16 February 2022 - Rural News by Waimea Weekly Archives

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Wednesday 16 February 2022

Flooding prompts government support Severe weather that affected much of the top of the South Island over the past two weeks has been classified as a “medium-scale adverse event” by the government, unlocking financial support for farmers and growers. Rural communities minister Damien O’Connor classified the medium-scale adverse event after severe flooding hit Buller, the West Coast, as well as pockets of Nelson, Tasman

and Marlborough. “We’re making $200,000 available for the local Rural Support Trusts and Mayoral Relief Funds to call on to help farmers and growers recover, with the majority on support efforts for the West Coast,” he says. He says Ministry for Primary Industries will work closely with sector groups and other agencies to continue monitoring the flood’s impact.

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“The funding will help farmers and growers across Buller, Grey and Westland districts along with Nelson Tasman and Marlborough districts, many of whom are facing a huge clean-up after the wettest February on record triggered widespread flooding. “Floodwaters caused by two severe weather events in the space of a week have damaged infrastructure,

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farm buildings, and paddocks, left feed crops submerged and washed away bales of winter supplementary feed.” Hundreds of people remain isolated north of Westport, cut off by slips and damage to State Highway 67. Support and medical supplies have been delivered by helicopter.

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WedNeSdAY 16 February 2022

Rural News Helpful links and numbers: Farmers needing support around dealing with floods are encouraged to visit the MPI website. Farmers needing expert feed support to do a feed plan or to source supplementary feed should contact their levy body or Federated Farmers.

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News Sara Hollyman sara@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Severe weather unlocks government support for farmers

Jenny Nicholson jennifer@waimeaweekly.co.nz

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“Mother nature has thrown a lot at residents in these affected areas over the last few months, but they have shown they are resilient,” Damien says. The funding will help speed up the recovery of farming businesses. It includes wellbeing support and specialist technical advice and enables the use of Enhanced Taskforce

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Green workers should they be required to help. “We’ll continue to assess whether further support is needed as the full extent of the flood damage becomes more apparent over the coming weeks. “The West Coast, Tasman, and Marlborough districts were hit by severe weather in July 2021, and I classified the flooding a medium-scale adverse event back then, unlocking government

assistance of which a total of $27,000 is still available for use by the trusts.” Farmers needing help to manage feed shortages are encouraged to contact their levy body, such as DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand, or Federated Farmers. “The Government is closely watching the impact of Cyclone Dovi across the country today and will provide further support as needed.”

Farmers who require wellbeing support should contact Rural Support Trust on 0800 RURAL HELP or 0800 787 254. Assistance measures can include: · Resourcing for rural recovery coordination.

· Resource for on-farm farm clean-up. This could involve the co-ordination of volunteers or the use of Enhanced Taskforce Green.

· A boost for the Rural Support Trust to help serve communities with pastoral care, including organising local events and arranging recovery facilitators who work one-to-one with farmers and growers. · Technology transfer activities and events.

· Other usual recovery measures, which may include tax flexibility and income assistance options, can be made available as appropriate.

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Increased sightings of banded rail Jo Kent Sightings of the rare banded rail bird have become more frequently reported in Tasman’s Waimea Inlet. Not to be confused with a weka, which is three to six times larger, the banded rail is a mediumsized, intricately patterned bird. Project manager for the group Battle for the Banded Rail, Kathryn Brownlie, says most often the sightings are from Redwood Valley Rd, the road to Rabbit Island. “Look out for them on both sides of the road before the bridge to Rough Island,” she says. “They are usually close to the edges of the rushes but have also been seen on the glasswort beds and roadside.” The best time for viewing banded rails is at dawn or dusk, or when a falling tide has exposed snails and small mud crabs, which are their preferred food. The Battle for the Banded Rail conservation group was set up to restore birdlife to the Waimeha/ Waimea Inlet by trapping introduced predators and restoring habitat around the estuary margin. “We now have over 50km of predator control around the estu-

We rely on community help. In 2020, over 270 volunteers contributed around 3000 hours of time, from checking trap lines, planting, weeding and more

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Carob tree fruits after 15 years Jo Kent After standing dormant since they were planted 15 years ago, three carob trees at Willow Bank Heritage Village in Wakefield have finally burst into fruit. Christine Grieder, guardian of Willow Bank, says she couldn’t believe what she was seeing when she made the discovery. “It was almost unbelievable to discover that our carob trees have pods. I planted them about 15 years ago and didn’t expect them to ever have fruit,” she says. “The guy who sold them to me said that carob trees are mostly dioecious, either male or female, with the females setting the pods. And he didn’t know which type the trees were, so it was a mystery.” Carob has proven extremely tricky to fruit in New Zealand, with pollination problems causing a lack of pods in some re-

gions. Eric Appleton from Appletons Tree Nursery in Wakefield heard about the trees and offered to collect some of the seed pods to treat them for Christine. “It’s apparently quite a process to get the seeds ready for germinating,” Christine says. Carob is a small evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean and Middle East and requires a sunny site with free-draining soil. It’s not a very fast-growing tree, but if the tree produces pods, when ripened, they can be ground into carob powder and used as a cocoa substitute or in cooking. “Carobs are uncommon,” Eric says. “But I understand there are some plants on the hill walk to the Centre of NZ in Nelson. In earlier years, when our winters were much colder, only the coastal areas would have been suitable for growing them.” Having a group of carob trees together will

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Christine grieder and the carob trees she planted 15 years ago. Inset: There are still some pods on the tree ripening off. Photo: Jo Kent. help pod production because of them being either male or female. “In Australia, grafted plants with both sexes are available, and pod production occurs much earlier,” Eric says. As carob produces hard pods, which contain hard-skinned brown seeds, it’s necessary to get moisture through the seed coat,so that the embryo can swell

and germination can start. “The edge of the seed can be filed to just expose the paler layer and soaked in lukewarm water for 24 hours until swollen,” Eric says. “Alternatively, pour boiling water over the seed in a bowl and allow to stand for 24 hours. Any unswollen seed can be retreated.” Then sow the seed singularly into tall containers, with drainage

holes in the base, filled with a free draining potting mix. “Cover the seed with 2-3cm of untreated sawdust or fine gravel. Water daily if hot and windy, but not too wet.” Germination could occur within 10 days, so plant in the final site in spring. A warm, sunny slope would be suitable, but not a cold frosty hollow.

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WedNeSdAY 16 February 2022

Government backflip on live Tomatoes lead price hike export a growing concern in fruit and vegetables sARA hollyMAn An animal rights group is concerned the Government may do a U-turn on its decision to ban the live export of animals by sea. Newsroom reported last week that a Chinese state-owned enterprise is pressuring the New Zealand Government to reverse its decision. The ban, which was announced in April 2021, is due to take effect on 30 April 2023. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said at the time of the ban announcement that at the heart of the decision is upholding New Zealand’s reputation for high standards of animal welfare. “We must stay ahead of the curve in a world where animal welfare is under increasing scrutiny,” he said. The live export trade is currently in a wind-down period. However, cattle are being shipped to China in record numbers. New figures show 134,722 cows were exported from Aotearoa last year, compared with 109,921 in 2020 and 39,269 in 2019. New Zealand banned the export of livestock for slaughter in 2008 but has continued to allow the export of livestock for breeding or dairy production purposes, with a large percentage of the NZ cattle shipped by sea to China. SAFE Chief executive Debra Ashton says the Government must stand firm by its

decision if it wants to be seen as credible. “The Government must not bow to pressure from those who seek to benefit from this cruel industry,” said Ashton. “Live export is a high-risk trade, not only to animals but to Aotearoa’s international reputation and the only way to mitigate those risks is to end it.” The Animal Welfare Amendment Bill, which will give effect to the ban on live export, is currently moving through the Primary Production select committee. When passed, the live export trade will be outlawed on 30 April 2023. However, some industry submissions to the select committee have called for the ban to be overturned. “This Government claims to take animal welfare seriously. If that’s the case, they need to stick to their word.” “We need the Government to know that kiwis are keeping a close eye on the progress of this ban and they need assurances from the Agriculture Minister that the Government stands by its decision to ban live export.” The issue came to a head, after the Gulf Livestock 1 went missing off the coast of Japan in 2020. The ship left Napier, bound for China carrying 43 crew members, including two Kiwis, and 5800 cows but hit bad weather and has not been seen again. Japan’s coastguard said it rescued one crew member, Sareno Edvarodo, a 45-year-old chief officer from the Philippines, while searching for the ship.

Jenny nicholson When it comes to fruit and vegetables, New Zealanders want a bargain. Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Nadine Tunley says if New Zealanders want ready access to locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables, they must be prepared to pay more for them. “I know that the cost of just about everything is increasing, it is a worrying situation for all industries and consumers,” Nadine says. “But let’s not have a double standard around healthy, fresh fruit and vegetables.” She says growers shouldn’t have to shoulder the latest cost increases from higher wages, compliance and distribution costs. Stats New Zealand figures out last week show one of the highest annual price increases in a decade. The annual increase of 4.5 per cent between December 2020 and December 2021 was the highest since the 4.7 per cent increase in September 2011. Tomatoes are partially responsible for the increase, almost doubling in price over the year. A local fruit exporter says difficulties exporting tomatoes led to a glut in the New Zealand market last year. While resulting low prices may have seemed favourable to the public, they have contributed to less crops being planted. This in turn has led to a steep rise in the price of tomatoes, from

$3.33 in December 2020 to $6.61 in December 2021. Farmshop 185 owner Gavin Williams says rare disease pressure in some North Island crops has also reduced availability of tomatoes. This has meant South Island crops have been sent north rather than the crops going north to south, which is more usual. “The good news is that although they are still in short supply, we will have some pick your own ones available after Waitangi Day for a good price.” Gavin says with less avocados being exported this year, local supply is plentiful. Because avocados are a long-term crop, he doesn’t think reduced exports will mean a reduction in growers as seen with tomatoes. Overall, fruit and vegetables rose 2.6 per cent in December compared to the previous month. This was driven by higher prices for potatoes, onions and apples but offset by lower prices for nectarines, courgettes and cucumbers. Gavin says it has been a good season with crops well established and the recent sunny days giving fruit flavour. Although melons were initially in short supply, this week has seen that supply come on, resulting in good prices and flavour. Connings produce manager James Watene-Davis says supply and quality of all stone fruit has been better than the last few years.

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The gulf Livestock 1, was carrying 43 crew members and 5,867 dairy heifers from NZ to China when it disappeared during a Tyhpoon on 2 september 2020. Photo: VesselFinder.com

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Jan bringing farmers’ M connection to the land to life with art Jenny nicholson

Jan Thomson says she loves depicting farmers at work in her paintings. Photo: Jenny Nicholson.

As a child Jan Thomson wanted to marry a farmer but now is happy just to paint scenes from their lives. Jan’s art exhibition, ‘Woolsheds to Wilderness’, started as paintings of landscapes and moved to the strong connection farmers feel to their land. “As I went to high country stations to paint, I saw more and more the strong connection farmers have to their land and their stewardship of the land.” Jan says it was still humbling to see these farmers in action. “For the past few years, farmers have got so much bad-mouthing,” Jan says. “It’s time we step up and say, ‘well done.’” While some paintings depict the land and people on

the farm she sees from her window, others are painted on-site. “At shearing time, I went to Lake Station and sat painting behind the wool press.” She says the physical part of painting is fast when she is

as I went to high country stations to paint, I saw more and more the strong connection farmers have to their land and their stewardship o the land. Jan Thomson painting on-site. “I have to complete them in a couple of hours,” Jan says. “Otherwise, the light chang-

es.” Jan has a studio in St Arnaud and also holds workshops in small towns and rural areas. She is also part of the Wall to Wall Art Collective of 12 artists in Nelson, with some of her work at the Wall to Wall Art gallery in Bridge St. Each painting is a learning opportunity for Jan. She says the experience and knowledge she gains from each new painting is added to those in the future. While landscapes are her first love, she has enjoyed capturing the personalities of New Zealand farmers for this display.

Woolsheds to Wilderness exhibition runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday 7 February to Sunday 27 February at the Nelson Suter Art Society’s McKee Gallery at 208 Bridge Street, Nelson.

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Murchison ladies’ plan day out Jenny nicholson A planned ladies’ day out is more than an opportunity to relax and enjoy a beautiful day in a lovely rural local property. The event for Murchison women is also raising money to support Jaxon Hill and his family. Eight-year-old Jaxon was diagnosed with a genetic disorder, duchenne muscular dystrophy, two years ago. His family had noticed he wasn’t keeping up with his cousins and realised something was wrong.

After a few years going back and forth to doctors, they finally received the diagnosis. While there was relief to have answers, it was an incredibly difficult time for the family. Their life changed forever the day they heard the disease that caused rare progressive muscle weakness also carried a life expectancy of 12 years to early 20s. Jaxon doesn’t let anything stop him being on the farm or with his friends. He has gone from walking to having to be in a wheelchair full-time now because his condition is moving at a faster

The event for murchison women is also raising money to support Jaxon Hill and his family. rate than other boys that have duchenne muscular dystrophy. The family are thankful for every day, and for the school community who have supported them from day one. Jaxon turns nine this week. The Ladies Day Out will be

held on the beautiful rural land up Doughboy Road just south of the township from 10.30 am to 2.30 pm on Saturday 26 February. Lunch and refreshments are provided, there will be some fabulous stalls, a fashion parade and prizes to win throughout the event. Organisers are encouraging women to bring their own shopping bags. They ask that no children or men attend. It is a cash only event, no eftpos is available. Tickets are $30, and will be on sale at Foggytown Gifts, NBS and Hodgsons.

a women’s event is being planned to raise funds for Jaxon Hill and his family. Photo: Supplied.

Heaphy track suffers severe damage The severe damage done to the Heaphy Track by torrential rain means sections of the track will not be open for several months, the Department of Conservation says. Three bridges have been extensively damaged or destroyed between the Heaphy Hut and James Mackay Hut. “We know that this is extremely disappointing for many tramp-

ers and mountain bikers who had plans to do the Heaphy Track in coming months,” says DOC’s Buller operations manager Suvi Van Smit. “However, with the Heaphy River, Gunner River and Pitt Creek bridges all out of action, there is no safe way to get from Heaphy Hut to James Mackay Hut. We have had to make this decision to extend the closure with our cus-

tomers’ safety in mind. “It’s too early to say how long it will take to fix the bridges and other damage. We’ve had more heavy rain over the past 24 hours so it hasn’t been possible to complete assessments of the damage,” she says. DOC’s Golden Bay operations manager Dave Winterburn says there is little or no track damage between Brown Hut and James

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Mackay Hut. “From 13 February it will be possible to do a return walk from the Golden Bay end of the track (Brown Hut) as far as James Mackay Hut allowing walkers to stay at the huts and campsites within this section, by booking a two, three or four-day return trip.” DOC is contacting all those booked on Heaphy Track advising them of the situation. Ac-

commodation can still be booked on the northern section, between Brown and James Mackay Huts, on DOC’s Great Walks booking platform. From Friday, 18 February bookings will be able to be made at the Heaphy Hut and Campsite and Scotts Beach on DOC’s Huts and Campsite platform. The partial closure will also affect the Heaphy Track mountainbike season.

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