Rural Living October 2017 by Times Media

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ruralliving.co.nz

October 2017

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Spring chickens home to roost

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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 Topp Twins

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to be well worth the journey during the Waikato Home & Garden Show. Whether building, decorating or renovating, this event offers expert advice with the latest materials, equipment and tools on show too. Visit waikatohomeshow.co.nz.

national dog show October 6-8, 9am-4pm, Sir Woolf Fisher Arena, Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Rd, Manukau While every dog may have his day, only the finest will fetch ribbons and other accolades for their masters. In addition to more than 1500 of New Zealand’s ‘top dogs’ on show, this event offers plenty more including all sorts of doggy merchandise. See nds.dogsnz.org.nz.

n MUSIC, MUSICALS & THEATRE the topp twins – heading for the hills October 6, from 7.30pm, Pukekohe Town Hall, cnr Massey Ave and Edinburgh St The country’s hills are coming alive with the sound of laughter. Oh, and music too! One of NZ's favourite entertainment double acts (featuring Jools and Lynda Topp), is sure to be the talk of our town following this performance. With more country music and comedy than you could shape a mouth-harp at, this show promises much to love from a much-loved pair of Kiwi legends. See topptwins.com.

n COUNTRY CALENDAR equidays October 13-15, Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton It’s almost time to saddle up and mosey on down to Hamilton for Equidays. From clinics, seminars and exhibitors showcasing a huge range of gear, to food and entertainment, this event celebrates all thing equine. See equidays.co.nz.

strange resting places October 6-14, OSPA Theatre, 24 Hall Rd, Onewhero When the renowned Maori Battalion battled for control of Monte Casino, two worlds (and cultures) clashed. This play tells the story of unlikely friendship and impossible love set in war-torn Italy. An exploration of culture, Strange Resting Places reveals that humour can defy even the horrors of war. See ospa.org.nz.

Waikato a&p show October 27-29, Claudelands Event Centre, 800 Heaphy Terrace, Hamilton At Rural Living we wonder what an Auckland A&P would be like... cafe latte drinking contests (the world champ must be from Ponsonby!) and handbag dog shows perhaps? Then again, maybe it’s best to leave these wonderful rural events to country folk and head south instead! For information visit waikatoaandp.co.nz.

n HOME & GARDEN Waikato home & garden show October 5-8, 8.30am-4.30pm, Claudelands Arena, Brooklyn Rd, Hamilton It might be a rather long garden path to be led down to Hamilton, however it’s likely

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2 — Rural Living — October 2017 Moore Ashby Boyce

flying feathers October 6-28, (Thursday to Saturday nights from 8pm), Backstage Theatre, Victoria Ave, Waiuku When chief constable Henry Potterton is confronted by ladies of looser than usual morals, can this Englishman retain his stiff... upper lip? During this comedic caper by Derek Benfield (presented by Waiuku Theatre Group) more than just a few

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feathers are ruffled when this unamused policeman finds his brother’s home has been transformed into a bordello. See waiukutheatre.org. fabulous 50s October 12, 11am-1pm, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Dr, Papakura Don’t even bother taking those old records off the shelf because, this month, it’s time to take a trip back to the heyday of rock n roll thanks to this live performance by Operatunity! Details via operatunity.co.nz. footloose October 20 – November 4, times vary, Pukekohe Performing Arts Centre, 2 Harrington Ave, Pukekohe While James Dean might not have had a cause against which to rebel, when Ren McCormack was told he wasn’t allowed to dance, you bet he was going to cut... Footloose! Based on the ‘80s flick, this stage adaptation by Pukekohe Performing Arts is sure to have locals kicking up their heels and off their Sunday shoes. See pukekoheperformingarts.org.nz or pukekohe.org.nz/events for details.

n ARTS art Week auckland October 7-15, Auckland wide A celebration of arts throughout Auckland, this event sees some of the finest work

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on display. In particular, check out the Flora group exhibition (from October 6 at Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe), as well as two now on at Papakura Art Gallery (10 Averill Street, Papakura), Cabinets of Curiosity and Cast of Mind. For details of these and other exhibitions, see artweekauckland.co.nz. ordinary Magic exhibition October 20 – November 12, Pollok Arts & Crafts Co-op, 2141 Awhitu Rd, Pollok While Awhitu’s art community may insist that their work is ‘ordinary’, the creations it conjures up really does seem like magic to the rest of us. Aiming to capture the magic in everyday moments (a child tasting his/ her first ice-cream, for example), this exhibition’s theme should see local artists present some enchanting pieces indeed. For further information, or to submit work (entries close Oct 17) contact the co-op on 09 2352225.

n SPORT, FITNESS & RACING pedal 4 prostate October 8, 8am-5pm, Hampton Downs Motor Sport Park, Hampton Downs Rd, Te Kauwhata To put it incredibly mildly, prostate cancer can be... a right pain in the bum! Fortunately, by cycling around the Hampton Downs race track for four hours, we can all help raise funds to fight this devastating disease. Yes participants are bound to be more than just a little saddle sore afterwards but all for a good cause. See hamptondowns.com/pedal4prostate. spring challenge Women’s adventure race October 13-15, times vary, starts at Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Rd, Manukau Girls may just want to have fun, but that’s not enough for today’s women! Leave those couch potato blokes at home and head down to

the Vodafone Events Centre to take part in one of the most testing (and rewarding) adventure races New Zealand has to offer. From mountain biking to on and off trail hiking and rafting, courses are tailored to suit women aged 13 and up, rookies to veterans. See springchallenge.co.nz. partners life raceday for cure kids October 28, from 11am, Auckland Racing Club, 80 Ascot Ave, Remuera Auckland’s social season kicks off at a gallop with a day of racing designed to raise funds for youngsters who have overcome more hurdles than many of us ever face. For details, see ellerslie.co.nz/ raceday-calendar. auckland Marathon October 29, from 6am, starts at King Edward Pde, Devonport While some sports may feature confusing rules, there’s nothing more straight forward (almost quite literally) than running. But it’s only when we’ve tackled a 40km plus course that we can ever say that we can do what Pheidippides did! For more information (there are plenty of shorter courses too) see aucklandmarathon.co.nz.

n EXPOS, FETES, FESTIVALS Waiuku cossie club’s 50th anniversary October 9-15, times vary, Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club, 4 Victoria Ave, Waiuku If life begins at 50, celebrations of a half century ‘not out’ are unlikely

to be quite as lively as those planned at the Waiuku Cossie Club this month. For details, see waiukucossie.co.nz. franklin age positive expo October 20, 9.30am-2.30pm, PIA Hall, 57 Ward St, Pukekohe Apparently, life begins at 40; if so, it’s not until we hit 65 that the fun can really begin! From products and advice to entertainment and more, this event is designed to highlight almost everything imaginable which makes life as a senior the best it can be! Information available via facebook.com/franklin.positiveageing. Free transport is available to over 65s – contact White Rose Cars 09 238 9728. armageddon expo October 20-23 (Labour Weekend), times vary, ASB Showgrounds, 217 Greenlane West, Epsom It’s life, Jim, but not as we know it, not as we know it, Jim! From Trekkies to Whovians, toon fans to comic book aficionados, all who favour a healthy dose of fantasy in their lives are liable to flock (or fly) to Epsom this month. If Armageddon is any indication of how the world ends, what’s so wrong with enjoying an apocalypse now and then? See armageddonexpo.com. hamilton gardens scarecrow festival October 29, 11am-3pm, Hungerford Cres (off Cobham Dr), Hamilton Charming the birds out of the trees might be a handy ability to have but, to country sorts, scaring crows from one’s fields is far more useful! Whether planning to design your own scarecrow in an effort to win a prize, or simply to admire the handiwork of others, this event offers a fun day out for all the family. Details via hamiltongardens.co.nz/ events.

Armageddon Expo

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Murray Nick Rural Living — October 2017 —3 Dawson Bates Sales Manager Branch Manager

From the editor... more importantly for me, are the decent servings of vegetables (and/or the option of a salad bar) – such a relief from the many deep fried meals that abound. But enough about food, And, enough of the rain, too. I think Auckland deserves a good run of fine weather but it remains to be seen just when the sun will shine consistently for a week or more. However, while heavy showers, thunder, lightning and even hail persist, it’s a good excuse to tuck up on the couch with a cuppa and this month’s Rural Living! Enjoy, before the parliamentary fireworks begin!

I can tell you, I was looking forward to a Sunday morning breakfast overlooking the water – a nice change from local eating, Not that I can complain about our cafes and restaurants. During the week we usually arrive home from work about 7pm so it’s usual for man about the house and I to pop out to eat. And, we’ve been pleased to find an array of cost-effective dining options to suit the pocket in Pukekohe. Not five star menus or even four but when it comes to friendliness and good honest food, I’d award five stars every time. Among regulars have been, Muang Thai, Ed Street, Paasha, The Longkeeper and Poco Loco. Then there has been Friday night at Cafe Kaos and the occasional Indian restaurant for good measure – we’ve tried all three! We still have more exploring to do but recently we discovered Kathie’s Kitchen at the Franklin Club and I can see it becoming a regular. It’s good value for money but,

Helen Perry, Editor

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ow I wish readers were opening these first pages of Rural Living and seeing some ‘wise’ words on the General Election results. While I’m not so sure they would have been at all that wise, I can only speculate on the voting outcome as this month’s magazine went to print a day ahead of the election. Unlike many who took advantage of early voting, I was intent on following my usual routine – wander down to a local school, cast my vote and then indulge in a flat white and a morning tea treat! Unless anything untoward happened that is. Anyway, by now the results will be well known and we will all see what the next three years brings including what promises are fulfilled and which ones fall by the wayside. My election day – apart from voting – included heading into town for dinner then on to see the Roger Hall play, Last Legs, followed by a night at the Sofitel Hotel.

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4 — Rural Living — October 2017

Wattle Bay

Alfriston Manurewa East

Big Bay

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Photo Wayne Martin

Matingarahi

Manurewa Orua Bay

KICKING UP THEIr HEELS: Mother Nature may have plenty to teach us, but how often are we able to spend enough time in the great outdoors in order to learn? Thankfully (as this month’s cover shows) Pukekohe’s Mason Avenue Kindergarten has been taking many a ‘babe’ into the woods to ensure they grow to be engaged with nature. Rolling up their sleeves, children and teachers alike, are discovering the wonders of our world up close and personal. To read this inspiring story, see pages 28.

info@ruralliving.co.nz Editor: Helen Perry DDI 09 271 8036 editor@ruralliving.co.nz Sales: Kate Ockelford-Green DDI 09 271 8090 kate@ruralliving.co.nz Jackie Underhill DDI 09 271 8092 jackie@ruralliving.co.nz Art Director: Clare McGillivray DDI 09 271 8067 clare@ruralliving.co.nz Publisher: Brian Neben Level 1, The Lane, Botany Town Centre, Chapel Road, Auckland PO Box 259-243, Botany, Auckland 2163 Ph: 09 271 8080, Fax: 09 271 8099

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DISCLAIMER: Articles published in Rural Living do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or editor. All material is provided as a general information service only. Times House Publishing Ltd does not assume or accept any responsibility for, and shall not be liable for, the accuracy or appropriate application of any information in this magazine. All the material Mangawara Woodleigh Ruawaro in this magazine has the protection of international copyright. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Times House Publishing Ltd.

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Rural Living â&#x20AC;&#x201D; October 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 5

Counting her chickens Before they hatch Anyone thinking of keeping a few chooks to sell eggs at the gate is unlikely to feather their nest but the pleasure of caring for a flock of friendly hens brings its own rewards as HELEN PERRY learnt on visiting Poultry Valley and Lifestyle, in Waiuku, home to 17 breeds of heritage chickens.

hen Fiona Vincent sells a dozen eggs they’re not destined for the frying pan or mixing bowl. Instead some three weeks after delivery they will hatch, the new owner taking charge not just of any old chooks but 12 adorable heritage chickens. Fiona and husband Bruce’s Waiuku lifestyle block is home to 17 rare breeds which doesn’t make choosing easy. There’s the cute, the colourful, the comical and the cuddly, most with striking plumage; others with brilliant upright combs and vivid wattles. As well as selling fertile eggs, Fiona also sells day old chicks and pullets and her breeding regime means she generally has new chickens every week. “The eggs take 21 days to hatch; we collect eggs weekly so there is a constant rotation of baby chicks.” But there is a lot more to breeding these beautiful heritage chooks than just collecting eggs to be couriered to new owners or waiting for them to hatch before sending them on. “Like every job it has its daily grind; on a Monday it’s not unusual to work from six in the morning to 11 at night," Fiona says. "Monday is the weekly clean and we have the 17 separate pens for each breed plus the rooster paddock and the incubator shed to attend to. “We also sell poultry housing, feed, waterers and feeders so that’s another arm to the business.” While the breeding project is Fiona’s, she says her two younger daughters, Maria (16) and Abigail (13) both help with collecting eggs and cleaning. “Bruce usually pitches in too if he’s here;

6 — Rural Living — October 2017

Fiona Vincent on her daily round of chicken checking. Photos Wayne Martin

he also makes the coops and does the maintenance.” But it is Fiona who oversees the general running of the business which she took on just 12 months ago. Raised in the Waikato, Bruce a former dairy farmer gave up farming when he, Fiona and their five children returned to New Zealand from northern Queensland four years ago.

“But we still wanted land and this block, just a few minutes from Waiuku township, is perfect. We’re handy to everything yet we have all the country we need to run a few beef cattle and grow lucerne in addition to breeding chickens,” Fiona says. “But it has been a learning curve. Being on the farm for years meant I knew a bit about chooks but breeding heritage chickens, some quite rare, was another thing again and I’ve had to learn a lot. I also breed Muscovy and Buff Orpington ducks; they’re a lot messier than the chooks!” With the annual moult now over and the hens rested from laying, Fiona says she is now coming into the busiest time of the year. “I initially expected the business to be pretty much part time but, really, it is full on most days.’ Yet this former accountant still manages to home school Maria and Abigail. “Being on some isolated farms I’ve home schooled all the children and though we are now close to schools again, it’s become a lifestyle thing so I’ve just kept it up. This way they have all had the benefits of formal learning as well as discovering what it takes to run a farm and a business.” While her three eldest children (19, 18 and 17) are now intent on pursuing their own careers, Fiona says she’s grateful that all the family willingly pitch in when the cock crows so to speak. “With about 100 chickens hatching every week now, and eggs in need of packaging and posting, I have to keep a tight routine. But I enjoy it and the good thing is, I always have plenty of eggs for baking!” www.ruralliving.co.nz

eggs for breakfast! Fiona Vincent’s heritage hens include the glamorous, the pretentious and one or two plainer Janes but whichever breed takes one’s fancy it’s easy to see why all have been admired or coveted. Many find it difficult to resist the showy Wyandottes with their lacey ‘shawls – Fiona breeds gold laced, silver laced and blue laced, their plumage quite stunning. Then there’s the lavender Araucana, which lay eggs with a pretty blue/green shell, exclusive to this breed. I laughed at their distinctive feather ear tufts, muffs and beards. They have only a small feather crest (no wattle and a reduced comb) plus a stumpy tail end giving this rare breed an endearing, comical appearance. Perhaps one of the most handsome in

the chicken run was a large Welsummer rooster, whose rich russet red and orange colouring was finished with contrasting black tail feathers shot with green. And, I also admired the large and vibrant red comb and huge floppy wattle (with a splash of yellow) of the equally handsome Blue Leghorn whose ‘harem’ seemed quite enamoured with him. It's easy to wax lyrical about each of the 17 breeds which, between them, were flecked, speckled, two-tone, black, white, buff coloured and lacey. From the Barred Plymouth Rock to the well rounded black Orpingtons, which exuded ‘mother hen’ charm, visitors have plenty of choice. What’s more, these fortunate breeds won’t be destined for the pot (well, not

many), although some were originally bred for that very purpose, their meatiness, an attractive feature. But, today, chickens from Fiona’s poultry pens are chosen for their laying qualities, their beauty and their affectionate nature. “Of course, when we send out eggs or day-old chicks there is no guarantee that the new owner will end up with hens; they could all be roosters in which case some will probably go for meat. However, that’s a risk we also face but on balance, we aren’t doing too badly. We also keep quite a few roosters so we can rotate them among the hens and keep the stock changing.” Fiona says those who do keep heritage hens will know how gratifying the hobby can be. “Owners can expect 250-300 eggs a year, usually ample for any household and birds will lay for up to seven years, some may even go as long as 10 years.”

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Rural Living — October 2017 — 7

Encounter with a Pinetree Brian Neben publishes Rural Living and is also an avid lifestyle farmer

COUNTRY LAD

ell, I think we all agree what a great month we’ve had with the All Blacks giving a rugby lesson to South Africa. I feel a bit sorry for the ‘Boks and hope they recover their form as, for more than 100 years, they have been our greatest opponent. Over the past few weeks, we have sadly noted the passing of one of our greatest ever All Blacks, Sir Colin Meads, which leads me to mention a chance meeting I had with him some years ago. Although I can’t remember exactly when this took place – I’m sure Colin had retired from rugby by then – I was working at the Morrinsville Star and was returning from a meeting in Hamilton. Coming into Morrinsville, there’s a hotel known to locals as the ‘top pub’ and, being a hot day, I stopped for a quick beer before heading home. I made my way into the private bar at the front and saw someone leaning on the bar; I recognised him immediately. The first thing he said was simply, “What are you having?” The barman walked over and poured my beer. A couple of minutes later, I reciprocated by buying this other patron a drink. It was then that the patron, Colin, started up a conversation by asking where I was from. When I replied “Morrinsville”, he asked if I knew

Up for sale – Brian's long-held framed rugby memorabilia.

the Clarkes. I said I did know Ian and Don – who were both All Blacks. So, Colin went on to tell me how much he liked the Clarke brothers and we discussed many of their great feats. The great man also said he was starting some promotional work with the IHC. My eldest son Michael is handicapped, and when I told him this, he gave me a pat on the back and said something like, “keep your chin up.” The ‘Pinetree’ may have been a big, rough man, but he was very sentimental. After a couple of hours and several more rounds (of eight ounce glasses, in those days), we shook hands and went our own way. I must say it was a great experience and one I have recalled fondly ever since. Some years later, Reay and I attended a fundraising auction for the Fred Hollows Foundation. Sir Colin had donated a

framed photo of himself during his playing days which I felt I just had to bid for; what’s more it was a great pleasure to have the man himself present us with our purchase. When I mentioned our Morrinsville meeting, he said he remembered it – I was thrilled. Since then, this wonderful memento has hung in our boardroom but, unfortunately, we no longer have the space to display it properly. As a result, I have reluctantly decided to sell it with the hopes that another rugby fan will get as much enjoyment from it as I have. If anyone is interested, please email me at briann@ times.co.nz to arrange to have a look at this fine piece of memorabilia. Next month, because my lovely mare Willowbrook has had a foal, I want to run a ‘name the foal’ competition, so, be prepared. See you all then with full details. And....go the All Blacks.

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8 — Rural Living — October 2017

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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.

Duck tails... A the strong, silent type

s a non hunter, one Pukekohe townie often wondered whether or not decoy ducks actually work. Recently, he discovered that they do, as he explains: When my dad found a decoy washed up on a beach in the Coromandel, I thought it would make a great garden ornament so that’s where ‘Daffy’ has sat for the last six months or so. The other day, we heard a loud quacking from the backyard. When we went out onto the back deck, we saw a strange sight, a real live duck standing in front of Daffy quacking away. As we don’t speak duck, we have no idea what was being said but we’re guessing it had something to do with asking why Daffy wasn’t in the mood for talking! We called the duck over and it waddled right up to the back door but would not come any further when I opened the oven! We just hope that this lucky ducky has learnt a lesson and next time it encounters a potential mate who won’t rise to the occasion, it flies away quick smart! By the sounds of it ducks are just as likely to be hen-pecked as people! - Ed

Handi-quacks Just a couple of weeks after we received the ditty above, a Rural Living writer came across, not one, but two birds basking in the fleeting sunshine of a Pukekohe car park. Perhaps our reader’s bird has found a mate with (just a little) more energy than the one encountered previously! Either way, as both these ducks seemed to be in fine shape – although not at all inclined to budge, despite much interest from passersby – we do have to wonder whether they’ve stayed that way. Despite the obvious risk of being towed away, we worry that their duck’s luck could fail them, considering the location of their chosen roost... right outside the Mad Butcher!

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Rural Living — October 2017 — 9

Over

the gate

with Hunua School Ag Day Committee secretary

Merlyn Thompson Never work with children or animals, they say; Merlyn Thompson, works with both! And, with 13 years of teaching under her belt, this local lifestyler (who teaches youngsters from year 0-2 at Hunua School) is also the school’s Ag Day committee secretary. Ahead of Hunua’s event (Oct 28), we posed a few questions to Merlyn... over the gate. Are Agricultural/Calf Club/Country Days still as relevant as they were years ago? Agricultural Days are one of the points of difference for rural schools. At Hunua School, one of the trophies goes back to 1930 something! For generations people have attended our event and still do so. We have patrons that have come back every year since attending the school to show their support. We also have past pupils and parents who donate their time and money. This event is very important to the school as well as the local and wider communities. How important is it that children understand what goes into raising an animal? In a society that seems dominated by screens (on phones, ipads, etcetera), it’s even more important that students learn through hands-on experiences which

come about when raising animals. The students need to feed, brush, care for them, learning that different animals require different care. They are also exposed to real life situations, such as when their animals get sick and perhaps (unfortunately) they may learn how to deal with death. Are your own children raising animals for Hunua’s Ag Day this year? Sarah has raised calves since starting school – this is her seventh year with Ag Day. She has done quite well, with two reserve champion calves receiving a variety of ribbons. This year, her calf is named Hercules. We buy at least two calves a year – one for Sarah for Ag Day and one for me. When they are two years old, or become a bit hard to handle in the paddock, we sell them at the Tuakau Sales. My stock agent laughs at me because I put their names on the NAIT forms!

I have two other children who were raised in Manurewa. However, when we moved to Franklin in 2004, they attended Waiuku College, which doesn't hold such events. What does Hunua School’s wider Ag Day programme involve? How important is it to the school? Every child must raise something (whether it be an animal or a garden), students create between four to six pieces of Ag Day art, which is displayed on the day. This day is also our school’s biggest fundraiser of the year. A great deal of work goes behind the scenes from both the Ag Day committee (ribbons, rosettes, judges, trophies, setting up rings, marquees, etc) and the PTA (food, drinks, raffles, white elephant, games, etc). We all love our Ag Day. It is a very collaborative event and it’s enjoyed by all, rain or shine.

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Ready for Ag Day – Merlyn with daughter, Sarah, and show hopeful, Hercules. Photo Wayne Martin

On Ag Day do you expect to see people who are not connected to your school coming along just for the experience? Most definitely! We advertise from Manurewa through to Bombay through the use of signage and fliers. We’re expecting to see plenty of people from other local schools - here to check out the competition – in particular. Some come because they don’t have such events at their schools. Both my grandchildren attend our Ag Day. Because they go to town schools, they don’t have events of their own. Are children from town schools missing out if their schools don’t hold such events? Town schools often have their own community involvement events, such as gala days and cultural days which are relevant to their communities. In brief, what’s the funniest incident you’ve encountered during a school Ag Day? Dunk the teachers! There was a queue of students a mile long wanting to pay money to dunk a teacher. One teacher’s son was giving children money to dunk his mother. If you could grow any plant or raise any animal (real of imagined) what and why? A dragon as they would have to be the coolest creatures ever! If you could be Minister of Education for one day, what would you do first? Put more funding into helping students who struggle. Setting up writing recovery and maths recovery programmes and keeping reading recovery programmes, where experienced teachers work with students to accelerate their learning in these areas that they need assistance. If you could invite any three people (living or dead) to dinner, who and why? Jack White – the greatest guitarist (in my opinion) who has ever lived. Rudolf Nureyev – the greatest ballet dancer who ever walked this earth (a god to me!), and Dr Seuss – he’s my favourite author. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — October 2017 — 11

Prepare for your animals

ew Zealanders love their animals and own more pets per household than anywhere else in the world, apart from the United States. So, how come when disaster strikes they are often left behind? New guidelines have just been released by the Ministry for Primary Industries on how to protect animals in an emergency. Every year millions of animals and their owners globally are affected by natural disasters, such as the recent devastating floods and storms in parts of the USA. Earlier this year, in our own district of Clevedon, hundreds of sheep died along with many cattle in submerged paddocks during the March floods. Thankfully no domestic pets perished but that wasn’t the case two months later in Edgecumbe in the Bay of Plenty when the Rangitaiki River’s breached flood bank resulted in more catastrophe. Within hours of the disaster the MPI’s Animal Welfare lead, Wayne Ricketts, called on the National Rescue Unit, a specialist SPCA team based in Wellington, to help save animals that had become separated from their owners and trapped by flood waters.

What’s up for docs? In efforts to boost medical services in rural regions, a new school of medicine is set for development within the next three years. As Rural Living understood (ahead of election day) the project will go ahead irrespective of the election result. “The new School of Rural Medicine will be specifically geared toward meeting the challenges faced by high need and rural areas of the country, and will produce around 60 additional doctors per year,” Paul Goldsmith (Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment) recently confirmed. “Every New Zealander deserves quality healthcare services, and we want to grow the number of doctors in rural and regional areas to make it easier for people in those areas to access other key health services.” Proposals are now being considered which will determine where the school will be based; the successful applicant should be revealed in 2018. 12 — Rural Living — October 2017

The volunteers rescued nearly 1000 animals from the flooded and evacuated township in May – the largest companion animal rescue operation in New Zealand history. The small team worked 17 hour days to save creatures great and small including dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, rabbits, chickens, aviary

birds, rats, a pig, cows and even an aquarium of tropical fish. Now MPI has published guidance on how to protect your animals in an emergency. ‘Planning for Pets’ recommends an emergency survival kit for pets in the same way as homes should have one for human family members. Its checklist includes storing emergency survival items such as food, water and medicines, ensuring your pet is microchipped for easy identification and having a secure cage or carrier for transporting your pet. “Animals are companions and valued family members, yet often they are not included in response plans, recovery projects, contingency planning and risk reduction measures,” says Dr Ricketts. “Protecting animals in disasters is not only good for animal welfare it’s also about saving productive assets. The loss of animals in disasters can devastate people’s livelihoods.” Protect your animals in an emergency – planning for pets is available from the Ministry for Primary Industries www.mpi. govt.nz.

Austin has a solution! Docking might be a necessary chore but, while it’s no fun for farmers, it can be far worse for Mary’s little lamb! Due to fluctuations in blade temperatures, docking can cause lambs considerable pain, often leading to ineffective cauterisation and stock mortality. However, thanks to an award-winning new tool, known as Moray, lambs are expected to feel less pain, designer, Nicole Austin, confirms. What’s more, farmers will be less likely to need the services of a good doc after they dock! “I’ve refined the tool to be 35 percent lighter and use 60 percent less hand span than the docking iron currently used by New Zealand farmers,” Nicole says. “Repetitive strain injury occurring to the hands of ageing farmers is very common, and my new design aims to overcome this.” Moray is intended to ensure consistent blade temperatures for clean cauterisation. As a result of her efforts, the Massey University graduate recently claimed the James Dyson Award, which recognises innovative ideas in engineering. Head judge and president of The

Designers Institute, Mike Jensen, says the panel was greatly impressed by Nicole’s prototype. “Moray is a relatable product for our agricultural country,” he adds. “It’s exciting to see a functional and rugged design that has been well researched, and that holds much commercial potential for domestic and international markets.” www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Why the difference? Our patients cannot tell us how they are feeling, so any history of fatigue or nausea has to be indirect through the owner and, therefore, inaccurate. Many people have little or no idea how much water their pet drinks. Physical examination may be tricky in some patients as well. The result is that blood testing apparently healthy animals is very important as a means of assessing their actual health status. These tests need not be delayed until middle or late age. We regularly see in young animals, diseases which many

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would consider to be restricted to elderly pets. At our animal hospitals, we can run most blood and urine tests that you would want to perform, and normally in minutes. The ability to get results so quickly is something both us and our clients really value, as it allows immediate diagnosis and immediate treatment. We sometimes hear the comment that blood testing 'healthy' animals is of no value, and just done to generate income. However, as vets we are trying to maintain the health of pets as best we can, using the best tools available. To be able to detect underlying illness early, either to pre-

n Horses: Watch out for laminitis, particularly in ponies, as the lush spring grass comes away. n Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. We have seen cases of leptospirosis in dogs in the district recently and its often fatal for animals not protected by vaccination. n Calves and lambs will be eating enough grass by now for parasites to be an issue. Talk your vet about a prevention programme and what products will be best for you.

vent potential disaster during an anaesthetic, or to enable proper treatment to commence in order sustain healthy life for longer, is enormously important to us, just as it is to pet owners. There is little more frustrating and depressing than seeing a disease that has gone so far before detection, that it’s too late to help the patient. Our interest is healthy pets, and we’d love to talk to you about tests available to help you keep your pets healthy and active for as long as possible.

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Many animals are brought into vet clinics because they are injured or unwell. Most will require some form of blood and urine testing to find out what is wrong. But what about the animals that come in for routine examinations, such as annual vaccinations and health checks? A recent study in Australia looked at blood samples taken from 406 dogs and 130 cats, aged from 5-9 years and outwardly healthy, which were brought in to clinics for routine procedures. This study showed that 25 of the dogs and 25 of the cats had changes that indicated significant disease or warranted further investigation. That’s 6.2% of the dogs and one in five of the cats! Another study in South Africa in 2007 reported 30% of patients having a new diagnosis from pre-surgical blood testing, and in 13% of patients the planned procedure was deferred because of the testing. In humans, the numbers are much lower, with only 3% of people presenting for routine procedures having abnormalities found on blood tests.

october checklist

Rural Living — October 2017 — 13

Keeping chickens safe from disease By Wendy Majoor, Chook Manor

fter a very long wet winter and not great start to spring it does appear that the weather is finally improving and, perhaps, we are heading for some warmer, dry days at last. With all the wet weather, it is worth keeping an eye on your flock as coccidiosis is still a danger, not only to immature birds under 12 months old, but also to older birds. Several cases have been found recently in flocks. Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of the intestinal tract of animals caused by coccidian protozoa. The disease spreads from one animal to another by contact with infected faeces or

ingestion of infected tissue. Diarrhoea, which may become bloody in severe cases, is the primary symptom – your birds will look fluffed up and hunched. Chook Manor carries Coxiprol which is your first port of call for any young birds showing symptoms – the disease is very treatable if caught early. We also have a new range of excellent feed from Sharpes to complement our range. It offers a high source of meat meal protein and the Pullet Grower pellets have a coccidistat included as a preventative. Remember to withhold eggs for at least 10 days after your birds eat any medicated feed; it’s a small price to pay for saving the life of your birds.

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Wet soils threat

to farm production

ith the unrelenting rain of recent weeks, farm soils in many parts have become increasingly vulnerable to pugging and soil compaction. This prevents plant roots, earthworms and soil micro-organisms to take up nutrients, and create a soil environment that promotes good pasture growth. To get the best out of soil for pasture production and the environment, air and water need to move freely in and out of the soil – between particles. Dr Ants Roberts, chief scientific officer for Ravensdown, says pugging and soil compaction occurs when stock are on moist-to-wet soils which do not have the strength to support the animals’ weight. This causes a pugged surface layer and a compacted zone at about 5-10cm depth. “When soils are pugged, soil structure is lost, its density increases and porosity (spaces between soil particles), drainage and aeration decreases,” Dr Roberts says. “The soil stays wetter for longer, and wet soils are more easily pugged. This is called the pugging cycle. “This compaction changes soil properties causing greenhouse gas emissions to rise, and increases surface water run-off, nutrient loss, earthworm death and anaerobic soil conditions.” Dr Robers says it also reduces nutrient uptake by plants and root penetration, leading to pasture ‘pulling’ by grazing animals and increased ‘droughtiness’ of pasture when the summer dry arrives.

production impact Many New Zealand farms are on soils

considered to be physically resilient, such as volcanic ash and pumice-based soils. But research in the Waikato has shown that just one soil treading/compaction event depressed pasture production by more than 50 percent. It then took two months to recover. “Treading damage decreases the soil’s macroporosity (the big spaces between soil particles) and ‘integrates’ the pasture, nutrient and biological effects of soil compaction,” Dr Roberts explains.

Preventing compaction Practical alternatives to keeping stock off wet soils include short grazing periods and putting stock onto feed pads until soil conditions improve. “Many people also move stock from pasture into a race or yard when

heavy rain occurs,” Dr Roberts says. “Appropriate artificial drainage of perennially winter-wet and heavy soils will be beneficial and helps decrease the period of soil wetness and the time when damage is likely to occur.” In either autumn or spring when soil moisture conditions allow, subsoiling, using a soil aerator (no deeper than 20-25cm) is one way to partly alleviate compaction effects, allowing the natural soil processes to remediate soil structure. “Soil’s physical structure is just as important as maintaining correct soil fertility levels to achieve the best results for your pasture production and environmental footprint. It’s not always easy in this weather to prevent animals from turning a paddock to slush, but just remember soil is the core of your business and shouldn’t be treated like dirt.”

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Rural Living — October 2017 — 15

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Professor of Science Communication, Dr Simon Pollard, led an ordinary existence; then, along came a spider! While the good doctor may only have two legs, he now shares a most important characteristic with one of New Zealand’s smallest eight-legged residents. When a jumping spider taxonomist from Poland visited our shores recently – which, apparently, does happen! – he gave one of our native spiders a name. Dr Pollard (a spider biologist from the University of Canterbury) says he was proud to have his moniker allotted to the arachnid in question. “When I found out, I wanted to find one in my garden at home and tell him or her that they were named after me!” he says. Dr Pollard admitted that the spider (no, it’s not called Simon!) was very unlikely to appreciate the importance of such a meeting. However, the good doctor shouldn’t have much trouble finding his namesake. Although small (approximately 5mm in length), Trite pollardi is commonly found in both the North and South Islands.

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A laugh and a calf While plenty of local littlies may have presented their calves, kids, chooks, lambs and the like already, the following schools will have their days in the sun (even if it’s cloudy!) in October: ◆ Te Kohanga School October 20, 976 Tuakau Bridge-Port Waikato Road, Te Kohanga Contact: 09 232 8881 or admin@tekohanga.school.nz

◆ Aka Aka Primary School Calf Club Day October 1, 809 Aka Aka Road, Aka Aka Contact: 09 235 2806 or admin@akaaka.school.nz

100 Stevenson Rd, Clarks Beach Phone 09 232 1788

◆ Waikaretu School Pet Day October 20, 1448 Waikaretu Valley Road, Waikaretu Contact: 09 233 3014 or admin@waikaretu.school.nz

◆ Te Kauwhata Primary School Calf Club Day October 18, Wira Street, Te Kauwhata Contact: 07 8263564 or office@tkp.school.nz ◆ Onewhero Area School Calf Club Day October 19, Parsons Road, Onewhero Contact: 09 232 8866 or office@onewhero.school.nz ◆ Ardmore School Agricultural Day October 20, Clevedon Road, Ardmore Contact: 09 299 6228 or office@ardmore.school.nz

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◆ Hunua School Agricultural Day October 28, Lockwood Road, Hunua Contact: 09 292 4889 or office@hunua.school.nz ◆ Kaiaua School Calf Club Day October 28, 1061 East Coast Road, Kaiaua Contact: 09 232 2723 or admin@kaiaua.school.nz

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◆ Waerenga School Calf Club Day October 17, 1066 Taniwha Road, Waerenga Contact: 07 8267871 or admin@waerengaschool.co.nz

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◆ Mangatangi School Calf & Lamb Day October 20, 2047 Miranda Rd, Mangatangi Contact: 09 232 7898 or admin@mangatangi.school.nz

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◆ Maramarua School Calf & Lamb Day October 20, 2200 State Highway 2, Maramarua Contact: 09 232 5846 or office@maramarua.school.nz ◆ Orere Primary School Agricultural Day October 20, Orere Point Road, Orere Contact: 09 292 2736 or office@orere.school.nz

◆ Franklin Central Group Day October 18, Pukekohe A&P Showgrounds, Station Road, Pukekohe

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◆ Waiuku Combined Schools Calf Club Group Day October 19, Waiuku Rugby Club, King Street, Waiuku

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Rural Living — October 2017 — 17

aussie Butcher shoWs his chops The knives were out recently when the nation’s best butchers battled it out to claim the prestigious Butcher and Apprentice Butcher of the Year laurels at Shed 10 in downtown Auckland. Despite a gutsy performance from other competitors – including James Smith from PAK’nSAVE Pukekohe – the sharp skills (and even sharper blades) of an Aussie Butcher from New Lynn prevailed. Winner, Reuben Sharples, says he expects the prize – which includes an international study tour – will benefit both himself and his staff. “I’m hugely passionate about this industry, I love what I do and it feels great to be recognised for it. I’m looking forward to the study tour and I know the experience I gain from it is going to be hugely beneficial,” he says. The competitions saw finalists face various challenges including chicken, beef sirloin, pork and turkey against the clock. The Apprentice of the Year crown went to Samantha Weller of New World Rangiora.

James Smith of Pak'nSave Pukekohe made the cut. Photo supplied

Hunt on for

unsung farm heroines

ew Zealand’s farming women fill many roles but whether milking cows or heading an agri-business it is only in recent years their efforts have been recognised as more come to the fore across the industry. Now, once again, nominations are been taken for Dairy Women’s Network’s 2018 Dairy Community Leadership Award which recognises a dairying woman who is making a significant contribution in her local rural community through leadership and support. The Network is urging all rural committee members, calf club leaders, event organisers, advice-givers and more, to come forward. CEO, Zelda de Villiers says the award is for the type of woman who keeps the wheels of groups and initiatives turning, often while helping run a farm and raise a family. “In any rural community you have those great people who, often unseen, organise events, co-ordinate initiatives, and offer help and advice to those who need it,” she says. “They are the unsung heroes of New Zealand.” De Villiers says no task is too small, or challenge too big, for these women; “and that’s what the Dairy Community Leadership Award aims to celebrate and recognise,” she adds. “The winner will be someone who embodies our values, is active within the Network, and is engaged in community activities and shows leadership.” The 2018 Dairy Community Leadership Award will also mark 20 years since Dairy Women’s Network was established. “In the early days, the Network was about connecting women with each other

and sharing knowledge and advice,” Ms de Villiers says. “Now, we’ve evolved to adapt to the needs of dairy women which have grown considerably. “Our core driver is to give women in the dairy industry unlimited opportunities, and our members see value in gaining education and experiences within the sector; experiences such as the Dairy Community Leadership Award.” Sponsored by ASB and Tompkins Wake, the award includes a scholarship prize to attend a leadership programme in New Zealand. Nominations will be judged on who has demonstrated leadership in her community, played an active role in community organisations and events, and is an active member of Dairy Women’s Network and a good representative for the organisation. It’s easy to make a nomination, and anyone can nominate a deserving dairying woman. Visit dwn.co.nz to find out more about the awards or to nominate. Nominations close February 9, 2018 with the 2018 Dairy Community Leadership Award being presented at the annual conference, held in March 2018.

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Weasley stoat no cutie! By Ditch Keeling, Coastal Pest Solutions

on't be fooled by the sometimes cute images of furry stoats. One of three mustelid species introduced to NZ during the late 19th Century, stoats (Mustela erminea),sometimes called short-tailed weasels, were brought here in the hope that they would control an everincreasing rabbit problem. The combined effects of stoats, ferrets (Mustela furo) and weasels (Mustela nivalis) proved insufficient to have any real form of control on rabbit populations. However, they did prove devastating to New Zealand’s endemic fauna which had evolved in the complete absence of any mammalian predators. The distribution of stoats in this country today is fairly even and the very few locations that do not have stoats are all islands. Most species protection programmes on the mainland target all three mustelids with one trapping methodology, which is based on current best practice for stoats, as they tend to be more numerous than weasels and harder to catch than ferrets. In other words, a trapping programme that successfully targets stoats will usually prove sufficient in dealing with weasels and ferrets, too. 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, Mustelid trapping is likely to achieve the desired results. ◆◆Trap Types: Traps that capture and kill stoats (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 most popular models with professionals are the Fenn Mk 4 or 6 traps, which are used, in wooden or plastic tunnels and the new DOC 150, 200 and 250 series traps which are used in timber tunnels. The DOC series traps are extremely user-friendly and I have heard nothing but positive feedback since their launch just a few years ago. ◆◆Trap Spacing: Stoats can have incredibly large home ranges (40-256ha). Most operators place traps C.200m apart. On properties up to 10 acres 1-3 traps is often all that is required to catch mustelids that are passing through. ◆◆Trap Placement: Set traps on welldefined linear edges, ridge tops, pasture/ forest margins, natural intersection features and along waterways. Trapping these features tends to catch more stoats and makes traps easier to service. ◆◆Baits: Many types of bait have been used for stoat trapping including rabbit, hare, possum, salted rabbit, freeze dried rabbit

and fresh hens eggs. The choice of bait depends on availability and how long it will last in relation to your trap-checking regime. Bait attractiveness trials have shown fresh rabbit to be the most attractive during the first three to five days but this does drop off once the bait starts deteriorating. Many successful stoat trappers rub a piece of rabbit on natural features leading to the trap, on the trap itself and then inside and replenish this weekly for good results. It must be noted that even an un-baited trap can catch stoats if its positioning is just right. Stoats are known to eat rats, so if you are also trapping these, it’s well worth re-cycling them into stoat baits. Any fresh-caught mustelids 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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Rural Living — October 2017 — 19

neeD a farm enVironment consultant?

Ask the question(s)! By Mark fitzpatrick, business manager, ravensdown environmental

armers grappling with new government environmental regulations, work they need to do to comply, new limits they need to farm to and if or how their property values are being affected as a result, often turn to a farm consultant to help with the challenges. Of course, farmers are used to contracting professional support whether it be accountants or agri-consultants. But farm environmental consultants are a fairly new breed with some new specialists now pitching themselves as experts. So, how do you know the environmental advice you’re getting is what you need? Here are six questions to ask.

Is the consultant a Certified Nutrient Management Advisor (CNMA)?

Having this qualification shows the consultant has met the nationally recognised standards for those who can provide certified nutrient management advice. Advisers are required to have completed appropriate university qualifications, or suitable work experience in agriculture. They also need to have successfully completed the intermediate and advanced courses in Sustainable Nutrient Management in New Zealand Agriculture via Massey University, and demonstrate that their skills and knowledge meet required standards through a competency assessment. The list of all CNMAs is available at this website: http://www.nmacertification.org. nz/Site/Nutrient Management/Certified Advisers/default.aspx

20 — Rural Living — October 2017

Will the consultant tell you what you want to hear or what you need to hear?

Farm environmental work is important. A poor piece of technical work, linked to a resource consent, can result in legally binding conditions with council that can put a farm’s value at risk. So, ensure this work is given the effort it deserves. Keep an eye out for someone who may be taking shortcuts which could end up costing you a lot of money in the long run. It’s worse than a false economy; it’s a false sense of security.

Will the consultant stick with you and defend his/her work in event of prosecution? Farm Environmental Management is here to stay. Ongoing support is likely to be needed whether it’s farming advice or compliance assessments for reporting to councils. You need to know the person working with you to meet regulatory requirements and obtain consents will also be there to help in the years to come. Worst case scenario is you need support in the Environment Court. If a consultant won’t defend his/her work in a legal setting, then you aren’t getting what you’re paying for. It’s the ultimate test of his/her confidence in data, analysis and recommendations provided.

Does the consultant understand your farm?

If he/she hasn’t visited your farm and discussed your goals, then alarm bells should ring. Having access to fertiliser

history, soil test results and spreading maps will speed up the process. Knowledge of the region and the challenges faced by neighbouring farms will also be helpful.

How thorough is the consultant’s process?

Complex modelling and scenario planning of farm systems through Overseer is no walk in the park – it can take time to do the work well. To ensure nothing is missed, all work should be reviewed by another senior ranking advisor. The reviewer should have the experience and knowledge to really understand the work and give it the critical eye it deserves.

Does the consultant understand the rules?

Regulatory framework can be complex and contain many specific details. Knowing the ins and outs of the latest plan change ruling and applying these to your case is part of what you’re paying for. The way rules are implemented changes all the time so if your advisor isn’t up-to-date with the variations, they may be missing a vital piece of the puzzle. Ask how he/she stays in touch with what’s changing and how much contact is had with regional council officials. The best way to tackle environmental management is to think of it as business risk management. It’s important because failing to put the right measures in place now could have long-term consequences for your farm. It always pays to do it right and as the old saying goes, ‘you get what you pay for’. If you’re compromising on quality advice, you may be compromising your farm’s sustainability.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Killing clutter

the supreme Way

ou know that big pile of clutter you’ve been meaning to sort out? The one that keeps getting bigger and makes you miserable? Well, Collette Barker from Supreme Organising can come and help you sort it once and for all, but is that REALLY what you want? Forewarned is forearmed, so here’s a secret heads-up on what you could expect… Your best excuses disappear. “I can’t fix the door ‘cos I’ve lost my drill bits”, or “I have to shoot out and buy a new smoke alarm battery”. Once the clutter is sorted and belongings organised, you’ll know exactly where all your tools are and you might discover you already have five 9v batteries. A lot of stuff is ‘rehomed’ but not everything… Remember that embarrassing photo of your friend wearing his sister’s bikini and a green sombrero, riding a donkey to the dairy for pies at 2am after a ‘couple too many’ at your 21st? You’re keeping that. It’s an asset and worth it. You’re strongly attached to your current ‘Floor Storage System’. You can find most things, sort of! It’s usually fine. Fair enough. But rethinking why you keep things,

Collette Barker

learning new storage tricks and adopting a few new living practices could make you forget that urge to escape home. That’s because your new space and extra free time will feel like luxury! So, what about Supreme Organising? Not gonna call them. Sounds a bit judgy or highbrow. Let a little myth-busting blow that excuse right out of the water.

Collette is friendly, easy going and makes the job fun. Being raised in the country, with farm gear and animals and now having four children have kept her firmly grounded, relaxed and practical. But you’re still putting off decluttering with the excuse: “I did it before and it always comes back!” That’s because it takes a professional like Collette to look at the way you think, live and work in an area to create fantastic new systems which make keeping things sorted easy. Perhaps, you think the only way to stay organised is to be constantly cleaning. Not so. There’s more than one way to have a functional home that looks fantastic. Let Collette find a way that suits your whole family so you can live comfortably tidy without having a fit when cups are on the bench and gumboots stack up in the doorway. Imagine the time you’ll save searching for things, and how much less friction there’ll be when the spare room or garage is accessible. To discover how amazing life feels once Collette frees you from the dark cloud of clutter, now’s the time to grab your free in-home consultation. Call her on 027 415 4744.

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Rural Living — October 2017 — 21

Dee Bond using a map and a clock for precision flying.

Photos supplied

Local flyer’s life in the ‘Skylane’ The quickest birds should win any race but, although Dee Bond’s crate (a Cessna Skylane 182R) wasn’t necessarily the fastest through the air recently, skill and strategy saw her come home on more than just a wing and a prayer. JON RAWLINSON spoke with this inspiring pilot about her love of aviation.

hose magnificent men in their flying machines may have enchanted all the ladies in the past but, these days, it’s Pukekohe’s Dee Bond who has been stealing the scenes by landing first place honours at the recent Air Race Classic in the USA. “We were absolutely stoked! I’ve been in the top 10 before and competed seven times in total but it’s the first time I’ve won this event,” she confirms. “Every flight is an adventure, and no two flights are the same. I feel blessed to be able to fly, and thankful for the opportunities it has given me to see the world and to represent my country.” While many would think, in an allout race, the fastest planes would finish first, Dee explains that making the most of winds (both fair and foul) is just as important in the air as it is on the water. “Because it was an East-West race, the fastest aircraft were flying into headwinds for less time in total. Our plane was relatively slow [but] because competitors decided when to leave [each waypoint] and the altitude, it came down to strategy and ours really paid off.” Along with her American co-pilot (McKenzie Krutsinger), Dee raced against the clock, covering the four day, nine leg, 2400 mile (approximately) course. Beginning on the USA’s East Coast, the Air Race Classic concluded deep in the heart of Texas. 22 — Rural Living — October 2017

The first event (held in 1929, then known as the Women’s Air Derby) featured legendary aviatrix, Amelia Earhart and 19 other women who raced from California to Ohio. Since then, numerous daring female flyers have followed in their wake, including Dee. “Those girls set the standard for us, breaking new ground,” she says. “At that time, the aircraft were experimental and unreliable. "One of the biggest changes is that we now receive weather and traffic information into the cockpit; that’s made a huge difference as far as safety goes.” Even though technology may have come a long way, flying still holds inherent dangers... surely. Dee shrugs off this suggestion; ironically, she’s rather down to earth. “It’s about risk management; it’s no different to taking a small boat out on the water... no different. Even if you have an engine failure, your plane just becomes a glider and it can still get you down safely. And, we train for that.” Not one to rest on her laurels, soon after victory in the USA, Dee was back at the stick (this time a Cessna 150) for the World Precision Flying Championships in Austria. During this biennial event (Dee’s fifth), the skills of 63 pilots from 15 countries (including seven women) were put to the test over four days of competition.

Precision flying events are designed to focus on skill, testing various disciplines including flight planning, navigation, observations and landings. “Air racing is about covering the course as fast as you can, but precision flying is a completely different sport... completely different,” It’s like orienteering in the air,” she explains. “We plan a route and have to be within (plus or minus) two seconds of that flight plan anywhere along the course – you try driving somewhere give or take two seconds; it’s not easy!” What’s more, competitors are without the assistance of such modern tools as GPS. “With the Air Race, we use whatever tools we can. But, for precision flying, it’s all down to a map and a clock. We use older instruments – nothing electronic; it’s old fashioned navigation, so intense concentration is required.” Although Dee wasn’t too pleased with her performance – finishing 53rd (from 63) overall, and fifth in a field of only seven female flyers – she is looking forward to the next event in Spain in two years’ time, should she qualify. Until then, there are plenty of other aerial contests – including the North Island three-day Great Northern Air Race this summer, during which Dee will likely prove that you simply can’t keep this good woman down. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Dee Bond, right, with co-pilot McKenzie Krutsinger.

Photo supplied courtesy Air Race Classic

How Kiwi Dee sees the world

lthough Dee Bond may have been paying various destinations ‘flying visits’ since she attained her pilot’s licence in the 1980s, it’s her sport which has truly allowed this Kiwi to see the world. “One of the reasons I enjoy [competitive flying] is that it’s given me the opportunity to fly in all sorts places around the world. I’ve flown in the USA, Scandinavia, Turkey and I’m looking forward to flying in Spain too,” she says. Along with her partner (or should that be her ‘Old Man’?), Neil Young, Dee has also flown through Africa and plans to take her ‘backseat flyer’ along on another adventure next year. “I’ve been invited to an event in the Bahamas – if it goes ahead after this hurricane. If for no other reason, it will give us a great opportunity to go check out the Caribbean.” Well-known locally as proprietors of the Tuakau Hotel, the couple has been busy getting the Mercer Airport off the ground since 2010. Neil is in the process of renewing his pilot’s licence – which lapsed years ago – but has no plans to fly competitively. One would expect the daughter of a

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Second World War pilot (who, Dee says, fortunately never saw combat) would take to the skies like a duck to water. And yet, her passion for aviation almost failed to launch. “One of my first (almost) flying experiences was when my father [Eric Bond] took me to Drury to go gliding. But, when the pilot turned up with a parachute

for him but none for me, I chickened out!” Years after the false start, Dee returned to Auckland from her home in Wellington and took a portentous ride to Great Barrier Island in a flying boat. “I thought ‘oh my gosh, this is fantastic!’,” she recalls. “Soon afterwards, we drove out to Ardmore and saw a Lake Buccaneer for sale. Neither my partner at the time nor I could fly but we bought it; so I actually owned an aeroplane before I could fly!” While pursuing a career in accountancy, Dee initially flew as a hobby, often on trips across the Tasman Strait to the family’s bach in the Marlborough Sounds. However, after attaining her instructor and commercial credentials, her flying fancy became a profession as a pilot for shorthaul operator, Air2There. Later, a journey south saw Dee moving north when she fell for the charms of a certain ‘Young’ man from Franklin. “I have a Catalina – a World War Two flying boat – and Neil joined us for Warbirds over Wanaka in 2008,” she says. “We hit it off and moved up here.” Today, Dee and Neil are kept busy running the Tuakau Hotel and Mercer Airport but it seems they’ll always find time to spread their wings. Rural Living — October 2017 — 23

Month of mixed fortunes Reay Neben is a Franklin resident and publisher of Rural Living.

CITY LASS

ell, this is certainly some spring. A few weeks ago we thought that it was going to be a really warm month with temperatures up in the high teens. How wrong were we? I have never seen hail as thick as it was the other weekend and, really, that horrible wind and heavy rain has been all too much. At our new property I’ve been keen to plant early so we can make the most of the growing time but getting two fine days in a row has seemed impossible. Nevertheless, I have been down to Farrells [garden centre] and bought loads of trees and, yes, they are planted. And, I loved it when my gardening lady, Chris sent a text to say, “I will pop by and pick up the 26 trees needed for down by the pool.” “Excellent,” said I. It turned out that the 26 was short; we needed another two. Planting the trees was one thing but we have had to cover the ground with stones so that our brainless chooks can’t get into the soft soil and dig up the roots. We have also planted a hedge of feijoas to screen the chook run and I hope to live long enough to see that goal achieved! With the weather and planting issues, it’s been a real month...but there’s more. Brian has only this week started to get over his debilitating flu (that’s been a barrel of

One planting exercise complete.

laughs) so, it’s been slowly, slowly. On the up side, we had a surprise visit from our grandson, who is a chef on a super yacht. What an incredible 18 months he has had. He spent nearly a year cruising the Mediterranean then the crew sailed to Florida for some maintenance before heading for Hawaii, followed by Tahiti and now, Fiji. Experiences such as sailing through the Panama Canal and seeing so many amazing places are truly amazing for a young man but, of course, there is always a down side such as the loneliness and the lack of freedom to plan where or when he can be anywhere. I asked him how often the Russian woman who owns the ship had been on board during the past year. Just 20 days! Because of grandson’s visit we weren’t able to attend the NZ Standard Breeders’ Association awards dinner which was a real pity as we couldn’t celebrate with

our Waiau Pa friend, Tony Dickinson who was recognised for his contribution to the industry. It was a well deserved award for Tony who I have known for more than 45 years and who, throughout all that time has dreamed and constantly talked about breeding horses. Over the last few weeks I have also been having a massage at Thai Massage in Hall Street. Lifting heavy rocks and digging have brought on stiffness accompanied by the usual aches and pains and although my Pilates class helps keep me fit, a massage works wonders. But I had to smile when I went for a recent appointment. The young Thai woman who took me through for my massage quietly asked, “You the lady in book?” I was not quite sure what she meant but then it hit me – Rural Living! It really is the magazine for everyone. Cheers and see you next month, Reay

Buying or Selling? M. 021 955 141 I E. c.cooper@barfoot.co.nz I Papakura 09 298 8029 24 — Rural Living — October 2017

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Cherry Cooper - Rural, Equestrian & Lifestyle www.ruralliving.co.nz

Win!

To enter the draw for any of these competitions visit ruralliving.co.nz and enter this month's code – RLOCT6789. One entry per person/email address; entries close October 31, 2017. Winner notiﬁed by phone or email.

Win! a year’s supply of adVocate spot on From fleas to ear mites and worms, Bayer’s Advocate Spot On supports good health for our furry friends. Particularly common among cats inclined to hunt in the garden, lungworm causes wheezing, coughing and respiratory distress. However, one quick treatment can protect adventuresome felines from this nasty parasite. Thanks to Bayer, we have a giveaway that’s just, well, the cat’s whiskers! One lucky reader will receive a year’s supply of Spot On, valued at approximately $200.

Win! a douBle pass to auckland garden designfest While a pot plant on a balcony or window box might pass for a garden to some, the world’s best landscape designers really do go the extra yard in turning our yards into picture-perfect slices of paradise. From November 25-26, the Auckland Garden DesignFest is set to reveal the fruits of their labour when some of Auckland’s finest gardens are open to the public. What’s more, Rural Living has a double pass (valued at $130) to give away.

Win! a rural Blokes tWin pack You can’t keep a good bushman (or mountaineer) down! That’s especially true in the case of two true blue Kiwi icons, Barry Crump and Tuakau’s own Sir Edmund Hillary. Featuring some of his best yarns, Barry Crump – Collected Stories dishes up laconic humour as only Crump ever could, while Michael Gill’s biography of Sir Ed, tells the story of a man who not only, famously ‘knocked the bastard off’ but went on to live the rest of his life to the fullest. Rural Living has a twin pack featuring BOTH of these hardback editions up for grabs. ◆ Barry Crump: Barry Crump – Collected Stories & Michael Gill: Edmund Hillary – A Biography | RRP $49.99 & $59.99| Potton & Burton

Win! oliVe Black gift packs Purity is not to be taken lightly. While some products may feature a little of this and a little of that, plus a whole lot of barely pronounceable chemicals, Olive Black olive oil is simply 100 percent pure olive oil. Even Popeye missus (we assume) couldn’t claim to be 100 percent pure! Certified by Olives New Zealand, this extra virgin oil is available at Whitford Food Depot – 5 Whitford-Maraetai Rd; for a full list of stockists see oliveblack.co.nz. Meantime, Rural Living has 500ml bottles in gift boxes to give away to TWO lucky readers.

Win! sunfloWer groWing packs While some little ones may be the parents’ only sunshines, thanks to the good folk at Daltons, sunflowers a-plenty can be blooming in our readers’ gardens. As kindergartens nationwide face the challenge of growing the biggest and best sunflowers (learning all about the wonders of Mother Nature in the process), Rural Living has TWO sunflower growing packs up for grabs. For more information about Sunflowers in Kindergartens visit daltons.co.nz.

For last month’s rural Living winners visit www.ruralliving.co.nz/competitions www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — October 2017 — 25

Clockwise from top left; banyan trees, food market in Port Vila, Lololima Waterfall, Hideaway Island. Photos David Kirkland

The delights of Vanuatu Yvonne Eve Walus enjoyed a family holiday experiencing and relishing all that Vanuatu had to offer from new food adventures to a range of leisure activities.

reen bananas, orange papayas, red wild raspberries and white coconuts, husked and ‘smiling’ at passers-by with their triangular mouths. Welcome to the food market in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. Covered by a permanent canopy to shelter the produce from torrential rains and relentless sun, it’s easily one of the largest outdoor markets in Oceania. We don’t bother to have breakfast before we catch a taxi from our hotel, and it turns out to be a wise decision, because the market has a cooked-meal section where you can feast on local cuisine. We choose fragrant parcels of lap lap, a traditional dish made with grated cassava and wild cabbage, cooked in coconut milk, and served wrapped in a banana leaf. The children have a fabulous adventure sampling the new tastes (the raspberries are an instant hit, though opinion on coconut milk varies), measuring themselves against bunches of bananas, and taking photos of everything from palm fronds to cut flowers. When it gets too hot to enjoy the dusty town centre, we retreat to the leafy lap of luxury that is Warwick Le Lagon holiday resort. Sipping non-alcoholic cocktails in the swimming pool (the children), and not-so non-alcoholic cocktails outside the pool (the parents), we let time slip by until lunch. You’d be forgiven for assuming that Vanuatu, being an island, has a cuisine rich in locally-harvested fish and seafood. However, because of ocean currents, fishing is dangerous here, and so the staple meat in the traditional island diet oscillates 26 — Rural Living — October 2017

between chicken and flying fox (bat). Fortunately for the tourists, flying fox is optional, and so our lunch starts with a beautiful seafood medley compliments of the Wild Ginger Hotel restaurant. The chef goes out of his way to explain how he blends fresh local produce with French influences into fusion Asian dishes such as sushi and teppanyaki. His char-grilled Santo beef is the most tender steak I’ve ever had, and it comes with a story: during the Second World War, a herd of Charolais cattle were set loose on the island of Espirto Santo to “mow the grass”. They have thrived there ever since, free range and organic and oh-sodelicious. Free range and organic is certainly how we feel as we tackle the afternoon activities. Snorkelling in Erakor Lagoon (Le Lagon has boats and masks for hire) is a rewarding experience: we spot starfish bigger than our hands, slimy sea cucumbers and a multitude of silver-blue fish. We come back pleasantly tired, just in time for a lesson in the local language: Bislama, a dialect evolved from English. Once we get the hang of the simplified grammar and phonetic spelling, it’s easy to understand – the phrase Buk blong mi means (the) book (that) belongs (to) me, in other words, my book. That evening, our conversation is filled with gorgeous sounds like yumitu: (you me two, or the two of us) and mi wantem (I would like). When it transpires that my family wantem to kayak, I give it a go, but after a brief spell of trying to balance in the plastic husk, I let them paddle to the

‘

Because of ocean currents, fishing is dangerous here, and so the staple meat in the traditional island diet oscillates between chicken and flying fox (bat).

nearby island while I relax under the palm trees with a book – my idea of a good time. I don’t get to have my way the next morning, though. It’s excursion time, and we’re going off the beaten track. While most people visit the Cascades Waterfall in Port Vila, Pascal from Vanuatu Ecotours takes us to an unspoiled wilderness deep into the heart of the island to see to a secret waterfall called Lololima. En route we admire gigantic banyan trees, jump from the banks into the river, visit a lime grotto with tiny bats stuck to its roof, and pick wild raspberries (fresh off the bush they taste even better than those at the food market). On our final day in Vanuatu, we catch a taxi to a ferry that transports us to Hideaway Island, a marine sanctuary where the snorkelling is even more spectacular than in Erakor Lagoon. Hideaway also features a tourist attraction that’s a must: an underwater post box. We buy special waterproof postcards from the local shop, write on them in pencil, swim them out to the white buoy, and make a three-metre dive to post them into a genuine post box. We have the foresight to send one to ourselves, and it arrives shortly after we return home – a perfect reminder of a perfect holiday. www.ruralliving.co.nz

There’s more to do in Vanuatu

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Just over three hours away in our corner of heaven, you’ll be welcomed by the bursting colour and warmth of clear blue lagoons, bright sandy beaches and the beaming smiles of our friendly people. Go adventuring on a live volcano, witness land diving, experience incredible fishing and scuba diving. Or just laze on a sun lounger and indulge in a great book.

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/airvanuatu Rural Living — October 2017 — 27 16961

Mother Nature knows best O n one of the wettest days of the wettest weeks of winter, I joined 10 pre-schoolers and their teachers on a Nature Discovery programme. They were from Mason Avenue Kindergarten and, unlike me, totally unfazed by the atrocious weather. Decked out in bright orange waterproof gear (donated by Pukekohe Grower Supplies), backpacks bursting with essential snacks, the little trampers were eager to begin their adventure in a bush area of farmland on Ray Wright Road belonging to John and Maree Bernasconi. These friendly farmer have been welcoming groups from the kindy for the past two years since being approached by head teacher, Judi Sixsmith, who along with fellow teacher, Kim Pearson, devised the nature discovery programme. Each week the 10 oldest children from the kindergarten visit the bush where they spend a fun-filled day in the great outdoors and they love it. Nobody is more thrilled at its success than Judi who says research has shown that teaching children about their environment and encouraging

28 — Rural Living — October 2017

them to spend time outdoors pays great dividends. “If you instil that love for nature in children at a young age then they will always carry it with them,” says Judi. “Both Kim and I really love the outdoors and are passionate about the positive qualities it brings out in the children.” The pair believe giving children regular, positive interactions within nature helps them develop respect and a caring attitude for the environment. Also, watching adults – parents and teachers – encouraging children’s enjoyment, sense of comfort and respect for nature, on a regular basis is important to these outdoor experiences. A similar scheme is run by Tuakau Kindergarten and Judi said she and Kim had taken ideas from there along with some from Fiordland Kindergarten in the South Island to create Mason Avenue’s unique programme. “It has meant extra fundraising for us but we place high value on what we are doing and feel it is a really important part of what we offer children and their families at our kindergarten. “We have had great support from many

Pukekohe businesses as well as parents and other family members.” This has included making and supplying rat and possum traps, a weta ‘hotel’, fire safety equipment and a large wooden crate to keep equipment in. The children are driven to the bush area courtesy of the Franklin Club which lends its minibus to the kindergarten every Tuesday. A shell path leads from a paddock to a large clearing in the bush, the start marked by a newly-planted kauri. At its centre, log stumps are arranged around a camp fire area which Judi encircles with a thick blue rope delineating the “safety bubble” area. There are a few rules in which the children are well drilled including never to step over the rope, or safety bubble as it’s known, to go to the toilet behind a tree and, if lost, to hug a tree and call out ‘kiwi, kiwi’ until someone finds them. Conservation work is an important part of the visit with the youngsters helping to check and bait possum and rat traps and keeping a watchful eye on the weta ‘hotel’. Furthermore, as the children wend their way through the bush they are www.ruralliving.co.nz

Photos Wayne Martin

Some of the most important lessons our children learn aren't always taught in a classroom and, at least one Pukekohe kindergarten is proving that Mother Nature knows best. ANGELA KEMP donned her gumboots and joined local babes in the bush. often accompanied by a fantail they’ve christened, Thunder. “Through caring for nature and wildlife they not only learn about conservation but also gain valuable life skills such as risk taking, team work, confidence building and learning to push themselves past their limits,” says Judi. “We really try not to say, ‘be careful’ because that will often stop children rather than encourage them to think about what they are doing. A lot of them are very cautious when they first come and it’s lovely to see them grow in confidence. “They also build very good relationships with each other and give each other support which they bring back to kindergarten with them.” Whether tramping through deep leaf mould, slipping down muddy banks, climbing up muddy banks using a rope or splashing about in the creek, it’s clear they love being outside whatever the weather. “We have seen the crysalises and holes where puriri moths have come out from the trees. Fungi is another thing that is always changing, appearing on logs in such a range of colours and forms. The www.ruralliving.co.nz

children are really interested and excited about these discoveries. Nothing can buy that kind of experience.” Also encouraged to climb trees and get very, very muddy (teachers, reporter and the photographer too), for these youngsters it is a must-do activity in winter. The nearest thing to life in the material world is an area known as the playground where rope swings hang from branches and old tree trunks double as dinosaurs to clamber over. Here imaginations are at their most inventive as nature transforms into whatever magical creature the children conjure up. Judi has taught at Mason Avenue kindergarten for 16 years and rates the nature discovery programme as one of the most exciting innovations in early childhood education during her career. “There’s so many rich experiences and so much learning available to children when they are in touch with nature and the environment.” The programme couldn’t run without the help of parents, with two being rostered on every visit. Judi says the adults

have as much fun as the children and enjoy being far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. On the day of my visit, dads, Chris McDowell (father of Toby) and Alan Murray (father of Abigail) were the willing helpers. “Toby loves coming here but this is my first visit,” says Chris. “I think it’s important for dads to become involved. This experience is not something the children would get by sitting inside all day.” Alan Murray had also taken the day off work to join Abigail on her last day before starting at Kingsgate School. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids, teachers and families to get close to nature.” Finally, muddy hands washed in a bucket of water, the children settle down for a sausage sizzle and cup of Milo next to the campfire which heavy rain fails to put out. Thanks to the natural canopy provided by mature, towering trees, the clearing remains mostly dry. It’s truly a magical place and thanks to the children from Mason Avenue Kindergarten its natural beauty will be preserved and cherished for years to come. Rural Living — October 2017 — 29

Magic Mick – tricks are his trade Magic moments can last a lifetime but they can also be responsible for making a living, as JON RAWLINSON discovered when meeting local magician, Mick Peck.

“If you can be responsible for taking away someone’s problems for half an hour, that’s a kind of magic, I think.” 30 — Rural Living — October 2017

nterviewing a professional magician is bound to result in just a few tricks of the trade being revealed, or so I thought. However, Pukekohe local, Mick Peck, is (understandably) tight-lipped about showing his hand, leaving plenty up his sleeve. “I don’t give away the secrets,” he tells me. “It’s a bit like when we’re young, we’re amazed by Santa until we find out it’s just dad with a pillow down his front. I believe that there are some mysteries to be solved and others which should be savoured.” In fact, the most amazing aspects of magic are those which are designed to be shared by only a lucky few. “The difference between magic and other performing arts is that you spend a lifetime hiding what you learn. I know guys who have spent 30 or 40 years perfecting a slightof-hand technique with the sole intention of ensuring that technique is invisible to audiences!” A true appreciation of the hard work and skill which goes into magic can only be attained by those within an intimate circle, a Magic Circle, to be exact. Since 2014, Mick – one of just a handful of fulltime, professional magicians who ply their trade in New Zealand – has been a member of the Magic Circle, an exclusive, London-based club for the world’s best. Despite reaching the top of his profession, even ‘magic Mick’ can blow a trick now and then. However, the show must always go on. “When an amateur gets something wrong they’ll get flustered and blow the trick. But a professional can go to a plan B or plan C, change the ending perhaps, and, if they’re good enough, no one will ever know that it’s not all just part of the act.” While Mick has dealt with his share of sceptics over the years, conjuring up crowd-pleasing performances comes down to audiences being prepared to let go and enjoy show.“There’s a lot of psychology in magic. A big component is having the audience on side. If they like you, they’re willing to suspend their disbelief. That’s why I do comedy to first warm them up.” He says younger children and adults are most likely to allow themselves to be amazed; older children can prove ‘tricky’. “Up to a certain age, kids believe in magic – they just think you’re a wizard like Harry Potter. Once they reach 10 or 11, they’re more inclined to take a magician down a peg by trying to figure out a trick. But, as long as they know you’re there to entertain them and have fun, it’s not so bad.” Although children were among the first to witness his www.ruralliving.co.nz

antics, these days Mick primarily performs for adults during corporate events. Asked if he believes in magic, he is quick with an understandably diplomatic (if not philosophic) response: “People used to be amazed by medicine men shaking bones and that’s transformed into the comedian, the magician and people like that; it’s all entertainment, isn’t it? Oh, and you could add politicians to that too, in a way!” he smiles. “If you can be responsible for taking away someone’s problems for half an hour, that’s a kind of magic, I think. "It’s no different from a movie or a comedy show; it allows people to forget their problems and enjoy themselves.” Despite his reluctance to reveal any stage secrets, Mick is prepared to explain just how a trickster from Pukekohe managed to make a go of show business. “I think the main reason I succeeded is that magic is really the only thing I’ve wanted to do for a living since I was 12, and, mostly, because I just stuck with it.”

Taking to the stage Since first treating audiences to his fistful of tricks, Pukekohe magician, Mick Peck, has never ceased to amaze. “My first magic show was as a student during a fundraiser at Pukekohe Intermediate School. That was a trial by fire because they wanted a full 45-minute stage show. It was very ambitious for a first performance,” he recalls. “My heroes weren’t All Blacks; they were the Two Ronnies, John Cleese and Paul Daniels. For me, it’s not just about the trick; it’s about making the trick entertaining. Magic without showmanship is just a puzzle and puzzles aren’t that entertaining!” By the time he was 15, Mick was already a semi-professional, performing at birthday parties before tackling magic full-time. In 2014, he became a member of the Magic Circle. Few are invited to join – and no, the invitations are not couriered by owls, he confirms! – and

any who give away secrets are liable to be unceremoniously ‘cast’ out. “In the backs of all the magic books I used to read growing up, there were listings of new members, so the Magic Circle was a bit like Hogwarts for me. It was a real honour to be able to join,” says Mick. “Being a member shows that I am serious about my profession; I’m not just someone who performs magic as a hobby. It also allows access to the world’s best. And, as the circle has a library of around 6000 books (many of them rare) and weekly lectures – members overseas can access them online – it provides incredible opportunities to share and learn.” Mick is also a member of the Auckland Brotherhood of Magicians, which has helped Kiwi professionals hone their craft since 1945. And, late last year Mick received the prestigious NZ Variety Entertainer of the Year award.

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Tristan de Chalain MSc MB ChB FCS(SA) FRCSC FRACS

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ooth implants are a great way to replace a missing tooth and the technology used today is truly amazing – an implant looks and feels as close to your real teeth as possible. Our practice follows this process: Firstly, a 3D image is taken of your mouth which allows for the position of the implant to be planned precisely. The tooth which is added on to the implant later is also planned at this stage so the end result is clear. A guide is then made to fit your mouth which allows us to place the implant exactly where it was planned. This is a gentle process and the healing is excellent; your mouth is comfortable as soon as possible. The implant is left to heal for about three months and then the new tooth, which has been colour matched to your teeth, is added. Voila! Your teeth look beautiful and the back teeth are able to work really hard for chewing. Replacing missing teeth keeps your ‘bite’ even and supports and protects the remaining precious teeth. Your jaw joints and even your spine are also supported. If you are reluctant to smile broadly because of missing teeth this can affect your confidence and the way you present yourself to the world. If you have a missing tooth or teeth, now is the time to replace them – then you can smile BIG, not small!

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Beauty with a nip & tuck

ll that fresh air in the country creates ruddy cheeks, bright eyes and a fit physique. But what about those niggling imperfections that cannot be avoided due to childbirth and ageing? Plastic surgeon,Tristan de Chalain says women on the land have no reason to put up with bugbears such as drooping eyelids, overlarge breasts or sagging skin. “The reason for tackling these problems is as practical as it is aesthetic,” says the experienced plastic surgeon. “For example, brow lifts can enhance vision, breast reductions provide more freedom whether at the gym, heaving sacks of grain or wielding a shovel, and a labiaplasty allows for better-fitting clothing whilst making it more comfortable to sit in a saddle.” Not only will these improvements contribute to a sense of well-being, they will also impact on women’s ability to function. In fact, Tristan has completed enough ‘mummy makeovers’ to know the difference it makes to women’s lives. “Non-surgical fillers coupled with Botox, a tummy tuck, breast implants or breast reduction, are very popular. It’s about taking yourself in hand and doing a bit of a

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makeover with great effect.” An experienced plastic surgeon, who has worked in multiple continents, Tristan provides tailored top-to-toe solutions that meet his individual patients’ expectations. Available once a fortnight on a Friday morning at the Pukekohe Family Health Care practice, he conducts consultations with clients prior to surgery. These cover important information such as expectations, pricing and details of the surgery which is performed at a worldclass medical facility in Remuera. What’s more, the surgical procedures aren’t as complicated as people think, Tristan says. Most surgeries are completed in a day, and patients can expect to be fully recovered within six weeks. “These days, cosmetic procedures are becoming more and more refined and are safer and quicker. Recovery is faster as a result of focused procedures and pain is easily controlled,” he says. Importantly, these enhancements are designed to look as natural as possible. “Once the tissues are healed, no one except you and your surgeon will know!” A former president of the New Zealand Foundation for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, Tristan spent 10 years at Middlemore

Hospital, lending his skills to post-trauma, craniofacial and cleft palate surgery, before moving to private practice. He offers solutions for an extensive range of problems – skin cancers, paediatric conditions such as prominent ears and birthmarks, post surgical and post trauma reconstruction, as well as a whole range of aesthetic alterations. The recipient of numerous awards and scholarships, Tristan is also an accomplished literary author and, in addition to being highly-skilled with the scalpel, he sculpts beautiful artworks from scrap brass and copper. His wide-reaching interests, as well as his surgical expertise, means he has an easy rapport with patients and relates to people from all walks of life.

Level 2, OneHealth Building, 122 remuera road, remuera, Auckland Ph (09) 522 0652 Fax (09) 522 0435 plassurg@ihug.co.nz www.plassurg.co.nz Rural Living — October 2017 — 33

Keeping Your Children Safe Online Getting Down and Dirty!! By Katelin Maguire, Suits & Gumboots Country Daycare

n New Zealand we are very fortunate to have unlimited access to the outdoors. This is a very special part of our culture and not something that children from other countries are always allowed to enjoy. During a Kiwi summer, we encourage our children to enjoy vast amounts of time outside exploring sun, sand and water. On rainy, colder days it is often tempting to keep our little ones inside where they can stay dry. However, there is so much learning that can be had from venturing outside on a wet day. What’s more, with the arrival of spring rains and warming temperatures, now is a good time for mud play. Playing in the mud and puddles can be a huge sensory experience which teaches our children so much about their world. Playing in mud connects us with nature, and develops fine motor skills as children squish and squidge the mud through their fingers and toes. Research has even shown that playing in the dirt/mud can make your child smarter! There are certain chemicals released in our brains that improve brain function when playing in dirt. Try wrapping up warm, with raincoats and gumboots, then go exploring; stomping in puddles, make mud pies or use toy cars to make roads and tracks in the mud. Even if the rain is heavy, get out and have some fun, then come in and dry off. Make it fun with a hot chocolate and a marshmallow! Even babies can be dressed warmly with over pants and enjoy some time exploring mud or dirt! Some soil may find its way into their mouths as they explore the texture and taste of this strange substance, but try not to panic… doctors tell us that dirt helps our immune system and builds valuable antibodies. So, the next time you see rain on the horizon, celebrate this as a fantastic time to have some fun with your child. Get out the raincoats and gumboots and go have some fun in the great outdoors!

The internet may be an almost limitless playground but it is fraught with perils. And, while today’s adults may know enough about the dangers of the world around us to ensure our children are prepared, the internet poses a raft of new threats. In Keeping Your Children Safe Online, John Parsons explains how we can better understand the constantly evolving world wide web to ensure we can begin to protect those most vulnerable amongst us. Having worked as a consultant with police, teachers and the health sector, as well as with children and their families, John brings his direct experience to the fore, explaining how to resolve issues and (more importantly) how to avoid risky situations altogether. Presenting a veritable toolbox of practical strategies, which depend more on family values than technical know-how, this book is a must have for parents who understand that online threats cannot be avoiding by simply switching off ‘the box’. ◆◆John Parsons: Keeping Your Children Safe Online | RRP $34.99 | Potton & Burton

Suits & Gumboots Country Daycare 12 Helenslee Rd, Pokeno. 46 Waerenga Rd, Te Kauwhata Phone 0800 464656 www.suitsandgumboots.co.nz 17015

34 — Rural Living — October 2017

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Write down build priorities!

hen couples talk to G.J. Gardner Homes about building a house, partners often have different ideas yet each has assumed they share the same vision. So, the G.J team suggests couples distinguish between their individual wishes. This makes it easy to create a master list of ‘must haves’. Getting the brief right before seeing a builder will save time and it’s a simple process. Each partner should write down on a piece of paper 15 important features for the home. Think about what you loved in past homes or homes you have seen. Also list what you don’t like about your current home or past homes i.e. a step down into the living room causing near trips; a garage so small you couldn’t open the car doors when two cars were parked inside; an internal bathroom with no natural light; no private spaces inside or out and so on. Once you have done that rate them with the must haves in order of importance – 1 to 15. Then copy on to the next page under ‘his’ and ‘her’ headings. Take notice of the whole family’s needs, too.

Make a list together. ◆◆Most likely there will be different priorities for each of you and this is the time to sort them out. ◆◆The final agreed list will be valuable in helping your builder understand your needs and to develop costings so you can determine your priorities. ◆◆Keep an extra list – just in case the budget has room to spare.

trudy boyce Barfoot & Thompson Pukekohe 09 238 7019 Ph 021 898 483 A/H 09 237 3115 t.boyce@barfoot.co.nz

After eight years experience in real estate with Barfoot & Thompson selling lifestyle and rural properties Trudy Boyce has established herself as a professional and highly effective sales consultant. She is one of the area’s most wellrespected, top performing agents. Trudy has a reputation for being friendly and approachable and going the extra distance to help people with their real estate requirements whether it be selling or buying. The feedback on her skill base is peppered with phrases and words such as, driven, reliable, committed, efficient, strong work ethic, excellent negotiating skills with communication being timely and comprehensive, along with very good market knowledge. Her top priority is getting the formula right on every home she is given the opportunity to market. This has resulted in achieving excellent results. Closely supported by her personal assistant, Emma Muehlke, who works diligently behind the scenes with great passion and endless amounts of enthusiasm. 16919

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Rural Living — October 2017 — 35

My Rules on interior design

Artist’s work bearing fruit

By Kim Reiche, renovation specialist/ director, Refresh Renovations

aiuku tomato grower, Jae Kang’s reputation as one of the country’s most exciting emerging installation artists continues apace following her success in a prestigious art award. Her work 4000 Stains of Breath, gained a merit award and was highly commended in the annual Parkin Drawing Prize following which it was exhibited at the Academy of Fine Arts in Wellington. Jae’s works are rooted on traditional Korean ink drawing and she uses Korean ink and brushes. “I made these works as performative mark-making installation work,” she says. With husband James, Jae has been growing tomatoes in Waiuku for more than 15 years but was previously a successful painter and sculptor in her native Korea. She also worked on public art for the Seoul Olympics in 1988. Jae uses disused irrigation pipes that lie around her property to create remarkable art installations including a large work for the 2017 Sculpture on the Gulf on Waiheke Island, described as the foremost outdoor sculpture exhibition in NZ. With the tomato season gearing up for its busiest time, Jae is pleased to have recently completed an installation for children and disabled people at the Maritime Museum on Auckland’s waterfront.

“The best design projects are the ones where people broke the rules.” – Nate Berkus

My rules... dont break these! 1. Have a plan on the layout. Decide on how the space is to be used. Who is using the room and how will it be accessed. Where are the viewpoints or outlooks and place your furniture accordingly. Important notes here...Avoid placing the television opposite a window; try to have it on the same wall as the fireplace looking out at the view or garden. This is possibly the only practical stage of my rules. Get the layout, functionality and ergonomics right and the rest is easy.

2. Capture as much natural light as possible. There is no better light than natural light. Warmth for the soul – real colour rendering where blues are blue and reds are red and textures come to life with depth. These real tones can be lost with cheaper, artificial lighting. At night, create shadows and increase volumes with creative, ambient light which might change the whole feel of the room.

3. The end result must tell a stranger your story. Accessorise with meaning and nourish the soul – that piece of art brought while on holiday, those scatter cushions that don’t match are all inviting and tell a story. Add to that, Grandma’s favourite porcelain piece or that quirky ornament from your favourite auntie. Let your home reflect your personality and tell a story about you and your life. Remember beige is boring and trendy is tacky. Call Refresh Renovations when renovating your next space and we will assist you with the design.

Jae Kang – her artwork '4000 Stains of Breath', was highly commended.

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36 — Rural Living — October 2017

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So long

Right ‘Hon’, Guy? For some time, Rural Living has kept its eye on Guy. But, as this issue went to print (on the eve of the general election), we couldn’t be sure our mate Nate would make the cut. Just in case he retains his place here are a few promises our MPI Minister means to keep.

Go farm yourself! Can’t afford a home in Auckland? Go farming instead! Young families looking to buy a farm could benefit from a sales scheme for state-owned farms, Mr Guy confirmed recently. “The Government owns a large number of farms through Landcorp, but there’s no clear public good coming from [this] and little financial return to taxpayers,” he said. “Some are better in the hands of hard working, young farming families, committed to modern farming and environmental best practice.” After nine years of state-owned farms offering “little financial return,”” however, we wonder why National never thought of this before!

Number one – Guy Money may not make the world go ‘round but it’s never stopped Nathan Guy from dishing out the dosh to stop biosecurity border breaches. “Biosecurity has always been my number one priority as Minister and funding is now at a record level of

nearly a quarter of a billion dollars,” he said recently. “National will review and strengthen our Import Health Standards to make sure we are preventing unwanted pests [such as fruit fly] and diseases [including Myrtle Rust] from reaching our shores... we will also review and update the Biosecurity Act to modernise it in line with our Biosecurity 2025 strategy.”

rural/urban divide Some may wonder whether the views of country folk are really so different to those of their city kin, but Nathan Guy and Economic Development spokesperson, Simon Bridges, are not sitting on the fence! “Labour wants to hit our regions with new taxes that would slow New Zealand down... as well as adding farmers to the Emissions Trading Scheme,” Mr Guy recently announced. “National will work with regional New Zealand and farmers and growers and we will back them to succeed.” If farmers are the only ones who buy milk – and never go to town – that should work out nicely.

Myrtle Rust back As the weather warms, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is at war again against the invasive Myrtle Rust following fresh discoveries in the Waikato. The fungus – which has the potential to devastate a number of native trees – was recently found on two properties in Otorohanga, Dr Catherine Duthie from MPI says. “We located these infected plants through our ongoing checks of areas that we’d identified as at-risk due to prevailing wind direction, the presence of host species and climate... we had known that a reappearance of obvious myrtle rust symptoms was likely in spring – so while this is disappointing, it’s not unexpected.” The latest discovery follows detections earlier this year in Northland, Taranaki and Te Kuiti. “Along with [DOC], we’ve been carrying out surveillance for the disease throughout the winter, even though myrtle rust is generally inactive in colder weather and the symptoms are less obvious,” she adds. Restrictions are in place at the Otorohanga properties to stop movement of plant material and the affected Ramarama trees have been destroyed. Further checks will be made of surrounding properties. For more information about Myrtle Rust, see mpi.govt.nz; suspected cases should be reported to the ministry via the Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline: 0800 80 99 66. If sited, the rust and the plant should not be touched as spores can be easily spread.

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Rural Living — October 2017 — 37

Hot Spots RED EARTH EATERY & WINE BAR Red Earth, open 7 days a week, 10am till late for brunch, lunch and dinner! Red Earth eatery & wine bar offers a premium dining experience in Papakura, with fare ranging from smaller Tapas-style sharing plates and platters to full meals. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available. Red Earth’s extensive wine list offers a wide selection of wines from around the country and the world. For something extra special, there is a cellar list for more exclusive bottles too! Don’t miss live music every Saturday night. Pop in and see our friendly team for a fantastic time. 255 Great South Rd, Papakura Phone 09 296 9027 www.facebook.com/redearth.winebar

the kentish hotel

New summer menu launching after Labour Weekend

Built in 1851 by Mr Edward Constable who emigrated from Maidstone Kent, in England, The Kentish Hotel caters to today’s clientele but is steeped in history. Mr Constable went on to apply for a publican’s special licence, and on January 10, 1853, he was granted licence number 47. That special licence still continues today and the hotel lays claim to being the longest, continuous liquor licensed hotel in New Zealand. Today, it boasts a high class restaurant which serves delicious seasonal foods and it also offers hotel guest rooms upstairs. 5 Queen St, Waiuku. Phone 09 235 8367 Email info@thekentishhotel.co.nz www.thekentishhotel.co.nz

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15004

waiuku cosmopolitan club Community socialising is a way of life in country areas and Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club meets this need perfectly with a fully licenced bar, welcoming restaurant facility with seating for up to 130 patrons, lounge area for some 250 people and it’s an excellent venue for large or small weddings. No function is too big or too small and, of course, we also cater for anniversaries, birthdays and special events. Ample offstreet parking, too! To arrange a booking contact Donna or Ashlee ph 09 235 9131 or email waiukucossi@gmail.com. 4 Victoria Avenue, Waiuku Phone 09 235 9131 ext 5 www.waiukucossie.co.nz

Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club

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CANOPIUS BURGER BAR Canopius transforms five evenings a week into the first truly gourmet burger bar in the Papakura Town Centre area. Offering a range of flavours from our premium bourbon glazed blue cheese burger, to our own mushroom lentil burger and everything in between, along with superb house-cut fries. Providing the same high quality and flavour that locals have come to expect, Canopius Burger Bar offers a new experience in mouth watering burgers for the heart of the south. 145 Great South Road, Papakura Burger Bar: Wed-Fri 5-8.30pm, Sat-Sun 4-8.30pm Cafe: Tues-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Mon 8am-3pm Phone 09 2991180 www.canopius.co.nz www.facebook.com/canopiuscoffeehouse

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38 — Rural Living — October 2017

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Where the wild dishes are

here’s no need to leave the safety of our kitchens to take a walk on the wild side any longer, thanks to Angelo Georgalli! One of New Zealand’s wildest chefs is back in the game with a new book devoted to recipes featuring the finest natural ingredients our country offers. Because food and family go together like ham and cheese, Angelo (author of acclaimed cookbook The Game Chef) draws on influences from his Italian mother and Cypriot father for his latest creation. Thanks to Angelo, our readers can take a taste of wild ways to come with this fishy favourite:

Seafood chowder

Ingredients ◆◆200g butter – chopped ◆◆2 shallots – chopped ◆◆4 cloves garlic – peeled and chopped ◆◆180g baby carrots – chopped ◆◆ 1/2 red capsicum/pepper – sliced lengthways and then angle-sliced ◆◆ 1/2 yellow capsicum/pepper – sliced lengthways and then angle-sliced ◆◆200g short celery sticks – chopped ◆◆800g potatoes – peeled and diced

Photo supplied/Sally Greer

◆◆ 250g firm fish (we used hapuka) – chopped into chunks ◆◆10 mussels – cleaned and debearded ◆◆300g scallops – fresh or frozen ◆◆250g prawns – fresh or frozen ◆◆1L fish stock ◆◆1L warm water ◆◆1 tsp turmeric ◆◆Zest and juice of 1 lemon ◆◆400ml can coconut milk ◆◆3 Tbsp arrowroot ◆◆Salt and pepper ◆◆Parsley – to garnish

Method Heat a large pan over a medium-high

heat. Add butter to pan with shallots and garlic. Take a moment to smell that amazing aroma! Add carrots, capsicums, celery and potatoes to the pan. Sauté everything until softened. Add fish, mussels (shells and all), scallops and prawns to the pan. Add fish stock and warm water. Add turmeric. Add lemon zest and juice and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 30 minutes. Add half the coconut milk. Pour the other half into a bowl and add the arrowroot. Whisk until smooth then add to the chowder. Stir chowder until thick. Add salt and pepper to taste and garnish with parsley.

LOVE US?

Win! Angelo’s Wild Kitchen From Asian fusion cuisine to pastas and pizzas, seafood and meat dishes, Angelo’s Wild Kitchen is focused on preparing wholesome, stress-free meals for family, using organic and seasonal ingredients. To be in to win a copy of this book, enter at www.ruralliving.co.nz and include this month’s prize code: RLOCT6789. One entry per person/email address; entries close October 31, 2017. Winner notified by phone or email. ◆◆Angelo Georgalli: Angelo’s Wild Kitchen – Favourite Family Recipes | RRP $44.99 | Penguin Random House www.ruralliving.co.nz

VOTE

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Red Shed

Palazzo

www.redshedpalazzo.co.nz

Breakfast/Lunch – licensed OPEN 7 days 8.30am - 4.00pm

64 Jesmond Rd, Karaka Ph (09) 294 6687 Email: eat@redshedpalazzo.co.nz www.redshedpalazzo.co.nz

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Prep time: 20 min. Cook time: 45 min Serves 4–6 It’s chunky, filling, healthy, scrumptious and so good you’ll want it every night! If you’re a seafood fan, this will be the best darn chowder you’ve ever tasted! An oldie, a goodie, and definitely yummy!

Rural Living — October 2017 — 39

How city gardens grow

ehind the garden gates in some of Auckland’s ‘leafy green’ suburbs you’ll find the handiwork of a number of New Zealand’s most talented landscape designers. During the upcoming Auckland Garden DesignFest (November 25-26), organisers expect people to come from far and wide to sneak a peek at gardens usually closed

SIS

people what you’re passionate about while to the public. helping good causes in the process.” One designer Remuera’s Keren A number of charitable organisations McDonnell (M&M Landscape Design - Ronald McDonald House and Garden relishes the opportunity to chat with to Table – are set to benefit from visitors about their garden design dreams. ticket sales. For more information, visit “It’s a great cause and a bit of fun. I Plush feel. • Medium Plush. to people •about gardendesignfest.co.nz. And, to be in to love talking gardens so • Features a smooth luxurious knit-fabric cover. Latex Gold® and • Sleepyhead’s Pocket Spring system. win a double pass to this fantastic fest' see I’m really looking forward to it,” she says. ® ® Dreamfoam® comfort layers work together with the • Latex Gold and Dreamfoam comfort layers. page 25. “It’s a win-win, really, being able tocore show Sensorzone® to reduce pressure points

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40 — Rural Living — October 2017

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Offer valid 02/10/17 to 29/10/17 or while stocks last. Limited edition Chiropractic beds applies to the Sandringham and Balmoral models only. Stock is limited, and availability may vary between stores. *30 Day Comfort Guarantee details are available in-store or online. The 30-Day Comfort Guarantee only applies to in-store purchases. Bed is defined as a mattress and standard base set. Excludes Everyday Dream prices and clearance stock. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Q Card and Latitude Financial Services lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Visit bedsrus.co.nz for more information.

MUST END

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The Countryside Begins with Townsend... The Countryside Begins with Townsend…

What puts buyers off

here’s a lot of talk about what adds value and attracts buyers when it comes to getting a good price for your property. But just as important are they key things about the property that will put most buyers off:

■ Bad smells. Prior to your first open home or viewing make sure your house is free of all pet smells, stale cigarette smells, stale food smells, damp smells or anything else that will give a negative first impression. Even if you can’t smell something, ask your sales consultant if they can. ■ Clutter. This is a recurring theme in any list of how to get your property sale ready and it can’t be overstated enough. Make sure all floors, surfaces, cupboards and shelves are free of piles of your own belongings, leaving only organised, purposeful items and one or two ornamental items that elevate the space rather than merely fill it. As well as making the house appear neat, tidy and well looked after, it will also help potential buyers visualise their own furniture and belongings in the property. If your budget allows you may also wish to consider having the property staged with rental furniture designed to appeal to your target market. ■ Dirt. The need to clean might seem obvious but it’s worth getting a fresh set of eyes (such as your sales consultant) to let you know what needs work – or even a professional cleaner through the property. They will notice things you may not, but a good place to start is to do a thorough clean of all floors, walls, skirting boards, windows and sills, mirrors and tiles. Cleaning and decluttering also extends to the outside where you should make sure you have cleared any flotsam from the garden. Also make sure the garden is weeded, all mildew is waterblasted from surfaces and the fences and gates are well maintained.

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

■ Vendors on site. As a rule potential buyers do not want you, the vendor,

 on site during a viewing. It will make them feel as though they are guests in

your home, rather than buyers at a viewing. They will feel less free to give the property a good investigation and imagine themselves living there.

■ Temperature. It’s a bit of a tough one this as everybody is comfortable with different temperatures but try to avoid your property being too cold or too  warm on viewing days. Aim for dry and comfortable.

   

Auction Quality Quality Lives Lives Here Here

Quality Lives Here

Mauku 555 555 WaiukuWaiuku Road Road 555 Waiuku Road2 4 B 2 C 2Mauku D 2I 4 4B B 2C 2D 2 2Mauku I C Auction

Auction Auction Quality Quality Lives Lives Here Here

Quality Lives Here

24 B I 2C 2D 2I

Auction

Saturday 20th at 11am on site, Saturday 20th May at 11am on site, Near Saturday at Saturday 20th 11am May at 11am on site, on Saturday 20th May at 11am on site, ear new Near quality new quality home - build as a forever home home - May build as Near new a quality forever home - build as a forever home home new Near quality new 20th quality home - build asMay a forever home home build as Near newsite, a quality forever home - build as a forever home home open 1/2hr prior (unlessmove sold prior) open 1/2hr prior (unless sold prior) now open 1/2hr prior (unless open 1/2hr prior (unlessmove sold sold prior) prior) open 1/2hr prior (unless sold prior) ow a barrier now a barrier to their to next movetheir so needs to be next now aso barrier to their needs next move so needs to be to be a barrier now a barrier to their to next movetheir so needs to be next now aso barrier to their needs next move so needs to be to be View Sunday 12 Noon - 1pm View Sunday 12 Noon - 1pm View Sunday 12 Noon View Sunday 12 Noon 1pm - 1pm View Sunday 12 Noon - 1pm old. Featuring: sold. Featuring: sold. Featuring: sold. Featuring: sold. Featuring: sold. Featuring: www.harcourts.co.nz/PW170403 www.harcourts.co.nz/PW170403 www.harcourts.co.nz/PW170403 www.harcourts.co.nz/PW170403 www.harcourts.co.nz/PW170403 4 bedrooms, • 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms 2 bathrooms • 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • 4 bedrooms, • 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms 2 bathrooms • 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms 2 lounges, • 2 lounges,double double garage garage • 2 lounges, double garage • 2 lounges, • 2 lounges,double double garage garage • 2 lounges, double garage Room for • Roomthat for that man shed on man 14992m2 flat land shed on 14992m2 • Room for that man shed on 14992m2 flat flat land land • Room for • Roomthat for that man shed on man 14992m2 flat land shed on 14992m2 • Room for that man shed on 14992m2 flat flat land land Quality fittings • Quality fittings throughout throughout • Quality fittings throughout • Quality fittings • Quality fittings throughout throughout • Quality fittings throughout Great indoor/outdoor • Great indoor/outdoor flow in convenient location flow in convenient • Great indoor/outdoor flow in convenient location location • Great indoor/outdoor • Great indoor/outdoor flow in convenient location flow in convenient • Great indoor/outdoor flow in convenient location location Jo-Ann Day-Townsend Jo-Ann Day-Townsend Jo-Ann Day-Townsend Jo-Ann Day-Townsend Jo-Ann Day-Townsend M 0211 696 056 P M 0211 696 056 P M 0211 696 056 P M 0211 696 056 P M 0211 696 056 P his property This property has sohas much – someoneso smart will much – someone This property has so much – someone smart smart will will This property This property has sohas much – someoneso smart will much – someone This property has so much – someone smart smart will will jo-ann.day-townsend@harcourts.co.nz jo-ann.day-townsend@harcourts.co.nz jo-ann.day-townsend@harcourts.co.nz jo-ann.day-townsend@harcourts.co.nz jo-ann.day-townsend@harcourts.co.nz uy this - buy is this - is that that you!! you!!BCRE Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008 buy this - is that you!! buy this - buy is this - is that that you!!Agent you!! buy this - is that you!! BCRE Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008 BCRE Ltd Licensed REAABCRE 2008 Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008 BCRE Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008



Patumahoe 113 Kingseat Road

 Horse Haven, Village Location

• Rural vista • Day yards • 4 bedroom • 5.9652 hectares (mol) • Half round shed • 3 bathroom • Horse arena • Open plan • Swimming pool Set in 5.9 ha (mol) this 4 bed extensive home is the icing on the cake for the horse lovers! Rubber and Shell purpose-built arena and half round barn befit the stars of this property.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Auctio

Saturday open 1/2 View Sun www.har

Jo-Ann D M 0211 6 jo-ann.d

BCRE Ltd Lice

Pukekawa 91 Brewster Road

Dream Home Building Platform • 10.1848 hectares [mol] • Private no exit road • Village location • Awesome views • No convenants

A dream location awaits your dream home – set in 10 hectares (mol) of rolling countryside this building platform will have your creative juices flowing. All this set in a quiet rural location which is becoming increasingly popular – so Be QUICK! Rural Living — October 2017 — 41

15802-v5



Mauku Mauku 555 555 WaiukuWaiuku Road Road 555 Waiuku Road 4 B 2 C 2 D 2Mauku I

WIN a trip

to Queenstown! Simply shop at any Central Landscape and Garden Supplies store during October, fill in an entry form and you’re in the draw to win a travel holiday worth up to $3,000!

Open Hours: Monday - Friday: 7am - 5pm, Saturday: 8am - 4pm, Sunday: 9am - 1pm www.centrallandscapes.co.nz • 09 294 8410 • 141 Great South Rd, Drury, Auckland

42 — Rural Living — October 2017

www.ruralliving.co.nz 14032-v13

Yates up to challenge s

ongwriters seems to know a lot about gardens – rose gardens, wicked gardens, beautiful gardens, English country gardens, inner gardens, secret gardens...the list just goes on. But, perhaps, it’s fair to say that while they may write a lot about gardens, the truly greenfingered know there’s always something new to learn when it comes to gardening. That’s why the Yates Garden Guide has been the Kiwi ‘go to’ gardening book for more than 100 years. In fact, first published in 1895, it is one of the oldest New Zealand books in continuous publication and remains a comprehensive, reliable and practical source of advice for all Kiwi gardeners. Yates has always recognised that as the world changes, gardening habits, and garden trends, change, too. The Yates Garden Guide records, reflects and reacts to these changes, keeping each edition of the book new and up to date. While the Yates Garden Guide has grown and changed over the years, it remains a practical book, useful to everyday homeowners, whether they garden on an acreage, a small section, a balcony or a kitchen windowsill. Now this fully revised, 79th edition includes hundreds of plant species, and all the kinds of things gardeners need to know about growing trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, vegetables, herbs and fruit.

neW additions to this edition include: ◆ New recommendations for pest and disease control and updated problem-solving charts ◆ How to establish a community garden ◆ Encouraging bees in the garden ◆ Growing microgreens ◆ Transplanting ◆ A new herb planting and growing chart ◆ Recommendations on keeping chickens ◆ New and revised hints from some of New Zealand's top gardeners

Dan’s Tip017s October 2

Get those summer veges in - tomatoes, chillies, capsicums and herbs are all ready to be planted into your garden. Don’t forget to fertilise your young seedlings regularly to boost your crops. Growing Food • Top of the list – summer vegetables! Plant tomatoes, capsicum, chillies, zucchinis and aubergines can be planted into your garden now. • Tender cucumbers go in later this month or under a protective frame. • Herbs that save money: Grow your own French tarragon, dill, coriander, sage and parsley. • Liquid fertiliser: Use it at planting time to boost young seedlings at their roots. • Grab Grow-all: A compost packed with worm castings to really feed your soil.

Lawn • Sowing a new lawn or renovating your lawn after winter: See our friendly and knowledgeable staff at our yards. We have Prolawn products for every purpose – the products lawn professionals use.

Best way to plant tomatoes • Most tomato varieties are tall-growing vine types. Putting in a least one stake 1.8m high is great for training your plants as they grow quickly. • Grafted tomatoes, often called Supertoms. Give them lots of space, a strong framework of several stakes, or anchor them against a warm wall.

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — October 2017 — 43

it takes a Village...

has acc really got your Back?

By kylie Bosanac, nick Bosanac Builders limited

By philippa farmer, canopy

y Dad always uses similes or parables to make complex principles simple. I apparently inherited this trait…so, let me share one with you – I love the old line, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. I love it not just for its face value, but also its wider meaning and other applications. For ‘The Village’ to raise this child, we accept that it existed and functioned as a village before the child was born, and will do so on an ongoing basis with this child and other children, too. We also accept that ‘The Village’ is a group of people in close physical proximity working together for something bigger than just themselves and, in doing so, becoming closer in social/emotional proximity. This ‘Village’ embodies a spirit of community, care and service; it utilises the varied strengths of individuals within the group to help everyone get a leg up. Amazing, right? This simple little phrase is really a complex notion I think we, here in Franklin, strive for. A notion we seek when we move somewhere new, or embark on a new journey. We build a team around us to help us get our leg up too! So, let’s relate this ‘Village’ principle back to building homes. Just like raising kids, this process isn’t always easy, straightforward or fun! But when you have the ‘Village’ around you, life suddenly becomes much simpler and more enjoyable! Here are some key 'Villagers' you will want when building and why: ◆ Builder/ project manager – find someone who sees your vision as their vision too. ◆ Architect – the same goes again. Beautiful homes start with a beautiful interpretation of your vision. ◆ Council /planner – don’t roll your eyes; they’re on your side! Knowing what to expect will put your mind at ease. ◆ Mortgage broker (also a good time to find a great insurance broker). He/she will negotiate the best deal for your situation and the service is free so, why wouldn’t you? ◆ Colour consultant – to help achieve the unified look you want. ◆ Friends and family – they will have lots to say about what they'd do differently, but will also be there to wipe away your tears when the spouse says you can’t have the fur wall you dreamed of. Part of our comprehensive service at Nick Bosanac Builders is to help build your home as well as your ‘Village’. We’d love to be your Villager(s), so drop us a line or pop in for a visit! kylie@ bosanacbuilders.co.nz | 027 458 3038 | 151 King Street, Pukekohe

Let us build your Forever Home www.bosanacbuilders.co.nz 09 236 8413

021 989 636

44 — Rural Living — October 2017

nick@bosanacbuilders.co.nz

We’ve got you covered

Phone Philippa Farmer – 021 432 748 Email philippaf@canopygroup.co.nz 01633-v3

Licensed, Quality Builders Off Plan & Custom Built Homes Modern and historical home experience Attention to detail We manage it all, design to finish! Renovations & Addtions

plans? By default, ACC puts you on Cover Plus which is based on your previous year’s declared earnings. Those new to business, had a poor year last year or who split their income with a partner for tax purposes, may find the benefit they would receive from ACC in the event of an accident is much less than expected. What’s more, if your business continues to generate income you may not receive anything from ACC at all! There is, however, an alternative option called Cover Plus Extra (CPX for short), and in many cases CPX is much more appropriate – and cost effective – for the self-employed. Cover Plus Extra allows business owners to nominate an amount of cover instead of it being based on their taxable income. Having Agreed Value cover gives much more certainty at claim time, and allows you to tailor cover to ensure you are not under or over insured. You get exactly the dollar amount you are paying levies for. Smart business owners have recognised that by taking a lower level of Agreed Value cover with ACC CPX, they can save a substantial amount on their levies which can then be redirected to more comprehensive cover from a private insurance company. ACC only provides cover for accidents, whereas private insurance companies provide cover for accidents AND illnesses. If you have a heart attack, cancer, stroke or any medical condition which stops you from working, then you DON'T get paid anything from ACC. Most people work because they need an income for family, bills, mortgage payments and more. By restructuring ACC levies and reducing what you pay to ACC, you can use any savings in levies for private income protection so you are covered for accidents and illnesses, and your income is always protected. For a free ACC restructure appointment contact Philippa Farmer on 021 432 748.

Your insurance, mortgage and Kiwisaver advice specialist

We Build Beautiful Homes. Bring us your plans, or let us design you something unique. We take pride in assuring that all work is of the highest quality.

CC is compulsory in New Zealand, but were you aware that if you are self-employed or a business owner, you have a choice of

15837

www.canopygroup.co.nz www.facebook.com/karakaﬁnance www.ruralliving.co.nz

property market aWaits election results By david powell, Barfoot & thompson, pukekohe

lthough the heated real estate market subsided somewhat over the three winter months, now, as we start the spring season, there are signs that the market will pick up. Already the median prices for Franklin District have lifted 4.5% on July prices and 9.4% on August 2016. Auckland city, North Shore, Papakura District and Rodney District have all experienced a lift in their respective median prices. What has significantly decreased is the volume of sales with the Auckland region experiencing a 21.5% drop in sales volume compared with August 2016. On a 12-month moving average basis, Auckland region sales volumes peaked

in October 2015 and has been falling steadily since then. We expect more inventory to come on to the market post election, although, this increase in supply of property for sale may take some of the heat away from the Auckland market. Already the Auckland housing inventory has been increasing with 21 weeks inventory available now, an increase of 74% inventory over August 2016. Post election the market is expected to lift and this can quickly change the inventory levels. The Waikato District has experienced a significant drop in it’s median price, down 12.5% on July’s median price. Volume of sales in Waikato region peaked on a 12month moving average in May 2016, seven months later than Auckland. The price trend for Waikato region still looks firm. The level of inventory across Waikato has increased by 55% compared with August 2016. Post election it is thought prices will lift and the market return to normal by Christmas.

apartMent liVing Clever thinking allows Catherine Foster to think inside the box. As pressure continues on Auckland’s housing stocks, in particular, more Kiwis are embracing apartment living. Consequently, utilising smaller spaces – less than 90m2 – to their full potential is a challenge for architects and designers of the 21st century. From purpose-designed developments, to examples in heritage buildings, the apartments featured in this book reveal that compact homes need not want for style and sophistication. ◆ Catherine Foster: Apartment Living New Zealand | RRP $50 | Penguin NZ

DRURY Your Mink Coat Madam?

TE KAUWHATA Fantastic Lifestyle Living & Large Shedding

Very English in style and superbly presented, here you’ll see the utmost in perfection and every attention to detail! Gracious four bedroomed residence, two studies, a brand new kitchen to die for, and fabulous alfresco areas for your guests to take in the ambience of the wrap round verandahs, swimming pool and garden. The library, with exquisite leadlight windows and the main lounge, also tastefully presented, set the scene to give your guests a luxurious place to relax!

Positioned in an elevated north facing position and down a long driveway on this attractive 2.13 hectares (5.3 acres) sits this fantastic 4 bedroom home, sure to impress everyone in the family. Built in 2015 as their forever home, this home boasts a fantastic entertainer’s kitchen, complete with scullery, falcon cooker and mirror splashbacks. The large open living areas enjoys the 2.7m high stud emphasising the feeling of both space and light and enjoys fantastic indoor/outdoor flow to the 100sqm north facing deck.

FOR SALE By Negotiation www.barfoot.co.nz/602096 Phone For an Appointment to View

FOR SALE By Negotiation www.barfoot.co.nz/602185 Phone For an Appointment to View

Gareth McIvor

Kim Neill

M. 021 462 111 Ah. 09 296 0222 E. g.mcivor@barfoot.co.nz Papakura 09 298 8029

M. 0272 133 711 Ah. 07 826 4022 E. k.neill@barfoot.co.nz Papakura 09 298 8029 16662

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — October 2017 — 45

directory �� Home and Away supply all cleaning products and equipment.

look for the FeedSafeNZ logo For all your stockfeed requirements look for the FeedSafeNZ logo For all your stockfee look for the FeedSafeNZ logo For all your stockfeed requirements

OPEN 7 DAYS

01111

Shop 2, 33 Edinburgh St (next to Pizza Hut) Pukekohe Phone 09 239 2964

TILES

DESIGNS FOR YOUR DREAMS Wall & Floor Tiles

CURTAINS

www.nzfma.org.nz Makers of curtains, drapes, roman blinds plus www.nzfma.org.nz suppliers of roller, venetian and timber blinds!

Mosiac Tiles

29b Elliot Street, Papakura • www. tilesonelliot.co.nz Phone 09 214 6044 • email sales@tilesonelliot.co.nz Open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 8am-1pm

Call the girls at Rainbow Curtains for quality and affordable prices Ph / Fax: 09 298 9002 Email: sandywilson@xtra.co.nz www.rainbowcurtains.co.nz

01057-v2

WALKERS

CLUTTER AND MESS CAUSING DISTRESS?

• Experts in rural, new builds, renovations, switchboards, LED’s, security lighting and LED’s pay for automation

themselves in 2 years!

www.progressiveelectrics.co.nz

• Insects and rodents • Domestic and commercial • Consultancy work

Clear your space, clear your head, clear your way forward Whether you need your space reorganised, showcased for sale potential or downsized let Collette help you declutter. Collette Barker – phone 027 415 4744 Email collette@supremeorganising.co.nz

Phone 09 235 0350 or 022 0616 614

PEST CONTROL

www.supremeorganising.co.nz

YOU NAME IT – WE’LL KILL IT! Controlling your pests since 1988 15541

• Based in Franklin

• 24 hour call out

Visit to discover a huge range of stylish, quality tiles

www.nzfma.org.nz

10% OFF

Woodgrain Tiles 01877-v5

on elliot

www.nzfma.org.nz

All orders over $1000 receive

Building in Franklin from North Waikato to City Fringe Ph Grant 0274 780047 info@totalbuild.co.nz www.totalbuild.co.nz

Contact Deb 021 772 957 Email deb@homeandaway.co.nz

Phone 238 9885 Mobile 0274 789 857 Main Highway, Paerata 02055-v2

13985

FIND YOUR BEST FRIEND

MADSEN LAWRIE CONSULTANTS LTD

LAND SURVEYORS 14 Hall St PO Box 177, Pukekohe Tel 09 238 6369 Fax 09 238 2448 46 — Rural Living — October 2017

AT THE

Auckland SPCA, 50 Westney Rd, Mangere. Ph: 09 256 7300.

LAND SUbDIvISION

URbAN & RURAL LAND DEvELOpMENT

Visit our website at www.spca.org.nz

pROpERTy & TITLE INvESTIgATION fARM pLANS & AERIAL phOTOgRAphS RESOURCE MANAgEMENT AppLICATIONS bUILDINg SET OUTS

01537

Contact

David Lawrie Dan Madsen www.madsen-lawrie.co.nz Email: office@madsen-lawrie.co.nz

00683

• 10 Year Guarantee • Complete Project Management • Design Service, Renovations • 50+ Designs • Green Homes • Finance Assistance • Award Winning We offer a high level of workmanship and expertise

– Regular home and office cleaning – Show homes – Moving in and out cleans – Builder renovations or clean ups – Rental home cleaning – Window cleans – Gift vouchers for special occasions

15593

6A Court St, Waiuku Phone 09 235 2769

Home and Away's services include:

01186-v2

CLOSED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

LEAVE YOUR HOME IN OUR HANDS...

Check out our new website www.totalbuild.co.nz

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03183-v2

��

SEPTIC TANK

FOR ALL YOUR WATER NEEDS

ANd

CALL IN AND SEE US

00235-v2

p: 09 294 7611

e: sstseptictanks@gmail.com John: 0274 923 669 Robbie: 0274 967 430

02335-v2

Water Tank Cleaning (While full or empty) Water Tank Maintenance Water Deliveries ~ Swimming Pools Filled

24-Hour Callout Service • Pump & Well Services • Plumbing – Drainage – Concrete Supplies

Grant Escott FENCING

CONTRACTOR

Building Site Preparation Site Cleaning and Base Filling Driveways and Landscape Shaping Free Quotes

Call us for all your farming supply needs

MR CLIP LTD

For the best advice and friendly service

Totally mobile shearing service. Bombays to Kaiwaka.

IN TWO GREAT LOCATIONS

PROFARM

From One Animal Upwards

• Decks • Post Driving • Retaining Walls • Rural & Residential Fencing

RURAL & LIFESTYLE

18 Elliot St, Papakura. Ph 09 298 7767. Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 8.30am-2.30pm

EXPERIENCED NZ WOOL BOARD • CERTIFIED SHEARERS

Free quotes – Competitive rates

Ph 0274-853-234 Mr.Clip.Ltd@gmail.com

00983

Sheep, Goats, Alpacas, Llamas

01260-v2

Cnr Madill & George St, Tuakau. Ph 09 236 8228. Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 8.30am-12noon

01421

027 236 8753 • 09 236 8753 grant.kylie@xtra.co.nz

03290

KEVIN PLATT BOB CAT SERVICES 0274 928 701 ah 09 238 6923

SST SERVICES

21E Ryan Pl, Manukau

14 Constable Rd, Waiuku Ph 09 235 8268

Chris mobile 021 765 629

BOBCAT & TRUCK HIRE

GREASE TRAP CLEANING

• Service of all farm, industrial, agricultural irrigation and domestic pumps • Bore pump design, installation and supplies • Drainage supplies • Water tanks – Agent for RX and Aqua • Deep well pump sales and service • Water filter systems – Design and install • Bulk sand and cement • Pool pump sales and service – chemical supply • Full range of galvanised, alkathene & pvc pipes and fittings

CHRIS JULIAN Freephone (0508) RURAL H20 (0508) 787 254