning projects will be unveiled on September 20, at an awards ceremony during conservation week.

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The infamous brown marmorated stink bug should soon find the heat is on should it attempt to landfall in New Zealand. New import health standards for vehicles, machinery and equipment should ensure such pests cannot hitchhike their way into the country, MPI’s (Ministry for Primary Industries) Paul Hallett, believes. Certain consignments will now be subject to fumigation with methyl bromide or sulfuryl fluoride and heat treatment. “Imported vehicles and machinery pose a high biosecurity risk, as stink bugs hibernate in nooks and crannies during the northern hemisphere winter,” he says. “We want to do everything we can to stop brown marmorated stink bug from invading New Zealand, given the damage it could cause to our horticulture industry... We simply don’t want to run the risk of having contaminated cargo enter New Zealand waters.”

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A&P Society pitches sites to van campers R

ecycling, reuse and sustainability have been 2018 catch words largely focused on preserving the planet’s health but one local organisation has made land ‘recycling’ their mantra and it all began with a POP! Every February, the 52 acres owned by the Franklin Agricultural & Pastoral Society in Pukekohe comes alive with people, animals, vehicles, fairground rides and more as thousands of locals and visitors pour through the gates for the annual A&P Show. At other times – mostly weekends – sports teams take to the fields whilst the society’s various buildings regularly host a range of club activities, meetings and other events but, for the most of it, the land lies idle. Not anymore. An enterprising committee, headed by Richard Holst, assisted by secretary, Jannine Goodhew, has taken its first steps in putting the land to more effective use. “We have recently become a registered New Zealand Motor Home Association POP – Park over Property – and can now provide overnight sites for fully selfcontained motor homes,” Jannine says. “We’ve done very little until now to promote the service yet already we’ve had a steady stream of mobile campers making bookings for a night or two.” What’s more with the ITM Auckland SuperSprint coming to Pukekohe Park Raceway, early November, the society

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already has 154 bookings for sites with 52 more available. Being a not-for-profit organisation, the society is not only putting the land to greater use but is gaining much needed funds to help maintain and upgrade its grounds and facilities. “Amazingly the new ablutions block we’ve been wanting for five years should be open by November,” Jannine says. “We applied for a council grant never really believing we would get it but we did. Now, van site users won’t be caught short. “The new building is under construction and will include two men’s and two women’s toilets, two showers for men and two for women, a wheelchair access shower and loo plus a dry room. A laundry will be installed later.” Jannine adds that the new block will be available only to camper van clients and to

other event organisers, who will be given key access. However, the existing toilet facilities will remain in place for use by sports clubs and spectators. Camper van users will also benefit from an onsite dump station to be supplied by the NZ Motor Home Association. Instrumental in organising its installation, Roger Lowery, from the association, says it will include left and right hand access and fresh water. Jannine adds: “We’re really excited about this new direction and thrilled at the response so far. Importantly, the feedback has been all positive. “Camper van owners say the size of the overall site is excellent and they love being able to walk into town. During summer even more vans will be accommodated so we see this move as a win-win situation for everyone.”

Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 17

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.

What a scoop! While most of us welcome supermarkets banning single use plastic bags, in some quarters it’s produced a crappy problem. Many dog owners have made a habit of reusing such bags to pick up the little ‘parcels’ their dogs often drop when out walking. While some are now looking for alternative disposable containers, a Tauranga Intermediate School student, Tearani Wikohika has come up with her own innovation – Eli’s Eco-scoops – which she entered into the Bay of Plenty Science and Technology Fair hosted by NIWA (the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research). One of our readers from NIWA told us the pooper scooper is made from homemade, waterproof paper shaped into a cube with handles added and an extra piece of waterproof paper to do the scooping. It also comes with a handy clip to attach to a dog collar. Apparently Tearani said she wanted to create a product that could potentially replace plastic bags which were ruining the environment. Rural Living applauds this young lady’s initiative and her desire to “create something that is useful for more global issues.” Perhaps we’ll see Franklin dog owners using Eli’s Eco-scoops in the future!

KEEP THE KIDS WARM, DRY (AND STYLISH!)

Puni School pupils enjoy a visit from author Karen McMillan.

Photo Wayne Martin

flexible artist visits puni

wanted to share the story of North Shore author, Karen McMillan’s recent visit to Puni School where she introduced students to the first two books in her Elastic Island Adventures series – Jewel Lagoon and Port Mugaloo. Small country schools don’t often receive such visits so when the chance came to have Karen at our school it was too good an opportunity to miss. Strangely, it all came about when I received a Facebook post from Duckling Publishing Company, inviting me to enter a draw to win Jewel Lagoon. I responded saying I already had the book which my son was reading and that it was great. Duckling Publishing asked me to write

a review on their website and whilst doing so, I saw Karen’s offer to visit local schools. We accepted with alacrity and what a successful and happy morning it was. So, from a chance comment online, Puni pupils met a lovely lady whose books certainly appealed and, hopefully, have inspired a thirst for reading. Thank-you Karen, perhaps more children’s authors will follow suit! Naturally I asked my son what he thought of the visit; he said, “really, really good!” So I asked what did he learn? The lightning response? “She’s 42!” I couldn’t stop laughing. Of course, it would take a child to winkle a woman’s age out of her. – Puni School parent

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local butcher – upper crust of upper north

s Pukekohe Pak‘nSave shoppers go about their business hunting out the best of ‘stickman’s’ bargains, behind the scenes, a top chopper is busily going about his. After securing first place at Alto Butcher of the Year’s Upper North regional competition, Tuakau’s James Smith is now preparing to cut up a cow or two – or anything else required – as a finals appearance beckons. “Knowing that my hard work has paid off is amazing and I am really excited to see what I can do at the Grand Final,” he says. “I love what I do and have been working really hard in preparation for this competition. I put a lot of focus on innovation and making sure my display showed a personal touch.” After missing the cut last year, it seems James is even keener than

ever to bring the title home. To do so, James will need to employ skills honed from more than a decade in the butchery game, besting other regional winners in the process. This will not be easy, as judge, Matt Grimes, confirms. “Butchers from this generation are skilled in so many areas, be it recommending recipes or understanding where their meat is sourced from,” Mr Grimes says. “Each year I am in awe of the extensive knowledge of our upcoming talent – our industry is in good hands.” The Grand Final will be held September 6 at Shed 10, Queens Wharf in Auckland City with the ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year also on the line. To read more about James’ and his passion for competitive butchery, see Rural Living’s June-July issue – e-edition accessible via ruralliving.co.nz.

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rural subdivision coming to tuakau Landowners in Waikato will soon be able to put a second home on their block without needing permission other than building consent. It’s one of a raft of changes outlined in the proposed Waikato District Plan Change which is re-zoning land use from rural to residential in parts of Tuakau and Pokeno. Tuakau’s population is expected to burgeon to 20,000 over the next 20 years but unlike Pokeno, has seen few new developments. That is set to change if the plan is adopted after public submissions close in October. Vast tracts of farmland on the northern, eastern and western sides of the town have been earmarked as suitable for sub-division for housing, more than doubling the current residential area. No changes to subdivision are planned for the country living zone which remains at 5000m2 to ensure an adequate supply of lifestyle blocks. However, in the proposed Tuakau ‘village’ zone minimum lot sizes will be reduced to 3000m2 where services are not available and 1000m2 where services are available. Landowners in the existing country living zone are being given the opportunity to establish a ‘minor dwelling’ up to 70m2 gross floor area if a primary dwelling already exists. This will comfortably accommodate a two-bedroomed home if bulk and location conditions are met – only a building consent is required. residents are encouraged to check if there are any changes to their property under the proposed plan by going to the council’s website www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/pdp.

SERMONS ON ‘MOUNTS’ When equidays 2018 arrives, there will be plenty of instruction oﬀered by some of the world’s best equestrian clinicians. rob ehrens will share his experience coaching the Dutch national showjumping team while the usa contingent, cole cameron, Warwick schiller and anna blake, will bring their expertise regarding a range of disciplines to bear. spain’s Juan Manuel Munoz Diaz will lay on a dressage master-class, and advice regarding performance horsemanship from aussie, Dan steers, is expected to prove most valuable. the 2018 edition of this expo (october 12-14) also sees the return of the kaimanawa heritage horses feature, showcasing the skill and progress of recently mustered horses. for more information regarding this year’s schedule, see equidays.co.nz.

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20 — Rural Living — August/September 2018

Lifestyle farms are not safe from deadly cattle disease, Mycoplasma bovis, recent tests confirm. With 24 animals testing positive at a Canterbury lifestyle block, Chris Lewis from Federated Farmers says even small farming operations are at risk. “Big, small, lifestyle or intensive/extensive, any farm operation with cattle is at risk and the owners and staff have a part to play in the biosecurity of the sector,” he says. “Outside Canterbury and Southland it is understandable that many small block holders were not aware of the implications of Mycoplasma bovis for them, but there is a wealth of information out there and everyone with cattle needs to do their homework.” The disease is most likely to spread through stock movements, although it can also be transmitted by feeding animals with infected milk, particularly that of cows suffering mastitis or other illnesses, Mr Lewis advises. “Ask before you buy,” he adds. “Find out where the animals have come from, register yourself with NAIT (National Animal Identification & Tracing – nait.co.nz), make sure the animals you are buying all have NAIT tags and don’t let them off the truck or pick them up unless they do.” further advice is available via mpi.govt.nz, fedfarm.org.nz and beeﬂambnz.com. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Possum control

anD resource consents

by Ditch keeling, coastal pest solutions

’m taking a tonne of possum calls from right across Auckland at present. Some folk are struggling with new possum problems but far more are in need of putting possum controls in place as part of resource consent requirements in order to split off a section for sale – a sign of the times huh! To be fair, pest control is one of the more rational resource consent requirements and something which is often badly needed in order to get those new plantings safely underway. Last month we talked about dealing with rabbits and pukeko in new plantings but, based on a recent flood of calls, I think its time we re-visited the possum side of property and planting protection. The autumn-spring control season is based on dealing with possums during breeding i.e. reducing numbers before new young become independent during autumn; and further control immediately prior to spring to afford the best possible conditions for breeding bush birds. This approach is well timed to coincide with the winter reduction in the amount of naturally available food items, thus making baits and lures more effective; pulsing your control efforts during these two periods of the year also reduces both the level of

effort required and the associated costs to you. Trapping, shooting and poisoning are all viable means of achieving possum control but if you are after a standardised method, which requires as little input from you as possible, and one that Council accepts as entirely adequate, establishing a permanent bait station regime makes a lot of sense. The following prescription is one I have used for many years and although there are always new alternatives, this method continues to deliver the results and is one of the most easily applied by even those with no pest control experience at all. ◆ Establishing a bait station programme: Philproof mini bait stations should be placed at 100 metre spacings around bush fringes/boundary’s or at the rate of 2/ hectare in bush. They can be nailed to the base of trees or attached side-on to the tree at head height. Place them as high as possible as this removes all risk of access by pets and stock. When attaching side-on, the addition of a second nail through the centre hole at the base of the station keeps it nice and level and allows for easy re-filling by simply lifting the base off the lower nail, tilting the station 45 degrees to the side and pouring the bait straight into the mouth of the station.

◆ Filling the Stations: Fill each station with 500g of pest-off possum pellets. Cutting down a plastic bottle to make a cup to hold just 500g makes this very easy. The annual filling regime for these stations is based on three fills at one month intervals commencing in early autumn; and three times again at one month intervals concluding mid-Spring. This equates to six fills over two pulses or 3kg of bait per station per year. As with all toxins, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for efficient and safe use. Removing any uneaten bait will allow you to further calculate what your property needs annually and leaves the stations empty, clean and tidy until next season. ◆ Additional Lure: For best results bait stations should be lured with a “blaze” of scented flour (as in pic). You can make a really effective lure by adding a small amount of cinnamon and icing sugar, aniseed (or anything else that smells great) to the required amount of flour and smearing a handful of this in a line leading to the mouth of the station each time you are filling them. Bait stations and bait are available from Philproof Ltd www.philproof.co.nz; if you want to establish a bait station regime but need help getting it set up, contact me through www.coastalpestsolutions.co.nz.

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Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 21

Win!

To enter the draw for any of these competitions visit ruralliving.co.nz and enter this month's code – RLSEP0020. One entry per person/email address; entries close September 30, 2018. Winner notified by phone or email.

Win! a puriti Manuka honeY priZe pack Harvested right here in New Zealand, PURITI is the real McCoy. Loaded with goodness, this genuine Manuka honey relies on the good, old fashioned hard work of the humble honey bee to deliver natural flavour by the jar-full. Available from specialty stores and pharmacies nationwide from September 1, PURITI is set to prove there is no substitute for the finer things in life. For details see puriti.co.nz. Fancy a sweet deal? Rural Living has a prize pack valued at over $180 from PURITI – includes lozenges, snap packs (for energy on the go) and a jar of golden Manuka honey – up for grabs!

Win! Life on the roaD – kiWi trucking stories If life is a journey, the life of a trucker never runs short of stories to tell. In this book, Randolph Covich presents a collection of stories from the road, from runaway trucks and skirmishes with the law, to nostalgic tales, love stories, and plenty of practical jokes to boot. Recounting the experiences of how some of New Zealand’s most colourful unsung heroes sing for their supper, this book could be the perfect gift for Father’s Day. Meantime, we have a copy up for grabs. ◆ Randolph Covich: Life on the Road – Kiwi Trucking Stories | RRP $40 | Random House NZ

Win! nivea Men active energY priZe pack

Win! boDeZe boDY sugaring geL

A close shave may prompt sighs – of relief or admiration – but too close a shave can leave men’s skin feeling irritated, tight and dry. However, the improved NIVEA MEN Protect & Care range is designed to leave skin feeling fresh, smooth and comfortable after daily stresses such as shaving. What’s more Rural Living has a gift pack of NIVEA MEN Protect & Care products valued at approximately $33 up for grabs. It includes: Shaving Gel with aloe vera to moisturise and pro-vitamin B5; 2 Phase Aftershave Lotion, with the protection of a balm and Protective Moisturiser SPF 15 – designed to keep men’s skin tip-top.

Shaving can cut, waxing can hurt but, BodEze Body Sugaring Gel, manufactured in New Zealand, is a hair removal gel which has enhanced the age-old tradition of sugaring with the additives of all natural kiwifruit extract, lemon juice and aloe vera to remove unwanted hair from the roots effortlessly, resulting in smooth, hair-free skin that can last for up to six weeks. BodEze helps reduce breakages and ingrown hair, easily washes away in water, is gentle on all areas of the body and is long-lasting (for 4-6 weeks). What’s more BodEze strips are reusable. So, forget the ouch – Rural Living has a four pack (RRP $110) up for grabs! 22 — Rural Living — August/September 2018

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Changing times... Reay Neben is a Franklin resident and publisher of Rural Living.

CITY LASS

nother month has passed but spring is on its way so that’s exciting. The past few months have been quite difficult for us as my Waiau Pa friends have decided to sell their beautiful new property. Tony has become quite ill and, unfortunately, the property is really too big for them to manage. It is so sad that my girlfriend only recently moved into her dream home and Tony was enjoying the grand new stables which were purpose-built for his breeding business. Life can change so quickly and, now, with them only a few minutes away from us they are moving to Karaka and back into suburbia. They are looking at the Karaka Lakes area so at least they will still be local. Like us, my friends have lived rurally since leaving Howick where 35 years ago, we were Masefield Street neighbours – big changes in our lives. My girlfriend is one of those people who keeps her home perfect all the time and it always looks immaculate. I wish I could be like that – I need some warning before anyone pops in so I can put a few (or many) things away. Sadly, when they sell their home they will be leaving behind lovely gardens which were landscaped last year. The

My friend Val’s lovely home is now on the market – see page 9.

garden is only now starting to take off and my pals won’t be there to enjoy it. We had all been looking forward to the spring when we could again have barbecues on the enclosed deck but that plan is no longer on, the agenda. On a happier note – the other night we went to Alexandra Park to watch our filly racing. Betterbrook was named in the competition Brian runs in this publication to name his babies and this was her second race. We hadn’t been to the trots for ages and it was so nice to see all the people associated with harness racing there. We sat with our trainer, Adrienne Matthews and her family and enjoyed a meal before heading home. I didn’t want to start on again about the traffic but Friday night was ridiculous. We had to leave home at 4.30pm to reach Alexandra Park by 6pm. The Warriors were also playing that night so you can imagine

the drive. Thankfully, that particular adventure heading to the city is now behind us. The other weekend my Waiau Pa friends, Brian and I headed into the cinema at Pukekohe to watch the new Mamma Mia movie. Initially, Brian was not at all keen but he was gently persuaded and we all really enjoyed it along with chocolate-coated ice creams. It was different to the original show with some new songs but the fun and lightness were there. ABBA songs always bring back memories of the parties and dancing we shared back in the seventies. After the show we headed up to Ginger for a curry, which was so good and a nice ending to our big night out. I will certainly miss my friends when they move further away but who knows what will be next around the corner… and that’s it from me!

Cherry Cooper Lives Local, Sells Local!

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Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 23

Alps to Ocean BY E-BIKE! E-bikes have opened up a whole new world for adventurers who prefer to pack and pedal but don’t have the confidence to manage the rigors of long journeys which rely solely on pedal power. However, one keen cyclist who rode from Mt Cook to Oamaru on an e-bike told HELEN PERRY that although it was no push-over, power assist has convinced her this a fun way for people of most ages and ability to see the best of the countryside.

ree-wheeling Charmaine Borland has done a fair bit of biking in her time – across New Zealand, Asia, and much of Europe – but the opportunity to follow the A2O – Alps to Ocean – on an e-bike set her in a new direction. Together with her sister-in-law, Kerry Meyer (Whitford) and Kerry’s sister-inlaw, Sally Williams (Gold Coast), the three mates saw it as a way to see some spectacular New Zealand scenery on a budget. “Sally was in Queenstown late last year to paint and cycle some of the South Island but fell ill and returned home before she’d biked anywhere,” says Charmaine. “Disappointed for her, the conversation came around to the A2O and next minute we had all committed to doing this trip together. We really didn’t anticipate how challenging – yet satisfying – it would be.” Flying first to Queenstown where they stayed overnight and also carried out a 44 kilometre training run – definitely 24 — Rural Living — August/September 2018

recommended – the women were given a ride to Mt Cook the following day. “Some people drive to the start but I really recommend the helicopter ride which we did – the views were outstanding and our bike were carried in the cradles under the chopper. We were there in no time,” says Charmaine, adding that training runs and e-bike research were essential. “It’s important to test battery life, recognise how to maximise power and calculate how luggage and personal weight will affect your ride. You can’t do the whole ride on power, you’d soon run out and then it’s push and pedal until you can recharge. “We used power assist when the going got tough and pedalled where biking was easier. We also had to learn to use the gears – we had 10 on our bikes. “You just can’t do 425 kilometres [distance covered on the A2O] without the comfort seats and properly constructed bike pants. If you do, you’ll likely be very saddle sore; like one of us who thought

she was practised enough to do without. Big mistake.” Despite ‘doing their research’ Charmaine confessed the three had no map and relied on road signs to follow route. “This meant we lost our way – twice,” she laughs. “The second time wasn’t too bad but that first time we thought we’d take a short cut then an hour later found we were on the wrong track, cycling around the wrong lake and we lost a bike chain, too. That’s was the only time we were all a little short tempered. Luckily our preparation included learning to change of chain and a tyre!” Although some people opt to join organised tours with a leader and a transporter to carry their luggage to each stop where dinner bed and breakfast awaits, Charmaine says having decided to do the trip on a shoestring meant finding accommodation as they went. “But it was pretty well booked out everywhere. At one stop we had to share a mixed dormitory. That was interesting! www.ruralliving.co.nz

“We shared with a Chinese tour leader, a young Swiss girl and a Spanish couple. I think we laughed all night. At another stop the three of us shared a small hut.” Although eating out was intended to be a treat only, Charmaine says it didn’t take long for sandwiches to look like a poor option when there was a seafood platter available. “We ended up eating well, ensuring we had a wine at the end of the day and even managed to twice use a transporter for some luggage. “We also had one night occupying the ‘maids’ quarters’ at fabulous Burnside Lodge. This meant we had a bathroom, lounge and our own bedroom each. “It was a wonderful place to stay; like stepping back to the 1800s, the elegant 1800s, that is. We ate sumptuously – vegetables from the owners’ amazing garden – and we enjoyed their efforts to take us back in time.” (See story pg 26) Without doubt there was some tough riding as on the first 65km leg when the trio encountered about 5kms of road www.ruralliving.co.nz

which was “like corrugated iron, testing our arm strength to the limit. “We juddered through but it was the worst feeling in the world. I don’t think my arms have recovered, yet! Then there was the section where we just sunk down into deep gravel every few metres.” However, the consensus was that small tribulations were no match for the stunning views and scenery encountered at every turn. “Yes, there were parts that were tough, but there was plenty of easy riding too and the chance to see such beauty….! “Apart from one day when the wind blew and howled as we climbed to Tarnbrae high point, we had great weather which just made everything shine. “We saw places we never thought to see – the Elephant Rocks, riding through the Rakis Rail Tunnel, quaint Duntroon village and the wonderful Lake Benmore and Benmore Dam…the list just goes on.” As their ride neared an end the friends founded themselves in Kurnow the home town of All Black great, Richie McCaw

– “his home pub was so welcoming to everyone who called in and, of course, we called in!” Then it was their night at Burnside Lodge before taking a bus from the outskirts of Oamaru to Christchurch and a flight home. “It was an amazing five days. There were so many ‘bests’ and so many hilarious moments. Using the e-bikes meant we could actually do this ride. I don’t think I could have managed it on my less manoeuvrable mountain bike. “Having that extra ease on the tough parts was great. What’s more, back in Auckland a ‘fun’ ride from Howick to Hunua, tackling all those hills on our regular mountain bikes, further convinced me we could bike anywhere in New Zealand on e-bikes. “Being less strenuous and more timeefficient, they suit most age groups. As for us, the next plan is to cycle the Hawkes Bay – I’ve done this on my mountain bike but for sure it will be on e-bikes next time, hopefully with plenty of laughs included.” Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 25

Step back in time! Beautiful Burnside Homestead located near Oamaru is often the last overnight stay for cyclists as they complete the popular Alps to Ocean ride, as it was for Charmaine Borland and her two companions (see story pages 24-25).

he lifestyle of a 19th century Scottish gentleman can still be enjoyed today at Burnside Homestead, a category one registered historic home offering elegant bed and breakfast accommodation with traditional country fare. “We were quite overwhelmed by this stunning property and its charming owners, who dressed in period style,” says Charmaine Borland, who together with sister-in-law, Kerry Meyer and Kerry’s sister-in-law, Sally Williams, spent a night there on completing their challenging A2O ride on e-bikes. “Being developed in the late 1890s, 26 — Rural Living — August/September 2018

and in many ways little changed, it was a real step back in time. The architecture, including the amazing Great Hall, beautiful guest suites – all with modern facilities – sumptuous furnishings and lush gardens, impressed us no end.” Staying true to its opulent beginnings, the house still features antique furniture as well as many artefacts dating back to the 1860s when the property was first settled by John Reid from Scotland. “In the main house accommodation included two suites, two queen bedrooms and the former servants’ quarters, a self-contained unit where we stayed,” Charmaine says. “In addition there was the

detached Coach House, a rustic cottage catering for up to six people.” And, it seems, guests never fail to admire the hospitality – roaring open fires in the Great Hall come winter, teas or breakfasts in the sun-drenched conservatory and dining at a 16-seater oak dining table. Homestead tours cover fascinating insights into life as it was more than a century ago. “The property’s extensive parklands with gardens and specimen trees as well as an orchard and vegetable garden, which supplied the kitchen, just added to this wonderful experience of another lifetime,” says Charmaine. “We loved our sojourn there and definitely recommend it”. www.ruralliving.co.nz

We know you’re busy At Alberts we understand that you’re super busy and trying to stay on top of regrowth and maintaining your personal style, especially when you’re juggling work hustle, children and commitment to catch-ups with life’s unexpected challenges.

Our talented super heroes – from left: Sue, Zoryana, Emma, Tash, Lucy, Anita, Devin.

We give a damn about our planet and our people When you arrive at Alberts you’ll find an elegant, luxurious ambience, designed to pamper and relax you. We understand how important it is to be matched to the right stylist. Beyond the amazing coffee, herbal teas, trashy magazines and chats, you want to know you have the right stylist. The team and I have been dedicated to caring for our clients hair as if it were our own for more than two decades. We are super committed to being a sustainable salon. Yes! At Alberts we reduce, reuse, recycle, and repurpose on a daily basis. We also use only the best products which are kind to our environment and animals (thanks to our friends at Kevin Murphy and Jane Iredale!). We really love people too and, yes, this includes our amazing clients – our salon family! But did you know that things such as personal development and helping others are high priority too? Beyond the salon, we’re really proud to sponsor local sports teams and clubs, local schools and charity events every year. We see value in contributing to causes that are bigger than ourselves. This is why joining forces with Sustainable

Salons fits perfectly with what we do. Also, knowing that our foils waste is 100% reused and the profit goes to feeding those less fortunate, is empowering and humbling. With change comes opportunity and Alberts is excited to have chosen like-minded, creative talents Sue Robinson and Emma Gray to join our salon family. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience, creative drive and keen understanding of our industry. These ladies are passionate, talented and gorgeous both inside and out. As an introduction to our two new, gorgeous ladies we are offering 20% discount on all colour services* during August and September – these appointments must be booked with either Sue or Emma. Tell your friends, share the love and conquer your regrowth. “It’s the choices we make, being part of the solution doesn’t have to cost the earth.” *Mention this offer to receive discount.

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Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 27

Paint it, Black Art is confrontational. It demands and expects something from us. It insists that we engage with it to develop our own perception. Recently, JON RAWLINSON discovered that life is perhaps at its most tangible when viewed in the abstract. Photo Wayne Martin

ronically, Kirsty Black is never one to refrain from displaying her true colours. From Franklin’s eastern seaside town of Maraetai, this motivated abstract painter shares her unique way of looking at life and the human condition. “I see painting as a form of storytelling. Abstract art is all about colour – which plays into emotions – lines and how they move through a painting. For me, it allows people to use their imagination, to come up with [their own] story, while appreciating a work’s form and composition.” While, more generally, realistic genres – such as still life, landscape or portrait – may provide meaning on the surface, abstract tends to demand the viewer dive a little deeper. This can seem daunting, however, all we need do is free our eyes and our minds will follow. 28 — Rural Living — August/September 2018

“If someone asks me what I see in one of my paintings I’ll tell them, of course, but then I’ll usually ask them what they see and, if that’s not the same thing, that’s great, it’s all part of the fun.” On the other hand, Kirsty believes abstract offers more scope for viewer perceptions to develop. “I had a chap who was talking about a painting of mine he had bought and, for him, the piece was all about music – he could see a guitar in it – which was great but it wasn’t ever what I intended,” she says. “If someone asks me what I see in one of my paintings I’ll tell them, of course, but then I’ll usually ask them what they see and, if that’s not the same thing, that’s great, it’s all part of the fun.”

It seems, while a work of art may be created from one perception, once complete it (effectively) takes on a life of its own where there is no limit to interpretation. Originally from Berkshire, England, Kirsty has lived in numerous countries due to her father’s career in finance. “We moved around a lot when I was a kid. We lived in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, South Africa – all over the place really. Because we travelled so much, I was often left to my own devices and expected www.ruralliving.co.nz

Clockwise from top left – Rooftop Ramble, Daffodil Punch, Leap Frog Picnic, Flea Market.

to entertain myself, which usually meant writing stories or drawing and painting. “I’ve always loved abstract and never been too interested in realistic art. My mother – who was very creative full stop – really liked abstract works as well. Her father, who was a geologist and volcanologist, was a fantastic story teller; he could draw anything, make things out of clay – he was very interesting.” This penchant for telling tales saw Kirsty intent on becoming a journalist until graphic design set her (literally) on a different course. “I spent a large portion of my school years here, as well as while I was at [Otago] university, where I studied English, art history and playwriting. Absolutely no consideration whatsoever, went into [deciding to study graphic design]. I just thought it looked like fun.” Her qualifications in graphic design from www.ruralliving.co.nz

AIT (now AUT) led her to travel the world again before returning to New Zealand in the early 2000s. While some artists may dip their brushes into various genres, Kirsty has remained a faithful practitioner of the abstract, mostly using acrylics. She lists an impressive range of influences: “There are so many! Growing up, my absolute favourite was [abstract pioneer, Wassily] Kandinsky and others from the Bauhaus [modern art] movement. More recently, the UK’s Terry Frost, [American] Mark Rothko and plenty of New Zealand artists – I particularly like Judy Millar.” Kirsty has exhibited her work for approximately 13 years. “Abstract seems to be more widely accepted in New Zealand than, perhaps, it was 10 or 15 years ago. Certainly, at the art shows, there appears to be more abstract works than there once was,” she says.

“I’m making a living from it – I could be making a better one,” she laughs. “Some smaller galleries have closed, which is a shame, but there are some people doing really well and quite a few Kiwi artists these days who do only original work.” Kristy’s latest exhibition, Effervescent Dreaming, runs September 6-25 at Newmarket’s Railway Street Studios. “[It’s] a continuation of my work. The colours are bright and joyful but there’s still a sense of rhythm and exuberance,” she says. “I think it’s important to take a bit of time out of daily life and do nothing except daydream and weave a story, which is what I’m trying to do through my paintings.” Asked why she does what she does, Kirsty’s answer is delightfully (and artfully) simple: “Because I love it.” Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 29

CHILDREN’S BOOK “Sanctuary Dental are offering FREE dental treatment to a nominated member of the community who may need a little extra help.”

dear donald trump Long before ‘The Donald’ even thought about protecting ‘Uncle Sam’ by building a wall, Pink Floyd pondered: “Mother, should I run for president? Mother, should I trust the government?... Mother, should I build the wall?” Now, a young Kiwi, also named Sam, is considering the same solution to his own problem, namely having to share his room with an older, and difficult, brother. In this delightful book, illustrated by Anne Villeneuve, Sophie Siers presents a charming story about the importance of peace, understanding and compassion even in the most turbulent of times. Raised on a Hawkes Bay Farm, Sophie serves up some good old country common sense which is sure to understood by young readers, although unfortunately, not necessarily by certain world leaders. ◆ Sophie Siers & Anne Villeneuve: Dear Donald Trump | RRP $27.99| Millwood Press

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ere’s a chance to give some deserving person something to smile about. Do you know someone in the community who deserves dental treatment – a longstanding volunteer or a selfless friend, perhaps? Sanctuary Dental Pukekohe might be able to help bring a smile to some such person’s life. Because we want to honour the efforts of such people, we are offering free dental treatment to a nominated member of the community who may need a little extra help. Along with free dental treatment the selected winner will also be the official guest at the grand opening of our new practice in Pukekohe. Do you know someone deserving who we may be able to help in this way? To nominate someone, write a detailed explanation of why the individual deserves to be honoured and email to info@ thedentistpukekohe.co.nz We would love to give them a new smile.

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young kiwis guardians of nature

c IMAGINATION STATIONS! by Janine kirkham, suits & gumboots country Daycare

ur children are living in different world to that which their parents grew up in. Have you ever stopped to think about what your children are experiencing? Babies these days are growing up “technology literate” whereas their parents learned about technology at a later stage, often at school. This has some obvious benefits for our kids but also many drawbacks. Research is showing that children’s brains are developing differently due to screen time and this can have an effect on a growing brain. Between the ages of two and seven years the “higherintelligence” part of the brain, neo-cortex, is primed for receiving stimulation and developing pathways. If it is not stimulated then it closes for good. One way of stimulating this part of the brain is through imaginative play. Just as a person who eats only fish and chips will be unhealthy and inactive, children who have a diet of TV (or any screen) will have inactive imaginations and an undeveloped neo-cortex. Children who have a healthy, well-developed imagination have the tools to cope with all those hard parts of life; disappointments, set-backs, trauma, loss or change. Remember those exciting adventures you had as a child? We can assume that these rarely involved the TV! As parents, the best thing we can do for our kids is to allow them to explore, play and dream. Give them lots of junk or loose parts and let them create, explore and imagine. Go into nature and connect with the real world. In our early childhood centres we take our children out into the bush to reconnect with the land. Inside we provide shells, stones and sticks to encourage unrestricted imaginative play. It is always exciting to see what they do with their imaginations every day!

ontrary Mary’s garden may have sported silver bells and cockle shells but the Toyota Kiwi Guardians national network of nature’s playgrounds is surely a better mix for encouraging children to explore and appreciate this country’s great outdoors. What’s more Auckland Botanic Gardens and Omana Regional Park are among four sites which have been added to the network in the Auckland region. The programme, which encourages Kiwi kids to become guardians of the land and sea and to preserve our fauna and flora, started with just 30 sites in March 2016 but now has 100 adventure sites nationwide. CEO of Toyota New Zealand, Alistair Davis says, “It’s fantastic to be working with DOC [the Department of Conservation] on a project that encourages Kiwi kids to conserve our natural environment and have fun doing so.” Toyota Kiwi Guardians aims to connect children to nature through mostly free, family-friendly, treasure hunt activities at specific sites, encouraging them to engage with the outdoors and, ultimately, earn themselves a medal for their efforts. DOC’s Outreach and Education programme developer, Megan Sommerville says New Zealand has plenty of beautiful places. “Toyota Kiwi Guardians showcases [these] local places and reminds us we’re lucky we don’t have to go far to wiggle our bare toes in the grass or hear a native bird call.” In addition to the Auckland Botanic Gardens, at Manurewa and Omana Regional Park, at Maraetai, Fort Takapuna at Narrow Neck and Pohuehue Falls, in the Dome Valley between Warkworth and Wellsford, are now included in the network of sites featuring activities and native fauna and flora. Since the programme started, more than 12,000 children have redeemed more than 25,000 medals after taking part in activities. Families can get started on their Kiwi Guardians adventure by downloading the appropriate “treasure hunt” map from: www.kiwiguardians.co.nz

Suits & Gumboots Country daycare 12 Helenslee Rd, Pokeno. 46 Waerenga Rd, Te Kauwhata Phone 0800 464656 www.suitsandgumboots.co.nz www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 31

Oxtail with Gnocchi and Broad Beans Back in fashion after some decades in the culinary wilderness, oxtail, with its gutsy flavour and gelatinous texture, makes a delicious yet cheap stew. Prep: 15 mins Cook: 1 hour 45 mins Serves: 4 – Excellent source of iron

ingreDients ◆ 750-850 grams Quality Mark oxtail ◆ 1 onion, peeled and diced ◆ 2 tsp minced fresh garlic ◆ 1 x 45g packet of rich tomato soup mix ◆ 5 cups light beef stock ◆ 1 x 500g bag frozen broad beans ◆ 1 x 400g packet plain potato gnocchi ◆ 1 cup finely chopped celery leaves and/or stalks ◆ 2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint

MethoD Brown oxtail in a dash of oil in a lidded flameproof casserole dish. Add onion and garlic and toss together in the hot dish. Add tomato soup mix and half the stock to dish. Cover and simmer on stovetop or cook in a 140°C oven for 1½-2 hours or until the meat falls from the bones. Lift the meat from the sauce and when cool enough to handle, pull the meat from the bones, discarding excess fat. Allow the sauce to sit (this will allow the fat to rise to the top, so it can be skimmed off) while preparing the beans and gnocchi. Blanch the broad beans for 2-3 minutes in boiling water. Refresh under cold water and peel. Cook the gnocchi in boiling salted water (the time will depend on variety and style, but usually about 3-5 minutes is enough). Drain well. Return the meat to the casserole dish along with the beans, gnocchi, remaining stock, celery and mint. Warm through and serve in deep bowls accompanied by mashed swedes or pumpkin if desired. By permission of Beef + Lamb NZ – recipe courtesy of Allyson Gofton’s cookbook, Good Food Made Simple, photography Alan Gillard. For more Beef + Lamb recipes see www.recipes.co.nz 32 — Rural Living — August/September 2018

www.ruralliving.co.nz

bacon, leek and mushroom chowder Prep: 5 mins Cook: 1 hour Serves: 10

ingreDients ◆ 30ml oil ◆ 100g leeks, sliced ◆ 1 large onion, diced ◆ 3 cloves garlic, diced ◆ 250g bacon rashers, fat and rind removed, chopped ◆ 250g mushrooms, sliced ◆ 250g potatoes, peeled and diced ◆ 750ml vegetable stock ◆ 750ml milk ◆ Freshly ground black pepper to taste

MethoD Heat oil in a heavy based pan. Fry leek, onion and garlic; sweat until soft. Add bacon and fry for five mins. Add potato and mushrooms and fry for another five mins, stirring regularly. Add stock and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 mins until potatoes are soft. Stir in milk and reheat without boiling. Simmer for 20 mins. Season to taste. Serve with freshly chopped parsley.

Courtesy of NZ pork – www.pork.co.nz/recipes

red shed palazzo WINNER Rural Cafe of the Year 2016 & 2017. Recommending this cafe is easy – the food and service are that good and directions couldn’t be more straight forward: head along Karaka Rd and look out for the big... red shed! Along with their team, Paul (a chef with 30 years’ experience) and Kristina Smith serve quality food amidst beautiful, family and animal friendly, garden surrounds. Creative breakfasts, morning and afternoon teas, gourmet-style lunches and moreish cakes are all on offer at this fully licensed slice of rural paradise, open 8.30am-4pm. Plus dinner theatre at its best - check our website. 16 Jesmond Rd (just off Karaka Rd), Drury Phone 09 294 6687 www.redshedpalazzo.co.nz

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Canopius as always is bringing the finest, freshest and freerange product to the area’s surrounding Papakura. Paired with our 100% fair-trade, organic coffee for the best brunch in the South. Be it a Canopius burger or one of our delicious winter soups for lunch or our savoury black waffles for brunch, Canopius’ focus on high quality is sure to please. Whether you’re choosing your favourite from our menu, or grabbing something from the extensive cabinet selection, Canopius will cater to what drives your hunger. 145 Great South Road, Papakura Open Tues-Fri 7am-4pm Sat-Mon 8am-3pm Phone 09 299 1180 www.canopius.co.nz www.facebook.com/canopiuscoffeehouse www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 33

Topical trends

for window

leverly designed window treatments give personality to every room as well as privacy. However, when it comes to choosing colour, style, pattern and texture, the possibilities may seem overwhelming. Christine Smith from Kevens Curtains in Pukekohe says it’s important to consider the style of a house and its furnishings. “Opting for heavy, opulent brocade drapes might work in a turn of the century villa with high ceilings, classic furniture, Persian carpets and a sense of yesteryear but they may not be suitable for a trendy duplex where rooms will generally be smaller and furnishings may be minimalist, funky or ultra modern.” To make the right choice, Christine says it’s essential to measure windows accurately and to consider personal taste but to also take advice on whether the style of curtains selected will suit window size, room size and décor and also be practical for the household lifestyle. “For example, some of the woven, semisheer fabrics may not work in a home where cats are climbers or a pet bird flies free – claws can quickly ruin this type of curtaining, so plan purchases with care.” When the budget is limited, she says thermal backed curtaining and readymades can keep costs down with roller binds and verticals also a good costcutting option while still delivering a simple, modern look. “However, when seeking well-fitted curtains with perfect headings and more sumptuous, contemporary fabrics then custom-making really is the way to go.

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treatments

“The height and width of windows need to be considered as does the outlook – do you need privacy or do you want an unobscured outlook to take in views?” Where windows let in a lot of sun or light, Christine suggests blinds or shutters could be a good option. “Blinds have come back into fashion and are a far cry from yesteryear. Modern colours, and textures, even automation, mean they are unobtrusive and can be block-out, light filtering or for sun protection.” Where an older home has big windows on the south side of a house Christine suggests heavier, well-lined curtain will help keep out cold and retain warmth but adds today’s new builds often feature neutral walls and floor coverings and are

well insulated, allowing plenty of scope for all manger of fabrics to add colour and character. Alice Murphy from Warwick Fabrics says the focus on spring trends by The Design Studio from Warwick Fabrics includes fresh tropical patterns and colours. “Drawing inspiration from the lush colours and captivating patterns of tropical landscapes, Copacabana is a radiant collection that beautifully reflects current, on-trend botanical themes,” she says. “Spicy tones are fun, festive and perfect for lively interiors, while softer hues offer a

gentle base with sophisticated highlights. Tropical blues boast a fresh aesthetic, while deeper shades such as Night offer strong visual impact and bold contrast.” Christine says there is already interest in the tropical look and she loves that these fabulous fabrics can be used for cushions and soft furnishings, too. With plenty to choose from, the Kevens’ team is always on hand to offer advice or answer questions; just pop into the showroom in Queen Street or a trained consultant can visit customers at home to help them make the perfect choice.

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We dig great lawns! This is the best time to sow lawns and we have all the expert advice, so whether you’re starting from fresh or repairing your patch, at Central Landscape Supplies Drury we have your lawns covered!

Talk to our friendly Central Landscape Supplies team at Drury about all your lawn needs.

Open Hours: Monday - Friday: 7am - 5pm, Saturday: 8am - 4pm, Sunday: 9am - 1pm 36 — Rural Living — August/September 2018 www.centrallandscapes.co.nz

www.ruralliving.co.nz Auckland • 09 294 8410 • 141 Great South Rd, Drury, KAT5290-v10

pLaY it again, saMMY!

ho can take a backyard, sprinkle it with seeds, cover them with soil and give them the loving care they need? The gardener can! Maybe this is what Sammy Davis Junior would have sung if he’d been more a Mr ‘Grow’ Business than a Mr ‘Show’ Business. Now that spring is in the air (or thereabouts), it’s time to enjoy treats from the garden. And this little beauty is sure to have many a gardener wanting candy – candytuft, that is! Originating from the Mediterranean region – including southern Europe, western Asia and northern Africa – candytuft produces clusters of aromatic flowers in colours ranging from white to red, pink and lavender. A common misconception is that candytuft gains its name from its colourful flowers; however, it is actually a reference to Candia – a former name of the city of Heraklion, the capital of the Mediterranean island of Crete – where they grow prolifically. From the Brassicaceae (or mustard) family, candytuft is a cousin to such garden favourites as broccoli, cabbages, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. There are approximately 30 varieties of candytuft, including annuals and perennials; annual varieties are generally quite hardy. As the plants themselves are relatively compact, they provide excellent ground cover and work well in rock gardens, flowerbeds or containers. Sow seeds in early spring. If frosts are still about, seedlings can be started indoors in trays. Locate an area of the garden where plants will receive full sun to part shade. The soil should be free draining, but it does not need to be particularly rich; candytuft will fare well even in poor soil or dry soil. Space seeds (or seedlings) approximately 20cms apart and cover lightly with just a few millimetres of soil. Water from time to time during drier months, so soil is moist, but not too boggy. Although they won’t require much in the way of feeding, a little general fertiliser once a month or so certainly won’t hurt. If growing perennial varieties, apply mulch during winter and prune back in spring to encourage growth. Flowers will begin to bloom roughly six weeks after seeds are sown and should continue until the arrival of frosts. When picked and displayed in vases, candytuft flowers will brighten any room and they also retain their colour well when pressed. It’s said that the seeds, stems, leaves and roots of candytuft offer medicinal benefits. Traditionally, the seeds were used to treat conditions ranging from rheumatism to nausea, asthma and even bronchitis.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

September 2018

Spring has arrived and it’s time to fertilise veges and young seedlings, plant fennel, carrots and celeriac and train climbing plants like grapevines. Watch out for pests like slugs, snails and aphids, they multiply as soon as it starts warming up.

In the Veggie Patch • Crank up the fertilising of vegetables and other plants from now on.

• Plant Florence fennel, coloured carrot varieties and celeriac

• First signs of aphids can be apparent now – spray with an organic remedy or, if they’re low in numbers try squashing them by hand.

• If you lack many bees in the vegetable garden plant the NZ rock lily, Arthropodium in the vicinity – its flowers are a honey bee ‘magnet’.

Lawns • Best time to start a new lawn. We recommend a layer of Living Earth Ultra Lawn Mix on top of a good topsoil base. Applying Prolawn Turfmaster Starter at seeding is beneficial. Water daily until the grass has established.

The rest of the Garden • Stake new trees and shrubs against spring wind. • Train climbing plants, rambling roses and grapevines along fences or against walls to keep them under control.

• Planting clematis – make sure the soil is good quality or dig through plenty of Living Earth organic Compost. Dig a hole and position the rootball a couple of centimetres below the ground surface. Mulch well. If it wilts, leave it in the ground as it will probably re-shoot.

• Slugs and snails need to be kept under control now, as they can devastate groups of young seedlings overnight. KAT5290A-v10

Candytuft

Central’s Tips

Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 37

Farm sales dip By Darren Szaszy, Barfoot & Thompson, Pukekohe

uly lifestyle and rural property sales were up 21 percent on the previous month, also a reflection of solid sales in Franklin’s rural and lifestyle market. Interest in beef and dairy farms in the far north is higher than normal at this time of the year; listings are limited but prices for

these types of property remain stable. Despite July’s good return, there were 136 less lifestyle property sales (-6.4%) for the three months ended June 2018 than for the three months ended May 2018. Overall, there were 1995 lifestyle property sales in the three months ended June 2018, compared to 2088 lifestyle property sales for the three months ended June 2017 (-4.5%) and 2131 lifestyle property sales for the three months ended May 2018. Data released by the Real Estate Institute of NZ (REINZ) shows there were 32 fewer farm sales (-7.0%) for the three months

ended June 2018 than for the three months ended June 2017. Overall, there were 427 farm sales in the three months ended June 2018, compared to 443 farm sales for the three months ended May 2018 (-3.6%), and 459 farm sales for the three months ended June 2017. All told, 1480 farms were sold in the year to June 2018, 17.0% fewer than were sold in the year to June 2017, with 1.2% less dairy farms, 3.2% less finishing farms, 25.0% fewer arable and 28.0% fewer grazing farms sold over the same period.

will be awarded, each set including a garden bed, park bench and a bin, as well as $300 in vouchers for seeds and plants. Jean Bailliard, from TerraCycle New Zealand, says: “We want to ‘eliminate the idea of waste’ and a perfect place to start is with schools. Kiwi kids and young adults

are the next environmental leaders, so we’re excited to see how much oral care waste they keep out of landfill.” Schools can keep track of how well their efforts are paying off through an interactive leaderboard at terracycle.co.nz/ colgategarden.

Brushing up on recycling

rowing children will soon be growing their own gardens thanks to a new challenge ‘sweeping’ the nation. Simply by collecting used toothbrushes for recycling, our schools will be in to win the Colgate Community Garden Challenge, Julie Dillon from Colgate explains. “We are thrilled to partner with TerraCycle to give kids the opportunity to win a recycled community garden set while reducing landfill. We’re confident they’ll do an excellent job of showing New Zealand how oral care products can be recycled and given a second life.” Two recycled community garden sets

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yorkshire day fun

hen Yorkshire Day was celebrated recently by a large ex-pat community at Franklin Cosmopolitan Club, ‘revellers’ may not have donned their flat caps, walked the countryside or complained about the beer; they may even have missed out on their Yorkshire pud and gravy but they did tuck into some ‘pucker’ fish and mushy peas and, surely, they reminisced about the good old days. They also enjoyed a tune or two from the Auckland Youth Symphonic Band

including a rousing rendition of On Ilkley Moor Baht ‘at, led by 89-year-old Bernard Batty of Waiuku and took part in a Yorkshire-themed quiz. The annual event was organised by a group of Yorkshire stalwarts who live in Franklin but this year held special significance following the formation of a new Yorkshire Society of Auckland led by Ron Bird of Waiuku. “It was a great turn out,” says Ron. “We had people from all over Auckland, further afield and even Australia,” Ron says. “Aye, it was champion!”

Jean and Bernard Batty and Sharon Elliott

Jim and Val Payne

Yorkshire Day committee chairman Ron Bird (centre), with fellow committee members.

The Darwin effect…

etween work and family commitments, Nick and I do a LOT of driving. So, like anyone who frequents the Southern Motorway on a regular basis, we’ve had our fair share of close calls. After one such occurrence last week our 10-year-old exclaimed, “They should have a prize for crazy idiots like that!” I agreed and added that such an award existed. It’s called the Darwin Awards, held annually in commemoration of those who lack the most basic survival instincts and whose actions have now taken them out of the gene pool. But while we all laugh at accounts of ticket machine abuse, concrete mixer misuse, accidental steam cooking and geyser riding, this kind of thing has affected our society in ways that, perhaps, were not so predictable a few decades ago. Consequently, we are now all paying for it. You’ll see it in your own industry. We see it all over ours. It’s easy to think that instead of common sense guiding planning and action, health and safety laws have stolen the essence of ‘natural selection’. But even common sense and nature, have their limits. We are often asked why we must have some of our safety measures in place as they can add big costs to build budgets! But, in our trade there are dangers around every right angle and on every rooftop. As we build, we work with multiple trades on a daily basis. While we train well, only use sub-trades we trust, and plan around hazardous job tasks meticulously, we all need protecting from random events which just happen, or that one random ‘idiot’ you didn’t even know you would need to anticipate.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

We are tasked as to why seemingly simple elements of a home cost so much, but our role is for your home to comply and to last long, long after you’ve moved into it. Council set the bar at “100-year storm” possibilities; this may sound like another crazy side effect of Darwinian caution, but are they that uncommon anymore? There is always an element of, “what if.” We don’t ask doctors to operate in dishevelled theatres with improper safety precautions both for the patient’s safety as well as their own. Building homes is the same. So, Darwin aside, support your tradies by encouraging good safety measures and job practices. After all, some corners aren’t worth cutting.

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Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 39

What’s up with D. O’C... As Minister for Agriculture, Rural Communities, Food Safety, and Biosecurity, as well as Trade and Export Growth, Damien O’Connor MP wears almost as many hats as a hydra! Despite this, as recent reports from his oﬃces show, this intrepid Minister somehow manages to keep his head in the game.

WooL-poWer Like many a landed gent, our Minister of Agriculture is not one short of a good yarn. Although the tale of the New Zealand wool industry has taken some dark turns over recent years, Mr O’Connor believes its fortunes could benefit from a new twist in this ongoing saga. “Wool has huge potential as a sustainable and valuable product but has languished since deregulation in 1997 and the unsuccessful levy referendum in 2014, leading to a lack of industry unity, structure, common vision and strategic focus,” he said following July’s Wool Summit. “There was a good mix of enthusiasm and experience at the summit and everyone agreed we need to build trust and collaboration across all parties to turn wool into a success story for New Zealand, as it once was.” Last year, New Zealand produced 7.5 per cent of the world’s wool volume, the Minister confirmed. A working group is being established to collaborate with MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) with a view to rebuilding New Zealand’s wool exports. “The Wool Summit put the right people in the room... they stressed the need for the industry to tell the story of wool to consumers, at a time when the world is crying out for alternatives to plastic and synthetics,” Mr O’Connor said. “Consumer trends are shaping our markets... we must make the most of our unique natural advantages to grow value.”

pest Defence, gooD offence Mr O’Connor’s ‘number one challenge’ as Minister will be put to the test as New Zealand Biosecurity Award hopefuls showcase innovative ways to protect our environment. “Biosecurity is our number one challenge because it is critical to our economic base and way of life,” Mr O’Connor said. “The awards are a way to thank and shine a light on people and organisations which are protecting Aotearoa – in our communities, businesses, science organisations, iwi and 40 — Rural Living — August/September 2018

hapu, and central and local government.” Entries are open until August 31; finalists will be announced later this year followed by an awards dinner in November.

cheWing – the facts Mr O’Connor has provided New Zealand with new tools for food safety, and we don’t mean blunt knives or corked forks. “I’m most excited about the Food Safety Toolkit, which is an interactive guide for all businesses to keep the food they make safe,” said our Minister for Food Safety recently. “Everyone has a role to play in food safety and in the spirit of manaakitanga [blessing], this Government cares for our food businesses as well as those they are feeding.” The new toolkit will be sent to 13,000 registered food businesses and to local councils to pass on when new businesses register. Updates to existing food safety initiatives were also unveiled. “At the heart of these innovations was listening to what people need, and finding the simplest way to provide it, with a focus on removing compliance challenges faced by small and regional domestic food businesses,” Mr O’Connor continued. “These tools, co-designed with industry, reflect a more modern and commonsense approach to food safety regulation.”

hive MinDs think aLike To help ensure NZ doesn’t feel the sting of declining bee numbers – affecting an industry worth approximately $5 billion per year – Mr O’Connor is urging the country’s beekeepers to complete a survey. “While bee colony losses in New Zealand are lower than many other countries, we need to monitor trends and collect as much information as possible to protect our bees,” he said. “The Ministry for Primary Industries’ Colony Loss and Survival survey is an important part of the work the Government and beekeepers do together to understand bee health, losses and beekeeping practice.” In addition,

speaking at July’s Apiculture New Zealand conference, the minister confirmed New Zealand manuka honey will be protected thanks to a “robust scientific definition”. “In December, the Ministry for Primary Industries introduced a robust scientific definition for exported New Zealand manuka honey to safeguard the industry from cowboy operators and protect New Zealand’s trade reputation,” Mr O’Connor recalled when speaking at July’s the Apiculture New Zealand conference. “The next step is to consider options for manuka honey sold in New Zealand.” Further information regarding the survey and manuka honey submissions are accessible via mpi.govt.nz.

oh, sugar, sugar! Enjoying the sweet life could turn sour should a sugar tax bite, with financial penalties facing those who indulge their sweet teeth. Recently, Mr O’Connor called for consultation regarding sugar labelling to help Kiwis decide for themselves how much is too much. “People want to know how much sugar is in our food and how we can consume less, so we want to hear what they think would improve sugar labels on packaged food and drinks,” our Food Safety Minister said. “We want food labels to provide clear, contextual information about sugars to allow consumers to make informed choices in support of the dietary guidelines.” The trans-Tasman consultation will runs until September 19 with options then considered during next year’s Forum on Food Regulation.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

eighty years of keith hay homes

ranklin residents leaving the Southern Motorway at Drury when heading home from the city cannot help but notice the Keith Hay Homes site to the left of the off ramp. Some, especially ‘baby-boomers’, may even reflect on the 1950s and 60s, when hundreds of young couples saved for their first home, often a Keith Hay home. But the business goes back way before then. In fact, this year marks the 80th anniversary of Keith Hay Homes which is still family-owned and operated. Started in 1938 by Keith Hay – later hailed as a home construction innovator – he pioneered a new era of low-cost, prefabricated, transportable housing in New Zealand. Today, Keith’s son, David Hay is managing director, and David’s daughter and son, Roseanne and Matthew, also work in the business. Matthew is the general manager of Keith Hay Homes. He directs the executive team focusing on the development of the company and its

product range and, until recently, was a member of the prefab NZ Board. David says, looking back, it’s been 80 years of helping New Zealanders into homes, 80 years of innovation in the building industry, 80 years of employing Kiwis and working with local, regional and national sub-contractors/suppliers and 80 years of riding construction waves as a NZ-owned and operated family business. Indeed, Keith Hay left a rich legacy – his homes (and many other buildings) can be found in suburbs across the country. From the beginning, prefabrication was key and is still expected to play an integral role in shaping the future of the building industry – pre-fabricated homes are seen as one way to meet the current demand for affordable housing. Interestingly, in the late 1940’s, Keith Hay won a tender to relocate an American army camp from the Auckland Domain to Panmure by using the novel method of shifting the buildings in large sections instead of dismantling them. This put the company at the fore of

developing house shifting trailers and winches on rubber-tyred tractors. As a result, constructing houses in a central assembly yard and then transporting them to suburban locations offered easy access to a new home. Keith Hay Homes also saw the potential of replacing expensive imported timbers with Pinus radiate, a renewable source of timber which could be nailed quickly. With 10 locations across New Zealand, the company now produces first homes, minor dwellings, farm accommodation, family homes, investment/rental properties, holiday/lifestyle homes, classrooms and commercial, tourism and office buildings. Its head office is in Mt Roskill where it has been since 1953. Keith Hay was honoured with a CBE in 1977 and was posthumously inducted into the NZ Business Hall of Fame. He is also remembered for his staunch Christian principles and his contribution to local body politics – he was Mayor of Mt Roskill Borough from 1953 to 1974 and also served on the former Auckland Regional Council. He passed away in 1997.

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Tell us your Keith Hay Homes Story

As part of our 80 Year Celebrations we would love to invite you to share your stories, memories and experiences relating to the Hay family and the legacy of Keith Hay Homes.

Head to www.keithhayhomes.co.nz and submit your story.

PH 09 238 8828 franklinfirst.co.nz KAT5305-v3

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CR0184

Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 41

The Countryside Begins with Townsend... Regardless of whether it’s a buyer’s market or a seller’s market, inventory almost always rises in the spring. Spring is the optimum time to sell a home. Here are 15 things you can do to improve the odds that your home will stand out among the sea of new listings flooding the spring-time real estate market: • Wash windows inside and out/ polish all mirrors. Sparkle is free, and sparkle sells homes. A potential buyer may not realise why your home seems so inviting but will feel drawn to it if the windows are spotless and your mirrors reflect sunlight. Cleaning is the first step in preparing your home for sale. • Rake the yard/trim back bushes. Clean out dead leaves and debris in your lawn. Don’t let overgrown vegetation block the windows or path to the entrance. Cutting bushes and tree limbs will let the sun inside and showcase the exterior of your home. • Mow diagonally and edge lawn along driveway/ sidewalks. Artfully manicured lawns are edged and tell buyers you pay attention to small details. Diagonally mowed lawns make your yard appear larger. • Transplant tulips and daffodils or buy flowers in containers. Yellow flowers stimulate buying urges. After a long winter, everybody is anxious to see the first signs of spring. Yellow tulips and daffodils induce feelings of happiness and contentment. Arrange containers in groups of three or five near the entrance. • Clean drapes, curtains and blinds and open every window. Send your window coverings to the dry cleaners or wash, dry and press. Toss blinds into a soapy bathtub for a quick wash. Get rid of all

accumulated dust and spider webs. Crisp linens and a spring-time breeze through the windows invite the season inside. • Set out fresh-smelling flowers such as just-clipped lilac branches or peonies. Why not flatter your neighbours and ask if you can borrow flowers from their yards? Natural scents are more appealing than artificial and trigger fewer allergies among those susceptible. Peony vases are designed to hold peonies upright but wash the flowers first to avoid carrying ants inside. Clever home staging brings colour and fragrance indoors. • Polish floors to a high gloss. Your hardwood floors should be refinished, if necessary. Make your ceramic and lino floors twinkle and shine. Bleach dull grout. Thoroughly clean all area rugs. • Utilise towels, throws, pillows in light colours – yellows, pinks, pale blues, lavenders. Even if it means replacing items, towels, linens, throws and sofa pillows are inexpensive accents you can buy. In soft spring colours, they will light up a room. Layer towels on bathroom towel racks and place rolled washcloths on the counters in a fashionable pyramid. • Offer an outside mat for cleaning shoes and put umbrella stand at entrance. No matter where you live, spring weather is often unpredictable. TIP: If your home has been languishing on the market since the holidays, take it off the market. Give it a chance to “cool down” for a few weeks before putting it back on the market. Nobody is going to look at your home in the spring. Buyers gravitate toward fresh, new listings!

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Fifteen Ways to Make Your Home Stand out in Spring

Jo-Ann Day-Townsend 021 1696 056 jo-ann.day-townsend@harcourts.co.nz www.joanndaytownsend.co.nz BCRE Ltd Licensed Agent REA 2008

L SO 99a Massey Road, Puni

324 Clark & Denize Road, Pukekawa 42 — Rural Living — August/September 2018

www.ruralliving.co.nz

KAT5307-v10

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VOLKSWAGEN CONCEPT STORE BEETLES INTO TOWN

he ‘people’s car’ is coming to Pukekohe. Yes, Ebbett Volkswagen is set to open a new concept store on the corner of King St and Massey Ave allowing local motorists to view the world’s second largest car brand in a comfortable and relaxed environment. To complement the highly personal level of customer service Ebbetts has made a hallmark, staff will also use digital technology to create a more intuitive and helpful buying experience. This will include a large format, high definition digital screen with access to 360° interactive views of the interior and exterior of every car in stock (a lot more than they can display on the site). This gives customers a huge range to choose from and a complete view of any car no matter where it’s located in the country. Customers will also have access to a wealth of supporting content such as reviews, test drive videos, accessories and “how to” guides on all the in-car technology, so no more hours wasted at home Googling for more information. By offering customers all the information they need in one place, Ebbetts believe the company is in a great position to create a fresh experience for car buyers in the Franklin area. Ebbett Volkswagens general manager, Poll Oosthuizen, says he is absolutely delighted Volkswagen is coming to Pukekohe.

An artist impression of the new Concept Store for Ebbett Volkswagen in Pukekohe.

“This is a vibrant and growing town and we’re really aiming to become a key part of the community. Everyone knows the way customers want to buy cars is changing. “They want more control of the process, they want instant access to clear information and they want transparency from the dealer. “We really believe that our new concept store will provide all of this and more – I think people will get a real kick out of coming in to see us and experiencing a better way of buying a car.” Volkswagen New Zealand general

manager, Tom Ruddenklau, adds: “We’re really excited about Ebbetts bringing Volkswagen to Pukekohe. “Volkswagen is the peoples’ car and I think this new retail concept, with its focus on the ‘people’ experience, reflects this vision perfectly. I also think Pukekohe is a great place to launch and I can’t wait to see how successful it can become.” Ebbetts is already well represented in Pukekohe with its successful Holden/ Nissan dealership. Now the new VW concept store is set to make great use of previously unused space within the heart of the town.

Concept Store OPEN DAY SATURDAY 8 SEPTEMBER

See our great Volkswagen range on-site, plus check out the new car selector tool.

Meet Volkswagen

Bring the family, enjoy an ice cream and a live sketch by our Volkswagen cartoonist. First 200 visitors receive exclusive Volkswagen giveaways.

Come along and experience the new Pukekohe concept store 257 King Street, Pukekohe

www.ebbettvw.co.nz

09 903 3654 KAT6189

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — August/September 2018 — 43

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