Rural Living March 2013

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Rural Living — March 2013 — 3

An apple from the teacher – the best of British puts squeeze on cider making What presses your cider? For one retired industrial chemist in the United Kingdom, it was seeing good apples go bad. However, thanks to a traditional recipe and a little ‘cutting edge’ technology, Dr Nevin J Stewart has discovered how to turn excess apples into homemade cider, with little mess, fuss or expense as he explains here: Are you presented each year with the problem of what to do with surplus apples from the garden? After eating their fill of apple jelly, chutney, tarts, puddings, turnovers and many more delights, people with fruit trees in the backyard, may still have fruit remaining.

Furthermore, once friends and family have had their fill too, sometimes one is faced with throwing good apples after bad onto the compost heap. However, there is a quick and easy way to savour the last of the crop.

Following an exceptionally good backyard apple harvest in 2011, a small group of retired gentlemen from Guildford’s Scillonian Road in England (myself included) sat down for a pub lunch to discuss the problem. We came up with the idea of making cider, an effective way of preserving apples for up to 2-3 years, unless, of course, the lure of the bottle got the better of us first!

But there was a problem – how first to extract enough juice? None of the company wished to fork out for an expensive pulper and press, much less undertake the hard work of crushing apples.

However, I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge. So, after giving the matter some thought, I purchased a relatively low-powered Breville whole fruit juicer from a charity shop and set to work on what was to become our Juice & Strain apple cider-making method.

We gentlemen growers of Guildford quickly found that we could recover apple juice at a rapid rate with our second-hand juicer. Some pulp fines came through the centrifuge with the juice, but these were easily removed with straining.

We had so much fun that, at one point there were six co-operative helpers in our small kitchen with a team of three apple preparers struggling to keep up with the Breville as it processed bucket load after bucket load of apples. An impressive 10 gallons of juice were produced with great fun and repartee.

Top tips for home-made cider n Team up with friends and neighbours. During our experiments, we found that two juicers work far better than just one, because one machine can be cleared and allowed to cool while the other works.

It also helps turn the process into a more enjoyable, sociable activity; particularly if some of the previous year’s cider is passed around to ‘oil the works’, so to speak! n Once that first essential juice-extraction step has been achieved, there are several good books available that will assist in the cider-making. We found Real Cidermaking on a Small Scale, by Michael Pooley and John Lomax, and Andrew Lea’s Craft Cider Making extremely helpful.

Dr Stewart demonstrates his ‘juice and strain’ cider-making method.

Unfortunately, there was one slight drawback, our bonhomie rapidly faded when my wife observed the state of our kitchen. It seems there was some madness in our method.

There then followed, in private, a full and frank exchange of views resulting in me on my hands and knees washing the kitchen floor and, in parts, the walls too!

However, technology again came through to solve the problem of excess mess in the form of an expertly designed ‘juice containment and delivery adaptor’, otherwise known, to the layperson as, a hose.

This connected the juicer outlet to the straining bucket, sparing the spillage, managing the mess and mollifying the missus all at the same time.

From this first enterprise we produced 64 gallons of cider from the juice we extracted and we are still

toasting our success with the first of this brew.

During the following winter I experimented with our method, quantifying juice yields and apple processing rates, and evaluating six Breville whole fruit juicers, all with spouts to which a hose could be attached.

We now have a quick, clean, low cost and efficient method suited to use in a domestic kitchen.

Juice yields by our method are comparable to those achieved with an expensive basket press and I’ve estimated that a few hundred kilograms of apples could be processed in just one day using our pair of highperformance Breville juicers.

This method of cider-making from apple juice is akin to that of making homemade wine, but very different to producing homebrew beer.

Cider is effectively apple wine and is made in the same way as wine is

Photos supplied

n For more details, be sure to view our YouTube video, Cider Making Made Simple at Home. http://youtu.be/ Qvc0cCh5r0c

from grapes. Indeed, if you add extra white sugar to apple juice and ferment it, the result is apple wine. I made a number of batches in 2011 with alcohol strengths all the way up to 15% ABV. Our cider is named Onslow’s Dry, in recognition of Lord Onslow’s 1920’s covenant prohibiting the sale of alcohol within the bounds of Onslow Village, Guildford. What’s more, because essentially all the sugars in our brew ferment, making it very dry, our Onslow’s Dry has become the talk of the town.

So, those who find they’re left with too many apples and tend to get a little ‘scrumpy’ about it, can now get ‘de-pressed’ while discovering their own recipe for the cider side of life!

And for those who don’t care to go the extra fermentation distance then, just enjoy the juice as is – a healthy way to start the day!

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4 — Rural Living — March 2013

Oarsome effort - Austria the prize / >cPZWQObW]\ ]T BW[Sa 6]caS >cPZWaVW\U :bR

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Fresh from a championship medal haul, including two golds last month, Kelsi Walters is rowing towards further success after making the cut at national selections that will see her in Austria this winter.

The former Drury rower came away with a gold for the Under-22 pair category at the North Island Club Championships in February and went on to scoop three more bronzes and a gold at the NZ Rowing Championships in Twizel.

The national competition also saw the determined 18-year-old receive a red coat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a rare recognition for someone so young.

Earlier this month, she further cemented her world rowing position at the Lake Karapiro national trials which will see her travel to Linz, Austria for the World Rowing Under 23 Championships.

But this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the first time the young rower will travel for her sport. Last year Kelsi debuted at the Junior World Rowing Championships in Bulgaria.

Although initially selected as a reserve, the ambitious teen rose to the challenge when a teammate suffered an injury.

She and her teammates went on to win a bronze in the Junior Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Four category â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a worthy achievement in the global arena.

In the eyes of mother, Shona Walters, Kelsi has performed exceptionally well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She [Kelsi] came back [from Bulgaria] and had

Gold for Abbey Green, left, and Kelsi Walters at the North Island Club Championships. a great season. From the trials, she then managed to get into the team â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a really neat journey.â&#x20AC;?

The results have been much better than anticipated, Kelsi admits. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been injured quite a lot this season. I pulled my hamstring and had injuries around my hip so I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t done full training. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I would make the team.â&#x20AC;?

However, these injuries werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only sacrifices â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for both Kelsi and her family. In addition to withdrawing from her Bachelor of Sports and Recreation studies at AUT, the former Rosehill College student has had to leave family and pals for a life dedicated to sport.

She moved away from her Drury family home to Hobsonville in October last year to be closer to

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training and will soon move to Cambridge, also for training.

Unlike many others her own age, this is a life Kelsi has readily embraced. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really excited!â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We train until July, and then we go to Austria for three weeks.â&#x20AC;?

As it will be summer there, the New Zealand team will arrive earlier to train and acclimatise before the week-long competition.

This time, the training will be quite different under her new coach, Gary Roberts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will be more intense,â&#x20AC;? says Kelsi who wants to focus on building up strength and fitness with her new training regime.

Despite the challenges ahead, she still has eyes firmly set on travelling to Rio for the 2016 Olympics.

Proud father and ardent supporter, Bruce Walters, says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a dream she has held for years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a 12 or 13-year-old, Kelsi said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to row for New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.â&#x20AC;?

Putting her success down to a competitive streak, Bruce says Kelsi is different from other rowers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seriously competitive.

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not very loud; I suppose youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d call her a quiet achiever.â&#x20AC;?

Admittedly, supporting Kelsi can be tough on resources, says Bruce. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s absolutely worth it. To have her succeed is a bonus. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a dream story â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just lucky to be the parent in it!â&#x20AC;?

Efforts to secure sponsorship is in the works and the family is doing all they can to support Kelsi.

Moral support is strong too â&#x20AC;&#x201C; everyone from Kelsiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father, to both her grandfathers and her parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; siblings were rowers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we stopped and looked at it, just about everybody rowed,â&#x20AC;? says Bruce.

Younger brother Logan is no exception. At the recent North Island Secondary Schools Championships, the 16-year-old received his first medal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a silver.

Kelsi was hoarse from cheering him on â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;I try to give him advice but he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t listen,â&#x20AC;? she says.

Logan, still at Rosehill College, will go on to compete at the national school rowing championships, the Maadi Cup regatta, at the end of the month.

By then, Kelsi will be in Cambridge, preparing to hit the water in bid to become a New Zealand Olympian.

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Rural Living â&#x20AC;&#x201D; March 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 5

Dog gone it, so close!

PILOTS DUMP ON FARMERS, SAFELY

By Jon Rawlinson While every dog may have its day, for one young dog handler from Pukekohe, March 9 proved to be more of a dog day afternoon!

Taking on the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best in the Junior Handler Competition at the iconic Crufts dog show, Erika Watson realised a life-long dream; it was just the icing on the cake that she missed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately this year was not to be mine, but the experience of Crufts was a huge thrill,â&#x20AC;? she says.

The 18-year-old qualiďŹ ed for the show, held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England, when she won the Junior Dog Handler ďŹ nal at the Porirua Kennel Club last year.

To ensure a level playing ďŹ eld at such shows, junior handlers request a particular breed of dog, but only have a limited time to bond with the animals before competing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were given our nominated

Erika Watson with Tayln (Australian Shepherd), her winning dog from the Junior Dog Handler competition Photo supplied in New Zealand last year. breed on the morning of the competition,â&#x20AC;? Erika says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to form a bond, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the challenges we all faced.â&#x20AC;?

Erika had just one hour with Jeremy, a four year-old whippet, before entering the ring. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Normally I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get tense when showing, however, on this occasion I was feeling a level of tension I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I have ever experienced before! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jeremy was a little reserved at ďŹ rst, and it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until I moved him away from his owner that he settled and responded to my commands. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He moved out with me at what I felt was a perfect gait. The run across the diagonal seemed to take

an age as the ring would have been about three times the size of rings we are used to in New Zealand.â&#x20AC;?

The handlers were then put through their paces individually, Erika says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We went to the exhibiting table, but to my surprise, Jeremy half jumped up with his front legs, and then waited for me to lift his back legs onto the table! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then, having completed our triangle I accidentally dropped his lead, something I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recall ever having done before.â&#x20AC;?

Erika had approximately three minutes to bond with her second dog. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the second round I was given a poodle. I know the breed and how it should be handled, but

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this dog was quite young and a bit ďŹ dgety because he had already been required to stand for over an hour with the previous handler. I felt we were in unison as we went through our paces though.â&#x20AC;?

Erika may not have â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fetchedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; a ribbon for New Zealand, and now that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s over 18 years of age, she wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be eligible to qualify next year, but the plucky Pukekohe teen already has plans to lead others to the podium. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am looking forward to mentoring some of the other junior handlers in their endeavours to take part in this incredible experience. I was proud to represent New Zealand and was very grateful for the opportunity to do so.â&#x20AC;?

Up there where the air is clear, every day pilots perform risky manoeuvres releasing fertiliser, vital to farmers throughout the country.

To improve pilot safety during such risky business, Hatuma, a Hawkeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay fertiliser and lime company, has fallen into formation, conducting trials with aviation companies in Oamaru, Wairarapa and Hawkeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay. Hatuma Marketing Manager, Aaron Topp, says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essential pilots can release their loads quickly if they run into trouble when top dressing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pilot safety is paramount, and while we have successfully worked alongside the top dressing industry for ďŹ fty years, there has been a recent move by farmers to further improve fertiliser efďŹ ciency and safety.â&#x20AC;?

The trials will test the jettison capability of Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate and require the pilots to release their loads immediately after take-off.

Industry standards require that top dressing pilots should be able to dump 80 percent of their loads within 5 seconds.

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COUNTRY LAD As with many of my monthly diaries I start by writing about the weather.

Back in February I had said that conditions then were the driest I had experienced in the 19 years we have lived on our property.

Since then it has worsened with the experts calling this the worst drought we have possibly ever experienced.

These parched and extremely hot days have been bad news for lifestylers, but my sympathies go more to those farmers with hundreds of cows, sheep and other livestock which will need relief by way of feed supplies just to survive.

Of course, if I lived in town and didn’t have the responsibility of feeding my own animals I would have to say this has been one of the best summers ever.

These are the kind of conditions we dream of in the middle of winter when planning a holiday in Fiji or some other Pacific destination.

Here at home, I am fortunate to have a swimming pool and I can’t remember ever having so many swims.

It has also been pleasant eating outside on our deck most evenings.

These relaxing meal times have added to a great summer.

There has not been much work to do around the property apart from trimming back some of the dry plants and trees.

Our plane trees and others are shedding lots of leaves due to the lack of water which has meant lots of raking, a job that normally occupies our autumn days.

The hens, however, seem to be enjoying these conditions and have kept up the egg supply, which has been great.

The sheep, which were much overweight, seem content to find nice shady spots and nibble on the dry grass although I have started to supplement their feed with some sheep nuts sprinkled around in the evening.

Down at his pond, Brian indicates where the water level should be.

This is also a good time to carry out maintenance on machinery especially lawnmowers which are not of much use at the moment.

I usually leave these things until the last minute and when the autumn grass comes to life my lawnmower always needs servicing, usually requiring new blades.

So, that’s one job I’ve attended to early.

Hopefully, by this time next month the rain will have arrived and will be in time to rejuvenate the dead pasture so we can get back to normal. But I’m not holding my breath!

Catch you next month, Brian.

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Rural Living â&#x20AC;&#x201D; March 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 7

Never a dull moment this summer Summer Reay Neben is a Franklin resident and publisher of Rural Living.

CITY LASS What a month! The weather for those not reliant on the land, has been fantastic and although Daylight Saving ends soon, that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean summer will be over.

The good news in our family is that daughter has bought a lovely house in Pukekohe and has already moved in. I must say, once she made up her mind to buy, she was full speed ahead.

I was worried that with this property going to auction, she might miss out but we were really impressed with the professional and helpful advice from the Barfoot and Thompson team especially Elizabeth and Jane du Plessis.

We arrived at the auction very nervous and were quickly put at ease by Elizabeth and her team.

We, of course, were the lucky ones as the hammer came down in favour of daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bid. Now that Brian and I are back to being just the two of us I admit I miss her and Billy (our cat ) misses her spoodle, Coco. Who would have thought?

To add to this exciting month, we have been at Alexandra Park a few times to watch our horse race. The park really is a marvellous facility

Brian and friend Raph at Mudbrick Cafe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it could almost be Italy. for an evening out and, with the the part. How exciting it was to fabulous weather, there have been be part of history being made with good crowds. this great horse.

NEW ZEALAND FASHION ONLINE On the night of the Auckland Writing this I now know why Cup we were lucky to be with our I am a bit tired. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because we friends from Waiau Pa who have have been much too busy having connections to the winning horse, fun. The other Sunday we went Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Themightyquinn. by ferry with Howick friends over I wore a lovely outďŹ t that I to Mudbrick Cafe on Waiheke â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it bought from Georgia in Pukekohe could have been Europe. What an and as I ended up on TV (well, in adventure it was to catch the ferry the background but in the winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and head to another world with no circle) I was pleased that I looked trafďŹ c jams getting there.

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Pukekohe has certainly changed its retail face in the last few weeks with the opening of Farmers, Jean Jones and the Hartleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outlet store. The town does seem awfully busy and the cafes seem to always have people in them.

My girlfriend has started her new career in Jean Jones and really enjoying the working environment again. The road works around Puke are a real pain but with the V8s coming back next month all this work must be ďŹ nished.

This month and next there are several great events happening.

As Rural Living came off the press, The Glenbrook Railway was all set for its Steam and Vintage Country Festival on the weekend of March 23 and 24.

Then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the V8s Supercars in Pukekohe in April followed by the Wheels of Fortune, vehicle extravaganza late April. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a charity fundraiser featuring vehicles old and new, classic and unique, big and small â&#x20AC;&#x201C; anything with wheels.

Plenty of fun for children too plus a Possum Bourne nostalgia display commemorating the 10 year anniversary of his death. What an exciting few weeks.

We certainly live in a fabulous area and, over these past few months looking at houses for sale, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come to realise there are a lot of people wanting to come and live here. They have seen the light that we all saw a long time ago â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that the good old Franklin area is the place to live.

See you next month, Reay.

81 King Street, Pukekohe. Phone 09 238 7686 www.halliwellshoes.co.nz

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8 — Rural Living — March 2013

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“We must be doing something right,” says Ian Wilson, owner of Counties Fitness.

“Since buying the club [Counties Fitness on Manukau Road, Pukekohe] in 2006, it’s gone from strength to strength!”

However, to ensure members benefit from the latest classes and equipment, he has undertaken widespread renovations. “While our staff are always welcoming and helpful to all of our members, that’s only half the job; we needed to expand the club to stay ahead of member demand,” Ian says.

With more than 1400 square metres of floor space, Ian says there’s something for everyone. Members can now enjoy classes in the recently expanded group fitness studio, which caters to 80-plus participants, for example.

“The old studio was close to bursting point with more than 50 people regularly turning up, due to the popularity of the Les Mills classes and our quality instructors.

“It was similar on the ground floor, but following the arrival of equipment from Europe and America, members now have more than 70 pairs of dumbbells to choose from and the very best in strength equipment.

“A fully kitted-out boxing area is also a nice surprise. And the new cardio area is stunning; each treadmill, crosstrainer and bike has a touch-screen TV with a wide variety of Sky channels. There’s even a couple of mountain bike simulators networked together so people can race their friends!”

Ian says the club’s success is due to understanding the fitness needs of members and

people from the wider public who want to get fit but find traditional gyms uninviting and intimidating.

“It’s up to us to get it right!

We have no contracts, which is rare for clubs this size. Ninety percent of members come to us as a result of recommendations, so we spend more on equipment, less on marketing.

“The other thing we do well is listening. We often purchase equipment based on member recommendations. I see the gym as a club, comprising a group of like-minded individuals; my job is to pay the bills, listen to members’ wishes and act on them.”

In addition to regular boot camps and personal training sessions, run by Nigel and Heidi Fromm, Ian says Counties Fitness has also recently opened Franklin’s first and only CrossFit facility, a joint venture with wellknown, local personal trainer, Linda Begg.

A former soldier, Ian says the CrossFit programme is similar to army training, tough but rewarding.

“It’s so popular that in just six months it’s nearly outgrown its current location.

phone 09 238 1888

151 manukau road, pukekohe www.countiesfitness.co.nz

Franklin’s ONLY Les Mills licensed club, over 35 classes weekly n BEST in class strength & cardio equipment from Europe & the USA n Infrared saunas, sunbed & VersaSpa spraytan booth n Freeassessments&personal programs n 12 Week Challenge & Boot Camp n Personal trainers n Creche

CrossFit classes test all aspects of physical fitness and are great on their own or in addition to regular gym sessions.”

With more than 1600 members, Ian says Counties Fitness is one of Franklin’s biggest social hubs, a great place to meet friends, while getting fit.

It even offers crèche facilities, with a simple online booking system to help mums take more time for themselves.

“One of the most significant changes I have made at the club is to extend opening hours; it is now open twenty four-seven,” says Ian. “Sure, some members are in at 3am, but for most it means not having to wonder whether the club is open. Whenever they have an itch to exercise, they know we are open. Unlike most twenty four-seven clubs, which tend to be quite small and underequipped, Counties Fitness offers members ‘the full Monty’!

“Our club can stand proud compared to the best in Auckland and our membership is a testament to that.”

Counties Fitness 151 Manukau Rd, Pukekohe Phone 09 238 1888 www.countiesfitness.co.nz

Rural Living — March 2013 — 9

travel

America – finding the weird and wonderful marijuana does exist!) and sewage in downtown LA and San Francisco.

In San Diego, an odd smell would pop up occasionally – something that could best be described as a cocktail of sewage and stale spit.

Moving on to the country – Jerome in Idaho to be specific – I don’t think my nostrils have ever been assaulted by such pungent, agricultural air. No prizes for guessing what the small town’s main industry is!

By Natalie Brittan Like most things, seeing the USA in person is better than seeing it on screen. The unsurpassed sights of the Grand Canyon, Bonneville Salt Flats, Vegas, Alcatraz and San Francisco Bridge were just some of the many attractions that took my breath away while honeymooning with my husband in West Coast America.

Initially, we had our reservations about tourist hotspot Universal Studios in LA – but, afterwards, my only regret was not having enough time to linger!

Completely worthwhile, this is the one experience I would gladly return to again and again.

On the other hand, we also discovered some unique Americanisms – some weird, some wonderful and some downright loopy!

Driving and navigation Sure, it’s common knowledge that Americans drive on the right side, but less common is the free right turn rule, which sees drivers given the green to turn right even when the traffic light says otherwise!

The store for drugs Only in usa – STOP signs at every corner, biscuits resemble scones and are commonly served with white, creamy gravy, and futile calorie-counting at Photos supplied fast food chains. next with buildings in between but it turns out that the intersection had to be a major one – side streets don’t count!

Back at home, our suburbs are rife with roundabouts but there are little to no roundabouts in America. Instead, there are STOP signs at the smallest of junctions (yes, even residential areas).

Ever wonder how far a block is?

Well, how long is a piece of string?

Initially, we thought a block was the distance of one intersection to the

way cookie crumbles Fancy brews such as cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites have no home in America.

Settle instead for brewed coffee accompanied by pottles of half and half (half cream, half whole milk) – quite good, if I do say so myself.

And while Kiwis sit down with a cuppa and a bikkie at tea-time, a bis-

cuit, in American terms, is really a scone. Sweet biscuits are not as common as savoury biscuits which are served with a variety of meals such as fried chicken (biscuits, not bread rolls at KFC), sausages and gravy (often white and creamy, not brown!).

On the nose Those accustomed to unsavoury odours from some third world countries would feel right at home in some of America’s big cities.

We frequently caught off-putting wafts of urine, marijuana (medicinal

Walk into any fast food joint and find listed the number of calories for each menu option. Great for calorie counters but judging by the clientele in certain locations, I think many choose the way of “ignorance is bliss”.

Pharmacies are known as drugstores in the USA which I think is rather appropriate considering they also stock cigarettes and alcohol in addition to drugs, of course.

Conflicting health aims? Not to worry, here in America chalk and cheese coexist in harmonious bliss.

So, on that note, head to America for a mind-boggling but totally worth it experience!

California here we come!

Thanks to the high-flying Kiwi dollar, the USA has never been closer.

One traveller who’s taking advantage of better buying power is Wendy from Pukekohe’s Air New Zealand Holidays Store.

“I’ll definitely be heading to America,” she says. “Thanks to the exchange rate, Air New Zealand deals and Airpoints, it’s going to be a great holiday!”

One could be forgiven for thinking Wendy secures special deals on flights, accommodation and tours thanks to her position as a travel consultant. However, such special deals are available to one and all.

“No, I receive no special treatment,” says Wendy from her desk inside the BNZ bank on King Street, “I just know where to look, amongst offers from various travel providers, to construct the best possible package. I should know though, it’s the same service I provide to others!”

Every day, Wendy helps Kiwis take off to destinations worldwide, on big OEs or flying visits. But she doesn’t just fly a desk; she’s often up and away on globetrotting expeditions herself.

“I’ve been travelling regularly since I joined Air New Zealand more than 40 years ago. I’ve ventured to all sorts of places, in some cases, many times.

“It’s important for me to revisit locations. They keep changing, so it’s incredibly helpful to our customers if I can tell them about new airport security measures in LA, or our latest in-flight product innovations and seating options such as the Economy Skycouch, Premium Economy Spaceseat or Business Premier lie flat bed, for example. It ensures our advice stays current.”

Even though the speed and efficiency of air travel today has brought all corners of the world closer, there are still places Wendy is yet to tread.

“There are places I’m yet to go to,

but if I haven’t been there, you can bet other members of the Air New Zealand Holidays team have! The world’s a big place, there’s an awful lot to see, but thanks to our experience, it’s not so large as some may think!”

While booking online can often be more convenient for many, Wendy says Air New Zealand Holidays can provide further assistance in-store to customers wanting to book other elements of their trips.

“As well as flights, we help with accommodation, cruises, and tours using respected providers such as Insight and Princess Cruises. Clients can use Airpoints dollars to part-pay for cruises or in full for hotels and rental cars. And they can also earn Fly Buys. At Air New Zealand Holidays, we ensure travellers take full advantage of all of these options.”

While some may spend hours searching the net for deals, when it

AirNewZealandHolidaysPukekohe AirNewZealandHolidaysPukekohe

Air New Zealand Holidays staff members Grace (left) and Wendy. comes to service, Air New Zealand Holidays has just the ticket, and can save time and trouble.

“We recommend the best possible options, regardless of who the carrier might be. We offer deals with Air New Zealand and other Star Alliance partners too,” Wendy says.

“When travellers make their own arrangements online, they may get

a bargain, but when they travel they are all on their own too! Often, we can provide the same or similar deals as those online, plus if anything does go wrong, our team is available to help.”

Air New Zealand Holidays Store 177 King Street, Pukekohe (inside the BNZ bank) Phone 09 238 0062

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10 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Rural Living â&#x20AC;&#x201D; March 2013

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The use of kikuyu for lawns, recreation areas, parks and sports ďŹ elds has become increasingly important with good management techniques turning this potential plant pest into a practical, hardwearing surface.

Staying green through summer with minimal irrigation required and under-sown with ryegrass to keep a vigorous surface through winter, 40% of the recreational areas in greater Auckland are now kikuyu-based.

With this in mind, the enterprising Walker family from Waiau Pa set about establishing Waiau Pa Turf on their 12-acre farmlet.

With a turf management qualiďŹ cation and a 15-year career in the sports ďŹ eld/ parks/reserves business, David Walker was aware of the advantages of kikuyu as a hardwearing surface.

Subsequently, when a chestnut orchard on his land proved too small to provide an economic return, the trees were removed with the exception of

a few choice examples retained to beautify the paddocks.

The land was a perfect ďŹ t for a new niche business supplying ready-to-go kikuyu turf.

An acre of ground was prepared and planted with a blanket of kikuyu stolons (cuttings), which with irrigation and care, established rapidly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To maintain maximum vigour for harvesting, the turf is irrigated, top-dressed regularly through the warm growing months and mown closely,â&#x20AC;?

David says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Harvesting/planting is normally carried out through these early autumn months with a turf cutter used for harvesting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cutting 450 millimetres wide and 20 millimetres deep, it removes a very thin soil layer leaving behind kikuyu rhizomes which re-grow rapidly.â&#x20AC;?

With David working full time in parks and reserves and wife Dawn teaching at Waiau Pa Kindergarten, the turf business has to be ďŹ tted in around busy working lives so the whole family pitches in. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Come harvesting, our 14-year-old, Caitlin and

waiau pa turf Just roll over soil and water often, especially in the dry. Order as much as you need.

To order, email willowbrook.farm@xtra.co.nz

Come to us to pick it up, cut, rolled and ready to go.

12-year-old, Ryan, will both help cut and roll the turf,â&#x20AC;?

David says.

Although his turf mostly goes to public recreational areas, he adds there is increasing demand for kikuyu lawns, particularly among South Africans, who are familiar with kikuyu, as a staple lawn in their homeland. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Regular mowing and close management of lawn edges will help prevent spread into borders, vegetable plots and around trees and is well worthwhile to keep a summer-long, hardy, green surface.â&#x20AC;?

A plant which has all the attributes of a rampant weed, clearly kikuyu, in the right place, and with proper management, can be extremely useful.

And, for the ďŹ rst time, last spring, Yates Seeds released a kikuyu-based lawn seed mix which is proving successful on coastal sections.

It is recommended establishing kikuyu lawns between November/March with a minimum temperature of 15Ë&#x161;C required for germination and growth.

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Kikuyu grass â&#x20AC;&#x201C; love it, hate it!

By Anna McNaughton Kikuyu is a grass species which prompts strong positive and negative reactions, with many people happy to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;kik-yuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; out the door for suggesting it has its merits.

But during this long, dry season it is easy to see its positive attributes especially in sandy areas west of Franklin where there are many farmers who can confirm its value â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they literally would not be pastoral farmers without it.

In fact, any green patches seen right now are likely to be kikuyu (pennisetum clandestinum), which can make do with only light rain and summer dew to grow.

Because of this, many of the larger coastal farms graze beef cattle extensively on kikuyu. In addition there are some productive dairy farms with kikuyu as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;backboneâ&#x20AC;? of their grass production.

For example, Ian and Susan Chitty milk 200 cows on the sandy West Coast at Pollok as well as running beef cattle on steeper land.

Ian mulches the kikuyu from mid-March on and re-seeds winter ryegrass through the autumn. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the mild weather here, we can set seed into May and have the means to irrigate 30 hectares â&#x20AC;&#x201C; most of the milking platform,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So far, we are very happy with the production we get from kikuyu.â&#x20AC;?

Native to the African countries of Burundi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Kenya,

Kikuyu turf being turned out by Waiua Pa Turf â&#x20AC;&#x201C; see story opposite.

Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, kikuyu is named for the Kikuyu (Gikuyu) people of Kenya.

It was introduced to New Zealand from Zimbabwe by the Department of Agriculture in the early 1920s.

Trials were conducted at Albany and Purewa where growth was so impressive, cuttings were distributed throughout the northern North Island.

Establishing easily from stolon cuttings, the kikuyu spread via rhizomes and seeds as well as cattle dung which is often full of viable seed.

As a pasture species, kikuyu proved to be a mixed blessing.

Of the positive benefits it was

said that: â&#x20AC;&#x153;kikuyu is an exceptionally good coloniser of raw sand country, which is liable to dry out in summer. Established kikuyu increases the moisture retained in the top layer of sand, assisting the survival of clovers.â&#x20AC;?

On the other hand, one person from the early 1960s, summed up the negative aspects with these words: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Almost everyone in Northland hates kikuyu â&#x20AC;&#x201C; farmers, because it has poor feed value and crowds out better pasture species; orchardists, because it can climb up and partially smother trees; gardeners, because it can invade lawns and gardens. Being a drought-resistant perennial, it is hard to eradicate.

Photo supplied

Fast-growing in summer but mostly winter-dormant, it can cause feed shortages in spring.â&#x20AC;?

However, 1960s research on established best-practice routines allowed Northland farmers to utilise kikuyu as a productive pasture species for drystock and dairying. The main management tools being: â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Intensive subdivision â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Mowing surplus growth especially in the autumn â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Optimum fertiliser programmes â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Under-sowing with clovers and winter growing (rye) grasses.

The Northland-based Kikuyu Action Group is still researching and disseminating information to farmers.

Rural Living â&#x20AC;&#x201D; March 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 11

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fulton swim school

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Brimming with confidence in the heat of an Indian summer morning, children hit the pool swimming safer thanks to skills instilled by a former competitive swimmer; in fact, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taking to it like kids to water!

While these young swimmers at Fulton Swim School may be confident, owner, Daniel Fulton, says his team aims to teach them to be respectful of the water. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our children learn to be comfortable in the water, but not overconfident. Swimming is a valuable skill that may even save their lives!â&#x20AC;?

Although it may not be difficult convincing children to hit the pools at this time of year, come winter, it can be a tougher task. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is vital that swimming tuition is attended throughout the year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you attend lessons for one term per year, it only equates to approximately five hours of tuition; not really much when you think this could save your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life!â&#x20AC;? Daniel says.

As part of an island nation, Kiwis may think swimming is second nature.

However, Daniel believes it is precisely this attitude that leads to overconfidence and

Daniel Fulton â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;swimmingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; formula for safety. perhaps, fatal consequences. â&#x20AC;&#x153;New Zealand has one of the worst records in the developed world, per capita, for drownings; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the third highest cause of accidental death.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vital we teach them how to save themselves and stay safe.â&#x20AC;?

While safety is the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary goal, Daniel, a former Counties swimming representative, and 12-time national medallist, also runs a competitive swimming programme at the swim

Photo Jon Rawlinson

school, headed by coaches Ria and Niki â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Langit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We teach babies, from six months in age, right through to competitive swimmers and adults. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our competitive programme helps those with promise to achieve goals; we could, even right now, be training kids who will one day bring home Olympic gold!â&#x20AC;?

However, it was not the prospect of training champions that lead Daniel to establish Fulton Swim School in

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or visit us online www.franklinlaw.co.nz 53768

53757

Rural Living â&#x20AC;&#x201D; March 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 13

fulton swim school

water â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a vital business

Coach Niki Langit teaches young children the strokes.

2005. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I decided to retire from competitive swimming because I knew I could make a difference. Helping kids stay safe while enjoying the water is very rewarding!â&#x20AC;?

And yet, post retirement, accolades are still forthcoming. The schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team has secured a number of hon-

ours, including the 2012 New Zealand Swim School of the Year Award. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was awesome to win; great recognition of our efforts.

Hundreds of schools, nationwide entered. We won by having a first rate programme, health and safety plan, and excellent staff training.

Photos Wayne Martin

Judging covered all aspects, even extending to levels of community involvement.â&#x20AC;?

Daniel says the team will be entering again this year, but until then, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back to work, ensuring local children have fun in the water while learning vital skills to aid them in their aquatic adventures.Â

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14 — Rural Living — March 2013

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All pumped up – Gubb supplies an extensive range of irrigation and water-related products.

With drought now officially declared in Franklin, commercial farmers and townies, as well as lifestylers are thirsty for solutions.

While this may not be the worst drought, Waiuku couple Jo and Kevin Gubb have seen since establishing Gubb’s Pump and Well Services more than 25 years ago, it certainly is a tough situation to swallow.

“It’s been difficult out there for a lot of people, it’s come to a crisis stage for many,” says Jo. “Lifestylers, for example, are finding their bores or tanks aren’t capable of doing what they need them to. But, fortunately, while we can’t make it rain, we can design systems that will help make the most of every drop they have.”

Although money may be tight, Jo says it pays to think ahead. “Some, worried about cost, are being very careful

with investing in irrigation systems, but that’s not the way to go. It’s far better to invest in economical, cost-effective systems. That way, they’re prepared because they’re using water cost-effectively.”

Providing a range of solutions, from irrigation pumps and water tanks, to drainage pipes, guttering, pool filters, and even key stones, if it has to do with water, Gubb’s has it covered.

“Everything we offer is designed to help people collect, store, conserve or use water more efficiently. Prevention is always better than cure; by utilising our products and expertise, if drought comes calling, our customers are all set up to cope with it.”

Even backyard gardeners on town supply suffer that ‘sinking feeling’ thanks to drought, says Jo.

“It certainly has a flow on effect! Those in town will feel the pinch, because growers’ expenses have been higher and production lower, prices rise.

“We have many people asking how they can make best use of what rain water there is or save water. Recycling from the household is a great way to save money on those water bills. Even grey water from washing machines can be reused in this way. We have products that can help with this.”

When the rain does come, we may think ‘all’s well, that ends well’; however, for many locals, in no small part this will be ‘tanks’ to the services of Jo and Kevin Gubb.

Gubb’s Pump and Well Services 14 Constable Road, Waiuku Phone 09 235 8268 www.gubbs.net.nz

How safe is the water you are collecting?

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

water

Drought not all cut and dried Water, water, never where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needed; not nearly enough suitable drops to ease drought conditions in areas such as the Waikato, Northland, South Auckland, the Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay. Following official drought declarations in a number of regions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including Franklin and Waikato â&#x20AC;&#x201C; earlier this month, most people can only surmise just how serious the long term impact of the long dry will be.

As Rural Living went to print rain was expected but more than showers, the country needs solid April rainfall to fill reservoirs (and tanks), assist growers, restore pasture growth, and, reduce reliance

on feed supplements.

Without decent autumn rainfall, farmers and growers will be seriously worried about next seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production.

Some could be facing crop failures and others a greater need for supplementary feed for livestock.

Furthermore, feeding out hay and other supplementary feed now may well leave many farmers short in winter if autumn growth is restricted.

These dry conditions could also result in diminished ability to finish prime stock which needs to be off farm before winter and, in many cases, lack of water and shade for stock will be a concern.

In addition, sheep mating per-

formance is based on ewe condition at mating time early in the year so there will be an impact on lambing percentages too.

Ultimately, less production and high costs for supplementary feed, means farmers will receive less income and face increased costs. In the horticultural arena, the drought will affect yields and consumers will pay higher prices at the supermarket.

To help ease the impact of the drought, dairy farmers may consider milking cows only once a day or dry some of them off. Some farmers may de-stock, reduce demand through supplementary feed made earlier in the season and purchase additional feed. But

of course, this is only part way to solving a very big problem.

Lifestylers with, perhaps, less livestock to worry about will also need to keep stock water up for those animals they do own. Most stock can manage on less feed but none can do without water. And that water should be kept clean and drinkable.

Although lifestyle incomes may not be too badly affected by the drought, outgoings will be. With pastures to repair, extra feed to purchase, and, perhaps, less demand for any steers they may have running on their land, small block owners should be prepared for some unexpected costs and an extra workload too.

Water project idea could reap reward Water solutions network, Think Water, has launched a new initiative, the Think Water â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Local Hero Community Campaign which aims to engage the community on efficient irrigation and water use.

It is the first time this project has been run in New Zealand and is seen as an ideal way to educate people especially with drought having been declared in the area.

Think Water Pukekohe owner John Parker says water is one of our most precious resources. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up to us to actively engage with people

on how they can help their community benefit from an effective water project and the best idea will win a $15,000 grant.â&#x20AC;?

John says ideas could embrace anything from developing and irrigating a new park or watering a local sports field, to developing a community vegetable or botanical garden. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As long as the group is not-forprofit and the community has a genuine need for the project, we want to hear from them.â&#x20AC;?

In addition to the $15,000 up for grabs for the overall winning project,

All types of Vacuum Loading Septic & Water Tank Cleaning Grease Traps, Cesspits, Ponds Drilling and Concrete Waste Drain Unblocking, Jetting

Think Water Pukekohe will donate $1000 worth of goods and services to the most popular local community group to assist with their project.

Entering the competition is easy.

Just go to the Think Water Local Hero Facebook page and fill in a few details about your bright idea to automatically be in the running to win the grant. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then, all groups have to do is gather support for their project and get people to vote on Facebook in order to be shortlisted for the final national judging,â&#x20AC;? John says.

FRANKLIN

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to help bring our community together through water, so we encourage local groups to think about what their community needs and start submitting their ideas. We expect to receive some amazing projects.â&#x20AC;?

The project is being sponsored by major partner Grundfos Pumps and support partners Iplex Pipelines and Hansen Products.

Formed six years ago by 33 Australian irrigation businesses and started in New Zealand in 2010, Think Water was created to meet demands to the global changes in efficient water

and irrigation management.

For more information visit www. facebook.com/ThinkWaterGroup and follow the entry tab instructions.

Here are a few ideas the community may benefit from: â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Sports club/school field irrigation system â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Community Orchard/Garden â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Community Botanical Garden â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Water Tank project â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Community play area â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Irrigation for a local park â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Kindergarten/School Gardens â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Drinking water project

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16 — Rural Living — March 2013

home and garden

There goes the neighbourhood have been changed to protect the... well...] has such power that one article could have such an effect.”

Well, consider me told! I also mentioned that I believed this was a breach of my privacy, wrong again!

“We would not run an apology because we have not breached privacy... I would question why you would want to write a response to our article... surely this would be drawing further attention to our coverage?”

In answer to this unnamed editor’s ‘question’ I would say simply that if I choose to divulge details of my private life that is my choice, not theirs to make.

So, how easy is it to obtain such information?

“The sale price is a matter of public record on various sites – I found it on the XX and XX websites this morning in a matter of seconds,” says ‘Ed’.

Easy as that, readers! Of course I’m well aware such information can be readily accessed, is easy to come by, but, to my mind, that is actually the problem, not the solution to this argument. I also asked if the writer would be comfortable with a picture of her home,

By Jon Rawlinson

52600

Flipping through the pages of New Zealand’s only national newspaper recently, I suddenly thought: ‘I can see my house from here!’

Indeed I could; on page A5 I found myself looking at a photo of my newly-purchased Pukekohe home, under the banner ‘Low-cost housing ready to hit market’, with the price I paid for it beneath.

While it’s great to know that a particular intrepid journalist from a certain daily rag (you may have heard of it!) believes I secured a good deal on my home, I began to wonder if referring to it as ‘low cost’ could affect property values.

Apparently not, according to said journo’s editor, who writes in reply to my ‘questionable’ email: “Dear Jon, [don’t be too concerned, readers, I receive a lot of letters that begin this way]... I believe your argument about such an article affecting sale prices is spurious [I had to look that one up too!]. The ever-escalating price of Auckland homes is the subject of much media coverage. To be frank, I’m flattered that you think the XXXX News Service [names

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included with the purchase price she paid being published alongside this article; that question was not addressed.

All this bluff and bluster aside, personally I care not that a certain snipe decided to make me famous (well, sort of!), but it does beg the question, just because information about private citizens is freely and easily accessible by media, does that necessarily mean we have the right to drag it into the spotlight, without their permission?

Although those who turn to page

A5 – if said paper can be retrieved from the bottom of the birdcage by now – will see that my house isn’t made of glass. However, I do work in a glasshouse so I shouldn’t be throwing stones.

With this in mind, my response to the email, which I have above recanted in part, was: Dear XXXXX (not his real name), don’t sweat it, comrade, I’m just yanking your chain.”

Well, considering my life belongs to the public now, what else could I do?

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Rural Living — March 2013 — 17

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18 — Rural Living — March 2013

home and garden

Book find fit for birds

By Helen Perry

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The phrase, ‘birdbrained’ took on new meaning in our household when we moved into our present home some 15 years ago.

A leafy haven so shrouded from suburbia that even a busy highway, just two houses away, has never bothered us, our garden is inhabited by many birds, including several friendly tuis.

In fact, the large bottlebrush, just outside our bedroom window, is a favourite with these nectar-seeking natives. The downside, however, is that their noisy tooting can, on rare occasions, send me demented.

But not the husband! No, he’s just cuckoo about the abundance of birds which have made our home their home and what he lacks in avian knowledge he makes up for with his dedication to keeping our feathered friends well fed.

So, recently, on stopping by the Arataki Information Centre in the Waitakere Ranges, (overseas visitors in tow), I couldn’t resist purchasing Rosemary Tully’s book,

Tea for the Tui, published by New Holland some six years ago.

Rosemary, who launched the Whakatane Bird Rescue from her home in 1991, has compiled a fascinating book crammed with recipes to entice birds into the garden and to keep their tummies full.

And it was appropriate that I found it at Arataki because while there, eating a packed lunch on one of the decks overlooking bush reserve and the beautiful Manukau Harbour, a tui sat just above us, calling out from time to time.

Anyway, I was excited by my find and couldn’t wait for ‘bird man’ to unwrap his gift.

Happily, the wealth of information contained within this compact book kept him engrossed for hours. Now, he’s planning to put his culinary skills to good use mixing up some of the recipes which, in the main, use common pantry products.

And believe me, some sound good enough for humans to eat. I rather suspect if three year old grandson – a Pukekohe local – decides to “give Grampsy a hand,” he’ll be nibbling away too!

I wouldn’t put it past him to take a fancy to popcorn strings, the king’s bread pudding or even the peanut butter balls despite their base of lard!

Yes, these recipes should really appeal to the birds and please their human friends too.

Here are two recipes from Rosemary’s book which readers might like to try (opposite).

■ Tea for the Tui – Fun recipes to entice birds to your garden

by Rosemary Tully. Published

by New Holland. RRP $20.

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Rural Living â&#x20AC;&#x201D; March 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 19

home and garden

Lollipop, Lollipop!

Lollipop sticks ½ cup mixed dried fruit ½ cup wild bird seed ½ cup chopped nuts 1 egg Some warmed malt Pre-heat your oven to around 35ºC. Arrange the lollipop sticks on a baking tray and put them in the oven, just to warm them.

As the sticks are gently warming through, place nuts, fruits and bird seed into a mixing bowl. Crack the egg (discarding the shells) and bind all the ingredients together, until everything is nice and sticky!

Remove the heated lollipop sticks from the oven and turn the heat up to around 70ÂşC. While the sticks are still warm (but not too hot), start to form the lollipops. Grab a small handful of the mixture and form it into a ball around the stick. You can, of course, vary the size of the lollipops.

Put the newly formed lollipops back into the hot oven on the baking tray and bake for 20-30 minutes. Once they appear nicely toasted, they

are done. Take the toasted lollipops from the oven and coat the whole of the lollipop and the stick with malt. Then return them to the oven for around 5 minutes.

Allow the lollipops to cool completely before putting them out into the garden.

You can hang them up or insert them into bird feeders that may already be hanging in the garden. Any leftover lollipops can be stored in an airtight container for several days.

Popcorn Strings 1 packet uncooked popcorn 1 cup wild bird seed 1 jar malt (sunflower or olive oil will do as an alternative) 1 cup breadcrumbs

The joy of this recipe is the simplicity of it all. Simply cook your popcorn as per the instructions on the packet.

Once the popcorn is ready, head towards the sewing box!

Take a needle and some strong thread. Thread the needle and begin to pass the thread through the freshly cooked popcorn.

Make the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Popcorn Stringsâ&#x20AC;? as long as you fancy, and if you wish, simply hang them up around the garden.

As an alternative, you may want to add a little more colour and flavour to them first: brush on some warmed malt or some oil, and then roll the strings of popcorn in wild bird seed or breadcrumbs.

You may want to chill the strings after that or hang them straight out in the garden.

One final, colourful addition to the strings would be some soft fruit.

If you have raspberries or blackberries in the freezer from the autumn, defrost a few and alternate fruit-popcornfruit-popcorn on your strings.

Failing that, try some peeled oranges or apples â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your local waxeyes will be so grateful!

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%998 984

87 4?=7 01 $1 0$ 01 ;1 0$! * 8 6> @4 4 ! *8?86 87 4 :8 4 7 @ 78? ? ! < =4 =6= : 4 9

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20 — Rural Living — March 2013

Getting to core of the matter It’s often said a few bad apples can spoil the bunch, but with a few good-uns, however, a better batch won’t fall too far from the tree!

For centuries apples have been grown to make cider. Thought to have originated in the Middle East, the practice quickly spread to the Celts and Romans in Europe, who further developed their fruity brews.

Today, Mother England has become known as the home of cider, but here in New Zealand it is also becoming quite a popular tipple.

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■■ Slack my Girdle – These greenyellow apples with red streaks originate from Devon in England.

Medium in size, they are very sweet and often combined with other apple varieties in ciders or with blackberries in jam. Some say Slack my Girdle means to loosen one’s belt – a fitting name considering the use of these apples in cooking. However, it could also mean ‘slack my girl’, which has many a bawdy connotation, unfitting for discussion here!

■■ Tremlett’s Bitter – Also from Devon, this variety, as its name suggests produces a bitter tast-

ing cider. The dark red exterior is contrasted by light, almost white flesh. Oval in shape, Tremlett’s are early for harvest and ideal for providing a bit of bitter to balance the sweet.

■■ Foxwhelp – Originating in Gloucestershire, these rich, juicy apples are available in red, black, rejuvenated and Broxwood varieties. Uneven in shape, they feature crimson-coloured skin with yellow stripes. With their sharp flavour, Foxwhelps help form full-bodied, aromatic ciders.

■■ Kingston Black – These bitter, sharp tasting apples actually produce a reasonably sweet cider with an acidic aftertaste. Named after Kingston St Mary in Somerset, they are reasonably small, and crimson in colour.

Although some apples used for cider are not available in New Zealand, commonly-found varieties can make a peachy-keen, home-grown beverage using apples such as: ■■ Granny Smith – Much as Granny Clampett advocated special ‘medicine’, Granny Smith knows how to make a fine cider! First propagated in Australia by Maria Ann Smith these green-coloured apples are little tarts; in terms of taste at least. For this reason, they should be blended with sweeter

varieties. It takes a Nally to know a granny; turning out a delightful drop, Invercargill Brewery produces Nally’s Cider, a blend of Granny Smith and Braeburn apples.

■■ Braeburn – Reddy-orange in colour, Braeburns are thought to be a hybrid of Granny Smith and Lady Hamilton apples. Named after Braeburn Orchard, near Nelson, where they were first commercially grown, these apples offer a unique mix of sweet and tart flavours.

■■ Cox’s Orange Pippin – Originally grown in Buckinghamshire, England, these apples are commonly used in ciders due to their crisp flavour.

Cox’s Orange apples are early risers, ready for harvest not too far into the season. While the trees themselves are not renowned for vigorous growth, slow and steady

wins the race, as they are reasonably productive.

■■ Red Delicious – An American apple, the Red Delicious is one of the most widely grown varieties available. Medium-sized and (obviously) red in colour, these apples have a sweet but very mild taste, with very little flavour. While they can be used in cider, it’s best to add crab apples or citric acid, for example, to heighten acidity.

While various drops may be available from a number of largescale and boutique brewers, producing cider at home can be a lot of fun and allows brewers to select the apple of their own eye!

However, before growing trees especially for cider, it’s best to perfect a brew with a few apples fallen from another tree first.

■■ See page 3 for our article on Dr Nevin Stewart and his method for extracting apple juice for cider.

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Rural Living — March 2013 — 21

pest control

KZ[[bm <hgmkhe Bunnies, wasps, rodents rampant bl _Zlm% ^_Ë\b^gm Zg]

By Ditch Keeling Coastal Pest Solutions Ltd

Rabbits, wasps and rodents are all doing exceptionally well under the current drought conditions right across Auckland.

We always deal with lots of rabbits and wasps at this time of year but rodent numbers are particularly surprising with the number of daily calls for control being much higher than we normally receive even at the start of winter.

If the number of rats and mice out there right now is anything to go by, it will pay to dust off the bait stations and get ready before they start heading indoors for the winter.

Rabbits favour semi-arid environments and the current climate has led to some impressive localised increases in numbers; I have shot 1087 in the last two months and many of these sites never normally have more than just a few rabbits on them.

Basically, the only natural factor that controls rabbits to any degree is cold, wet weather. Long, dry, hot spells lead to increased breeding activity and low mortality so numbers can get big very quickly.

Competition by rabbits for grass is a very real issue on many properties I’ve been looking at and with all the talk of a potentially lowgrowth winter ahead of us, it’s time

Timms possum trap.

Ditch approaches the huge wasp nest cautiously, glad of the opportunity to eliminate this pest in large numbers.

Inset, close up of the wasp nest. to take rabbit numbers seriously.

Controlling them now will save a lot of dollars in stock feed over the next six months.

Wasp numbers are also at an alltime high and the nuisance these guys can create has really kept me on my toes. There are wasp nests in house walls, huge underground nests, wasps dominating water sources (pools and water features)

and more – the list just goes on.

I had the dubious honour of killing a monster German (Vespula germanica) wasp nest in Whitford a couple of weeks ago and its one I’ll never forget.

The residents had originally called another pest controller; she took one look and quickly departed saying something like, “I’ll come back in the weekend!”

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Obviously realising it was beyond her capabilities, she called me and described something I’d never seen before.

Once I had seen the nest I completely understood her reluctance to go near it. The nest was massive, measuring 1.8m high and 1m around at its widest point and had taken over a punga between two water tanks.

It was a really significant find as only 10% of german wasps make these large, multi-queen, over-wintering nests and they are thought to contribute as much as 50% to the local wasp population.

Subsequently, it was a fantastic opportunity to make a real dent in the local wasp numbers; Auckland University have since calculated the nest as containing at least 80,000 wasps.

Walking up to the nest and seeing the sheer numbers of wasps had me sweating bullets and once I had treated it, the air became thick with angry wasps. The noise from these guys was like a huge electric fan and absolutely incredible.

German, common and paper wasps can all be particularly dangerous towards late summer/ autumn so, if you need help with a wasp nest, give me a call.

Please help us to provide the advice you require by sending all pest animal questions to: info@coastalpestsolutions.co.nz.

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22 — Rural Living — March 2013

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24 — Rural Living — March 2013

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