Rural Living January 2013 by Times Media

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YO UR RURAL LIFES T YLE M ON T HLY HA N D BOOK – V OL. 8, ISS U E 1, J ANU AR Y 2 0 13

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2 — Rural Living — January 2013

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Pan-tastic pancakes Liz and Vincent Alexander live the ideal rural lifestyle on 12 hectares of Waikato farmland with some cattle, a horse, a cat and a dog. But what happens when pancakes are thrown into the mix? Answer: Pancakes Are Delicious, a pancake caravan business that serves the weekend Gordonton and Pokeno Markets on a regular basis. It all began in 1999 when Aucklandborn city girl Liz married Vincent, a Dutchman who had arrived in New Zealand seven years prior as a young 27-year-old mechanic. Settling into their first home on the North Shore, the newlyweds soon discovered they couldn’t bear living there. “I hated it!” Liz says. “We moved in the day after our wedding and as soon as we opened curtains we saw the neighbours. We didn’t realise they would be so close.” That year, the couple were also exposed to the wonders of pancake parlours and houses in Holland and America. “Pancakes are a big thing in Holland and generally a part of special occasions,” Vincent says. “Every time we had a birthday mum would make pancakes.” Subsequently, Liz visited friends in the United States who introduced her to International House of Pancakes (IHOP), a global pancake franchise. She immediately thought: “Why doesn’t New Zealand do something like this?” But before they could develop a business plan, the Alexanders first had to move to greener pastures, literally – “I’d always wanted a farm,” Liz says. They found the perfect patch nestled in remote Glen Murray Rd offering picturesque views and a lifestyle they dreamed of. Naming it De Boerderij (pronounced de-bow-deray), which is Dutch for “the farm”, the pair set about making the property liveable. “It was just a paddock when we came here,” says Vincent, who had grown up in a similar setting in the Netherlands and was familiar with rural life. “We actually moved our North Shore house to the property then did all the fencing and other jobs needed to make it work. On the Shore, we had a back garden where the grass wouldn’t even grow properly; sud-

Nestled among the rolling hills and rural farmland of Churchill in northern Waikato, there is a storm cooking up of the most curious variety: pancakes. NATALIE TAN journeys along winding roads to discover who is flipping these ‘hot’ cakes and why.

Vincent and Liz Alexander – pancake makers extraordinaire with (from left) pancake lasagne, banoffee pancakes Photo Wayne Martin and nude pancakes.

denly we had 30 acres of grass.” Now, after nine years in this idyllic spot, Liz and Vincent are finally on track with their pancake-making dream. “It had been on my mind for a long time,” Liz says. “Even when I slept, I dreamt about pancakes!” A few months ago, the pair commissioned the building of a small commercial kitchen in an old container just big enough for Liz who has taken charge of making the pancakes. “Most of the things in here are reclaimed,” she says. “We’ve used second-hand rimu and bought items on TradeMe.”

With the addition of the kitchen, Liz now flips 80 pancakes in a record 90 minutes. The passionate duo has provided for events at Onewhero Playcentre and Ararimu School, regular builders’ breakfasts at Placemakers in Huntly, corporate breakfasts and luncheons as well as Christmas functions. More recently, Aimee Reynolds of Sugar Plum Kitchen in Tuakau has started stocking Pancakes Are Delicious offerings, a sign of bigger things to come. The pancakes have the thin edge of a crepe and a thickness that is between a crepe and the more solid

American-style hotcake – “we found our choice was best for rolling,” Liz says. Because the fillings are generous, the rolling is crucial to making a good Pancakes Are Delicious pancake. And in aiming to show Kiwis how versatile pancakes are, Liz says both sweet and savoury options are available including a pancake lasagne with beef! This last concoction has all the ingredients of a traditional lasagne but with pancakes a substitute for lasagne sheets. The rest of the ingredients include béchamel sauce, mince, and a layer

of cheese – Dutch-style Edam – in between each pancake. Liz says people are initially hesitant to try her rather unconventional creation. “We tell them if they don’t like it we’ll give them something else. They always eat it.” The most popular item on their menu is the banoffee, a delectable combination of banana, cream and caramel. Their latest pancake creation, served with banana, cream and mango sauce, has also been wildly popular. Other delights include the colonial (bacon, mushroom, cheese and spicy plum sauce), maple surprise (banana, bacon and maple syrup), triple chocolate (chocolate syrup, chocolate crumbs and chocolate cream) and lemon passion (banana, cream and lemon or passionfruit syrup). Traditional toppings such as sugar and chocolate syrup are available and the Pancakes Are Delicious team is happy to customise anything on the menu. However, gluten-free is not an option just yet as the current kitchen is too small for a separate gluten-free only area but it will be considered in the future. For now, the focus is on delivering a top notch product. “We’ve realised that quality is a priority so we use only top quality ingredients,” Vincent says. “And next on the shopping list is a vacuum packing machine to prolong the life of the pancakes which presently keep for up to three days in the fridge.” While it’s all business in the kitchen, at the markets, it’s a colourful affair as the Alexanders don bright orange outfits, bring out their stuffed, orange owl mascot, Pannekoeken (Dutch for pancakes), and operate from their cream-coloured 70’s style caravan. Chairs and tables are set out for people to sit and enjoy the pancakes and children have their own special chairs, tables and colouring sheets too. “The kids read our sign ‘Pancakes Are Delicious’ and say ‘I want a pancake’,” says Liz. “Once they’ve eaten one, they say, ‘your pancakes ARE delicious!’ ” And this reporter agrees – wholeheartedly! So, head to the Pokeno Market on a Sunday or Gordonton Country Market every second Saturday for a pan-tastic experience!

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4 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Rural Living â&#x20AC;&#x201D; January 2013

A city divided â&#x20AC;&#x201C; refuse refused!

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By Jon Rawlinson

>V( & "#$ %&' >V( ' % & & eee `cÒZZWdW\U Q] \h aOZSa.`cÒZZWdW\U Q] \h \Sea.`cÒZZWdW\U Q] \h QZOaaWÂżSRa.`cÒZZWdW\U Q] \h 3RWb]`( 6SZS\ >S``g 227 ' % & !$ 4Of( ' % & '' 3[OWZ( SRWb]`.`cÒZZWdW\U Q] \h

You can take the lad out of Auckland but you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take rubbish out in Franklin; that is, of course, without dinky little stickers plastered on rubbish bags. Thanks to the empire-building that has resulted in our fair â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Super

Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all D-Aucklanders now folks. However, it seems someone didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the memo because, while people in other areas can freely kick their cleansacks to the curb, we, the people of poor old Franklin, will come unstuck performing this simple and essential task.

Why is it that those from other parts of the city benefit from free rubbish pickup, when Franklin residents â&#x20AC;&#x201C; many of us paying rates to the exact same â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;collectionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of councillors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; must also pay about $2 per bag for stickers in order to take out the trash? That said, it seems, as rates con-

tinue to rise, services are headed in the other direction with user-pays rubbish collection looking likely to be the norm throughout Auckland. With such a malodorous bag of amenities being dished up by our civil servants, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m beginning to wonder if this whole super city idea is just plain over-rated! From left to right: Jacob Bates (with Ollie), Carlijn Bouwman (with Bounty), Meike Sloan (with Eden), Stephen James (with Vinnie), Jemma Grant (with Rogue), Tapua Hori (with Ella) and Rochelle Harper (with Cole). Photo supplied

AOZSa 1]\acZbO\b( ;O`SS dO\ >WS`S 227 ' % &' 4Of( % & '' 3[OWZ( [O`SSd^.bW[SaV]caS Q] \h 1ZOaaWÂżSR /RdS`bWaW\U( & "#$ %&' 3[OWZ( QZOaaWÂżSRa.`cÒZZWdW\U Q] \h /`b 2W`SQb]`( 1ZO`S ;Q5WZZWdÒg 227 ' % & $% 4Of( ' % & % 3[OWZ( QZO`S.`cÒZZWdW\U Q] \h ;O\OUS`( 9O`ZO EOWÒc 227 ' % & &! 4Of( ' % & '' YO`ZO.bW[SaV]caS Q] \h >cPZWaVS`( 0`WO\ <SPS\ # Ab]\SR]\ 2` 3Oab BO[OYW /9:2 >= 0]f #' "! 0]bO\g /cQYZO\R $! BSZS^V]\S( ' % & & 4Of( ' % & '' 27A1:/7;3@( /`bWQZSa ^cPZWaVSR W\ @cÒZ :WdW\U R] \]b \SQSaaO`WZg `SĂ&#x20AC;SQb bVS dWSea ]T bVS ^cPZWaVSà ]` SRWb]` /ZZ [ObS`WOZ Wa ^`]dWRSR Oa O US\SÒZ W\T]`[ObW]\ aS`dWQS ]\Zg BW[Sa 6]caS >cPZWaVW\U :bR R]Sa \]b Oaac[S ]` OQQS^b O\g `Sa^]\aWPWZWbg T]` O\R aVOZZ \]b PS ZWOPZS T]` bVS OQQcÒQg ]` O^^`]^`WObS O^^ZWQObW]\ ]T O\g W\T]`[ObW]\ W\ bVWa \SeaÔ^S` /ZZ bVS [ObS`WOZ W\ bVWa \SeaÔ^S` VOa bVS ^`]bSQbW]\ ]T W\bS`\ObW]\OZ Q]^g`WUVb /ZZ `WUVba `SaS`dSR <] Q]\bS\b [Og PS `S^`]RcQSR eWbV]cb bVS ^`W]` e`WbbS\ Q]\aS\b ]T BW[Sa 6]caS >cPZWaVW\U :bR

new nose for bad seeds With harmful pests and diseases entering the country, it seems New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biosecurity really has gone to the dogs! To keep New Zealand free from

exotic pests and diseases, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has recently completed training for three new detector dog handlers and 43 quarantine

inspectors. Not only can detector dogs screen passengers faster, they are also able to locate seeds and plants that can be difficult to detect by x-ray.

As the four-legged new recruits are specially trained to search baggage, mail and cargo for agricultural products, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hoped their efforts will result in more than just a shaggy dog â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;tail!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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Rural Living — January 2013 — 5

Make hay while the summer sun shines! By Anna McNaughton It’s hay time again, with the glorious scent of freshly-cut grass permeating summer evenings. The satisfying, annual ritual of harvesting surplus grass into delectably, sweet-smelling winter feed begins in December and reaches its peak through the drier January days. Silage and baleage, big machines and big bales rule the paddocks now but it is still possible to find contractors who will look after the needs of small block farmers, for whom it is uneconomical to invest in the extra machinery required to handle large bales. Te Toro-based contractor, John Renall, always made his own hay and saw the need for a small “conventional” bale service. Four years ago he invested in the equipment required – tractor, mower, rake and baler – to provide that service. Word soon spread and before long John had established a customer base. His clients are mostly local folk from around the territory, which the Renall family have called home for more than 100 years. John still lives on family farmland with a small cattle-fattening operation. Haymaking is fitted in around shift work at New Zealand Steel, Maioro and, of course, the weather. John says early December hay

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From left, Blake Manning (neighbour), Taylor Oldfield, Dante Oldfield, Sonni Manning (neighbour) and Mike Photos supplied Oldfield loading hay plus Jackson the dog. can be the best quality but usually requires a longer settled period of good drying weather to condition fully because weather patterns are rarely settled then. “You can’t rush good hay. It has to be given the time to condition before baling, which varies according to the heaviness of the crop and the weather conditions, ” he explains. Contractors often struggle to juggle farmers’ requirements but John has made it a priority to do his best to achieve a quality hay crop for customers. He says planning for a hay crop needs to be done early in spring with hay paddocks ideally destocked and fertilised early in October. “Weed control through spring is

important because nasties such as ragwort, oxeye daisy, thistles, and pennyroyal can unwittingly be spread while feeding-out hay if the pasture is not kept ‘clean’ before harvest.” John recommends booking a contractor early, so that, depending on the growing season, and how early the paddocks are shut away from grazing, work can be fitted in. “The weather is always a key factor too. Our geography means that quick changes are always a possibility, with heavy rain or extreme winds creating stress at baling time. “Accurate 24-hour forecasts are easy to obtain; four day forecasts, nearly impossible,” says John. All going well, hay can be baled within two to four days of cutting

with the hard work of lifting, carting and storing bales nearly always completed in hot weather. And, as John says, a good pair of gloves makes the job bearable (nylon baling twine is very hard on the hands; sisal/hemp twine not quite so harsh). Furthermore, a willing team of friends, relatives or neighbours makes the job sociable, even fun. Ultimately, seeing a stack of good hay in the barn can be one of the most rewarding parts of the farming year.

learning the ropes Mike and Mellanie Oldfield moved onto their 22-acre Kohekohe lifestyle block in 2002, having built a new home and barn on their hill farm. Mike had no farming background,

and a fulltime job with New Zealand Steel. However, Mellanies’ horses were a priority when the couple were house hunting – there had to be grazing for two horses! Once on the land, farmer friends soon brought Mike up to speed with fencing and other jobs. Mellanie, from the Chitty farming family, was already comfortable with farming and handling the cattle-fattening operation which complements the horse grazing patterns and provides an income. With the arrival of their two boys, Taylor, now 7, and Dante, 4, the lifestyle block has become a small family farm, handy to Waipipi school. Annual haymaking was part of the original plan but a good 4WD access track to the best hay paddock had to be put in after the first year. Getting the hay out safely was too hard without it! Growing their own hay has proved economic, as most years there is sufficient to stack plenty for their own use, plus sell surplus to help defray costs. “There is always demand for good meadow hay, especially for horses,” says Mike. “We like having good clean hay for our own animals.” This season, despite battling a typical Peninsula gusty wind during baling, John Renall completed a successful hay harvest for the Oldfields.

6 — Rural Living — January 2013

Feeling a Time to heed little left safety message out? While we do deliver to RD addresses in our area and some town drop boxes too, our ‘paper boy’ is not perfect. So, we’re thinking outside the box. If you don’t already receive Rural Living each month but would love to get it regularly, please register today to access our easy-to-read, digital version emailed directly to your inbox. Why not visit www.ruralliving.co.nz to subscribe and keep up with news, interviews, tips, competitions, advertisements and more – page by page, online. Remember, Franklin is your district, so turn on, tune in and open up to the country with Rural Living.

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

COUNTRY LAD Here we are, another year gone by and into a new year. Normally at this time we say, “this year has to be better than the last”, so let’s hope! One of the stories making headlines at the moment is the safety of quad bikes and everyone seems to have a solution to this problem. However, it seems to me, that of the many people offering advice not all ride quads on a daily basis or use them as part of their farm requirements. In my experience, most farmers and property owners who ride quad bikes are responsible people who have used them for many years without injury and ﬁnd them invaluable for numerous farming duties. I too, have had my quaddie for many years and realise that these

all-terrain vehicles need to be treated with due respect as they can be very dangerous. A case in point is the Matamata man injured last week when he got off his bike to open a gate and the vehicle rolled towards him. As he tried to stop it, he was knocked into a ditch with the bike falling on top of him. It may be that he didn’t use his parking brake. This has happened to me on numerous occasions – “silly me!” I think one of the problems is that the bikes are extremely easy to use often resulting in operators becoming too complacent and not taking proper care. This is sometimes the case with me. For example, I have developed a bad habit of standing up on the foot supports while the bike is in motion. That’s ﬁne except if I need to brake quickly I could suddenly go head ﬁrst over the handle bars and that would surely result in serious injury. I have also been guilty of stopping to open a gate and accidentally leaving the bike in gear. That’s a really bad thing to do as when re-mounting the bike, it is all too

53659

SUMMER ON THE WATER DEALS

Brian’s quad bike essential for his farm life. easy to push the throttle. There are, of course, other bad habits that come with quads but fortunately, or unfortunately, one does learn by experience. We should all listen to Federated Farmers which has said that recreational users, not farmers, need to better heed safety measures! Now to the horses. Will Desire is looking great and is due to be weaned shortly. I do have a problem though as I can’t identify his colour. Some days he looks black and on others

he looks to be a very dark brown. I need to have his colour correct before I can register him so, time will tell. Elsuduko went to the workouts last week and I must say the spell has done him the world of good. Hopefully he will get to the races this week and that will be the real test. I will give readers an update next month and hopefully I’ll have news of a win or two! In the meantime, enjoy this wonderful summer weather.

Rural Living — January 2013 — 7

Stepping out in the New Year

FANTASTIC f ootloose

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

SUMMER

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The Jean Jones store in Papakura is a hint of things to come in Pukekohe next month. I was in Papakura Jean Jones before Christmas and thought what a lovely, airy store it was with a huge selection of New Zealandmade clothes. Now I ﬁnd out that they are opening in Pukekohe too. What’s more, my girlfriend, Val, will be working there too. How good is that? She is an expert shopper with vast experience in using a credit card! Now, she is putting her talent to good purpose and encouraging others to spend their money. In fact, being a shopper myself, I know that within a couple of blocks you can part with good money on exciting things. Walking past Footloose (or into as the case may be) shoppers

will see a huge range of fab shoes on sale while at the other end of town, The Merino Story has a fantastic collection of fascinators and hats as well as clothes for all the formal or dress up things we need to attend during summer months. I also spotted brilliant coloured brothel creepers (that’s what they were called in my day) plus other bright coloured shoes at Halliwells and then, across the road at Catwalk, some lovely, bright dresses and beautiful fascinators and hats which can be made to order. I have to say that Puke seems to get better and better. The people in the cafes are always charming and those in the shops the same. Yet again, I must add that the

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team at Pilates and their clients are just so nice. Although, I’m probably boring you all by now I must ﬁnish off my Puke roundup by mentioning the people at Laundry4U. They, like all the businesses in town, go that extra mile when it comes to service. On the home front, Sonny Bill the kitten has grown considerably and is causing less trouble. My 10 upholstered dining chairs are now all taped up as they have taken on a very shaggy appearance. We keep the water spray close at hand but he seems to like getting wet. Just our luck – another difﬁcult animal. See you next month when we will be into the Year of the Snake.

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Well, 2013 is here and hasn’t it turned out to be a year of fabulous weather so far. We spent a really quiet Christmas break at home and it was wonderful just to enjoy the garden and read a good book around the pool. Christmas Day was at our place and it was so nice to have everyone there but I have decided it’s time for a change next year. I think it would be nice to be looked after, have the food brought to the table and when all is done we can just get up and go home. Bliss! But with this year now underway, the most important thing to achieve is ﬁnding a house for my daughter. Settlement on her home has passed and she has moved into ours. The market in Pukekohe is like all areas of Auckland; really tight with houses in her price bracket selling really quickly. We may have a boarder for some time. Walking around Pukekohe during the break I saw the sign saying the new Farmers building will open in March and also that the shop next to Michael Hill, will soon be home to Jean Jones.

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8 — Rural Living — January 2013

Bridles, Brollies & Beauties Sunday, February 10, 2013 Counties Racing Club Join us for this wonderful day of live racing, all things girly, great food and company & loads more!

Venue: The Oaks Lounge Time: 12.00-5.00pm Price: $50 per person ($450 tables of 10)

Book Today:

“FAMILY FUN DAY ON HILL LAWN”

Phone the Club: 09 238 8049 Email: karen@countiesracing.co.nz www.countiesracing.co.nz 53317-V2

New Zealand’s

one in a million race And they’re racing – well almost. Come Auckland’s Anniversary Weekend, when the country’s richest horse race – the Karaka Million – gets underway, the country’s finest two year olds will go head to head and you can bet that local money will be riding on more than a few. Last year, as promising one year olds, all these big money contenders went under the hammer at the National Yearling Sales in Karaka. This month, a year later, they will be put to the test with top spending owners each hoping their horse will be a winner on the night and in the future. A big month on the local

equine calendar, January sees the six-day, 2013 National Yearling Sales kick off on January 28 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Karaka Sales Complex. But, just as importantly, on the eve of this premier event, the $1,000,000 Karaka Million race hosted by the Auckland Racing Club as part of its Summer Twilight Series, will be a silken event of entertainment, partying and, of course, racing. With 14 of the top earning horses from the 2012 sales all saddled and ready to cross the ‘whinnying’ line first, the who’s who of Auckland’s raciest social set will be on hand to applaud the winners.

In all, there will be six races. The gates at Ellerslie will open at 3pm with the Lindauer Garden Party bubbling over from 3.30pm. Other hospitality options open at 4pm and the first race will run at about 5.10pm. The last race is timed for just prior to 8pm then it’s time to party at the Birdcage Bash in Cuvée. And for those not nursing sore heads the next day, first up at the Karaka Sales Complex on January 28 & 29 is the Premier Yearling Sale followed by the Select Yearling Sale, January 30 – February 1 and then the Festival Yearling Sale, February 3 & 4, 2013.

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Grand nags and the glad rags at the 2012 event.

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Whoever said, it’s no use ties and cash bar available. putting up your umbrella Race visitors can also till it rains, didn’t know purchase a table for 10 at about the annual Bridles, $450. Brollies and Beauties Race This year’s big day also Day hosted by Counties encompasses the club’s Racing Club. annual family focus with Come rain or shine that’s events on the Hill Lawn one day when the brollies including free children’s are out and the thoroughentertainment such as a breds – madams and mares bouncy castle and face – are on show too. painting. There will be This year’s event when pony rides at the back of the horse flesh and girls who Grandstand and Kidz Kartz wanna have fun, come Racing on the track. Also out in style, takes place on enjoy free course admission Sunday, February 10. and parking. Now into its third year, Whether opting for a Bridles, Brollies & Beauties, picnic under the trees and Kidz Kartz racing at last year’s event. will again focus on all things fun times with the family girly (apart from the racing) to reserved seating, race book, or meeting up with the girls with displays and demonstra- glass of bubbles on arrival, and dressed to the nines and weartions from a variety of local a lunch menu to be designed ing their best race day hats, shops as well as giveaways and by head chef MJ Fox. you can bet Bridles, Brollies spot prizes. There is prime viewing of and Beauties will be a winner The $50 ticket provides entry the race action with tote facili- in every way.

50379

Rural Living — January 2013 — 9

equine

Saddled with the horse? Yeehaa!

Just gathering together the basic items for a new rider can be a mission. At H.R. Fisken and Sons Ltd, a knowledgeable team can explain and show owners the wealth of tack options on display. example, beyond purchasing the basics such as halter and lead rope, bridle, saddle and saddle blanket, winter coat, helmet and sturdy boots, owners have to think about regular worming, grooming, shoeing and hoof trimming. “Then there are items such as what type of bit – there are many types – and ensuring the saddle is the right fit. “When buying a pony always ask what bit it is accustomed to and be aware that an ill-fitting saddle can hurt a pony’s back resulting in all sorts of problems.” Jane suggests visiting local pony clubs before buying.

“Watch, talk to people, ask about ponies for sale. Also ask if a prospective pony has any bad habits or peculiarities that need to be taken into account. “And for those families who don’t have grazing be sure to sort this out quick. Good grazing is hard to find and you can’t do without it.” In fact, feeding in general, is something a lot of folk don’t think about. Jane says those who believe a paddock full of grass is all that’s needed to keep a hungry horse happy might come a cropper. “You can have too much grass or too little grass and dairy grass is no good for horses. Some ponies are

prone to weight gain so intake has to be watched while a very active horse may need special supplements.” With so much to think about, new owners can learn a lot by visiting H.R. Fisken and Sons where the shop is crammed with every piece of equipment imaginable. The team can guide customers in their tack and feed choices and for those who gave up on the idea of a horse but have cattle, sheep, chickens, goats or pigs then Fisken’s makes its own nutrious feed and, of course, caters for cats and dogs too. – Helen Perry

Providing a caring and professional solution for horse studs and farm owners. 24hr or same day service. Also large animal rescue service. Ph Richard on (0274) 976 058 A/H (09) 233 4446 51916

So, who gave in to the unstoppable stream of pleading cajoling, demanding and when all else failed, blackmail, and bought the offspring a horse for Christmas? And who is now running for cover and saying to the spouse, “it’s got nothing to do with me, it was your decision!” If that sounds like your household, don’t despair. While Rural Living gave new lifestylers plenty of warning last month about the pitfalls of owning a horse, it was inevitable some would succumb to temptation. Consequently we headed out to H.R Fisken and Sons Ltd on Tuakau Rd to talk tack and feed. Established in 1957, the business is presently run by John Fisken, the third generation of his family to head the company with mum and dad, Marie and Graham Fisken, still hands on too. While John is pretty embroiled in the stock feed arm of the company, the retail shop is in the good hands of an experienced team including Jane Stewart, Alison Davies and Angela Smith, all experienced riders who own land and horses. They are well versed in equine care and happily provide advice or point customers in the right direction when specialist equine attention is required. “New horse owners usually have a lot to learn,” says Jane. “For

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10 — Rural Living — January 2013

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Lifestylers beware – the moist, humid conditions experienced across the country these past weeks may pose a potential threat to livestock. Anyone with sheep, cattle, goats, deer and even alpaca need to be on the alert for outbreaks of facial eczema, a type of ‘sunburn’ which can, if left untreated. lead to death in farm animals. Facial eczema tends to rear its ‘ugly mug’ anywhere between January and May sparked by warm, moist soil conditions or long dry conditions followed by rain. The sporidesmin toxin, produced by the spores of the fungus, Pithomyces chartarum, found in pasture is the cause of this miserable disease; warmth and dampness spurring growth of the fungus. When animals inadvertently consume the toxin it damages the liver which cannot get rid of phylloerythrin, a chlorophyll breakdown product. Subsequently, a combination of the facial eczema and the more serious liver damage is likely to result in poor fertility, low milk production and even death. Initial symptoms generally include reddening, itching and swelling of exposed skin – eyes, ears, lips and nose. In sheep the ears droop, the eyes swell and affected animals will shake their heads and rub their faces against fence posts and similar. This can result in bleeding and the lesions can attract blowﬂies. Sheep will often stop eating and when this happens death can come about quite quickly. In cattle, early signs are ﬂaky skin, white patches and hairlessness. Sore, raw patches and reddening occurs. In addition to ears, eyes and nose, the teats, udder and the vulva can be affected. Most affected animals will seek shade. With no cure for facial eczema, prevention is essen-

Spraying pasture with fungicide is a prevention option. tial. Constantly monitor pasture and stock – waiting for signs of the disease to appear may be too late – by the time 5% of animals show obvious skin damage, around 70% are likely to suffer from liver damage. For those who have experienced past high spore count problems, spraying pasture with fungicide is an option especially on smaller lifestyle blocks. Be sure instructions are followed carefully and continue to closely monitor spore counts on sprayed pasture. Keep an eye out too for new, improved products which are always coming on to the market. Some people may opt to feed out hay or silage in safe areas during the high risk times but this may be costly. As a long term strategy, consider replacing affected pastures with strains of ryegrass which is unlikely to support the fungus.

Zinc oxide given orally as a drench to stock is the most common and effective preventative treatment for facial eczema. However, remember, it is vitally important to check doses and quantities with your vet. For cattle, zinc solutions can be added to the drinking water however, animals need to become accustomed to the taste before the danger period. This can be an effective means of control especially in dry cows, provided there is no other source of water, and provided zinc concentrations are carefully regulated via a dispenser. Zinc supplements should be started in January and it is important not to risk overdosing by doubling up on methods. Be sure to seek professional advice on prevention and care of affected animals – an incorrect dosage or use of an incorrect product could kill stock.

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Rural Living — January 2013 — 11

From egg to cocoon the caterpillar stage of the Emperor Gum Moth’s cycle can last many weeks.

Photos supplied

If it weren’t for your gum tree Last summer a reader asked about a caterpillar with yellow stripes. Rural Living did a little investigating and decided it was probably the larval stage of the gum emperor moth which is something of a pest. These caterpillars will soon be around again so it seemed timely to talk about this not so welcome visitor. give a furry appearance. The male wing-span is approximately 85-110 mm and the female’s, 95-130 mm. But the most prominent features on both pairs of wings are the eye spots which give this month its distinctive and attractive appearance. On the forewings these eye spots are about 7 mm in diameter and have pink centres ringed in reddish-brown. Spots on the hind wings are larger (10 mm) and the orange centres are ringed in black. There is usually a white dot in the middle of both pairs of eye spots. Black or reddish-brown stripes might also be seen on both the wings, one on either side of the eye spots. The antennae are comb-like and those of the male are about three times as long as those of the female. But it is the caterpillars we should be a little concerned about. They can be quite destructive, defoliating their host trees thus affecting growth.

Repeated defoliation will result in a proliferation of branching and a bushy appearance while the most severe defoliation may kill the tree entirely. In general, damage, so far, has mostly appeared in ornamental, shade, and shelter belt trees and might be considered more nuisance value than a dire threat. However, no one wants to see a healthy tree lose condition or die for want of a little added attention. Fortunately the eggs, caterpillar, cocoon, and moth are readily identified and unlikely to be confused with any other species found in New Zealand. The first and second-stage caterpillars are, as mentioned, basically black, with two yellow stripes along the top

with one along each side of the abdomen. In the final three stages of growth, the caterpillars become bright green, so as to blend with foliage. Lighter on the upper surface with the underside a more intense blue green, a fully grown caterpillar, which may be up to 120mm long, is well camouflaged. Pupation takes place in a strong, silky cocoon, usually on twigs and small branches. Then in spring and early summer the adult inside the cocoon regurgitates a fluid which softens the silk. The moth emerges by

cutting a hole with a sharp hook on the base of each forewing. Once ‘born’, this baby won’t put on weight; its mouth parts are so poorly developed it is unable to feed. Therefore, mating occurs soon after it emerges and the eggs are then laid. Caterpillars are usually found from midDecember and pupate from approximately mid- January to the end of August although adults may occasionally emerge late February to mid-March to produce a second generation of caterpillars. Widespread outbreaks of the gum emperor moth have not been recorded and that could be attributed to populations being regulated by natural biological control agents. Caterpillars are sometimes infected by a virus or may succumb to a parasitic fungus. Magpies also break open and eat the contents of cocoons. Normally control can be maintained with the use of an insecticide designed for leaf-eating insects – there is a wide range, including organic insecticides, on the market.

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Gum trees are not uncommon on New Zealand lifestyle blocks or farmland and at this time of year, observant land owners might notice a black furry-like caterpillar with subtle yellow stripes on top and along its sides. In every likelihood this will be the larval stage of the gum emperor moth which likes to lay its eggs on eucalyptus trees although they have also been found on the silver birch (Betula pendula), liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua) and the pepper tree (Schinus molle) among others. The caterpillar or larva of the gum emperor moth, which originates from eastern Australia, feeds on the foliage of its host plants where it also lays its eggs. It is thought to have arrived in New Zealand around 1915 probably as pupae on imported hardwood poles. It is now found throughout most of the North Island and in the northern regions of the South Island. While the caterpillar is a pretty little thing, the moth itself, is a handsome insect – although a little flighty! The adult wing colour is pale brown, often with a rosy tinge and features soft setae (bristles), which

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More New Zealanders were in a hurry to buy the farm last year; that is according to the latest Real Estate Institute of NZ (REINZ) data. Overall, there were 382 farm sales across all sectors in the final quarter of last year, compared with 353 in the equivalent period of 2011, an increase on 8.2 percent. In total, 1,454 farms were sold in the year to December 2012, up 21.9 percent on the tally for sales in the year to December 2011. The lifestyle property market reflected gains observed in farm sales across the board, with a 28.4 percent increase – equating to an extra 358 sales – when comparing the final quarters of 2011 and 2012. Geographically, Auckland lifestyle blocks lead the charge last month, up by 27 sales on the previous month and 135 more than in December 2011, becoming the region with the largest increase in sales. REINZ Rural Market Spokesman, Brian Peacoke, says lifestyle blocks close to main centres, particularly Auckland, are in high demand.

“The lifestyle property market overall is in good health with rising volumes and a new record median price reached this month.” The number of days to sell a lifestyle property also improved, down from 82 days for the three months ending December 2011, to 61 days for the same period last year. Prices also rose towards the end of last year. The national median price for lifestyle blocks improved from $475,000 for the three months to November

2012, to $490,000 for the three months to December 2012. However, other farming sectors weren’t so lucky. “The farm sales market saw a healthy increase in most categories in December, with only horticulture and forestry being the exceptions,” Brian says. The median sales price per hectare for horticulture farms dropped from $137,055 (23 properties) experienced in the ﬁnal quarter of 2011, to $89,139 (34 properties) in the three months to December 2012.

Rural Living — January 2013 — 13

Franklin A&P 5-week Programs start

SUNDAY, JANUARY 27

Dinner ‘belle’ rings at A&P show

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Celebrity chef Annabelle White will beef it up at this year’s Franklin A & P show working alongside local farmers, vegetable growers and a butcher as part of a new feature, the Auckland Country Food Show© Known affectionately as TV’s “Cuddly Cook”, Annabelle will host two demonstrations each day while an on-site butcher will talk about different cuts of meat and how they can be used. Veggie growers will also share tips on how best to use their crops in cooking. One food producer of note will be the Egg Man who will demonstrate his flair for cooking eggs. He has organised Franklin’s Fastest Omelette Maker competition providing a chance to pit siblings against each other, or to compete with the parents; this is an activity for the whole family! Many other food producers will showcase their wares in a separate

marquee – this is one foodie fest not to be missed! With plenty of food stalls for all, show visitors will have the chance to sample delicious hot dogs and hamburgers, fresh mussel fritters and exotic cuisines from all around the world. But, of course, there’s no forgetting the show’s main attraction – farm animals galore and all competing for ribbons too! See horses, ponies, donkeys and alpacas – the kiddies will love them. On Saturday, it’s time for showing sheep and beef cattle; there’ll

be the ever-popular wood chopping contest and Highland dancing events too. Sunday will see more competitions for dairy cattle and the calf club section. The sheep shearing competition especially will see some of the top shearers in the country travel to the show for a shot at taking home the grand prize. Another show highlight will be the Home & Garden section with competition heating up as the cakes go in the oven, preserving jars are filled and the knitting needles click furiously.

Watch as new and existing competitors, all vying for the top trophies, bring out the best of their crafty talents. The Home & Garden section also hosts competitions for vegetables, crocheting and needlework, handicraft and painting and photography. There will also be a large children’s area for activities and competitions. And if all that isn’t enough, there will be other entertainment such as sheep racing, live music, a farmyard, the Franklin Vintage Machinery Club exhibition, and of course, fairground rides galore. So don’t miss out on the Franklin A&P Show, February 16 & 17 at the Pukekohe Showgrounds. Visit www.pukekoheshowgrounds. co.nz. for more information. Franklin A&P Show Pukekohe Showgrounds Station Rd, Pukekohe Sat and Sun, February 16-17 Hours: 9am-4pm

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14 — Rural Living — January 2013

lifestyle

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It was Marmageddon last year, but no one anticipated the bread roll shortage at the supermarket this year – a sign of barbecue revival. That’s right, the great Kiwi barbie is back in full force after a dismal run last summer and is ensnaring as many sausages, meat patties, steaks and kebabs as it can with its sizzling hot jaws. So if the ways of the grill have been forgotten after a long year of hibernation, here’s our guide to a sure-fire, sensational barbecue.

Heat up the barbecue A very hot barbecue is key to ‘steaking’ out juicy and flavourful meats. Remember, prep takes time and hungry mouths most certainly do not want to be watering unnecessarily while the barbecue heats up.

Stock up on nibbles and drinks As mentioned, barbecues can take a while especially when it’s for a large group of people. It’s always important to keep guests well-fed and watered and nothing does the trick better than bags (note: plural) of chips and copious amounts of fizzy drinks. Our picks this year are ETA’s Uppercuts Deli Cut in Sweet Chilli Relish and Arnott’s Shapes Sensations flavoured with Balsamic

garlic lemon and thyme rub? Let the imagination run wild; there’s a world of flavours out there!

Vegetable variety Be bold and tread well beyond the boundaries of carnivorous territory. Mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes, broccoli all taste great grilled or sautéed on the hot plate. Even the strongest of meatarians cannot help but falter at the sight of garlic butter mushrooms!

Salads galore Vinegar & Sea Salt – a tangy little number that keeps the taste buds dancing for longer. For non-alcoholic fizzy drinks, any lemonade-based drink will do – Lift, L&P, Sprite, Schweppes, go down a treat. But if the crowd is feeling fancy, it’s time to fork out a little more for San Pellegrino sparkling water or elderflower cordial. If in the mood for alcoholic varieties, Rekorderlig ciders are all the rage. The strawberry and lime flavour, in particular, is a hit with the ladies – summer in a bottle. For the men, something along the lines of lemon, lime and bitters would go down well too. Or try the new Crabbies Alcoholic Ginger Beer. Even better, swing down to Whitford for gourmet haven Prenzel’s selection of delightful mixers. We like the Summer Fruit

Wine Punch Mixer and the Prenzel Sangria Mixer. While at Prenzel, there are a few other things to pick up for the meats too, bringing us to our next point.

Season well Nobody likes the taste of insipid cooking. With Prenzel’s tasteful range of infused rice bran oils, this is easily avoided. Great for salads, cooking and marinating, rice bran oil is known for its high smoke point and mild flavour which makes it so good for infusing. The garlic, lemon and lime infusions are practically indispensable, and we’re sure the chilli will go down well too. When it comes to steaks and chicken pieces, creative rubs are winners. In addition to the usual salt and pepper rub, how about a

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In the same green vein, always have at least two salads to balance out the heaviness of the meats. Leafy greens such as rocket, mesclun and spinach are wonderful paired with sweet fruit such as pear, orange, strawberries, and figs – not all at once of course. Add to these some feta (crumbly sheep’s milk feta is the best for salads) or shaved parmesan, nuts such as almonds, pine nuts and walnuts, and thin slices of red onion and capsicum. Drizzle with olive oil or rice bran oil to combine (infused, see above) and voila! A salad is served. By then, the meats should hopefully be done by the one who wields the mighty barbecue tongs and so all that’s left to do is, kick back, relax and tuck into food, glorious food before it disappears!

Rural Living â&#x20AC;&#x201D; January 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 15

lifestyle

BRIDGE LESSONS

Giant among chefs gets his beans The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Flavaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of the garden was cock oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the walk in Manukau last month when a Pukekohe local won the Flava of Manukau competition. Eddie Hofman had taste buds talking thanks to his Chicken parcels with mustard/wine dressing, Italian dwarf beans and new potatoes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a special dish,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I only cook it twice a year, on special occasions, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overwhelming that it piqued the interest of an award-winning chef!â&#x20AC;? Judges â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including Jet Park Airport Hotel executive chef, Nancye Pirini â&#x20AC;&#x201C; concluded his creation was the recipe that best represented the Manukau community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eddieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entry was the one dish that made my mouth really water when I read the description,â&#x20AC;? Nancye says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think this is a recipe that many people would like to eat themselves. After judging Eddieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dish, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to cooking for him and giving him the opportunity to judge my food too!â&#x20AC;? Eddie will sample rich rewards thanks to Nancye and competition organisers, Manukau Supa Centa and Jet Park Hotel with dinner, breakfast and a nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accommodation for two. In addition to treating his wife to a romantic meal and stay at Jet Park, ever the gourmand, Eddie

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chicken parcels with mustard/wine dressing, italian dwarf beans and new potatotes Italian dwarf beans 600g dwarf beans (ends cut off and halved) 1 tin tomatoes 1 handful of basil leaves 1/2 cube vegetable stock Chicken & dressing 4 medium skinless chicken fillets 200g mushrooms Bunch of parsley 3 tsp maw seeds (or sesame seeds) Cream (to taste) 1 egg 1 packet puff pastry White wine (to taste) 2 tbs Dijon mustard Chop mushrooms finely and fry slowly with olive oil for approximately ten minutes. Add finely chopped parsley when

mushrooms are ready; add pepper and salt to taste and mix well. Cool and set aside. Pre heat the oven to 200Â°C. Roll puff pastry into a thin sheet and cut into strips roughly 3.8cm wide and 63.5cm long. Cut each chicken breast with a sharp knife to create a cavity in the middle to fill with the mushroom and parsley mixture. Wrap each fillet with a strip of puff pastry ensuring the breast is covered and sealed completely. Whisk egg and brush a light coating onto each fillet. Sprinkle with maw seeds or sesame seeds to taste. Put in the pre-heated oven for 35 minutes (or until the pastry browns at the top). Add the mustard to a hot saucepan, add a large glass of

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16 — Rural Living — January 2013

Clevedon

Sashay into Caché Max, Anthony, Olivia and Angela Tringham.

Photo Natalie Tan

Saucy ‘toms’ woo chefs By Natalie Tan

Having made a name for herself in the Howick fashion scene, long-time local Glenda Pellew’s business venture, Caché, in Clevedon is proving to be a huge hit since its revitalisation more than a year ago. Located in Clevedon’s main shopping district and housed in a charming old cottage, Caché offers a wide-ranging and quality selection of affordable new and preloved clothing for both adults and children. But Caché is known for more than just fashion. Glenda has sourced a unique and stunning range of giftware and homewares that many would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. From whimsical wind chimes to fine china, secondhand books and collectibles, Caché is a true treasure trove for those seeking unusual fare. Glenda’s latest pickings of note are elegant fairy figurines,

as well as exotic Belgian tapestry cushions, and Moroccan ceramics and furniture. So take a jaunt and discover new and old treasures existing in perfect harmony at Caché! Caché (opposite Z service station, and next to ﬁsh and chip shop) 21 ClevedonPapakura Rd, Clevedon. Ph 09 292 8540. Hours: Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday 11am-5pm, Friday 11am-6.30pm, Sunday 10am-5pm. 53188a

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and they use only the gentlest of sprays that will not hurt a bumblebee. Of course, the big bonus is the way Anthony feels about each fruit. “They’re sexy and beautiful. Everyone needs them every day,” he says. “Isn’t the tomato called the fruit of love? They’re beautiful and they’re fun. I love them all!” However, tomatoes cannot grow on love alone. Angela admits blackbirds often devour the ripe fruit, resulting in them having to be picked earlier than usual. “There’s nothing we can do other than tear our hair out; these birds are a nightmare!” In spite of the blackbirds, the Curious Croppers continue to expand their range with the latest additions being tomatillos and the oddly-shaped rainbow tomato. “Tomatillos are the must-have accessory for this season. They’re very popular,” Anthony says. The yellow and red-hued rainbow tomato has yet to be given a curious description. “I haven’t decided what character the rainbow tomato is. But I’m naming it after Mr Culley,” says Anthony, holding it up to his neighbouring stallholder’s face in jest. As the market slowly begins to dissipate at 12pm, Max and Angela marvel at how much they have sold. Angela says the business has grown by leaps and bounds since expanding the range. “It was okay then but it was a bit dull – now, this really is fun!”

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Listening to Anthony Tringham talk about the love of his life is enough to make anyone blush as red as a tomato. Ironically, it is this very fruit that is the object of the bespectacled farmer’s affections and is a love of his life. The specialty tomato grower and his family are regulars at the Clevedon Farmers Market, going by the name of Curious Croppers – “growers of cranky but gorgeous vegetables”. But more curious than this are the names and personalities of the fruits of their labour. The cream of their crop includes the Little Horrors, Spanish Red, Spanish Green, and Little Miss Sunshine. What’s more, they all have personalities to match. Spanish Green, for example, is described as the slightly bitchy cousin of Spanish Red. “The female ones are a little bit crazy and fickle,” Anthony says. On the Curious Croppers website, “she” is described as: “tart, edgy and sexy as hell. She will steal your boyfriend and then dump him. Fun at parties good in small doses, and not the marrying kind” – clearly not Anthony’s wife, Angela, then. “She married me because of my good looks and my charm, and stayed for the tomatoes!” Anthony jokes. The Balmoral couple have two children, 11-year-old Max and seven-year-old Olivia, who

accompany their parents to the market. “Olivia was in nappies when we first started! And we were only growing cherry tomatoes then,” Angela says. “Anthony has always been the tomato grower – he was the one who went to Lincoln University,” Angela says. They both agree it was Clevedon Valley Buffalo owner and Clevedon Market founder, Helen Dorresteyn, who “nagged” them to become part of the popular event. And since their debut, not only have the Tringhams expanded their range, their clientele, too, has expanded. Chefs from top city restaurants such as The Grill, Depot, Euro and Prego are among well-known names which are fans of the Curious Croppers formula. Fellow stallholders are also known to “swap” their wares for the Tringhams’ vibrant fare. So what is so special about their tomatoes? Certain heirloom outdoor varieties can be grown for one to two months during summer and indoor varieties are grown in greenhouses all year round “roughly 1.2km away from the market” under harsh conditions to limit the yield and produce an intense flavour. These are picked as ripe as possible a day or so before the market. The Curious Croppers source bio-controls from a Pukekohe supplier which include parasitic wasps and ladybirds to keep the pests under control,

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shapes, sizes and designs, Awesome Awnings can be used for everything from carports to atriums, and are the perfect foil to New Zealand’s changeable weather. Everyone knows showers can arrive at any time, so an overhead awning can help maximise the use of outdoor space even when it’s raining. The roofing is constructed using Laserlite transparent polycarbonate which is available in a number of different colour options. It comes with a 10-year warranty and offers 99 percent UV protection, combining good looks with rugged

strength – the perfect cover material! All Awesome Awnings span up to 5.5 metres or as long as required. Ask about kitset awnings with full instructions for capable DIYers! To make the most of summer living, add value to your home and to provide practical cover solutions for boat, cars, swimming pool or spa, talk to the awning specialists. For a FREE measure and proposal call: Awesome Awnings 19 Honan Place, Avondale. Ph 820-0664. Email: sales@ awesomeawnings.co.nz www.awesomeawnings.co.nz

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Rural Living — January 2013 — 17

18 — Rural Living — January 2013

Wrights Watergardens Lotus Festival LOTUS FESTIVAL summer highlight Saturday, Jan 26 to Sunday, Feb 10 Check the website for more information. Open 7 days during festival.

• Specialist watergarden centre, come and visit our glorious gardens • Dogs are welcome to walk in the gardens • Watergarden Function Room available for private groups, functions and weddings all year round (cafe not open for casual dining)

128 Mauku Rd, Patumahoe (short drive from Drury turnoff) Ph 09 236 3211 • Open 10am-4.30pm www.wrightswatergardens.co.nz

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The annual Lotus Festival at Wright’s Watergardens in Patumahoe is a Mecca for gardeners and perhaps for philosophers too who, on observing the display of these stunning blooms, may better appreciate the words of poet Kahlil Gibran who wrote in The Prophet: Say not, “I have found the truth,” but rather, “I have found a truth.” Say not, “I have found the path of the soul.” Say rather, “I have met the soul walking upon my path,” For the soul walks upon all paths. The soul walks not upon a line, neither does it grow like a reed. The soul unfolds itself like a lotus of countless petals. Famous for their lotuses and waterlilies, owners Dael and Malcolm Wright are now preparing for the festival which this year runs every day from January 26-February 10. “It is a very special time when the gardens are at their peak and attract visitors from throughout the country,” Dael says. “Many bring picnic baskets and stay for several hours, wandering the garden trails, taking advantage of the different areas and enjoying an

opportunity to relax in beautiful surrounds.” Some 20 years since opening their beautiful quarry property to the public, Dael and Malcolm, together with son Chris and a small team, have developed the gardens from what was once one soggy paddock to some eight acres of stunning plantings. Over the years the couple’s interest in lotus flowers has blossomed, perhaps a natural progression from their business of exporting water lily cut flowers. However, the lovely lotus – scientifically known as Nelumbo and belonging to the Nelumbonaceae family – should not be confused with the waterlily belonging to the family Nympheaceae.

Perhaps an easy way to distinguish between the two is that the leaves and the blooms of the waterlily sit flat on the water whereas those of the lotus rise up above the water. A divine flower with roots deeply embedded in the mythology of many nations, the lotus symbolises creation and has a special place in nature, worship and the traditions of cultures across the world. Remember, the festival will be open every day, January 26 – February 10 whereas the watergardens are normally open Wednesday to Sunday. Wrights Watergardens, 128 Mauku Rd, Patumahoe, (take the Drury motorway turn-off to Waiuku, look for sign-posting). Ph (09) 236-3211.

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Rural Living — January 2013 — 19

‘Wright’ way to garden By Helen Perry Few folk know that Dael and Malcolm Wright, owners and creators of the beautiful Wrights WaterGardens at Patumahoe, were once true city slickers. That they were, yet they took five sons to a two bedroom cottage in the country, milked a house cow daily, learned to make their own butter, raised sheep and pigs, began growing waterlilies and eventually developed an eight-acre garden paradise. Of course, it all seems a little unbelievable. Then, on second thoughts, it all seems unbelievably amazing. And ‘amazing’ is just one way to describe their stunning water gardens set in a disused quarry and growing more beautiful with every year. “It probably all began when I commented that the boggy bottom paddock of our first plot would be ideal for growing waterlilies,” Dael says. “Some time later we spotted a digger next door and asked the driver to form a few holes in the paddock. That was the start of our lily ponds and we are still growing waterlilies for the cut flower export market today.” But the gardens didn’t open to the public until 1992, sometime after Malcolm and Dael had purchased the quarry and then a neighbouring farm. Developing the garden was a natural progression of their then established interest in the waterlilies. After buying their original plot, the couple bought, subdivided and sold land all around them and are now in

Malcolm and Dael Wright (centre) with staff and grandchildren. their third home, each within cooee of each other. “When we bought the second piece of land we secured a river island which we planted. Later we subdivided off the house area and rebuilt on part of our original land in order to keep everything manageable.” Over the years the Wrights have steadily expanded the lush gardens and added a nursery, shop and function centre. However, if someone had told them in the early days what would eventually result from their rural move, they probably would not have believed it. Dael even says she and Malcolm have never considered themselves to be particularly green-fingered or knowledgeable about gardening in general.

“I’d always had a passion for flowers and I still collect seeds, especially lotus seeds,” admits Dael. “But ask me the botanical name or even the common name of many plants and it’s likely I won’t know. I just see something I like, buy it, plant it and hope it will flourish.” And flourish it does – well, at least nine out of 10 times! While Dael may think of herself as a gardening amateur, when it comes to growing waterlilies, she’s an expert. In those early days her love of flowers needed an outlet beyond the waterlily enterprise. The quarry, with its natural stream and waterfall (the site of a flaxmill and waterwheel in the 1800s), just begged for development.

Photos Wayne Martin

Thus the Wright’s garden vision took hold. This resulted not just in a wonderful array of water plants but also succulents and cacti, perennials and bulbs plus other trees, shrubs and flowers. Furthermore, to read the many comments in the visitors book is to realise how much pleasure the couple and their family have given others. “While all our sons have helped out at some stage, today it is our eldest son Chris who is integral to the continued success of the watergardens.” Chris oversees and also physically undertakes the mountain of nursery work needed to operate and maintain such a property. The small but dedicated team has also been supplemented from time to

time, with young travellers here on work permits to extend their skills. Now open Wednesday to Sunday, Wrights Watergardens attracts national and international visitors including tours, gardening groups, clubs and families. The shop offers a fascinating range of garden-related products and outside customers can purchase ponds, water plants and garden statuary. The watergardens are also popular for private functions. The function room operates full tilt during summer especially for weddings and while there is no longer a café, visitors are welcome to picnic in the grounds. But inevitably all good things must come to an end and Malcolm and Dael are now at a stage when they would like to do more gardening and less administration and functions. Therefore, they have put the watergardens on the market and are confident a younger, enterprising businessperson will see the future potential of the business. “At this stage we intend to continue with the waterlily cut flower enterprise and will therefore retain our original piece of land and the lily ponds. This still leaves new owners with a sizeable property where they can pour their efforts into the gardens, weddings and other events.” In the meantime, the Wrights are busy preparing for their annual Lotus Festival, January 26 to February 10 (see story opposite page). And that means there’s no time for slacking – a festival of this nature is no job for the lily-livered!

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20 — Rural Living — January 2013

Eat your heart out gardeners!

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Although food prices have fallen, it seems those looking for a fruit-filled summer have been left wanting just a little more. According to Statistics New Zealand, despite an overall reduction of 1.0 percent in the food price index (FPI) for the year to December 2012, fruit and vegetables rose by 6.0 percent in price. Key contributors included kumara increased by 109 percent; avocados by 107 percent; apples which rose 20 percent; pumpkins, 32 percent and avocadoes, 107 percent. High kumara prices were influenced by poor weather conditions in planting and harvesting seasons, and avocados,

which follow a two-year pattern, enjoyed a bumper season in 2011, leading to a smaller crop this past season. The rises were offset by a reduction in the price of fresh milk (down 9.4 percent), cheese (8.2 percent) and bread (4.2 percent). The price of lamb also decreased significantly, dropping 24 percent. In terms of monthly fluctuations, the price of fruit and vegetables rose 0.7 percent last month, with seasonal rises in apples (up 14 percent), potatoes (up 13 percent), and kiwifruit prices (up 28 percent) more than making up for falls in tomato (down 30 percent) and broccoli prices (down 31 percent).

awards for enterprise When Lisa Harper won the RWNZ Enterprising Rural Women Award in 2011, she had no difficulty smiling for the camera, or saying ‘cheese’ for that matter! And, with the 2013 Enterprising Rural Women Awards just around the corner, the Marlborough cheesemaker will soon applaud the success of another entrepreneur looking to develop a ‘growing’

business. This year the awards will include four new categories, Love of the Land (for land-based businesses), Help! I Need Somebody (businesses with a service-focus), Making it Rural (manufacturing or creative enterprises), and Stay, Play Rural (for businesses engaged in rural tourism and hospitality). Each category winner will receive a trophy and $1,000

prize money, with a further $1,000 awarded to a supreme winner. Women running businesses established less than two years, with less than 10 full time equivalent staff, and based in a rural area are invited to enter. Entries close March 15; details and forms are available at www.ruralwomen.org.nz.

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Rural Living — January 2013 — 21

summer maintenance

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Continuous spouting is quick to install with little waste. product and most cost effective. Operations manager at Continuous Spouting, John Cameron, says continuous metal spouting offers high resistance to corrosion whereas PVC may become brittle over time. “In addition, continuous spouting is leak-free and is also available in a wide range of proﬁles and colours including copper and zinc.” With an increasing demand for sustainable building systems, the

Photo supplied

benefits of the virtually ‘no joins, no waste’ continuous spouting, is highly attractive to specifiers, builders and homeowners. “Property owners need to remember that rainwater systems should, first and foremost, drain water from the roof and channel it away,” says John. “The system should not leak, drop or overflow and, over time, it should still work as well as it did on the day it was installed.”

When building new, restoring or simply renovating, homeowners want spouting to do the job properly as well as complementing the asthetic of the home – all at the right price. With more than 20 years in industry experience, John invites questions about its performance, durability, cost and thermal expansion qualities. Just call for advice or a quote on 0800 501 993.

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Summer jobs are many and varied but when the days are sunny and the rain is on hold, that’s the best time to tackle roof and spouting issues. Of course, on farms and lifestyle blocks there is often more than one building to consider. Apart from the family home there could be separate garaging, barns and utility sheds all requiring spouting and all needing maintenance at various intervals. Naturally, spouting needs regular cleaning out – leaves, dirt from the roof, and even bird’s nests, are often the problem behind blocked and overﬂowing spouting. In addition to this, winter storms may have exposed leaks and one that is most irritating is the, ‘drip, drip, drip’ of a leaky spouting, usually where one length joins the next. But eventually there comes a time when spouting needs replacing or an additional building is being constructed which needs spouting. Then comes the decision-making – metal or pvc? At Continuous Spouting Auckland there is clearly a preference for continuous metal spouting because it offers the advantage of no joins except at corners. What’s more, because continuous lengths are quick to install with little waste, labour costs are also reduced making it a superior

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22 — Rural Living — January 2013

summer maintenance

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found its way to God’s-own courtesy of Mother England. Introduced to use as a fencing material, it was still being imported into the early 1900s. Due to its ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions and thrive in our temperate climate, by the late 1940s, gorse had become our most costly weed to control. And it’s literally a growing problem, with an average gorse bush producing 8000 seeds per year, many surviving for more than 30 years in the soil. While total eradication of gorse is considered impos-

sible, with a stringent management plan, it can be controlled. War on this weed begins, not by going postal, but by going herbal! Herbicides are the preferred method for the control of gorse. Timing of spraying is important. In most regions, gorse will ﬂower continually for many months, peaking in spring, with pod development and ‘soft’ growth occurring a few weeks later. When gorse exposes its soft underbelly, that’s the time to strike! Once winter arrives it is too late to spray, and while spring is the time to plan an

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Rural Living â&#x20AC;&#x201D; January 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 23

summer maintenance OF â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;GORSEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL LOVE IT GORSE IS NOT PEOPLE By Janet Frame Published by Penguin Group (NZ). RRP $40

Pretty as it may be, gorse is a farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curse. offensive, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still not too late to keep this thorny foe in check. Climatic variations may dictate how long the growth remains â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;softâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and traditionally it starts to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;harden offâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; after February. So, if soft growth is still present, spraying with herbicides will still be effective. As they are not damaging to grasses, generally speaking, Grazon and Tordon Brushkiller are suitable for pastoral situations; although itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all over for the clover, for a short time at least, as it will be temporarily removed. Removal of grass during spraying

Gorse may be the bane of a farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life but simply put, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;gorse is not peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. So while Janet Frameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book, Gorse is Not People, has nothing whatsoever to do with the weed, Rural Living thought it appropriate at this busy time of the farming year, to give readers a chance to win this highly readable new release. This brand new collection of 28 short stories spans the length of the late authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career and contains some of the best she wrote. None of these stories

increases the opportunity for both gorse and broadleaf weed seedlings to establish, further reducing pasture quality. So, divide and conquer! Begin your campaign by spraying isolated bushes ďŹ rst; less mass means less spray will be needed, and this will stop small colonies from developing into mighty empires. Always carefully measure out the medicine before swinging into action. The right ratio of herbicide to water is crucial to ensuring effective results. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t despair if the troops regroup. As some new gorse seed-

have been published in a collection before, and more than half are published here for the ďŹ rst time. The title story caused Frame a setback in 1954, when Charles Brasch rejected it for publication in Landfall and, along with others, for one reason or other, deliberately remained unpublished during her lifetime. Previously published pieces have appeared in Harperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bazaar, the New Zealand School Journal, Landfall and The New Yorker over the years, and one otherwise unpublished piece, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The

ling growth should be expected after spraying, budget for, and plan, a counter-strike treatment. Twice over right beats once over lightly, so only spray areas if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure of having the budget to hit them again approximately 12-18 months later. After spraying, look to increase soil fertility and even reseed. Large blocks should be fenced so grazing can be controlled. This will encourage a dense, higher quality pasture, which will combat the efforts of gorse to retrench. A scorched earth strategy is not

Gravy Boatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, was read aloud by Janet Frame for a radio broadcast in 1953. In these stories readers will recognise familiar themes, scenes, characters and locations from Janet Frameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s writing and life, and each offers a fresh ďŹ ctional transformation that will captivate and absorb.

GIVEAWAY To enter the draw just visit www.ruralliving. co.nz then click on the competitions link and ďŹ ll in the form. One entry per person, entries close Friday, February 15, 2013. Winner will be notiďŹ ed by phone or email.

the answer for gorse as burning actually stimulates seed germination. Also, if the gorse has already been treated with herbicide, this will further damage pasture. Good, old fashioned hack and slash techniques, while time consuming, can be effective, provided they are followed by much mulching and replanting with natives; this will help choke out future gorse growth. Although it can, quite rightly, be considered a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;prick of a thingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, with a few good men (and women) we can put an end to this nettled nasty in the ongoing war on weeds.

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24 — Rural Living — January 2013

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We’ve all heard about the environmental hazards of flushing pads and tampons down the loo. What’s more, in rural areas, where many people are on septic tanks, the problem is definitely an unwanted one. Septic tanks need to be protected from all sorts of pollutants and non-biodegradable materials such as grease, grey water (water from the washing machine, sink, dishwasher) and even many toilet tissues – loo paper going into a septic tank should be untreated toilet tissue. Naturally, pumping out and cleaning the septic tank is a mandatory job done every three to five years but flushing items down the loo that could clog septic tank pipes or require the tank to be pumped out more frequently is a cost no one wants. But personal hygiene is important to everyone and what’s a girl to do when she gets caught out? New Discreets Scented Sanitary Disposal Bags are the answer.

Whether you are out, on holiday or at home (especially on the farm), and need to dispose of a tampon, sanitary or incontinence pad in a responsible way, new Discreets provide a convenient, hygienic, no mess solution. Discreets are coloured black so what’s

inside can’t be seen. Discreets are also scented to mask odours until disposed of and are leak resistant, waterproof and made from degradable plastic. Available from supermarkets nationwide, new Discreets retail for $2.49.

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The good news is Rural Living has six Discreets Prize Packs to give away to six lucky ladies. Pack contains a pack of Discreets together with a gorgeous make-up purse. To enter the draw just visit www.rurallliving.co.nz then click on the competition link and fill in the form. One entry per person; entries close February 18, 2013. Winner notified by phone or email.

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Some of the comments Timberline Contracting hear regularly: • Lack of sun – “The trees have grown too big and I’m losing light/production.” • “Shaun has got the tree on the ground quicker than I could get my ladder up, let alone get the chainsaw going!” And it is all done in the safety of the machine cab. Shaun Chisnall is owner/operator of Timberline Contracting, who specialise in the safe, controlled topping/felling of trees. Often shelterbelts are removed when they get too big, as there wasn’t an alternative, but now you can still have the advantage of having shelter, but at a manageable height. Timberline Contracting’s specialty is those shelter belts that have been left too long and are now too big for shelterbelt trimmers to handle. Controlled removal along driveways, boundaries and close to buildings are a big part of Shaun’s work. • Shelterbelt Topping • Shelterbelt Removal • Difficult & confined space tree removal Visit our website to view a video of our services “Locally owned and operated”

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Rural Living — January 2013 — 25

pest control

Rabbit Wasps, bunnies – summer’s here isControl fast, efficient and By Ditch Keeling Coastal Pest Solutions Ltd High temperatures and winds have really dried the Auckland region out over the last month and calls for rabbit and wasp control are coming in thick and fast. Wasp nests can get very large and dangerous and I’ve already dealt with some real monsters. The biggest problems are from Common and German wasps; most often these nest underground and have single entry hole. Both are slightly bigger than honey bees with distinctive black and yellow stripes. If readers suspect a nest on their property try to follow the wasps’ flight path in the final hour or two of daylight. It usually culminates in a lot of activity around one focal point and the nest will be at the base of that activity (usually a hole about the diameter of a can of soft drink). These nests often hold thousands of wasps and really are best treated by a professional. The other wasps we have are Paper Wasps and these guys build the little honey-comb structures you see hanging on fences and sheds. Paper wasps are far less aggressive than the larger versions and seldom pose quite the same threat;

Jack Keeling - starting out young under dad’s professional guidance. Photo supplied

as such these can be safely dealt with after dark by spraying the nest liberally with a strong flyspray and later clipping the dead nest into a bag for the rubbish. Always be careful with wasps and if in doubt give me a call. Now to rabbits which thrive in these dry conditions. Those folk that have always had a few rabbits at the back of the farm are now reporting a steady increase in numbers. It’s amazing how quickly just a few can turn into large numbers at

this time of year. I’m also doing a lot of work on hares at present and while they don’t cause the same amount of soil disturbance as rabbits they certainly eat three times as much as your average bunny. Therefore they are a real problem in times of grass shortages. I recently shot a golf course that has had a steady number of people shooting there over the last few years; the first two hour shoot removed 42 hares and the second removed another 22.

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Based on what I have seen there will need to be at least another 30 removed before it’s looking nice and tidy. I don’t know whether this speaks more about the quality of the previous shooting (or lack of it) or the sheer abundance of hares in certain places; but it certainly shows that hare numbers can be very high and only professional shooting will remove enough to achieve control. With thoughts of the next generation of professional shooters I’ve been training my young son Jack over the last couple of years. He has a few years to go before he can get his firearms licence but by then he should be well and truly capable of delivering the results for you all. Please help us to provide the advice you require by sending all pest animal questions to: info@coastalpestsolutions.co.nz.

achievable

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To place your order or to request more information email: sales@trapinator.co.nz or ph: 09 579 4089 50946

26 — Rural Living — January 2013

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Trade or Service Please call: 271 8055 or email: classiﬁeds@ ruralliving. co.nz

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Rural Living — January 2013 — 27

~ PILLIES ~ 5KG $25 1KG $6.50 ~ SALMON SMOLT ~ 1KG $9.90 ~ BERLEY ~ $9.70 ~ FRESH MULLET ~ $7.50KG

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28 — Rural Living — January 2013

“EUPHORIA”

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