Rural Living September 2019 by Times Media

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August/September 2019

CLEVEDON’S KEEN-EDGED CRAFTSMAN SUSAN WALDMEYER: BY THE BOOK MARKETS FACE FATE www.ruralliving.co.nz

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER ■HOME & GARDEN The Auckland Home Show September 4-8, ASB Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Epsom This is the big one. Every year, thousands of folk head to the ASB Showgrounds to discover the latest in design trends and more as 500 plus exhibitors display their products and services while dispensing expert advice. Geared towards construction and design, The Auckland Home Show is an expo of super city proportions.

■MUSIC, MUSICALS, & DANCE Iconic Kiwis August 22, from 11am, Pukekohe Town Hall, Massey Avenue, Pukekohe, and August 29, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Dr, Papakura New Zealand may punch above its weight in sport but, when it comes to musical entertainment, plenty of talented Kiwis have been knocking it out of the park for generations. Showcasing the work of such stars as Sir Howard Morrison, Billy T James, Ray Columbus, Pat Urlich and many more, this show is a ‘must see’ for those who truly appreciate Aotearoa’s musical roots. See operatunity.co.nz. Kohatu Dance Company – Kurutao August 23 (from 6.30pm) & 24 (from 2pm), OSPA Theatre, Hall Road, Onewhero From traditional dance to hip hop, this performance draws on many modes of movement as an intriguing narrative unfolds. See ospa.org.nz or facebook.com/kohatudanceco for more information. Tudor Motets & Madrigals – Handel Quire September 8, 3-4.30pm, St Andrew’s

Anglican Church, Cnr Queen and Wesley Sts, Pukekohe While many of today’s music lovers may follow a different beat, plenty of purists simply can’t let go of Handel. Singing a variety of motets and madrigals from the Tudor period a cappella, the Handel Quire is set to take us on a journey back in time. Fleetwood Mac September 12, 16 & 19, Spark Arena, 42-80 Mahuhu Cres, Parnell James Brown may have been the hardest working man in show business but Fleetwood Mac has to be one of its hardest working bands. Since the late ‘60s, this band has produced a ‘landslide’ of hits (due as much to discord as to harmony within its ranks) and is now joined by Kiwi legend, Neil Finn. See sparkarena.co.nz for details.

■ ARTS A Place to Paint – Colin McCahon Now - January 27, 10am-5pm, Auckland Art Gallery, Wellesley St East, Auckland City

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The Ultimate Queen Celebration August 29, Claudelands Arena, Corner Brooklyn Rd & Heaphy Tce, Hamilton, and August 30, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland City Roll over Prince and give ‘The King’ the news that it’s time to leave the building because Queen is set to reign supreme. Starring Marc Martel as Freddie Mercury, this show celebrates the work of one of the most respected bands in rock ‘n’ roll history. For more details, see ultimatequeendownunder. com.

Featuring 25 works by one of New Zealand’s most celebrated artists, this exhibition tracks McCahon’s contribution to art over a 30 year period while he was living in Auckland. See aucklandartgallery. com/whats-on for details. Franklin Arts Festival August 31 – September 8, times vary, Pukekohe Town Hall and Franklin Arts Centre, Massey Ave, Pukekohe Work by some of the finest fine artists from Franklin and beyond will feature during the 2019 edition of this annual festival. In addition to painting, many other

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■ FAMILY FUN Friday the 13th Candy Treat Hunt for Kids September 13, 4-6pm, Spookers, 833 Kingseat Road, Karaka Would you go down to the woods on Friday the 13th? Even though the candy to be found there was hidden by witches, it can’t be all that bad for us, can it? A special kid-sized level of scares is to be expected during this one-day-only event. See spookers. co.nz for more details... if you dare!

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media will be on show, from photography and ceramics to sculpture, woodcraft and more. For a full programme, visit franklinartsfestival.co.nz. Reflections on a Botanist September 2 – October 11, 8am-4.30pm, Auckland Botanic Gardens, 102 Hill Rd, The Gardens Timed to mark the anniversary of Captain James Cook’s first visit to New Zealand 250 years ago, this free exhibition features the work of 10 artists focused on the contribution of botanist Daniel Solander, a member of the Endeavour’s scientific team. See aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/ whats-on for more information.

■ FAMILY FUN Supercars Fan Day & Cardboard Car Rally September 12, 3.30-6.30pm, Pukekohe Town Square, King street, Pukekohe Top motorsport drivers may take centre stage when the Australian Supercars hit town (Pukekohe Park, Sep 13-15), but before then, stars in cars of many

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different makes are also set to impress. Promising a fun-filled family afternoon, the Supercars Fan Day is gearing up with its famous Cardboard Car Rally expected to top the podium once again. For details, see facebook.com/ PukekoheCardboardCarRally.

■ SPORT, MOTORING & RACING NZ Darts Masters August 23-24, Cnr Brooklyn Rd and Heaphy Tce, Claudelands, Hamilton After securing the New Zealand leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series, Hamilton has hit the target again, securing hosting duties for the NZ Darts Masters. Featuring some of the world’s finest players, this annual event (previously held in Auckland) expects to be full of bulls! For more information, visit claudelands.co.nz/ events. Pakuranga Hunt Day August 24, Auckland Racing Club, Ellerslie Racecourse, 100 Ascot Ave, Remuera Featuring a gruelling steeplechase,

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NZ Motorcycle Show September 14-15, 9am-5pm, ASB Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Epsom With Papakura Rotary Club setting the wheels in spin, this event sees motorcycles of many shapes and sizes take their place in the spotlight. From displays and demonstrations to entertainment and more, the NZ Motorcycle Show goes a long way towards explaining why so many Kiwis believe two wheels are better than four. For details visit nzmotorcycleshow.co.nz.

this event (by the Pukekawa-based Pakuranga Hunt Club, offers plenty of action on track and off with racing and other entertainment. See ellerslie.co.nz/ pakuranga-hunt-day. ITM Auckland Supersprint September 13-15, Pukekohe Park Raceway, Manukau Rd, Pukekohe Has Scott (McLaughlin) got what it takes or will Fabulous Fab(ian) Coulthard drive hard enough to overtake him? Can Shane van Gisbergen lead the pack or will Jamie Whincup’s cup runneth over? When the mighty Australian Supercars hit Pukekohe Park, Holdens, Fords (and Nissans too!) will be put through their paces by some of motorsport’s finest drivers. See supercars. com/auckland for details.

Nick Murray Rural Living — August/September —3 Dawson 2019 Bates Sales Manager Branch Manager

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From the editor... judgements, he also felt this was one of those complex issues which the public should leave to the MPs they have elected to make such profound and important decisions on their behalf. I can’t help but agree. While this matter can hardly be likened to that of Brexit – a referendum which required people to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the United Kingdom leaving the European Union – in some ways it is similar. Without all the facts, the background and relevant information, it might be all too easy to make an uninformed call which could have unforeseen repercussions either way. Referendums might seem a sensible solution but in my view, the end result can make a situation more complicated. Finally, unsurprisingly – to locals anyway – Pukekohe is a finalist in the Most Beautiful Towns and City Awards. To my mind, we should be a shoo-in!

where entertainment is called for. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to Groove It’s end of year event when, of course, my grandson will prove himself to be..well, …the most kinetic of upcoming dancers! And, yes, I may well be wearing my rose tinted glasses. Now, to another issue and one which sees people fiercely divided. The proposed Abortion Law Reform Bill as well as talk of NZ First calling for a referendum has drawn mixed reactions; some vehemently for the bill some vehemently against it; some for a referendum, some not so sure and then there are the ‘undecideds’ on both sides of each fence. While I do not wish to debate the new bill, except to say I am glad decriminalisation of abortion is on the cards, when it comes to any call for a referendum, my thoughts are very much with those of the Leader of the Opposition, Simon Bridges. He has said politicians who call for referendums often do so because they don’t want to deal with the too hard questions themselves. In addressing such an emotive issue, which calls for far more than rash

Helen Perry, Editor

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he prerogative of every grandparent is, perhaps, to see their grandchildren through rose-tinted glasses – those young people are the most talented of artists, the cleverest of scientists, the greatest of writers and, of course, remarkable athletes….! Well, I promise readers that I left my rose-tinted glasses behind when I attended the mid-year concert of Groove It in Pukekohe last this month. Prepared for some amateur footwork and a few flexible moves, I was blown away by the incredibly versatile and accomplished hip hop exponents from this very busy dance studio. While the littlest learners were not yet perfectly co-ordinated, they were endearing. However, when it came to senior dancers and their instructors, it was difficult to fault their energetic and riveting performances. When one considers the achievements of Kiwi dancer Parris Goebel, together with the use of dance in stage and promotional work abroad, it is such a pity there are so few opportunities here. Perhaps more corporates might consider using the likes of such dance troupes, including this troupe, for product launches and special functions

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ELITE SOILS UNDER THREAT We might be able to live in a concrete jungle but it’s tough going trying to grow food from such solid foundations. While Pukekohe may be widely recognised as the bread basket of New Zealand, pressures caused by a housing shortage (or crisis, depending on one’s summation) have already paved the way for much development. To read Angela Kemp’s in-depth investigative report on this important issue, see pages 6-9.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

BROWNED OFF –

has greenfield grab gone too far? It could well be a case of shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted but a growing number of readers are concerned at the encroachment of new builds on Pukekohe’s productive land. A special Rural Living report by ANGELA KEMP asks if, despite a new government announcement, it’s too late to save our precious growing heritage.

very week, all around the district, it seems another field is being levelled, another sub-division is going in, another house is going up. Well, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Plans to earmark a further 1262 hectares of greenfield land for housing are on stream with the just announced Auckland Council’s Pukekohe-Paerata structure plan. That represents nearly 30% of the total land area which is expected to result in excess of 12,500 new homes. That’s in addition to 4500 new homes at Paerata Rise and 700 at the Belmont sub-division. A further 1800 dwellings are expected in the wider Paerata area. Smaller scale developments have also taken place at Anselmi Ridge and Pukekohe Hill as well as other piecemeal developments. But that’s small beer compared to what’s happening in Drury: overall the development of the Drury/Opaheke structure plan area (over 30 years) is likely to provide 22,000 homes and a population of some 60,000, similar to Rotorua. Development of greenfield land is inevitable in the face of a housing shortage but it’s the loss of elite, horticultural soils that’s raising a red flag at local and government level. A just released (August) Auckland Council report shows that since 2012 there have been 1302 residential sections created (118ha) around Pukekohe town while a further 308 sites (33ha) have resource consents but no titles yet. Across the city, the future urban zone covers some 10,095 hectares, and by council’s own reckoning around 66% of these new residential sites are located on elite or prime soils. Franklin ward councillor and deputy mayor Bill Cashmore, who chairs council’s Rural Advisory Panel, disputes that 66% of future urban land is on prime soil.

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“Further inspection of the detail within the report illustrates that the relatively unproductive areas of Dairy Flat, Huapai/ Kumeu, Warkworth and Drury as well as Pukekohe made up that 66%,” he says. “It’s pretty clear that all those areas, with the exception of Pukekohe, are mostly lifestyle blocks with limited productivity.” But there’s the rub: surely it’s Pukekohe that stands to lose the most whatever the percentile? Environment Minister, David Parker seems to think so. On August 14, just as Rural Living was preparing to go to press, he chose the Hira Bhana farm in Tuakau Road, Pukekohe, to announce the Government’s National Draft Policy Statement for highly productive land. He was joined by Agricultural Minister, Damien O’Connor who said one of the greatest challenges facing the world was the need to feed a growing population. “We have a well-earned reputation for producing some of the best food in the world,” Mr O’Connor said. “Continuing to grow food in the volumes and quality we have come to expect depends on the availability of land and the quality of the soil. Once productive land is built on, we can’t use it for food production, which is why we need to act now. “We cannot afford to lose our most highly productive land. It brings significant economic benefits including employment for nearby communities, and adds significant value to NZs primary sector.” Mr Parker has previously expressed concern about how much urban growth was occurring on “irreplaceable, highly productive land” with special mention of Pukekohe. He has said even in a country as lucky as ours there is limited quantity of high-class soils. “We must ensure we have enough land to build houses people need, but we must protect our most productive areas.”

The newly announced policy could result in a political hot potato if Government tries to overturn Auckland’s rural housing plans but Bill Cashmore believes that’s unlikely. “Once an area is zoned urban residential there is virtually no way to reverse the decision without considerable expense. “There will be no more sell offs of elite growing land because it isn’t in Auckland’s best interests. Developments on the fringes of Pukekohe, especially to the west, were approved prior to the establishment of Auckland Council. Patumahoe is in the same category. “The Auckland Policy Statement gives elite and prime soils special mention about further protection because of the unique circumstances around Pukekohe. Rural production is a critical and essential part of sustainability as a community, as a city and as a country.” Mr Cashmore adds future urban development will take place on the clay soils to the east and north of Pukekohe, still rural production areas but not prime or elite vegetable growing areas. One grower who didn’t wish to be named said his family had been market gardeners in Pukekohe for three generations and doesn’t blame other growers for selling up when their properties are re-zoned residential. “If there is no family lineage to take over the business and developers offer money that directly provides a happy retirement, how does one say no? It hurts the industry immensely that such land is being consumed for housing yet successive governments turn a blind eye to the detriment caused to the horticultural and agricultural industry. I’d like to know if the benefits of putting housing on primary land outweigh the costs of taking it out of vegetable production.” www.ruralliving.co.nz

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SPECIAL FEATURE

While Pukekohe accounts for less than four percent of the country’s land under mainly vegetable production, it contributes more than 25 percent to the country’s entire vegetable revenue. It’s not surprising concerns have been raised over more than a quarter of that land being earmarked for urbanisation.

TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT?

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Photos Wayne Martin

Pukekohe is the food bowl for Auckland thanks to an abundant supply of year – round fresh vegetables including potatoes, carrots, leafy greens, brassicas, tomatoes and onions. Its Longkeeper onion is world famous. Apart from benefitting from a gentle climate, high class soils and underground water, Pukekohe’s success is also dependant on being on the doorstep to both New Zealand’s largest market for fruit and vegetables and to export facilities. Good for the grower, good for the consumer. But it’s the closeness to the metropolis that now poses the biggest threat to Pukekohe’s continued prosperity – an ever increasing demand for land suitable for housing. At 4359 hectares, the so-called Pukekohe hub is a small area – just 0.01 percent of the size of the super city. While Pukekohe accounts for less than four percent of the country’s land under mainly vegetable production, it contributes more than 25 percent to the country’s entire vegetable revenue. It’s not surprising concerns have been raised over more than a quarter of that land being earmarked for urbanisation. Since Pukekohe was identified as a growth area, land prices have skyrocketed. This has resulted in staggering increases exemplified by a 4ha block which previously grew potatoes before being re-zoned residential, tripling its QV to $7 million. Large housing developments like those at Wesley College (Paerata Rise) and Belmont are slowly changing

the district from a predominantly rural environment to one with urban interests, land uses and expectations. Even Pukekohe Hill, regarded as one of the area’s top growing sites, hasn’t been able to withstand the march of progress. Some 196 hectares of the most elite soil in the country now lies beneath smart new housing with more to come. Another potential cog in Pukekohe’s wheel of progress is the pending establishment of the Government Urban Development Authority which is being set up to fast-track affordable housing in Auckland. It is expected the UDA will eventually have control of 12 to 15 major housing developments Auckland-wide, the first, and so far only one detailed, is on the Unitec site in Mount Albert. Most importantly the UDA will be able to override Auckland Unitary Plan (ergo the Pukekohe-Paerata plan) in a bid to lift the pace and number of new houses being built in the city. In effect, although councils such as Auckland will be consulted as part of both the establishment and development plan stages, the final decision will be in the hands of the Wellington-based UDA. However, Mr Cashmore thought the UDA would have no appetite to venture into areas of prime production. “The challenges for land use are very real. Continued urban expansion outward is not positive for rural productive purposes and greenfield development is very infrastructure expensive. “ Rural Living — August/September 2019 — 7

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SPECIAL FEATURE

SOS –

save our soil Pukekohe Hill

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he greenfield land grab has led Horticulture New Zealand to call for a nationwide food security plan to futureproof Pukekohe from turning into a concrete jungle. It commissioned a report, New Zealand’s food story: The Pukekohe Hub, detailing the significant contribution Pukekohe’s horticulture industry makes to the health and wealth of not only the town but to Auckland in particular and to New Zealand as a whole. “If decision-makers don’t have a clear view of the value of the Pukekohe food hub, we run the risk of an economic hit to Auckland of up to $1.1 billion in 25 years, with the loss of up to 4500 fulltime jobs, less fruit and vegetables available, and prices up to 58 percent higher,” says Horticulture NZ chief executive, Mike Chapman. “Food and housing are competing for land and water. We need both, so now is a good time to be smart about long-term planning for food security and domestic supply.” Auckland is expected to be home to 2.3 million people by 2043 – up 37 percent on 2018 yet there is less land available for cultivation. In a worst case scenario, the country runs the risk of not being able to provide its own population with affordable fruit and veggies, the report concludes. Auckland Council’s own findings concur 8 — Rural Living — August/September 2019

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with the report. In its recently released Climate Action Framework it highlights tensions between housing development and the need to maintain a source of horticulture and food for the city. Specifically, it says that the future of Pukekohe hub is important for Auckland and questions the logic of building on rural land as the demand for fresh food to help feed Auckland continues to grow. In response to a written query from Brian Neben, the publisher of Rural Living, Auckland planning manager, John Duguid said the council recognised the importance of protecting rural production and rural industry and, in particular, safeguarding food-producing prime and elite soils from further loss. “We have developed several planning tools to prevent further urban sprawl into these areas such as the Rural Urban Boundary, subdivision rules and incentives for existing rural landowners to amalgamate titles rather than subdivide land,” he said in his reply. “The land identified as Future Urban and the placement of the Rural Urban Boundary (RUB) are both identified in the Auckland Unitary Plan. This plan went through extensive public consultation as well an Independent Hearings Panel (IHP) hearings process before it became operative in 2016. “The outcome of these processes has

meant that some prime soils around the region have been zoned as Future Urban and are within the Rural Urban Boundary. This is also due in part to past zoning decisions made by the former councils in the Auckland region, which enabled some areas with prime soils to be subdivided, making these areas unviable for rural production. “As of today, around three quarters of Auckland’s elite and prime soils are outside areas earmarked for future development within the Auckland Unitary Plan. “We believe strong protections need to be set at a national level to support the council’s current approach. We are actively engaging with the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry for the Environment on possible national planning instruments that would increase protection for highly productive land.” This would appear to reference last year’s announcement by Environment Minister, David Parker that he had tasked officials to start work on a national policy statement to protect elite soils after expressing concern at how much urban growth is occurring on irreplaceable, high-value soil, around Pukekohe in particular. Deputy mayor, Bill Cashmore, says done correctly, this could be a positive step towards enhanced protection especially for prime soils. www.ruralliving.co.nz

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SPECIAL FEATURE

E P O H F O R E M M LI G A , IN A R , S IE K GREY S

productive land is built on, we can’t use it for food production which is why we need to act now. Continuing to grow food in the volumes and quality we have come to expect depends on the availability of land and the quality of the soil.” The National Policy Statement aims to introduce a clear and consistent policy councils will have to follow when making decisions on land use.”It proposes that councils be required to ensure there’s enough highly productive land available for primary production now and in the future, and protect it from inappropriate subdivision, use and development,” said Mr Parker. “Every day, truckloads of broccoli and other winter greens leave the Auckland region, not just to feed Auckland, but also the South Island. If we lose these soils, the price of vegetables will go up and we’ll be a less healthy country.”

HARNESS A high energy feed for horses in full work containing high quality proteins such as Micronized Lupins for muscle repair. Also includes premium energy sources including Cold Pressed Canola Oil with Omega 3 and 6 to enhance speed and reduce fatigue and Micronized Barley for easy digestion. Gives your horse the nutrition for optimum performance when it needs it and the edge out on the track. INGREDIENTS Micronized Barley, Maize, Oats, Barley, Molasses, Soya Bean Meal, Cold pressed Canola Oil (Omega 3, 6 & 9), Micronized Lupins, Full Fat Soya, Bran, Oaten Chaff, Lucerne, Peas, Calcium, Sunflower Seed, Salt, Di Calcium Phosphate, Magnesium Oxide, Vitamins and Minerals (including 100% Organic Selenium), Live Yeast, Melofeed.

Agriculture Minister, Damien O’Connor (right) with representatives from Onion NZ – from left, Owen Symmans, James Kuperus and Britanny McCloy.

Mr Parker said that even in a housing shortage, there are places with lower quality soil that can be used for developments – “This does not put at risk our aim to build more houses. We have plenty of land, we can do both.” Amrat Bhana, whose late father Hira started the farm more than 60 years ago, is hopeful this new policy will stem the flow of prime growing fields to building sites. “We are dead against building on elite land, instead they should be building on land not suitable for cropping,” he says. “I remember as a youngster crops were grown in Kumeu, Albany … all gone now. We want to leave the soil in a better condition than we found it, we are its guardians.” Public consultation on the proposal is open for two months.

TYPICAL ANALYSIS (DRYMATTER) Energy DE.........................15.6 MJ/kg Crude protein.....................14.3% min Fat.......................................10% max Crude Fibre.........................6.5% max Salt........................................1% max

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DIRECTIONS FOR USE Full Work 5-6 kg per day in split feeds Medium Work 4-5 kg per day Light Work 3-4 kg per day

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

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he weather was inclement on the day not one, but two, Government MPs showed up in Pukekohe to announce a protection package for our elite soils. You could say it was Sod’s law that resulted in Environment Minister, David Parker being more than 30 minutes late for the launch – he blamed Auckland traffic. The venue was Hira Bhana’s farm on Tuakau Road next to a field of healthylooking potato tops glistening green and bright from frequent downpours. TV cameras and radio mikes were at the ready as Agriculture Minister, Damien O’Connor and, eventually, David Parker, released a document for public consultation on the threats to our highly productive farm land and how the Government plans to protect it. Inside a packing shed, the Bhana family had set up a table of their current produce – a feast of potatoes, cabbages, lettuces, onions red and brown and pumpkins. Even better, we were encouraged to help ourselves and take some home (after tucking into a fine afternoon tea). Pukekohe isn’t called Auckland’s food bowl for nothing. Hospitality aside, the serious business of launching the draft National Policy Statement for highly productive land was conducted in front of representatives from Auckland Council, Franklin Local Board, Horticulture NZ, Pukekohe Vegetable Gowers, Onions NZ, Potatoes NZ and more. Mr O’Connor told the meeting that the Government had taken soils for granted. “If we lose our soils we won’t get them back and we’ll be the poorer for that. Once

Rural Living — August/September 2019 — 9

15/08/2019 1:00:14 p.m.

BREEDING PACERS REWARDING HOBBY Brian Neben publishes Rural Living and was a lifestyle farmer for many years

COUNTRY LAD

s many readers are aware I’ve been hot under the collar for some time about our district’s prime horticultural land being eaten up by housing. I even went so far as to try and get some answers from Auckland Council and, while I was pleased to receive a response, it still didn’t make sense to me that there seems little can be done to reverse past decisions which rezoned elite soils to residential. Subsequently, I am delighted that Rural Living has undertaken a special report on this ‘land grab’ – see pages 6-9 – and while it sheds light on the issue, I am fairly sure readers will still be appalled at what this report reveals. Now to another matter – two months ago, after mentioning our lovely filly, Betterbrook had won her first race, I received a few enquiries from readers wanting to know my full involvement with harness racing. Well, back in the mid-90’s, my wife and I became country folk when we bought a 10-acre property in Runciman Road, Drury. The property was ideal for horses – or a horse – as our plan was to have only one brood mare and breed from her each year. My long time friend, Tony Dickinson (well known in the harness racing industry)

sought our my first purchase which was a bay mare named, Eliza Doolittle by Sokys Atom/Kiss and Coo. She was a lovely mare, easy to handle which suited me as a first time breeder. Eliza had a foal at hoof which we named Henry Higgins. Tony liked the look of him and offered to buy a half share and so we set out on my first venture. We sent Henry to train with Geoffrey Small. He [Henry] was a handful but showed a lot of promise, winning two weeks in a row at Alexandra Park in Auckland. Our next horse was named Flyin Freddy. He went on to win three races and took four, seconds and u Eliza Doolittle with Elsudok five, thirds. He was by Sands A Flyin. We then went on to breed four fillies in a row, the best of these unfortunately, he broke down. being Spanish Rain, which had one win, It was about three years before two, seconds and two, thirds before being we purchased our second (and last) sold to Australia where she won six races broodmare named Willowbrook. We had and was placed 19 times. five foals from her, the first being Will Over the following years we bred a Desire, which had two wins but suffered colt, Alfie Doolittle which won one race; from a bad foot and couldn’t carry on a filly Emma Do; and another colt called racing. Colonel Pickering, which won four and ran Then along came Willedu, which to date eight places. has had five wins. Of the next three, only Our last foal from Eliza was a colt by Betterbrook has been to the races and Elsu which was named by a reader in has now had her first win and looking for Rural Living’s, Name the Foal competition. more. We picked the name Elsudoku, which Our last filly, Willsherocknroll is nearly combined Elsu with the numbers game, ready to go, so keep your eye on her. Sudoku – well named! Over the years we have had 29 wins Elsudoku went on to become the which we are very proud of; perhaps pick of our breeding. He had 32 starts, Willsherocknroll will add to that. eight wins, four seconds and four thirds Go the ABs – win some, lose some! before being sold to Australia where,

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

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RLAugust-September19.indd 10

15/08/2019 1:15:04 p.m.

VET TALK

Caring for your goats As a dedicated Lifestyle Block vet, Dr Sarah Clews BSc BVSc can vouch for the fact that the number of goats kept as pets in the area is on the rise. Today she talks about their care. We all know that goat kids are very cute and can be very good weed-eaters but what special care do they need to be happy and healthy? While brilliant weed-eaters, goats are also very susceptible to toxicities and those plants toxic to them must be kept well out of reach – rhododendron, camelia, lily and nightshade are just a few of the most common toxicities I see. Kid goats should be vaccinated against clostridial disease; this involves two vaccines as babies, depending on the vaccine you choose (you can protect for up to 10 diseases!). This can be done as early as two weeks old, with a booster four weeks later. Boosters don’t usually last as long in goats as in sheep and cattle, so six-monthly boosters may be required for them to stay fully protected. Parasite control is extremely important in goats of all ages. Due to drench resistance in the goat population, the frequency and dose rate for drenching of goats is extremely important and can be complicated. We recommend a cheap faecal test to check for worm burdens in your goats prior to drenching and to avoid drenching when not necessary, as this can make matters worse. Weighing your goats will ensure

they get the dose right for their weight. We recommend removing horn buds on kid goats between one and two weeks old. This is done in clinic or at home under sedation and local anaesthetic. The horn buds develop into horns a lot younger in goats than in calves so, doing them when older, risks regrowth. We do not dehorn adult goats unless their welfare is compromised (e.g. the horns are in-growing). Uncastrated, a buck (male) will become smelly and possibly aggressive as he reaches maturity. This procedure can be done very early (at one week old) when the nerves are not yet well developed. Otherwise, a surgical castration can be performed following puberty. Another essential job for goats is monitoring hoof health. Depending on their genetics and environment, hooves may need regular trimming. The goats on our Goat Healthcare Plans see a vet tech for a foot check and trimming (if necessary) four times a year. Don’t forget, according to the new Animal Welfare Code, goats should no longer be tethered. They need regular checking, access to food and water at all times, and clean, dry shelter in the way of a draftfree house or kennel. A kid goat will grow better if it has a cover as it is not wasting

energy on keeping warm. I hope these tips have been helpful and that you enjoy your goats because their friendly and curious natures make them awesome pets.

CHECKLIST ■ Calves and lambs – protect younger animals from parasites with a robust drenching plan. Choose products, such as Iver-Matrix, with a wider safety margin. Coccidia is also a significant issue for calves so ensure your meal has a coccidiostat and consider using Baycox as a preventative. ■ Pets – Fleas continue to thrive in homes during winter, that’s why treating all pets year-round is integral to effective flea control. We recommend Bravecto.

Looking for a healthcare solution that includes EVERYTHING your lifestyle block animals need on an annual basis? Talk to us today.

CALL 09 298 8575 | EMAIL lifestyle@fvs.co.nz | WWW.FRANKLINVETS.CO.NZ www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Rural Living — August/September 2019 — 11

15/08/2019 1:00:23 p.m.

Over

the gate

Susan Waldmeyer head librarian pukekohe library

You’ve been a librarian for 37 years. What changes have you seen in general reading habits over that time? Reading habits (the why and what) haven’t changed so much as how people read. People are still reading for information, for study, to satisfy their curiosity, and for relaxation, whether it is non-fiction, crime or romance. However, over the past 10 years so many more ways of gaining that satisfaction have arisen. We can now choose all or any of the following – books, magazines, newspapers, online content, databases, podcasts, blogs, eBooks, audiobooks, eAudiobooks, laptops, Kobos, iPads, tablets, phones. The list grows all the time. There is certainly more reliance on databases and less on reference books. It is just so much quicker to check spelling, translate something, and look up dates online than to find a dictionary or encyclopaedia. What about the books themselves – are there more or less books coming onto the market and has there been an increase/decrease in any genre? I believe there is an increase in the number of books coming on to the market. The rise in self-publishing, and the availability of eBooks, as well as paper-based books, means there is a vast array of titles to choose from. I would hesitate to say that there was an increase or decrease in any genre; I see all sorts going out on issue. I have read there are definite trends in the USA with romance down but historical fiction and thrillers up across both eBooks and print books. At the library, we have seen an increase in demand for certain genres often made popular through the media and film, such as psychological thrillers, fantasy (e.g. Harry Potter, Game of Thrones) and erotic or paranormal romance. What part (if any) did your local library play in you developing a love of reading? My siblings and I always received presents of books from my widely-read grandmother, and my parents were both great book collectors and readers. They also belonged to the local library even 12 — Rural Living — August/September 2019

RLAugust-September19.indd 12

though our farm was about 50km from the nearest library. The librarian used to fill a tin box with books – our requests as well as her selection – and this tin would put on a ‘railway bus’ (part of the “Rhodesian” Railway’s system of getting to places with no rail) along with our grocery order and our mail, and delivered to our farm gate, where the returns tin would be picked up. We had access to libraries at school – I was a boarder – either the local public one or a school one, but my home was the best library I had. What’s your favourite book or author? I have several favourite authors. I can pull out four short story writers, who were all involved in journalism at some stage. Damon Runyon (American), Stephen Leacock (Canadian), Giovanni Guareschi (Italian) and Herman Charles Bosman (South African). Their stories all revolve around the same characters or place, and all show a deep and often kind understanding of the both humorous and tragic nature of humanity. How aware are parents of the need to encourage their children to read; do they understand that reading to them from a young age can foster language and vocabulary and information gathering? In the libraries we are privileged to meet with parents who are already aware of the benefits, and we see children who are being encouraged by them or grandparents to get to know the world of books and the delights of reading. Fortunately, most schools also have a reading programme which can help children who don’t often visit a library. Libraries can also be involved in these, such as the Reading Together programme with schools, and the Talking Matters initiative run by COMET Auckland. Because both parents often work, how has this influenced their use of libraries and reading in the home? The busy-ness of our lives has seen a change in the way people use libraries, and libraries have to adapt and be proactive in creating new ways for people

to use them. It’s hard to say what happens within the home, but I believe young people are often found reading online these days, so literacy and reading should be seen to embrace far more than books alone, and libraries are recognising that. Are older children (Year 7-13) using the library regularly or do they tend to research/read online? In Pukekohe, the local intermediate school is just across the road so we see kids in here all the time – in classes in the morning and congregating in the afternoon. They are using the library, but not in ways we might expect. Our challenge is to make sure they have an experience within the library which encourages them to return, now and in the future. Their research is mostly done online; fortunately, the library has excellent databases to support online research, even at home. Furthermore, Auckland Libraries assists the National Library with its Any Questions online research service for school children (https://anyquestions.govt. nz/). I often see our staff in action, helping school kids through their research. Is teenage reading reducing? In my own experience, I have seen some teenagers read hundreds of books, and others none at all. I encounter mothers in the library collecting all their children’s books, but I never see the children, as often they are busy with all the things they must do in their days. But they still read. I read recently an article on how Millennials read (from The Expert Editor, Australia). It talked mainly about slightly older young adults and of studies which indicated Millennials were reading more than their parents had, and more than everyone thinks, while using all sorts of media, too. College students tended to prefer print books for textbooks, but almost all students had smart phones, and used those to read every day as well. Libraries use this kind of information to build programmes to encourage students to use the facilities with Makerspaces, coding clubs, and other ‘after-school book’ clubs. We try to give them their space and cater to their interests. www.ruralliving.co.nz

15/08/2019 1:00:28 p.m.

Susan Waldmeyer has served Auckland Council Libraries for the past 19 years and this year the Drury resident was seconded to Pukekohe Library as a Community Library Manager for the Franklin Libraries. Born in Zimbabwe, she studied Library and Information Science at University in South Africa. She moved to New Zealand with her family in 2000. Rural Living talked to Susan, Over the Gate, about teaching children to love reading and the place of books in a world dominated by I.T.

What impact have e-readers e.g kindles, had on libraries? We are extremely lucky to have the ability to cater for people who use e-readers, adding another dimension to our services, especially for the people who may not have time to come in our open hours to collect books. Auckland Libraries does try to be “your library available, anywhere, anytime”; part of a strategic plan outlining what we will focus on over the 10 years to 2023. Because of the association of the kindle with Amazon, they can’t be used with our collection, except for the Kindle Fire, but our e-collection can be used with the other e-readers available in NZ. There was a time when libraries served as important hubs for rural communities. Is that still the case and if so what kind of activities are available? I would love our libraries to be considered places for people and groups to meet, gather and share expertise and information, and to relax and enjoy. We have a ukulele group that meets in Waiuku Library for example, which practises one week and teaches the next. Knitting groups are starting up. Book clubs are regular features. Long may it grow and continue. Pukekohe Library has a range of activities for children and adults. For the young ones we have Story Time, Wriggle and Rhyme – for babies and their carers – and Rhymetime. We have an after-school club for school children with programmes such as Dungeons and Dragons. School holidays programmes are always popular, and we have some great entertainment coming up in October. We cater for adults with our book group, and we are fortunate to have an excellent local history collection and archives of the area. This means we can help with family history research in our Book a Librarian service and many other digital and I.T. queries. As we age, loss of sight is often a problem; what options are there for people who find print is often too small? We offer large print and audio, e-audio and eBooks. In the reading settings on eBooks, the font size can be increased. www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLAugust-September19.indd 13

One tends to think of books as being the main item in a library but what other matter do you have available?

If you could be Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage for a day what is the first thing you would do and why?

There is now a greater range of formats with eBooks, e-audio, (which have increased steadily over the last five years), RB Digital (e-magazines), Vox books for children (where the book has an inbuilt audio system), and dyslexic print options, as well as the usual magazines, audio books, newspapers, DVDs (documentaries, TV series and films), CDs, government and council documents, and our local archives. Other special collections include a good Maori collection, Pacifica, Chinese, and an excellent Adult Literacy collection.

I would really like to see a ‘one country, one library system’ in place all over New Zealand. I am not quite sure how we could manage that but the idea of being able to use your library card anywhere in New Zealand appeals to me greatly. I would love to promote that and I also think that we could make more of the ‘after hours’ access to libraries like the United Kingdom and Scandinavian countries are doing.

If you could grow any plant or raise any animal (real or imagined) what and why? At university I had a pot plant we all called a money plant. I think I could expand that to having a money tree – for obvious reasons, but hopefully altruistic ones, too.

If you could ask any three people (living or dead) to dinner who would you ask? David Mitchell, Rob Brydon and Lee Mack (from Would I Lie To You). Well, any British comedian, really. The possible list is huge. I don’t know if much eating would be done, but we would certainly be laughing a great deal. Rural Living — August/September 2019 — 13

15/08/2019 1:00:34 p.m.

CAR PARKS, MARKETS TO GO IN PUKEKOHE UPGRADE? By Angela Kemp

ranklin’s Saturday market will be looking for a new home under a plan to regenerate Pukekohe’s town centre. The town is set to lose some 800 parking spaces including the Massey Avenue car park site of the market in a ‘high-level project plan’ by Auckland Council’s development agency Panuku. The reallocation of central parking spaces is deemed fundamental “to unlock the rural town’s potential”. As yet there are no specific details of how the project will proceed other than the selling off of some 27 existing Auckland Council-owned properties. These will include the council’s area office on Manukau Road and eight Auckland Transport managed carparks representing about 800 of the 4000 publicly accessible and available spaces. There’s a real chance apartment blocks and retail units could replace Pukekohe Market if Panuku follows a similar path it has taken in Takapuna. Locals there are fighting its plans to put three ninestorey buildings on its central Anzac Street carpark, home to a popular Sunday market. Roger and Vyvyan Vincent have been running Franklin Market in Pukekohe for the past 20 years. It is open every Saturday morning from 8am to noon with between 40-60 regular stallholders selling a variety of goods including locally-grown fresh fruit and vegetables. They currently pay rent to Auckland Transport. The couple were told of the development plans at a meeting with 14 — Rural Living — August/September 2019

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representatives from Panuku . “They said the town was to be regenerated and how did I feel about the market being moved into a pedestrianised area or new town square,” says Roger. However, has ruled out relocating the market to a new venue run by Auckland Council as the rent would be too high. “Although an attractive proposition, the rents Auckland Council charge are prohibitive making the market nonviable. A possible alternative venue is currently under discussion.” Roger and Vyvyan are philosophical about the possibility the market will close for good: “We have had 20 years support from the former Franklin District Council and the Pukekohe Business Association, the community and the majority of retailers,” says Roger. “The town is having a growth spurt so changes are inevitable. We are accepting of changing times and happy to go with the flow.” It’s a second blow for the Vincents who have been given notice to pull the plug on Pokeno Market which they have been running for 11 years. Roger says they have had a superb run at Pokeno with a wonderful landlord but they have to vacate the site by September 16, this year. “We have no idea what the landlord’s intentions are for the market site. We have identified a possible new site for the market in a business zoned area but, understandably, the landowner requires permission from Waikato District Council which, at this stage, is proving onerous.” Richard Davison, Panuku’s programme lead for Pukekohe, said that the Massey Avenue carpark represented a large, very

well located ‘gateway property’. “If developed [it] could really lift the eastern end of King Street and bring more foot traffic to this end of town and onwards to and from the train station. We are currently looking at what opportunities this site, and the other 26 sites, could have to regenerate the town centre.” He says people don’t like using the 5-level multi-storey car park next to Farmers (which is not included in the 27 properties). “While currently, the building is underused, it does offer free covered parking right in the centre of town. I will be working with Auckland Transport and the Franklin Local Board to explore how we can encourage workers, shoppers, visitors, students and retail staff to park and use the parking building even more. “It’s not about losing spaces, it’s about reorganising parking just a little further away. This will enable Pukekohe to leverage the right carparks to attract new investment such as more quality jobs in healthcare or education. Housing will also be considered. This will help the local economy and keep more local people working and spending in Pukekohe.” Panuku has been tasked with bigpicture projects to transform Auckland’s major centres as the city prepares for its booming population. ‘Unlocking’ the potential of areas including Manukau, Avondale, Henderson, Northcote, Takapuna – and now Pukekohe – is designed to improve public transport links and make those places better to live in as apartment living replaces suburban back yards. Franklin Local Board chair, Angela www.ruralliving.co.nz

15/08/2019 1:00:40 p.m.

Greg Egerton

Photo Wayne Martin

Fulljames says the strategy aims to ensure a thriving community where there are significant opportunities for job creation and widespread work and lifestyle options. “We want to attract professional and larger employers and enhance support for our existing economic base, such as growers and the wider horticultural and agricultural sectors,” she says. “It’s a plan which aims to give people more time by helping them spend less time in vehicles or travelling long distances.” Ms Fulljames says land council owns, but which is no longer required, can be used to better benefit the community. “By taking a strategic high-level approach to land parcels it means we can look at where the needs of locals can be better met.

SHARP SKILLS TESTED When the heat was on butchery’s top ‘choppers’ recently, Countdown came up trumps. “Out of everything I’ve done in my career this feels the best,” 2019 Alto Butcher of the Year, Greg Egerton (from Countdown Dunedin Central) says. “Winning this is brilliant!” During the competition at Shed 10 on the Auckland waterfront, regional winners showcased their butchery skills during a series of challenges. The judging panel featured Sharp Black, James Smith from Pak‘nSave Pukekohe (who featured in Rural Living’s June-July issue last year) and, as head judge, the team’s captain, Corey Winder. “The standard [was] absolutely unbelievable,” Corey says. “You have to take your hat off to the competitors

g n i h c a o r p p a st a f s i g n i r p S f o e g a t r o h s a and there is listings!

in the competition who didn’t know what cuts they would be getting until five minutes before the cutting test started.” No stranger to top level competition, Greg has previously represented New Zealand as a Sharp Black. In addition to the crowning of a new Butcher of the Year, the event saw Cherise Redden (Countdown Meat & Seafood) win the ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice title. “Looking at [the Butcher Apprentice] displays actually gave me goosebumps,” adds Corey. “These butchers are Hellers Sharp Blacks in the making and to think some of them are only in the first year of their apprenticeship is remarkable – it blows me away!”

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Rural Living — August/September 2019 — 15

15/08/2019 1:00:47 p.m.

Duck for cover? A bird in the bush – or in this case a wetland – is the ideal but a bird on a stamp is sure to raise greater awareness of one beautiful avian species so, photographers get set to show off your shutterbug skills. Fish & Game New Zealand and the New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust are giving photographers a chance to stamp their best image of a paradise shelduck on the new Game Bird Habitat Stamp. New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust chairperson, Andy Tannock says the Habitat stamp is traditionally launched on February 2 each year in acknowledgement of World Wetland Day, but this is the first time a photo competition has been organised to select an image for the stamp. “The paradise shelduck has been chosen as the game bird species to feature in this year’s photo competition,” says Andy, who adds. “Calling all photographers – do you have any beautiful, special, quirky, interesting or simply stunning photos of

our beloved paradise shelduck? “This is your chance to have your photo forever immortalised on a Game Bird Habitat Stamp. Not only do you get the glory of having your photo on a stamp, the winner will also receive a complimentary full season 2020 Fish & Game New Zealand Game Bird licence.” By chance, rather than design, the paradise shelduck was also the first species to appear on the Game Bird Habitat Stamp when it was launched in 1994, it featured again in 2004. The Game Bird Habitat Stamp programme plays a vital role in the protection, enhancement and creation of game bird habitat in New Zealand. Funds from the sale of game bird hunting licences and stamp collection products

support projects which protect The competition and enhance is open to anyone. game bird, Further information wetlands and is on the Fish & Game other wildlife New Zealand website at habitats. fishandgame.org.nz/ Funding for competition the Game Bird Entries close 1 Sep, 2019 Habitat Trust comes from the $4 Game Bird Habitat Stamp which is affixed to every game bird hunting licence issued by Fish & Game New Zealand. New Zealand Post also sells the stamps to the general public. About $100,000 is raised each year.

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15/08/2019 1:00:56 p.m.

A little tender loving care and guidance can go a long way, as is often in evidence at Calf Club, Country and Agricultural Day events. Designed to encourage children to learn more about agricultural animals, as well as how to raise them, these events have become showcases of our rural roots.

Although visitors to some of last year’s events may have wondered ‘where’s the beef’? This year, it seems likely that regular service will be resumed with calves no longer exempt due to the M.Bovis scare. Advice designed to prevent the spread of the disease has been provided to rural schools nationwide and is accessible via biosecurity.govt.nz. And, don’t forget that the cream of the crop will be given the opportunity for their efforts (and their animals) to shine again during regional Send us group days, usually held from late your pics! October to early November.

OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES? As in previous years, Rural Living will be looking to share photos taken at such events throughout our region in upcoming issues. Photos should be emailed to editor@ruralliving.co.nz with ‘Calf Club photos’ in the subject line. Please be sure to include the name of your school, the name of the event and (where possible) the names of the children/animals featured.

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15/08/2019 1:01:01 p.m.

BRUCE STUART –

Legally honed

“These days, many people spend so much time playing with their phones [and] schools no longer have woodworking and metalworking classes. I think many people are missing out on some important creative outlets.”

By keeping his skills sharp and forging ahead, one Clevedon local is intent on ensuring his craft doesn’t become (ironically) a lost art. JON RAWLINSON explains.

ruce Stuart practices a profession which dates back to the dawn of civilisation but his lifelong hobby – now the root of a budding business – has involved honing skills which are more visceral and, in some cases, more artistic. Known as Lost Arts, his side business shares a love of crafts by providing knife-making courses. “People don’t just end up with something which they’ve made themselves, they also come away with a skill and an experience too,” the Clevedon-based lawyer says. “Some need more help and direction than others but, no prior expertise is required. As long as they can follow instructions, they will come away with a functional knife.” While most of Bruce’s students make knives suited to hunting, fishing, butchery or cooking, some have worked on less orthodox designs. “One young guy made a cleaver with a very bizarre shape – I think he’d seen it in a computer game. I didn’t think it was particularly practical but he was rapt with the results, which is the most important thing.” Lost Arts seeks to ensure ancient skills are not lost to modern generations. “The oldest tools ever discovered were made 3.2 million years ago – hand-making them has been part of our evolution ever since,” says Bruce. “These days, many people spend so much time playing with their phones [and] many schools no longer have woodworking and metalworking 18 — Rural Living — August/September 2019

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classes. I think people are missing out on some important creative outlets.” Originally from England, Bruce’s passion for crafts began as a child. “I used to make all sorts of things from sandals and belts to wallets or whatever else took my fancy. I guess it was a creative outlet,” he recalls. “I made my first full knife when I was a teenager. I was in a Scottish pipe band and I wanted a dirk (which is really more of a short sword) and a sgiandubh, worn in a piper’s sock. Back then, you couldn’t just buy them so I had to make my own.” Approximately 30 years ago, he set down roots in rural Clevedon. “My wife, Anne, was a farmer’s daughter from the Mauku/Pukekohe area. We met while we were both working for New Zealand Steel at Glenbrook Steel Mill. I guess you could say she was country born and bred and I was country at heart,” he smiles. Although some of his earlier knives were more suited to rural pursuits, such as hunting and fishing, Bruce has also produced others for use on the home front. “I’ve made all sorts of knives, including chef’s knives – I really do enjoy cooking because you can do something creative every day. “I’ve also made several more Scottish knives, with presentation boxes, which are great as twenty-first presents and the like. They’re handmade from sterling silver, which I send to Scotland to be hallmarked. I

try to make replicas as historically accurate as I can. Modern versions of old things just don’t look right to me.” The Clevedon Art Trail, which Lost Arts joined earlier this year, has helped boost his new business’ profile, Bruce confirms. “I know James and Cheryl [from Clevedon’s Art Industry gallery] well and they’ve been helpful and supportive. We probably would be a more unusual stop but the trail generated interest and we did get a few people taking on our courses as a result.” Looking ahead, Bruce aims to expand Lost Arts further by adding leatherworking and even bookbinding courses to its repertoire. And, when he ‘lays down the law’ once and for all, he hopes it will provide a source of income in retirement. Until then, Bruce’s craftwork continues to serve as the medium he needs in order to scratch his creative itch. “As a lawyer, I solve other people’s problems but I don’t really create anything; designing and making things acts as a counterpoint for me to my day-to-day work,” he explains. “I do have a creative drive. I’ll often see something and think ‘I’ll have a go at making one of those’ without having a clue how to go about it. But that’s never stopped me; I just figure it out as I go along.” For information on Lost Arts’ courses – a great gift for Father’s Day – see lostarts.co.nz. www.ruralliving.co.nz

15/08/2019 1:01:03 p.m.

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RLAugust-September19.indd 19

Rural Living â&#x20AC;&#x201D; August/September 2019 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 19

15/08/2019 1:01:12 p.m.

Biosecurity – KEEPING AN EAR

TO THE GROUND...ALWAYS By Ditch Keeling, Coastal Pest Solutions

wenty years ago I was trapping a new feral population of Australian rainbow lorikeets for the Department of Conservation in Auckland. Can you imagine my surprise when they rang a couple of weeks ago with a new alert on this invasive species, We immediately went back onto parrot patrol! The rainbow lorikeet outbreak in Auckland in the late 1990’s took some serious investigation; in the end my colleague (a biologist from Kazakhstan) and I worked out that a large number of these birds had been deliberately bred and released to establish in the wild. Two years later we had caught more than 150 and averted adding yet another costly pest to our flock. Over the course of this operation we learned so much; we observed absolute dominance over all native birds by these loud parrots and we learned that without public support there was no hope of tracking and locating such a mobile species. We also learned how to trap them, really well. Unfortunately, we also discovered that the threat of new invasive bird species establishing in the wild is constant. With dozens of species kept as pets it means we are only ever an accidental (or deliberate) release away from needing to start all over again. I remember this work as being amongst the most fascinating and fun ever; we actually undertook the world’s first ever

parrot eradication in a suburban area! Over the following years we worked on Indian ringneck parrots – these guys are the second biggest crop pest in the United Kingdom – Australian cockatoos and red vented bulbul from Fiji. We also caught additional small mobs of lorikeets as far away as Rotorua. This work resulted in the Government declaring rainbow lorikeets, Indian ringnecks and bulbul as unwanted organisms under the Biosecurity Act. Finally, allowing a new exotic species to establish here was being acknowledged as unwise. It is my old Kazak’ colleague who called regarding this new menace. Changing funding avenues has meant that he needs to employ me to undertake a response operation on new sightings of rainbow lorikeets in Titirangi. I’ve jumped at it. Twenty years after we started together, here we are driving around chasing lorikeets again – talk about nostalgic!! We rolled out the plan as if it was yesterday – media releases to let people know about the birds and an eradication plan, GPS mapping of banksia trees in the area (a favourite food for lorikeets), daily dawn observations and a new tool not available back then, Facebook! One of the DOC women has begun chasing leads on Facebook and feedback has started coming through. I never would have thought of social media as being

biologically useful! I have now begun work on a flock of five (so far) lorikeets in Titirangi. Because they’re so close to the gorgeous Waitakere Ranges, there’s a real sense of urgency with this one. The discovery of this flock was only made possible due to the persistence of a concerned local, who was seeing something new and knew enough to start chasing the Ministry of Primary Industries and DOC. Thank goodness he did! The risk is so real, so constant, but once again, vigilance is the key to control. Always keep an ear to the ground and report anything that you think may be important; the environment is ours to protect. Report unusual sightings to DOCHOT Line, 0800 362 468.

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15/08/2019 1:02:16 p.m.

HEALTH CALL TO ‘GET REAL’ ABOUT FITNESS AND OBESITY LEVELS It’s long been recognised that Kiwis – adults and children – are falling into obesity and the lack of exercise trap but how many realise New Zealand’s inactivity crises makes it the 13th worst in the world and the worst for children with only 10 percent meeting World Health Organisation guidelines?

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he country needs to wake up to the fact that 90 percent of Kiwi children do not meet the World Health Organisation activity deadlines says Richard Beddie, chief executive of Exercise New Zealand. He made the comment following a report from the United Kingdom confirming caffeinated sugar-packed drinks such as Monster and Red Bull could begin falling out of favour with UK consumers as the Government there announces banning the sale of energy drinks to children under the age of 16. Mr Beddie says immediate and serious government action needs to be taken in this country, beyond presenting information. “As a country we must change the environment in which children and adults are falling into the obesity and lack of exercise trap. That’s’ squarely the role of government which has to make tough decisions,” he says. “Exercise NZ is keen to work with and advise government on the way forward because evidence shows that with [the[

lack of people’s activity, especially [that of] children, the politicians in power need to make the hard calls and fast. “Evidence suggests that sugary drinks, which include energy drinks, are a major contributor to not only obesity, but to other health conditions [but that] steps can be taken to reduce their harm by reducing access.” If the number of people prematurely dying from health conditions directly attributed to obesity and [lack of] physical activity were combined Mr Beddie says we [the Government] would be taking urgent action. “To put it into perspective: the annual road toll in New Zealand is around 300 deaths a year. Lack of physical activity accounts for 12.7 percent of all deaths annually. In 2015, that was just under 4000 individuals – more than 10 times the road toll. “We need action and we need it now. We are here to support and work with the Government on evidence-based decisions to change the environment to reduce obesity and increase physical activity.”

In response to Mr Beddie’s call for politicians to make some hard calls, the Minister for Health, David Clark says the Government is serious about tackling obesity. “Our work on this includes a $47m initiative in the Wellbeing Budget led by Sport NZ and involving the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education to provide support and education for healthy eating and activity in primary schools.” Mr Clark adds that the Government is aware that food and physical activity preferences developed during childhood influence food and activity choices as an adult and, therefore, future health and wellbeing outcomes. “We’re continuing our work with the food industry itself – in the first instance through the Food Industry Taskforce – to reduce sugar levels in processed food and drink, and develop a better food labelling system.” However, in his comments to Rural Living he did not specify how the latter could be implemented or what exactly was in the pipeline.

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ALL DENTURES ALL ABOUT THOSE PEARLY WHITES

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.”

11 West Street, Pukekohe. Phone 09 238 0095 1B Broadway, Papakura. Phone 09 296 1219 3/208 Great South Road, Papatoetoe Phone 09 277 2233 www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLAugust-September19.indd 23

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alldentures@yahoo.co.nz www.alldentures.co.nz Rural Living — August/September 2019 — 23

15/08/2019 1:02:24 p.m.

HELPING BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS ADJUST TO AN ALTERED BODY prosthesis fittings after surgery. Breast Cancer is For the past 27 years she has offered seldom far from the understanding and sensitivity, compassion news and neither and encouragement from her shop which are the many fundis known to customers New Zealand-wide. raising events by “When clients come for their first everyday Kiwis who prosthesis fitting they are often feeling willingly support pretty vulnerable,” she says. “But what research into this joy when they leave with a wellinsidious disease. “The best reward is made prosthesis and bras; it’s a real They know that seeing these women confidence booster. When fitted for many women survive and take on life properly no one would ever know diagnosed with again with vigour and what lies beneath a lady’s clothing.” breast cancer, conviction. I wouldn’t Maree is ably assisted by Robyn, a mastectomy swap that pleasure for Dianne and June who are highly is often likely anything.” trained in various fields of expertise. and those who “Having a skilled machinist on hand have undergone this to do alterations to bras is a Godsend,” operation know full well says Maree. “Post mastectomy bras are prethe resulting trauma. pocketed to hold a prosthesis in place. We At Maree Louise Underfashions, in are also able to sew pockets into everyday Papakura, owner Maree Kay knows bras; this gives our ladies greater choice personally what it is like to be diagnosed and affordability.” and treated for breast cancer. That’s why In addition to her retail business, which she can empathise with and encourage also includes quality everyday bras and clients who come to her for their breast

underwear, Maree supplies the Manukau Super Clinic with temporary prostheses for women immediately post mastectomy. These cotton ‘softies’ are stuffed with dacron to get women through their first six weeks post surgery until they can be fitted with a more permanent silicon prosthesis. The temporary prostheses are very much a short term solution when a woman has had a breast removed. They offer a degree of protection to the surgery site while the area is healing and allow one to venture out without feeling quite so vulnerable. A corsetiere almost all her life, Maree’s heart is still very much in her work with breast cancer survivors. Every element of her fitting service is focused on boosting women’s self-esteem and making them feel comfortable not only with wearing their new prosthesis but with their altered body, too. “The best reward is seeing these women survive and take on life again with vigour and conviction. I wouldn’t swap that pleasure for anything.”

Maree Louise Underfashions

Maree Kay ATM B- CL Robyn Haines DTM

Qualified Corsetieres

Specialising in:

• Fittings for Bras • Undergarments • Breast Prostheses • Medical Hosiery

573 Buckland Road, Pukekohe Phone 09 238 2239 E: gingermanesalon@gmail.com

113 Great South Rd, Papakura www.mareelouiseunderfashions.co.nz 24 — Rural Living — August/September 2019

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SUFFERING FROM A PAINFUL BUNION OR STIFF BIG TOE? By STEFAN R. EDWARDS, Podiatric Surgeon FNZCPS

ainful big toe joints are a common foot disorder and people often suffer unnecessarily for years, avoiding treatment which historically has earned a poor reputation, causing extreme pain or failed results. As a podiatric surgeon, I specialise in forefoot reconstruction and commonly treats patients who suffer from bunions or painful stiff big toe joints, (Hallux Limitus/ Rigidus). A bunion begins with a leaning of the big toe, gradually changing the angles of the affected bones, slowly producing the characteristic bump which becomes increasingly prominent. Symptoms can include pain, irritation within footwear, inflammation, burning sensations or numbness, pain at the ball of the foot, arch cramping, mid foot pain and infection. A painful reduction in big toe movement

(Hallux Limitus) or a painful stiffened big toe joint (Hallux Rigidus) is usually caused by damage to the articular surface (hyaline cartilage) of the big toe joint – the 1st Metatarso-Phalangeal Joint (MPJ). This can be caused by wear and tear (osteoarthritis), a genetic pre-disposition, trauma, inflammatory diseases e.g. gout or rheumatoid arthritis. A variety of surgical procedures are available. These are designed to remove the bump of bone, correct the changes in the bony structure of the foot and correct soft tissue changes which may also have occurred. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending factors including the extent of your deformity, x-ray findings, age and activity level. The majority of my patients return to weight-bearing activity 3 to 4 weeks post-operative, with no need for the use of general anaesthetic, hospitalisation or casting. They also report post-operative

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EASING ACHES AND PAINS Take one cup of boiling water and mix with a cup of honey until the latter is dissolved. Add two cups of milk mixing well. Run a hot bath and add half a cup of sea salt and three tablespoons of baking soda under the running water so both dissolve. Pour in the milk and honey mix as well as a few drops of essential oil to enhance your mood e.g. lavender for soothing and balancing; neroli for calming or lemon grass for refreshing although there are many others you could choose. Light a few candles and a stick of incense, dim the overhead lights, hop in, lie back and soak in your luxurious bath mix. You should emerge 30 minutes later feeling totally relaxed.

If you are tired all over then consider a honey and milk bath for revitalising the skin.

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Good health encompasses many aspects of physical and mental wellbeing and sometimes it can even be about just feeling good. So, if a winter pick-me up is needed in the look good/feel good department here are a couple of ideas to ease away daily stresses. Treat aching feet to a foot bath. Simply blend two drops of lavender oil, two drops of peppermint oil, one drop of tea tree oil and one drip of lemon oil with 10 mls of olive or sweet almond oil. Massage into your feet or add to foot bath and soak for 15 minutes. If you are tired all over then consider a honey and milk bath for revitalising the skin.

26 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Rural Living â&#x20AC;&#x201D; August/September 2019

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

15/08/2019 1:02:51 p.m.

STAND UP TO BURN CALORIES Who’s sitting down on the job then? Well if that’s your lot most days despite the numerous warnings on the negative effects of prolonged sitting such as the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, poor mental health and more, it’s time to seek a solution. The term ‘sittingitis’ is the new taboo; most people know they sit too much, but the majority do nothing about it. This may be down to work-place habits and routine leading to sedentary repetition, or the lack of understanding on solutions to break the taboo. There are a three steps to help turn inactive days into active days. These include: ◆ Taking phone calls and meetings standing up. This helps the blood

flowing faster, increases your confidence and you’ll actually get through the call quicker than taking it sitting down. ◆ Have a walk and eat lunch in the open air. Fresh air is a real pick-me-up; your step count will increase and that little walk back to the office will help blood sugar decrease, reducing afternoon dips in energy. ◆ Adopt a standing desk. Using a standing desk has been proven to help reduce blood sugar, improve mental wellbeing and reduce the risk of cardiovascular decline. Using a standing desk for just 30 minutes per day may even reduce your body weight by a something like 2.26 kilograms per year. When you consider the average office worker can

gain about 5.5 kilograms on average, it’s a good way to burn calories. In-fact if you rotated sitting and standing for a day, you could burn an additional 50 calories per hour when standing, so in four hours you might burn off 200 calories, or an amazing 1000 per week. A standing desk is one way to combat ‘sittingitis’ and Varidesk NZ provides a model which simply slots on top of existing desks, instantly converting a normal desk into a standing desk. With a simple and smooth action you’ll be changed from sitting to standing in a few seconds. For offices with more space, there is the option of a full, stand-alone standing desk, with three height settings.

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Rural Living — August/September 2019 — 27

15/08/2019 1:02:48 p.m.

Win!

To enter the draw for any of these competitions visit ruralliving.co.nz and enter this month's code – RLSEP4758. One entry per person/email address; entries close September 30, 2019. Winner notified by phone or email.

WIN! TIA ORA SAMPLER PACKS Fruitful in flavour and full of fruit, Tia Ora’s Fruit Infusion range blends together the tastes of New Zealand. With varieties ranging from fruit to green and black teas, this range is quickly becoming a favoured tipple at Kiwi tables. To ensure our readers turn over a new leaf, we have THREE sampler packs (each containing one box each of: Camomile with Lemon Honey, Green Tea with Pomegranate Strawberry, Green Tea with Peach and Passionfruit and Fruit Infusion Summer Fruits) up for grabs.

WIN! LISTERINE GO TABS Getting ‘fresh’ when out and about with a special someone is not necessarily a ‘swish’ move! While Listerine can exorcise the unpleasant aroma which often follows such glorious delights as garlic or coffee, it’s not always convenient to have a bottle on hand. Thankfully, Listerine Go Tabs allow us to freshen up anytime and anywhere – simply chew, swish and swallow. We have THREE prize packs (each containing six boxes) of Listerine Go Tabs to give away. 28 — Rural Living — August/September 2019

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WIN! THE SHEARERS – NEW ZEALAND LEGENDS Perhaps one of the most gruelling ways to make a living, shearing has been an essential part of rural life and (in more recent years) of rural sport too. Designed to profile men and women, past and present who have made sheds up and down the country home, this book documents ‘the only job where you take a sweat towel to work. Ruth Entwistle Low & Mark Low (photographer): The Shearers – New Zealand legends | RRP $45 | Penguin

WIN! GREEN & BLACK SMOOTH CHOCOLATE SAMPLER PACKS Better (choco)late than never! Since Green & Black’s Smooth chocolate range hit New Zealand supermarkets in June, we understand plenty of Kiwis have already become rather sweet on this UK import – available in Cocoa, Mint, Orange & Almond and Salted Caramel flavours. So, to share the love (and the chocolate) we have prize packs (featuring one bar of all four varieties in the range) to give away to THREE lucky readers. www.ruralliving.co.nz

15/08/2019 1:02:57 p.m.

Reno replaces island holiday Reay Neben is the publisher of Rural Living

CITY LASS

pring is nearly here and the lambs are all about. It is the best time of year, in my opinion, with everything full of promise and the days already longer. We were supposed to be in Rarotonga this past week but I changed our plans as I still had stitches in place after the removal of my Port-a-cath. I wanted to be very careful to avoid getting an infection while on holiday. We are now heading up there next month so, hopefully, I can start the tan. In March this year we moved from our Botany office to both Pukekohe and Howick. Our Howick office is really old and I thought, since I haven’t done any renovations for a while, I might as well get stuck in and make some changes there. Unfortunately, the wall between two offices needed to be a firewall and that meant council approval. We have been here four months and council have only now approved what needs doing so, finally the builder can finish the job. This ‘reno’ wasn’t exactly exciting so I decided to do up the office bathrooms,

too. I thought this would be an easy job and my handyman, Darren, who has always helped us in the past, was called to assist with the changes. It was fun choosing colours and the look I wanted was not that of an average work toilet and washroom. I had been out to lunch at Urban Soul and liked the style of their toilets so I had an idea and ran with it. I forgot how many issues come up when you start playing with old plumbing and my ideas were completely changed because of the tap and the old water pressure. Also, we could only do one toilet at a time as we needed the other to be functioning. And, thank goodness we did as instead of the change being done over the weekend it took a week before the first toilet and basin were working. However, after spending the first part of this year just getting by, I must admit to enjoying the process. We catch up quite regularly with our Waiau Pa friends who are now living in Karaka and we all think about the great times we had living in the country. It is certainly a different life living in the suburbs, we have so much more free time. Brian still looks at his watch at 5pm and then realises he no longer has his chooks to feed. Billy, the rabbit killer, has turned into a house cat and for exercise runs up and down the passage. That’s all well and good but he sleeps all day and does the racing in the middle of the night. Still that’s better than the dead rabbits he used to

“It was fun choosing colours and the look I wanted was not that of an average work toilet and washroom.” leave in the bedroom. We were out at the training track the other Saturday and then headed to the Red Shed for lunch. The development down at Drury has gone ahead really quickly and it was amazing to think, how 28 years ago, Drury seemed so far out in the country when we settled there. I know it is called progress but I have to say I don’t like seeing what were paddocks now steadily being covered with houses. I must be getting old; I sound just like my mother! Oh well, I guess it will be interesting to see what new developments have emerged every time we head out that way. Let’s hope our lovely rural environment isn’t entirely lost.

Cherry Cooper Lives Local, Sells Local!

M. 021 955 141 Papakura Office 09 298 8029 www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLAugust-September19.indd 29

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Rural Living — August/September 2019 — 29

15/08/2019 1:02:55 p.m.

Have you damaged a front tooth? By Yvonne Vannoort, Sanctuary Dental

f your front tooth or teeth have recently suffered an accidental knock it may be necessary to register this with ACC by first visiting your dentist. For example, we see people who have accidents such as the following: ◆◆tradies who knock a front tooth with a hammer or spanner while working ◆◆sports injuries where front teeth have been knocked with balls or elbows even when the injured is wearing a mouth guard ◆◆kids playing and knocking their front teeth in the playground ◆◆dogs that bump their owners front teeth with their heads ◆◆toddlers who bump their teeth on coffee tables… The list is endless. It is important to register such accidents because if the injury results in longer term damage there is a record in place which can be accessed if and when further treatment is needed. Sometimes a knocked tooth will discolour and become a grey colour; there may or may not be pain with this. This may mean the tooth has lost its blood supply in the accident, it dies and infection occurs around the tooth. The treatment is to root fill the tooth or remove and replace it. Children’s baby teeth may be left in place until replaced by permanent teeth especially if they are near the age for this to happen. It’s always better to be on the safe side so, if you think this has happened to you, a friend or family member, let us see the tooth and take an x-ray to check that the root is healthy.

Ten years in pukekohe and loving it! Natasha Harris from Alberts Hair Salon reflects on the salon’s ten years of growth.

e are your local ‘go-to’ salon for all things hair, makeup and beyond. What’s more, if you care about the environment then Alberts is definitely your kind of salon. We are committed to solving hair and beauty problems for all of our wonderful clients – we want them to walk out of Alberts feeling not only recharged but, most importantly, to have hair they love whether their morning routine allows for a dollop of product and a quick blast or a more time-consuming blow wave. We are here to help our clients get the most out of what they have and to help them with the many tips and tricks we have gathered from creating great hair every day. Being a mother of four school-aged children has definitely taught me to use my time wisely and initiate short cuts for creating do-able, gorgeous hair and makeup. As a result, I love to share what I’ve learnt, and what works for me, with clients who, also like me, are often time-poor. Alberts is an ethical, environmentally-friendly, ammoniafree, paraben-free and cruelty-free salon which prides itself on supporting the local community and nurturing our clients. We are a long standing salon with industry integrity and passion for our people.

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dentistry – tongue tie release using waterlaser, orthodontics, milling crowns on site, laser dentistry, 3D xrays , safe amalgam removal Sanctuary Dental Unit 4, 24-34 Seddon St, Pukekohe | 09 238 4619 Email info@thedentistpukekohe.co.nz Sanctuary Dental The Dentist Unit 20, 2Sanctuarydentalpukekohe.co.nz Bishop Dunn Place, Botany 166 King Street, Pukekohe

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

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30 — Rural Living — August/September 2019

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

15/08/2019 1:04:25 p.m.

HE(ART) OF THE FOREST

n an age of skyscrapers it’s hard to contemplate gathering in a log cabin. However, today’s incarnation of such a structure is as far from a clapboard shack as one could imagine. Completed earlier this year, the Xylem pavilion is the latest addition to Montana’s acclaimed Tippet Rise Art Center. Named after the vascular system of plants, it has been constructed with sustainablysourced logs from local forests. “With this pavilion, Tippet Rise offers a more intimate experience of its landscape within a quiet shelter where people can access the most secret part of nature – the heart of the trees,” says Xylem’s architect, Diébédo Francis Kéré. “I am honoured that Peter and Cathy Halstead (founders of Tippet Rise) invited me to contribute to their magnificent centre.” Xylem covers an area of (approximately) 200 square metres and serves as a performance area and gathering space for the expansive property. Mr Kéré has received worldwide recognition for creating sustainable structures. To read more, visit tippetrise.org or view Matthew Messner’s article from The Architect’s Newspaper via archpaper.com. Photo Iwan Baan Photography

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RLAugust-September19.indd 31

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Rural Living — August/September 2019 — 31

15/08/2019 1:04:30 p.m.

Hot Spots Mention this advert and receive a $10 bar/coffee tab on us when dining in

red shed palazzo

It’s boutique and beautiful! Visit for lunch, dinner or 9 holes of golf. Our unique clubhouse is warm and welcoming – we love to have visitors. Set amongst the Bombay Hills, and now in its 20th year, Kaye Maxwell started with a few golf holes in the paddock and half her house as the clubhouse. Now a popular function centre, café & bar, with on-site accommodation, Maxwell’s retains the heart and soul of Kaye’s original vision – a place where people feel they belong with fresh country-style food, home baking and good coffee. See website for menu. 205B Ingram Rd, off Great South Rd, Bombay (drive to the end of the road) Ph 09 236 0911, www.eatplaystay.nz kaye@maxwellsgolf.co.nz

WINNER Rural Cafe of the Year. Recommending this cafe is easy – the food and service are that good and directions couldn’t be more straight forward: head along Karaka Rd and look out for the big... red shed! Along with their team, Paul (a chef with 30 years’ experience) and Kristina Smith serve quality food amidst beautiful, family and animal friendly, garden surrounds. Creative breakfasts, morning and afternoon teas, gourmet-style lunches and moreish cakes are all on offer at this fully licensed slice of rural paradise, open 8.30am-4pm. Plus dinner theatre at its best – check our website. 16 Jesmond Rd (just off Karaka Rd), Drury Phone 09 294 6687 www.redshedpalazzo.co.nz

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CANOPIUS Canopius as always is bringing the finest, freshest and freerange product to the area’s surrounding Papakura. We have an exciting new menu featuring lot’s of the old favourites plus pulled porked tacos, more of our delicious burgers and other tasty dishes. For the freshest ingredients and the highest quality, Canopius is the place to go. With an award winning boutique coffee and a substantial cabinet offering Canopius will cater to what drives your hunger.

Curry, Rice, Naan

10 King St, Pukekohe Ph: 09 238 8338 or 09 238 7165 www.gingerpukekohe.co.nz 32 — Rural Living — August/September 2019

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145 Great South Road, Papakura Open Tues-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat & Mon 8am-3pm Phone 09 299 1180 www.canopius.co.nz www.facebook.com/canopiuscoffeehouse

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

15/08/2019 1:04:29 p.m.

Creole Chicken Veggie Rice Bowl Craving roast veggies and chicken? Dive into this soulwarming creation (courtesy of HelloFresh which can shop, plan and deliver meal makings to you). Hailing from New Orleans (the jazz capital of Louisiana) this dish will leave taste buds singing sweet melodies. Serves two

INGREDIENTS ◆ 3/4 cup basmati rice ◆ 30g baby spinach leaves ◆ 2 chicken breast ◆ 100g Greek yoghurt ◆ 2 cloves garlic ◆ 400g peeled pumpkin ◆ 1 courgette ◆ 11g Creole spice blend ◆ 1 bunch spring onion

METHOD Preheat oven to 220°C/200°C fanforced. Cut peeled pumpkin and courgette into 2cm chunks. Place pumpkin and courgette on oven tray lined with baking paper. Drizzle with olive oil and add salt and a pinch of pepper. Toss to coat and roast on top rack until tender, 20-25 minutes. While veggies are roasting, finely chop garlic (or use a garlic press). Melt 20gms butter in a medium saucepan with a dash of olive oil over a medium

heat. Add garlic and cook until golden and fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Add basmati rice, 1 1/2 cups water, pinch of salt and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Cook for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and keep covered until rice is tender and the water has absorbed, 10 minutes. The rice will finish cooking in its own steam so don’t peek! In a small bowl, combine Greek yoghurt, 1 Tbsp water and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roughly chop baby spinach leaves. While rice is cooking, slice chicken breast into 1cm strips. In a medium bowl, combine chicken strips, Creole spice blend, a drizzle of olive oil and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. When veggies have five minutes left, heat a medium frying pan over a high heat. Add chicken and cook, tossing occasionally, until lightly browned and cooked through, 3-4 minutes. Stir baby spinach through For more the garlic rice. Top with chicken recipes, see and roast veggies. Drizzle with hellofresh.co.nz/ yoghurt and sprinkle with thickly recipes sliced spring onion.

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Or our Papakura Showhome 3 Pakaraka Drive, Papakura Rural Living — August/September 2019 — 33

15/08/2019 1:04:35 p.m.

The Countryside Begins with Townsend... What adds value outdoors? Spring is coming and traditionally this is the time when people are looking at putting their homes on the market because they look at their best. But Adding value. It’s the holy grail of pre-sale home renovations. What are the quick, simple and, most importantly, cost effective alterations you can make that will maximise your appeal to buyers, and therefore your eventual sale price? Inside is one thing – where often a coat of paint and a thorough deep clean can work wonders – what about outside? One of the oldest real estate rules is making sure your house looks its best from the street as that’s where first impressions are formed. Make sure gardens and lawns are tidy; fences, gates and mailboxes are in good condition, driveways and paths are free of mildew and there’s a clear access to the front door. But beyond that, what are the exterior features that can turn open home viewers into buyers? Below are a few suggestions, along with ways to achieve them quickly and where possible, inexpensively. As with any pre-sale home improvements, make sure you do your budget to make sure any spend is going to come back to you, ideally plus some, in the sale price.

GO WITH THE FLOW Indoor-outdoor flow might be one of the most-used property descriptions, but that’s because it is one the most valued features of residential property buyers. If your budget – and profit margin – don’t allow for a full makeover for French doors and a deck you can still make some easy improvements to bring the outdoors in. Make sure your windows are freshly cleaned and curtains are pulled well back to maximise natural light. If you’re blessed with a sunny, warm open home day, have as many doors and windows open as possible. If possible, make sure your back door opens to some sort of deck or paved patio area that then flows on to your lawn and keep any back steps free of clutter and well maintained.The point is, even if you don’t have a huge view of the outdoors from inside, that it should feel as though it’s easy and fuss-

free to move between the two.

MAKE YOUR SECTION LOOK USABLE AND INVITING Whether your section is small or large don’t just present it as a blank canvas for buyers. Just as with your home interior you need to present each outdoor area in a way that connects with prospective buyers and helps them imagine themselves living there. If you have a large section divide it into “rooms” designed to appeal to your target audience – such as an outdoor dining area, a kids play area, a vegetable garden. Keep them simple and unfussy – and consider hiring appropriate outdoor furniture just as you might use staged furnishings indoors. Design and place the areas based on their accessibility from indoors, and which areas get the most sun at different times of the day. Keep it all clear of clutter and make it appear as low maintenance as possible. This is even more important with small space. Show buyers what can be done with it, with clever use of furniture, plants or lighting, rather than have them focus on what can’t be done in a small space. If your only outdoor space is an apartment balcony, buyers will want to see how it can be used. Showcase it with plenty of plants in pots or keep it purely functional with a good outdoor table and chair set.

SPEAKING OF LOW MAINTENANCE… It’s a good thing to remember across the board with outdoor features of any property. Almost every buyer’s dream is to find a home with a fantastic, usable section that requires them only to relax and enjoy it, rather than spend hours toiling in it. Make sure everything is trimmed, weeded, freshly painted and free of mildew. Consider adding easy-care

gardens to reduce the amount of lawn that needs mowing and trimming and talk to a garden expert about the kind of plants that can make your garden looking inviting without requiring hours of hands-on attention.

SPECIAL FEATURES One of the questions we are asked most about ahead of listing property is do special features such as pools or pizza ovens add significant value to houses. As with any other aspect of selling, it all comes down to your target market. If you don’t have an existing pool or spa, it’s probably not worth the time and expense of having one installed. Many buyers are often even put off by the amount of maintenance a pool requires. And definitely don’t force one in for the sake of it if you don’t really have space. If you do have a pool it is definitely worth spending a little to make sure it’s looking it’s best. Make sure any surrounding fences, decks and furniture are well maintained and that the pool itself is scrupulously clean and there are no chipped tiles or concrete edges. Need some advice then Jo-Ann a call – she would love to help you get you on the way to your dream home!

Jo-Ann Day-Townsend 0800 TOWNSEND or 021 1696 056 jo-ann.day-townsend@harcourts.co.nz www.joanndaytownsend.co.nz

34 — Rural Living — August/September 2019

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Port Realty Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

www.ruralliving.co.nz

15/08/2019 1:04:38 p.m.

talk it out

Vote 1 to re-elect Dianne Glenn (ONZM. JP)

By Kylie Bosanac, Nick Bosanac Builders

STANDING FOR COUNTIES MANUKAU DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD

n a school trip to the Tip-Top factory we learnt that ice cream is happy food and it takes happy people make good ice cream. This endorsed the old saying that: ‘you only get out what you put in’. We know this is true with our diet and exercise, and we know that our mental health works the same way. The perpetuation of builder’s crack jokes are generally due to the physical output of an input-adjustment needed among Tradies! (#pieandcoffeelife) However, up until recently, there has only been assumptions about the corresponding emotional inputs and outputs of this group. When Site Safe released its findings we learnt men in trades account for nearly 7% of NZ suicides annually. It doesn’t sound like much, but that’s 30 per year from an industry already in short supply! Most at risk are apprentices just learning their craft (20-24-year-olds) and our mid-life crisis-aged bosses (45-49-year-olds). While findings showed that work issues only factored into 1/3 of all deaths, it highlighted that work is just one facet of a person’s life. What was evident, however, was that change is needed to address issues earlier in order to avoid this outcome. So, how do we affect the input so that the output is different? Women seem to have figured out the value of the ‘tribe’, banding together and sharing stories in formal and informal forums to lift each other on our journey of self-love. But can we treat males, let alone tradies the same way? We’re lucky if we can get them to talk about anything deeper than their last meal. Or can we? What we know is, that in all cases leading to that grim finale, there is a disconnection from interpersonal relationships and a reduced feeling of value in different facets of their lives – not enough of the right input. Our tradies have practical minds and busy hands. They gain pride in creating something tangible from lines on a page. So while hugs and #girlboss affirmations won’t help, there is evidence that a healthy ‘feeding’ of the male psyche is needed. There are no quick fixes, but at Bosanac Builders, we’ve taken this as a challenge. It’s become part of our toolbox talks and training sessions. And, like the lesson we learnt at TipTop, if home is where the heart is, we want that heart to show line upon line, nail by nail, as we build beautiful futures. kylie@bosanacbuilders.co.nz | 027 458 3038 | 12 Jonah Lomu Drive, Paerata Rise

Delivering a higher state of care – Every Hour Counts! Your community voice at the table…advocating for: – A new southern hospital – Faster specialist treatments – Improved patient flows as priorities • Officer of the NZ Order of Merit for Services to Disabled Women and the Environment, Justice of the Peace • Significant governance experience • CMDHB member of advisory committees – Hospital, Community and Public Health and Disability Support • Women of Influence finalist 2014, 2015.

A vote for me is a vote for absolute commitment to better health services across the southern sector Authorised by Dianne Glenn (ONZM JP) 16 Willis Ave, Pukekohe Ph 09 238 5352 or 0274 284 779 KAT6674

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Rural Living — August/September 2019 — 35

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Sales up, prices down By Darren Szaszy, Barfoot & Thompson, Pukekohe

he Auckland property market underwent a modest but definite shift in July with property sales prices falling and sales numbers rising. “The modest fall in both average and median prices in the month was enough to unlock sales numbers, with July sales being their highest in the month of July for three years,” said Peter Thompson, managing director of Barfoot & Thompson. Barfoot & Thompson figures show that for the previous three months, sales numbers were more subdued with prices tending to edge higher.

In July, the fall in prices compared to the average for the previous three months was relatively small in the case of the average price at $919,648 (down $12,000) but more significant in the case of the median price at $800,500 (down $41,000). The fall in prices has contributed to a greater number of sales conditional on buyers selling their own property before going ahead. In July it resulted in sales numbers of 879 being 11.8 percent ahead of those in June, 16 percent ahead of the average for the previous three months and 5.9 percent ahead of those for July last year. It is a positive sign that the Auckland market is getting through the traditional winter downturn in better shape than in the previous two years. Another positive sign was new listings for the month at 1154 being well ahead of those for June (up 14 percent) and those for July last year (up 9.2 percent). It can be anticipated that this growing

sector of the market will continue to impact on the average and median sales prices being achieved. Sales of property in the $1 million plus and $2 million plus sales category combined made up 28 percent of all sales in the month. These price categories regularly make up a third of all sales. With buyers re-entering the market, now represents a good time for those considering selling their property to list. The rural and lifestyle markets experienced a second consecutive positive month, particularly to the south of Auckland. Sales of rural and lifestyle property in the under $1.5 million price category were solid, with a number of properties, which had been on the market for some months, changing hands. In this area it has led to a shortage of available listings. To the north of Auckland, while rural and lifestyle sales were positive, sales activity was being restricted with listings not matching buyer interest.”

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

15/08/2019 1:04:48 p.m.

What’s up with D. O’C... Balancing the need to feed a burgeoning population was at the forefront of Mr O’Connor’s mind recently. However, other issues also ensured that our Minister of Agriculture, Rural Communities, Biosecurity and more had more on his plate of late, as these reports confirm.

Good to grow? The debate over protecting New Zealand’s best growing soil hit close to home earlier this month as Damien O’Connor paid Pukekohe a visit. “One of the greatest challenges facing the world is the need to feed a growing population,” Mr O’Connor said. “[This] depends on the availability of land and quality of the soil. Once productive land is built on, we can’t use it for food production... we need to act now.” Following consultation, the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land will set policy for councils to follow regarding land use, he expects. While the Minister emphasised the need to feed a growing population, it will need to be balanced against the country’s need to house a growing population too. To read more about this issue from a local perspective, see pages 6 to 9.

Grazy days of winter Animal welfare concerns are at the heart of a new government initiative. “Winter crop grazing is necessary in some parts of the country to provide enough feed for stock at a time when there’s not a lot of pasture,” Mr O’Connor said earlier this month. “Done well, it provides animals with

quality feed to keep them warm over winter; done badly, cattle can be kneedeep in mud which gives rise to concerns for their welfare.” In order to address this, the Minister has established a winter grazing taskforce comprising vets, industry leaders and officials to identify issues and recommend solutions. Mr O’Connor expects ‘first steps’ will be taken by the end of August. “There are some people falling well below acceptable [animal welfare] practice. Unfortunately, it’s another situation of a small number of farmers letting the side down and bringing everyone into disrepute,” the Minister says. “MPI’s Animal Welfare unit has stepped up its compliance activity and is keeping a very close eye on the situation [and] I know industry groups have been working to improve wintering practices and protect animal welfare. I want to add extra impetus to that work. It’s time for greater co-ordination, faster action and consequences.”

D.O’C in a China shop Damien O’Connor took a quick flight to China earlier this month in efforts to strengthen ties along a silk road. Our Minister of Trade and Export Growth, expected negotiations would help secure a valuable a Regional Comprehensive

Economic Partnership (RCEP). “These meetings are about fostering our relationship with our number one trading partner – a relationship worth more than $42 billion a year to our economy. “They’re an opportunity to recognise the importance of our primary sector in China and discuss ongoing collaboration, including maintaining sustainable food and agricultural trade in the region.” All going well, the RCEP (which features 16 countries in total) will be finalised in November.

Milk producers seeing green? An investment geared at making a South Island milk powder plant carbon neutral is a positive step towards addressing climate change, our Agriculture Minister contends. “It’s good to know there are alternative low emission options for processing in the agriculture sector,” he said. The $40 million investment by French multinational, Danone, into its Balclutha plant follows Fonterra’s decision (in July) to phase out use of coal in its operations. “It’s not just farmers who have a role to play, processors are also part of the solution and it’s really heartening to see companies starting to step up and acknowledge the part they need to play in tackling climate change.”

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Perfect

PELARGONIUMS

Central’s Tips

Pelargoniums, geraniums; geraniums, pelargoniums – the same but different! Yes, these two closely related perennials bring an abundance of colour to the garden but are easily confused although, once gardeners know the difference, it’s not that difficult to tell them apart. Perhaps, the easiest way is by their flower. Pelargoniums have two upper petals which are different (often longer and larger) from the three lower petals whereas geraniums have five similar size petals. As they say, easy peasey, well, at least to the practised eye. But really they are so similar does it matter? However, since this article started with pelargoniums , let’s stick to pelargoniums. Not only do they look great in flower beds, around the base of tree trunks and in shrubberies, they make a superb potted plant, bringing long-lasting colour to decks, balconies and patios. Native to southern Africa (there is one variety native to Australia), it thrives in temperate regions, including New Zealand but its name – Pelargonium – is derived from the Greek, pelargos (stork) because the seed head looks like a stork’s beak and it is sometimes referred to as storksbill. Pelargoniums have also been used in some herbal medicines and the oil, or perhaps more precisely, geranium oil, is commonly used in aromatherapy. Our friends at Yates tell us Rainbow Park Nurseries has created a stunning range of pelargoniums with a variety of gorgeous colours, including pinks, bright orange, crisp white and fire engine red. ‘Big Eeze’ is a ‘super hero’ pelargonium for landscapes and pots. It is weather tolerant, with clusters of large, showy flowers. Colours include the very pretty ‘Pink’ ‘Fuchsia Blue’, vibrant ‘Neon’ and rich ‘Red’. Growing to around 50 cm tall and wide, they’ll flower beautifully from spring, through summer and into autumn. Pelargonium ‘Summer Idols’ includes long flowering varieties in a range of vibrant colours. They’re extremely disease-resistant and have an excellent branching and spreading growth habit, making them an ideal ground cover plant as well as creating a lovely potted display. For those after an intense red flower then pelargonium ‘Really Red’ is a perfect choice. It has luxurious dark green foliage topped with exquisite deep red To keep plants looking flowers. their best and to prolong Pelargoniums do the flowering season, remove best in a full sun spent flowers regularly and position with wellfeed each week with potassium drained soil or potting rich Yates® Thrive® Roses & mix. They’re frost Flowers Liquid Plant Food, which tender so in cool promotes both healthy green areas, growing them leaf growth and lots of in pots close to a warm, spectacular flowers. sunny wall is ideal. Once established they are tolerant of drier conditions.

It’s a great time to replant your veggie garden, get snails under control and rejuvenate your lawns after the cold winter months. It’s also a good time to plant shrubs and fruit trees, make sure you give them lots of compost and fertiliser to give them the best start.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

September 2019

In the Veggie Patch • It’s important to get on top of snails: after winter rain colonies of snails and slugs should be dealt with using pet and bird friendly controls or try a natural take on things: leave a tilted jar of beer half buried in the soil overnight, near your lush seedlings. Attracted to the yeast, they crawl in and drown.

• Growing tomatoes in small spaces: An excellent non-climbing type is Scoresby Dwarf. Try the tumbling tomato varieties in a hanging basket or pot.

• Fancy growing the food your parents or grandparents used to eat? Varieties of seeds, seedlings or plants labelled ‘heritage’ are usually collected from plants that are older and not commercially hybridized.

The rest of the Garden • Great time to control weeds emerging in your lawn – one of the best options is spraying with Prolawn Broadsword which attacks the weeds but leaves the grass intact.

• Planting shrubs and annuals can be done now. Use top quality mixes and apply mulch straight after planting. • Plant deciduous fruit trees like plums, peaches, apples and pears.

• Pretty spring-flowering shrubs: Plant the

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Rural Living — August/September 2019 — 39

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