Rural Living January-February 2020

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January/February 2020

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What’s on this

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 ■ COUNTRY CALENDAR

From barbecue to rockin’ blues, this event is set to see music become food of the soul while meat dominates the menu. For more information, visit meatstock.com. au/Auckland, or see page 32.

Counties Power Pukekohe Show February 15-16, 9am-4pm, Pukekohe Showgrounds, 58 Station Rd, Pukekohe February offers Franklin its time to shine as town and country combine forces to present all the fun of the fair. For more information, see pages 18-19 or, for a detailed schedule of what’s on offer this year, visit pukekoheshowgrounds.co.nz

■ MUSIC, MUSICALS & THEATRE

■ EXPOS & FESTIVALS Auckland Pride Festival February 1-16, times and venues vary, Auckland Beginning with the Pride Gala on Feb 1, this series of events (which also includes The Big Gay Out and the Same, Same but Different Writers’ Festival) seeks to celebrate diversity and deliver a fabulous experience. For more information, see aucklandpride.org.nz.

Meatstock Auckland February 15-16, Ellerslie Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Epsom

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Zarek & Albi February 9, from 6.30pm, Nikau Caves, 1770 Waikaretu Valley Road, Waikaretu Offering a mixture of music, theatre and comedy, Zarek and Albi are set to bring their unique talents to Waikaretu. Details at nikaucave.co.nz.

100 Glorious Years of Song February 10, from 11am, Pukekohe Town Hall, Cnr of Massey Ave & Edinburgh St, Pukekohe, and February 13, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Dr, Papakura From Art Deco to ABBA, Disney to Disco and everything in between, the 20th Century was a magical, musical period.

Billed as a ‘joyous romp through time, this concert seeks to celebrate what we loved so much about the way we were. Details via operatunity.co.nz

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Winding Up February 11 – March 8, times vary, ASB Waterfront Theatre, 138 Halsey St, Auckland City From the pen of a Kiwi theatre icon comes a comedy that reveals how brightly our golden years can glitter.

Starring Alison Quigan and Mark Hadlow, this play takes the term ‘senior moment’ to the extreme. See atc.co.nz for details.

■ ARTS What might happen if we did stuff together?

Now – February 29, Papakura Art Gallery, 10 Averill Street, Papakura Anyone who would contend that art is best left to artists could well change their minds after attending this event.

By inviting visitors to exercise their own creativity, artists Chris Berthelsen and Xin Cheng reveal that art relies as much on the eye of its beholder as the hand of its creator. Featuring workshops as well as displaying some of Chris and Xin’s work, this exhibition is expected to do what every good exhibition should, push the

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boundaries. Details via facebook.com/ papakuraartgallery.

The Voyant Voyager Now – February 4, Franklin Arts Centre, The Centre 12 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe When many of us think about travel, it’s hard to escape the image of being amid throngs of tourists busily snapping away.

However, this photo exhibition captures travel the way it should be, presenting a range of images depicting moments of (often serene) solitude from all around the world. For more details, visit facebook.com/FranklinArtsCentre.

Clevedon Art Trail January 25-27, locations vary, Clevedon Auckland may have been around a while longer but after just four years on the calendar, this event has become a local institution. Showcasing the rich range of creative people the Clevedon area has to offer, this trail has many a tail to tell. See clevedonarttrail.co.nz.

Public and Private: Photographs of People January 31 – March 14, Papakura Museum, 209 Great South Rd, Papakura Featuring photographs from the 1870s up until the 1970s, this exhibition provides an insight into how Kiwis have lived for more

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than a century. From studio portraits and photos from public events to holiday snaps, all works come from Te Papa’s large-scale exhibition New Zealand Photography Collected. More information at papakuramuseum.org.nz.

■ SPORT, MOTORING & RACING NZB Karaka Million January 25, from 3pm, Ellerslie Racecourse, 100 Ascot Ave, Remuera We don’t need to offer a million reasons as to why this annual raceday attracts some of the very best in the racing business. However, in addition to top action on track, this event offers plenty more. For more, visit ellerslie.co.nz.

NZB Karaka Sales January 26-31, NZB Karaka Sales Centre, 10 Minau Rd, Karaka This three-tiered sales event (featuring three books) sees some of the world’s best yearlings come under the hammer.

Whether their potential on the racetrack is realised may remain to be seen but it’s a sure bet that, once again, New Zealand Bloodstock will host a sale that’s bound to attract people, from all corners of the world, keen to purchase the next generation of champions. For more information, visit nzb.co.nz.

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Classic Festival 2020 February 1-2, Pukekohe Park, 222-250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe From stunt shows and motor racing to classic cars in showroom condition and even a flyover of spitfires this jam-packed event with food and great music too, celebrates marvellous machines and those who ride them. For more details and ticket prices see nzcmrr.com.

New Zealand High Goal Polocrosse February 6-8, times vary, Waiuku Rugby Club, off King St, Waiuku Featuring some of the world’s top high goal players – from New Zealand and abroad – this tournament is sure to prove why polocrosse is rapidly gaining in popularity. More information accessible through nzpolocrosse.com, and see pages 6-7 to read our feature article about this event.

Rebel Round Up February 15, Pukekohe Park Raceway, 222/250 Manukau Rd, Pukekohe Rebels may be stubbornly tough to round up but manage that and it’s bound to result in one heck of a party! And, the next annual Rebel Roundup expects to be true to form as live bands, historic and classic vehicles rock on down to Pukekohe. Visit rebelroundup.co.nz.

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FROM THE EDITOR

Mixed start to New Year those left with very little. How proud and grateful we can be of all those firefighters (including a NZ contingent) who have worked tirelessly to battle blazes and save lives. Their exhaustion and sacrifice deserves the highest accolades.

Fortunately, we can all help by donating much needed funds – there are several sites where New Zealanders can make donations including to the Rural Fire Service in NSW, the Salvation Army Disaster Appeal (Salvos Australia), the Australian Red Cross and to FoodBank Victoria – websites and accounts can be easily accessed via google.

I urge those who can spare even a few dollars to do so. These are dire times for so many Australians and wild life. Recovery is going to take a very long time and a great deal of money.

While the start to 2020 is far from happy, most of us can be thankful we are not facing such devastation and will hopefully ‘put best foot forward’ as students return to school and tertiary education, political parties head into an election year, local authorities juggle infrastructure priorities and our own beloved district embraces new residents and ongoing development.

I am sure a wide range of community events, including February’s Counties Power Pukekohe Show (managed by the Franklin A&P Society) will help keep us all buoyed and smiling although there are likely to be some glum faces now that this year’s Australian Supercars have been moved from Pukekohe Park Raceway to Hampton Downs (see story page 35).

While there are grim times in many parts of the world, including Kiwi homes where there has been loss over the holiday season, I’m optimistic that the fighting spirit of good citizens everywhere will ultimately surmount the many difficulties this modern world faces.

Now, before I become too morbid, please take time out to relax, grab a cuppa and put aside worries to enjoy reading this month’s Rural Living. Some great people are doing remarkable things to keep us all on the up and up!

Helen Perry, Editor

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he New Year started on a fine note when husband and I took in the lovely Festival of Lights at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth – stunning.

However, while that colourful display was all about joy, I can’t say our local skies on Sunday, January 5 heralded good news. As Auckland dimmed and overhead went brown, yellow and orange, we were reminded further of the fires raging across Victoria and New South Wales, Australia.

They have reportedly killed at least 27 people, and an unbelievable one billion plus animals, as well as destroying hundreds of homes and businesses, leaving everyone reeling.

I cannot imagine facing up to loss of everything one owns and I know Kiwis have had our Aussie neighbours in their thoughts and prayers. After following Sky News daily, I telephoned close friends (former NZers) near Nowra (NSW) to check they were safe – thankfully, they were although the fires could be seen from their homes.

On the other hand, it has been heartwarming to see so many celebrities, sports people, companies and more, donating large sums to assist in the fight and to help

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CALL TO SAVE OUR SEABIRDS: Last year the hoi hoi (yelloweyed penguin) was voted Forest and Bird’s Bird of theYear, the first time a seabird has won.

But, sadly, the hoi-hoi, like that pictured on this month’s cover, is among many threatened or rare species being captured or killed by commercial fishing boats putting many species at risk of extinction. Forest & Bird is now calling for improved rules to keep seabirds such as the hoi hoi safe. See full story and how you can help on page 10.

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Dynamic duo ONE HORSEPOWER OR 850?

Martin won th

She’s the daughter of a thoroughbred racehorse trainer, and he’s won eight New Zealand sprint car championship titles.

Together they’ve helped to drive the fortunes of polocrosse in the area saving it from near extinction and making it the thriving community asset it is today. Tania and Kerry Jones of Counties Polocrosse Club talked to ANGELA KEMP.

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t’s been a somewhat tumultuous ride for Counties Polocrosse Club to become the success it is today.

Its official start is recorded as 2006 when businessman, Ken Wrigley, who has a passion for horses and polocrosse, took the reins as president.

However, the club’s origins began much earlier at the Maramarua Polocrosse Club where Tania, her late father, Gary and mum, Dianne Harris were members in the 1980s.

“I started playing polocrosse when I was 12,” says Tania. “It was a very strong club. I played for about 10 years before I married and started a family. I then left the sport for quite a few years.”

It seems Tania initially caught the bug from her dad, a thoroughbred race horse trainer and the founder of HEB Construction (before it was sold to local identity Bruce Pulman). He played polocrosse at Maramarua for about 12 years.

“The Maramarua club eventually folded but was renamed Counties Polocrosse Club on moving to the Pukekohe A&P Showgrounds. Sadly, membership continued to dwindle.

“About 10 years ago it seemed the only option was to put the club into remission. My husband, Kerry, a few long-standing members, and I all said, “no, that’s not going to happen.”

In his term as president [2006-2009] Ken nurtured a club culture which encouraged families to compete

together and, subsequently, a strong moral grounding was established for future players.”

Tania says when Ken stepped down, the club continued to grow. Kerry took over the presidency and Tania became both secretary and treasurer. Ken and his wife Alison later became the club’s patrons.

It was 2009 when fortunes began taking a turn for the better. The club moved to new grounds at Abderry in Patumahoe, where a former polo field, built by Desmond and Cheski Brown, allowed for three polocrosse fields.

A clubhouse with power and running water was already in place but Counties Polocrosse members continued to fundraise towards improvements, adding a toilet block, while Tania applied for grants to build 240 permanent wooden yards.

“It’s thanks to longstanding members, including the White family, the Cumming family, the Whalley’s and Ross Bennett, that the club is successfully operating today,” she says.

“It’s particularly rewarding to see kids come through and be so good at it [the sport]. Our club has been represented in all the under 21s, under 16s and national teams for the past 10 years.”

Tania can also be justifiably proud of her own son, Andrew Wolfenden, who won a NZ Polocrosse Junior scholarship to Australia and is a past captain of the NZ junior team.

“All our members started as kids when they were 8 to 12-year olds and have grown up through polocrosse,” she says.

“It’s a family sport, so it’s mum, dad and the kids who go away most weekends to play polocrosse. It’s a controlled environment so you know your children are always safe and everyone looks out for each other.”

With more than 50 members, Counties Polocrosse has one of the highest memberships in the country.

Tania was especially delighted when her husband, a motorsport legend, was persuaded to take up the reins of this totally different form of horse power.

One of the country’s best motorsport competitors during a career spanning 20 years, Kerry competed in Dirt-Track, Motor X, Tranzams, and holds eight New Zealand Sprint Car Championship titles, making him a phenomenon in motor sprint circles.

He still races and took part in the first round of the 2019-2020 Tranzam Challenge series at Pukekohe Park last November but he is just as passionate about polocrosse.

“Polocrosse is a sport which appeals to riders who have tired of individual equestrian sports and aspire to team sports,” he says.

“A lot of people think this is like polo where you need quite a lot of money and a team of seven horses to play, but it’s very different and actually far cheaper because you need only one horse.”

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businesses, invite local school pupils on Friday, and hold a sponsors and market day on Saturday,” says publicity officer, Tania Jones.

“The general public are more than welcome to attend on that sociates team As both days with entry a y ar rin te Ve . year in the ayne McKay ft) playing last event), with Dw gold coin.” ain (m p hy Cu rap tog al Martin White (le s Pho Photo Zoe William Fowler High Go ew dr An The competition e th won will feature four

sponsored teams: Ebbett Pukekohe, captain, Jarrod Richardson; Holyoake Construction, captain, Beau Moore; P&I Pascoe, captain, Martin White; and G.J Gardner Waiuku Rugby Club is to host an Homes, captain, Shane Hill. international polocrosse event These teams are made up of the which will showcase the sport best players from both New Zealand to a wide audience. and Australia and each team will Counties Polocrosse Club include one international wildcard has partnered with WRC player, who will be named and to stage the High Goal bought from an auction at a cocktail Polocrosse 2020 event at party ‘mix n mingle’ at Waiuku the Waiuku rugby park on Rugby Club on February 6. the February 7 and 8.

Two junior teams, made up from The event is unique the best male and female under to Counties Polocrosse 15-year-old players in New Zealand, which devised the will also compete for a Junior concept to promote the Challenge Trophy. sport to people who had On Friday, February 7, the day never heard of it. The kicks off with a welcome and first New Zealand High parade at 11am. Businesses are Goal Polocrosse event encouraged to bring their clients was held in 2018. and colleagues along for an actionHigh Goal events packed day of wining, dining and are held all over entertainment in the hospitality the world and in marquee. Students from Waiuku March last year College have been invited to watch the Counties the junior challenge. tournament On Saturday, February 8, the featured the New hospitality marquee for sponsors Zealand and and businesses will be joined by a Australian world field side bar for friends to enjoy the cup teams which finals. Saturday also sees a market played two day run by the Waiuku Rugby Club test matches with produce and food stalls and a as a warm up bouncy castle for kids. to the Adina Polocrosse World Cup (held in Australia in April that year).

Dubbed the “poor man’s polo”, New Zealand polocrosse, a mix of polo, lacrosse, placed third. netball and rugby, was developed in “We Australia in the 1930s.

Full information is partnered A fun team sport, which is available on Counties with exciting to play, and spectacular Polocrosse Club’s website Waiuku to watch (given that the field is not www.facebook.com/ Rugby Club much bigger than a rugby field), countiespolocrosse/ this year so each rider uses a lacrosse-type www.spotify/ we could racket with a loose, thread net, in countiescpolocrosse hold a which the ball is carried. hospitality The ball is made of sponge rubber Tania Jones day for and the objective is to score goals

Photo Wayne Martin

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WHAT IS POLOCROSSE?

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by throwing the ball between the opposing team’s goal posts.

Each team has six players separated into two sections of three players each, and starts with a lineout, much like in rugby, in which players try to catch the ball. Games are divided into six ‘chukkas’ which last six to eight minutes each.

Played by an estimated 10,000 people around the world, it was originally conceived to teach people to ride confidently.

It reached a peak in New Zealand in the 1980s and ‘90s with about 2000 players but, today, far fewer Kiwis play the sport.

However, thanks largely to clubs such as Counties Polocrosse, the sport is again taking off in the North Island and secretary, Tania Jones, believes its family-centric environment is a major drawcard.

“An attraction for parents is the team environment polocrosse offers. It’s a very exciting, exhilarating sport and very fast.

It actually teaches kids to ride because they aren’t worrying about technique, just about getting the ball and scoring goals.

“We did a demonstration at Ardmore Pony Club recently and had 30 riders. The parents couldn’t believe how confidently their children were riding.”

Counties Polocrosse Club captain, Martin White (22) began playing polocrosse 11 years ago when he tired of pony club and eventing.

“We saw a demo at Clevedon A&P Show and got into it from there,” he recalls.

It’s a family affair – Martin’s older brother Jason and sisters Ellie and Lana have also been smitten by the sport.

Although he’s moved out of the family home in Hunua to work at Waikato Hospital, Martin travels every weekend to play polocrosse with the Counties club.

He says children as young as two and three start to play, led by their parents. They progress through the grades with some people still playing into their eighties.

Martin is looking forward to captaining the P&I Pascoe High Goal team, at the upcoming ‘High Goal 2020’ event in Waiuku (see previous story).

“It’s a great opportunity, especially for the under 21’s and people like myself who rarely have the chance to play with, and against, international players of this calibre.”

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What’s up with D. O’C...

It may be a new year, but (at least until November) New Zealand is likely to have the same Minister of Agriculture, Biosecurity and Rural Communities as we did in 2019.

And, Damien O’Connor appears set to carry on ‘doing this’ for as long as there’s doing that needs to be done, as this commentary on reports from his office suggests.

PRIMARY FOCUS New Zealand’s primary sector appears to be on track, according to the latest Situation and Outlook report for the Primary Industries (SOPI) released late last year.

“This latest report shows record results, with revenue up 3.3 percent on the previous year, forecast to reach a record $47. 9 billion for the year to June 2020,” Mr O’Connor announced. “Our horticulture sector is set to become the third largest primary sector industry by value.”

Meat and wool, dairy, fisheries and forestry are also expected to experience gains.

“Our farmers and growers produce some of the highest quality food and fibre in the world – and the world knows it.

They are bringing home record export returns and that’s something for them to be really proud of.”

The full report is accessible via mpi.govt.nz.

all New Zealanders care deeply and are concerned for their wellbeing.”

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is discussing agricultural impacts of the fires and how best to assist with recovery.

“We are offering Australia our full support,” the Minister added.

“The previous government set up the scheme and then let it languish.

We’ve addressed their inaction and created the animal tracing scheme New Zealand needs to keep our primary sectors and economy safe... now, we have a NAIT system fit for the future.”

LAWS IN GOOD ORDER?

FIBRE ‘OPTICS’

December’s passing of new laws proves our government is backing farmers, Mr O’Connor believes.

“These new laws [Farm Debt Mediation and National Animal Identification or NAIT] are necessary to address the previous government’s nine years of neglecting big issues facing the primary sector,” he said late last year. “By passing these pieces of legislation [we have] helped ensure the future sustainability of the sector.”

With farm debt totalling $62.8 billion – up 270 percent on 20 years ago – according to the Minister, The Farm Debt Mediation Act will help ease the pressure on farmers. “[The Act] supports mental, emotional and financial wellbeing of farming families who find themselves in financial strife.

This scheme will help provide certainty for those facing the hard challenge of paying back debt. It’ll provide a way to help them get through.”

Insufficiencies in NAIT, exposed by the Mycoplasma bovis outbreak have now been rectified, he added.

A ‘bold new vision’ for the food and fibre sectors is just what the D.O’C ordered.

“I established the Primary Sector Council to provide fresh thinking and develop a vision to help sectors navigate the environmental and sustainability challenges they face,” he said at December’s launch of the Fit for a Better World programme.

“The council’s engagement with Kiwi farmers, growers, fishers, makers and crafters has resulted in a vision which the sector can rally around.”

While all eyes may be on the prize, vision alone can’t ensure success, the Minister conceded.

“The next step is taking the vision and turning it into a realistic and workable plan. To that end, we will establish a new partnership called Food and Fibres Aotearoa New Zealand; it will involve government, industry and Maori working together to deliver meaningful change.”

More details of ‘the vision’ and plans for a new partnership to look into it are accessible via fitforabetterworld.org.nz.

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Although the final impact of the devastating Australian fires is yet to be known, the nation’s primary industries could feel their effects for years to come.

“This is an extremely challenging and distressing time for our friends in Australia,” Damien O’Connor said earlier this month.

“I know that our agricultural sector and

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8 — Rural Living — January/February 2020

www.ruralliving.co.nz

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RLJanuary-February20.indd 8

16/01/2020 4:03:42 PM

Contact: Nicky Booker m: 027 226 5880 e: office.sthakld@a1homes.co.nz

www.a1homes.co.nz www.ruralliving.co.nz Showhome:

12 Harriet Johnston Drive. Pokeno.

Open:

Rural Living — January/February 2020 — 9

Tues to Fri: 10am - 3pm. Saturday 11am - 3pm KAT5300-v3

RLJanuary-February20.indd 9

16/01/2020 4:03:43 PM

CALL TO

save our seabirds

T

housands of individual seabirds, many threatened species, were captured or killed by commercial fishing boats in the year 20182019 prompting Forest & Bird to now declare 2020 the Year of the Seabird.

In light of dire figures from the most recent official observer data, the organisation is highlighting the plight of rare species, such as the Otago shag, Fiordland crested penguin, and Antipodean albatross.

In calling for stricter rules and

says 90 per cent of New Zealand’s seabirds are threatened or at risk of extinction, compared with 74 percent of terrestrial birds.

Although fishing is the key factor in this crisis, Mr Keey says it can be fixed.

“As it’s currently written, the Plan of Action for Seabirds will fail to restore seabird populations.

“At the moment, up to 14,400 birds die on fishing lines and in nets every year, that’s why we’re asking for a zero bycatch goal, cameras on commercial boats, binding actions and rules and an end to set netting in the habitat of threatened species such as hoiho.”

When the hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin won Forest & Bird’s Bird of the Year

Black Petrel

Photo Karen Baird

consequences for non-compliance, it hopes New Zealanders will make submissions on improving rules for keeping seabirds away from commercial fishing hooks and nets and thereby turn things around for some 35 species.

Submissions are open on a draft National Plan of Action for Seabirds until January 27 this year, and Forest & Bird has created an online submission form to help people have their say.

Forest & Bird spokesperson, Geoff Keey 10 — Rural Living — January/February 2020

RLJanuary-February20.indd 10

Yellow Eyed Penguin Photo David Hallett

Southern Royal Albatross

Photo David Hallett

NZ Storm Petrel Photo Neil Fitzgerald

competition late last year, it was the first time a seabird had won.

Subsequently, Mr Keey says New Zealanders are beginning to understand how special it is to be the seabird capital of the world – “we live in a place where penguins cross busy streets in the capital city but we’re also waking up to how at risk these birds are.

“What Forest & Bird really wants to see is to return our seabirds to abundance – but we can’t get there without strong rules to protect seabirds together with consequences for non-compliance.

“Many fishers are trying their best, but not all, and voluntary action has not reduced the rate of seabird deaths for over a decade. We need to keep those birds around for future generations ... we need to change the way we fish.” www.ruralliving.co.nz

16/01/2020 4:03:45 PM

MELONS PINCHED AT BORDER

REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITIES HOW MUCH IS YOUR WORTH?

I

n Part 1 of this article, we briefly outlined some of the competing interests that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to succession planning of farms and farm assets.

The main competing interests are: what’s best for you; what’s best for the farm; and what’s best for those around you, such as your children and those who have worked on the farm?

Another important consideration is your partner or spouse.

Often farms and farm assets have been passed down through a family. So, what happens if someone marries, or enters into a de facto relationship? What if the partner also works on the farm and contributes to its value?

In this scenario, the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 could apply. Generally speaking, it is only the farm house and immediate surrounding area (the curtilage) that could be subject to the Act and therefore at risk of a claim. However, you should seek advice on this.

The Act applies on “separation” – but separation can occur not just if the parties’ relationship breaks down, but also on death.

Accordingly, if your spouse was to pass away, their children or personal representatives could make a claim on your deceased partner’s behalf.

In this case, any property clawed back into that partner’s estate could be subject to division amongst their children or beneficiaries under his or her Will, or by way of a claim under the Family Protection Act 1955.

This uncertainty can be avoided with careful planning. We can assist you with a Contracting Out Agreement (sometimes called a Pre-Nup), or with advice on how the farming business can be operated, for example, through a company or a trust.

If you need advice, don’t be afraid to ask. Prevention is better than cure.

$250,000.00

Asta Gold from Gold Legal Ltd addresses the question of planning farm succession in the second of a two part series.

F

resh melons from Queensland may make a favoured summer treat but they could also cost our primary industries much more than they can afford. In late December, Biosecurity New Zealand detected cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) in a consignment of melons during a routine inspection.

“The detection shows New Zealand’s biosecurity system in action,” Peter Thomson from Biosecurity NZ confirms. “As a precautionary measure, Biosecurity NZ has suspended imports of fresh cucurbit fruit from Queensland.”

Although CGMMV poses no risk to human health, it can deform young leaves and damage fruit. Should it take root on this side of the Tasman it could have a “serious impact” on production of such produce as scallopini, zucchini, and pumpkin as well as various varieties of melon.

“The length of the suspension will depend on how quickly Australian authorities can investigate the situation and put measures in place to assure New Zealand that their product is free from the disease.”

$80,000.00

FARM SUCCESSION PLANNING – PART 2

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION – FIND MY DREAM JOB! Due to ongoing growth of our region we have exciting opportunities for real estate salespeople to join our team.

Whether you are a successful real estate professional or think you have what it takes we would like to talk to you.

Culture and personal growth are important to us, and it’s the quality that matters and not quantity.

We have great development, education resources, regular training, RE/MAX University.

To be successful you will need:

Pukekohe Office 26 King St, Pukekohe Waiuku Office 10 Queen Street, Waiuku Ph 09 235 0440 Email info@goldlegal.co.nz www.goldlegal.co.nz www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLJanuary-February20.indd 11

Peter Strong – Director 027 53 555 14 Send CV to office@remax2aspire.co.nz

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• Computer skills, high levels of SELF MOTIVATION and SELF DRIVE with excellent communication skills • YES – you can work part-time until your business grows!

Sounds good? Then contact me or visit us at 65 Edinburgh Street, Pukekohe.

Rural Living — January/February 2020 — 11

16/01/2020 4:03:52 PM

THE YEAR IN

review Brian Neben publishes Rural Living and was a lifestyle farmer for many years

COUNTRY LAD

T

his year, 2020 is a year we are looking forward to as 12 months ago my wife had an urgent operation. Now, a year down the track, she is well on the mend and we are ready to face up to the year ahead.

I have decided to go back over 2019 and highlight a few of my Rural Living musings so, here goes: Jan/Feb: I raised the old subject of completing the Takanini/Papakura section of the Southern Motorway.

Now, 12 months later, it appears to be virtually completed with traffic flow vastly improved – better than never!

I also mentioned the poor train service and lack of parking at stations – will electrification of the Pukekohe line ever come?

Feb/Mar: On to the national horse sales at Karaka where I talked about the mixed results – good for the top standardbreds but, overall, prices could have been better.

I wonder what we’ll see this year. I also covered my last few years of breeding which I thought were quite good for a one mare breeder.

Mar/Apr: I noted that Auckland Council was considering imposing restrictions on the sale of fireworks. I think we still have a long way to go on this matter as fireworks from the last Guy Fawkes were

M

still being exploded at Christmas and New Year.

Apr/May: In this issue I covered our own pets and the difficulties we experienced when shifting house. Over the past 35 years we have moved four times and this proved quite stressful on our cats and dogs especially when introducing them to a new environment.

Ahead of moving we’ve put our animals into boarding facilities for a few days before bringing them to join us in the new home.

May/June: Coming up to mid-year I again raised the matter of building houses on some of Franklin district’s best soils for food production. I wanted to know why Auckland Council continued to allow subdivision of our prime horticultural land.

Council did reply although not entirely to our satisfaction.

June/July: Our pets dominated my column in this month. I wrote mostly about our steel grey Burmese cat named Sonny Bill, Billy for short. He went missing for two days when we moved from country to town living. Finding him was a huge relief. I suggested it was worthwhile having pets microchipped so they could be easily indentified. Billy also has a disc attached to his collar with our name and phone number.

Sonny Bill

July/Aug: At that time of writing I said although winter wasn’t over, the weather has been very mild and would have suited most rural folk as there had been good grass growth. Also, we were still waiting for council to consider some bylaw changes on fireworks – so far, no action.

Aug/Sept: As a result of my column back in May regarding the building of houses on good horticultural land, Rural Living researched and published a four-page feature covering this matter in depth. It attracted huge attention from our readers yet, despite a government move to try and prevent future subdivision of prime growing lands, it looks like we will still see more houses built on such land because of previous unitary plan decisions.

Sept/Oct: My old home town, Tuakau featured in that month. This proved to

295 TUAKAU ROAD, PUKEKOHE • 09 238 9414 Email: info@hrfisken.co.nz • www.hrfisken.co.nz 12 — Rural Living — January/February 2020

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KAT5314-v22

FEED FOR EVERYONE! www.ruralliving.co.nz

16/01/2020 4:03:56 PM

March/April 2019

Tuakau

Fitzpatrick (left) and Zinzan (right).

be a good read for Tuakau locals and many Franklin readers. I hope to re-visit this again later this year – so many memorable moments.

Oct/Nov: I stated talking about the Rugby World Cup and also reflected on my own early days of coaching rugby.

Betterbrook winning her first race at Hawera.

This led to me commenting on Ardie Savea’s use of special glasses on the field during a cup game to help him with sight in one eye – an inspiration to children who enjoy sport but also need to wear glasses.

Nov/Dec: It was fireworks once again as

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Guy Fawkes celebrations came into play.

Sadly, after all this time there appears to be no resolution of the problem despite a lot of debate. I fear, farm animals, pets and the Fire Brigade will have to bear with them for some time yet….Happy New Year to you all!

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s finance offer from UDC Finance Limited is only available to eligible business applicants on loans with a term of up 36 months. The 3.50% p.a. interest rate is fixed for the term of the loan and is only available with a minimum 20% deposit.

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ans with a term ofRLJanuary-February20.indd up 13

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Rural Living — January/February 2020 — 13

16/01/2020 4:03:59 PM

WITH

Over

THE GATE

ORERE POINT TOP 10 HOLIDAY PARK GENERAL MANAGER

Murray Peat With the summer holiday season in full swing, Kiwis everywhere have been swapping their homes for tents, baches, boats, resorts and various other escapes which have given them time out for a week or two. Rural Living talked to Murray Peat, general manager of the Orere Point Top 10 Holiday Park about the popularity of camping and whether it has changed over the past 30 years.

How long have you managed Orere Point Top 10 Holiday Park and is this the only campsite you have overseen or has it been a long industry career?

This is my first management of a holiday park but after working and travelling overseas (42 countries to date) it’s a joy to finally be involved in tourism on the ground. When I was a boy we regularly camped at Coopers Beach in the far north.

What is the significance of the ‘Top 10’ in the holiday park name?

When rating anything, 10 is considered the top and the best. For 30 years TOP 10 Holiday Parks have set the standard for NZ Holiday Parks with 52 TOP 10 Parks across New Zealand. We help guests create lasting memories together regardless of whether they are seeking a Kiwi camping experience or fully equipped, self-catering units.

Camp grounds differ; what is the site makeup at Orere Point i.e tent sites, cabins, powered sites, vans etc?

We have almost the whole range: tents, powered sites for campervans, four grades of cabins (eg cosy, standard kitchen, selfcontained, deluxe) and a conference hall/ dining area accommodating 100. We also have a number of caravan sites for sale for use on weekends throughout the year.

How many patrons do you expect to see over the school holiday period and do numbers decrease in February?

14 — Rural Living — January/February 2020

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Our busiest period is certainly late December and early January. Over the Christmas school holiday period we expected to have up to 250 people staying on any one day. We will have some space in February for bookings. (I always prefer to holiday in February.)

Are Christmas holidaymakers mostly families and do you get regulars who come every year or even more often? If so what attracts them time and again?

I’m surprised how many people know about the park and have stayed here over the years. Some have come every year for a generation and the next generation are now coming too. It has a mix of everything – quiet tree-filled surroundings, river swimming, fishing, boating, plenty of park activities (TV, table tennis, outdoor chess, mini golf, several playgrounds, spa/sauna).

Catering to different needs means we attract a diverse range of people.

What is it about camping that appeals to people – is the motivation different for those who prefer tenting to those who book a cabin or a van site?

Many factors determine taste in camping styles – price, age, length of stay, being close to nature vs being away from bugs, breathing the outdoors vs controlling the temperature, meeting others vs privacy…

Do people still ‘rough it’ when camping or are they more likely to carry more equipment to ensure a very ‘comfortable’ holiday?

Tents have become much easier to construct and better structured and stocked than when I was camping 40 years ago.

Are mobile camper vans and caravans on the increase?

Upmarket campervans are more popular in the western world now than 30 years ago so we have seen increasing numbers often driven by overseas guests passing through.

What kind of amenities do people expect of your campground when they make an enquiry or booking?

The TOP 10 franchise has three types of parks. Ours is a Classic so guests expect a good range of activities, a high standard of cleanliness in all facilities (kitchens, toilets, laundry) and cabins, 250mb free WiFi, barbecue area, free showers, recreational gear hire. All of these we provide and more. www.ruralliving.co.nz

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I’m surprised how many people know about the park and have stayed here over the years.

Some have come every year for a generation and the next generation are now coming too. It has a mix of everything – quiet tree-filled surroundings, river swimming, fishing, boating, plenty of park activities.

Murray Peat Photo Wayne Martin

As general manager is yours a 24/7 job or is the camp’s daily operation delegated to a management team?

We have a site manager who is on call 24/7 plus a team of site staff. My office is offsite.

What has been your worst and your best moments as a park manager? Have you any one lasting memory?

Two best moments – watching a glorious red sunset with a whole group of campers; watching a video of our site manager catching a 16kg snapper last week in a boat offshore.

Difficult camp moment – racing to the river pump shed to turn off the river water when a flood came through was a trying time for our site manager. As a result, we invested in a bore and now have pure, clean, fresh spring water.

What do you personally like about the www.ruralliving.co.nz

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lifestyle a holiday park operator leads?

I wish I was living on site and have thought seriously about that. I love meeting people from every walk of life. Giving guests a positive, memorable and enjoyable experience is our goal and in our peaceful tree-filled campsite this is something our site manager Sunny, particularly enjoys.

If you could be Minister of Tourism for a day what would be the first thing you would do and why?

Invest in regular ferries around Auckland and New Zealand so people could travel by boat from place to place instead of by road. Ferries round the Firth of Thames from Auckland to Orere to Waiheke to the Coromandel would be great.

If you could grow any plant (flower or vegetable) what would it be and why?

and I’d make sure I had enough outside my door to last from meal to meal.

If you could ask any three people (living or dead) to dinner who would they be and why?

1) Terry Thomas, a British comedian. I read recently he was born in a house in Finchley near where I lived. I’d ask him to tell me about acting in It’s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World.

2) Jesus. I’d thank him for coming and ask him what his kingdom looks like.

3) Prester John, 1122AD. I’d ask him where he lived seeing as I have written a historical adventure sci-fi novel, Finding Prester John which explores the answer to that question.

To learn more about Orere Point Top 10 Holiday Park visit www.orerepointholidaypark.co.nz/

Mint. I love mint with my peas every night Rural Living — January/February 2020 — 15

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WATER ON YOUR MIND?

W

atering or irrigating larger lifestyle blocks can pose problems for newbies on the land but, fortunately, there are no hard and fast rules as to which watering system to use. However, climate, location, lie of the land and, perhaps, council water restrictions are sure to impact.

For those with a lot of land to water it pays to speak with an irrigation specialist - discuss systems available and research what would be best for you. Don’t rush out and buy without sound advice.

On the other hand, smaller areas which may have been newly seeded early in spring will need regular summer watering for grass to become well established. Spraying may also be required if weeds are creeping in.

Firstly, remember to consider the area you intend watering as there are many types of systems as well as sprinkler heads and nozzles. Ask yourself does the nozzle head deliver too much, too little or just the right amount of water? Does the sprinkler system give wide coverage?

Consider your budget too – does it allow for the system best suited to your property? Of course, it is possible to move hoses around to ensure all parts of your land are covered, providing the area is not too big.

Because irrigation is a supplement to rainfall it is possible to over water which may result in root rot so don’t waste water – it could prove costly.

However, if you are tending a newly sown lawn then, generally, you cannot over water! New seed areas need to remain moist so the seeds can germinate. Once they have sprouted the top 2cm of soil shouldn’t be allowed to dry out until the grass is well established.

This may require high frequency watering to protect new grass from the drying effects of sun and wind.

There is much debate about the best time to water, early morning or late evening? Watering too late in the day can encourage fungal growth on the blades; alternatively the ground can dry out if watering is carried out in the heat of the midday sun resulting in wasted water especially if repeat watering is required.

It has been suggested that watering or setting an irrigation timer to finish by mid/late morning means the ground surface will absorb water but also have time for surface grass to dry before nightfall.

Popular tools for watering grass include: ◆ Hand-held nozzle sprayer which screws on to the end of a hose and

is hand operated. It allows water flow to be regulated but it can also take time to water large areas. ◆ Soaker hose. This is an affordable choice and disburses water at an even rate for deep down soaking.

Because the hose needs constant moving it is not always suitable for very large areas. ◆ Fountain sprinkler which attaches to the end of a hose and is good for small areas. It is easy to set up and inexpensive but, again, not really suitable for large areas. ◆ Oscillating sprinkler which attaches to the end of your hose and disperses water as the sprinkler bar moves back and forth. Cost effective but renowned for having a high evaporation rate. ◆ Fan sprinkler similar to an oscillating sprinkler but waters the lawn in a circle. It is suitable for round or irregularly shaped lawns but, again, high evaporation may be a deterrent. ◆ Impulse sprinkler, another hose end device which shoots a broad spray. It requires high pressure to operate properly and is designed for larger lifestyle block lawns. This may be the best choice for large areas but consult a specialist as to whether your property can cope with a residential system or it needs a commercial option.

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Coughs and knocks

By Dr Melissa Sim DVM As we enjoy these summer days (and time for riding!) we find the ground is getting harder.

Horses carry 60% of their weight on their front feet and 40% on their hind which means riding on hard ground can increase the risk of your horse having foot problems associated with the concussive forces of their feet hitting the ground, especially the front feet.

Common problems include inflammation of the pedal bone, coffin joint, flexor tendons, and navicular bones. Horses with thin soles or underrun heels are especially prone to problems.

So what can you do to help minimise the risk of these injuries?

Where possible, try and do fitness or fast work on softer surfaces. If that’s not an option, try and ride your horse with shoes or put hoof boots on your horse if it is normally barefoot. For horses which have thin soles or are especially prone to issues, your farrier can put pads or other cushioning materials under the shoe.

Using hoof oil, and ensuring your horse is on a balanced diet with the right minerals can also help them with the quality of

CHECKLIST

Stock

■ Are your stock protected from facial eczema? Use Face-Guard capsules in January and March.

■ Internal parasites – have a good worm control strategy in place for young stock with less immunity. Sheep, goats and alpacas need a drenching programme for barber’s pole.

■ Ticks – treat when these are visible or if they are rubbing or have large areas of hair loss.

■ Ryegrass staggers – can occur late November to end of April. Animals their hooves. If your horse’s feet continue to be a problem, consult your vet or farrier for a more individualised plan.

As the ground is drying out, the environment is also getting dustier, which can make your horse prone to respiratory problems. Respiratory problems are very common in horses.

Easy signs to look for are coughing or increased breathing rate or effort to breathe. However, horses can also have inflammation in their lungs without coughing, and the only noticeable sign on some of these horses is apparent lack of fitness for the level of training they have been in.

A normal horse takes 8-16 breaths per

appear uncoordinated and may fall down if startled. There are some toxin binders and supplements available to reduce symptoms. Most will recover within 1-2 weeks when moved from affected pasture.

Equine

■ Long, hot summer days are the best for harrowing paddocks to expose worm egg and larval burdens and to dry them out. Faecal egg counts will indicate if drenching is required.

■ If you are competing, make sure your horse’s vaccinations are up to date and remember to monitor its fluid intake to avoid dehydration. minute. You can watch a horse’s flank move and count the number of breaths it is taking.

Things you can do to help minimise dust in the environment include wetting down the hay, wetting down bedding if horses are boxed, or wetting down an arena prior to riding if it is particularly dusty. Feeding horses omega-3 fatty acids has also been shown to help combat inflammation related to respiratory problems.

Contact your vet if you have any concerns as they can perform tests to determine if your horse has inflammation in their lungs and prescribe treatment accordingly.

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Rural Living — January/February 2020 — 17

16/01/2020 4:04:09 PM

ON WITH THE

F

February 15 & 16.

Having run consecutively for a monumental 134 years, this is one show that knows what it is about; it just gets better and better.

Once again showgoers can expect to see fantastic entertainment including plenty for youngsters – amusement rides, a rock climbing wall, donkeys, Doug the Digger and a bouncy castle among other attractions.

The Auckland Rescue Helicopter simulator is sure to give everyone a thrill and check out vintage machinery – how farmers once managed!

To get toes tapping, listen to acclaimed country artists, Brendan Duggan and our own Dennis Marsh, whose passion and

ranklin’s showcase for farming and rural life is back in town next month with a packed schedule of top livestock, equestrian events, music, family entertainment, food and trade stalls plus much more.

The Counties Power Pukekohe Show, managed by the Franklin A&P Society, again offers a memorable mix of competition and rural culture – it is a celebration of everything great in the wider district.

From beef cattle and horses (of course, of course), to alpaca, goats, sheep and other farm animals, every man and his dog will surely be heading to the A&P grounds in Station Road, Pukekohe, come Saturday and Sunday,

COMPETITIONS

Equestrian • Dairy • Beef • Goats • Sheep • Alpaca

commitment to country music saw him made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2020 New Year’s Honours.

Competitions accommodate wood chopping and the Counties Strongman contest along with honours for alpaca, beef cattle, dairy cattle, dairy goats, equestrian, sheep and a variety of home industries – look for the best in baking, bottling, condiments, sewing, art, photography, floristry, fruit and veggie growing plus loads more.

And, don’t forget the myriad of trade stalls such as Bayleys Real Estate, The Survey Company, Commercial Outdoor Machinery, The Compost Collective and a host of others.

Pukekohe Show

15th & 16th February 2020 Children’s Entertainment, Trade Sites, Food Stalls and so much more, all at Family Friendly pricing!

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FRANKLIN 18 — Rural Living — January/February 2020

RLJanuary-February20.indd 18

AGRICULTURAL & PASTORAL SOCIETY

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With something for the whole family, bring the kiddies, the parents and even the dog (provided it is on a leash) and have a great fun day out. Show times are 9am-4pm each day, Pukekohe showgrounds, 58 Station Rd. Tickets: pre-schoolers no charge; children (5-15) $5; adults (16 and over) $15; Gold Card holders, $10; Family pass (2 adults, 3 children under 15 years) $35.

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Rural Living — January/February 2020 — 19

16/01/2020 4:04:15 PM

FARM ANIMALS

what’s to know? arrive in the country Newbie lifestylers from an urban upbringing often eggs, a few sheep full of dreams about green fields, chickens for fresh ty of room for cats or a couple of goats to keep the grass down and plen l for keeping farm and dogs. Naturally, picturesque pastures seem idea about farm critters. animals but before stocking up there’s a lot to know

O

ur friends at the SPCA have provided some fascinating facts about popular farm animals help clear up any might which questions readers have.

is the ridge between the shoulder blades. The smallest horse in the world is Thumbelina weighing just 25kg and standing 4 hands and 3.75” tall!

MINIATURE HORSES

Pigs are very intelligent, much more than they are often given credit for. In fact, they have the same intelligence level as a threeyear-old human – a pig can learn its name and even learn to do tricks. Pigs adore their food, so using treats as an incentive makes them easy to train.

Due to their advanced and active brain, enrichment is vital to ensure pigs kept as companions don’t get bored. One of their most important natural behaviours is foraging. It’s easy to set up foraging tasks for them just using some of their favourite nutritious foods, such as leafy dark greens, kumara and asparagus.

Some great ideas for piggy enrichment include filling tubs with some of these treats and hiding them in varying spots around their paddock, or, in summer, freezing blended

Although they share similarities, ponies and miniature horses are separate types of equine. Ponies are shorter and stockier in build than horses; they often have shorter legs, thicker necks and different coats and manes.

A miniature horse is simply a scaled down horse, with proportions and features the same as a large breed horse, but on a smaller scale.

In most cases, the main classification between horses and pony breeds is height - ponies are less than 14 hands and two inches.

All miniature horses are technically ponies but not all ponies are miniature horses.

Unlike other equine breeds, miniature horses are measured by the placement of the last hair on their mane – larger breeds are measured to their ‘wither’ which

20 — Rural Living — January/February 2020

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PIGS

vegetables into blocks.

COWS

Cows are similar to humans in more ways than one. They have fantastic memories and are very sociable. They have friends within herds, and may dislike other cows and will avoid them!

Cows are curious and friendly and often enjoy spending time with humans as long as interactions are done slowly and gently. A cow will remember experiences, whether good or bad; they have been shown to hold grudges with other cows or humans who have mistreated them.

Cows also have brilliant spatial memory which means they can remember their surroundings and location of vital resources such as water, shelter and food.

They love a good scratch and will work as hard to gain access to a brush. Many farms now offer mechanical brushes which look like the giant car wash brushes. Providing cows with the opportunity to scratch is so important that farmers in Denmark

www.ruralliving.co.nz

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are legally required to give cows access to brushes!

SHEEP

There are more than 1 billion sheep in the world, and in New Zealand there are some six sheep to every human.

A sheep’s woolly coat never stops growing.

Anyone keeping sheep must implement a thorough grooming schedule for shearing; if a sheep goes too long without being shorn, this can lead to painful matting, overheating, maggot infestation, and even death.

If a sheep’s fleece becomes too matted, they can also suffer from becoming ‘cast’, that is, getting stuck on their back. This can be dangerous and sometimes fatal, which highlights why shearing is so important!

In New Zealand, Shrek the merino ram avoided being shorn for six years. When finally caught and given a long overdue haircut, there was enough wool to have made 20 men’s suits!

Sheep are extremely adaptable farm animals and impressively, lambs can stand and walk around

www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLJanuary-February20.indd 21

moments after they are born.

They are only comfortable in a ‘flock’ of their own kind.

They also have many distinct vocalisations which help them communicate with one another and alert each other to danger.

GOATS

A common misconception about goats is that they make for good lawn-mowers, this is simply not true! Goats are intelligent, active and extremely curious; keeping them as ‘lawn mowers’ will make them bored, distressed, lonely, potentially very unhealthy and at risk of being seriously injured.

Goats are active beings and simply love exploring. They love climbing too. They will often do whatever it takes to reach something interesting, which means secure fencing is needed.

Goats like to browse foliage and can be picky eaters. Sadly, many goats are kept alone, tethered and tied up all day. Keeping a goat in this way will make them unhappy and restrict them from exhibiting natural behaviours. It can cause distress and potentially cause harm if they try and break free from a tether.

CHICKENS

Did you know that chickens have more bones in their necks than giraffes? They are a popular choice for Kiwis who have the land and time to care for them.

There are more than 150 varieties of chickens in many different colours, patterns and combs. Young female chickens are called pullets and young male chickens are called cockerels – as adults they are hens and roosters.

Chickens are wonderful communicators and are known to exhibit as many as 24 different types of vocalisations. A mother hen will even start “talking” to her chicks while they are in the egg and the chicks can chirp back.

This enables chicks and their mother to recognise each other even before they hatch.

Chickens get clean by getting dirty! They take dust baths to clean their feathers and protect themselves from mites and other parasites. It’s important to provide access to soil or other appropriate material so chickens can dig a shallow pit and enjoy a good bath.

Readers keen to adopt a farm animal, can find SPCA animals available for adoption www.spca.nz/ news-and-events/newsarticle/www.spca.nz/ adopt

Rural Living — January/February 2020 — 21

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ASB ACE ON THE (SUSTAINA)BALL

T

he memory of championship efforts at Auckland’s annual ASB Classic may take some time to fade but, unfortunately, so too will the tennis balls they use. However, in conjunction with Queenstown based 4Design, the bank is counting on a new approach to ensure a more sustainable future for the sport.

“Our research shows that every year approximately 325 million tennis balls are produced, which contributes roughly 20,000 tonnes of waste in the form of synthetic rubber which is not easily biodegreadable,” Mark Graham from ASB says. “We wanted to help limit [their] impact on the environment by creating something that was more sustainable, and might help regenerate native forests at the same time.”

While tennis balls can take hundreds of years to break down, the ASB Sustainaball has been designed to break down in less than ten. As an added bonus, under the right conditions seeds from native plants (in water-soluble stickers) can germinate as the ball biodegrades.

Sustainaballs will be available to the general public from next year; funds raised from their sale will fuel the Trees That Count charity, which offsets carbon emissions for players and supports staff working with Tennis Auckland by planting native trees.

J w s

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ms ASB Classic director Karl Budge, Serena Willia ls. nabal sustai with ASB from and Jonathan Rea

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16/01/2020 4:04:41 PM

3

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Stone Creations RAMARAMA ‘ROCK’ STARS SHINE “Stone can definitely add value to a property and Blue stone is particularly stunning. It’s also a great material to work with, as many of the builders, developers, architects and landscapers we deal with agree, as well as our customers, of course.”

Josh O’Connor may not tour the world followed by groupies but he sure as heck has plenty of fans.

“Working in such a competitive market, it’s not enough to take a ‘she’ll be ‘right’ attitude to building these days,” the Stone Creations’ proprietor says. “Our reputation is based on solid foundations; on making sure our customers love our work.”

For more than 20 years, Josh (a bricklayer’s son) and his team have built themselves into the local landscape by constructing homes using the finest natural stone.

However, the hardwearing nature of such materials is just one of the reasons Josh has been keen to turn to stone.

“I have travelled extensively, particularly in Europe” the Ramarama local confirms. “Stone has been employed by some of the greatest architects throughout history because it allows for plenty of artistic expression while, of course, being most likely to withstand the test of time.”

38 | south | january 2020 www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLJanuary-February20.indd 25 South janaury 2019.indd 38

While Nick Mason (of Pink Floyd fame) might be a rock star when it comes to building metaphorical walls, people keen on more tangible results best call Josh and the team at Stone Creations to discuss options and obtain a free quote.

Stone can blend in seamlessly outdoors, when used for walls, garden features and in landscaping, but that’s not where Stone Creations’ expertise stops; from kitchens and bathrooms to living areas, stone remains a favourite material inside and out.

“It’s versatile, easy to maintain and it suggests a sense of permanence and refinement,” Josh asserts.

“Whether for exterior cladding and interior walls or flooring, paving, fireplaces and steps, our stonework

is undertaken by skilled hands.”

Depending on its application, Josh and team may recommend a wide variety of types of stone – offering various looks, colours and textures – but he says schist and locallysourced Bombay Blue Stone are his personal favourites.

“The first step is to check out our website [stonecreations.co.nz] to get a good idea of just how creative our team can be.

Whether you’re after a simple stone wall or a complete house, we’ll work with you to bring your vision to life.”

41 Dale Road, Ramarama Phone 09 294 7448 Mobile 021 786 632 www.stonecreations.co.nz

Rural Living —www.southmagazine.co.nz January/February 2020 — 25

16/01/2020 4:04:42 PMAM 16/01/2020 10:32:36

Manukau Heads Lighthouse

TIM ASHBY-PECKHAM –

shooting stars

Focused on the artistry of nature, a keen-eyed and (ironically) downto-earth local photographer is fast gaining attention for his remarkable perspective on our universe, as JON RAWLINSON discovered.

I

t’s not rocket science, the way the stars seem to shine (and align) for Tim Ashby-Peckham; it’s all down to talent. However, living in rural Ararimu certainly doesn’t hurt either.

“Why would I need to go anywhere else when there’s so much natural beauty and interesting locations right here?” he smiles.

“Photography provides a great incentive to get out and explore new places. I’ve been taking photos around this area for years and I could keep taking new ones for years to come; there’s no shortage of material.”

Other subjects can be found within Tim’s frame – the result is a contrast between the vast and the diminutive when comparing his works – but, for the most part, this ‘astrophotographer’ has his eyes on the skies.

“I’ve taken pictures of animals, especially native birds and flowers, but space is endlessly fascinating to me, it’s just so vast.

I like the multitude of opportunities and mysteries it offers,” he says. “When a photo

26 — Rural Living — January/February 2020

RLJanuary-February20.indd 26

is well-received it’s nice, although the real thrill is being out at night, with no one around and meteors overhead. It’s just so peaceful, a serene experience, and I love every minute of it.”

Franklin’s terrestrial landmarks (such as Manukau Heads lighthouse) feature in Tim’s work too, often providing frames of reference, delivering a sense of perspective.

And, he has widened his sights.

“Since first getting into photography, I have travelled a bit – mostly within New Zealand – to take photos. I think it’s every photographer’s dream to travel the world, finding new locations and uncovering beautiful things across the globe.”

Scouting locations by day, Tim will return at night – sometimes repeatedly – until his vision can be realised.

“Night photography is very much subject to weather, the position of the moon and more, so I do need to plan ahead. I’ll usually have an idea of how I want the photo to turn out beforehand.”

Thanks to modern phones, virtually everyone carries the equipment necessary to take spectacular photos, so long as they have the technical nous, Tim says, modestly.

“It’s probably easier than many people think. There’s a bit of technical stuff you have to memorise – timings and apertures – but once you have that down and as long as you have a camera that can take long exposures and (ideally) a tripod, you’re away.”

Unlike photojournalists, art photographers may employ a range of post production techniques to add to the artistry of their work, but Tim tends to do little to his photos once taken.

“I do some post-processing – to adjust colours, brightness and contrast, for example,” he explains. “But I don’t chop them up or add things; I mostly enhance what’s already there. Nature is beautiful enough so I don’t think there’s any need to try and improve on it.” www.ruralliving.co.nz

16/01/2020 4:04:42 PM

Tim Ashby-Peckham

“When a photo is well-received it’s nice, although the real thrill is being out at night, with no one around and meteors overhead. It’s just so peaceful, a serene experience, and I love every minute of it.”

International Space Station

METEORIC RISE He may not yet have a great deal of life experience to draw on, but Tim AshbyPeckham’s star is definitely on the rise.

His first solo exhibition last year helped lift this local shutterbug’s profile but it was a photo of the International Space Station which set it in motion.

“I took a photo – a long exposure of the International Space Station – and posted it online,” he explains. “If you post something there, the entire world can see it. The photo went viral and was viewed something like 1.4 million times.”

As any good photographer should be, Tim was in precisely the right place at precisely the right time to take precisely the right picture, but his early shot came close to being a failure to launch.

“I almost didn’t post it because the www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLJanuary-February20.indd 27

streak across the sky tracking the path of the space station had a little wiggle,” he recalls. “I (jokingly) said there must have been an earthquake at that point but someone did a little research and it turns out there actually was one! The attention that photo received definitely made me realise there could be a huge audience out there interested in my photos.”

Long before his work became admired by millions in cyberspace, Tim was already impressing fans much closer to home.

“When I was about 12 or 13, Mum and Dad let me use their little ‘point and shoot’ to take photos around the family farm and I really got into it, spending hours taking all these interesting shots. I was just having a whole lot of fun but people told me they were actually really good.”

Last year, Tim’s work was displayed at the Franklin Arts Centre during his first solo exhibition, titled Cosmos Blooming, and his work has featured during the annual Franklin Arts Festival four years running.

“People responded positively during the exhibition. I don’t have any concrete plans but I’m sure I will have [another] in future,” he says.

“The biggest value I see [in the festival] is that it motivates creative people to challenge themselves to make new work, which they might not have, otherwise, attempted. I’ve been given some great advice – which I’ve taken on board – from others taking part, so it does help local artists bring out the best in each other.”

Rural Living — January/February 2020 — 27

16/01/2020 4:04:44 PM

Win!

To enter the draw for any of these competitions visit ruralliving.co.nz and enter this month's code – RLFEB5425. One entry per person/email address; entries close February 29, 2020. Winner notified by phone or email.

WIN! FRANK BODY COFFEE-BASED SKIN CARE A morning caffeine fix is a must for some people but now a new beauty essential is a coffee fix for skin! Frank Body from Mecca is a coffee-based natural skin care company with a strong vegan offering. Coffee (beans and seed oil) is used in all its products which are anti-oxidant rich and range in price from RRP $11 to RRP $24. These include cleansers, scrubs, facial masks, moisturiser and lip balm and the good news is Rural Living has a gorgeous gift pack up for grabs. It includes the Original Coffee Scrub, Express-o Coffee Scrub, Original Lip Duo and four different facial masks.

WIN! BONDI SANDS GLO LIGHTS When it comes to self-tan, suncare and, most recently, body care, Bondi Sands wins top marks for making the first step into traditional cosmetics with GLO Lights, three creamy highlighters to suit a range of skin tones. Designed to leave you ‘GLOing”, GLO Lights delivers the dewy. Pearl, Gold and Bronze pigments softly glisten for a touch of radiance that can be worn alone, atop makeup or mixed into your beauty regime for every day.

Although available from Unichem & Life Pharmacies (RRP $24.99) Rural Living has a gift pack of all three Glo Lights up for grabs – the perfect way to enhance your skin over summer.

28 — Rural Living — January/February 2020

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WIN! DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD II New Zealand’s back country and its people star as Tony Orman takes another journey down roads less travelled. Picking up where his successful book, Down a Country Road left off, this new edition features more stories about rural people and the lives they lead, revealing that this country’s heartland continues to march to its own beat.

Tony Orman: Down a Country Road 2 | RRP $34.99 | New Holland Publishers

WIN! A NUTRA-LIFE MAGNESIUM TWIN PACK Some may still rely on the sandman or counting sheep to help them fall asleep. However, thanks to Nutra-Life, there may be a better way! Featuring such sleep-supporting herbal extracts as passionflower and lemon balm, Magnesium Sleep+ is designed to help us fall asleep and stay asleep. Taken in conjunction with Magnesium Stress Ease, we should feel refreshed and better able to cope with the stresses of everyday life. Please use as directed and consult a doctor if symptoms persist. We have a pack featuring one bottle each of these products up for grabs.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

16/01/2020 4:04:51 PM

M

o

MAKING THE MOST

of holidays

Reay Neben is the publisher of Rural Living

CITY LASS

W

ell, here we go again….my first column for 2020! I must say I was so thrilled to see the end of 2019, we stayed up past midnight to make sure we saw in the New Year. It’s wonderful to think my illness is ‘so last year’ and, now, an exciting year lies ahead.

We didn’t go away over the Christmas break. Instead, we decided Auckland was such a great city, why leave town? With little traffic on the roads it took no time to reach where we were going. What a lovely quiet time we had catching up with family and friends some of whom I hadn’t seen in more than a year – so many laughs and, for some, so many wines, but what a holiday.

For me holiday time was about waking up then making a plan for the day or just reading another good book. Getting out of bed at a ridiculously late hour if the day didn’t look too promising was a real treat.

I love this time of year but I know a lot of holiday makers were affected by the wind and colder temperatures which hit many parts of New Zealand. My niece and partner were away on their yacht and when I asked where they were, she told

ay parlour car.

Visitors enjoy the Glenbrook Railw

me, ‘Antarctica’ because it was that cold and windy.

That’s the sad thing about having one’s main holiday over the Christmas break; the weather can certainly be unreliable. But, whatever we say about our weather, the dreadful tragedy happening in Australia is heartbreaking and is so close to our hearts.

After living in the Franklin area for the past 26 years we decided that after talking about it for years we would take a trip out to Glenbrook and visit Glenbrook Railway.

We made a booking for the parlour car and I have to say it was such a lovely thing to do.

What the volunteers achieve is amazing and, of course, they are desperate to have more volunteers to keep this all going.

I was thrilled to see so many people visiting and travelling on the wonderful old steam train; it certainly was a trip back to my youth when we would travel from

Auckland to Wellington by train.

That was such an adventure and I well remember the smell of the old steam engine. Of course, there was no parlour car, or anything like that, on those old trains. Instead, we bought food at stations on the main trunk line. The cups were so thick that if a train had run over them they wouldn’t have broken.

I now realise how ‘old world’ that train trip was, starting from the main Auckland central station with all the excitement of people bustling around as they readied themselves for the trip. Shops, barbers and stores with all the necessities for a long journey were available right there.

When I look at old photos of stations around the world, I realise how much has changed and sped up. Now, it’s all about how fast can we get there.

And, with that, I am finished for another month.

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16/01/2020 4:08:36 PM

KERATIN SMOOTHING WHY PARENTS NEED TO ATTEND THEIR TREATMENTS Natasha Harris from Alberts TEENAGER’S DENTAL Hair Salon talks about how to make your life easier with a APPOINTMENT permanent blow wave

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ur keratin smoothing treatment delivers extraordinary results with no trade-offs.

Not only do these treatments smooth unwanted frizz they actually strengthen the hair. Using a revolutionary low pH technology and restoring bonds which are broken or damaged during thermal, mechanical, or high pH service.

The Permanent Blow Wave is not a chemical straightening process. It is a smoothing service which will relax curl, and repair damaged hair and add incredible shine to dull and dry hair. The blow wave will also take frizz out of curly and wavy hair and remove bulk from unmanageable and rebellious hair.

The ultimate treatment for salon-perfect hair every day: • Suitable for all hair types (even chemically processed) • Eliminates frizz and tames rebellious hair.

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• Effects last up to four months.

• Can be performed two days after colour.

• Protects against adverse environmental effects.

• Three new formulas for different hair types.

• No more waiting three days to shampoo the hair.

• Leave the salon looking like a goddess.

The process takes about three hours and the smooth result lasts up to four months!

The keratin slowly fades out of the hair over the four months so there is no regrowth. The hair reverts to its original state without the usual problem of straight ends and a band of curls at the roots.

Each time the service is done the hair condition improves both in strength and shine.

By Yvonne Vannoort, Sanctuary Dental

T

he New Zealand Government provides free dental treatment for children from the time they start year 9 at school until their 18th birthday. This is called the Dental Benefit Scheme.

At Sanctuary Dental, we are committed to this service because we love to care for your teenagers at a time in their lives which is important for helping them develop good health habits.

At this age they have lost most, or all, of their baby teeth so they need to understand that the teeth they have now acquired are the ones they will have for their lifetime and they need to look after them.....hard as it is for a teenager to contemplate a lifetime ahead of them and the consequences of not making good choices!

At an age when most teenagers are conscious about their appearance, we like to encourage them to appreciate their smile and feel good about how they look. We can discuss any issues with both your teenager and you and make suggestions about changes if they are appropriate.

We clean and polish the teeth on this visit to check their teeth and remove stains and deposits. This helps them to appreciate the feel and look of lovely clean teeth and a fresh breath!

As parents, we know our teenagers are likely to drink fizzy drinks, eat sweets and forget to clean their teeth. This is even more reason for you to be with them at their dental visit so you know the impact the habits and choices they make (when you are not with them), have on their health.

Let’s work together to help them be healthy and confident individuals as they mature and make their own decisions. We look forward to seeing you with your teenager on their yearly visit. Call ....today…. to make an appointment.

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16/01/2020 4:04:56 PM

MORE EXERCISE URGED If New Year resolutions to ‘lose weight and get fit’ are to be realised it seems Kiwis must become more physically active in 2020.

J

anuary is the traditional a time for people to start new activities to feel better and, Exercisie NZ CEO, Richard Beddie, says exercise is now the number one sport in New Zealand with more than half a million participants .

“The number of exercise facilities has grown 300 percent in the past 10 years so regardless of fitness levels or exercise preferences there is an exercise fit for every preference,” he says.

Managing director of Counties Fitness Manukau, Ian Wilson confirms that the end of January, when schools re-open, always sees a spike in gym memberships but admits six months down the track many have fallen by the wayside for a number of reasons.

“Many folk join the gym to lose weight and have good intentions but you can’t exercise away a bad diet. Exercise is helpful but weight loss is about, nutrition, nutrition, nutrition with exercise kicking in to increase fitness, improve wellbeing and inspire a change in eating habits so the weight drops away.”

“Fortunately, gyms today offer various membership options and generally don’t lock people into long contracts, which means it’s not so difficult for lapsed members to again pick up on a programme.”

However, despite the growing number of facilities and desire by Kiwis to increase fitness, Richard Beddie says an obesity epidemic is gripping New Zealand which has a physical inactivity crisis, being the 13th worst in the world.

He says NZ also needs to wake up to the fact that 90 percent of Kiwi children do not

meet the WHO activity deadlines.

“It is parents and whanau who make choices for children so perhaps New Year resolutions could not just be for parents to get active, but for their kids as well.”

But Ian Lewis warns the gym environment is not generally advocated for young, growing children.

“It comes back to diet and, for most children, the best exercise is lots of play and not on electronic devices! Sport and outdoor fun do a lot in helping keep weight levels down but nutrition comes first.”

Ian concurs with Exercise NZ that if people are seeking to increase physical activity, they should find something they like and decide if the wish to work out with others or by themselves.

With most gyms offering personalised support from trainers, Ian and Richard agree gyms can help with setting goals and assisting members to reach them.

“Getting physically fit/fitter is a great driver for people to make better choices with food,” Ian says. “Many people are overweight because of ‘comfort’ eating. Exercise is great alternative – you feel great and lose weight.”

NOTE: Exercise NZ represents the health/fitness/exercise industry including commercial fitness centres, non profit organisations and local government/council facilities. Last year Mr Beddie was part of an international group invited by WHO to Geneva to address the issue of inactivity.

“I feel that although WHO is taking action, not enough action is being taken at a national level here,” he concludes.

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Rural Living — January/February 2020 — 31

16/01/2020 4:05:03 PM

MEATSTOCK – LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE GRILLS! How juicy are your blues moves?

While food stalls at some festivals may not pass the taste test, Meatstock promises to set the standard (we refuse to assert that it will raise the ‘steaks’!) as carnivores descend on Ellerslie Showgrounds – February 15-16.

Bands, including roots rockers, Katchafire, are expected to be red hot as they sing for their suppers, as are barbecue and pitmasters Big Moe Cason, Mike Johnson and Paula Labaki (aka the ‘Queen of Fire’) during their cooking demonstrations.

In addition, visitors will see some of the best in the business compete in barbecue and butchery competitions. Throw in free rides for the kids and this event promises to offer plenty for meat-eaters to sink their teeth into. See meatstock.com. au/Auckland for details.

NZ PORK MARSALA with mushrooms and shallots METHOD

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Combine flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Toss pork through mixture, coating all sides.

Tap off any excess.

In a fry pan over medium-high heat, add butter and oil. Once butter has melted, add pork. Cook each side of pork until golden brown then lower heat and add mushrooms, shallots and garlic, tossing with tongs to cook evenly.

Add Marsala wine and chicken stock, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add in a few sprigs of fresh thyme and cover with a lid.

Cook for about 7-8 mins on low. Add Dijon mustard and cook uncovered for a further 3-4 mins, or until the sauce is thick like gravy.

Serve with creamy mash and green beans.

INGREDIENTS ◆◆4-6 NZ pork chops, boneless ◆◆2 shallots, thinly sliced ◆◆2 garlic cloves, chopped ◆◆300g mushrooms, sliced ◆◆½ cup Marsala or sweet white wine ◆◆½ cup chicken stock ◆◆2 tbsp olive oil ◆◆2 tbsp butter ◆◆1 cup flour ◆◆1 tsp garlic powder ◆◆½ tsp salt and pepper ◆◆fresh thyme ◆◆1 tsp Dijon mustard

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Recipe and image supplied by NZ Pork

Keen to try something that’s easy to prepare and make but is still packed with favour? Then this pork dish is the way to go!

Summer and seafood may be a match made in heaven but, thanks to this recipe from Mission Estate, here’s a match made in Napier. Ideally paired with Mission Fête a delicate sparkling wine, this dish is liable to be a hit when those guests come in.

SALMON, POTATO FONDANT with saffron mayonnaise, crunchy kale, snow peas and ravigote sauce

Serves 2 – multiply to serve more

INGREDIENTS Salmon: ◆ 150g salmon with skin on (two fillets) ◆ Flaky salt ◆ Oil, to fry ◆ 50g butter Potato fondant: ◆ 2 agria potatoes medium, peeled ◆ 2 cups chicken stock ◆ 4 cloves garlic Saffron mayo: ◆ 60g mayonnaise ◆ 1/2 tsp saffron ◆ 1 tbsp lemon juice Crispy kale: ◆ 60g kale ◆ 3 tbsp sesame oil ◆ 1/2 tsp chilli powder ◆ Salt and pepper Ravigote sauce: ◆ 1/2 diced onion ◆ 1 gherkin, chopped www.ruralliving.co.nz

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◆ 1 tbsp capers, chopped ◆ 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar ◆ 1/4 cup olive oil ◆ 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped ◆ 1 spring onion, finely chopped To serve: ◆ 40g snow peas

METHOD To make the kale chips, pre heat oven to 1750C fan bake. Mix sesame oil, chilli powder, salt and pepper together in a bowl and coat kale evenly.

Lay baking paper on a tray and layer kale so it’s spread out and not touching. Bake for 12 minutes until kale is crispy (it will turn a little dark brown when ready). Leave to cool; add extra seasoning if needed.

Heat oven to 1900C. Slice potato into large rectangles. Heat oil in a heavy bottom frying pan and carefully add the potato and brown all four sides. Add garlic and chicken stock and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Poke the potato with a knife, it should slide out easily. Leave potato to cool and absorb more flavour in

stock for a few minutes.

To make the saffron mayo, mix saffron and lemon juice together to activate the colour of the saffron and leave to sit for 15 minutes. Whisk the saffron mix into mayonnaise. Keep in fridge for use later.

To make the ravigote sauce, heat olive oil in a frying pan and sweat the onion until soft and add vinegar and gherkin.

Leave to cool. Once oil is completely cooled down, add remaining ingredients and add extra seasoning if needed.

Remove stems from snow peas and steam.

Next, preheat oven to 2000C. In a thick bottom frying pan heat oil to just before smoking point and sprinkle in flaky salt.

Layer salmon skin-side down and cook on a medium-high heat for around 5-7 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip salmon and add butter, place into pre-heated oven for a further four minutes. The salmon should still be a little pink in the middle. Serve immediately.

To serve, place potato fondant, salmon and kale chips on a plate. Serve with saffron mayo, ravigote sauce and snow peas.

Rural Living — January/February 2020 — 33

16/01/2020 4:05:36 PM

TITLES for all tastes

RV THERE YET? While not quite every woman and every man loves caravans, they have become a quintessential part of a typical Kiwi summer for many people, as have RVs. In this book, Don and Marilyn Jessen deliver a practical guide for purchasing and maintaining an RV while also providing a glimpse into the lives of those who drive them. Whether people are looking for a way to make the most from a summer road trip or thinking of selling up and living life on the road, RV There Yet? is sure to prove an invaluable resource.

Don and Marilyn Jessen: RV There Yet? A guide to owning and using a recreational vehicle in New Zealand | RRP $39.99 | Bateman Books

A SHORT HISTORY OF FARMING IN NEW ZEALAND

OUR SPACES – CONTEMPORARY NEW ZEALAND INTERIORS

Since Maori first arrived on the shores of Aotearoa, people have made a living from this land. One of the foundation stones of New Zealand culture, farming may have changed over the years, but its importance to our way of life has not. With this book, acclaimed Kiwi historian, Gordon McLauchlan, provides a history of Kiwi farming in his usual engaging and accessible style.

A room-by-room examination of some of New Zealand’s most creative spaces, this book takes readers on a tour of stylish and inspiring homes.

In addition to more than 400 photos, it also includes ideas and insights for developing relaxed, refined, modest and modern aesthetics for a variety of tastes.

Gordon McLauchlan: A Short History of Farming in New Zealand | RRP $29.99 | Bateman Books

Alana Broadhead: Our Spaces – Contemporary New Zealand Interiors | RRP $70 | RHNZ Godwit

34 — Rural Living — January/February 2020

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TALES OF A FINANCIAL HOT MESS

BIG IDEAS FOR SMALL HOUSES

Wrestling with debt? Before even considering cooking the books, it pays to consult a ‘Cook’ book! In Tales of a Financial Hot Mess Frances Cook delivers sound, sensible advice regarding how we can best manage our money.

A reformed ‘money mess’ herself, Frances shares expert insights (and more than just a few laughs) while charting a course along the rocky road to financial freedom.

People seeking to live a tiny house life can well benefit from thinking big. Through clever use of limited space, even the smallest dwelling can become a castle, as this book reveals. Drawing inspiration from homes throughout New Zealand (measuring 100 square metres right down to a very cosy 34), Catherine Foster presents a book loaded with practical advice and photos.

Frances Cook: Tales of a Financial Hot Mess | RRP $35 | Random House NZ

Catherine Foster: Big Ideas for Small Houses | RRP $50 | Penguin

www.ruralliving.co.nz

16/01/2020 4:05:42 PM

SUPERCARS SET FOR WAIKATO – SOME WIN, SOME LOSE

A

n epic ANZAC Day clash will still go ahead but, following a venue change, North Waikato’s gain could prove Pukekohe’s loss, Kendyl Sullivan from the Pukekohe Business Association said after the shock announcement that the 2020 Auckland round of the Australia Supercars Championship will take place at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park rather than its traditional home, Pukekohe Park.

“We are disappointed, it’s definitely a shame, but I guess we really won’t understand its full impact until the event has been held,” she said.

Auckland Unitary Plan noise restrictions during ANZAC weekend (April 24-26) were not considered when plans were made to change the date for the 2020 event, usually held later in the year.

“The Unitary Plan was [already] in place and, unfortunately, it was overlooked, but I wouldn’t blame anyone. ATEED (Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development) is an Auckland Council controlled organisation but it doesn’t work within the Unitary Plan sector as such and ‘Johnny on the street’ wouldn’t necessarily have known that there were

www.ruralliving.co.nz

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[noise] restrictions.”

Time will tell exactly how profoundly the venue change will impact on Pukekohe businesses, she asserted.

“My understanding is that the [Pukekohe] motels are all already booked up for the [weekend of the] event so we’ll have to wait a see how the public reacts, but we’re not expecting too much of a change. Some bars and restaurants do well around the time of the V8s but for others, it’s just a standard weekend.”

It appears any options to overlook noise restrictions are now off the table.

“The real shame is that there couldn’t have been some sort of compromise to make it work. I think the RSA was in support [of some sort of compromise] as it brought attention to the day and to their fundraising efforts; it could’ve offered quite a positive, mutual benefit.”

Pukekohe locals may be disappointed to see the event move to Waikato but Steve Armitage from ATEED, believes the region (in general) will still benefit: “We are [still] confident the Auckland region will receive the bulk of the economic benefit from being the main hub for suppliers, accommodation and

off-site activities for visitors,” he says.

Australia Supercars Championship CEO, Sean Seamer, believes Hampton Downs will prove a winning host.

“Sincere apologies to our fans and partners for any inconvenience caused by the venue change, but we’ll be just 15 minutes from Pukekohe at one of the world’s best facilities and most demanding tracks... It’s going to be great”.

And, understandably, Josie Spillane from Hampton Downs is delighted.

“To be hosting [our] first Supercars event is an achievement our team is immensely proud of and we can’t wait to see who is crowned the inaugural champion on the circuit.”

Long term, Auckland’s loss could be Waikato’s (and, perhaps, Tuakau and Pokeno’s) gain, should Hampton Downs become the new home of Supercars in New Zealand. However, Ms Sullivan (PBA) added that it’s too early to worry about what might happen down the track.

“It’s something everyone involved with the event needs to consider but until those conversations are held, I couldn’t comment about the future of the event.”

Photo Nissan Motorsport

Rural Living — January/February 2020 — 35

16/01/2020 4:05:45 PM

STRONG MARKET CONTINUES

By Darren Szaszy, Barfoot & Thompson, Pukekohe The Auckland property market ended strongly in 2019 with Barfoot and Thompson selling 777 properties in December. Sales reached the highest level they have been in the past four years with a result which was more than 50% higher than the same month last year. New listings for the month were at 682, the highest for this particular month in three years.

Barfoot & Thompson managing director, Peter Thompson said it was a fantastic finish to the year. “We’re expecting it [the upward trend] to continue for the next three or four months before the winter slow down and then the election. Based on year end trading, the market is set for an active late summer and autumn selling season,” he said, adding that the ‘switch went on’ in the last two months of 2019, after a later start to the seasonal surge.

As a result of strong sales, there are now a limited number of available properties on the market. At month end Barfoots had only 3191 properties for sale which is the lowest for any month in the past four years. When reviewing 2019, the Auckland property market was stable; the average number of new listings on a monthly basis in 2019 was 1226 compared to 1413 in 2018.

Buyers now realise the market is potentially ready to move forward and they are acting decisively. Summer is a great time to sell a property with median price gains, and the lack of available properties on the market, compelling people to list.

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s the owner of two renovation companies across the greater South Auckland area, it always amazes me how seldom clients ask us about our warranty.

You purchase a toaster; you want a warranty.

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You purchase a car; you want a warranty.

Why not ensure your house project is covered by a warranty for “during” and “after “the build?

We have seen many companies over the years fail to stand by their warranties or offer no warranty at all. One only has to ask Auntie “Google” for a reference to be absolutely shocked at the number of homeowners left with a problem or two and nowhere to live while it is resolved.

Our advice – check the warranty carefully!

Are you covered should the builder be deemed insolvent?

Are you covered for any defective work or poor specification?

If you had to rent alternative accommodation for you and your family while remedials take place, will you have cover?

Who owns this policy and if you sell your property next year will the warrenty be of any value to the sale? Is it policy inflation adjusted?

There are so many questions one should ask their renovation/ build team because it is important you protect your home, your investment and your family.

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It’s heating up - make sure to water regularly and keep on top of garden pests like caterpillars, thrips and whitefly.

Add fragrance by planting flowers like like scented geraniums and colour with impatiens, astroemerias and begonias for a beautiful fragrant garden.

In the Edible Garden

• Use organic pest deterrents on edibles to limit

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they continue to produce crops and don’t become stressed. Water early morning or in the evening so that the soil absorbs more moisture

• Thin out some of the pip fruit developing in clusters on your apple and pear trees. This ensures the final fruit are a good size

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• Planting basil and chillies can be done now • Add fragrance to the edible area with scented geraniums whose foliage can be crushed to release their aroma – try lemon, coconut, rose and chocolate mint

The rest of the Garden • The silvering of leaves on evergreen plants is

caused by a tiny insect known as a thrip. While watering, spray the garden hose up under the leaves of rhododendrons, viburnums and lemon trees because this helps dislodge these pests that are feasting there

• Cut and come again: lavenders, hebes and

daisies can look a bit shabby at this time, so a trim of spent flowers and a liquid feed will refresh their look

• Keep the lawn regularly watered. However, lawns that die off can tend to recover in autumn when the rain returns

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LET’S ROCK BABY!

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ummer wouldn’t be the same without the sweet, smooth, musky flavours of rock melon either tossed into a wild fruit salad mix or enjoyed for its own fragrant juiciness. In fact, rock melons cut in half (seeds scooped out) and the hollow filled with port make a heady meal starter – very yummy too!

The origin of the rock melon is somewhat hazy – some say Africa, others say Asia Minor. That’s because at archaeological sites cucumber and rock melon seeds look very alike making it hard to distinguish between them, hence the origin debate.

There was a time when rock melons were also considered alien in this country. However, they are now prevalent and commonly seen in supermarkets or greengrocers where they sit pretty among other melons (or cantaloupes) such as honey dew, prince melon and, of course, the well known watermelon.

Easily recognised for their coarse, grey/green netted skin and rich, peachy coloured flesh, which, when ripe, is anything but rock hard, this luscious summer fruit grows best in New Zealand’s temperate north.

A steamy little number, they like it hot and humid. However, rock melons can be grown further south but may require glasshouse conditions. This in turn can mean pollination problems or considerations if there are no bees about.

If planting in early spring when frosts are still about, seed trays will be necessary but at this time of year North Island soils should be nice and warm making it possible to plant directly into the ground. Rock melons need soil temperatures of between 21 to 32 degrees Celsius.

They also like well drained soil which is neutral to slightly acidic. Seeds should be planted about one metre apart and about 2-4cm deep. What’s more, if gardeners adopt a policy of ‘warm, watered and well fed’, then their melons will, indeed rock when harvested. If hand pollinating, use a soft brush.

Harvest usually takes about 75-115 days. Rock melons are ready when fruit falls from the vine; to test for ripeness, tap with the knuckles. A dull sound indicates ripeness.

Perfect as a breakfast or lunchbox treat, rock melons also make great sorbet and can be used in making yoghurt and smoothies, too. They work well with ginger and mint and can be a refreshing salad ingredient working particularly well in chicken salads and other chicken dishes.

A delicious way to start or finish the day, make sure rock melons are on your planting or shopping list!

Rural Living — January/February 2020 — 39

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44 — Rural Living — January/February 2020