Rural Living October-November 2015 by Times Media

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October/November 2015

CutieCutie Ag Day round-up

chefs collection

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bee friendly

mini venture

Rural Living â&#x20AC;&#x201D; October - November 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1

community calendar november ■ SALES Pukekohe saleyard Every Saturday except holiday weekends, A&P Showgrounds, Station Rd, Pukekohe 10.30am – pigs, sheep, calves 12pm – cattle tuakau saleyard Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, Tuakau Saleyards Road Mon – sheep 10.30am, feeder calves 11am, dairy 12pm Wed – prime cattle 11.30am Thurs – store cattle 12pm

■ A&P SHOWS Waikato a&P show October 30 – November 1, Claudelands Event Centre, Corner of Brooklyn Road and Heaphy Terrace, Hamilton The Waikato A&P Show is set to provide a bumper crop of country events. In addition to animals – both ‘paddock variety’ and exotic – visitors will see competitions, from photography to wood chopping, and browse a plethora of trade sites. See waikatoaandp.co.nz. clevedon a&P show November 7-8, Clevedon Showgrounds, 107 Monument Road, Clevedon Once again the country will come to town during the annual Clevedon A&P Show, featuring a wide range of demonstrations, competitions, stalls and more. See clevedonshow.co.nz.

■ SPORT & FITNESS itm 500 auckland November 6-8, Pukekohe Park Raceway, 242 Manukau Rd, Pukekohe Thousands of petrol heads from throughout Auckland and beyond will

2 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

Auckland Garden DesignFest

get their motors running in November as V8 Supercars race on into town. TransTasman bragging rights will be on the line. See the v8supercars.com.au. Port Waikato challenge November 21, from 10am, Maraetai Bay, Maunsell Road, Port Waikato Take a walk (or run) on the wild west coast during the Port Waikato Challenge. Organised to raise funds for the Port Waikato Volunteer Fire Brigade, the challenge includes an eight or 16km walk or run through the dunes, along the beach and down the river, with a sausage sizzle, prizes up for grabs and more. Pre-registrations before November 18; registrations on the day, 8.30-9.45am. Email portwaikatochallenge@gmail.com.

■ HOME & GARDEN Waiheke island garden safari November 7-8, Waiheke Island (various locations) Why the heck head to Waiheke? There are numerous reasons but (we think) the best is certainly The Jassy Dean Trust’s annual garden safari. So, head on over for a wonderful excuse to explore a marvellous place. Check for ferries (via sealink.co.nz). More details available at waihekegardensafari.co.nz. auckland garden designFest November 14-15, various locations Is the grass really greener on the other side of the fence? This is sure to be answered during the Auckland Garden DesignFest. Showcasing some of the Super City’s finest private gardens, this event allows visitors to see the work of top professional garden designers — including Xanthe White and Tony Murrell — many of whom will be on hand to discuss their vision. Details at gardendesignfest.co.nz.

christmas in karaka Ramble November 21, from Te Hihi School, 767 Linwood Road, Karaka Christmas may come only a year but my goodness how quickly it comes around! Preparations are already in full swing to make it another Karaka of a Christmas thanks to this annual event. Designed to raise funds for Te Hihi School, the ramble leads visitors through some of the most stunning homes and gardens in Franklin, all dressed for the festive season. See christmasinkaraka.co.nz for details. the Pohutukawa coast garden Ramble November 21, 10am-4pm, locations vary From country cottage to subtropical and native-style gardens, the Pohutukawa Coast Garden Ramble is again set to feature some of New Zealand’s best backyards. With proceeds used to support Thoo Mweh Khee School on the Thai Burma border, there’s plenty of reason to ramble on again. Full details at pohutukawacoastgardenramble.co.nz. Waiuku Festival of Flowers & Franklin Rose show November 27-29, times vary, St Andrews Centre, Cnr of Queen and Kirk Sts, Waiuku Roses are red, violets are blue... but more to this event than simply taking the time to smell the flowers! In its ninth year, this festival will feature an ANZAC tribute to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli conflict. From incredible flowers made from icing, to children’s artworks and a live

Rural Living — May/June 2013 — 25 www.ruralliving.co.nz

performance by Franklin’s Dennis Marsh, this event is set to offer visitors a blooming good time! See nzroses.org.nz/franklin, or call Dorothy (09 2350718) or Raewyn (09 2350806).

■ FAMILY day out with thomas November 14-15, 9am-4pm, Glenbrook Vintage Railway, Glenbrook Station Road Thomas was very depressed... until he realised that his friends – including Bulgy the bus, Rusty, Trevor the Traction Engine, Terence the Tractor and even Sir Topham Hatt (aka the Fat Controller) – were on track for a day at the railway, see gvr.co.nz. tuakau duck Race November 15, 12-4pm, Les Batkin Reserve, River Road, Tuakau What’s up, ducky? If it looks like a duck but doesn’t quack like one, odds are it’s one of a thousand bathtime buddies taking flight from the Tuakau Bridge then burning rubber down the mighty Waikato. To help raise money for Tuakau Kindergarten, the race is on, with stalls, entertainment and more also on offer. See tuakauduckrace.nz high tea with BPW November 22, from 2pm, Parkview Estate Retirement Village, 46 Beresford Street, Pukekohe Don gloves, hats and pearls for a sophisticated (yet fun) occasion at Parkview Estate Retirement Village. In their quest to fund one youngster’s way to higher achievements (through its Education Scholarship/Bursary), Business and Professional Women Franklin (BPW) will likely be the toast of the town following this event! See bpwfranklin.org. nz, and contact Lee on 09 239 1854 or e.lesley.a.walter@gmail.com for details.

If you don’t know how to celebrate Halloween, you don’t know Jack! Fortunately, Hamilton Gardens knows how to celebrate, by beginning its ever-popular Scarecrow Festival on October 31. Billed as a fun-filled, family day out with chalk drawing, face-painting, treasure hunts and much more. To enter a scarecrow, or for information, see hamiltongardens.co.nz. Papakura Fireworks spectacular November 6, from 6.30pm, Massey Park, 2 Ron Keat Drive, Papakura Whether you’re a fan of that best of British traditions of blowing things up to commemorate the thwarting of the Gunpowder Plot, or not, there’s something to be said about a good, old fashioned fireworks show. And, again, thanks to Papakura Lions and the local board, we can enjoy a brilliant display in safety. Local schools, dance troupes and musicians will provide more entertainment. Contact Papakura Lions (via lionsclubs.org.nz).

■ MUSIC & THEATRE the many Faces of gilbert & sullivan October 29, 11am-1pm, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Drive, Papakura Audiences will be expecting the very model of a modern major production as Operatunity Entertainment presents its Gilbert and Sullivan extravaganza. Featuring ‘fabulous, funky, fun and

■ HALLOWEEN & GUY FAWKES scarecrow Festival October 31 – November 1, Hamilton Gardens, Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton

Scarecrow Festival

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famous’ characters from such classics as The Mikado, Pirates of Penzance, The Gondoliers, HMS Pinafore, Iolanthe and The Yeoman of the Guard, this show will present Victorian (in)sensibility at its best. Details via daytimeconcerts.co.nz. the Rocky horror Picture show (movie night) October 31, from 7pm, La Valla Estate, 131 Dominion Road, Tuakau It’s astounding, time is fleeting, madness takes its toll... If by now you’re remembering how to do the Time Warp, then dammit, Janet, this event’s for you! On Halloween evening, La Valla will be screening the cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. With a prize for the best outfit up for grabs, this scarey (in more ways than one – we’re looking at you Tim Curry!) evening is sure to hold you in suspense! See lavalla.co.nz. ’allo ’allo November 14-28, times vary, Oﬀ Broadway Theatre, 41 Elliot St, Papakura Gewwd moaning, listen very carefully, we’ll say this only once... with a sausage in the cellar, a fallen Madonna with the big boobies, two British airmen, a dickey ticker, and the German invasion, Rene and Edith Artois have a battle on their hands. In this stage performance inspired by the classic TV show, ’Allo ’Allo the French resistance contends with the Germans in a calamitous comedy. See ptc.org.nz. don mcglashan and the secret compartments November 25, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Drive, Papakura Former Mutton Birds’ front man, Don McGlashan will be paying Papakura a flying visit during his There Goes the Neighbourhood tour. The Kiwi singer/ songwriter will perform in a not-a-house about a quarter of the way down Ray Small Drive – not quite as catchy as Don’s song Dominion Road, but is accurate, you have to give us that! See hawkinstheatre. co.nz or donmcglashan.com.

Rural

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Rural — -May/June 43 Rural Living — Living October November2013 2015——21 3

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From the editor...

Photo Wayne Martin

keen on cRackLe – while Crackle may squeal at the ring of the dinner bell (heaven forbid!) the school bell is music to the ears of this cute little kunekune - pictured front with her human, Emma Bingham (or should that be Bring-ham?). Emma recently picked up The Ross Kimpton Shield and the Champion Piglet award at Brookby School’s Agriculture Day with prize piggy, Crackle, trot-er-ing along beside her, of course. Well done to you both! See pages 14-15 for more Ag Day photos.

A PUBLICATION OF TIMES HOUSE PUBLISHING LTD

Freephone: 0800 456 789 www.ruralliving.co.nz info@ruralliving.co.nz Editor: Helen Perry DDI 09 271 8036 Email: editor@ruralliving.co.nz

Sales: Kate Ockelford-Green DDI 09 271 8090 Email: kate@ruralliving.co.nz Art Director: Clare McGillivray DDI 09 271 8067, Fax: 09 271 8071 Email: clare@ruralliving.co.nz Manager: Karla Wairau DDI 09 271 8083, Fax: 09 271 8099 karla@timeshouse.co.nz Publisher: Brian Neben Level 1, The Lane, Botany Town Centre, Chapel Road, Auckland PO Box 259-243, Botany, Auckland 2163 Ph: 09 271 8080, Fax: 09 271 8099 DISCLAIMER: Articles published in Rural Living do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or editor. All material is provided as a general information service only. Times House Publishing Ltd does not assume or accept any responsibility for, and shall not be liable for, the accuracy or appropriate application of any information in this 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 House Publishing Ltd.

t’s an exciting time in our house – after 40 plus years living in Howick/Pakuranga, we are finally on the move to Pukekohe. We have talked about it for several years and even persuaded our daughter to look out this way – which she did and then built a lovely home close to town. Now it’s our turn and thank goodness for Signature Homes through which we found a lovely, elevated section close to town (and the Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club!). Murray Gardner and his team have been fabulous and with our plans almost at finishing stage I’m feeling positively perky about the upcoming build. I’m also having a lovely time perusing websites for indoor/outdoor ideas, fittings, furnishings and more. I’m especially delighted that so many of Rural Living’s advertisers are the kind of people I will need to call on. I have plans to pop in to quite a few as I consider carpets, curtains, driveways, kitchen and bathroom design, hardware and a whole lot more. If there’s one thing I’ve always believed in, it’s supporting those who have given their support to the publications I have been involved with. It’s always nice to ‘return the favour.’ While a new home definitely calls for enthusiasm, I have to say the Rugby World Cup has also given rise to plenty of added excitement all over town. After the French/ All Black game everyone was on a high. Then, Rural Living went to print just ahead of the All

Black/Springbok clash so you can imagine, I like so many others, was ready for a nail-biting weekend. By now the result will be known and hopefully we are all still elated! But you had to feel sorry for the Scots and the Welsh! And, if that wasn’t enough excitement for one month, then this issue of Rural Living is surely something for foodies to get worked up about – in the kitchen that is. Our Chefs Collection, featuring personal recipe favourites from local chefs, is a boon for home cooks – a chance to turn their hands – and wooden spoons – to some very yummy concoctions. And do read about our feature chef Simon Gault and his super-duper Sous Chef Deli at Takanini. Simon needs no introduction being a ‘Franklin’ man himself but the Sous Chef Deli may be new to many folk whom I’m sure will want to explore all this culinary jewel has to offer. Finally, with summer holidays near, we offer some great reading ideas as well as an opportunity to win prizes such as goodies for the garden, skin care goodies and pantry products. Enjoy this month’s edition and just think, its only two months until Christmas! Cheers

Helen Perry, Editor

inside PAGE 6-7 For love of horses PAGE 8 Brian’s Diary – this month on the land PAGE 12-13 Over the Gate with Young Grower of the Year, Hamish Gates PAGE 14-15 Ag Day round-up at schools PAGE 16-17 Make hay while the sun shines PAGE 24-25 Pukekohe’s Grid iron great game for a chat

4 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

From the Chefs Collection – Slow Cooked Pork Belly with Rhubarb Apple Jam and Crispy Crackling– pages 27-38

PAGE 27-38 Chefs Collection – many chefs make menu and mouth-watering recipes PAGE 39 Win! PAGE 46-47 Takou River idyllic retreat

PAGE 55 Out and about with The Post PAGE 56-57 It’s a Karaka of a Christmas – homes in their festive glory PAGE 60 Alistair Davidson looks closely at Ford’s revamped Ranger www.ruralliving.co.nz

asy. Easy. Contact: Tony Smith t: 09 238 1000 m: 021 880 380 e: tony.smith@A1homes.co.nz

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Open: from over 60 plans or modify one toare suit your needs. to You make can choosethings to manage the From this point, till theSelect day you move in, we here easy. Tues to Fri 10am build you yourselfmove with an A1 Home,are or take it a step and have us take easy. care of it for you. From this- 3pmpoint, till the day in,Kit we here tofurther make things Sat 12pm - 3pm Whether choosing from one ofor visit our orbuilding creating a little different, visit our ourplans, website to start your homesomething today. Whether choosing from Call oneA1homes of our plans, or creating something a little different, visit our website discoverthethe easiest to the get home the home you want. website totodiscover easiest wayway to get you want.

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Select fromover over6060plans plans modify to your suit your needs. You can choose to manage the Select from or or modify oneone to suit needs. You can choose to manage the build yourselfwith withanan Home, or take it a step further andushave take of it for you. build yourself A1A1 KitKit Home, or take it a step further and have takeus care of itcare for you. Call A1homes ourour website to start building your home today. today. Call A1homesororvisit visit website to start building your home

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Hoofing it with minis There’s Ronan and Precious, Sweetie and Piggy, Basil and Captain Jack Sparrow, all with a story to tell if they could but talk. These miniature horses are among the 13 that Manukau Minis has taken into care and are now giving a new purpose in life. HELEN PERRY visited their new home to learn more about

ooki Riggs knows her horses – ponies and hacks, standardbreds and thoroughbreds, Arabs and appaloosas but most recently it is 13 little miniature horses that have truly won her heart. What started as something of a rescue mission – being asked to take a few miniatures, destined for the meat works, under its wing – has grown into a small business which makes keeping the little horses viable. “The idea is to lease them to people who would like to know more about caring for a horse without have the responsibility of full ownership,” Tooki says. “Little ones become confident around horses that don’t dwarf them and they can also learn the rudiments of riding. Parents learn about grooming, feeding and what is required in keeping a horse.” But there are other benefits too, says Tooki. “I have one mother who brings her autistic daughter here. Mum puts the little one on her horse and leads her around the paddock for several hours most days and this ‘therapy’ is having a positive effect.” 6 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

Tooki, who has lived in rural Flatbush for some 20 years, but has strong links to Pukekohe, having opened and then managed the Bendon outlet shop there for some 15 years, breeds and buys standardbreds, hunts and has her own Arab mare. She also managed the Saddlery Warehouse in Takanini before it moved to Pukekoke. Up until August she leased stables in Thomas Rd, Flat Bush where she kept her breeding mares, the miniatures and provided grazing to other horse owners. But with the urban invasion bearing down and the land due to be subdivided, her least ended on August 31 and now the stables – built in the 1980s as a state of the art complex – will be demolished. “I’ve taken my horses, six grazers and the miniatures to the 60-acre property I lease nearby,” says Tooki. “I have stabling for six horses but I’m on the lookout for a couple of barns so I can increase my capacity to stable more and to operate the business efficiently. We’re just settling in, now.” Now into the swing of her new venture, Tooki says the horses have been booked

for calf club days, kindy parties, galas and even private children parties. “They provide rides for little children and a couple of the minis also tow carts, offering another dimension. Children quickly gain confidence around these small horses which all have distinct personalities and come in many colours. “Eventually I hope to use them in other ways too. In the USA, miniature horses have been introduced to help rehabilitate the elderly in retirement homes. The equine presence has proved very therapeutic especially for those who were around horses when they were young.” Tooki readily admits to being an ‘old hand’ around horses and, because she couldn’t bear the thought of these mini equines going to the meat works, she saw the lease idea as a way to save at least some of them. “But at the end of the day, the downside of miniatures is that they are mutants and a lot can go wrong especially if owners have no equine experience,” she says. “This way we can oversee their health but lease owners have all the benefits of handling the horses and learning about www.ruralliving.co.nz

Tooki Riggs

pony care before committing to buying or taking on full time care.” And Tooki says it’s been a joy to see young children experiencing their first contact with the little horses – “it is far less frightening than encountering even a pony for the first time and before long you can see them become self-assured and eager to take over the handling all by themselves.”

Photo Wayne Martin

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Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 7

New foal in the stable! This good looking foal with its mother was sired by A Rocknroll Dance. Its good looks cemented Brian’s decision to put Willowbrook to the sire this year.

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

COUNTRY LAD

nce again I start my column mentioning the weather. It has been a strange spring with, I should imagine, about the normal rainfall for this time of the year but offset by some really strong winds. Our grass did not recover from the overly wet winter and, although it greened up, it was very slow growing. With weather forecasters gloomily predicting another dry summer my solution was to get cracking with some fertiliser. For this task I called in the experts from Counties Bulk Spreaders who looked at our paddocks and made their recommendations as to what to apply. It was mainly lime and ‘super’ [phosphate] and the results have been great. Grass growth was noticeable within a couple of weeks and it is thick and healthy. The good advice was not only appreciated, but having acted on it, the outcome is most pleasing. My next task is to apply broadleaf weed spray mainly in my hay paddocks but I am waiting for the right weather conditions – that means, of course, no wind! When a few fine days emerged at the end of September we were able to have our sheep shorn. As we have only 11, we called on Mr Clip whose is always quite happy to oblige small numbers. Now we need to prepare them for the

dreaded fly strike season which, these days, is more easily managed with a pour-on solution or spraying. It’s a matter of being aware and acting at the right time. Most importantly, our lovely brood mare Willowbrook had her foal last week and we are thrilled. She is a filly by Betterthancheddar, a son of Bettors Delight, currently one of our great stallions. We think the new addition will be black in colour which will add to her great looks – I see another naming competition coming up! Now that Willowbrook has foaled we are faced with another difficult time choosing which stallion to send her to for her next foal. We have spent a lot of time examining all the available stallions and

one, by the name of A Rocknroll Dance, seemed most suitable for our mare and was in our price range. Invited to a display of stallions at Alabar Stud, Waiau Pa, was really helpful and although A Rocknroll Dance was not on show, a mare with his first New Zealandborn foal was paraded. We thought the filly was superb looking and that made up our minds. As for Will Desire, hopefully he will get to the races before next month’s Rural Living comes out. He had a stable accident recently, his leg being caught in the rails of his stall. Thankfully, an x-ray showed no major injuries but the accident has delayed his progress by a week or two. Now, we are keeping our fingers crossed. Loving the RWC – Brian

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Band aid coming

A favourite with the kids. Melissa Hempstead is researching less painful ways of disbudding dairy goats.

giving pain the butt?

hen little Billy Goat Gruff becomes middle-size Billy Goat Gruff and later big Billy Goat Gruff his horns have a devilishly harmful jab, but, no kidding, right from the start they can hurt other kids and their handlers too. Disbudding, the destroying of horn bud cells of juvenile animals to prevent future horn growth, is the answer for most kids but, typically performed using a cautery iron, it is a painful experience. However, Waikato University PhD student, Melissa Hempstead, who is studying dairy goat welfare, may come up with a way to alleviate that discomfort. She has been awarded a $30,000 stipend from AgResearch plus payment of fees for the next four years as she investigates ways of reducing pain associated with disbudding. “Disbudding of calves and kids is necessary, as it makes the animals easier to handle and they’re less likely to injure each other – they can fight, they head butt each other, and their handlers,” says

Melissa. “So, I’m working with kids to find out less painful ways to disbud them.” Melissa says, as dairy goat farming is still very much an emerging industry, there isn’t a lot of information about disbudding pain in kids, just a handful of articles. “I’ll be looking at different pain relief methods, the best age to disbud kids, different disbudding techniques and how disbudding impacts the brain.” Dairy goats are usually kept indoors because they are susceptible to parasites, which are more easily picked up outdoors, and they hate the rain and cold. At AgResearch Ruakura where Melissa is based, the kids are housed in newly constructed indoor pens, complete with ‘play things’ to keep them moving and occupied. “They’re mad,” Melissa says. “Into everything, very destructive, smart and incredibly sweet animals.” Melissa’s AgResearch stipend has been made possible with funding from the Dairy Goat Co-operative and Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment.

While Paul McCartney had his band on the run, it seems National’s broader variety is positively on the wing, if updates from Minister for Communications, Amy Adams, are any indication. Amy is singing the praises of the Government’s rural broadband plans and says: “we’ve come a long way in improving rural connectivity under the RBI [Rural Broadband Initiative] and 4G networks, with average internet speeds tripled since this Government took office, but we want to take that even further. “We want to see all Kiwis, whether urban or rural, with access to the economic and social opportunities high-speed connectivity brings.” Rural communities will benefit most under new targets, the minister claims, with current target RBI peak speeds of 5 Mbps accelerating to at least 50 Mbps by 2025.

Lively mooves on stock exchange Forget doing business over the gate, future farmers look likely to trade within the web. To reduce inefficiencies in livestock trading, Kiwi entrepreneurs have developed online rural trading platform, StockX. Costs will be reduced through direct transactions, access to a wider market provided, and relationships and knowledge developed across the entire supply chain, says StockX’s managing director Jason Roebuck. “StockX offers farmers choice and control over a key activity in their farming business. Of significant interest to farmers will be the capacity to choose when and to whom they sell.” Trades can be made at anytime and anywhere, while the site (www.stockx. co.nz) allows users to set listing alerts and save time through other features.

Local builder amongst best Chipping away at the competition and fighting tooth and nail can take its toll, as Auckland’s Registered Master Builders Carters Apprentice of the Year discovered recently. After securing his regional title in August, Karaka’s Daniel van Tiel’s shot at the national title didn’t quite go to plan. However, the 24-year-old from Van Der Putten Construction says the experience was invaluable. “The competition was very tough – going up against the best in the country www.ruralliving.co.nz

was always going to be a huge task, and the calibre of builders was very high. [However, I’ve gained] a big confidence boost and belief that I can go far in this industry. It has been a great experience.” Nelson’s Shaun Campbell claimed top spot with Matt Booth (Palmerston North) and Bryce Pemberton (Wellington) rounding out the top three during the finals,

held at The Cloud. “Shaun’s win was very well deserved,” Daniel adds, “It was a tight competition and any of the finalists could have taken out the title. In the end, it just came down to who performed most consistently.” To read more about Dan’s efforts, see Rural Living’s September-October 2015 issue at ruralliving.co.nz. Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 9

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10 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

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Saw-winner, good sport Literally at the ‘cutting edge’ of a right rural sport, timbersports world champion, David McDonald plays by the numbers, as JON RAWLINSON discovered.

fter missing out on a place at November’s Timbersports World Championship in Poland, a Pukekohe accountant ‘STIHL’ has an axe (or tax?) to grind. However, world champion wood chopper, David McDonald, ‘arbors’ no ill will and wishes the Kiwi team all the best. “I’m not too worried [about not making the team]. I entered kind of last minute so hadn’t done much training. It would have been nice to go, but it’s okay,” he says. David did, however, qualify as a reserve for the team during events at this year’s Fieldays; he will effectively be on call and ready to chip in if required. He is now busy honing his skills preparing to defend his world title (single saw 375mm) at next year’s Sydney Easter Show. “It’s the main one for me. There will be a lot of good athletes there, so I just have to hope that I’ve done enough training to come out on top. I’m mainly focused on the singles, but the test matches between Australia and New Zealand are important. “Tests are highly competitive. In Sydney, we’ve won the last few years in a row, but up until then we were given a hiding for a fair few years. We probably don’t have as much depth as Australia, but we do have some axemen and sawyers who are amongst the best in the world.” The former Waiuku College student also claimed other placings in Sydney earlier this year – including second in the double saw 600mm, with Hokitika’s Adam Lowe – and was part of the Kiwi team which defeated Australia. “It takes a lot of training to be successful. I go to the gym a couple of times a week and, during the season, I’ll do chopping and sawing a couple of times a week as well as competing on the weekends,” he explains. “My next [major event] will be in November, at the Canterbury A&P Show. After that, the main ones will be an event at the Waiuku Cossie Club, then in Hawera, which involves a New Zealand/ Australia test match.” Born and raised in Otaua (on his parent’s dairy farm), David first cut his teeth on timbersports, with axe and saw, as a teenager. His example was followed by younger brothers William and Nathan. “I was about 15 when I took it up. I used to go around the ‘chops’ with Dick

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Honey [his grandmother’s partner and timbersports legend from Waiuku]. He was a top axeman back in his day and won a fair few championships. I watched and was keen to have a go. “I quite often compete with my brothers in doubles or team relay events. I like to think we’re pretty good together. “Our team’s won the teams’ race at Paeroa Highland Games the last three or four years – that’s me, my brothers and a few other guys. And, they tell me straight up if I get something wrong!” Nathan is an electrician at the Glenbrook steel mill, and William an arborist with the family business, McDonald Brothers. They are likely to compete at the Sydney East Show too,

but may represent New Zealand, David says. “Both are pretty good. William was at Fieldays, but didn’t compete. He’s been in the New Zealand Under-21 team since he was 15 and, potentially, he could be a world champion one day.” Although David earns a living as an accountant with Campbell Tyson in Pukekohe, and serves as treasurer of the New Zealand Axemen’s Association, he relies on both brains and brawn to succeed in his chosen sport; it’s more than just a numbers game. “It’s probably a 50/50 mix. A lot of it has to do with how you set up and what saw is used. You need to think through different ways to get an edge on the competition, so it pays to use your head.” Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 11

the gate

Hamish Gates

At Rural Living we’ve been chatting with extraordinary locals ‘over the gate’ for some time now, but this is the first time a Gate’s talked back – Young Grower of the Year, Hamish Gates, that is. Beginning at the Pukekohe Indian Centre (Young Vegetable Grower title) this carrot grower has shut the gate on the competition and is now set on the final prize – winning the Young Horticulturalist of the Year competition (November 11-12).

Did you ever think you would be preparing for the big one? How are preparations going? I never thought I’d make it this far! When entering Young Veggie Grower, I was just intending to check out the competition, see what it was all about and meet some like-minded people within Pukekohe. Preparations for the next round are going well. How would you rate your chances of winning, what would this mean for your career, and how tough is the competition? I would like to think I have a good chance to win; start as you intend to finish, right? I understand the Young Vitculturalist of the Year contestant [Caleb Dennis – Hawkes Bay] usually puts up quite a fight. And Karl [Noldan – Young Amenity Horticulturist of the Year] from Wellington is in for the second time, so he has the advantage of knowing what to expect. My career has already had an enormous boost, offering industry exposure that would otherwise take many years. To win the next round would mean limitless opportunities! A title such as this will open doors worldwide. What background did you have before joining AS Wilcox & Sons? I had little-to-no experience before entering horticulture, other than helping mum in the garden as a kid. During a hunting trip through Central Otago, I

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passed through a cherry orchard and it just felt right to be there. I soon shifted to Alexandra and enrolled in Lincoln University’s Diploma in Horticulture. My experience before now has involved seasonal jobs on orchards, veggie fields with A.S. Wilcox and fruit pack houses. I also completed a Diploma in Horticultural Management and a Bachelor of Agricultural Commerce at Lincoln. You work as a carrot washline supervisor. What does this involve and are you sick of the sight of carrots by now? I have been in this role for about nine months. I supervise a team of 12-15 and we wash carrots through a series of machines and pack them into supermarket and export orders. I try to involve myself in multiple aspects of the pack house operations to ensure a rounded understanding of how the business works. My focus is carrots but I do much more! Surprisingly, I am not sick of carrots – yet! I became sick of cherries and potatoes, but carrots are still a favourite for me. How do these horticultural competitions benefit competitors and the industry? Are there enough ‘new recruits’ to keep the industry growing? They are vital to finding rare, young talent; these people lead industries. They draw in people looking to better themselves, who search to test themselves and grow. These competitions give them the chance

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to be seen, and for the industry to see who will be making a difference in future, while helping them become better, more focused leaders. Our industry involves all the same marketing, financial and people management aspects as in any other. These events show that horticulture offers a wide range of career options. Horticulture is not seen as a glamorous industry by most and it is in huge need of young talent. As the average age of growers’ increases alongside demand for the goods we produce, it’s quickly becoming a young man’s game, where there is an enormous opportunity for skilled people to come in and take on some pretty exciting roles. By qualifying for the Young Horticulturalist competition, you can’t enter again, but you’ll be involved with the running of next year’s events. What form will this involvement take? I don’t know exactly, but I would like to MC the dinner and/or run one of the modules, testing the next competitors on something valuable to the industry. It would be a good opportunity to learn and gain more industry involvement. www.ruralliving.co.nz

How proud is Kevin [Wilcox, AS Wilcox managing director] of your success during the competitions? Any chance of a promotion? He is very proud that I have come this far. I’m the first from Wilcox to win the Young Veggie Grower title, let alone the Young Grower title too. I hope there is something on the horizon for me. I would like to move into higher management or become involved in research or operational developments with such aspects as new plantings or pack houses. If you could be Minister of Primary Industries for one day, what would you do first and why? I would offer a scholarship with three years travel to major areas of the world involved with the recipient’s industry – for example, potato growers going to the USA and Europe, cherry growers to Canada and Washington State. The goal? To bring as many ‘best practices’ back to New Zealand to improve current systems. Plus, it’s a big draw card for young people to enter an industry.

If you could grow any crop imaginable, what and why? I would have to choose Truffula Trees, from Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, because, after all, everyone needs a Sneed! If you could invite three people (living or dead) to dinner, who, and what would you serve? Carrots on the menu? Aristotle: I would like him to see what advances we have made as a result of his thoughts. Alexander the Great: so I could hear about his time in history. Having conquered so much of the world, he would have some great stories! And Christopher Columbus: to hear his stories of adventure and discovery. I would serve wild venison; it would be a treat for them all. I’d match this with root vegetables of their eras – such as potato, swede, and (of course) carrots – modern and heirloom – along with pastries and tarts. There would also be plenty of wine and beer (both old and new) too. To read more about Hamish and his road to the title, see our April-May and AugustSeptember issues at ruralliving.co.nz Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 13

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did you know? The hay stack was made waterproof as it was built and the hay would compress under its own weight and cure by the release of heat from the residual moisture in the hay and from the compression forces. when needed, slices of hay would be cut using a hay knife and fed out to animals each day.

16 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

pring growth has finally taken off but lifestylers may have their work cut out for them when dealing with renewed and lush pastures. Many farmers and lifestylers have been feeding out for some time and although hay stocks may be depleted it may pay to keep hay feeds up (in preference to silage) as abundant grass can be too much of a good thing for cattle. That’s because the reduced fibre and extra water content in spring growth often takes its toll on the digestive systems of ruminants. Continued hay will also help guard against bloat. Spring fertiliser applications should be underway. Talk to fertiliser company reps and see to soil or herbage tests, too. Excess grass can be shut up for silage – it is a great feed which can be wrapped to sizes from 10 bale to single bale equivalent. Undersow tired pasture. Some horse owners like to sow ‘horse friendly’ pasture species to replace ryegrass and clover, but these seed mixes may not produce pasture of sufficient quality for the other livestock which should be cross-grazing horse paddocks to reduce parasite burdens. Jump on weeds too – don’t let them get out of control and then make for a much bigger eradication programme. There’s plenty of products including sprays for which most merchants are happy to provide advice but try to choose sprays which won’t harm clover. Spraying in windy conditions is problematic, but granules can be used for spot application on some weeds, such as ragwort, in any conditions, even in the rain. Then there’s grubbing – get on to thistles quick – and take your grubber with you when walking across paddocks. Remember: “one year’s seeds, seven years’ weeds!” This old adage is one landowners should heed when it comes to thistles. A quick spring clean of any thistles in pasture now will reap rewards. New land owners will soon find a good, sharp grubber is the ideal, year-round companion on a farm or lifestyle block. If thistle populations are small, it is easy to chip them out BUT, at this time of year, every root needs to be chipped out, otherwise a new plant will rapidly sprout from leftover roots. If flower heads are already formed-wear gloves, bag up the chipped plants and incinerate them – the seeds will mature if left in the paddock. If thistle populations are large consider chemical control. However, total pasture spraying should be reserved for severe infestations only as many valuable pasture herbs such as dandelion, chicory, plantain and essential clovers, can be damaged or completely destroyed by herbicide sprays. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Hidden perils in the paddock N ew lifestylers faced with silage and hay-making needn’t think it’s all a breeze. In fact, if totally inexperienced, talk to local farmers and contractors first and don’t hesitate to call in help. And there are traps even for the confident so here are some quick tips which, for your contractor’s sake, should be taken onboard. It is imperative to provide contractors with a good WIDE access and clean paddocks. Problems around these two areas are, in the majority, the result of small block holders not paying attention to what is of crucial importance. Most just don’t realise that their hay is not worth doing, or may be left altogether, if the contractor finds access difficult or the gate too narrow to fit tractor and cutting, turning, and baling equipment. Importantly, sort out rubbish covered by grass. Nothing is more frustrating for a contractor than down time because the mower or baler has broken on something that might have taken a few minutes to pick up when walking past. When grass is short go around fields and mark any water lines, rocks, potholes, roots and other debris. Plastic electric fence standards with shopping bags tied to the top make good markers. Put them out while you see those rocks! Most people can’t remember everything that’s hiding under grass once it has grown and is obstructing your view of objects.

But if left there, the result can be costly. It also pays to remember that it is becoming more common for contractors to expect land owners to carry public liability insurance to cover damages to machinery from objects the operator hasn’t been forewarned about. Again, ensure access ways are wide enough! If you only have 11 foot gateways, then cut the wires from your fences to make a large gap before the tractor turns up. Even with wide gateways think about the length of the vehicle and the angle of the gate to a race.

Paddocks cleared of concealed objects will allow your silage or hay making job to be carried out quickly and smoothly but delays caused from these small jobs not being carried out may then be further hampered by weather changes. Tip: Offer the children, and their friends ‘prizes’ for every rock, stick etc they can find in your paddocks and then remove them. Over time, you will end up with a clean paddock for very little cost. It also gets the kids away from play stations and computer games and doing something productive!

Big win for Rural Contractors Bringing temporary and seasonal workers to New Zealand has just become easier for Kiwi agricultural contractors, thanks to a deal struck between Rural Contractors NZ national body and Immigration NZ, Rural Contractors NZ (RCNZ) president, Steve Levet says members who are registered with RCNZ will soon be able to apply to bring in overseas workers for the harvest season, under the RCNZ umbrella, rather than go through all the hurdles currently plaguing individuals. Having found a solution, he hopes the new scheme will be up and running by June 2016 and expects it to streamline and simplify the whole process. The scheme will see RCNZ applying for an Approval in Principle (AIP) on www.ruralliving.co.nz

behalf of all members of the national body and contractors. Contractors will then be able to apply online for a visa for the person being recruited – without having to advertise or go to WINZ first. “As RCNZ will hold the AIP, there are a number of responsibilities placed on us and it will be important that all contractors wishing to use this scheme comply with all conditions and requirements,” Mr Levet says. “For starters, there will need to be a written contract between RCNZ and each member company participating in the scheme to ensure each knows their responsibilities and that RCNZ and other member companies are protected. If these conditions are not complied with, the AIP can be rescinded.” The conditions mean the AIP is

available only to members of RCNZ and that the contractor or company must also hold Registered Contractor accreditation with the national body. “This is a safeguard to ensure that the appropriate statutory and regulatory compliances are being met,” Mr Levet explains. “Those applying to the scheme will also have to fully comply with RCNZ’s Code of Ethics and our Code for Employing Overseas Staff. “Every year, in many parts of the country, it’s often impossible for rural contractors to find skilled New Zealanders to carry out this seasonal work,” Mr Levet explains. “That’s why it is necessary for us to look overseas to find experienced people to fill this need.” Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 17

Bumpkin Banter Another month of Bumpkin Banter – comical anecdotes, cute photographs and other bits and bobs sent in by our readers. Keep sending us your briefs, trivia and photos of country life – email to info@ruralliving.co.nz.

Champion-ing at the bit While schools have been celebrating calf club and agricultural day wins recently, one Glenbrook School family really is building a dynasty. The McGregors have claimed Champion of Champion Calf titles since the 1950s. Their roll of honour is: Rod McGregor (1953), Claire McGregor (1980, 1982 & 1983) Laura McGregor (2011), Katie McGregor (2012) and, most recently, Emily McGregor (2014 & 2015). Quite the achievement! Thanks to school principal, Lysandra Stuart, for sending us this snap. See pages 14-15 for more top shots from schools throughout our region.

Oh Honey’s Honeys! Readers may remember Alita Dickinson’s beautiful swine, Pearl who has graced the pages of Rural Living twice before (Dec-Jan 2014 and SeptOct 2013). However this image of new mum, Honey’s bright eyed and curly tailed litter takes the biscuit! Thanks again to Alita and crew; we’re always happy for Honey’s cute brood to hog the spotlight!

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’all listen up, now – the annual Clevedon Agricultural & Pastoral show’s coming back to town and the day promises to be finer than frog’s hair split four ways and with more colour than a rodeo clown! So, rise and shine early to beat the queues because locals and visitors are sure to be lining up for their grits and moonshine, Saturday and Sunday, November 7 & 8! Well, maybe not, but there surely will be plenty of food and wine for the tasting and you might need it because the action at this annual event will be busier than a cat on a hot tin roof. Chockful of events to keep cow-cockies and townies happy, there will be wood carving, a farmyard area and family games – coconut shy and more – classic cars, dog trials, mounted games and the Papakura Pipe Band, too. Naturally, the parade ring will see dairy, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry and, of course, various equestrian events for young and old, and everyone in between. In the competition pavilion there’ll be flowers, crafts, arts, preserves and baking including able males testing their skills in the man cake section. Visitors can also learn about bee-keeping, lifestyle farming, vegetable gardening for children and poisonous plants to watch out for especially when animals are around. Be sure to lego-it to the children’s Lego competition where budding engineers and builders will have a chance to showcase their skills. Also watch sheep being clipped and the wool processed before being turned into yarn. Taste the fruit of the vine from local vineyards and try new ciders too. Then, when it comes to lunch, enjoy a range of mouth-watering food to keep hunger pangs at bay. While the two-day show is sure to keep everyone on the trot, there will also be a chance to sit back and relax to the sound of live music – what could be more perfect when it comes to a day in the country? So, don’t miss out – tickets are available at the gate: Family pass (two adults/three children), $25; adults, $10; senior citizens and children 5-14 years $5; children under five years, free of charge.

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AGrowQuip’s seasonal tip AGrowQuip Parts Department has something for everyone. Whether you own a ride-on, a combine harvester or are just after some toys for the children we will do our best to service your needs.

well as oil packs and spark plugs. Your machine should be serviced at the recommended intervals or at least once a year, whatever occurs first. If you don’t feel comfortable servicing your own machine, our qualified technicians at AGrowQuip will be happy to do this for you, be it on site at your place or in our workshop. Whether we want to accept it or not, Christmas is just around the corner. But there is no need to stress yet as we have just received a fresh shipment of John Deere ride-on toys. These would make perfect Christmas gifts for the younger generation. I mean, who doesn’t want a quality John Deere Product? Pop into AGrowQuip and talk to us now!

pring is well under way and summer fast-approaching, so now is not the time to stand still and let the grass grow beneath your feet. With the warmer weather here and plenty of moisture in the ground, those with mowers know they will be using them continuously over the coming season. Unfortunately, with all that extra use comes wear and tear with the possibility of repairs, especially if your machine is not well maintained. One thing that shouldn’t be ‘left for another day’ is an engine service and we have just thing for this, Home Maintenance Kits. These are great way of getting all the service parts in one convenient box to maintain your engine. Our kits include oil, fuel and air filters as

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o be TB-free or not to be? That is the question for many farmers. However, thanks to the National Bovine TB plan, we may soon have ‘herd’ the last about bovine tuberculosis. An independent Plan Governance Group consisting of recently provided advice to the Ministry for Primary Industries for dealing with this devastating disease, concluding that eradication of TB from New Zealand is both feasible and economically justifiable. “We have proposed that the TB Plan should focus on eradicating bovine tuberculosis from the country, with farmed cattle and deer being clear of the disease within around a decade,” says group chair, Chris Kelly.

“It will take longer to clear TB from possums and other vectors in remote back country, but it is important that our farming sector can be rid of this serious disease as fast as possible.” The group’s changes build on progress made by OSPRI’s (Operational Solutions for Primary Industries) TBfree programme. Consultation was undertaken with farmers, local communities, and other stakeholders early this year. Michelle Edge from OSPRI confirmed recently that TB levels are at an all-time low of 36 herds (34 cattle and two deer herds). “Reaching this milestone is a credit to farmers, industry and Government organisations that are shareholders and investors in our TBfree programme. It is a big step towards New Zealand becoming

TB-free,” she says. The primary aim of the programme is to eradicate TB spread from possums and other wildlife across 2.5 million hectares of New Zealand’s at-risk areas by 2026. “While this is a significant milestone, our focus on managing infected herds during the season needs to remain vigilant. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but we’re excited about the direction that [we are] moving in with the goal of achieving eradication more quickly and at a lower cost. “This is good news for industry and provides further proof of New Zealand’s animal health status for international trading partners.”

Outdoors in the running? A new party is set to break out as a fresh political entity forms. The Outdoors Party aims to enhance public ownership of the environment, says interim leader and former United Future President, Alan Simmons. “The Outdoors Party will be focused on the outdoor heritage of clean rivers, healthy fisheries and public ownership of fish and game, but many other issues that affect the outdoors, environment and quality of life,” he says. “I want to inject the words ‘positive’ and ‘sensible conservation’ into the political debate about finite resources

while focusing on the sort of world we are leaving for future generations. I don’t want smokescreens or red herrings... frankly, ‘Nero fiddles while Rome burns’ is so apt today.” Exactly why this myth is so apt – if Nero did fiddle, it wasn’t with a yet-tobe-invented violin – Alan was unsure when later questioned by Rural Living. “I have no idea, good question! A journalist ‘word smithed’ [the media release] for me. I guess what he was alluding to, as I do, is that while we pay lip service to clean water, for example, our lowland rivers are becoming so

polluted we can’t even wade in them!” he explained. However, while being committed to a conservationist cause, there will be no room for ‘extreme greens’ at Alan’s party, which he says will not oppose “wise use” of resources, as long as they are not to the detriment of the environment. “By being a broad, centre of the road party, we hope to attract people from a number of outdoors’ groups including everyday New Zealanders who are just sensible conservationists.” At this stage it is unclear whether the party will contest local electorate seats.

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Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 21

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his year’s ridiculously wet start to spring had us all hoping for a false start to the rabbit breeding season, Alas, it has dried out surprisingly quickly and as many already know, bunnies are making up for lost time with new young appearing everywhere. I must admit, it is always great to start a new season, to meet lots of new clients and see lots of new land but we really had planned for a slow start and it’s a bit of a shock to already be solidly working from one block to the next. Rabbits breed pretty much all year round in this part of the country but it is markedly slower in winter giving most people a bit of a break from the constant damage caused by these guys. However, with the onset of spring, rabbits start an incredible recovery process with an endless cycle of producing and rearing new young at an amazing rate. Rabbit society is seriously matriarchal with the does (females) in charge of, and responsible for, just about everything (must sound familiar to all you mums out there) from digging new homes to training the young. And all the while they are mostly pregnant. Rabbit gestation is around 30 days and the new young open their eyes for the first time at seven days; 20 days after birth those new babies are ready to start leaving the burrow. Considering the doe usually falls pregnant again within hours of giving birth its not hard to see why they are one of the most successful animals on the planet; this cycle means each doe produces an average of 42-48 new young every 12 months – astounding! When the new young are born, the doe will settle them

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in a short breeding burrow (called a stop) lined with dry grass and fur she has plucked from her belly. She then covers this hole perfectly with loose soil to protect the young and keep them warm. The doe digs back in every few hours to feed the babies, repeating the careful cover-up each time. As a dear client on Craigey Farm at Pukekohe recently discovered, “this is what those random patches of loose dirt in the paddock mean!” Loose soil spread over a small area is often the only indication that breeding is occurring. Dig gently into that soil and you will find it is covering the entrance to one of these breeding stops and just 30cm in will be the new young. I marvel at how the doe manages to cover the entrance without all the dirt falling in, it’s really very clever. At 20 days the new young will move into the main “family” burrows and the females among them start the process of taking charge and getting ready to be mums themselves. At just three months, these young females make their first attempts at breeding and by five months they are quite experienced mums starting to produce two to five babies at a time. This sort of rapid increase puts pressure on accommodation; all the digging you see out there is done to build new homes. As with everything in rabbit society, this is all done by females with the bucks (males) doing little more than looking for the next young gal to get “in the family way” – what a life! So, while on your land waiting for me to sort out your bunnies, take time to watch them, it’s fascinating stuff and a marvel of the animal kingdom (er – queendom). Send all pest animal questions to info@coastalpestsolutions. co.nz.

did you know? Although typically very quiet, rabbits do communicate vocally, with varying types of vocalisations communicating different messages, e.g. low humming when running around an individual is a signal of affection.

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22 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

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And the bee goes on... a fter the NBA (National Beekeepers Association) sponsored Bee Aware month in September (see Rural Living Sept-Oct), Federated Farmers is urging farmers to join in on the buzz about bee-friendly planting. As part of its Trees for Bees programme, established in 2009, Federated Farmers has installed bee feed plantations on demonstration farms nationwide. Results are looking extremely encouraging, farm planting advisor, Dr Angus McPherson, says. “Bees are only pollinating or gathering honey for a few months in summer each year, so it’s vital that we have enough natural bee feed available to keep hives healthy and vigorous and get them through the crucial autumn and spring periods. “We are seeing bees visiting the plants, which is great, and we will be collecting data on how hives in the area are performing.”

The Trees for Bees team has been working with beekeepers and landowners to develop on-farm and apiary-based planting designs. And the programme has yielded further benefits. “We’re also seeing other planting

maggie moBiLises doc assaULt After signalling the charge in her ‘War on Weeds’ earlier this year, garden guru and Minister of Conservation, Maggie Barry, is preparing for a fresh offensive. A recent $2.13m boost to her war chest – from the Community Conservation Partnerships Fund – will arm DOC in its fight against introduced predators. She says pests cost the economy as much as $3.3 billion per year. “Pests such as possums, rats and stoats are, without any doubt, the biggest threat to our native wildlife. Predation has taken some native species to extinction and we can’t let the same thing happen to our remaining natural treasures. “Birds such as the kiwi, kakapo and kokako evolved for millions of years in a world without teeth and with no mammals, and have no natural defences against them.” ‘Brigadier’ Barry’s opening salvos will involve eradication of possums and other predators from peninsulas and islands, to smaller, local schemes focused on a few hectares.

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advantages planned for, such as shade, shelter, riparian protection and amenity,” Dr McPherson confirms. To help farmers select beneficial plants, Trees for Bees has produced a planting guide, available from treesforbeesnz.org.

insecT inspecTors hop To iT It’s been bugging academics for quite some time – just how many insect species call our country home? To answer this question, Lincoln University is going on a bug hunt and hoping to catch many, many little ones. Senior researcher, Dr Karen Armstrong, says students have been covering the length and breadth of New Zealand in attempts to discover insect species. “This research, to understand what insects are present, is vital for us to recognise any change, especially if it involves the introduction of species that may become pests, or spread disease,” she says.

The students will help identify and predict potential threats from foreign pests, including those already established here. “The only way to stay ahead of this, and to detect damaging interactions, is to know what is here. We need to produce experts in traditional taxonomy who are also trained to use modern technological approaches to describe and discover insect species.” Lincoln students have discovered numerous species, including psyllids, native weevils and even four new species of rare black mountain ringlet butterflies.

Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 23

Life on the line(man) In American Football, one Papakura born and Pukekohe raised lineman is as much Goliath as he is David. With the sport soon to be showcased in New Zealand (see secondary story), JON RAWLINSON spoke with one of the game’s greats.

hile Dan Carter may be a household name in New Zealand, David Dixon, from Franklin, has long been the talk of fans in a much larger arena. Since retiring from the NFL (National Football League) in 2004 at the ripe old age of 35, the 1.96m guard (offensive lineman) continues to be considered one of American football’s biggest stars. Despite regularly playing to crowds numbering between 50,000 and 100,000 (in 2014, Super Rugby franchises struggled to attract 10,000) and enjoying fame and adulation, this humble hero says the highlight of his career was simply: “The opportunity to provide for my family.” A self-proclaimed rebel who struggled at school – Pukekohe North School, Pukekohe Intermediate and Pukekohe High – the Under-17 New Zealand rugby rep’ found the opportunity of a lifetime with a new code to follow. “I was spotted downtown by a gentleman named George O’Scanlon [Kiwi sports promoter]. Football then was still in its beginnings in New Zealand and he was trying to develop a programme here. I attended a camp for those who wanted to learn the game and played for a team known as the New Zealand Warriors of Gridiron and it went from there,” he says. A scholarship to Rexburg College in the U.S wild northwest followed. It provided more than just a clean slate in terms of education. “It was a complete culture shock coming from the north side of Pukekohe to a Mormon Church school in Idaho! I did get homesick. I was lucky not to have been kicked out of school again, but everything turned out great because that’s where I met my wife, Pamela. We’ve been together now for 26 years; we have four children and I couldn’t be happier.” In 1992, David embarked on a lengthy 13-year NFL career, participating in training camps and on practice squads with various teams until making the final cut for the Minnesota Vikings in ’94. Although his role as a guard – “paving a pathway for the running back and protecting the quarterback” – differed from that of a rugby lock, some lessons from home games came in handy.

24 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

Photo supplied/David Dixon

“Being used to getting low in scrums helped in football when trying to drive players off the line of scrimmage. I was also good in the open field [which is not typical for linemen] and at reading the play and reacting accordingly. In football we call this game smart, and my rugby background helped with that too.” Drafted into the NFL before completing his education, David left hallowed halls for famous fields, but he later returned to complete his degree. “I’m just proud of completing my schooling. It wasn’t for me but going back was one of the best decisions I’ve made; it provided a real sense of accomplishment,” he says. Today, David and family live in

Minnesota, where he works as a football coach at Burnsville High. His eldest daughter, TeTori, is also a successful sportsperson – interestingly enough, as a blocker – with the USA’s women’s volleyball team. “I try to teach her a few skills, but she has all the answers!,” David jokes. Though living thousands of miles away, he says Franklin remains close to his heart. “When playing, I used to visit home every other year, now it seems like every four or five – I don’t make the same money I used to! One of the things I really do miss is being close to my [Maori] culture. I still get homesick, and it’s still a dream to return home to live in New Zealand one day.” www.ruralliving.co.nz

NFL’s Australasian invasion Former Parramatta Eels’ rugby league star (now San Francisco 49er), Jarryd Hayne, and ex-Waikato age-grade rugby rep’, Paul Lasike (Chicago Bears practice squad), have been turning heads in the NFL; could this signal the start of an Australasian invasion of the sport? In March next year, two teams of professional American football players will play exhibition games at Eden Park, Auckland and ‘the cake tin’ in Wellington, during the Southern Bowl. Kiwi placekickers and punters may be used. While former Minnesota Vikings’ lineman, Pukekohe-raised David Dixon, says making the transition isn’t easy, more rugby stars could find a future in the NFL. “New Zealand rugby kickers would do a great job on the [US] football field. Dan Carter [for example] is a reliable kicker with a strong leg. He’s a good athlete and would be of use elsewhere on the field.” Kickers in American football are much less in the firing line than their rugby or league counterparts, and, as many play well into their 40s, they can accumulate rich rewards

during lengthy careers. To put this into perspective, Dan Carter will soon become the highest paid rugby player in history, cashing a pay cheque of about $2 million (US) per season. In comparison, NFL kicker, Phil Dawson – incidentally, Jarryd Hayne’s teammate at the San Francisco 49ers – earns roughly twice that, and New Orleans Saints’ quarterback, Drew Brees, receives an average annual salary of more than $20m! But, David adds that kickers keen to change codes will need more skills than slotting a pigskin between the sticks! “Football kickers sometimes have to tackle when an offense player gets past the kickoff coverage and they have different types of kicks to perform – including scribble, pooch, point after touchdown and punt kicks – so [the transition] isn’t that easy for kickers.” Whether Kiwi kickers could pass muster should be put to the test during the Southern Bowl. But, either way, David says locals should relish the chance to witness American football in action in our own backyard.

David Dixon. Photo supplied/Te Tohu Taakaro o Aotearoa Charitable Trust

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testing steel men’s meTaL By Jon Rawlinson

s the Glenbrook community steels itself for what may come, at least for now, a potential China Syndrome of a mill meltdown appears to have been averted. However, at least 100 workers will have lost their jobs by Christmas and pay packets for those remaining will be lighter. In August, Australian parent company of the Glenbrook Steel Mill, BlueScope, announced that, due to falling Chinese demand and global over-capacity, 5001000 jobs were on the line and that the plant could even face closure. However, a recent agreement between unions – Engineering Printing & Manufacturing Union (EPMU – now E tū), First Union and Amalgamated Workers Union (AWUNZ) – and New Zealand Steel looks likely to reduce this number as BlueScope attempts to achieve a required NZ$50m cost cut target. Combined Unions Site Convenor (and former Glenbrook Mill worker), Mark Palmer, believes the agreement, which sees unionised workers accept a reduction in pay increases, will help. “I am pleased that agreement could be reached on making the required savings. What’s more pleasing is the willingness of the workforce to accept cuts in earnings in the interests of keeping the mill running. [It recognises] the important contribution this makes to communities in Franklin and future prospects of family, friends and neighbours who have, or seek, employment directly or indirectly at NZ Steel,” he says. Unionised employees will receive a 0% increase on paid and printed wages and allowances for the first year and a 1% increase the second. Mark adds changes to the mill’s productivity incentive scheme will also result in an approximate 10% reduction in

26 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

employees’ income and some have already “suffered reductions” due to restructuring earlier this year. The 100 job losses are primarily at Glenbrook, but also at BlueScope’s Waikato North Head mine. While there appears to be at least a little fire in the furnace and power in the hands of the union(s), this issue could reignite should full savings targets fail to be reached. From the other side of the table, Andrew Garey, GM NZ Steel & Pacific Islands, says the union agreement will help towards its cost cut target. He confirms additional measures are also underway in efforts to stave off plant closure. “I am very happy with the approach and engagement from the unions and I think we reached a fair outcome. The business needed to cut at least 100 roles and we are over half way there (predominantly through restructuring contractors) but there is still a lot of engagement and discussion required over the coming months.“ “Different media have reported different things and I have seen all sorts of numbers from $10m-$25m for the union agreement... it will contribute $10m of the $50m target we have. We haven’t put a dollar value publically on [savings] from any job cuts.” Asked if he or other executives would similarly curtail pay increases to address the shortfall, Mr Garey replied: “We are all on a pay freeze and no bonus for this year – this applies to all Individual Agreement [non-unionised] employees.” Overall, BlueScope faces a bigger picture problem, with cuts elsewhere in New Zealand (Otahuhu and Taharoa), and a reduction target of $200m across the Tasman. For now, the powder keg’s fuse remains a-smoulder. Ultimately, men of steel will be needed to rectify the situation and those with legs of jelly best step aside.

LittLe heLP oR caUse to Re-Joyce Despite major implications for Glenbrook Steel Mill workers and the community, should BlueScope pull the pin on its plant, assistance from parliamentary quarters seems unlikely. “The Government has no plans to ‘bailout’ BlueScope or any other individual company,” Minister for Economic Development, Steven Joyce, confirmed to Rural Living. “Government works with all industries to provide a strong, competitive platform to work from and grow. BlueScope receives the same support and encouragement as all other companies.” Asked if overreliance on the Chinese market may have contributed to the situation, Joyce replied: “China represents 15 percent of New Zealand’s total goods and services exports. While it is a very important market for New Zealand, 85% of our exports currently go elsewhere.” Considering the recent dairy shortage – also spurred on by oversupply, largely to China – one has to wonder if this is a case of history repeating. Mr Joyce did not answer this question directly. And NZ Steel is unlikely to receive ‘Little’ more help from the Labour party, which last year elected a former union secretary to its leadership. Fifteen years ago, the future of the mill was also under threat of closure. Then Printing and Manufacturing Union secretary, Andrew Little, welcomed the news. This time around, Rural Living has received no response about whether workers can expect even moral support from Labour; we are left to wonder whether the ex-union man is now more focused on following a party line.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

s f e h C

COLLECTION

Local chefs bill of fare www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 27

CHEF’S TIP

Beetroot Terrine Jacqui Brown Tuakau Hotel

e off-cuts, loos Use beetroot ching ed from poa pieces remov make cess liquid to liquid and ex e . vege soup Th a stock for s glorious beetroot add avour. colour and ﬂ

“This recipe has been a favourite since I was pregnant with my ﬁrst child. When I was young we had an avocado tree and plenty of beetroot in the garden. I was made to eat copious quantities of both till I detested them. But, when expecting, I experienced a renewed craving for beetroot and avos, hence this recipe which I still love.”

Ingredients

Method

Step 1: 500g beetroot 1 litre water 100g granulated sugar 100ml red wine vinegar

Place step 1 ingredients in a pot and simmer gently for approximately 2–3 hours until beetroot are tender then remove from the heat. Set the liquid aside for later use. Peel the beetroot and slice with a mandolin for uniform slices.

Step 2: 200ml poaching liquid 2ml agar 2.5ml salt 3 gelatine leaves sponged in water for 4 minutes

Strain the leftover liquid to remove any unwanted bits from the beetroot. Return 200mls of this poaching liquid to the heat, whisk in the agar and salt and bring to the boil for about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Squeeze out the excess water from the gelatine and add to the hot liquid, whisking well. Line a tray with plastic wrap, making sure there is a generous overhang to easily remove the terrine when done. Brush the bottom of the plastic with the gelatine mixture, and then place a flat layer of sliced beetroot on top. Place in the fridge for about 10 minutes to set. Repeat this process until the tray is filled to the top and chill for 24 hours. Turn the beetroot terrine out gently onto a board. Slice and serve with avocado sorbet, watercress salad, apple brunoise and a horseradish cream and lacquered walnuts.

28 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

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Top chef and ‘Sous Chef’ harmonius pairing Celebrity chef Simon Gault is well-known for his long-standing appearance on the former T VONE Masterchef NZ series and as a stakeholder in the Nourish Group of restaurants. But now the Franklin resident is devoting more time to his home life as well as running Simon Gault Home Cuisine and his import company and deli operation, Sous Chef in Takanini. Simon is the feature chef in this month’s Chef’s Collection. A multitude of Kiwis, including locals, enjoyed the regular presence of leading New Zealand chef, restaurateur and adjudicator, Simon Gault in their homes during five seasons of TVONE’s former MasterChef NZ series.

When it comes to restaurants he was perhaps, best associated with Auckland’s Euro at the Viaduct and most recently the Crab Shack in Auckland just two among Nourish Group’s award-winning venues. But that side of the business is now left to others.

But Simon is closer to Franklin people than many folk are aware. Not only does he live in the district but he operates the recently opened Sous Chef Deli in Spartan Road, Takanini.

With numerous awards and other honours under his apron, Simon says, “I have such fond memories of all my culinary adventures but because Bell House started it all in New Zealand when I was just 22, I always feel a bit nostalgic when passing that way.”

Having lived in Karaka for near on a decade, he says it seemed logical that the shop and his food distribution warehouse is nearby.

Today his new local interests keep him on the chop although he still has enough baking powder in his veins to rise to other challenges.

And, naturally the shop carries the Simon Gault Home Cuisine range of stocks and seasonings – also available in supermarkets – and showcases some of the best products out of Italy, Spain, France and from around the world.

Simon’s enjoying his latest ventures as an ambassador for SMEG and Audi NZ and has also produced his own cook books. Simon recently returned to the screen cooking on Choice TV’s latest series of Cook the Books and has another TV project in the works.

“Sous Chef’s beginnings were purely accidental,” Simon says. “I spent a year in Italy and after returning to New Zealand, I wanted to create dishes using the many terrific ingredients I had become accustomed to in Europe.” “At that time sourcing these ingredients was difficult, so I asked friends in Italy to send some over. Word soon got around and other chef friends started calling me to source ingredients for them too. Before I knew it I had a full-blown business flying in premium fresh products from Italy and Spain every three weeks.” Simon says Sous Chef is serious about searching out, tasting and sourcing some of the best food ingredients from around the globe. He prefers to handpick products personally to ensure they are top quality. “However, once the importing side took off I was keen to go further and the Sous Chef Deli seemed a great way to give foodies that extra five percent magic – products, recipes, www.ruralliving.co.nz

MasterChef may be over but he reflects on the pleasure it gave him. “MasterChef was an amazing journey and I loved every minute.

tastings and tips to help them make special dishes at home.” Open Monday to Friday, until 6pm, the Sous Chef Deli serves hot soup, baguettes, salads, and coffee and also hosts cooking demonstrations on a regular basis. An on-site chef, and often Simon, too, are there to answer questions and to offer cooking advice on how to use the various products. Group tasting experiences are also popular with booked parties enjoying a 20% discount on products. While now facing fresh challenges on both the professional and home front this illustrious chef can look back on a most satisfying career to date.

Long before he rose to local and international fame his New Zealand career came to the boil at historic Bell House in Pakuranga. That was back in the 1980s and Bell House, was one of only a few fine dining venues in Auckland.

With each series, contestants showed incredible skills and they just got better and better. But, there’s a time for everything and after five years I was ready to move on.

It was ‘the’ place to go for special celebrations and the innovative young chef that he was meant Simon was soon awash with bookings.

“Yet, I am still thrilled when young people come up to me and say Masterchef inspired them to become chefs or to go into some type of hospitality career. As for me, while I’m always looking at new projects, for now I am passionate about Sous Chef Deli and I’m enjoying country living which gives me quality time with my family.

That was a lifetime away and his career has since taken him across the world, making him a global name. He has worked in an array of prestigious establishments and has been a personal chef to the likes of CEO of Oracle, Larry Ellison.

“I also have a huge working garden at home which provides a great deal of satisfaction and though I have a gardener, these days you are just as likely to see me with a pair of secateurs in hand as you are a spatula. Life is very rewarding.”

Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 29

Kiwi Cranberry Lamb “This is a real favourite in our house – perfect for when the family gather around the table. However, it’s also a recipe that can be dressed up for special occasions. Kiwis love lamb and should they wish to showcase it to overseas visitors this recipe will do the trick.” Simon Gault Euro Restaurant Ingredients 1.2kg butterflied lamb leg 2 tbsp Simon Gault Home Cuisine kiwi seasoning Stuffing ¼ cup breadcrumbs 2 tbsp rosemary, finely chopped Zest of 1 orange, finely grated 1 tbsp parsley, chopped ¼ cup dried cranberries ¼ cup parmesan, grated ¼ cup slivered almonds 1 egg white, whisked to soft peak Lamb sauce 2 tbsp butter 1 medium onion, roughly chopped 2 medium garlic cloves, roughly chopped 1 tbsp Simon Gault Home Cuisine kiwi seasoning 1 celery stick, roughly chopped 1 tbsp tomato paste 500ml McCoy cranberry juice 300ml Simon Gault Home Cuisine lamb stock 2 tbsp honey 1 tsp cracked black pepper 1 cup dried whole cranberries 1 tsp cornflour 1 tbsp water

Method Preheat oven to 185°C. Combine all the stuffing ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Open out the butterflied leg of lamb on to your chopping board, skin side down. Trim sinew, being careful not to cut any holes in the meat. Season with salt and pepper, spread the stuffing mixture over the lamb leaving a 2 cm border. Tightly roll the lamb and tie with kitchen twine at 2 cm intervals. Transfer to a casserole dish and season generously with Simon Gault Home Cuisine kiwi seasoning.

CHEF’S TIP e The very sam de ld be licious stufﬁng wou icken. in a roast ch

In a saucepan, melt the butter, then add the onion and garlic and sauté whilst stirring over a medium heat until the onions are soft. Add the Simon Gault Home Cuisine kiwi seasoning, celery, tomato paste and cook for a further two minutes then add the cranberry juice, Simon Gault Home Cuisine lamb stock, honey, cracked black pepper and dried cranberries. Transfer to the casserole dish, pouring the sauce around the base of the lamb. Place the uncovered casserole dish in the oven and cook for approximately 1 hour or until the internal lamb temperature reaches the desired temperature, medium 65-68°C or for well-done 75°C. If you are without a temperature thermometer, a general rule of thumb is to cook lamb for an hour for every kg at 185°C. Remove from the casserole dish and allow to rest on a large chopping board for 20 minutes. Whilst the lamb is resting, transfer all the juices and vegetables from the casserole dish into a saucepan. Thicken the sauce with cornflour and water over a medium heat at a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to your desired taste. Pour the sauce on to your serving platter or into a jug, remove the kitchen string from the lamb and slice. Garnish with rosemary and serve with roast potatoes and your favourite green vegetables.

Serves 6

30 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

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CHEF’S TIP scallop potato A nice spinach some winner with is always a topped with roast veggies jam & salty the rhubarb g. crispy cracklin

Slow Cooked Pork Belly with Rhubarb Apple Jam and Crispy Crackling Jamie Logan St Margaret’s Cafe Karaka

“Once considered poor man’s food, pork belly is a favourite from my youth when butchers often threw the pork belly away – yes, they did! If my mum could get it she popped it in the oven on high till the crackling was crispy then rest and serve. Very basic compared to today’s methods but always a big hit.”

Ingredients

Method

2-3kg pork belly (bone out) 1 tsp caraway seeds 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tsp fennel seeds 2 star anise Pinch of nutmeg 500ml cider NY pepper Maldon salt (normal is fine) 2 onions (roughly chopped) 1 carrot 1 litre good stock

Remove skin from the pork belly to cook separately – the butcher can do this for you as it can be a little tricky. Put skinless pork into large oven dish and rub over with the spices, salt and pepper. Add cider and stock along with onion, carrot and toasted star anise. Cover with a layer of baking paper, then a layer of foil and sealed well around the edges.

Rhubarb Apple Jam 1kg fresh or frozen rhubarb (fresh best) ¼ cup red wine vinegar 1 cup brown sugar 2 apples peeled & cut into cubes Zest & juice of 1 orange & 1 lemon 1 tsp Chinese five spice 1 teaspoon of cinnamon Serves 10–15 (good for leftovers) www.ruralliving.co.nz

Place in 190˚C oven and heat till the stock is simmering. Then turn heat down to 70°C and cook for 12 hours. Check from time to time. To check that the pork is cooked to perfection press your finger into the thickest part of the meat and it should go all the way through without any resistance. Skim excess fat from pan juices, measure out 500mls into a hard based pot and reduce by half. Add 1 teaspoon of mustard and a dash of cream. Reduce slightly; this can be served with the pork on the side. Let pork rest for 20 mins, reheat and serve with crackling and rhubarb jam. For the crackling – Cut the removed skin into strips and salt well. Turn the oven up to 220°C, place the strips on an oven tray and place a wire rack on top of the crackling strips to prevent them curling up whilst cooking. Cook till bubbled and crisp. Once the crackle has a good colour turn oven down to 180°C till crisp. For the rhubarb apple jam – Place all ingredients except rhubarb into a small pot. Cook till everything has incorporated into a syrup-like consistency then add rhubarb (if using frozen rhubarb make sure it is fully defrosted and free from all excess juice before adding) . Cook rhubarb in the apple syrup for 8-10 minutes till rhubarb is cooked but hasn’t lost all its colour. Remove from heat, leave to cool then chill down. The jam will keep in sealed jars for a couple of weeks and goes well with several other dishes such as pate or hamburgers. Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 31

CHEF’S TIP just ordﬁsh work Tuna and sw ble. ila a gﬁsh unav as well if kin ble ila ons are ava Preserved lem food store from specialty ons but fresh lem work too.

Chargrilled Kingfish with Green Goddess Sauce “ Kingﬁsh

Mikey Newlands Bracu Restaurant

is one of my preferred fishes and the Green Goddess sauce below is a dressing for the hotter months. I learnt to make it in Australia when living there and served it with everything from stuffed courgette flowers to grilled fish and shellfish. The avocado gives it great texture and mouth-feel.”

Ingredients

Method

4 x 150g kingfish fillets 80ml Simunovich extra virgin olive oil 2 preserved lemons, zest only, all pith removed ¼ bunch Italian parsley Sea salt Freshly ground black pepper

Cut kingfish into even pieces of even thickness. Dice lemon zest as finely as you can. Finely chiffonade (shred) parsley. Mix lemon zest and parsley with olive oil and plenty of black pepper. Rub over the fish. Marinated for at least 40 mins and up to two hours in the fridge. Remove fillets from fridge at least 20 mins before cooking to allow the fish to come up to room temperature.

Green Goddess Sauce 1 shallot finely diced 1 clove garlic finely diced 1 lime, zest and juice 2 anchovy fillets 20g basil 20g chervil 20g mint 2 ripe avocados 125g cream (yoghurt or buttermilk) 160g avocado oil (or olive oil) Ascorbic acid (optional) Sea salt and black pepper Serves 4

Preheat the barbecue or the grill to a high heat. Season liberally with sea salt and grill for about 3 mins each side depending on the size of the fillets. Kingfish is great served medium. Rest for five mins in a warm place, basting with the leftover marinade. Serve with the sauce and any summery accompaniment you like….my favourite is a cherry tomato and basil salad! Green Goddess Sauce – Finely chiffonade herbs and reserve in the fridge. Using a food processor or powerful blender, scrape out the avocado flesh and blend with the anchovy, shallot, garlic, lime zest and juice. Add a pinch of ascorbic acid if you wish to help preserve colour. If mix starts to warm up, add a couple of ice cubes to keep it chilled. Slowly add cream in a steady stream with blender running; you are making an emulsion similar to a mayonnaise. Add another ice cube if needed and continue to add avocado oil. When the dressing is smooth and emulsified, season well with sea salt and plenty of black pepper. Add more lime juice to taste. Keep the dressing chilled and just before serving add the herbs and stir through. Chef’s Notes: Adjust the consistency of this versatile sauce as you see fit – lighter for dressing a salad and slightly thicker for a sauce. Take care with emulsifying the sauce. Other flavours that I have used in the past with this sauce are: coriander, cumin, chilli, sorrel, ras el hanout, caraway and even mango!

32 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

www.ruralliving.co.nz

See us for all your fresh produce, butchery, bakery and deli items – everything you need for fabulous home cooked meals

40-44 EAST ST, PAPAKURA PHONE 09 299 6503 M O N - S U N 7. 3 0 A M - 9 P M www.ruralliving.co.nz

WWW.NEWWORLD.CO.NZ/PAPAKURA Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 33 KAT4107

Chicken, Orange and Perlas Potato Salad “This light and tasty salad takes only ﬁve minutes to prepare after cooking the potatoes.” Ingredients

Method

500g Perlas potatoes 145g watercress, baby spinach, rocket or a combination 1 orange, segmented 2 smoked or roast chicken breasts, thinly sliced (220g) 1/2 bunch spring onions, sliced 3 tbs honey and mustard dressing

In a saucepan, cover Perlas with cold, salted water. Bring slowly to the boil then gently simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and cool. Place the salad leaves, orange segments, chicken and spring onions in a large serving dish. Add the potatoes, whole or halved, and dressing. Toss well to combine. Potatoes grown by A.S. Wilcox & Sons Ltd Recipe courtesy of Potatoes New Zealand

Serves 4

34 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

CHEF’S TIP dressing such Try another h garlic or ranc as feta and ped chives or Or add chop y instead of Italian parsle spring onions

www.ruralliving.co.nz

CHEF’S TIP t swap coconu For variety or s in is or ra for sultanas chocolately a both. Or for d ocolate sprea treat use ch m. instead of ja

Mum’s Bread and Butter Pudding Rintoul Ramsay Red Shed Palazzo

“This yum recipe was created by my mum for my dad and has been passed down to me and my sisters. I love it ﬁrst because it was created by my mum and reminds me of home but also because it’s easy make.”

Ingredients

Method

Bread Layer 15 slices thick white bread ½ cup raspberry Jam 60g butter 2 cups of desiccated coconut

Preheat oven to 160ºC.

Custard 6 eggs beaten 1 cup milk ½ cup sugar 1 tsp vanilla essence Meringue 8 egg whites 250g sugar 1 tsp cornflour 1 tsp white vinegar 1 tsp vanilla essence

Bread Layer: Spread butter and jam over each slice of bread. Make sure each slice is entirely covered right to the edges. (Personally I like using heaps of butter and jam). Spray an oven proof baking dish with cooking spray. Then do one layer of the buttered, jammed bread and sprinkle generously with coconut. Repeat until all the bread is used and finish off with a final sprinkle of coconut. Custard: In a large bowl mix eggs with milk, sugar and vanilla until sugar is dissolved. Mix until the mixture is well blended. Pour over layered bread. Meringue: In a clean mixing bowl, whisk egg whites on high, until soft peaks form. While the egg whites are whisking slowly add sugar. Then add cornflour, vanilla and white vinegar. Once mixed in, pour the meringue over the bread layers. Spread right to the edges of the baking dish. Bake pudding in a pre-heated oven at 160ºC fan-forced for 30 mins or until set and golden on top. Serve with thickened pouring cream and enjoy.

Serves 6

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 35

Shopping List

Every day our supermarkets abound with new pantry products to tempt the taste buds. Today we feature just some of the latest on the shelves.

OLD EL PASO’S HIGH STEAKS GAME The Mexican standoff continues... with so many taco kits, you have to know how to cook ‘em, know how to fold ‘em. However, thanks to Old El Paso it’s never been easier to rustle up a little Tex-Mex mix of flavours. And, with the Restaurante Steak Carne Asada and Pork Al Pastor ranges, the ‘steaks’ have been raised again! With 10 mini flour tortillas and seasoning mixes, these kits have almost everything needed to create top tacos at home. And, as seasonings are medium to mild, they won’t set your poncho on fire! Available from supermarkets (RRP $9.69).

GOT TO BE NUTTERS You don’t have to be nuts to work here, but it helps! Especially when coming across NUTTERS, a new range of tasty, nutty mixtures. From sweet and salty crunch of Sweet n’ Sassy, Smokin’ Chipotle’s spice, or a little indulgence with Chocoholic Chomp, to Ginger Nuts, Almond Craze, Cruisin’ Cashews and Off the Wall nuts, there are seven varieties from which to choose. So use your nut, pick up a pack (RRP $3.99-$4.29)!

TAKE A BREAK WITH SOFT-BAKED OATMEAL SQUARES Mums on the run,will love the new crack snack from Nature Valley. Perfectly soft and deliciously chewy, soft-backed, Oatmeal Squares will get kids, partners, and ‘not a minute to spare’ mums, through the day! Packed with the goodness of whole grain for a great energy boost, Nature Valley Oatmeal Squares are gently baked then lightly drizzled with delicious peanut butter topping. A quick and yummy breakfast, ideal for the lunchbox and a handy snack solution for slow afternoons, Nature Valley Oatmeal Squares (RRP $4.79) are available at leading supermarkets nationwide.

MOA’S FLEXES MUSCLES FOR BRUSSELS What’s Belgian for Moa? It may vary depending on which of the country’s official languages one speaks, but the universal term is... mmmm! After successful releases of his Green and Red editions, Moa’s head brewer, David Nicholls, has cooked up his limited edition Festive IPA Belgian. Sporting a royal purple and bronze label, this beer offers a fusion of American and Belgian styles, with fruity, spicy flavours. American hops, Citra and Amarillo are used for aromatics. This bitter brew is available (RRP $7.99) from liquor outlets and supermarkets nationwide.

LOVING THE SPREAD Let’s give a hand to Alfa One Rice Bran Oil spread for turning its back on palm oil! Because the development of palm oil has been linked to issues such as deforestation, climate change and even animal cruelty, Alfa One spreads use rice bran oil instead. And this appears to be pretty good news for we people too, as it contains naturally occurring antioxidants, no artificial colours and flavours, and less saturated fat than butter. What’s more, we hear it can even help lower cholesterol absorption. Way to make nice with the rice, Alpha One!

A MUESLI START TO THE DAY! If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it better be good! And the deliciously versatile Sanitarium Options Muesli is good, very good. Sanitarium Options Fine Cut Muesli is one nutritious breakfast, four ways! Use these fine-cut, toasted oat and nut blends to make your own bircher muesli; warm it up like porridge; blend into an on-the-go smoothie; or keep it simple in a breakfast bowl – use your imagination to kick start the day! Two tasty, reduced sugar variants – New Zealand Manuka Honey with LSA and Crunchy Cashew & Quinoa, packed with tasty ingredients. Quick and easy to prepare, they fit the healthy bill. For tasty recipes, visit www.facebook.com/sanitariumcereals Sanitarium Options Fine Cut Muesli (RRP $5.99) available at supermarkets nationwide.

36 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

www.ruralliving.co.nz

New World, traditional values Chris Columbus crossed the oceans in search of a new world; however Kiwi shoppers need not travel quite so far to experience a first class shopping experience.

is a case of the best of both worlds!”

made from scratch with plenty of tempting goodies.”

And, while the popular supermarket chain may seem to reach right around New Zealand, owner/ operator of New World Papakura, Peter Lynch, says customers can expect personal service as standard with Fly Buys too.

Proving big things do come in smaller locations, Peter says his store has long been a favourite of ‘mums on the run.’ “We may not have the biggest store, but that means our customers won’t get lost looking for the best products. And speedy service means New World Papakura is ideal for those quick stops on the way home from work to pick up fresh produce for dinner while avoiding dairy prices.

“Being part of the New World network is certainly beneficial to our customers in terms of savings, but because we’re 100% locally-owned and operated, they can be sure of top quality service too. It really

“What’s more, if we don’t have the particular product you’re after, we’ll do our best to source it for you,” he says. “Our bakery is especially popular with those after a quick bite. Almost everything’s

HANDMADE JAMS,JELLIES,VINAIGRETTES, DRESSINGS,CHUTNEYS,SAUCES,MUSTARDS GIFT BASKETS & BOXES - ANY SIZE,ANY PRICE

New World Papakura, 40-44 East St, Papakura Phone 09 299 6503 www.newworld.co.nz

Now on your door step Simon Gault’s new Deli con0060

5 Main Road,Te Kauwhata www.peplers.co.nz Ph:07 826 3838 Mention Peplers Rural Living to receive a 10% discount on any purchase instore over $50.Expires 31/01/2016.

Offering service with a smile, Peter and team also draw on extra support from the wider, New World group. “I prefer that personal experience when shopping but customers can check out our weekly catalogue online or when delivered to their letterbox so they are up with the play on specials. Just visit the New World website – www.newworld. co.nz – where you’ll also find a fantastic selection of recipes, competitions and more.”

The Sous Chef Deli is a foodie haven. Simon Gault has scoured the globe to bring the finest foods the world has to offer. Visit, enjoy free tastings and go to www.souschef.co.nz for Simon Gault event info. Easy Festive Christmas Cooking Class Saturday 21 November.

40-44 EAST STREET, PAPAKURA PHONE 09 299 6503, MON-SUN 7.30AM-9PM WWW.NEWWORLD.CO.NZ/PAPAKURA KAT4110

www.ruralliving.co.nz

84 Spartan Road, Takanini, Mon-Fri until 6pm KAT4115

Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 37

perlas.co.nz

In s

tor en

A fresh new pack for fresh new season potatoes.

KAT4113

38 — Rural Living — October - November 2015 WIL150485 Perlas Full Page Ad Rural Living.indd 1

www.ruralliving.co.nz 6/10/15 12:47 pm

Win!

To enter the draw for any of these competitions visit ruralliving.co.nz click on the competitions link then fill in the form. One entry per person/ email address; entries close November 30, 2015. Winner notified by phone or email.

WIN! GOODNESS EVERY EVENING CREAM At the end of a busy day it’s time to relax and enjoy but remember to finish your perfect evening with a restful touch from Mother Nature – the no-nonsense, natural Goodness Every Evening Cream. Think of Goodness as turning the cool stuff from Mother Nature – honeysuckle extract, avocado and coconut oils, as well as the perfect amount of Goodness certified organic chia seed oil – into the perfect high five for your skin. Rural Living has a jar valued at RRP $23.99 up for grabs – no artificial fragrance and no colourants added. Just what the skin ordered for summer!

Win! Daltons Easy Lift twin pack After releasing its Easy Lift range earlier in the year, Daltons has found many keen Kiwi gardeners have happily picked up on their idea! Heavy on garden performance, the Easy Lift range is so light weight it’s fairly flown off the shelves! So, in response to customer demand, Daltons has expanded its range to include its new Container Mix and Garden Mix. Blended from natural and renewable ingredients, these 25kg bags are available at Bunnings and garden centres nationwide – RRP $11+GST. Rural Living has TWO packs including one bag of each of the new varieties and a pair of gardening gloves up for grabs.

WIN! Snack bars with Pop! Get set for a summer bursting with sunshine and plenty of pop – popcorn bars that is! Snack-happy foodies will love Nature Valley Popcorn Bars – light, airy and full of fluffy popped goodness! Containing just 95 calories, each bar is also loaded with berries and yoghurt, seeds and nuts. They’re the ultimate convenience food that won’t wreak havoc with your waistline. Nature Valley Popcorn Bars (RRP $4.79) are available at supermarkets nationwide but the good news is Rural Living is giving EIGHT readers a chance to win a box of five bars each.

WIN! RAFFERTY’S GARDEN BABY FOOD A baby’s first taste of ‘solids’ can prompt a multitude of reactions from pleasure to disgust but when it comes to a new range of four smooth purees in squeezable pouches from Rafferty’s Garden, little ones will be treated to wholesome, delicious and nutritious foods. Thanks to Rafferty’s Garden we have four pouches to give away featuring the new flavour range of pear & apricot; pear & superberries; spinach, apple, broccoli & pea; and pumpkin, apple & sweetcorn. No spoon needed and these foods don’t need heating – so convenient! Available from supermarkets nationwide (RRP $2.19 each).

WIN! Hand guide to the Birds of NZ Birds of a feather will be flocking together at bookshops throughout the country now that The Hand Guide to the Birds of New Zealand by Hugh Robertson and Barrie Heather has hit the shelves. This invaluable reference on New Zealand birds features 374 species including 35 new additions. It includes an introduction to key birdwatching sites, fabulous illustrations and an in-depth guide to field identification. The only hand guide to New Zealand birds officially endorsed by the Ornithological Society of NZ, this book is a beauty and Rural Living has one copy up for grabs. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Win! A copy of Carole’s Flower Truck Bringing the outdoors in is never done more simply than with flowers. However, there’s a world of difference between a handful of dreadful daisies and a bountiful, beautiful bouquet! Thankfully, this delightful book is here to help as author, Carole Bowden, and photographer, Greta Kenyon, provide their seasonal guide to buying gorgeous marketfresh flowers. Full of ideas to create magic in the home or workplace, this book is a must-have for anyone passionate about flowers. Rural Living has TWO copies of this book to give away. Carole Bowden: Carole’s Flower Truck | RRP $49.99 | Bateman Publishing

Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 39

What was it we did? Reay Neben is a Franklin resident and publisher of Rural Living.

CITY LASS

pring has sprung and with it a whole lot of work. I had promised both daughters that this spring I would help put their gardens in order. This meant a visit to Farrells to buy 26 griselinas and then on to Central Landscapes to buy the potting mix. One daughter’s garden is almost complete, but the other daughter, in Howick, needed totally different types of plants so we headed to Icon Trees in Clevedon and bought 11 beautiful specimen trees. We then planted these to create a screen between her and the neighbours. All of this took place over one weekend a couple of weeks back and the growth of all plants since then has been amazing. After that Saturday working bee, Brian and I headed into town to meet city friends for dinner at No 5. We reached the city early and drove around the Symonds Street precinct looking for parking. Cars everywhere and the only place to park was a building that was extremely awkward to get the car in and out and really hard to find our way back into at the end of the evening. These days, I don’t think I could face living in town – it feels so crowded not so much with people but with cars. However, we did have a lovely night out and a very pleasant meal.

Fruits of our labour on show in daughter’s Pukekohe garden.

The week prior, we joined up with our good Waiau Pa friends and headed to Botany Town Centre for a movie and an in-cinema meal while we watched the film. However, age must be catching up with me because a few days later I couldn’t remember what movie we had seen so I rang our friends to ask. Lo and behold, they couldn’t remember either although we all agreed we had enjoyed it! My goodness getting old does have its moments. While talking, friend Tony suddenly remembered that Robert De Nero was in the movie and, subsequently, The Intern came to mind. It was a great movie and I recommend it to all ages.

But just when you think the memory’s all good, things go downhill again. In the course of our conversation I suggested we all go and see the spy movie being released around Labour weekend. But could I remember the title? No, and Brian, who called out that ‘Forest Gump’ was in it, was absolutely no help at all. Luckily, still on the phone to Tony, he remembered, Bridge of Spies starring Tom Hanks which made me realise what the husband was rattling on about. Oh dear, these senior moments do come more often these days but fortunately I can still remember what day it is, well, mostly! See you next month.

Licensed REAA 2008

KAT3956

40 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

www.ruralliving.co.nz

new ‘dos, no bull-spit You want to put what where? It’s a question one may well ask when first faced with the truth about a new hair-care product’s most unusual ingredient. New Imprivo hair care treatments feature natural bio-protein derived from... Bovine Seminal Plasma (BSP). In other words, it seems that before beauty comes in a bottle, it originates in a sac! Dr Vish Vishwanath, technical director for Natural Protein Company (which markets Imprivo), says BSP contains remarkable natural properties, scientifically proven to strengthen chemically coloured hair. “As well as protecting from harsh chemicals used in colouring and bleaching, BSP helps condition, increase volume, and has anti-bacterial components that may promote a healthy scalp,” he says. “BSP is certainly very special and, when combined with the finest ingredients, the results are remarkable, delivering an impressive and highly effective hair care system.” What’s more, this active ingredient is home grown; The Natural Protein Company’s managing director, Lynne Webster, is also a Waikato bull farmer. As to whether the seminal moment in discovering the effectiveness of BSP came from a Something About Mary style incident, however, is unclear.

Dodd’s dog does it again! Since the early 1980s Dame Lynley Dodd’s famous canine has become a ‘living’ Kiwi treasure. Now, at the spry old age of 32 (that’s around 150 in dog years!), Hairy Maclary is set to become adored by yet another generation of children. Featuring 10 ‘tails’ – each introduced by Lynley, who shares hilarious real-life episodes which inspired them, this book brings all of Hairy Maclary’s adventures together in one handy hardback volume. In addition, this book – a must-have for Dodd fans – comes complete with a CD, with stories read by Kyle Pryor. And do take a look at this prominent pup’s website: hairymaclary.com; it kept one Rural Living writer occupied for hours! ◆◆Lynley Dodd: Hairy Maclary and Friends Treasury – The Complete Adventures of Hairy Maclary | RRP $50 | Puffin/ Penguin NZ

hair trends Natasha Harris from Alberts Hair Salon, Pukekohe brings you the latest in hair trends. Memoirs from Pukekohe Fashion Show

◆◆Arrival: Six talented hairdressers from Alberts, with the assistance of Nicola from Kevin Murphy, and makeup artist, Sonia from I heart pretty arrive at 3pm and set to work on our amazing ladies, braiding and wrapping their hair into shape, Working together we create a cohesive look that I’m proud to say is a coalition of creativity from the entire team at Alberts Hair Salon. The vision was to change the models’ hair throughout the show creating an interesting visual effect, in keeping with the integrity of the fashion brands whose collections were being showcased. ◆◆Back stage: The buzz of models, stylists, hairdressers, makeup artists and retailers is fantastic. Everyone is excited and anxious at the same time. For many of the ladies this is the first time they have modelled, and everyone appreciates the courage it takes to step out on stage in front of so many people. ◆◆The show: We take care of 12 ladies, affectionately referred to as ‘Group A’. These woman are fabulous – open minded and excited with the looks we create for the show, they magnificently strut their stuff down the runway wearing garments from local fashion leaders, Annah Stretton, Chances, District, Stirling Sports and Top Draw Sleepwear. The St John Ambulance service is such a worthy cause, we love supporting them and giving back to our local community... it is a wonderful night all round. For those of you who were there, we hope you enjoyed it and for the rest … we’ll see you next year.

Win! Copies of Hairy Maclary and Friends Treasury Rural Living has a copy of this book up for grabs. To be in to win, simply complete the form at ruralliving.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close November 30, 2015. Winner notified by phone or email.

Shop 2/23 Hall St, Pukekohe | 09 238 75 76 | www.alberts.co.nz 54024-V10

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 41

Tropical allure s

ultry summer nights call for cool prints complemented by lush colours and this season, Postie’s tropical-inspired prints will add an exotic note to easy-wear wardrobes. Check out this mix of eye-catching patterns with bright pops of colour. Must-have items include tropical printed pants, graphic tees and summery dresses paired with bright, chunky jewellery. Stylish yet inexpensive, create your own vibrant outfits with multiple mix and match items!

7 5

1. Swing Tank Dress – RRP $49. 2. Boyfriend Jean – RRP $39. 3. Tropical Pineapple Top – RRP $29. 4. Tropical Print Front Tee – RRP $25. 5. Tropical Pant in print – RRP $35. 6. Colour Block Tunic – RRP $39. 7. Cap Sleeve Crew Neck Tee in white – RRP $25. 42 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

www.ruralliving.co.nz

What’s in

Holly’s handbag?

elf-confessed petrolhead and one of a handful of New Zealand women to make their mark on circuit racing, Holly Boyd is in the pink most days. Her Honda Civic race car sports plenty of ‘lolly’ – pink roll bars and engine too. Pink dominates her race overalls and helmet and, of course, one her favourite handbags is also pink! While Holly’s handbag contains all the ‘essentials’ most women require, she says a dig around is likely to unearth car parts and other essentials that help keep both her race and day careers on track. As a retail duty manager at Repco Pukekohe, Holly is in the ideal position to maintain motoring contacts and to glean parts should her Honda need them. In fact, Repco Pukekohe is a committed sponsor as Holly prepares for the 2015/2016 race season. While work and motor racing are unlikely to put her in a wheelspin, Holly is definitely a fast-mover and willingly uses her road handling skills to help others too. She often makes her Honda available for the “Kids in Cars” family day to raise funds for Cure Kids and has suppoted other charity events too. But wherever the road leads, the one thing Holly is likely to need is her handbag so Rural Living asked her, “What’s

Do you prefer a small or large handbag? I prefer a smaller to medium size handbag but it does need to be big enough to fit a water bottle. What items are likely to be found in your handbag at any one time? A water bottle, my lunch (if I’m going to work), a comb, hand cream, lip balm, hand sanitiser, Dettol wipes, eye liner, wallet, lady ‘things’, dental floss, tissues, nail clippers and a cell phone. Makeup, of course, possibly small parts from cars, nuts/bolts that I may need for something or need to get more of plus pens, paper notes from work, tools, sunglasses, deodorant. You can see why I need lots of inner pockets but perhaps, I also need a bigger bag than I think! What can’t you leave home without having in your bag? Water bottle, cell phone, lip balm and comb. in your handbag, Holly?” Here’s what she had to say.

What’s in there you don’t really need?

Do you have a favourite style or colour?

I think I need everything that’s in my bag!

My favourite handbag styles have lots of pockets inside where I can tuck bits and pieces and my favourite colour bag would be pink or black or both.

What’s the most embarrassing thing to fall out of your bag? Lady items – haha.

NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

SPECIAL LAUNCH EVENT 4-7pm 11th NOVEMBER

Suppliers Available to Answer any Questions & Show New Products! www.kevenscurtains.co.nz 22 Queen St, Pukekohe www.ruralliving.co.nz

Ph: 09 2389326

KAT4123

Great Bargains, Wine & Nibbles, Goodie Bags & Much More!

Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 43

Missus mops up no more? L ads enlisting lady loves to help transform them from hairy beasts to top-cropped Romeos might find such services come with strings attached. Sure, home haircuts can carry perks – at salons men shouldn’t flirt with sleek stylists or beefy barbers for that matter! – but when a ‘date night’ is required in return, a man’s finances could easily end up as short as his new do. Thankfully, Remington has come to the rescue of said beleaguered blokes with the Rapid Cut Hair Clipper, designed to help make short work of those knotty mops. With cord/cordless rechargeable functionality, stainless steel blades, and attachments ranging from 1.5-15mm, even the most DIY-challenged chap should be able to make the cut. But this is no ‘fire it up and she’ll be right’ type of power tool, turning out enough new crew-cutted recruits to service the navy – or the Village People,

come to think of it. Instead, due to the Rapid Cut Hair Clipper’s curved blade design, many a fair Barnet can be fashioned and precision ‘manscaping’ (as opposed to manscalping) undertaken. What’s more, the entire unit is showerproof – it’s called multitasking, guys – and washable for convenient cleaning. So, maybe it’s time to face follicles, men, and realise that while our partners may be helpful for many reasons, they can now be liberated from the tedious chore of taming our wayward manes. The Remington Rapid Cut Hair Clipper (RRP $169.99) is available from electrical retailers and carries 2-5 year manufacturer’s warranties.

THE HEARING HUT Audiology and Hearing Clinic Independent. Kiwi owned. Kiwi operated.

t 'VMM

Tony McGeough

Tony McGeough Owner and Audiology Clinician Owner and Audiology Clinician The Hearing Hut The Hearing Hut

• Full diagnostic audiology services • Hearing aid supply, aftercare and repair • Ear wax clinic • Over 26 years international experience in the hearing care sector The Hearing Hut is ACC, Ministry of Health and WINZ Registered

Hearing Aids are a LIFETIME Investment in better hearing

Tristan de Chalain MSc MB ChB FCS(SA) FRCSC FRACS

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon Consulting in Auckland, Tauranga and Pukekohe

• We offer LIFETIME AFTERCARE on any Hearing Device purchased at The Hearing Hut – no more paying for expensive appointments! • We also offer up to 4 years FREE BATTERIES • We listen and we care. And we do not charge the Earth for the privilege!

171A Manukau Road Pukekohe | 2120

he Hearing Hu

SŽƵŶĚ ĂĚǀŝĐĞ͘ ^ŽƵŶĚ ƐŽůƵƟŽŶƐ͘

info@hearinghut.co.nz

09 239 2826 R60028-V2

44 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

Ph (09) 522 0652 • Fax (09) 522 0435 plassurg@ihug.co.nz • www.plastic-surgery.co.nz Level 2, OneHealth Building, 122 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland

R11039b

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Brighten up with blepharoplasty

lso known as ‘eyelid tucks’, blepharoplasties are designed to reduce the signs of ageing around the eyes, thus giving the face a brighter, more refreshed and less tired appearance. The eyes are often one of the first areas to show age, and there are three problems that need to be addressed: 1. Fine wrinkling – most commonly seen below the lower lids and in ‘crow’s feet’ at the outer corner of the eyes. These lines are mainly due to sun damage. 2. Heavier wrinkles – due to the activity of muscles acting on the skin, such as the circumferential orbicularis oculi. This muscle surrounds the eye as a flat sheet, and chronic activity causes heavier wrinkling such as ‘crow’s feet’ lines. 3. Bags and puffiness – usually caused by accumulated fat in specific areas behind both the lower and upper eye lids. Understanding how the problems arise, points the way for the surgeon to correct them. If the major concerns are fine-line wrinkles, the best treatment option would most likely be non-surgical. This may involve skin peels, or simply skin restoration, with the use of new high dose Vitamin A or C cosmeceutical products and treatments. If the concerns are about eye bags, and the skin quality is good, then simple fat repositioning or extraction (since fat is the major component of these bags) may be adequate. Using a transconjunctival approach in which a small incision is placed inside the lower eyelid, it leaves no external or visible scars at all. Where the skin is loose, or of poor quality, or where a major concern is heavy wrinkling, then an ‘open’ blepharoplasty is performed, where

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the lower lid incision runs along the lid, a millimetre below the lash line. The fat pocket bulges are reduced, excess muscle and skin trimmed and the skin is tightened to give a smoother contour. In cases where lower lid elasticity has been lost a lid-tightening procedure may be recommended as well. Where the lower lid is lengthened by deflation and gravitational descent of the cheek fat pads, lifting of the soft tissues of the cheek at the same time, may be beneficial. In most cases, the upper lids are managed in a similar way to the lower. Fat pockets are opened and reduced and excess skin is removed. The incisions for the upper lids are hidden in the natural lid crease. In about 70% of cases, some lifting of the droopy

Services ◆◆Face – brow lift, canthopexy, ptosis and blepharoplasty (eyelid), rhinoplasty (nose), cleft palate ◆◆Ears – ear reshaping, ear setback ◆◆Breast – augmentation, reduction, lift and reconstruction ◆◆Skin – cancer and moles ◆◆Body contouring – abdominoplasty (stomach), buttock and brachioplasty (arm) lifts, liposuction

eyebrow is also done at the time of an upper eyelid tuck. This combination is far and away the most common procedure we do. There are several variations and combinations of blepharoplasty, and a range of adjunctive procedures (fat or filler injections, trimming of frown muscles, suspension of eyebrows and so on) that can be incorporated to provide a personally tailored solution. The best approach is to discuss your concerns fully with a qualified surgeon and get all the facts before deciding which procedure is the most appropriate. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Tristan de Chalain has worked all around the globe and has gained a reputation for being one of the best in his field. Available once a fortnight on a Friday morning at the Pukekohe Family Health Care practice, Tristan conducts consultations with clients prior to surgery. These cover important information such as expectations and details of the surgery which is performed at a world-class medical facility in Remuera.

Tristan de Chalain Ph 522 0652 www.plassurg.co.nz Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 45

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

Fr ee!

ruralliving.co.nz

October/November 2015

Ag Day round-up

chefs collection

bee friendly

mini venture

Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 1

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

Rural Living is available FREE from selected advertisers and the following locations: PUKEKOHE RD1 Pukekohe, 239 Manukau Rd Cafe Kaos, 44 Edinburgh St Barfoot and Thompson, 68 King St Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Ave Franklin Vets, 86 Harris St PAPAKURA Franklin Vets, 365 Great South Rd POKENO Pokeno Bacon, Great South Rd Pokeno Ice Cream, Great South Rd WAIUKU Franklin Vets, 2 Court St Mitre 10, 25 Bowen St BOMBAY Autobahn, State Highway 1 TUAKAU Tuakau Meats, 23 George St Ray White, 33-35 George St Tuakau Pharmacy, 51 George St H.R Fiskens, 295 Tuakau Rd Field Fresh Fruit & Vege, 3/53 George St Profarm Tuakau, Cnr Madill Rd and George St

Great escapes are mostly reserved for summer, but it is possible to find an idyllic and warming destination not far from home, as JON RAWLINSON discovered courtesy of Magic Cottage, Takou River.

CutieCutie

www.ruralliving.co.nz

It’s a kind of Magic

ARDMORE Animal Stuff, 192 Airfield Rd KARAKA Animal Stuff, 671 Karaka Rd DRURY Drury Mini Food Market, 232 Great South Rd Animal Stuff, 222 Great South Rd Drury Butcher, 232a Great South Rd Town & Country Vets, 257 Great South Rd PATUMAHOE The Butchers Shop Cafe, 4 Patumahoe Rd CLEVEDON Clevedon Dairy, 14 Main Rd, Clevedon Village Clevedon Rural Supplies, 13 Papakura-Clevedon Rd, Clevedon Village TE KAUWHATA Te Kauwhata Pharmacy, 14 Main Rd Rural Living is delivered in the first week of each month. Copies will go quickly so be quick to collect yours from any of the following outlets. An electronic version is also available at ruralliving.co.nz

46 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

he Bay of Islands may be quite a hike from Franklin (approximately four and a half hours’ drive), but thanks to an early start, partner and I soon left Auckland commuter traffic in our rear vision mirror as we headed to Takou River for a winter escape. The drive from Pukekohe was awash with stormy weather – I expletively questioned the validity of the expression, ‘the winterless north’. However, as if by magic, once we hit Kerikeri (roughly 25 minutes south of Takou River), the sun smiled on us, setting the scene for a perfect weekend. To say Ian and Anna Sizer’s Takou River property is secluded is an understatement; although not too far off State Highway 10, it is a delightful oasis complete with bush and native gardens. The couple has obviously worked very hard to create this retreat, yet also to make it seem effortlessly in keeping with its environment. While the primary reason to visit Takou River has to be relaxation and leisure, partner and I discovered Ian was more than willing to ‘talk shop’, explaining many crafty ways he and Anna manage to live ‘off the grid’. From harnessing solar and hydro power, to making the most of bore and tank water, and optimising garden space, including extensive native plantings, the couple could provide a veritable masterclass on how to live in harmony with the land. Lifestylers or anyone keen on self-sufficiency could learn a lot from this most industrious couple. Featuring five self-contained cottages, varying in size, (partner and I stayed in the smallest, the Magic Cottage) the property really does allow guests to get away from it all. And yet, this is no ‘back to basics’ retreat. Sure, the Magic Cottage has no WiFi, cell phone reception or (shock horror!) TV, but it does have full kitchen facilities and internet available through www.ruralliving.co.nz

the office and the nearby Lodge. Overall, finding the right word for this cosy (yet delightfully decorated and functional) cabin is tough, but I’ll give it a go... wow! Ian and Anna’s taste in decor is exquisite. All those little touches – such as fresh lilies on the nightstand and flowers floating in the cottage’s own private, outdoor bath (with hot water on tap) – stitch this luxurious fabric together. While bereft of some ‘mod cons’, Takou River does offer outdoor activities, including kayaks – with which to explore

the river – and bushwalks. Historic sites and crafty shopping are also in abundance nearby, particularly in Kerikeri, Waitangi and Paihia. Chilly temperatures and occasional showers saw us favour sites and shopping over forest trails, although I did brave a very quick dip in the river! A highlight of the stay was our evening in the Kiwi Hot Tub, as part of our Riverside Romance package. Sampling a bottle of bubbles, we soaked up the atmosphere in a little pool of pleasure while watching the river roll by.

WAIAU PA TURF Just roll over soil and water often, especially in the dry. Order as much as you need. To order, email willowbrook.farm@xtra.co.nz

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

Turf type: Native Kikuyu Uses: Sports grounds & house lawns Features: Tough in basically any weather. Hardwearing, outstanding appearance and colour, grows fast, ideal for coastal areas, easy to maintain, good for around pool areas, weed resistant.

71 Saddleton Rd, Waiau Pa, RD4 Pukekohe Phone 09 232 1008, mob 0272 489 813 email willowbrook.farm@xtra.co.nz 120305-v2

www.ruralliving.co.nz

A quick note: those keen on a little ‘glamping’ should check out this option at Takou River. Located near the Kiwi Hot Tub, it’s glamping with a capital G! Although this escape would be better suited to summer loving than as a winter getaway, bring the 4x4 (the road down is steep and could be difficult after heavy rain), a good book and (most importantly) great company, and it’s sure to offer a gratifying experience at any time of year. So much so that as we grudgingly packed our bags on the final day, we wondered if it would be possible to simply claim squatters’ rights and barricade ourselves in! On the ‘happy wife, happy life’ scale, Takou River raises the bar so high Olympic hurdlers would struggle to step up, and the missus is already hinting (with the subtlety of a sledgehammer!) that we should return come summer. Note: Accommodation options vary; gourmet dinners and spa treatments are available with some packages. See takouriver.com for details.

Engineering Supplies & Service • Bearings & Seals • Steel Sales • FASTENINGS – all types • Chains & Sprockets • Galvanised & High Tensile Chain • Wire Rope • V-Belts • TOOLS • Manufacture of replacement machine parts

Since 1957

143-145 Manukau Rd, Pukekohe • Ph 09 238 3281 53848-v2

Fax 09 238 6019 • Email wallaceheron@xtra.co.nz

Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 47

Win! Kid’s book duo Dinosaurs with messy rooms and fashion-conscious jungle cats... who could ask more from a Puffin, Penguin or a Red Fox, for that matter!

Early Mathematics By Cheryl McKinstry, Suits & Gumboots Country Daycare Exposing children to as many opportunities as possible to broaden and widen their knowledge before their next journey at school is on the mind of many parents. While many of us think of mathematics as being 10+10=20, before a child can get to this stage there are many key skills and understandings that we can first help them with. As parents and educators we can encourage children to explore the world of mathematics through numerous ways such as counting steps to the front door, asking children to help set the table, first thinking about how many people there will be and then counting out the utensils and getting them to add ingredients into our baking. Playing board games or counting down on a calendar for a big event are other great opportunities for mathematical foundations to develop. Talking to children about concepts such as full and empty, more than or less than, adding and taking away, and sharing out toys into groups of the same item or amounts is a key component. Linking colours, shapes and sizes into our daily descriptions can be easily done along with building an understanding of one-to-one correspondence and pointing to objects when counting so the understanding of counting is developed. Building with blocks enables children at all stages to think about size, balance, construction, prediction, cause and effect, problem solving and so much more. Mathematics is not limited to only numbers; it encompasses many concepts which most of us use on a daily basis and take for granted. Language is the key – talk, describe and have fun with your children, in the bath, going for walks, helping out with daily chores, in the paddock or in the backyard, searching in the garden or even at the park. Language and the exposure to concepts all aid in encouraging children to grow curious minds.

Suits & Gumboots Country Daycare 12 Helenslee Rd, Pokeno. 46 Waerenga Rd, Te Kauwhata Phone 0800 464656 www.suitsandgumboots.co.nz 48 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

Stripes! No, Spots! Are stripes all right with you, or are spots tops in your books? The claws are out (well, not literally!) when two big cats (Tiger and Leopard) take their quarrel over the best fur features to the Jungle Council. This ‘colourful, fabulously fashion-conscious and shrewdly funny book’, is designed to delight children aged 3-10. ◆◆Vasanti Unka: Stripes! No, Spots | RRP $25 | Puffin / Penguin Random House

The Dinosaur That Pooped The Bed When Danny doesn’t tidy his room he really puts his foot in it with his mum. Luckily the devious dinosaur has a monster of a plan... Can Danny fake it until he makes it, or will he actually have to make his bed (and more) anyway? ◆◆Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter: The Dinosaur That Pooped The Bed | RRP $19.99 | Red Fox / Penguin Random House To be in to win BOTH of these top titles, enter at ruralliving.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close November 30, 2105. Winner notified by phone or email.

sneak-er looks for sunnier days When the gumboots come off, the sneakers go on and Skechers Twinkle Toes range for chic young misses combines fun and colourful styles with every day practicality. The slip-on style with velcro fastening means there’s no fuss fumbling around with laces. Glittering sequins and sparkle details are also unique to every shoe so your youngster will be sure to find the perfect pair for her! Skechers Twinkle Toes RRP $89.90 www.ruralliving.co.nz

Roman if you dare to! Title: Dictator Genre: Historical fiction Author: Robert Harris Rating: ★★★★★ Reviewed by: JON RAWLINSON

orget dirty politics, in ancient Rome statecraft was downright filthy! With the sun setting on the Roman Republic and civil war on the cards, Marcus Tullius Cicero, is at centre stage. Whether his cunning will help the orator, lawyer and politician weather the storm is revealed in this scintillating novel, based on historical events. Falling in and out of favour, as fortunes of Rome’s eminent and notorious statesmen twist and turn, Cicero attempts to safeguard his principles and devotion to democracy. From the duplicitous Pompey and brutish Milo, to ruthless pretty boy Clodius and the ever menacing Julius Caesar, Cicero has friends, enemies and

‘frenemies’ in the highest of places with which to contend. And their ambitions often lead to more than derisive heckling and hurt feelings – Caesar, for one, makes John Key look like Mother Teresa – albeit with a few more bad ‘habits’! This book could be described as Yes Minister meets Up Pompeii meets The Twelve Caesars. It is a serious commentary on politics at heart, but Harris’s deliciously subversive humour provides many a laugh along the way as well. While Dictator is the last in a trilogy (also Imperium and Conspirata – aka Lustrum) focused on Cicero’s career, it is not entirely necessary to first read the preceding works. Some knowledge of Roman history is advantageous, allowing appreciation of more subtle points. However, while history books can be a little bland, with Dictator Harris dishes

up a luscious feast which, much like revenge, can be enjoyed cold! ◆◆Robert Harris: Dictator | RRP $38 or $60 (hardback) | Penguin Random House

Win! Dictator

by robert harris Rural Living has a copy of this book up for grabs. Complete the form at ruralliving.co.nz to enter. One entry per person/ email address; entries close November 30, 2015. Winner notified by phone or email.

R20170

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 49

Rice, rice (paper) baby! I

t’s time to say ‘Hi-de-Hi’ to healthy, spring and summer dishes. That’s what CEO of the New Zealand Nutrition Foundation and all-round happy camper, Sue Pollard contends. “Fruit and vegetables are affordable, highly nutritious foods that not only taste great but also help to protect against major illnesses,” she says. “Because most are low in calories and fill us up, eating plenty of vegetables has the added bonus of helping to maintain a healthy weight.” So, to kick the season off in style, here’s a recipe that’s twice as rice for half the price:

Avocado and Mango Rice Paper Rolls INGREDIENTS ◆◆10 rice paper wrappers (or more) ◆◆ 2 avocados, slice each into 10 wedges – sprinkle with lemon ◆◆Juice of 1 lemon ◆◆1/4 red cabbage ◆◆1 handful rocket or spinach ◆◆ 2 carrots - cut into long thin strips (approximately 8cm) ◆◆1 mango, peeled and sliced lengthways ◆◆ 1/2 handful of coriander leaves

Dipping sauce ◆◆2 tablespoons honey ◆◆1/4 cup soy sauce ◆◆1 teaspoon grated ginger ◆◆ 1 red and green chilli, sliced thinly at an angle ◆◆2 cloves of garlic, crushed ◆◆Juice of ½ a lemon

method Mix dipping sauce ingredients together and refrigerate until ready to serve. Fill a large, shallow dish (large enough to fit the rice paper) with warm-hot water. Wet a clean tea towel and

Win! Simple Salads

by Penny Oliver When we saw this book was due for release we thought it looked delightful; then the ‘penny’ dropped. Considering it’s by the same famous food writer as One Dish Dinners, we simply had to ask Oliver for more! Featuring a comprehensive variety of salads – based around grains and pulses, noodles, fragrant herbs and vegetables, with meat or fish – Simple Salads is set to become a classic. And Rural Living has a copy up for grabs – see ruralliving.co.nz for details. ◆◆Penny Oliver: Simple Salads – fresh and easy seasonal salads | RRP $40 | Penguin NZ 50 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

wrap around a chopping board. Submerge rice papers, one at a time, in the water for 20-30 seconds or until softened. Place the first of these on tea towel. Arrange two wedges of avocado in a row in the middle of the paper; alternate with strips of mango, carrot, red cabbage, salad greens and a little coriander. Fold the short side of the paper over ingredients until covered. Fold in each side and roll to seal ingredients. Repeat for each roll and refrigerate until ready to serve. Recipe provided by 5+ A Day. See 5aday.co.nz/recipes for more.

Nutrition in a nutshell! Foodies are sure to go nuts over Chantal Organic’s new, whole, certified organic peanut butter. It’s cholesterol-free and has no added sugar or additives – the perfect go-to option for a healthy, delicious spread. Made entirely from unpeeled, Redskin peanuts with just a pinch of locally-sourced, natural sea salt, Chantal Whole Peanut Butter is New Zealand-made and comes as crunchy or smooth. Chantal Whole Peanut Butter (RRP $7.49), available at organic stores, supermarkets and specialty stores around New Zealand. www.ruralliving.co.nz

dining Mains $10-$24 = $ Mains $25-$34 = $$ Mains $35+ = $$$

TUAKAU HOTEL

RED SHED PALAZZO COUNTRY CAFE

GINGER INDIAN CUISINE PUKEKOHE

Elsie’s Restaurant in the award-winning Tuakau Hotel offers classical dining with elegant country ambiance. For an intimate evening out or a group celebration, Elsie’s Restaurant is the popular choice and can cater for up to 60 guests. Enjoy a fantastic menu created by our Executive Chef Jacqui Brown with locally sourced ingredients, adding a city sophistication to traditional menu favourites. Book your table today and try what our region has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you.

Tucked down Jesmond Rd, just one kilometre from the motorway off-ramp at Drury, Red Shed Palazzo is a stylish eatery nestled amongst beautiful country gardens. Family (and dog) friendly with a children’s playground, the tranquil environment offers relaxed indoor/ outdoor dining and is perfect for special occasions.

Craving for that spicy fragrance Indian dishes are known for? Come and dine at Ginger Indian Restaurant in Pukekohe.

1-3 George Street, Tuakau. Ph 09 236 8084. restaurant@tuakauhotel.co.nz Open Monday-Sunday 10am-10pm or by arrangement for group functions

LICENSED

Red Shed Palazzo is a fully licensed country cafe offering a mouth-watering menu of creative breakfasts, well-balanced lunches, outstanding cake/dessert selection and delicious ALLPRESS coffee.

LICENSED

• $10 Dinner Special* (Mon, Tues, Wed only) • $10 Lunch Special* (Mon to Sun) *conditions apply 10 King Street, Pukekohe. Ph: 09 238 8338 or 09 238 7165 www.gingerpukekohe.co.nz

64 Jesmond Road, Karaka. Ph 09 294 6687. Open 7 days, 8.30am-4pm. www.redshedpalazzo.co.nz

We serve the best in South Asian cuisine from entrees to main course, salads, and desserts. Choose from a range of full meals with biryani rice, an assortment of meat from chicken, lamb, goat and seafood. We’re also fully licensed and BYO.

LICENSED

THE VILLAGE BAR & KITCHEN

SZIMPLA GASTRO BAR

STARBOARD SIDE BISTRO

The Village Bar offers you a great vibe and delicious food. Come along and soak up the atmosphere in the bar or all-weather garden bar and enjoy casual dining prepared by our experienced kitchen staff. Our authentic Italian home baked breads and sourdough pizza bases make our pizzas a very popular choice!

There’s nothing Szimpla than dropping in at a popular gastro bar for a taste of great food and atmosphere. Stop and linger before or after a flight, and revel in the magic of Szimpla’s beautiful Balinese courtyard and contemporary decor. Close to accommodation and the airport; forget the hassle, just sit back, relax and enjoy the Szimplicity. Weekend brunches from 10am.

Starboard Side Bistro at The Kentish Hotel is an excellent place to relax, catch up with friends or family. Our warm hospitality and great menu are sure to impress. Our large covered deck overlooking the Waiuku Estuary is a perfect spot for a relaxing weekend afternoon. Excellent restaurant with quality food at reasonable prices.

• fuNCTION SPACES available up to 120 people

• MEMBERS DRAW EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT • LIVE MUSIC MOST WEEKENDS • PORTSIDE BAR FOR FUNCTIONS & WEDDINGS

• Courtesy Van free pick up/drop off • Members night every Tuesday • Quiz night every Wednesday • Chase the Ace game night every Thursday • Bikers nights third Thursday of every month 1 Patumahoe Rd, Franklin. Ph 09 236 3571. Mon to Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 10am-late www.thevillagebar.co.nz

LICENSED www.ruralliving.co.nz

$-$$

• $12.90 LuNCh SPECIALS – 12-3pm Mon-Fri 2 Leonard Isitt Dr, Auckland Airport. Ph 215 1220. Open 7 days 10am-late. info@szimpla.co.nz • www.szimpla.co.nz

LICENSED

5 Queen Street, Waiuku. Ph 09 235 8367 ext 1. Open daily 11am-1am www.thekentishhotel.co.nz

LICENSED

Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 51

new friends - and there are many ways you can help. HELP US HELP US HELP US HELP NATURE HELP HELP NATURE NATURE

Photo: David Hallett

For the price of a couple of coffees each week, you Photo: canDavid Hallett For price&of a couple coffees each you Photo: canDavid Hallett helpthe Forest Bird protectofand restore of week, New Zealand’s help Forest & Bird protect and restore of New Zealand’s For the price of a couple of coffees each week, you can unique wildlife and wild places. unique wildlife andprotect wild places. help Forest & Bird and restore of New Zealand’s Become a Nature’s voice member With so many of New Zealand’s unique wildlife wild Become a Nature’s member With sonative many of Newand Zealand’s and you will receivevoice complimentary unique animals, plants andplaces. unique plants and habitats at riskanimals, weNew need your support With sonative many of Zealand’s habitats at riskanimals, needplants your support to give nature awe greater voice. unique native and to give nature awe greater voice. habitats riskare need your support Forest & at Bird an independent to give&nature a greater voice. Forest Birdt organisation. are an independent not-for-profi We have not-for-profi t organisation. We natural have been protecting New Zealand Forest & Bird are an independent been protecting Newand Zealand environment land inWe thenatural sea, not-for-profi t on organisation. have environment land and in the sea, since Ason the governor general been 1923. protecting New Zealand natural since the governor general said in1923. 2009,As “It island diffi cult in tothe imagine environment on and sea, said 2009,As “It is diffi cult to general imagine New Zealand without the Royal sincein 1923. the governor New Zealand without the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society.” said in 2009, “It is difficult to imagine Forest and Bird Protection Society.” New Zealand without the Royal

Please contact Wendy Stanmore now if you can help on: (09) 2983108 or wendy.stanmore@hospice.co.nz

Volunteer in our our charity charity shops, shops, have have fun fun Volunteer in whilst whilst supporting supporting the the work work of of Hospice. Hospice.

and you will receive complimentary membership of Forest & Bird, and Become a Nature’s voice member membership of Forest & Bird,you andwill with yourwill additional support and you receive complimentary with your additional support you be helping usofprotect and restore our membership Forest & Bird, andwill be us ensuring protect and our environment, thatrestore there will withhelping your additional support you will environment, ensuring thatrestore therefor will always be aus natural environment be helping protect and our always a natural environment you andbeyour children. environment, ensuring that therefor will you andbeyour children. always a natural environment for you and your children.

Forest and Bird Help Protection Society.” us help nature at www.forestandbird.org.nz/joinus Help us help nature at www.forestandbird.org.nz/joinus

Help us help nature at www.forestandbird.org.nz/joinus

Join a friendly at shops, the heart offun your local Volunteer in ourteam charity have Join asupporting friendly team the heart of yourshops. local community in one of at our Totara Hospice whilst the work of Hospice.

community in one of our Totara Hospice Our dedicated and caring volunteers need more help!shops. Turn kindly goods into much neededneed support forhelp! our patients Ourdonated dedicated and caring volunteers more Join a friendly team at the heart of your local and their families. Full training is provided, a great chance to meet community ingoods of much our Totara Hospice Turn kindly into needed support forhelp ourshops. newdonated friends -one and there are many ways you can . patients and their families. Full training is provided, a great chance Our dedicated and caring volunteers need more help!to meet new friends - and there are many ways you can help. Turn kindly donated goods intoStanmore much needed forhelp our patients Please contact Wendy now support if you can and their Full training is provided, a great chance to meet on:families. (09) 2983108 or wendy.stanmore@hospice.co.nz new friends - and there are many ways you can help. Totara Hospice, Charles Prevost Manurewa Please contact140 Wendy Stanmore now Drive, if you can help

Totara Hospice, 140 Charles Prevost Drive, Manurewa on: (09) 2983108 or wendy.stanmore@hospice.co.nz Please contact Wendy Stanmore now if you can help

on:Hospice, (09) 2983108 wendy.stanmore@hospice.co.nz Totara 140 or Charles Prevost Drive, Manurewa Totara Hospice, 140 Charles Prevost Drive, Manurewa

The Acacia Cove lifestyle Acacia Cove is a country-style village situated on the beautiful Wattle Downs Peninsula. For those who appreciate the tranquility of an estuary setting Acacia Cove has it all, as well as its own restaurant, heated indoor pool, library, bowling green and gym. Whether you choose to live in a villa or one of our luxurious apartments, you’ll have the security of a 24 hour, fully monitored emergency call system built in. If you’re aged 60 or over, value your independence but want greater security, come and have a look at the superb properties we have to offer. A right to occupy dwelling at Acacia Cove Village is unsecured.

New Zealand Owned and Operated

Wattle Farm Rd, Wattle Downs, Manurewa Ph 268 8522 • Email: bruce@kirkdale.co.nz www.acaciacovevillage.co.nz SC3515

52 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Right ‘Hon’, Guy! There’s nothing fishy about the way our mate, Nate from MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries), goes about his business. From border protection to the farming industry, Nathan Guy is clear where his duty lies, as Rural Living discovered when reviewing some of his latest enterprises. Nathan is the Guy with onions Peel back the layers and there’s plenty of substance to our mate, Nate! This was apparent when he and Hunua MP, Andrew Bayly, recently stopped by at Pukekohe’s Campbell Tyson Business Centre. While the ministers took time to field questions regarding issues across primary industries, the principle reason for their visit was to sign a Deed of the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) for Biosecurity Readiness and Response with Onions New Zealand Inc. The agreement is designed to ensure MPI and primary industries take a united stand in preventing foreign pests from crossing the border and dealing with them should they slip the net. “These agreements are all about partnership. This [agreement] means the onion industry and the MPI can work together to manage and respond to the most important biosecurity risks,” Mr Guy said. “Biosecurity is a shared responsibility and we need the input of industry and the public to make the system effective.” Onions NZ became the fifth primary industry to sign; other signatories to the GIA Deed are: New Zealand Pork, Kiwifruit Vine Health, Pipfruit New Zealand, and the New Zealand Equine Health Association. Mr Guy confirmed that, as the onion industry’s export value equates to approximately $100m, its signing is particularly important. Andrew Bayly added that Pukekohe was the logical place to sign the agreement. “We could have signed this agreement in Wellington, but, given the importance of the industry to the area, we specifically chose to sign it in Pukekohe instead.”

Guy gets (Trans)pacifiC Dairy me and goodness, gracious, (Tim) Groser, what an effort to finalise a Pacific trade deal in Atlanta! While the TPP (Transpacific Partnership) trade agreement isn’t all Nathan Guy, Tim Groser (Trade Minister) and PM, John Key (let alone other www.ruralliving.co.nz

parties) hoped for, at least now it’s signed. Nate said the deal is a boost to farmers, fishers, foresters and growers. “This is exciting news... tariffs on beef to TPP countries will be eliminated, with the exception of Japan, [reduced from 38.5 to nine percent]. Beef will enjoy unrestricted access to the USA after five years. This is something our farmers have been seeking for decades,” he said. Other primary industries (such as fruit and veg, sheep meat, forestry products, seafood, and wine) will have tariffs removed. However, the milk of economic kindness doesn’t quite extend to dairy, where they largely remain in place. “I’m disappointed we couldn’t get a stronger outcome for dairy, but it still gives us better access. Products such as cheese, infant formula and ice cream will have improved access into some very big consumer markets.”

Fishing for compliments In the eyes of some, Nathan Guy has gone to the head of the class thanks to MPI’s commitment to an A+ sustainability standard for aquaculture. Launched in late September, the A+ Environmental Sustainability Management Framework is designed to promote and maximise the value of aquaculture products. “We are never going to be the biggest producer of seafood in the world, but we can be the best,” he said. “The A+ programme will deliver strong, measurable and progressive sustainability standards which will be independently audited, verified and widely recognised.” Supported by the Sustainable Farming Fund (to the tune of $256,000), A+ is an example of industry and government working together, Guy contends. “[It] will help inform consumers, who are increasingly interested in the backstory and environmental footprint of products, [and] help products such as salmon, mussels and oysters stand out in the global market.”

Meat – the minister Milk men at Fonterra may have been short on delivery, but Nathan Guy trucks no beef. Instead, the intrepid man with (more than one) plan at Primary Industries seems to suggest farmers go on the lamb! Announcing the new ‘Targeting New Wealth with High Health’ Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) programme recently, he said a focus on premium lamb products could yield rich rewards. “The programme aims to reach existing and emerging markets with premium lamb products with improved health qualities,” he said. “It will build on our reputation as a producer of premium, healthy and innovative food, and deliver benefits to all parts of the value chain.” The programme results from collaboration between Alliance Group, Headwaters New Zealand and MPI. A total investment of up to $25 million has been secured. Guy expects it to deliver an additional $400m to the primary sector over 25 years.

Nate marshals border forces... again! Giving travellers with veritable menageries of delicacies in their luggage a stern talking-to might not be a task of which wars are made. However, to MPI, such duties are worthy of martial mobilisation. Anticipating a busy summer campaign protecting our borders from foreign pests (and the rich variety of banned substances they may be carrying!), MPI has recruited another 50 frontline staff. MPI’s Border Clearance director, Steve Gilbet, says recruits undertook weeks of operational training, including an 18-day stint at Burham military camp. “It looks like there will be record numbers of visitors arriving and we’re very conscious of the increasing fruit fly threat,” he said. “All MPI frontline roles require dedication, camaraderie and discipline – so the military camp is an important part of the training.” Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 53

Here comes the (St) Bride’s W ith this book writer Linda Burgess and photographer Robert Burgess provide an altogether religious

experience! Chronicling their travels while visiting historic, unique, quirky, architecturally significant, weather-beaten, downtown and back-of-beyond churches across the country, Historic Churches: A Guide to Over 60 Early New Zealand Churches has

more than just a story or two to tell. What’s more, one of Franklin’s churches is featured, Mauku’s St Bride’s. Linda writes: “St Bride’s is a modest, pretty little church, sitting calmly on its knoll, surrounded by its churchyard, with no sign that its past contained considerable strife. St Bride’s was built in about 1860 and was garrisoned soon after its completion. The unrest was such that

at that stage women and children were placed on a schooner in the harbour.” What was this unrest you ask? See pages 82-85 of Historic Churches to learn more about the history one of our region’s most delightful landmarks. ◆◆Linda Burgess: Historic Churches: A Guide to Over 60 Early New Zealand Churches | RRP $50 | Penguin Random House NZ

Excerpt and photographs reproduced with permission.

Historic St Bride’s Church, Mauku

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Rural Living has a copy of Historic Churches and one of Kupapa: The Bitter Legacy of Maori Alliances with the Crown up for grabs. To be in to win either of these books, enter at ruralliving.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close November 30, 2015. Winner notified by phone or email.

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While mainstream views of history can ‘gloss over’ more controversial and complex realities, historians such as former lawyer, Ron Crosby, delve into every aspect of any given case. In Kupapa, Ron explores the reality of the New Zealand Wars, confronting the widely held misconception that the wars between Crown and Maori featured clear lines of allegiance. Telling the story of Maori who (depending on definition and situation) were neutral or allied to the Crown, this book seeks to understand their motives 54 — Rural Living — October - November 2015

in struggles with other native New Zealanders. From promises of security with the Treaty of Waitangi to (effectively) a series of bloody conflicts raging from 1845 to 1872, Kupapa proves civil wars are anything but. History is never clear cut; however, Ron provides an accessible, intricately crafted book which could be considered essential reading for any wishing to better understand our shared past. ◆◆Ron Crosby: Kupapa: The Bitter Legacy of Maori Alliances with the Crown | RRP $65 | Penguin NZ www.ruralliving.co.nz

Out and about

with

Franklin district enjoyed a cavalcade of events over the past month ranging from sports events to the Franklin Bride of the Year. Here’s a snapshot of all the fun.

Bill Deed and Peter hook were in charge of the sound system for the day at The Franklin Positive Ageing Expo held at the Pukekohe Indian Association Hall.

Harrisville School students received their much coveted check for a $10,000 working bee out of the hands of Tuakau ITM’s Glenn (‘Podge’)Graham during halftime of a game between the Steelers and Auckland.

Constable Richards from Pukekohe with a very seriously looking baby George who went along to the town square recently to check out the new SelectaDNA caravan and police tractor.

Sarah Parkinson, Shiree Taylor and Liz Edmonds of Waiuku Scouts were part of the 100 year celebrations, which included a fantastic looking cake, held at Waiuku.

Left: Franklin Bride of the Year 2015, held at The Pukekohe Indian Hall. The winner, Michele and her groom Andrew Chawner, share a moment before they paraded along the catwalk. Right: Former student, Holly Noakes, and her dog, Max, had a great time at Mauku School’s family day out. Below: Miah-Eve McMurtie’s calf, Crystal, was very well behaved throughout the day at Mauku’s family day. Natalie ‘Stol’ the show at the Pukekohe Fashion Parade

Leighroy Paparoa, Cheyenne Muru-Albert, Anahera Taylor and Kiani Muru-Albert thoroughly enjoy the new playground in Tuakau, with the basket swing being their favourite item to play on. Alexandra Stuart-Burton with her calf Rainbow Dash at the Glenbrook School Calf Club. Ethan Innes with Patches, a Kunekune cross, at Hunua Calf Club.

Nigel Griffiths from Coastguard Waiuku scooped two Tuakau’s, Elliot Clark, goes in forVolunteer a slide tackle on Year awards recently - Unit Support of the Pukekohe’s, Clint Hotson, at the semi-finals forJohn Award and overall supreme winner of the Dr Counties Taylor,the Volunteer ofCup. the Year Award.

Che Harcombe’s lamb, Pancake, was all smiles for Calf Club Day at Sandspit Road School.

Brooke Cassidy, Shannon Seel and Louise Ruiterman from Waiuku College anticipate the chop of Shane Burns’ pony tails for Canteen.

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Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 55

At home with festive ramble Two extraordinary homes in Karaka, one contemporary, one period, which feature in the upcoming Christmas in Karaka Ramble, share a common heritage. ANGELA KEMP takes a sneak peek behind the scenes.

f you’re lucky, you might see a ghost of Christmas past at the beautifullyrestored period home of Bru and Linda Goldfinch. They moved the double-storied Arts and Crafts house from its original site at Kidd Road seven years ago and have only just moved in after extensive renovations. The couple say several unexplained incidents have led them to suspect the house is being protected by a benevolent spirit; the first happened before the house had been moved. “When we took photos of the house before we shifted it, there was a clear face of a woman in the window of the pump shed. It wasn’t there when the photo was taken but appeared when the film was developed,” said Linda. “Then, Bru was working here early one morning when he heard someone coming up the stairs. The dogs heard it too and looked up, but there was nothing there. Another time all the doors were slamming in the house but at the time, there weren’t any doors.” Linda fell in love with the house when just a child. “According to my mother, I loved it from when I was four years old. It’s a dream come true to be living here and despite all the hard work it’s been a labour of love. There hasn’t been a single night it didn’t feel like home.” The couple rushed to buy the house when they heard it was due to be demolished and moved it to a one and

Bru and Linda Goldfinch

half acre section on Dyke Road. The former sharemilkers employed local builders, and did some work themselves to bring the historic homestead back to its full glory. It was built around 1933 by local farmer Mr Carpenter who had five daughters whose descendants still farm the district. It then passed into the ownership of the Winstone family and had two further owners before coming into the Goldfinch’s possession. Having furnished it with antiques and decorated in period wall colours, the couple are going flat out to get the house picture-perfect for the festive ramble and

the wedding of daughter Krysta, a couple of weeks later. Linda has opted to prepare the house herself with traditional decorations (lots of pine and no tinsel) in keeping with the heritage of the property. Three Christmas trees in different colourways and vintage toys, including a rocking horse, promise to invoke happy memories of Christmas’ past while the home’s magnificent wooden staircase will be festooned with garlands. Linda said it will be the second time the house has been open to the public. She remembers looking around it many years ago when it featured in a kitchen and garden ramble.

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“I went round with my sister and imagined what it must be like to live in this sort of house never dreaming that we eventually would.” At the home’s original site there now stands a spectacular Stonewood property owned by Mark and Sara Chitty. The 1930s house had already been moved off the section when the Chitty’s relocated their successful thoroughbred stud, Haunui Farm from Clevedon to Karaka five years ago. Started by Mark’s grandfather in the 1950s, the Brookby stud was forced to find a new site when Transpower erected four giant pylons on the property. The move has proved fortuitous – not only do the Chittys and their children have a beautiful new home but Mark swears that “it’s a lot easier to grow horses” in Karaka. The couple’s brief to their architect was for two separate wings to the house, one for the children and one for them. A magnificent vaulted living room is the heart of the home and contains the kitchen, dining table and sitting area with a huge fireplace. “Because we do a fair bit of entertaining, we wanted it to be spacious. We were

Sara Chitty and family.

warned about the Karaka wind so have two separate outdoor living areas which are used depending on which way the wind is blowing,” says Sara. The four Chitty children, Olivia (14), Ella (13), Matthew (10) and Daniel (8) are excited at the prospect of having their lovely home especially decorated. With children in mind, this home is being designed by Party by Design in a kids’ theme with wonderful and colourful Dr Seuss decorations in the main living

Photos Wayne Martin

area. The children’s playroom will have its own Christmas tree and feature a large Lego display. Hainui Farm is also hosting the event’s Christmas marketplace where some 30 stallholders will be set up. Visitors who have pre-ordered picnic lunches from St Margaret’s Café will be able to enjoy them in the comfort of the farm’s guest house. There will also be a couple of food trucks and a coffee cart on site.

Christmas off to a cracking start Just six weeks out from Christmas some of Karaka’s most exclusive homes are throwing open their doors to raise funds for Te Hihi School. A dozen festively homes will take part in the biennial Christmas in Karaka Ramble on Saturday, November 21. Tickets include admission to inspirational homes and gardens with a suggested self-driving route. It’s also a perfect opportunity to do some Christmas shopping as there will be beautiful items to purchase both at

individual homes and at a special Christmas marketplace at Haunui Stud Farm in Kidd Road. More than 30 stalls will be selling a variety of gift ideas and visitors will be able to watch several artisans at work. A guest house at the farm is serving pre-ordered lunches which patrons can enjoy while listening to musical entertainment from Te Hihi schoolchildren. Devonshire teas will also be available at some of the other venues taking part in the ramble.

Ten designers plus two talented home owners will style the homes, their brief to keep each home’s integrity while highlighting its best feature. Visitors can expect to see some novel themes and outstanding decorations in the ramble, considered one of the district’s most popular events. christmasinkaraka.co.nz

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room is used only four times a year, perhaps heat this independently. If you like the look of a flame and want a gas or wood burner, consider a heat transfer kit to assist with the heat distribution. Many brands and models now offer this. If your home is too warm in the summer months, insulation may improve this, however, if not, you may want to look at an all in one heating and cooling option. Should you install central heating, would you be better off with a gas heating system for the radiators, or an electric heating system? What about ducted heating systems and a gas water heater or, perhaps, underfloor heating? What are alternative solutions to heating and ventilating the bathroom? It’s important to make the right choice, so you’ll get the maximum benefit from your investment. However, you may receive conflicting advice when doing your homework. At Refresh we will help you look at all the options while considering your needs and budget to achieve a sustainable solution.

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eptember resulted in a new national record median price up +15.4% on September last year. This, along with a volume of sales increase of 38.3% for the September month, year on year, has resulted in a pumped up national real estate market. However, the new IRD number requirement may have taken wind out of the Auckland market (one large agency reported a fall in sales under the hammer for the last week of September) with buyers possibly transferring their interest to the other regions. REINZ chief executive, Colleen Milne, says there is continued evidence of Auckland investors and first home buyers spreading to other regions and causing a “halo” effect, most notably in the Northland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.

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As trees blossom and fruit starts to form, the pests come out to play too! In particular gardeners won’t want the caterpillars of the codling moth hatching inside growing crop of apples. Apples trees everywhere are producing blossoms which drop, leaving young fruit exposed to this aggressive moth. Try using pheromone traps (that’s the sticky stuff you hang in the tree) and you’ll have a reasonable chance of dealing to these little blighters. There’s also another great remedy – Success Ultra. Digger Dan used this last season and had perfect apples for a change. The trick is to begin the spray programme now as petals fall and keep it up – don’t spray once then forget about it! Success Ultra is a naturalyte, yet does the same job as a chemical. While there’s plenty of planting ahead, some gardens may already have a wealth of coloured stem silverbeet (also known as Swiss chard). Very pretty and so good for you, it would be a pity to waste this

nutritious vegetable so here’s a yum recipe to try:

SilverBeet Pie Grab several bunches. Remove and wash leaves, chopping coarsely. Use about half the stems, wash and slice finely. Sauté some onion then add stems and stir. Add leaves and cook off ingredients until the moisture is gone. In a bowl mix up 2 cups of cheeses – eg cottage, soft goat’s, feta or parmesan, adding salt, pepper and nutmeg. Mix in silverbeet, an egg (lightly beaten) and some chopped coriander or mint. Thaw a roll of Paneton Bakery’s butter flaky pastry. Place filling along one side lengthways and lift the flap over it, pressing the edges together all round. Brush with egg. Bake at 190˚ for 40 mins. Serve.

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Rural Living — October - November 2015 — 59

Home on the Ranger By Alistair Davidson It’s unlikely many Wildtracks will see this kind of treatment, but it’s reassuring to know that the Ford is as capable around the back paddock as it is on the open road.

lthough Ford NZ is describing its 2015 Ford Ranger as ‘new’, reality is the design team in Australia took an ‘if it’s not broke, don’t fix it’ approach to the midlife makeover. Ranger certainly isn’t ‘broke’. Not only did Ranger knock Hilux off its perch as the number one selling light commercial, it went on to take number one spot in the new vehicle sales race. So, what made Ranger so special? For starters, it was car-like in the way it drove and in the cabin design and comfort. On road it handled well, and the 3.2-litre turbo-diesel was a strong performer. Off road it proved to be a more than capable workhorse. Being one of the best looking trucks around didn’t hurt its cause either. New Ranger builds on those strengths, without doing anything major; apart from the American F150 truck inspired grille you’ll be hard pressed to pick the new model. Ian Cole, one of the product development chiefs in the new Ranger programme, was over from Aussie for the launch at the new Kauri Bay Boomrock activity and function resort near Clevedon. Cole explained that ‘new’ Ranger’s upgrade consisted of numerous small improvements that enhance its overall refinement, driveability, economy and emissions. The engine’s turbo was redesigned, and the fuel injection system was recalibrated. Although it doesn’t sound like a biggie, Cole says that changing the hydraulic power steering pump to electric (EPAS) was one of the biggest enhancements. “It’s more direct, self calibrating, and can counter steering wheel vibration.”

Photo Alistair Davidson

New engine and transmission mounts, a lower engine idle speed and a change to some models’ final drive ratios reduce noise, vibration and harshness. There’s improved launch feel (initial response when the accelerator is pressed), and an electronically controlled diff is standard on specific models. “It’s a $10,500 walk from 2WD to 4WD models, so adding diff lock to 2WD variants makes them great value,” explains Cole. The cabin has been modernised with more soft-feel surfaces, a car-like instrument panel and fascia, inbuilt SatNav (no app based) and better voice activation with Sync 2 (XLT and Wildtrack). At the launch, media tested Ranger around Kauri Bay Boomrock’s 4WD adventure loop, and then Rural Living had a range-topping Wildtrack for a week.

Experiencing Ranger off-road, then commuting and taking it away for a weekend with a mountain bike in the tray, highlighted why new-car buyers are moving away from family sedans wagons and SUVs and opting for highspecification pick-ups. There’s the interior room; the ability to tow 3500kg braked; a good-size tray for lifestyle equipment/loads and dirty items; a cabin that has all the creature comforts; and a raft of active and passive safety features. With Ranger’s impressive driving dynamics, you won’t be ‘wishing you’d taken the car’ halfway through a road trip. New Ranger starts at $36,040 for the 2WD XL single cab/chassis through to $69,640 for the Wildtrack double cab auto.

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Phone 022 027 0290 AWCI (Licenced tradesman)

Washing machines • Dryers Dishwashers • Ovens • Cooktops Ranges • Refrigeration Waste Disposals • Range Hoods KAT3882

MORTON TIMBER CO. LTD For all your timber and hardware supplies Phone: 292 8656 Mobile: 021 943 220 Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-5pm, Sat till noon Email: mortontimber@xtra.co.nz Web: www.mortontimber.co.nz

BE0152

David Lawrie Dan Madsen www.madsen-lawrie.co.nz Email: office@madsen-lawrie.co.nz

ACCREDITED BUILDING CONSENT AUTHORITY

APPLIANCE SERVICING

LAND SUbDIvISION

Contact

TILES on elliot KAT3939

29b Elliot St Papakura

ILES

P: 09 214 6044

Come and see us for a free consultation, great advice, and award winning design. Phone 09 239 2226 Address: 171 Manukau Road, Pukekohe

Visit us online at www.mastercraft.co.nz

www.ruralliving.co.nz

F: 09 299 2587 E: tilesonelliot@vodafone.co.nz R11071-V2

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