Rural Living January-February 2022

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ruralliving.co.nz

January/February 2022

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NIKAU COOPWORTH

SHEEP TO KEEP! COUNTRY MUSIC:

‘STRINGS’ ATTACHED www.ruralliving.co.nz

HOT CROPS:

HEMP AT HOME HERE?

FAITH WALMSLEY:

ART OF SCARVES

Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 1

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

DairyNZ Farmers’ Forum – Emissions reduction options and costs January 26, 7-8pm, www.dairynz.co.nz (search Farmers’ Forum) Presented by Rowena Duncum from radio’s The Country, this series seeks to explore how big picture issues impact dairy farmers.

The latest webinar will assess targets, expected financial costs in meeting climate action targets and what these will mean on farms.

Riverhaven Artland Summer Sculpture Festival & Clevedon Art Trail January 29-31, 331 North Rd, Clevedon (Riverhaven), and other locations, Clevedon Art and gardens make for a most creative pairing, as Riverhaven Artland shows. Providing the perfect opportunity to visit a remarkable property, this festival is also designed to raise funds for the good folk at Franklin Hospice. All going well, this event will form part of the Clevedon Art Trail. More information via www.riverhavenartland.com/visit, or www.clevedonarttrail.co.nz.

Auckland Pride Festival February 1-27, times and locations vary, Auckland From the Big Gay Out and the Samesame But Different film festival, to the Pride March and more, this series of events is designed to celebrate identity and diversity. More information via www.aucklandpride.org.nz.

Wicked February 4-26, Sky City Theatre, 78 Victoria Street West, Auckland Just when we thought it was safe to go back to the theatre, the bug was back! However, this epic tale, ‘witch’ tells the story behind one of the most well-known musicals of all time, is about to hit the Auckland stage. See www.iticket.co.nz or www.nsmt.co.nz for more information.

2 — Rural Living — January/February 2022

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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.

Marco Giltrap – ready to race

NZ Grand Prix / Toyota 86 Championship February 11-13, 8am-5pm, Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, Te Kauwhata Motorsport fans are hoping that racing will resume with a hiss and a roar, with Hampton Downs set to host the NZ Grand Prix, round three of the rescheduled Toyota 86 Championship. Pukekohe Park is scheduled for round four in March, with drivers back on track at Hampton Downs for the final round of the series in April. See www.toyota.co.nz/toyota-racing for details.

Photo Gareth Cooke

Auckland Lantern Festival February 10-13, Auckland Showgrounds, Green Lane West, Epsom In celebration of Chinese New Year, Auckland is hosting a vibrant festival replete with colour and culture. Marking the Year of the Tiger, this year's event is expected to be a cracker, lighting the way to (we all hope!) brighter days to come. Details at www.aucklandnz.com/auckland-lantern-festival-2022.

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Grand Horizons February 8 – March 5, times vary, ASB Waterfront Theatre, 138 Halsey St, Auckland City ‘Till death do us part’ appears to be up for dispute when Nancy settles into a beige-walled lifestyle village. If her fifty-year, picture perfect marriage to Bill is set to fail, how will their grown children respond? This Tony Award nominated comedy reveals all things (good or otherwise) must come to an end. More information via www.atc.co.nz.

Auckland Summer in the Square Now – February 26, Aotea Square, Auckland City Just as our last issue went to print, Auckland Live came to the party with high hopes of staging a return (on a grand scale) of live events over summer. Featuring a wide range of entertainment – from music to lightshows, fashion shows and circus performances – this series proves that it is still hip to be (at the) Square. For details, visit www.aucklandlive.co.nz/event/summer-in-the-square.

Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 3

from the

EDITOR

opinion over a beer – or a non-fat double mocha chocka latte, or whatever those darn ‘red team’ townies drink!

Speaking of drinking, we have more than a mere glassful of reading to digest when out soaking up the summer sun.

In this issue, we kick of the Year of the Tiger with a roar (no hiss!) by featuring a dyed-in-the-wool primary industries' star, the irrepressible Kate Broadbent. We also strike up a chat with a man who’s no stranger to striking up a tune (Ian Jamieson from Franklin Country Music Club), learn more about hemp, an ancient crop set to ‘bloom’ again and speak with an artful local fashion designer. That’s just for starters!

In addition, we have our usual columns and bits & pieces – from books to food – to sate the appetite, literally and figuratively speaking.

Introductions to this issue made, I’ll end with a parting shot – ironic as we fire into a New Year: in games of cat and mouse, it’s best to be the cat… better yet, a tiger.

OF CATS AND OXEN

H

appy New(ish) Year! As 2022 is the Chinese Year of the Tiger, it’s about time we stopped pussyfooting around and pounced on a certain little bug (it proved stubborn during 2021, the year of the ox) and clawed our way back to the top of the food chain. Who’s with me? I can almost hear rallying retorts ring out from throughout Franklin – muffled behind masks, of course!

In our last issue, I used up most of the space our publishers (in their wisdom!) permit me – lest my writing become ranting – with bidding our much-loved editor a fond farewell. Unfortunately, this left no room at the inn before Christmas to remark on another changing of the guard involving one of our local MPs, Judith Collins. No longer Leader of the Opposition, Ms Collins has vowed to continue to represent Papakura, with all the vim and vigour for which she has become well known, I’d expect. I wish her replacement – former Times Media

paperboy turned high-flying business bigwig, Christopher Luxon – good luck, as I have a feeling he’ll need it!

Along these lines, in the ‘social media age’ politics seems to have become akin to sport, seeing us lustily cheer for the ‘red team’ or the ‘blue team’, and woe betide any who criticise our champions.

However, both teams are vital in ensuring democracy prevails, as are all the players.

At the end of the day (the match at least), we all share common ground, and we should be able to set aside differences of

COVERSHOT

Jon Rawlinson, Editor

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4 — Rural Living — January/February 2022

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WOOLLY YARNS: What happens when two accomplished rural women discuss sheep farming? One thing we can count on is that they’ll knit together an insightful story! For decades now, farmers have counted on Kate Broadbent (pictured on this month’s cover) to help them keep their flocks healthy.

So, we thought it was about time Angela Kemp paid Kate a visit to learn more about her Waikaretu-based Nikau Coopworth sheep breeding operation – see pages 10-11.

Photo Wayne Martin

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HIT THE DECK FROM WET & FORGET RITZ CRACKER SAMPLER PACKS Here’s a chance for two lucky readers to each win a three-pack of new RITZ crackers.

In three mouth-watering flavours – Sour Cream & Onion, Sweet Chilli, and Cheddar – these bite-sized goodies are perfect for lunch boxes, an office snack or on barbecue platters. Crisp, airy and light, they are available at selected supermarkets (RRP$3.99 per pack). In the meantime, here’s your chance to win a cracking good feed for you and your guests!

During fairer weather, it’s the perfect time to take care of those outdoor DIY jobs and ensuring we turn the tables on those dirty decks is often near the top of our lists. Specially formulated to take the hard work out of cleaning soft or hardwood decks, as well as cedar weatherboards, fences and even outdoor furniture, Hit the Deck is ideal for scrubbing up outdoor surfaces. We have THREE tubs of this crafty cleaner (RRP $65 each) to give away to one lucky winner.

KINGSFORD BBQ MERCHANDISE PACKS Even when summer gives way to autumn, the marvellous New Zealand weather means it’s still good to grill. To ensure we look the part when cooking up a storm, Kingsford has a wide range of merchandise – we have FIVE packs up for grabs. Meantime, check out page 35 for Barbecue master Adam Roberts’ sizzling recipe for Grilled Portobello Mushrooms.

DIDDLY SQUAT BY JEREMY CLARKSON Fuelled by a desire to join the landed gentry, a petrol-headed TV host dug deep in more ways than one. But he soon discovered farming is as full of pitfalls as motor racing is of pitstops. A rip-roaring, thigh-slapping read, Diddly Squat is delivered with Clarkson’s prickly wit at full throttle as he battles to bring the Cotswolds to heel.

Jeremy Clarkson: Diddly Squat | RRP $38 | Michael Joseph

6 — Rural Living — January/February 2022

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Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 7

The Franklin Country Music Club meets and performs in Pukekohe on a regular basis. For more information, contact via www.facebook.com — search ‘FranklinCmc’.

Ian Jamieson

Photo Wayne Martin

8 — Rural Living — January/February 2022

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Over

THE GATE

WITH

n o s e i m a J Ian

SIC CLUB) U M Y R T N U O C (FRANKLIN absorbed by the Super City, but Franklin may have been (largely) remains more than just a little the heart and soul of our region much to our music as it does bit country. And, that applies as more about the local country our lifestyle in general. To learn to acting (and former) Franklin music scene, Rural Living spoke Jamieson... Over the Gate.

Country Music Club president, Ian

Where do you live and what do you do for a living?

I was born and raised in Pukekohe and I’ve lived in rural Puni for the last 20 years.

Although semi-retired, I still operate my agricultural contracting business, providing general farm maintenance, involving everything from haymaking to hedge trimming.

How long have you been involved with the Franklin Country Music Club? How did you first come to take the stage?

I have been a member of the club for some 20 years. Initially, I was encouraged to join by my brother and other members who said that if my brother could sing, I should be able to! I have also played the guitar over the years, but not so much these days.

Who’s your favourite performer and why?

Like most of our members, I enjoy all genres of music. I love singing country music in particular, though.

When was the club established, how many members do you have?

We will be celebrating our 50th anniversary in March 2023. At present we have 66 plus members, but in its heyday it was closer to 100.

What does your role as club president involve?

The president is the face of the club and acts on behalf of our members, welcoming visitors and officiating when required. We have a small, dedicated committee and we act as a team, organising events, trips and fundraisers. www.ruralliving.co.nz

There is plenty of time to perform as well and we make sure all our members have an opportunity perform on club days.

Do you have any major concerts/festivals planned?

It has been difficult to plan due to the pandemic, but the club endeavours to organise events and concerts during the year. In the past, we held fundraising events in support of local charities, in particular raising $60-80 thousand for [Franklin] Hospice. Presently, we’re focused on organising a celebration for our coming 50th anniversary. Guest artists from other clubs are invited and our members will perform also.

How well have club members fared under lockdown? Have you all managed to keep in touch?

Our Facebook page, FranklinCmc, has been a great platform through which our members keep in touch, often performing songs or posting clips of other artists performing. Since we have been able to meet outdoors, some members have met in pairs to sing and play. We’ve also been keeping in touch through our regular newsletter.

What is required to be a club member?

Does everyone need to perform?

We are a warm friendly club and welcome anyone as new members. You only need to love country music; some just enjoy [listening to] the music and don’t perform.

If you have never sung with a band or in public before, our club is a good place to start as there is plenty of support and positive encouragement. We hold

workshops where members can practice with musicians. Some come to belt out a song or play an instrument (or both) and others are more serious about wanting to perfect their performing and singing skills.

Any up-and-coming musicians from the club who you think might, one day, become professionals?

Mostly, our members just enjoy coming to sing a song or two. We do have members who like to compete in the Country Music Awards and, over the years, some have done quite well. We also have a few talented members who enjoy writing songs and have excelled at the awards too.

Does the club cater for country and western or just country music performers?

We are, primarily, a country music club, but we cater to people interested in most types of music.

Why does country music appeal to country people all over the world? Is it the lyrics, something in the beat? A shared sense of identity?

Country music is all about the highs and lows of life, something we all share.

If you could be Minister of Arts and Culture for one day, what would you do first and why?

Easy. I’d provide more support to local clubs of all kinds, but especially those that help make the world a better place through music.

If you could grow any plant or raise any animal (real or imagined), what and why?

Horses. They can’t carry a tune, but they can carry a singer who can carry a tune!

If you could invite any three country music legends (living or dead) to dinner, who and why?

I have so many favourite artists that it's really tough to answer this. Some would be better for conversation than others, but whoever I choose the after-dinner entertainment would be fantastic!

My top three would have to be Johnny Cash, Jim Reeves and Willie Nelson. They were around in my younger days when I was a lad about town. Hearing them now evokes so many fond memories of youthful adventures with my mates and happy times spent with my family, especially my twin brother Keith. They are the artists whose songs I like to sing most.

Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 9

STOP LOSING

sleep over sheep!

eding operation Nikau Coopworth is a sheep bre ote and beautiful producing stud rams in the rem 24kms south of Port Waikaretu Valley, approximately nt who is continuing Waikato. It is run by Kate Broadbe of New Zealand’s its tradition of producing some orts. finest rams, as ANGELA KEMP rep

K

eeping a few sheep on your lifestyle block can be a tough rite of passage for the uninitiated. As many soon discover, maintaining a healthy flock requires a considerable amount of time, effort and money.

Sheep generally come with a raft of problems – parasites which require regular drenching, dags – which must be removed to avoid flystrike – and worst of all, being afflicted by the dreaded, and often deadly, facial eczema (FE).

But what if there was a breed of sheep that was genetically less disposed to FE, didn’t need drenching and was a good yielder of both wool and meat? Welcome to the Coopworth breed and one of its most passionate protagonists, Kate Broadbent.

Born in the UK and raised in Canada, Kate first travelled to New Zealand in 1987 on her OE, working here as a shearer and shepherd.

She’s been passionate about sheep since she was a teenager despite growing up on a dairy farm on Canada’s east coast.

“Our neighbours were sheep farmers who knew Anne and Philip Woodward from Waikaretu. I grew up hearing them talking about Philip and Anne, so when I did my OE after university I came to New Zealand,” says Kate.

Nikau Coopworth was established by Philip’s father, Jack Woodward, in the 1950s, then run for 35 years by Philip’s brother Clive Woodward and his wife, Susan. They developed an FE Gold flock, leading genetics for facial eczema tolerance Kate says she came for six months and stayed two years. She learned about shepherding and dog training and further

developed her shearing skills.

During the next 10 years, she avoided winters by summer sheep farming and shearing at Waikaretu or in Canada and the UK. Then, for another decade she worked on big sheep operations in the USA, returning to New Zealand when Clive Woodward decided he wanted to retire from Nikau Coopworth.

In 2009, Kate began a partnership with Clive Woodward’s niece Emily and her husband, Sam Welch – both world shearing record-holders. The trio bought the stud business and leased the Waikaretu farm. Kate bought out her partners six years ago and now runs the stud solo.

Kate leases two farms in the Waikaretu Valley totalling 330ha. A commercial ewe flock and mainly dairy/beef trading cattle complement the stud sheep operation.

Her workload is daunting – she fences, crutches, grubs thistle, takes blood tests and samples, records and does all farm maintenance herself. And, she always has a few sheepdog trainees on the go.

“It’s not a huge farm or a huge number of animals. I have a good little set of yards and a weigh scale that is very simple. With a dog, I can handle it myself.

“Tupping can be very challenging because of single-sire mating. I have to keep my eye on everything. The recording for the stud is time-consuming, but it is this attention to detail that I love and the end result is continued improvement.”

Having simple farm systems and feed budgets is important.

“Farming can mean long days working seven days a week, but when you love what you do, you roll out of bed in the morning and it’s not 'work'.”

Kate Broadbent.

Photo Wayne Martin

RAMS OF RECORD

C

live and Sue Woodward were progressive farmers with a passion for the Coopworth breed.

Their vision was to produce a facial eczema (FE) tolerant sheep with a minimal requirement for drenching and a high growth rate.

Kate Broadbent is continuing the Woodward’s legacy marking nearly 40 years of selection for facial eczema tolerance.

Through a rigorous selection process, meticulous record keeping and the use of modern technology to assess heritable traits, Nikau Coopworth is one of New Zealand’s most FE tolerant flocks and produces some of the top rams in New Zealand.

Kate says Coopworths aren’t so much a breed as a concept.

“It’s a productive sheep that fits the environment. Coopworths are not a big percentage of the national flock but are involved in a good percentage of composite breeds.

“They are dual purpose, with high fertility, high production, good mothers with lots of milk, and produce heavy weaning weights.”

Long established, parasite-resistant genetics in her flock mean drench has not been used on ewes since 2002.

At Nikau, top rams are dosed with sporidesmin, a toxin produced by fungal spores that cause FE, to assess tolerance.

Only rams which pass the test are bred from.

Clive Woodward introduced testing because so many sheep were being lost to FE. Those that didn’t succumb to it became the basis of the breeding stock.

Nikau Coopworth consistently appears on NZ industry leader lists for health traits.

In addition to facial eczema tolerance, Kate selects for open faced, open breech sheep with high wool weights. She also has a keen eye for sound feet, likely to ensure sheep have resistance to scald and foot rot.

Kate confirms her hoggets are farmed exclusively on grass.

“I strongly believe that, by successfully mating hoggets on grass, we are developing genetics suited to perform in any environment,” she says.

The Waikato is a notorious hotbed for FE and Kate carries out blood tests to assess liver function in lambs and one-year-old sheep. Any that show even slight liver damage are culled, which lifts the integrity of the ewe flock.

At the other end of the flock are the old ewes. Longevity is highly valued and Nikau has a ‘longevity mob’ of aged ewes, sixyears plus. Kate says they are Nikau genetics, commercial ewes with consistent twinning and solid feet, mouths and constitution.

“An old ewe in this environment is the gold in the flock. She has never been ‘on the radar’ and has survived and produced through drought, FE, parasites and all the other challenges our area has.

“This mob is mated to top Nikau rams with the goal of producing daughters to screen into the stud flock. This is another source of female genetics based on longevity and performance.”

Covid restrictions meant the Coopworth Sheep’s annual sale (set for October) couldn’t be held in Tuakau. Instead, stock went to the saleyards in Frankton, Hamilton.

“We had a very successful sale achieving top dollar for lambs this spring,” says Kate. “A hot FE season and the alarming incidence of drench resistance has resulted in a market that is demanding genetics to fit this bill.

“Coopworth ewes with disease and parasite tolerance are the answer.

“Moderate sized ewes, weaning their weight in lambs that can be picked and on the truck before Christmas, are contributing greenhouse gas reduction targets. They eat less tucker as we go into our dry season, maintaining weight to be ready for the next tupping and requiring less input in the form of drench and dip to do so.

“This is the future of the NZ sheep flock.”

FE – THE HIDDEN KILLER You will only see a few sheep with the symptoms of facial eczema in a flock, but for every obvious case there can be 10 or more with subclinical FE. The symptoms of FE are distressing: frequent urination, restlessness followed by shaking and rubbing heads against posts and gates, avoiding direct sunlight, drooping and reddened ears and swollen eyes.

These and other exposed areas

develop a weeping dermatitis and scabby skin and affected areas may become infected or fly blown.

The damage to the liver also results in barren ewes, deaths at lambing and ewes that run dry before weaning.

New Zealand Beef and Lamb recommend the first line of defence against facial eczema is to breed an FE-tolerant flock by buying sheep bred from FE-tolerant rams.

PLANT FOR PLANTS

hemp set for boon G

overnment aims to diversify, add value and increase the sustainability of our primary industries has seen an old ‘wonder crop’ make comeback. A fresh contribution of almost a quarter of a million dollars in ‘seed money’ towards a hemp seed processing plant could help the New Zealand hemp industry thrive.

“This project fits with our Fit for a Better World [programme], which includes strengthening the environmental

credentials of our food and fibre products and driving further growth in the value of New Zealand products,” says Steve Penno, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

“Hemp doesn’t need chemicals and is drought tolerant, so it has environmental benefits. One of the most exciting aspects of this project will be enabling [the development of] products that have never been produced domestically or internationally.”

MPI’s contribution will aid Hemp

To read more about hemp, see our interview with Hemp Industries Association chairman, Richard Barge, on pages 20-21.

Connect as it attempts to develop the Kiwi-grown hemp food industry, the business’ managing director, Mathew Johnson, expects.

“Our goal with this project is to make hemp food production in New Zealand a viable and internationally competitive option,” he says.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with MPI to prove our concept at a larger scale and look forward to working hard to make this a reality.”

PLEAS FOR (CHICK)PEAS HEEDED Australians may, usually, prefer a classy ‘Shela’, but at the University of Queensland (UQ) all attentions are focused on sweet ‘chicks’. In efforts to think smarter when it comes to horticulture, scientists across the ditch are working as part of an international effort to develop the ‘ultimate chickpea’.

“Most crop species only have a few varieties sequenced, so it was a massive undertaking to analyse more than 3000 cultivated and wild varieties,” Professor Ben Hayes from UQ says. “We are using

our AI technology platform to design a chickpea with the ultimate genetics for maximum seed weight and we think this will, ultimately, be a valuable tool for chickpea breeders.”

A new variety bred from selected genes could increase crop yields by up to 12 percent with higher resistance to drought, heat and diseases, researchers expect.

Gene identification is a vital step, but there is much more work to be done.

Chickpeas are grown worldwide and serve as an effective rotation crop.

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TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR SPORT HORSE SHIPSHAPE NUTRITION:

DENTISTRY:

SADDLE FIT:

JOINT SUPPLEMENTS:

FITNESS

Your horse’s topline can change shape drastically from the start of the season to the end, especially if they have only been in light work during winter or have had the winter off. Make sure to get the saddle fit checked by a qualified saddle fitter once the horse is in performance condition.

We’re often asked if a joint supplement can help. Even if a horse is young and has not had any previous problems, a joint supplement can still be beneficial. Vets can also perform a soundness exam, which includes flexions to pinpoint if any particular joint is at risk of bothering a horse, and help you with a personalised plan designed to prevent future lameness problems.

Take time to warm your horse up at the walk and trot, before doing any fast work or jumping, to prevent damage to tendons and ligaments. If your horse has been in work for a while and seems to be having trouble with fitness, consider scheduling a check-up with a vet as certain heart and lung conditions can affect fitness and staying power without showing many outward signs.

Dr Melissa Sim DVM shares expert equine fitness advice.

I

t is important to keep your sport horse in the best condition possible throughout the season. Here are some tips:

VACCINES: It is important to make sure your horse is up to date on vaccines if you are going out showing, or if it is in close contact with others.

Check what supplements you are feeding your horse. Make sure you aren’t doubling up on anything as feeding too much of certain minerals may be bad for horses. A blood test will indicate levels of certain minerals, such as selenium. Too low or too high amounts of selenium can cause them to be muscle sore, grumpy or have skin issues.

DEWORMING:

CHECKLIST

Perform a faecal egg count on your horse prior to deworming instead of deworming on a regular schedule. This will identify and prevent worm resistance to drench product and can help forming an individualised worming plan. Horses don’t always look ‘wormy’ when they are ‘due’ and often horses with high worm burden don’t show outward signs of it.

➜ Internal parasites – have a good worm control strategy in place for young stock with less immunity. Sheep, goats & alpacas need a drenching programme for barber’s pole. ➜ Ticks – treat when these are visible or if they are rubbing or have large areas of hair loss.

It is important to have horse’s teeth checked at least once a year by a qualified professional.

A complete oral exam with mirrors is necessary to spot minor details that might be causing pain. Dropping feed, chewing strangely, a reluctance to collect or go forward under saddle or headshaking are all signs that a horse might be due for some dental work.

➜ Ryegrass staggers – can occur from late November to the end of April.

Animals appear uncoordinated and may fall down if startled. There are some toxin binders and supplements available to reduce symptoms. Most will recover within 1-2 weeks when moved from affected pasture.

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Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 13

HONEY YIELDS – HIGHS AND LOWS Bees may need to shape up, but they’ve been on form when shipping out, recently released statistics reveal.

According to the 2021 Apiculture Monitoring Report, New Zealand honey production was down 24% over the 2020/2021 season and the average honey yield per hive fell 18%. However, export volumes remained ‘buoyant’.

“While the 2021 year was well down the preceding one, it was in line with the five-year average,” says Karin Kos from Apiculture NZ. “Last summer presented more challenging weather conditions than the previous season when the harvest was aided by excellent weather across the country.”

A slow start to the current season is expected to gain pace, she adds.

“Looking ahead, late flowering at the start of the 2021/22 season has resulted in the spring nectar flow being slower to kick in. However, warmer weather over the past month has seen better honey flow in most regions and beekeepers are looking forward to a good season, production-wise.”

PATHS BEST TRAVELLED

NZ their oyster L ove New York in June or Paris in the Springtime? Hoping to roam around Rome or go to London to visit the Queen? With such big OE options curtailed for the time being, the Think Rural initiative has new (somewhat less) exotic destinations to add to young Kiwis’ itineraries.

“The nightlife in the country is wild – and I mean that literally,” Otorohanga mayor, Max Baxter, says. “Traffic jams involve ewes rather than utes, the local folk are friendly as anything, the jobs are [plentiful], housing is still cheap. Plus, young people cooped up in apartments [under lockdown] might find the country life more to their liking, where the only thing in a coop is a chicken!”

Think Rural sees rural regions

nationwide – from Waikato to the West Coast, Hawke’s Bay to the Chathams – offer city-dwellers the chance to experience a slice of country life.

Devised by the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs and funded through the Ministry of Social Development, the scheme could well help revitalise many regional economies.

“From farming to forestry, being a barrister or barista, working in a deli or dentistry, there’s a host of jobs in rural areas that are crying out for fresh talent,” Mr Baxter adds. “Whether you have a PhD, trade qualifications or left school early, think rural!”

The full report is available at www.mpi.govt.nz.

For more information about the programme see www.thinkrural.co.nz.

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he hard row to hoe finding that perfect specimen of manhood has become a little easier for farmers; this is due to improvements made recently to a genetic evaluation system overseen by NZ Animal Evaluation Ltd (NZAEL).

“Farmers may see animals rank differently on BW [Breeding Worth] in reports as genetic evaluations become more accurate,” Mark Townshend from NZAEL explains. “We want to enable farmers to breed cows that are more efficient at converting feed into milk and profit.”

Changes implemented late last year are expected to improve assessment of bulls prior to breeding, with a view to producing cows with better fertility, survivability and even sustainability.

“The project’s aim is to provide a modern, nationally consistent, independent genetic evaluation system for dairy cattle,” Mr Townshend concludes. “The project has benefits for both our environment and economy.”

More information is available at www.dairynz.co.nz/animal-evaluation.

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“A

s a lifestyle block vet, the species and cases I work with are varied and unlike almost anywhere else in the country, but know-how can be lacking on lifestyle blocks,” Dr Sarah Clews from Franklin Vets says. “So, for this reason, I’ve teamed up Kate Brennan from Lifestyleblock.co.nz and Farmlands Cooperative to create complete online courses for lifestylers.”

No stranger to providing advice, Sarah has shared her guidance through Rural Living and her popular YouTube channel Sez the Vet. Mostly available free of charge, the new courses cover everything from how to raise cattle, sheep, goats, poultry and other animals, to more specific offerings regarding issues of their care.

“Our goal is to improve welfare and offer a legitimate source of information for lifestylers”, Dr Clews adds. “I think our courses can really make a world of difference.”

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WHAT’S UP WITH D.O’C...

Our PM is no Scrooge but, in the lead-up to Christmas, she had MPs burning the midnight oil, as reports from Damien O’Connor (Minister of many things primary industry related) reveal. border, providing relief to shorthanded farmers and growers. In addition, border exceptions for dairy workers have been amended to allow for more dairy farm assistants.

Calls from the primary industries appear to have been answered (to some degree), our Agriculture Minister confirmed shortly before the Christmas break.

“Providing [border exceptions] is part of the next step in a carefully phased approach to reconnecting with the world,” Mr O’Connor said. “We’ve approved [new] exceptions to support key autumn harvest requirements and relieve workforce pressures.”

As a result, 40 shearers, 50 wool handlers and 200 mobile plant machinery operators will be able to cross the

SITUATION POSITIVE? Reaping record returns, food and fibre exports are expected to help drive economic recovery, Mr O’Connor confirmed.

“For the first time, New Zealand’s annual food and fibre export revenue will crack $50 billion – a result we should

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all be very proud of, particularly as we navigate the challenges of Covid-19.”

His comments followed the release of the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report. "This is a testament to huge efforts to keep the wheels of our [economy] turning and supply essential products.”

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From dairy and meat to fruit, seafood and forestry, various primary sectors have seen exports rise.

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Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 17

DAIRY DOC’S PRESCRIPTION FOR GOVT’ If New Zealand’s dairy industry is to continue to feed a growing population, a little food for thought from farmers could go a long way. As 2021 came to a close, DairyNZ presented ten recommendations as to how government can work with farmers to achieve mutually beneficial aims.

Dr Tim Mackle

“D

airy is New Zealand’s leading export sector, employs 50,000 Kiwis and is forecast to contribute over $40 billion to our economy this year, so it’s important for our country’s success that farmers are supported,” DairyNZ’s chief executive, Dr Tim Mackle, says.

“We want to see more focus on ensuring regulations are fair, practical and don’t overburden farmers.”

The recommendations have been drawn from the organisation’s The View from the Cowshed survey. From putting pay to the controversial ‘ute tax’ on farm vehicles, to addressing labour issues and to a clearer strategy for research and development, the list is varied. However, the need for closer consultation with farmers and to slow down the pace of change are common threads. “[The latest] survey indicates farmers are

making on-farm changes to improve their environmental management and their workplaces, but are feeling under pressure from constant regulatory changes,” Dr Mackle adds, “[The suggested] changes would make a real difference to the lives and wellbeing of rural New Zealanders.”

The full report (including the ‘top ten’ list) is accessible through DairyNZ’s website, www.dairynz.co.nz.

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Next step for local walkway

W

ith the green light given by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), plans for a new walking and cycling path intended to link Papakura and Drury are on track, Mark Kinvig from Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) confirms.

“It includes a new shared path for people on foot and on bikes built alongside the northbound lane of SH1 between Papakura and Drury,” he says. “[Gaining consent] is an important step forward in our plan to provide southern Auckland with better transport choices for existing communities and the extra 120,000 people who will make the area home over the next 30 years.”

Part of wider efforts under the New Zealand Upgrade Programme, the walkway will connect with other new or upgraded transport networks in the region, including new train stations. The programme also involves rail electrification from Papakura to Pukekohe and improvements to roads.

“Communities can look forward to transport improvements that provide more travel choices, help people get where they’re going safely and grow our economy, while responding to the impacts of travel on the environment,” Mr Kinvig adds.

POLO GOOD TO GO Revved and ready, organisers of the BMW NZ Polo Open expect to ‘chukka’ hell of a party come February 20.

“Polo is a great spectator sport, the atmosphere it brings from the thundering of hooves to champagne on the lawn and stomping of the divots, all contribute to make the BMW NZ Polo Open an exciting event not to be missed,” Pukekohe local and event organiser, Lucy Ainsley, says.

Held at Auckland Polo Club, Clevedon, the event is a showcase for the sport, but it offers much more entertainment, including the popular Fashion at Polo contest and even the Horsepower race which sees a BMW and a polo pony go toe-to-toe – or wheels-to-hooves.

“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to ensure an exceptional experience for guests and sponsors, the best of NZ polo matched with plenty of side-line action,” Ms Ainsley adds. “After a long year of lockdown restrictions, this eclectic mix of sport, fashion and music is where everyone should be enjoying summer to the fullest.”

For more information, visit www.nzpoloopen.com.

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Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 19

HEMP UNHAMPERED?

Cash crop good to grow

Saying ‘no to drugs’ should not stop New Zealand experiencing fresh growth of what could be a key crop for the Twenty-first Century. With sustainability on the tips of many a tongue, hemp could well serve to satisfy a growing need for ‘weed’, as JON RAWLINSON explains.

T

o everything (turn, turn, turn), there is a season; it’s for this reason that Franklin growers may be encouraged to turn their attention to hemp.

“We need to better understand how well hemp works in our conditions, in potato or onion fields for example. But as the growing time is a few months, or less in some cases, it is ideal as a rotation crop,” says Richard Barge from the NZ Hemp Industries Association (NZHIA).

“There’s definitely remediation benefits to be gained – it can help clean and condition soil, aerating it and lifting heavy metals out of the ground and get it back into a good state for production [of other crops].”

Once the hard yards have been done, the north Waikato local is confident growers in Franklin will, increasingly, employ hemp as part of their regular rotation, meaning our region could become a hub for this ‘green, green grass’ close to home.

“The infrastructure is there, with contractors in Pukekohe and Tuakau who could plant and harvest, but compliance issues are putting growers off. These are no major barriers to the industry developing; it’s more a case of ‘oh, man, I don’t want to have to deal with government any more than I have to!’”

Although industrial hemp is not grown for psychotropic or even medicinal purposes, its fate has long been tied (with red tape) to cannabis. In the 1930s, media mogul William Randolph Hearst launched the first salvos in a ‘war on drugs’ – the fact that his family had major interests in 20 — Rural Living — January/February 2022

the timber industry, and that hemp makes great paper, is considered a coincidence by some and the basis of a conspiracy by others.

Today, the hemp industry still has a love/ hate relationship with governments; it now ticks boxes governments are keen to fill as it encourages diversification in the primary industries, sustainability and added value.

“With a growing demand from consumers in sustainable products and interest in [protecting] the environment, things are changing. It’s an exciting time for the industry due to demand and interest in diversification.”

In New Zealand, the plant can be grown for seed, fibre and other horticultural purposes, however regulations remain.

The 2020 cannabis referendum was about legalising recreational use. And yet, the flow on effect of a ‘yes’ vote could have removed barriers to development of the industrial hemp industry.

“If the referendum went through, it would’ve resulted in a select committee looking at changes to the law, giving us a chance to sort out a lot of workability problems caused by current regulations,” Richard says.

“The Ministry of Health continues to treat us as though we’re producing a drug.

It’s very frustrating. It comes down to the single molecule argument – if there’s even just one molecule of THC in hemp, then it can be treated as a drug. No one can measure zero molecules, let alone guarantee it, so it’s a nonsense. I think we’re going to look back and say: ‘what was all the fuss about?’”

From its fibre (stalks, leaves and roots)

to its seeds, hemp is a most versatile crop.

As its fibre can filter out UV light and has antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antistatic properties, it is becoming an attractive material for manufacturers worldwide.

“What can’t it do?” Richard laughs.

“Hemp can meet a range of needs, it can feed, house and clothe people. It can be made into clothing that doesn’t wear out [as fast as other materials], paper, [a substitute for] carbon fibre, and cladding and insulation for construction. It can also be used in biofuel.

“Rudolf Diesel [inventor of the diesel engine] designed his cars to run from vegetable oil, and Henry Ford built a car made from plant fibres with an engine running on hemp-ethanol. While we are still finding new uses for it, it’s not a new crop at all.”

Hemp seed oil is employed in health and wellness products due to its nutritional value, however Richard asserts that the NZHIA is not involved in cultivation for medicinal purposes.

“The industrial hemp industry is completely different from the medicinal one. We don’t represent anyone growing for medicinal purposes,” he confirms.

“There’s a big demand for nutraceutical products made from hemp [with] huge export potential, which could provide cashflow for the rest of the industry. At the moment, New Zealanders only have access to food from the seeds; the next step is cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes, which are found in the leaves and the flowers.”

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“Contractors in Pukekohe and Tuakau could plant and harvest [hemp] but compliance issues are putting growers off...”

Richard adds.

“Becoming a member of the association is a good way to start. The more people who want to grow hemp, the quicker we can move forward, developing an industry that could play a major role in the future of New Zealand horticulture.”

says our primary industries are as vital as ever to New Zealand’s economy; they must progress or be left behind.

“The pandemic has prevented us from developing the industry and identifying new markets. Because it’s a raw material, it’s essential for us to raise awareness of how hemp can be used,” he maintains.

“We have plenty of skilled growers, now we need to develop more varieties specific to the end uses. There’s plenty of work to be done, but we’re making progress.”

In general, grassroots pressure continues to play an essential role in challenging government regulations,

Richard Barge

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Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 21

Kicking 2022 off

WITH A BANG!

By Ditch Keeling, Coastal Pest Solutions

H

appy New Year, folks! It’s been a busy old break around here with solid work booked right through since December.

About that time, I had just started work on yet another flock of feral roosters in Auckland, a job that specified live capture and transport to a bird rescue. I phoned weeks in advance (just to make sure we had all our ‘ducks’ in a row), then built a large trailer-based rooster trap and started coaxing the birds to feel comfortable feeding in it. However, the night before I was due to start trapping, our bird rescue lady went AWOL; no response whatsoever? Whoa, it turns out no one wants roosters! I’m still working on this one but do hope to have it tidied up… by 2023.

Thankfully, all the other jobs have gone really well. We have just completed our annual Canada geese control work – geese and ducks are much more workable during their summer molt, DecemberJanuary-ish. This is the best time to

reduce numbers, quite easily if they have become problematic. Just get control aims cleared with Fish and Game through an out of season control permit first, being sure it includes game birds.

Rabbits are absolutely loving this summer and they sure are keeping me busy most nights. The upside is that I have loads of fresh rabbit for use in the stoat traps – nothing works better on predators than fresh bunny. The annual predator control season runs for six months (October-March) and is designed to target ferrets, stoats, weasels, rats and hedgehogs during the all-important bush bird breeding season. We’ve now been running all the traps since the end of October and I’m still seeing surprising numbers of predators turning up in the traps. We are catching juvenile stoats as they head out on their own for the first time; they’re absolutely gorgeous little creatures, but just too dangerous.

The wasp season is also now well underway. A week of rain before Christmas delayed the start, but as soon as it dried out, the calls began coming in. Summer wasps can be a proper pain and we see

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a lot of quite dangerous nests out there.

The little paper wasps are annoying, but these are easily dealt with and seldom pose any real danger – a quick dose of fly spray onto their little paper nests after dark will, generally, wipe them out quickly.

Common and German wasps are the real problem as these guys have both above and below ground nests, and there’s often tens of thousands of them to a nest! This means the nests are super dangerous and I wouldn’t recommend anyone try their luck. Even though we’re professionals, we approach these nests with full suits; even then, we’re still hit with our fair share of stings. Needless to say – in that I shouldn’t say it, but I will! – I tend to send Janet in if the nest sounds particularly bad!

Enough said for now as there’s work to be done. I hope you have all enjoyed a well-deserved break and I look forward to seeing everyone who needs my help during the coming year.

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Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 23 KAT7797

Our team 'clowning around' with masks.

NEW BEGINNINGS – UPS & DOWNS Reay Neben is the publisher of Rural Living

CITY LASS

N

ow that we’ve seen the back of 2021, I must say I am not sorry.

It was a good year for some, I think, but for the majority it was not a year we would want to repeat. If you wonder why, you’re probably not of the majority!

As I was taking the Christmas tree down, I thought Christmas had crept up so quickly and then, just as suddenly, it was over. With cafes and restaurants unable to open for anything other than click and collect right into December, meeting up with friends for a little pre-Christmas cheer

still wasn’t an option.

Fortunately, the easing of restrictions meant we (Times Media) did manage a private function at the delightful Red Shed Palazzo in Drury.

This event doubled as a retirement party and our company Christmas do, making for a robust farewell for Rural Living’s Helen Perry and Kate Ockelford-Green.

The first time our team had been together since August, it proved a perfect day to be outside at this local eatery’s wonderful new wedding venue. Thanks to lots of laughs and a superb meal, the past four months were forgotten – for a short time.

Then, it was Christmas. Our Taurangabased family arrived to celebrate a couple of days before the 25th, which was lovely.

On Christmas Day, we had one daughter and her family at our place initially, with one son over for a long lunch before our other daughter arrived and we continued to ply our way through festive fare. As all these family members are Aucklandbased, the day was easy to manage.

Unfortunately, when one of our daughters (Emma) returned home that evening, she discovered her thirteen-yearold spoodle (Coco) was extremely unwell,

requiring a late visit to the vet with, very sadly, the worst possible outcome. So, it was a Christmas Day with high highs and low lows.

Later during the break, we went to see the Michelangelo – A Different View exhibition at the Aotea Centre. It was only when heading in that we fully realised just how long it had been since we had a reason to go into central Auckland – in a way this added to just how amazing the entire experience was. The exhibition featured reproductions of Michelangelo’s work, including the stunning ceiling frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. I have seen the originals in situ at the Vatican, but as the replicas were displayed at ground level, we did not have to lean back (a pain in the neck!) to take them all in, which was fantastic.

Although there was a lot of others there at the time, we were able to download and listen to explanations about each fresco, giving us the opportunity to learn more and marvel at these iconic masterpieces without straining our ears to hear from a guide. The event is now on until February 13, I would highly (although at ground level!) recommend readers head along.

On that note, I must head back to work – it is so wonderful to be able to! So, Happy New Year to all our valued readers and advertisers and I look forward to sharing more in our next issue.

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 24 — Rural Living — January/February 2022

RL January-February22.indd 24

www.ruralliving.co.nz

17/01/2022 9:23:50 AM

FLOWERS AND MORE

garden

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

melanie_kennerley

D

now over-grown vege garden, the sweet peas (which have self-seeded) no longer looking spectacular and the artichokes (which I grow for their spectacular purple flowers) all over the lawn, no longer confined to their garden bed! I’ve had empty picking beds because I didn’t have time to sow seeds or source seedlings.

Growing flowers and picking are such a source of joy for me that I have really been missing my time in the garden; by the looks of things, my garden has been missing me too!

I’ve avidly waited for my peaches, nectarines and plums to ripen so I can enjoy the amazing sweetness of summer fruit straight from the tree. I grow Luisa

plums and they are (in my opinion) the most juicy, divine plums you will ever taste!

Having said that, as soon as any New Year starts, we are already planning and prepping for Valentine’s Day. February 14 is a huge day on any florist’s calendar, and with roses harder to source due to the pandemic, it adds an extra element of difficulty to an already busy time.

The next month will be especially hectic, but I still plan on enjoying as much time as possible in my garden with a glass of wine while I sit watching the sun set at the end of the day. I hope you all find time to relax and enjoy your favourite drink in the summer sun! So, take care, safe travels and fingers crossed for a return to more normality.

KAT7588-v9

ue to the chaos of Christmas, I was making hampers from sunrise to sunset with no time to pick flowers for The Wild Rose in the leadup to the break. My Christmas lilies burst into bloom in the garden en masse, intended for festive celebrations. The garden and the weeds seemed to be on growth hormones thanks to the warmth and rain.

By the time you are reading this, and as the New Year progresses, I am hoping we will all be enjoying a greater sense of normality. I hope to stop, for the first time since we went into lockdown, to spend more time in the garden. It's getting too late to enjoy the summer vegetables in the

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 25

On the silk road

From breeding cattle to creating heirloom quality silk scarves and m in bespoke homewares, a family far mes Waiuku is proof that diversity co in many forms, as ANGELA KEMP discovered.

T

e.

Faith Walmsley & Nick Col

26 — Rural Living — January/February 2022

Photos Wayne Martin

he Walmsley family has farmed in Waiuku for 100 years on land settled by Faith Walmsley’s great grandparents in 1921. They came out from Lancashire and made their home in Awhitu Road.

When Faith returned to the farm after spending several years in London, she brought her soon-to-be husband Nick Cole with her and they set up a design studio, Walmsley & Cole.

“We also moved a heritage cottage onto the block, built a large workshop and then, three years ago, the dream became a reality,”’ Faith says.

These days, keen travellers and fashionistas may even have chanced upon Faith’s idiosyncratic silk scarves featured in high end fashion magazines and also the Air New Zealand Kia Ora magazine.

Once seen, her eclectic designs are never forgotten; they feature birds, frogs, snails, cats, fountains and topiary with ne’er a tui or pohutukawa in sight!

Rather, it’s the stately homes of England, chintz interiors, the formal and flowering gardens of Sissinghurst and beautiful National Trust treasures that captivate this Kiwi’s heart.

Faith transforms her colourful acrylic paintings into whimsical decorative patterns and surrealist scenes, which are digitally printed onto 100 percent silk twill and hand finished. www.ruralliving.co.nz

TURNING PASSION INTO PRODUCT

The resultant luxury scarves are timeless and stylish, but also functional pieces of wearable art which look equally fantastic framed and hung on a wall.

Faith’s journey to the ‘silk road’ began after she left Waiuku College and studied graphic design at Unitec.

“I worked at Auckland Art Gallery before heading off on my OE to London where I worked in the textile industry involved in importing fabrics from the Far East for the UK fashion trade,” she explains. “I met Nick and we bought a house together, but I always knew I wanted to come back to New Zealand to start a family.”

On their return, the couple moved into the farmhouse with Faith’s mum before relocating the heritage cottage onto the farm 10 years ago.

This charming, 1870 double storey cottage had previously been a shop in Ponsonby Road, latterly as ‘Cook the Books’ bookshop before being removed to a house yard in Kumeu.

“Fortunately, Nick was willing and able to carry out the extensive renovations the cottage needed before it was fit to live in,’ Faith says. “This included sanding the floors and paintwork, installing windows and French doors and hand-building the kitchen with macrocarpa worktops he created from timber felled from the farm.”

A mechanical engineer and product designer, Nick was able to work on the www.ruralliving.co.nz

house while being remotely employed in product and packaging design for the European market. Meanwhile, Faith worked for her brother, feeding out the calves – “It was the first time I’d worked on the farm,” she admits.

Then, six years ago, the couple welcomed daughter Vita into their lives, her arrival proving to be the catalyst for them to turn their considerable artistic talents to profitable use.

“While pregnant I painted a lot, then a couple of years ago, we thought it was time we did something for ourselves,’ Faith says. “The paintings inspired the silk scarf designs which embrace my love of colour and pattern.”

Nick took on the role of transforming Faith's paintings into a digitised format with the designs being sent to Australia for printing.

Now, forward-thinking fashionistas on both sides of the ditch, who are keen to support local producers, can be seen wearing Walmsley & Cole scarves – it's easy to recognise their unique exclusivity and beauty.

Auckland Art Gallery stocks the charming Green Fingers Scarf, featuring red strawberries and gorgeous green hands on a lovely lavender background; otherwise the full range can be seen on the Walmsley & Cole website: www.walmsleyandcole.co.nz

Nick Cole is a man of many talents thanks to his various design and engineering skills.

But it is Faith who pipes up about how her naturally modest, Somersetborn husband has previously worked on some interesting projects in the UK not least as a lighting designer for the Memorial Gates in London’s Pall Mall.

“He also worked on the Sussex summer house owned by fashion designer, the late Alexander McQueen,” she says.

Nick currently works in Auckland restoring classic cars while his own vintage Alfa Romeo sits at home awaiting his attention.

As well as helping Faith, he turns his own considerable talents to making unique spindle mirrors, turned candle holders and occasional tables, all fashioned from macrocarpa felled on the farm. He paints the turned timber in vibrant colours to create designer pieces, some of which have even attracted the notice of a film set designer from New York.

“He [the designer] bought a yellow triangle mirror to use in an American TV series filmed over here,” says Nick.

“It’s due out next year so we’re looking forward to seeing it hung on the wall.”

Only recently, Nick taught himself the art of woodturning after buying a wood lathe.

“Being an engineer I was used to making all sorts of stuff out of metal; woodturning isn’t so different and it’s very special to work with timber grown on this land.”

Faith adds that she and Nick work well together, their different skill sets complementing each other.

“Because Nick trained in design as well as sculpture in mechanical engineering, he has a technical brain, which I don’t,” she says. “I have a fine arts side but we have similar tastes and we work really well together.”

Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 27

! l l a t i e v a We h

ELOCAL V O L # L A C O L P O H # E AT L O C A L # S

COMMUNITY

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

PROFESSIONAL

RETAIL

TRADES

DINING

HEAD TO OUR WEBSITE FOR EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

#EATLOCAL #SHOPLOCAL #LOVELOCAL AND FOR EVENTS HAPPENING IN PAPAKURA 28AND — RuralAROUND Living — January/February 2022

www.papakura.co.nz

www.ruralliving.co.nz KAT7785

ADVERTORIAL

Mural artists, Charles and Janine Williams.

JANUARY

IN PAPAKURA

Reflecting summer!

You’ll feel pretty, oh so pretty in this season’s Classified range of gorgeous fabrics and florals.

S

ummer is all about natural fabrics for those hot, sunny days on the beach, at a barbecue or that special outing but it’s also about fresh pastels and restful hues.

The collection‘s feature print for the season is a light weight, floral jungle print matching back to plain linen pieces for a sense of cool panache during the steamier months.

Also known for its denim styling, Classified has further introduced a stretch knit denim for additional comfort on cooler evenings or when relaxing at sports days and outdoor functions. www.ruralliving.co.nz

O

Tracy Shackleton Papakura Town Centre Manager

ur team would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and we hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas.

Welcome to 2022!

WHERE TO EAT GUIDES If you’d like to sample some of our area’s most popular eateries, call us on (09) 298 8996 and we’ll be happy to post a copy of our latest Where to Eat Guide.

MURALS IN TOWN We now have more than 25 murals, painted by local artists, around the town. To help ensure visitors don’t miss any, we have an Art Trail Map, which can be downloaded from our website – see www.papakura.co.nz/art-trail-map-print. Next time you’re in town, this map will prove a handy guide as you admire all of these beautiful artworks.

INSTAGRAM We are now on Instagram. Visit #LivePapakura and start following us to view our reels, stories and posts.

FACEBOOK We also have two Facebook pages: PapakuraTownCentre and LivePapakura. Feel free to like our pages as this will help us keep you up to date with everything happening around our town, from the opening of new businesses to local events and more.

WEBSITE Our website, www.papakura.co.nz, is a little goldmine of information! Not only does it feature business listings – including locations, contact details and opening hours – it is also home to event details, blogs, news, more information about the PBA, Chorus boxes, art and murals, as well as showcasing the faces of Papakura. In fact, it has everything you may need to know about our town.

Papakura Business Association PO Box 272 1783 Papakura 2244, Auckland Phone 09 298 8996 www.papakura.co.nz

Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 29

LEGAL VOICE

RURAL MARKET – MORE STABLE TIMES AHEAD? Owner of RJM LEGAL, ROSALIE MCGUIRE, reflects on a turbulent rural property market, with hopes of stability to come.

W

hat a rollercoaster ride 2021 has been! This was most certainly, the case for the rural conveyancing market – auction after auction, prices kept rising throughout the year, despite Covid-19. Finally, it seems as though we can catch our breath with the market looking set to return to more stable levels this year.

Having said that, we can help you with a full range of property and succession plans – whether they be rural, lifestyle or residential in nature – however stable (or unstable) the market may prove.

As rural property law specialists, we assist with: ◆ Easements and covenants affecting lifestyle blocks and other rural land ◆ Water supply agreements ◆ Consents for secondary dwellings on rural land ◆ Loan financing ◆ Farm succession planning ◆ Boundary realignments and rural subdivisions ◆ Sales and purchases of livestock, plant machinery and other equipment Contact us to discuss your needs. Until then, we thank you for your business in 2021 and look forward to assisting you during 2022.

RJM RJM LEGAL R O S A L I E

M C G U I R E

RJM RJM LEGAL R O S A L I E

M C G U I R E

SUMMER HAIRCARE MADE EASY Natasha Harris (Albert’s Hair Salon) shares top tips for summer dos.

S

ummer is all about carefree days enjoying warm weather, but with that comes elements that can wreak havoc on our hair. Adopting a summer haircare routine is so important to hair health and retaining style.

When battling heat, humidity and swimming pool chemicals, there are several tricks and products ideal for helping beat the heat.

CONDITIONING IS KEY: Because hair becomes just as thirsty in summer as we do, treat it to a little moisture-rich refreshment. At Albert’s we are practically obsessed with K18; it is, hands down, the best treatment for this purpose I have come across. Need more help? We can deliver a professional deep conditioning K18 treatment to restore silkiness and leave even the most damaged hair looking healthy.

SUNSCREEN FOR HAIR: Yes, hair sunscreen is an actual thing!

Skin isn’t the only part of the body to absorb damaging UV rays, so we need to protect our hair as well. Eleven Miracle Treatment covers all bases; it’s conveniently available in cream or spray and smells incredible.

AVOID EXCESSIVE HEAT: As there’s plenty of heat outside don’t add to the problem by using more heat to style hair - tis the season to ditch those appliances! Leave that hair dryer in the drawer and use a microfibre towel to blot hair dry as this will help avoid frizz and absorb as much water as possible.

Next, opt to air dry.

Similarly, take a break from curling irons and straighteners.

Instead, embrace that natural texture or add in a sea-salt spray for a carefree summer style.

PROTECT COLOUR: Because of the sun’s damaging/fading effects, cover hair as much as possible when outdoors.

DON’T SKIP A TRIM: When hair ends dry out, they are more likely to split, looking ragged and frizzy. Regular trims help keep hair healthier, looking frizz-free, and ensure it’s less likely to become tangled and prone to breakage in the first place. *For a limited time, conditions apply.

Need to schedule a trim or other hair treatment? Contact Albert’s to book an appointment, or for further advice regarding products to help enhance your summer style.

New Year Special! Wills only $100+gst & disbursements* New Year Special! Wills only $100+gst & disbursements* *For a limited time, conditions apply.

CONTACT US PROPERTY Buying or selling a property Rural or residential Refinances Subdivisions

PERSONAL Wills Enduring Powers of Attorney Relationship Property Trusts and Estate Administration

PROPERTY Buying or selling a property Rural or residential Refinances Subdivisions

BUSINESS Business Sales & Purchases Leasing

0800 RJM LEGAL 0800 7565 3425 info@rjmlegal.co.nz www.rjmlegal.co.nz PO Box 1346, Pukekohe 2340 Facebook: RJM Legal Limited - NZ

PERSONAL Wills Enduring Powers of Attorney Relationship Property Trusts and Estate Administration

KAT7502-v3 BUSINESS

Business Sales & Purchases Leasing

CONTACT US 0800 RJM LEGAL | 0800 7565 3425 info@rjmlegal.co.nz | FB: RJM Legal Limited – NZ | www.rjmlegal.co.nz PO Box 1346, Pukekohe 2340 *For a limited time, conditions apply.

30 — Rural Living — January/February 2022

CONTACT US

0800 RJM LEGAL 0800 7565 3425 info@rjmlegal.co.nz www.rjmlegal.co.nz For2340 enquiries and bookings PO Box 1346, Pukekohe Facebook: RJM Legal Limited - NZ contact:

Alberts Hair Salon Hall St, Pukekohe Ph: 09 238 7576

KAT7502-v3 Shop 2/23

Shop online at: www.alberts.co.nz www.ruralliving.co.nz

Flavonoid-rich food & blood pressure to agree Consuming more red wine, berries, apples, pears and tea is likely delicious. with many, and the appeal of these foodstuffs goes beyond being

B

ecause gut microbiome metabolises flavonoids, they could reduce blood pressure.

A higher intake of flavonoidrich foods has been associated with a clinically relevant reduction in blood pressure for some time, but new research (led by Professor Aedin Cassidy from Queen’s University Belfast) examines the relationship between flavonoids, blood pressure and our microbiome – findings suggest the latter has an important bearing on the former.

Professor Cassidy says what we eat plays a critical role in shaping our gut microbiome, but little is known about the

importance of plant foods – particularly flavonoids – in maintaining heart health.

“There is mounting evidence that a higher intake of flavonoids and flavonoidrich foods can improve heart health.

[However] this data highlights the key role of the gut microbiome in explaining the associations between flavonoid-rich foods and blood pressure.”

The study found that intakes of flavonoid-rich foods – specifically berries, red wine, apples/pears – were associated with reductions in systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure, greater microbial diversity and lower abundance of parabacteroides.

“Our gut microbiome plays a key role in metabolising flavonoids to enhance their cardio-protective effects, and this study provides evidence to suggest these blood pressure-lowering effects are achievable with simple changes to the daily diet,’ Dr Cassidy says, adding that future trials are planned.

“A better understanding of the highly individual variability of flavonoid metabolism could very well explain why some people have greater cardiovascular protection benefits from flavonoid-rich foods than others.”

For details, visit www.pure.qub.ac.uk/en and search: 'flavonoid study.'

IMMEDIATE DENTURES Our immediate dentures offer you a comfortable fit and a more natural smile

BEFORE

AFTER

PLEASE CALL TO BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION REGARDING ANY TREATMENT!!!

PAPAKURA

257C Great South Road, Papakura

BOMBAY

362 Hillview Road, Bombay

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 31

SUPERCHARGE YOUR DAILY WELLBEING ROUTINE There’s no time like summertime to embrace natural beauty from within, while working on a new you for the New Year.

Thankfully, we can count to Horley’s to serve up a daily dose of wellbeing.

Made from 100 percent pure fish collagen, Horley’s Sculpt Premium Pure Marine Collagen has vitamin C and zinc to support healthy skin, hair and nails. It also includes magnesium to help reduce tiredness. What's more, pescatarianfriendly, this wellbeing booster is free from dairy, soy and gluten.

Mix two tablespoons (12g) into 200ml water or favourite drink/smoothie or sprinkle on breakfast cereal or salad.

Sculpt (RRP $26.99; 100g/24 months) comes in four flavours: Vanilla Radiance (84.2% collagen with vanilla bean extract), Forest Berry Glow (85% collagen with NZ blackcurrants), Chocolate Indulgence (84% collagen with organic cocoa powder) and, simply, Natural (99% pure collagen).

This health-booster is available from supermarkets, health food stores and www.horleys.com.

The Denture and Denture Implant Clinics

ALL DENTURES ALL ABOUT THOSE PEARLY WHITES

M

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11 West Street, Pukekohe. Phone 09 238 0095 1B Broadway, Papakura. Phone 09 296 1219 3/208 Great South Road, Papatoetoe. Phone 09 277 2233 32 — Rural Living — January/February 2022

KAT6008-v4

ING REOPEN 11 RY JANUA 2022

alldentures@yahoo.co.nz www.alldentures.co.nz www.ruralliving.co.nz

e r a F s ' l l A

ples to tasty treats, From tempting tip ese ough, thanks to th life can be ‘fare’ en ditions to shelves. new (and recent) ad

ALLPRESS POURS ON THE FLAVOUR More exciting news from Allpress – the iconic coffee brand welcomes two new capsule blends – Allpress A.R.T Espresso Roast Blend and the Decaf Blend. The first of these is for those seeking a big, fat, chocolatey hit, which is on the stronger side to really cut through milk and make the perfect base for a flat white or a delicious iced coffee. It is crafted to precision being air roasted to the very edge of flavour development, while keeping the flavour clean and sweet. On the other hand, the Allpress Decaf Blend is reliably delicious morning, noon or night. The rich, bold flavour has been roasted to the Allpress signature profile, so despite the lack of caffeine, it never compromises on Allpress’ iconic flavour.

SAY ‘HEY’ TO HEY HEY! It’s time to taste Hey while the sun shines! Including Gin, Cloudy Pink Grapefruit and Tonic and Vodka, Peach, Nectarine and Soda varieties, Hey Hey RTDs (ready-to-drink) are set to be the toast of summer. Low in sugar with no artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners or preservatives, these fruit-filled cocktails are available in 330ml cans, so they’re easily kept cool by the pool! Developed by MOA Brewing Co, Hey Hey RTDs are in store at Liquorland and Henry’s stores nationwide — RRP $27.99 per 10 pack.

RUBBING UP CHEFS THE RIGHT WAY! Good cooks know of a myriad of herbs, spices, sauces and other ingredients to take virtually any dish to tastier heights. They should also know that, for more than 100 years, F Whitlock & Sons has been creating condiments and sauces to add flavour and adventure into everyday cooking routines. Therefore, avid chefs are sure to enjoy Whitlock’s four lip-smacking rubs: Zesty Za-atar Rub, Mexican Style Chilli Rub, Louisiana Style Rub and Smoked Manuka Style Rub. Simply sprinkle onto meat or mix with olive oil to rub and marinade 20 minutes before barbecuing, grilling, roasting or frying. Available in selected supermarkets (RRP $7).

GRAB A LOW CARB BREAD FIX: Trying to stay on the right side of the scales? Then check out Atkins Low Carb Bread Mix, ideal for summer picnics, barbecues, lunch packs and more. Popular in the keto community, Atkins Bread Mix is easy for baking at home either in the oven or a bread maker. Not only does it feature 75% less carbohydrates than regular bread, but every bite is packed full of fibre and protein. Don’t like seeds in your bread? Sieve the mix to remove the seeds, mill them in a high-speed blender, then return the finer grains to the mix. Continue with cooking instructions. Atkins Low Carb Bread Mix (RRP $6.99) is available from Countdown, selected New World and selected Pak n Save supermarkets. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 33

SemifreRAdWdBEoRRIES

WITH ROASTED ST & TONY’S CHOCOLONELY

churn frozen dessert recipe is Ideal for summer barbecues, this noolehearted) and inspired by Tony’s created by Kelly Gibney (author of Wh with their flavour intensified through Chocolonely. Full of strawberries — nt and fresh. roasting — the result is both decade

METHOD INGREDIENTS

SERVES SIX

◆ 3 punnets of strawberries ◆ 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar ◆ 2 tbsp maple syrup ◆ 4 egg yolks ◆ 3/4 cup caster sugar ◆ 2 tsp good quality vanilla essence ◆ 250g mascarpone ◆ 350ml fresh cream ◆ 1 block Tony’s Chocolonely Dark Milk Chocolate Toffee Pretzel — roughly chopped

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

Remove the mascarpone from the fridge 30 minutes before using.

Remove the tops from the strawberries and slice in half. Place in a medium oven proof dish. Drizzle with the vinegar and maple syrup and toss to coat well.

Roast for 30 minutes. The liquid will start to thicken as they cool. Do not chill the strawberries before adding to the semifreddo. Mash with a fork.

34 — Rural Living — January/February 2022

Place the egg yolks, sugar and vanilla essence in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric beater until mix is light, thickened and almost double in volume.

Gently whip the cream and mascarpone with the beater until soft peaks form. Fold the egg yolks, strawberries and chocolate through. Pour into a loaf tin, double lined with clingfilm or baking paper. Smooth out the top, cover and pop it in the freezer (preferably overnight) until solid.

Place in the fridge 30 minutes before serving and slicing. Serve with additional chopped chocolate on top if desired. www.ruralliving.co.nz

GRILLED

Whole Portobello Mushrooms

fair weather, our Because the sun is far from set on ve dished up a cracking friends at Kingsford Charcoal ha d barbecue expert, recipe from brand ambassador an Adam Roberts.

Dress to impress!

See page 6 to enter our prize draw for Kingsford merchandise packs.

INGREDIENTS

Adam Roberts

◆ 1 lime ◆ 2 cloves garlic ◆ 80g butter ◆ 1/2 lime ◆ 1 tsp caster sugar ◆ 1/2 tsp kosher salt ◆ 1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper

◆ 4 whole Portobello mushrooms ◆ 2 whole tomatoes ◆ 1 white onion ◆ 1 bunch basil ◆ 1/2cup sweet corn ◆ 100g parmesan cheese ◆ 4 tbsp olive oil

METHOD Heat Kingsford Original Charcoal briquettes and prepare them for direct grilling. Charcoal should be fully lit and giving off a light blue smoke before adding mushrooms.

Dice whole tomatoes, white onion. Fine chop garlic cloves. Chop basil and finely grate parmesan cheese. Combine the diced tomatoes, white onion, sweetcorn and chopped basil in a mixing bowl, adding the juice of half a lime, caster sugar, kosher salt and pepper. Stir to combine and set aside. In a separate ramekin, melt the butter and add the fine

chopped garlic cloves to the butter and set aside.

Drizzle olive oil over the mushrooms and sprinkle with fresh cracked black pepper and kosher salt and add to the grill, grilling the underside of the mushrooms first for 2-3 minutes, then turning over so the underside of the mushroom is facing up.

Drizzle the garlic butter mix over the mushrooms and allow it to soak into the mushrooms as it cooks. Once mushrooms are heated through and cooked through, remove from grill and top with salsa mix, grate some parmesan over the top to serve.

Red Shed

Palazzo

Weddings - Birthdays or any special occasions

www.redshedpalazzo.co.nz

Breakfast/Lunch – licensed OPEN 7 days 8.30am - 4.00pm ON LINE BOOKINGS 16 Jesmond Rd, Karaka Ph (09) 294 6687

Red Shed Palazzo large logo.indd 1

Sunday marketS www.ruralliving.co.nz

KAT6932-v10

9/07/2015 10:26:36 a.m.

Email: eat@redshedpalazzo.co.nz

Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 35

BOOKARS,

NEW YE NEW ‘LEAVES’

KATT LOVES DOGG

RAINFOREST ANIMALS

WILBUR’S WALK

Cats and dogs may be the best of enemies, but Katts and Doggs are another matter. Molly and Oscar are on a mission as they defy convention in this illustrated novel by acclaimed children’s author, James Patterson. They’re supposed to be enemies but, instead, they are in love!

Venture into the wilds of the rainforest through this educational, fun filled book.

From ingenious monkeys to brightly coloured birds and creepy crawlies, a wide range of creatures take centre stage as young readers learn more about the world around us.

Adults may take life in their stride, but doing so can mean we miss out on some of the, seemingly, small details.

In this book, poet Rebecca Nash slows everything down to child-speed, revealing how a simple walk can lead us on an epic adventure.

James Patterson: Katt Loves Dogg | RRP $17.99 | Arrow

Caryn Jenner: Rainforest Animals | RRP $15.99 | Dorling Kindersley

Rebecca Nash & Daniel Nash (illustrator): Wilbur’s Walk | RRP $25 | Mary Egan Publishing

QUEEN OF MUCK

THE UPRISING – THE MAPMAKERS IN CRUXCIA

When Lucy and Lily seek out their missing granddad, they find themselves on a curious quest. From brutes in nail polish and a children-eating beast, to a discordant orchestra, flying chunks of cupcake and more, the duo encounters weirdness on a 'Dahlesque' scale.

Reminiscent of books by Roald Dahl, David Walliams and even Lewis Carroll, this is an exciting first junior fiction novel from a Kiwi author.

The mighty Grania Trading Company’s plans could ruin the landscape around Cruxcia forever, unless Sal, Joe, Francie and Humphrey Santander can come to the rescue. Discovering a town during their quest to find their father, the trio of mapmakers must draw on all their skills during this high-flying adventure.

Isaac Thackray: Queen of Muck | RRP $25 | Mary Egan Publishing

Eirlys Hunter & Kirsten Slade (illustrator): The Uprising – The Mapmakers in Cruxcia | RRP $22.99 | Gecko Press

36 — Rural Living — January/February 2022

A PLACE I TRULY BELONG Larry is not like the other giraffes at the zoo, in some ways more so than others.

Soft and cuddly, he feels alone. However, thanks to the magic of Matariki, a new journey sees this big-hearted (although diminutive) giraffe meet a range of interesting characters before finding a place where he truly belongs.

Anita Hinton & Michelle Euinton, Shaila Awadh (illustrators): A Place I truly Belong | RRP $20 | Mary Egan Publishing www.ruralliving.co.nz

OF FOOD AND FICTION

THE WORLD’S FITTEST COOKBOOK

REBEL HOMEMAKER

BOSH! ON A BUDGET

Who says ‘no pain, no gain’? Not Ross Edgley! Gaining insights by studying athletes, fitness specialists and military personnel, Ross discovered that balanced nutrition can be the key to helping people from all walks of life achieve their fitness goals. The result is a cookbook – with more than 100 recipes – that is also a toolkit to help us optimise our performance without missing out on tasty food along the way.

Looking beyond what’s hot in the kitchen, acclaimed actress-turned-author, Drew Barrymore, draws on her experiences regarding how food has played a central role in her health and general wellbeing.

Featuring her favourite recipes – from Yuzu Eggs to Brie and Apple Sandwiches – this book is also a handy insight into life, friendship and family.

Looking for nutritious food without breaking the bank? The answer could be as easy as ‘buy that Bosh book!'

Specifically designed to make the most of ingredients that aren’t too rich for our tables, this cookbook serves up more than 100 recipes. In addition, Bosh! on a Budget provides hints and tips for making a meal from the smallest shopping budgets.

Drew Barrymore: Rebel Homemaker | RRP $55 | Ebury Press

Henry Firth & Ian Theasby: Bosh! on a Budget | RRP $39.99 | HQ Non Fiction

Ross Edgley: The World’s Fittest Cookbook | RRP $42.99 | HarperCollins

THE LAST BEEKEEPER A quest to find the title character of this novel will test Hassan’s limits as he faces a changing world. A jar of mythical black honey could save his mother’s sight, but political turmoil of 1970s Pakistan threatens to derail his best efforts. A lyrical historical novel of family, friendship, and self-discovery, The Last Beekeeper is a sweet adventure with sour notes.

Siya Turabi: The Last Beekeeper | RRP $32.99 | HarperCollins www.ruralliving.co.nz

PANDORA

TO THE SEA

Mysteries of the ancient world collide with Georgian London in this intriguing historical novel. A chance discovery sets Dora Blake on a new path as she investigates the suspicious behaviour of her uncle and comes to question everything she has ever known about her life, family and the world as she knows it.

As this book’s title suggests, sometimes mysteries are best left unsolved.

Although a wild pine plantation on the coast may be paradise for Ana, it could soon be lost. When a stranger arrives, this idyllic, wild spot threatens to surrender a secret, one which could destroy Ana’s world. Will secrets and strangers change everything for her? This suspenseful novel reveals all!

Susan Stokes Chapman: Pandora | RRP $37 | Harvill Secker

Nikki Crutchley: To the Sea | RRP $35 | HarperCollins Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 37

Auckland – top of ‘the Planet’ G etting away from it all has been tricky (to say the least!), but there’s also no place like home!

Named the world’s top city to visit by Australian-based Lonely Planet, Auckland could well expect many more tourists when pandemic restrictions ease.

“Having Auckland as the number-one city and travel neighbour, Australians can discover even more about this great city,” Lonely Planet’s Chris Zeiher says.

“Many may not know that within the city’s boundaries there are 53 volcanoes, more than 50 islands, three wine regions and numerous beaches.”

Ours may be the prestigious guide’s ‘top town’ (with Taipei, Taiwan in second

and Freiburg, Germany, third), but Lonely Planet also rated regions and countries.

The Cook Islands gained the gong as ‘Best Country’, followed by Norway and Mauritius; Westfjords, Iceland was named Best Region, ahead of West Virginia, USA and China’s Xishuangbanna Prefecture.

In addition to the full top 10 lists, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 book covers destinations far and wide, showcasing paths well-trodden as well as those off the beaten track. With up-to-date advice and an emphasis on sustainable tourism, the latest edition is sure to inspire and help shape the travel dreams of those of us itching to explore our world.

FREE MAKING ON ALL SUPPLIERS

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 | RRP $29.99 | Lonely Planet

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SUNSCREEN ROLLER BLINDS

Happy New Year

VELLUTO COLLECTION

BY ASHLEY WILDE, FROM CHARLES PARSONS

22 Queen St, Pukekohe 38 — Rural Living — January/February 2022

www.kevenscurtains.co.nz

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FROM THE TEAM AT KEVENS CURTAINS

Ph 09 238 9326 www.ruralliving.co.nz

FROM THE EXPERT’S DESK

THE LATEST ON REAL ESTATE

GREAT ESCAPES – OUTDOORS IN! Interior design expert, KIM REICHE (from Refresh Renovations Franklin/ Manukau) discusses the ‘ins and outs’ of outdoor rooms.

N

ow that the golden days of summer are (well and truly) here, it’s time to maximise every moment as we soak up the sun while making the most of our outdoor rooms. Especially during these tumultuous times, more and more of us have been socialising with friends and family at home, making such spaces more useful than ever before.

Incorporating a stylish outdoor room into renovation plans provides a wonderful opportunity to be within arm’s reach of nature, while enjoying indoor comforts – we get the best of both worlds.

Whether for quick-fix improvements or more comprehensive upgrades, my team at Refresh Renovations Franklin/Manukau is on hand to help. We know how to optimise space and bring indoor and outdoor design continuity to your renovation.

Although outdoor rooms really flourish during summer, it’s essential to consider multiseason usage right from the design phase. With many years of design experience, we are ready to help evoke a sense of lushness, peace and relaxation

in a living area, which can be enjoyed from the balmy days of summer right through into chilly winter evenings.

In addition to enabling us to create marvellous spaces for our clients, our team’s expertise was further recognised by securing a prestigious Franchise of the Year award late last year. Winning was fabulous as it’s been a testament to our commitment to customer service and for top quality results across a wide range of projects. Having said that, it’s wonderful feedback from our clients that truly brings delight to us all. On that note, I would like to wish everyone a delightfully Happy New Year.

For expert advice regarding renovations large and small, call Kim and the team at Refresh Renovations Franklin/ Manukau on 0800 004 600.

House overdue for a renovation?

Relax and let Refresh manage the entire project for you, even if you live out of town.

Refresh is your local home renovation specialist – we’re locals who live in the area and can manage your project from start to finish. Refresh Renovations can renovate kitchens and bathrooms right through to complete home renovations.

Using our online customer portal you can track your project remotely including specifying products and seeing pictures and videos from site. Talk to us today.

Call Kim to get your project underway 0800 004 600 www.refreshrenovations.co.nz/KimReiche

MARKET MOMENTUM

SUSTAINED

By Darren Szaszy, Barfoot & Thompson, Pukekohe

T

he Auckland property market sustained its momentum right to the end of 2021 with prices at (or near) record levels and sales numbers remaining high.

“The market hit the Christmas break at full speed,” says Peter Thompson, managing director of Barfoot & Thompson. “December’s average sales price was a record $1,278,647, achieved from 911 sales. This was up 7.4 percent on the average price for the past three months and 17 percent higher than at the same time last year.”

Although the median price for the month ($1,235,000), was 0.4 percent down on that for November, it was 22.9 percent higher than December 2020, he confirms.

“The market took news of rising interest rates, tighter bank lending criteria and changes to investor taxation restrictions in its stride, with strong buyer interest right up to Christmas Eve. Buyers were not deterred by current prices in December, and we sold 255 homes for more than $2 million.”

Despite the impact of Covid restrictions, 2021 proved the real estate firm’s most active year since 2015, selling an average of 1119 properties per month.

“With regards to our median sales price for 2021 (of $1,102,000), it was 19.9 percent higher than during the previous year; this year-on-year increase was the highest increase over the past decade, surpassing the 17 percent increase recorded in 2015, so we’re very pleased with that!”

Another year-on-year increase related to the average yearly sales price for Barfoot & Thompson, up 16.4 percent to $1,153,252.

“This was the highest increase in the past decade, surpassing a 14 percent rise recorded in 2015,” Mr Thompson states.

“The majority of commentators are forecasting that prices will continue to climb in the first half of 2022, but the rate of increase will decline.”

Housing stocks have also increased.

“With 948 new listings in December and 3646 listings at the end of last month, we’re entering 2022 with nearly a quarter more homes for sale than last January. Trading in the Auckland market is invariably patchy early in the year, with trends for prices and sales numbers unlikely to be established until early March, but we’re optimistic.”

The Northern region’s rural and lifestyle market also finished 2021 on a strong note.

“We had more than $105 million in sales in December alone,” Mr Thompson adds. “The average monthly sales total for the year in these markets was $95.5 million dollars, surpassing last year’s average by 37 percent.”

Barfoot & Thompson knows the Auckland market well; it is a leading real estate company, responsible for (approximately) one third of all Auckland residential home sales.

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 39

Clevedon reno’ master nails win “T Master builders have been given a master class in renovation excellence thanks to W.G. de Gruchy Construction. This Clevedon-based company received awards for Supreme Renovation of the Year and Bunnings Renovation (Over $1 Million) at the Master Builders House of the Year 2021 competition.

he builder showed great expertise by completing an outstanding alteration and creating a fantastic new addition,” judges remarked.

“There has been a clear attention to detail throughout this project, with most features requiring and demonstrating an exceptional level of workmanship.

This project was a tremendous collaboration between the

“There has been a clear attention to detail throughout this project, with most features requiring and demonstrating an exceptional level of workmanship."

owners, architects, builders and all other trades. Completed with great passion, this home is an outstanding result.”

Christchurch’s Clive Barrington Construction also hammered home a major win, claiming the Supreme House of the Year and Resene New Home (Over $2 million) awards. For a full list of winners – as well as more stunning photos – visit www.houseoftheyear.co.nz.

AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE PLASTIC SURGERY

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Looking to split acreage off to help your family into their first home?

We can think of nothing better than helping your kids step onto the property ladder, as well as having them living near by.

Family is important to us too. Slicing off a section for your kids when you have the room to spread out is a no brainer. We are here to help with initial feasibility assessments, land surveying, arranging the various council consents, and of course building the home and adding all of the infrastructure.

Feels like family...

40 — Rural Living — January/February 2022

REMUERA

TAURANGA

PUKEKOHE

NEW PLYMOUTH

Tristan de Chalain Limited Level 2, OneHealth Building 122 Remuera Road, Auckland Tel: 09 522 0652 Tristan de Chalain Limited 10 West Street Pukekohe Tel: 09 522 0652

Jennian Homes Franklin 2 Walter Lawry Drive, Paerata Rise P 09 238 6156 E franklin@jennian.co.nz jennian.co.nz

Consulting in Auckland, Pukekohe, Tauranga and New Plymouth

Tristan de Chalain Limited Suite 9, Promed House 71 Tenth Ave, Tauranga South Tel: 09 522 0652 Tristan de Chalain Limited Care First Building 99 Tukapa Street, New Plymouth Tel: 027 431 5152

Visit our website www.plassurg.co.nz or email reception@plassurg.co.nz KAT7807

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

COUNTRYSIDEBegins THE

with Jo-Ann Day-Townsend

2022 – REFRESHED AND READY

Well, we couldn’t have asked for better weather, could we? The sun shone during my holiday escape for the entire time and the grandchildren played in the waves at the beach, built sandcastles, ate ice creams and generally reminded me that I needed to take time out – and I did!

But it also reminded me that my eldest grandson, Nathan, will be turning six when he goes back to school. Even he is thinking ahead, proving planning is important at any age, which should be a lesson for us all. I’m sure all of us did some soul searching over the holidays about what this year means for us, apart from having a birthday, like Nathan, I mean.

It is predicted that Auckland will see a big interregional migration loss in the next 12 months with people moving out of Auckland and heading for the regions.

This follows a surge in house building in Auckland out stripping migration (for obvious reasons), as well as population growth of 90,000 per year – including 60,000 from migration, but of course of that is on hold at this point.

There have been 48,000 consents granted for new builds – 20,000 of those in Auckland – 26 percent up on 2020 and four

times as many as issued a decade ago.

Those homes that have been built have put a dent in the housing shortage we have been experiencing, so stocks are catching up with demand. The simple economics I learnt is that when there is enough of a commodity, its value/worth does not stay as high – conversely, building fewer houses increases the overall price people are prepared to pay.

So, what does all that mean? Some people may say they don’t need to live in Auckland anymore – the increasing flexibility to work from home reducing g the need to live in a

central location. For others, their children have left home, so there is less need for larger houses. Then again, growing families may need to upsize, due to the amount of stuff that comes with young ones swamping their current homes.

Whether change is in line with Auckland’s trends or not, we are here to help – even if it is just to help our clients understand how these trends could impact the price of their houses. Whatever your circumstances, feel free to give me (Jo-Ann) a call; I’ll be happy to assist, and I will even wish you a happy birthday in advance!

FOR SALE with JO-ANN

Kingseat, 80a McRobbie Rd

Onewhero, 196 Wairamarama Onewhero Rd

Jo-Ann Day-Townsend

Port Realty Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 41

KAT5307-v49

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

OUT OF EUROPE

Call them Laengsel...

WHALE WAYS: after splashing into summer, we’re all now set to get our feet firmly back under our desks and on terra firma. Fortunately, Laengsel (from Denmark) has landed quite the catch with its Orka (aka orca) desk and chair, providing a fresh, new look for the New Year.

Based on a Scandinavian concept, ‘orka’ means having the drive, determination and physical or mental energy to take on a task. So, although it’d be rather hard to land an actual white whale from a desk, one could write a great novel at such a novel perch.

Whether this desk (and matching chair) can encourage us to be more productive or not, it is an aesthetically pleasing, striking piece of furniture which plays with light and shade.

Made from birch, beech, ash or oak plywood, this desk can be ordered and shipped to New Zealand by arrangement via www.laengsel.dk.

CREATE THE BATHROOM YOU HAVE ALWAYS DREAMED OF WITH A RENOVATION FROM SMITH & SONS Create a beautiful sanctuary in your home and increase the resale value of your property at the same time. If a new bathroom is high on your wish list, talk to the team at Smith & Sons Franklin. We work with you from concept to completion to bring your renovation ideas to life.

Let’s start the conversation.

Call: 0800 764 846 Email: franklin@smithandsons.co.nz or visit smithandsons.co.nz 19 Manukau Road, Pukekhoe

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42 — Rural Living — January/February 2022

www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Rural Living — January/February 2022 — 43

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44 — Rural Living — January/February 2022