Rural Living - August-September 2021

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PUKEKOHE ‘HIGH’ NOTE Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 1

AUGUST 20 SEPTEMBER

21

PLEASE NOTE: information regarding times & dates of these events was correct at the time this issue went to print. However, due to the pandemic, events may be postponed or cancelled. In some cases, tickets may be limited or social distancing measures employed as appropriate. Readers are advised to check events online for updates.

■ COUNTRY CALENDAR Mauku School Country Life Day September 18, 389 Union Road, Mauku From kids and kids to children with chooks, Mauku School’s annual Country Life Day sees budding agriculturists show how well they’ve learned to raise a wide range of creatures great and small. See www.mauku.school.nz/events for more information. And, keep an eye out for following issues where we will be listing other similar events on our calf club pages.

■ EXPOS & FESTIVALS The Baby Show August 20-22, Auckland Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Epsom Ironically, the biggest expos can focus on some of the smallest of Kiwis. From maternity wear to baby clothes, nappies, car seats, strollers, cots, toys, books and so much more, everything one could imagine a baby or parent may need will be on show at this event. Details via www.babyshow. co.nz.

■ MUSIC Elevenses with morning tea August 27, from 10am, Pukekohe East Hall, Pukekohe East Rd, and September 7, from 10am, Off Broadway Theatre, Elliot St, Papakura

2 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

Mauku School Country Life Day

Guests and artists may well be singing from the same songbook during the upcoming Elevenses concert with a delicious morning tea in Pukekohe. Led by the amazing jazz and cabaret singer, Lisa Lorell, Elevenses includes a wide range of music favourites and genres across the decades. A not-tobe-missed morning of musical theatre.

To book, call Lisa: 021 541 511 or Anne: 09 232 6588, or email lisalorrell@outlook.com.

More details via lisalorrell@outlook.com.

Good Habits & Jenny Mitchell September 12, from 4pm, Nikau Cave & Cafe, 1770 Waikaretu Valley Road, Waikaretu From folk roots, Good Habits (aka Bonnie Schwarz and Pete Shaw) take audiences on many an adventure, telling stories through music. With some most able assistance from Kiwi singer-songwriter, Jenny Mitchell, Good Habits is set to be in great company during this show. Details via www.nikaucave.co.nz/events.

Country Blitz September 18, 7-11pm, Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club, 78 Nelson Street, Pukekohe Ballroom blitzes may be a little more rock ‘n’ roll but there’s nothing quite like a country blitz to set toes tapping! Featuring quite the lineup – including Trevor Stevens, Steve Ward, Carleen Still and more – this show’s liable to raise the roof when these

The Baby Show

performers take their love of country music to town!

■ MUSICALS & THEATRE Things that Matter – Stories of life and death August 17-29, times vary, ASB Waterfront Theatre, 138 Halsey Street, Auckland City Perhaps the most important thing to any of us in life is good health, but when treating people as well as their afflictions, good health requires a wide-ranging approach by doctors. A memoir of Dr David Galler who has worked on the frontlines of New Zealand’s health system for more than 30 years, this play tells the story of extraordinary patients and the struggles our society faces in caring for them. Details via www.atc.co.nz/whats-on.

Fiddler on the Roof Jr August 20-22, times vary, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Drive, Papakura Not every milkman delivers. And yet, when the young performers in this musical step up on stage, it’s likely that they will deliver this famous story – of a milkman man trying to maintain his traditions in a changing world – with aplomb. See www. hawkinstheatre.co.nz/theatre-events.

A Toe in The Water August 26 – September 4, times vary, Hunua Village Green & Hunua Hall, 2314

www.ruralliving.co.nz

The Jailhouse Frocks

An Evening with Sir John Kirwan

Hunua Rd, Hunua A peaceful weekend away soon becomes anything but as this farce featuring a fastidious health farm manager unfolds.

Presented by the Hunua Theatre Club, A Toe in The Water is set to prove that funny bones are connected to our laughing gear!

more. See further information about this riotous romp at www.ospa.org.nz.

Wicked September 10 – October 2, times vary, Sky City Theatre, 78 Victoria Street West, Auckland Flying off somewhere over the rainbow (the West End, Broadway, or even Kansas) may be out, but one of longest running musical hits is heading to Auckland. The original story behind the Good Witch of the North and the Wicked Witch of the West, the musical follows two sorcery students whose destinies take different turns after meeting a certain Wonderful Wizard from Aus – wait, no, we have that wrong! The wizard is from Oz! Wicked transforms SkyCity into the Emerald City for a strictly limited run. See iticket.co.nz/ events/2021/sep/wicked.

The Jailhouse Frocks September 16-25, times vary, OSPA Hall, 24 Hall Road, Onewhero A madcap (mad cop and mad cat!) caper, this play follows the misfortunes of a dim-witted policeman as he wrangles with a woman who’s nuts about her felines, a gangster from the Big Apple, a G-man and

www.ruralliving.co.nz

■ HEALTH An Evening with Sir John Kirwan September 9, from 6.30pm, La Valla Estate, 131 Dominion Rd, Tuakau Sometimes we can all use a helping hand, that’s where Rural Support Trust excels.

Focusing on the wellbeing of the rural community and (in particular) issues that impact mental health, this event features rugby legend and mental health advocate, Sir John Kirwan. Contact the WaikatoHauraki-Coromandel Rural Support Trust via www.rural-support.org.nz to book.

■ MOTORING & RACING Hot Rod & Horsepower Show – Pukekohe Hot Rod Club August 21-22, from 9am, PIA Hall, 55 Ward Street, Pukekohe Ideal for those keen on things that makes us go ‘brooooom!’, this event will see Hot Rods and other curvaceous classics on show. While a love of magnificent motors will drive many to attend, even those with less gas (aka motoring knowledge) in the tank are sure to enjoy the event too. For details contact the club via www.hotrod. org.nz/clubs-and-members – click on the Pukekohe club tab – or email phrc@ hotmail.co.nz.

Hot Rod & Horsepower Show – Pukekohe Hot Rod Club

Memorial Run & Tarmac Day – Battle of Britain August 22, 12-3pm & September 19, 11am-2pm, NZ Warbirds, Havard Lane, Ardmore Airport Planes, trains and automobiles will combine forces at Ardmore Airport – with the exception of trains, that is! Coinciding with the Hot Rod & Horsepower Show, this event will see street cars, muscle cars and hot rods cruising to the airport from Papakura – those taking part should meet at Papakura RSA, Elliot St, Papakura at 10am on August 22 – to combine forces with NZ Warbirds’ fleet. And, NZ Warbirds will be firing up again and heading skywards on September 19 as it honours the few, from the Battle of Britain, to whom so many owe so much. For more information about both these events contact NZ Warbirds via www.nzwarbirds. org.nz.

Pakuranga Hunt Day & Great Northern Day September 5 and September 19, from 11am, Ellerslie Racecourse, 100 Ascot Avenue, Remuera Featuring the famed Pakuranga Hunt Club Cup steeplechase, this race day sees ‘riding the rails’ take on a new meaning. And, just two weeks later, steeplechase sets the pace again during Great Northern Day. For details about both of these events, visit www.ellerslie.co.nz.

Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 3

from the

Call to account!

A m I the only person fed up with trying to phone companies. Some are simply unavailable; others make contact extremely difficult.

Very often those that actually reply to a call are based overseas and cannot always address questions asked of them.

Along these lines, a work colleague (from Pukekohe) had to deal with a call centre in The Philippines because his local paper was not being delivered!

My latest in a long list of ‘hard to talk to’ firms was Fletcher Living. After a friend was notified of a new subdivision near her home I tried to find out more. Do you think I could find a phone number even after googling a variety of associated names? Not on your Nellie!

There was an option to send an email enquiry but I’ve done that in the past with other companies then waited, and waited and waited (and I’m actually waiting for a tardy Overland Shoes to reply to one of those now). As I was on a tight deadline, I rang Fletcher Building but when my call went through (hoorah!) I was greeted by a message saying that reception was unavailable; leave a message (boo-hoo!).

Finally, I rang Neil Group, said to be a build partner for this Beachlands project.

so, often interrupted with messages reminding the caller about the existence of the ‘world wide web’.

Some will advise where you are in the queue of calls and even how long it will take before your call is answered. Others offer an option to return your call and (hallelujah!) they do, generally within the specified time – I love those companies!

But, as one who is often frustrated, and sometimes angered, by inefficient call handling and the use of overseas call centres (which have, on occasion, given me a right run-around) my plea to business NZ is: Please employ people to answer your phones, have the training to respond to questions and, if they can’t, to forward calls to knowledgeable people who can.

Life would be so much easier for not just the public but businesses, too!

I was put through to a very personable gentleman who told me he had nothing to do with the project and to ring the CEO, which I duly did. He was out.

After almost an hour trying to contact one of the two companies involved in this new estate, which I understand will include townhouses and terrace-style housing, I gave up. Perhaps, that’s just what companies, which don’t welcome enquiries, hope callers will do.

Furthermore, under website listings for both companies’ residential developments across Auckland I could find no mention of the Beachlands project.

There are many other examples of difficult-to-reach companies – Vodafone springs to mind; I’ve had, in the past, the devil’s own job tracking down people who can actually address my questions.

However, I do have one trick up my sleeve – I ask for sales! As sales are important to any company, I can usually access a real person, not an automated list of directives. He/she may not be the right one to help, but sometimes I am referred to someone who can.

Fortunately, there are a few sensible companies which don’t leave callers sitting listening to endless music for an hour or

COVERSHOT

Helen Perry, Editor

A TIMES MEDIA PUBLICATION

Freephone: 0800 456 789 • www.ruralliving.co.nz

info@ruralliving.co.nz Photo Wayne Martin

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4 — Rural Living — June-July 2021

Jackie Underhill DDI 09 271 8092 jackie@ruralliving.co.nz

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South Titirangi

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HAMPTON DOWNS ACTION: More and more Aucklanders aspire to living rurally so they can enjoy every aspect of a life one step removed from the city’s bustle. Jason Tabrum and Luke Jupp (featured on our cover) are rural real estate specialists working out of Barfoot & Thompson Pukekohe office where they aspire to show clients the very best of country living from lifestyle properties to its many recreational attractions including on track experiences at Hampton Downs Motorpsort Park. We recently followed them to the raceway where they were given the ride of their lives. See pages 8-9.

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Sales: Kate Ockelford-Green DDI 09 271 8090 kate@ruralliving.co.nz

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NEW E R O T S 122/124 KING ST PUKEKOHE

MENS FASHION AND FOOTWEAR

Let's talk...

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Jason Tabrum 022 567 9662 Luke Jupp 021 160 8005 Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 5

KAT6907-v19

Where do you want to live this Christmas?

Win!

petitions r any of these com To enter the draw fo th's code on m is and enter th visit ruralliving.co.nz address; ail em n/ entry per perso – RLSEP4178. One er inn W . ber 30, 2021 entries close Septem email. or notified by phone

WIN! TICKETS TO THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS Operatunity is taking yet another show on the road and stopping into Pukekohe along the way!

One of the most memorable musical comedy-dramas of the 1950s, There’s No Business Like Show Business is bound to see performers step up in style. For details, visit www.operatunity. co.nz/concerts. Meantime, we have THREE double passes to the Pukekohe performance (11am, October 19, Pukekohe Town Hall, Massey Ave) up for grabs.

N LIPSTICKS WIN! 8-PACK OF TB has the perfect

ing colder days, Rural Liv To lift your look on s TBN Lipsticks ou rge go of ck an 8-pa prize up for grabs – ty. Selected tili es for style and versa in winter-warm shad ork) collection tw Ne ty TBN’s (Total Beau by r lou Co the m fro , fashionable ades, these are fun of 20 new season sh le. Our prize set more, very affordab and, if shopping for all lipsticks being th ry rustic shades wi features contempora moisturise the to E in e vera and vitam formulated with alo lour. Prize is valued htweight, smooth co lips and provide lig lucky reader.

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WIN! THE MEMORY THIEF WIN! COBI WARHAWK MODELS FROM NZ WARBIRDS Soaring to fame during the Second World War, the Warhawk has been immortalised – along with other warbirds – in Cobi block model form. Recently landed at Warbirds Ardmore, these models make great gifts for Father’s Day – see www.nzwarbirds.org.nz for details. Meanwhile, when our THREE lucky winners pick up their prizes (one model each) after entries close on Sep 30, they will be invited on a tour of Warbirds’ hangers at Ardmore Airport.

6 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

From dawn until dusk, Seth stands motionless. However, when the sun goes down this troll, trapped inside the Dunedin Botanic Gardens seeks to understand where he came from and, more importantly, if he can ever be free. An absorbing junior fiction novel, The Memory Thief appears set to offer readers an unforgettable tale.

Leonie Agnew: The Memory Thief | RRP $19.99 | Puffin

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Showhome Opening October 2021 Visit our sales office

Lot 478 Buddle Rd, Paerata Rise to view our home and land packages.

Open hours Wed - Fri: 11am - 3pm | Sat: 11am - 2pm.

Contact

Helen@latitudehomes.co.nz | 021 536 514 or Siobhan@latitudehomes.co.nz | 021 033 9859

latitudehomes.co.nz www.ruralliving.co.nz

0800 776 777

Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 7

KAT7238-v3

RURAL LIVING –

on track exhilaration The property market remains hot across the country and while demands differ, local Barfoot and Thompson lifestyle/rural Jason sales consultants, pp Tabrum and Luke Ju ral properties believe Franklin’s ru acquiring are not just about e dream a home but living th ay. lifestyle in every w

Jason Tabrum (left) and Luke Jupp.

L

ive rural, play rural – that’s the mantra of Jason Tabrum and Luke Jupp. They believe Franklin lifestyle properties offer a way of life which combines the best of town and country.

Jason lives on a 10-acre lifestyle block while Luke is in the throes of building new within a rural community – they both know the district intimately and love that it offers a recreational playground like none other. What’s more they have personally experienced its many leisure benefits including being on track at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.

Working from Barfoot & Thompson’s Pukekohe office, their work involves weekends and appointments after hours but Jason and Luke agree that, here on the outskirts of Auckland, even super busy people can enjoy quality relaxation time.

In fact, the pair recently made the most of a Monday off by enjoying their own Hampton Downs raceway experience: testing their skills in a V8 muscle car – on this occasion, a Mustang – and participating in an amazing Lamborghini fast dash.

“The race track is definitely the hot spot for thrill seekers, petrol heads and all

8 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

manner of motorsports fans,” Jason says.

“What’s more, an official Hampton Downs drive experience is a must especially as there is plenty of choice for all skill levels, even youngsters.”

Supercharged by their experience, both Luke and Jason agree: “It was just the best; a truly thrilling experience.”

“We thought we were pretty good drivers but when I watched Jason going around the track I initially thought he was going a bit slow,” laughs Luke. “Then when it was my turn I realised just how fast we were actually going. In fact, our instructor/ co-driver put on the brakes a few times!”

Nevertheless, the boys were pleased when told they both did ‘okay!’ “We’d do it all over again, for sure,” they enthused.

“And next time we’ll bring our families.”

However, when the play was over, it was back to the kind of work both guys find just as inspiring.

“I’ve worked in this rural area for the past two years, since returning from overseas,” says Jason, who was raised in Franklin and is now in his 10th year in the industry.

Luke came to New Zealand as a 12-year-old with his family, was schooled in Pukekohe and started his career with

Barfoots Pukekohe six years ago.

“Jason and I are both dads with young families so we work well together dividing our time in a way that means we can give our best to clients and to our families.”

Jason adds: “Because we’ve opted to work primarily with rural property, we get a real buzz when we relocate first time lifestylers on to their second property, often somewhat bigger than the first.

“But, now, many inner city Aucklanders are heading south wanting more space, less pressure. They’re seeking the kind of lifestyle Luke and I enjoy and we love showing them the ropes.

“When we present them with the perfect property and see their reaction to having room to move, it reminds us of how good life is in Franklin.”

Summing up, these likely lads concur: “Our role is to ensure we achieve the best outcome for our vendors but also match buyers to the right property for them; that’s something we revel in because we then ensure, all round, everyone gets what they want!”

To list or buy a property call Jason on 022 567 9662 or Luke 021 160 8005. www.ruralliving.co.nz

E V I E R C D N E I UXPER

Franklin offers a multitude of recreational activities but for motorsport fans of many persuasions, it’s hard to look past Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.

Offering a range of drive experiences, race fixtures and other events, which can be found on its website, there is something for virtually everyone – amateurs to professionals.

In particular, the driver training school’s comprehensive programme takes advantages of all the track has to offer including a 97 metre diameter skid pad which has a seven metre diameter turntable used for skid control, braking training and simulated wet, weather driving.

Programmes accommodate various needs including corporate company events, a popular option for team building.

The park’s commercial manager, Mike Marsden says among the various packages, the V8 muscle car drive – Camaro or Mustang – the ultimate V8 hot lap in a V8 supercar or the amazing supercar fast dash in a Lamborghini Huracan, are among the most popular and the most exhilarating!

“In addition, families often gravitate to the go karts because even youngsters can enjoy this form of racing. Then there are locals who own performance vehicles but have very little time to enjoy them. As a result, many take up our GT membership package which offers special member days, allowing them to drive their own cars on track. It’s a fantastic opportunity and they love it!”

To check out the full range of Hampton Downs activities visit: www.hamptondowns.com

MOTORSPORT ENCOUNTERS

Photos Wayne Martin

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www.hamptondowns.com KAT7593

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its 100th anniversary in October, ate ebr cel to es par pre l oo Sch h As Pukekohe Hig role, Barnett, over the gate, about his d har Ric al cip prin to ed talk ing Rural Liv ay. school’s future and education tod the centenary celebrations, the

You were appointed principal in 2018; what was your previous school and your teaching background?

My previous school was Burnside High in Christchurch and my teaching background is in history and social studies – I still miss the classroom. I came to NZ on a teacher exchange in 2001 and worked at Cashmere High. Before that I was at three different UK schools but I much prefer the educational context in NZ. As principal at PHS what does your role involve; do you still teach?

Unfortunately, I don’t have the chance to teach. My role isn’t only administrative – it involves working with staff much more than students and is multi-faceted.

Often it is about problem solving and it does involve making a large number of decisions. It’s a huge privilege to try to establish a long term vision for the school and to work towards that.

Since taking up your position have you made any significant changes you would deem successful?

Yes, the 2018 Education Review Office report (the review team arrived on my second day at PHS!) was very critical of the school. Since then we have made significant progress in improving our NCEA results – in the end a school is judged on outcomes for its students. We have also built better relationships with our diverse community. What we are trying to do is quite ambitious – to change the culture of the school and to raise all our expectations of what our students can achieve. That’s not a quick process, but we are well underway as this year’s ERO report stated: – “positive progress is evident in all areas identified in the September 2018 report.”

Are there more changes in the pipeline?

Yes, there is always more change – the 10 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

one constant of education! There will be significant changes to NCEA for all secondary schools over the next few years but at PHS we are also working hard on how we teach and on links between subjects so students’ education is more ‘joined up’.

Pukekohe’s population is burgeoning; does the school roll reflect this and, if so, is the Ministry of Education providing support for more classrooms and future growth?

We are currently working with the Ministry, and architects, on a new two-storey, 10 teaching space block which should be completed by the start of 2023. Space is tight at present but we have an exciting campus development plan to go with our vision: ‘learning without limits’.

The Ministry has ruled out another local high school. Instead the intention is to grow PHS to 2700 students over the next decade – that’s significant but it’s exciting that we will gain a large number of new teaching spaces with greater resources.

ex-students who will provide memories of attending PHS as well as what they have achieved in life since leaving school. They will be profiled through an image and linking QR code during the centenary and also as a permanent record on the school website as an ongoing archive of PHS achievers. We are still seeking more former students to interview.

Will you also seek the views of today’s students about schooling in 2021?

We have run some focus groups for small numbers of students. It’s really important we are in touch with their thoughts about the school. Part of what we want to achieve this year is to help current students understand more about the school’s history and gain their perspective on its future direction.

Have your met any of the many PHS students who have moved on to outstanding careers, such as Olympian, Eric Murray or All Black, Mike Brewer?

I always enjoy meeting ex-PHS students even if they have not become famous since leaving. I haven’t yet had a chance to meet Eric Murray but would certainly like to. I’m not a rower myself but my wife’s family are so I have some small connection with a sport that many PHS students have been very successful in.

Are there elements of the past you feel are relevant today and is there any aspect which could be reinstated to contribute value?

Our centenary is an obvious time to evaluate the way the school’s history is remembered. The 100 Years project, being worked on by centenary committee, is an oral history of 100 former students who have gone on to achieve amazing things in their lifetime. The centenary is also a time to ensure artefacts are archived appropriately. We are working to make our history visible and more meaningful to current generations of students and, in all of this, we need to be inclusive and ensure it is not just certain aspects of the school’s past which are remembered.

As part of its centenary year, the school is interviewing 100 former students about their school days for a special project.

When will it be ready and how can it be seen?

This ongoing 100 Years project aims to interview and record 100 selected

How relevant today are the words of the school motto – Right, Honour, Duty?

In some ways those words represent old fashioned values yet they are still relevant.

For example, one of the school’s values is Arahitanga which includes the notion of pride and honour. Similarly, Kotahitanga www.ruralliving.co.nz

involves a sense of community and working together; duty (or service) is part of that. The terms may have changed but the deeper values remain, at least in part.

In this modern age do senior students, in general, have clear career visions?

Career pathways are more complex now and research indicates that students leaving high school will have several different occupations during their lifetime.

I still believe strongly in the value of university education, but some students can now go straight from high school to high paying roles in the tech industry.

Given this, it is difficult for students and their families to have complete clarity about career progression so the school has an important role to support our community in this respect.

How can the school help students negotiate steps to tertiary education or alternative a careers which may not involve university study?

It is really important for the school to ensure all students have meaningful pathways once they leave PHS. Our careers department has worked extremely hard over the last few years to build links with local tertiary providers and employers. Some of our students attend MIT one or two days per week giving them access to training and courses unavailable in school. In future that flexibility will grow.

However, I also believe students should have the opportunity to stay at school as long as possible but that education has to be relevant to their particular pathways.

Just as important (perhaps more so) as formal qualifications are the transferable skills or employment skills we need to develop in all our young people.

Do you think students stay at school until Year 13 because they cannot see an alternative rather than the fact that they enjoy learning?

In some cases that is true. However, employment opportunities are currently reasonable in this area so some students do leave during Year 12. Most students who stay through Year 13 want to pursue good educational goals. In a world of increasingly rapid transformation, caused by disruptive technologies and climate change, for example, young people will need to be lifelong learners. So, in school we need a varied and flexible curriculum which is relevant and meaningful and not just about NCEA. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Does the school still offer an agriculture/ horticulture unit of study?

Yes, in an area such as Pukekohe that’s crucial. We have good links with a number of local growers with both agriculture and horticulture offering excellent pathways for senior students.

Looking forward, what is your personal vision for PHS? I strongly support the school’s vision of ‘learning without limits’. This simplesounding vision is aspirational and futurefocused. It is vital that our whole PHS community starts to see the school as a centre of educational excellence with high expectations for all our young people.

We are not fully there yet but that’s our optimistic vision for the future. As the only high school in Pukekohe, we bear the responsibility for educating the town’s young people – how well we do our jobs will, in part, determine the future of this community.

If you could grow any plant or raise any animal what would it be and why?

Scottish Highland cattle. I grew up on a small farm in the UK raising cattle and sheep but I’m a vegetarian – they would only be pets.

If you could be the Minister of Education for one day what would do and why?

I would want to ensure student and staff wellbeing is at the top of the agenda. Some schools have done amazing things in this space and at PHS we have started but need to do more. Mental health is such a complex but important series of issues which education can, in part, support. For example, the sense of connection that a community has to its school is an important ingredient in wellness. That might take more than one day though!

If you could ask any three people (living or dead) to dinner who would they be and why?

I always enjoy dinner with my wife and two grown up daughters, who together have been my inspiration and constant support Richard Barnett. during the past three years.

Photo Wayne Martin Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 11

VET TALK

CARING FOR AG DAY ANIMALS Dr Jennifer Stone BVSc (Dist.) talk about caring and preparing farm animals for Calf Club days and similar Ag day events.

M

ost youngsters will have their Ag Day animals by now so here are some tips for ensuring your calves, lambs and kid goats receive the best possible start. ➜ Feeding: We recommend the wheybased Sprayfo lamb and calf milk replacer (which reduces the incidence of bloat) and the Anlamb, Ancalf & Ankid range. It is important to follow the instructions on the bag.

Bloating is the most common cause of death in bottle-fed lambs, due to the higher volume being fed to what they would receive naturally. Feed smaller volumes more

frequently, or yoghurtise your milk. (See the lamb rearing page on www.franklinvets. co.nz) Clean teats and bottles thoroughly after each feed to prevent the spread of infection. Allow your pet to nibble grass or hay to encourage healthy rumen development, however, please be aware of the toxic plants in your gardens as they claim a few victims every year! ➜ Housing: The house/pen should be warm and dry. Coats and woolover lamb covers will help keep the cold at bay. ➜ Vaccinations: If your pet has had adequate colostrum in the first 12 hours from a mother which has had a vaccine within one month of lambing, it will have three months protection. It will then require a Clostridial vaccine at weaning (or three months), a booster shot one month later and once a year, thereafter.

If the mother is not vaccinated, the lamb will need a Clostridial vaccine at two weeks

of age and a booster at six weeks. If your lamb is unvaccinated at the time of docking, it should also receive a pulpy kidney/antitetanus shot. ➜ Procedures: Tail docking (lambs), castration (males) and disbudding for calves should be carried out at 2-4 weeks of age.

Goat kid horn buds adhere to the skull VERY quickly, so we recommend disbudding between 7-14 days. Talk to your vet about these procedures. ➜ Parasites/Scouring: Once they are nibbling at the grass, your pets will start to pick up parasites. Drench from six weeks of age and continue every four weeks. We can help out with what is right for your animals.

If you have any concerns along the way, seek vet advice early as young animals can rapidly deteriorate.

Check out the Franklin Vets website for more information and good luck with Ag Day!

CHECKLIST ✔ Horse hoof issues — The cold, wet weather can make it difficult to keep up with hoof care and it can be easy to overlook hoof issues before they become a problem.

We recommend picking out the mud and inspecting hooves daily. It is recommended to keep up a routine schedule with your farrier so small cracks do not turn into a problem. Abscesses and sole bruises are more common due to the wet ground softening the sole.

Measures we recommend to prevent

horses standing in the same muddy areas are to toss your hay in a new spot when possible and to add rubber mats or gravel around water troughs.

A supplement we recommend for general hoof care and growth is Hoof Gold which is a good source of vitamins and minerals with biotin.

Call us for advice as soon as you recognize a lameness to start treating early on 09 238 2471.

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12 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

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MORE SCOPE TO ENTER

dairy awards T

he country’s evolving dairy industry has sparked changes to the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards programme allowing for a wider range of entrants.

Recognising that traditional pathways into the dairy industry have altered, the age range for the Dairy Trainee category is now 18 years to 30 years with a maximum of three years’ experience from the age of 18. The online entry form has also been simplified.

Additional conditions for visa entrants have been removed with no minimum length of time in New Zealand required.

NZDIA general manager, Robin Congdon says according to PrimaryITO, the average age of a dairy trainee in now 32 years.

“We are seeing many career changers joining the ranks [so] these changes [to

the awards programme] acknowledge it as a learning platform which recognises trainees’ achievements, drives personal development, allows them to grow industry networks, and to use the programme to develop skills along the way,” Mr Congdon says.

NZDIA executive dairy trainee member, Raewyn Hills adds that there was also a strong desire to enhance the judging to be more educational, fun and engaging.

“We have revamped the process and the preliminary round will have a Skills Day with a practical focus,” she says. “We will also give on-the-spot feedback and training on how to complete the practical tasks on the day meaning entrants will come away having learnt something rather than just being judged.”

The preliminary round of practical

judging will produce six dairy trainee finalists from each region, who will progress to a face-to-face interview round, which will also include a large verbal practical element to assess general farming knowledge. Regional winners will continue to the national programme which includes a study tour, practical testing, and the national awards dinner.

“There is a real buzz about the changes,” says Ms Hills. “We feel they will reinvigorate an already fun experience and our regional teams and judges are excited to get the 2022 programme underway.

Registrations of Interest for the 2022 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards can be made via www.dairyindustryawards. co.nz with entries opening on October 1st 2021.

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Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 13

Y– SAY HELLO TO COUNTIES ENERG

Our energy future is here

achieved in Counties Power’s A significant milestone has been ting electricity to the community almost 100-year history of distribu e and brand – Counties Energy. as it evolves with a fresh new nam

F

rom Franklin Electric Power Board to Counties Power, and now to Counties Energy, this evolution reflects the changing needs of energy consumers today, and into the future, with the adoption of smart technologies as well as addressing the increasing need and expectations for decarbonisation from customers.

Counties Energy chief executive, Judy Nicholl says the new name and brand has been designed to reflect the company’s long history and its new energy journey. It is concentratedd on smart

grid technologies and customer-focused energy ecosystems such as virtual power plants and community energy schemes that utilise electric vehicle charging, renewable energy and cutting-edge digital technologies.

“How we use energy as a community and as a country is changing. The way energy is generated is also on a new trajectory, one that protects our future environment and generations,” Ms Nicholl says. “To meet these changes, we must innovate to ensure our community and New Zealand, thrives. As a consumer-

owned electricity distribution company, we’ll continue to make broader decisions across our network and beyond, in a smarter, safer, more reliable and affordable way – our new name reflects this.”

The company’s dedicated teams remain the same, along with their commitment to their community and to keeping power flowing around the clock.

Lowering emissions and creating smaller carbon footprints through sustainable technologies is becoming an increasing focus for the organisation.

Positive changes in how to produce and use energy are underway, including ground-breaking Vehicle-to-Grid technology pilot, electric vehicle charging platform OpenLoop and the Secondlife EV Battery System which repurposes retired electric vehicle batteries.

So, say hello to Counties Energy – Energy Reimagined.

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We believe energy can change lives for the better.

For the planet. Our customers.

And our communities.

As the need for power consumption changes, so too are we. We’re here for you, as your consumer-owned electricity supplier, and will continue to make much broader decisions across our network with how we supply energy – a smarter, safer, more reliable and affordable energy - and our new name reflects this – Counties Energy.

Positive changes in how we produce and use energy are already happening, and the good news is we’ve never been more ready for the exciting future that lies ahead.

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Heather Feetham OF GROWING CONCERNS

In addition to facing the prospect of feeding a growing population, horticulture has more on its plate, especially of late, as JON RAWLINSON explains.

F

estooned in protective gear – including a paper smock and plastic booties — I’m impressed by T&G’s efforts to ensure its covered growing operation in Tuakau remains pest and disease-free.

While staving off pests and diseases is an ongoing concern for the primary sector — hence my attire — remaining diseasefree, with regards to Covid-19, has posed additional challenges for the business.

“The industry, as a whole, is ‘feeling the sting’,” T&G’s Heather Feetham explains. “It was a little challenging last summer as we would usually employ backpackers, but we had some great university students as well as people who had lost their jobs in other industries. We managed but we needed to change and adapt.”

T&G’s covered crops’ Tuakau operation isn’t strictly seasonal but increased demand for its tomatoes during summer requires more hands to the pump. Heather (a production manager) is hopeful of further easing of border restrictions thanks to increased levels of vaccination.

“As long as it’s safe, we wouldn’t say ‘no’ [to more overseas labour]. Even then, we need to keep the experience [of closed borders] in our mind going forward; we need to take away our lessons from Covid.

I think the pandemic has caused a rethink; ensuring we have a contingency plan is crucial.”

Originally from Adelaide, Heather moved to New Zealand aged 21. After moving to Auckland, she worked at Punchbowl Kiwifruit Services in Kingseat, then joining T&G approximately two years ago.

Since winning May’s Pukekohe Young Grower of the Year competition — designed to showcase the industry — Heather says encouraging more young Kiwis to join the industry plays a vital role, regardless of border restrictions.

“There has been a big push trying to get more people into the industry, which is 16 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

Heather Feetham with her trophy

great. It’s [job security] a massive bonus in horticulture,” she says. “The sector offers awesome jobs, but you need the physical capabilities and mindset — knowing how to not damage the plant and what pests and diseases to keep an eye on.”

Although growing food is as ‘down to earth’ as it gets, modern advances in agritech have changed the way the world is fed. In some ways, new recruits into the primary industries need to be as au fait with IT as they do with a spade.

“We’re still seeing progress, even since I’ve been in the industry. Our glasshouses have very technical growing systems [mostly for climate control] and we also have a labour tracking app to help us keep track of staff achievements, which is great.

This is a high-tech operation.”

One of the largest greenhouse sites in New Zealand, Heather’s ‘office’ includes a growing area spanning approximately 10ha. Asked if growers are beginning to ‘dream of electric sheep’, she laughs.

“I get the gist of what you mean! More jobs could be mechanised in future, which will increase efficiency in production. The more efficient and productive a growing operation is, the better. But, at the same time, it is a bit of a balancing act and

there’ll always be a need for people.”

However, where there are people, there needs to be housing; but housing must not compromise premium soil, Heather adds.

“It’s a touchy issue. Again, it’s about balance.

We need to house people but we also definitely need to protect our best growing land.

Plans need to be carefully considered.”

“There has been a big push trying to get more people into the industry, which is great. [job security] is a massive bonus in horticulture.”

Heather Feetham Photo Wayne Martin

www.ruralliving.co.nz

LOCAL GROWER GOING NATIONAL She has the Pukekohe Young Grower of the Year title under her belt but Tuakau-based, T&G production manager, Heather Feetham, is not putting her feet up yet.

As previously reported in Rural Living, this enthusiastic 26 yearold is now preparing to take on other regional winners at the national Young Grower competition in September.

“I am watching who wins the other competitions and doing a little background research,” she smiles.

“From my experience I have a bit of confidence so, hopefully, I can bring the same luck and skill next time. I’m excited about the final. It’s going to take a lot of prep’ to get myself ready for it, but I will try and represent the region well.”

During her regional round at Pukekohe’s PIA Event Centre in May, Heather was faced with a range of challenges designed to put her industry knowledge and skills to the test.

“It was the first time I’d entered. I went in for the experience so I was super stoked when I won. I’m very competitive so I definitely wanted to win but I didn’t expect to,” she says.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

“I enjoyed the practical exercises and went well in the quality checking and pest and disease [identification], but my strengths were the marketing module and the speech. I do like to use my head.”

Winning (approximately) $2000 in prize money so far, Heather could reap even more rich pickings at September’s national competition in Wellington. A win there will qualify her to take on finalists from a diverse range of industry sectors — from floristry and landscaping to winegrowers and more — at November’s Young Horticulturist of the Year contest.

Although she’s not prepared to make any firm plans just yet — to count her tomatoes before they grow! — the Adelaide born and raised grower has some idea of how she will invest her winnings.

“We’re encouraged to use [prize money] for industryrelated self-development and although I’m not too sure how I’ll use it yet, it would be awesome to go back to Australia and learn a bit more about the industry over there.”

Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 17

Mike Chapman won the Bledisloe Cup for horticulture.

P U S ’ T A WH

. . .

C ’ O .

D H WIT Although much of his work has not directly impacted on our neck of the woods, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Communities and more – Damien O’Connor has been central in aiding farmers recovering from flooding in Damien O’Connor the South Island as well as tackling the problematic wilding pine and more. However, as reports from his office indicate, the primary MP for the primary industries has been delving deep into other matters too.

FRESHWATER THINKING Rather than a trickle, Mr O’Connor is expecting a flood of ideas from farmers and growers to help develop workable freshwater farm plans.

“There are many farmers and growers already committed to practices to improve water quality and it’s vital they have their say and contribute to this consultation,” Mr O’Connor said in mid-July. “I want to thank industry organisations for their input so far, which has improved on original proposals.”

Consultation regarding the Essential Freshwater package continues

until September 12. In particular, commentary is being sought regarding better mapping of areas for stock exclusion, our Minister of Agriculture explains.

“We [are] asking about the balance between using the low slope map and freshwater farm plans for identifying areas for stock exclusion.”

Overall, the aim is to improve water quality which, the Minister asserts, will benefit primary industry businesses in the long run.

“Taking a farm planning approach… also provides farmers a visible way of showing their sustainability credentials to the markets we sell in to, which will help boost value growth.”

HORTNZ

CUPS FLOW OVER As Horticulture NZ (HortNZ) raised glasses to its kings and queens of cups, a Pukekohe president was in the mix.

Winner of HortNZ’s President’s Trophy, Kylie Faulkner, has been a tenacious advocate for local growers, especially since becoming Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association president in 2019.

The event’s major award, The Bledisloe Cup – not that one, another one! – for ‘significant service to horticulture’, went to HortNZ’s former chief executive, Mike Chapman.

“Mike always acts with the aim of achieving the best outcomes for growers and orchardists,” the organisation’s current president, Barry O’Neil, says. “[He] has firmly stood for growers on key issues such as protecting elite soils… ensuring growers remain economically viable in a fastchanging environment.”

Others to receive awards were: ◆ Environmental Award: Emma and Jay Clarke ◆ Industry Service Awards: Tim Jones, Brent Mathieson and David Watts ◆ Life membership Awards: Leon Stallard and Lex Dillion

295 TUAKAU ROAD, PUKEKOHE • 09 238 9414 Email: info@hrfisken.co.nz • www.hrfisken.co.nz 18 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

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o the city’s Farmers Santa marshalled people int of r ge fin ing on ck be the rs There was a time when of a Protest’ drawing farme wl ‘Ho the d an es gin en r roar of tracto re store. Recently, it was the off the presses, farmers we g lin rol s wa ue iss st gu Au Living’s Julyn. to Auckland’s CBD. As Rural t of measures from Wellingto raf a ing ard reg on ati str fru to vent their rolling into cities nationwide

“F

armers up and down New Zealand told the Government they wouldn’t be sitting down and taking the hits Labour is dishing out,” Opposition Leader, Judith Collins, said soon after the July 16 protests. “Farmers have been feeling left out and they loudly demanded debate… the rural sector stood up and sent a clear signal to Wellington. Labour should be listening.”

It seems last year’s ‘saviours of the economy’ have become rebels with a cause. What are they rebelling against?

Well, what have we got? For a start,

there’s the ‘ute tax’ on petrol vehicles, Three Waters reforms, reforms to the Resource Management Act and (according to some) unsatisfactory handling of border exemptions in addressing labour shortages.

Ahead of the protests, Andrew Hoggard from Federated Farmers said he was not surprised frustration and anger was spilling over. In a speech to the Feds’ National Council, he referred to a ‘winter of discontent’ in rural communities.

“We have a siloed, haphazard approach right now that is causing stress and anxiety for many, not just for farmers and

growers, but other sectors and, quite frankly, probably the Government’s own officials,” he said just days before the protests. “My message to the Government is we need to organise the work plan better.”

As seen commonly in campaigns throughout history, essential farm work drew protesters back to their land; they’ve turned their (proverbial) swords back into ploughshares. However, the seeds of resentment have (well and truly) been sown; how the Government plans to tend the temperamental crop which is growing from them remains to be seen.

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Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 19

rural rumbles boil over

Photos Wayne Martin

WINTER OF DISCONTENT

BE PREPARED

for lambing begins – generally As the lambing season mer north and often around July in the war late September – extending through till every situation. it pays to be ready for

L

ambing usually goes very well and there is little assistance needed.

Problems are quite rare but can happen so it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your animals if birthing is imminent.

For lifestylers with a few sheep to keep down the grass, lambing may not be an issue but if some of the flock are expecting

then be sure you have gleaned good advice or have been in contact with a vet to let them know you may need assistance.

However, if all is going well at birthing time, interfere as little as possible; generally there isn’t much to do except watch the event but there are some items you need on hand and some important steps to be aware of:

◆ Always handle any animal with care, but especially those that are pregnant, so they won’t be stressed. ◆ Have frozen colostrum handy. You can get replacement colostrum for an emergency from your vet. Newborn lambs need colostrum as soon after birth as possible as it contains the antibodies to help keep them healthy.

CHECKLIST FOR BIRTHING SUPPLIES ESPECIALLY FOR THE MORE EXPERIENCED FARMER: Keep all these items handy in an easy to carry bucket which can be grabbed if needed. ◆ Flashlight and batteries for night time deliveries. ◆ Latex gloves in case you need to assist. ◆ Lube in case you need to “go in” to assist. ◆ Antibiotics. ◆ Small spray bottle of iodine – for dipping or spraying the umbilical cord. ◆ A couple of old but clean towels to dry off lambs/kids and prevent chills; also to dry hands. ◆ Bottle/teat in case you need to bottle feed. ◆ Weak lamb syringe & feeding tube — to feed if lamb is too weak to nurse. ◆ Bailing twine — offers many practical uses in the paddock. ◆ Bearing retainer — In case of false alarms and a bearing is present rather than a lamb. ◆ Soap & warm water for washing up in case you need to assist. ◆ Pen and paper to record birth weights, etc. ◆ Phone number of your local veterinarian in case of an emergency.

20 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

KNOW WHICH LEG IS WHICH? If one leg or more is ticking out of a ewe trying to lamb, don’t start pulling until you have had a sort out.

Make sure the leg(s) belong to the same lamb! They could be from different lambs e.g. twins or triplets Know the difference between a back leg and a front leg. A back leg has a hock.

A good tip is to tie a bit of string on a leg you want to push back into the uterus in case you lose track of it.

THE AFTERBIRTH This should pass within 12 hours of birth; if it doesn’t, call the vet. NEVER pull the afterbirth out as this can result in serious damage to the doe, let her expel it naturally.

plastic covers which tear off a long roll but a bread bag works too.

Cut one side to open it for the bottom.

Cut the top corner off for the lamb’s head to poke through and cut two small holes for the front legs. Don’t bother about holes for the back legs.

The bag will help retain the heat in the main part of the lamb’s chest in very wet cold conditions.

If the bags are still on after a couple of days, take them off. Don’t leave them lying around the paddock as stock may try to eat them.

Most experienced sheep farmers will be familiar with all this advice and adept at lambing but novice lifestylers, or new block owners, who have taken on sheep to ‘keep the grass down’, may find themselves out of their depths if they have pregnant ewes and are dealing with lambing for the first time.

EXTRA TIPS A bread bag can save a lamb. Start to save your old bread bags to put over new-born lambs when it’s wet and cold. You can buy fancy woollen covers which are great but cost money. You can also buy handy

Importantly, if this advice and checklist is making you decidedly nervous about the lambing process, consult your vet and be sure you can access veterinary help when it is needed. www.ruralliving.co.nz

FIELDAYS UP FOR ACCOLADES… AGAIN!

FAST TRACK TO PAPAKURA…

by 2024

I

t requires many steps to travel from Pukekohe to Papakura on foot.

Thankfully ‘the next step’ in the longawaited electrification of the final section of the Auckland rail network has been taken.

Specifically, electrification has now been approved thanks to Covid-19 ‘fast-track’ legislation.

Work to electrify the line will begin later this year with expectations that the first electric train will run between Papakura and Pukekohe in 2024, almost a decade since electrification was completed on the rest of the Auckland network in 2015.

“This project will be hugely beneficial for Aucklanders, especially people who live in

this growing part of the city,” KiwiRail’s Todd Moyle confirms. “Passengers will be able to travel all the way to the city centre from Pukekohe without the need to change trains at Papakura.”

When the long wait for electrification is over, passengers on the Auckland to Hamilton rail service will stop to change trains in Pukekohe rather than Papakura.

The project is part of KiwiRail’s wider $1.5 billion Auckland Metro Programme designed to modernise the region’s rail network; it also includes three new stations between Papakura and Pukekohe, a third main line to separate freight and passenger services and overall track improvements.

Adaptation was the order of the day throughout most of 2020. So, it’s not surprising that Fieldays’ efforts to adapt see the event named a finalist in the New Zealand Event Awards’ Covid-19 Response category.

“Fieldays Online was a world first for an agricultural event of its kind at the time,” Peter Nation from the National Fieldays Society says. “The 2020 event was an effective way for us to connect with the primary sector and our rural communities around the world and keep our brand alive during the pandemic… the team created the platform out of necessity under trying circumstances, and it is now a vital component of our digital roadmap moving forward.”

As reported earlier this year, Fieldays 2020 received a bronze medal at the Global Eventex Awards. Winners of the New Zealand Event Awards will be announced on September 30.

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Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 21

M.BOVIS ERADICATION -

‘Abundance of caution’ MAINTAINED

, eradicating a As the Covid pandemic has shown spite heartbreak disease is only half the battle. De y be (somewhat) and financial loss, Kiwi farmers ma ing cattle disease buoyed by a recent report regard Mycoplasma bovis (M.bovis).

“I

property closely, tested animals and traced movements,” Mr Anderson says. “In the programme’s view, there are more likely sources from within the cluster of infected farms itself, such as animal movements, shared grazing, insecure boundaries between neighbouring properties and sharing of dairy platforms.”

Measures have been taken to check the spread.

“Out of an abundance of caution, and in coordination with the feedlot’s owners, we’ve placed a buffer area around the feedlot that will remain free of cattle until it is cleared of M.bovis. This is on top of the already strict biosecurity measures which are in place and being adhered to,” Mr Anderson adds.

In general, the report suggests there have been notable improvements in curtailing the spread of the disease thanks

know farmers who have been impacted have found the [M.bovis] process challenging; their contribution has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated,” Stuart Anderson from the M.bovis Technical Advisory Group (TAG) says. “Four years on since the disease was first detected, immense progress has been made towards eradication. We now have just three active, confirmed infected farms, compared to 34 farms two years ago.”

The confirmation features in TAG’s report designed to track efforts to eradicate a devastating cattle disease, first detected in New Zealand in 2017. Among the findings, the report highlights a recent cluster centred around Canterbury’s Five Star Feedlot.

“Since TAG first considered information in December, we have looked into this

to cooperation of farmers.

Dr Tim Mackle from DairyNZ says managing M.bovis has been a significant challenge for farmers and presented an upheaval for many who made sacrifices for the greater good.

“Continuing with good practices is crucial and respects those sacrifices that many have made,” he says.

“So NAIT (National Animal Identification and Tracing), biosecurity and farm management practices remain as important as ever,” “Keep up the good work — record all cattle movements, ensure good biosecurity practice is in place on your farm and prevent any mixing of stock.”

The latest report is accessible via www. mpi.govt.nz; search for ‘M.bovis, TAG’.

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22 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

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’?

Supermarkets ‘steREep PORT

HORT’S RETORT TO COM-COM

Lack of competition in the supermarket trade is ‘not working well for consumers’, according to a recent Commerce Commission draft report. And, yet, if rich pickings are being made, growers are not laughing all the way to the bank, Horticulture NZ (HortNZ) contends.

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“We support [increased] transparency and [reversal of] the imbalance of power that the Commerce Commission has identified… HortNZ supports any move to ensure growers get a better return on their investment, so that they will continue to invest in fruit and vegetable growing so New Zealanders can eat healthy, locally produced food.”

Laying out various recommendations intended to improve competition, the draft report is being followed by a consultation process with a final report expected later in the year.

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“G

sector, which asserts Woolworths NZ and Foodstuffs have (effectively) been trading as a duopoly.

“The major retailers appear to avoid competing strongly with each other, particularly on price,” Commerce Commission chair, Anna Rawlings, says.

“Meanwhile, competitors wanting to enter the market, or to expand, face significant challenges, including a lack of competitively priced wholesale supply.”

Although cheaper totals at the checkout would be widely welcomed, impact on growers must be considered, Ms Tunley adds.

rower returns have not increased for at least 10 years, however retail prices and costs have steadily increased,” Nadine Tunley from HortNZ says. “New Zealanders have a stark choice.

If they want to eat fresh, healthy New Zealand-grown vegetables, they must be prepared to support the growers who grow them. Otherwise, New Zealand will have to start importing more frozen and canned vegetables.”

Ms Tunley’s comments follow the release of the commission’s ‘draft report on competition in the retail grocery

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Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 23

YOUNG BUTCHER — NICK SECOND PICK Cutting and hacking through bone and sinew, fat and gristle, young Kiwi knife-smiths were recently on top of their game (in some cases quite literally) fiercely competing for butchery’s highest annual honours.

A

mong those to make the grade was PAK’nSAVE Pukekohe’s Nick Johnstone, finishing second in the Butcher Apprentice of the Year contest.

“I was the youngest one there so it feels good to do so well,” Nick says. “I’m proud of what I have achieved [and] I think I can build from this performance and come back stronger next year.”

Held at Manukau’s Vodafone Events Centre, August 3, the competitions saw butchers test their skills across a range of challenges in three categories: Young Butcher of the Year, Butcher Apprentice of the Year and the Master Butcher Teams Challenge. The first of these categories was secured by Cherise Redden (PAKn’SAVE Glen Innes), who won the Apprentice title in 2019.

“This means a huge amount to me,” she says. “This is proof that I am as good as everyone says I am! I want to tell other young

women to go for their dreams – you never know what you can achieve. If you want to do well, and if you’re passionate, you’ll succeed.”

Nick Johnstone wasn’t the only Franklin local at the event; his PAK’nSAVE Pukekohe workmate and mentor, James Smith – a former Young Butcher of the Year – served on the judging team.

“I was a judge for best pork, chicken, beef & cleanest bones. It was very hard to judge and very close,” James confirms. “I know the overall judging was very, very tough too – there were three strong contenders, it came down to just one or two points separating them at the end.”

Luka Young (PAK’nSAVE, Kaitaia) finished second to Cherise Redden while Isaac Webster (New World Gardens, Dunedin) edged out Nick Johnston to claim the Butcher Apprentice of the Year trophy. No Egos Amigos, from Auckland won the inaugural team challenge.

Nick Johnstone

KC15159-v2

24 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

www.ruralliving.co.nz

STRONG WOOL, STRONG PROSPECTS

the future of ’ g n i h t o l c ’s p e e ‘sh T he right moves from WRONZ, with help from SWAG men (and women), could prove crucial to bagging more opportunities for the wool industry.

Recently, WRONZ (Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand) unveiled products (developed through the Uses for Strong Wool programme) which make use of coarser wool fibres in applications ranging from cosmetics, printing and luxury goods to personal care.

“We aim to create better outcomes for farmers with increased demand and pricing at the farm gate and create sustainable value across the wool sector,” said Andy Fox from WRONZ. “Our vision [is] for new uses for wool which will create new market demand and better outcomes for farmers and the sector.”

WRONZ also confirmed the completion of a new production facility and launch of a commercial development company, Wool Source.

Wool Source chief executive, Tom Hooper said the development company was reimagining the future of New Zealand.

“Our new pigment, particle and powder products — from all-natural, sustainable, strong wool particles — provide the base ingredient for a new generation of highperformance materials, free from chemicals, metals, and toxins,” he explained.

“Wool fleece is the perfect sustainable, biodegradable, cruelty-free and traceable natural product with intrinsic positive characteristics that enable use against the skin. From skincare to luxury fibres, the opportunities for new products are endless.”

With the assistance and support of various bodies — including the Strong Wool Action Group (SWAG), Lincoln University and Ministry for Primary Industries — Wool Source appears to be on course to diversifying the use of coarser fibres.

“We’re providing support for Wool Source to undertake a deep dive project into particles, powders and pigments markets,” Andy Caughey from SWAG says. “New Zealand’s wool production, 90% of which is strong wool, is at a low point with declining sheep numbers.

“With many farmers selling wool at a net cost this season, the industry is desperately seeking innovation to boost strong wool demand and prices.”

NEW ‘FLEECE’ ON LIFE New moves to breath fresh life into the wool industry have been applauded by Federated Farmers.

“I believe it’s all adding up to a new dawn for New Zealand strong wool,” William Beetham, the organisation’s wool chairperson, says. “We’re really pleased to see industry players work together to end fragmentation and concentrate on driving extra value from the superior attributes we all know that strong wool entails.”

Cooperation between all industry groups and farmers is critical to developing the wool market, he asserts.

“We’re moving beyond selling our clip as a raw product as we look for high-value, branded consumer products that capitalise on strong wool’s [properties],” Mr Beetham says. “I’m really buoyed by this determination to lift our game, tell the exceptional story of our wool’s provenance, and get better returns for farmers.”

Every homeowner wants to enjoy a feeling of pride and comfort when driving up to their home not just for the first time, but every time. And, that’s exactly what the team at Homes by Nest works hard to create – even the name reflects that sense of warmth and snugness which envelops homeowners when they walk through the front door into their very own living space.

Phone Bru Goldfinch 021 215 8368 • Email bru@homesbynest.nz • www.homesbynest.nz www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 25

PEST CONTROL – FERAL CATS, MAGIC BULLETS?

‘T

here was an old lady who swallowed a cat, fancy that she swallowed a cat! It did not end well. The idea of solving pest control issues in a similar way may seem obvious… on the surface.

And yet, a programme by Queenstownbased cat welfare group to employ feral cats as rat and rabbit catchers has met with some rebuke.

Rather than euthanising feral cats once they’ve been trapped, QT Community Cats is proposing the animals be desexed and released on farms as a form of pest control. In addition to Predator Free NZ, the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) recently pointed out flaws in the scheme.

“We share concerns about the impacts these cats will have on the native wildlife population,” Dr Helen Beattie from the NZVA says. “There is no guarantee that the cats will only hunt rabbits and rodents. Native species

will also be hunted, as we know that cats are not specific in their hunting behaviour.”

While she acknowledges that the intention of the programme “comes from a good place”, Dr Beattie adds it would likely see cats (including other feral animals and domestic felines) injured as they squabble for territory and exacerbate the spread of disease in the process.

“Effective management of the cat population is complex,” Dr Beattie adds. “[Animal welfare] can be best achieved by keeping owned cats happy and safe at home and using the recommendations of the National Cat Management Strategy Group to manage and look after the wider cat populations.”

It seems that, even with the best of intentions, simple solutions to complex problems can cause more harm than good.

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26 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

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VARIETY,

the spice of life

challenges Variation is one of the constant what the in my role – you just never know entail next animal control request will es I although I admit, it’s the curly on always enjoy the most.

By Ditch Keeling, Coastal Pest Solutions

T

he challenges involved in removing animals from an endless range of situations are pretty limitless, Just think of traps, guns, poisons, live animals and you’ll get the picture.

Thankfully, much of this is done out of the public eye, and often while all the sensible people are asleep. However, animal control is not everyone’s cup of tea.

I totally get that so, if these jobs can be done without everyone having to see, I always take that option.

Thorough planning means working out the most appropriate approach for any given situation such as, day/night/trap/ shoot etc. There’s a method for every situation, and a lot of the fun is in designing just how to go about the job.

Sometimes, just sometimes, there’s just no avoiding the need to remove some beautiful animals in full view of the public…. ouch!

My latest operation has involved feral chickens and roosters, deep in suburbia.

Many others have had a go – trapping, chasing and other methods – but there were some very crafty roosters living across 10 suburban properties…hmmm!

For starters, I needed to talk with every household involved. Every neighbour

needed to know what would happen and to express how they felt about it. They were also asked about the roosters’ daily movements.

I have done this many times, and you can never notify too many people, and never ask too many questions.

Birds are very smart and no-one wants to hear un-announced gun shots in the garden….ever. Thankfully, residents near our current operation were all 100% in support of getting the job done, no matter how unpleasant. It seems no one enjoys roosters at 4am!

Having identified two roosting sites housing an estimated 20-25 birds, I opted to do them gently with a very quiet air rifle after dark. Get this right and it can be very straight forward, well, as straight forward as it can be when working with a rifle in a heavily built up area.

Police are notified and every resident knows you are there. What’s more, it’s just that much more interesting with a dozen residents watching your every move from the windows…talk about pressure!!

On this occasion, the first shoot pulled 17 birds. I couldn’t find any others even when hopping fences from one property to the next as kids waved from windows and guard dogs snapped at my heels – all very different to shooting rabbits on farms!

Th following morning, residents reported just three birds left, Okay. That afternoon I found and removed six, that’s 23 in total.

Last night I searched all the trees again and found another 18. The total, now 41 roosters and I’m still not certain we have them all. No wonder the residents were a bit over all that crowing!

Now, I’m plucking birds. A bunch of local kids wanted the feathers and I’d much prefer kids begging for feathers than upset residents baying for my blood.

You have to love this work – plenty of variety and endless challenges – it truly is the spice of life. Wish me luck, until next time, folks.

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Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 27

NEW TREATMENT PLANT

taps into river

A critical milestone in Watercare’s response to Auckland’s drought conditions was reached when it’s new water treatment plant, adjacent to the Waikato River, went into service last month.

P

roviding up to 50 million litres a day, the ‘Waikato 50’ plant was designed and built in under a year and sits alongside Watercare’s existing plant near Tuakau.

At the opening, Auckland Mayor, Phil Goff said the facility was the latest in a series of measures introduced over the past year which would provide the city with an extra 106 million litres a day at the end of this summer.

“That’s enough to supply an additional 330,000 people — equivalent to around twice the population of Hamilton city,” he said. “The Waikato 50 facility was built in record time ... It significantly increases Auckland’s water resilience, which is critical as we continue to experience lower-than-normal rainfall.

Watercare chief executive, Jon Lamonte said forecasters were presently predicting a normally-wet winter and a slightly drier-than-normal spring.

“Our Waikato 50 plant provides a bit of extra security in the event the weather turns out to be much drier than [that] predicted over a prolonged period.

“Our plan, [now] if we obtain the necessary consents, is for this plant to

be adapted and expanded to become our Waikato A Water Treatment Plant.

“It would be expanded in stages ... until it can ultimately treat up to 150 million litres a day. To put that into perspective, it’s significantly more water than we get from our five dams in the Waitakere Ranges combined.”

The completion of the Waikato 50 plant takes Watercare’s total peak production from the Waikato River to 225 million litres a day.

After the assessment of more than 150 other potential water sources which could be developed to meet Auckland’s water requirements over the next 35 years, Mr Lamonte said the Waikato River was considered to be the best option.

“One of the clear benefits is it [the river] is more resilient to drought, which is important given our climate is changing. [It] has a catchment area spanning more than 14,000 sq km, whereas our dams in the Hunua and Waitakere Ranges have a combined catchment of just 158 sq km. This means the river is a lot less reliant on rain falling in specific locations.”

Save our Soils ‘GROUNDBREAKING’ BOOK

Politicians keen to be ‘on the side of science’ may want to take a little look at a new book which stresses the value of high-class soils, including those here in Franklin.

“The problem is towns are expanding,” co-author of The Soils of Aotearoa New Zealand, Professor David Lowe, says. “The Pukekohe area is challenging as about 25 percent of our fresh vegetables come from there.”

Complied by soil scientists from the University of Waikato, the book presents an introduction to the diversity of soils nationwide. However, it also addresses the impacts of urban development on agricultural land and offers solutions for better management of one of our most important resources.

“We only have 5.2 per cent of our soils as class one or class two, and of course they are where all the towns are and not by mistake. They have good chemical and physical fertility, are reasonably flat, and they can grow good food.”

Fertile agricultural areas must be sparred as cities and towns grow, Professor Lowe concludes.

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HOW NOW

WOW?

What’s hot at WOW? The van der Wats… perhaps!

Karaka locals, Karl and Erna van der Wat are among finalists vying for top honours at the upcoming World of WearableArt Awards 2021.

R

unners up in the Bizarre Bra category of the 2018 edition for their eye-popping effort titled ‘Le Spectacle!’ (pictured above) and prior winners at the awards, Karl and Erna van der Wat will face stiff competition from finalists across New Zealand and throughout the world.

Overall, the quality of work is expected to see models dressed to impress, WOW founder and judge, Dame Suzie Moncrieff confirms.

“I have been delighted to see designers continue to push the boundaries of innovation and invention by creating works of art with extraordinary materials,” she says. “The www.ruralliving.co.nz

passion and determination shown by them has been humbling and makes us prouder than ever to be offering this unique creative platform for their works of wearable art to be seen.”

Daring designers have cut their cloth – and many other materials – to suit the categories: Aotearoa, Avant-garde and Open, as well as three new sections: Architecture, Elizabethan Era and Monochromatic.

Judges are already assessing entries, but the world will need to wait for garments to be unfurled in Wellington (show runs September 30 — October 17) with winners revealed at an awards night on October 1.

Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 29

OF GAMES

AND GARDENS Reay Neben is the publisher of Rural Living

CITY LASS

T

he Olympic Games are now over and life has gone back to normal or almost. We still have the Paralympics and, of course, (fingers crossed) there’s plenty on the rugby calendar. But, what an Olympics we have just had.

I really didn’t think the games would go ahead but what a real thrill they were and all those wonderful athletes competing on the world stage. For Brian it was the best tonic – recovering from his hip replacement operation, he had entertainment all day, every day.

On the Brian front. He has recovered really well and is walking without a stick which is wonderful as he hasn’t walked properly for well over a year.

But, back to the sport and rugby – both local and the All Blacks. I was thrilled to recently watch Auckland beat Canterbury and so pleased to see our local boy, Harry Plummer, made captain of the Auckland side.

I guess Pukekohe was pumping on the Friday night that Counties Manukau took on North Harbour. It’s great that there is a stadium in the middle of town and the goat is still there at every home game.

Pukekohe is such a friendly, complete

Family gardening efforts.

township. I was having a coffee recently at Yakety Yak (just downstairs from our Puke’ office) with some friends; the whole time we were there we knew people coming in.

Such a great community but, I have to say, the traffic and parking is becoming a real issue with traffic jams in the main street. However, it’s much better now that the council have gone back to King Street being two-way although still not good by a long shot.

Now, to gardening. My daughter and son-in-law who returned from Dubai late last year have recently had their driveway redesigned. Instead of using timber for the retaining walls they used gabions filled with Drury stone. They look amazing.

My part in this has been to help design planting on top to soften the look. Not being sure, I whizzed out to my former gardening lady, Chris for advice. I took plenty of photos showing various options as I do need input on what is envisaged.

However, being a blank canvas, I know if we don’t like it we can change it.

Chris’s own garden is amazing and each time I visit there is something different to look at. I firmly believe it should be seen by other garden-lovers so when she said she was contemplating opening it up to the public on certain days, I was excited. If she does go ahead with the idea, it really is a ‘must see’.

And, that’s it – my monthly rambling is over; see you next month when it’s spring.

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FLOWERS AND MORE

native florLa ADD SPECIA TOUCH

I love going outside to pick from my garden, my neighbour’s garden and to even forage on the roadside for flora and foliage, all of which I take to my florists to help elevate the blooms we buy at the market.

Melanie Kennerley

A

ll these special little pieces, gleamed from gardens, make arrangements more interesting and beautiful; they are like the jewellery in a floral design. Whether it’s baby pears in a Christmas wreath, the tiny green balls from a Japanese anemone after their petals drop or gorgeous poppy seed heads, the effect can be truly lovely.

Sometimes we are asked to add bespoke touches to funeral casket sprays which help connect this very special tribute to the life of the person who has passed. Sometimes, this is to create a cottage garden feel, but frequently it is for native foliage to feel as if one is walking through a native forest.

I am lucky we have a large selection of natives in our garden to choose from.

It can be the flowers or seed pods from rewarewa, the graceful foliage and tiny berries of kahikatea, the unique foliage and cones of kauri, or the gorgeous, glossy green leaves of the puriri tree which help form a fabulous base.

While I’m out picking natives, I am almost always joined by a fantail couple

which dance not far from me, and today two tuis were playing chase through the puriri and ribbonwood trees.

This week I was talking to a supplier about how Little Biddy gin (produced at Reefton Distillery Co on the West Coast) is made. I was fascinated to discover the company also picks and forages for the botanicals used, as they say, to help sow and create a “soulful, aromatic experience”.

On the day each batch is started, collectors head into their local backyard – the magnificent West Coast rainforest – to forage for watercress, snow moss, kahikatea tips and toatoa, horopito and rimu. They also pick from local gardens.

Currently, for a limited time, I have access to a very special garden to pick as much of anything I desire, and it is as if I’m escaping to a secret, undiscovered garden.

There, I am in heaven with all of the extra special flowers and foliage we cannot normally get our hands on.

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” Frank Lloyd Wright.

Melanie Kennerley, Master of Science (1st Hons), DIP and Interflora qualified florist, local business woman.

melanie_kennerley

If you are looking for something special for that ‘hard to buy for’ Dad this Father’s Day, consider a bottle of Little Biddy Gin. The ultimate is the small batch Cask Aged Bourbon gin, perfect for gin and whiskey lovers!

I would like to wish a very happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful Dads out there (especially mine and my amazing husband who is dad to 3!) and, just think, spring is not far away.

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Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 31

PUKEKOHE HIGH SCHOOL

marks 100 years Current Pukekohe High School principal, Richard Barnett (right) with former principals Ian McKinnon (left) and John McConnell at a ceremony to mark the reinstatement of the school’s refurbished bell held this year on the 100th anniversary of the school’s opening day, February 3.

They came from miles around, on foot, on horseback, even by waka when Pukekohe Technical High School opened in 1921. A hundred years on, Pukekohe High School is still at the heart of the community and forthcoming centenary celebrations draw on its rich history. ANGELA KEMP reports.

I

t was the dawning of a new era of opportunity for the town’s youth and an endorsement of Pukekohe’s importance when the government of the day opened a technical school, the first one outside the major centres.

At the time there was virtually no secondary education in the area bar a woefully inadequate district school on the site where Pukekohe Intermediate now sits.

As most of the pupils came from farming backgrounds, this was reflected in the curriculum, as it still is today.

The school’s catchment covered a huge area from Meremere in the south to Papatoetoe in the north across to Clevedon and Waiuku. As there was no public transport, or little motorised transport, the students came to school anyway they could, many on horseback.

Former Pukekohe High teacher, Margaret Grace-Dare is compiling the centenary magazine and is a mine of information about the school’s history.

She’s interviewed past pupils and staff, delved into archives and records, and promises the magazine will be ‘warts and all’.

“Kids used to ride to school on horses or came in jigs,” says Margaret. “About 40 32 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

rode to school and back from Bombay every day. I spoke to one man who used to come by waka from Meremere to Tuakau before catching a ride on the back of a horse.

“They pushed and pushed for years to get a hostel but the government of the time just wouldn’t do it.”

The first intake was 125 students, boys and girls, who had to pass a proficiency test to gain a place.

“It wasn’t easy. It was plenty of grammar, punctuation, correct wording including essay writing, a letter and maths. It was a lot of work and even today it would still be largely academic kids who would pass,” says Margaret. “It stopped many kids being able to go.”

As well as the agricultural side, the school offered trade training in other disciplines including woodworking and a commercial course with typewriting and shorthand. From the start, sport was a big part of school life with Pukekohe fielding a 1st XV in its inaugural year.

Saturday sports were compulsory for students and teachers; the boys played rugby, cricket, football and the girls played basketball or the old-style netball. As soon as the town swimming pool was built,

swimming sports were also included.

“The domestic course, which was cooking and sewing, didn’t have a big uptake at all, because the girls said they got enough of that at home and didn’t want to learn it here,” Margaret says.

“They [girls] were kept quite separate from the boys and used different entrances. Although the classes were mixed, they tended to have quite disproportionate numbers of girls and boys. For instance, if there were two classes of say the same level, one would be largely boys with a few girls, and the other one would be largely girls with a few boys.”

Drama and music were popular from early days and the school held an annual concert showcasing the students’ talents.

Concerts soon outgrew the school hall and were moved to the now demolished Strand Theatre. Revenue collected from admission charges funded the school magazine.

Initially, the school consisted of just one building (where that science block is now) but the community and many of the students helped erect more buildings.

The school motto, Honour, Right, Duty, its badge and colours, have remained the same. www.ruralliving.co.nz

FORMER PRINCIPAL TOOK SCHOOL TO NEW HEIGHTS

Original building — Munro block; Clockwise from top left: Whole school in 1921; taken in 1921. photo and n Kitche ; Forge the In Machine Shop;

LABOUR WEEKEND CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS Preparations for the centenary began last November and organiser/teacher, Sharon Grass says the school is keen to reconnect with as many alumni as possible for the reunion.

“Covid has made it challenging but we still expect to have some 3000 registrations,” she says.

Sharon hopes that one of the school’s oldest alumni, 101-year-old Gladys Franklin (nee McKinney) will attend to cut the centenary cake.

“Gladys lives in a rest home on the North Shore and we’re not sure if she can come. But her daughter Lynette McDonald, who lives in Pukekohe, and is on the centenary committee, will be here.” www.ruralliving.co.nz

LABOUR WEEKEND CENTENARY PROGRAMME: ◆ Friday – opening Powhiri followed by a meet & greet evening ◆ Saturday – Open Day with formal speeches, cake cutting sports games, photo and archive displays, entertainment from current students and decade photos as well as interactive displays. ◆ Saturday evening – three choices of get-togethers including premium dinner & dance – options to purchase tickets to these events, catering to all age groups, and held at different venues, will be offered after attendees have registered. ◆ Sunday – morning service, farewell breakfast and poroporaki

For registrations visit www.phscentenary.co.nz or pick up a pick a paper copy and pay at the school office.

Dan Bryant was a well-respected mountain climber when he became Pukekohe High School’s principal in 1946.

He was a member of the 1935 British Mount Everest reconnaissance expedition. Unfortunately, he didn’t acclimatise well to altitude above 23,000 feet so, he wasn’t included in the full expedition party for 1936.

But Dan was a very accomplished ice climber and well-liked on expeditions which likely led to his compatriot, and Tuakau local, Edmund Hillary becoming a member of the successful 1953 British Mount Everest expedition.

After he came to Pukekohe, Dan returned to the Alps at regular intervals for further first-class expeditions. He also took many school parties to Mt. Ruapehu, for climbing and skiing, as well as to the Hermitage region as an introduction to alpine conditions.

In December 1956 he undertook something much more ambitious by leading a party of boys and girls to the Melbourne Olympics, where their exemplary behaviour won high praise for Pukekohe High School and its principal.

Dan set up an athletics competition which attracted schools from around the North Island and his name lives on in the Dan Bryant Memorial Trophy for rugby.

Sadly, Dan died in a car accident in 1957 on the eve of the annual prizegiving ceremony.

Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 33

SCHOOL HAS PROUD ROOTS IN COMMUNITY

From left: Chantelle McLaren, Dora Lee, garden.

Samuel Klassen dig into school vegetable

Pukekohe High School has a rich history in providing agricultural and horticultural education.

When it opened in 1921, it was the first technical high school in the region outside the main centres of Auckland and Hamilton. Its purpose was to provide vocational training for land workers and those seeking a trade.

By and large, the sons and daughters of land-owning farmers were educated in Auckland’s grammar schools which also provided boarding.

The school was largely paid for by the people of the town who bought the land in three stages to total 15 acres. At the outset, the land was covered in kikuyu grass so the pupils had to weed it out by hand, a task which took the best part of three years.

“The Government gave some money which was inadequate,” says former teacher Margaret Grace-Dare. “The community was very strong in establishing the school so it grew steadily, each year.

34 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

“The early intakes, especially from the ag area, helped with building, and saved the school board a lot of money, so it was really built by the community,” Margaret says.

“Students grew crops to augment the school’s funds and the playing fields of today were once paddocks of potatoes.

The kids couldn’t play sport until the potatoes were harvested.”

One chairman of the board ordered seeds from England – grass seed, flowers, vegetables – which the pupils planted with enthusiasm. They also planted hedges and natives along the school boundary and their green fingers earned them prizes at Agricultural and Pastoral shows around the region.

The pupils had their own plots and the one judged the best at annual prize-giving was awarded the generous sum of one pound.

IN CHARGE OF A GROWTH INDUSTRY Dave Matthews is today’s head of Agriculture and Horticulture at Pukekohe High School, responsible for encouraging students to become interested in primary industries.

His courses currently have 150 students (year 10-13) many of whom come from grower and farming families, lifestyle blocks or farms in the area.

Year 10 students are given a general taste of the industry and learn why it is important to both the local area and New Zealand as a whole. They also look at plant and soil science and grow crops from seed to harvest in growing units set up on the school premises.

“As well as the classroom stuff, we like the kids to get their hands dirty,” Dave says. “But most of all they learn www.ruralliving.co.nz

FORMER STUDENTS REMEMBER! “Wearing my uniform was like dressing up, it felt so special.” — Jenny Topatihi 1950s “When school buses began, my parents were asked to pay more than 5/-. I continued to ride my horse.”

— Anon 1937 “In my day, Saturday sport was compulsory for both students and teachers.” — David Campbell 1958-1962 “Caning? We never told our parents. I don’t know any boys that did.” — Anon 1958 “My highlight was at my prize-giving. I was in fifth form and was leaving school so my brother could go to university.

I went on stage and was presented with my gold medal.

I went up again to get my brother’s gold medal (he was sitting a university entrance exam). I think I was the only one who ever received two gold medals at the one assembly.” — Gladys Franklin (nee McKinney) 1932-1934

supervises Top: Young farmers; Middle: Mr Gallagher the school flock. of Part m: Botto 1926; lture, Practical Agricu

valueable transferable skills. Students have their own raised garden to grow vegetables and have a glasshouse too.

“They are also responsible for the planning and maintenance of the school amenity gardens,” Dave says.

“Even if they don’t pursue a career in the sector, maybe in later life they will end up with a veggie patch at the bottom of the garden.”

During the school year, students go on many field trips, including to local dairy farms to look at milk production and to collect native seeds on Awhitu Peninsula.

The seeds are propagated at the school and end up on local farms to help landowners do riparian planting or create wildlife reserves. In addition, students plant around 3000 native trees and plants each year.

Dave says the school also offers a L2 fencing course where students learn to erect the classic NZ wire and batten fence. All work is carried out on local farms.

“Such studies are aimed at opening www.ruralliving.co.nz

“There was a new uniform for 1960. The pattern could be borrowed from the office (and) our neighbour’s daughter offered to make mine. When I arrived at school I was the only one who had the neck facing sewn on the outside (everyone else had their’s stitched inside).”

— Lynette McDonald (nee Franklin) 1960-1962

students’ eyes to the possibilities in the sector and to promote the need to look after the environment.”

Year 11 students visit properties such as Limestone Downs sheep and cattle station near Port Waikato where they do day-to-day husbandry tasks such as ear tagging, drenching and tail docking.

Unsurprisingly, given Pukekohe’s reputation as Auckland’s food basket, much of the course content is the food chain, with a focus on plants, fertiliser and soils.

Older students have the opportunity to spend one day per week for 10 weeks working at local growers and associated businesses, experiencing day-to-day operations and learning new skills such as fork truck operation and health and safety.

Dave set up a Horticulture Pathway group three years ago to look at promoting horticulture as a career.

The group involves a number of local growers, (MPI and ME representatives) who are responsible for developing the programme.

Importantly, there have been a number of successes from the programme including two Pukekohe High School students who have received Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association scholarships. Another student has been mentored by local kiwifruit growers, Punchbowl, and is currently studying Horticulture Science in his first year at Massey University.

Needless to say, many students find work in the sector after leaving school and have gone on to technical and midmanagement positions locally, NZ-wide and overseas. Pukekohe High also has a large number of students studying agriculture and/or horticulture at both Massey and Lincoln universities.

“The students just need their eyes opened to the opportunities out there, in many cases using technologies other industries only dream about,” Dave says.

“My job is to show them what they can aspire to. In some cases, that means students can get more hands-on skills and really shine.”

Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 35

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ost importantly, in today’s hot housing market, this thriving, rural township, with a fascinating history, still offers first home buyers, and those with restricted budgets, opportunities to buy a home without breaking the bank.

Manager at Barfoot and Thompson Waiuku, Shane Ogle, says his team has always declared the district to be Auckland’s ‘most affordable, liveable town’ with good links to the motorway and to nearby Pukekohe.

“We have just about everything here

that people want – fire service, library, clubs, excellent medical centre, good schools, restaurants, supermarket plus a wide retail range,” he says. “What’s more, there’s plenty of recreational sports including footy favourites to fishing, golf, riding, hiking, surfing on fabulous coastal beaches and more.”

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The low maintenance section has an aspect of privacy and the north/west facing deck makes for the perfect summer barbecue spot. There’s even a veggie patch and a garden shed! This is a serious gem and will be snapped up fast.

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Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 37

HOPE FOR

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PAUL CATLOW from Total Hearing Care, in Pukekohe, talks tinnitus and a new approach to relieve stress resulting from the problem.

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38 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

innitus – ringing or other noises many people experience in one or both of your ears – is a common problem especially in older adults.

Affecting about 15% to 20% of people, the noises they hear aren’t caused by external sounds and other people cannot hear them.

The term ‘tinnitus’ derives from the Latin word “tinnire”, meaning to ring or tinkle like a bell. While many sufferers do, indeed, hear bell-like sounds, people frequently report hearing sounds of cicadas, voices of even musical tunes.

Many people who attend my clinic are also unsure as to how to pronounce “tinnitus”. While I have heard many pronunciations, the two that felt to be correct are, either TIN-ni-tus or ti-NIGHT-us.

While a hearing aid can offer significant help to many tinnitus sufferers, a recent scientific study has found that a technique known as ‘mindfulness-based cognitive therapy’ can significantly reduce distress from tinnitus across a wide range of patients.

Mindfulness therapies suggest that people who become distressed by tinnitus seem to react to tinnitus in a negative way, i.e. they may try to fight the tinnitus, they might obsessively monitor the tinnitus or they worry that the tinnitus will eventually overwhelm them.

Such reactions to tinnitus are understandable, but unfortunately can lead to long-term counter-productive effects, preventing both habituation and the discovery of alternative, more helpful responses.

Mindfulness therapies offer a new approach, focusing on reducing the distress and living well. They lead people to a radically different relationship with tinnitus, helping them to stop their exhausting fight with the condition and to test new ways of allowing tinnitus into awareness instead.

This does not mean resignation or submission; it means experimenting with new ways of approaching tinnitus and then making an informed decision about what responses are most helpful.

This can be challenging at first but practising mindful awareness of tinnitus can bring surprising discoveries: tinnitus may not be what you expect when paying close attention, nor will it overwhelm you completely.

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

FIVE MINUTES WITH

NATASHA HARRIS

Respected hairdresser Natasha Harris, owner of he, Alberts Hair Salon, Pukeko st mo talks about her salon’s requested winter looks, . inspiration and why Kevin Murphy is her brand of choice.

What is the salon philosophy at Alberts Hair Salon?

Our aim has always been to provide a super friendly, environment with hairdressers dedicated to their craft.

Whether you like your hair to whisper, scream or shout, enhancing your natural beauty and wellbeing is what we were born to do, It’s all about you!

Why did you choose to partner with Kevin.Murphy?

Caring for our planet and making choices which respect the world in which we live has been at the forefront Sam Smith, Zoryana Morgan of Alberts since its inception more than From left: Emma Leckner, Natasha Harris, 24 years ago. We are passionate about educating our clients and have found What are you most excited about in Currently, what inspires you in your work?

Kevin.Murphy to be a natural fit – ‘The terms of hair for the next year?

It’s impossible to go past social media; Choices We Make’ is at the heart of Kevin.

The prospect of a post-Covid future there are so many amazing hairdressers Murphy. without the interruption and emotional producing incredibly creative work. A lot upheaval of 2020 is what I’m very excited of people I follow are not necessarily ‘insta How does Kevin.Murphy support Alberts? about. Having confidence in a future famous’ but they are incredible stylists where we have control of our financial creating beautiful work. It’s inspiring.

Kevin.Murphy offers an extensive range of and emotional wellbeing would be a products to cover all creative needs. I love welcome change. I don’t think that there is What colours and styles are you receiving that there is a colour for every client: from a stylist here in New Zealand, or overseas, a lot of requests for at the moment? grey cover to intense brights, pastels and who hasn’t felt the emotional toll of this Lived-in colour is still a huge request, the beautiful blondes. Kevin.Murphy is a brand turbulent time but I have great faith that creative use of toners is the biggest trend which elevates hairdressers’ every day, things will continue to be on the up and since balayage stepped into the salon and communication. In particular, the SESSION. up. I am very positive about the future. onto the pavement. Cut wise, The Wolf SALON programme grew from the desire Cut is this year’s hottest trend! The Wolf to inspire hairdressers to think beyond the Cut is a soft, shaggy combination of a chair and explore new ideas which would classic shag haircut and a severe mullet. evolve their skills, their brand style and Short, textured cuts are BIG right now. ultimately, their business and ours.

For enquiries and bookings contact: Alberts Hair Salon Shop 2/23 Hall St, Pukekohe | Ph: 09 238 7576 Shop online at: www.alberts.co.nz www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 39

THE UNSINKABLE

Liana Smith Holding her back has not held back Liana Smith! Spinal injuries slow many down but, with support and understanding, they make some more determined than ever, as JON RAWLINSON discovered when catching up with this remarkable young woman at her family’s Glenbrook home.

A

Liana will need to overcome n Olympic pool is the cold of the chilly Foveaux 50 metres long; soon but her previous two swims Liana Smith will be were hardly walks in the park swimming just a little either. further than that — roughly “Taupo was (technically) an 560 times so — during her next easier swim than Cook, even big dip. And, ‘roughly’ will be though more energy is used to a fitting description when this keep afloat, as well as moving plucky, young ultra-marathon forward, in fresh water. swimmer hits the chilly waters “This kind of swimming is of Foveaux Strait. about 80 percent mental.

“It’s a bit tricky with Foveaux demic and You have a lot of time and because there are only one or From injury to depression, the pan ith has Sm your mind plays against you; two good days to swim,” she a Lian ter; wa of es tch stre t even vas you aim for a ‘flow state’, says. “The tide is meant to be still ure she kept moving forward. To help ens undistracted and focused,” she a bit gentler than in the Cook ’ at says. “Cook was very different Strait but, on the other hand, can, search ‘Swim for something p her help [to Taupo]. Due to swells and there’s the sharks and, with www.facebook.com. And, to hel l nta weather, I was aware of every me the subantarctic currents, the for ing others, search ‘Marathon swimm single stroke. It certainly felt cold!” health’ at www.givealittle.co.nz. like I was being tested to see if After crossings of Lake Taupo I was ‘worthy’!” and the Cook Strait earlier this Crossing Taupo in 12 hours, year, Liana expects to check 34 minutes and the Cook Strait in six Distances vary due to currents and Foveaux Strait off her list in hours, 59 minutes — just 10 minutes off tides. Liana’s swims measured 40.2km October; exactly when depends on time the record for a female competitor — it’s (Taupo) and 27km (Cook Strait); she and tides. By crossing between the South fair to say she was worthy! expects her Foveaux Strait crossing to be Island and Stewart Island this former Liana first dipped her toes into (approximately) 28km.

Glenbrook local will become just the ninth competitive swimming with the Waiuku To stay faithful to the origins of the swimmer to complete the New Zealand Swim Club before transferring to the sport, wetsuits, which provide buoyancy as Triple Crown.

Pukekohe Swimming Club where her well as warmth, are not permitted during After suffering a back injury prowess was recognised, then on to the the Triple Crown and other requirements approximately seven years ago, Liana Howick Pakuranga (HPK) Swim Club. must be met. is proving to herself and others that “For three years, I was the fastest female “You need a support boat as well as determination is a vital part of success.

14-year-old to swim the 100 metre an accredited observer and there’s only “It hit me for a six; I’d describe it as individual medley, which was pretty neat. a handful in New Zealand; they ensure losing my entire identity. Going from being I have a number of school, club and you follow the rules, such as swimming an athlete to needing Mum’s help to put regional records which are still standing.” unassisted and without a wetsuit.” socks on was quite the change,” she says.

Liana also broke a New Zealand record Ironically, during her first forays into “Even now, I have to keep in mind that I and represented New Zealand at age swimming, a wetsuit was an essential have a chunk of metal in my back, near group level. piece of kit for this tenacious (and my nerves. When it gets cold, it’s a hell of Now based in Wellington, this vivacious) former Glenbrook School a feeling.” self-professed ‘nomadic soul’ makes student.

Her injury required surgery and years of regular trips back to her family’s farm in “I was in the Karioitahi Surf Club, as rehabilitation, but Liana says her back is (in Glenbrook. When “back home” she is a wee nipper, and wanted to better my many ways) stronger than ever. inclined to visit her old ‘paddling’ grounds. pool time. After being battered around “My surgeon said the day I stop being “The year after I finished at high school by waves I thought, ‘I quite like this!’,” she fit and strong is the day I deteriorate. So, [ACG Strathallan] I worked as a lifeguard recalls. “I was the scrawniest, palest kid [this] isn’t a bad thing to do, in a weird and and swim instructor at the Pukekohe pools ever seen at the [Waiuku] Whiteside Pools. sadistic way!”

[Franklin Pool and Leisure], so going there I trained in a wetsuit because I couldn’t In general, ultra-marathons are defined always makes me feel like I’m at home.” handle the cold!” as covering at least 20km in open water.

40 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

www.ruralliving.co.nz

“It hit me for a six; I’d describe it as losing my entire identity.

Going from being an athlete to needing Mum’s help to put socks on was quite the change… Even now, I have to keep in mind that I have a chunk of metal in my back, near my nerves.

When it gets cold, it’s a hell of a feeling.”

‘BACK’ AND THERE AGAIN With a swimming scholarship in the US on the horizon and, all going well, the Olympics too, Liana, then aged 17, was swimming better than ever.

However, while training up to 26 hours a week, she knew something was wrong; beneath the surface a spinal fracture was set to sink her dream.

“I kept training and being treated for muscular pain, which is much more common. As an athlete, pushing your body, you learn to live with muscular aches and creaks,” she explains. “When the other side fractured as well, I began having leg spasms and nerve issues. By then, the first fracture had completely split off so there was no way I could heal naturally.”

Considering how upbeat she is now, it’s hard to even begin to understand the anguish Liana went through with her dreams on the rocks, facing surgery and extensive (and painful) rehabilitation.

Thankfully, she says she received plenty of support from those who cared about her most.

“It took me a while to walk and all those basics but, after the [disc] fusion surgery, I could have been competing again in two to three years. However, with swimming, a week away from training means three weeks to catch up, so it would have been

a hell of a job getting back to where I was previously.”

Following rehabilitation, Liana was working to get her life ‘back on track’ after studying adventure tourism and working as a hiking guide. Then, along with the New Zealand borders, another door of opportunity slammed shut because of Covid-19. But, never one to let a crisis stop her, Liana found a window.

“When the pandemic started, I joined the Southern Lakes Swim Club in Queenstown, then returned to open water swimming last September. In January, I had a 10km race and did pretty well — a second non-wetsuit overall! I thought ‘bugger it, I’ll give Phil [Rush] a ring and see what he reckons about me doing the Triple Crown.” she laughs.

“Phil was my coach on the New Zealand open water team, when I was 15. He still holds records for Cook and Taupo and world records for the English Channel. He’s a man, a myth and a legend, so I’m in great hands.”

Despite her serious injury and a seven-year hiatus from serious swim training, Liana is back on course. Considering her life has been anything but smooth sailing, it’s hard to imagine that anything will stop her.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

addition, she is raising money for the I Am Hope mental health charity established by Mike King. Liana faced depression herself in wake of her life-altering back injury.

“Although it wasn’t really around at the time for me, I Am Hope does hugely important work. I knew I’d have a platform from my swimming so thought I should do some good,” she says.

“The injury definitely kick-started my depression. You never move past something like that [depression or her back injury] but, with the help, understanding and support of family, friends, colleagues and groups like I Am Hope, you can move through it.”

Liana Smith.

Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 41

Some athletes glean rich rewards; others need to dig deep. With the cost of support boats totally $24,000, more than just a little help is needed to carry Liana Smith to her Triple Crown goal.

“I have until summer to raise the money for Foveaux [Strait — the last of the three crossings]; if I don’t get that I’ll, definitely, be sinking in debt!” she smiles. “I have some through sponsors, and I totally appreciate them because I know it’s tough for them at the moment too. However, money is not the biggest thing in life to me; I chase memories and adventures.”

In return for sponsorship, Liana has been providing motivational talks. In

Photo Wayne Martin

FORTUNES (SHOULD) FAVOUR THE BRAVE

FRUIT AND VEGE

winter wonders Summer fruits and vege may have disappeared but winter brings its own nutritious in-season fruits and vegetables to nurture health and warm the soul.

A

ny loss in energy or an onset of mild winter blues can be reversed and immunity boosted just by making wise mealtime choices.

That’s not so difficult when winter fruits pack a vitamin punch – in-season kiwifruit, tamarillos and lemons are to be relished while Navel oranges will have made their way into stores, too.

VANILLA POACHED KIWIFRUIT

Winter is also the perfect time to embrace slow cooking methods and to try new recipes using in-season vegetables.

“Soups, stews and roasted vegetables really come into their own at this time of year with parsnips, carrots and potatoes forming the base for so many budgetfriendly, but healthy family meals.”

Kale, broccoli and fresh herbs are all a

source of beneficial vitamins and minerals as well as excellent dietary fibre, while vegetable superstar, cauliflower, can be roasted and spiced or mixed with other vegetables to bulk up a meal.

Options abound but this simple yet delicious dessert recipe from 5+ A Day is ideal for family or guests

Courtesy of 5+ A Day

Serves: 2-3 Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS: ◆ 4 kiwifruit, peeled and cut in half ◆ 6 Tbsp brown sugar ◆ 1 vanilla pod or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ◆ 2 cinnamon sticks ◆ 2 peppercorns ◆ 2 star anise pods ◆ 1 cup water ◆ 1 cup plain yoghurt or cream to serve

METHOD: Place the sugar, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns and star anise pods into a medium saucepan. Pour in the water and add the vanilla. If using a vanilla pod, slice lengthways and scrape out seeds. Add both seeds and pods to the water.

Bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves. Turn down the heat. Add the kiwifruit and simmer gently for 5 minutes.

Serve in bowls with a little of the poaching syrup and plain yoghurt.

42 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

www.ruralliving.co.nz

MARINADES

make the dish!

When seeking added flavour and that special gourmet touch, marinades can make all the difference. So, the new range of delicious, tangy marinades from F. Whitlock & Sons, recently launched in selected supermarkets (RRP $6), is to be welcomed. This recipe uses the zesty Sriracha Style Marinade to elevate pork sliders.

SPICY PORK SLIDERS Makes 10 5 mins prep | Marinate 30mins – 4hours

INGREDIENTS: ◆ 1 kg lean boneless pork belly, trimmed ◆ 1 x 400mL bottle F. Whitlock & Sons Sriracha Style Marinade ◆ 2 tbsp vegetable oil ◆ 2 cups low sodium chicken stock ◆ ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce ◆ ¼ cup brown sugar

METHOD: Place the pork belly in a non-metallic dish, cover with half the F. Whitlock & Sons Sriracha Marinade and turn to coat.

(Reserve the other half for later.) Marinate covered, in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes but ideally for 4 or more hours.

Preheat the oven to 180C or preheat a covered barbecue to a moderate heat. Take the pork out of the marinade, reserving marinade. Pat pork dry. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat and sear the pork over medium high heat for 3 to 4 minutes, until brown on each side. Place into a 20 x 30cm oven dish.

Mix the reserved pork marinade, chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce and sugar together in a bowl. Add to the oven dish, cover in foil, place in the oven or barbecue over indirect heat and cook for 1 hour.

After 1 hour, turn the pork over (you may need more stock or water to top up liquid level). Re-cover with foil and cook for a further 30-40 minutes. Take off the heat and allow to rest.

To Serve: Divide 1 cup thinly sliced cabbage (or coleslaw) between 10 toasted slider rolls, add sliced, or pulled pork plus store-bought Kimchi (or Sauerkraut) and some chopped, fresh coriander leaves, (optional). Serve.

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Kids BOOKS THE FAIRIES AND THE CLOAKMAKER

REMARKABLE ANIMAL STORIES

Why aren’t fairies more commonly observed at the bottom of gardens? It’s simply because they don’t tend to wish to be seen, of course! However, when George and Katie’s grandfather needs their help caring for a colony of fairies living in his garden, the children discover a marvellous new world full of adventure.

This magical book is available via online booksellers.

Once upon a time fairy stories were rather… Grimm! While remaining (somewhat) faithful to the classic Grimm brothers’ The Elves and the Shoemaker, this modern, Kiwi retelling also weaves in a Christmas theme. Proving we can all get by with a little help from our (little) friends, this inspiring story is sure to be enjoyed as a welcome addition to a masterpiece of children’s literature.

From the heart-warming to the hilarious, the stories in this book are inspired by real life animal antics from the land downunder. Featuring characters including Moko, the playful dolphin and Einstein, the hugging camel, this book is sure to appeal to young readers keen to know more about Aussie animals providing a few warm fuzzies (not necessarily due to the warmest or fuzziest among them) along the way.

Debsi Gillespie: The Fairies of Oak Cottage | RRP $15.99 | Nightingale Books

Chris Gurney & John Bennett (illustrator): The Fairies and the Cloakmaker | RRP $19.99 | Scholastic NZ

Maria Gill & Emma Huia Lovegrove (illustrator): Remarkable Animal Stories | RRP $24.99 | Scholastic NZ

THE FAIRIES OF OAK COTTAGE

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44 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

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STARFISH THE STAR

THAT’S WHAT DRAGONS DO

THE ADVENTURES OF MITTENS

He may be a star already but the title character of this books longs to be famous. However, when a crack in the tank threatens to destroy his world, Starfish has to choose between acting up and acting to save himself and his friends as this story, by the award-winning author of The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo, unfolds.

The countdown to bedtime might be on but, before dad switches out the light – because that’s what daddies do! – there’s fun to be had. The imaginations of two little girls runs rowdy and wild in this book, with everything from dragons to fire trucks, cupcake fairies, spaceships and more playing their parts.

Putting his best paws forward, Mittens is on the road to adventure in this children’s book based on a real-life, fluffy tailed feline. This precocious Turkish Angora cat, who gained attention when his antics cheered up Wellingtonians during lockdown, is back and immortalised in this book.

Elaine Bickell & Daron Parton (illustrator): Starfish the Star | RRP $19.99 | Scholastic NZ

Raymond McGrath: That’s What Dragons Do | RRP $19.99 | Scholastic NZ

Silvio Bruinsma & Phoebe Morris (illustrator): The Adventures of Mittens | RRP $19.99 | Picture Puffin

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Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 45

FATHER’S DAY

BOOKS FOR BLOKES DAD MAN WALKING

STEVE HANSEN — THE LEGACY

BRUTAL

From Fred Allen to Brian Lochore, many great men have coached the All Blacks; only one has led the team to two Rugby World Cup victories. Sir Steve Hansen drew on a legacy of success already well establish but he, undoubtedly, contributed to it in a monumental way. In this book, Gregor Paul explores the ups and downs — from agonising defeats to glorious victories — of Hansen’s 15 year career in one of the most high profile jobs in New Zealand.

Ironically, bets are on whenever the All Blacks face the Springboks; however, the only certainties are that the gloves will come off and the process will be... Brutal!

Released to mark 100 years since these two teams of titans first clashed (officially), Ron Palenski’s book serves as a tribute to some of the greatest players and games in the history of rugby.

Toby Morris: Dad Man Walking | RRP $25 | Penguin

Gregor Paul: Steve Hansen — The Legacy: The Making of a New Zealand Coaching Great | RRP $49.99 | HarperCollins

Ron Palenski: Brutal — the 100-year fight for world rugby supremacy | RRP $37.99 | Mower/Upstart Press

THE FRONT LINE

RED TRAITOR

THE BIG BIKE TRIP

Perhaps the closest humanity has come to the brink of destruction, the Cuban Missile Crisis could well have been the spark that set the world aflame. In this novel, Owen Matthews tells the story of a nervous colonel, with open orders to launch, aboard a Soviet submarine. What happens when the fate of the world is placed in one man’s hands? This thrilling page-turner has the answers.

All Blacks, Black Caps and Olympians may harvest laurels, but everyday Kiwis also dig deep when it comes to sport.

Cycling 23,000 kilometres — from Bali to Buckingham Palace — four young New Zealanders took on the world, as this book discloses. Battling extreme heat, sub-zero temperatures, injury and more, they pushed their bodies to their limits. An inspiring story of tenacity, this book is sure to appeal to cycling enthusiasts as well as anyone else who enjoys tales of epic adventures.

Owen Matthews: Red Traitor | RRP $37 | Bantam Press

Freddie Gillies & Sean Wakeley: The Big Bike Trip | RRP $45 | Random House NZ

It’s tough being a mum; that’s about all most dads would be safe to say about parenting, but Toby Morris is, perhaps, a little braver than most. An honest, humorous and heart-warming book, Dad Man Walking is packed with illustrations and insights by and award-winning cartoonist sharing the highs and (not-soaward-winning) lows of being a dad.

From North Africa to Europe and the Pacific, in the air and on the sea, every theatre of battle in which New Zealand troops served during the Second World War is captured in vivid photos in this comprehensive book. Along with text by one of New Zealand’s leading military historians, The Front Line takes readers as close to the firing line as possible.

Glyn Harper & Susan Lemish: The Front Line — Images of New Zealanders in the Second World War | RRP $79.99 | Massey University Press 46 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

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THE LATEST ON REAL ESTATE

MEDIAN PRICE UP,

sales slowing

By Darren Szaszy, Barfoot & Thompson, Pukekohe

T

he New Zealand real estate market remains active with auctions popular and days to sell falling, however, the shortage of houses available for sale continues.

Median prices for residential property across New Zealand increased by 25.2% from $659,500 in July 2020 to a record $826,000 in July 2021, according to the latest data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ).

The median house price for New Zealand excluding Auckland increased by 23.3% from $557,500 in July last year to a new record of $687,500 in July 2021.

Auckland again underpinned the strength in the New Zealand median, reaching a record median house price in July, up 28.0% from $918,000 in July 2020

to $1,175,000 in July 2021.

However despite the median price hike, the number of residential properties sold in July 2021 across New Zealand decreased by 11.7% when compared to the same time last year (from 8135 to 7187).

July 2020 was the first full month of real estate market activity post-lockdown and saw an unusually high level of sales.

This July sales are far more aligned to the usual winter sales numbers, albeit in a high demand, supply constrained market.

For New Zealand, excluding Auckland, the number of properties sold in July decreased by 17.2% when compared to the same time last year (from 5427 to 4496).

In Auckland, the number of properties sold in July decreased by 0.6% year-on-year (from 2708 to 2691).

In July, the median number of days to sell a property nationally decreased 3 days

from 34 to 31 when compared to July 2020, the lowest for a July month since 2016.

Interestingly, auction rooms are not seeing the usual winter slow down. More than a quarter of all properties were sold by auction in July (26.5%) up from 13.5% in July 2020. This is the highest percentage of auctions for a July month since records began.

Auckland had the second highest percentage of auctions in New Zealand – 40.4% (1,086) in July up from 25.9% on July 2020 (701 properties).

While demand for housing is high, the total number of properties available for sale in New Zealand decreased by 34.8% in July to 12,684 down from 19,441 in July 2020 – 6757 fewer properties compared to 12 months ago. This is the lowest level of inventory seen in New Zealand (surpassing the previous record low set in December 2020 with 12,932).

Craig Ashby P 09 294 6156 M 021 998 605 E c.ashby@barfoot.co.nz

KAT7590

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Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 47

FOUNTAINS PUKEKOHE –

Welcome to our home Fountains has been a well-known and highly respected name in the Franklin district for decades and is proud to announce the opening of its new Pukekohe funeral home.

“W

e understand that arranging a funeral for someone you love can feel overwhelming so, we wanted to provide a space where people would feel comfortable,” says manager Wendy Hunt. “The lovely, classic bungalow in Edinburgh Street has been carefully renovated, balancing modern style with old-time beauty, offering a warm, welcoming and homely atmosphere.

Families are welcome to come and spend time with their loved one in

a relaxed, peaceful and no pressure environment. Very small, intimate funerals can be held onsite or there is the option of using the Fountains chapel with capacity for more than 200 people, just 20 minutes away in Papakura.

At the very heart of Fountains, is the belief that everyone should receive the highest standard of service and be treated with kindness, compassion and respect.

“When it comes to arranging a funeral, it’s very normal to need time to think, so, our funeral directors make sure you

don’t feel rushed in any way,” Wendy says.

“When you’re ready, we will sit with you and discuss what really matters to you.

Above all else, we will give you honest, straightforward advice and support you every step of the way.”

◆ PUKEKOHE: 93 Edinburgh Street.

Ph: 09 238 2221

◆ PAPAKURA: Cnr Wood and Elliot Street.

Ph: 09 298 2957

PAPAKURA Cnr Wood & Elliot Streets ph 09 298 2957 PUKEKOHE 93 Edinburgh Street ph 09 238 2221 www.fountainsfunerals.co.nz

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wills are up to date and that we have taken the necessary steps to provide for our families after we “DO pass SOMETHING away.

FUNERAL TRENDS

TODAY THAT YOUR

There is no better time to explore FUTURE SELF WILL your options than now. Whether YOU you THANK have existing willsFOR.” that require review, CREATE or you may just want to A WILL. know how you can best provide for “Wills month” is our annual reminder to make sure that our those you love - we can you. wills are up to date and that we have takenhelp the necessary

There’s no one right way to approach a funeral and today’s ceremonies often step away from long-held traditions to commemorate a loved one in a unique fashion. Here are three ways to customise funerals for the modern age. ◆ NOT WEARING BLACK: More than ever families and guests are foregoing traditional dress and are opting to wear bright colours, in particular a colour the deceased favoured. This encourages people to regard the ceremony as a celebration of their loved one’s life. ◆ THEMED FUNERALS: These are another way of accenting celebrations and commemorations. A funeral can be themed around a personal passion, a special achievement, a significant colour, a choice book or film — you name it. ◆ GREEN FUNERALS: Green-minded individuals are increasingly opting for eco-friendly funeral practices which may include scattering ashes in a forest, on the sea or interring in the garden under a favourite flowering bush. It may also mean choosing a cardboard or wicker casket or a bio-degradable urn which will slowly decompose if interred.

steps to provide for our families after we pass away.

There is no better time to explore your options than now.

Our standard wills $150 +orGST. Whether you have existing wills cost that require review, you may just want to know how you can best provide for those you love – we can help you.

Let us make the complex - simple.

Our standard wills cost $200 + GST. Contact onthe09 235– 0440 Let us us make complex simple. or on Contact us on 09 235 0440 or info@goldlegal.co.nz. email info@goldlegal.co.nz.

These are just a few ways to personalise a funeral; there are plenty of other ideas which can be incorporated as long as the wishes of the deceased are taken into account.

WILLS & ESTATES | LITIGATION EMPLOYMENT | CONVEYANCING

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Peace of mind comes in knowing Grahams has been serving Franklin and district for more than 80 years

Contact us to plan ahead, or for guidance Contact us to plan for guidance and support with allahead, funeralorarrangements

and support with all funeral arrangements

) 236 Contact us to planCall: ahead,(09 or for guidance 8919 (24 hours) and support withwww.grahamsfunerals.co.nz all funeral arrangements

Call: (09) 236 8919

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| Waiuku

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Tuakau | Pukekohe Tuakau | Pukekohe | Waiuku

Rural Living — August-September 2021 — 49

COUNTRYSIDEBegins THE

with Jo-Ann Day-Townsend

FOUR SPRING CLEANING TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME

You might be thinking, “Why would I ever spring clean my home if I’m about to move?” But having a sparkling, squeaky-clean space is key to providing homebuyers with as much value as possible!

If you’re putting your home on the market this spring, make sure you take the time to tackle these critical spring cleaning tasks for home sellers.

TACKLE THE DIRTY DETAILS There are some chores that you may never think to do when you live in a home. When you’re selling your home, however, you want to do whatever it takes to make it seem as new (and as valuable!) as possible. So, take care of the little things! Here are a few ideas, though you’ll know best what your home needs.

• Carefully scrub light switch plates and outlet covers.

• Clean around doors, paying attention to areas like doorknobs, frames, and sliding door tracks.

• Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans.

• Scrub grout and caulking in your bathroom.

• Clean the insides of your oven, and bathroom /medicine cabinets – buyers will look everywhere!

SUNSHINE & SPARKLE

be doing to build up your curb appeal, you should also pay attention to the entrance of your home.

• Clean the floors in your entrance, then keep them clean by installing a fresh welcome mat to ensure that outdoor dust is removed from shoes.

• Scrub down the door and consider repainting if it’s faded.

• Pay attention to cleaning the trim, and make sure any outdoor lights or glass inserts in your entry are sparkling.

• If you have a coat rack or any other furniture, make sure it’s decluttered and has space for visitors to hang up coats or umbrellas during open houses.

ONE TO KEEP, ONE TO STORE We like the mantra “half the stuff” – for every cabinet and closet in your home, try to remove half of the items.

• Donate, toss, or simply pack away the items you won’t need regularly.

• Make sure items you’re keeping are stacked or stored attractively – things like hanging clothing by colour make closets look appealing, even if you’d never keep it up dayto-day.

• Simple home staging upgrades like replacing your hampers with a more attractive option can keep areas clean while your home is on the market.

SPRING CLEAN TO SELL YOUR HOME Spring cleaning season is the perfect time to get your home ready to sell. Since motivation to clean is back in abundance, take advantage of the season by following these tips. Then, call your Jo-Ann to learn more about the process of selling your home.

FOR SALE with JO-ANN

One thing you absolutely must spring clean if you’re planning on selling your home is the windows!

• Make sure you’ve scrubbed each pane inside and out and removed grimy water with a squeegee.

• Remove and launder any drapes and dust the blinds – an old sock over your hand works well.

• Scrub any sills or trim inside and out.

When your windows sparkle, they’ll let in that gorgeous spring sunlight and help brighten up your home for sale!

MAKE A GRAND ENTRANCE They say that you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and that’s doubly true when it comes to your home. In addition to any exterior spring cleaning you may

Mauku, 112 Findlay Road

Pukekawa, 1107 Churchill Road

Jo-Ann Day-Townsend

Port Realty Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

50 — Rural Living — August-September 2021

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0800 TOWNSEND or 021 1696 056 jo-ann.day-townsend@harcourts.co.nz www.joanndaytownsend.co.nz

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14 Constable Rd, Waiuku Phone 09 235 8268

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Alan Wilson Plumbing 235 9066 Certified Plumbers and Drainlayers

Chris mobile 021 765 629

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Phone 09 238 4047 or 021 987402 601 Buckland Rd, RD2, Pukekohe

GOOD GRIEF For a goodbye to remember let Grahams take care of your family

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2, 3 or 4 piece tree guard assembles in a minute! Can be easily moved in a year or 3 and used on another tree.

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Contact us to plan ahead, or for guidance Contact plan ahead, with or Contact usus totoplan ahead, orforfor guidance and support allguidance funeral arrangements support withall all funeral funeral arrangements andand support with arrangements

Call: (09) 236 8919 (098919 ) 236(24 Call:Call: 09 236 hours) (24 hours) 8919 (24 hours) www.grahamsfunerals.co.nz www.grahamsfunerals.co.nz www.grahamsfunerals.co.nz Tuakau | Pukekohe Tuakau Waiuku | Waiuku Tuakau | | Pukekohe Pukekohe | | Waiuku

40 Crosbie Rd, Pukekohe www.aqualectrix.co.nz

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Water Tank Cleaning (While full or empty) Water Tank Maintenance Water Deliveries ~ Swimming Pools Filled

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KAT6152-v3

Or:

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Ph 09 298 7767.

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 8.30am-2.30pm Cnr Madill & George St, Tuakau.

Ph 09 236 8228.

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 8.30am-12noon

CHRIS JULIAN Freephone (0508) RURAL H20 (0508) 787 254

0800 SUCKA1

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

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DIRECTORY

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52 — Rural Living — August-September 2021