Rural Living September-October 2016 by Times Media

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ruralliving.co.nz

September/October 2016

Warming to Icelandics Horses with Husted

Augie Pulu Up for cup

Mind, Body and Soul Health & Fitness

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Brought to you by members of Franklin’s

Largest Rural/Lifestyle Sales Team PUKEKOHE | TUAKAU PUKEKOHE 68 King St, PO Box 147, Pukekohe | bus. 09 238 7019 | fax. 09 238 7018 | www.barfoot.co.nz/pukekohe The Bathtub – Show Me Shorts Film Festival

october ■ HOME & GARDEN waikato home & garden Show October 6-9, times vary, Claudelands Arena, Brooklyn Rd, Hamilton What’s hot on the home front? Find out during the Waikato Home & Garden Show. From building and renovation ideas, to those finishing touches, this event is designed to showcase the latest trends inside and out. For more information, see waikatohomeshow.co.nz.

■ SPORT & FITNESS kilwell Lower waikato River Trout contest October 1-9, Waikato River (below Karapiro Dam to the Waikato Heads) Teach a man to fish and he could win a weekend away in Waihi! With prizes across 32 categories on the line, this contest sees anglers of all levels of ability tackle trout while out and about on the river. For details, or to register, call 0800 80 80 81 or visit crossrhodesband.com/ brown-trout. pukekawa fun day Motocross October 2, from 8.30am, Mercer Ferry Road (near the bridge) Pukekawa School, Pukekawa Playcentre and Mr Motorcycles team up to host this family fun day. Quick-fire races will be held on a basic track with no manmade obstacles. No competition license required, peewee track available, and mini bikes and ATVs are also welcome. More information via mrmotorcycles.co.nz. Transworks half Marathon, fun Run & walk October 16, from 7.30am, Pukekohe Joggers & Walkers Clubrooms, Corner Station & Birch Rds, Pukekohe

Whether going for distance or going for speed, this event offers courses suited to many levels of fitness, with proceeds set to assist the tireless efforts of local charity, Silver Lining Trust. What’s more, all registered runners will receive a bag of locally-grown vegetables!

■ EXPOS & FESTIVALS franklin positive aging expo September 30, 9.30am-3pm, Pukekohe Indian Association Hall, 57 Ward St, Pukekohe Paul McCartney may have once wondered whether he’d still be needed (and fed for that matter!) when he reached 64, but much like attendees of this event, he now knows he’s just as necessary as ever! Designed to celebrate life after 65, the Franklin Positive Aging Expo showcases everything our area has to offer our seniors. For more information about this free event, email franklinpositiveaging@gmail.com or call 09 232 8859. Free transport is available to attendees aged 65 or over. equidays 2016 October 14-16, Mystery Creek Events Centre, 125 Mystery Creek Rd, Hamilton For four years already, Equidays has been a stable fixture of this country’s rural calendar, and this year is expected to be no exception. Billed as New Zealand’s premier multi-discipline equine expo, Equidays explores all things equestrian. With top level competitions, products, entertainment and more, this event routinely has equine fans experiencing the joy of jumping! For further information, see equidays.co.nz. auckland Diwali festival October 15-16, 12-9pm, Aotea Square,

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2 — Rural Living — September-October Moore2016McCardle Alderlieste Ashby Boyce

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Auckland City Aucklanders will be looking on the light side of life as Auckland’s Diwali Festival unfolds. Billed as a celebration of Auckland’s ethnic diversity, the fest will feature live entertainment (including dance, music and theatre performances), workshops for children and adults, a feast of food stalls, rides, games and more. See aucklandnz.com/diwali for details. Model Railroad exhibition 2016 October 15-16, 10am-4pm, Hamilton Gardens, Hungerford Cres, Hamilton No need for a ticket on an aeroplane (or even for a fast train for that matter) in order to be on board at an exhibition just a little down the line in Hamilton. Featuring an extensive array of trains, tracks and layouts, this event is suited to model railway enthusiasts and the general public. See hmr.org.nz for details. Show Me Shorts film festival October 21-24, from 12pm, Pukekohe Cinema 3, 85 Edinburgh St, Pukekohe Who loves short shorts? We’ll keep this short and sweet: short films in smaller cinemas nationwide... fun flicks... opening night and awards ceremony at the Civic in the city, October 1... venues include Pukekohe Cinema 3 later in the month... see showmeshorts.co.nz for details!

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■ MUSIC, THEATRE & DANCE Memories that Time forgot September 28 - October 1, times vary, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Dr, Papakura The talented thespians of tomorrow take the stage today at Hawkins. In Memories that Time Forgot, HYTC (Hawkins Youth Theatre Company) presents a first with a show completely devised by a cast of 11-16 year-old actors. More information via hawkinstheatre.co.nz. auckland Live international cabaret Season September 28 – October 2, Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall, Queen St, Auckland City If life really is a cabaret (old chum), then this event (from Auckland Live) is as lively as they come! Providing a wide range of cabaret concerts, this season is set to be replete with musical moments. Please note: while most events will be held at the Town Hall, some performances will be at the Basement Theatre (Auckland City) and Freida Margolis in Grey Lynn. See aucklandlive.co.nz for more information including a full schedule of events.

band, Tower of Power, will perform work by renowned artists, as well as hits of their own. So, if you’re in the mood for grooves, get down to the centre of town! See aucklandlive.co.nz/tower-of-power for details.

perfect harmony with classical music. During a most unusual concert, Eckehard Stier will conduct a remarkable score based on music from the Final Fantasy series of video games and films. Details at apo.co.nz.

Billy elliot – the Musical October 7 – November 6, ASB Waterfront Theatre, 138 Halsey St, Auckland City The inspirational story of a young boy’s fight to make his dream come true, Billy Elliot is about to step up to the Auckland stage. Charting a plucky youngster’s journey from boxing to ballet, this toetapping hit musical shows how passion can carry us wherever our heart’s desire. For more information about this (and other fantastic Auckland Theatre Company shows) see atc.co.nz or asbbillyelliot.co.nz.

■ ART

final Symphony October 21, 8pm, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Dr, Auckland City Video may have killed the radio star but video games, it seems, can work in

The Maori Portraits – Gottfried Lindauer’s New Zealand

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original art Sale October 13-16, times vary, Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Rd, Manukau Beginning with a gala night (6.308.30pm, October 13), the Original Art Sale – billed as Auckland’s largest art market – seeks to connect talented artists with collectors and buyers. For details, see theoriginalartsale.co.nz. The Maori portraits: gottfried Lindauer’s new Zealand October 22 – February 19, 10am-5pm, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, Corner Kitchener and Wellesley St, Auckland City Depicting the raw, essential elements of humanity is a tough task for any artist to master. And, yet, acclaimed painter, Gottfried Lindauer, managed this time and time again, as a new exhibition at Auckland Art Gallery reveals. From the late 19th to early 20th centuries, Lindauer captured real people in real settings in an array of finely detailed portraits, which have themselves become preserved pieces of New Zealand’s history. For more information, see aucklandartgallery.com.

Tempo Dance festival October 4-16, times vary, Q Theatre, 305 Queen St, Auckland City Featuring a variety of performances, workshops and other dance-related events, this festival is sure to prove a moving experience! See qtheatre.co.nz for a full programme of events. Tower of power October 5, from 8pm, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Dr, Auckland City If you love da funk, have a heart for soul, or just plain feel ‘horny’ then this concert’s for you! Featuring a horn section set to tear (or blow) the roof of the centre, 10-piece American soul funk

auckland art week October 8-16, various locations Auckland-wide Voices and imagery come together, once again, in a celebration of arts throughout Auckland this month. For a full programme (includes exhibitions at Franklin Arts Centre and Papakura Art Gallery), see artweekauckland.co.nz.

Vicky

Ian Chris Nick RuralCroft Living — September-October 2016 —3 Hirini Bates 027 405 3440 021 753 096 027 226 5503 027 226 5503

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From the editor...

W MUCKING IN: Forget twoby-two, during school Calf Club, Ag, Pet and Country days, animals come in scoreby-score! This month, our cover features Year 2 Brookby School student, Hunter Norris, with his precocious porker, ‘all black’ Richie McOink. This photo was taken shortly before Brookby School’s successful Ag Day on September 18. For our latest list of upcoming Calf Club days, see page 24. Best of luck to every young local who’s ‘rearing’ to go! Photo Wayne Martin

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 Shelley Taylor DDI 09 271 8092 Email: shelley@ruralliving.co.nz Art Director: Clare McGillivray DDI 09 271 8067, Fax: 09 271 8071 Email: clare@ruralliving.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.

hat a busy month it’s been in the office. As this issue came off the press, copies were picked up and immediately ferried to the Franklin Home & Lifestyle Expo where Rural Living had a stand and our team joined in the fun. As I am personally in the throes of having a new home built in Pukekohe, I was especially interested to check out products that might help me with furnishings down the track. I really do think it’s time some of my furniture of many decades bit the dust! However, I just cannot bear to part with one dresser despite it being Mediterranean-style and dark mahogany so I have ensured my entrance foyer is wide enough to take it. I can see it becoming the easy depositary for mail and keys, which is just as well because I can never find my keys! As for the rest of the decor – light and bright is sure to be the order of the day and I can’t wait to follow up on window treatments, outdoor furniture and perhaps, a new lounge suite. House moving is still a few months off but my grandchildren are becoming excited that we will be just down the road and I’m sure my daughter and son-in-law will love having some handy baby-sitters. They haven’t had too many breaks without children in tow over the past seven years so maybe that can change. On the other hand, I can’t say I’m looking forward to peak hour traffic in and out of Franklin. That’s something I’ll have to adjust to after years of being just five minutes drive from my workplace! The good news is I will be able to work from home on certain days which also means catching up more regularly with some of our many loyal clients – can’t wait!

Life is exciting in more ways than one at present. Daylight saving is here and the weather has definitely begun to warm which means many folk are ready for an injection of joie de vivre. In this month’s Mind, Body and Soul pages there are suggestions for making time for your health and why wouldn’t you want to be fit and healthy for the summer? With that in mind also check out page 27 for the fun equestrian ribbon day to benefit breast cancer research. Then, on the WIN page, we have some great prizes including barbecue tools – bring on outdoor entertaining – some yummy Nutters snacks, Earthwise body products and a Neopol pack for those in spring cleaning mode! And, before I go, can I just ask, am I the only one who thinks Donald Trump is the Democrats secret weapon to Hillary Clinton winning the US presidency? I am reminded of another man who sought to woo a nation and annihilate another yet ended up alienating the world. Surely, the American people can’t believe he is fit to run their country and not end up igniting national and international chaos? I guess we will all have to wait and see. And on that note, I suggest you pour yourself a cuppa and take a little time to enjoy this month’s Rural Living.

Helen Perry, Editor

inside PAGE 28 Reay’s diary – musings from a city lass

PAGE 2-3 Community calendar sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson Pukekohe

PAGE 30-31 Moving performance – giant leap for Joseph

PAGE 6 Rules for working dogs PAGE 8-9 Equine business takes its tolt! PAGE 10 Brian’s Diary PAGE 12-13 Over The Gate – with book publisher and educator, Ian Meredith PAGE 18 Pasture management

4 — Rural Living — September-October 2016

New Colorado – signiﬁcant improvements – page 44

PAGE 33 Renee’s best laid plans for handbag

PAGE 22-23 Augie Pulu – he ain’t half good, mate!

PAGE 34 Freedom (hamper) can be free!

PAGE 25 Win great prizes!

PAGE 35-37 Mind, Body and Soul – time for rejuvenation

PAGE 27 Ribbon Day for Breast Cancer research – equestrian fun

PAGE 38-39 Piping hot artist 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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Rural Living â&#x20AC;&#x201D; September-October 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 5

Bend rules, feel bite A dog have long been considered man’s best friend but on our farms, working dog are not only a farmer’s best friend, they help contribute to an industry which is the backbone of New Zealand’s economy. By Rebecca Dooley, lawyer with RSM Law Ltd, Timaru

ost farmers will agree that working dogs play a crucial part in the day-to-day running of a successful farm. So it’s important that they are fully aware of their legal obligations and responsibilities associated with owning working dogs. There’s a risk of substantial fines and possibly a conviction for those who fail to obey the rules.

Registration and micro-chipping: All dogs over the age of three months must be registered with their local council. It’s an owner’s responsibility to register each of their dogs and to renew registrations by July 31 each year. Local councils update the National Dog Database annually which enables them to monitor lost or dangerous dogs. Since July 1, 2006 dogs in New Zealand have had to be micro-chipped. Working dogs, however, are excluded from this requirement. Working dogs are specifically defined under the Dog Control Act 1996 as dogs used solely or principally for the purpose of herding or driving stock. Dogs of this description are not required to be micro-chipped as provided for by s36A of this legislation. Having said that, working dogs must be registered and wear a collar with the council-provided disc or label. We stress that this exemption applies to working dogs only; any dogs kept on farms as family pets or used for recreational hunting must be microchipped. If you fail to register or microchip these dogs, you can be fined up to $300.

Dangerous dogs: Dog owners are often distracted by their pet’s loyalty and personality, and forget that their dog may not greet strangers in the same loving manner as they greet them. Unfortunately, dog attacks are becoming more frequent and often make 6 — Rural Living — September-October 2016

news headlines. The Dog Control Act was established to ensure owners are aware of their responsibilities and to ensure that their dogs are controlled at all times. Many people visit farms including family, friends, posties, vets and contractors. It’s not safe to presume that because your dog is on your property that it will not be bound by the provisions in the legislation. ◆◆If your dog attacks a person, another animal or protected wildlife, you may be fined up to $3000 and your dog may be destroyed. ◆◆If your dog causes serious injury (or death) to a person, animal or to protected wildlife you may be imprisoned for up to three years or fined up to $20,000. ◆◆If your dog attacks a person or animal and no destruction order is made, your local council can classify your dog as dangerous, meaning it must be kept within a fenced area, neutered, muzzled and kept on a leash in public places.

Protection of working dogs: It’s difficult to hear about the mistreatment of working dogs, however, it’s a reality that is around us. If someone abuses or neglects a dog which leads to that

animal’s death, they can be banned from owning dogs in the future. In the worst case scenario, they could receive a fine of up to $100,000 and be sentenced to up to five years in prison. If an individual receives multiple fines or is found guilty of a serious offence, councils may ban that person from owning a dog for up to five years. Furthermore, councils have the right to seize any dog from an owner if they consider it to be at risk or if that owner has been previously banned.

Look after your dogs: It’s important to understand the obligations associated with owning working dogs. It’s your responsibility to ensure that each of your dogs is properly registered, adequately cared for and controlled within their environment. Failure to do this can be devastating (on many fronts) and may possibly result in fines or conviction which impact not only on your dog but also you as the owner. – This article was first published in the Spring edition of Rural eSpeaking, the client e-newsletter of NZ LAW Limited member firms. RSM Law is a member of NZ LAW. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Sporting with ‘Murray’ W hile athletes from rural backgrounds may have more than held their own at the prestigious Halberg Awards (named after running legend, Murray Halberg), good sports of other sorts will soon make a play for a podium of their own. Billed as the ‘Halbergs for the rural sector’, the first Norwood New Zealand Rural Sports Awards will help kick off March’s Hilux New Zealand Rural Games in Palmerston North. Margaret Kouvelis, Chair of the New Zealand Rural Games Trust and mayor of Manawatu District Council says the awards will further raise the profile of such traditional sports as wood chopping, shearing, fencing, and sheep dog trials. “Rural sportspeople represent their country with as much pride

Champion shearer, Sir David Fagan, competes at the 2016 Rural Games. Photo Paul Green

as those in more familiar sports but their achievements go largely unnoticed. “These new awards aim to put that right by showcasing their talent, dedication and success competing around the world,” she says. Athletes nominated by their sports’ associations will be shortlisted by judges including former All Black captain and World Cup winning coach, Sir Brian Lochore, also a founding board member of the New Zealand Rural Games Trust. The first New Zealand Rural Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year and Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year will then be named at a gala dinner on March 10. An award will also be presented for Contribution to the New Zealand Rural Sports Industry.

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Rural Living — September-October 2016 — 7

Trainer’s stable occupation Averaging around 13-14 hands, Icelandic horses aren’t exactly giants amongst equines. However, these Nordic beauties play a large part in the lives of Pukekohe couple, Kenneth Husted and Snejina Michailova, as JON RAWLINSON reports.

aiting tables in a busy bar is no easy business, but it can be tackled at a canter compared to slinging suds on horseback! Kenneth Husted, from Pukekohe’s Neðri Bakki Icelandic Horses Stud, says, while some horses may be quicker, and others are stronger, few are as ‘stable’ as his favourite mounts. “Icelandic horses have an extra gait, called ‘tölt’; it’s a bit like a rambling walk. I often demonstrate how steady this is by riding around with a jug of beer in hand – and I don’t spill a drop!” Snejina (Kenneth’s wife), laughs: “I suppose he could show this just as well with water. Then again, if you spill water, who cares? But you simply can’t waste a good brew!” However, it’s best not to request that an Icelandic horse halt, should it slip into a different gear entirely! The result of a unique gene, tölt is an additional fourbeat gait where at least one foot is on the ground at any time, says Kenneth. “This makes for a very pleasant ride (as there’s hardly any back movement) but the horses retain a lot of power and energy. It’s a bit like driving a car with an extra, automatic gear; it accelerates and slows down very smoothly.” Although the first recorded sale of an Icelandic horse in New Zealand occurred in 1868, it was not until the 1990s that a

8 — Rural Living — September-October 2016

breeding programme actually began here. After falling in love with New Zealand during an academic sabbatical, Kenneth and Snejina (both now business professors at The University of Auckland) emigrated from Denmark in 2005. “We just loved the country!” Snejina exclaims. “Great people, awesome outdoors, spectacular nature, and, on top of that, the job opportunities came along. Another important factor was how [well] Kiwis treated foreigners. Everyone was so very hospitable. Our kids [Damian, Christian and Alexia] were welcomed at their schools and kindergarten, which was fantastic.” Kenneth practically grew up in the saddle. Eventing and serving in the Danish Horse Guards in his youth, he helped fund his university studies by training horses and riders. It was during this time that the Dane first worked with Icelandics. However, it wasn’t until the family moved to New Zealand that Bulgarian-born Snejina came to share his passion. “We were living in Bucklands Beach and our youngest [Alexia – now aged 15] was talking a lot about horses, so we found her a teacher in Clevedon and I thought I may as well learn too,” she says. “Soon afterwards, I was out riding and it was such a great experience that as soon as I got back to the car, I called Kenneth and said: “I think we should move to the

countryside.’ He said: “Okay.” And that was it! We started looking for a property and soon settled in Pukekohe.” Given the pair’s shared occupation, their business, Neðri Bakki (which translates as: down under and at the edge of a stream), was a logical next step. While Kenneth takes the lead in training and breeding, Alexia, is quickly learning the ropes. In addition to providing training, Neðri Bakki supplies tack (Icelandics require special saddles) and clinics (usually during summer). While no extra expense or set up required than for any other breed, those looking to purchase should first talk to a certain local man about these horses. “There are approximately 156 registered in this country and, currently, we have 35,” Kenneth says. “Because they’re so unusual, we offer courses to ensure new owners can continue their training and understand how to manage their unique gait when riding.”Despite their statue, Icelandics are powerful horses, so they’re not necessarily a better option than ponies for younger or novice riders. However, Kenneth says their size allows them to be ridden by adults and children alike. And, as Icelandic horses have always been kept in herds, they develop better socially than some other breeds, making them easier to manage than most. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Snejina and Kenneth with one of their endearing mounts.

Photos Wayne Martin

Barbarians – on the gait! Renowned for their unusually good health and calm temperament, Icelandic horses owe their survival and preservation of their unique gait (tölt) to (some may say) barbaric treatment in a less than hospitable environment. “Icelanders still eat horses to this day, and those with [health] or behavioural issues are earlier to the supper table. This means bad characteristics have effectively been eaten away throughout the centuries,” local breeder, Kenneth Husted, explains. Alternatively, it could simply be down to a realisation that they best behave, lest

they follow old ‘Ned’ (or Sven) into the pot – this writer begs to suggest. The breed is now thought to have originated in England, where it became extinct. Introduced to Iceland in (approximately) 900AD, the strain enjoyed unrivalled protection for good reason.“It’s believed the Vikings picked up horses with the tölt gene during their ‘shopping sprees.’ Unlike other horses, they weren’t bred to be any larger because they were more economical the way they were – fit for purpose, they better suited Iceland’s conditions. “As there weren’t many roads, Icelandics’ distinctive ambling gait was

most useful for transporting people and goods. And, because they were relatively small, they were cheap to feed in a land where crops were difficult to cultivate.” By banning the import of horses, the Vikings not only secured a monopoly, but prevented the spread of disease and kept their equine gene pool unsullied. “Even today, if a horse leaves Iceland, it can never go back – that also applies when their taken overseas to compete. Much is still done to stop cross breeding, in and outside of Iceland,” Kenneth adds. “After some 1100 years, the breed has become extremely healthy and strong.”

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Rural Living — September-October 2016 — 9

horses for courses! Brian Neben publishes Rural Living and is also an avid lifestyle farmer

COUNTRY LAD

irstly, I must say a big thank you to all those who contacted me concerning the loss of my foal. I was overwhelmed by the number of sympathetic letters and emails I received. Many people have also approached me in person, saddened by the incident and wishing me luck for next time. I did appreciate all the well wishes and it showed me just how many people read Rural Living! The problem with being a small breeder (you can’t get any smaller than one broodmare) is that if you lose a foal, or the mare fails to get in foal, it’s another two years until your next yearling is ready for sale. This would have been Willowbrook’s fifth foal. Her first foal, a colt by Real Desire, is now a four-year-old named Will Desire and began racing nearly a year ago. He started really well with a win and some placings but seems to have gone off the boil a bit. Although by the time you read this he will have raced again at Alexandra Park so, here’s hoping for a good result. Her second foal, also a colt, by Elsu was named, Willedu by Elton from Cafe Kaos in Pukekohe. Now a three-year-old, Willedu qualified last week going four seconds under the qualifying time. Elton,

The Neben’s century-old Runciman oak tree in spring attire.

I should add, is saving up his prize dinner until he [Willedu] gets to race. The other two are fillies and also named by readers – Willshewin (who we featured in last month’s Rural Living) is a good looking girl and Betterbrook, who is now being prepared for the PGG Wrightson standardbred sale early next year. At long last spring has finally arrived. Apart from our large array of daffodils, which appeared really early, other spring signs are that our more than 100-yearold oak tree is now covered in leaves.

It’s always the first of our many trees to come to life and we believe it to be one of the famous Runciman oak trees. In addition to the oak, our London Planes look like they will be ‘dressed’ soon. Their leaves are just appearing and within two weeks should be well on the way. Also at this time of the year, the gardens are starting to look lovely with lots and lots of colour. And, to make it even better, the hens are all coming back to laying. What more could I ask? Go the ABs! Brian

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10 — Rural Living — September-October 2016

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Fishing Nirvana beckons T hose angling for a summer of trout fishing should prepare now especially as there is a great promotion coming up in the Bay of Plenty which provides the chance to catch a tagged fished worth $10,000. Fish and Game communications manager, Don Rood says with the new season set to open on October 1, Kiwis and visitors to New Zealand are reminded there’s no time like now to hook into the country’s reputation as a “freshwater fishing nirvana.” “New Zealand offers world class fishing, in our lakes, rivers and streams from the shoreline, riverbank or boats,” Mr Rood says. “And the number of overseas anglers who view us as a fishing Mecca provides solid evidence of this. “In the year ending August 31, 2016,

Fish & Game sold more than 5600 licences to non-residents – up around 20 percent from the previous year.” Mr Rood says there are plenty of fishing sites in the Auckland/Waikato region including hydro lakes of the south Waikato such as Karapiro and Arapuni. The Waikato River is open to anglers year round with early season being the time to target large browns in the Lower River although Mr Rood also urges anglers to fish the legendary Rotorua lakes– 13 no less – packed with opportunities. More than 1000 anglers are expected to

turn out on the region’s lakes for the start of the season which, for the first time in five years, falls on a Saturday says Rotorua-based Fish & Game Officer Matt Osborne. He adds that the Fish for Gold promotion, which gives licensed anglers, who register in time, the chance to catch an especially tagged fish worth $10,000 is expected to attract plenty of interest. “This [promo] sparked a real buzz last year and we’re sure it will again.” Lakes Rotoiti, Tarawera and Okataina, which have been closed to fishing from boats over winter to rest the fishery, will open to anglers from 5am on Saturday, October 1 and Mr Osborne says Lakes Okataina and Rotoiti are again tipped to produce the biggest fish. Visit www.fishandgame.org.nz.

Net offers lifeline to rural women Leadership Programme report reveals that 75 percent of respondents preferred to seek support via social media platforms (such as Facebook), rather than to women’s groups. “It is clear from the survey that traditional rural women’s groups do not feature in their lives. Many [of those surveyed] commented that they do not feel today’s groups represent them. Being able to be honest and have anonymity if desired in a forum such as the 6000 strong Farming Mums NZ Facebook Page was mentioned as being attractive by many women interviewed.” In addition, Nadine (who works as

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It pays to be in a school principal’s good books, even after he’s retired! Since moving to the Coromandel, former Pukekohe local and educator, Ian Meredith (now of Aries Publishing), has developed a new stream of thought, publishing educational and children’s books, as he explained... over the gate. How long did your serve as principal of Onewhero Area School? Where did your wife, Dorothy, teach?

Have you ever been a lifestyler and when and why did you move to the Coromandel?

I arrived at Onewhero Area School in 1989 and resigned in 1993 to take on a position at the Auckland College of Education (now part of the University of Auckland) I lectured there for about 10 years. We lived in Pukekohe. Dorothy started teaching at Pukekohe High School (primarily horticulture and science) in 1989, and left in 2003.

While we never owned rural land in Franklin, we’ve had land near Whitianga since the early 1980s. We have 3.5 ha, and own another 40ha, jointly with Dorothy’s sister. We moved here in about 2003. One afternoon, I was driving home from Auckland and it was taking a particularly long time – it’s probably much worse

now! It was about an hour and a quarter each way on a good day. It seemed stupid to sit on my backside doing nothing productive for so long. When I arrived home, I said to Dorothy, ‘I’m going to resign at the end of the year and move to Whitianga; what are you going to do?’

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aspects (some not at all!) and I thoroughly enjoyed being a principal. Your involvement with publishing began in magazines. Why the switch to books and is there a future in publishing them? I began in publishing in the late ‘60s, selling advertising, but it wasn’t until much later that I began the Directory of Residential Camps and Education Today. I also started publishing Education Today and Good Teacher magazines shortly before leaving Pukekohe. The constant deadlines with magazines were too demanding. Books were a more appealing prospect; I can now indulge myself by publishing titles which really interest me. To (mis)quote Mark Twain, I think: “The report of the death of the printed word is an exaggeration”! What types of books do you publish, and how successful has the business been? I have a couple of titles specifically for children and one aimed at children, parents and teachers. The rest are related to education in some way. Aries has been reasonably successful. We don’t make much money, but, essentially, I’m a one man band. One of our latest, Dictionary of Physical Education and Sports Studies, looks particularly promising. And, another, I’ve Got Something to Say – Leading Young Writers to Authorship by Gail Loane with www.ruralliving.co.nz

Sally Muir, has been picked up by large, overseas publisher, Routledge. It’s sold more than 7000 copies in New Zealand, and we’re on our third reprint, which is pretty good. How important is it for Kiwi kids to grow up reading, New Zealand-grown stories in particular? If we don’t tell our own stories, no one will! We must read our own stories. This is not to say that we shouldn’t read more broadly, if we don’t we may become too inward looking. The importance of reading cannot be overemphasised, not just for learning but also for pleasure. What’s your favourite children’s book and would you consider writing one yourself? Lynley Dodd’s series Hairy Maclary is particularly impressive. These books are unashamedly Kiwi and couldn’t be set anywhere else. Children love the language and wonderful illustrations they offer. I’m yet to write the great children’s story myself, but I intend to give it a go! If you could grow any plant or raise any animal imaginable, what and why? With the right conditions, I would like to grow a cashew nut tree. Breeding Angus cattle also appeals. As Dorothy taught horticulture, I’m sure she’d have many

great ideas regarding wonderful plants to cultivate. If you could be Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage for one day, what would you do first and why? I would ensure heritage buildings are better protected. I’d also provide more money for adult education (evening classes) in schools so people with latent talent, but little money, could benefit from a grounding in arts and culture. I know there are some around the country, but this miserable government has all but turned the tap off on such programmes. If you could invite any three writers to dinner, who and why? British author and journalist, Simon Winchester. He’s just a phenomenal writer! James Belich [historian, university lecturer and author] – he changed the way we view the New Zealand Wars. There is a real need for our history to be compulsory in schools. If more were more aware of our history (particularly the colonial period) the country would be better off. Finally, I’d invite Annabel Langbein. She’s probably the most prolific author in the country today and publishes her own work, which is loaded with great ideas and recipes. If she would cook as well, I wouldn’t actually worry about inviting the other two! Rural Living — September-October 2016 — 13

Get off the grass! 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.

a poultry eXistence

aising a brood is an exhausting business, as this little ditty from reader, Marion Le Roux, demonstrates. She writes: Once upon a time, three little chicks were minding their own business hatching under their warm mother hen. However, when freed from their shells, they were unceremoniously booted out of their comforting nest and dropped into the cold harsh reality of life. It turned out that our mother hen wasn’t quite so nurturing after all and not at all interested in cutting her swinging single life short to become a fowl old bird with three chicks in tow!

Luckily, the trio was whisked into the confines of my daughter, Chelsea’s, bedroom where they spent the next few weeks in a warm cardboard box under a bedside lamp. As you can see from this photo, they enjoyed five star treatment,

with room service included! Although this trio of Light Sussex chooks has since taken its place in the hen patch on our Waiau Pa lifestyle block, I doubt they’ll ever forget where the best nests ‘lay’!

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Right ‘hon’, Guy! Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, always seems to look upon MPI’s glass as half full. This month, we report on releases from Mr Guy’s ministry and discover he’s happy to indulge in sheepish suggestions for our dairy industry, fresh thinking on passing gas and even spins an encouraging story about a damn GoodYarn. MiLking MiLk MaRkeT Moo-ve over daisy, there’s a new kid on the block! While bovines may have enjoyed a near monopoly on delivering an important accompaniment for our morning cornflakes, if Nathan Guy has his way, this could soon be set to change. A new Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) programme is expected to provide a boost to a burgeoning sheep milk industry, Mr Guy recently explained. “There is increasing demand for sheep milk products, particularly in Asia, where many people are intolerant to cow’s milk. We have a massive opportunity to tap into this market, and further position NZ as a producer of premium products.” A partnership between Spring Sheep Milk Co. and MPI, Sheep, Horizon Three will receive $31.4 million over six years and is expected to generate annual revenues of at least $200 million by 2030 from milk as well as other dairy products. “It will involve new genetics, new farming systems and developing high premium niche products. New Zealand operators will be involved in all parts of the value chain,” added Mr Guy. “This is an exciting and comprehensive programme aimed at boosting the sheep milk industry which has huge potential.”

LeT off – wiTh a waRning... Beyond sticking a cork in ‘it’ there’s not much one can do to prevent livestock blowing off! However, there are more practical ways to combat climate change. For this reason, two new reference groups will help support New Zealand’s climate change goals and reduce emissions from the livestock and forestry sectors, Mr Guy announced recently. “As part of ratifying the Paris agreement on climate change, New Zealand has set a target of reducing our emissions by 30 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. The primary sector will need to be an important part of that. “New Zealand is a world leader in efficiently producing food, and has invested heavily in research on how to www.ruralliving.co.nz

Nathan Guy toasts the success of sheep milk with Peter Gatley from the Waituhi Kuratau Trust Dairy Sheep Farm near Taupo. Photo supplied

reduce our footprint. However, it is a complicated challenge and there is no easy fix.” The Biological Emissions, and Forestry reference groups will be tasked with investigating sources emission sources, testing evidence and advising on policy. “The Biological Emissions Reference Group [for example] will bring together agricultural, horticultural and farming stakeholders to collaborate with Government and build a solid evidence base. This will ensure we have the best possible range of information on what can be done right now to reduce biological greenhouse emissions.”

RighT ToM, guy Poultry farmers might advise that it’s best not to count ones chickens before they’re hatched. However, it seems we can continue to count on Guy to serve up fresh partners for the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) biosecurity partnership. The ninth partner to join Guy’s scheme, TomatoesNZ represents the commercial fresh tomato sector, which produces fruit worth approximately $100 million annually. “It’s very pleasing to have Tomatoes New Zealand Incorporated on-board,”

Mr Guy said. “This means we can work together on managing and responding to the most important biosecurity risks.”

gooD woRk, gooDyaRn! Although low dairy prices may not make great reading for farmers, there has been some positive news of late thanks to the GoodYarn rural mental health initiative. Nathan Guy recently congratulated all involved with the programme – designed to help rural professionals and farmers with mental health and wellness – on being named joint Best Mental Health Promotion/Illness Prevention scheme at the recent MHS (Mental Health Services) Conference. “It’s been a tough few seasons for dairy farmers, but it has been great to see the wider rural community support them with schemes like this.” “This is a great programme that has helped more than 800 farmers and rural professionals since it was established earlier this year. It gives practical advice on how to stay healthy, and recognise and respond to stress in others.” Developed by DairyNZ and WellSouth (which covers Otago and Southland), GoodYarn is part of wider efforts to support rural New Zealanders. Rural Living — September-October 2016 — 15

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Septic tanks and multi-stage septic systems are delicately balanced environments. It does not take much to upset them. Common practice is to ignore the septic system until problems occur. Good and best economical practice is to always keep your septic system well maintained. A malfunctioning septic system can become a health hazard. When a system is not maintained or operated as a delicately balanced environment, problems occur. These problems include nasty odours, leach line blockages, untreated liquid rising to the surface, toilets gurgling and taking time to empty. At this stage your septic system is a serious health hazard to you and your children. Human waste produces faecal coliform bacteria, a source of viral and bacterial gastroenteritis as well as Hepatitis A and other diseases. Hepatitis can be a debilitating condition and cause long-term harm to children. There are only three remedies. One: stop using the septic system until it recovers. This can take over a month and is not normally practical. Two: excavate your septic system and relocate it. This is very costly and time consuming, sometimes requiring new resource consents and different systems. Three: treat your septic system with Septi-Cure™ every six months. Septi-Cure is cost effective. By far the most cost effective solution is to pour one litre of Septi-Cure™ down the toilet bowl every six months. This simple action will help keep your system working at top efficiency by reducing solids and scum. Instead of emptying your tank frequently, the reduction in solids and scum saves you expensive pump out costs. Your irrigation field and leach lines will become clear of slimes and blockages so nature can handle the gradual seepage and evaporation for you. When this is happening your system

will be operating effectively and not endangering you or your family’s health. What is SeptiCure™? Septi-Cure™ is a concentrated mixture of selected naturally occurring micro-organisms. These harmless tiny organisms live and multiply by feeding on waste material. When introduced to your septic tank system, they go to work straight away digesting waste material, reducing solids and scum, allowing your septic system to start operating to its maximum efficiency. As they progress through to your irrigation field they feed on the slimes that prevent seepage and evaporation. When seepage and evaporation return to normal, you have reduced the risk of contaminating groundwater and the environment as well as reducing the chances of infection for you and your family. Eventually, they get washed out of the system and have to be replaced to continue their work. This is why you introduce SeptiCure™ to your septic system every six months for maximum efficiency. A satisfied customer in Hamilton has been using Septi-Cure™ for three years. He says this allows them to have an odour-free septic tank with low maintenance costs. He also says that his service person is amazed at how well SeptiCure™ works, keeping their tank in very good condition. Problematic septic tanks – treat with Septi-Cure™. Prevent septic system problems – treat with Septi-Cure™. For Septi-Cure™ – call 0800-109-202 Website: www.ecoworld.co.nz Also available at:

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Pokeno wastewater all go T he second phase of wastewater reticulation for Pokeno Village residents should be in the pipeline – literally – by mid next year. The project will go to the tender soon and construction should start this summer with completion expected by July 1, 2017. After discussions with Pokeno Village residents, Waikato District Council agreed at the June meeting of the Strategy and Finance Committee, to progress with phase two of the Pokeno wastewater scheme. Phase one was aimed at commercial residents. The Council team were at a recent Pokeno market day to meet with the community and took on board that locals were keen to see maps of where the scheme will go. Council says these maps will be available shortly. If any residents haven’t already signed up to the wastewater reticulation scheme it’s not too late. Connection agreements will be accepted up to the end of the construction period.

Properties that are eligible to connect will receive a 50% subsidy towards the costs and the choice of two payment options.

If you wish to discuss this project further, please phone Council on 0800 492 452 or email Pokeno.Scheme@waidc. govt.nz.

Rules in on the water It’s not all good near Hoods, according to harbourmaster Toby Kemp. As warmer weather leads locals to have fun on the water, Mr Kemp advises they best do what they ought to when out and about on the lower Waikato River. “Speeding around boat ramps and not wearing lifejackets has been seen in the area, particularly at Hoods Landing [near Otaua],” he says. “Any unsafe behaviour can potentially have serious consequences, not just for the skipper but for their family and friends, and members of the public generally.” The Waikato Regional Council recently deployed floats designed

to remind people of the five knot speed limit near ramps. In addition, an operation will be launched later this year to remove derelict structures on the river which are considered navigation hazards. Mr Kemp warns that the Waikato region has an unenviable record when it comes to drownings, one of the country’s highest per capita related to vessels under six metres. “We are well into whitebaiting season which is increasing the number of people on the water. Preventing such tragedies is why we have navigation safety rules in place and we ask that all river users stick to them.”

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Rural Living — September-October 2016 — 17

MARTY O’CONNOR, Ravensdown Agri Manager gives spring advice for finishing farms on what to expect from fertiliser as the soil temperatures warm up and how to make the most of it.

Big bang for your buck

pring pasture is often the most valuable feed produced all year as it is typically a pinch-point in the calendar on many farms. Whether providing extra feed for lambing ewes or finishing cattle, there is typically a good return on increasing the amount of quality pasture produced early in the season. Ewes fed well during lactation will produce more milk, meaning more lambs can be drafted on the truck at weaning, when returns are highest and the total amount of dry matter consumed is least. A good rule of thumb is to time spring nitrogen applications three weeks prior to lambing or calving, as this should be about the time spring pasture growth typically kicks in. Cattle will also benefit from more feed during this period allowing more weight to be added before the schedule starts to drop or pasture quality declines in early summer. Three things that will drive your pasture production in spring:

1. SoiL TeMpeRaTuRe Farmers often lament the slowness of spring growth, however, long-term climate records show that this is often very consistent year on year. Whilst there is nothing we can do to change this, it is good to know when soil temperatures start to lift in your area. Generally soil temperatures peak in late summer and are often lowest about the time of lambing and calving. Frost has a big negative impact on soil temperature. Farmers often say they need rain in the spring to get things moving when in reality it is the lack of frost, rather than moisture, that is needed. In irrigated areas remember that wet soil is slower to heat than dry soil. The 18 — Rural Living — September-October 2016

temptation to irrigate should be resisted as long as possible to allow soil to warm up.

2. niTRogen The nitrate and ammonium that is plant available, is the next biggest driver of spring growth. Most nitrogen (N) found in soil is ‘organic N’ stored in the organic compounds generated by animal returns and breaking-down plant material. It is this N that requires ‘bugs’ in the soil to convert it to the mineral form mentioned above. These bugs require warm temperatures to perform at the required rate for rapid pasture growth. In the meantime, applying fertiliser N in the form of urea or ammonium-sulphate (ammo), when soil temperatures are increasing in the spring, will dramatically lift pasture growth rates. At the time of writing, $1.10/kg of N urea is a cost-effective way of increasing production. I recommend applying a minimum of 30kgN/ha (65kg Urea/ha) to the warmer parts of your property when soil temperatures are 5degrees and rising.

3. SuLphuR Sulphate-sulphur is the last leg of the trifecta to ensure maximum spring growth. Similar to N, the major pool of soil sulphur (S) is also stored in organic matter and can be available in limited quantities in spring. This is easily measured through soil tests that will show the sulphate-sulphur level. Generally, levels will be good if an S fertiliser has been applied in autumn, or the winter has been dry with limited drainage.

eViDence of faRM poTenTiaL ‘Stock Camps’ are areas where large amounts of nutrient returns by animals

show potential for growth through the availability of higher levels of N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and S. Quite rightly, these areas can therefore be avoided when applying N, and possibly S, further increasing the efficiency and bang for your buck.

MaRTy’S niTRogen TipS ◆ The use of ammo will only provide a benefit if sulphate-sulphur is limiting ◆ If it’s warm enough for pasture to grow, it’s warm enough for urea to mineralise to nitrate – a more cost effective option than Ammonium Sulphate Nitrate (ASN) ◆ On a dairy platform I advise applying N to the two thirds of the platform that has the lowest pasture cover, when the cows return from winter grazing. Then fertilise the platform in thirds starting with the highest cover. This ensures maximum growth potential when feed is often limiting at the end of the first grazing round, allowing cows to be fully fed early in the lactation, achieving a higher peak ◆ Nitrogen can be re-applied to the cooler parts of the farm in late spring to boost the production from these areas that are relatively summer safe.

LongeR TeRM STRaTegy Use of alternative plant species is another more permanent option. ◆ Lucerne is great at providing early feed as its growing points are in the tips of its shoots rather than at its base like grass. This allows it to come away earlier in spring. ◆ The use of annual or Italian ryegrass on your farm will also ensure greater early season production with its more vigorous cool season growth. This can also be used to transition into a brassica crop or a re-grassing programme. www.ruralliving.co.nz

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ipeline pod irrigation and effluent systems from Irripod, mimic natural rainfall, are unobtrusive to livestock and the manufacturer says that because of the low sprinkler height they are less susceptible to wind drift. Keenly priced, Irripod are said to be ‘reliable, cost effective and have the flexibility to distribute a wide variety of landscapes and do the job equally well in all situations.’ The irrigation pods or effluent lilac pods for high visibility are placed evenly along the pipeline and the lines are attached to water supply hydrants in the paddock. They are moved about the paddock simply by attaching the pipeline to an ATV or farm vehicle and dragging them to their new location where they typically operate for 12-24 hours. The low pressure, slow absorption system mimics natural rainfall allowing for efficient absorption with less runoff. The low sprinkler height ensures less wind

advantage of the full landscape, with simple, systematic movements providing good coverage and even distribution across the whole terrain. In-paddock markers help to achieve this coverage and evenness. Irripod systems can be reliably scaled up from small operations to large i.e. several hundred hectare farms and because they are pod-based, adding more coverage is easy and suits most budgets, allowing the system to grow as required. Irripod is made from high-impact UV-resistant polyethylene and has corrosion-proof, durable fastenings. Each pod also has a wire retainer to ensure the sprinkler component is protected. For more information please contact an Irripod Market Manager. North Island: Barry Wallace, 021 963 125, email barry@irripod.com South Island: Nigel Henigan, 021 963 432 email nigel@irripod.com or visit our website www.irripod.com and request an Irripod DVD.

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drift, resulting in well controlled effective distribution. Notably, the company points out that this gear does not require specialist staff or equipment. Being a system that’s easy to move means it can adapt to virtually any type of landscape either flat or rolling. This allows the pods to be placed where other systems often can’t be used, taking

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is by far the most commonly used. The big 250 is specifically designed for situations where large numbers of ferrets are he predator control present. All DOC series traps season is about to begin come housed in robust timber so now is a great time to tunnels and are baffled with mesh buy traps and bait and to keep out non-target species start planning how to run them and pets. for the summer. ◆◆ Trap spacing: All predators The standard predator control tend to have incredibly large season (October-March) runs home ranges (40-256ha). As a for six months and is designed good starting point place traps to target ferrets, stoats, weasels, 100-200m apart. On properties rats and hedgehogs during the all- Doc 200 Predator Trap up to 10 acres, one to four traps is often all important bush-bird breeding season. that is required to catch all predators that are Stoats in particular are more trappable passing through. during early spring as females are doing bigger ◆◆Trap Placement: Set traps on well-defined distances in search of breeding den sites and linear edges – fence lines, track edges pasture/ males, of course, are also doing big miles in forest margins, natural intersection features, search of females. stream edges and near the chook house are all The next big peak in stoat captures will come great starting points. Trapping these features in February/March when all the new juveniles tends to catch more predators and makes traps start heading out on their own for the first time. nice and easy to service. Mammalian predators have a significant ◆◆Baits: Rabbits are often the most prolific food impact on all wildlife, but when successful item for our predators so it stands to reason predator control is undertaken, the increase in that this is a great bait to use. We also see a lot birdlife, particularly, can be quite amazing. of predation on both wild bird and chook eggs If you are one of those readers that have so these are also a good choice and the DOC been studiously following my advice this winter standard is a piece of rabbit and a hen’s egg and now have your possums, rabbits and rats replaced weekly. well under control, adding predator control to Rub the piece of rabbit on natural features your property protection list really will be the leading to the trap and on the trap itself. I icing on the cake and you can look forward to a supply many of the large trapping operations relatively pest-free summer. with rabbit meat processed into chunks of just Effectively catching predators is fairly straight the right size. For more information see www. forward once you have the traps in place coastalpestsolutions.co.nz and with traps only requiring checking and Predator trapping can be a lot of fun, but re-baiting once every week or so, the labour check your traps once a week to avoid having to requirements are minimal when considering the deal with excessively decayed victims. huge benefits. Please help us to provide the advice you The traps to use are the DOC series Kill traps require by sending all pest animal questions to (see www.predatortraps.com). While these info@coastalpestsolutions.co.nz. come in three sizes, the middle size (DOC200)

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New regulations for bobby calves By Sarah heald, partner in Dannevirke law ﬁrm Dorrington poole & partners

s the dairy industry enters the calving season it’s important to be familiar with the new regulations announced in June this year around the management and treatment of bobby calves. Only calves fit for transport are to present for collection. There are criteria to be measured including: ◆ Being at least 4 days old (96 hours) ◆ Be free from signs of any injury, disease, disability or impairment that could compromise the calf’s welfare (upright ears and bright eyes are signs for good health) during the journey ◆ A dry navel ◆ Worn hooves, and ◆ The ability to stand and move freely and protect itself from being trampled and injured by other calves. A maximum duration of 12 hours’ journey time for young calves is prescribed. The new regulations also prohibit the killing of any calves by use of blunt force to the head unless there’s an emergency situation. Three further regulations will be introduced in 2017. These include: ◆ Young calves must be fed at least once in the 24 hours prior to slaughter ◆ Suitable shelter for the calves is to be provided before and during transportation, and at points of sale or slaughter, and ◆ Loading and unloading facilities are

to be provided and used when young calves are transported for sale and slaughter. The regulations provide that in a prosecution for an offence against these regulations it’s not necessary for the prosecutor to prove that the defendant intended to commit an offence. Penalties range from $500 to $25,000. Farmers need to ensure they and their staff comply with the regulations. – This article was first published in the Spring edition of Rural eSpeaking, the client e-newsletter of NZ LAW Limited member firms. RSM Law is a member of NZ LAW.

Foot Feats take place at eQuidays Horse shoes should prove especially lucky for some thanks to two new competitions set for October’s Equidays. The Artistic Blacksmithing Competition and Great Maneline Kerckhaert Farriers Shoe Off will encourage growth in the profession of farriery, Ben Stevens from Waikato’s Kowhai Forge expects. “The Maneline Kerckhaert Farrier and Blacksmith Championship will ask farriers to display their skill, training and techniques in an environment designed to see them push themselves.” Competitors will need to exhibit a wide range of skills to tackle problems and situations many of which they encounter on a daily basis, he adds. “From hand forging a range of remedial shoes, to accuracy in timed runs performing general shoeing, this competition ensures the farriers who compete are farriers who never stop striving to be the best they can be.” Equidays runs October 14-16 at Hamilton’s Mystery Creek Events Centre. Details at equidays.co.nz.

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Steeler’s august aspirations If potential gets us only half way to greatness, halfback Augustine Pulu is more than half way there. JON RAWLINSON spoke with the Counties Manukau Steeler and recent Blues recruit about what it takes to claim rugby’s most coveted prizes.

he two-cap All Black across the table from me exhibits an air of calm rationality. There’s not much time to chew the fat; in fact, there’s precious little time for Augustine (Augie) Pulu to chew down some sushi while we chat before the Steelers’ co-captain and new Blues’ recruit has to hit the training field. This humble, well-mannered South Aucklander comes across every inch the professional. It’s not hard to see why current Counties Manukau coach, Darryl Suasua, speaks so highly of him, and why Blues’ boss (and former Steelers’ coach), Tana Umaga, recently snapped up his signature. I suggest (jokingly) that Tana is ‘steeling’ the best Counties Manukau talent one

player at a time. Conspiracy theory maybe, but since both Pulu and the ‘incomparable’ Sonny Bill Williams now feature on Tana’s roster for the 2017 Super Rugby season, it’s not too far-fetched. Augie laughs this off so much I fear he’ll choke on his California roll in the process. I persevere, asking who’d be top of his list if he were in his former coach’s boots. “That’s a tough one; I’d want the whole team if I could!” he exclaims, sincerely. “We have so much talent that it’s hard to choose. Now that Tana’s had time with the Blues, he’d have a better idea of what he needs to move them forward. So he’ll be after the best players he can get across the board.” It’s no boast to say Counties plays cradle to rugby flair. The Steelers have shown

solid form this season and a Mitre 10 Cup Premiership finals spot could well be on the cards. However, Augie remains cautious, taking the season one game at a time. “It’s important not to get ahead of ourselves, but I truly believe that if we can [continue to] perform week-in, week-out, we can be a contender. Darryl’s a great coach, full of good ideas. He likes to think outside the box so, as long as we get right in behind what he’s brought to the table, we can really do some damage.” Since making his provincial debut in 2010, this Papatoetoe-raised dynamo has won two Super Rugby titles with the Chiefs during a five-year stint, held the Ranfurly Shield with the Steelers (2013-14) and capped off the 2014 season with two

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ECOLight work – Counties co-captain, Augustine Pulu, in full flight.

Photo Richard Spranger

All Black appearances. However, this product of Wesley College rose as one of many battlers fighting for selection in the school’s First XV. “Wesley College was one of the most important times in my life. I learnt how to be a good fulla, humble and hard working. I guess the toughest thing at that age is actually believing you can become [an All Black], but that’s where it has to start. “Karaka [Rugby Football Club] also had people who loved me and worked hard to help me grow as a player. It wasn’t until I made the Counties Academy that I seriously believed there would be a rugby future for me, but Wesley and Karaka helped put me on that path.” His All Black aspirations may have been curtailed due to injuries and sevens’ commitments, but solid seasons with the Steelers or Blues could hasten a return. I ask whether the talents of his former Chiefs’ teammates (and fellow halfbacks), 21-cap All Black, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, and Brad Weber left him starved of Super Rugby game time, influencing his decision to move north. “I loved the Chiefs but it’s time to move on. It wasn’t that [Kerr-Barlow and Weber] blocked me from getting the [number nine] jersey. “People might think it’s a bad thing having such tough competition for a starting spot but it actually helps bring out the best in you. That’s why the Chiefs are so good; you can never be sure it’s your jersey. You have to perform week-in, week-out. If you don’t, someone else will step up.“At the Blues, if I can focus more on playing rather than just making the 23, I’m sure my game will really grow.” That said, Augie’s under no illusion of guaranteed game time with his new franchise. “When Tana was [coaching the Steelers] it didn’t matter to him if you were an All Black or a club player; if you didn’t play well, you’d be dropped. He works on performance; so I’ll need to deliver. I’ll just be trying to live up to his expectations. “The [team’s potential] is waiting to explode. They’re definitely heading in the right direction. As long as we keep getting better every day then, sooner or later, the results will take care of themselves.” www.ruralliving.co.nz

Back in black? There’s an elephant in the room. I hate to do so, but I have to ask All Blacks Sevens rep, Augustine Pulu, what went wrong in Rio? “It’s a tough question to answer simply,” he replies. “But, on the day, we just didn’t perform. We were all gutted. We had a chance to make history. However, you can’t stay in that place for too long; there’s always another game to be played.” Of course he’s gutted. Following a shock opening loss to Japan, the much vaunted squad fell to Great Britain before being bundled out by eventual gold medallists, Fiji. Coach, Gordon Tietjens, has since retired. Despite missing out on Olympic laurels, he believes the experience was worth its weight in gold. “Just going to the Olympics was something I thought I’d never do. I took it as a blessing to be amongst the best athletes in the world; it was amazing!” Following an encouraging All Black fifteens’ debut off the bench against the USA at Chicago’s Soldier Field in 2014, and just two minutes against Scotland during the

same tour, his third cap remains elusive. However, Augie appears shocked at the merest suggestion that he could harbour any wishes to see an injury (just a little one!) affect the current crop of All Black scrumhalves, leading to his own selection. “No way! I never think about other players getting injured! I want to play my way back in by playing the best footie I can. I haven’t been able to give the ABs a fair crack because of injury – I’ve broken my forearm twice – so that’s the goal. I’d love to [be selected], but all I can do is my best and hope things go well.” Augie confirms he has no plans (as yet) to head offshore after his New Zealand Rugby Union contract expires in 2018. “One of my best memories was pulling on that jersey and heading out to represent our nation. It was a dream come true,” he says. “Before even thinking about leaving NZ I’d want to know I’d left no stone unturned here, that I’m happy with what I’ve achieved and that I’ve made my family proud.” Rural Living — September-October 2016 — 23

Calf Club/Ag Days 2016 When it comes to Calf Club, Ag and Country days, they’re never over until the fatted calf wins! This month, we have more local events to look forward to which see the picks of many a ‘litter’ recognised.

Ben from Bombay School schools his little lamb, Sephira, in the finer points of Calf Club.

Te Kauwhata Primary Calf Club Day October 12, Wira St, Te Kauwhata Contact: 07 8263564 or office@tkp.school.nz Mangatawhiri School Calf Club Day October 14, 15 McKenzie Rd, Mangatawhiri Contact: 09 233 6004 or office@mangatawhiri.school.nz Orere Primary School Agricultural Day October 14, Orere Point Rd, Orere Contact: 09 292 2736 or office@orere.school.nz Waiau Pa School Calf Club Day October 14, 571 Waiau Pa Rd, Waiau Pa Contact: 09 232 1753 or admin@waiaupa. school.nz Waikaretu School Pet Day October 14, 1448 Waikaretu Valley Rd, Waikaretu. Contact: 09 233 3014 or waikaretuschool@gmail.com

Waipipi School Calf Club Day October 14, 100 Creamery Rd, Awhitu Contact: 09 235 8007 or admin@waipipi.school.nz Bombay School Calf Club October 15, 35 Paparata Rd, Bombay Contact: 09 236 1012 or admin@bombay.school.nz Glenbrook School Calf Club Day October 15, Glenbrook-Waiuku Rd, Glenbrook Contact: 09 235 3888 or admin@glenbrook.school.nz Hunua School Agricultural Day October 15, Lockwood Rd, Hunua Contact: 09 292 4889 or office@hunua.school.nz Karaka School Agricultural Day October 15, 12 Blackbridge Rd, Karaka Contact: 09 294 8166 or admin@karaka.school.nz

Maramarua School Calf & Lamb Day October 15, 2200 State Highway 2, Maramarua Contact: 09 2325846 or office@maramarua.school.nz Onewhero Area School Calf Club Day October 15, Parsons Rd, Onewhero Contact: 09 232 8866 or office@onewhero.school.nz Otaua School Calf Club Day October 15, 55 Maioro Rd, Otaua Contact: 09 235 2741 or admin@otaua.school.nz Pukeoware School Calf Club/Gala Day October 15, 479 Baldhill Rd, Waiuku Contact: 09 235 9443 or admin@pukeoware.school.nz Mangatangi School Calf & Lamb Day October 21, 2047 Miranda Rd, Mangatangi Contact: 09 232 7898

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win! nuTTeRS TRio Snackers have been going crazy over Nutters since it launched its range of nut mixes earlier this year. Now Nutters has added three new varieties, in a brand new format - Scroggin Scoffers (350g), a mix of natural and roasted nuts, dried fruit, seeds and dark chocolate chunks; The Nutty Bunch (375g), roasted and salted mixed nuts; and Tropical Trailblazers (350g), a mix of roasted and natural nuts with tropical dried fruit. Available from Countdown (RRP $9.49 per pack) these Nutters will top up energy levels throughout the day, wherever you are. Rural Living has a gift pack of each new Nutters flavour up for grabs.

win! a BRoiL king SigneT TooL SeT If every home is a castle, every castle needs a king... a Broil King, that is. However, Kiwi kings (and queens) keen to make a right royal meal must have the right tools. With finer weather on its way, it’s time to break out the barbecue and, using this deluxe stainless steel tool set which features a turner, silicone tip tongs, a silicone basting brush and four ‘V’ skewers, deliver a right royal broil performance!

win! neopoL poLiShing pack Remember when glistening surfaces with that fresh, Neopol smell pervaded homes every day? While today’s busy lifestyles may preclude the kind of cleaning grandma did, spring cleaning never goes away and Neopol magic is there to help! Made in NZ since 1946, Neopol is trusted to keep a range of surfaces in Kiwi homes looking gleamingly and comes in two fresh scents: Original and Citrus Fresh (RRP $6.15) available in supermarkets. Thanks to Neopol, Rural Living has one each Neopol All-Purpose Crème Polish (original and citrus fresh) rubber gloves, and cleaning cloth up for grabs.

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win! Twin pack oaSiS BeauTy Skin caRe Summer’s coming and landowners working outdoor will soon need extra sun protection. That’s why our prize pack of Oasis Sun SPF30 (50ml) and Oasis Beauty Rhino Repair (50ml) should be a godsend! Oasis Sun SPF30 is fragrancefree, non-greasy and uses non-nano zinc oxide. Oasis Beauty Rhino Repair is a multi-tasking repair cream packed with natural ingredients to give soothing and healing relief for irritated, dry, itchy or flaky skin conditions; use as a nourishing facial cream, too. Available at selected health stores and pharmacies, RRP for 50ml size, $17.90, available in larger sizes. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Earthwise has developed a range using Mother Nature’s ingredients as the building blocks for its gentle and effective cleansing products. Never tested on animals and with 100% recyclable packaging, the range includes Nourish Natural Body Wash (RRP $6.99), in three scents – Energise, Indulge and Unwind; Nourish Natural Hand Wash (RRP $4.99) enriched with coconut oil, Manuka honey and harakeke in two fragrances, Lily and White Ginger; and Nourish Natural Soap (RRP $1.99 single) in Lemongrass and Ginger, Cucumber and Green Tea or Coconut and Gardenia. Available in supermarkets but Rural Living has a body wash, hand wash and soap pack up for grabs!

win! DayLighT SeconD Old Phar Lap was a racehorse and the Aussies wish he was theirs! However, there’s no escaping the fact that (arguably) the sport’s best-ever champion was born in little old Timaru. Daylight Second tracks the all-tooshort life of this gigantic chestnut gelding from his early days in New Zealand, to winning two Melbourne Cups and rewriting race records along the way. Presenting a tale full of twists and turns, death threats and triumphs, Kiwi author, Kelly Ana Morey, draws on accounts from those who best knew the immortal Phar Lap. ◆ Kelly Ana Morey: Daylight Second | RRP $36.99 | HarperCollins NZ Rural Living — September-October 2016 — 25

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Real estate has always been a passion for Harcourt consultant, Jo-Ann Day-Townsend. She has always put people first, her number one goal- to understand her clients’ needs and expectations, and thento meet them. Jo-Ann has an exceptional service ethic – her emphasis: Putting the Customer First. To do this she employs her knowledge, enthusiasm and industry experience to ensure the best possible outcomes. So, if commitment, negotiation skills, open communication and individual service are what you are looking for – call her today for a free, no-obligation chat about selling or buying a home. Testimonial – “Jo-Ann has a very pleasant, outgoing personality that made our contact very easy. She advised us well on our choices, without pressure to follow any particular course. All queries were answered promptly. The quick sale of this house, a good distance out in the countryside, is a testament to her ability.”

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is unashamedly biased when it comes to the Franklin district. A local resident with a passion for the area, she founded Stacey Graves Lawyers in Karaka last year. Well aware that when it comes to major decisions in life, such as buying a home, clients want legal representation they can trust. Both professional and personable, Stacey is renowned for seeing home ownership dreams realised and she knows all about that having gone through the building process with her husband, Luke, twice in recent years. Highly qualified and experienced – she holds double degrees in law and political science, and has more than 12 years law experience – Stacey has assisted hundreds of clients with property transactions including buying and selling a home, investment properties, building a new home, subdividing land and financing a variety of projects. She heads a friendly and knowledgeable team committed to living by her core values – professionalism, passion, family, and adventure. 14138

26 — Rural Living — September-October 2016

Alexander McClew has the vision and ability to carefully design your new garden. Whether you have a new site or existing property Alexander offers on site ideas and a complete design service that creates living environments unique to your rural setting or architectural style. Alexander grew up on a Franklin lifestyle block and from a young age was often found ‘experimenting’ in his parents’ garden. “Over the years I have learnt what really works well and what to plant in the Franklin district area,” he says. “Importantly, there is plenty of scope for personal preferences and to complete your landscaping in stages.” Services include site consultations, hard and soft landscape design, revegetation and plant sourcing. Whether you are starting from scratch on a new build, or wanting to re-design your existing property, call today to get started! 14136

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Saddle up For cancer research After chatting with an equestrian live wire, HELEN PERRY wonders where the equine world be without the passion of people like of Ellie Rowden. BReaST wo preschoolers, a part time job canceR in harness racing stables and RiBBon Day secretarial duties for the Auckland

Saturday, October 1, 2016 Abderry Equestrian Facility, 540 Glenbrook Rd, 10am onwards. $15 ground fee plus $8 per class for competitors, spectators free. See ‘anything equestrian’ on facebook for more info.

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Ellie admits that having supportive parents (Treeny and George Rowden) and a ‘fantastic’ partner (Daniel) helps her to stay on top of her business, Anything Equestrian, and run the events she does. “And, I love it all. Having competed at open level and won numerous North Island and New Zealand titles with my former horse, Charaway Holt Fudge, a purebred Arabian, I know what a thrill it is to compete and achieve recognition. “But I also know the pressures involved. At my ribbon days children have a chance to excel but with little stress and if we can help others at the same time that’s great. What’s more, for me, the best reward is seeing the lovely smiles of kiddies who take part and just have a super time.”

a pink baking stall and three big raffles for farm, home and baby. Hoping to raise between $5000 and $10,000, with just $500 being allocated for the ground fee, Ellie says the day is all about having a good time while supporting others in need. “I’d love to see locals take the cause to heart,” she says. “I know people are often time poor – I work two days a week at Todd Macfarlane’s harness racing stables, I’m secretary for the Auckland Arabian Horse Club and I have two little boys, Joshua who is 20 months and eightmonth-old Lucas so, I know what it’s like to be busy. But when you do something like this you get such a lot of satisfaction from it.”

Arabian Horse Club doesn’t stop Patamahoe local, Ellie Rowden, from doing her bit for the community. Riding since she was a child and with more than 16 years in the equine industry, these days Ellie is particularly recognised for her well-run ribbon days and other equestrian events for young (and not so young) novice and skilled riders. And, right now she has not only just hosted her regular spring show at the Franklin A&P grounds, which attracted more than 200 competitors, but on Saturday, October 1 she is back in the saddle, so to speak, running a similar event at Glenbrook with all profits going to the Breast Cancer Foundation. “I’ve been running equestrian events for the past two years and my spring show, held at the end of September, is always one of the largest in the district. “I love organising these events because it encourages riders to have fun and to get the most out of owning a mount. However, I’m also committed to giving back to the community and this upcoming show to benefit breast cancer research is one way I can do that.” Ellie encourages local riders of all skill levels to come along and be part of a fun day for a worthy cause. The event is being held at the Abderry equestrian facility in Glenbrook Road and as well as show jumping events, (with jumps from 30cm up to 85cm), there will be a ‘pink’ fancy dress competition with prizes up for grabs,

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Don’t wait - come visit Vanuatu! Rural Living — September-October 2016 — 27

Melbourne Wet & WonderFul Reay Neben is a Franklin resident and publisher of Rural Living.

CITY LASS

pring is here and a huge hurray for that. I really don’t enjoy the winter with short days and wet weather making it difficult to get outside and into the garden. And, I couldn’t believe it when my editor told me it was time for this month’s column. Honestly, I felt as if it was only a couple of weeks since I wrote the last one. This month we’ve a done a few exciting (different) things. We headed over to Melbourne with our Waiau Pa friends and met up with others who flew in from Perth. It took them longer to reach Melbourne than we took from little old New Zealand. Although the weather wasn’t particularly kind to us, the company was fabulous and we all had many laughs which made the trip special. This time, we girls were accompanied by our respective husbands and that put a completely different light on what we opted to do. Usually the shops would have been our focus but with husbands in tow we decided on the last full day to take a ferry and cruise down the Yarra to Port Philip Bay. We left the boat in the picturesque suburb of Williamstown. I must say we all loved the old town which still has all the old shops and on a sunny day it would have looked stunning. As it wasn’t sunny, but pouring with rain, we found an old pub and settled in until the ferry returned to

Rain meant we couldn’t fully enjoy quaint Williamstown.

take us back to Melbourne. When we arrived home, after just a few days away, that spring feeling was in the air and the promise of summer on its way – it really cheered us. This past month also brought Father’s Day and the daughters decided that one would cook a leg of lamb at our place and the other daughter would bring the roast vege salad. Great! Brian and I were both so miserable with the flu that no food shopping had been done but no worries; the girls had it under control.... wrong. The son, who has moved to Tauranga, arrived with his fiancée to surprise the father and thought that the girls were organising lunch. Then the Hamilton son arrived with the same plan to surprise the father. All well and good, but there was no food in the house and the leg of lamb was still in Howick and nowhere near an oven. The day worsened when the Howick daughter and husband didn’t arrive with raw lamb until 2.30 pm. The lamb was

promptly put in the oven just as the Puke daughter arrived with the salad. Then Elton rang to say he and Stuart might pop in as they had some cake left over from the cafe (Kaos). We welcomed them with open arms and the cake was devoured by the starving members of the family. The out of town families left and headed first (we think) to MacDonalds – we sat down to our late lunch at 5.30pm. Families! The other Monday my Pilates class mates decided we would have a girlie night out and go to the movies in Puke’. This is always so nice as our Friday class is a mix of ages. More often than not, I am the oldest but they don’t make me feel old which is great. With our instructor, Jo, in tow we went to the movies early then after we had eaten icecreams and all manner of ‘not the best for your health’ things we went on to enjoy tapas at Alfronso’s. What a lovely night we had. Now, it’s roll on summer.

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Salon perfect hair every day Natasha Harris and Kevin Murphy backstage at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week.

Tash takes on

Melbourne

ukekohe may be largely a rural township but anyone who thinks it lacks cosmopolitan flair would be wrong especially when it comes to the hairdressing industry. In particular, Natasha Harris from Alberts Hair Salon, has just returned from two days at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week where she was one of three Kiwi stylists invited to attend to the models’ hair at three individual showings. One of seven guest hairdressers to work with international stylist, Kevin Murphy’s artistic team – three from the USA, one from Finland and three from across Auckland – Natasha says she felt privileged to be invited. “Kevin’s team has been heading the hairdressing at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week for 14 years and we soon found it was all about perfection, precision and keeping it tight. Amazingly, because everything ran like clockwork the whole experience was quite relaxed.” However, Natasha says on arrival there was little time to draw breath. “Kevin’s team quickly set about showing us the proposed look and how to create it. We then had one hour to practice before the first showing.” Although Natasha had previously done six years of hair at New Zealand Fashion Week, she says the Melbourne experience was entirely different. “On our first day we had two shows. We started at 1pm and we didn’t finish until nearly 11pm. The next day we covered the final show, working from noon through until 10pm. I was also lucky enough to be asked backstage to help with those tidying up touches on models as they pulled garments on and off. “They were long shifts but like everyone else we were well fed and hydrated throughout and our work stations were exceptional. I was especially thrilled to hear Kevin commend the Kiwis on their performance and I was even more delighted when he invited me back for next year’s event.” Natasha adds that hair for the show was kept simple, tailored and elegant with the pulled back pony being dominant. “It looked so simple but took two and a half hour to create. However, because of the professionalism and organisation of the artistic team, we all managed to see shows and what the shops will carry come summer – loads of colour, beautiful prints and stunning cruise wear, not to be confused with beach wear.” Now back home, Natasha still doesn’t have much time to relax. At the end of this month she will again be backstage at the Pukekohe Fashion Show ensuring head turning styles for the models. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Natasha Harris from Alberts Hair Salon, Pukekohe brings you the latest in hair trends from across the globe.

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Rural Living — September-October 2016 — 29

Counting on Skelton When former Pukekohe local, Joseph Skelton, heads across the ditch soon, he’ll need to be on song and on his toes, as JON RAWLINSON explains.

n the theatre, one might suggest performers ‘break a leg’. However, that’s entirely the wrong expression to use before ballet dancer, Joseph Skelton, takes the stage. “Probably not for me, at least! he laughs, “People do say that to dancers too, but I prefer, ‘have fun!’ I’ve actually had that joke said to me quite a few times now.” And here I was thinking myself witty and original! Fresh from performing the leading role of Count Albrecht in the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s (RNZB) production of Giselle, the acclaimed professional dancer will take his place as a guest dancer with the Australian Ballet this month. However, a timely twist of fate years earlier almost cut his career short. Aged 18, while skateboarding in London, Joseph badly broke his leg during an unintentional encounter with a bus. “It was all a bit of a blur; overwhelming,” he recalls. “I think the first thing doctors said was that I’d be walking with a limp for the rest of my life and would probably never dance again. I thought ‘we’ll see about that!’ I just took it step by step, concentrating on the rehab.” Rather than halting his ambitions, the injury became a challenge which has driven Joseph on ever since. In some ways, it proved a blessing in (albeit very good!) disguise. “It definitely made me more determined, but it also gave me a much better understanding of biomechanics, because I had to learn how my body functioned when it comes to movement. It really put things into perspective too. Now, when I face challenges, I stop and think ‘if I could come back from that, I can handle anything!’” When Joseph joins the Australian Ballet this month, challenges will be par for the course. While excited by the opportunity to dance abroad with another company, despite roughly five years experience with the RNZB, he says the prospect is also daunting. He will need to be at his best. “Albrecht is my biggest role to date. I’ve had other lead roles – such as the title role in The Wizard of Oz recently – but this is probably the most challenging. It’s technically and physically demanding, especially in Act 2 where the storyline literally has Albrecht dancing to death! It 30 — Rural Living — September-October 2016

Joseph Skelton in Giselle rehearsal.

requires a lot of strength and fitness to get through it.” While being entrusted with such a leading role is thrilling, this high flying performer knows he needs to remain somewhat grounded. “Lead roles are always very exciting because you’re carrying the story, but I try not to think too much along those lines. I don’t want to get caught up on whether I’m performing as the lead, or whatever else, because I don’t want that extra pressure and stress to get to me. Instead, I just try and stay focused on the job I have ahead.” Fortunately, Joseph does not have to tackle his demanding role alone. As with RNZB’s performances of Giselle, in Australia, there will be three Albrechts. While this allows younger dancers to draw on the experience of company veterans, it is also essential due to the exertions required, Joseph explains. “Injuries are very common, so sharing

Photo Stephen A’Court

roles is crucial. You’re putting your body under such pressure and into positions that are far from forgiving on your joints, for one, and back problems can easily result from all those lifts. “With so many shows, it would be physically impossible for one dancer to do them all. You’d pretty much be guaranteed an injury; your body just wouldn’t be able to handle it.” As with professional athletes, professional dancers cannot perform at premium pace forever. Aged 26, Joseph says he has no firm plans after he hangs up his shoes. “By my mid-thirties, I could still be dancing professionally, depending on injuries. Because it’s a short career, I do have to keep the future in mind. I’ll probably go back to studying and hopefully something will grab me. But I’m not looking too far ahead right now, I’m just trying to concentrate on what I’m doing; taking things one step at a time.” www.ruralliving.co.nz

Local dancer takes his turn There may be some similarities between rural Franklin and Britain’s North East, but Joseph Skelton is no Billy Elliot. Unlike fictional boxer-turned ballet dancer, Billy, Joseph’s road to London’s Royal Ballet School ran more smoothly. “I guess my experience was similar in some ways, but I didn’t have to deal with all those family issues. At times, dad was a little in the dark as to why we were so keen on dancing, but he was pretty good,” he explains. “I’ve heard stories about some guys who did [get a hard time from other kids], but aside from the occasional joke – which was all in good fun – I didn’t really have that problem.” Shortly after the Skelton family moved from the East Coast to Pukekohe, Joseph’s older siblings, Nathanael and Abby, joined family friends at ballet class. Aged four, Joseph followed. “In the beginning, it was just another activity, I played rugby and cricket as well. But, when Nathanael moved to England and then joined the Birmingham Royal Ballet, I realised that I too could make a career from dancing.” On leaving Pukekohe High, Joseph pursued his dream, acquiring a scholarship to the Royal Ballet School and later completing his training at Elmhurst School for Dance in Birmingham. He says innocence and a can-do Kiwi attitude carried him through the audition process. “They’re both prestigious schools and very competitive. Fortunately, when I auditioned I guess I was quite naive, which probably helped. I just showed up, got

RNZB Giselle dancer Joseph Skelton as Albrecht.

stuck in and did my thing without really thinking too much about it. It wasn’t until later that I really realised how tough it is to get a place there.” Returning to New Zealand in 2011, Joseph joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet. He then rekindled a relationship with co-performer, Kate Grange. “We’ve now been together for about four years, but we’ve been good mates for a long time. We first met when we were about 15, during a ballet competition. “Such relationships could be difficult. Working and touring together can be intense because it is a competitive and

Photo Ross Brown

stressful environment, but both she and I tend to be pretty chilled out.” Although his older brother, Nathanael (who also danced with RNZB) has now retired, Joseph’s younger siblings, Naomi and Matthias, have continued the family’s love of dance. However, Joseph says it’s unlikely that a third Skelton will grace the stages with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. “Matthias, who’s still at Pukekohe Christian School, is pretty good. But I don’t think he will [follow me into professional dancing] I think he has too many brains to do that! While it has its rewards, it’s definitely not an easy way to make a living!”

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Rural Living — September-October 2016 — 31

Helping hand for new mums

D Good mix

animals & children By Jenny Tibbotts, Suits & Gumboots Country Daycare

f you are an animal lover then there is nothing like the joy of having a pet in your life. Some people say a home is not a home without a cat. Well, I am certainly one of those people – animal crazy. Animals can fill our lives with happiness and for that reason I create opportunities for children to experience animals whenever possible. Most youngsters are interested in animals and will often chase them, trying to grab a cuddle here or a pat there. Curiosity is often satisfied as children experience how animals behave and what is involved in their care. On the other hand, some children are fearful of animals, shying away from them, avoiding contact at all costs and preferring to watch from a safe distance. These children can learn to manage their fear around animals and to cope with their unpredictability. Then there is a third type – children who find a kindred spirit in animals. These are the children who are drawn to them, are always at their side and tend to nurture and lavish attention on them in the most natural way. Over the past few weeks Daisy, the kid goat, Stevie, the speckled lamb and Mary, the grey lamb have been visiting Suits and Gumboots, Te Kauwhata. Bonds have been formed between our resident animal lovers and our pets. They play together; explore the gardens and frolic over the obstacle courses and walkways. As the baby animals tire, they settle down to sleep, watched over by self-appointed guardians. Younger animal lovers have found a purpose in caring for these guests. They love to offer feed bottles and tenaciously collect tissues to wipe milk dribbles away. Our older animal lovers have formed friendships, including the lambs and goat as characters in their play and creating stories, scenarios and names as they exercise imaginations. Children will often find a kindred spirit among one species or another so, here at Suits and Gumboots, we will continue to welcome visits from animals whether they be metamorphosing caterpillars and tadpoles or something a bit bigger such as cats and dogs and even ponies. Suits & Gumboots Country Daycare 12 Helenslee Rd, Pokeno. 46 Waerenga Rd, Te Kauwhata Phone 0800 464656 www.suitsandgumboots.co.nz

32 — Rural Living — September-October 2016

espite all the do’s and don’ts during pregnancy, maintaining a healthy diet is generally a priority for every expectant mum but when baby arrives, and carefully planned days turn topsy-turvy, it can be easy to neglect oneself. Here’s a real treat for one But ensuring mum and baby expectant or new mum – remain healthy is vital and that’s Elevit has given us a box why Bayer NZ is launching a new of Elevit Breastfeeding post-pregnancy multivitamin – (30 capsules) along with Elevit Breastfeeding. a new infant goodie bag Expectant mums have to give away. To enter been able to take Elevit with the draw just click on the Iodine during preconception, competitions link at www. pregnancy, to achieve the ruralliving.co.nz and fill additional nutritional support in the appropriate form. required. Now they can continue One entry per person/ during breastfeeding by email address; entries close switching to Elevit Breastfeeding, October 31, 2016. Winner a formula specifically designed notified by phone or email. for the stage after baby is born. Elevit Breastfeeding is a once-a-day capsule that contains essential vitamins, minerals and Omega 3 to help meet nutritional requirements to support baby’s healthy development. Just one Elevit Breastfeeding capsule a day contains essential micronutrients, including: ◆◆Omega 3 to support the development of baby’s brain ◆◆ Lutein and betacarotene to support baby’s eyesight ◆◆ B Group Vitamin and iron to help boost mum’s energy. The multivitamin also contains iodine, another boost to mum’s energy levels and will further support baby’s brain development. Elevit Breastfeeding, now available at leading pharmacies (RRP: 30pk $34.99, 60pk $51.99).

WIN!

Win! 12 Huia Birds Once upon a time, life in New Zealand was for the birds, but there’s trouble up ahead, as this entertaining – yet thought-provoking – book reveals. From the arrival of a canoe and the sniffing of a rat, to a ship looming on the horizon, 12 Huia birds see signs that their world is about to change forever. Complete with lively illustrations, educational resources, games and even an app, 12 Huia Birds makes its environmentalist message accessible to young readers. Rural Living has TWO copies of this book up for grabs. To enter, see the competitions page at ruralliving.co.nz. One entry per person; entries close October 31, 2016. Winners notified by phone or email. ◆◆Julian Stokoe & Stacy Eyles: 12 Huia Birds | RRP $24.99 | Oratia Books www.ruralliving.co.nz

What’s IN

Renee’s handbag?

everal months ago Rural Living delved into the handbag of Kylie Bosanac from Nick Bosanac Builders. At the time, she mentioned her sister was a true ‘bagaholic’ and we should be talking to her. Well, this month we did and discovered that Renee Fraser-Smith could easily have become Christian Dior’s best friend! Born and bred in Franklin, Renee and husband Clayton live in Pukekohe, in a 1930’s ‘do-up’ which they share with two cats and multiple fish. “I’ve been a town planner for nearly 10 years and have a regular 40-hour plus job with CivilPlan Consultants,” Renee says. “But my other “job”, is accounts lady for Pit Stop Pukekohe which my husband and I own, and which he manages full time. “I don’t have a lot of spare time as I’m either at work, at the gym or out running. But, I do love to shop, catch up with friends and family, and I love pamper time – what would I do without those lovely Franklin ladies who keep the grey from my hair, make my nails beautiful and ensure my skin is the best it can be!” Renee says she tends to remain close to home at weekends but, when out and about, her handbag is always nearby. And with that comment we had to ask: What’s in your handbag – Renee? Anytime someone asks me that I get a little feeling of dread…what is actually in my handbag? Half the time I have no idea! It’s like the bag from Mary Poppins, an endless supply of stuff. But I swear I need, like, 99.9% of it, so here goes: ◆◆Essentials – wallet (oversized and most times it barely shuts), keys, makeup bag, deodorant, lip balm, work swipe card, emergency nut/protein bar, headphones/ armband, sunnies, cold & flu remedies, business cards (mine, and husband’s),

large. But the trick to bag size is: when buying a new one, to make sure my other handbag will fit inside. Then, when I arrive home my husband won’t realise I’ve bought yet another bag – coming home with two handbags is a dead giveaway! What items are likely to be found in your bag at any one time? All of the above. Items that come in and out depend on meetings and can include, scale ruler, post it notes, mini stapler, GST/ other account documents (for my ‘other job’ as an accounts lady), water bottle, and, even a pair of flat shoes.

giant highlighter, nail file, and more. ◆◆Non Essentials – random paperwork such as handouts from meetings, countless stray receipts, extra jewellery and multiple pens uplifted from the bank. You will note my phone is not on this list. That is because 95% of the time, it’s either charging on my desk/in my car, in my hand or I’m using it. Do you have a favourite style/brand? I have a few handbags in a variety of colours and styles, but because I like my handbag to match my outfit, I prefer something black, with a bit of bling. My ideal would be to have a bag liner containing all my stuff so it could easily transfer to another bag when switching to match outfits. Do you prefer a small or large bag? My preferred handbag size is medium to

What can’t you leave home without having in your bag? Having to fight traffic every day to get to work makes me really picky about what’s worth ‘going back’ for. The only things I will go back for is my wallet and phone. Everything else can be replaced easily if I need it throughout the day. What’s in there you don’t really need? Ideally I need everything. What’s the most embarrassing/funny thing to fall out of your bag? Don’t most women have the same embarrassing story here? Classic is reaching in and mistaking the shape of my lip balm for something else…. An afterthought! I have been called the Bag Lady, and Clayton frequently asks me if I’m going on a trip. Not only do I bring my handbag to work, but also my tablet bag, AND a separate bag for extra shoes (flats or heels). The bag situation gets worse on gym days. Today, my car boot has 2x gym bags. So, yes, technically I left the house this morning with five bags!

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Rural Living — September-October 2016 — 33

Something to crow about! What came first, the chicken or the egg? Well, it was the bacon, then the egg, and now the chicken! be in to win!

To celebrate the addition of chicken to its family, Freedom Farms is giving Rural Living readers a chance to win a fabulous hamper valued at $180. It includes Freedom Farms whole bagged chicken, tray-packed chicken breasts and thighs, pork roast, bacon, champagne ham, carton of eggs, and chorizo sausages – now how good is that? To enter the draw visit www.ruralliving. co.nz click on the competition link and fill in the form. One entry per person/email address; entries close October 31, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email.

ave you heard…there’s a new chick in town! Freedom Farms – the people that bring you those beautiful free range eggs and delicious bacon, ham and pork – is excited to add free range chicken to its happy family. Yes, Freedom Farms is on a mission to encourage farmers to open their barns so their chickens can head outside, feel the wind in their feathers, ‘peck about’ and play in the fields.

Chicken & Chorizo Pies Ingredients:

Method:

◆◆ 1kg Freedom Farms chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) chopped to bite size ◆◆ 450g Freedom Farms chorizo sausages (remove skin/cases) ◆◆1 tbsp olive oil ◆◆2 carrots finely diced ◆◆1 red capsicum finely diced ◆◆2 medium sized onions sliced ◆◆2 celery stalks diced ◆◆1/2 tsp of chilli flakes ◆◆1/2 tsp smoked paprika ◆◆2 tbsp plain flour (heaped) ◆◆600ml chicken stock ◆◆100ml cream ◆◆100ml dry sherry or white wine ◆◆1 cup of parsley, chopped ◆◆500g puff pastry ◆◆500g savoury short crust pastry ◆◆1 Freedom Farms egg, beaten ◆◆2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Heat oil in large casserole dish or pan, cook chicken until golden, then transfer to another dish. Add onions, carrots, celery capsicum to hot pan and cook 5 mins until soft then transfer to dish with chicken. Crumble chorizo into same hot pan and brown until coloured and crisp (keep working the grind to break up slightly while cooking) stir in flour, paprika, chili flakes, onions, carrots ,celery, capsicum and chicken cook 1 min, Add sherry and cook 2 mins, add stock, cover and simmer 20-30 mins until tender. Add cream to pan, increase heat with lid off and bubble for 5-10 mins until liquid has reduced to a white sauce consistency. Add seasoning, Worcestershire sauce and parsley. Set aside and cool mixture until you are ready to assemble your pies.

WIN

Preheat oven to 300°C. Grease pie tin (makes 24 muffin size pies or 1 large pie). Cut and position savoury crust pastry for base then add filling, Cut puff pastry for top, crimp the edge of pastry to seal, poke knife in top (3 small holes) to allow steam to escape, brush the top of pie with beaten egg for a golden glazed top. Bake for 45 mins or until golden. Bakers tip ...rest assembled pies in fridge 15min or more prior to baking to allow pastry to relax.

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Feeling safe in the dental chair! By Yvonne Vannoort, The Dentist

Revitalising mind, body and soul

s Kiwis settle into spring and look forward to the summer ahead, there is a general feeling of rejuvenation and a desire to generally become more active and healthy. At the same time the last of winter ills and chills linger and spring also brings its own little nasties such as an increase in hay fever resulting in sneezing, itchy eyes and more. What’s more as September draws to a close we are reminded that it was designated Breath Better September by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ. While most people can’t imagine not being able to breathe properly, that’s a reality for one in six New Zealanders. In fact, more than 700,000 Kiwis have respiratory conditions and this past month has been all about raising awareness. Chief executive of the Foundation, John Wills says respiratory conditions are the third leading cause of death and cost the country $5.5 billion each year. “But despite New Zealand having one of the highest rates of respiratory disease in the world, it is not highly profiled,” he says. Breathe Better September has encouraged Kiwis to start thinking about how they can improve their respiratory health see website www.breathebetterseptember.co.nz Of course, for those without a designated respiratory problem but who are feeling a need to overcome the kind of breathlessness that comes from lack of fitness, then now’s the time to step up and embark on a fresh fitness routine. Whether that’s walking/jogging, swimming, a gym programme or even kick starting with a boot camp, accompanied by a little overall body pampering – massage, new hairdo, skin care – and general health checks, there’s no time like now to begin revitalising mind, body and soul.

afe in the dental chair may seem like a contradiction to some. I understand that many people have had difficult dentistry experiences and, of course, these often remain in the psyche for a lifetime. So how can you feel safe? I see the three components of this safety aspect as physical, emotional and financial. So how can these be addressed at the dentist? “We will practise ◆◆Physical safety – Firstly, patients need care and to trust that the treatment won’t hurt. kindness and do They also need to feel safe enough to everything we be able to say if the treatment is not can think of to comfortable. put you at ease More anaesthetic can be used, and help you adequate time for the anaesthetic to take relax. Treatment effect can be checked, and a sedative can is always be given to help with difficult treatments confidential.” – there is a lot the dentist can do to ensure you feel physically safe. ◆◆Emotional safety – Importantly, we won’t make judgment about the state of your teeth. We believe patients invariably come when the time is right for them. We will practise care and kindness and do everything we can think of to put you at ease and help you relax. Treatment is always confidential. ◆◆Financial safety – We are aware that people need to know early the cost of any treatment they are committing to. A written treatment plan with cost estimates, is critical for you to be able to make the decisions that are right for you. We can arrange longer term, interest free payments using Gem Visa, Q card, Farmers Card which may assist. The last component is your feedback. We love hearing what we have done well and what we can do better in the future!

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Rural Living — September-October 2016 — 35

Make time for your Health T

here is a saying: those who don’t find time to look after their health, will have to find time for illness. There are very few things in life that should be put ahead of one’s health in terms of priority. In fact, one of the first rules in helping others is that you first have to look after yourself – ‘put your own mask on first before attempting to help others’. While the latter is an extreme situation, every time you put your own needs on the back burner to help others – work late to reach a deadline, skip lunch to fit in a meeting or maybe miss a workout to help a friend out – you are jeopardising your own health. Over time, these small sacrifices will add up and you may not be able to help anyone due to your own poor health.

Your Plan Having a detailed plan is like having a clear set of instructions. When you purchase a kit set item for example, the instructions will include: ◆◆What parts you have: This allows you to highlight all the things you need before you started. ◆◆Step by step process: This outlines order of tasks that need to be done. ◆◆Schematics and descriptions: This allows you to look ahead and identify tasks

Win! A three month supply of Kyolic Aged Garlic Like fine wines, we may think we get better as we grow older but that can be true with Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract! Designed to reduce blood pressure in adults with hypertension, it also helps provide immune and cardiovascular support, maintaining normal blood pressure in healthy people. What’s more, made from organically-grown garlic, this product is intended to be gentle on stomachs and even eliminate that garlic breath. Rural Living has a three-month supply of Kyolic Aged Garlic (valued at $210) up for grabs. To enter, see the competitions page at ruralliving.co.nz. One entry per person; entries close October 31, 2016. Winners notified by phone or email.

that you may not be able to do or, may require assistance from someone else to complete. ◆◆Image of the finished product: This gives a vision of what the end outcome looks like. It may even include a smiling model enjoying the new item you have brought to help create a sense of motivation – you get excited about finishing the process so you can enjoy the product of your hard work.

Implementing your Plan The obvious temptation is to skip reading the instructions and go straight into the assembly process so you can enjoy the finished product. You can see the finished image, why not get straight into it?

◆◆Do you have the right parts? ◆◆If you skip an important step, the final result may not be what you planned or you may actually have to go backwards to get back on track. ◆◆You may need to arrange assistance in order to complete the process – there could be a two-person step but unless you identify this you’ll be stranded on your own. ◆◆Finally, the finished product image may actually be misleading. You might only see it from one angle and miss some of the detail required and, therefore, miss experiencing that feeling the model is expressing in the photo! Your plan will guide you to your desired outcome. You can trust your plan, because it ensures that you have all the right ‘parts’ before you start. You have a step-by-step guide, which means you can recruit help or support along the way for those steps that require assistance. What’s more, you have highlighted a clear goal. Everything you need is laid out for you to help ensure your success. If you skip a step, it is very likely that you will either go off track or, end up having to go backwards to go forwards. Trust this process, follow your plan, and you will achieve success. – This article was submitted by the team at Jetts Fitness New Zealand.

Sounding out new hearing technology One person in every 10 report issues with their hearing – that is, from the number of people who actually have their hearing tested. The actual prevalence of hearing loss is, therefore, much higher and, at the age of 65, this statistic rises to 1 in 3 of the population. What’s more, this is increasing. Hearing loss is the single greatest socially isolating condition in the world. While not everyone who has a hearing loss requires hearing aids, those who do need to consider their use, have never had a greater choice than now. Hearing aids come in all shapes, sizes, colours and configurations. They are discreet – they are not the big ugly aids they once were. Indeed, many people wear hearing aids, and many of their friends and acquaintances, do not realise they have them as they cannot be seen! With the advent of wireless technology,

hearing aids are cutting edge devices. It’s possible to control the volume and shape the sound of the aids with an App on your smartphone. You can make and receive phone calls on them, you can listen to the TV through them and you can even be alerted to when the roast has finished cooking! Of course, you don’t need to have all this integration. As already mentioned, there is a vast array of devices from the simple to the technologically advanced and all at various price points to suit a variety of budgets. You may also be eligible for government assistance through the Hearing Aid Funding or Subsidy Scheme as well as other options such as ACC. The earlier you act on hearing loss, the better the longterm results. Call your audiologist today to open up a new world of sound. www.ruralliving.co.nz

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issing teeth? There’s no need to any longer when the All Dentures team is on the case! While some may be able to keep their teeth in tip top condition, others are not so lucky. Fortunately, clinical dental technician, Dr Marc Adams, and the team from All Dentures (in Pukekohe and Papatoetoe) are on hand to ensure smiles can last a lifetime. “Years ago, dentures could be cumbersome and uncomfortable, but we’ve come a long way since then,” he says. “These days, by drawing on the best techniques and equipment modern technology can offer, at All Dentures we can tailor-make top quality dentures to suit.” From full or partial dentures to repairs, relines and even mouth guards,

Marc’s highly trained team can ‘make it, fit it and fix it.’ “From initial consultation to dental work – undertaken by dentists and oral surgeons – we provide a comprehensive service, offering the highest level of care during every step of treatment,” Marc explains. “We’re committed to making quality dentures that are comfortable and functional for our patients so they can get back to sinking their teeth into life!” To take that first step to a brighter smile, contact Marc and team at either of their two clinics. “Simply give us a call and we’ll take it from there,” says Marc, “Our clinical dental technicians offer full dental laboratory services and no dentist appointments or referrals are required.”

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Plastic fantastic A tomato grower from Waiuku is being hailed as one of the most exciting emerging installation artists in New Zealand. Jae Kang has an extraordinary talent re-inventing irrigation tubing from her greenhouses into remarkable sculptural structures. Angela Kemp reports.

have to admit I was sceptical when I first heard about Jae Kang’s large-scale installations using original irrigation material from her commercial greenhouse. I’ve got quite a bit of the black plastic tubing lying around my block. It’s no longer useful, unrecyclable and an eyesore. And I’m always tripping over it. Short of burying it, I have to accept its part of the lifestyle landscape and hope it will eventually be hidden by kikuyu. But after viewing the work of Jae Kang I am seeing those giant liquorice pipes with new eyes. Jae and her husband James have been growing tomatoes in Waiuku for 15 years, ever since they immigrated from South Korea in search of a better life for their two children. They had no previous horticultural experience: James was a maths teacher and Jae was a highly regarded sculptor and painter who worked on public art for the Seoul Olympics in 1988. Their lives changed soon after with the arrival of son Taewon who was born with severe autistic and intellectual disabilities and needed round the clock care. “At the time the health services in Korea were not as good as they are now and we looked for another country where we would get the best medical help for Taewon,” Jae says. Once they had settled on New Zealand the couple bought an existing tomato growing business despite having no prior farming knowledge. It allowed Jae to provide the fulltime care Taewon needed and plenty of open space for him to run around. “We received a lot of help about how to run the business from neighbours and other members of the Korean community,” Jae says. But, between work and caring for Taewon, she no longer had time for art and her considerable talents lay dormant for the best part of two decades. That changed a couple of years ago when Taewon, now in his 20s, needed more care than his parents were able to provide and he moved into a residential home. 38 — Rural Living — September-October 2016

Diverse works by Jae Kang.

“I went to MIT to study for my Bachelor’s degree in creative art and while there I was approached to design an ANZAC memorial in Te Kauwhata.” It was the first of several public installation projects Jae has been involved in, including designing public sculptures for the New Zealand Steel Mill at Glenbrook and co-ordinating mural projects in the Otara community. Designed while she was a student at

Photos supplied

MIT, the Te Kauwhata Soldiers’ Memorial, was unveiled on the Village Green on April 11, 2015. It is constructed from five segments of concrete obtained from the Waterview tunnel project in Auckland. The centre piece – two sentries leaning into each other standing over three metres tall – depicts the brotherhood of Australia and New Zealand. If one falls, the other one will fall too so they must continue to support each other. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Jae Kang – creating art from plastic tubing.

Jae recently learned she had been selected to take part in next year’s Headland Sculpture on the Gulf on Waiheke Island, described as the foremost outdoor sculpture exhibition in NZ. Her huge installation, made of irrigation pipes naturally, will measure more than four metres high and sixteen metres long. “I looked at the pipes which are lying all around and I saw them as a giant scribble or line drawing. I thought I could make art from it and that’s how it began. I call them drawing installations.” Throughout these various projects Jae has developed a sensitivity for space, and a way in which her drawings can become 3-dimensional, changing the way people can walk around, engage with, and be surrounded by an artwork. “I am interested in engaging the public by putting them in an exciting environment and to impact on their awareness of that space to evoke people’s spatial imagination.” She said few people recognised the re-invented irrigation pipes.

“No-one knows what they are and I always have to explain why I have used them. My interest in lines that occupy a space is in part influenced by my commercial practice of growing tomatoes. “While involved in greenhouse growing, the work can consist of repeating a simple single gesture for up to 10 hours a day. The large amount of humble patience of labour creates an amazing power of growing life.” Jae also paints stunning abstract watercolours and says her techniques are influenced equally by Western academic drawing as well as traditional Korean drawing which involves meditation and physical discipline. Many of her paintings were lost in a fire in April which destroyed the family’s

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Rural Living — September-October 2016 — 39

On move

Real estate stock starts to lift – are buyers becoming wary? By David Powell, Barfoot & Thompson, Pukekohe

t time of writing, the REINZ statistics had not been released so, I used statistics from the Barfoot & Thompson media statement relating to August sales made by B&T for this month’s column. These statistics relate to sales from north Waikato to Cape Rienga and provide a relevant picture for Rural Living readers. August’s price increase was restrained for both average and median price. This slow down was more obvious when looking at average price increases over the last three months.

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My inheritance is mine! With so many buyers

By Miriam Arnet, Lawyer, Arnet Law

and such a shortage ast month we discussed Wills and Powers of Attorney. Keeping with of rural property... that theme, we now explore the status of inherited property when move now to score a you are in a relationship. People who have been in a relationship for three years or more strong market price. face a difficult decision when they come to inherit property: should Want personal service and the inheritance be shared with their partner or kept separate? expertise? List with James. The law does not require you to share your inheritance with your partner if you do not wish to. Legally, partners can keep their inheritance as their separate property. Under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, property acquired by way of inheritance is separate property. However, for it to remain separate, it must be kept separate. Once mingled with relationship property, inheritances are no longer separate property. It is common for someone who inherits to apply the inheritance to the reduction of joint debt, most commonly the mortgage over the family home. The family home is relationship property, and in the event that the couple separate, the equal sharing provisions of the Act apply. The result being, the person who did not inherit receives a windfall of half the inheritance. If that inherited money had been kept separate, the equal sharing provisions of the Act would not apply and the person who received the inheritance would be able to retain it in the event of separation. There are various ways of keeping an inheritance as separate property. For example: ◆◆Do not apply the inheritance for relationship purposes; JH RL QUARTER PAGE 90W X 135H 0816 RED JACKET.indd 1 ◆◆Enter into a “contracting out” agreement; or ◆◆Set up a family trust. Sometimes a combination of a family trust and a contracting out agreement may be necessary. Similar issues arise with money that is gifted by parents to a child. If the money is gifted to the child who uses it for relationship purposes, then it is relationship property and in the event of separation the money is to the benefit of both the child and their partner. If, however, the money is loaned to the couple (or even just one of them) rather than gifting it, and the relationship fails, then the loan remains the asset of the lenders, the parents. The other partner cannot claim a share of the funds as the funds did not become relationship property and indeed they have a half share in a debt instead. For more specific advice call 09 23 88 136. arnetlaw.co.nz

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42 — Rural Living — September-October 2016

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local roots... By Kylie Bosanac, Nick Bosanac Builders Limited

e spent some time in the USA last month visiting family in a quiet lake town (now that the teenage version of Nick Bosanac no longer lives there!). The homes were beautiful but not ostentatious, people were friendly and it was commonplace to see deer grazing on the lawn. However, two things stood out to make me more appreciative of this place we call home – Franklin. Firstly, over there the effects of the recession were still very evident – empty streets with empty homes and businesses that have just shut the door, walked away and never returned. We are so blessed. We may be experiencing a housing shortage here, but it means that people WANT to be here. It means there is opportunity and room for growth! Franklin, especially, is growing rapidly both in residential housing and commercial businesses. It is strengthening our physical community and our sense of community as it creates opportunities for work and leisure, right in our own backyard. Secondly, we bumped into Nick’s old high school principal. While not a ‘trouble maker’, Nick was ‘restless’ at school until the principal enrolled him in an apprenticeship programme. Happy (and a little shocked) to see each other, they shook hands and his principal confided that sitting in classrooms was not for him either. I reflected on this and how far Nick and the business have both come. I also thought of our past and present apprentices, who have come from various backgrounds, but have found their passion in construction. We arrived home from our trip just in time to attend another Apprentice of the Year awards with our team. We have had someone in the finals each time they have entered! Impressively, each year, including this one, over half the finalists represented have been from Franklin. So, stand tall knowing that this rising generation of local builders will be fantastic. Indeed, I think we have something really special here. It’s our local people, supporting local businesses, sports, teams and events and that keeps us all growing! So, thanks to you also for your part in making Franklin a great place to work and live! If you need any more reasons to move here or want to talk about your build goals, drop us a line or pop in for a visit! We have a wide range of resources to help you get it right.

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October is a great a month to set things up in the garden for a long, hot summer! Organics: grow and eat healthy • If you’re into growing healthy food or you want to

have a go, now’s the time! Central Landscapes are really excited to offer Living Earth’s organic certified Veggie Mix in bags, a great chemical-free mix to use in fill raised beds and planters.

What can I plant now? • Top of the list would be the summer vegetables that can be harvested in the months after Christmas. If you’ve got plenty of sun on your garden now, plant capsicum, chillies, zucchini and aubergines. Maybe try a cucumber from Labour Weekend on. • Herbs that really save money are coriander and parsley, French tarragon and dill. Wonderful flavours for summer, they don’t always last when bought in supermarkets and they’re so easy to grow at this time of the year. • Structural elements – create a bit of height and fun in your edible or your ornamental garden by adding metal plant towers or willow teepees. Plant sweet peas, snow peas or nasturtiums as they’re easily trained up the framework.

October is perfect lawn sowing time • The most important aspects to sowing successful lawns are preparation (spraying out or removing weeds), the soil or mix you sow the seed into and the selection of the right lawn seed for the area. At our yards we have top quality lawn seed, starter fertilisers and that all important Ultra Lawn Mix to sow the seed into. Ask for our Prolawn leaflet that you can take away with you that will help you get started.

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Rural Living — September-October 2016 — 43

Ranger does a runner The race to be New Zealand’s number one new vehicle overall is no longer neck and neck, with Ford Ranger bolting well beyond its nearest competitors. Year to date, August 2016, Ranger is more than 1400 units ahead of the current number two ute and more than 2000 ahead of Corolla. Ranger also has upgrades and refinements in the pipeline. Ford’s SYNC3 arrived this month on XLT and Wildtrak, and in November it will have a cleaner and more efficient Euro5 compliant powertrain. SYNC3 is Ford’s new in-vehicle communications and entertainment platform. It features Apple CarPlay®, Android AutoTM, faster performance, more conversational voice recognition, intuitive smartphone-like touchscreen, and an improved graphic-user interface.

Ranger now includes a rear view camera on XL well-side models, XLT and Wildtrak, reverse parking sensors across the entire range, and front parking sensors on the XLT and Wildtrak. Photo supplied

The top of the range LTZ 4x4 Crew Cab is priced from $60,990.

Photo supplied

Big improvements, small pricing

ew Holden Colorado has just been launched in New Zealand with carry-over pricing for 2WD models and a small $1000 increase for four-wheel drive variants. The new model features a completely new interior and redesigned exterior, as well as significant improvements to ride comfort, quietness, vibration and handling. A MyLink system with colour touch screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto headlights, LED daytime running lights, seven airbags and electric power steering are now standard across the range. Pricing starts at just $39,900 for the entry LS model, while the top of the range LTZ and Z71 trims add a new level of safety

and convenience with Front Park Assist, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Tyre pressure monitor, power folding exterior mirrors and rain-sensing windscreen wipers. Colorado is powered by a 2.8-litre Duramax diesel that develops 147kW at 3600rpm, and 440Nm of torque at 2000rpm (six-speed manual) or 500Nm at 2000rpm (six-speed auto). “Thanks to a fresh new look, car-like levels of refinement as well as enhanced ride and handling plus increased specification, we’re confident Colorado will build on its position as the top selling model in the Holden range,” said the Managing Director of Holden New Zealand, Kristian Aquilina.

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4 Hamlet Pl, Pukekohe Ph 09 238 4343 abercrombieengraving.co.nz

Design Magic Landscapes

LAND SURVEYORS LAND SUbDIvISION

Contact

David Lawrie Dan Madsen www.madsen-lawrie.co.nz Email: office@madsen-lawrie.co.nz 14 Hall St PO Box 177, Pukekohe Tel 09 238 6369 Fax 09 238 2448

Building in Franklin from North Waikato to City Fringe Ph Grant 0274 780 047 info@totalbuild.co.nz www.totalbuild.co.nz

Debbie Duis

~ LANDSCAPE DESIGNER ~ DIPLOMA IN LANDSCAPE DESIGN

URbAN & RURAL LAND DEvELOpMENT

• Consultation • Plans • Implementation • Project Management • Plant Sourcing & Supply • Landscape Planning

pROpERTy & TITLE INvESTIgATION fARM pLANS & AERIAL phOTOgRAphS RESOURCE MANAgEMENT AppLICATIONS bUILDINg SET OUTS

01877

TREE SERVICES & STUMP GRINDING

021 216 8078 01537

• 10 Year Guarantee • Complete Project Management • Design Service, Renovations • 50+ Designs • Green Homes • Finance Assistance • Award Winning We offer a high level of workmanship and expertise

TILES

Pruning/Trimming, Hedges, Tree Removal, Chipping and Stump Grinding

5 Allen Bell Drive, Kaitaia. Ph 09 408 2469

www.wagenerstoves.co.nz

MADSEN LAWRIE CONSULTANTS LTD

TOTAL PIECE OF MIND

Leon

Designed to work hard and stand the test of time. Leon is a multi-fuel fire standing 900mm high and delivering 16-18kws of room heat. When fitted with a “Lion” Wetback plenty of power saving hot water is also on hand.

12803

• Engraving • Badges & Cups • Laser Engraving • Medals & Ribbons