Rural Living September/October 2019

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ruralliving.co.nz

September/October 2019

TERRIFIC TUAKAU YOUNG HORSEMAN GOES DUTCH RODEO SHOW ROLLS ON www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Brought to you by members of Franklin’s

Largest Rural/Lifestyle Sales Team PUKEKOHE | TUAKAU PUKEKOHE 68 King St, PO Box 147, Pukekohe | bus. 09 238 7019 | fax. 09 238 7018 | www.barfoot.co.nz/pukekohe

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ■COUNTRY CALENDAR

■HOME & GARDEN

Equidays October 18-20, Mystery Creek Events Centre, 125 Mystery Creek Rd, Ohaupo When it comes to mounting a premier equine event, Equidays organisers know exactly how to take the bit between their teeth. With clinics, demonstrations and so much more, Equidays is set to impress once again. More information (including a full schedule of events) see equidays.co.nz.

Waikato Home & Garden Show October 3-6, Claudelands Events Centre, Corner of Brooklyn Rd and Heaphy Tce, Hamilton Renovating, building, decorating and landscaping are all covered during this expo, one of the largest of its kind in New Zealand. The Waikato Home & Garden Show is bound to see plenty of Frankliners travel down the motorway returning with a range of products (or ideas at least) in tow. Details via waikatohomeshow.co.nz.

■EXPOS & FESTIVALS Auckland Pet & Animal Expo September 28-29, 10am-5pm, ASB Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Epsom Some creatures great and (mostly) small will take centre stage during this annual expo.

From the cuteness of cats and the dutiful nature of dogs to whatever characteristic is deemed typical of fish, all manner of behaviour from our ‘best friends’ is to be expected during this event. For more information, visit petanimalexpo.co.nz.

Franklin Positive Ageing Expo October 18, 9.30am-3pm, PIA Events Centre, 57 Ward Street, Pukekohe, Auckland Here’s an event that’s ideally suited to ‘retiring’ types. While 65 might still (officially) be the age at which many Kiwis retire, it certainly does not mean it’s time to retire from an active, fulfilling and adventurous lives. Specifically focused on the world of possibilities open to those with more time on their hands, this expo

is must-visit event. See facebook.com/ franklin.positiveageing.

Auckland Rapids Festival & The Great Auckland Duck Race October 20, 7.45am-4pm, Vector Wero Whitewater Park, 770 Great South Road, Manukau It’s almost time to roll up our sleeves and ‘duck’ into a local favourite event. When SC Johnson’s Duck brand presents the winners with their laurels (duck race from 9am-12pm), which schools, businesses and individuals will be flush with success?

To find out, head to Manukau for this funfilled, family-friendly festival. Details via rapidsfestival.co.nz.

■MUSIC Playing it Strange: Geldof v Fleetwood September 23, 7-11pm, Sir Woolf Fisher Arena, Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Rd, Manukau

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4 — Rural Living — September/October Moore2019McCardle Alderlieste Ashby Boyce

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Even those who do like Don’t Like Mondays are sure to enjoy this performance on Monday, September 23, when Rumours suggest two of rock music’s most interesting performers will play a set at Vodafone Events Centre.

Whatever results from this mix, one thing’s for sure, the results are guaranteed to be more than just a little strange! For details, see ducoevents.com.

Sing it to My Face October 17-20, Auckland Town Hall, Queen St, Auckland City ‘Who’ ever tried to put the babyboomer generation down failed and now there’s a chance for others to join in on the act too. Culminating in performances featuring ordinary Kiwis (grouped by their generations - participants aged 6 and older) this unique show is set to prove being in fine voice is not exclusive to the young or (necessarily) the talented! See barbarian. co.nz/calendar/sing-it-to-my-face.

Hadley

Pierce

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Darren www.ruralliving.co.nz Szaszy 027 497 8223 021 676 004

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Community Calendar TUAKAU 22 George St, Tuakau | bus. 09 237 8310 | fax. 09 237 8331 | www.barfoot.co.nz/tuakau

The Off Broadway Big Band September 28 (8-11.30pm) & 29 (2-4pm), Off Broadway Theatre, 41 Elliot St, Papakura Jazzing up Papakura this month, The Off Broadway Big Band is set to prove a re-sounding success. Featuring tunes from artists ranging from Glenn Millar to the Bee Gees and even Billy Joel, this show brings hits of the past back to the present.

More information via ptc.org.nz.

Show Me Shorts Film Festival October 5-24, various locations, Auckland Who plays short shorts? Auckland cinemas (and others nationwide) sure do! Perfect for those who prefer pithy to epic or a quick flick to an exhaustive saga, this film fest’ proves size really does matter. For a full programme of this year’s films, visit showmeshorts.co.nz.

■MUSICALS & THEATRE Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr September 27 - October 6, times vary, Harrington Theatre, 2 Harrington Ave, Pukekohe High-flying cars may be par for the course at Pukekohe Park on September 13-14 but soon afterwards the most famous flying car of all is set to touch down at Harrington Theatre. A musical re-telling of a classic story, this show is sure to set the wheels of nostalgia turning for adults and fuel more than just a little enthusiasm for fantasy among children. More details at pukekoheperformingarts.org.nz.

Aladdin October 2-5, times vary, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Drive, Papakura A lad and his lamp genie can find themselves in all sorts of magical messes, as this classic tale reveals. Presented by Hawkins Youth Theatre Company, this show will see a timeless tale told by a troupe of talented youngsters. For further information visit hawkinstheatre.co.nz.

■ARTS When We Were Dust September 21 - November 2, Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Ave, Pukekohe This group exhibition focuses on portraiture as artists seek to draw out and reveal the depths of personality inherent in their subjects. For more information, visit

Scott

Steve

027 210 8887

021 966 332

www.ruralliving.co.nz Ball McElhinney

facebook.com/FranklinArtsCentre.

Franklin Film Festival October 5-12, Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Ave, Pukekohe Local filmmaker, Amanda Zarah, directs a programme of films made both far afield and close to home as this inaugural festival ‘rolls’ on. See facebook.com/ FranklinArtsCentre for more information.

■FASHION A Night of Fashion October 19, 6-10pm, PIA Events Centre, 59 Ward St, Pukekohe Stepping up from the catwalk at New Zealand Fashion Week, acclaimed designer, Cecilia Kang, headlines this show, which also features fashions from numerous spring/summer collections as well as by steampunk group, The Copper Krakens. Proceeds from this show will be used to assist The Mind Health Project, designed to support youth health. More details via facebook.com/noweventsnz.

■FUNDRAISERS Beachlands Market Day October 13, 10am-2pm, Beachlands Memorial Hall, 49 Wakelin Rd, Beachlands This event may be designed to help college students fund an art tour of

Debbie

Nicola

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Courtney McPherson

Simon

Macrae

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Europe but it also offers a chance to purchase arts, crafts and collectables. For more information, search ‘Beachlands Market Day’ at facebook.com.

■SPORT, FITNESS & MOTORING Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show September 20-22, Mystery Creek Events Centre, 125 Mystery Creek Rd, Ohaupo Some may not wish to travel far afield to glean inspiration with regards to interior design but, to others, home is wherever we can take it. Focused on life on the open road, this event proves that grand designs can shine from small boxes. See nzmotorhomeshow.co.nz.

Pedal4Prostate October 13, 7am-1pm, Hampton Downs Motor Sport Park, Hampton Downs Road, Te Kauwhata Don’t just lie around all weekend, prostrate on the couch watching sport! Get on your bike and pedal down to Hampton Downs to do a good turn by supporting the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Open to teams and individuals, this event is suited to riders from all walks of life. For details, visit pedal4prostate.org.nz.

Nick Murray Rural Living — September/October —5 Dawson 2019 Bates Sales Manager Branch Manager

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From the editor... per week and during holidays, earning not only her fees but enough for socialising and some personal requirements although we helped with the latter and she lived at home free of charge.

The end result was she finished Uni debtfree AND saved for an overseas holiday. We gifted her a Contiki trip for 21st birthday but she paid for her airfare.

I admired her determination to succeed and do so with top grades without borrowing. Had that been in today’s climate, with the prospect of receiving back some of her outlay, what a thrill it might have been.

While this is just a little ruminating on my part, 13,000 students showing little or no result from a year of fee-free study, and with no responsibility to the Government for its outlay in their education, is not my idea of helping them. Is it time for a policy re-think?

or part thereof, is refunded?

I do recognise that for some young people, the cost of attending university can seem prohibitive but student loans can ease this cost and, if my idea of a refund kicked in, how nice to have a bonus at the end to offset any debt.

I also believe when things come too easy in life they are not always valued. In countries where great sacrifices are made to achieve any sort of education, it is usually clearly evident just how dedicated most are to making the grade.

Recently I spoke with the parent of a student about to embark on university next year. While her chosen course was available in Auckland, the student was keen to study further south – a great experience, for sure.

But if families can afford to send their children to universities outside their home city, should they be asking for student loans and fee-free courses? I think not if there is a choice to study where little cost is incurred.

My own daughter considered studying outside of Auckland but decided if she stayed put she would probably emerge debt-free with her science degree. And she did. We paid her first year fees but thereafter she worked a couple of evenings

Helen Perry, Editor

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hen news broke last week that about one third of the 42,000 plus students who enrolled in fee-free university courses had either failed or left at least one course, I was dismayed. This seemed to represent millions of dollars which might have been better spent elsewhere.

Now, students failing and exiting courses is nothing new. Every year some decide university isn’t for them and leave while others may pass some units but not all.

It’s not this result which shocks me but, rather, what I tend to see as a cavalier attitude to wasting the opportunity (and money) provided for them.

It seems even free fees are not enough of an incentive to stay in a class and, although I cannot judge the effort put into their study, it also seems some students weren’t prepared to do the hard graft.

I never did like the idea of first year feefree courses; I would have preferred to see this boost come in at second or third year by way of a reward (as well as an incentive).

Or, what about this idea? Students pay for their fees as per norm (outright or by way of a student loan); then if they pass their exams for one or more years the fee,

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FEATHERED FRIEND: In this case of ‘a bird in the hand is all about learning good animal husbandry’, young James Edwards from Puni School is obviously enjoying his project.

One of many local students preparing for Calf Club days and similar country events during September and October, he has spent several weeks raising his chicken, Maple, in the hope she will score a ribbon. See page 20 for more student efforts as they look to ensuring their pets shine.

Photo Wayne Martin

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Mangawara Times Media Ltd does not assume or accept any responsibility for, and shall not be liableWoodleigh for, the accuracy or appropriate application of any information in this magazine. All the Ruawaro 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 Media Ltd.

design

build Settling In SOUTH EAST WAIKATO FRANKLIN

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

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

12 Harriet Johnston Drive. Pokeno.

Open:

Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 7

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

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WAYNE RAYMOND –

from the horse’s back Since cowboys first competed for bragging rights as to who was better, stronger or faster, rodeos have seen working men, women and animals test their mettle. With New Zealand’s 2019-20 rodeo season set to roar into action, JON RAWLINSON takes a look at why some are still spurred on by the thrill of a ride on the wild side.

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ayne Raymond’s momma may not have thought her son would grow up to be a cowboy but, in a sense, that’s exactly what this Pukekawa local has become. Now, serving as president of the Waikato Rodeo Association, he’s under no illusions as to why competitors from his region rank highly in the sport.

“Because I’m in charge!” he laughs, then elaborates: “Our riders perform well because [the Waikato] is a big rural area and the people who are involved are just so passionate about this sport.”

When handed the reins of the association (roughly) a year ago, Wayne began directing an organisation which has been ‘rounding ‘em up’ for 60 years.

“It’s an honour and a big responsibility,” he says. “I oversee the running of the [annual] Waikato Rodeo, making sure all the boxes are ticked and standards are met regarding the safety of our competitors and the welfare for our animals. Really, the buck stops with me.”

The buck may stop with Wayne but when the bucking starts up, he’s never too far from the action. Keen to watch most events from the crowd, as a competitor he focuses exclusively on team rope (essentially a doubles version of the ‘rope and tie’ event), a discipline requiring more than just a little teamwork.

“If you watch a cowboy do a rope-andtie, you’ll see the horse put tension on the rope – the horses are doing what working horses have been doing for centuries. When we team rope, we don’t have to worry about what our horses do because they’ll put us in the right position; having a good horse under you is essential.”

In his third year competing, Wayne is in rodeo’s second division but hopes to ‘break open’ and step up a level in future.

In addition to roping events, rodeos also feature barrel racing (exclusively for female competitors), steer wrestling, bull riding and bronc (bronco) riding – undertaken either in the saddle or bareback. In one way or another, all carry risks.

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Chris Raymond competing in saddle bronc.

“My son, Chris, competed in bull and bronc riding as well as team rope. I definitely enjoy watching the broncs – those guys have some big balls! Chris’ grandmother used to watch him with her eyes closed, so to speak,” he grins. “If I had to choose, I’d say bareback riding is the most dangerous, mainly because there’s so much skill required and one wrong move can be critical.”

Running from October, New Zealand’s rodeo season features competitions throughout the country with Waikato playing host in February at the Kihikihi Domain near Te Awamutu. The best competitors in each discipline progress to the national finals in March.

As one might expect, riders from the USA tend to set the standard but, depending on the event, Canadian, Australian, Argentinean and Brazilian athletes ride high in international standings, too. New Zealand’s national champs also seek their fortunes (and there are fortunes to be won) abroad.

“The States, Australia and Canada are the big three but some Kiwis riders are up there too,” Wayne says. “We send kids to Australia to compete from time to time – representing their country in a sport they enjoy is pretty special to them. We help other competitors where we can as well but, overall, cowboys make their own way overseas.”

Despite increasing urbanisation, and

Photo supplied

declining interest in some other equine sports, rodeo has held its own, growing from strong rural grassroots, he confirms.

Wayne may still be somewhat of a greenhorn but this dedicated horseman is no stranger to equine competition, riding since he was six or seven and eventing up until the age of 21. But it was a ride taken at a more leisurely pace that, ultimately, set him on track to competing in rodeo.

“I took a break for years but when my kids started riding I got back into horses,” the former Rosehill College student recalls. “My son [Chris] and I went on a horse trek near Thames when he was in his late teens and there was a bull riding club out that way.

Afterwards, we got talking over a few beers and were both keen to give rodeo a go.

Since then, I’ve really enjoyed it and never looked back.”

I suggest looking back is never really a good idea when attempting to rope a steer.

He grins.

“No, I suppose not.”

Chris now plays rugby in Scotland but Wayne (whose business provides drivers to trucking companies) has kept on ‘rollin’ while continuing to learn the ropes.

“I think what makes me keep going back for more, as much as anything else, is the camaraderie, the social aspect of the sport. I meet some remarkable athletes and interesting people, which is not such a bad way to spend my weekends.” www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/09/2019 2:05:44 p.m.

RODEO ON THE ROPES? Despite calls from certain quarters for the sport to be banned, rodeo rides on. However, to ensure that it does so in future, decent animal welfare practices are crucial, Waikato Rodeo Association president, Wayne Raymond, believes.

“If the treatment of animals was as bad as some say there’s no way I’d be involved. I grew up with horses, as have my kids, so I would never be president of a rodeo organisation if horses were mistreated,” he asserts. “Our horses are just as much athletes as our riders so we care about the welfare of both.”

By and large, rodeo encourages horses to undertake activities more familiar to them than (for example) running in circles around a track or even pulling carriages for tourists.

“The horses suffer no more stress than thoroughbreds or standardbreds when they’re being trained or raced. And, if you see them in the wild or even in a paddock, they’ll be bucking around – it’s how they play, how they have fun; it’s natural behaviour for them.”

As bulls and horses are valuable animals, deliberate mistreatment would be counterproductive, and only animals that appear suited to rodeo are chosen for the arena, he adds.

“Some horses are bred (purposefully) to buck and others are former equestrian horses that just kept bucking people off.

We’re required to try them out before they go into competition and we can tell by the way they run and stand in the chutes, for example, whether or not they’re suited; if they’re not, there’s no value in using them.”

Over recent years, changes to the Animal Welfare Act have strengthened requirements with regards to their treatment in rodeo.

“Care of the animals is getting better and better. Changes to the Act have given us better guidelines to work with – all our members are given a copy. We also have animal welfare officers on the day, including SPCA and MPI [Ministry of Primary Industries] inspectors.”

Ultimately, before people judge how rodeo animals are treated, they’d best know exactly what takes place, Wayne concludes.

“It’s really quite simple, if you want to know the truth about how animals are treated during rodeos, come to a rodeo,” he says. “There are plenty of people who will be happy to answer your questions and show you around. My main goal as an association president is to show people what this sport is really all about.”

“The horses are doing what working horses have been doing for centuries... we don’t have to worry about what our horses do because they’ll put us in the right position; having a good horse under you is essential.”

www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Photo Wayne Martin

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IP H S N W O T U A K A U T F O MEMORIES Brian Neben publishes Rural Living and was a lifestyle farmer for many years

COUNTRY LAD

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n this month’s issue of Rural Living there is a feature on Tuakau, the same small town where I grew up and where I gathered many happy memories during my years there.

I thought this was an ideal time for me to recall some of my thoughts and to try and explain how my eyes saw things more than 60 years ago.

I have reminisced in previous articles so I apologise if I’ve repeated myself too many times, but it still amazes me how little has changed, and also how much has changed, in the town which remains dear to me.

Our family lived in an old house in Liverpool Street. It took two minutes to walk to the main street, George Street.

We could see the dairy factory from our house, which also overlooked the railway tracks, an important link in those days between Tuakau and major cities such as Auckland and Hamilton.

The railway had a siding which ran to the factory where tons of butter was loaded into special wagons to be sent all around the world. Bear in mind, these were the war years so butter was an important food product, rationed here and in the United Kingdom.

At that time, Tuakau also had a railway

station (or train station – take your pick) which provided a valuable passenger service to Auckland. I can’t remember the frequency of times but our family made good use of these trains as my grandparents lived in Newmarket.

Subsequently, my mother was able to visit them on a fairly regular basis.

There was also a big oak tree growing in Liverpool Street and, remarkably, it is still a feature of this little street today. The main street looks much the same as then but it has seen many business changes. It is still dominated by the impressive Tuakau Hotel, which with its renovations, is a great landmark for the town.

Before the additions were made there was a store called Wallace Supplies on the corner and, on the opposite corner, was the Farmers Trading Company. The building is still there but not trading as Farmers. In those days it sold groceries and various farm supplies as well as normal Farmers Trading stock. Many other shops are still there, operating as they did then.

I’ll never forget Borich’s Fish Shop because they made the world’s best fish and chips. The only pharmacy was simply called, the chemist shop. It was crucial to the town as there was no doctor so the chemist was called on to treat a variety of

minor complaints and to give advice to sufferers needing to travel to Pukekohe to see a doctor or who needed hospital treatment.

The main street was always busy and gave great service to the town. As well as the Farmers store and the chemist, that little strip contained a butcher, baker, and billiard room, a barber, bike repair shop, two milk bars (dairies) a fruit and veggie shop and several other retailers.

The town hall still stands majestically on the edge of the shopping area. This building has a great history and played a big part in my early days which I will write about at a later date.

Most people are aware that the busy Post Office and telephone exchange building was rescued by locals the transformed into a museum. It’s well worth a look.

Further up the road stands the primary school – we used to say it was one mile from the shops. Although the original building has been replaced, I still have great memories of the school. The two headmasters in my time were Mr Fisher and Mr Hilton and I am still in touch with many pupils from those days – good old Tuakau!

And, now, it’s, Go the All Blacks!

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RLSeptember-October19.indd 10

12/09/2019 2:05:54 p.m.

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Elite is a member of the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA), committing Elite to delivering top-ofthe-line professionally made kitchen furniture meeting the highest industry standards.

Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 11 KAT6723

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12/09/2019 2:05:56 p.m.

Over

THE GATE WITH

Roy Buckley (QSM RECIPIENT)

Dame Patsy Reddy with Roy

Buckley

His work establishing and running woodturning programmes is one example of Roy Buckley’s commitment to giving back to his community. Proving that one good turn definitely deserves another, the Awhitu local was awarded a QSM (Queen’s Service Medal), in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours. After having recently received his award at investiture ceremony, this dedicated Franklin Woodturners Club member spoke with Rural Living ... Over the Gate.

How did you feel during the recent investiture ceremony? Who presented you with your QSM? Dame Patsy Reddy (the Governor General) awarded me my medal. I was proud that I received this award with my family present, but also humbled that my friends saw fit to recognise me for my work in woodturning and who enabled me to receive this award.

I have had many highlights in my life with my family which I treasure the most, but this also ranks highly amongst my achievements.

When you heard you were to be awarded with a QSM earlier this year, how did you feel?

When I received the letter from the Governor General I was very surprised and thought, ‘Why me?’ I had no idea!

12 — Rural Living — September/October 2019

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How did you first come to enjoy woodturning yourself? How did this develop into sharing your skills with others?

My promotion of woodturning in schools started with my love of the craft, which I was introduced to by one of my woodturning tutors in 1951. In 1978, as a technical teacher, I shared my woodworking shop at Green Bay High School. In 1983, I started an engineering night school class at Green Bay High for the West Auckland Woodturners to help with the construction of tools and accessories. This lasted until 1993.

I built up and maintained 30 bowl lathes at my own expense. These went to Intermediate and high schools from Hamilton to Whangarei. As I was teaching at the time, I had help from retired woodturners to run the programme in the woodwork rooms of these schools. This

allowed all students to have their own lathe. This programme lasted for 15 years.

How long have you lived on the Awhitu Peninsula? Why did you move to the region?

I’ve lived in Awhitu for 13 years now – in 2006. We moved to Awhitu to get out of Auckland and enjoy the lifestyle the area offers in retirement.

When did you start the woodturning programmes at Waiuku College, Waipipi School & Awhitu School? Are you still actively involved?

I started turning with Waiuku College students at their outdoor education programme shortly after moving to Awhitu and it still runs to this day. With some of the primary schools, I still fit in with programmes when requested.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/09/2019 2:06:02 p.m.

dturning

Roy Buckley teaching woo

What involvement have you had with West Auckland Woodturners Guild and Franklin Woodturners Club?

Are you still actively involved with the annual National Woodskills Competition in Kawerau?

In 1983, I was a founder of West Auckland Woodturners Guild. I’ve served as its president, committee member and I’m now a life member; I joined Franklin Woodturners when we moved to Awhitu and I have been treasurer and a committee member.

For years, I was a permanent chief judge at Woodskills, which is one of the biggest woodskills events covering all aspects of wordworking disciplines in Australasia. I just retired from this role this year.

What does Franklin Woodturners do?

How important are such organisations to ensure woodcrafts don’t become a lost art?

Franklin Woodturners opens its doors to anyone who wishes to learn the craft.

This includes local intermediate and high school students. These programmes encourage valuable friendships and keep the craft alive.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLSeptember-October19.indd 13

Is there any danger of woodturning becoming a lost art in the near future?

I don’t think so. It is evident to me that, over the past few years, there has been a resurgence in all aspects of woodcraft.

How important do you think it is for locals to give back to their community?

I believe that if a person is lucky to possess practical skills they have a moral obligation to pass them on.

Photo Wayne Martin

If you could grow any plant or raise any animal (real or imagined) what and why?

I would grow Tasmanian Blackwood trees as they have a beautiful, grained timber and don’t take long to grow compared to our natives.

If you could be Prime Minister for one day, what would you do first and why?

I would look into solving our economic woes as I see that as a problem with too much money going into things that are not important.

If you could invite any three people (living or dead) to dinner, who and why?

I would invite my great or great-great grandparents so I could learn more about my heritage.

Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 13

12/09/2019 2:06:06 p.m.

fines a reality Asta Gold from Gold Legal Ltd shares advice on farmers’ legal responsibilities regarding effluent disposal.

‘Best beef’ contest heats up

O

ur farming clients tell us that they love what they do.

There’s nothing like being a dairy farmer – it’s hard work, but they couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

But, times have changed over the years. Dairy farmers are now expected to be experts in all manner of things when it comes to running a farm, including the law.

Flyovers by regional councils are resulting in more investigations, more abatement notices and more prosecutions.

A common problem is sufficient effluent disposal systems. If your effluent disposal system is insufficient, or poorly maintained, it can be costly. Not just for repairs and upgrades to the system itself, but for the level of fines that can be imposed in the Environment Court.

Any unlawful effluent disposal, even if accidental, can result in convictions and hefty fines. A charge of unlawfully discharging effluent where there is a chance it can enter water (even if it hasn’t entered any water) has a maximum fine of $600,000 for a company and $300,000 for an individual. If running a farm through a company, a farmer could potentially face two charges – one for him/her and one for the company.

Prevention is better than cure. Be aware that councils are going to be more active in the investigation and enforcement of farms and their practices. Ensure your systems can cope when you are most under pressure, such as during calving.

Here at Gold Legal, we have the experience and the knowledge to assist farmers through the enforcement, investigation and/ or prosecution process. We have experienced lawyers and staff (some with farming backgrounds themselves) who are more than happy to help.

So, if you are being investigated, or you’re facing a prosecution, don’t panic. Give us a call. We can help you.

Pukekohe Office 26 King St, Pukekohe Waiuku Office 10 Queen Street, Waiuku Ph 09 235 0440 Email info@goldlegal.co.nz www.goldlegal.co.nz 14 — Rural Living — September/October 2019

RLSeptember-October19.indd 14

R

oll over Angus, there’s a ‘new cut’ on the block!

The fast-growing Simmental breed is fast becoming a favoured source of beef, the latest Beef Progeny Test (BPT) reveals.

“Popular belief has placed New Zealand Angus as the breed to deliver on eating quality but, as the results show, Simmental is now punching above its weight,” Colleen Knauf from the Simmental Council says of recent trials run by Beef + Lamb NZ. “With its impressive growth-toslaughter results, Simmental delivers from farm to fork, a fact backed up by [the breed] taking out top placing at the 2018 Steak of Origin competition.”

The BPT, held earlier this year, compares and rates cattle under commercial farming conditions. “The trials show Simmentals are hitting targets for both growth and eating quality quicker than other breeds,” Ms Knauf adds.

KAT5218

www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/09/2019 2:06:13 p.m.

No horse crush at your place?

Our mobile horse crush creates a safe working environment for the horse, owner and vet.

VET TALK

To book an appointm or email equin

To book an appointment call 09 238 2471 or email equine@fvs.co.nz WWW.FRANKLINVETS.CO.NZ

WWW.FRANKL

Danger – sweet spring grass Dr Katie Kindleysides BVSc CertAVP (Equine Dentistry) Horses are grazers designed to use fibrous material (grass and hay) as an energy source. However, the grasses horses were designed to eat are much lower in sugar and slower growing than grasses commonly grown in this region. Therefore, while grass, hay etc are an important part of a horse’s diet, there are a few things which can cause health and behaviour issues.

■ High blood sugar levels: Just like us, if horses are fed more energy than used they will gain weight. High grass sugars from tasty spring and early autumn grass can cause further problems such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome where they become overweight and have increased disease risks (such as laminitis) related to high blood sugars. Breeds such as minis, Welsh ponies, cobs, and donkeys are more susceptible.

Paddock restriction, a hay diet through spring and autumn, and regular exercise will all help normal sugar metabolism.

■ Hindgut acidosis: The lush pasture of spring brings an increased risk of sugar entering the large colon where it feeds bacteria which produce gas and lower the pH, disrupting normal fibre digestion. This can lead to colic. Less severe signs include poor

condition, change in faecal consistency, and abdominal discomfort. We advise restricting grazing during these conditions and feeding hay whilst the grass matures, and the digestive system adapts. There are many products to help counteract acidosis, including antacids, pro and/or pre-biotics and Equinate. Talk to your vet about which would be best for your horse.

■ Magnesium: Magnesium is important to muscle and nerve function however, the high potassium in ryegrass pasture reduces its absorption and pasture tends to have lower levels of magnesium in spring. Many grazing horses with nervous, excitable behaviour during the spring and autumn respond to magnesium supplementation.

■ Ryegrass staggers: This nervous disease affects horses in late summer/early autumn after they have grazed endophyteaffected ryegrass pastures. It takes several days for signs to show. These include head and neck tremors, muscle flickers, stiff gait, and uncoordinated movement. Place horses in a safe area free from obstacles

(including wire fencing) and remove from ryegrass paddock. Don’t feed hay that is late summer/autumn cut and/or from high-risk pasture. Toxin binders may help.

■ Kikuyu grass: Unfortunately, kikuyu binds calcium so may cause calcium to phosphorus ratio imbalance leading to bone deformity, most obviously affecting the skull. Pregnant mares, foals and young horses are at high risk due to high calcium demands. This can be counteracted by supplementing calcium in the feed. Wheat bran feeding is also associated with this imbalance so avoid when horses are on predominantly kikuyu grazing.

CHECKLIST ■ Spring is the time to ensure horses are given adequate control for redworm. A moxidectin containing drench is recommended followed by an egg count 12-14 weeks later to check for ongoing drenching needs.

■ Calves and lambs: Keep an eye out for pooey bums. Internal parasites and coccidia are prevalent now so put in place a good parasite prevention programme for younger animals.

■ Sheep need shearing prior to summer. Our lifestyle packages include organising shearing for you!

No horse crush at your place?

Our mobile horse crush creates a safe working environment for the horse, owner and vet.

Services include: • Dentistry • Weighing • Repro exams • Eye exams • Injections in needle-shy horse • Endoscopy • Standing surgical procedures

To book an appointment call 09 238 2471 or email equine@fvs.co.nz WWW.FRANKLINVETS.CO.NZ KAT5238-v20

www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLSeptember-October19.indd 15

Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 15

12/09/2019 2:06:19 p.m.

COMPOSTABLE PACKAGING – NET BENEFITS A ‘breakdown’ breakthrough could dramatically reduce the use of plastic packaging. The first New Zealand grower to use home compostable netting for organic onions, Bostock New Zealand was also the first to trial compostable fruit stickers.

“We want to lead the way in providing more environmentally-friendly packaging in our industry,” company owner, John Bostock, says. “Ensuring we carry our environmentally-conscious practises through to our end products and the packaging is important.”

Unfortunately, compostable packaging is 30 percent more expensive than the price of plastic netting, Mr Bostock concedes.

“We hope our suppliers will be able to bring the price down to make it a more cost-effective option for us and our consumers,” he says.

Made from sustainable wood fibre, Bostock’s onion netting is designed to break down in home compost bins or landfills within 90 days. As the nets also regulate humidity and moisture, they are ideal for packaging fresh vegetables.

John Bostock

ROY F PARKER & SON LTD Servicing Franklin for over 45 years

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PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY KEEP YOUR SPOUTING CLEAR

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16 — Rural Living — September/October 2019

RLSeptember-October19.indd 16

148 Manukau Road, Pukekohe 2120 P. 09 238 9588 F. 09 238 7802 E. pukekohe@thinkwater.co.nz www.thinkwater.co.nz

KAT5310

0800 333 101

www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/09/2019 2:06:24 p.m.

HEN PICKS

– EGG DIRECTORY

FISHING FORE-CAST FAVOURABLE The lure of catching fresh fish expects to see anglers paying more than just a flying visit to some of New Zealand’s most picturesque locations as this year’s trout and salmon fishing season begins on October 1.

“Early reports indicate there is some excellent fishing to be had,” Martin Taylor from Fish & Game NZ says. “New Zealand is one of the world’s great fishing countries [with] lakes, rivers, back country streams and spring creeks

all offering fantastic opportunities to fish for brown and rainbow trout. In the South Island you can also fish for salmon in many places.”

With 10 licence types available, families, older anglers, and even those new to the sport should find a suitable option – details via fishandgame.org. nz.

“Another great season of sport fishing is about to begin,” Mr Taylor adds.

“Don’t miss out on the action!”

When it comes to ensuring eggs are cagefree, it’s best to play it ‘SAFE’, an animal advocacy group contends. So, to help consumers know whether or not New Zealand businesses stock/use cage-free eggs, Save Animals from Exploitation (SAFE) has established a new online directory.

“The directory is a powerful tool for the three out of four New Zealanders who are against the cruel caging of hens,” Marianne Macdonald from SAFE asserts.

“Caring Kiwis want to know where their food comes from and our directory will help them make choices that align with their ethical values.”

Although battery cages are being phased out across the country in favour of free-range and colony systems, until such moves are complete, the directory should prove useful, she adds.

“We understand not all businesses can switch to sourcing only cage-free eggs overnight. We want companies to be successful in reaching a cage-free status. SAFE has a dedicated corporate campaigns team which is happy to provide information and work with companies to reach this goal.”

THINKING ABOUT A NEW HOME? START HERE.

Visit the Pukekohe showhome – the team would love to meet you to discuss how we can help you into a new Platinum Home KAT5315-v2

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLSeptember-October19.indd 17

Or our Papakura Showhome 3 Pakaraka Drive, Papakura Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 17

12/09/2019 4:04:47 p.m.

WEKA – SHAMELESS THIEF OR GOOD FOREST CITIZEN?

W

By understanding how long it took a seed to typically pass through a bird, they could gauge how far seeds, eaten by weka, were travelling. Because some seeds might stay inside birds for as long as six weeks, the weka can deposit them far from where they were eaten.

The researchers also found that weka near public campsites didn’t move seeds as far as those in remote areas. In fact, weka at campsites dispersed seeds 35-40% shorter distances than weka in nearby forests.

“This is an example of what is known as cryptic function loss,” says co-author UC Ecology Professor Dave Kelly (Biological Sciences).

“It happens when an animal is still present in an ecosystem, but due to human impacts it’s not providing the ecosystem services that keep everything working properly,” Professor Kelly says.

“We think weka which spend more time at campsites get more food from people, and therefore don’t have to forage as far.

That means they disperse seeds shorter distances.”

It seems reduced seed-dispersal distances could affect long-term forest replacement, especially in humanmodified landscapes where dispersal maintains genetic diversity. The study reveals this might be a particular problem

eka, often seen as sandwichstealing scallywags, may not be the scoundrels some make them out to be. In fact, these charismatic birds may be bringing hidden benefits to New Zealand forests.

With their tendency to be curious and gobble any food available (whether it be an unwatched biscuit, penguin egg or endangered gecko) these, brown flightless birds can prove troublesome for conservationists. However, a new study by University of Canterbury and Department of Conservation has found they also perform important forest services.

It turns out weka are important seed dispersers for some New Zealand plants.

They eat the fruits of many plant species and have a large beak allowing them to eat fruits which smaller birds can’t manage.

The new study has found that weka even disperse some seeds as far as kereru.

Lead author, Jo Carpenter, a University of Canterbury (UC) Ecology PhD student (now based at Manaaki Whenua | Landcare Research) says the study found that despite weka being flightless they were dispersing a small proportion of seeds over two kilometres.

The researchers investigated how far weka moved seeds by attaching GPS transmitters to more than 40 birds then figured out how long it took seeds to pass through weka.

for largeseeded native trees, such as hinau, for which weka are one of the most important seed dispersers.

“This is one of the first studies showing that interaction with people could have a significant effect on the quality of seed dispersal performed by an animal,” says Ms Carpenter. “That’s concerning because even our wild places are becoming increasingly crowded with people. So, next time you see a weka, think twice before you offer it your lunch!”

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/09/2019 2:06:32 p.m.

Time to whistle up Bird of the Year picks

T

here’s not a moment to waste – voting dates have been announced for Forest & Bird’s annual Bird of the Year competition. However, some of Aotearoa’s best loved feathered friends are in serious trouble so best be quick before any become extinct!

For the 14th year, New Zealanders can campaign and vote for their favourite native bird while learning about the conservation challenges some are facing.

Voting opens 9am, Monday, October 28 and closes 5pm, Sunday, November 10 during which time human Kiwis can opt to simply vote (and hopefully make a donation too) or to actively campaign for a particular native bird, touting for their pick using creativity, humour, and, perhaps, a few sneaky tactics. The winning bird will be announced on November 11.

Forest & Bird spokesperson, Megan Hubscher says one of the reasons New Zealanders love Bird of the Year so much is because of the passion, quirky originality, and light-hearted trash-talking that goes into promoting our native birds.

“Everyone involved has a lot of fun,” she says. “Bird of the Year campaign managers are the heart of the competition, and we’re already had several ‘early birds’ come forward for this year.”

Those keen to campaign for a bird should visit: www.forestandbird/birdyear-2019 to register their interest. Ms Hubscher says some exciting things are planned for this year’s competition. Further announcements will be made closer to the start of voting.

“The kereru flew to an early lead in 2018, and managed to take top spot comfortably with more than 2000 votes,” she says. “But who knows what 2019 will bring? ”Former Birds of the year have included the kereru last year, the kea (2017), kokako (2016) bar-tailed godwit (kuaka) 2015 and the fairy tern (tara iti) 2014 but if you need a little inspiration check out a range of birds on the Forest & Bird website or if your’ favourite bird in the bush or on the beach isn’t there, feel free to nominate it when voting gets underway.

Photo credits: Tui, Wayne Martin; Southern Rockhopper, Marcus Borg; Orange Fronted Karkariki, davidhallet.co.nz; Shore Plover, Steve Attwood; Fernbird, Craig Mckenzie; Brown Teal (Pateke), Tara Swan; Morepork, David Brooks; Crested Grebe, Chris Helliwell.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLSeptember-October19.indd 19

Tui

Southern Rockhopper

Orange Fronted Karkariki

Shore Plover

Fernbird

Brown Teal (Pateke)

Morepork

Crested Grebe Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 19

12/09/2019 2:06:38 p.m.

Olivia Goodwin

CALF CLUB:

can do!

T

he first of the region’s Calf Club, Agricultural Days and the like are approaching fast but, as these photos show, budding farmers are up to the task – with a little help from a few parents, perhaps.

Recently, Rural Living checked in with some of those aiming to claim ribbons, including Olivia Goodwin from Karaka School (Agricultural Day, Sep 21). We also discovered that all was proceeding smoothly for James Edwards (see front cover), Neve, Anna and Tara Gordon and Brierley, Declan and Millar Te Rangi ahead of Puni School’s Country Day (also on September 1). Best of luck to all those who are working so hard to take good care of their animals.

Rural Living will be looking to include photos from local events in our next issue.

Please send photos to editor@ruralliving. co.nz with ‘Calf Club’ in the subject line.

Also, be sure to include the names of your school, event and (where possible) the children and animals featured.

Brierley, Declan, Millar

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Neve, Anna and Tara

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20 — Rural Living — September/October 2019

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12/09/2019 2:06:51 p.m.

Right gear makes

horse sense W ith Pony Club season starting its time to ensure youngsters (and their ponies) are outfitted with all they need for the competitive days ahead.

As with any sport, parents have probably been given a long list of gear horses (and their riders) can do with, from the basics such as saddle, bridle, halter, grooming gear, cover, show blanket and feed bucket to the multitude of goodies that enthusiastic youngsters are persuaded they really, really need.

While helmet, jodphurs, riding jacket, boots, crop are a given there is so much more to consider and not all of it straight forward. Thankfully, there are shops devoted to catering for equestrians of all ages and, locally, it’s hard to go past the retail shop at H.R Fisken & Son Ltd on Tuakau Road.

There, horse owners, especially enthusiasts of any level, can talk tack and feed with knowledgeable staff and also find all they need for pony club or adult riding.

Established since 1957, the business is presently run by John Fisken, the third generation of his family to head the company. While John is pretty embroiled in the stock feed arm of the company, the retail shop is in the good hands of an experienced team.

Well versed in equine care, staff members happily provide advice or point customers in the right direction when specialist equine attention is required.

They can assist in all areas of equine activities from leisure to the disciplines

Fisken’s new Ultra Low GI feed offers energy to horses in a different form. Unlike grain-based feed, in which starch is the energy source, Ultra Low GI provides energy in the form of ‘super fibres’ (highly digestible fibres) and plant oils to give horses a safe, gentle and reliable source of energy. It is suited to horses which are grain-intolerant or are susceptible to adverse gut fermentation complications from a high starch diet such as laminitis, excitable behaviour, tying up and colic.

of showing and competing, racing or harness. There is a community notice board at the shop entrance which offers contacts for farrier, saddle fitting, riding instructors, pony club contacts, horses events, horses for sale and much more.

Feeding is another aspect a lot of folk don’t always think about.

Many newcomers to country living think paddocks full of grass are enough to keep a hungry horse happy. But those families may well come a cropper. Fiskens stocks a wide variety of supplements to assist when there is too much grass or too little grass.

Remember, too, dairy grass is no good for horses.

John adds it’s not all about the grass

either – “nutrient rich horse feed is an important consideration whilst keeping in mind that some ponies are prone to weight gain so intake has to be watched whereas a very active horse may need special supplements.”

“All areas of horse health including regular worming, grooming, shoeing, hoof trimming and exercise (over and above pony club events) also need to be considered.”

With so much to think about, new owners can learn a lot by visiting H.R. Fisken & Sons on Tuakau Road where the shop is crammed with every piece of equipment imaginable and the team can guide customers in their various choices.

295 TUAKAU ROAD, PUKEKOHE • 09 238 9414 Email: info@hrfisken.co.nz • www.hrfisken.co.nz www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLSeptember-October19.indd 21

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FEED FOR EVERYONE! Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 21

12/09/2019 2:06:48 p.m.

Ferreting out predators

By Ditch Keeling, Coastal Pest Solutions

T

he official predator trapping season starts next month, and with ferrets already turning up as regular road kill in Whitford, I think it’s safe to say we are all in for a bigger than usual season.

The dry start to winter this year gave rabbits an extra couple of months breeding and the effects of this are obvious in the huge kills we are presently achieving – I shot 325 last week on a block that should have produced about a hundred or so.

This, coupled with a boom in rat numbers, means all predators are likely to do really well this year and we are all going to have to put in some extra effort to get on top of these increasing numbers.

Ironically, ferrets, stoats and weasels were introduced to New Zealand during the late 19th century in the hope that they would control an ever-increasing rabbit problem; in hindsight, the opposite proved to be the case with our great bunny climate proving to be just perfect for supporting a growing predator population.

The combined effects of ferrets, stoats and weasels are now well known; all three have proved devastating to our endemic fauna which evolved in the complete absence of any mammalian predators.

We nearly lost kiwi altogether and certainly would have, had it not been for the control research efforts started here in the 1960s by the NZ Forest Service and Wildlife Service, and continued to this day

by the Department of Conservation.

Thanks to these organisations, predator control is now a well developed science; it’s not rocket science, its far more important and equally as complex!

Whether you would like to do more to protect the birds in your local area, or are simply hoping to catch whatever it is that has been killing your chooks, predator trapping this summer is definitely the way to go. So, here are a few pointers to get you started. ◆ Traps that capture and kill predators (kill traps) are by far the most efficient for this work as there is no requirement to check traps daily or to dispatch captured animals. The DOC 150, 200 and 250 series traps are user-friendly and extremely efficient. I love the DOC 200 and this is by far the biggest seller. ◆ Predators have incredibly large home ranges (40-256ha) so placing traps C.200m apart is a good start. On properties up to 10 acres one to three traps are often all that is required to catch passing through predators. ◆ Set traps on well-defined linear edges, ridge tops, pasture/forest margins, natural intersection features and along waterways. Trapping these features

tends to catch more predators and makes traps easier to service. ◆ Bait traps with a hen’s egg and, where possible, a piece of fresh rabbit, too.

Many successful trappers rub a piece of rabbit on natural features leading to the trap, on the trap itself and then inside.

Replenish this weekly for good results. ◆ It must be noted that even an un-baited trap can catch predators if positioned just right. Stoats and weasels are known to eat rats, so if also trapping these, it’s well worth re-cycling them into baits. ◆ Any fresh-caught predators should be rubbed all over the traps, as their scent tends to increase the likelihood of capturing additional animals.

For more information on traps go to www.doc.govt.nz

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22 — Rural Living — September/October 2019

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12/09/2019 2:06:53 p.m.

Win!

To enter the draw for any of these competitions visit ruralliving.co.nz and enter this month's code – RLOCT5411. One entry per person/email address; entries close October 31, 2019. Winner notified by phone or email.

WIN! VEG BY JAMIE OLIVER

WIN! AUCKLAND GARDEN DESIGNFEST DOUBLE PASSES

Vegetables are not consumed by vegetarians alone. Although Jamie Oliver is well-known for his mouth-watering meat dishes, with his latest book, the Naked Chef strips back the layers of what it takes to make vegetables shine all on their own. Featuring a feast of flavourful recipes, Veg looks set to become a staple ingredient in many a kitchen.

Jamie Oliver: Veg | RRP $60 | Michael Joseph

With gardens created by some of the best landscape designers New Zealand has to offer (including Xanthe White, Trish Bartleet, Deb Hardy, Kate Ryan and more) this festival (November 16-17) gives visitors the chance to reap inspiration by the wheelbarrow load. Spread across central Auckland, the tour takes in 18 of Auckland’s finest gardens – see gardendesignfest.co.nz for details. What’s more, we have double passes (valued at $130 each) to give away the THREE lucky readers.

WIN! A L’OR ORIGINS COLLECTION PRIZE PACK Blending carefully selected beans, L’OR shares the unique characteristics of some of the world’s coffee-growing hot spots in these handy capsules, suited to Nespresso coffee machines. Available from supermarkets nationwide (RRP $7.99 per box), L’OR Origins Collection brings the flavours of the world to our tables, and we have a prize pack valued at more than $45 (features two packs each of the Papua New Guinea, India and Columbia varieties) to give away.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLSeptember-October19.indd 23

TAKING LEAVE – DOUBLE PASSES When is a suitcase not a suitcase? When is a hotel not a hotel? And, will an ageing professor ever learn that the truth of the world around him is not always what it seems? Struggling in the fading light of his mind, Eliot Pryne is Taking Leave at Backstage Theatre, Waiuku, Nov 15 – Dec 7, details accessible via waiukutheatre.com. We have TWO double passes for the November 21 performance to give away.

Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 23

12/09/2019 3:23:31 p.m.

r Brayden with Aztec Venture

Photo Wayne Martin

24 — Rural Living — September/October 2019

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/09/2019 2:07:01 p.m.

Jumping for joy New Zealand may have lost one of its greatest riders with the retirement of Sir Mark Todd but there’s a wealth of young local talent waiting to take up the reins. Franklin teenager Brayden Aarts is about to embark on a glittering internship with one of Europe’s top stables; he spoke to ANGELA KEMP.

A

combination of talent, dedication, determination and more than a little serendipity has found former Onewhero schoolboy Brayden Aarts in a place he thought he could only dream about. The 16-year-old is about to join the prestigious Stal Van der Vleuten stable in Someren, Netherlands, home to some of the best riders in the world.

He’s heading there in mid-September on a three-year visa having earned his spurs during two earlier try outs when he trained under Dutch Olympian silver medal winner, Michael van der Vleuten.

Brayden scored his chance in a lifetime thanks not only to his impressive showjumping talents (he’s part of the New Zealand Talent ID Squad and past winner of the national Junior Rider Series) but because of a lucky family encounter.

“A lot of my family are Dutch and there are some that live quite near the stables in Someren,” said Brayden. “They own a restaurant which the stable owners go to and they said to them ‘we have a rider in New Zealand who is looking for international experience if you could give him a chance’.

“That’s how it started. I just turned up and worked my arse off. For the first week or so I was sweeping and being a general dogsbody, watching them ride and trying not to give up hope. By watching you learn so much.

“Then I was tested on a horse and they liked what they saw, that I could train it, and I ended up riding six to seven horses a day.

The last time I went back I was much more part of the business, they tucked me under their wing. This time, when I go back, I’ll still be doing a lot for the stable but I will be working my own horse as well. Having her there will greatly improve my success.”

Brayden was taking his LT Holst, Aunty Annette, or Annie as he affectionately calls her, over to the Netherlands. However, she has just undergone surgery so, he is

www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLSeptember-October19.indd 25

now taking his young mare, Aztec Venturer which he has been keeping fit over winter in New Zealand.

In Holland he will stay with family and is required to attend a university in Roermond one day a week to complete a diploma as part of his visa requirements. As it is taught in Dutch, Brayden has been on an intensive language course as well as having lessons from his Dutch-born grandparents.

He started riding aged 11 when his mum Alanna, a former showjumper and eventer herself, decided to get back in the saddle.

“I’ve always said to myself if you are going to do something then put 100 per cent into it no matter what then see how far it takes you.

“When I started competing and saw what comes out of your training and all the effort you put in, it’s all worth it. I always knew I had the dedication to take me overseas but I didn’t think it would happen this soon,” Brayden said.

“One of the hardest things is finding a stable because you’re in New Zealand with no horse contacts overseas. But taking part in a competition in Germany a couple of years ago opened my eyes to other options. It was pure coincidence that my family in the Netherlands happened to live next door to one of the best stables in the world.”

With a mum and dad who are right

behind his efforts, Brayden said his ultimate plan was to be overseas so I could support himself financially and stand on his own two feet.

“It’s such a team effort in New Zealand.

Every weekend saw me working away and the whole family would support me. Being overseas frees them up a bit.”

Brayden sees many advantages in training overseas.

“The training is more structured and you are not so alone. Because it’s densely populated if you start riding you don’t just do it on your own property but you purchase a horse and put it in a big stable which someone has set up.

“You rent the facilities and have a trainer and learn from the get-go; starting in an arena you learn the right way. Going over there is almost a step back for me as I have to re-train myself to their way; their way of riding is the best in the world.

“In the area I’m going to, there are shows a half hour away in every direction, every day of the week. It’s the perfect place to be starting a career.”

Brayden’s ultimate goal is to follow in Sir Mark Todd’s hoof prints and ride for New Zealand at the Olympics but said he would be happy to just get on the international circuit and be selected to compete in the annual elite Longines Global Champions Tour.

Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 25

12/09/2019 2:07:06 p.m.

Gardening on my mind – at last!

Reay Neben is the publisher of Rural Living

CITY LASS

N

ow that I am recovered from 10 months of illness I’m getting restless about digging into the garden and starting to plant seasonal vegetables and flowers. It’s strange, that for virtually a year, the thought of gardening never crossed my mind but that’s over.

I come from a family of gardeners and my mum always believed you could make any house look fabulous by adding a garden. I really didn’t have a chance not to garden, even when newly married, as mum would come out to our house every Saturday to help sort out our garden.

That went on for nearly 50 years across a number of houses. Mum eventually succumbed to Alzheimers and the last time she came to our home in Drury she didn’t remember who I was. However, as she walked around the garden, with some difficulty, she bent down and pulled out a plant I had just planted then told me it was in the wrong place and to throw it away. I did as I was told!

My mum’s mother was also a great

gardener. She lived in Nelson and she firmly believed that housework could wait but the garden could not. So, you see, I had no chance. Unfortunately, I didn’t follow in either of their footsteps as wonderful bakers, too.

That was never my forte but because my mother was so good at all forms of cooking, we supplied the eggs. On those Saturday visits, not only did mum arrive with plants for our garden but she also came weighed down with baking. So, why would I bother? Well, I didn’t.

Back to the garden – it seems incredible that every year there are new plants and hybrids of old plants coming on to the market. Gardens are like fashion; they change with time. I well remember when hydrangeas were so not in fashion and now there are a multitude of colours and different flowers forms – small ones, bushy ones and more. I like them because they are not only beautiful but so easy to grow from cuttings.

Gardening aside, the daughter and husband who live in Dubai have returned to New Zealand for a twoweek holiday. What’s more, daughter is just loving the opportunity to wear winter clothes, including a pair of boots she bought for a recent trip to the United Kingdom On that trip she was so disappointed the UK was in the middle of a heat wave and far from being boot weather. That hasn’t been a problem here; after Dubai both have been freezing! Needless to say, the boots have been well worn along with all the other items from their winter wardrobes. I am not sure how they cope with Dubai’s scorching temperatures but despite initially thinking they would enjoy our cooler spring weather, they sure don’t like this cold! See you next month.

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26 — Rural Living — September/October 2019

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/09/2019 3:24:19 p.m.

CAMOUFLAGE

CUBAN

Spring days can still be cool but LEO+BE has come up with it’s own cool look in its 2019 spring/summer collection designed to stand out in a crowd.

Giving the nod to casual khaki, the Irma top and Rumba skirt exude Cuban street style while the Antara boiler suit offers the ultimate tomboy glam – team with sandals for days in the sun or add crisp sneakers to rock with relaxed chic.

When changeable weather is on the itinerary, team the Macro jogger with the Irma top or layer up luxe with the utilitarian Pier pinafore and femme fabrication of the Cabana top.

It’s so easy to be ready for all weather occasions.

Clockwise from top left: Irma Top, RRP $145, Rumba Skirt, RRP $145; Antara Boiler Suit, RRP $195; Pier Pinafore, RRP $159, Cabana Top, RRP $159; Marco Jogger, RRP $159, Irma Top, RRP $145.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLSeptember-October19.indd 27

Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 27

12/09/2019 2:07:16 p.m.

Why prioritise oral health?

By Yvonne Vannoort, Sanctuary Dental

W

e live in a very busy world where it’s easy to be distracted by a lot of things which compete for our time, money and attention.

So, you can understand why it’s easy to lose track of good health habits such as a regular visit to your dentist to ensure your mouth is healthy.

There are many things dentists can do to help keep clients on track. The obvious one is to check for decay in teeth and subsequent problems.

We often see people who have toothache or broken teeth which occur just before important events such as weddings and holidays. When this happens it becomes an emergency and it’s really inconvenient for the patient.

Apart from these emergency situations we can really help with some of the less urgent dental issues which affect people. Gum disease is one example however, bleeding gums are just one sign of this disease. Interestingly, you may not have pain or discomfort until a tooth or teeth need to be removed.

Even tooth decay isn’t always painful until the tooth is in a bad way. When we have the chance to sort decay early, there is less cost involved as well as time and effort on your part.

What’s more, in terms of cost we can assist by offering payment plans so the cost is spread for you.

This makes it easier to have the necessary work done early rather than leave decay or gum disease to worsen.

Remember, also, that we can use sedation to help you – imagine snoozing throughout your treatment; it’s a really kind and easy way to achieve whatever you need to have done.

We are always here to help and support you in prioritising your health and to avoid painful outcomes from work left undone.

All about your wellbeing

ultimate hair treatments Natasha Harris from Alberts Hair Salon talks about the straightening benefits of a permanent blow wave.

W

ho wants frizzy, hard to tame hair? I’m guessing, not many people.

Our range of keratin smoothing treatments deliver extraordinary results with no tradeoffs.

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

Our newest treatment, the Permanent Blow Wave is not a chemical straightening process.

It is a smoothing service which will relax curl, and repair damaged hair and add incredible shine to dull and dry hair. The blow wave will also take frizz out of curly and wavy hair and remove bulk from unmanageable and rebellious hair.

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

• Gentle formula does not cause damage.

• Effects last up to four months.

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• Protects against adverse environmental effects.

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• No more waiting three days to shampoo the hair.

• Leave the salon looking like a goddess.

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

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

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28 — Rural Living — September/October 2019

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/09/2019 3:31:36 p.m.

PROTEIN POWER FOR PROBLEM SKIN

D

r Pimple Popper may be a big help to some folk but when it comes to Kiwis dealing with acne, New Logic might be a simpler option. Most people will experience problem skin at some stage in their lifetime but it shouldn’t be something that they have to live with forever.

New Logic, is protein-powered solution formulated to support acne struggles, combining breakthrough technology and proven active ingredients which work together to target the source of breakouts.

While acne is most common in hormonal adolescents, adult breakouts can arise from increased stress, change of diet, hormones, climate and pollution resulting in damaged skin, low selfesteem, and low confidence.

Using advanced protein fibril technology, Fibraspect300™, (derived from natural dairy proteins), New Logic

EASY AS ESTER-C works to form an invisible scaffold on the skin, providing a tailored release of active ingredients to target blemishes and breakouts, reduce irritation and hydrate troubled skin. Fibraspect300™ combines with ingredients such as glycolic acid and skin conditioning agents, plus New Zealand Kawakawa and Manuka Honey to help repair and also protect the skin.

Follow New Logic’s four-step cleanse and healing regime: Acne Foaming Cleanser, Acne Spot Gel, Acne Overnight Serum and, finally, Acne Oil-Free Moisturiser. New Logic Acne Essentials Kit available from pharmacies (RRP $99.00).

A go-to supplement in many Kiwi households, Ester-C helps ensure we receive enough vitamin C to help fend off those lingering winter and spring colds. However, less well-known is the fact that a sufficient intake of iron also serves to fortify immune systems.

By combining the two in one handy supplement, Nutra-Life has formulated a one-two punch designed to work in harmony with a balanced diet. Use only as directed.

Available from selected pharmacies, RRP $29.90 per pack of 15 sachets.

The Denture and Denture Implant Clinics

ALL DENTURES ALL ABOUT THOSE PEARLY WHITES

M

issing teeth? There’s no need to any longer when the All Dentures team is on the case! While some may be able to keep their teeth in tip top condition, others are not so lucky.

Fortunately, clinical dental technician, Dr Marc Adams, and the team from All Dentures (in Pukekohe and Papatoetoe) are on hand to ensure smiles can last a lifetime.

“Years ago, dentures could be cumbersome and uncomfortable, but we’ve come a long way since then,” he says. “These days, by drawing on the best techniques and equipment modern technology can offer, at All Dentures we can tailor-make top quality dentures to suit.”

From full or partial dentures to repairs, relines and even mouth guards,

Marc’s highly trained team can ‘make it, fit it and fix it.’

“From initial consultation to dental work – undertaken by dentists and oral surgeons – we provide a comprehensive service, offering the highest level of care during every step of treatment,” Marc explains.

“We’re committed to making quality dentures that are comfortable and functional for our patients so they can get back to sinking their teeth into life!”

To take that first step to a brighter smile, contact Marc and team at either of their two clinics. “Simply give us a call and we’ll take it from there,” says Marc, “Our clinical dental technicians offer full dental laboratory services and no dentist appointments or referrals are required.”

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

RLSeptember-October19.indd 29

KAT6008-v3

LINIC NEW C IN OPEN RA U PAPAK

alldentures@yahoo.co.nz www.alldentures.co.nz Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 29

12/09/2019 2:07:27 p.m.

TUAKAU

DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE

T e r r if ic T u a k a u D espite it rich history, rural surrounds and, now, fresh expansion, Tuakau, just a 10-minute drive from Pukekohe, is often overlooked by city-side Aucklanders. But, now, Tuakau is receiving well deserved attention as a place where homes are still considered affordable – including to first home buyers – and industry is growing.

With easy motorway access to Auckland and Hamilton, yet enjoying all the benefits of

Come in and , see Twinkle our friendly dragon

The Tuakau Cosmopolitan Club Inc is open seven days per week and prides itself on providing a family friendly atmosphere along with a range of activities for members of all ages.The Club hosts 10 sports and interest subsections and schedules regular entertainment throughout the year. The Bistro is open Thurs – Sat for dinner and Wed & Sundays for lunch. The Club also offers a courtesy van service, 14 gaming machines, TAB services and free function room hire for members.

TUAKAU COSMOPOLITAN CLUB INC.

(09) 236 8296 • tuakau.cos@xtra.co.nz • www.tuakaucosmopolitanclub.nz 30 — Rural Living — September/October 2019

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Unique Family Environment • Massive Play Area with a Big Vegetable Garden Children 0-6 years old Open 7.30am-5.30pm Monday to Friday 30 Hours Free (3 years and over)

KAT6763

New members welcome – contact us for a membership form

a busy, small town, it also has plenty of recreational opportunities on its doorstep being blessed with parks and reserves, sport and service clubs, churches, schools and plenty of public amenities.

With Tu meaning ‘to stand’ in Maori and akau meaning ‘river bank’, the town is appropriately named – the mighty Waikato River meanders nearby with the arches of the Tuakau Bridge, near Batkin Reserve, a local landmark since the 1930s when this ‘new’ bridge was built.

Naturally, the river plays an integral role in the township’s identity with this waterway very much a playground for jet skis, Sea Scout boats, waka ama and various other recreational craft. The

1A & 3 Madill Street, Tuakau • Phone 09 236 8195 www.tuakauslittlestars.co.nz

KAT6612

www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/09/2019 2:07:36 p.m.

TUAKAU

sections have been rezoned to allow for minor subdivision. The township, itself, is well endowed with shops, a restored historic hotel, eateries, schools, child care, cosmopolitan club, general shopping, marae and a museum as well as banks and professional services.

Changing political boundaries see the Tuakau of today served by the Awaroa ki Tuakau Ward, under Waikato District

river also remains an essential link for whitebaiters and duck hunters looking to rustle up wild fare.

Although no longer strictly rural, nevertheless fertile soils still play a big part in horticulture and farming and the local stockyards continue to serve the region’s farmers.

However, new housing estates are being developed and some existing

Council. Though firmly in Waikato territory, most residents tend to consider themselves as part of Auckland and are officially served by many of Auckland’s public amenities.

Now attracting fresh interest as a place to call home, Tuakau does, indeed, offer home ownership opportunities and quality of life – who wouldn’t want to come and explore?

Vern Reeve

Licensee Salesperson

T 09 295 2022 M 0274 541 112 F 09 236 8280 E vern.reeve@raywhite.com 35 George Street, Tuakau 2121, Auckland NZ Southern Corridor Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008) rwtuakau.co.nz

A local agent with a strong relationship with his local community.

KAT6761

FAmily OwnEd And

OpERATEd

• Retail meat and home kill specialists • Good old fashioned, courteous service

09 236 8732

KAT6762

23 GEORGE STREET, TUAKAU

www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Blood pressure checks Flu vaccinations • INR testing Prescriptions • Blister packing Passport photos • Gifts Unichem Tuakau Pharmacy 51-53 George St, Tuakau - Phone (09) 236 8014 Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 8:30am - 5:30pm Thursday: 8:30am - 7pm - Saturday: 9am - 12:30pm

KAT6767

TUAKAU QUALITY MEATS

Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 31

12/09/2019 2:07:40 p.m.

TUAKAU

‘India’ adds spice TO TUAKAU (AND BEYOND!)

Ask most anyone about India Bar & Restaurant in Tuakau and you’re likely to hear: “best Indian food in the district”, “amazing food, lovely service”, “simply the best” or “you can’t beat India – it’s tops”.

A

nd, woe betide anyone who questions such praise or tries to downplay this regional favourite to its fans because it has plenty

of them.

Despite its modest exterior, India’s interior is neatly presented, welcoming and has a real sense of warmth especially when patrons pack in – not surprising, we’re talking Indian hospitality here!

What’s more it has a hugely loyal following and that’s for many reasons.

Firstly, it’s hard to dispute a menu crammed with northern Indian cuisine including intriguing house ‘specialities’ unlikely to be found anywhere nearby.

These dishes have their roots in India’s north western Punjab region renowned for its culture, ancient civilization, spirituality and rich history incorporating Sikhism and Hinduism.

Moreover, the restaurant fields regular weekly specials – different dishes to tempt the palate and, of course, it also offers Monday to Wednesday $12.99 curry and rice meals, kids eat free on Sunday nights

32 — Rural Living — September/October 2019

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and it caters for private functions.

But there’s much more to this tasty little number and it stems from owner and chef, Mukesh Sharma’s sense of community.

“I want India to be a place where people feel comfortable, welcome and to know they can rely on delicious food “which doesn’t see the microwave…ever!”

“It’s all about quality; for example we roast our chicken and lamb in a slow charcoal clay oven; patrons know they’ll wait around 20 minutes but when it comes out they expect – and I expect – it to be great!”

While culinary excellence and innovation is always on his mind, Mukesh is known for his generosity to the elderly and sick. Anyone in real need has only to ask and they will be given a free meal – Mukesh has given away a good number of dinners to those who would have gone hungry but for him and his team.

“I always hope that people feel they can come and ask without meeting judgement or disrespect. When things have taken a turn for the worst I believe neighbours

should help neighbours.”

With this kind of attitude, and his commitment to quality food and an authentic north Indian dining experience, it’s easy to see why India Restaurant recently received a national best service award from online meal service, Menulog.

Like the venue’s regulars, Menulog recognises excellence when tasted!

That’s why rural Tuakau can be proud of having its own little India where Mukesh and wife Ruby are big on flavour, creativity and community spirit.

Phone 09 236 9800 37B George St, Tuakau www.theindiarestaurant.co.nz www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/09/2019 2:07:51 p.m.

TUAKAU

From past to present….

T

he thrill of childhood treasure hunts – that frantic search followed by an excited find – is for most just a cherished memory. But for some of us, the hunt for treasure and all its rewards remains a lifelong passion.

That’s why locals are privileged – Country Treasures, in the heart of Tuakau, offers a wealth of preloved furniture and other classical items which speak of past traditions and beautiful craftsmanship.

Owner, Mike Macdonald has 35 years experience in the trade and for the past 7 years

has worked to ensure Country Treasures offers quality products and first class service.

Here ‘the past’ is still available in abundance, its value often underestimated except by those who appreciate beautiful workmanship and hidden ‘finds’.

Deliveries can be arranged for purchasers and for those looking to sell or downsize their beloved collections, Country Treasures is always keen to purchase vintage furniture and collectibles.

Enjoy this taste of what’s in store at Country Treasures.

WANTED TO BUY – VINTAGE FURNITURE

Country Treasures

More than 5000 sq ft Showroom of Antiques Cnr George and Jellicoe Ave, Tuakau. Phone 09 236 9225 and Collectibles www.ruralliving.co.nz Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 33 TUAKAU OPEN 7 DAYS

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12/09/2019 3:21:58 p.m.

K I D S books

STRONG TEAM – STRONG RESULTS

GRANDMA MCGARVEY JOINS THE SCRUM

CELEBRATE OUR BIRTHDAY MONTH! RECEIVE a FREE New World or Countdown Voucher (Value $100.00) when you list with us. (*Terms and conditions apply).

0800 76 78 76

Roll over Sam Whitelock and give Kieran Read the news – there’s a new rugby superstar set to launch and she’s ready to earn that jersey!

Presenting the latest adventure of a gutsy gran, Grandma McGarvey Joins the Scrum proves Jenny Hessell’s indomitable heroine will never let her side (or her readers) down.

*As each office is independently owned and operated this promotion only applies to RE/MAX 2Aspire.

Peter Strong

Maureen Strong

Licensed Salesperson

Licensed Agent

M 027 53 555 14

M 027 869 9789

E: strongs@remax2aspire.co.nz INDIVIDUALLY RECOGNISED RE/MAX AWARD

Jenny Hessell & Trevor Pye (illustrator): Grandma McGarvey Joins the Scrum | RRP $17.99 | Scholastic NZ

remax2aspire.co.nz Each office independently owned and operated Strong Realty Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

64 Queen St, WAIUKU Office (09) 299 2918 0800 76 78 76

KAT6454-V7

Strong Realty Limited (Licensed Agent REA 2008) Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

Tenors

THE INVINCIBLES – POWER UP & SHORT CIRCUIT As the All Blacks will tell you, extraordinary skills are required to play rugby at World Cup level. And yet, when five ordinary young players are struck by lightning, they suddenly find themselves in a league of their own, as books in this fun-filled, action-packed new series reveals. Roll over Sonny Bill, these kids really are on the ball!

Our tenors present the most famous and greatest melodies of all time, from music theatre, opera, operetta, spiritual, the crooners and classical.

PAPAKURA: Hawkins Theatre, 11am Thursday 24th October PUKEKOHE: Town Hall, 11am Tuesday 22nd October Tickets $35

34 — Rural Living — September/October 2019

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JU1274

(includes lunch after the concert, group discounts available)

0508 266 237 | www.operatunity.co.nz

Boots are useful, gumboots even more so, and Kiwi gumboots are best! A colourful story and accompanying CD run through many fun-filled and fantastic reasons (in both English and Maori) as to why Kiwi kids are gumboot kids.

June Pittman-Hayes & Minky Stapleton (illustrator): My Kiwi Gumboots | RRP $19.99 | Scholastic NZ

The 3

TO BOOK

MY KIWI GUMBOOTS

Peter Millet & Myles Lawford (illustrator): The Invincibles | RRP $14.99 each | Scholastic NZ www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/09/2019 2:07:55 p.m.

Mention this advert and get a game of golf for $10!

SAVE $15!

With exam season looming students will soon be in study mode although many find the art of studying not so easy to master.

A

ustralian tutoring service, Cluey Learning offers many tips to assist parents to help their children progress.

Here are some of them: 1. Establish a routine – Have a set time and place to complete homework – a dining room table at 4pm or the study after dinner. This ensures work gets done, and teaches time management. Ensure chosen space is free of distractions, including electronic devices or family conversations.

Remember to take breaks.

2. Make learning an activity to love – There will always some moans about homework and study. Even a voracious reader might recoil at the mention of trigonometry. But there are ways to make learning fun. Today’s children are digital natives so find the applications and websites which embrace an online, interactive approach to education.

3. Talk to your child about their challenges– It’s important to identify and address real or imagined learning challenges.

Stay positive about overcoming problems and keep things in perspective — difficulties aren’t insurmountable; use your child’s thoughts to guide your teaching approach.

4. Let kids complete their own work – Sounds super easy, right? But over-explaining something to the point of answering means that kids will never learn to think for themselves and make their own mistakes. Offer suggestions and give guidance, but it’s your child’s job to think, answer and solve.

5. Ask for help if needed Being a parent means wearing several hats but ‘trigonometry expert’ doesn’t have to be one of them. If you don’t excel when it comes to certain subjects, there are plenty of people who do. Find an expert for such topics so your child receives the best instruction.

Licensed café open for lunch Wednesday-Sunday from 11am-3pm Restaurant open for dinner Fri nights or any night for 20+ bookings Clubhouse open for coffee & baking Wed-Sun 9am-4pm, bar from 11am

MAXWELL’S EAT.PLAY.STAY It’s boutique and beautiful! Visit for lunch, dinner or 9 holes of golf. Our unique clubhouse is warm and welcoming – we love to have visitors. Set amongst the Bombay Hills, and now in its 20th year, Kaye Maxwell started with a few golf holes in the paddock and half her house as the clubhouse. Now a popular function centre, café & bar, with on-site accommodation, Maxwell’s retains the heart and soul of Kaye’s original vision – a place where people feel they belong with fresh country-style food, home baking and good coffee. See website for menu.

205B Ingram Rd, off Great South Rd, Bombay (drive to the end of the road) Ph 09 236 0911, www.eatplaystay.nz kaye@maxwellsgolf.co.nz

KAT6125-v10

Study tips

Hot Spots

OTHER RECOMMENDED TIPS:

www.ruralliving.co.nz

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STAMPEDE BAR & GRILL Stampede Bar & Grill is an authentic Western-style Bar and Restaurant in an exciting saloon-style environment. Try our mouth watering menu on western saddle seats in an authentic Wild West décor. Let loose with a boot stompin’ boogie to one of our DJs and bands and enjoy the most elaborately themed bar in town! Open 7 days, 9am till late with DJ’s every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For the best steaks in town, a fantastic wine list, large open fire and two big screens for sports matches. Come along and enjoy!

238 Great South Road, Papakura Ph 09 297 8991 www.facebook.com/StampedeNZ

JU0588

Stay in touch with your child’s teacher – teachers can provide tips on how to get involved and which areas to focus on. Attend school events and parent-teacher conferences to understand specific homework expectations.

Personalise the learning journey – Consider your child’s natural energy cycles and decide together how to approach homework. Some kids need to start straight after school; others need a longer break to decompress from the day. Some like to begin with the harder assignments first, while others prefer completing easier tasks to build confidence.

Link learning to the ‘real world’ – Students don’t always see the benefits of what they’re learning. Algebra might not seem to have real-world applications, but drawing on examples of how this knowledge has helped you calculate your mortgage repayments or create a monthly budget will add relevance.

Get the right content – Find out which websites and books your child’s teacher recommends. Bookmark sites you visit regularly during homework sessions.

Praise goes a long way – Praise from a parent short circuits negative thinking and gives kids validation. and confidence.

This is important across all ages – youngsters and teens.

Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 35

12/09/2019 2:07:55 p.m.

Ti Ora’s Cold

comforts

Forest Fruits Punch

Hot cuppas may be a welcome treat on a cold evening but, as the weather warms, fresh, fruity teas can help us cool down when poolside too.

Thanks to Ti Ora (which produces a rich range of tea) we have recipes for tipples designed to spice up spring and summer.

Ginger Lemongrass Fizz

Spiced Booch

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

◆◆Two tea bags Ti Ora Fruit Infusion – Forest Fruits with NZ Manuka Leaf ◆◆120ml hot water ◆◆20ml apple cider vinegar ◆◆50ml Ecology & Co London Dry ◆◆1 tsp maple syrup ◆◆Manuka flower

◆◆Two tea bags Ti Ora Green Tea with Ginger, Lemongrass & New NZ Kawakawa ◆◆100ml hot water ◆◆100ml ginger beer ◆◆Crystallized ginger ◆◆Cocktail skewer

◆◆One tea bag, Ti Ora Black Tea – Chai with Cinnamon & NZ Horopito ◆◆100ml hot water ◆◆50ml Seedlip Garden 108 tonic ◆◆50ml apple kombucha ◆◆Cinnamon stick

Method Brew two bags with hot water and apple cider vinegar for 5 mins. Remove the tea bags and allow it to cool down and chill.

Combine with Ecology & Co London Dry and maple syrup. Mix well. Serve into coupe glass over square ice cube. Garnish with manuka flower.

36 — Rural Living — September/October 2019

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Method Brew two bags in 100ml hot water for 3 mins. Remove the tea bags and allow to cool. Pour chilled tea into flute glass then top up with ginger beer. Garnish with a crystallized ginger skewer.

Method Brew one tea bag in 100ml hot water for 3 mins. Remove the tea bag and allow it to cool down, then chill. Pour chilled Ti Ora Black Tea Chai with Cinnamon and Seedlip Garden 108 into a flute glass and top up with apple kombucha. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/09/2019 2:08:02 p.m.

Beer Butter Grilled Oysters Oysters are often associated with champagne but, to create a fish dish which is sure to star, a beer pairing can prove as good as gold, Anna King Shahab from Rad/ish reveals.

Serves 2-4 as an entree

INGREDIENTS ◆ 12 fresh Te Kouma oysters in the half shell ◆ 50g butter ◆ 50ml Stella Artois ◆ 2 Tbsp grated swiss cheese ◆ Handful flat-leaf parsley ◆ 1 red chilli, finely julienned Croutons ◆ A few slices sourdough baguette ◆ 2 Tbsp olive oil ◆ 1 tsp smoked paprika

METHOD To make croutons, cut the sourdough slices into very small cubes, toss together with the olive oil, paprika and a pinch of salt, lay out in single layer on a lined baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes. Check occasionally, until toasted and golden. Set aside to cool.

Sunday marketS

Preheat oven to 200C on grill setting. Using a small sharp knife, carefully cut through the muscle that joins each oyster to its shell so as to retain the precious liquor in each shell. Lay oysters in half shells in an ovenproof dish, making sure they’re balanced so as not to tip and let the juices run during cooking.

In a heavy fry pan (cast iron is best), melt the butter, add the Stella Artois and let bubble for one minute.

Take off heat and spoon a few teaspoons of the beer-butter over each oyster, aiming to keep the sauce nestled in each shell.

Sprinkle a pinch of cheese over each oyster, then place dish in oven and grill for 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling and the oysters appear semi-cooked on top. Scatter over parsley, croutons and chilli and serve immediately with an ice-cold Stella Artois.

Weddings - Birthdays or any special occasions

So, where are you going for a great night out?

Dinner Theatre at its Best A choice of two hilarious shows

MURDER AT HOTEL BALLE BALLE

FAULTY TOWERS Simply Outstanding

WINNER RuRal CafE of thE YEaR

Red Shed

Palazzo

www.redshedpalazzo.co.nz

www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLSeptember-October19.indd 37

Breakfast/Lunch – licensed OPEN 7 days 8.30am - 4.00pm 16 Jesmond Rd, Karaka Ph (09) 294 6687

Email: eat@redshedpalazzo.co.nz

Simply Crazy

FAULTY TOWERS

Nov 22, 30, Dec 6, 14

MURDER AT HOTEL BALLE BALLE Nov 23, 29, Dec 7, 13

Delicious Meal with Licensed Bar $85 per head for show, meal & dancing till late

Contact: Maree Strange E:faultytowersshow@xtra.co.nz 09 296 1854 or 027 270 4772 Contact: Jo Pater E:tjpater@xnet.co.nz 0274 511 318 www.faultytowersshow.co.nz KAT6756 Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 37

12/09/2019 2:08:09 p.m.

T

H

M t n t

NEED FOR SEED? Ahead of National Gardening Week (October 21-28) Yates is encouraging youngsters to dust off their gloves and prepare to bring flowers back to our backyards. To claim a free packet of Yates seeds, simply register online from October 1-14 via yates.co.nz/ nationalgardeningweek.

Concept drawing

PRETTY WILDERNESS ‘PRIDE’ OF HAMILTON

BUDDING GARDENER,

rich pickings W

ell nurtured, even the smallest of seeds can flourish.

So, to ensure budding gardeners have everything they need to grow their skills, Yates is encouraging children aged 5-15 to enter its Budding Young Gardener competition.

“It [gardening] is becoming a fading skill with many of today’s kids not knowing what a seed is, or where potatoes come from,” competition judge, Ruud Kleinpaste, says. “As our lives get busier and more complex, the art of gardening becomes more important.”

While seven regional winners will receive

What would you do in an English country garden? Opening in November, Hamilton Gardens’ Picturesque Garden could be said to be more than 200 years in the making.

Part of the Fantasy Garden Collection, this fresh addition was inspired by the Picturesque Garden movement of the late 18th Century (a reaction to Baroque formality) and promises a snapshot of Georgian Britain. Or, to put it another way, it aims to be a: “prettyish kind of wilderness” – as described in Jane Austen’s iconic novel, Pride and Prejudice.

More information accessible via hamiltongardens.co.nz.

hampers valued at more than $300 each, the overall winner will become a Yates ambassador for a year and also secure a family trip to Hawaii. To enter, children must answer gardening questions and submit videos or photographs of their gardens – see yates.co.nz/buddingyoung-gardener for details; entries close October 6.

“Producing food is one obvious benefit but caring for a plant can teach children about responsibility as well as science, nature and nutrition,” Mr Kleinpaste adds. “Taking time to learn the basics of gardening brings so many rewards.”

G

d p f p I n c t s p t s

L

a n a s b t r

L

n t t f l e

O

a t t a g e

W

d e s

FREE DRAPE MAKING

ON CHARLES PARSONS & JAMES DUNLOP FABRICS! Conditions apply

20% OFF SHADE ELEMENTS OUTDOOR AWNINGS AND BLINDS Conditions apply

20% OFF ROMAN BLIND MAKING Majorelle by James Dunlop

22 Queen St, Pukekohe 38 — Rural Living — September/October 2019

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ON CHARLES PARSONS & JAMES DUNLOP FABRICS! Conditions apply

www.kevenscurtains.co.nz

KAT5593-v20

Ph: 09 2389326

www.ruralliving.co.nz

12/09/2019 3:28:36 p.m.

How to choose a great neighbourhood Moving to a new town or city can be overwhelming, particularly if you’re trying to choose a neighbourhood to buy a home in. While it’s true that how a great neighbourhood looks can differ person to person, all great neighbourhoods do share some common factors which are universally appealing. Here we explore 10 signs the neighbourhood you live in (or would like to live in) is a good one.

GREAT SCHOOLS – Even if you

smaller with little to no outdoor spaces available.

don’t have children now, buying a property within an area renowned for great schools has a very positive affect on property prices.

In most places, parents generally need to live within a public school’s catchment area in order to send their children to that particular school. Some parents are willing to pay top dollar to ensure they live in the catchment area of a great public school.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND WALKABILITY – In larger areas

being close to public transport is a must with a huge number of commuters relying on buses, rail and ferries to get them to work every day. Walkability is also a big factor although, the ability to leave the car at home when visiting nearby attractions such as markets, shops and cafes, makes an area really desirable.

LOW CRIME RATES – This is

a pretty universal sign of a good neighbourhood. We all want to live in an area where we feel safe and secure and savvy property buyers will do their research by looking at crime rates when it comes to moving to a new area. This information readily available online.

LIFESTYLE OPTIONS – A well-rounded

neighbourhood is one which offers different things to different people. This could mean there are plenty of nearby cafes and bars for foodies, walking and hiking trails for active locals, or even local clubs and leagues for engaged community members.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES – Living in an

area where residents don’t have to travel too far to get out and about and enjoy the great outdoors makes an area more appealing. Think of parks, playgrounds, golf courses, tennis courts, public pools and even nearby lakes and rivers.

WELL-PRESENTED HOMES – Not only does a neighbourhood look amazing when each house is well presented, but it also shows that your neighbours take pride in their homes, a good sign for any prospective

property buyer or seller. This doesn’t have to mean living in a street of luxury properties.

Great presentation starts with a mowed lawn, neat and tidy yard, freshly painted façade and clean, well-maintained footpaths.

LEAFY AND WELL ESTABLISHED –

Even in inner-city areas, a leafy main road, with well-established older buildings and homes can look really inviting. It shows the area has a bit of heritage given the age of the trees that line most streets and the age of the buildings which have been maintained over time.

FAMILY FRIENDLY – Aside from great

schools many factors play a part in making an area appealling to families. Funnily enough, most are listed above. In addition to these, an area which has larger homes on potentially larger blocks will probably appeal more to families than, say, the heart of the city where units run significantly

ENTERTAINMENT – Not everyone loves the idea of travelling into an inner city to have dinner, see a movie or catch-up for drinks so residential areas which also boast great local cafes, bars or theatres are always popular as are those with great family entertainment options such as playgrounds, sports grounds, libraries and cinemas.

SHOPPING – Being close to the shops is

not just convenient it can be a draw card which gets people to visit a neighbourhood.

Weekend markets are popular neighbourhood attractions, as are largescale shopping centres, supermarkets, and unique local boutiques.

This weekend, why not look around your local neighbourhood and see what makes your area special. It’s great to be aware of major selling points in your location, and if you’re interested in buying in a particular area, why not see how it stacks up in the desirability stakes?

If you’re looking to buy in an area completely new to you Jo-Ann will have a good knowledge of the local area and will be able to answer questions about a neighbourhood. Give her a call today.

Jo-Ann Day-Townsend 0800 TOWNSEND or 021 1696 056 jo-ann.day-townsend@harcourts.co.nz www.joanndaytownsend.co.nz Port Realty Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 39

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awing

The Countryside Begins with Townsend...

12/09/2019 2:08:23 p.m.

We dig holidays!

Simply shop at any Central Landscape Supplies store from Sat 5 October - Mon 28 October, fill in an entry form and you’re in the draw to win a fabulous break away to the destination of your choice!* *Visit our website for T&C’s.

Visit your local yard: Central Landscape Supplies Drury Open Hours: Monday - Friday: 7am - 5pm, Saturday: 8am - 4pm, Sunday: 9am - 1pm 40 — Rural Living — September/October 2019

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www.centrallandscapes.co.nz • 09 294 8410 • 141 Great South Rd, Drury, Auckland

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Team knows how to grow winners

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

Central’s Tips October 2019

Spring is well and truly here and it’s time to feed the garden with a fertiliser and get stakes ready for climbing plants.

Control pests like aphids and protect apples and pears from codling moths.

In the Veggie Patch • Apply liquid fertiliser around all edible plants and over the foliage. Make sure you put in frames or stakes for fast growing crops. This includes tomatoes, beans and corn.

• Plant pumpkin seeds in a spacious area that has had plenty of compost.

• Apple and pear trees: once you see small fruit forming after blossom, protect from Codling Moth by hanging sticky traps in the branches or spray every two or three weeks with Yates Success Ultra. (Maximum of four sprays).

• Get the summer herbs going: French tarragon, chervil, sage etc.

• Aphid control on edibles: Aquaticus Bugtrol is an excellent organic remedy.

The rest of the Garden • Fertilise lawns with Turfmaster Gold • Planting Clematis: Make sure you dig through plenty of Living Earth organic Compost. Dig a hole and position the rootball a couple of centimetres below the ground surface. Mulch well or place large river stones on top to maintain cool roots. If it wilts, leave it in the ground as it will probably re-shoot in a few months.

• Other great climbing plants for walls or fences: Flowering: bougainvillea, rambling roses (Alberic Barbier is excellent), mandevilla.

Evergreens: climbing hydrangea, NZ tecomanthe and the star jasmine.

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ulch, fertiliser, weed control and pebbles all make gardens beautiful but it seems working with the good earth has also cultivated a winning team at Central Landscapes Supplies, Drury.

Ross Ede has owned the Drury yard for the past 20 years, fostering a business lters which ably caters to domestic Ross Ede and Tania Wa and commercial landscaping needs. Having put heart, soul and a good deal of muscle into pleasing his customers, Ross was deservedly runner up Franchise of the Year at the 2019 Central Landscapes Franchise Awards.

What’s more, he is delighted that new customer service assistant, Tania Walters was also named, Most Promising New Employee in the 2019 Staff Awards.

“Most of my team have been here for many years and I take pride in the great landscaping advice and service they all give,” Ross says. “Our franchise award was the result of hard work and sound knowledge from everyone. I couldn’t be more pleased.”

Like all Central Landscapes’ yards, the Drury site has a great range of paving, pebbles, soil, bark and mulches all well displayed to make selecting the right shade, size and quantity of purchases, super easy. It also stocks an excellent range of growing mixes produced locally by Living Earth. This includes top-selling Garden Mix, Lawn Mix and Compost, all of which are 100% weed-free and derived from the composting of Auckland’s green waste.

“To see just how good they are, check out our veggie bed by the shop door,” Ross says.

Importantly, Central Landscapes also carries the Prolawn range of lawn seed and fertilisers. It has eight different lawn seed options in different bag sizes so there’s a lawn for every purpose and don’t forget, when sowing a lawn to use Turfmaster Lawn starter fertiliser.

Of course, when it comes to gardening, every job needs its tools and Ross has a huge selection for everything from rakes to shovels and spades for all manner of tasks.

“Our tool selection comes from the choices our tradies make – they tell us what helps them get the job done quicker so we can stock quality options for our customers.”

Handily located on the fringe of Drury’s shopping village you can’t miss the Drury yard – its eye-catching green theme and prominent signage all distinctive and helpful.

Importantly, the website: www.centrallandscapes.co.nz has plenty of good advice and videos to help sort out projects.

Free loan trailers are also available when customers need to get a load of mulch, garden mix or metal home for that weekend project – “We have plenty but it’s a good idea to ring ahead now that spring is here,” Ross advises.

Catering for all landscaping needs Central Landscape Supplies, Drury, 141 Great South Rd, Drury. Open seven days.

Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 41

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property market seeks more listings to revive momentum

By Darren Szaszy, Barfoot & Thompson, Pukekohe

T

he Auckland housing market has emerged from the three months of winter in a stable position but it is one which needs more listings to revive lost momentum according to Peter Thompson, managing director of Barfoot & Thompson.

“Trading in the three months of winter, including August, followed the same steady pattern of last year,” says Mr Thompson. “A pattern of modest sales numbers, prices at near record levels and new vendors hesitant to enter the market emerged. Spring just may be the trigger required to revive the market.

“In August we sold 746 properties, down 15.1 percent on those for July, but not too far out of line with our trading numbers for August over the past two years.”

Mr Thompson says prices paid for those properties were excellent, with the average price being $930,090 and the median price being $830,000.

“The average is higher than that achieved for the previous three months while the median price is right in line with that for the previous three months.”

Auction remains the most popular sales method, and while sales under the hammer at auctions are down on what they were two to three years ago, post auction negotiation are leading to a good level of settlements.

“What is lacking in the market at present is listings,” Mr Thompson says. “In August new listings were 1052, the lowest in an August for more than a decade and, at month end, we had 3818 properties on our books, the lowest number in 20 months.

“Given the near record prices being achieved, and market choice being at its lowest for nearly two years, the incentive to list in the current market has to be strong.”

He adds that sales were being achieved across all price segments of the market, with a third of August sales under $750,000, a third between $750,000 and $1 million, and the final third above $1 million.

The rural and lifestyle markets also experienced low listings during winter, and while sales numbers for lifestyle properties were modest, those sales have led to choice being even further restricted.

In the rural sector kiwi fruit properties remain in demand while lots of 20 ha and more, which had attracted limited interest in the first half of the year, are back in favour.

42 — Rural Living — September/October 2019

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from the expert’s desk

major renovation success – Part TWO This month Kim Reiche, director of Refresh Renovations Franklin and Manukau, shares the next stage of secret ingredients required for a successful renovation project and advises on how to keep unexpected costs minimised.

Working drawings – With the initial scope of your renovation agreed and the base budget now identified (see my last column July/August 2019), we can now dive into the finer details of your renovation recipe. Preparing working drawings brings the renovation to life and flows on to detailed time lines, full costings and a contract, so we can both agree that this is the recipe to follow. There’s a mountain of complexity involved at this stage and it’s where our expertise shines.

Getting the mix just right – Who do you need on your team?

We have the answers. As well as talented in-house design specialists and project teams, we have access to an amazing, highly skilled, and reliable group of tradespeople and professionals – a strong team built over many years.

We know them; they know us. We know how they operate, what they need to do their part of the process well, and we know when they are needed in your renovation recipe. No guess work or stress on your part – we have it all under control.

Project Management – Builders, architects, plumbers, engineers, electricians, surveyors, tilers, glaziers… the list of tradies and professionals required in a major renovation goes on! Like a finely tuned restaurant team serving up award-winning dishes, ensuring the right person, is in the right place and doing the right thing at exactly the right time, is imperative for a smooth and efficient renovation.

That’s not to mention lining up all of the ingredients at exactly the right time so those people have what they need to get on and do what they do – consent applications, building supplies, bathroom ware, kitchen appliances, timing of council inspections, lighting fixtures, concrete, windows, tiles…need we say more?

Don’t worry about this daunting list, because we’ll take care of it all for you.

Know the recipe, have the correct ingredients, get timings right and work with the best team and you’ll create an award-winning result.

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12/09/2019 2:08:39 p.m.

What’s up with D. O’C...

In this land of milk and seaweed, as Minister for Agriculture, Rural Communities and a number of other things besides, Damien O’Connor takes a hands-on approach, as recent ministerial releases reveal.

HEALTHY WATERWAYS – FARMERS ‘IN SINK’?

Water is almost everywhere in God’s Own but, far from being safe to drink, in some places it’s not even safe to swim.

To address this, the Government has launched its Action Plan for Healthy Waterways, which will require farmers play a vital role, our Minister for Agriculture attests.

“Farmers have done a huge amount of work to improve their practices over the last 20 years and some are leading the way in restoring our pristine waterways, but more work needs to be done. The knowledge and skills of those exemplar farmers needs to be shared with others,” Mr O’Connor said earlier this month.

In addition to a raft of requirements including higher standards for water quality in swimming spots and improved management of stormwater and wastewater, farmers will be expected to curtail practices that result in pollution of waterways. “[The plan] will give us the quality water that farmers, city dwellers and future generations want and deserve.”

A FRIEND WITH ‘WEED’ While political debate may continue with regards to another type of weed, Kiwis are less likely to protest that they did not ‘inhale’ one of the latest home-grown products of Coromandel.

“Undaria, also known as wakame, is often referred to as ‘the gorse of the sea’,” Mr O’Connor explained recently. “It’s one of the world’s most invasive pests. It’s also a staple part of the diet in Japan, where quality wakame is in short supply.”

Armed with $75,000 of funding through the Government’s Sustainable Food &

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legislation will support our dairy sector to produce and export high value goods in a way that sustains the environment it relies upon,” Mr O’Connor said soon after the Bill’s first reading late last month.

“The DIRA was passed into law in 2001 and saw the creation of Fonterra. It also promotes the efficient operation of dairy markets in New Zealand. The industry has changed considerably since and it is important to ensure the regulatory regime puts the sector in the best possible position.”

The Bill is now in the hands of a select committee. Full details regarding the proposed changes are accessible via mpi. govt.nz/dira-review.

Damien O’Connor

Fibre Futures fund, Coromandel’s Wakame Fresh is intent on turning seaweed into a high value export.

“This project is really exciting. It’s pioneering, it’s innovative and it has the potential to create new market opportunities. It also supports a Government priority to assist thriving and sustainable regions,” Mr O’Connor added.

“The Wakame Fresh team are turning gorse into gourmet!”

DIRA-EST DAMIEN Picking up a bottle of milk at the local dairy may be achieved relatively quickly but restructuring the dairy industry has taken just a little more time. However, now that the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill (DIRA) has been read in Parliament, change could be right around the corner.

“The proposed changes to this

AGRICULTURE’S ‘LEFT’ CENTRE The primary sector has been given first class status in efforts to encourage secondary students into tertiary-level vocational training, our Minister of Agriculture confirmed late last month.

Part of a wider employment strategy, the Government is establishing a Primary Sector Centre of Vocational Excellence.

“I see the centre as a great opportunity to make a difference to the quality of teaching and learning, and ensure that people working in the primary industries have the skills they need now and in the future,” Mr O’Connor said.

“I’m pleased to see industry representatives, including the Skills Leaders Working Group, will be working with government on the proposals for the pilot.”

The centre is expected to be the first of three (established through funding of $18 million over four years) devoted to addressing skills shortages in vocational trades.

Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 43

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IN TWO GREAT LOCATIONS

Got something to say?

Tell us what is happening – we want to know what you think... what you like... what you want to see in Rural Living Feature your business in our next issue – booking deadline October 11

Phone 0800 456 789 | info@ruralliving.co.nz www.ruralliving.co.nz www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Send in your contributions for our ‘Get off the Grass’ page – anecdotes of farm, lifestyle and family life

Rural Living — September/October 2019 — 45

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Subject to normal lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. First instalment and on-road costs to be paid in advance. A document fee of $543 applies.

46 — Rural Living — September/October 2019

Takanini SsangYong | Phone: 09 295 1660 170 Great South Road, Takanini www.ruralliving.co.nz SC3852-v18

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5/09/2019 10:31:23 a.m.

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