Rural Living May-June 2015 by Times Media

E K ’M A I T – E M

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May/June 2015

an eye for

www.ruralliving.co.nz

ag art wear pages 8-9

avocados retirement

slice of americano pages 6-7

how to play it pages 28-31

Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 1

PUKEKOHE BRANCH 68 King St, PO Box 147, Pukekohe bus. 09 238 7019 | fax. 09 238 7018 www.barfoot.co.nz

JUNe ■ sALes Pukekohe Saleyard Every Saturday except holiday weekends, A&P Showgrounds, Station Rd, Pukekohe 10.30am – pigs, sheep, calves 12pm – cattle Tuakau Saleyard Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, Tuakau Saleyards Rd Mon – sheep 10.30am, feeder calves 11am, dairy 12pm Wed – prime cattle 11.30am Thurs – store cattle 12pm

■ mUsic & theAtre Best Musicals of All Time June 11, 11am-1pm, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Drive, Papakura While some shows may carry enigmatic titles as well as a tune or two, sometimes what you see is what you get, which is precisely what organisers of The Best Musicals of All Time expect to prove! Featuring showstoppers from the genre’s golden age to the modern day, this event is expected (ironically enough) to ensure the show will go on! See daytimeconcerts.co.nz for details. The Celtic Flyers June 19, 7.30pm-11pm, Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club, 4 Victoria Avenue, Waiuku While many a ‘high flyer’ in rock ‘n’ roll may have discovered pride comes before a fall, Irish rovers seem to roll on forever! And that’s certainly true of this band set to pay a ‘Flyer-ing’ visit to one of our (not so dirty) old towns! Playing original

music and contemporary interpretations of traditional Irish and Celtic songs, The Celtic Flyers will (to be sure, to be sure) delight. Contact the club for details – waiukucossie.co.nz. Sleeping Beauty on Ice June 24-28, times vary, The Civic, Corner Queen & Wellesley Streets, Auckland City We all know the story: a lazy young broad who acts like a princess lounges around waiting for a man to turn up so she can get busy changing him into a prince. However, it’s never been told quite like this before! Featuring some of the world’s most talented skaters and the music of Tchaikovsky, this classic love story is being billed as an “ice extravaganza”. Although set in 19th century Russia, the show has a modern interpretation with lavish costumes and special effects. And, while organisers say it’s suited for people aged 3-103, we think 104-year-olds should love it too! So... get your skates on; tickets are limited.

■ eXPos & toUrs New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays June 10-13, Mystery Creek Events Centre, Mystery Creek Road, Hamilton Why is it when people say ‘here’s a man who needs no introduction...’ they then proceed to introduce him? While this is a question liable to remain a mystery, what’s not a mystery is why thousands flock to Mystery Creek for Fieldays. Why is this you may well ask. Well, in the

Fieldays

words of a certain Rural Living team member’s partner, ‘if you don’t know, I’m not going to tell you!’ Instead, see pages 12-13 for details of what’s in store, or visit fieldays.co.nz. Baby Market Day June 20, 9am-1pm, Pukekohe Town Hall, Corner Massey Avenue and Edinburgh Street, Pukekohe Sooner or later we all have to grow up. But even when little Johnny or Jenny has set aside some of their childish things, items – from toys to strollers, prams, cots and more – can still be useful. Providing the perfect opportunity to buy or sell baby gear (as well as maternity wear) entry to Baby Market Day is free of charge. Simunovich Olive Estate Annual Harvest Tour & Lunch June 21, Simunovich Olive Estate, 49 Main Road, Bombay Extending the olive branch is always a peaceful experience at the Simunovich Olive Estate in Bombay. However, during its annual harvest tour, there will be olives a plenty, not to

mention more extra virgins than one could shake a branch at! Beginning with a tour of the olive grove and processing factory, the day includes tastings of extra virgin olive oil accompanied by freshly baked bread and concludes with a twocourse rustic lunch from Bracu Restaurant. Contact the estate via simuolive.co.nz. Waikato Wedding Expo June 28, 9.30am-4pm, Hamilton Gardens, Cobham Drive, SH1, Hamilton As some women may know, it can be tough dragging a man from proposal to wedding day, particularly if he’s liable to kick and scream down the aisle! However, it’s worth the journey to Hamilton’s Wedding Expo to ensure, on the big day, everything comes together without a hitch – well, hopefully there will be one! Showcasing everything from wedding cars to cakes, gowns, venues, florists and more, this Expo will give the doomed (we mean, the groom!) plenty of practice at saying ‘yes, dear.’ See weddingexpo.net.nz for details.

Brought to you by members of Franklin’s

Largest Rural/Lifestyle Sales Team 2 — Rural Living — May - June 2015

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

Stephanie Alderlieste Craig Ashby 027 246 7911 021 998 605

David Powell 027 485 9321

Community Calendar ■ Fitness & sPort FIFA U-20 World Cup – Hamilton matches May 30 - June 14, times vary, Waikato Stadium, Seddon Road, Hamilton It’s often said that it’s a long road to the football world cup. However, it’s not such a long ride down the motorway to see soccer stars of tomorrow in Hamil-tron, city of the future! With eight matches scheduled, Waikato Stadium is expected to shine during this celebration of the world’s most beautiful game. See fifa.com/u20worldcup for details. Loaded Tough Guy and Gal Challenge June 12, Christian Youth Camp, 148 Waingaro Road, Ngaruawahia When the going gets tough, the tough get going; and this month they’ll be going to Ngaruawahia! Designed for fitness and fun, the Loaded Tough Guy and Gal Challenge series (events throughout the North Island) offers the chance to get down and dirty with loads of mud and demanding courses. And, while this event is open only to those aged 13+, the EnviroWaste Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge the following day (June 13) offers many of the same thrills, scaled to suit littler legs. Are you tough enough? Weekend Bootcamp Experience June 27, 6am-10pm, Castaways Resort, 685 Karioitahi Road, Karioitahi Beach While some ‘goodie two shoes’ out there may ensure they have all the regular exercise they need, many of us require a boot up the backside now and then!

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Fortunately, thanks to personal trainer Joe Lewis, a boot or two is at hand during Castaways’ Weekend Bootcamp Experience. Designed for people of all fitness levels, the weekend includes everything some of us (present company included!) will need to kick-start a new, healthier lifestyle. More information at castaways.co.nz. Hot Laps Car Racing for Charity June 7, 10am-4pm, Hampton Downs Motor Sport Park, Hampton Downs Road, Te Kauwhata It’s hotting up at Hampton Downs! Perfect for those who spell F-A-S-T with the letters B-M-W, this event will put petrol heads on the right track to fun during hot laps with the BMW Racing Team. What’s more, proceeds will go right round to Rotary-sponsored charities, Cure Kids and Life Education Trust. See hamptondowns.com for more information.

Walkabout/Playabout May 30-June 12, Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe Retracing her experiences living in an Aboriginal Community in Australia’s Northern Territory, Onewhero artist Emma Walter shows still waters (and pictures) do run deep! With this photo documentary, Emma captures an intriguing world with her lens. What’s more, this talented singer/songwriter, spoken word poet and photographer will also sing at the opening of the exhibition! Lay of the Land Now until June 13, weekdays 9am-5pm, Saturdays 10am-2pm, Papakura Art Gallery, Averill Street, Papakura Comprising a range of works from contemporary New Zealand artists, Lay of the Land focuses on urban expansion and transformation of Auckland.

■ AUcKLAnd FestivAL oF PhotogrAPhY Take a Moment with Us Now until June 20, Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe A multimedia exhibition designed to introduce visitors to the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, Take a Moment with Us explores the dreams, the loneliness, the talents and the sadness portrayed through photos and videos. When visiting, also check out The Foyer Project, in the Community Gallery, which features a collage of images of people in the Pukekohe area who have caught the eye of contributing artists.

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A snapshot (or many) of our city, this thought-provoking exhibition offers insight into its burgeoning and irreversible sprawl. – These are just some examples of Auckland Festival of Photography exhibitions taking place throughout greater Auckland. See photographyfestival.org.nz for a full schedule.

■ mArKets Pukekohe Market Every Saturday, 8am-12pm, Massey St, Pukekohe Pokeno Market Every Sunday, 9am-4pm, main street, Pokeno Crafty Cows Market – Pokeno Second Sunday of each month, 10am-1pm, Pokeno Town Hall Awhitu Country Market Last Sunday of each month, 10am-2pm, Matakawau Hall, Awhitu Rd, Awhitu Peninsula Clevedon Village Market Every Sunday, 9am-2pm, Clevedon Community Centre, 1 Papakura-Clevedon Rd, Clevedon Clevedon Farmers Market Every Sunday, 8.30am-12pm, Clevedon Showgrounds, Monument Rd, Clevedon Pine Harbour Fresh Market Every Saturday, 8am-12pm, Pine Harbour Marina, Jack Lachlan Dr, Beachlands

Walkabout/Playabout by Emma Walter

Alfriston Country Market First Saturday of each month except January, 9am-12pm, Alfriston Community Hall, Mill Road, Alfriston

Rural 2013 —— 21 43 Rural Living Living — — May/June May - June 2015 3

Hunter Graeme Utatao Trudy Willson Boyce Graeme Sue Willson McCardle Sue McCardle 027 482021 2488 770 021 898 733 483 021027 770 733527 027 0094 527 0094

covershot

GROW, GROW AVO’!

When it comes to growing superfoods, if the Mexicans can, so can you! This month, Rural Living catches up with a Glenbrook ‘pear’ on ‘Trask’ with their dreams of growing avocados (Persea Americana). We also take a closer look at this versatile fruit, originally from Central America, which has become as at home in Franklin as spuds and onions. See pages 6-7 to read more.

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

From the editor... Flip-flopping temperatures and no real winter to date have fostered many a head cold and, like others, I too succumbed for a day or two. But that wasn’t the only unwelcome visitor at our house. A week or so back I woke from dozing in front of the TV to hear scrabbling in the back bedroom. Thinking it was the cat, I went to let her out only to find the window wide open. Initially I thought son had left it open but on closer inspection, I saw the wood was splintered and the catch, broken. Struggling to close it, I heard further scrambling as the prowler ducked away. What really amazed me was the brazenness of the attempt. It was 10.30pm and there were lights on, however, husband was asleep in an adjacent bedroom to the intrusion attempt. Goodness knows what would have happened had I actually confronted the intruder. Perhaps he would have fainted with the shock of seeing me in all my nightly glory! Anyway, the next day the window was repaired and safety catches installed throughout the house. I’ve always had great faith in Kiwis, so this type of thing

really disappoints. Generally, I consider our land to be a safe place to live but increasingly I see a decline in integrity and a failure to respect the property of others. But, as is often the way, some good always comes out of bad. On this occasion a follow-up visit from the Police, turned up a pleasant surprise. Though attached to Counties Manukau Police, the attending officer came from Glenbrook where he and his family live on several acres of land. I was absolutely chuffed and we ended up chatting about the pros of living in our gorgeous Franklin district. A former Hawkes Bay lad, he told me on moving north he’d checked out Auckland’s eastern suburbs but having come from land, the confines of a small section didn’t appeal. Well, here’s hoping he’s a Rural Living reader – I’m sure a few laughs over Bumpkin Banter will be a welcome relief after a day of policing! And, with that, readers will be pleased to read Brian Neben’s good news on new road signage placed on several deceptive country corners in his area although the not so good news is the number of

reported car conversions and burglaries in Pukekohe of late – time to spur the formation of Neighbourhood Watch groups where they are lacking. Locals can also take advantage of the Police SNAP website, an initiative to help prevent property offending and which makes it harder for criminals to sell stolen goods. It’s easy to enter and maintain details and serial numbers of important possessions on SNAP – www.snap.org.nz – which can then be accessed at any time. If items are stolen, these asset details can be instantly retrieved then forwarded to the Police or insurance companies. Should the police recover stolen property and can match them to details in hand, they can then ascertain the material is stolen. What’s more there’s a good chance you may see your goods again. Now how good is that? Cheers

Helen Perry Editor

info@ruralliving.co.nz Editor: Helen Perry DDI 09 271 8036 Email: editor@ruralliving.co.nz Sales: Kate Ockelford-Green DDI 09 271 8090 Email: kate@ruralliving.co.nz Caroline Boe DDI 09 271 8091 Email: caroline@ruralliving.co.nz Art Director: Clare McGillivray DDI 09 271 8067, Fax: 09 271 8071 Email: clare@ruralliving.co.nz Manager: Karla Wairau DDI 09 271 8083, Fax: 09 271 8099 karla@timeshouse.co.nz Publisher: Brian Neben Level 1, The Lane, Botany Town Centre, Chapel Road, Auckland PO Box 259-243, Botany, Auckland 2163 Ph: 09 271 8080, Fax: 09 271 8099 DISCLAIMER: Articles published in Rural Living do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or editor. All material is provided as a general information service only. Times House Publishing Ltd does not assume or accept any responsibility for, and shall not be liable for, the accuracy or appropriate application of any information in this magazine. All the material in this magazine has the protection of international copyright. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Times House Publishing Ltd.

4 — Rural Living — May - June 2015

inside Living

RURAL Page 8-9

Page 25

Over the Gate with Ag Art Wear judge, Robyn Brooks

Reay’s Diary – perspective from a city lass

Page 10

Page 26-27

Brian’s Diary – voicing country road concerns pays off

Helene Henare – scope for landscapes

Page 11

PagE 28-31

Georgia sure can handle the competition. And that’s no bull!

Marinated fish salad – page 36

Page 12-13

Page 17

Fieldays – revealing the mystery

Page 14 Town and country not always an easy mix

Exploring fresh fields for retirement

Bumpkin Banter – anecdotes and photos from readers

Page 20-21 Thriving Dutchman’s Buckland business

PagE 34 The knitty-gritty of possum biz

Page 42 Digger Dan’s planting tips

Page 43-44 Backing Outback www.ruralliving.co.nz

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

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

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Your big plans made easy.

y you move in, we are here to make things easy. From this point, till the day you move in, we are here to make th 8 Kilbryde Crescent, Pokeno Showhome: ne of our plans, or creating something a little different, Whether visit our choosing from one of our plans, or creating somethin 8 Kilbryde Crescent, Pokeno asiest way to get the home you want. website to discover the easiest way to get the home you want.

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s or modifyOpen: one to suit your needs. You can choose to Select manage fromthe over 60 plans or modify one to suit your needs. Yo Tues Fri 10am Tues to to Fri 10am - 3pm - 3pm | Sat 12pm - 3pm Kit Home, Sat or take it a step further and have us take care build of yourself it for you. with an A1 Kit Home, or take it a step further and 12pm - 3pm website to start building your home today.

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Rural Living â&#x20AC;&#x201D; May - June 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 5

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Ancient fruit Avocados, once maligned as a high-fat food, are now in the league of the super-foods, containing health-giving ingredients lycopene and beta-carotene as well as mono-unsaturated fats. Though a native of Mexico and Central America they grow well in New Zealand. Contributor ANNA McNAUGHTON spoke to local orchardists about this popular fruit. When Glenbrook couple, Bill and Ann Trask, bought an established avocado orchard 10 years ago it seems they, like a good few others around the country, recognised the versatility and potential of this nutritious fruit which would, if it could, be a vegetable on occasion. At the time the couple were living in Howick and for four years they were very much ‘weekend bachers’ until they finally moved, lock, stock and barrel, to Franklin six years ago to take on full-time country life. Now, with their house updated and the garden sorted, their sheltered 10 acres have become a haven. The avocado orchard takes up eight acres, leaving just two paddocks for fattening a couple of cattle. However, because avocado leaves are toxic to livestock, the Trasks agree that a good mower is essential for keeping grass between the rows of trees under control. Raised in the King Country on the family farm at Oparau, Ann says country life is second nature for her. But despite being Wairoa-born, Bill has been a city boy most of his life.

What’s more he is still juggling his city-based water protection/sealant business with running the orchard. However, like most escapees to Franklin, he enjoys travelling into the city less and less. “I’m looking forward to the day when I don’t have to commute especially as I enjoy the routines of orchard work.” And, as Bill walks me around the orchard, it is soon very clear that avocados are far from being a ‘plant and walk away’ option. Having planted predominantly the premium variety, Hass, Bill says these bear heavy crops of creamy, textured fruit; Reed and Zutana varieties are dotted through as pollinators. “The original plantings are now 20 years old so we are refreshing the orchard on two fronts. We are heavily pruning the high-producing, mature trees, and replanting some areas with fresh trees on new, disease- resistant rootstock.” The new trees are mostly Hass, on Zutana, Lattice, or Dusa rootstock, with the Zutana variety planted in every row as pollinators. When irrigated, fertilised and mulched, Bill says they grow rapidly.

“We are lucky we can source Envirofert compost, locally made at Tuakau,” he adds. “Quality compost makes a big difference.” With good shelter belts essential to protect lush new growth from coastal winds, these, too, are being refreshed. Bill is planting with Karo/ Pittosporum Crassifolium to replace the original Leylandii hedges which are ageing, and, like so many Franklin hedges, are also succumbing to fungal infection. He says the mature avocado trees respond surprisingly well to drastic pruning, producing new vigorous, bushy growth which soon bears heavy crops of fruit. “The time and effort put into pre-planting preparation has proved to be greatly beneficial to the long-term vigour of the trees. However, the soil here is not perfect and we have to improve the drainage by raising the planting beds.” That said, the soil at each planting site is worked thoroughly with soil-conditioning compost, pumice, and extra topsoil being dug in. Each tree is also surrounded by shelter

Bill and Ann Trask

Alligator pear apple of winter Avocados have become a kitchen favourite in this country – fabulous in salads, sushi and smoothies, spread on sandwiches, made into dips and even in cheesecakes. And, over the centuries it has been given several names – its original ahuacate, butter fruit, the apple of winter and perhaps, most famously, alligator pear. Apart from a similarity in shape, and its slightly crocodilian skins the avocado has nothing to do with pears. It is from 6 — Rural Living — May - June 2015

the laurel family and is native to Central and South America. When explorers first saw avocado trees, with their blackish hanging fruit, they were told the local name was ‘ahuacatl’, which is more or less what much of the world still calls them. What most didn’t realise at that time was that ahuacatl was a South American native word for testicle, which the avocado vaguely resembles. The word was also difficult for the English explorers to pronounce.

While accounts of the origin of the alligator pear name differ, most stories are similar with one being that the name came about through the English distortion of the Mexican word aguacate which became avogado then lead to the misunderstanding of ‘alligator pear.’ Today, there are various avocado varieties grown in this country. Two of the most popular are Hass and Fuerte. The harvesting season for Hass is about December to April and

for Fuerte from about July to November. Two other varieties, Hopkins and Reed, are harvested from February through autumn even to June. The top growing regions are in the Bay of Plenty and the far north. Franklin has 30 thriving orchards but there are some challenging factors such as high winds, and some of the soil types. Ideally, the avocado (persea Americana) thrives in warm, sunny, sheltered sites, with rich, free-draining soils. www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Companion fruit sees growing opportunities cloth for the first two years; this is essential for protection from wind and frost. Importantly, the mulch works on two fronts – suppressing weeds and also encouraging a healthy mat of fibrous feeder roots, close to the surface. The main threat to trees is the fungal infection, Phytophlera which can cause total collapse of trees; the use of resistant rootstocks is the main protection. In addition, regular ‘injections’ of a commercially-produced fungicide – large trees require 12 to 15 jabs around the trunk – is also recommended although it’s a time-consuming insurance policy! Bill also checks trees regularly for insect infestations, thrips and leaf roller and, when flowering peaks in August and September, he brings in beehives to ensure good pollination. “Fruiting is often biennial, although, uniquely, our climate enables healthy trees to bear new fruit and mature fruit at the same time,” he says. With great camaraderie amongst growers, Bill and Anna say information is readily shared, which adds to the enjoyment of fruit growing. Sharing this sought-after fruit with family and friends and having a great supply for the home kitchen are added pluses. Country life, they agree, has its peace and quiet but it has also delivered them with a new interest which has proved profitable in more ways than one.

With avocado orchards producing ripe fruit between October and April, the season fits around the pruning and harvesting of kiwifruit. At Glenbrook, Dave French grows avocados and kiwifruit. He also coordinates the local harvesting team, with most of the 30 local orchardists sending their fruit to Kari Pak at Katikati, to be marketed by Avoco. Avoco is the result of a merger between Primor Produce, and Southern Produce, with the new company succeeding in getting better outcomes for growers. Odd sized fruit or fruit with blemishes, are processed for quality oils; the top graded fruit is sought-after in Australia, as well as the USA, Japan, and Singapore. New markets are being developed in Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and Taiwan. “The market for fruit – locally and internationally – is outpacing supply,” says Dave. “This is giving growers every confidence to invest in their orchards.” Research funding, supported by the Primary Growth Partnership, has been allocated to identify ‘best practice’ for avocado growing. Participating growers and scientists are collating facts and figures. “There is a huge variation in production, between orchards,” says Dave. “Identifying management techniques, soils and microclimates which consistently obtain better results, will be of huge value to the whole avocado growing business.”

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Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 7

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A smarter-safer approach to your growing problem!

With

Over

the gate

Shaun Chisnall is owner/operator of Timberline Contracting, who specialise in the safe, controlled topping/felling of trees. Often shelterbelts are removed when they get too big, as there wasn’t an alternative, but now you can still have the advantage of having shelter, but at a manageable height. Timberline Contracting’s specialty is those shelter belts that have been left too long and are now too big for shelterbelt trimmers to handle. Controlled removal along driveways, boundaries and close to buildings are a big part of Shaun’s work.

While former All Black Robin Brooke may have been a legend on the ‘paddock’, Onewhero’s own Robyn Brooks is equally at home with the catwalk or the sheep run. Set to judge the upcoming Ag Art Wear competition at Fieldays (June 10-13) the founder of fashion label, Ooby Ryn, spoke to Rural Living Over the Gate.

• Shelterbelt Topping • Shelterbelt Removal • Difficult & confined space tree removal

What do you think makes Ag Art Wear such a popular attraction and have you judged before?

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Photo: David Hallett

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

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8 — Rural Living — May - June 2015

It adds an extra component and goes to show you don’t have to just love tractors to be part of Fieldays! I know a lot of students enter; it’s a great way to be creative outside of school or work. I try and have a look most years and I’ve judged at Ag Art Wear a few times before, so I’m hoping there are some new materials being used this year! The competition comprises three categories (Designer Traditional, Avant Garde and Classroom Couture). What will you and your fellow judge [sculptor Adrian Worsley] be looking for from entrants?

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Robyn Brooks

It will depend on what the brief is for each category, but originality is always a huge factor across the board. I have looked up Adrian’s work and was blown away by it; it’s amazing! He is obviously very talented and creative and I’m sure his ‘sculptural eye’ will offer a completely different view on the garments than my ‘fashion eye.’ Do you think judging Ag Art Wear will add to your credentials in the fashion world? I’m not sure if it will benefit me in that way, but I really enjoy doing things outside the shop but still to do with fashion. I like

being involved in the community and in encouraging young designers. Considering your rural roots, these days are you more fashionista than farmer, and since your family moved to Cambridge in 2000, do you still live on the land? I’m definitely more a fashionista these days, but I do miss living on a farm! We had over 1000 acres in Onewhero and mum and dad were there for 20 years. Being raised on a farm provided such an amazing childhood and I wouldn’t change it for anything. My family now has 76 acres in Cambridge with horses and cattle, but I live in town with my dog, Wilson, and partner Ben. I really miss living in the country but at least Cambridge isn’t such a big town and it’s a gorgeous place to live. You were a competitive showjumper. Were you a member of any local clubs, what level did you achieve and do you still find time to ride? Do you have horses? We originally moved to Cambridge as it was really central for show jumping. Mark, Kit (my two brothers) and I would travel all over the North Island competing at the top level. Sadly, I don’t have time to ride anymore and I really miss it, but at least I can jump on my brothers’ polo ponies now and then for a quick fix! www.ruralliving.co.nz

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What did you study at the University of Waikato and how did it help you establish yourself in the fashion industry? I first studied nursing, but I couldn’t handle the blood, or any smells, so I lasted only a year! It helped me realise I’m definitely the creative type. I switched to media arts and although I did finish, afterwards I followed my real passion, for fashion. That’s when I started Ooby Ryn. I used to make all my own clothes while I was at uni’ trying to decide what I was going to do when I left. It should have been obvious to me that I was meant to be doing fashion, but sometimes it takes a while to realise that you can actually do something you love as a job and not just a hobby. You were Verge Breakthrough Designer at Air New Zealand Fashion Week in 2006. How did it feel to win and what accolades have you won since? It was an amazing opportunity and a real privilege to be mentored by Neil Brabant and Ian Webster of Verge clothing. Since then I haven’t looked back; from opening a store in Cambridge in late 2006, to hav-

Robyn Brooks

ing our lines stocked in boutiques all around New Zealand. We have won several Waipa Business Awards, the Top Shop Start Up Business Award at the Waikato Top Shop Awards in 2007, and since 2009 we’ve won numerous Fashion in the Field competitions too. Is it tough running a fashion label from a rural town and to what do you owe your success? It’s been hard being based in Cambridge rather than in the main city centres, but I wouldn’t want to move. I enjoy being away from the city, maybe that’s what inspires me!

Having said that, I have a PR agent in Auckland, Lily & Louis. They have been a great help and, because I’m not based in Auckland, they take care of all the media aspects of Ooby Ryn. Oh, and my mum has been the best! I definitely couldn’t have done any of this without her and Dad!

the Queen, what and why?

If you could grow any crop or raise any animal imaginable what and why?

I would probably invite international designers, Alexander McQueen and Roberto Cavalli. These guys have made it big time. I’d probably be speechless at the dinner table but it would be amazing just to hear about their design aesthetic and how they have made it on an international scale.

The Queen? Wow, that would be fantastic! I guess something very classic and elegant with a stylish fur to keep her warm. If you could invite any fashion designers to dinner (living or dead) who and why?

I would love a mango farm! I love it and eat it like it’s going out of ‘fashion’. It’s great in smoothies, salads or as a snack. If you could design outfits for

M. 021 955 141 A/h. 09 232 0000 Papakura Branch 09 298 8029

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Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 9

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shorter days PLentY oF JoBs Brian Neben publishes Rural Living and is also an avid lifestyle farmer

COUNTRY LAD Wow, doesn’t time go quickly? It’s only three weeks until the shortest day of the year and we’re also heading for the half way mark of 2015. It’s been a busy time for me just keeping my property ship-shape. My annual task of clearing the leaf fall from our London plane trees is a massive job which I mention every year. Unfortunately, we usually have to burn a lot of the leaves as our compost bins, which are huge, can only hold so many leaves. Some time ago, I did mention I had burnt a lot of leaves then I had a few email complaints thrown at me re-polluting the air together with some other minor details. I did contact one of the complainants and issued an invitation to come and pick up as many leaves as wanted for their compost. Guess what? No one arrived! It’s just two months since I wrote about our drought conditions and the tiny amount of water in our ponds. They were about 1.5 metres below normal. At the moment they are over-

Brian checks out pond levels and is hopeful his chickens, left, are back in laying mode.

flowing and looking like the great ponds they normally are. And the ducks – the ones that have survived the shooters – are making normal landings, too. Even my six hens have not enjoyed this time of the year as we went for a week or two without getting any eggs. However, it was most pleasing to go down this morning at feeding time and see a nice, big, newly-laid egg waiting. Hope this is a sign

of a new laying cycle. Unfortunately, I’m finding grass-growing has slowed considerably over the past couple of weeks which has meant I have started to feed out my hay. Thankfully, a great spring made it a super hay season. One task I haven’t done is to fertilise my paddocks which should have been done early in autumn. I think this is affecting my grass growth now. So, I will certainly make amends come spring to keep things thriving. In one of my columns last year, I made some observations regarding several bad corners on the road where we live. Soon

after these were published I received a visit from council’s traffic authority and we chatted about my comments. Several weeks later, highly visible reflective arrows were installed on those corners, so drivers now have no reason to misjudge the corner angles. I think those responsible for the improvements have done a splendid job and it will certainly keep our road safer and, hopefully, accident-free. Finally, and somewhat unfortunately, the Chiefs have had to play the referee as well as opposing teams of late! Go the Chiefs!

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Georgia Whitworth with her Belgian Blue bull, Outrageous Bodacious.

Photo Wayne Martin

Nationals on Georgia’s mind While Auckland rugby fans may be well used to seeing the Blues lose, one particular blue from Tuakau has enjoyed quite a winning run, as JON RAWLINSON explains. To ace the competition at a national event, it will take more than a cow (or two) from Tuakau; it’ll take an Outrageous effort from a bullish young local. After recently securing the title of Northern Districts Senior Beef Handler (with the help of her Belgian Blue bull, Outrageous Bodacious), Georgia Whitworth has been busy preparing to compete for a national title and the chance to represent New Zealand in Australia. When she learnt of her win by email, Georgia says she literally jumped for joy. “[The winner] was supposed to be announced at the last event in Kumeu, but I didn’t actually find out until about a month afterwards. “I was pretty sure I had it, but there was another girl (Amber Doggett) who was close on www.ruralliving.co.nz

points, so the wait was quite tense,” she says. “When I found out I’d won, I was so excited that I was running around the house jumping! Going to nationals is a bit scary; I’m confident but nervous at the same time.” Despite being the youngest competitor in the Northern Districts region, age has proved no barrier for Georgia (13) during a competition which has pitted her against handlers up to 20 years of age. “I was about 11 when I began competing, but this was my first season in the senior category. I was up against people up to the age of 20 this time; it was pretty scary. It was great to win, but there’s a lot of work to do now,” she adds. From now until Labour Weekend – when Georgia and ‘Bodi’ will head to the Hawkes

Bay A&P Show to represent Northern Districts – there’s some hard graft in store. “I have to raise about $2500. I’ve been doing it little by little with some sponsorship and I’ll be selling a horse too,” Georgia says. “Every little bit helps,” adds proud mum and assistant handler, Marie, “Georgia has been very busy with fundraising. It’s not just about transport for her and Bodi, it’s also to house and feed them for a week as well.” While the competition is a one-day event, Georgia will also participate in a young judges’ course at the show. “She’s quite committed; I run a relief milking business and Georgia’s been up early in the mornings to help milk and raise a bit of money. She’s really stepped up to the plate!” When asked if Georgia has

what it takes to win and perhaps go on to represent New Zealand at the Sydney Royal Easter Show next year, Marie answers simply with a quick and definite “Yes!” “She has the knowledge and the ability; she’ll just need to be confident when she walks into that ring.” “Good answer!” adds Georgia, grinning. Until then, the Whitworths will be hoping that, come Labour Weekend, nothing can beat sweet Georgia and her blues! ■■ To read more about Georgia and her Belgian Blue breeding programme (known as Tru Blu), see Rural Living’s July-August 2013 issue at ruralliving.co.nz. Any assistance with sponsorship is welcome – simply email Marie at windriverstud@hotmail.co.nz.

Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 11

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12 — Rural Living — May - June 2015

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With New Zealand’s largest the cutting edge (and from agribusiness expo again set to the grassroots) of agricultural impress crowds at Mystery technology. With prizes on the Creek in Hamilton, this month line, the centre is sure to have we take a closer look at just visitors uttering those oft-heard some of our favourite attrac- words, ‘Now, why didn’t I think tions. of that?!’ While Fieldays is a Mecca for Launching many a product farmers, there’s plenty there onto the market, Innovation’s for lifestylers and even town- success stories include that of ies too. In addition to products the Kindling Cracker, by Ayla (with many adaptable for the Hutchinson – see page 26 of smaller scale property), ideas Rural Living’s Feb-Mar 2014 are in abundance as experts on issue to read more. everything from chicken coops 40KG WORKING DOG TECHNIFLEECE Kiwi’s Best Kitchen to hunting and fishing flock STATION BISCUITS COMPANION T-SHIRT What’s cooking in Fieldays’ together. Retail $37.80 And, don’t forget to bring an kitchen? Designed to showSPECIAL $19.95 $99.00 case quality food and beverappetite and a thirstea for enter- Retail ages, Kiwi’s Best Kitchen brings tainment! With food stalls and SPECIAL a rich DOG menu of culinary demonstrations galore, Fieldays 40KGtogether WORKING TECHNIFLEECE products and demonstrations. has plenty to tickle the taste $87.00 STATION BISCUITS COMPANION T-SHIRT This year, visitors will sample buds and the funny bones. Retail $37.80 tips from Masterchef NZ’s 2010 SPECIAL $19.95Centre ea Innovation winner, Brett McGregor, as well Retail $99.00 A popular attraction, the as duo Karena and Kasey Bird SPECIAL Innovation Centre showcases 20LTR who swooped down to claim UNIVERSAL OUTBACK $87.00 the work of crafty Kiwis at TRACTOR the Masterchef OILSKIN OIL title last year.

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And, if that wasn’t enough topping off this three star line-up is Michael Van de Elzen, of Food Truck and Family Recipes fame. Kiwi’s Best Kitchen is located in the busy Rural Living area. It’s definitely worth a visit by crafty cooks... or even just enterprising eaters for that matter!

No.8 Wire National Art Award Some would say a beautifully constructed fence is enough to constitute a work of art and, in many ways, they’d be right! Because ingenuity has always been an essential tool for rural life, Fieldays celebrates No.8 wire thinking in quite a literal way with its No.8 Wire National Art Award. Using this material, each year artists create some amazing pieces with thousands of dollars in prizes up for grabs. From June 5-29 Finalists’ artworks are on display not too far from Mystery Creek at ArtsPost Galleries & Shop, 120 Victoria Street, Hamilton.

Rural Bachelor of the Year To the Rural Living team, seeing strapping farm boys ‘daintily’ serving high tea is a feature of Fieldays not to be missed! Oh and they’ll undertake some more blokey, farming-related challenges too, of course. Keep an eye out for details of when and where these challenges take place across the Mystery Creek site. Unfortunately, Franklin boys will not be amongst the eight www.ruralliving.co.nz

Local fencer Nick Liefting at New Zealand Rural Games earlier this year.

finalists competing for the Rural Bachelor title and the golden gumboot. We think this is simply because Franklin ladies love our lads so much that all the best ones have already been snapped up!

Ag Art Wear Lifestylers may dress to impress at times, however we’d get some strange looks from the neighbours (let alone the cows) if we were to be seen out in the paddock donning this garb! And yet, the garments showcased during the Ag Art Wear competition are always an attraction as creativity takes the fore. Challenging artists to create garments from materials found

on the farm, this competition culminates in a spectacular catwalk production. So expect the unconventional and you won’t be disappointed! See pages 8-9 to read our interview with Onewheroraised designer and Ag Art Wear judge, Robyn Brooks.

world fencing champion, Nick Liefting from Bombay. As this is expected to be his last event, we’re cheering Liefting to be lifting the title by event’s end. Nick will no doubt be easily identified if wearing his famous pink stubbies!

New Zealand National Fencing Championship

The wait is almost over before the weight really does go on! Forget city boys and their dear little cars, this is how country kids race, and during the Tractor Pull you’ll experience more grunt and noise than could be expected at Hampton Downs.

Although their lives may not be on the line, many of the participants in this event make a living from lining rural properties. Seeing New Zealand’s top fencers battle it out during the parry and thrust of fierce competition is quite the experience. And keep an eye out for former

Tractor Pull

See fieldays.co.nz for more information and a full programme.

Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 13

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town and country

– not ALwAYs A good miX By Neil Dent, partner, Giﬀord Devine The popularity of ‘lifestyle’ and ‘farm park’ type subdivisions is ever increasing as city dwellers look to the fresh air and open spaces of country living. There is, however, the possibility of a clash between a city dweller’s desire for a peaceful existence in the countryside and a farmer’s need to continue to farm their land as always. The thought of moving to the country brings visions of the rural idyll. Sometimes, however, it’s not until the city dweller actually lives in the country that they realise that it’s not as peaceful as they thought and they may have to cope with: ■ Birdscarers, wind machines and low-flying helicopters at 4am ■ Stock movements at any time of the day (or night), weekends included ■ Truck movements – both stock, milk and other carting such as hay ■ Insecticide and herbicide spraying, seven days a week ■ Armies of pickers turning up ■ Dust

LocAL AUthoritY consent notice: As a condition of a subdivision consent in rural areas for lifestyle-type developments, local authorities will often impose a requirement that a ‘no objection’ consent notice is registered on a title to a property. This notifies a purchaser that the property is in a rural area and the property owner will not object

14 — Rural Living — May - June 2015

to normal rural activities taking place. Where a local authority doesn’t impose this consent notice (or even when they do), it’s prudent for rural subdividers to register a specific covenant on the title forbidding a purchaser or future owner of the property objecting to the rural activities carried out on the adjacent land. This type of covenant can have more practical force than the council consent notice as it’s a direct covenant between landowners.

testing the cAse: It’s also important to ensure that the balance of your farm property is protected in its use of accessways, water and other services. An example is the case[1] where a farmer subdivided off a farm cottage and sold the cottage as a ‘lifestyle block’, reserving to itself a right-of-way (RoW) for the main farm. The RoW was much wider than a standard RoW because it was the principal access to the farm’s woolshed and cattle yards and there was room for mobs of cattle and sheep to be held and assembled and for stock trucks to turn. There was a formed track going through the RoW, but the RoW itself was significantly wider and of a different shape than the track. A subsequent purchaser of the lifestyle cottage objected to the use of the RoW by the farm and went to court for an order that the RoW, notwithstanding its legally surveyed width, should be limited to the formed track and that there should be no access to and egress

from the track other than at the beginning and end of it. The stock movements across the full RoW and comings and goings of trucks were causing annoyance to the lifestyler who saw the RoW as a simple right of access only. The court had little hesitation in finding the farmer had the absolute right to use the full surveyed width of the RoW for stock movement and assembly, and to access it where preferred. The terms of the easement of the RoW were the usual terms applied in RoW easements under the Property Law Act. So while in this case the farmer was successful, the court did note that the lifestyle cottage purchaser simply didn’t appreciate why the RoW was specifically designed and created. The case shows that if you’re thinking of subdividing and creating lifestyle blocks, you need to consider carefully what rights your farm needs to retain. In this case it was access, but it could just as easily have been rights to water, or the right to spray, create dust, or any number of activities that might seem the norm to a lifetime farmer, but which a city dweller may never have encountered before. Careful thought needs to be given to the wording of easements and land covenants to protect your right to farm and also alert a purchaser to what living in the country actually means. – Neil Dent is a partner in Hastings law firm, Gifford Devine. This article was first published in the Summer 2014 edition of Rural eSpeaking, the client e-newsletter of NZ LAW member firms. Gifford Devine is a member of NZ LAW.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Risky time for farmers As winter advances farmers and lifestylers – especially newbies to rural living – are reminded that this is a highrisk period for vehicle and machinery-related injuries. WorkSafe Agriculture manager Al McCone says the tail end of autumn sees lots of clean-up activity and farmers doing jobs that have been put off – just as conditions get worse. “The weather is getting colder and wetter while farmers get to tasks that they don’t do frequently. It’s a timely reminder for farmers to think about the risks associated with those

changes, with more jobs as the days get shorter,” McCone says. While quad-bikes are commonly associated with farm vehicle incidents, tractors and other machinery are also involved in a large number of injuries and deaths. “The stark fact is that nearly four out of five work-related deaths in agriculture happen as a result of machine or vehiclerelated incidents,” Mr McCone says. “A total of 10,000 people suffered vehicle/machineryrelated injuries on farms in the last six years – this resulted in

ACC claims of $60 million.” Incidents can range from slips and falls to serious injury or loss of life, for instance, crushing when a tractor rolls, being struck by a mobile plant or front loaders, or being caught in equipment such as an uncovered power take-off shaft. Before beginning any job, Mr McCone says stop and consider what needs to be watched for and how to complete the job safely no matter how often you have done it before. “Injuries often happen when people are doing routine tasks they have done many times,

especially when they are under time pressure. “That last job in the afternoon could turn out to be the last job – ever. Farmers make important farming decisions every day – the amount of fertiliser to use, choice of bull, where to move stock. “The decisions involving which vehicle to use, the time you need to allocate to a task, or how to involve the kids are even more important. They are the ones that cost lives.” For more information on staying safe on your farm, go to www. saferfarms.org.nz

Rural re-cycling takes new turn Agrecovery is expecting a new promotion will help ‘kick start’ more into joining its war on rural rubbish. The organisation is giving away a Suzuki DR200 Trojan farm bike, valued at almost $6000, says Agrecovery Foundation chair and Matamata dairy farmer, Adrienne Wilcock. To enter the draw, participants need to take containers to an Agrecovery collection site before the end of June – see agrecovery.co.nz for details. “In year one we collected 32,850kg and now we expect to reach 230,000kg, taking us well past one million kg overall,” Adrienne says. “It’s a significant milestone for sustainability in

Agrecovery is giving away a Suzuki DR200 Trojan farm bike with ‘Kick start your winter clean up’ promotion.

the primary sector, so we’re celebrating with this giveaway!” Laid end to end, 1 million kg of containers would stretch approximately 325km, or the length of New Zealand’s second longest river, the Clutha. The Agrecovery container programme, which started in 2007, offers farmers and growers free recycling of plastic containers from collection points nationwide. “Farmers and growers have avoided using the equivalent of 8,500 cubic metres of farm dumps, or unnecessarily polluting the air and land by burning the plastic,” Mrs Wilcox adds. For details see www.agrecovery.co.nz.

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Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 15

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Kiwi duo beat barley record Growing a better batch of barley was a Joy to behold; in fact, it was a downright Darling experience for a Kiwi couple recently. Producing 13.8 tonnes per hectare, Warren and Joy Darling from Timaru surpassed the Guinness World Record of 12.2 tonnes, held since 1989 by Scottish grower, Stockton Park. “It’s only just started to sink in,” Warren says. “It’s strange to realise that we are the best in the world at this, but I’m relieved and proud of our effort! “We used a lot of Bayer products [which helped] control diseases that could otherwise affect the crop; it was great to have that science to draw on.” Dr Holger Detje – Bayer New Zealand managing director – is delighted with the role his company played, providing seed treatment and a weed and disease control programme.

With the grain...

David Weith (Bayer Regional Sales Manager); Colin Dunstan (Bayer Seed Treatment Specialist); Joy Darling; Warren Darling; Holger Detje (Bayer Head of CropScience). Photo supplied

“We are particularly pleased that [our] crop protection solutions safeguarded the Darling’s magnificent barley crop. When suppliers of specialised inputs collaborate with skilled farmers like Warren and Joy, very healthy crops with excellent yields are the result,” he says. “The realisation of the record

shows New Zealand farmers are among the best in the world [and it helps] ensure we will be successful in producing healthy and sufficient food for people worldwide.” – To read more about barley grown locally, see page 14 of Rural Living’s Feb-March 2015 issue, www.ruralliving.co.nz.

■■ Barley is primarily used as livestock feed, in beer and whiskey as well as in breads, soups, biscuits and porridge. ■■ One of the most widely cultivated cereal crops in the world – alongside wheat, maize and rice – it is the highest in fibre of all the whole grains. ■■ Thanks largely to climate, barley yields in NZ are amongst the highest in the world. ■■ Barley is from the grass family and is thought to be the world’s oldest cultivated grain. It has been found in settlements dating back 23,000 years. ■■ Gladiators believed barley increased strength and stamina. ■■ Edward II standardised the inch as being equal to ‘three grains of barley, dry and round, placed end to end lengthwise’. The foot, the yard, the mile and all other English measurements followed on.

Pukekohe’s Deere heart By the time ‘Dear John’ read his letter she was gone. However, after decades in Pukekohe, it’s clear John Deere is here to stay! And yet, AGrowQuip will soon set out from its Pukekohe home to take its John Deere show on the road during Fieldays (June 10-13). “Fieldays offers a great opportunity for farmers, lifestylers and country people in general to network,” says AGrowQuip sales rep, Ben Peneamena. “But it’s more than that; it really does allow us to put our best foot forward and showcase what we and John Deere offer.” Despite its reputation as a brand for the big boys, Ben says a major reason AGrowQuip specialises in John Deere is because it provides for the lifestyle market, too. “Lifestylers often have the same tasks to complete, just on a smaller scale. Thankfully, John Deere has always catered for them with everything from ride-on mowers through to

harvesters. If we didn’t think they could serve our locals, we wouldn’t stock their gear!” Ben says one little ‘Deere’ which is bound to turn heads at Fieldays is the 4105 compact utility tractor. “With 68-inch wheel bases, these little beauties are smaller in size so are particularly suited to lifestylers. But because they boast 40.5 horse power engines and can be fitted with a wide range of attachments, they’re big on performance and can effectively do the work of a whole fleet of larger machines.” Ben is also expecting John Deere’s 550 Gator utility vehicle to be ‘snapped up’. “There’s been a lot in the news about quad bike accidents, but what other way is there to access all parts of the farm? Well, that was the thinking that led to the Gator. Designed specifically so safety won’t take a back seat, thanks to a host of features, Gators can take on most jobs suited to quad bikes.” As a special Fieldays offer, the

16 — Rural Living — May - June 2015

John Deere 4105 can be driven away for only $8990 + GST plus two more same payments, one in 12 months and the other in 24 months with 0% interest. The 550 Gators can be driven away from only $14,990 + GST. “Details of these and more offers are available on our website, by calling us, or simply by stopping by,” adds Ben. AGrowQuip will showcase its wares at Fieldays stand M51-57.

Ben and the AGrowQuipteam will be on hand to answer questions. “When you’re investing in a working vehicle, there’s no substitute for one-to-one advice. And, of course, we have the expertise to assist with parts and specialist servicing too.” AGrowQuip Comrie Place, Pukekohe Ph (09) 237 0043 www.agrowquip.co.nz www.ruralliving.co.nz

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

Game lass gets her man Browsing through a scrapbook recently I came across a photo of a visitor. Her pretty face brought back a memory I thought I’d share with readers. When daughter made the big OE a few years back we had another young lass to stay and she was quite something. My husband was frequently heard to mutter “trollop” under his breath while I preferred to think of her as just “flirtatious” although I must admit she did like the guys – I noticed she has a habit of draping herself seductively over my son whenever possible. Of course, mostly she was quite harmless, extremely even tempered and hardly made a peep, we couldn’t have hoped for a better guest. But there was another side to this young madam. When the ‘prey’ was really to her liking there came that steely glint in her eye and she was relentless in the chase, not giving up until she got what she wanted. “Give her a chance and she’ll have those claws into you as

quick as a flash,” I warned our son who didn’t seem in the least perturbed. Then one day it came to a head. It must have been 1am or later when I heard a dreadful squealing. I leapt from the bed raced to the window and there was our sassy young miss with that “butter wouldn’t melt in my mouth” look pawing some poor innocent. I was furious. Not only was my sleep disturbed but she refused to come in or even look my way as I tried hissing discreetly to, “get inside this minute!” But it would never have done to wake the neighbours so, resolving to give her a good telling off in the morning, I shut the window and went back to bed. Come 7am, I peeped through the curtains and blow me down, there she was calmly sitting and watching her petrified victim hiding motionless behind the drainpipe. Peering closely I could see our “lip smacking” puss (yes, puss for real) seemingly set on

catching what appeared to be a little brown mouse. I sent hubby to the rescue but a gentle poke revealed no dainty mouse. It was a teenage rat and it didn’t want to make the acquaintance of our house guest. Thanks to hubby this unwanted intruder was quickly dispatched with a shovel and our young madam, who was most put out, flounced off in a sulk, which lasted until dinner time. Flirt she may have been but, thank goodness, she was also a great ratter. From then on

she continued to bring in more house guests – crickets, moths, cicadas, geckos and, sadly, a bird or two. Now if you’re wondering where this is going, it’s easy – with the cold, wet weather starting to make itself known, so are the seasonal invaders. Just like we humans, mice and rats are inclined to head for warmer places during winter and where better than in the ceiling, potting shed (watch your seeds), barn, cupboard or drawer? And getting rid of them can be no mean feat unless you are handy with a trap and know how to safely lay bait. So, I’m just reminding folk to take another look at Ditch Keeling’s column last month, www.ruralliving.co.nz page 21. On the other hand you could opt to find a puss like ours. Yes, having made herself quite at home she is now ours and no longer a guest and you wouldn’t find a better mouser although these days she is starting to slow. – Helen Perry, editor

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Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 17

RURAL ��

ddt muster - top of pops

James Foote, Farm Manager of the Year. Photo supplied

Foote up on ‘udders’ Dairy me! With a bootiful performance, former Onewhero rugby player and contract milker, James Foote, won the prestigious Farm Manager of the Year award at the 2015 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards recently. James claimed the win in his fourth year of dairy farming and first with Russell and Ces Evans on their Miranda farm. Providing more than a match for the competition, he also secured the Fonterra Farm Source Farm Management Award. Head judge, Richard Jones, says James’s sporting skills (he also played for Tasman in the ITM Cup) seemed to have been beneficial on the farm. “The life skills and disciplines he has from his previous career as a rugby player have given James a great grounding in dairy farming,” says Richard. “He’s farming a really hard and challenging property, but has done a lot of repairs and maintenance to get things to an operational state and his management systems are very good.” Way to win one for the ‘home team’, James! Other major winners at the awards include: Sharemilker/ Equity Farmer of the Year – Justin and Melissa Slattery, and Dairy Trainee of the Year – James Davidson, both winners from the Canterbury region. 18 — Rural Living — May - June 2015

Despite being phased out decades ago, harmful, banned pesticides could be deteriorating in quiet rural corners, warns Jason Richards of waste disposal company, 3R Group. “Several tonnes of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) could still be on farms across New Zealand, with people unaware of what they are, how to safely dispose of them, or being unwilling to pay for commercial disposal,” he says. “Potential for harm is high, particularly as much of the original packaging is now deteriorating. They’ve been linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes, and exposure during pregnancy has been linked to developmental defects, so they’re not products you want sitting round in your farm shed!” Once used worldwide, particularly in insecticide and

sheep dip products, POPs were phased out and ultimately banned in 2004 due to such negative effects on human health, as well as harm to the environment, he adds. To help uncover POPs, 3R Group has initiated The Great DDT Muster. The programme offers free collection and safe disposal of products containing such substances as DDT, Lindane, Aldrin, Dieldrin, and

Chlordane. While the names of some products may be familiar, others are less well known. “Farmers may recognise brands including Young’s Sheep Dip, Cooper’s Louse Powder, or Cleanso, but if in doubt, they can check the website [thegreatDDTmuster. co.nz] for a more comprehensive list and an image gallery to help them recognise these banned pesticides.”

Lindane, Dieldrin and Coopers Powder are among chemicals being weeded out by The Great DDT Muster. Photo courtesy JBL Environmental Ltd

Fairweather for farm An agricultural technology company from the Waikato has been hailed by ‘the chief’ in South America recently. At the opening of a dairy demonstration farm in Colombia, Colombian president, Juan Manuel Santos, gave his seal of approval to the project, says Dairy Solutionz’s chief executive, Derek Fairweather. “Having President Santos officially open our farm was a huge honour. It’s a great endorsement for the Kiwis and Colombians working on the farm and others back here in New Zealand who have played a part in this unique project.” Developed over the past 18 months by Dairy Solutionz, the farm was funded by Corpoica – a Colombian research institute and the Colombian Government. It will draw on NZ design and technology. President Santos welcomes the initiative; he believes it will improve the lives of millions. “New Zealanders are perhaps the most efficient producers of milk in the world, and we are working with them to get the necessary knowledge,

technology and good practices for our farmers and milk producers to become more efficient at a global level,” he says. “What we are doing will have a great impact [on] the whole country, especially in our rural and dairy farming

communities.” Located in an area with a similar climate to the Waikato, the farm is expected to be a boon for Kiwi businesses, through exports and by developing a market for technology amongst Colombian farmers.

Rot-not?

Good ewes for farmers

While Wal may have counted the cost of footrot on his flats, future farmers could well draw benefits from new genetic research. Researchers on the FeetFirst project are close to developing a test to help ‘breed out’ footrot – a bacterial disease which carries an estimated cost to New Zealand’s fine wool sector of up to $10m per year. John Brakenridge from The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) says the initiative – run in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries – is mak-

ing progress. “Footrot is one of the biggest barriers to producing fine wool. It also limits the expansion of fine wool breeds beyond the high country because wetter, warmer conditions are more conducive to infection,” he says. “However, the answer will be a simple and effective genetic test that farmers can use to combat footrot through selective breeding.” More than 3500 DNA samples have been tested so far, with further tests planned over the next two breeding seasons. www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Bull market hotting up Although some may think global warming to be a load of bull, herd improvement company, CRV Ambreed, is set to ‘Flip-Flop’ on the issue. Genetic strategist, Phil Beatson, says the organisation has widened the focus of its tropical dairy genetics scheme to develop breeds suited to warmer climates, including a bull named Flip-Flop. A number of Northland farmers have already begun using crossbreeding to build heat

and parasite resistance in their herds. “If used in the sub-tropical regions of New Zealand, a proportion of sahiwal and gyr genetics across friesian and jersey cows could help combat warmer temperatures resulting from climate change,” he says. Sahiwal is a popular dairy breed in Central and South America, Asia and Africa, while gyr are common in Brazil. Animals such as Flip-Flop (18% sahiwal, 50% jersey and

Flip-Flop – key to new breed of cattle.

32% Friesian) are expected to sire cows with higher heat tolerance and tick resistance, combined with the benefits of New Zealand’s grazing genetics. “Results show that, in Northland, 34 percent sahiwal,

Photo supplied

66 percent Friesian cows in a once-a-day system produced up to 1kg of milk solids per day for the first 100 days of lactation. 20 percent sahiwal cows produced up to 1.3kg milk solids in the same system,” Mr Beatson says.

FLAtULence FiX FrUitFUL, groser sAYs While it remains to be seen if a new breakthrough will cut the mustard, Groser thoughts suggest it may stop sheep and cattle from cutting the cheese! The breakthrough relates to the development of methane inhibitors which could help cut livestock greenhouse gas emissions by 30-90 percent, Climate Change Issues Minister, Tim Groser, says. “Livestock methane is New Zealand’s single largest greenhouse gas emissions source, making up 35 percent of our total emissions in 2013. “This is why the Government is investing around $10m annually in research for new

agricultural mitigation technologies. “The new findings offer the potential to fundamentally change New Zealand’s emissions footprint in the long-term. “They could also provide a technology with substantial value for tackling global agricultural emissions as well.” Until now, other than reducing stock numbers, there has been no other option for reducing such emissions, he adds. “Being able to produce food sustainably is critical to the New Zealand economy and in

feeding a growing global population. We are now seeing the Government’s commitment to research begin to bear fruit. “However, more work is

needed to develop a safe, commercially-viable solution. “The substances developed are non-toxic, but researchers now need to establish if they are effective over the longterm without adverse side-effects on animals, and ensuring food safety. This process could take at least five years, but we are on the right track.” To address the wider issue of harmful emissions and their affect on climate change, representatives from around the world will meet in Paris in December.

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20 — Rural Living — May - June 2015

Vine time for cucumbers thriving locally

When Arie van der Houwen first visited New Zealand, he never expected that one day he would become a Kiwi. However, years on, the diligent Dutchman has not only made a home here, but has developed a successful, growing business in Buckland, as he explains to JON RAWLINSON. When it comes to horticulture, it pays to keep one’s cool. With so many factors influencing the success or failure of any crop, a steady hand and measured approach can make all the difference. Since establishing Exception Ltd – which produces the House of Taste brand cucumbers – in 2000, Arie van der Houwen has been required to demonstrate both. “From time to time there are setbacks, but that’s the case with any business,” he says. “A mechanical failure could cost a crop, if an irrigation system is not working properly, for example. So there is an element of risk. Experience allows more control over what happens and it certainly helps, but you can never control the market!” Originally from the town of ’s-Gravenzande (near The Hague) Arie first visited New Zealand during his OE in the 1980s. Although taken with the country, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that he decided to make New Zealand his home. “I liked the free space; it’s not as densely populated as the Netherlands. I moved here for the lifestyle but also because of business opportunities and the climate.” Following on from four generations of his family who have worked the land in their home country, the conditions were ripe for Arie to follow on with their horticultural tradition. “I began working with my

father in the family business in the Netherlands. But most members of my family have been involved in business in a wider sense, not just horticulture. I was always interested in starting my own company; for me, it was that simple.” However, he says past experience only carried him so far. “I developed a set of disciplines, which are really important in life, and gathered knowledge in terms of growing crops, but plants need diverse conditions and techniques to thrive, so I’ve needed to learn along the way as well. “Also, I’d immigrated to a country with a different climate and, quite importantly, a different market, so I had to learn how to establish myself here too.” After a stint working for a company growing tomatoes, Arie turned his hand to cucumbers, which he had grown previously in his homeland. “The decision to focus on cucumbers really was a business one. I took it over as a going concern and as the previous owner had already been growing cucumbers, the glasshouses here were more suited to growing these than any other crop,” he says. His decision to establish roots in Franklin, has yielded rich rewards too. “The region is good for growing. It’s not too far away from a natural gas supply, which we use for heating, and the exhaust www.ruralliving.co.nz

Arie van der Houwen.

gases can be used for CO2 enrichment; this allows for a higher yield because plants love CO2. Also, for business reasons, I didn’t want to be too far from Auckland.” While he says the success of the business comes down to a combination of experience, hard work, good climate and even a little luck, teamwork is important. His wife, Vivienne Fraser-van de Houwen, plays a significant role, with her marketing skills. Help also comes from nonhuman quarters – 20 Suffolk sheep make a great ‘lawnmower crew’. With 21,000 square metres of modern and high-tech glasshouses housing an abundance of telegraph and mini cucumbers to manage, Arie is not one to avoid rolling up his sleeves. “We have a good team here [roughly 10 permanent plus seasonal workers and contractors], but I have to be hands-on so I can cover whenever someone has their time off,” he says. “Everyone has their tasks and I need to be able to do them all, so I have to be more of an allrounder than a specialist. That’s the only way we can prosper and still have time to enjoy the fantastic lifestyle this region has to offer.” www.ruralliving.co.nz

Photo Paul Vettoretti

cool vege treats While the Queen of England may indulge her palate with a cucumber sandwich or two at ‘Buck’ house’, the Kiwi king of cucs (Buckland’s own Arie van der Houwen) says there is more than one way to skin a cucumber! In fact, these tasty and healthy treats can be prepared in a variety of ways. • Classic cucumber sandwiches – with salmon or ham and cream cheese, the humble cucumber sandwich is the perfect addition to a high tea. Crusts should be removed and the sandwiches cut into wide, finger-shaped pieces. Lettuce, tomato, cheese or any other fillings can be added for additional flavour. • Sushi and sashimi – Cucumbers are perfect partners for fish, with each enhancing the flavour of the other. They can be cubed finely and included with tomato and capsicum or sprinkled on a sashimi platter. • Canapes (hors d’oeuvres) – Light and tasty, cucumbers can help cleanse and refresh the palate. Slice cucumbers into rounds and use these as a healthy base for various,

sophisticated toppings – such as smoked salmon, prawn, cherry tomato, dill or chopped red capsicum. A dash of seafood sauce or cream cheese spread onto the base can also help turn a quick snack into a delightful dish. • Tzatziki – this Greek sauce is often served with meat dishes or used as a dip. Featuring Greek yoghurt, mixed with finely-chopped cucumber, garlic, salt, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, mint or dill, it is delightfully refreshing. • Raita – this is another simple dip in which cucumber stars. Usually enjoyed with Indian cuisine and naan bread, Raita is made with yoghurt, cucumber, cumin, chilli powder and coriander. • Flavoured water – although this is a very simple suggestion, nothing beats a cool glass of water flavoured with cucumber on a hot day. To prepare, simply use a vegetable peeler to slice a

long strip of cucumber lengthways and place in a large jug or carafe of iced water. For an extra twist, add sprigs of fresh, washed mint and lemon slices. • Vegetable juice – any number of vegetables can be included in a nutritious juice blend but, considering cucumbers contain vitamins A,B and C plus fibre to assist healthy digestion, and are even thought to help stabilise blood pressure, cucumbers are a ‘must-have’ ingredient. • Skin relief – while it may seem like a hackneyed home remedy, cucumber slices placed on tired eyes and cooling face masks do actually work! While the cooling effect from chilled slices relieves swelling, cucumbers also contain antioxidants and flavinoids which are thought to reduce irritation. House of Taste’s telegraph cucumbers and Snack Cucs have no seeds and every part is edible. So, after a quick wash, they’re ready to use, with skin on or off.

Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 21

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Tendon injuries in horses By Neil Houston, Veterinary Associates Tendons are structures that connect muscles to bones. In horses they have evolved in the legs to allow this heavy animal to run at high speeds carrying not only the weight of the horse but also the additional weight of a human rider. So, it is no wonder that the tendons of equine athletes are relatively prone to injury! Tendons are made up of a protein called collagen, which is arranged in long, thin strands (fibrils) that are aligned length-wise along the tendon. Subsequently, this highly organised structure gives great strength. Tendons are very resistant to forces trying to tear them apart. When a tendon is stretched

beyond its normal elastic limit, the fibrils may be torn, resulting in structural damage to the tendon. Tendon injuries are careerthreatening disorders commonly encountered by owners and trainers of competitive horses. Tendons can be injured in many ways, but by far the most common cause of tendon injury is excessive strain during exercise. Some horses may be predisposed to tendon injury because of poor hoof conformation. Horses with a long toe, low heel conformation and horses with uneven hoof wall lengths are particularly prone to tendon injuries. Swelling in the tendon area is one of the first indications that damage has occurred, and even

minor swelling can indicate a serious tendon injury. When there is severe swelling of the superficial digital flexor tendon, the back of the cannon area takes on a bowed appearance instead of appearing straight up and down when viewed from the side (hence the term, ‘bowed tendon’). The most useful tool for diagnosing tendon injuries is an ultrasound examination. This allows direct visualisation of

the tendon and any injury. The basic principles of treatment are to reduce swelling and prevent further damage to the tendon, to accurately assess the degree of damage that has occurred and to allow adequate rest time for healing to occur. There are also new treatments available, the most promising of which seems to be stem cell therapy. Properly prepared stem cells, taken from the horse, offer promise in the treatment of what can be a frustrating condition. Throughout rehabilitation, the healing progress should be monitored regularly using ultrasound and the exercise programme adjusted if necessary. This continued and careful monitoring is essential to prevent re-injury of the tendon by doing too much too soon.

Riding high as ambassadors While horsewomen Vicki, Kelly and Amanda Wilson may be having a wild ride taming mustangs in the States, when they return to Auckland later this year as Equidays ambassadors, they are sure to have a rein on best equine care and training. The sisters have again signed on to be Equidays ambassadors, cementing a shared passion to educate and empower New Zealand’s equestrian community.

Having attended Equidays every year since the event’s launch in 2011, the trio has core values which align closely with the event. Subsequently, Equidays event executive, Lynley Schollum says it was a natural progression for management to approach the well-known, well-respected and extremely talented sisters with the ambassadorship. “The Wilson Sisters epitomise Equidays’ four pillars – education, empowerment, equip and

entertainment – and together we have a very bright future,” Ms Schollum says. The women agree that they are excited to be ambassadors for Equidays and say they are honoured to align themselves with a team that is passionate about educating the equestrian community. “The welfare and happiness of the horse is so important to us and it is vital we equip ourselves with as much knowledge as possible to ensure our horses

have the best life possible.” As riders and trainers, they say they are continually adapting and improving their training methods. “We love that Equidays provides the public with some of the best riders, trainers and equine experts, both nationally and internationally, to watch and learn from – it’s invaluable.” For more information on Equidays 2015 visit www.equidays.co.nz

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22 — Rural Living — May - June 2015

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Pest control during game bird season

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become problematic in a very short time frame. Paddock damage, predation of other birds’ chicks, fouling of troughs and damage to new plantings are common problems associated with an increasing pukeko population. Both of these species are classified as gamebirds, meaning that they can only be controlled during the gamebird season or by obtaining a special permit from Fish & Game at all other times of the year, The rules and regulations governing gamebird shooting vary from region to region so it’s well worth having a good read of the 2015 Gamebird Hunting Guide available online at www. fishandgame.org.nz and from most fishing/hunting supply stores.

Gamebird licences for adults cost $20 for a single day or around $91 for the whole season. If you occupy the land you intend to shoot on then no licence is required but do read the hunting guide before you start as there appears to be a whole lot written on the subject of who qualifies as an “occupier”. If engaging someone else to do the work, remember that ultimately the responsibility falls on you, the landowner, so you need to be certain of the quality of your shooter. Make the most of this season, Pooks and Paris are not often the greatest eating, but you need to get them on the table before you find that out. As always, feel free to drop me a line to talk it through.

Tel: 09 536 6020 Mob: 027 393 2125 Email: info@coastalpestsolutions.co.nz

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TRAPINATOR

The 2015 gamebird shooting season started on May 2 and for paradise shell duck it runs through to August 2 while the season for pukeko goes through to August 30. Even if you’re not normally interested in bird shooting, it’s worth noting that the formal gamebird season presents pest control opportunities that don’t exist at any other time of the year. I can already hear the gasps of horror from all of you bird lovers out there but believe me, for every bird lover there is a property owner having his paddocks, ponds, crops and gardens pillaged by excessively high numbers of gamebirds gone bad. By far the most common culprits are paradise shell ducks (Tadorna variegate) and pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio). Both of these native species have benefited immensely from land clearance and their populations have increased as a result of there simply being more ideal habitat for them than ever before. Paradise shell ducks spend much of the year in pairs but then gather in large groups for the annual moult during December/February. Extensive paddock damage and fouling of troughs is often the result. Pukeko are extremely successful breeders and even small numbers can multiply to

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

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Manuka Biotic has handed out the perfect remedy for dry, chapped winter-worn hands. Featuring Manuka oil, Manuka Biotic Naturally Nourishing Hand Cream is designed to soothe and protect skin against tough treatment from washing detergents, hot water, gardening, cleaning chemicals and more. It also includes calendula oil to heal chapped, dry hands and antimicrobial Kanuka oil to keep them clean and healthy. Shea butter, cucumber extract and olive all moisturise and condition, while beeswax creates a breathable barrier to help prevent moisture loss. Rural Living is giving away two tubes valued at $19.95 each and suitable for all skin types.

Winter ailments are never fun so to help build up your immune system we’re giving away a Silberhorn’s Winter Wellness Pack – a potent trio of Silberhorn EchnaMune Pluss 60 capsules (RRP $35), Garlic Oil 120 capsules (RRP $15) and Vitamin C Pluss 100 chewable orange tablets (RRP $17.50). Silberhorn EchnaMune Pluss is blended to support the immune system and contains a selection of herbs. Of course, garlic has been used for centuries to support good health while Vitamin C is essential to maintaining a strong immune system. More product information at www.silberhorn.co.nz

WIN! KOMBUCHA PRIZE PACKS – THREE UP FOR GRABS An ideal replacement for coffee, soft drinks and wine in our diets, René’s Kombucha is a tasty beverage made by culinary educator and chef, René Archner. This cold drink is an effervescent fermentation of sweetened organic teas which tastes similar to ginger beer and is used as a pro-biotic beverage. René’s Kombucha is available through retailers such as Farro Fresh and health food outlets nationwide. Now, listen very carefully (readers), (we) shall say this only once... Rural Living has packs (each including three 330ml bottles) of René’s Kombucha to give away to THREE lucky readers!

WIN! THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO RUGBY You have to know when to hold it, know when to kick it, when to pass the ball and when to run. Every move in rugby is a gamble, but thanks to The Beginner’s Guide to Rugby , the odds can be evened! Thanks to injury, Aaron Cruden is unlikely to run out during the World Cup, but in this book the All Black and Chiefs’ first-five shares his secrets about tackling the finer points of the game. And to ensure one lucky reader doesn’t pass up the chance to be ready should that call come in future, we have a copy up for grabs! The Beginner’s Guide to Rugby, by Aaron Cruden. Published by Random House NZ. RRP $34.99.

WIN! A CHANGE OF AIR Sun-kissed or wind-blown laundry is one of the best smells in the world, but with winter days ahead it won’t be easy to capture that outdoor freshness. However, one quick spray of Sigrid’s Linen & Clothes Refresher and laundry will give that fresh fragrance feel! And when wardrobes and drawers become a little musty, a quick mist of this nifty product will neutralise and eliminate odour. Designed for people with allergies, chemical sensitivities and intolerances, this econatural linen and clothes refresher is plant-based and offers a safe, fragrance-free option for the family. What’s more Rural Living has two bottles of Sigrid’s Linen & Clothes Refresher (RRP $7.49 250ml) up for grabs. You’ll also ﬁnd it at selected New World and Pak’nSave supermarkets. 24 — Rural Living — May - June 2015

WIN! GUYLIAN ARTISANAL BELGIAN CHOCOLATES Just because Easter’s long gone and somebunny’s hopped off on his way, we can still make pigs of ourselves by sniffing out some first class chocolate truffles from Guylian. With (approximately) 23 pieces in each – no, our editor did not sample them! – these chocolates are sure to delight. What’s more, we have packs to give away to TWO lucky readers! www.ruralliving.co.nz

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LIVING

Country living never dull Reay Neben is a Franklin resident and publisher of Rural Living.

CITY LASS Well that month went fast and, yes, a couple of lunches have been on the agenda. I attended a long lunch in Howick which was fabulous with five hours of eating eight courses of divine food. Then, of course, came Mother’s Day. We had a lovely long lunch at kaos and now my lunching month is over. This coming month my Waiau Pa girlfriend is having a significant birthday and we have decided that a revisit of our trips to Sydney is the thing to do. After taking many hours to decide when and where, plus everything else we can do in three days, it is all booked and mid June we are off to hit the high life. It will be fabulous because for that short time we will act like real girls and have lots of laughs and no responsibility.

Reay’s new look laundry system inspired by a television show. few shops then wore my new, warm clothes and nearly died from the heat. I’ve also noticed many people have colds and I guess this happens every year at this time especially with the swings in temperature. The other day I watched the Better Homes and Gardens show and saw an idea for clearing away dirty washing in the laundry. I hate the laundry basket that never seems to be empty.

With the change in climate this last month I have had to dig out last year’s wardrobe and see if anything is right for this year. The summer was so long and then overnight we went from summer to winter.

But, as it happened, builder son was at home and I showed him what I had seen on Tv. To my surprise he went to Mitre 10 in Puke and came home with all the required items.

I dug out my boots and all the warm things I had and, naturally, visited a

Within a few hours my laundry was changed and the washing basket

removed. All this was done after lunch on Mother’s Day; right time, right place and all that. The other thing that I must do is organise an island trip to the sunshine – I’m already over winter. I was tossing up with a return to Fiji and then heard that the hotel we stayed at in vanuatu was back in business after the cyclone. I know that the tropics can often recover quickly from such damage but invariably the economy suffers badly because of the lack of tourists. That being the case, a week’s stay at The Havannah is on the cards and hopefully other folk will consider doing the same to help boost things over there. This month Brian and I attended our

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first black tie event in years and it was so much fun to again dress up in a long gown and Brian in a dinner jacket. What a difference clothes make especially for the husband who loves his trackies! The event was Pakuranga united rugby Club’s 50 years celebration with the guest speaker, the one and only, Sir Graham Henry. It was great to see guests and young rugby players all dressed up to the nines with their partners in their finery, too. What a lovely night. Writing this I realise that we have been really social again this month and next month promises to be the same. Then, in July we have loads of birthdays so, actually, a busy year. Cheers, reay

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www.platinumhomes.co.nz Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 25

LIVING �� > STYLISH, FUNCTIONAL SLIDING DOORS

Brushing up the county At the heart of art stands the painter with brush to fashion the world around us. And, at the heart of the Whitford art scene is Helene Henare, as JON RAWLINSON discovered.

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If a picture’s worth a thousand words, despite her late start, Helene Henare should be a millionaire by now! However, the Whitford-based artist prefers her expression be directed by inspiration rather than commercial concerns. “I started selling my work virtually straight away; it just took off,” she says. “I kept thinking how I’d love to make a living from painting, but the pressure to ‘be commercial’ soon set in. I was painting things I thought people would like, rather than necessarily what I would like to experiment with.” Thankfully, despite working fulltime, Helene is now able to concentrate on painting her way. “If you’re relying on art to provide an income, you need to spend time marketing and being a bit commercial in approach. Unfortunately, the freedom to dabble is a luxury,” she says. Well-known primarily for her landscapes and seascapes – including a number of local, rural scenes – Helene has lived for 20 years in a converted barn in Whitford. However, art was not to play a role until she reached her forties. “I didn’t really apply myself enough in art class at school, which is a shame. I’ve always loved art, but didn’t really know I wanted to pursue it back then. “Many years later, a woman I was working with studied art at night school. I saw how much her work was improving so I thought, ‘if she can do it, so can I!’” Taught by local painter, John Horton, Helene says she received expert tutelage. “John was fantastic! He saw

promise and encouraged me greatly. His best advice was just to keep on painting, because you learn more as you go. “That’s still fitting, with each painting I learn something, whether it’s a new technique or approach. I’m influenced by John, but I’ve seen a lot of other works which I really love. “There are different styles I’d like to try, but there’s no one artist who influences me; I prefer to hone my own style.” While Helene agrees life experience is beneficial to an artist, passion always comes first. “Art can be taught, but people need to love it and have a flair for it first; it’s passion that makes a good artist. On the other hand, people tend to have more time to practice and improve when they’re older. And time is so important.” Primarily drawing inspiration from her picturesque surroundings in Whitford, and other areas such as the Coromandel have also influenced her work. “Some paintings are impressionistic, but a lot are ‘quirky’ – I call them quirky because I don’t know how else to describe them! I use artistic licence throughout my work,” she says. “I enjoy all of New Zealand, really. I love the bush and sea – particularly when they’re in the same scene. They offer peacewww.ruralliving.co.nz

Above; Helen Henare with Mt Ruapehu In The Summertime; left, Reflections Of Howick Beach; below, Sandspit In Shelley Park.

Main photo Wayne Martin

ful settings which remind me of family holidays and what I feel this country is really about.â&#x20AC;? With paintings selling for between $300 and $2,400 (depending on size and complexity), and pieces now in private collections in the UK, USA, Spain and Australia, Helene has met with success. In addition to countless local exhibitions, her work has been displayed abroad, even gracing the walls of Agora Gallery in New York. She is currently in the planning stages for exhibitions later this year.

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Rural Living is a stimulating magazine delivered to RD addresses in the Franklin district. It is designed to provide readers with varied rural information, which is both informative and helpful to the lifestyle market, as well as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Livingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; section providing for all aspects of living. HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: For your free e-edition of Rural Living delivered straight to your inbox go to www.ruralliving.co.nz/ subscriptions/e-edition For a copy of Rural Living mailed to your letterbox go to www.ruralliving.co.nz/subscriptions/print subscriptions. Postage costs $49 inc GST per annum.

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LIVING ��

Retirement new life adventure and a range of versatile in-house entertainment.

While many retirees want to stay in their own homes as long as possible others are keen to enjoy all the advantages moving to a retirement village can afford.

For those whose health requires a higher level of care, an on-site hospital facility is a feature of some villages. Check for such details as well as monthly/annual costs, before making a decision.

However, exploring the options may still be confusing especially when there are retirement villages and resorts, rest homes and possible nursing care to consider. What’s more, for many people there is nothing to hold them to a particular area. Sometimes moving out of town is the more affordable option and also an opportunity to embark on a new life adventure.

physical security, medical support and social activities with no worries about home maintenance.

Fortunately, there is a range of attractive and comfortable options offering everything from total independent living to serviced apartments as well as hospital care should health issues arise.

For many, their choice of retirement living will also mean no fretting over cooking, bills, security or, in some cases, paying for necessities such as doctor’s visits, haircuts and podiatry.

In every case, residents enjoy

For those still active and enjoying

good health, a retirement village scenario usually means they can still travel, have visitors to stay and even remain employed. There will almost certainly be recreational facilities such as a swimming pool or bowling green plus communal lounges, a restaurant, library and more. And such establishments all offer outings

When considering a retirement village, it is important to think about where you want to live, what size home you want and the level of independence you desire. Do you want ground floor or upper level living and do you need car parking? Ask about maintenance and security, medical and long term care, recreation, finances and what level of input you have or require. Ask family members, a specialist service or your lawyer, to help ensure the best possible care to suit your needs as you progress through your retirement years.

In the heart of

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living

Taking that next step The word retirement is something of a misnomer in today’s world. Many retirees confess to having less time than when they were employed. Volunteer work, hobby groups, travel, renewed study, baby-sitting duties and even a part-time job mean they are living full and active lives. So full, in fact, that caring for a large home can become a burden and thoughts may well turn to buying a retirement unit in a village where independence is still assured but where there is less maintenance and no security worries. After making the decision to move into a retirement village and having chosen your preferred location, next spend time searching for tips on making the transition easier – the internet is a great tool but there are practical steps one can take too. Make an effort to visit your new community – many will have regular

welcome events for newcomers. Go along, meet others who will also be new to the village and take advantage of any tours of the grounds and facilities even if you have seen them before. It will help you become familiar with the layout. You may already have friends living in the village – make sure you know where their apartments are and that they know when you will be arriving. Back at home you will want to start down-sizing. Many retirees have every cupboard and drawer full and it is unlikely to fit into your new home. What’s more, you are sure to have items you haven’t used in years. Scale back as much as you can particularly in the kitchen and linen cupboard. You won’t need all 10 casserole dishes or 30 towels! Work room by room and be honest with yourself about those things you will probably not need again.

Donate to organisations such as Hospice shops and the Salvation Army. Have a garage sale or sell items on TradeMe – a little extra cash won’t go astray. Ask family members if there is anything they want and gift it to them now. However, don’t shed everything – retain your most loved possessions and those items that will make your new home familiar. Start well in advance of your planned moving date as this will be a big job. Ask family or friends to help. If you have full ownership of your new home ahead of moving out of the old, spend time taking some decor items across early especially if you want to ensure a rug is the right colour or if a cabinet will fit the space you have in mind. Take measurements if unsure about size and space. While you will want those precious possessions to come with you, also allow room to add fresh style and consider adopting a new

contemporary look. After living with former household items for many years, a change may be exciting. When the final move is due, ensure you have enlisted the help of professional packers. Then, when everything is finally in its place, waste no time socialising. It’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed with such a shift but this is a time to relish, make new friends and discover new pleasures. There will be activities you instantly relate to but explore new interests too. But most of all, don’t worry if settling in takes a little time. Moving to a new home and community is a big step at any stage of life and the first few months may be challenging. Fortunately, today’s resort-style villages go all out to make residents feel at home and involved. It won’t be long before you, like others, will be saying, “I don’t know where the time goes. I’ve been so busy!”

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Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 29

The Acacia Cove lifestyle We all hope our retirement years will be spent within a beautiful, safe community with plenty of activities to entertain us. For the lucky residents of Acacia Cove Village, they have all that and much more. Acacia Cove Village in Wattle Downs, Manukau, offers residents the ultimate retirement lifestyle within close proximity to a wide range of services. Village living has never been better than it is at Acacia Cove, with a planned environment that combines beautiful, spacious accommodation with security and independence. The village offers all the benefits of traditional retirement village lifestyle, including less home and garden maintenance, additional security, access to a great range of facilities and neighbours of a similar age. Acacia Cove Village was built 15 years ago and is flanked to the east by the Wattle Downs Golf and Country Club, and to the west by an estuary teaming with aquatic wildlife. Village manager Bruce Cullington says the village is independently owned and operated, with low-density housing on 25 acres. Acacia Cove contains 223 homes, with a total of 312 people living in the village. Residents range in age from 58 to 98, with the average age at entry being 72. The village offers residents a choice of 27 activities each week. Its focal point is the ‘Lodge’ community centre, which is positioned to maximise the tranquil

outlook and spectacular sunsets. Residents feel part of the community and are welcome to invite friends to enjoy the centre. The bowling green, indoor pool and activities room all face the sun and the estuary for a beautiful outlook. And for those relaxed afternoons in the sun, the lounge and restaurant provide the perfect place to sit in the company of friends and neighbours. Within the community centre there is also a gas fire, billiard table, gym, spa bath, hairdressing salon, nurse’s station, library and computers. A beautifully appointed meeting room forms the focal point for all activities, from the walking group to the garden club, and provides a place to gather before and after going over the road to the golf course. Residents enjoy walking around the village’s green areas, enjoying safety from busy traffic and being among friends. “The village is on a peninsula, so it has a real country feel,“ Bruce says. “People who live here wish they’d moved here earlier. They have immense pride in showing their friends around.”

Beautiful Acacia Cove accommodation Acacia Cove Village contains 213 villas and 10 self-contained apartments that offer independence, as well as the benefits of a vibrant and active community. All homes have been architecturally designed with professional interior and exterior decoration. Each single storey villa enjoys the privacy of its own courtyard area, while most have internal garaging with automatic opening doors. They provide spacious living areas and come with either one, two or three bedrooms. Apartments have either paved courtyards or spacious

Phone: (09) 268 8522

decks and have two or three bedrooms. All homes are warm, light and spacious, and feature all the comforts of modern living. The gardens are fully maintained, with owners welcome to add their own personal touches to make their house a home. Bruce says dwellings within Acacia Cove Village receive a lot of inquiries and tend to sell quickly when they come on the market. To ensure a high level of security is maintained at all times, security officers patrol the village at night, making it an ideal place to live for people who love to travel or visit relatives regularly. Bruce says while there are currently no villas or apartments available, he welcomes inquiries from people interested in living within the village in the future.

New care facility Acacia Cove Village residents will soon have the security of having a new residential care facility right over the road. Bupa New Zealand Limited is building a care facility for the elderly opposite Acacia Cove, with village residents having priority on places within the resthome. Bupa is an international healthcare group and is New Zealand’s leading residential care provider. The company offers more than 57 care homes throughout the country. Bruce says the resthome is currently under construction and is due to open in September. It will offer Acacia Cove residents access to quality resthome care close by their village home. Acacia Cove Village 131 Wattle Farm Road Wattle Downs, Manukau Phone: (09) 268 8522 Email: acacia@kirkdale.co.nz Website: www.acaciacovevillage.co.nz

www.acaciacovevillage.co.nz SC3402

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RURAL

Idyllic living at the views on vogel For those seeking something very special in a retirement village, The Views on Vogel offers it all. Located in the welcoming and vibrant town of Cambridge, The Views on Vogel village is beautifully laid out with villas placed to make the most of the surrounding green belt and relaxed rural ambience. Only a 10-minute walk from the town centre, this is retirement living at its best. The Views on Vogel is the newest expansion by Cambridge Resthaven, Cambridge’s most established retirement village, rest home and hospital. Cambridge Resthaven has been part of the community for more than 40 years, is locally owned and not for profit. A strong community focus runs through everything that the village does, from its philosophy of offering

equitable and affordable retirement living, through to regular social activities and, of course, access to support and care services as needed. Step inside a villa at The Views on Vogel and you will immediately see design features that set it apart from your standard build and, more

importantly, really make a difference in people’s lives.

not just a front door opening directly into living areas.

High ceilings, wide passageways and generous doorways, give a sense of space and light. Equally popular features are the airing cupboard, the double-size bedrooms and the fact that villas have a real entrance hall,

The final stages of The Views on Vogel are now underway. For more information about living in this perfect location, please contact Village Manager, Sandra Bennett, 07 827 6097.

THE VIEWS ON VOGEL

R E S T H AV E N

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Enjoy the village’s relaxing rural feel, picturesque outlook and feeling of space, located only a 10 minute walk from Cambridge’s town centre. We are behind the water tower as you come into Cambridge. Experience affordable, independent retirement living. Enjoy the stylish, spacious villas.

•

Have peace of mind knowing there is access to support services and a continuum of care through Cambridge Resthaven. Join in the activities at the soon to be completed community centre for the village, which will include a dedicated blokes’ shed, arts & crafts room, library, gym and plunge pool.

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Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 31

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LIVING ��

hair makeover for bachelor girl Natasha Harris of Alberts Hair Salon in Pukekohe brings you the latest in hair trends.

The Hearing Hut is ACC, Ministry of Health and WINZ Registered

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Natalie, The Bachelor NZ contestant, was transformed at Alberts Hair Salon. Many readers may have watched the recent series of The Bachelor NZ, but most would not have been aware that a Pukekohe local was among the contestants. Natalie made it through to the final six. Prior to the filming of the reunion episode, Natalie approached Alberts Hair Salon, on a mission to re-invent her look. We gladly accepted the challenge. After all, creating new looks is what we thrive on. To achieve Natalie’s look…

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon

When I first met her, Natalie’s hair was very long, one colour, and in need of a good cut. Together we came up with a new look. A colour gloss was used to give her hair a healthy, glossy shine and we softened the lengths of her hair by lightening them to a caramel tone. As promised the result was beautiful and made Natalie’s eyes really pop!

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Here’s what Natalie had to say: “My hair for the reunion was cut and coloured by the AMAZING team at Alberts Hair Salon. Thank you so much guys – from drab to fab! “If you are looking for a new look, or just thinking of going somewhere else, jump on their Facebook page, or check out their website – www. alberts.co.nz. “And fun fact – Amanda, who was also a contestant on The Bachelor NZ, started her hairdressing career at Alberts. The owner, Natasha, had Amanda as her apprentice! How crazy, right?” Whether looking for a modest change or in need of a total transformation, please contact Alberts’ qualified, professional hairstylists. We look forward to seeing you soon. – Natasha Harris, Alberts Hair Salon

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living

Beauty has its place on the farm All that fresh air in the country creates ruddy cheeks, bright eyes and a fit physique. But what about those niggling imperfections that cannot be avoided due to childbirth and ageing? Plastic surgeon Tristan de Chalain says women on the land have no reason to put up with bugbears such as drooping eyelids, overlarge breasts or sagging skin. “The reason for tackling these problems is as practical as it is aesthetic,” says the experienced plastic surgeon. “For example, brow lifts can enhance vision, breast reductions provide more freedom whether at the gym, heaving sacks of grain or wielding a shovel, and a labiaplasty allows for better-fitting clothing whilst making it more comfortable to sit in a saddle.” Not only will these improvements contribute to a sense of well-being, they will also impact on women’s ability to function. In fact, Tristan has completed enough ‘mummy makeovers’ to know the difference it makes to women’s lives. “Non-surgical fillers coupled with Botox, a tummy tuck or breast reduction, are very popular. It’s about taking yourself in hand and doing a bit of a makeover with great effect.” An experienced plastic surgeon, who has worked on multiple continents, Tristan provides tailored top-to-toe solutions that meet his individual patients’ expectations. Available once a fortnight on a Friday morning at the Pukekohe Family Health Care practice, Tristan conducts consultations with clients prior to surgery. These cover important information such as expectations, pricing and details of the surgery which is performed at a world-class medical facility in Remuera. www.ruralliving.co.nz

What’s more, the surgical procedures aren’t as complicated as people think, says Tristan. Most surgeries are completed in a day and patients can expect to be fully recovered within six weeks. “These days cosmetic procedures are becoming more and more refined and are safer and quicker. Recovery is faster as a result of focused procedures and pain is easily controlled,” he says.

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“Once the tissues are healed, no one except you and your surgeon will know!” A former president of the New Zealand Foundation for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, Tristan spent 10 years at Middlemore Hospital, lending his skills to post-trauma, craniofacial and cleft palate surgery, before moving to private practice.

• Face – brow lift, canthopexy, ptosis and blepharoplasty (eyelid), rhinoplasty (nose), cleft palate • Ears – ear reshaping, ear setback • Breast – augmentation, reduction, lift and reconstruction • Skin – cancer and moles

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He offers solutions for an extensive range of

• Body contouring – abdominoplasty (stomach), buttock and brachioplasty (arm) lifts, liposuction

problems – skin cancers, paediatric conditions such as prominent ears and birthmarks, post surgical and post trauma reconstruction, as well as a whole range of aesthetic alterations. The recipient of numerous awards and scholarships, Tristan is also an accomplished literary author and, in addition to being highly-skilled with the scalpel, he also sculpts beautiful artworks from scrap brass and copper. His wide-reaching interests, as well as his surgical expertise, means he has an easy rapport with patients and relates to people from all walks of life. For an experience that restores, enhances and renews, call:

Tristan de Chalain Ph 522 0652 www.plassurg.co.nz Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 33

LIVING ��

Paying for possums

Hunting for fur

It may be good news for conservation and the fur industry, but a new DOC prescription is set to leave possums with nowhere to hide!

Seen by most as roadkill, possums have provided a livelihood for Mike Langhorne and his wife, Emma.

A recently signed memorandum of understanding between the Department of Conservation (DOC) and New Zealand Fur Council (NZFC) will make it easier for hunters and trappers to access public conservation land. And this will help DOC tackle a $10m problem, says Lou Sanson, director general of conservation. “DOC spends more than $10 million a year on possum control, so any delay in re-invasion will give New Zealanders more ‘bang for their buck’ – as well as time for native plants and birds to recover. By encouraging fur trappers into these areas we can deliver results for the taxpayer, the fur industry, and conservation; the fact that businesses and communities will benefit is the icing on the cake!” He adds that, although the agreement will help cull a pest that preys on native wildlife and eats an estimated 21,000 tonnes of bush a night, it will also cure an industry in need, with wider benefits expected. NZFC chairman, Neil Mackie, agrees and says there is unfulfilled international market demand for New Zealand’s blended Brushtail possum yarns and garments. “We need more possum fur, [however] many of the possums are on conservation land, so this will allow trappers to access more fur, increase the market, and better target ecologically important areas.”

Mike has owned and operated Tapestry Knitwear, a clothing manufacturing company specialising in possum fur for nearly 20 years. In that time it has grown to acquire such well known labels as Possumdown. For years, the company’s Greenmount Drive factory was touted to tourists as the place to buy quality knitwear at discounted prices. Now, having shifted to new East Tamaki premises, there are fresh challenges ahead. While Mike’s main focus is on knitwear, Emma is branching out into building as a Jennian Homes CBD and East Auckland Ltd franchisee. The pair consults each other on most matters, and Mike’s many hats come in handy. Mike Langhorne To date, the Howick-born and bred entrepreneur has gleaned experience in the fashion, military and hunting sectors and takes most learning curves in his stride. After finishing school at Edgewater College he joined the military, climbing the ranks to major. “I was paid for having fun, really. I got a chance to travel and do lots of things that boys love doing!” After 20 years, his attentions turned to the lucrative fashion industry. He became the CEO of well-known New Zealand labels Thornton Hall and Peppertree in the ‘90s and soon after

acquired Tapestry Knitwear. Today, it is a multi-million dollar operation exporting to some 20 different countries. Prestigious clientele have included the likes of the Japanese royal family and Saudi Arabian royals are regular clients. Mike was also part of a Kiwi trade envoy to Russia five years ago when a Free Trade Agreement was in the pipeline – naturally the trip featured vodka and caviar, he laughs coyly. These days Mike’s travels are largely on the domestic front – he and Emma are avid hunters and this year

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have planned for several hunting trips to Taihape, south of Taupo. “We love the outdoors. We love fishing, we gather seafood, we free dive and explore.” Mike and Emma live on four hectares of rural Whitford land which is home to 20 sheep, a dog and a few cats. Although the peaceful setting may be interpreted as winding down, it couldn’t be further from the truth. “In life you should be able to do lots of different things,” says Mike. “You shouldn’t have to do one thing for the rest of your life.”

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34 — Rural Living — May - June 2015

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living

Dixon cooks up classic THE FURNITURE CONTINUUM By Rachael Buxton, Interiors.etc Irrespective of whether one lives in a modest house or a more palatial dwelling the cost of furnishing a home is a significant investment for any family. People need to know the money they are investing is well spent and the items selected will meet their needs and continue to be enjoyed for some time. The concept of ‘Quality vs Cost’ outlay is an important consideration. I guess you can liken it to the saying: ‘you get what you pay for’. We are all lured in by television and internet marketing offering staggering deals with crazy interest-free terms on already low priced furniture. I often watch in wonder and struggle to understand how it all stacks up. Yet, it’s a volume-driven market; easy come, easy go. The furniture is bought, thrashed, dumped or recycled and replaced in a short to medium period of time. A three-seater sofa within this price bracket retails for $2500 - $4500. For the more discerning customer there is another level within the furnishing market. I would

describe this as the custom-made market. This market is catered to by a dwindling handful of skilled craftspeople that are turning out quality work. The associated overheads of running businesses in New Zealand, and also because these craftspeople stand by the quality of their work, means the cost of New Zealand-made furniture is considerably higher than that of imported, Asian-made alternatives. A three-seater sofa within this price bracket retails for upwards of $6500. European-designed and manufactured, imported furniture occupies another level within the price point continuum. A B&B Italia sofa will cost in excess of $20,000. I liken it to buying a Kelly Handbag or a Porsche. It’s all about branding and a message or statement about the affluence of the owner, not necessarily about quality.

“My objective has been to get ‘normal’ people eating healthier food,” he says. “It’s so satisfying to hear from readers who are enjoying the recipes, cooking more healthily and experiencing significant health benefits.” Set to coincide with the release of his new book, COOK:30, the crafty Kiwi chef is taking this message all the way to the USA with a TV show of the same name now airing in America and on YouTube.

With more than 120 recipes, COOK:30 (published by Revive Concepts ) is available nationwide; RRP $39.99.

The show will feature recipes depicted in the book, using whole grains, plant-based protein, fresh produce and virtually no processed sugars or flours. The recipes are egg and dairy-free and most are gluten-free.

Rural Living has THREE copies of this book up for grabs! Complete the form at eastlife.co.nz to enter. One entry per person/email address; entries close May 30, 2015. Winner notified by phone or email.

Win! Cook:30

The quality is exceptional, of course, but certain New Zealand manufacturers are easily able to meet the same standards. How long is a piece of string? What is your budget? And to what extent do you want your furniture to make a statement about your success, status or practical needs? Happy shopping!

Smart Interiors Ltd SPECIAL $ 1499

NZ-made and imported furniture, lamps, mirrors, homeware, gifts and women’s accessories are available for sale. Experienced Interior Designer Rachael Buxton is available to assist with all your furnishing needs or consult on new home or renovation projects.

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Phone 021 264 8432

Email: info@interiorsetc.co.nz www.facebook.com/interiors.etc

R1101155-v8

San Marco round shower – set includes frame, door, flat liner and base tray 900 x 900mm

only $399

1000 x 1000mm

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All products are of NZ standard

Includes: Shower, Vanity, Toilet, Mixer, Tap, ECW, Slider, Heated Towel Rail.

CERAMIC TILES FROM $19 SQ M

Back to wall Toilet - 6 styles to choose from

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Wall hung and free standing vanities - 4 sizes 800mm 1000mm 1200mm (dble basin) 1600mm

$399 $499 $599 $799

East Tamaki Branch • 212B Burswood Dr, East Tamaki • Ph 273 8128 All prices include GST • Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 10am-3pm • Email: sbtwnz@gmail.com

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PO Box 1327, Pukekohe 2340, Sth Akld

www.ruralliving.co.nz

For best selling cookbook author, Jeremy Dixon (of Revive Cafe Cookbook fame), delivering healthy recipes has become ‘the norm’.

Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 35

LIVING ��

Marinated fish salad When the boat comes in down Wellington way, locals don’t go crazy for this little dishie, they go down right Loca! Fortunately, thanks to the capital’s restaurant, La Boca Loca’s new cookbook of the same name, Kiwis everywhere can now sample this dish.

20 minutes. Dice cucumber, red onion and tomatoes to the same size.

Serves 4

Serve with totopos (similar, although not the same, as tortilla chips) or homemade corn tortillas.

Ingredients: • 300g fresh line-caught trevally (or other firm, white fish – not too flaky) • 1 cup lemon juice (roughly 4 lemons) or mix of lemon and lime juices – divided use • 1/4 large telegraph cucumber • 1 small red onion • 4 large tomatoes, seeded • Handful of fresh coriander, stalk and leaves – finely chopped • 1 avocado • Pinch of hot chilli flakes (optional)

Method: Dice fish into 5mm chunks and marinate in 3/4 cup of citrus juice for

Mix all diced vegetables in a bowl with fish and coriander. Dress using remaining juice. Garnish with slices of avocado. And, for an extra kick, sprinkle with hot chilli flakes.

Reproduced from La Boca Loca. Copyright: text/recipes, Lucas Putnam & Marianne Elliott; images, Nicola Edmonds.

Win! A copy of La Boca Loca Acquiring the right ingredients to ‘Mex’ up some magic often resulted in a Mexican standoff for Lucas Putnam and Marianne Elliott. While recipes for authentic dishes are not hard to come by, in New Zealand the ingredients can be. Roughly four years after opening

their restaurant – La Boca Loca, in Wellington – the pair has produced a cookbook to help Kiwis sample genuine Mexican food using ingredients that can be sourced here. To be in to WIN a copy, complete the entry form at ruralliving.co.nz. One

entry per person/email address; entries close June 30, 2015. Winner notified by phone or email. La Boca Loca, by Lucas Putnam and Marianne Elliott. Distributed by Potton & Burton. Available at bookstores nationwide; RRP $60.

Rich pasta, potato and Pesto Soup method:

Recently, we presented a recipe for Chicken and Vegetable Casserole from Penny Oliver’s new book, Onedish Dinners. But because there’s always room for seconds, this month we present another dazzling dish, Rich Pasta, Potato and Pesto Soup.

Heat oil and butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat and cook onion and bacon for 5 minutes until the onion softens. Add potatoes, season, and cook for 2 minutes. Add stock and milk, and gently simmer for 5 minutes.

A real rib-sticking soup with a punchy smokey bacon flavour spiked with sweet basil pesto.

Add pasta, and simmer until the pasta and potato are cooked, approximately 7-10 minutes. Add cream and parsley, and stir pesto through.

Preparation and Cooking Time: 20 minutes Serves 4

INGREDIENTS: • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp butter • 1 large onion, finely diced • 3 rashers smoky bacon, diced • 4 large floury potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces • Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste • 600ml chicken stock

Serve hot in bowls with extra pesto and grated Parmesan on top.

• 600ml milk • 1/4 cup small pasta shells • 100ml cream •2 tbsp finely chopped parsley

36 — Rural Living — May - June 2015

• 2-3 tbsp store-bought basil pesto (to taste) • Extra pesto and grated Parmesan to serve

Reproduced with permission from One-dish Dinners by Penny Oliver. Published by Penguin Group NZ. RRP $40.00. Copyright text © Penny Oliver, 2015. Copyright photography © Manja Wachsmuth, 2015. Available nationwide. www.ruralliving.co.nz

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

STARBOARD SIDE BISTRO

RED SHED PALAZZO

THE VILLAGE BAR & KITCHEN

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

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

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

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

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

• Courtesy Van free pick up/drop off • Members night every Tuesday • Quiz night every Wednesday • Chase the Ace game night every Thursday • Bikers nights third Thursday of every month

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

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

1 Patumahoe Rd, Franklin. Ph 09 236 3571. Mon to Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 10am-late www.thevillagebar.co.nz

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Wellingtons Restaurant is located within the Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre and overlooks Auckland’s picturesque Panmure Lagoon.

A newly refurbished bar and restaurant, come on in and check us out. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and our extensive Brunch/Lunch & Dinner Menu. Try our Gourmet Burgers. Live entertainment Friday nights and every second Sunday afternoon.

Enjoy the great atmosphere and service at “Elsie’s”, Tuakau’s oldest restaurant located in the historic Tuakau Hotel. With summer coming to an end, enjoy the last sun beams on our comfortable Palm Terrace while indulging in our locally sourced seasonal menu. Ask us about group/function options and share your experience here at the award-winning Tuakau Hotel with family and friends.

Come and dance the night away in Auckland at our Saturday Dine & Dance, with resident band, Tall Order, bring the girls in for High Tea, or join us on Sunday evenings and bring the kids for a night of fun and surprises with award winning magician, Alan Watson! waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre, 58 waipuna rd, Mt wellington. Ph 526 3000. open 7 days – breakfast, lunch, dinner www.wellingtonsrestaurant.co.nz

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$$$

• $10 lunches 11am-2.30pm Monday-Friday • $25 Meal Deals Monday & Tuesday (Choose 2 courses from the menu)

Our 72 below bar is an ideal space for functions, family gatherings, meetings, conferences. Contact us for more info.

We are looking forward to welcoming you.

72 Queen Street, Waiuku. Ph 09 235 0645 Open Mon-Fri 11am til late, Sat-Sun 9am til late www.barbsbar.co.nz

Tuakau Hotel, 1-3 George St, Tuakau. Ph 09 236 8084. restaurant@tuakauhotel.co.nz Open Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat & Sun 10am-9pm or by arrangement for group functions

LICENSED

Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 37

LIVING ��

Feeling blue? Bathrooms

Renovations – Part 3 Kim Reiche of Refresh Franklin talks through the do’s and don’ts of renovation. The bathroom is often the smallest and most used room in the home and it is often the most costly renovation – with ergonomics, functionality, good lighting, ventilation and waterproofing all needing to be considered.

Fashionable and versatile, whether grown as hedging or in pots, blueberries are magical little edibles. While their sweetness and flavour are well known, they’re also rich in vitamins C, A, and E, so these berries offer a great way to beat the winter blues. This month, thanks to Blueberries New Zealand, we’ve compiled a few fruity facts about this superfood: • Blueberries protect against memory loss. A 2012 study found that eating just one serving of blueberries a week helped slow cognitive decline by several years. • They protect from cancer, heart disease and even aging. We can thank blueberries’ high levels of antioxidants for this!

Blueberries are a safe alternative to nasty chemical dyes for both food and textiles.

When planning to build or renovate a bathroom, visualise the space needed to dry yourself once you’ve hopped out of the bath or shower. Under-estimating space is a common error especially in an en suite.

• The perfect blueberry should be ‘dusty’ in colour. The ‘dustiness’ provides natural protective wax coating. Glossy blueberries may indicate they have been rinsed, which will soften them and may quicken spoiling. We recommend only washing off the dust immediately prior to tucking in.

Keep on top of moisture build up – in Auckland an open window is not enough to reduce mould. Lighting – if considering LED, make sure the light has a high CRI (colour rendering) and delivers a good amount of light. Also ensure it is positioned correctly to reduce shadowing – you don’t want to look older than you are!

• Blueberries must be ripened on the bush. Unlike other fruits, they don’t ripen after picking. However, they do store well in the freezer, so they can be enjoyed year-round! For more information about blueberries (including many a mouthwatering recipe) see blueberriesnz.co.nz.

• They can be used as a natural food dye. Say goodbye to artificial colourants and hello to natural colouring.

NZ MADE FIRES • Clean air approved, energy efﬁcient ﬁres • Can be used for cooking and heating with wetback options

• Great range of styles and sizes

See our website for the full range of woodburners, outdoor fires, gas and open wood fires.

38 — Rural Living — May - June 2015

Lined showers have evolved to look less “clunky” and give more space. Floor vinyls have also improved with some stunning designs that are kind on the feet and easy to maintain.

Minimise little pockets of space as they become dust collectors and mould havens. Where should the heated towel rail be positioned? What about underfloor heating? If considering such mod cons be sure they are power-efficient.

From a design perspective, keep your bathroom light and bright. If tiling, use tiles that increase the visual appearance of the bathroom. Think of clever storage – hide the waste bin, cleaning materials and power outlets.BUT as always – get the design and budget right before you start.

If your home is 15-20 years plus old, I would recommend replacing the plaster board while renovating. This

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Fully tiled bathrooms are the ideal, however, they come at a cost and it is a lengthy process. Making any short cuts here is not recommended. Done poorly, the job could become exceptionally expensive! Use a reputable water proofer and tiler and select tiles fit for the purpose; it is money well spent.

RENOVATIONS

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will provide an opportunity to check the plumbing and electrical and to upgrade to the new generation Aqualine or Villa boards if tiling. While at it, re-insulate those walls. Some 80% of older homes have moisture damage at floor level and this will need to be repaired too.

www.refresh.co.nz

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Shut out cold WITH THerMAlHeArT When the summer sun shines it’s easy to forget about cold, damp houses but at the first hint of frost, chilly winds and plunging temperatures, householders are confronted with making their homes snug and warm. More than that, they want to retain heat, reduce condensation and even shut out the noise of winter storms whilst still letting in light and capturing the most of cloudless days and views. Whether building or renovating, windows and doors are one of the first places one looks to for improved heat retention. And when it comes to all round joinery excellence, incorporating good looks and practicalities, Franklin Aluminium, which uses only top-rated FIrST Windows & Doors, has an outstanding reputation. Offering a versatile and convenient range of contemporary and traditional options, Franklin Aluminium owner, robert Brown, says it is important to choose the right products for build and budget. “For example the MeTrO SerIeS and APl ArCHITeCTurAl SerIeS of windows and doors are ideal for bold specialist applications whilst FIrST residential is perfectly designed for mainstream use. “In addition, high thermal efficiency choices utilising the ThermalHeArT system make for greater comfort, warmth and health,” robert says. “This advanced technology is at the www.ruralliving.co.nz

centre of each profile in the FIrST residential ThermalHeart and MeTrO SerIeS ThermalHeArT with the result being maximum energy conservation and interior comfort.” robert adds that windows and doors with the ThermalHeArT system enjoy 30 percent better thermal performance over standard, double glazed products and an impressive 125* percent improvement over standard products with single glazing. This, he says, reflects the commitment to energy efficiency by FIrST Windows & Doors.

windows as well as bifolds, roof windows and overhead glazing. Clients can also choose from a variety of stylish hardware, surface finishes and colours but most importantly, they can expect comprehensive, expert advice from a highly experienced team. “From consultation to final installation our aim is to meet our clients’ budgets and lifestyle needs whilst also providing maximum interior comfort and practical benefits,” says robert.

“Joinery is the most dominant feature of a home’s exterior and is the most effective way to alter or enhance the look, feel and style of architecture. “With today’s cutting edge options, FIrST Windows & Doors provides for every situation. For those renovating or building the range of choices is amazing so, check out our showroom and talk to our team. Be FIrST to talk windows and doors with us.” *Based on a window 1500mm high x 1800mm wide with a sash/fixed light combination.

With the ThermalHeArT system a major advantage, clients can be further encouraged by the extensive selection of standard and customised window (and door) options. And the vast range of configurations include casement windows, horizontal sliding and awning

Specialising in FIrST Windows & Doors 27 Adams Drive, Pukekohe Phone 09 238 8828 www.franklinfirst.co.nz Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 39

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40 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Rural Living â&#x20AC;&#x201D; May - June 2015

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��

living

Regional markets Eclipse Auckland City Growth

ACCREDITED BUILDING CONSENT AUTHORITY

Building or Buying or Selling?

By David Powell, Barfoot & Thompson, Pukekohe After a recordbreaking run, the Metro Auckland sales growth volume of 22% is now being surpassed by strong sales in the regional markets such as Rodney 53% and outer Auckland (including Franklin) 44%. As predicted, the tsunami effect is washing over the rural markets as it spreads out from Metro Auckland. Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) chief executive, Colleen Milne says Auckland continues to dominate the real estate market in terms of price movements. “But we are starting to see some smaller regions

show improvements in the number of sales being made and price increase.”

such as Rodney 22% and outer Auckland 24%.

Sales volumes in Northland rose by 68% and Waikato Country by 82% when comparing April 2015 with April 2014.

Ms Milne noted that, “the Auckland region continues to see strong demand from all types of property buyers and low levels of new listings.”

The volume may be up, however the median prices of the Northland and Waikato regions show little in the way of median price movement over the past 12 months. On the other hand, Auckland region has had a median price increase of 18% pushed up by the rural areas

• Residential, Commercial & Industrial Plan Approval and Compliance Inspection Services • Pre-purchase Inspection Reports • Building Advice • Unauthorised Building Resolution Ph 272 2269 Fax 272 2270 Email: info@bldgcert.co.nz

This combination of high demand and low supply will help maintain the pricing level for some time yet.

Unit 23/2 Bishop Dunn Place, Botany South, Auckland 2013

What’s more, it is nice to see some of that Auckland real estate money work its way out into the regions and the rest of New Zealand!

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Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 41

LIVING ��

Digger Dan’s QUICK TIPS

World Environment Day is coming up on June 5 so start thinking about sustainable living by making the most of composting.

By David Aspin, Dip Turf Culture When draining a lawn it’s imperative to discover where the water is coming from. Is it coming from under the ground – a spring or underground seepage – or is it runoff from the surface? If the water is underground, drainage has to cut the supply off and pipe it to the outlet. The drain can be totally underground. If dealing with surface water then the drains need to cut it off where it is coming on to the lawn. Sometimes this needs two or even three drains to take the water away. Sand-slit drainage works well for surface water depending on the volume. If the volume of water is high, a pipe will need to be placed at the bottom of the slit. For small amounts of water, just use sand to allow the water to get to the outlet. When using a pipe in the sand-slit, the drain needs to be about 60mm

With autumn leaf fall now in earnest, there’s no time like the present to think about mulching and composting – the latter’s such an easy way to provide gardens with nutrient-rich humus to promote plant growth and boost depleted soil or lawns.

wide and about 380mm (15 inches) deep. Use 60mm Novaflow pipe and cover with 6mm metal chip to the top of the pipe, then fill to surface with sand.

What’s more you’ll be making the most of kitchen waste instead of sending it straight down the garbage disposer or into the rubbish bin to load up landfills. Add prunings and lawn clippings to your compost too.

The sand should be 300mm or 12 inches above the pipe to allow the water to release into the pipe. Waikato Aggregates 2000 or 800 sand is ideal. Don’t use pumice sand. If the sand is too shallow, the water will not release into the pipe. The sand’s hydraulic conductivity stops the water releasing.

Recent mild temperatures mean gardeners can still get out and on with winter planting without too much trouble – no sitting indoors and rueing the weather. Now’s the time for citrus trees to fruit and it’s a good time for planting – every garden could do with a lemon tree and mandarin too but be sure to select a variety to suit the climate.

Sand is not easy to seed, so I mix the top 25mm of sand with 15 percent 2mm Zeolite plus the seed you want then top up the drain with this mix. Compact the sand leaving the last 25mm for your seed, sand Zeolite mix. Wetting the sand is the way to compaction.

Citrus like a sunny position with welldrained soil and plenty of organic matter. Remember to feed regularly. And for those with limited space, dwarf varieties can be grown in pots and you’ll still get full-size fruit.

Zeolite will hold the sand moist allowing the seed to germinate but will not cut off the drainage properties of the sand. If you use soil or peat, it will seal off the drain and render it useless.

Winter veggies such as Brussel sprouts, broccoli, caulis and cabbage should be well underway but do feed regularly with an all purpose plant

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Lawn Turf and Landscape Limited David A Aspin

42 — Rural Living — May - June 2015

Dwarf, sugar snap and snow peas, broad beans and beetroot can all be sown locally and it’s not too late to sow various varieties of carrots. There was a time when almost every garden had rhubarb growing somewhere. However, today’s modern garden often lacks this versatile, easy to grow plant whose colourful stems are easy to cook and make into pies and desserts – rhubarb crumble being a favourite. Rhubarb stalks can also be used for jams and for rhubarb wine. The leaves are not edible for humans or animals but are okay in the compost bin. Remember, rhubarb crowns need to be planted with the tip at ground level and do wait until plants are well established before starting to harvest. When ready to harvest pull stalks from the base, don’t cut them. Finally, protect plants from caterpillars, slugs and snails.

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Outback diesel has X-mode all-wheel drive with hill descent, ABS, stability control, traction control, torque vectoring, braking assist, brake force distribution and seven airbags. Photo Alistair Davidson

Two decades In THe OuTBACk By Alistair Davidson Fifth generation Outback marks two milestones for this popular Subaru wagon. The first Outback was launched back in 1995, meaning this trendsetting crossover Suv wagon has been with us for 20 whole years. The original Outback, a jacked up legacy all-wheel drive wagon with extra ground clearance and chunky add-on body trim, was the first true passenger wagon-based Suv. not only did it come at a time when Suvs were big, hulking, truck-like critters, Outback was also a really good vehicle so it’s not hard to appreciate why it struck a chord with outdoorsy lifestyle-type buyers.

In recent times Suvs have gone in the opposite direction, shrinking in the wash and trying to be more car-like. Which brings me to the second milestone: the end of the legacy wagon globally. Global sales of conventional twobox design wagons have been in significant decline, due in no small part to the massive increase in small and mid-size Suvs. In one hand Subaru had its excellent Outback wagon, in the other was legacy wagon, both all-wheel drive. Dropping legacy wagon was a no brainer. But there was a catch. locally, Outback retailed for roughly

$5000 more than most of the equivalent specification legacy wagons, and both models were allwheel drive.

entry-level Outback is the 2.5 litre petrol Sport model at $44,990, replacing the previous Outback Sport which was $49,990.

rather than price itself out of the mainstream wagon market, when Subaru launched fifth generation Outback in February it was priced the same as the now defunct legacy.

Outback Diesel is $47,990, Diesel premium is $54,990, and the flagship six-cylinder Outback 3.6r Premium is $59,990, reductions of $7000, $5000 and $5000 respectively over the previous model.

This is a win-win deal: wagon buyers can step up to an Outback, which is more affordable in the competitive Suv market, and you get a hell of a lot of wagon for your money.

Rural Living spent a week with Outback diesel, followed by another week behind the wheel of the rangetopping 3.6r Premium.

What sort of money? new Outback is available in three petrol and two diesel variants, all with Subaru’s lineartronic CvT automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Both the 2.0-litre diesel and 3.6-litre petrol boxer engines produce the same maximum 350nm of torque, the difference being the diesel does it at 1600rpm whereas the petrol is 4400rpm. Turn to page 44

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www.psautomotive.co.nz Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 43

LIVING ��

All models have a new multi information display, with a 3.5” screen in the entry level models and 5” in the rest. Interior fit and finish is excellent, and there are plenty of soft-feel surfaces. Photos Alistair Davidson

From page 43 Therefore the diesel pulls like a train from low revs, just what you want in off-road conditions, and is more economical (6.3 l/100km combined cycle, compared to 9.9). The petrol engine feels and sounds more refined, throttle response is significantly better and it accelerates better when higher in the rev range. No matter which version you opt for you’ll get ample performance, a CVT transmission that’s smooth and shifts like a conventional auto, and impressive ride quality. Handling and road holding have always been Legacy/Outback strengths, and nothing’s changed there. The steering doesn’t have heaps of feel, but it’s well weighted. Visibility is excellent due to the Outback’s highish ride height (it has 213mm of ground clearance), slim pillars, and the wee quarter-windows next to the exterior rear view mirrors. Outback’s dimensions are positioned towards the upper end of the mid-size

segment. It looks big, feels big, and all five seats are more than generous for full-size adults. The boot space is cavernous; with the rear seats folded flat it swallowed my full-size mountain bike with plenty of room to spare. There is no third row of seats. Outback doesn’t try to be a sevenseat SUV, and it’s all the better for it. The 3.6R is dripping with comfort and convenience features, and offers brisk performance. But for sheer value for money without any significant compromises, and having a slight edge off-road, the entry-level diesel is my pick. Either way, latest Outback has remained true to the original concept while refining its all-wheel drive technology, offering more specification, better packaging and refinement, and cleaner styling. A ground breaker 20 years ago, it’s still one of the best all-round lifestyle vehicles available today.

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44 — Rural Living — May - June 2015

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