Rural Living - May/June 2022 by Times Media

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May/June 2022

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SPECKLE PARK CATTLE:

SPOTS, THE DIFFERENCE STAMPING GROUND:

LICKED, NOT BEATEN

TRAVEL

SHOOTING SOUTH Rural Living — May/June 2022 — 1

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MAY/JUNE 2022

A Quiet Moment Now – May 27, Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Ave, Pukekohe Featuring recent work, this exhibition sees Stephanie Postles show her true colours at Franklin Arts Centre’s popular Community Gallery. The intriguing works by this painter (a graduate of the prestigious Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design) expects to impress. See www.facebook.com/FranklinArtsCentre for further information.

RNZB Ballet Bites From May 12, www.rnzb.org.nz Delivering 12 new works and fresh takes – all created specifically for the camera – The Royal New Zealand Ballet presents a digital season accessible by viewers throughout New Zealand. A veritable (and virtual) treasure trove, this interesting series sees some of our best dancers in action. See www.rnzb.org.nz for details.

Pukekohe Young Grower 2021 – Heather Feetham

Photo Wayne Martin

Grand Horizons May 17-29, times vary, ASB Waterfront Theatre, 138 Halsey Street, Auckland City Auckland Theatre is back on the boards and presenting a Broadway hit by award-winning playwright, Bess Wohl. After its initial run was curtailed due to the pandemic, Grand Horizons returns to the Auckland stage. A comedy about a marriage tested by retirement living, this show sees family ties threaten to unravel.

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Pukekohe Young Grower competition May 20, from 9am, PIA Event Centre, 55 Ward Street, Pukekohe The first of six regional contests, Pukekohe Young Grower sees some of the best and brightest from the primary industries put their skills to the test. To the winner goes the soils – sorry, spoils! – with cash prizes and career opportunities on the line, as well as a chance to represent our region at the National Final in September. For details see www.younggrower.co.nz.

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

Hunua Falls planting days May 21 & 29, 10am-1pm, Hunua Ranges Regional Park, Hunua Dig deep and help out with efforts to maintain the beauty of our natural environment. Although tools will be provided, volunteers are encouraged to bring equipment along if they can. Search ‘hunua falls’ at www.ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/events for more information.

Dusty – the Original Pop Diva May 21 – June 4, Off Broadway Theatre, 41 Elliot St, Papakura Play Dusty for me! Featuring some of the biggest hits from the 1960s, this show tells the story of songstress Dusty Springfield, from her upbringing as Mary O’Brien – a starstruck London schoolgirl – to achieving her dreams despite many challenges on her hard (and dusty) trail to the top. See ptc.org.nz for details.

Photo Wayne Martin

The Revival – a Ghost Play May 26 – June 11, times vary, Backstage Theatre, Victoria Ave, Waiuku The cast is ready for the audience to experience a killer of a show! And yet, in this play within a play, it could just be that a curse could derail all hope, leaving the players with a ghost of a chance of treading the boards. Waiuku Theatre Company presents the story of a 1940s' troupe that’s expected to delight and spook. More information via www.waiukutheatre.co.nz.

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Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Futurity Stakes Day May 28, Pukekohe Park Raceway, Manukau Rd, Pukekohe With a name this lengthy the horses could well be home and hosed by the time we utter it! However, ‘$70,000’ is a lot quicker to say. With such a handsome purse up for grabs in the feature race alone, this race day is sure to result in some highly rated horses taking to the track. More information via www. pukekohepark.co.nz.

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from the

EDITOR THE UNBREAKABLE ‘CHINA’ CAT

mine), Niko Kloeten, Rural Living’s new advertising consultant. He has already hit the ground running and is bound to become a familiar character to our most valued advertisers. Speaking of valuable additions, to our latest issue we've added a spread about a local couple breeding Speckle Park cattle, an interview with the intrepid Wild Twins, and our talented photographer, Wayne Martin, recounts a recent sojourn to the deep south. In addition, we discuss a hobby that hasn’t gone the way of ‘snail mail’ with a philatelist specialist from Pukekohe Stamp Club. All this and more, including some top catch recipes for winter game, is on the menu. So, enjoy, and until our next issue, I’ll leave you with this: ‘Superstition is to religion what astrology is to astronomy, the mad daughter of a wise mother.’ With all due respect to Francois-Marie (aka Voltaire), considering the track record of some experts during this pandemic, I’ll stick to ‘worshiping’ my plastic cat – at least that’s something I can control.

ome say cats have nine lives; they are wrong. Based on the amount of times I have thrown her around the room, it’s clear that one of our cats has many more than that. Before the PETA celebrity hit squad comes calling, the cat in question is gold, plastic and runs on batteries. Years ago, during a work trip to China, my partner picked up our not-so-fury friend. Intended to usher forth good luck, these gadgets wave one arm continuously – or at least they’re supposed to. However, since late 2019, our one seems reluctant to do so. From that day to this, it stops sporadically, sometimes even when its arm is newly armed with fresh double As. I am not superstitious, but I am stupidstitious; stupid things like this bother me. For this reason, I dare not let it stop lest bad luck (perhaps something to do with a ‘China syndrome’ of a sort?) should befall us. ‘Perish’, the thought! Earlier this year, I decided to take a leaf out of

Schrödinger’s book and put the cat in a bag – a rubbish bag. The very next day, we surpassed 20,000 daily cases of Covid. The cat is now back on its shelf, and I’ll check the batteries when I get home. In the meantime, sorry NZ, my bad! Someone I’m sure will need no golden cat to be successful in his role is a Pukekohe local (and a near neighbour of

COVERSHOT

Jon Rawlinson, Editor

A TIMES MEDIA PUBLICATION

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

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W ood Bay

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Photo Wayne Martin

Titirangi

SPECKING ORDER: Not all cattle are created equal, as a local couple have proven. From Awhitu to Clevedon and Whitford, the Forsyths of Franklin (from Pine Hill Speckle Park Stud) have reared some beautiful beasts over the years. Gracing this issue's cover are some of their business' more recent (and most photogentic) additions. To read our interview with Sarah and Martyn Forsyth, while gaining invaluable insights into the key attributes and history of a most remarkable breed of beef cattle, see pages 8-10.

Sales: Niko Kloeten Ph: 027 700 0774 niko@ruralliving.co.nz

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AUCKLAND

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Rural Living is a FREE monthly lifestyle magazine delivered to RD 1,2,3 and 4 rural lifestyle properties in the greater Franklin district and beyond – Pokeno to Drury/Karaka and Clevedon to Waiuku. It is also available from businesses throughout the district's regional townships, including their key community of Pukekohe and Z Services Stations from Manurewa to Bombay. Sw anson

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M angaw ara DISCLAIMER: Articles published in Rural Living do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or editor.RuawAllaromaterial is provided as a general information service only. W oodleigh Times Media 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 magazine. All the material in this magazine has the protection of international copyright. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Times Media Ltd.

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A COPY OF ROB’S KITCHEN A naturally talented cook, entertainer and 140 traveller, Robyn (aka Rob) had a zest for life as well as zest in her cooking, as this book by her daughter (Sophia Cameron) reveals. Featuring more than 60 recipes and menu suggestions, Rob’s Kitchen isn’t just about providing cooking instructions, it’s also about the love behind the art of entertaining. Proceeds from the sale of this book will help support breast cancer charity Sweet Louise.

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Tired of being tired? Sick of being sick? Sometimes it might well be ‘all in your head’! Because the brain has a huge impact on how we feel and function, it’s not surprising that researchers have been hard at work thinking up new ways to support brain health. As outlined earlier this year, Kiwi neuroscientist, Dr Jian Guan, is convinced cGP (a compound found in blackcurrants) can boost wellbeing – see our Mar-Apr e-edition at www.ruralliving.co.nz. Thanks to cGP Max, we have bottles of these supplements (valued at $75 each) to give away to THREE lucky readers.

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HYGIENE HEROES PACKS FROM WET & FORGET When it comes to battling certain little ‘bugs’, good hygiene is crucial. Armed with a range of products designed with this in mind, Wet & Forget is waging war against such nasties with an arsenal bolstered by alcohol-free antimicrobials to kill germs and prevent infections for up to four hours. Thanks to our allies at Wet & Forget, we have three hygiene heroes packs (including indoor sanitiser, 500ml hand sanitiser and a convenient 50ml hand sanitiser spray) to give away. 6 — Rural Living — May/June 2022

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DOLLY MUMMA SAUCES Cooking can feel tedious, with ‘same again’ topping the menu week after week. Knowing what to cook is often more tiresome than actually cooking it! Luckily, Dolly Mumma is on hand to deliver a burst of flavour to everyday meals. This rich range of ready-to-cook sauces takes Indian cuisine well beyond butter chicken. We have a saucy little giveaway, valued at $50, featuring the varieties pictured up for grabs. And, for a taste of dinners to come, see Dolly Mumma’s recipe on page 41.

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SPECKLE PARK CATTLE

no motley lot It is said curiosity killed the cat, but it certainly hasn’t killed the ‘cat-tle’ at Pine Hill Speckle Park Stud, Clevedon! In fact, their inquisitiveness piqued HELEN PERRY’S curiosity when she met with owners Sarah and Martyn Forsyth. Sarah and Martyn Forsyth

ows are naturally curious, but the Speckle Park heifers bred by Sarah and Martyn Forsyth are particularly nosy – unafraid of the cameraman or reporter covering their every move from just metres away. “That’s just one characteristic of these cattle, they’re very manageable, quite docile in fact,” Sarah says as half a dozen weaners hang their heads over the post and rail fence to inspect the humans enjoying coffee and cake. Coming from a long line of butchers, it’s no surprise Sarah has always had an interest in top quality beef. “My great grandfather had butcheries across Sydney and my grandfather had a butchery in St Heliers with trucks delivering all over Auckland in the 1920s and ‘30s. “As a child, I regularly accompanied my father, John Scotting, to cattle sales around the upper North Island; he took over the business when my grandfather died unexpectedly. Subsequently, I became very

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familiar with all the different breeds and that started my lifelong interest in breeding quality beef cattle.” Growing up in Whitford, Sarah bought her first Angus heifers, aged 15, with her father's help, establishing her first small mob. “I don’t think l made much money from the whole exercise, but I did learn a lot.” Sarah’s interest never waned and, later, with Martyn’s background in farming and producing polo ponies, as well as his skills as a horse truck builder, living on the land was always going to be a given. Martyn grew up on a farm in the Manawatu, attending Feilding Agricultural High School. He then played polo professionally in England for several years. On returning to New Zealand in 1987, after a year travelling, Sarah opened an antique shop in Clevedon and Martyn managed the Auckland Polo Club. In 1992, he took a position as polo trainer for Kuala Lumpur’s newly established City Hall polo team in Malaysia. The Forsyth’s lived there

for several years. After again returning to New Zealand and settling near Clevedon, Martyn managed a neighbouring 600-acre Angus/Wagyu finishing property until the opportunity arose 12 years ago to buy a larger block of land nearby. They wanted to invest in a quality beef breed offering more than traditional breeds. “We became interested in Speckle Park cattle after reading articles about the breed’s benefits, particularly the carcass and taste quality,” Sarah says. “They were winning hoof and hook competitions worldwide and high dressing percentages of 60 percent plus (meat to bone ratios) were common in a first cross animal. “The combination of high meat yield and evenly distributed marbling at a young age off a grass-fed diet really appealed to us. Some other breeds take longer to mature and need to be grain fed on feed lots to achieve high marbling; this is uneconomical in New Zealand.” www.ruralliving.co.nz

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When starting out, Sarah and Martyn initially bought semen straws to artificially inseminate their small beef herd. A year later they purchased their first purebred Speckle Park bull. “Our numbers grew as did our enthusiasm for the breed, so we bought 200 acres on the Awhitu Peninsula where we could expand. “We finished our commercial crossbred progeny, selling them to the works. Then, as our cow herd grew, we started selling calves as weaners to farmers and lifestylers to finish. But we really wanted to produce a quality, purebred Speckle Park herd.” With Australia now the biggest producer of the breed, Sarah, who is a director of Speckle Park International and heavily involved on its New South Wales-based board, says these hardy animals can even thrive on poor quality pasture. “One paddock on our Pollock land is low-lying with a few reeds as it bounds the Manukau Harbour. We were short of grass www.ruralliving.co.nz

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one winter so put a mob of steers on there and they did very well.” Because these resilient animals give birth easily to calves that latch onto the teat quickly, and are early maturing, they are proving attractive not just to beef farmers, but to dairy farmers too. “A dairy farmer can put a purebred, registered, white Speckle Park bull over any dairy breed and be 99% sure of getting a speckle-coloured calf and a good return when selling,” Sarah explains. “Subsequently, there is solid demand for Speckle/cross calves in the dairy/beef market, which means a higher return for the dairy farmer and fewer bobbies going to the works.” On buying at Pollok, the Forsyths set out to source the best pure bred, registered heifers they could find, spending $56,000 to buy two at auction in 2018. “Although purchasing embryos is always an option, the result can be a bit hit and miss. Firstly, the embryos might not stick and achieve a pregnancy and you might get

Photos Wayne Martin

See following page for more about the Speckle Park breed.

all bulls and no heifers,” Sarah says. Today, the couple’s emphasis on ‘quality, quality, quality’ means all Pine Hill’s purebred cattle are DNA tested, registered with the breed society and data is recorded through the Breedplan genetic evaluation system, enabling them to make improvements to their programme. “Before marketing bulls, we have them tested for bovine viral diarrhoea and vaccinated. It’s important for them to be completely disease-free, which gives purchasers peace of mind. It’s also great that these animals have such an even temperament, ideal for commercial breeders and lifestylers alike.” Producing a top breeding herd is what it’s all about and the Forsyths are satisfied that their properties in Clevedon and Pollok allow them to further their goals. “But who knows what the future will bring,” Sarah adds. “If the right Waikato property came up, we might look to expand even further.” Rural Living — May/June 2022 — 9

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Photos Wayne Martin

SPECKLE PARK – A NEW BREED BEGINS Speckle Park might sound like an intriguing reserve for keen walkers to explore, however it’s actually the name of a registered beef cattle breed making its mark in New Zealand. Cows weigh 600-850kgs, with mature bulls reaching 1000kg plus. Calves (3040kg average, at birth) are quick to their feet and have a vigorous survival instinct. Importantly, cattle can yield as much as 69-72 percent meat, compared with roughly 52 percent from Hereford cows. Naturally polled (horn-free), Speckle Park calve easily and finish early, with carcass advantages such as the high marbling and low fat, along with great muscling over the loin and hindquarters. They come in a variety of colour patterns – in particular, white with black points, leopard coloured, lightly or heavily

speckled and solid black. A key attraction for dairy farmers is that Speckle Park can mix across all breeds, with the colour mark holding well with Friesian, Ayrshire, Jersey and crossbreeds. Markings make the animals easy to identify and reduce the chance of them ending up on the dairy platform. The breed originates from Canada at the hands of Scottish-born Mary Lindsay. Her family farmed sheep and cattle and Mary developed a keen interest in beef cattle. In the 1930s she acquired a heifer with a distinctive colour pattern (believed to be a descendent of the Teeswater Shorthorn and a White Park bull) from her father’s herd. The resulting progeny grew quickly, were hardy and quiet. Thirty years later, Angus breeders bought their first speckled heifer from Mary and crossed speckled

cows with Black Angus bulls. The result? Offspring of various colour patterns. Over time, selective breeding programmes developed the breed and a dedicated group of breeders became focused on the new Speckle Park cattle. Agriculture Canada approved the incorporation of the Canadian Speckle Park Association in 1993 and they were declared an evolving breed. Speckle Park genetics have since been imported into New Zealand and Australia, where the breed has adapted extremely well. Kiwi farmers are seeing potential for prime beef production as well as dairying, and there has also been interest from lifestyle farmers who appreciate the breed’s easy nature. One of the fastest growing cattle breeds in Australasia, Speckle Park is one to watch.

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Photos Wayne Martin

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Yvonne Middleton

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Photos Wayne Martin www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/05/2022 12:02:38 PM

WITH

Over

THE GATE

n o t e l d d i M e Yvo(PnUKnEKOHE STAMP CLUB)

ee’ (ateleia) – nslates as ‘loving’ (philos) ‘tax-fr tra – ts elis ilat ph es, vic ser l sta tionised Since the first po ns. Phones and email have revolu tio llec co mp sta ir the wn do lay ing have stepped up to aginations. To learn why, Rural Liv im e tur cap l stil s mp sta t bu ch, how people keep in tou dleton. mp Club life member, Yvonne Mid touched base with Pukekohe Sta

When and how did your passion for stamps begin? I used to save stamps when I was growing up in England. I was 14 when we moved to New Zealand and I had to leave them behind. I took the hobby up again when our eight-year-old son started to collect them. I collect them for the love of collecting and the interesting stories they tell. ps Yvonne’s Boston Tea Party stam How much is collecting about investing money and how much is just about a love of the game? The Pukekohe Stamp Club was founded in For most, it's the joy of collecting and 1988. What roles have you taken on and completing collections from a country or what role does the club play? following a theme. Investment still happens I joined a month or so after Mark and as very old, rare stamps and ones with faults Donna Smith started the club and we met at still grow in value. Unfortunately, many their house until membership grew too big. think they are a good investment only to be I am still on the committee and I used to be disappointed when they find out that they the secretary for many years, president for don’t have anything worth a lot of money. a few and I've been doing the newsletter for 17 years. Through the club, we share What’s your most treasured stamp & why? knowledge, swap and sell stamps, run I have many stamps that I like and treasure competitions and build up our collections. above the rest. Usually, I prefer ones that have a story behind them, such as the Has membership been increasing or Boston Tea Party stamps issued in America decreasing? Either way, why is this? when Britain imposed taxes in 1713. I spent Our membership has continued to grow a while hunting for the set of four that over the years. I think it’s because of the made up the picture. friendliness of our members. We have come a long way from the first few meetings of What’s your most valuable stamp? What less than a dozen and now have roughly importance do you place on value? 60 adults and more than 40 juniors. Our I don’t look into the value of stamps so members are such a caring and diverse much. I was given a New Zealand ‘Blue Boy’ group of people, and our present president, by another stamp club member for helping John Mounce, has been a visionary. them out once. It’s not the rare Blue Boy from America (Alexandria blue boy), worth Considering most younger people never over a million dollars, but mine is a 1931 NZ grew up with stamps, has it been tough Blue Boy stamp, which is still quite valuable. attracting new members? The average age of members and honorary Does that fact stamps aren't used as often members would be 50-55. It is difficult to now make them even more valuable? attract juniors as there is a lot for young New issue stamps are quite sought after people to do these days and they are reliant and carry a good price as collectors need to on busy parents to bring them to the club. complete their collections.

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That’s where the Distance Juniors programme comes in. It started off with a grandparent who sent stamps and philatelic paraphernalia to his grandson in Dannevirke. Since then, we’ve been sending newsletters to grandchildren of club members and juniors we’ve met at our open days. We try to educate them and we also send stamps and mail out prizes. Some club stamp designs become ‘published’. Does that mean they are adopted by NZ Post? No, but that’s not really the point; again, it is for personal enjoyment. We have used the NZ Post website to create personalised stamps for special events in the club, however, and we have been approached by collectors interested in buying personalised stamps. The club meets at the Pukekohe Anglican Church and holds open days there too. What can those attending expect? We have door prizes, dealers to buy from, a club sales table, displays, raffles, refreshments, and perhaps mostly importantly, good vibes on offer. If you could be Prime Minister for one day, what would you do first and why? I’d pat politicians on the back telling them they are welcome to their difficult job, which is largely unappreciated by the general public. If you could grow any plant or raise any animal (real or imagined), what and why? I have a veggie garden to grow fresh produce, but I would also like to raise chickens for their eggs. If you could invite any three people (living or dead) to dinner, who and why? My relations as I don’t see them often because they live, mainly, overseas. Rural Living — May/June 2022 — 13

12/05/2022 12:02:40 PM

COUNCIL VOTE GOES

to the dogs!

aikato Council has rolled over on its intentions to limit the number of dogs on rural properties by imposing a permit system. “Council had originally proposed a permit for more than two dogs in rural zone areas, but we received submissions from an overwhelming number of people who did not support this,” Tracey Oakes from the council’s Animal Control team says. “Our intention was to consider a different way to address some of the welfare issues we have seen over the past

five years, but we acknowledge that a permit was not the best approach. Our sentiment was good, but we got it wrong. We know that the majority of people in our district are good dog owners and we do not want to make it harder for them.” Rural Living published a story calling on readers to become involved in the consultation process regarding council plans – see our Dec-Jan 2021-22 e-edition, via www.ruralliving.co.nz. While permits will not be required for rural dog owners, those mistreating animals remain firmly in the sights of

Waikato Council's inspectors. “Our Animal Control team are dog lovers, and it is heart-breaking to witness dogs being kept unsafely,” Ms Oakes adds. “We recognise there are other ways to address issues we see, including using the enforcement tools we currently have under the Dog Control Act.” Some changes to dog control bylaws have been passed, however, including the addition of a new dog exercise area at Whangarata Reserve, Tuakau. For more details about these changes, search ‘dog control’ at www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz.

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ew Zealand is a fabulous place to live but, unfortunately, horses’ intestinal parasites seem to completely agree! Our climate is most favourable for the lifecycles of intestinal parasites, so careful pasture management plays an important part with regards to helping keep horses healthy. There is a commonly held belief among our horsey community that ‘harrowing is good’. Harrowing is good for our soil and therefore our pasture, there’s no argument there, as soil benefits from the nutrients in horse poo. However, in terms of parasite control, it is the single worst thing you can do!

In England, harrowing is common, but the weather there is horrid for a large portion of the year with many days of frosts and snow. In such conditions, harrowing will indeed mean the parasite larvae within the poo is killed off. In Franklin, however, we don’t deal with anywhere near as many frosts. Similarly, we can count on one hand the number of days per year when we experience 30 degree heat. In total, we might have approximately 10 days a year when harrowing might kill parasite larvae and 355 days where it won’t, with parasites spread over your entire pasture. In an un-harrowed pasture, there will be areas of ‘roughs’ where there is poo, so horses don’t graze, whereas they will graze, and not poo, on short ‘lawns’. That’s the result of thousands of years of evolution telling horses to keep their bathrooms and kitchens separate. If you harrow, you are simply spreading their bathrooms all over their kitchens. Ew, right? If horses have

enough space to ignore the roughs, you can leave the leavings where they are deposited. Having said that, cross-grazing with adult sheep or cattle is definitely a good way to go because they will vacuum up larvae and tidy long grass in the process. Please note, however, that younger sheep or cattle and alpacas/llamas/goats of any age will not be effective at cross-grazing. What else can we do? Pick up the poo! To me, this (which should be done at least twice weekly in summer and once weekly in winter) is the ‘holy grail’ of both parasite control and soil/pasture health. The poo can then be composted using enough moisture and fibrous matter (leaves, tree prunings, old hay, straw or stable shavings) so that time and temperature kill the larvae. The pest-free compost can then be spread back onto your pasture – you are allowed to use your harrows for that part. Happy poopicking, everyone!

AUTUMN CHECKLIST ➜ As the warm, wet autumn weather continues, ensure a parasite control strategy is in place for your property. This may involve the use of drenches, particularly in young stock that has not yet developed strong immunity against internal parasites. ➜ Ensure tetanus vaccinations are up to date for horses, check skin daily (including under rugs) for mud fever and monitor for lameness as seedy toe and hoof abscesses are common. ➜ Treat chooks against internal parasites and red mites with products such as Aviverm & Exzolt added to their drinking water.

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12/05/2022 12:02:47 PM

HUNTERS BE WARY SAYS BILL O’LEARY

tchy trigger fingers could pose a greater threat this hunting season, Bill O’Leary from the Firearms Safety Council warns. “We’ve had two years of covid, [so] we are very conscious that people may be a little anxious, under stress and perhaps just a little tired,” he says. “Under [such] conditions it’s easier to be distracted, to take your mind off the job; this might well put people, including yourself, at risk.” Whether hunting birds or other wild game, Mr O’Leary asserts that the

right state of mind is crucial. “We urge hunters to take a little more time in getting ready for their preferred hunting season,” he adds. “Look out for each other, be kind, stay safe' sums up the safety message for this year’s hunting seasons.” A comprehensive range of safety tips and other advice is accessible via www.firearmssafetycouncil.org.nz. And for details regarding licences, bag limits and hunting seasons, visit www.fishandgame.org.nz.

DEER? BEWARE! Farmers intending to release deer during the hunting season best think again, OSPRI (Operational Solutions for Primary Industries) advises. Not only can deer have an adverse impact on native bush, but they can also spread disease, Waikato farmer Leith Chick says. “Farmers who are getting deer released

onto their land should be aware they are exposing themselves to the risk of bringing TB to their farm. Ultimately, this also impacts the deer hunter, because if TB is found in wildlife, control measures taken may interrupt hunting.” See www.ospri.co.nz for further advice, regarding controlled relocation of deer.

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Grubb’s clean calls to government

"[The report] sends a clear message to regional councils that they must make meaningful steps towards implementing the Freshwater National Policy Statement, and specifically the primacy it gives to te mana o te wai, which places environmental health of our freshwater resources above economic interests.” Alarmingly, the report reveals 1498 hectares of wetlands, which are threatened ecosystems, were drained between 2012 and 2018. It also states

s hunters hit maimais in efforts to bag a bird or several, Ray Grubb from Fish & Game NZ is calling on government to clean up our waterways. The recent Environment Aotearoa 2022 report proves significantly more work is required to improve water quality and reverse wetland loss, he affirms. “New Zealand has already lost 90 per cent of its original wetland cover. To see that the decline has been allowed to continue is a disgrace.

that 46% of lakes are in poor health, vast lengths of rivers are adversely impacted by nitrogen and phosphorous, with 17% severely degraded by nutrient pollution. “These worrying statistics are not new or surprising. They are the legacy of poor policy and woeful water management for far too long,” Mr Grubb adds. “Central and local government must take this report card and take a good hard look at where we are going with water quality and wetland management.”

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12/05/2022 12:02:55 PM

LABOUR SHORTAGE – MORE HANDS TO PUMP

overnment efforts to turn up the flow of international labour, allowing more overseas workers to cross our borders, have met with the approval of key primary industry bodies. “They say good things take time, and [Federated Farmers] has been ratcheting up the pressure for this necessary step for many, many months,” the organisation’s employment spokesperson, Chris Lewis, says. “Let’s hope the system is agile enough to get these people into New Zealand and out into workplaces by the time we need them.” Over recent months, red tape restricting international workers from lending ‘the backbone of our economy’ much needed helping hands has been, gradually, cut away. However, ensuring labour is deployed comes down to farmers, Mr Lewis advises. “The Federation’s message to farmers is to take up these places. We know that, with fuel and fertiliser price rises, concerns in some districts about supplementary feed, and other factors, there may be a temptation to try and struggle through with workforce gaps. But just

remember the stress this puts on you and the rest of the team, and that health and safety factors and difficulties of rostering to give people decent time off must be considered.” Similarly, Dr Tim Mackle from DairyNZ applauds government moves. “We made it clear that [previous exemptions were] nowhere near enough to meet the demands on-farm and reduce the current high levels of farmer stress,” he says. “The decision to increase the number of international workers is a step in the right direction to reduce the pressure on farm teams. We will continue to advocate for more to be allowed into New Zealand, to help address the significant staff shortage.” DairyNZ has been running a campaign to increase the number of Kiwi workers in dairying roles, but also advises farmers take full advantage of border exemptions. “It’s now simpler for farmers to use the class exception process, so we hope to see farmers take up the opportunity, People no longer need to stay in MIQ or isolate [with] no limit on the number of farm assistants who can apply.”

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12/05/2022 12:02:58 PM

HAERE MAI, HE WAKA EKE NOA?

airyNZ is calling on farmers to speak up and ensure their views are heard regarding an alternative to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), the He Waka Eke Noa (Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership) pricing system. “The Government has made it clear that if the [primary] sector can’t deliver a credible alternative, agriculture will go straight into the ETS. But that’s not the only reason we need to act,” DairyNZ’s Jim van der Poel warns. “We want to ensure farmers can continue running sustainable businesses while meeting the expectations of our communities and consumers that we’re working to reduce our emissions. It’s also hugely important that the sector and government continue investing – and invest more – in R&D to develop new technologies to achieve this.” Along with Beef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ), DairyNZ has been taking it to the streets with a roadshow revealing clear consensus among farmers that

agricultural emissions should not be priced through the ETS. “Farmers have expressed a strong preference for the farm-level levy option, so they are recognised and incentivised for on-farm actions. They want control over their farm emissions and farm management,” Mr van der Poel adds. A cost-effective, fair system recognising and rewarding actions being taken to reduce emissions behind the farm gate is required, Andrew Morrison from B+LNZ confirms. “We’re focused on doing everything we can to minimise costs to ensure farmers’ businesses remain viable, profitable and our rural communities continue to thrive,” he says. We’re working to make sure what’s eventually introduced is practical and sensible and works on the ground for farmers.” He Waka Eke Noa partnership (which also includes other primary industry groups) will put alternatives to the ETS to government by May 31. More information is available at www.hewakaekenoa.nz.

DairyNZ chair, Jim van der Poel

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Red meat, GREEN FUTURE?

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uch has been made of what we may munch in the future. And yet, despite the rise of faux meat, the real thing should continue to top our tables for environmental reasons, Professor Pablo Gregorini from Lincoln University contends. “Whether any food production system is harmful or benign is extremely nuanced and depends on differing geographical and cultural factors. But mainstream – and mostly Western – narratives seem to want to simplify the global reality,” he says. “About a quarter of the global agricultural surface is unsuitable for cropping, so shifting away from animal agriculture could compromise the world’s nutrient supply.” In a paper, titled Animal source foods in healthy, sustainable and ethical diets, Professor Gregorini also addresses health concerns regarding consumption of red meat, arguing that these must be considered in context. “Various public health institutions worldwide are now advocating moderate to heavy restriction of red meat, processed meats and saturated fats, but the scientific debate is not settled… The link between red meat and disease is especially obvious in North America and other modern Western countries (for example), where meat is often consumed as fast food and where high-meat consumers also tend to have less healthy diets and lifestyles in general.” With regards to both environmental and health impacts, balance is crucial. “Well managed livestock farming can contribute to ecosystem management and health while delivering high quality foods by using resources that otherwise cannot be used in food production,” he adds “Food policy needs more community-derived insights and wisdom from people who are practically invested in healthcare, agriculture, landscape management, and food security.” To view the full paper, search ‘Animal source foods’ at www.lincoln.ac.nz.

(09) 238 0150 I admin@themowershop.co.nz 20 — Rural Living — May/June 2022

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/05/2022 12:03:03 PM

FUTURE FARMING – FORWARD THINKING, THINKING SMALL

he latest Mitigation of Climate Change report highlights the role small scale farms can play in working towards a more sustainable future, a University of Canterbury professor believes. While large scale growers use ‘carbon intensive inputs’ to support large areas of monocultural crops, small farms tend to grow a wider variety of produce, Professor Jack Heinemann says. In addition, smaller farms yield a surprisingly high proportion of the world’s food. “Small scale food producers currently produce about 80 percent of the world’s food. They have potential to increase the proportion of their contribution [and] the total that they produce.” Increasing yields could be brought about through genetically modifying crops to cope with drought, however working with the changing climate could

present a better option. “Productivity may be raised [through genetic modification], but it also increases fertiliser and pesticide use, which exacerbates climate change. Breeding for single extreme environments does not result in plants adapted to highly variable environments of the future.” Supporting small farmers to transition to an agroecological approach, allowing for mixed cultivation rather than monocultures, is a better option moving forward, he adds. “[Such farms] dependent on fewer external high carbon inputs, such as manufactured fertilisers, could replace our failing green revolution approaches. To mitigate the effects of climate change, this approach emphasises the ecology of the farm, including the soil in which the plants grow.” Professor Jack Heinemann

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Poultry survey

‘HEN PICKED’ HELP WANTED

uch may be known about their commercial cousins, but backyard chooks remain something of an enigma to scientists, Associate Professor Carolyn Gates reveals. “We don’t know much about how these birds are kept and what health challenges they face since there is currently no legal requirement for poultry keepers with fewer than 100 birds to register their flock in a national database,” she says. “Based on surveys we conducted last year, we know backyard birds are rarely seen by veterinarians for preventive flock health care advice and many poultry keepers also report having difficulty finding clinics that are willing to treat sick birds.” “In the event of a natural disaster or an infectious disease outbreak, we don’t have enough information about backyard poultry flocks to be able to provide keepers with the support they need to keep their birds healthy.” To help address this, Massey University is seeking the assistance of backyard poultry keepers as the first step in establishing a national poultry health information system. The benefits are expected to be wide-reaching. For more information, or to complete the survey, visit www.poultryintel.org.nz.

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12/05/2022 12:03:20 PM

M.BOVIS ON THE ROPES?

Robo ‘shark’ DO-DO-DO-DODODO

orget rowboats, robots are the new go-to craft when taking stock of fish stocks. Although it’s unclear whose foe the Nemesis actually is, this autonomous vessel’s mission is simple: to estimate the size of fish populations. “We’re delighted with how trials went,” says Richard O’Driscoll from NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research). “This new, state-of-the-art seacraft opens up opportunities for us to collect better information on fisheries.” The latest crafty craft by NZ-based X-craft Enterprises, it is equipped with artificial intelligence and data gathering equipment including a battery powered echosounder. “With robotic craft we can deploy fleets over a very large area for an extended period, they can gather data remotely, be re-tasked and controlled from anywhere in the world, and are quiet, so have minimal disturbance to animals. They are also really cost effective,” Philip Solaris from X-craft says. “With all the impacts of climate change and ecological damage, there has never been a more pressing time to employ all the technological capability at our disposal to monitor the state of our environment.” The Nemesis is on course to provide routine service to NIWA within the next five years.

Eradication of Covid may have been (relatively) short-lived, but our Prime Minister has high hopes eradication of cattle disease, Mycoplasma bovis (M.bovis), is near. “When we took our one shot to eradicate, we did so to protect our national herd from a painful disease, our economy from a sharp shock, and our rural communities from widespread anxiety,” Jacinda Ardern says. “Our partnership with the primary sector was critical. No one in the world had attempted to eradicate M.bovis before, and if we were going to try something that had never been done, we needed to do so together.” Ms Ardern’s comments (at an event at MilkTestNZ, near Hamilton) follow confirmation the disease is limited to just one property. However, efforts have required four years of hard work and the culling of more than 170,000 animals. “I want to acknowledge how tough it’s been for those farmers who lost herds and stock genetics built up over decades,” she says. “Your action has preserved our productive sectors that underpin [our] prosperity.” The last infected property (a large beef feed-lot) will be cleared latter this year. The Ministry for Primary Industries is working with primary industry groups on the next stage, a new National Pest Management Plan.

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12/05/2022 12:03:31 PM

#BREAKING BITES For the most part, news cannot be served in bite-sized pieces. However, in efforts to serve readers a balanced diet of news (is there any such thing?), we've included the following matter-of-fact morsels to chew over.

SPILT MILK There may be money in milk, but those who fall afoul of regulations could be left with a sour taste in their mouths. Failure to comply with rules regarding the sale of raw milk has resulted in a $30,000 fine for the Manukau-based owner of MannaMilk, serving as a warning to farm gate producers nationwide. ”We expect [the] sentence sends a strong message to all dairy farmers involved in raw milk production,” says Vincent Arbuckle from New Zealand Food Safety. “Producers owe it to their customers to follow the rules and take every required precaution to ensure the safety of their product. There is less risk of a person becoming ill from drinking raw milk products when they do.” Because raw milk is more likely to contain bacteria than pasteurised products, producers must register with New Zealand Food Safety, meet hygiene requirements, test for pathogens, keep a record of sales and clearly label their milk. More information as to how to register as a raw milk producer is accessible via www.mpi.govt.nz.

MILLION DOLLAR, BABY! As our previous issue was hitting the home straight (headed to our printers), New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB) confirmed that racing’s most prized event was coming home to Pukekohe! From January 21, the Karaka Million Twilight Meeting will be held at Pukekohe Park. It’s a safe bet local racing fans will not consider this to be at all ‘on the nose’.

ARTIST CLAIMS AWARD ‘CLUSTER’

A Unitec lecturer has claimed a most rural art prize for the second year running. Along with Dale Cotton (West Coast), Gina Ferguson secured top honours at the recent No.8 Wire National Art Awards for her work: It Never Rains but it Pours. Inspired by Hone Tuwhare’s poem 'Rain', the sculpture relates to how: “Our relationship to our environment informs our past, present, and future,” Ms Ferguson says. The sculpture was on display at Auckland Botanic Gardens last summer. In addition, Ms Ferguson finished second (solo entrant) with another work, Cluster Buster Bath Bomb.

le Cotton

Gina Ferguson and Da

Designed to showcase a quintessentially Kiwi material, No.8 wire, the sculptures from this year’s awards are on display at Hamilton’s ArtsPost gallery until May 24 – see www.waikatomuseum.co.nz/no8wire for further information.

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SLOW BOARD, ZERO VISION?

In the wake of recent fertiliser price increases, farmers and growers best be ready to adapt, Anders Crofoot from the Fertiliser Quality Council warns. “While pastoral farmers will be able to withhold for a year if they need to, their options for establishing winter grazing crops will be limited. For an industry relied on for our economic recovery, this is an extra burden that could be done without.” Mr Crofoot says farmers must aim for the best bang for their ‘muck’, using the highest quality nutrients available.

Auckland Council needs to stop, look and listen before reducing speed limits on rural roads under its ‘Vision Zero’ plan, Franklin Local Board’s Andy Baker asserts. “We are concerned an urban lens is being put on speed limits when many of our roads are rural… changes shouldn’t be made without visits to roads. Decisions based on desktop analysis isn’t enough.” Despite its concerns over rural roads, Franklin Local Board is backing moves to reduce speed limits outside schools across Franklin to 40kph.

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Phone Bru Goldfinch 021 215 8368 • Email bru@homesbynest.nz • www.homesbynest.nz 24 — Rural Living — May/June 2022

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12/05/2022 12:03:32 PM

WHAT’S UP

WITH D.O’C... From meeting with good ‘buds’ down south to dairy industry reforms, Damien O’Connor has been on hot form of late, as our summations suggest. Damien O’Connor

Our D.O’C has a prescription for many medical woes. “The $32.2 million joint project will further support the country’s economic recovery from Covid-19, providing jobs and growth,” Mr O’Connor said when announcing a new partnership with New Zealand’s only organic-certified medicinal cannabis grower, Puro Ltd. “Now is the perfect time to grow this high-value industry, as international demand for medicinal cannabis takes off.” Based in Marlborough, Puro harvested its first crop of medical cannabis last year. Mr O’Connor expects ‘seed money’ will go a long way in growing the industry. “Puro will develop unique cultivars and seed stock, as well as a production handbook that will be available to the wider industry. This will fast-track the industry’s establishment and create a comprehensive blueprint that other Kiwi companies can follow,” our Minister of Agriculture added.

‘GRAZY’ TALK Farmers driven around the twist by regulation can take comfort in changes to changes, Mr O’Connor believes.

“The Government has listened to feedback and [we] have improved the rules to ensure they work better to achieve environmental outcomes,” he said in late April. ”The amendments will require grazed annual forage crop paddocks to be re-sown as soon as conditions allow, instead of by a set date. [And] specific requirements around the depth of pugging have been replaced with a duty for farmers to take all reasonably practicable steps to minimise the effects of pugging on freshwater." A new condition has been added where 'critical source areas' in winter crop paddocks may not cultivated or grazed, he added. Visit www.environment.govt.nz and search ‘winter grazing’ for details.

D.O’C ON DIRA Moves to remould the dairy industry are gaining traction again. Following a vote in favour of capital restructuring for dairy co-op, Fonterra, the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 has set the tune Mr O'Connor is set to follow – or should that be ‘lead’? “We’re proposing amendments to DIRA that strike a balance between recognising the shareholders’ mandate for change and

enabling the successful function of the wider dairy sector,” he confirmed. “Benefits of a high performing and efficient Fonterra flow through to our rural communities and the economy.” Feedback will be considered before the DIRA Amendment Bill moves to a select committee later this year. “The proposed DIRA amendments will enable Fonterra to move to its new capital structure and help ensure the long term success of our dairy sector.” Visit www.mpi.govt.nz and search ‘fonterras capital restructure’ for details.

GROWING INCENTIVES… A new scheme aims to encourage more Kiwis into primary industry advisory roles. Part of the Fit for a Better World roadmap, $25 million has been allocated to help grow skills with a focus on attracting more women and Maori into the sector. An internship programme is also on the menu. “Employers hiring new advisers, or upskilling staff, could receive up to $22,500 annually per adviser to help cover salary and training," Mr O’Connor announced. "Priority will be given to initiatives supporting Maori landowners and agribusinesses, and [those] not currently undertaking farm planning.”

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Rural Living — May/June 2022 — 25

12/05/2022 12:03:34 PM

Gamebird season ROL PERFECT TIME FOR PEST CONT

By Ditch Keeling, Coastal Pest Solutions

can already hear gasps of horror coming from all those bird lovers since the 2022 gamebird season started (officially) on May 7. But it’s worth remembering that, for every bird lover, there is a farmer or lifestyler who has paddocks, ponds, crops and gardens being pillaged by excessively high numbers of gamebirds gone bad. While the season is welcomed by hunters, it also opens the door on pest control opportunities not available at any other time of the year too. By far the most common culprits when it comes to pest species are paradise shelducks (Tadorna variegata) and pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio). Although they are both natives, their populations have increased immensely because of land

clearance, which has meant there’s a lot more ideal habitat for them than ever before. Extensive paddock damage and fouling of troughs become big problems caused by paradise shelducks during their annual moult, from December through until February. Spending most of the year in pairs, they gather in large groups for the moult, so it pays to peg back their numbers when we can. As well as damaging paddocks and fouling toughs, pukeko also damage new plantings and even prey on chicks from other species, and that can include endangered native birds. As they are extremely successful breeders, even small numbers can multiply and become out of hand in a relatively short period of time. A special permit (through Fish & Game NZ) is needed to shoot paradise shelducks and pukeko at most times

of the year, but licences (which can be obtained for a single day or the entire season) are all that’s required during gamebird season. A license shouldn’t be necessary if you plan to shoot on your own land, but it is important to check whether you qualify as an ‘occupier’ first. Also, take careful note of all the rules and regulations governing which species can be shot and for how long, and remember that these vary from region to region. If you are hiring someone else to do the work, the responsibility still falls the landowner, so always check your shooter’s credentials. As usual, just drop me a line to talk through your options. Anyone planning to hunt – for sport or pest control, on their own land or elsewhere – should ask for more information at fishing/hunting supply stores and visit www.fishandgame.org.nz.

Please feel free to contact us for specific pest advice or to book a visit. Email us at: info@coastalpest.co.nz, or call 027 393 2125.

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12/05/2022 12:03:40 PM

Reunion

ROARS

Life may be a drag, but when rodder royalty (and commoners alike) descended on Meremere for the recent Gasser Wars Reunion Drags, there was no holding them back. Petrol heads appear to have made the most of lockdowns, working on everything from dragsters to classics and vintage vehicles, as these photos by WAYNE MARTIN suggest.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Rural Living — May/June 2022 — 27

12/05/2022 12:03:50 PM

A walk on the ‘Wild’ side Amber and Serena Shine grew up on a farm near Waiuku and now have an international following as the intrepid Wild Twins, increasingly famous for making big strides in the typically maledominated outdoor adventure world. During a visit home, they spoke to ANGELA KEMP. Amber and Serena Shine Photos courtesy of HarperCollins

ho could have known that growing up in the ‘wilds’ of north Waikato would prepare two sisters for a life of danger, excitement and fame? The escapades of the Shine twins (Amber and Serena) have been viewed by millions, thanks to their exposure (in more ways than one!) on the hit TV show, Naked and Afraid. Back home, Serena confides that we will get another chance to see them in action soon. “Towards the end of last year, we were able to slip away to Kenya for some filming. It’s a very different show to anything we have done before and involved racing across the dry Kenyan wilderness,” she says. “We aren’t allowed to give specifics, but the show should be hitting screens not too far in the future.” For those who missed it, Naked and Afraid saw the twins left with no food, no water, no clothes, and only one survival item each as they attempted – and succeeded brilliantly – to survive in the African wilderness. For 21 days, they lived off scorpions, were stalked by

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leopards and hyenas, all without a stitch on. A subsequent episode had Amber and Serena stranded on an island in the Bermuda Triangle where they had to fish in shark-infested waters. Long before those adventures began, Amber and Serena grew up on their parent’s farm and attended Waiuku College where their favourite subject was, no surprise, PE. “We were always outside and had something to explore with our own little adventures to go on,” Amber recalls. “Mum and Dad are always on the go, always doing something, which is a big part of where we get our inspiration. Mum loves hiking and Dad spends every free minute on the water, fishing and diving. That’s probably why we’re such keen fisherwomen ourselves and love diving.” Possum shooting (for pest control) followed by hunting were also par for the course for ‘The Wild Twins’. “There’s something about the hard work that goes into bringing free-range meat home that gives you appreciation for how it gets to the table, and we think it seems

to taste a lot better than supermarket meat,” Amber confirms. After finishing school, the twins trained in the army before moving to Australia to work in gold mines. Once they had saved enough money more travelling followed, which led them to work in a Bolivian animal sanctuary and as dog-sled tour guides in Michigan. “Mum and Dad always encouraged us to just go for it, so once we were old enough to get out into the big wide world, there was no stopping us,” Amber says. Adventures there have been aplenty, with the twins packing more into their 30 years than most of us could ever dream of. Together they’ve run the world’s highest marathon on Mount Everest, walked jaguars and pumas and climbed with monkeys in the Amazon, sailed treacherous seas from Hawaii to San Francisco and climbed Mount Cook. Their adventures were postponed when Serena broke her back while snowboarding eight years ago, prompting fears she may never walk again. However, just nine months after surgery and she and

12/05/2022 12:03:54 PM

Amber were climbing Denali, the highest mountain in North America. Climbing adventures inspired the twins to start a Facebook page, The Wild Twins, where they share everything from intense workout routines to adventures at home and abroad with 28,000 followers. “It’s really cool when people say it [the pair's Facebook page] inspired them to get outside or take the kids hiking with them,” says Serena. Late last year, the pair released a book, The Wild Twins: Tales of Strength and Survival, which shares their most extreme achievements and a few of the secrets behind their incredible strength and endurance. They also provide advice about achieving potential, even if it means coming home covered in mud! When they aren’t globetrotting, Serena is owner-operator of Glam Camping at Castaways and Amber (a civil engineer) runs Castaways Developments, building villas. Both businesses, based at Karioitahi Beach, were hit hard by the pandemic, Serena confirms. “I was able to keep hiring out tents,

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but conferences and weddings were on and off. The silver lining was getting to do all those projects we never get round to. We love to be creative and make our own things, so a lot of the lockdown time was spent working on various projects,” she says. “Border closures meant most of our recent adventures have been in New Zealand, which has an amazing outdoors and some of the most spectacular places in the world, and it hasn’t hurt to explore our own backyard more.” During their time back home, the twins also designed their own range of t-shirts, available through Hunting and Fishing stores, with six dollars from every sale going to the KidsCan charity. As their fame has grown, Amber and Serena have been stopped in the street by fans from time to time, but they react with typical Kiwi aplomb. “Being small town girls, I don’t think we’ll ever get used to people recognising us, it still surprises us,” Serena adds. “It’s awesome to meet people and hear their stories. We get that quite a lot now and it always makes for a good yarn.”

BUY THE BOOK! To read more about Amber and Serena Shine’s wild adventures, pick up a copy of their book. Amber and Serena Shine: Wild Twins | RRP $39.99 | HarperCollins NZ

12/05/2022 12:04:03 PM

Get off the grass!

ADVERTORIAL

Comical anecdotes, cute photographs and other pieces sent in by our readers or contributed by (or about) members of our team. Keep sending us your briefs, trivia and photos of local life to: editor@ruralliving.co.nz.

MAY-JUNE

IN PAPAKURA Tracy Shackleton shares the latest news about Papakura’s thriving business hub.

THE ‘PRINCE’ AND THE PRINCESS “I’m going to call her ‘Lucifer’”, the 'butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth' darling proclaimed to her daddy. Of course, we need to consider her concerning statement in context. The ‘daddy’ (a reader from Pukekohe) was only part way through telling his little angel a G-rated version of the story of a certain angel’s fall from Heaven; the four-year-old then clutched her colourful pegasus/ unicorn (pictured, on the ‘naughty chair’) to her chest and added: “I love Lucifer!” Fortunately, after her dad reached the part of the story where (spoiler alert!) the good guy turned out to be a bit of a baddie, to say the least, his toe-headed darling decided ‘Sparkles’ was a much better name. However, somehow (says her dad), it makes the toy seem even more sinister.

WELCOME: We are pleased to welcome Sonny’s Polynesian Takeaway (on O’Shannessey Street), and Indian Spice Bazaar (East Street) to our community. FAIRY LIGHTS: Lovely fairy lights have been brightening up our town recently, especially at night. These are making Papakura look even brighter and more gorgeous than usual. MATARIKI: Matariki flags will be up as we celebrate Matariki, the Maori lunar new year. And, for the first time, this year we have a public holiday (Friday, June 24) to further mark the occasion. WHERE TO EAT GUIDE: A handy guide about what’s on the menu locally, our latest Where to Eat in Papakura brochure is available by contacting the Papakura Business Association.

LESSONS – MORE OR LESS ON?

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP: Is your business located just outside the Papakura’s central area? If so, contact us (298 8996) and we will be pleased to provide more information about becoming an associate member, including its many benefits.

A former Pukekohe teacher writes: I had to smile when my busy niece, about to turn five, returned from her school introduction day. During her years at daycare there had been no experience of a formal classroom environment, yet her mum was quite impressed to see her settling into short lessons. On the way home her mum remarked: “I saw you doing some maths, how did that go?” My niece replied scathingly: “I did not like that maths.” Surprised, mum responded with: “Why not, you seemed to be managing very well.” To which my niece answered: “That maths was soooo boring!” She’s a bright, capable child who, even at her age, doesn’t suffer fools gladly, so I’m sure my niece will present her teacher with some challenging times!

MURALS: We now have 25 colourful murals painted by local artists in and around the town. Check them out online (at www.papakura.co.nz/art-trail-map-papakura), or contact us for an Art Trail Map Brochure.

PAPAKURA THEATRE COMPANY PROUDLY PRESENTS

CONTAINING MANY OF DUSTY’S BIG HITS, THIS SHOW IS A MUST! Directed by Maryanne Rushton • Musical direction by Phillip Liu Book by John-Michael Howson, David Mitchell, Melvyn Marrow • BY ARRANGEMENT with ORiGiNTM THEATRICAL • www.origintheatrical.com.au

SHOW DATES – May 21st to June 4th BOOK ONLINE AT ITICKET.CO.NZ OR PH 09 361 1000

OFF BROADWAY THEATRE, 41 ELLIOT ST, PAPAKURA 30 — Rural Living — May/June 2022

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Tracy Shackleton Papakura Town Centre Manager

CHORUS BOXES: Pupils from schools, daycares and kindergartens have been painting Chorus boxes in and around Papakura, so we now have 20 brightly coloured boxes in total. For more details, visit www.papakura.co.nz/chorus-boxpainting, or call us if your group, school, daycare or kindy is interested in painting one. WHALE TALES: We are proud to have two Whale Tales sculptures locally. These pieces were painted by local Artists, Pascal Atiga Bridger Wharepapa (Sacred Taonga, located by the fountain in the centre of Papakura), and Leroy Roberts (Kaitiaki, by the Massey Park Pool). Both bring even more colour to Papakura.

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

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/05/2022 12:04:08 PM

SELF HELP –

NOW & ‘ZEN’ THE SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING A ___ JOURNAL

Figuratively speaking, Mark Manson doesn’t give a fig, as made clear from his multimillion copy selling The Subtle Art of Not Giving a ____. Similarly, this new journal isn’t intended to help us achieve our dreams, it’s about how focus on reality and realistic goals. Please note we are aware of the irony in choosing not to follow Mark’s advice to the letter (all four of them in fact) by printing the full title of this book. Mark Manson: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a ___ Journal | RRP $34.99 | Macmillan

DON’T WORRY

CRACKING OPEN THE NEST EGG

Don’t worry? Yeah, right! Considering the events (or should that be ‘the event’) of the last couple of years or so, this book’s title offers little comfort. However, when zen master Shunmyo Masuno says it between the pages of this book, one can’t help but listen. A follow-up to his bestselling ZEN: The Art of Simple Living, this guide is designed to help us overcome anxiety even during the most tumultuous times.

Retiring is not for the retiring type! Leaving work to enjoy a comfortable retirement is no easy endeavour and requires careful planning, as this book by financial expert Martin Hawes reveals. Designed to assist those for whom green pastures are right around the corner, this handy guide also provides advice to younger people keen to get cracking on growing their allimportant nest egg.

Shunmyo Masuno: Don’t Worry | RRP $35 | Michael Joseph

Martin Hawes: Cracking Open the Nest Egg | RRP $$39.99 | Upstart Press

BOOKS FOR YOUNGER READERS WORDS ABOUT BIRDS Both a tribute to an acclaimed artist and the rich range of birdlife (from kea, tui and kiwi to the mallard, pied stilt and shag) throughout New Zealand, this book is sure to appeal to young ones with a thirst for knowledge. Although its author, Geoffrey Fuller, passed away in 2011, this book’s striking illustrations and delightful rhyming text ensure his good work lives on. Geoffrey Fuller: Words About Birds of Aotearoa New Zealand | RRP $19.99 | Scholastic NZ www.ruralliving.co.nz

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MASHER The dogs are talking in this quirky (yet warm and furry) tale by the ever-funny Fifi Colston, ideal for readers aged 9-12. Masher is not like most dogs, considering he’s actually a mad glove puppet. Complete with assurances no dogs or papier-mâché was harmed in its making, this book illustrates the importance of animal companions, imaginary friends and enemies, while helping little ones find their happy place.

Fifi Colston: Masher | RRP $21 | Puffin

THE LIGHTHOUSE PRINCESS When a lighthouse keeper (who’s also a princess) rescues a boy during a storm, a lyrical story unfolds. From the pen of well-known poet, Susan Wardell, this book highlights the importance of friendship and independence; it is best suited to children aged 4-7 years.

Susan Wardell & Rose Northey (illustrator): The Lighthouse Princess | RRP $19.99 | Picture Puffin Rural Living — May/June 2022 — 31

12/05/2022 12:04:18 PM

FRIZZ-FREE & FABULOUS AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE PLASTIC SURGERY

Looking for an effortless, frizz-free style? Natasha Harris (Albert’s Hair Salon) explains how this can be accomplished.

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon

consequence of dry hair and a humid environment, frizz is a common problem that can sneak up on any style. While certain hair types and texture patterns are more prone to this than others, the fix stems from the same solutions.

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HYDRATE While frizz is an effect of humidity, it happens in the first place because of lack of moisture in the hair. By improving the condition of your hair, mainly by increasing the hydration factor, you will find hair becomes shiny and smooth, and natural texture to becomes better defined. An obvious choice for adding more hydration daily is HydrateMe’s Wash, Rinse and Masque. This system features Vitamin A, E and C to lock in moisture and create a soft, silky feel and hydrolysed silk extracts for an instantly smooth surface on each strand. By regularly shampooing, conditioning and applying deep conditioning treatments from this range you’ll notice improvement throughout the year, so now is a great time to re-hydrate your hair. DEFINE Based on your hair type (straight, wavy, curly or coily) and desired style (air-dried, heat-styled, smooth, waved or curled), you’ll need to pick a specific product routine to achieve the finished look. check out Kevin Murphy’s That’s My Type, a guide to understanding texture patterns and the best product regimens for each. From there, consider taking the Product Matchmaker Quiz to help decide on the product combinations best suited to the style you’re after. PROTECT Once you’ve found the perfect products and mastered your style, combatting frizz is all about protecting hair from humidity. With a mix of hydrating products (such as Young Again and Young Again Dry Conditioner) and finishing products (including Session Spray or Session Spray Flex), you can create the ultimate shield to lock in style and keep humidity out.

For enquiries and bookings contact: Alberts Hair Salon Shop 2/23 Hall St, Pukekohe Ph: 09 238 7576 Shop online at: www.alberts.co.nz DY0588

32 — Rural Living — May/June 2022

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/05/2022 12:04:20 PM

RURAL HEALTH – BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

he postponement of Fieldays (until November) due to the pandemic serves as a reminder of the importance of good health to the the backbone of New Zealand’s economy: the primary sector. However, as Doctor Garry Nixon (from Otago University) warns, action must be taken to ensure rural people have suitable healthcare. “Distance is a barrier and rural people don’t get the same access [as urbanites],” he says. “Providing good and accessible healthcare in rural areas means doing things differently to the way they are done in town – not simply providing scaled down versions of urban healthcare.” Another major issue is a skills shortage in rural regions. “If we want health professionals to work in rural areas, we need to train them there.

This needs a targeted central government initiative to work with the universities to create a rural clinical school or an equivalent solution.” To better track urban/rural health inequities, Dr Nixon and his research team have developed a ‘Geographic Classification for Health’ (GCH), which compares health conditions and outcomes based on addresses. “The GCH is demonstrating higher mortality rates for a number of conditions in rural areas, something that is not evident using older and generic urban/ rural classifications,” he adds. “The GCH will provide more accurate measures of the health of rural New Zealanders.” Dr Nixon is expected to attend the Health Hub at Fieldays 2022; for more information, visit www.fieldays.co.nz.

RURAL SKIN CANCER – DOC ON SPOT Those who work outdoors year-round are more often diagnosed with skin cancers than many others. Even in winter, spot checks make all the difference. For this reason, a Kiwi doctor has stepped up to the 'marks'. “Often doctors work in isolation, particularly in rural areas,” says Franz Strydom (Skin Cancer College Australasia – SCCA). “[We have] created multiple platforms where clinicians can confer with other experts and seek a second opinion

on any suspicious lesions." Kiwi males in rural areas have higher skin cancer mortality rates than those in urban centres and New Zealand has the world’s highest rate of death from skin cancer. Fortunately, Dr Strydom says the SCCA's programme could improve diagnosis by almost 50 percent. “Identifying suspicious skin spots and moles is not always an exact science," he adds. "But ensuring doctors have excellent qualifications and up-to-date [knowledge] improves patient outcomes."

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12/05/2022 12:04:26 PM

Beauty

COUNTER

NAILED! DIY beauty is in your hands with Ardell’s new Nail Addict range of press-on nails, delivering professional quality in 'on trend' shapes, colours and sizes. Even during the worst of winter, sometimes a little self care is all it takes to lift the mood. The latest additions to Ardell's range are available from selected pharmacies, RRP $21.99.

VITAMIN SEE Save the excess baggage for your next trip, not your eyes. Wave goodbye to those puffy peepers with Bondi Sands Eye Spy Eye Cream (RRP $22.99). Packed with green coffee bean and carrot oil, this eye cream has illuminating particles to create instant brightening results.

MANICARE SALON MAGNIFYING PORE VACUUM Recharge your skin with the Manicare Salon Magnifying Pore Vacuum (RRP $89.99). It’s a rechargeable extraction device using vacuum suction to remove debris from pores. The in-built 10x magnifying HD camera combined with three levels of vacuum suction intensity helps visibly clear congested skin. This clever tool helps to achieve instantly clearer, smoother and luminous skin. 34 — Rural Living — May/June 2022

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WET N WILD LIPPIES The launch of the all new and improved Wet n Wild MegaSlicks lip glosses provides beauty on a budget at its best. Versatile and cruelty free, these lipsticks are made from a juicy blend of jojoba glaze, maxi lip peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and vegan collagen. Their glossy formula can be worn alone or over lipstick to boost shine. Available in ten shades, RRP $7.99.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/05/2022 12:04:53 PM

Winter essentials to love As the temperature drops it's time to start thinking about the 'must have' pieces for the season. Apt Collections has us covered (with everything from statement knits to beautiful prints) to ensure we're covered from day to play.

THE EVERYWHERE DRESS: Embrace the dress that will take you from day to night, from the office to cocktails. Pair it with knee-high boots for an edgy look. STATEMENT KNIT: Knitwear this season should be oversized, snuggly and warm. Intended to be worn over dresses and mid-length skirts. THE VEST: Need we say more? This is a key styling piece for the season ahead. Add depth to your look with this monochromatic piece. 1.

DECADENCE IS KEY: Add a sumptuous touch to your wardrobe with velvet, a great way to add texture if you choose to dress all in black.

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Rural Living — May/June 2022 — 35

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Hidden depths of the deep south Flying south for the autumn, Rural Living’s WAYNE MARTIN dealt us an ace after visiting Bluff, Invercargill, Gore and more.

he offer of four days, for free, in New Zealand’s southernmost city was too good to turn down, so I gratefully joined friends, Karin and Brett Wilson, on a recent sojourn. Our first stop was Bluff, home of the famous oysters and one of the locations for last year’s South Sea Spray Motupohue, a creative event where 16 of New Zealand’s best street artists create huge murals. Exiting the car, the salty sea air was thick. We were in awe of the great works, and so a photo competition ensued between me and Brett, which spanned the entire four days of our stay. After taking in the scenery on a trip up to the historic Bluff Hill lookout, we headed into Invercargill, where visiting Buster Crabb, a restaurant recommended by a friend, was a priority. We assumed it was a crab-based seafood joint, but it’s named after Lionel ‘Buster’ Crabb, a Royal Navy frogman and MI6 diver who disappeared on a mission around a Soviet cruiser in 1956. He inspired one of the most famous fictional characters in the world, Ian Fleming’s James Bond. The food was first class – we had fresh Bluff oysters, blue

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cod, duck, tuna and carpaccio of beef. So, with generous servings under our belts we headed for nearby Riverton. Our accommodation in Riverton was comfortable, despite the message in the guest book stating: ‘this place is bulldozer bait’. The town is beautiful, calming, and has a perfect surf break underlined with an amazing bed of green rocks, sculptured by centuries of the Southern Ocean battering its shores. Complimented by a bottle of whiskey and another of red wine, we settled on the sand dunes at Taramea, Howell’s Point Reserve, to watch the sunset as the crisp southerly winds

whipped up huge breakers crashing over massive rock formations. After a brisk sunrise walk with my camera – which was continually running out of memory as the scenery is truly a photographer’s dream – we headed for Gore and the Hokonui Moonshine Museum. Although temporarily closed for renovations, we were, very kindly, permitted a tour. Displays by Weta Workshop and other artworks make for an entertaining journey through the history of Hokonui Moonshine whiskey production. Just across the road from the museum is the historic (constructed 1909) Eastern Southland Gallery, one of 18 Carnegie libraries in New Zealand. A superb collection of Ralph Hotere works, gifted to the gallery by the artist, adorn the walls, along with the impressive John Money Collection, including works by Rita Angus, Theo Schoon and other renowned artists. After taking a few obligatory photos of the cliched giant trout and giant guitar, we enjoyed a light lunch in the park then back to the bach for a few quiet drinks. The next day featured the big-ticket item on our agenda, Motorcycle Mecca. www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/05/2022 12:05:08 PM

On entry to the three-levelled classic bike showcase I was overwhelmed by the pristine condition of timeless works of mechanical art; it was as though they’d just rolled off the factory floor. Not knowing where to point our cameras, we took our time wandering among them. After a couple of hours drooling over these machines, and a bite to eat at the Meccaspresso cafe, we headed to blustery Orete Beach, made famous as Burt Munro’s test track for his land speed record-breaking motorcycle (aka The World’s Fastest Indian); it proved a most worthy pitstop. The next day, Tautapere was on the list with a local recommendation to stop www.ruralliving.co.nz

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at Cosy Nook. The stop was well worth it. The picturesque rocky bay is home to weathered holiday shacks, fishing boats and magnificent scenery, reminding me of Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. We also visited Colac Bay, another popular surf spot, Monkey Island and Gemstone Beach, where low tide can reveal semiprecious gems including garnet, jasper and quartz. At Tautapare, the distant breathtaking vista of the mist covered mountains of Milford Sound stood before us, welcoming us to the so-called Sausage Capital of New Zealand. Another round of delicious Blue Cod was called for along with giant whitebait fritters.

Later that day (after realising our rental car could not float over rocks!), the very helpful team at Riverton Automotive Centre ensured we secured a ride back to Invercargill where we paid a visit to Bill Richardson Transport World. As this place is mind boggling, I’d suggest allowing a couple of hours to visit. Mostly, it features vintage trucks, restored to mint condition, as well as a fine selection of ‘30s and ‘40s coupes. However, in addition, it's also home to the 2018 Wearable Arts competition's winning entries. Soon enough, we were up in the air flying back home, bidding a fond farewell to the epic deep south, with which we’d all fallen in love. Rural Living — May/June 2022 — 37

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The Fish + Game Cookbook Why restrict ourselves to just a little fishy when the boat comes in, or a mere morsel of duck when the hunter comes home? Thanks to Angelo Georgalli’s The Fish + Game Cookbook and Beatnik Publishing, we can really make a meal of it, producing restaurant-quality fare from freshly caught fish to recently bagged gamebirds.

Simple yet sumptuous, these stuffed paradise duck breasts are juicy, tasty, easy to make and form a meal fit for a king. Photo Sally Greer

PEACHY KEEN PARADISE SHELDUCK INGREDIENTS

METHOD

◆ 2 paradise duck breasts ◆ Salt & pepper ◆ 1 Tbsp cooking oil ◆ Knob of butter ◆ 1 tsp duck fat ◆ 425g tin peaches ◆ 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar ◆ 1/4 tsp cinnamon ◆ 1 clove garlic, finely sliced ◆ Roast peaches ◆ Cherry tomatoes

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Season the duck breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. In a hot frying pan, heat the oil and brown the duck skin-side down. Take off the heat and set aside to cool. In a hot pan, add a knob of butter with the duck fat. Add the drained peaches to the pan and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Add the garlic and caramelise the peaches on both sides. Take off the heat and set aside to cool. Save a handful

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of peaches to serve on the side. Carefully make an incision between the duck breast flesh and skin, creating a flap. Stuff peach mixture under the flap and place in the oven for 20 minutes. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the bird rest for 10 minutes. At the same time, place the remaining cooked peaches on a separate tray in the oven and roast for 30 minutes. Enjoy roast peaches and Peachy Keen Paradise Shelduck garnished with cherry tomatoes.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/05/2022 12:05:21 PM

y Greer

ANCHOVY BUTTERED RAINBOW TROUT – WITH NEW POTATOES Bring out the flavour of freshly caught trout with this super easy, super fast, super tasty dish! Filling but light, it’s a winner for the whole family.

INGREDIENTS ◆ 14 new potatoes, halved ◆ 3 pinches of salt ◆ 2 trout fillets ◆ 75g butter ◆ 5 anchovies ◆ 2 cloves garlic, sliced ◆ 1 tsp capers ◆ 2 Tbsp parsley, chopped

◆ 1 Tbsp dill, chopped ◆ Juice of ½ lemon ◆ 2 Tbsp white wine ◆ 3 Tbsp cream ◆ 2 pinches of gourmet cracked peppercorns ◆ Cracked peppercorns & fresh parsley (to serve)

METHOD In a saucepan, bring enough water to the boil to cover the potatoes and boil until they are cooked through. While the potatoes are cooking, in a hot frying pan pansear the trout fillets skin-side down in butter for about 3-5 minutes (this produces a crispy skin), adding the anchovies, garlic, capers, parsley and dill. Once the skin is crispy, squeeze lemon juice over the fish, flip it over and cook the other side for about a minute with the white wine. Remove the fish from the frying pan and set aside. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain and add them to the hot frying pan. Pan-sear, tossing them through the herb infused anchovy butter. Add the cream and simmer for about five minutes or until the sauce thickens. Serve with cracked peppercorns and parsley over the fish and creamy potatoes.

BUY THE BOOK! Keen to serve up something special to the fisher/hunter or chef in the family? The Fish + Game Cookbook could be the perfect gift idea. From fish to gamebirds, if it can be caught, this book reveals how it can be cooked. Angelo Georgalli: The Fish + Game Cookbook | RRP $59.99 | Beatnik Publishing

Photo Sally Greer

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SLICE OF LIFE Home baking tends to set taste buds talking, but it also requires time and expertise. So, Fresh Life has come to the party taking the prep’ work out of the equation with a range of slice mixtures. Available from supermarkets (RRP $7.50 per box), these mixtures come in three varieties: Zesty Lemon, Fudgy Cacao Brownie and Smooth Caramel.

Since its launch, Good Buzz has been drinking in the praise for its kombucha. Proof that good news about good brews never goes stale, this Kiwi company is revealing that the best ‘booch’ also comes in cans. Organic and made in small batches, Good Buzz slimline can range (available from supermarkets, RRP $9.99 per four-pack) features: Blueberry Peach; Passionfruit Guava and Pineapple Mango flavours.

HOMEGROWN AT HOME Keen on keto? Prefer to go probiotic? If so, best move fast and get in quick come breakfast time or risk missing out! Chantal Organics has released Cacao and Coconut Keto Granola – RRP $14.99 from supermarkets and health food stores. Packing a punch of plant-based protein and fibre, this super cereal features pea protein crisps, nuts and seeds, all boosted by beneficial probiotic bacteria.

NO NEED TO KNEAD It's not always easy to stick to a gluten-free diet. Fortunately, Venerdi has risen to the challenge with its Simply Soft Sourdough bread and hamburger buns, delivering a classic, slow fermented, tangy flavour with no dairy, soy or gluten. Venerdi sourdough is available (RRP $8.49 for bread and $7.99 per pack of buns) from selected stores. 40 — Rural Living — May/June 2022

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Baked Tandoori Chicken It can be tossed in a salad, stuffed in pita or dipped in cucumber raita. ‘Chief Eating Officer’ at Dolly Mumma, Perzen Patel, shares her recipe.

FOR THE CHICKEN: ◆ 250g plain yoghurt ◆ 1/2 bottle Dolly Mumma Tandoori Paste ◆ 1kg boneless chicken thighs ◆ Squeeze of lemon juice ◆ 1 tbsp ghee (to grease baking tray) ◆ Finely chopped coriander

◆ Salt to taste FOR CUCUMBER RAITA: ◆ 1 Cucumber ◆ 200g yoghurt ◆ 1/2 tsp cumin-coriander powder ◆ Salt to taste ◆ Optional: Fried garlic

Marinate the chicken overnight in yoghurt, tandoori paste, lemon juice and salt. If you like your chicken spicy, add more Tandoori paste. Marinating meat in yoghurt will tenderize it and make your Tandoori Chicken oh-so-tender. Cover and refrigerate. In the morning, remove the marinated meat from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature. This is important so that the yoghurt on the meat doesn’t

curdle from sudden temperature change. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees. If you can find a perforated baking tray with a drip tray below it, use that for your chicken. If not, any baking tray will do. Grease with ghee. Place all your chicken thighs flat on the tray and bake in the oven for about 35-40 minutes until they are just cooked. I like to use a thermometer and remove my chicken as soon as it reaches 75-78 celsius

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

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to ensure it doesn’t overcook. While the chicken is cooking, cut the cucumber into rough squares. In a bowl, whisk the yoghurt until smooth. Sprinkle in the cumin-coriander powder and salt. Mix everything together to make your raita dressing. Now, add in the cucumber. Garnish with fried garlic. When the chicken is cooked, remove onto a serving tray and garnish with coriander. Serve with cucumber raita.

Let’s start the conversation. Call: 0800 764 846 Email: franklin@smithandsons.co.nz or visit smithandsons.co.nz 19 Manukau Road, Pukekhoe

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CHILD SIZED BEDROOMS BIG ADVENTURE It’s easy to have fun with children’s bedrooms. Although there is a multitude of possible themes, the Big Adventure range from Warwick Fabrics is sure to delight.

ithin this light, breezy and joyful collection, children can roller skate through Dino City, make a splash in Bubble Reef or play a game of Hide and Seek with their favourite jungle animals. Let imaginations run wild with gorgeous 100% cotton prints, embroideries and a beautiful butterfly voile. These playful children’s fabrics, and coordinated wallpapers, explore exotic jungles, misty woodlands and the magic of the deep blue sea – just the ticket for a bedroom refresh.

ALTOGETHER YOUR

LIFESTYLE EXPERTS

At Bayleys we recognise the strong connection between having the right real estate partner and delivering an exceptional result. For those looking to sell lifestyle property for the best possible outcome, the elite Bayleys Lifestyle Team offers a proven history of sales success focusing specifically on Lifestyle properties. With a market reach spanning greater Auckland, our lifestyle specialists are ready to take your call today Lyn Penney Takanini Branch Manager 021 194 1700 | lyn.penney@bayleys.co.nz Sharleen Buchanan Pukekohe Branch Manager 021 404 871 | sharleen.buchanan@bayleys.co.nz LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

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Rural Living — May/June 2022 — 43

12/05/2022 12:05:55 PM

THE LATEST ON REAL ESTATE

FROM THE EXPERT’S DESK

INFLATION UP,

THE SMART MONEY

PRICES FALL

Interior design expert, Kim Reiche (Refresh Renovations franchise of the year 2020 award winner) reveals the importance of project management in uncertain times.

By Darren Szaszy, Barfoot & Thompson, Pukekohe

decline in Auckland residential property prices predicted following rising inflation and mortgage interest rates has finally shown up in sales figures. The median and average sales prices in April fell back, when compared to those in March and those for the previous three months. However, they remained well ahead of the prices of property 12 months ago. At $1,141,000, the monthly median price was down 3.3 per cent and the average price dropped by 1.8% to $1,212,376. When compared to the average prices paid over the previous three months, the median price in April fell 1.7%, the average price by 0.7%. The greatest impact the changed economic conditions had on the property market in the month was on the number of property sales – at 615 this was 47.9% below the equivalent for the previous month. Buyers are now showing a greater reluctance to meet vendor expectations. For vendors, the positive news is that prices at which sales are being made are still well in excess of those prevailing 12 months ago. April’s year-on-year median price is 8.7% higher than in April last year and the average price is up 8.8%. Vendors with an open mind as to the value of their properties are more likely to achieve a sale under these changing market conditions. At 1302, new listings were down a third on last month but still in line with usual April totals. Despite this, our month-end stock number (4845) is the highest for more than three years. With buyer choice remaining excellent and economic conditions unlikely to alter in the short term, vendors will need to focus carefully on their price expectations to be successful in the coming months. At the top end of the price range, the sale of property remained strong, with 85 properties (14% of sales) sold for more than $2 million and 20 fetching over $3 million. The rural and lifestyle markets experienced a quiet month’s trading with buyers and vendors adjusting expectations as they sought to agree on terms. At $56 million, April’s monthly sales were the lowest they have been in this sector since September. However, there are buyers in all sectors of the rural and lifestyle market (especially at the top end) and quality bare land remains in high demand.

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

or many of us, the way we live in our homes has changed, perhaps we’re working from home, for example. We may be considering a redesign to create more ergonomic or multifunctional spaces, or simply a facelift, modernising kitchens or bathrooms. Aucklanders spent a total of $866 million on home renovations in the year ended December 2021, directing disposable income towards construction projects rather than shopping and overseas travel. However, the last few years of restrictions, isolation periods, material shortages and price increases have created ongoing challenges across the building and design industries. What was a flourishing, fast paced industry is now faced with new obstacles and delays, adding to the need to seek assistance from trusted, seasoned providers. Project management is essential for scheduling and planning, ensuring we stay fluid and adaptable to change if things go off course. Refresh Renovations’ well-established systems and processes, along with robust project management principles, allow swift adaptation as necessary. Our team specialises in seamless, end-to-end management. Now, more than ever, project management makes all the difference between homeowners becoming frustrated with a messy supply chain and turning renovation dreams into reality. We have a full tool kit, with access to all the top tradespeople for your project (including kitchens, bathrooms and more), handling everything from start to finish. So, if it’s the right time to renovate, we’ll be happy to provide some certainty and peace of mind.

House overdue for a renovation? Relax and let Refresh manage the entire project for you, even if you live out of town. Refresh is your local home renovation specialist – we’re locals who live in the area and can manage your project from start to finish. Refresh Renovations can renovate kitchens and bathrooms right through to complete home renovations. Using our online customer portal you can track your project remotely including specifying products and seeing pictures and videos from site. Talk to us today. Call Kim to get your project underway 0800 004 600 www.refreshrenovations.co.nz/KimReiche KAT7013-v2

44 — Rural Living — May/June 2022

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/05/2022 12:06:00 PM

WINTER GARDENING ay ld winter days m co , er rt o sh e th While ay the it is time to put aw e lik el fe u yo e mak much to be ols, there is still to d an ts o bo m gu d in the garden. done and enjoye

inter is a great time to plant crops to compliment meals. You can’t beat homegrown vegetables; they taste better, help us save money and you can be sure home-grown produce is pesticide-free. Some of the most common veggies grown during winter include: ◆ Brassicas: including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts ◆ Leafy Greens: lettuces, spinach, silverbeet ◆ Alliums: onions, leeks, garlic, shallots ◆ Winter root vegetables: carrots, beetroot, parsnip, broad beans ◆ And, don’t forget celery, which is a great space saver In general, veggies grow best in sunny, sheltered spots, either in the ground or in a raised garden bed, with nutrient rich soil. Use a vegetable mix or you can boost soil with a liquid fertiliser, such as seaweed tonic, for example. Dig over garden beds well for root crops. If you have lumps in the soil, carrots may not grow nice and straight. Sowing from seed? It is best to grow root veggies from seed in sheltered areas.

Check planting depths, create a small V-shaped trench, sprinkle in seeds, then cover over. Once seeds germinate, plants will need to be thinned out to allow growing space. The winter chill keeps most of the common pests and diseases at bay, but you will still need to be vigilant with slug and snail bait. Protect plants with layers of pea straw mulch or mulch and feed, to help retain moisture and keep the weeds at bay. Winter is also the best time to plant new season deciduous fruit trees, including apples, peaches, nectarines, plums, pears and apricots. Fruit trees require open, warm, well drained locations with full sun for most of the day, as well as rich, fertile soil – they hate heavy clay. Sheep pellets and organic compost will improve soil structure, encourage worms and nourish trees. And, be sure to apply layers of mulch and feed around your tree to maintain weed control and retain moisture. In the flower garden, plant pansies, snapdragon, viola, calendula, polyanthus, stock and poppies. Established roses and shrubs can be pruned and tidied up and new roses can be planted at this time of year. Encourage longer blooming of winter flowers with liquid feed.

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WINTER CHECKLIST ◆ Frosts: protect frost tender plants with frost cloth or move pots to a sheltered position ◆ Winter veggies: plant winter crops, then start planning spring crops ◆ Pests: don’t forget slug and snail bait to protect seedlings ◆ Harvest: citrus fruit, such as grapefruit, lemons, mandarins, oranges ◆ Prune: tidy up roses, shrubs and deciduous fruit trees, except peaches, plums and nectarines ◆ Feed: apply a seaweed tonic once a month ◆ Mulch: apply layers of mulch and feed around trees, plants and shrubs ◆ Tools: check, sharpen, clean, oil and replace if needed

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Rural Living — May/June 2022 — 45

12/05/2022 12:06:01 PM

ory me

ucts aking a ed wall

with Jo-Ann Day-Townsend

MOVING UP THE PROPERTY LADDER

When you have established yourself on the property ladder you will at some point come to the decision to move house. The top five reasons for moving house are: • Growing family • Changing personal relationships • Job transfers/promotions • To be closer to family • Education and schooling As you can see the predominant factor influencing a move is personal circumstances and not financial in the majority of cases. With this in mind I thought I would explore the question that so often arises:

FOR SALE with JO-ANN , 4PM FRIDAY MAY 20 DEADLINE SALE SOLD PRIOR) (UNLESS

Patumahoe, 33 Searle Drive property before making a decision to buy first.

Should you put your house on the market and then go searching for a new place or search to find your dream house and once found put your house on the market?

Keep in mind also that in a seller’s market there will be more competition, so you can expect to pay top dollar your new home. The good news is that you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from finding the right house to buy before selling yours.

As ever when it comes to property buying and selling there is never a single, nor simple answer; partly because every purchase or sale is a unique experience with a property that is never the same, nor the specific circumstances of the buyers or sellers.

DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CAN SPEND ON YOUR NEXT PROPERTY?

BUYER’S MARKET OR SELLER’S MARKET?

When buyers are plentiful, but properties aren’t, homes generally sell quickly. In a seller’s market, there is less risk associated with buying first and then selling your existing home. However, sellers in this kind of market may be less likely to accept an offer that is conditional upon you selling your home, so you could end up owning two properties for a period of time. The average time it takes to sell a property varies from region to region and from month to month, so it’s important to talk to your sales consultant to get advice about current market conditions, recent comparable sales in your area and the possible demand for your

Until you sell your property, you may not know exactly how much you’ll have to spend on your next one. In a buoyant market, you could easily have unrealistic expectations when it comes to the value of your own property. Your sales consultant can help you get a realistic picture of your property value by preparing a comparative market analysis of what similar properties have sold for in your area in recent times.

ARE YOU A CASH BUYER?

If you choose to sell first, you will instantly become a cash buyer and be in a much stronger position to buy as soon as you find what you want. Do your homework on the market and area that you are looking to buy in so you’re ready to buy when the right property comes up.

HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR DREAM HOME?

Buying a new home is an emotional decision. If you want to follow your heart and buy that

Glenbrook, 306 Glenbrook Beach Rd dream home before selling your current home, make sure you’re well informed. A good sales consultant will provide quality advice for your unique situation. If you are looking for a very specific type of property and it becomes available, it could be a good move to snap it up even if you haven’t sold your home, but there’s no downside in getting expert advice before you do.

ARE PROPERTY PRICES ARE GOING UP? If you’re in a rising market, it could make sense to buy your new home first and negotiate a longer settlement. Your current property could potentially rise in value during the settlement period, allowing you to earn more when you sell it.

ARE PROPERTY PRICES FALLING?

Falling property prices can work in your favour as well if you can attract an interested buyer before prices drop further, leaving you free to purchase your new property at the lower end of the market cycle. However, falling property prices are also an indication of a slower market so it could take you longer to sell your existing property. At the end of the day, your best course of action is to work with Jo-Ann who can provide you with the local knowledge and insights you need to make an informed decision for your specific circumstances.

Jo-Ann Day-Townsend 0800 TOWNSEND or 021 1696 056 jo-ann.day-townsend@harcourts.co.nz www.joanndaytownsend.co.nz Port Realty Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

46 — Rural Living — May/June 2022

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