Rural Living July-August 2013

July/August, 2013

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Win! Prizes galore

Incredi-BULL Bee aware pages 18-19

Belgium Blues keep Georgia busy, pages 6-7

Pukekohe 09 238 7019

covershot

On the ‘pole’

Blokes and their tractors are not easily parted and even old workhorses (tractors and farmers alike) can still be put out to pasture to enjoy the sun setting on a laborious and rewarding day.

However, what has this faithful engine done to deserve such a prominent position in a Waiuku field? Rural Living decided to find out. See page 15.

Photo Wayne Martin

A Publication of Times House Publishing Ltd

Freephone: 0800 456 789 Ph: 09 271 8080 www.ruralliving.co.nz info@ruralliving.co.nz Editor: Helen Perry DDI 09 271 8036 Email: editor@ruralliving.co.nz Sales Consultant: Maree Aucamp DDI 09 271 8090 Email: mareea@ruralliving.co.nz Classified Advertising: 0800 456 789 Email: classifieds@ruralliving.co.nz Art Director: Clare McGillivray DDI 09 271 8067, Fax: 09 271 8071 Email: clare@ruralliving.co.nz Manager: Karla Wairau DDI 09 271 8083, Fax: 09 271 8099 karla@timeshouse.co.nz Publisher: Brian Neben 50 Stonedon Dr, East Tamaki, AKLD PO Box 259-243, Botany, Auckland 2163 Ph: 09 271 8080, Fax: 09 271 8099 Like us on facebook DISCLAIMER: Articles published in Rural Living do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or editor. All material is provided as a general information service only. Times House Publishing Ltd does not assume or accept any responsibility for, and shall not be liable for, the accuracy or appropriate application of any information in this newspaper. All the material in this newspaper has the protection of international copyright. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Times House Publishing Ltd.

From the editor...

I wonder how many lifestylers (and farmers) out there have of late, for a fleeting moment, regretted buying into land and animals which require households to rise early.

I’m thinking the cold snap with those near zero temperatures and frosty mornings may have prompted more than a few thoughts of snuggling back down into warm beds.

But, I’m confident those hardy souls who love the land, the fresh air and the country life they have chosen, will have shrugged off nippy starts to the day, and donned jackets thick enough to withstand the blast of cold southerlies which, by the time we went to print, were already abating.

I have to admit, while I’ve padded around our house at 6am with the heat pump doing its job and my Ugg boots also doing theirs, I’ve been glad my

mention that last week we had a family gathering at Pasha Turkish Café to mark two inner circle birthdays. It was a great evening. Food was good, meals generous, service exceptional and we really loved the ambience – décor and beautiful lights really generated a feel for the Mediterranean.

Perhaps, we’ll head back for Father’s Day! But first, we have August to contend with and there’s a lot to do. Pray that the weather remains clear and we all get our chores done.

Till next time,

Helen Perry Editor

inside RURAL Page 6-7 Young Georgia is backing ‘the Blues’

Page 8 Brian’s Diary – a country lad’s perspective

Page 10-11 Rats! Beware of what they carry

Page 12-13 Farming chores for August

Page 18-19 August is Bee Aware month and Rural Living is bee-ing very aware

Page 20 Reining in the cost of racing horses

Page 21 Ditch Keeling has rabbits on the run

Page 22-23 Grabbing Equisetum arvense by the tail

4 — Rural Living — July/August 2013

car has heated seats and my workplace is toasty warm during the day.

Weather aside (and winter really is rattling by) it’s been a busy month. Our new look Rural Living seems to have struck a chord with our readers – thank you to all who have liked us on Facebook, or sent emails to say how much they enjoyed the re-style. Here’s hoping this month’s edition lives up to expectations and do send us your thoughts.

Our competitions page, as well as other giveaways throughout the magazine, has been a great hit and this month we have more super-duper prizes up for grabs including one or two which could be timely with Dad’s Day looming – don’t forget to book early if you plan to eat out with family on that day.

Which reminds me, I must

Baby farm animals will be keeping lifestylers and farmers busy.

Living Page 26 Competitions – prizes galore for everyone

Page 27 Reay’s Diary – our city lass plans on a holiday

Page 28-29 Work by Waiau Pa artist paints picture of nature

Page 30 Ladies Lunch a winner at the racecourse

Page 33 Shoot – that’s the way to cook duck

Page 35 Clash of the Titans – bold colours for interior design

Page 36 Pukekohe testing ground for garden tools

Page 37 No cabbages from Kings

Page 40-41 Motoring – Kia Sorrento R

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Rural Living — July/August 2013 — 5

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Georgia’s just happy being

By Rebecca Glover Many young girls yearn for a pony, right? Not Georgia Whitworth. In fact, Georgia had a pony and sold it so that she could indulge her real passion – cows.

Walk into her bedroom and it’s immediately apparent where her heart lies. Not for Georgia the pink and pop star décor one might expect of a 12 year old; it’s all black and white.

There are cow cushions, cow bedspread, cow pyjamas, cow hats.

On the dresser (patterned black and white, of course) sit trophies Georgia has won with her favourite animals. A bulging bag of prize ribbons awaits sewing into curtains.

“What started as a hobby has become an obsession,” says her mother, Marie.

Georgia has had a succession of prize-winning calf club calves of various breeds, but since last spring she has been blitzing the breed rings at A&P shows from Helensville to Hamilton with her magnificent Belgian Blue heifer, Bootylicious.

Hand-reared from a few days old, Booty is now almost a yearling, with a back as broad as a table top and the bulging buttocks for which the breed is renowned.

The bond between them is obvious, and Georgia doesn’t miss the pony which made way for Booty – she rides the placid heifer instead.

With the addition of four more of the breed, Georgia has set up her own Belgian Blue breeding enterprise, TruBlu. Despite having little previous handling, the animals have settled seamlessly into their Tuakau home. Marie is amazed – and relieved – at the laid back nature of her daughter’s chosen breed.

“Booty came from a Hawkes Bay breeder, Bruce Worsnop,” says Marie. “He’s been super supportive, and, impressed by Georgia’s performance at last year’s Waikato A&P show, he asked how he could help her progress.”

Georgia catches a ride on Bootylicious.

No doubt Bruce was somewhat taken aback when the then 11 year old replied, “I want a bull”.

The family travelled to Hastings and some foundation stock for Georgia’s stud was chosen: two yearling heifers and an in-calf two year old.

But when the heifers arrived, there was an extra passenger.

Marie tells the story.

6 — Rural Living — July/August 2013

“Georgia watched the cows come off the truck, then her face changed as the last one emerged. ‘Oh my gosh,’ she said.

‘It’s got nuts!’ ” The longed-for bull was a surprise birthday present for Georgia. Christened Outrageous Bodacious, the rising yearling will join Booty in the show ring this season, with Marie as ‘assistant handler.’

Photos Wayne Martin

“Mum will have to do what I tell her,” grins Georgia.

With her coloured sport horses Marie is no stranger to showing, passing on tips for turnout and technique, as have friends who show Maine Anjou cattle.

“They’ve been really helpful, and I’ve learned by watching,” says Georgia.

Show days involve early

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RURAL

blue starts, lots of shampoos, oils and baby wipes. Booty and Bodi will be clipped out and covered to keep them warm and clean.

Georgia has even been known to sleep in the barn with Booty at shows.

Usually the youngest handler in the beef breed ring, Georgia has serious aims for her stud.

She is studying genetics, and believes some breeders have concentrated on producing sires suitable for use in the dairy industry at the expense of the muscling which is an intrinsic quality of Belgian Blues.

Georgia’s interest in cattle started very early. As a five year old she announced her intention to be a large animal vet and has pursued her goal with characteristic determination, the beef stud providing valuable practical experience.

And why Belgian Blues? “I like to be unique!”

Booty displays her winning ribbons.

Georgia with her new bull, Outrageous Bodacious.

Belgian Blues 101 Belgian Blues are among a number of exotic cattle breeds introduced to New Zealand some 30 years ago, to improve meat yields.

From Belgium, as the name suggests, the breed is thought to have originated in the 19th century from crossing Friesian cattle with shorthorns, with the possible introduction of charolais blood.

Originally a dual purpose breed designed to produce both milk and meat, breeding became oriented towards meat only in the 1950s.

While not particularly tall animals, they are noted for their massive double muscling which produces carcass

yields of around 80%, outdoing all other breeds.

The muscle growth is the result of a genetic mutation which acts to inhibit muscle development.

This mutation also interferes with fat deposition, resulting in very lean meat.

The value of the doublemuscling breed is due to its superior carcass characteristics.

However, with decreased fat content there is decreased marbling of meat, which means the meat tenderness is reduced.

Conversely, the Belgian Blues’ meat has been argued to be just as tender as other

breeds because of a large number of smaller muscle fibres.

The Belgian Blue is named after its typically blue-grey mottled hair colour, however, its colour can vary from white to black, or pied.

A naturally horned breed, they are noted for their quiet temperament.

Purebreds are not common in New Zealand, where they are generally used as terminal sires over other beef breeds or in the dairy industry.

Initially problematic to calve because of their bulk, birthing difficulties are said to have largely been resolved through careful breeding.

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Rural Living — July/August 2013 — 7

RURAL _______________________________________________________________________________

Helpful tips a lifesaver Brian Neben publishes Rural Living and is also an avid lifestyle farmer

COUNTRY LAD

Be sure to have stockyards built before buying animals.

■ Get sound advice before you embark on buying any animals especially if you have no farming experience. Your local vet, rural support organisation and books and magazines are all useful sources of information, and by consulting them you will save yourself a lot of heartache, embarrassment, time and money. Even if you have to pay for this advice it’s an investment you won’t regret.

■ Good quality young animals usually turn into good quality

older ones. The old adage, “you get what you pay for” applies to stock too – if you buy good quality stock you will normally pay a little more, but you are likely to have fewer health problems and a more successful outcome. first Well that’s this month’s fi five helpful tips; next month I’ll fi five with thanks feature the next fi to author Paul Martin and Craig Potton Publishing for their sensible advice.

Till then, Brian

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Many years ago when we first moved onto our Runciman property we soon became aware that we had very little knowledge of how to run the place.

We were fortunate in having friends who were experienced in lifestyle farming and were willing assistants. I also searched any books or reading material focused on self-help and we muddled through.

Sometime later, I was given a splendid book entitled, Lifestyle Farming in New Zealand, which I could have done with earlier in the piece.

This great book was written by Paul Martin, who for a number of years, worked as a vet in the Franklin district.

With the permission of publishers, Craig Potton, I am going to quote a section of the book “Top Ten Tips” which I consider to be so relevant for lifestylers.

Because of space I will list five of the top 10 pointers this fi five, next month and the other fi

month. So here we go: ■ Don’t expect to earn an income on less than four hectares. Some people do so with niche market products but on the whole you should be pleased if you earn enough to cover your rates and maybe a portion of your electricity bill.

■ Managing four hectares takes virtually as much effort as managing 40 hectares. This may sound silly but it’s not too far from the truth – you need the same amount of tools and equipment and there are the same jobs to do; you just have fewer animals. So don’t expect too much spare time if you are holding down a full-time job too.

■ Finish building your stockyards before you buy stock.

This may sound obvious but you would be surprised by how many people fail to do so. From day one of having animals on your property you must have the facility to contain your stock for both routine and unexpected procedures.

Just because your animals are quiet, and come up to you in the paddock, it doesn’t mean you don’t need yards. Most animals aren’t quite so quiet when they see a vet walking towards them and are usually even less quiet when the vet has to examine them.

8 — Rural Living — July/August 2013

Head ‘em up, Move ‘em out, Ride ‘em in!

Keep those stories rollin’ Hey readers, Rural Living is keen to corral all your humorous rural rants and anecdotes so we can feature them regularly in our monthly magazine.

We’re looking for stories from down on the farm or the lifestyle block and from townies too. Who’s been caught short in the paddock, kicked in the cow shed, butted in bottom or toughed it out when the power’s failed or the broadband’s slow… beyond belief!

Our new Bumpkin Banter page is just one new initiative. We’re also set to run a big Ag Day competition for youngsters readying young farm animals for the show ring. Both the schools and the students will reap the benefits – more information in our next issue.

We welcome, too, any information about rural events from throughout the district to feature on our ‘out and about’ page. Yep, Rural Living knows the best trails (and tales) lead to Franklin where the community spirit is always rearin’ to go!

Email us at info@ruralliving.co.nz

www.ruralliving.co.nz Rural Living — July/August 2013 — 9

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Stepping up war on rats!

Rebecca Glover tells a cautionary ‘tail’ about a rat-borne disease which can have a dire outcome.

With cold weather starting to bite, rats and mice are moving into their winter holiday homes – yours!

There are many reasons not to welcome rodents as house guests, among them the diseases they are happy to share.

One of the more unpleasant of these is leptospirosis, which belongs to a group of diseases known as zoonoses, meaning they can be passed from other animals to humans.

It occurs in some farm animals as well as wildlife, and in New Zealand is mostly known as a problem on dairy farms.

In fact, there’s hardly a dairy farmer who hasn’t had a brush with the disease, either personally or through knowing a sufferer.

Since blanket vaccination of cows became commonplace the incidence of lepto has plummeted.

That’s all good for the cows – but unfortunately there’s no vaccine for humans. And not living on a dairy farm is no guarrantee you won’t catch it, as this writer can testify.

The long hot summer was a bumper season for rats – they’re everywhere, and they’re big!

They’re also hungry, and now they’re coming your way.

They’re very good at finding unsecured sources of food, and they’re not at all toilet trained.

Therein lies a wee problem.

Rat urine is a great source of leptospirosis, and it’s easy to come into contact with it unwittingly. Calf rearers and horse owners beware – rats love ripping into bags of feed, leaving their calling cards.

The disease organism easily invades through any broken skin, and anyone working outdoors is always likely to have small cuts or scratches on the hands.

I found all this out the hard way after discovering rats had been banqueting on some horse

feed that I foolishly hadn’t put away in a sealed container.

A couple of weeks after casually scooping up the remains of the feed, I went down with what appeared to be an unseasonably early dose of flu.

Being a tough country girl, I wasn’t about to run off to the doctor, but after several days in bed unable to move or eat I relented and was promptly shunted off to hospital.

At Middlemore they filled me up with intravenous antibiotics and fluids. After 10

days I emerged, unbelievably weak and still suffering splitting headaches and nausea.

Recovery takes months.

Lepto is certainly an effective way to lose weight – I lost seven per cent of mine – but definitely not recommended... and it comes back, dammit! Both the weight, which is not all bad, and the lepto, which is. This disease has a habit of recurring.

Bad as it is for people, lepto is even worse for dogs – but unlike us, our canine friends can be vaccinated.

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first in fold

Vet Nick Twyford says protection against leptospirosis is even more important for dogs than parvo and distemper vaccination.

“It’s a very serious disease for dogs,” he says. “Patients come into the clinic vomiting blood, and even if the dog survives after days of intensive care it’s likely to be a carrier, which could infect its human family.”

Nick usually recommends euthanasia for infected dogs as patients excreting disease organisms from every orifice pose too much risk to anyone nursing them.

Since lepto vaccination became widespread, Nick has barely seen a dog with the disease.

He comments that the incidence of lepto seems very localised, and in some areas is never seen. However, Auckland and

Argus is protected from leptospirosis.

Waikato are particularly bad.

So, how to avoid catching this bugger of a bug? For humans, strict attention to hygiene is

paramount. Cover cuts, wear gloves when possible, wash hands or use hand sanitiser and declare war on those rats!

It’s three cheers for young Te Kuiti shepherd Jordan Smith, who has won the inaugural Ahuwhenua Young Maori Sheep & Beef Farmer of the Year award.

Open to young Maori aged 16-25 years, on a sheep & beef farm and who are enrolled in or have completed within the last year, a National Certificate in Agriculture Level 3 or higher, the awards celebrate excellence in the New Zealand pastoral sector.

Runner up was Te Moana Sidney, a junior shepherd from Waipukurau.

One of the judges, Fred Hardy, said Jordan and Te Moana were top performers and impressive young men. “They understand the world they are in and are great young advocates for the industry.”

A smarter-safer approach to your growing problem!

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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.

Rural Living — July/August 2013 — 11

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On the farm this month Lambing and calving is likely to be underway on local farms, but small block lifestylers, who are not rearing lambs, calves or other young livestock, should be using these dismal winter weeks to tackle maintenance chores inside and out.

Update ‘farm’ and financial records (be sure tax returns have been filed and if they haven’t, see an accountant now), pay outstanding accounts and attend to the never-ending upkeep of fences, vehicles, races, driveways, pasture and water sources.

Don’t be tempted to put off until the weather is finer and warmer, otherwise you’ll be swamped with work and may not have the time to do it.

Monitor feed supplies and ensure you have supplementary feed available if it is needed.

Although the mild winter, with its bucket loads of rain, should mean grass has been restored in many parts after last summer’s drought, some supplementary feed may still be required.

Those who are expecting a lamb or two, be sure to understand feeding requirements, purchase quality supplementary feed and stay in touch with your local vet for advice if uncertain about any aspect at any time.

If you still have hay or silage which is near its use-by date – say, two years old – use it up or turn it to compost as it is likely to deteriorate from here on.

When it comes to pasture maintenance plan to apply

Winter is a great time to get rid of ragwort before it flowers and Photo supplied goes to seed. nitrogen over the next month or so which will give paddocks a boost but be sure those warmer temperatures have started to kick in and that they aren’t water-logged.

If weather remains wet, cold and miserable hold off for a bit.

The battle of the weeds is also likely to start with thistles and ragwort major culprits so be sure to treat then appropriately before they flower and go to seed. Look out for other toxic weeds too – this country has become somewhat lazy when it comes to keeping non-essential pastures weed-free.

While some lifestylers won’t have much in the way of lifestock, it’s not unusual for others to have a dozen or so sheep to keep the grass down so lambing

Subscribe to Rural Living

July/August, 2013

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

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

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Win! Prizes galore

Incredi-BULL Bee aware pages 18-19 RL-August-2013 p1.indd 1

may be on the cards for some.

Remember, it is possible there may be one or two multiple births so be prepared, just in case. It is relatively easy to spot ewes carrying more than one lamb; they have very large bellies and walk slowly.

Keep an eye on them in case they go down with metabolic diseases especially calcium deficiency and ketosis (twin lamb disease).

Make sure you have the correct treatments well in hand before lambing and you know how to use them – check with your vet about gear needed and learn to tube feed a lamb.

Ewes with multiple lambs will need added attention to ensure all lambs receive a good daily feed. Lambs with empty

tums may need some extra good quality milk or colostrum replacer – check with your vet.

Ewes with still some way to go before lambing should not be overfed as this may lead to large lambs and difficult births.

Early-born lambs can also become bunged up with sticky yellow faeces – if you need assistance to deal with any problem such as this or others, ask for it and don’t skimp on the iodine when treating the navels of newborn lambs.

Ewes often choose to lamb in the same spot and these ‘birthing’ areas can become very dirty, If this occurs fence them off to force ewes to choose a cleaner place for lambing.

It’s probably wise to learn how to foster lambs on to other ewes and be sure you have some temporary shelter organised for ewes and newly born lambs.

Those who omitted to vaccinate ewes prior to lambing should check with the vet what vaccines eg Pulpy Kidney, to give lambs. Also remember, vaccinating ewes is one less chore in the lambing paddock and that it takes about three weeks before vaccines start to work.

Ewes shouldn’t need a longacting worm drench before lambing, and don’t drench young lambs at docking.

Lactating ewes need plenty of good clean water, so be sure troughs are clean and full.

Partially cover troughs with mesh so lambs cannot drown.

If docking lambs, avoid dock-

Belgium Blues keep Georgia busy, pages 6-7

22/07/2013 2:27:38 p.m.

12 — Rural Living — July/August 2013

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essential essentiAl lambing lAmbing kit

By Karla Wairau ing tails too short. Leave the dock long enough to cover the vulva in ewe lambs and an equivalent length in males.

It’s not often that lifestylers are involved in calving but if you are, keep up the feed to cows suckling calves.

If by chance you have more than one calf suckling remember such cows need a lot of feed.

Give them your best hay and silage to supplement their pasture. Hay is ideal to aid digestion and avoid bloat.

Check the teats on cows with calves to ensure they are not cut and sore and if a cow is suckling more than one calf be sure all calves are getting equal access.

Make sure all quarters are being emptied to avoid mastitis and check regularly for swollen, red, and painful quarters, as they will need urgent treatment.

It’s important to have a safe yard for your vet to treat a cow.

If new to rearing calves ask advice from your vet.

From birth calves need plenty of milk, well supplemented with good hay, meal and clean water.

It costs around $260 to rear a calf plus purchase price and transport. Then at 4-6 weeks calves will need dehorning and castrating.

It is recommended practice to use an anaesthetic for dehorning, and to do this you need to consult your vet.

He or she will also offer full sedation for the calf. Prices will depend on numbers and time involved.

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Most lambing births go very well and little assistance is needed. Problems are rare but can happen so it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on your ewes if they are close to giving birth.

Interfere as little as possible; usually, there isn’t much to do except watch the event, which I never tire of doing.

Always handle animals, especially pregnant ewes, in a manner that will be the least stressful. It’s a good idea to have frozen colostrum handy for emergencies – I get mine from a local dairy farmer or replacement colostrum is available from your vet.

It is imperative that newborn lambs receive colostrum as soon after birth as possible because it contains the antibodies needed to help keep newborns healthy.

This is a list of birthing supplies I suggest being kept in an easy to carry plastic bucket that retains everything in one place and that you can grab easily. n Flashlight and batteries – for night time deliveries. n Latex gloves – in case you have to assist. n Lubricant – in case you have to “go in” to assist. n Antibiotics – always give a shot if assistance has been offered. n Small spray bottle of iodine – for dipping or spraying the umbilical cord.

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Give newborn lambs the best chance by having the correct supplies on hand. n A couple of old but clean towels or washcloths – to dry lambs/kids preventing chills and also to dry hands. n Bottle/teat – in case you need to bottle feed. n Syringe and feeding tube – To feed lambs which are too weak to nurse. n Bailing twine – offers many practical uses in the paddock. n Bearing retainer – in case of false alarms and a bearing is present rather than a lamb. n Pen and paper – to record birth weights, etc. n Phone number of a knowledgeable farmer or your local vet – in case of an emergency.

You will need soap and warm water for washing up in case you need to assist in birthing.

Afterbirth should pass within 12 hours of birth; if it doesn’t consult your vet smartly. NEVER pull the afterbirth out as this can result

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in serious damage to the doe, let her expel it naturally.

A bread breAd bag bAg can cAn save sAve newborn lamb lAmb

Save old bread bags to put over newborn lambs when it’s wet and cold. You can buy fancy woollen covers which are great but cost money.

It is possible to buy plastic covers that tear off a long roll and are very handy. But a bread bag works too.

Cut one side to allow for the bottom. Cut off top corner to allow lamb’s head to poke through, and cut two small holes for the front legs.

Don’t bother about holes for the back legs. The bag will help retain heat in the main part of the lamb’s chest when conditions are wet and cold.

If the bags haven’t fallen off in a couple of days, take them off. Don’t leave them lying around the paddock as stock may try to eat them.

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Rural Living — July/August 2013 — 13

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doggone good Woof, woof – and tail wagging too – is sure to result when the family’s ‘best friends’ first taste wholesome new treats from Harringtons.

A natural pet food range newly launched in New Zealand, Harringtons dog treats are rich in vitamins and minerals and do not contain artificial flavours, colours or preservatives.

With four products in the range, each is designed to meet the special needs of dogs. n Harringtons Teeth & Gum Treats: Made with chicken, rice and oats all wrapped up in a tasty biscuit, these are calcium-rich and contain parsley and mint for fresh breath. n Harringtons Training Treats: With delicious beef liver, these do not contain dairy, soya or added wheat and are rich in antioxidants.

Great for dogs over eight weeks old, even those with diet related allergies. n Harringtons Puppy & Junior Treats: Like babies, puppies need special care to support growing teeth and bones. Harringtons Puppy & Junior Treats have a chicken, rice and oat flavour and added yoghurt to meet their high calcium needs. n Harringtons Salmon Rolls: This gourmet snack for dogs is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 oils as well as containing natural antioxidants, zinc and vitamins to help maintain a healthy skin and coat.

Harringtons Dog Treats – RRP $6.99. Available exclusively from Countdown stores from August 15, 2013.

craving Eureka moment As a farming nation, where would our country be without such developments as the electric fence, milking machine or even the steam engine? For centuries, necessity has been the mother of invention, even here in New Zealand.

Armed only with No. 8 wire initiative, a need for a solution and a can-do attitude, Kiwis too have played their part in shaping our world.

With entries now open for the New Zealand Innovators’ Awards, awards convener Louise Webster says bright ideas are set to shine from God’s Own. “New Zealanders continually punch above their weight on the global stage, yet many of our innovations go unrecognised.

That’s why the New Zealand

Innovators Awards are so important. We want to recognise not only the innovation but the innovators – the people behind the scenes, and showcase their achievements to the nation. ” So, come on Franklin, let’s get our thinking caps on and show the world we have what it takes!

Register, before August 20, 2013 at: www.innovators.org.nz, and do email us at info@ruralliving. co.nz so we can help share your invention with the world.

2013 Award categories Innovation excellence in industry: n Innovation in Design and Engineering (now includes manufacturing) n Innovation in Sustainability and Clean-tech

n Innovation in Environment and Agriculture n Innovation in Health and Science n Innovation in Hospitality, Food and Beverage n Innovation in Information Communications Technology n Innovation in Marketing and Communications n Innovation in Media, Music and Entertainment Innovation excellence in business: n Bayer New Zealand Supreme New Zealand Innovator n Emerging New Zealand Innovator (pre-commercial) n Most Inspiring Individual n Innovation Excellence in Research n Export Innovator of the Year

No Dutch treat...

Following the recent local discovery of the largest outbreak of Dutch elm disease in New Zealand it seems, while every American town may have an Elm Street, left unchecked, every Kiwi town could have a nightmare all their own.

While more than 200 infected trees at the former Kingseat hospital site have been cleared, Auckland Council arboriculture and landscape advisor, Simon Cook, is relying on the vigilance of locals to check the spread of Dutch elm disease.

“Kingseat is a historic character site with elms initially planted in the 1930s. It’s a shame that they will be losing such a significant number of trees. However, this demonstrates just how devastating the disease really is,” he says.

“I call on Aucklanders to check elm trees on their property, especially those around the Bombay Hills and Pukekohe, and report any suspected cases of Dutch elm disease they see.

New cases will become evident during spring, with elm either not coming into leaf or wilting rapidly after bud burst.”

Elms are deciduous northern hemisphere trees distinguished

14 — Rural Living — July/August 2013

bark beetles – it must be buried, mulched or burnt,” says Simon.

“Given the speed at which Dutch elm disease can spread, and the fact that it’s nearly always fatal for affected trees, we’re taking every precaution to ensure we remove the trees safely and contain the threat.”

Locals who believe they may have identified infected trees should contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101, or visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Knowing Dutch by their large leaves with serrated edges, symmetrical veins, and asymmetrical base.

Residents are asked to watch for signs of wilting, curling, or yellowing leaves; or dying or dead branches and trees.

Dutch elm is usually spread by the bark beetle (Scolytus multistriatus) carrying fungal spores, the transfer of diseased material, or via root grafting.

Elm wood – especially as logs or firewood – should not be carried outside the Auckland region. Affected trees need to be treated and removed safely and equipment disinfected.

“Material that is diseased will often harbour or attract

Dutch elm disease was discovered in New Zealand in Myers Park, Auckland in 1989.

Outbreaks are now occurring further south, with diseased trees removed in Whitford in October 2012, and others recently destroyed near Appleby and Drury Hills Roads in Drury.

Controls prohibit the movement of elm material in and out of the Auckland area between the Bombay Hills and Albany.

Storage of elm wood is also prohibited and elms cannot be brought into the region or sold at Auckland nurseries.

Despite these measures, it is feared the disease could reach the Waikato.

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waiuku’s tractor factor At first Noel had a paddock; now he has a roadside attraction and it captured the attention of roving Rural Living reporter, Jon Rawlinson.

Located on Waiuku Road, Noel Ritchie’s property is unlike any other.

At the centre of a collection of flotsam and jetsam, including a milk pail letterbox, old sawmill blades and various other pieces of eternally sleeping machinery, there is a tractor parked in a most unusual place, atop a tall macrocarpa stump.

But notions of ‘tractor on a pole’ being an ethereal artistic statement, such as farmers and their machinery growing directly from the land, are best left by city kids at the farm gate.

Noel says his reasons for placing this piece of machinery on a pedestal, were much more straightforward.

“I bought it at an auction over

Noel Ritchie’s ‘tractor on a pole’ is quite the tourist attraction. the river at Onewhero about five years ago, just as a garden ornament,” he says.

“Putting it where we have was just a spur of the moment thing.

“We had a macrocarpa stump down the road so we trucked it up here, planted it with a digger and, while we were at it, put the tractor on the top; job done!”

He says ‘tractor on a pole’ has proved quite the ‘site’ for passers-by.

“People often stop; two or three times a week they’ll stop to take photos. It’s become a real local attraction.”

Armed with an old tractor, a sense of humour, and a lump of macrocarpa, it seems Noel has given Franklin a work of art... whether he likes it, or not!

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PLEA TO RETAIN SOME PROTECTION FOR PLOVERS Reader Carol Tupper wrote Reader Carol Tupper wrote to Rural Living following our to Rural Living following our May article on the lifting of May article on the lifting of protection on Australian spur protection on Australian spur wing plovers. wing plovers.

Having studied plovers for Having studied plovers for four years and also becoming four years and also becoming an an adoptive adoptive parent parent to to aa plover plover which has attached itself which has attached itself to to her her home, she asks if it is really home, she asks if it is really necnecessary essary to to completely completely remove remove their their protection protection status. status.

Carol Carol writes: writes: All All fl flock ock birds birds pose a risk of airstrike pose a risk of airstrike around around airports airports so so surely surely controls controls could could be restricted to be restricted to coastal coastal areas areas and and airfi airfields elds rather rather than than totally totally lifting lifting all all protection protection from from these these generally likeable birds. generally likeable birds.

In In 2009 2009 II found found aa newly newly hatched plover chick hatched plover chick which which was was barely barely alive alive so so II took took it it home home and and reared reared it it with with the the intention intention of releasing it back of releasing it back to to the the wild. wild.

However, However, the the bird bird imprinted imprinted himself himself to to his his new new environment environment of of people, people, dogs, dogs, cats cats and and farm farm animals animals and and returning returning him him to to his his former former environment environment was was unsuccessful. unsuccessful.

Even Even though though other other plovplovers ers have have approached approached him, him, he he doesn’t doesn’t recognise recognise them them by by sight sight or or sound sound and and he he will will not not breed. breed.

In In the the evening evening he he comes comes inside inside for for companionship companionship and and puts puts himself himself in in aa cage cage for for the the night. night. He He is is intelligent, intelligent, not not aggressive. aggressive. Yes, Yes, he he can can be be noisy noisy and and will will join join the the dogs dogs when when they they bark. bark.

He He loudly loudly objects objects to to helihelicopters, noisy trucks, power tools and telephones but not frequently. As plovers generally live for about 20 years I will have to make 90 to see him out – I hope I do and I certainly

Carol Tupper’s Carol Tupper’s domesticated domesticated Plover is at home Plover is at home with the dogs and with the dogs and fearless among fearless among humans. humans.

hope hope these these charmcharming ing birds birds won’t won’t go go entirely entirely unprounprotected! tected!

It It is is imporimportant for tant for people people to to remember that remember that plovers plovers generally generally prefer prefer open open farmland farmland and and grassgrasslands, lands, and and tend tend to to make make poor, poor, shallow shallow nests nests which which can can be be easeasily ily destroyed destroyed by by storms. storms.

Their Their eggs eggs incubate incubate 28-30 28-30 days and are days and are often often lost lost to to pukeko, pukeko, rats, rats, stoats, stoats, herons herons and and feral feral cats. cats. Sometimes Sometimes the the eggs eggs are trodden by stock so are trodden by stock so only only 25 25 per per cent cent of of plover plover chicks chicks reach reach maturity; maturity; approximately approximately one one chick chick per per pair. pair.

Plovers Plovers are are also also sedentary sedentary birds mostly foraging birds mostly foraging and and restresting ing on on the the ground. ground. They They do do not not perch perch and and their their main main diet diet conconsists sists of of worms, worms, insects insects and and larlarvae vae which which they they hunt hunt in in aa darted darted action. action. In In the the wild, wild, plovers plovers are are either harried or in turn will harry hawks.

If hunters/shooters are permitted to target plovers these birds will soon diminish. Duck numbers will also lessen as

more more ducklings ducklings will will succumb succumb to to hawks hawks because because there there will will be be less less plovers plovers to to maintain maintain hawk hawk numbers. numbers.

By By consuming consuming insects, insects, which which are major agricultural are major agricultural and and grassland grassland pests, pests, plovers plovers can can assist assist farmers. farmers. They They are are aa colcolourful ourful and and elegant elegant addition addition to to New New Zealand Zealand avi-fauna avi-fauna and and will will fearlessly fearlessly guard guard their their territory. territory.

Their Their noise noise is is loud loud but but not not frefrequent quent and and is is mainly mainly heard heard when when they they are are defending defending an an area area or or during during autumn autumn mating mating displays. displays.

Noise Noise from from aircraft aircraft will will upset upset them them so so enforcing enforcing controls controls near near airfi airfields elds should should keep keep them them away away from from the the noises noises they they dislike dislike and and reduce airstrike problems.

I do hope this appeal on behalf of spur wing plovers won’t fall entirely on deaf ears – it seems to me these lovely creatures still deserve some protection.

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Come October, thousands of equine aficionados will be back in the saddle again, following the dusty trail to Mystery Creek, south of Hamilton.

While the annual event will again feature a wide range of equine-related demonstrations, exhibitions, activities and retail sites, this year, Equidays will have the ‘backing’ of Equestrian

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16 — Rural Living — July/August 2013

Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) in efforts to help develop a new generation of champions.

Equidays spokesperson, Sarah Riches, says the partnership with ESNZ will help support riders of all levels and provide once in a lifetime opportunities to learn from the world’s best.

“Equidays wants to be more than just an equine event; it

strives to be a world class equine event,” she says.

“For every rider who dreams of going to the Olympics or competing internationally, Equidays wants to provide the chance to learn the skills that can make that dream come true!”

Equidays will run October 18-20. Tickets on sale from Aug 1. Visit www.equidays.co.nz.

RURAL

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Vet Talk with Franklin Vets

Raising healthy stock

By Dr Ilyse Jennens, BVSc (Dist) Franklin Vets Rearing pets for calf club can be an exciting and rewarding experience for children.

Here are a few tips: n A newborn must receive adequate colostrum within 12 hours of birth to develop a correctly functioning immune system. Ideally this will be from the mother, but in the case of orphan animals colostrum will need to be hand fed. n To keep animals warm and dry use a draught-free shed or kennel as well as lamb or calf covers. n If feeding milk powders, choose a good quality brand and follow the instructions closely. Avoid sudden changes in the type (brand), quantity or temperature of the milk. n As a guide, feed 20% of body weight split over several (more

Holly Walton, Franklin Vets Veterinarian talks to Brookby School lamb crèche members.

Photo supplied supplied Photo

for younger animals) small feeds. For example, a 3kg lamb needs 600mls per day fed at 120 ml per feed. n Thoroughly clean bottles and teats after each feed.

From about two weeks of age, have lamb pellets or calf meal and hay/pasture available to encourage rumen (stomach) development. Always ensure access to fresh, clean water. n Lambs or kid goats that have come from vaccinated

mothers, and have received adequate colostrum in the first day of life, will have protection against clostridial diseases for about 3 months. n Lambs and kids from unvaccinated mothers should receive a Lamb Vaccine (PK/ Anti-tet) at one week old.

All young lambs, kids and calves should be vaccinated with a 5 in 1 vaccine at weaning (or six weeks of age), followed by a booster four weeks later.

n Once eating grass, young stock should receive an internal parasite treatment at about six weeks old and again at 10 weeks. n Procedures such as tail docking (lambs), castration (male animals) and debudding should be carried out at around two weeks of age.

Most importantly, enjoy and if you have any questions along the way, contact your local Franklin Vets clinic.

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Rural Rural Living Living — — July/August July/August 2013 2013 — — 17 17

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Getting the little pricker When out and about in the garden, it’s wonderful seeing bees busily going about their work.

Brightly coloured and seemingly good natured, mostly, they are quite peaceful and docile; they simply want to make their honey and protect their queen.

However, if a bee feels it or its hive is in danger, it will engage its last resort, its sting, often giving up its life to do so.

This is sad, not only for the bee, but also for the person who is stung.

Bee stings burn, swell and must be treated quickly, sometimes with an urgent visit to the doctor or hospital for those who are allergic to the venom.

The first step in treating a bee sting is to remove the sting. Because more venom can be released by squeezing the stinger, removing with tweezers is not always the best method.

Bees peaceful and docile when going about business.

And, those who are stung may be out and about, without access to tweezers anyway, so here are a few tips for quickly and safely removing bees’ stings. n Credit card: Brush the

edge of a credit or Eftpos card against the surface of the skin, starting from an area behind the sting and pushing forward. The stinger will catch onto the edge of the card and slide out.

n Needle: Sterilise a needle or pin with rubbing alcohol or boiling water and scrape the skin surrounding the stinger until the sting is extracted. n Fingernail: Something you always have on you is your own fingernail! Use your nail to stroke the skin until the stinger is dislodged. It’s important to thoroughly wash the area afterwards, because fingernails harbour nasty bacteria. n An onion: Using an onion to scrape at the sting can work rather well. While it may take a few more scrapes to push out than with other implements, it is said that the onion also reduces both the pain and the itch. n A coin: Any type of coin can be used to scrape and extract a bee sting. However, there is also an old tale that states that taping a penny to a sting (after the stinger is removed, of course) also relieves pain and swelling.

‘Savage’ ‘SavaGe’ attack on bees beeS say Say Greens GreenS The Green Party has voiced ‘stinging’ remarks following the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) approval of an insecticide containing the chemical imidacloprid, linked to bees’ colony collapse disorder.

Green Party agriculture spokesperson, Steffan Browning, says the Minister of Primary Industries needs to step in and withdraw approval

of Savage 600 Flowable Seed Dressing Insecticide.

“Approval of Savage 600 is another savage attack on our bees. We need to take action to protect bees, not sting them with another attack.”

He says a few months ago the European Union froze the use of imidacloprid and other neonicotinoids as a seed treatment for two years due to a risk to bees.

“The links between these chemicals and the decline in bee populations has been widely acknowledged,” he says.

“The EPA made this decision to approve Savage 600 based on a previous similar insecticide they had approved.

“They need to get with the times and acknowledge that the rest of the world is taking substantive action to protect bees while we are just watching

them get assaulted again.”

Mr Browning adds that the EPA has ignored any potential for systematic release of the insecticide throughout the plant including pollen, which could affect bees, adding that urgent action needs to be taken.

“Bees are so crucial to our agricultural sector. We rely on bees for all aspects of our agricultural and food production and can’t afford to lose them.”

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RURAL

bees Stamping out honey beeS n Nail file: Use the sandy side of a nail file to make short, quick strokes against the location where the sting is lodged. n Butter knife: Use the dull edge of a butter knife to brush the skin and drive out the stinger. n Ice: If scraping a sting with implements mentioned above does not seem to work, try icing the affected area first. By first freezing the sting, the scraping method often works faster and helps ensure it comes out in one piece. If the stinger is deep in the skin and cannot be seen, push down on the skin in front, or to the sides of the point of entry. This should cause the stinger to rise up and become visible. You may need to keep pressing down with one hand while scraping with the other. n Tape: Children often prefer this method of removal. Apply a piece of tape to the location

of the sting and gently pull forward, not up. n Wax: Attach sticky wax (such as hair removal wax or lanolin) to a twig or toothpick and touch it to the sting. Next, gently pull the sting forward and out.

Alternatively, place the wax on the sting and apply the paper or cloth used for hair removal to the wax and guide the sting out in much the same way.

When removing a bee sting, do so quickly, this will reduce the amount of venom entering the body, and consequently the amount of pain and swelling.

Be mindful of possible allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction are hives, swelling, respiratory distress, dizziness and fainting.

If you experience any of these signs, seek immediate medical attention.

– Contributed by Kevin Thompson www.backupcare.org.

It’s not like the NBA (National Beekeepers’ Association) to go about stamping bees, but the association bee-leaves it’s the right way to raise awareness of the valuable role honey bees play in our ecosystem.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the organisation, NBA CEO, Daniel

Paul, says a special set of Honey Bee postage stamps has been released by New Zealand Post.

“August is Bee Aware Month in New Zealand and it is great that NZ Post has created these stamps to

help us raise awareness of this critically important and productive insect,” he says.

“It’s a timely reminder of the importance of bees to our agricultural and horticultural industries, and to so many of the foods we eat.”

He says the commemorative stamps are designed as a tribute to the hardworking honey bee which contributes 5 billion dollars a year to the New Zealand economy through the pollination of essential crops.

The stamps are available from Post Shops or from the NZ Post website, www. stamps.nzpost.co.nz.

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The perfect brewery for the home enthusiast or a trial plant for the professional.

We have long recognised the need for a compact and affordable brewery that meets the needs of both the home brewer and as a trial plant for the commercial brewery, where recipes can be tested and re-tested before transferring to the commercial plant.

This brand new design meets that need and is based on over 25 years of experience in designing, manufacturing and installing breweries throughout New Zealand and Australia, including the award winning Emersons Brewery in Dunedin.

The brewery is a self-contained three tier gravity feed unit consisting of three 59L stainless steel pots and a counter flow heat exchanger, replicating the commercial process while trolley mounted. The unit is approximately 1800mm x 1000mm x 600mm and moves freely through a door with all the pots easily removable for cleaning. The heating required is achieved through gas burners fed from a single bottle.

• Water is heated in the top vessel to the correct temperature prior to mashing.

• The second vessel is the mashtun which has a removable perforated bottom plate. The wort is drained off below the false bottom into the kettle, leaving the spent grain behind.

• The wort is then boiled in the kettle and the hops are added as required. The kettle has a fine mesh filter to retain the hops in the vessel once it is drained.

• The boiled wort is drained from the kettle through a counter flow heat exchanger ensuring the wort temperature is reduced to the optimum yeast pitching temperature as it is run into a separate vessel for fermenting.

Total cost for the unit is NZD$ 3,735.00 + GST, plus packing & freight.

We can also supply a 50L combined fermenting/conditioning vessel which is capable of being pressurised if required.

Cost NZ$1,450.00 + GST, plus packing and freight if sent separately to the Brew Plant.

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20/06/13 11:48 AM

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Local syndicate trifecta While polo may be the sport of kings, when it comes to harness racing one local family exemplifies how the ordinary Joe (Des, Ken or even Ngaire) can have a piece of the action at an affordable price, as regular syndicate members, Ken and Des Morris from Patumahoe, explained to JON RAWLINSON. For more than a decade, horses have literally given Ken Morris and two of his younger siblings – Des Morris and Ngaire Gordon – a run for their money through syndicates.

However, while the jet set life afforded by full ownership of champion nags may remain remote, the trio has still accumulated wealth of sorts, making friends and indulging in extra insight into a sport that’s in the blood.

“There’s a saying that goes if you want to make a million out of racing horses, start with two million,” says Des, who joined his sister, Ngaire, and brother, Ken in syndicates in 2003 and again this year.

“My sister was involved and I used to go along with her. When Ken bought in back in 2003, so did I. But that was the worst syndicate they had, so I never went into another until this year. I figured the syndicate did so poorly because I was in it!”

However, Des says he certainly retained an interest in his siblings’ endeavours and enjoyed the occasional win.

“You can bet on as many horses as you like, but there’s no bigger thrill than having a horse out there, in which you have ownership, when it does well, especially when they win;

Ken and Des Morris – having fun with syndicates. man, that’s something else!”

Ken adds that, despite poor performances from the trio’s 2003 syndicates, he decided to stay the course, experiencing success along the way.

In 2008, a part ownership of one horse, Changeover, led to a particular highlight, when the pacer left all competition behind to secure the New Zealand Cup, and $1.2m, in a

Patumahoe — New Zealand

53413

Phone: 09 238 5226 Fax: 09 238 5206 Mobile: 0274 990 652 Email: geoff.small@xtra.co.nz Website: gsmallharness.co.nz

20 — Rural Living — July/August 2013

Photos Wayne Martin

race record time.

“Changeover won more than two million overall, but you need to take 15 percent off that for the driver and trainer and divide what’s left by 50 [members in the syndicate]. Once it was divided up, I think we ended up with about $10,000 from our share,” says Ken. While fortunes are few and far between for syndicate punt-

ers, he says the social aspect is definitely an attraction.

“There are a lot of people who wouldn’t go into syndicates because there are too many people involved, but if you look at the social side, it’s great.

“I started so I could be a bit more involved in racing, via ownership. It definitely wasn’t to make money; it’s more about the friends you make, meeting good people along the way.”

And Ken and Des agree, syndicates also offer members the opportunity to gain inside track knowledge into the sport.

“It gives you an insight into trainers’ methods, so you can work out how well the horses will do. When you go along to the workouts and trials to watch your horses run, you’ll see how others are doing too,” Ken says.

“And you get to know the trainers and drivers and learn from them, the ins and outs of the sport which you probably wouldn’t know otherwise,” adds Des. The pair also agree on how to make the perfect first step when wanting to become involved in syndicates: “Call Rob Carr, the ATC syndication manager,” says Des, “He’s the one with all the information you’ll need to get started.”

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RURAL

Rabbits on the run

By Ditch Keeling Coastal Pest Solutions Ltd

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Ditch with a serious truckload of night-shot rabbits.

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Day/Night Shooting. The preference here is always for night shooting with a silenced .22 rifle and spotlight. Day shooting is considered too intrusive and is only employed in the latter stages of reducing the population.

Successful night shooting requires a high degree of proficiency and should be undertaken in stages to avoid making the animals too wary.

If engaging a professional shooter, be sure to stop all other shooting for a suitable period to let the population settle down nicely. The use of shotguns can alarm the entire population so, this too, is best left for the final handful of animals.

Poisoning. Due to the many considerations that must be made prior to poisoning this method is often reserved for large and widespread populations or those that do not lend themselves to control via the previously discussed methods.

Poisoning with Pindone Rabbit pellets can be extremely effective during dry periods but all cereal baits become less palatable once wet.

There are bait stations on the market for rabbit poisoning but

rabbit feeding patterns simply do not suit feeding from a station and I have yet to see any level of rabbit control achieved with the use of stations.

Placing the desired number of baits on patches of bare earth (spits) can be an effective method but you must hold a Controlled Substance Licence to do this; at any rate the combination of burrow fumigation and night shooting tends to give more reliable and immediate results.

As with all poisons, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe and efficient use.

Effective rabbit control often requires a measured combination of all of the above methods. If you find this is beyond your own ability, engage a professional that specialises in rabbits.

Dollars spent now will be a lot less than during spring and summer. So get out there, spray the gorse, burn the log-piles and be sure to ask if your neighbours have rabbit problems as sharing the costs of rabbit control will significantly reduce the control cost to each property. www.coastalpestsolutions.co.nz

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Rabbit populations generally decline during winter offering a much needed reprieve to those that suffer extreme infestations during spring and summer.

Rabbit numbers exploded following the recent drought and we are still taking requests for rabbit control at the same level normally expected during the summer months.

The relatively mild winter has kept rabbits breeding flat out and rabbit control this winter will be critical if you want to avoid continued increases in your local rabbit population next spring.

Common methods used for rabbit control are habitat modification; burrow fumigation, day/night shooting and poisoning. The general rule is to use the least intrusive methods first.

Only switch to the more intrusive methods when necessary as too much intrusion can lead to very wary rabbits and these can be incredibly difficult to bring under control.

Habitat Modification is often a valuable tool in reducing rabbit numbers. The removal of wind throws, log-piles and pockets of gorse is, in some cases, all that is required to make a property less attractive to rabbits.

Grazing/mowing areas of rank growth is also well worth doing. Setting about removing cover from your property is not an overly intrusive method and, as such, is a good starting point for rabbit control.

Burrow Fumigation. The fumigation of burrows and warrens with magnesium phosphide pellets (Magtoxin) can be both a cost and time efficient means of control; you must be licensed to use this product otherwise you will need to engage a professional to undertake this work.

Burrow fumigation involves the back-filling of all holes so it has the added advantage of removing the risk of stock and horses breaking legs.

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The Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) has approved a

Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) – funding will help control this invasive weed.

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combined application from the Lower Rangitikei Horsetail Control Group (LRHCG), the NZ Landcare Trust and Horizons Regional Council for a $316,150 grant.

It will be used to investigate and test biological options to control the weed in this part of the Manawatu/Whanganui region over the next three years.

Difficult to control, field horsetail grows each spring from an extensive root system, spreading rapidly to overtake pasture and infest cropping land.

Originally imported in the 1920s as a novelty garden plant, it has since become a pest for farmers and gardeners.

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Rough Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale) – a far lesser problem than its cousin but has been found in Clevedon and Grey Lynn.

cousin of this pest, Equisetum hyemale.

The latter has been identified in Clevedon and Grey Lynn, where control measures have been undertaken.

Horizons environmental management officer, Craig Davey, says the funding is an opportunity to take a decent step forward in field horsetail management and to work with key agencies that can help.

“As a result, the LRHCG can now contract Landcare Research to investigate what bugs will eat or kill horsetail, test they are safe and then ultimately release them into the region,” he says.

LRHCG chairman Alistair Roberston says the project will also help make more people

aware of the need to know about field horsetail and the risk it poses to farming, cropping and even gardening.

“We aim to highlight the need for machinery hygiene between farms and what management methods on farms are available to limit the impact of field horsetail when river sourced gravel is brought in,” he says.

Landcare Research scientist Lindsay Smith adds the success of biological controls rests with identification.

“Pest plants that have been introduced to New Zealand are often not considered a weed in their home country because there are bioagents there to control them,” he says.

“If we can determine what

these agents are for field horsetail then we can hope to restore an environmental balance.”

Auckland Council’s biosecurity team has the local horsetail (Equisetum hyemale) listed as a surveillance pest plant – propagation, sale, distribution and display of plants is prohibited.

Closely related to ferns, this toxic plant spreads due to its matted, creeping rhizomes, which enable the plant to form dense communities, preventing native species from germinating, and proving to be very resistant to eradication.

Auckland biosecurity officer Mark Geaney does not see a likelihood of the rapid spread of these plants in our region but says it always pays to be aware.

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A French passenger was landed with a $400 fine recently for failing to declare biosecurity risk goods, on arrival at Auckland Airport; specifically, boots with soles contaminated from goat manure, and even a snail lurking inside.

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) team manager, Paul Ruttley, said while it’s fairly common for quarantine inspectors to intercept dirty boots, it’s very unusual to find hitch-hiking snails!

“The boots posed high biosecurity risk to New Zealand. If they had only been used on the street in the city, it would have been okay,” he said, “but, as they came from a farm, they could have been carrying diseases with potential to have a devastating impact on our farming industries.”

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Aucklanders over a Water, water may be everywhere right now, but the cost at the tap remains the same, as JON RAWLINSON reveals.

Boutros Boutros Ghali, former UN Secretary General, said “wars of [this] century will be fought over water.”

Considering my recent dealings with Watercare, it’s time for an opening salvo.

Auckland Council organisation, Watercare, provides userpays water services to those on town supply throughout the super city. Actual and estimated meter readings are taken on alternate months, and consumers billed accordingly.

However, what happens when estimates don’t match up with readings on the meters outside our homes and we are charged for water we haven’t used?

After moving to a new home in Pukekohe late last year, I

received an estimate much higher than the reading. I supplied my reading and was issued with a new bill. The company mistakenly based this estimate, in part, on previous owners’ usage.

However, when I explained I would prefer to supply my own readings, rather than receive estimates, a Watercare customer service person responded: “Watercare is entitled to charge on the basis of estimated water consumption because, by using Watercare’s services, you accept the terms of the contract, and those terms state that Watercare may estimate water consumption and charge accordingly... if estimated invoices are not paid, it may incur a late payment fee.”

Terms and conditions, huh?

Although I never signed anything or ticked any boxes, by turning on my tap, a contract was formed. Hopefully the Ts&Cs don’t also require I relinquish my first born, or become part of a humancentipede-style experiment!

Seriously though, surely a contract whereby the ‘signatory’ has to ‘agree’, or be without an essential resource, is one entered into under duress, particularly when there is no equivalent competing supplier.

I found it hard to believe that in cases

where Watercare inadvertently overcharges customers, it would insist on payment under threat of penalty. So, I asked a few more questions. A representative replied, stating bills would be reissued if: “The next read date is greater than 10 days from today; or the difference in consumption is

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barrel ing them for billing me correctly.

But, I asked why, although my case did not meet their criteria, this was done. Eventually, their reason was forthcoming: “In your case it was deemed appropriate to re-bill... because you repeatedly expressed your dissatisfaction about the impact of the 4 kilolitre difference.

Based on that, as a goodwill gesture, on this occasion we have re-billed the invoice.”

Simply put, I made waves until I was fairly ‘awash’ with goodwill!

However, I wonder if others, overcharged by Watercare – who don’t meet the criteria – would be successful, should they not become as big a pain in the water closet as I have been. A few hundred litres or a few dollars is just a drop in the bucket; surely consumers should be entitled to be billed only for the water they use.

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greater than 8kl; or the actual consumption is less than 50%.”

But what happens if I have been overcharged by, say 40%?

Could Watercare insist I pay anyway?

Their response: “We treat each request to re-bill on a case-by-case basis.

Your inference, that Watercare insists customers pay more than they owe when an actual or manual meter reading has been taken, is simply not correct.”

Simply not correct? Well, maybe it’s a little correct, otherwise the company would reissue bills in all cases, with no need for any criteria; at least that’s where my logic leads.

When my next estimated bill arrived, I was again overcharged, this time by less than 40%. I provided a reading and requested an accurate bill. It was supplied and duly paid.

I contacted Watercare, thank-

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LIVING _______________________________________________________________________________

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WIN! DOUBLE PASS TO THE LOST SPRING Soaking in the atmosphere of The Lost Spring, Whitianga is a most enjoyable experience, as Rural Living’s Jon Rawlinson reported in last month’s issue. However, a quick dip is not an option for the winners of this prize – a double all-day pass to one of Coromandel’s most special (and worst-kept) secrets. Valued at $120, this pass will enable our winners to treat themselves to a day of luxury, swimming in the resort’s thermal pools. Full spa treatments, cocktails and meals are also available at additional cost.

WIN! DOG TREATS FOR THE FUSSIEST CANINE! New Harrington’s Dog Treats, packed with vitamins and minerals (see story page 14) promise to support your pet’s health ‘naturally’. Made without artificial flavours, colours or preservatives, they are a great food solution for man’s best friend. Now, thanks to Harrington’s, Rural Living has five prize packs each containing four packets of the various dog treats to give away. Each prize pack is valued at close to $28 (individual packets of dog treats retail at $6.99 each), a great way to cheer up your doggy’s day!

WIN! STYLISH LEISUREWEAR FROM CANTERBURY OF NZ The latest Spring/Summer range from Canterbury of New Zealand will have you looking fabulous whether you’re on or off the field.

Filled with a variety of stylish and modern sports and lifestyle wear, it’s available in stores now or online at www.canterburyofnz. com. We have one Canterbury Spring Celebration Pack to give away! Worth $215, it includes a Floral Envy Polo, Twice As Nice Shirt and a Copacabana Tote. Make sure you head over to the Facebook page www. facebook.com/CanterburyofNZ for the latest styles and competitions.

WIN! EXTREME FISHING Those who watched the TV series Extreme Fishing with Robson Green are bound to love the presenter’s book of the same name and Rural Living is giving one copy away. You don’t have to be an avid fisherman to enjoy the tales told in this fascinating and funny account in which the actor and passionate fisherman discovers the weird and the wonderful of the angling world. A great Father’s Day gift, the book takes readers on a right romp from ice fishing in Siberia to mining eggs on the side of an active volcano in Papua New Guinea. Complete with exclusive off-camera capers, top locations and best and worst catches, this laughout-loud adventure is jam-packed full of facts, fishing tips and photographs. Extreme Fishing by Robson Green. Published by Simon & Schuster. RRP $30.00 26 — Rural Living — July/August 2013

WIN! OVEN CLEAN Richard and Tracy Lailey from The Oven Cleaning Company are about to make one lucky householder’s dream come true – they have put up for grabs a one-hour, no mess, no fuss oven clean valued at $95. The couple use eco-friendly products which don’t leave a toxic residue or odour and they clean all removable parts individually in a steam bath. So don’t waste a minute. If your oven needs a thorough clean enter the draw – you could soon be coming home to one less back-breaking job!

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LIVING

Holidays in the making CITY LASS Well the countdown is on for our holiday in Vanuatu and after a stint of the flu the thought of hot, sunny weather is very exciting.

Of course, there is so much to organise when you have a lot of animals. However, we are lucky to have a friend who will stay in our home and do all those chores of feeding out whilst also keeping the house occupied.

My girlfriend is already packed but I am nowhere near that organised so the day prior will be fine for me.

At work, many among the team have already been away and what a difference a week in the sun makes although they are now feeling the cold badly.

I had a wee accident earlier this month and what a pain that turned out to be. Because our company has an insurance broker he immediately contacted a crash management company to manage the assessments and repairs.

The gondola at Rotorua takes visitors to the luge – just two attractions that make this city a great holiday destination.

At the office, my operations manager, with whom I work closely, is also a Cancerian and though I’m not really a believer in star signs, this little group are certainly alike in many ways.

On the other hand, I am a Gemini so we don’t always see eye to eye!

The school holidays this month has seen many families heading off to the sunshine and Rarotonga seems to be very popular.

I was talking with one of the girls here at the office and she mentioned that her family were going, not to Raro, but to

Rotorua. That brought back so many memories. When my children were young the best place for a short break was Rotorua with the wonderful Polynesian Pools, the Blue Baths and all the fun attractions.

Rotorua is just down the road and I know there are now so many more adventures for families to enjoy. I think we might pop down for a night or two to soak in the hot pools and maybe visit a spa.

Well, that’s me for the month and next month I will tell you all about the holiday with our close friends in Vanuatu.

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This was so embarrassing as it wasn’t easy to actually see the small amount of damage.

Then, when a team arrived to assess the situation and, if necessary, offer me a loan car, my embarrassment was complete.

Great service, I must say, but then the issue of the $500 excess arose.

The repair was to cost $598 but why should I pay anything as I was stationary when a young man ran into me. Therefore, as I see it, the damage was no fault of mine.

Needless to say, the culprit was not insured but he has paid the excess to my insurer. Why people drive around without some kind of third party insurance amazes me.

I was lucky and no one was hurt but the inconvenience and time involved for a few scratches, including my car being away for four days, could, in part, have been avoided.

This has been a month of birthdays and I must say when I list them all I realise that my life has been controlled from birth

by Cancerians.

My older sister was a Cancerian and my daughter is a Cancerian. When I inherited another family, many years ago after marrying Brian, another Cancerian daughter came with the package.

Rural Living — July/August 2013 — 27 QR code generated on http://qrcode.littleidiot.be

LIVING________________________________________________________________________________

Local art global appeal A former beauty therapist, Toni Dolan’s therapy now comes from creating beauty on canvas, a direction she embarked on 12 years ago. DARREN McDONALD talks to her about her work.

It was only after she had her two daughters, Michaela and Sarah, that Toni Dolan found time to rekindle artistic talents lain dormant since school days.

“I did art at school and absolutely loved it, but because I thought I’ll never be an artist I felt I should do a real subject; I took up geography,” she laughs.

“However, I’ve always been arty, I’ve always enjoyed drawing.”

Then, at home with her children, Toni enrolled in a Pukekohe painting class and began to seriously create.

Working mostly in acrylics, she is particularly fond of nature and loves to share it with others via her art.

“I gain inspiration out of what I love. I love nature, I love birds, and I love animals. Look through my work, you will see a theme. It is either New Zealand, natives, or the animals… a lot of cows, horses and birds.’’

Toni has had success in local art competitions at the Papakura Art Group and the Royal Easter Show. She also has international acclaims including a certificate of excellence from the Palm Art Awards in Germany in 2010 and first placing in the ‘animals’ category at the Light, Space & Time Gallery in the United States, 2011.

Despite her international success, she has shied away from overseas trips, focusing instead on local exhibitions such as the prestigious New Zealand Art Show in Wellington.

“Wellington is THE show. It is the largest and the most amazing art show in New Zealand.

Think of the best artists you

Toni Dolan at home in her studio; below, an example of her work in silhouette. know and there’s a whole stadium full of them. It really is quite mind-boggling.”

Toni might not be rushing to show her work at international events, but that doesn’t stop offers from regularly rolling in. In the past few weeks she has had invitations from Italy, Germany and New York.

“I am invited all the time, but it’s costly sending work abroad especially as you don’t know if it will sell.”

Ever aware of other artists’ techniques and styles, Toni is acutely conscious of ensuring her paintings are uniquely hers.

“It’s hugely important. There are so many artists in New Zealand now painting similar themes.

We all have birds and natives but it is important to retain your own style.

“When people ask, what is your style of work?, I say New Zealand Contemporary, but I probably paint a little more fine art than abstract.

“It’s just the colours I use, the way that I do it. If you had five artists all paint a tui, you would

28 — Rural Living — July/August 2013

know which one belonged to which artist. That’s, because we all have a different style… a way of using colours, form and shape, and I think that is really important, because I have been copied a few times and it’s not nice. Keep it your own, put your little stamp on it, and it’s yours.”

And on walking into Toni Dolan’s Waiau Pa home, visitors are acutely aware that they are walking into her particular wonderful world.

Every room features her art works; all uniquely beautiful.

The drawers in her study overflow with sketches and cards featuring her paintings.

A little dazed by her prolific creativity, I wondered if she ever suffered from a creative

Photo Darren McDonald

block as writers often do.

“As a commercial artist, I find it good to work on a series because you are not starting from scratch every time. You build on an idea and you get used to working in a certain way so it is a lot easier,” she says.

Her “Seashore” series is testament to that philosophy.

Toni can’t remember exactly how many paintings she created for that particular series but believes it could have been several hundred!

Although she ideally loves to concentrate on one painting at a time, she often has several on the go.

She says subject matter determines the colours she chooses as does the economic climate. The recent recession forced her to adapt, and adapt she did, creating beautiful but simple silhouette paintings as her staple style.

Now, after success at the recent Waiau Pa Art Exhibition, this talented artist is ready to try something new.

“I’m still enjoying doing my

LIVING

It was standing room only at the opening night of the Waiau Pa Art Group’s ‘Home Brood’ exhibition to showcase the work of prominent local artists and to raise funds for the Waiau Pa Volunteer Fire Service.

More than a hundred people braved the cold to watch fire dancers open the show with flair and flames while musicians from Southern Jam provided the atmos-

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phere for admiring art.

Pottery, paintings and even body art was on show.

Organiser Helen Parsons says she was overwhelmed.

“I wasn’t expecting so many people to turn up; this is the first time we have had so many people.”

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When Toni puts her mind to something, she sees it through.

While sketching an initial idea for a painting for the Waiau Pa and Clarks Beach Business Association to present to mayor Len Brown, she huddled under a large flax plant to protect herself from a roaring westerly gale, barely managing to hold onto her canvas!

As for the future…“I would like to do what I’m doing but I’ve found it a lot tougher in the last few years. It’s a lot tougher to sell. I used to sell work for twice as much that was half as good. Now, I can go months without selling anything.”

In the meantime, Toni will go about what she does best… being a great wife and mum to two daughters, running the Waiau Pa Netball Club, and spending a huge amount of time creating new pieces of art.

Discover more about Toni’s work at www.tonidolan.co.nz

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silhouette work, but since the exhibition I’ve been playing with different colours, so now you’ll find there are blues, reds, greens and bronze and all the colours of the rainbow, making a nice visual impact.”

Although insanely prolific at times, Toni paints each and every piece of art after a great deal of thought.

“If it is something different, I spend a lot of time working it out in my head before I put it onto paper, sketch it onto canvas, then I find I really need to get into the space.”

For inspiration and research, she sometimes uses the internet, but prefers to personally take photos of her subjects herself.

“I generally take my camera wherever I go. Ask my girls and they will tell you I am constantly slamming on the brakes saying, ‘look at that sky!’ I take photos of old barns, cows and all sorts of things.”

Photo Darren McDonald

53819-V2

Members of the Waiau Pa Art Group.

Rural Living — July/August 2013 — 29

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Lunch a winner Ladies lunch counties Racing racing Club cLub for Counties

There are ladies who lunch and those who flutter, and sometimes the twain does meet.Whether in hopes their horses would come in, or simply to sup and sip while enjoying the atmosphere of a ‘fascinator-ing’ afternoon out, splendidly dressed women gathered at the Counties Racing Club in Pukekohe recently. The ‘must attend’ social event on the winter calendar proved quite the attraction, as dozens of local ladies toasted to health, happiness and wealth begotten off the backs of the odd accommodating equine.

Pat Fruin, Judy Collup, Carol Kidd 1. Pat Fruin, Judy Collup, Carol Kidd 2. Patricia Moore, Kay Dugan 2.

Patricia Moore, Kay Dugan 3. Serina erina Corless, Rachel Buxton 3.

Corless, Rachel Buxton 4. Carylln Cheyne, Sue Finlayson, Lou 4. Carylln Cheyne, Sue Finlayson, Lou Nowell, Denise Bax Nowell, Denise Bax 5. Miranda Millington, Mark Ball 5. Miranda Millington, Mark Ball

6. Eunice Russell, June Maxwell 6. Eunice Russell, June Maxwell 7. Emma mma Treppass, Caroline Saunders, 7.

Treppass, Caroline Saunders, Val Graham Val Graham 8. Judy Stewart, Sheryl Viles 8. Judy Stewart, Sheryl Viles 9. Marlene Lynch, Lynne Alexander, 9. Marlene Lynch, Lynne Alexander, Lynn Pulman Lynn Pulman

1

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E: 12.15pm FIRST RAC e at day at th Have a gre e support th races and ust r T l a in nd Sp la a e Z w e N ople with to help pe s inal injurie serious sp k c a n tr get back o

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To alleviate skin irritations and reduce sensitivity, Blackthorn Blossom is included to instantly aid and support the skin with long lasting balance and harmony. It’s suitable for daily use as an alternative to face cream in cold weather, as an intensive skin treatment or, as an eye make-up remover.

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Skin-enhancing mineral pigments help blur imperfections and diffuse fi fine lines and wrinkles, while an antioxidant-rich Vitamin C derivative helps brighten skin for a radiant fi finish. Skin is protected from future damage with SPF 30 UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. Available in three shades. RRP $50

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For the love of the ‘game’ Success in the kitchen involves as much good management as it does good... duck. And, although duck hunting season may be finished, it’s not truly over until the fat bird’s cooked.

So, with many a Franklin freezer still caging bagged birds, it’s time to get quacking with a few tips to top off a successful hunt.

Game is incredibly healthy because it is so lean. But this means that it can dry out all too easily and become as tough as old boots, which is why many cooks try once then give the game away!

To keep the bird moist, bard the roasting bird with bacon strips and tie these on with string. Alternatively, use an oven bag to contain the juices.

Cover the roasting dish with tin foil – again, to seal in the juices – and remove it near the end of the cooking process to brown the skin To check if the duck is ready, use a thin, sharp knife, piercing the duck breast all the way to the breastplate underneath.

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If the juices are red, it’s not yet ready! If they are bright red, then it’s likely the bird is still rare underneath, although light pink juices are fine. If juices are clear, your duck is done, but if no juices run at all, whip it out of the oven quick!

Some recipes are for domestic ducks, which are higher in fat and much larger birds. For this reason, it may be necessary to considerably reduce cooking time for wild ducks and refrain from piercing the body to release fat. In fact, the very opposite may apply, retain as much fat as possible.

There are thousands of recipes for game birds, be it in slow cookers, conventional ovens, microwaves or even barbecues.

Good game cookbooks are available in sports and book shops.

win with

www.ruralliving.co.nz

duck, orange and watercress salad Fresh, flavoursome and healthy. A great dish to share with whanau and friends.

Ingredients IngredIents

2 duck breasts Oil spray 1 bunch baby watercress (large stalks removed and washed) 2 sweet navel oranges 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp runny honey 1 Tbsp wholegrain mustard 1 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar

Method

Pre-heat oven to 180ºC.

Remove skin from duck.

Put into hot pan and fry in very lightly oiled pan for 2 mins each side. Place in a pre-heated oven for 5 mins or until medium. Take out of oven and rest for 5 minutes, set aside.

Place watercress in a bowl, peel oranges removing all pith, cut into segments and add to the watercress.

Whisk together olive oil, honey, mustard and balsamic thoroughly to make the dressing.

Slice duck thinly, add to salad, drizzle over dressing and serve. Serves 2 Contributed by

by Fish Fish & & Game Game NZ NZ –– Contributed

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Clash of the Titans Autumn makeovers makeovers in in the the Autumn home are are all all about about colour colour –– home strong colour colour if if you you are are bold bold strong enough to go with the powerenough to go with the powerful blue/orange/purple/plum blue/orange/purple/plum ful tones that abound abound and and were were tones that once thought thought to to clash. clash. once Not anymore; anymore; new new season season Not hues indicate indicate plenty plenty of of warmth warmth hues and movement movement and and there’s there’s aa and wealth of compelling palettes to wealth of compelling palettes to give insipid insipid interiors interiors aa real real lift. lift. give Homeowners seeking a change should should look look to to the the likes likes change of Dulux, Dulux, Resene Resene and and Benjamin Benjamin of Moore (to name a few) whose new season colour charts have ensured winter 2013 is all about dramatic movement.

For example, those who think blue a somewhat cool colour, will find this year’s use of vigor-

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fun-loving effect effect to to aa fun-loving rooms. rooms.

But don’t despair it’s not all all about about forceful forceful interiors. interiors. not For the the romantics, romantics, toned toned down down For shades of orange-based pinks and softer, murky blues will satisfy a need for calm.

And, if this winter is predominantly about stimulating colours with a sense of adventure, there is relief for those who prefer a

whisper quiet quiet backdrop backdrop with with whisper just aa dash dash of of colour. colour. just Those sticking to smoky greys, and and natural natural earth earth tones, tones, greys, with just just aa hint hint of of pastel, pastel, should should with use the rise in coloured florals to add some character – cushions, drapes or upholstery – or add a dash of apple green to give a pretence of boldness without losing any of the desired soothing effect.

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Tried and tested at home When it comes to gardening, or any other job around a lifestyle block, a good workman always praises his tools. But only if they make the grade, as JON RAWLINSON explains.

Many people are familiar with the McGregor’s brand, but they may be unaware that the gardening products company actually tests many of its wares right in our own Franklin backyard.

When time allows, McGregor’s international product manager, Sandy Johnson can usually be found in her Pukekohe garden putting the company’s tools and other products through their paces.

She’s tested everything from tools and accessories, through to watering systems, pest control, and even seeds, making sure they will make the grade in our gardens.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the gardening industry, Sandy says she has learnt that there’s no tool like the right tool.

“Product development is my primary focus, making sure our products work for our customers. We test products at home so they’re subjected to real conditions,” she says.

“However, to be fair I do have a bit of an advantage, Pukekohe soil is so good, you can practically throw plants at it and they’ll thrive!”

Since her childhood in Wellington, Sandy has nurtured a passion for gardening.

“My parents always had a

Sandy Johnson garden. In those days, everybody had big back yards and grew fruit and veggies. Since then, I’ve lived and breathed gardening.

“I grow flowers to add a little colour, but mainly stick to fruit and veggies. In fact, I produce so much that I give most of it away to friends and family. I grow for the love of it, really.”

Sandy says she has always

relied on a hands-on approach.

“I’ve never had any formal gardening training, I have just learnt on the job and in my own garden. But, these days, gardeners have it a little easier, thanks to the internet.

“And at McGregor’s, we’ve just launched our new website – www.mcgregors.co.nz,” she says. “It offers us a great way to share our knowledge.”

Local landscape woos shutterbugs When members of the Howick Camera Club came visiting in Franklin district recently they were captivated by flora around the Hunua Ranges.

Clearly focused on award-winning shots, they captured some rare beauties found underfoot. Here, Rural Living features images taken on the field trip as well as an impressive ‘view’of Tuakau Bridge, photographed by Glenn Bittle when the group were heading south on a field trip to the snow.

Howick Camera Club is now one of the largest and busiest clubs in New Zealand. Members meet three times a month at the Howick Bridge Club on the first, third and fourth Monday evening, their aim to inspire, share and teach a love of photography in a friendly and relaxed environment.

Club members have placed highly at a wide variety of competitions both nationally and internationally.

For more information visit www.howickcameraclub. org.nz 36 — Rural Living — July/August 2013

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LIVING

No cabbages from Kings This season, it seems gardeners looking for something a little different are spoilt for choice with the release of more than 60 new seed varieties in Kings Seeds 2013 catalogue, designed to reflect the latest trends in gardening and cuisine.

Managing director of Kings Seeds, Gerard Martin, says the new book features an exciting range, from microgreens, and vegetables, to flowers, fruit, herbs, organics and more – with some varieties available in New Zealand for the first time.

“This season’s seed range will set gardens ablaze with both colour and character,” he says.

“We received great feedback throughout the year from our customers and it’s inspired us to continue to introduce new and distinctive varieties.”

Although he says it’s tough to choose favourites, Gerard believes the following varieties are expected to draw plenty of attention:

New flower varieties

Designed to brighten the spring/summer garden, Marigold Chameleon is true to its name, with each plant displaying single, semi-double and crested blooms in varying blends of yellow, gold, orange and red.

The Morning Glory Hazelwood Blues offers a mix of eye catching shades from sky blue to deep violet (each morning new blooms appear to

replace the spent ones of yesterday) and the Morning Glory La Vie en Rose variety offers shades from blush pink to darkest red.

morning Morning Glory Hazelwood Blues

Goji Berry (wolfBerry) (Wolfberry)

Available exclusively from Kings, seeds of this super food produce nutritious berries packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Originating in China, these versatile bright orange/red fruits are traditionally dried and eaten as snacks, made into fruit juices or used in muesli, soups or casseroles.

Gourmet microGreeNs microgreens

Adding colour, texture, taste and elegance to many dishes, Kings Seeds new microgreen range includes the Mustard Coloured Frills variety, flavoursome blend of feathered and frilled mild mustards for micro harvest. Use these greens as garnishes, in sandwiches, fresh salads, or quickly stir-fried with snow peas.

veGetaBles Vegetables

Flower Sprouts Kaleidoscope, bred by crossing kale and Brussels sprouts are expected to be favoured by veggie growers and flower fanciers alike, thanks to colourful flowers or rosettes on stalks of tall upright plants – similar to Brussels – and with a taste and texture reminiscent of kale. When lightly cooked the sprouts retain their green, purple and bicolour colour mix.

wiN! Win! KiNGs KINGS seeDs SEEDS PriZe PRIZE PacKs PACKS As Mel Brooks once said ‘It’s good to be the king!’ And that’s certainly the case when it comes to seeds.

Quite often, particularly when trying to track down more exotic seeds on behalf of readers, we at Rural Living find all roads tend to lead to the throne, with Kings able to deliver where ordinary men fail!

And now, thanks to the recent release of the Kings Seeds 2013 catalogue, finding the right seeds has been made even easier.

Visit www.kingsseeds.

co.nz to order a copy today.

In the meantime, five lucky readers need look no further because Rural Living has FIVE Kings Seeds prize packs up for grabs! Each pack includes: a new Kings Seeds catalogue and four packs of seeds.

To be in to win, simply complete the entry form at www.ruralliving.co.nz.

One entry per email address/person; entries close August 31, 2013.

Winners notifed by phone or email.

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Rural Living — July/August 2013 — 37

Tuakau 296 Whangarata Rd Family Style with Land Something to satisfy every family member.

This substantial home on 4.1049 ha boasts two living areas plus a massive games room that opens onto a paved in ground pool area. Double garaging attached , four bedrooms and expansive views over the ranch. Additional shedding is partially converted into a sleep out. This is a versatile property! Only a few minutes to motorway access,Tuakau and Pukekohe. Productive land that can be cropped, grazed or could easily sustain a few horses. Gently sloping and well drained. The Bonus! Classy and yet simple grounds that have hosted the odd wedding. DeďŹ nitely worth a visit.

Vendors want to downsize!!

Phone Kevin or check online for open homes and viewing.

View www.harcourts.co.nz/PW130604 Auction 11:00 am Saturday 7 September In rooms @ Campbell Tyson Accountants, Pukekohe Plaza, Wesley St, Pukekohe (unless sold prior) Kevin Seymour M: 0800 345 563 P: 09 238 4244 E: kevin.seymour@harcourts.co.nz BCRE Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Karaka Preferred Karaka Location 14.11 ha (34 acres) of classy land which deserves the building of a classic Karaka home. Personally Pick the building site on this Elongated gently rising property. Close to the quiet country road or create an impressive tree lined drive through gates to show your home to effect and assure your privacy. Look to the long Eastern boundary, an estuary planted in site speciďŹ c natives at the base of the rolling land. The old home is workable and tenanted but less than one might expect on such a prime site. Water is supplied from a bore.

Phone Kevin to view and prepare to build something impressive.

53565

www.harcourts.co.nz 36a

Contributor to realestate.co.nz

View

www.harcourts.co.nz

Kevin Seymour M: 0800 345 563 P: 09 238 4244 E: kevin.seymour@harcourts.co.nz BCRE Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________

Going life style

By Suzy Causebrook, Barfoot & Thompson, Papakura With all the hype about today’s property market, many people are asking, “is now a good time to move?”

Rural and lifestyle, to the south of Auckland isn’t as frantic as the residential market but it is certainly starting to move ahead.

With the frenzy of buying and selling in suburbia, the Kiwi dream of owning a rural lifestyle home has become more achievable.

Although prices have not yet leapt forward like their residential counterparts they look to be creeping forward in a quiet, steady manner.

Most banks are now keen to lend without the massive deposits they were once asking and, in some cases, a 5% deposit is acceptable.

Properties that are priced well and presented well, sell well. A little lifestyle block for the first or second home buyer where they can raise a few kids or a cow without being jammed in is looking like really good value to the many that have also been looking in town.

LIVING

REAL ESTATE

Larger lifestyle properties and farms are also selling well with sales recorded throughout the area. Properties within commuting distance of city centres, that can be managed part time or by one person in a partnership, are gaining in popularity too.

Areas such as Maramarua, Kaiaua and Mangatawhiri where a mix of farming is added to a little bit of fishing or golfing or hunting, seem to be a hit with many people looking for the good life.

At present buyers are struggling with a shortage of stock, and in some cases have decided not to market their own properties until they find something to buy or the weather improves. Now is a great time to take advantage of this by showcasing your home and making the most of buyer demand.

Forget Forget New New York York in in June, June, according according to to REINZ REINZ it it seems seems Franklin Franklin was was the the place place to to be, be, for for lifestylers lifestylers at at least. least.

Real Real Estate Estate Institute Institute of of NZ NZ rural rural market market spokesman, spokesman, Brian Brian Peacock, Peacock, says says demand demand is is rising rising for for lifestyle lifestyle properties properties across across the the board, board, with with strong strong buyer buyer interest interest in in some some areas. areas.

“The “The lifestyle lifestyle market market on on the the southern southern edge edge of of the the Auckland Auckland urban urban area area is is strong strong with with interest interest in in properties properties large large enough enough for for future future subsubdivision division and and healthy healthy activity activity in in the the $1 $1 million million range,” range,” he he says. says.

Overall, Overall, the the three three months months to to June June 2013 2013 saw saw an an increase increase of of 18.2 18.2 percent percent in in sales sales of of lifelifestyle style properties, properties, compared compared with with the the same same period period last last year, year, with with Auckland Auckland recordrecording ing the the largest largest increase increase (up (up by by 135 135 sales). sales).

In In addition, addition, the the national national median median price price for for lifestyle lifestyle blocks blocks rose rose by by 5.8 5.8 percent percent (Auckland (Auckland by by 10.2 10.2 percent). percent).

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Rural Rural Living Living — — July/August July/August 2013 2013 — — 39 39

________________________________________________________________________________ LIVING________________________________________________________________________________

Game of two halves

By Alistair Alistair Davidson Davidson By Kia reckons reckons its its Sorrento Sorrento R R Kia soft-roader is is all all new, new, but but soft-roader that’s stretching stretching the the truth truth just just that’s teeny weeny weeny bit. bit. aa teeny After all, all, the the body body panels panels are are After the same same as as second second generation generation the Sorrento, as as is is the the cabin cabin archiarchiSorrento, tecture –– with with aa few few significant significant tecture improvements that that I’ll I’ll get get to to improvements shortly. shortly.

Unless you’re you’re aa train train spotspotUnless ter with with aa thing thing for for Kia Kia you’d you’d ter struggle to to spot spot the the differences differences struggle unless new new (or (or should should that that be be unless semi-new) and and old old were were parked parked semi-new) side by by side. side. side There’s revised revised front front and and There’s rear styling, styling, with with the the tailgate tailgate rear treatment the the most most noticeable noticeable treatment change, but but that’s that’s about about it. it. change, The 2.2-litre 2.2-litre diesel diesel engine engine is is The carried over, over, and and that’s that’s aa good good carried thing; it’s it’s aa superb superb powerplant powerplant thing; that’s smooth smooth and and responsive. responsive. that’s With 436Nm 436Nm of of torque torque in in aa With

PhotosAlistair AlistairDavidson Davidson Photos

Sorrento RR Premium Premium is is only only available available with with aa six-speed six-speed automatic automatic transmission transmission with with sequential sequential sportshift. sportshift.

Sorrento vehicle that’s that’s lighter lighter than than its its vehicle predecessor, Sorrento Sorrento R R is is no no predecessor, slouch. slouch.

Okay, so so where’s where’s this this ‘all ‘all new’ new’ Okay, thing come come in? in? Under Under the the skin, skin, thing

that’s where. where. that’s Sorrento R’s R’s carryover carryover body body Sorrento panels and and interior interior sit sit on on aa panels brand new new platform platform that’s that’s basibasibrand cally shared shared with with the the all-new all-new cally

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ALL NEW

A step ahead.

Smarter than the average SUV. The re-invention of the all new Kia Sorento has not only produced its stunning good looks, but also its intelligence. It will parallel park all on it’s own, hands free. It knows when it’s raining. Its seats warm you when you’re cool and cool you when it’s warm. It focuses the headlamps to what you need to see, automatically turns the lights on and off for the conditions and lots more.

To experience the all new 7 seat Sorento R, book your test drive today at kia.co.nz.

Smart Parking aSSiStance SyStem

50393

rain SenSorS

Hyundai Santa Santa Fe. Fe. Hyundai There’s heavier heavier gauge gauge steel steel There’s underneath, which which makes makes underneath, Sorrento R R feel feel more more rigid rigid than than Sorrento its predecessor. predecessor. its

adaPtive HeadlamPS

Panoramic SunrooF

Heated SeatS Front and Back

________________________________________________________________________________

LIVING

GET A LOAD OF THIS The snow didn’t quite make Auckland’s Hunua Ranges during the recent polar blast, but there’s plenty of the white stuff further south if you fancy testing the new allwheel drive 3 Series Touring’s mettle.

Winter’s well and truly arrived, so BMW couldn’t have timed the launch of its new sports wagon any better.

Based on the recently launched 3 Series Touring, the new models adds XDrive, which works in the same way as in other BMW Sport Activity Vehicles and Sport Activity Coupes.

In normal operating conditions, drive is split approximately 60/40 in favour of the rear wheels.

When the system detects a need for a greater traction to either the front or rear, it reallocates drive in such a way so as to ensure the vehicle is able to proactively manage any under or oversteer situations.

The XDrive range consists of three models: the $83,800 petrol 320i, and 320d and 330d twin turbo diesels, priced at $84,400 and $112,500 respectively.

Folding the second and third rows of seats flat creates a load space that’s bigger than a big thing.

The suspension subframes are bigger, and while the general suspension set-up is the same, it employs newly designed components such as the rear trailing arms and shock absorbers.

Kia’s done its own thing with the suspension tune, and it works.

Combine the more substantial floorpan with the vastly improved on-road biased suspension and you have a pretty decent-handling SUV. Sure, you’re going to get a wee bit of body roll, but the Sorrento R Premium diesel that Rural Living tested felt taut, comfortable, and safe. The steering’s got a fair amount of feel too.

The Premium is exactly what the name suggests: it’s the top of the range model, so it rides on 19” wheels with

235/55 Kumho tyres.

Despite those bigger wheels and lower profile tyres there’s negligible road noise.

Which brings us to the interior. The look and feel of tactile surfaces is first rate, there’s a much better seven-inch TFT display panel, and the leather upholstery oozes quality.

Sorrento targets lifestyle families, so a useful extra 30mm of leg room in the second row of seats will be welcomed.

All Sorrento Rs have a third row of seats. These are best suited to kids or adult contortionists; there is extra leg room there too – not that you’d notice.

Access to that third row is easy, as is folding down flat both the second and third row of seats.

Sorrento R starts at $46,490

for the 2.4 LX petrol through to the all-wheel drive Premium 2.2 diesel at $66,190.

All come with a comprehensive equipment list and, with the exception of navigation, the Premium has all the safety and creature comfort features you’d expect.

And a few you wouldn’t expect such as park assist where the car basically parallel parks itself (also standard on Ltd diesel), ventilated front seats and heated mid-row seats.

For 2013 Sorrento R got new underpinnings, and it’s no secret that a full restyle is due in 2014, so it’s a game of two halves.

However, as it stands this SUV still looks good and is improved where it counts, making it a strong contender in the crowded SUV market.

COLORADO TAKES THE LOAD Re-invented from the ground up, all-new Holden Colorado is distinctive in every way.

Offering comfort and loads of style, it delivers 3.5 tonne towing capacity across the 2.8L range, and is designed to keep you and your cargo safe.

It is equipped with front airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as full length side curtain airbags.

Perfect on the worksite or a weekend trip, the Holden Colorado has what it takes to get the job done effortlessly.

Built for power and performance, there’s no quit in this work-horse. It’s ideal for the rural lifestyler, farmer or townie seeking grunt.

Colorado’s stylish interior also makes getting from A to B a dream.

Fully factory trained technicians State-of-the-art workshop facilities and equipment New Holden and Nissan Vehicles Access to over 300 used cars Onsite finance and insurance

APPARELL

EBBETT

MARQUE OF EXCELLENCE

APPARELL

PHONE 0800 405 050

Cnr Edinburgh & Tobin Sts • Pukekohe E: ross@ebbett.co.nz • www.ebbett.co.nz 53841

Rural Living — July/August 2013 — 41

MINI.CO.NZ

MINI PRICE. MAXIMUM STYLE. MINI RAY $29,200 DRIVE AWAY.

Team McMillan MINI Garage, 430 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland. 0800 548 352.

BE MINI.

MIN0694

Visit Team McMillan MINI Garage for a test drive or go to MINI.CO.NZ for more information.

E510043

At only $29,200 you can experience MINI’s legendary go-kart handling, iconic styling, customisable design options and smart safety features. Plus a BRAND NEW MINI RAY includes MINI’s 3 Year Scheduled Servicing, Warranty Plan and Roadside Assistance.

So let that money go further, faster, slicker, stylier - with a MINI RAY.

The ultimate online resource for the gardening community

garden-nz.co.nz offers information and advice on home gardens, fruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers, trees and shrubs. It also includes great giveaways, competitions and a comprehensive directory of products, services and more. nz’s BeST gardening website

www.garden-nz.co.nz

Garden

Book your oven clean with the professionals now By calling

0800 OVENCO www.gloss.co.nz

53797

FRANKLIN MARKET

Your community meeting place Pukekohe Saturdays 8am-12noon Pokeno Sundays 9am-4pm Affordable Fresh Fruit and Veges, Fish, Vege Plants, Honey, Jam, Green Valley Milk, Miller Books (new), Tartan Farms (Beef), Tasty Holland (Dutch products), Rawleighs Products, Nellys Cakes & more!!

Enquiries: Ph Roger 09 238 8831 Mobile: 021 230 3172 Email: wodger@slingshot.co.nz www.franklinmarkets.com

(0800 683 626)

www.ovenco.co.nz

OPEN 7 DAYS Monday-Friday 7am-6pm Saturday 8am-6pm Sunday 9am-5pm CLOSED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS Shop 2, 33 Edinburgh St (next to Pizza Hut) Pukekohe Phone 09 239 2964

Wedding, funeral and event flower specialist ❀ Professionally designed flower bouquets and arrangements ❀ Lovely gifts including chocolates, soft toys, Italian soaps and balloons ❀ Daily deliveries Mon to Sat throughout Auckland

Ph (09) 2929 540

STALL SITES FROM $15

53795

53796

Phone: 027 270 2040 Email: jan@tukkathyme.co.nz Website: www.tukkathyme.co.nz

Environmentally safe, non-caustic cleaning Ovens, Hobs, Extractors, BBQs, Microwaves Fully trained, experienced personnel Minor repairs undertaken

E513043

Garden

595 Front Miranda Rd, R.D.6, Thames Phone: 07 867 3055 | Fax: 07 867 3187 Email: info@mirandahotsprings.co.nz Web: www.mirandahotsprings.co.nz

- Women’s guide to everythng!

53800

Miranda Hot Springs – 100% Natural Mineral Pools

From simple beginnings – nature’s blend of natural foods found in the wild providing the balance of vitamins and minerals required for overall good health.

Tukkathyme is fed as part of the overall diet to complement raw meat, fish and bones.

53979-v2

Come and relax with us at Miranda Hot Springs in our thermal fresh mineral water. Centrally located, we have three pools to suit all swimmers.

We are closed on Christmas Day.

The eco-friendly way to clean your Ovens, Hobs, Extractors and BBQs

17 Papakura-Clevedon Rd (Main Rd) Clevedon Village michelle@clevedonflowers.co.nz

Order online www.clevedonflowers.co.nz

Get your traditional handmade bacon, sausages & ham from our friendly staff at

20 Subway Rd, Pukekohe

www.beautybible.co.nz

or

Great South Rd, Pokeno or

OPEN 7 DAYS

420 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden

for lunch and dinner

Fully Licensed ~

Bar snacks ~ Takeaways ~ TAB facilities ~ New menu & dining lounge Your favourite brands online including

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13 Mauku Road, Patumahoe Phone 09 236 3783

53438

Phone 09 239 2086 www.pokenobacon.co.nz

53429

n

HOT SPRINGS

100% NATURAL MINERAL POOLS

100% Natural Mineral Pools

DIRECTORY

53437

n

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Rural Living is available FREE from selected advertisers and the following locations: Pukekohe Barfoot and Thompson, 68 King St Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Ave Kevens Department Store, 73 King St Franklin Vets, 86 Harris St Papakura Franklin Vets, 365 Great South Rd Pokeno Pokeno Bacon, Great South Rd Waiuku Franklin Vets, 2 Court St Mitre 10, 25 Bowen St

Bombay Autobahn Tuakau H.R Fiskens, 295 Tuakau Rd Tuakau Meats, 23 George St Profarm Tuakau, Cnr Madill Rd and George St Ardmore Animal Stuff, 192 Airfield Rd Karaka Animal Stuff, 671 Karaka Rd

Drury Animal Stuff, 222 Great South Rd Drury Butcher, 232a Great South Rd Town & Country Vets, 257 Great South Rd Hunua John Hill Estate, 144 John Hill Rd Clevedon Clevedon Rural Supplies, 13 PapakuraClevedon Rd, Clevedon Village Patumahoe The Butchers Shop Cafe, 4 Patumahoe Rd

Rural Living is delivered on the first week of each month. Copies will go quickly so be quick to collect yours from any of the following outlets. An electronic version is also available at ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — July/August 2013 — 43

DIRECTORY ������������������������������������������������������������������������ Grant Escott FENCING

NEW ZEALAND FASHION ONLINE

Swimming Pool & Deck Balustrades

Framed Glass Semi-Frameless Glass Frameless Glass Aluminum Fencing Euroslat Privacy Screening FOR A QUICK QUOTE CONTACT

Quote Code RL13

• Decks • Post Driving • Retaining Walls • Rural & Residential Fencing

Andrew Laker Area Manager M 021 855 858 E andrew@provista.co.nz www.provista.co.nz

Free quotes – Competitive rates

NEW ZEALAND FASHION ONLINE

Phone 0800 SOLICITOR

www.conveyancingshop.co.nz lawyer@conveyancingshop.co.nz

53846

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

Need a lawyer?

E513038

CONTRACTOR

WWW.FASHIONZ.CO.NZ

53644

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Great Prices!

Great Finance Rates!

Great Cars!

Luxury Portable Bathrooms Simple to set up, pleasure to use.

• For all your concrete tank requirements.

• We build 3000 – 8000 gallon water tanks.

Water tank repair and recondition specialist Concrete Tanks Tried & True

For all occasions where a portable toilet just won’t do!

Water - Septic - Retention - Specialty Tanks 53426

219-229 Manukau Road (old Mitre 10 building)

Y

ENVIRONMENLTYALL FRIEND

Ideal for: • garden weddings • extra guests • family occasions

www.bathroomsforhire.co.nz 027 282 5856

Ph 09 239 1799 Open Sat & Sun

Fax 09 239 1798 Mob: 027 282 6459 Geoff Dickey - Director

50389

Your friendly trustworthy electrician No job too small.

Domestic repairs and additions.

Industrial repairs and maintenance.

Call Peter O’Connell 0274 857 857 or 09 238 1115

For a FREE no obligation quote contact our friendly team

We supply a wide range of commercial & domestic:

■ Carpets ■ Vinyls ■ Auto & Marine carpets ■ Cork, Porcelain & Glass Tiles

Our services include: ■ Mat overlocking ■ Floor preparation ■ Concrete grinding ■ Quality installation

Holmes Flooring Ltd, 1 Mellsop Ave, Waiuku.

Ph 09 235 0586, Fax 09 235 0589, Mobile 0274 990 298 Email holmesflooring@clear.net.nz

53793-V2

Ph Neil for a quote: 021 794 148 anytime, A/H 09 232 8540

BOBCAT & TRUCK HIRE Building Site Preparation Site Cleaning and Base Filling Driveways and Landscape Shaping Free Quotes KEVIN PLATT BOB CAT SERVICES 0274 928 701 ah 09 238 6923

53434

 Paintless  Dent  Removal

53430

53435

53428

TRADES WELCOME

JUST BLOODY GREAT CARS LTD

DAVIS TANKS

“IT’S FIXED or IT’S FREE”

DENTS REMOVED NO PAINTING

Service & Value

 Saves time, money and aggravation  Vehicle remains original

Commerical / Industrial / Residential

Waterblasters

 Enhanced resale value  Typical time taken to remove dents (30 mins)  All work guaranteed

• House soft wash • Roof cleaning • Gutter cleaning • Pre-paint cleaning • Fence and walls • Deck cleaning • Path cleaning

0800 SUCKA1

 Mobile service  Free quotes

53422

Neville Your Local Technician

Phone 027 235 8271

GUARANTEED

Or:

0800 782 521

Alan Wilson Plumbing 235 9066

44 — Rural Living — July/August 2013

53420

WE ALSO OFFER...

Pest control

Window cleaning Carpet cleaning Furniture and upholstery cleaning Ph 0508 932 532 (0508 WE CLEAN), mobile 021 366 615 Email: office@bestpropertyservices.co.nz

www.bestpropertyservices.co.nz 50392

Call us for all your farming supply needs

PUMP & WATER SPECIALISTS

For the best advice and friendly service

• WATER PUMPS – Sales & Servicing

IN TWO GREAT LOCATIONS

• WATER FILTERS

RURAL & LIFESTYLE

WATER TANK CLEANING

18 Elliott St, Papakura.

Ph 09 298 7767.

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 8.30am-2.30pm

53423

FREEPHONE

0800 826 525

PEST CONTROL

From One Animal Upwards EXPERIENCED NZ WOOL BOARD • CERTIFIED SHEARERS

Ces & Jan Mayall

Phone w/w (09) 425-7104 or Ak (09) 276-1219 or mobile 0274-853-234 Mr.Clip.Ltd@gmail.com

Sheep, Goats, Alpacas, Llamas 53559

• Excavators and truck hire • Farm drainage and races • Driveways and roading • House sites and horse arenas • Grader/roller and bulldozer hire • Metal cartage

Neil 0274 973 865 • Grant 021 678 720 A/hrs 09 232 7709 53449

COUNTIES BULK SPREADERS • GROUND SPREADING • LIME • FERTILISER • UREA • LS100 (50/50 Foul Manure & Lime Mix)

COUNTIES BULK HAULAGE

53850

• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL • SAND • FERTILISER • LIME

MIKE JULIAN Freephone (0508) RURAL H20 (0508) 787 254 Mike mobile 021 765 629

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

Boyd (09) 233 4466 0274 978 685 Brenton (09) 236 3639 0274 921 916 53452

FOR ALL YOUR WATER NEEDS

Rodents & birds eating their food?

Phone 238 9885 Mobile 0274 789 857 Main Highway, Paerata

N availaow Farmlable at n stores ds ✓ Strongly constructed with galvanised steel ✓ Feeder lid opens when chook stands on platform ✓ Waterproof ✓ Two sizes

53407

ANIMAL BURIAL 

Large holds 18kg $250 + pp Medium holds 9kg $195 + pp GRANDPA’S CHOOK FEEDERS are made to save you time and money by eliminating the need for daily feeding and stopping the significant amount of food lost to rats, mice and wild birds. This is the ideal feeder for 1-50 chooks, allowing you to enjoy the goodness of your own farm fresh eggs without attracting pests and their associated diseases.

GRANDPA’S FEEDERS – developed and sold in NZ for over 15 years have become hugely popular and are now considered standard equipment for keeping poultry.

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED OR MONEY BACK!

BURIED ON YOUR LAND Horses ~ Cows ~ Sheep ~ Etc Phone Richard Logan

Mob 0274 976 058

53414-v2

Totally mobile shearing service.

Bombays to Kaiwaka.

But hate being tied to daily feeding?

• Insects & rodents • Domestic & commercial • Consultancy work

NEIL & GRANT FITZGERALD

MR CLIP LTD

Love your chooks?

YOU NAME IT – WE’LL KILL IT! Controlling your pests for 24 years

Farmtech Services 53445

Cnr Madill & George St, Tuakau.

Ph 09 236 8228.

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

WALKERS

a/h 09 233 4446 www.animalburial.co.nz

For happier, healthier more productive chooks, contact us:

Phone 07 552 5225, 027 276 9794 or 027 497 6021 Email: mark@grandpasfeeders.com Web: www.grandpasfeeders.co.nz Postal: Windsong Farm, 364 Whakamarama Rd, RD7 Tauranga 3179

53791

PROFARM

“Kill” Ferrets, Possum, Rats and Rabbits “Dead” Philproofbait bait feeders feeders areare the answer Philproof the answer sizes, standard and mini available Two Two sizes, standard and mini available

Baitstation Mini

Timms

Target Species Possum

Target Species Possum

Large Baitstation

Rodent Baitstation

Possum/Rat/Rabbit bait stations • Specially • Specifi cally developed developedtotoprotect protectbait baitfrom from protect blockages which can rainrain andand to to protect blockages which can occur in other bait stations. Waterproof occur in other bait stations. Waterproof.

• The preferred bait station usedby by • The preferred bait station used professional pest controlagencies. agencies professional pest control Large Philproof is ideal for baiting Rabbits Large Philproof is ideal for baiting Rabbits.

AlsoRodent available Rodent Bait Stations, Block Timms Also available Bait Stations, Block Baits, Timms traps, RodentBaits, Snap traps traps, Rodent Snap traps (prices available on request). (prices available on request).

Target Species Rabbits & Possums

Ferret/Stoat trap covers • Specifically callydesigned designedtotocover MK 4 • Specifi cover MK 4 or or MK 6 Fenn (kill) traps MK 6 Fenn (kill) traps •• Narrow entrance the ferret/ Narrow entranceguides guides the ferret/stoat stoat over centre of trigger plate centre of trigger plate • over Stockproof • Stockproof • Available double • Availableininsingle singleoror models double models • Madefrom fromrecycled recycledplastic plastic • Made • MK4, 4,great greatrat rattrap trap • MK exex UKUK Free advice Free advice7 days.

7 days.

PHILPROOF

Target Species Mice & Rats Single cover & trap

Double cover & 2 traps Fenn Trap without cover

Double Trap Cover

Trex Snap Trap

Target Species Stoat/Ferret

Target Species Mice & Rats

PO Box 4385, Hamilton, 3247, NZ

*Remember to include your courier or RD address

PHONE/FAX (07) 859 2943 • Mobile (021) 270 5896 Email philproof@gmail.com • Website www.philproof.co.nz

53450

CHICKEN MANURE FERTILISER A natural, cost-effective all-year round N.P.K. fertiliser for pasture, maize crops, market gardens & small blocks.

We supply, cart & spread.

We also supply: • Lime • Metal • Sand

CALL IN AND SEE US

• Service of all farm, industrial, agricultural irrigation and domestic pumps • Water filter systems – Design and install • Water tanks – Agent for RX and Aqua • Deep well pump sales and service • Pool pump sales and service – chemical supply • Bore pump design, installation and supplies • Full range of galvanised, alkathene & pvc pipes and fittings • Drainage supplies • Bulk sand and cement

Neil 021 724 327 or Bruce 021 270 6828 Office 09 299 64 86

14 Constable Rd, Waiuku.

Ph 09 235 8268.

53562

DIRECTORY

24-Hour Callout Service • Pump & Well Services • Plumbing – Drainage – Concrete Supplies

www.bennettfertilisers.co.nz

50387

Rural Living — July/August 2013 — 45

53406-v2