Rural Living-South Covid-19 Lockdown Flipbook 20-4-20 by Times Media

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LATEST NEWS

EIGHT IN A BUBBLE Eight is never a crowd in the Plummer household! Locked down in Karaka they are (back, from left) Mark Plummer and sons, Harry, Benjamin, and Josh. Front (from left) Jo Plummer, Georgia Martin, Laura Inkster and Piper Plummer – see story pages 4-5.

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SALLIES RISE TO LOCAL NEEDS It’s tough times for Kiwis everywhere and many Franklin families are among those struggling to deal with job loss, mortgage payments, bills and buying even the most basic groceries. Thankfully, Salvation Army food banks are helping nationwide. HELEN PERRY spoke to Lieutenant Ted Kim who is working hard to manage the Pukekohe hub and to see parcels are distributed to those in need.

Subsequently, parcels which go out can only reflect items which have been donated and, sometimes, needs don’t match what’s in stock says Lieutenant Ted Kim who is overseeing the local Tobin Street centre. “In the first week people didn’t really know about our small food bank; then by the end of the second week we had about 20 requests. By the middle of the third week I was holding some 37 requests but we didn’t have all the items needed.” The surge in requests can be attributed to a number of reasons Lieutenant Kim believes. “Naturally, more people are learning about us, others are only now starting to feel the pinch and others are contacting us because trying to get through to WINZ for assistance is proving difficult due to the huge demand there. “Families have told me they have sat on the phone for hours and have just had to hang up. One lady said the battery in her old phone lasted only two hours; she wasn’t able to get through in that time.” Although assisted by the national programme, Lieutenant Kim says the Pukekohe food bank, which serves most

Photo Wayne Martin

In the third week of the Covid-19 lockdown calls on the Salvation Army’s Pukekohe food bank were almost double that of the first two weeks with groceries, personal items, and hygiene products in high demand despite donations beginning to dry up.

Lieutenant Kim

of Franklin – Waiuku, Kingseat, Pokeno, Tuakau and, of course, Pukekohe – is very reliant on local donations. “At the moment many donations, especially from local businesses, which are now closed and struggling themselves, have dropped away. Even Countdown, which is a major supporter of the food banks nationwide, is flat out and has, itself, been short on some goods. “Nevertheless, we could not manage without their wonderful goodwill and that of others. Our local MP helped get us vegetables from Turners and Growers and a local café donated 40 bottles of milk.” Lieutenant Kim adds that most people who apply for assistance are women. “It’s the mums of the district who generally collect the parcels. On the other hand, of those people living alone, the majority of requests seem to some from single men.” At present parcels are usually delivered although the tiny team (mostly two people) appreciates those who can collect. “Local requests generally come

2 – RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

in by phone or via the website. We follow up with a phone interview and, once processed, parcels are made up, hopefully to suit needs, although this isn’t always possible,” Lieutenant Kim says. “For example, one young mother was desperate for nappies and another expectant mum asked for special food to ensure her unborn baby would get the nutrients it needs. We’re doing the best we can but with more goods needed and because many of our volunteers are elderly and need to stay in their bubble, we could do with extra help.” Those who can assist the Sallies’ Pukekohe food bank can do so by cheque, internet banking or by donating supermarket vouchers. Just call 09 238 5641 but because the lockdown means volunteers are thin on the ground, there may be a delay in pick up – leave a message. Donations can also be made via foobank. org.nz or via salvationarmy.org.nz then go to the ‘make a donation’ category. All donations, local or national, will be acknowledged and receipted.

“We have used all our savings bar $200 to get by. If my husband cannot go back to work in a week’s time we don’t know what we will do,” she says.

FAMILY FACES DESTITUTION Unity, positivity and compassion are some of the beneficial outcomes of the Covid-19 lockdown but the flipside is hardship, uncertainty and despair. HELEN PERRY spoke to one Pukekohe family of eight struggling to stay afloat. If it wasn’t for the Salvation Army’s Pukekohe food bank, the Finnegan family (not their real name) would be in dire straits.

expects full rent to be paid and although she has approached WINZ for help she says the experience made her feel like a liar.

Although dad has retained his job, being in lockdown means he is reliant on the $585 government wage subsidy to support his wife and six children. That amount needs to cover rent of $565 per week, a car payment, plus all the usual household bills and shopping.

“We have never sought WINZ help before and though I have received two food grants, the whole experience made me feel awful. I felt as if the interviewer thought I was lying about our circumstances. I don’t want to go back there again but I may have to.”

Mrs F is a stay-at-home mum; the children’s ages are 11, 10, 9, 7 and three years with the youngest just 18 months.

On the other hand, this mum is full of praise for the local Salvation Army.

“We have used all our savings bar $200 to get by. If my husband cannot go back to work in a week’s time we don’t know what we will do,” she says. At this stage Mrs F says the landlord still

“They have been wonderful. They have never questioned our situation, never made me feel inadequate and have helped us enormously. I am so grateful for the food parcels and their support.” While the family is trying to stay positive, Mum says even helping the

children with school work is a test – “supervising six children isn’t easy.” But she says this with no resentment and even with a hint of a chuckle in her voice – amazing considering her situation. “Luckily, we have the internet and our eldest son is set up with online learning. I also received the education packs for the younger children and we are trying to work with those.” Although the family fully supports the need for the lockdown, for them the reality is that there isn’t enough money to go around. “And, we are just one family which has rent or a mortgage eating up nearly all our money,” Mrs F says. “How we will cope if my husband cannot go back to work, we just don’t know.”

RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 3

EIGHT IN A BUBBLE NO TROUBLE!

The Covid-19 lockdown has, undoubtedly, had its ups and downs for many families. What’s more, if you’re in a bubble of eight, something could be expected to go pop but that hasn’t been the case for one Karaka family as HELEN PERRY discovered. Karaka’s Plummer family hasn’t been idle during the Covid-19 lockdown – strong links to various sports codes has meant prioritising daily workouts to keep fitness levels up and stress levels down. And, it’s worked. While the odds of eight people living harmoniously together for weeks under one roof might not appear good, it seems this united interest in sport, and a strong family work ethic, is making the difference. The family consists of: • Dad, Mark, physiotherapist for Super Rugby team, the Blues, and for Auckland Rugby. • Mum, Jo, who operates a well known Pilates studio and is a former water polo rep last competing in 2017 at the Master Games in Auckland. • Children – Josh undertaking a post

Jo oversees Josh and Benjamin’s gym

workout.

graduate teaching diploma and his partner, Georgia Martin (a primary school teacher); Harry (Blues and Auckland Rugby player) and his partner Laura Inkster (national

show jumping champ), Ben studying communications at Auckland University of Technology and daughter, Piper, year 10 student at St Mary’s College, Ponsonby.

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“Every morning we come together for an hour long workout but each of us generally includes further individual exercise time to maintain personal fitness routines – for example, using equipment such as weights, the rower, cycle and more.”

for Laura and Georgia.

Josh, who plays opening batsman in premier grade cricket for Papatoetoe while Georgia plays football for Three Kings.

Exercise also includes walking the Plummer’s two dogs – seven-year-old Labrador cross, Lucky and one-year-old bearded collie cross, Rocco – plus time for outdoor games such as croquet and petanque. “Laura also visits her horses daily – they need feed, grooming and health checks but she can’t ride in case there’s an accident. On the other hand, Georgia is teaching remotely,” Jo says. Prior to lockdown, Piper, a former Papakura netball rep, made the premier netball team at St Mary’s while Ben, who plays rugby for Ponsonby, is recovering from a shoulder reconstruction after an injury incurred during the Jock Hobbs U19 memorial tournament. That leaves

POULTRY

CLICK & COLLECT

Mark supervises woodwork lessons

Blues first five eighth, Harry, should need little introduction to rugby fans or locals – he was last interviewed by Rural Living soon after he signed with the Blues; the, story appeared in our June 2018 issue. Like professional sportspeople everywhere, he says, in the meantime, his is a ‘wait and see’ game. Now, if readers think this family’s sports background is plenty to keep anyone on point with training and very little else, then they would be wrong. Jo is particularly mindful of clients now unable to attend Pilates. So, to assist them she posts four workouts and stretching sessions on her private Youtube page once a week. “In this way when clients return to class

REMEMBRANCE

they won’t have to start from scratch.” Mark has also been giving family members woodwork lessons and when it rains board games offer fun and respite from physical workouts. “We’re so lucky to have so much room; it allows for together time and private time, too,” Jo says. “Apart from our group exercise we all gather around the dinner table at night to air any gripes – our sometimes unreliable internet connection causes frustration – but mostly to say how grateful we are for our situation. “And, we are very grateful. A lot of people don’t have the luxury of family members nearby or a place where they aren’t living on top of each other. Nevertheless, like others, we are hopeful that level four will pass soon and gradually life will start returning to normal.”W

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“In one way or another, we’re all involved with sport so living on 4.5 acres, and having a six-bedroom home plus the Pilates studio and a gym set-up in the barn, has made it easier for us than for many folk,” Jo says. “We have space and plenty of it which is why the boys, who were flatting, came home for the lockdown.

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RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 5

Puzzle Page Cryptic Puzzle ACROSS

NO. 10009

DOWN

1. With an exclamation, the idiot stands up on the bath rack (6). 2. A sitter and it’s dropped! That’s a bloomer!(5). 3. Not all mean to turn tail (7). 4. In the U.K., do you remember when someone longed to have one Thatcher hater removed? (4). 5. On cue, out comes the beast (5). 6. I come down again in the country (7). 7. Happy to catch the lawbreaker in “6 Down” (6). 13. She brought back the coins - gold (7). 15. Also changing the inset one doesn’t like (7). 16. Putting in the doctor’s outfit, gets carried away (6). 17. In short, roll on Saturday, chum! (6). 19. I take round extra material (5). 21. At the time, could be seen to be nervous (5). 22. In that case, what’s the difference between me and men? (4).

Sudoku

NO. 003

1. The killer in “The Pencil Murders”? (4,9). 8. “More like summer,” says the cockney swimmer (5). 9. Do fold the lace and tuck it away (7). 10. Fearfully sorry? (6). 11. And shivering, the girl is in a state (6). 12. Line the material (5). 14. Slip on a piece of glass (5). 18. Continue to be sure, wandering off by myself (6). 20. Pound to a paste (6). 23. The food includes local and foreign (7). 24. So going in when certain (5). 25. Make a gesture that has no meaning (5,4,4).

22 23

Quick Puzzle ACROSS

DOWN

1. 8. 9. (7) 10. 11. 12. 14. 18. 20. 23. 24. 25.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 13. 15. 16. 17. 19. 21. 22.

Benevolent (13) Copious (5) Musical instrument Bar (6) Elite (6) Implant (5) Fact (5) Upright (6) Hairdresser (6) Synopsis (7) Fool (5) Impenitently (13)

NO. 10009

Extol (6) Drive (5) Breathtaking (7) Tense (4) Awaken (5) Gift (7) Produce (6) Least (7) Perceive (7) Pursuer (6) Brave (6) Step (5) Happiness (5) Dog (4)

WE’RE BACK! WE’RE STAYING IN

TOUCH! 6 – RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

As readers know, the Covid-19 lockdown isn’t stopping the team from Rural Living and SOUTH magazines from communicating with you all. Our weekly digital flipbook is aimed at keeping you informed and entertained. Once again we bring you a mix of essential services, news, fashion, beauty, kids fun, boredom beaters and more. Check in with us again next Monday – we’re sending to Franklin... with love! And please subscribe at www.ruralliving.co.nz and www.southmagazine.co.nz

FROM THE EDITOR

FINDING THE JOY IN HARDSHIP Four weeks of lockdown almost completed and haven’t we done well! In the most part that is. In particular, I want to commend the indefatigable Dr Ashley Bloomfield. Little known to many folk before Covid-19, he has brought his leadership skills, knowledge and calm, measured demeanour to our television screens for Covid-19 updates, keeping us all clearly informed of ongoing events. His composure has been reassuring and uplifting. But also uplifting have been my regular walks around the block – so many people voicing a cheerful greeting to each other – strangers but united in this massive effort to contain the spread of Covid-19. I have loved seeing all the bears and other soft toys in windows, on garden seats, terraces and other places visible

from the road. And, then, over Easter weekend there appeared beautifully coloured posters of Easter eggs, Easter rabbits and Easter messages. They popped up on fences and in windows – when was the last time we saw this kind of reaching out between neighbours and passersby? At Christmas, brightly illuminated homes have that same uniting effect, but this is more modest yet so endearing. Without prattling on, I’d just like to congratulate everyone for the way they have gone about adhering to the Government’s decisions and advice. And, for the way so many have sought innovative ways for neighbours and small communities to stay in touch – but just beyond reach.

Although plans are being made for Level 3 to go ahead, we still have some way to go and I know there are many families doing it hard. But if everyone can keep up the commitment, accompanied by good humour and amiability, hopefully we will come out the other side with a fresh and brighter perspective of that commandment – love thy neighbour. Thinking of all our readers, Kia kaha,

Helen Perry, Editor

! TAKE ME HOME COUNTRY ROAD So, this is what lockdown does to our busiest local road. It’s a fair while since State Hwy 22/Paerata Road look like this at peak time, let alone any other time of the day. Morning and evening usually sees one long stream of vehicles either heading to the Southern Motorway or returning from State Hwy 1 to Pukekohe and surrounds. And, even at off peak, traffic is generally steady. What’s more, if empty roads mean locals are adhering to lockdown rules they are surely contributing to the continued fall in our cities’ pollution rates, too. Now, that is a blessing but, for sure, it won’t be long before many of us are… back on the road again!

RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 7

LOCKING DOWN CYBER SECURITY As many of us spend more time working online from home, CERT NZ is reminding us all to stay safe from viruses of another nature, as well as other nasties. From encouraging fake donations to the World Health Organisation, fake coronavirus maps, phishing emails claiming to have updated Covid-19 information and even text messages offering to direct people to testing facilities, the unscrupulous appear to be out in force. Working alongside various government agencies, CERT NZ is focused on protecting cyber security

for New Zealanders. Reports from overseas indicate businesses worldwide are aware of an increasing threat online, but as many smaller organisations seek to cut costs in the wake of the outbreak, skimping on cyber security could prove a costly error, Rachel Welsh from USA-Based Atlas VPN warns. “Global recession due to Covid-19 is inevitable, so companies are already cutting costs. I suspect smaller organisations may no longer be prioritising cybersecurity tools amid the recession,” she says.

“[Larger] corporations are aware of how hackers can take advantage of the crisis and I expect them to continue prioritising cybersecurity.” In 2020, 47% of organisations internationally reported a significant investment increase in cloud security; the expenses are predicted to rise from $636 million in 2020 to $1.63 billion in 2023, Atlas VPN predicts. For detailed information about the latest online scams and how to avoid them, visit cert.govt.nz; the latest Atlas VPN survey is accessible via atlasvpn.com.

GOOD WILL KEY TO WAGE SUBSIDY SCHEMES Employee advocate groups are urging employers to ensure they treat the Government’s Covid-19 pay subsidies in the spirit in which they have been provided. “I’m encouraging business owners to talk openly with their staff before making decisions affecting their jobs,” Equal Employment Opportunities and Women’s Rights Commissioner, Saunoamaali’i Karanina Sumeo, says. “I urge bosses to face up to the inevitable emotional conversations, continue to exercise transparency and do the right thing. Get support from other business owners who are facing

the same dilemmas. We are all in this together.” Ms Sumeo adds that concerns have been raised by unions that some employers are not passing on the wage subsidy or are compelling staff to use sick or annual leave as cover during the isolation period. “I applaud the Government for listening to the voices of workers, unions, business owners and civil society as reflected in its swift policy responses.

8 – RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

The time taken to understand and address particular vulnerabilities of different groups in our communities sends the message that ‘we see you and this is how you’ll be supported’,” she adds. “It’s important that those with the least have what they need to get through, build resilience and exit this crisis intact and stronger. This is how we ensure our vulnerable aren’t further marginalised.”

RURAL

news BIRDS OF PRCE?Y – WHAT’S ‘UP’ DO

Politicians may be inclined to drone on but Eugenie Sage has been more focused on drones of late. New predator-control drones could prove effective weapons in efforts to make New Zealand predator-free by 2050, our Minister of Conservation expects. “Drones have the potential to be a gamechanger in helping remove pests from remote offshore islands, to respond to pest incursions and to suppress

predators on mainland New Zealand,” she says. “They may become another of the broad range of tools available to the Department of Conservation (DOC) and landholders to manage predators and restore NZ’s unique natural landscapes.” However, these birds of prey will not be Terminator-esque weapon platforms; instead they will be used to spread bait, particularly to more remote regions. Field trials – coming at a cost of almost

$800,000 – will prove whether or not this new strategy will get off the ground. “[The trials] will look at the feasibility and costs, as well as potential savings in carbon emissions from current aerial methods,” Ms Sage adds. “This Government is supporting innovative Kiwi companies... to develop the technology of the future to bring back our native wildlife.”

LOCKDOWN WILL COST FARMERS TOO –

FEDERATED FARMERS ASSERTS While adapting to a ‘greener’ future may be essential to future prosperity in the primary industries, the Government must be prepared to help farmers weather the COVID-19 storm, Federated Farmers president, Katie Milne, warns. “We had the Taskforce Green programme...what about Taskforce Farm?” Ms Milne asked Parliament’s Epidemic Response Committee recently. Although primary producers may not be directly subject to the lockdown,

many supporting services (such as “the suppliers to the guy who fixes the hydraulic pump, the guy who imports the tractor tyres”) have. Combined with impacts of this summer’s drought and with winter on the way, it appears not all is rosy in the garden, or on the farm at least. “Farming will not come out of this unscathed... Meat which was getting $5-something a kilo is now bringing in $3, if we can get it off the farm. The milk returns (per kg of milk solids) had $7 in front of it this year but

there are predictions next year it will be $5,” Ms Milne confirmed. Despite this, Federated Farmers does not want to see the Government to be careful about resorting to protectionist measures to fortify the New Zealand primary industries. “We’re glad Trade Minister, David Parker, is still talking about the need for trade open borders. We all know that exporting is the economic driver for New Zealand. If New Zealand gets protectionist, nations we trade with will get protectionist right back at us.”

RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 9

BUBBLE Boredom Beaters START A FAMILY TREE If no one in the household has created a family tree why not start now? Learning about the ancestors can give everyone a sense of identity and might unearth some little known facts, too. However, building a family tree can be daunting that’s why making it a family project and sharing tasks can be fun. Start by finding a template online to which you can easily add family members as you find them. Give each family member a job they’re responsible for. If you have older kids, ask them to do some research online. Ancestry.com should provide a valuable starting point but perhaps you also have old photos and documents tucked away which have never been properly examined. Now’s the time to start and remember to contact wider family members who might be able to provide information you don’t have.

DRIVEN TO DRAW To help children (aged 6-10) steer their way through the lockdown, Franklin Arts Centre has engineered a new online competition, the Petrol Head Jnr Kids’ Art Competition. Fuelled with inspiration from the work of Murray Cammick or Grant Sharman, entrants need to draw a ‘flash car’, it can be one they’ve seen before or something manufactured purely in their own imaginations. Grant Sharman painted tiles and cash prizes are up for grabs. For further details, see the Events tab at facebook.com/ FranklinArtsCentre. Entries close May 1.

KEEP TODDLERS BUSY Toddlers can be trying at the best of times but when restricted to the home day in, day out, they can become scratchy especially if accustomed to attending day care with other children, having plenty of toys, and enjoying a variety of activities. So, why not plan a mini day care programme at home? Create a timetable factoring in plenty of snack times, to break up play modules. The latter could include 45 minutes in the garden looking for insects, picking flowers, or playing ball. If you have a trampoline, bounce time is fun exercise and will help tire little

ones ahead of a nap. If the weather is fine, build in some water play. Follow up with snacks – indoors or out. Indoor activities could including skittles – make your own – dressing up, puzzle time, music with dancing and another snack. Little ones love to help with washing up – stand them up at the sink and let them wash plastic cups and similar items. Bring out the play dough or make your own dough; have them ‘help’ with simple baking tasks including licking

10 – RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

the spoon! Bath time is one way to have fun and clean up too. There are plenty of ideas beyond screen time to keep toddlers entertained and ask older siblings to help so everyone has time out and time to interact.

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATIONS

LEARN AND NEVER FORGET! While we may not be able to attend ANZAC services this year, we can still honour the sacrifices of those to whom we owe so much by joining in on the RSA’s #StandAtDawn initiative. From our own driveways, we’ll remember them – see facebook.com/RSANational for details. The venue of Auckland’s iconic ANZAC dawn service, The Auckland War Memorial Museum will be playing its part to keep the flags flying. Although closed to the public, the museum will still play the Last Post, raise and lower its flags and the building will also be lit up in poppy red from dusk on April 24 until dawn on April 26. In addition, the museum’s Online Cenotaph (accessible through aucklandmuseum.com) enables people to lay virtual poppies, read stories about returned service people, leave messages for loved ones who have served and more.

Many Kiwis have made the pilgrimage to Gallipoli to commemorate the birth of the legend of the ANZACs over the years. While that may not be an option this year, thanks to modern technology, we can all do so from the safety of our own homes. Using Google Street View (google.com/streetview), we can take a tour of Gallipoli’s cemeteries and memorials.

And, to ensure our little ones are kept busy, while giving the perfect opportunity to teach them a little about our ANZACs, see craftymorning.com/ category/memorial-day. While this website has a host of crafty ideas – for budding craftspeople and veterans too – the egg carton poppy wreaths are perfect for April 25.

RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 11

SALTED BUTTERSCOTCH & E L B M U R C C A Z N A E L P P A Z JAZ This recipe really does take (away) the biscuit! Developed by Gretchen Lowe (of My Weekend Table fame) this recipe uses new season JAZZ apples to create a tangy-sweet (but not too sweet) dessert.

Serves four – six

Filling

INGREDIENTS

• 6 Jazz apples, peeled, cored and chopped • 2/3 cup caramel (Gretchen suggests Highlander caramel) • Pinch of sea salt • 30g butter, chopped

Topping • 1/2 cup flour • 1/4 cup brown sugar • Pinch sea salt • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 100g cold butter cubed • 1/2 cup rolled oats

ingredients to resemble breadcrumbs. Stir in the oats and place the mix in the fridge.

METHOD

Chop apples. Toss chopped apples well with the caramel sauce and salt. Split the mixture between four – six ramekins, top each with a knob of butter then sprinkle the oaty topping evenly, over each one.

Preheat the oven to 180C. For the topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the butter cubes and rub into dry

Bake for 40-50 minutes until the apples are bubbling and the crumble is golden brown. Serve with plenty of ice cream.

12 – RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

FISH & PRAWN PANANG CURRY It might have taken a school (Auckland Seafood School) to create this recipe in the first place but much less fresh fish is needed to cook up this dish plus some yummy prawns too. Thanks also to Seafood NZ for sharing this recipe from The New Zealand Seafood Cookbook, published by Penguin NZ.

The days are cooler so this spicy Panang Curry is sure to warm through and through.

Photo supplied, Sean Shadbolt, The New Zealand Seafood Cookbook

Serves four Cooking time: 40 mins

INGREDIENTS Panang curry paste • • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

1 tsp of coriander seeds 1/2 tsp of cumin seeds 1 cardamom pod 1/4 tsp of salt 1/4 tsp of black peppercorns 1 long green chilli 6 dried red chillies, seeds removed and soaked in warm water for 10 minutes 2cm of galangal, sliced 5cm of lemon grass stalks, sliced 4 kaffir lime leaves, de-stemmed and roughly torn 1 bunch of coriander leaves, chopped stem and root 1 shallot, diced 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1/2 tsp of shrimp paste

Panang curry • • • • • • • • • •

1 tbsp peanut oil 200mls coconut milk 1 cup eggplant, cut into a large diced 30mls fish sauce 1 tsp dark palm sugar 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced 400g Warehou 400g raw prawns, tails on 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves 1 long red chilli, thinly sliced

METHOD

Add coconut cream, reserving one tablespoon for the garnish, and bring to the boil.

Panang curry paste Place the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and cardamom pod in a frying pan and dry roast. Place in a mortar and pestle, add salt and peppercorns, and grind into a powder. Add the remaining ingredients and pound to form a paste (or use a processor or blender). Panang curry Place a large frying pan on a medium heat and add oil. When hot, add curry paste. Fry for two minutes or until the paste is cooked and very fragrant.

Add diced eggplant, then coconut milk. Reduce heat and simmer for three minutes. Add fish and prawns and simmer until the seafood is just cooked. Remove frying pan from heat and add basil leaves. Serve curry in bowls garnished with a drizzle of reserved coconut cream, and a sprinkle of reserved shredded kaffir lime leaf, and sliced red chilli. For more recipies visit www.seafood.co.nz

RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 13

Get off the grass! Comical anecdotes, cute photographs and other bits and bobs sent in by our readers. Keep sending us your briefs, trivia and photos of country life – email to info@ruralliving.co.nz.

IES

BEAR NECESSIT

The lockdown is a time to ‘grin and bear’ it for a whole lot of folk around the country and it’s no different in Franklin district where bear watching has become integral for many folk on their solitary walks. Plenty can bear witness to spotting bears in windows, bears on swings, bears in the garage, bears in trees and bears just lounging around on deck chairs in the sun. Of course, we must bear in mind that these endearing creatures are sometimes accompanied by hippos, giraffes, cats and other lovables. But the message we can all take from this is that we need and love our carebears!

HOW NOW, LOCKDOWN? ay, the mice will With the cats aw ect) so do the sp play but (we su know what’s cows. It’s hard to e minds of these going through th ing bovines but bewildered-look t think they may bu one can’t help g when ‘Mum’ just be wonderin back to the and ‘Dad’ will go rty can resume. office so their pa estyler, Joe Thanks to local lif r sending us from Waiau Pa, fo lexed cattle. this pic of his perp

14 – RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS QUICK PUZZLE NO. 10009 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Philanthropic. 8, Ample. 9, Ukulele. 10, Saloon. 11, Select. 12, Embed. 14, Truth. 18, Honest. 20, Barber. 23, Summary. 24, Idiot. 25, Remorselessly. Down - 1, Raise. 2, Impel. 3, Awesome. 4, Taut. 5, Rouse. 6, Present. 7, Create. 13, Minimum. 15, Realize. 16, Chaser. 17, Gritty. 19, Stair. 21, Bliss. 22, Tyke. CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 10009 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Lead poisoning. 8, ‘Otter. 9, Conceal. 10, Afraid. 11, N-Eva-da. 12, Drill. 14, Slide. 18, Resu-me. 20, Batter. 23, F-inn-ish. 24, (w)Hen-ce(rtain). 25, Shake one’s head. Down - 1, Loof-ah (rev.). 2, A-s(it)ter. 3, Par-tial. 4, I-t(hat)ch(er). 5, Ounce (anag.). 6, I-reland. 7, G-alw-ay. 13, Ro-sanna (rev.). 15, Loa-the-s . 16, Dr-ift’s. 17, Fri-end. 19, Mo-i-re. 21, T-ense. 22, The-n. v

In or out of hibernation Ketz-Ke has the answer for comfort and cute winter wear. Suit yourself in sensational casual numbers – playful power pantsuits can take you out and about whether it’s a lockdown walk, or for lockdown recovery. Check out the Conquer jacket and Seeker pant (top right), set with puff sleeve detailing and a striking side seam stripe to make its mark. Layer over the soft striped Ladder Skivvy for a look that will stay the season. Earthy tones are a winter must, so chill out in the Pursue jacket and Nominate pant – rich in khaki stretch cotton (top left), this suit takes comfort (and cute) to a whole new level. For those trans-seasonal style, layer leisure suits with the Incentive (left) or Intervene (right) tops to ensure your look remains chic even after the jacket comes off!

RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 15

CAULIFLOWER PRICES

ON THE MARCH No one likes price rises. Remember the angst in the first week of lockdown about supermarket prices? A shopper from our bubble was aghast particularly at the cauliflowers selling at $13 each. Thankfully prices have eased. Stats NZ has sifted through the numbers. Cauliflower prices rose more than 60 per cent in March, as prices for a wide range of vegetables also increased in the month, Stats NZ said this week. Prices for vegetables rose in March 2020 (up 7.4 per cent), mainly influenced by rises for broccoli, cucumber, cauliflower, capsicums, and carrots. Overall food prices were up 0.7 per

cent, with most other staple foods holding steady, although prices for many meat products fell. Cauliflower prices rose 64 per cent to a weighted average price of $5.75 per kilo. “This reflects the average prices over the whole month. Some shoppers may have seen higher prices towards the end of the month, with media

reports of $10 or more for a single cauliflower,” consumer prices manager Sarah Johnson said. Cauliflower prices reached an all-time peak of $8.35 a kilo in March 2018. Other substantial vegetable price rises in March 2020 included: • Broccoli – up 37 per cent to a weighted average price of $2.87 per 350-gram head • Cucumber – up 60 per cent to a weighted average price of $7.63 per kilo • Capsicums, green (else red) – up 13 per cent to a weighted average price of $13.33 per kilo • Carrots – up 11 per cent to a weighted average price of $2.48 per kilo.

Tomatoes, onions, iceberg lettuce, and cabbage also saw price rises. Fruit prices fell 2.2 per cent in March 2020. Prices for apples (down 26 per cent) and pears (down 15 per cent) both fell in typical seasonal patterns.

HOW FOOD PRICES ARE COLLECTED “The level 4 response to Covid-19 has affected the way we collect food prices,” Johnson said. “Fresh fruit and vegetable prices are normally collected on Thursday and Friday each week by Stats NZ staff around the country who visit supermarkets and greengrocers. “The first three weeks of this month’s fresh fruit and vegetable data was collected this way. However, in the final week of the month, the Covid-19 level 4 alert meant our staff could not go out to collect prices in stores. Instead they collected data via supermarket websites, with little impact on results for the month of March.”

PRICES FOR STAPLES HOLD STEADY The prices of other staple items remained relatively stable in March. Prices for meat, poultry, and fish were flat, while prices for grocery food, including bread and dairy products, rose 0.2 per cent. “While the weighted average price of porterhouse and sirloin steak hit an alltime high of $32.66 per kilo in March, prices for a number of other meat and poultry products fell,” Mrs Johnson said. “Prices for chicken pieces fell 7 per cent to a weighted average price of $7.83 per kilo, while prices for lamb chops were down 3.7 percent to a weighted average price of $17.74 per kilo.” Prices for beef sausages, beef mince, and bacon also fell. Bread prices rose 0.3 per cent and prices for milk, cheese, and eggs rose 0.2 per cent.

“Prices for all foods except fresh fruit and vegetables were collected before the level 4 response started during our standard in-store monthly price collection between 9 and 16 March. “Our staff visit a wide range of stores including supermarkets, dairies, service stations, butchers and fish shops, restaurants, and takeaway food outlets.” From April onwards Stats NZ field staff will collect monthly data from websites and by calling stores. Stats NZ is receiving data directly from some large retailers and working with others to expand coverage.

FOOD PRICES UP IN YEAR TO MARCH Annually, food prices increased 3.3 per cent, mainly influenced by higher prices for meat, poultry, and fish (up 7.5 percent), and grocery food (up 3.2 per cent). These increases were partly offset by fruit and vegetable prices, which decreased 1.0 percent.

‘OLD’ TRUTHS! this delightful They say laughter is the best medicine and in these Covid-19 times surely to the max Pam Ayres poem will prompt more than a few chuckles. Those who lived life much later during the 60’s and 70’s will likely relate to some of its content. Those born may learn a thing or two about their parents and grandparents!

I’m normally a social girl I love to meet my mates, But lately with the virus here We can’t go out the gates. You see, we are the ‘oldies’ now We need to stay inside, If they haven’t seen us for a while They’ll think we’ve upped and died. They’ll never know the things we did Before we got this old, There wasn’t any Facebook So not everything was told. We may seem sweet old ladies Who would never be uncouth But we grew up in the 60’s – If you only knew the truth! There was sex and drugs and rock ‘n roll, The pill and miniskirts;

We smoked, we drank, we partied And were quite outrageous flirts. Then we settled down, got married And turned into someone’s mum, Somebody’s wife, then nana, Who on earth did we become? We didn’t mind the change of pace Because our lives were full, But to bury us before we’re dead Is like a red rag to a bull! So here you find me stuck inside For four weeks, maybe more, I finally found myself again Then I had to close the door! It didn’t really bother me I’d while away the hour, I’d bake for all the family But I’ve got no bloody flour!

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Now Netflix is just wonderful I like a gutsy thriller, I’m swooning over Idris Or some random sexy killer. At least I’ve got a stash of booze For when I’m being idle, There’s wine and whiskey, even gin If I’m feeling suicidal! So, let’s all drink to lockdown To recovery and health And hope this bloody virus Doesn’t decimate our wealth. We’ll all get through the crisis And be back to join our mates, Just hoping I’m not far too wide To fit through the flaming gates!

– Pam Ayres – Times for Us Girls

RURAL

news FRESHWATER REPORT – CLEAN, GREEN? NOT YET Cleaning up New Zealand’s waterways was on the (now) Government’s agenda ahead of the 2017 general election but, as Fish & Game and Federated Farmers point out, there is much more water yet to pass under the bridge. “We are looking forward to the Government delivering on their Essential Freshwater programme aimed at stopping further degradation in water quality and reversing past damage,” Martin Taylor from Fish & Game New Zealand says. “Regional Councils... have a legal obligation to protect the environment for future generations, and this report shows they have failed to do that.” Mr Taylor’s comments come in the wake of the recently-released Our Freshwater 2020 report from the Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ. “This report starkly portrays what is happening to New Zealand’s freshwater,” he adds, calling attention to a few of the report’s more grim conclusions. Perhaps most startling, it reveals that 46 percent of lakes larger than one hectare (1,758 lakes in total) are in ‘poor or very poor ecological health’. While the majority of rivers in rural areas are polluted (with nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment, and E. Coli in particular), rivers near urban regions also suffer from pollution, Mr Taylor indicates.

HIGH & DRY? STORE MORE, FED’ URGES In addition to revealing that pollution is still (ironically) a clear and present issue, the Our Freshwater 2020 report also

underlines the need to improve water storage, Chris Allen from Federated Farmers contends. “Water storage is not just about securing supply for primary production purposes, though as has been underlined with the Covid-19 lockdown, agriculture is vital to our economic future and standard of living.” Mr Allen references findings in the report revealing soils at a quarter of monitoring sites are drier since 1972, and rainfall has been below average in nine of the years from 2000 to 2014, making efficient use of such a vital resource even more important. “Storage schemes allow us to harvest water at times of high flow for when we need it over the hot months in our cities and towns, and for all our industries. Better storage above and below ground is an investment in our future.” In addition, as the report suggests, pollution is generated by urban and rural areas, as well as forestry, it needs to be addressed at a community level. “Catchment-specific issues bring people together and farmers in all of our regions are mixing in with environmentalists and wider community groups to make improvements that tackle local problem areas and priorities. Blanket rules are expensive and often ineffective,” he adds. “[This] report makes it clear progress is being made but there’s a long way to go. Farmers have demonstrated they are willing to do their bit.” To view the report in its entirety, visit www.mfe.govt.nz/overview-ourfreshwater-2020.

LIVESTOCK EMISSIONS OVERSTATED, RESEARCH SUGGESTS Livestock may contribute to climate change but recent research suggests its impacts may not cause quite the stink many have believed. New research undertaken by Kiwi scientists (at AgResearch and Landcare Research) confirms that urine from livestock on hilly terrain spreads over a larger area and is therefore able to be better absorbed by the soil. In addition, hill soil results in less nitrogen being lost to the atmosphere as nitrous oxide emissions, Andrew Hoggard from Federated Farmers explains. “The difficulty in reducing nitrous oxide is due to emissions being mainly caused by the urine of livestock providing too much nitrogen for the soil to absorb. While nitrogen is good for plant growth, when there is too much nitrogen in one spot, some will be released into the air as nitrous oxide.” Rather than representing a decrease in N2O emissions for this year, the research shows New Zealand nitrous oxide emissions have been overestimated since records began in 1990. While Federated Farmers does support the 2050 net-zero N2O target recently added to the Climate Change Response Act, Mr Hoggard stresses that the accuracy of data is crucial in achieving reductions. “Farmers across New Zealand are committed to improving environmental outcomes while continuing to provide sought-after and nutrition-packed food across the globe,” Mr Hoggard adds. “This research highlights the fundamental importance of accurate data in managing environmental outcomes, such as greenhouse gas emissions.”

RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 19

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