Rural Sector Xtra 2023

EXTRA 2023 Rural Sector

Your local experts in new and refurbished water bores

Griffiths Drilling is celebra�ng over 50 years of drilling water bores in the Wairarapa and greater Wellington region.

Eight years ago Mel Griffiths opened an office in East Street, Greytown which now has five local staff out of the 40 staff who work for the business.

Griffiths Drilling is becoming increasingly busy in Wairarapa, drilling bores for anyone needing a consistent water supply, including farmers, subdivisions, commercial businesses, councils and rural residents. Other services include servicing, down hole camera inspec�ons, pump installa�on and water sampling.

Griffiths Drilling has a comprehensive knowledge of Wairarapa’s ground aquifers, geological history, topography, recharge rates, and water use.

“Having the drilling equipment located in Greytown rather than Wellington saves money for clients,” Mel notes.

The business has a good rela�onship with Greater Wellington which provides the consent for bores.

“We work with them to make sure the client gets resource consent.”

A preliminary pump test will determine if the required quan�ty of water is available from the bore.

A�er developing the well, another pump test is carried out to determine the yield from the bore.

The company ensures the water is clean and the source water not contaminated by the bore.

Griffiths Drilling can inspect exis�ng bores using its down hole camera, give the bores a clean, and redesign them if necessary. Bores need regular maintenance, Mel points out.

“Over �me they can start filling up with silt which gets drawn into the pump.

“With regular maintenance pumps and pipes last longer and don’t have to be replaced.”

Mel recommends that anyone wan�ng a bore drilled start the process early.

“Because of the increasing demand for bores, there is a big lead-in �me, with quite a few steps in the process which can take months.”

LOOKING FOR THE NEW GOLD… WATER.

Williams Trucking / Tinui Freight

Delivering rural freight throughout Wairarapa

Rob Williams has carted on trucks, just about anything you can imagine ... hay, baleage, gravel, livestock feed, fertiliser, timber, posts, wool, tractors and all types of farm machinery.

“Basically, we move anything rural related for lifestyle blocks through to large scale farms,” says Rob, who also knows just about every road throughout Wairarapa.

He’s been carrying freight most of his working life spanning over two decades. Five years ago, he and wife Stacey, established their own business, Williams Trucking. Stacey does all the administration and Rob, the driving and delivering.

They are a successful tight-knit team, and pride themselves on responding quickly and giving personable service.

“We aim to please and be easily contactable,” says Rob. “People know what we’re capable of, and often want us to bring things when we’re next in their vicinity. It makes for an efficient and economical service for everyone.”

Long-standing relationships are important to the business too and Rob values the deep connections he and Stacey have developed in the rural communities. “There’s a lot

of generational relationships. I sometimes deal with people I went to school with, their parents, and often now it’s their kids or grandkids running the farms. I love that sense of ongoing community where we all help each other. It’s rewarding and fulfils me greatly to be part of that.”

Rob runs two trucks, both with tippers and removable sides. They are highly versatile and can haul a wide range of items reflecting how he has adapted to meet customer needs. He also has a skid steer loader (bobcat), so he can grade driveways, create horse standing pads, clear out woolsheds, and put down fresh gravel, when required. Something that has been highly necessary with the last few seasons being so wet underfoot.

Call Rob – he’s sure he can help you.

Keeping Wairarapa cold and warm for decades

The O’Brien family has been helping Wairarapa both cool down and stay warm for over four decades – and are showing no signs of slowing down. In 1974, Bernie O’Brien began his refrigeration and airconditioning business in Masterton and in 1980 his son Lyn purchased the business with wife Colleen. These days, both their son and daughter work within the business. They have a great team, all with an important role to play. Ash O’Brien enthuses about the companies greatest asset being their team who have a wealth of experience, explaining that they have been able to create a long and stable workforce mainly by training their own.

B.W. O’Brien is a specialised refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump business, which is able to find a solution for any area whether it be the home, the office, the farm or a café. When asked, the O’Brien’s will say the refrigeration industry never sleeps - you can’t predict a break down and when a break down occurs a repair is required urgently. They have a specialised team ready and waiting to assist.

Refrigeration

B.W. O’Brien works with its clients to design, install, service and maintain all commercial and farm refrigeration. This includes: glass door chillers; display chillers; walk-in chillers and freezers; cool rooms; blast freezers; ice machines; chilled water units, dairy farm refrigeration and glycol chillers.

Heat Pumps and Air-Conditioning

B.W. O’Brien is Wairarapa’s only accredited Daikin Dealer. Whether you need to heat or cool the home, office or a commercial building, B.W. O’Brien can help.

The specialist team view every opportunity and offer a solution which best fits with the clients need to heat and cool the home, office or space. Their trained engineers are well versed with commercial and have vast experience in this area. No-obligation, free quotes and home assessments are offered.

MAKE WILLIAMS TRUCKING YOUR FIRST CHOICE

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the excellent service we received. It was great to support a local business that was real competitive against the out of town other suppliers. This service continued on with a very competent installation team that delivered well with an optimal system and addressed our key concerns at planning stage very professionally from day 1 - not to talk about the neatness they left the site. We have had two previous systems installed at previous properties but none as effective as this one. Please extend our thanks to all those involved and we will highly recommend your company to others!”

Vehicle Air-Conditioning

Vehicle air-conditioning requires maintenance just like your home airconditioning. B.W. O’Brien has specifically trained engineers available to service and repair vehicle air-conditioning.

They also visit the farms and forestry blocks to maintain heavy vehicle air-conditioning. As a local business, B. W. O’Brien is extremely proud to be able to serve the local community and believes in supporting schools, organisations and individuals. Its proud name can be seen in many places.

ROB WILLIAMS.

Crighton ITM Greytown

Pole position at Crighton ITM, Greytown

Wairarapa’s runaway agricultural success on the national and international stages would not have been possible, or so effective, without the invention of pole sheds. And Greytown’s Crighton ITM is where you can get them.

Crighton ITM’s Levin mill supplies pre-nail frames and trusses ready for a builder to erect.

“It’s an efficient kitset approach to meeting a rural business need. We are also able to provide the pole sheds at a competitive price,” says sale rep, Mike Turley. “They can be open, closed, lean-tos, barns, gabled, or cover yards to protect stock, machinery, feed, and more. You can even close them in to make workshops or office space.”

Back in the day, a typical pole shed might have been made of two or three bays with three corrugated iron sides and a slanted roof to house bobby calves, tractors, or hay baleage.

Today, pole sheds take pride of place for all sorts of rural jobs – you might even say they take pole position in farming.

Hundreds of Wairarapa farms, big and small, and whatever they’re farming, make good use of pole sheds.

“It is never one size fits all,” says Mike. “We work out what the customer needs, the space available, and how the shed will be used, and then we design and cost options.”

Bringing his 14 years of experience with ITM to bear, Mike uses state-of-the-art engineering design software called MiTek to set up plans, specifications, and estimates of quantities of building materials: which spits out a cost. Customers can change specs in real time to see how their adjustments impact on the costs.

Hamish Walker, a Wairarapa farmer who makes good use of pole sheds, and a builder who has erected quite a number of them, says, “You always get great friendly service from the team at Crightons. They’re easy to work with from the design process through to the finish, there’s great communication and delivery of products too. Pole sheds are a good solid quality shed – I swear by them.”

Visit www.itm.co.nz or contact

Mike at 06 304 7193 | 027 412 4234 | mike@crightonsgtown.co.nz

CRIGHTON ITM GREYTOWN HAS ALL YOUR POLE SHED NEEDS COVERED.

Poleshed design for Shane & Lynette McManaway, Gold Creek Deer Farm, Carterton

DR Septic Environmental Services

Taking care of business

Taking care of your septic system makes good sense. Householders connected to a town wastewater system pay for waste removal through their rates. Households with septic tanks could benefit from budgeting for regular maintenance checks as well as a three to five-yearly empty.

“If you have poor drainage in your sink, bath, or shower, it’s probably well past time for at least a check up if not an empty,” says Ross Sewell, owner of DR Septic Environmental Services. “Check-ups are a bit like your car having an oil change. If you don’t do it, the whole system could be wrecked, and that costs more. Checkups are value for money.” DR Septic has CCTV which it can send along your pipes to uncover problems such as tree roots or collapses.

With 30 years in the industry, the team of boss Ross Sewell, loyal drivers Steve Cleworth and Ed Oomen, and Narina Sewell in the office, they’re well placed to help you out.

DR Septic has been expanding over the past few years and has taken on new business. The company can offer a complete cleaning package for septic tanks and associated pipes. Its hydro blaster can crawl along pipes and clean as it goes. The firm makes and installs risers and lids for existing septic tanks. And, having purchased a truck and digger, DR Septic also teams up with Marcus Merrin to replace septic tanks.

There are thousands of old-fashioned septic tanks still out there, some of them six feet down under. If you own one of these, Ross has a message for you. “Please do your own digging and uncover the tank before we get to your job.” Good advice - it will save you time and money.

Email ross@drseptic.co.nz | 027 438 1280

• Septic tank and grease trap services – using our special CCTV camera and hydro blaster for pipe cleaning, we’ll sort out your pipes.

• Portaloo hire (event or long term)

• Emergency call out 24 hours

Phone 027 438 1280

www.gtenvironmental.co.nz

THE DR SEPTIC TEAM.

Innovative products make managing stock easier

Sean Blenkin is constantly creating products to make farmers’ lives a bit easier when it comes to handling stock.

Flow Control Gate

Bottlenecking at the back end of races has always been a problem for farmers.

Sean’s solution is installing a Flow Control Gate at the back of the race.

The gate swings left and right, letting sheep through on one side of the gate while blocking sheep on the other side, and vice versa.

The end result is consistent stock flow, with no bottlenecks, saving time and manpower. The gate can be used for any drafting purpose and accommodates any size sheep.

Legal advice with a rural and community perspective

Masterton’s Gibson Sheat office, situated in Chapel Street and with a team of about twenty staff, is led by partners Aimee McGowan and Julie Millar.

On any given day you’ll find the team working on a range of matters for their clients, from commercial or business aspects such as farm succession planning, subdivisions, or sale and purchase agreements, to personal legal matters relating to wills, trusts, elder and family law, and residential property transactions.

Most recently, Julie has focused on rural subdivisions, farm succession matters, and sale and purchase agreements. “Our homes and our lands are usually our biggest assets, whether for living or working or both, and we need to protect them.”

In Wairarapa, rural law and partnership law often need to work together to ensure there is fairness in our personal and business dealings. With housing developments, roading changes, and new business opportunities moving ahead in Wairarapa, we’re currently hearing more about local and central government regulations and intentions.

Or you might discover your neighbour has extended their house or fence onto your

property. Disputes sometimes occur and, when they do, litigation may be necessary.

“We have the entire Gibson Sheat suite of resources behind us,” says Julie, “including considerable knowhow in disputes and litigation.”

The economic climate means times are tough for some businesses too. You may be thinking about buying, selling, or merging your business. Or you may need advice about getting paid and recovering debt, or about the legalities of downsizing staff.

“We can help,” Aimee says. “We have a fleet of offerings including personal, commercial, rural, and dispute law.”

“Another way Gibson Sheat strives to continually serve the community,” Aimee continues, “is by setting up our Senior Associate, Christin Schetter, every Tuesday in a satellite office at 3Mile Coworking Community in Carterton, due to the ongoing roadworks to Masterton.”

You are welcome to visit Gibson Sheat’s Masterton office or, if you prefer, arrange to see Christin in Carterton on a Tuesday.

To make an appointment, call 06 370 6480 or visit www.gibsonsheat.com.

Backstop For Sheep Races

Brilliantly simple, these Back Stops, stop sheep from reversing down a race by means of a metal arm which the sheep push past on their way up.

The arm then falls back to its default position behind animal’s rear flank. Can be easily removed when not required.

“We just brought the best part of 2000 sheep through the yards, and that backstop and gate of yours are worth their weight in gold. Works a treat.”

Gisborne sheep & beef farmer Stu Hicklins.

Stock Ezy Ewe and Calf Cradle

Sean has recently designed a Stock Ezy Cradle for calves, to add to his Stock Ezy Cradle for ewes.

Designed with head support, it holds the calf comfortable in an upright position. The Calf Cradle can be used as an aid for contracted hoof tendons, tube feeding, scours and other problems.

The Ewe Cradle can be used for sleepy sickness, cast ewes, rearing lambs, etc.

Wool Fadge Pack Holder

A development from Sean’s shearing days and used for the Golden Shears, the holder is light, tough and folds away for easy storage and transport.

It has endless uses including gardening and industrial applications.

You can see videos of all of these products at www.stockezynz.com

BACKSTOP FOR SHEEP RACES.

FLOW CONTROL GATE.

STOCK EZY EWE AND CALF CRADLE.

AIMEE MCGOWAN AND JULIE MILLAR, WAIRARAPA-BASED GIBSON SHEAT PARTNERS.

New ideas, new areas, new products

“Turton Farm Supplies is pushing ahead with new ideas, into new areas, and offering new products,” manager Mark Matchett says.

Turtons, with a staff of five, can help with almost anything to do with your farm, fencing, lifestyle block, or rural paradise from cottages, sheds, and kennels to tanks, troughs, timber, and posts.

Steel post drivers are also now available to deal with sandstone.

They’re keeping up with the times, offering everything you need to house and feed your chooks and sourcing exciting new feeders and waterers. The stock feed available at Turtons is various, from great value Harvest Grains right through to alpaca pellets!

“Come in and let us help you with hardwearing boots, traps, and pre-lures to get those stoats before they get your chooks,” Mark suggests, “as well as new solutions to other nagging problems.”

The staff at Turton Farm Supplies are knowledgeable and personable. Keep an eye out for upcoming events showcasing horse nutrition, lifestyle block solutions, and more.

Planning for success with Rethink

We all know there’s a lot that you can’t control when it comes to farming but whatever happens, having up-to-date nancial information and advice is essential for making good decisions.

Rethink Accounting founder Kathrine Way and Chartered Accountant Felicity

Tate work with their farming clients and do more than just prepare

annual nancial statements and tax returns. ey o er a range of advisory services including cash ow forecasting, business, tax and succession planning for pro-active farmers.

If you’re a farmer and want to rethink how you’re doing things, get in contact with Kathrine or Felicity today.

GETTING NEW PRODUCTS OUT INTO THE FIELD HELPS US KNOW WHAT REALLY WORKS.

Felicity Tate, CA

Kathrine Way

In with the old and in with the new too

Merging the tried and true with fresh thinking, Geoff and Ollie Paterson are going from strength to strength in their 4th generation Carterton earthmoving and cartage business.

The Patersons offer services that have been eighty years in the making. Building on all the knowledge accumulating over years, Geoff Paterson Contracting’s services are value for money and fit-for-purpose.

“We can visualise what the customer wants,” says Geoff.

“And,” says Ollie, “we have the creativity

and skills to carry out jobs from start to finish - the driveway to get into a property, the major site works, and even the final landscaping.”

Check out www.patersonscontracting. co.nz to read about their rural earthworks, residential and lifestyle services, and cartage options.

With their 14 and 7 tonne excavators, together with 10 tonne trucks with transport and trailer, the father and son team cover a broad range of jobs – bigger or smaller - across Wairarapa.

GEOFF AND OLLIE PATERSON STAND BY THEIR 14 AND 7 TONNE EXCAVATORS.

Power Farming Wairarapa

Global leader in farm equipment helping you to grow

Power Farming is one of those truly iconic Kiwi businesses whose roots stem from humble beginnings and which are now mighty powerhouses in the agricultural machinery world.

Johan Smit is the newly appointed Dealer Principal of the Masterton branch of Power Farming. Coming from a sales and marketing background and the automotive industry, he is keen to use his skills to the utmost for Power Farming Global (PFG).

This fully independent and privately-owned group of companies have a three-generation history of serving New Zealand from the late 1940s, when in Morrinsville, Laurie and Vonnie Maber were appointed one of the first distributors of the Massey Ferguson franchise. Over the decades, the Maber family expanded throughout Waikato and with loyal employees, they have built a tractor and machinery empire which spans New Zealand, Australia, and the USA. Around 400 people are employed across the Power Farming Group. Today Power Farming Global is the largest independent distributor of Deutz-Fahr tractors worldwide and is the largest customer of Kioti.

Johan says he was drawn to the company’s ethos of putting people first and acknowledging them as the greatest

asset to achieving business success. Power Farming has a high proportion of long-term, loyal employees. A third of the team have notched over 20 years service and there are many with over 30 years’ service. The Maber family value this longevity within the workforce, recognising the value of experience and continuity these people bring to the company.

Johan, his wife, Laetitia, and four children came to New Zealand from South Africa in 2019, initially settling in Timaru. He was appointed Dealer Principal of an automotive business but when he learned of the Power Farming opportunity, he was excited to move north.

He strives for quality customer service and the ability to be able to supply “anything that’s required” in farm machinery.

Power Farming Wairarapa is well-known for its community support. They provided a bulldozer during the Tinui floods, offers tractor work to Riding for the Disabled, sponsors Masterton soccer, Eketahuna Rugby, dog trials, Castlepoint Fishing, and the 4WD events at Cape Palliser.

“Every day is an opportunity to improve,” says Johan, who is keen to do just that in his new role.

JOHAN SMIT.

UNLOCK THE BEST OF RURAL & LIFESTYLE PROPERTY

TURN OVER A NEW LEAF WITH BAYLEYS COUNTRY 2023

Gawith Burridge Lawyers

TURN OVER A NEW LEAF WITH BAYLEYS COUNTRY 2023

TURN OVER A NEW LEAF WITH BAYLEYS COUNTRY 2023 UNLOCK THE BEST OF RURAL & LIFESTYLE PROPERTY

UNLOCK THE BEST OF RURAL & LIFESTYLE PROPERTY

It’s all about the people

It’s all about the people

It’s all about the people

It’s all about the people

Our Bayleys Country team are working with a clear goal to provide the very highest level of service possible to our clients to ensure we obtain the best possible outcome for them and their rural properties.

Our Bayleys Country team are working with a clear goal to provide the very highest level of service possible to our clients to ensure we obtain the best possible outcome for them and their rural properties.

Our Bayleys Country team are working with a clear goal to provide the very highest level of service possible to our clients to ensure we obtain the best possible outcome for them and their rural properties.

Our Bayleys Country team are working with a clear goal to provide the very highest level of service possible to our clients to ensure we obtain the best possible outcome for them and their rural properties.

We want our clients to know that we genuinely have their best interests at heart, and by involving us in their real estate planning early we can discuss all options that they may have. We want to understand what they want to achieve and why they want to achieve it, so we can help them toward that ambition and ultimately be a part of the journey. Selling a property is often a stepping stone or the start of a new chapter and it is an outstanding feeling to be a part of their story and help our clients move on to the next adventure, whatever that may be.

We want our clients to know that we genuinely have their best interests at heart, and by involving us in their real estate planning early we can discuss all options that they may have. We want to understand what they want to achieve and why they want to achieve it, so we can help them toward that ambition and ultimately be a part of the journey. Selling a property is often a stepping stone or the start of a new chapter and it is an outstanding feeling to be a part of their story and help our clients move on to the next adventure, whatever that may be.

We want our clients to know that we genuinely have their best interests at heart, and by involving us in their real estate planning early we can discuss all options that they may have. We want to understand what they want to achieve and why they want to achieve it, so we can help them toward that ambition and ultimately be a part of the journey. Selling a property is often a stepping stone or the start of a new chapter and it is an outstanding feeling to be a part of their story and help our clients move on to the next adventure, whatever that may be.

We want our clients to know that we genuinely have their best interests at heart, and by involving us in their real estate planning early we can discuss all options that they may have. We want to understand what they want to achieve and why they want to achieve it, so we can help them toward that ambition and ultimately be a part of the journey. Selling a property is often a stepping stone or the start of a new chapter and it is an outstanding feeling to be a part of their story and help our clients move on to the next adventure, whatever that may be.

Striving to be the best means continuing to question how we operate and tweak how

Striving to be the best means continuing to question how we operate and tweak how

things are done. We have a team that has continued to do that to date and will constantly reflect and evolve so that we can continue to improve, in our endless pursuit to provide the very highest level of service to obtain the best results.

things are done. We have a team that has continued to do that to date and will constantly reflect and evolve so that we can continue to improve, in our endless pursuit to provide the very highest level of service to obtain the best results.

things are done. We have a team that has continued to do that to date and will constantly reflect and evolve so that we can continue to improve, in our endless pursuit to provide the very highest level of service to obtain the best results.

things are done. We have a team that has continued to do that to date and will constantly reflect and evolve so that we can continue to improve, in our endless pursuit to provide the very highest level of service to obtain the best results.

We at Bayleys Country are made up of 102 incredibly connected specialists nationwide that all live and breathe the same values. But it is not about our team, it is about the people we work for. We are in the service industry and our objective is to provide the highest quality service so that we can be confident that when our clients do decide to go to the market, they achieve the best possible outcome.

We at Bayleys Country are made up of 102 incredibly connected specialists nationwide that all live and breathe the same values. But it is not about our team, it is about the people we work for. We are in the service industry and our objective is to provide the highest quality service so that we can be confident that when our clients do decide to go to the market, they achieve the best possible outcome.

We at Bayleys Country are made up of 102 incredibly connected specialists nationwide that all live and breathe the same values. But it is not about our team, it is about the people we work for. We are in the service industry and our objective is to provide the highest quality service so that we can be confident that when our clients do decide to go to the market, they achieve the best possible outcome.

We at Bayleys Country are made up of 102 incredibly connected specialists nationwide that all live and breathe the same values. But it is not about our team, it is about the people we work for. We are in the service industry and our objective is to provide the highest quality service so that we can be confident that when our clients do decide to go to the market, they achieve the best possible outcome.

As we look toward Spring, get in touch with one of the team and start the discussion early.

As we look toward Spring, get in touch with one of the team and start the discussion early.

As we look toward Spring, get in touch with one of the team and start the discussion early.

Helping you to navigate life’s legal hurdles

Sorting out the legal needs of farmers and others in the rural community is something Gawith Burridge Lawyers has been proud to do for more than 130 years.

The firm has built strong relationships with farmers and rural enterprises and works closely with banks, accountants, real estate firms and councils.

The experienced team at Gawith Burridge are trusted experts when it comes to rural transactions. From conveyancing and employment agreements, through to resource management, succession planning, and family trust matters, they help people navigate life’s legal hurdles. Working alongside the rural sector, is something that partners Debbie van Zyl, Adam Parker, Michelle Williams and Kylie Moore enjoy immensely.

“This reassurance brings peace of mind and relieves some of the stress.”

One of the most common requests the firm receives is assistance with succession planning – that age old challenge of passing the farm to the next generation.

Michelle works out of the Martinborough office and assists rural clients in south Wairarapa. She sees the same issues with the succession of vineyards and other rural businesses to the next generation.

Kylie leads the Estate Administration and Elder Law Team and is experienced in succession planning across the board. She is also an expert in dealing with estate administration and the problems families face when succession hasn’t been considered.

Striving to be the best means continuing to question how we operate and tweak how

As we look toward Spring, get in touch with one of the team and start the discussion early.

Striving to be the best means continuing to question how

“Gawith Burridge prides itself on its excellent relationships with rural clients, providing the legal answers clients need when they want them,” says Debbie. “Farming is a particularly demanding and stressful industry, and it comes with a complex legal environment, which is everchanging.”

Adam says farmers appreciate help to navigate all the legal jargon and regulations.

LEGAL PARTNERS FROM LEFT MICHELLE WILLIAMS, ADAM PARKER, DEBBIE VAN ZYL AND KYLIE MOORE.

Clinton-Baker

Watts

Family-run, local, with the right tool for your job

“The Stihl Shop is a family-run, local business where you will get great customer service,” says Tim McKellar, shop manager.

Richard Wilton was a main player in setting this business up. He and his sonin-law Jeremy Sharp bought the Stihl Shop together, then started the Hire Shop two years later.

A further two years after that, they also purchased the Heat Shop. Nearly 15 years on, Richard’s immense institutional knowledge and sound business advice continues to “keep things growing and developing,” says Tim.

Jeremy is everywhere – front of house, in the office, and doing the Stihl Shop deals –while his wife Colleen, alongside Richard’s wife Sally, provide the backbone to the business.

Sally opens up the shop at about 6.30 every morning, does the banking, keeps the team organised and tidy, and even provides celebratory Anzac biscuits and Easter eggs. “She’s an all-round fabulous person,” says Tim.

Colleen, a qualified accountant, is at the shop every day, doing the finances. “She and Jeremy also set us on the right path with planning for the shop.

Colleen and Sally like to keep a low profile,” says Tim, “but the business couldn’t do without them.”

Women have always been great gardeners and are increasingly becoming independent on their land. Sally and Colleen have made sure to recruit and train women staff in the Stihl Shop to respond to a growing market.“They’ve contributed to the creation of a great team dynamic in the shop. All our staff are hardworking, knowledgeable, and enjoy their jobs.”

The shop sells both petrol and electric mowers; the electric ones starting with a push button. There are battery-powered chainsaws, weed eaters, rotary hoes, hedge saws, blowers, pruners …. The shop sells ride-ons, generators, water blasters, big and little pumps, chippers, PPE gear and boots. There are even BBQs by the dozen.

“Tool diversity today is amazing,” Tim says. “We have the right tool for your job. And the environmentally friendly options are made to last.”

RICHARD WILTON, CO-FOUNDER OF THE STIHL SHOP AND STILL GOING STRONG.

The trusted name in earthworks

Tim Beveridge has just completed his first decade of doing earthworks, six of those years in his own business. He’s extremely busy with demands on his time and machinery awe inspiring.

His fleet of vehicles include a truck and trailer unit; a transporter and trailer, four diggers ranging in size from 1.7t - 13t and trucks range from 2t town trucks to bulk truck and trailers. He runs a small, “perfectly formed” team of five with a wide set of skills.

Tim puts his success down to the quality equipment he runs, his expert staff and living and breathing the rural community he loves to serve.

When talking to Rural Sector Extra he was contracting to the Masterton District Council, shifting huge limestone rocks from Central Lime works east of Masterton to the skatepark, creating a barrier between the skaters and vehicles.

It’s creative work Tim and the team enjoy, ensuring each rock sits securely and looks good.

Tim is adamant it’s his customers that are most important to him and he goes to great lengths to ensure his staff also understand this. “We all talk about how it’s not just how well you drive the digger, but how we

interact with the clients and complete the job.”

For Tim, this means actively listening to his clients and melding his knowledge of farming with his experience and passion for earthworks.

“I love giving ideas and helping people achieve their vision. We pride ourselves on listening carefully to clients and informing them of the various options and solutions.”

They make the decisions, and we deliver them.”

So, got a project you’d like a hand with – give Tim a call and get his expert advice.

ROCK POSITIONING QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK, MASTERTON.

Where the rubber hits the road

Talking tyres is something Hayden Bennett loves doing and he’s highly knowledgeable about the tyre industry – what’s best for the season, your needs, vehicle, and the conditions that tyre will have to work in.

He’s the owner/operator of the Wairarapa franchise for Orizen Fleet Services which is based in a yard at Solway, Masterton but most of his time Hayden will be out on the road, servicing customers’ needs on site.

With over 14 years working in the tyre trade, he reckons he’s travelled just about every road in Wairarapa. Originally from Hawke’s Bay, he grew up in Tinui and was educated in Wairarapa. A rugby scholarship to Argentina opened his eyes to the world but he returned keen to work and live in the Wairarapa community he knows so well.

Hayden is popular in the rural community for his tyre expertise. He enjoys servicing forestry skidders, earthmovers, large trucks, loaders, tractors, 4x4s, and general farm equipment. But he will do all types of tyre servicing, including cars and utes.

He is proud of his 24/7 service. “When a tyre goes on large machinery, it means immediate loss of income for the client, so I have to get there asap,” he says.

After working for several tyre firms,

Hayden enjoys the challenge of having his own business. “I aim to be as competitive as possible, and reliable. My motto is ‘Don’t be good – be better.” With this in mind, he thrives on fostering good customer service and stocking as many varieties of tyres as possible, to meet client immediacy.

He helps in the community too – losing friends to mental illness, he is keen to support related charities. The Wainuioru community where he lives is close to his heart and he loves being involved in local projects.

Open for business and still going strong

“Valley Ag, for all your cultivation and harvesting needs, is open for business and is going strong,” says operations manager and owner Tim Linton.

Co-owner Mike Slater died at the end of 2022 and is sorely missed by Tim and the Valley Ag team. “Losing Mike left a gap,” says Tim, “but Valley Ag has regrouped and we’re going forward.”

In theory, Valley Ag can go about its work in all weathers, “but there’s only so much rain the ground can cope with before it forces us to take a breather.”

The business can meet your cultivation, seeding, direct drilling, harvesting, and hay balage needs. And – when the sun shines – the business also makes hay. On the excavation side of its business, Valley Ag does rural earthworks, road building, trenching, farm maintenance, and the construction of earthworks for herd homes. Machines of all types are lined up in the Kahutara Valley Ag yard: tractors, diggers, bulldozers and combine harvesters, to start with. There are also 20-tonne dump trailers to go behind the tractors when they’re in action.

With a team of up to six at any one time, there is nothing Tim likes more than getting

Large rocks and roading products for those winter jobs at NZ Aglime

Located above the Kourarau Dam, in the hills east of Gladstone, NZ Aglime provides premium lime and lime blends.

Its track lime contains clay, making it ideal for use on farm and forestry tracks, roads and driveways.

Its limestone rocks range in size from football size to giant boulders. These can be used in a range of different applications from river and culvert protection to road stabilisation and landscaping.

The lime blends are specifically tailored to individual customers.

The business is locally owned by Tim and Josh Stevenson, and Bevan Saywell.

Full-time manager Todd Johnson is wellknown in the rural community, having run his own agricultural contracting business for more than 20 years.

There is always someone ready to help when customers turn up between 8am and 5pm from Monday to Friday or by appointment before 8am.

Todd is always happy to discuss what is required with farmers or their fertiliser consultant.

out and working with his lads. Originally from England, he is glad to have settled in Wairarapa. “It’s home,” he says. His children, Sarah aged 14 and Sam aged 11, love helping their dad out at Valley Ag. Sarah is already ahead of the game and helps Tim stick to his guns when he’s haggling with clients. “It’s in her blood,” Tim laughs.

Valley Ag has picked itself up and dusted itself off. Tim says: “Thank you to the Valley Ag team, my accounting support, and to UDC Finance for its support through this tough time: you’ve all made Valley Ag both possible and a great place to work.”

NZ Aglime offers a wide range of blends including: Rock phosphate fertilizer, manganese, gypsum, sodium molly, copper, kieserite, humates, organibor, zinc (oxide, powder, &/or prill), cobolt, selenium red, sulphur prills/elemental sulfur, salt, phosphate, protamin N13, calcium mag and more.

Its lime is high in calcium carbonate making it ideal for applying to soil to increase nutrient availability.

For this application, the lime is finely crushed so it quickly absorbs into the soil, with faster results.

NZ Aglime offers both AssureQuality certified organic options and non-organic products.

This means it can supply lime for organically certified farmers and horticulturalists. All customers are welcomed – from trucks and trailers down to one tonne, and half tonne bulk bags.

For a free quote or more information contact Todd. Phone 0800 879 274 Email todd@nzaglime.co.nz

704 Te Wharau Road, Carterton

Lime Stone

Lime Blends Aglime

NZ AGLIME PROVIDES A RANGE OF LIME BLENDS AND ROCKS.

VALLEY AG MACHINERY READY TO GO.

Advocating for environmental wastewater treatment

“We’re all about better sewage and wastewater treatment systems,” says Dean Hoyle, design manager and director at WaterFlow NZ. “Better solutions. Better products.”

Whether it’s domestic or commercial wastewater, WaterFlow NZ works towards a cleaner, sustainable New Zealand, “one wastewater treatment system at a time.”

“Our point of difference and a standout feature of what we do,” Dean says, “is that our approach starts with the environment of the property and the site. We work back from there to the most appropriate design.”

Nature is one huge recycling mechanism and Waterflows’ flagship product The NaturalFlow wastewater system harnesses Mother Nature’s recycling processes, in an enclosed eco-system that stimulates the natural forest floor.

Using power-free aerating processes – as opposed to mechanical pumps –NaturalFlow Systems will treat and break down your wastewater – just as nature does – and then reintroduce it into the environment when it is perfectly safe to do so.

“We’re a national company,” Dean says, “but we work with local designers and drainlayers in every region to achieve the best results for each customer.”

Staff at WaterFlow NZ describe themselves as a passionate and progressive lot. “We really do care about the enormous benefits that smart, robust and environmentally friendly wastewater systems can have on everyday lives,” says Ken Hoyle, general manager and fellow director.

Ken loves to be hands on and has a wealth of site knowledge, nothing is too hard. Ken also handles all the commercial projects.

With over thirty years of combined experience designing and manufacturing fit-for-purpose solutions, Waterflow’s team is committed to helping all New Zealanders ask better questions, have a better understanding of issues and options, and make better decisions.

“We demystify the wondrously, worrying world of wastewater,” Dean says with a grin. Visit www.waterflow.co.nz or call 0800 628 356 for more information.

ONE OF WATERFLOW NZ’S STYLISH WASTEWATER OPTIONS.

PROVINCIAL INSURANCE, TAKING CARE OF ALL YOUR RURAL INSURANCE

Keeping a watchful eye on your septic tank system

Septico is a new company in Wairarapa created to fill a gap discovered in the market.

Its sole purpose is to service septic tanks. For many rural households, their wastewater goes through a septic tank system and most modern septic tank systems have several components that need regular attention.

Septico owner, Don Rutherford has a modern septic tank system on his property and when the alarm started beeping, he struggled to find anyone to fix the problem.

Further investigation revealed there are currently no full-time septic tank servicing companies in Wairarapa. In this light bulb moment, Septico was created.

Introducing Marianne Paton-Sentch. Marianne’s background is as a rural insurance broker. She’s also worked for Fonterra and has been a commercial manager for AgriBio, focusing on animal health. In November last year, Marianne returned to rural insurance. “I know how rural businesses are run and how to support them with insurance through weather events and when debt levels are high,” she says. Marianne and her husband are raising a family in Wairarapa with two children at Carterton School. They have a lifestyle block and horses.

“Working for Provincial in Wairarapa – I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

marianne@provincial.co.nz

Often septic service agents are registered plumbers, drainlayers, or electricians with servicing of septic tanks not their primary business.

Septico’s main point of difference is that its sole focus is septic tank servicing.

Most septic tanks installed in New Zealand today come with the manufacturers’ recommendation that they be serviced every six months, and by an experienced service technician.

After Don’s system alarm went off, he did his homework.

servicing

“Regular servicing of septic tanks helps prevent costly issues, saving customers money in the long term. Regular servicing also reduces stress on filters and pumps and provides the comfort of knowing the entire septic system is being professionally maintained.”

Don says being aware of small problems before they become large ones, or resulting in system failures, protects your household wastewater from being a potential health hazard for you, and your neighbours. Don ignored his septic tank for years and says if he had someone like Septico to keep an eye on what was happening under the lid, he would have avoided the stress of a smelly situation and the unexpected cost of repairs.

Local broadband you can rely on through thick and thin

“WIZwireless Broadband is a local service,” says Ben Seddon, operations manager. “We live and work in Wairarapa and we know the realities.”

Ben has worked with WIZwireless for six years now, taking on the mantle of operations manager about a year ago.

Brought up in Wairarapa, Ben was a dairy farmer for ten years and a fibre technician, and now lives with his wife in rural Carterton on a block only accessible by 4WD. If anyone understands the need for reliable, dependable broadband, it’s Ben.

During Cyclone Gabrielle, the WIZwireless network stayed up throughout Wairarapa, using renewable energy sources and backups. The WIZwireless team of six has a culture of resolving customer issues ASAP but always within 24 hours. “There’s no call centre here,” Ben says. “We answer your calls promptly and the person you talk to will know your name. We’re responsive and we have boots on the ground.”

WIZwireless makes broadband available across Wairarapa and into Tararua, with coverage all the way up the coast to the north as well as south around Palliser.

“The way people work, play, and live has changed. People working from home or

Saywell Crane Services

Working with the Grinch

The GRINCH is the Meanest Greenest & Biggest mobile crane in Town! Well that’s based in the region.

streaming events and movies - in both rural and urban settings - need decent and resilient internet connections that don’t fall over if a fibre connection drops out. ‘Smart farming’ requires farmers to update records in real time in the dairy and shearing sheds. We’re responding to increased demand and improving coverage all the time.”

Giving back to the community is important for WIZwireless, and so the business provides free Wi-Fi for community halls, recreation centres, and sports halls: Gladstone Sports and Social Complex and Ngawi Sports Fishing Club, for example.

The WIZwireless team helped in the Tinui recovery, relocating hardware for no cost and providing free public Wi-Fi. The business even donated generators, batteries and solar panels to the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne recovery efforts.

Check out www.wizbiz.co.nz for plans and rates or call 06 370 9210.

WIZwireless is now located in Hope Street behind the Fire Station.

Owned by Don Saywell of SAYWELL CRANE SERVICES which also has a smaller yellow crane called “OLE YELLA“ like a very dependable old dog .

Don has 18 years of experience working with and repairing cranes and being a mechanic for most of his life working in the Wairarapa Region has a vast knowledge of local and rural areas.

For many years, Don repaired and operated a fleet of cranes for a local Engineering and Construction Company before setting up his own business about 2 years ago.

“With two cranes,” he says, “I can tackle all the tough jobs.” He’s raised the substantial steel roof of a cluster of industrial buildings in Lincoln Road as well as the massive structure that is Masterton’s netball courts. The trusses are first built on the ground.

“It’s a common-sense, safety-first, way of doing things.” Don has also worked on the Wairarapa Hunting & Fishing building and other large developments in Ngaumutawa Road.

He’s erected or installed cowsheds, concrete panels, water tanks, sumps, bridges and road underpasses for cows that are off for milking.

Another sideline is tree work and working with a team of arborists, tree removals are quick and easy. The yellow crane has

been used by Don for over 10 years now, long before he purchased it from Loader Construction, where he had trained as a crane operator with the late Toi Walker, taking the same straight forward approach.

“I’ve been driving it for 12 years,” Don says. “It’s completely reliable.” The Grinch is 50 imperial tons and all-terrain with eightwheel drive and eight-wheel steerage. It’s 13 metres long but turns in a 16-metre space, making it highly manoeuvrable. Unlike many cranes, it distributes its axle weight and so can go places – like across bridges – that others can’t. It can also lower itself to drive under low-hanging structures. Don Saywell is local, well-known, and easy going.

“I keep things simple, and I know how important friendships are. I have great mates in the district.”

THE GRINCH AND OLD YELLA IN ACTION AT LINCOLN ROAD.

WIZWIRELESS AT KUPE’S SAIL, PALLISER BAY: AS REMOTE AS YOU CAN GET.

Consolidated in the irrigation market

After a year in the business, Irrigation Services has consolidated its role as the lower North Island’s only dedicated irrigation store. It has a steady flow of retail customers through its shop. Located at 181 Ngaumutawa Rd, Masterton, the shop stocks on site a range of irrigation products from pumps and filtration systems to 25,000 and 30,000 litre water tanks. Other size tanks can be ordered. Its staff are the same ones who design and install irrigation systems in Wairarapa.

So, as well as being knowledgeable about the products they sell, the staff can answer any questions customers have about installing an irrigation system on their property.

A water focused business

Irrigation Services is a water focused business with in-depth irrigation knowledge, vast experience, and a proven track record for delivering quality irrigation solutions.

Its experienced team of Wairarapa engineers, installers and office staff are the best in the business and passionate about providing a top-notch service to the region.

The scope of its services range from designing and installing dairy effluent management systems, horticultural and agricultural irrigation solutions and large-scale commercial infrastructure projects such as golf clubs, to irrigation systems for lifestyle properties.

With improved water quality standards, more rural households reliant on rainwater are seeking water assessments. Nine times out of ten, a water filtration system is required to keep E. coli at bay.

Solar powered systems

Solar pumping of farm water

offers an effective and environmentally sustainable solution. This saves the cost of hard-wiring electricity and the capacity to pump both clean and dirty water makes for a robust farm solution.

The addition of telemetry enables the farmer to monitor the water in the tanks, and leak detection from the comfort of his phone.

Fixed grid sprinkler systems

Fixed grid sprinkler systems can be fitted to any terrain or existing paddock layout with no need for removal of shelter belts.

Competitively priced where farm shape doesn’t allow for a pivot, Irrigation Services can tailor a system to best suit existing farm practices, achieving a high uniformity of water application maintenance costs and close to zero labour costs.

Meet the Wairarapa team

Born and raised on a Wairarapa farm, Ben has worked for Irrigation Services since 2005 when he moved back to the Wairarapa to raise his young family from Western Australia where he worked on minefield irrigation projects.

Ben

Taylor comes from a dairy farming background and completed the AGITO Level 4 and Modern Apprenticeship in Dairy Farming. He is currently working through his apprenticeship in the Engineering and Pumping fields.

Large Scale Irrigation systems

Irrigation Services is experienced in designing and installing dairy effluent management systems, horticultural irrigation solutions and large-scale commercial infrastructure projects in Wairarapa.

It is able to provide whole effluent and water storage packages and works closely with its sister company IS Dam Lining to complete FDE projects.

Lifestyle irrigation systems

Irrigation Services offers small scale pod irrigation for lifestyle blocks. It also offers pop-up lawn irrigation systems as one sees on golf courses and sports grounds. These allow lawns to be watered at night when best absorption is achieved. These systems aren’t seen, and sprinklers retract when not in use to make for easy mowing.

Scott is experienced in a variety of fields including Engineering, Welding, Farming, and Building. He recently obtained his NZ Irrigation Certificate of Achievement – Full Pipe Water Measurement System Verification.

A valuable addition to the team, Katherine brings many years’ experience in Accounts, Office Admin, Customer Service, and a farming background.

Manager Ben Coulson

Katherine Hartwig

Office Administrator

Scott Fenwick Engineer

Taylor Fenwick Service Technician

Ben Coulson Manager

Moving livestock around to meet demand

Chad Laird, divisional manager of transport at Scott’s Ag Contracting is excited about the momentum that stock transport is gaining since the division started in June last year.

Jason and Rhys Scott took over the company from their parents Bernard and Fiona several years ago, and the introduction of livestock transport in 2022 was a good fit to complement the services already offered to their farming customers around the region.

“Demand keeps growing,” says Chad. “We move livestock mainly around Wairarapa but also across the lower North Island and have a growing interest in transporting to the South Island too. The months from November to March are always busy transporting lambs, sheep, and cattle.”

When we caught up with them, Chad’s team had just finished shifting cows for Gypsy day. What’s next?

“From the end of July and through August we’ll be carting bobby calves,” Chad says. “And there’s still stock to move from last season. We’re available for our customers whenever they need us.”

The business now has four stock truck units: three Volvo stock units and a Scania multistock unit/tipper. For transporting fertiliser,

aggregates (metal), hay, silage, large agricultural machinery, and earthworks, the company has three HINOs and a DAF tipper.

No matter what you need by way of agricultural contracting services – extraction and supply of aggregate, planting, harvesting, cartage, livestock transporting, or silage - Scott’s Ag is here to help. At peak seasons, there are up to 35 staff on the ground.

Chad originally came to Scott’s Ag as a fertiliser truck driver, but quickly progressed into a dispatch role overseeing the transport division with his extensive knowledge of the industry.

Chad’s been driving trucks for more than fifteen years, starting in a little “puddle jumper,” and has prior experience as a fencer and builder.

“Our transport guys are experienced,” Chad says. “And, importantly, they all enjoy ‘chewing the fat’ with customers.” Chad himself is still driving trucks within the division, and says customers enjoy putting a face to a name.

“Scott’s Ag is not just a family business, it’s an extended family.”

CHAD LAIRD, TRANSPORT MANAGER FOR SCOTT’S AG.

Introducing Jack Wakeling, livestock agent

Introducing Jack Wakeling, livestock agent with John Griffith & Co. Jack’s out on your farms most days, drafting sheep or cattle, and getting them ready for their next move. In the evenings, he’s on the phone catching up with farmers and organising trucking and logistics for the next day.

“We supply AFFCO for our prime business,” Jack says. “Because AFFCO’s a multi species operation with great plant locations, it’s a good fit for us in the Wairarapa. We have a strong network throughout NZ to place store stock and with the integration of the digital platforms like Cloudyards, our reach to farmers is fast and efficient.”

John Griffith & Co. was founded in Masterton in 1989 by John Griffith who, aged 84, passed away in 2019. His son Johnny Griffith took up the reins, supported by Ellen O’Hara in the office and four livestock agents.

Jack came on board in November 2019, bringing with him a lifetime of practical farming and academic agricultural experience. He was brought up by Tinui farming parents Ross and Jo, studied agriculture at Wairarapa College, and completed a cadetship at Smedley Station before going on to study at Lincoln. At Uni, Jack achieved a diploma in agriculture, a

Brooks Refrigeration Services

For all refrigeration, heat pump, air-conditioning, and chiller trailer needs

further diploma in farm management, and then a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in agriculture). It’s fair to say that Jack understands the rural environment and its pressures. Farming’s in his DNA. Now settled in Wairarapa with partner Molly, who works for BakerAg Farm Consultancy, Jack says he’s “focused on getting out and seeing clients, discovering the different farming systems and styles, and helping farmers achieve their livestock goals”. He’s happily building up his client base in his hometown.

In the competitive livestock industry, the company’s point of difference is “its personal touch and customer service,” Jack says. “When you come to John Griffith & Co, you get an honest and reliable service.”

You can trust the livestock agents at John Griffith & Co. to do a great job.

Rural customers are important to Brooks Refrigeration Services. Adam Brooks has worked locally within the rural sector for the past 21 years.

Born and bred in Wairarapa, Adam has always been interested in things mechanical. He completed his apprenticeship in Masterton and worked for two different companies before branching out on his own six years ago.

Wife Felicity does all the administration for the busy refrigeration service, and refrigeration engineer apprentice Shane Hunt is the third member of the team. The business offers a full refrigeration service for installation, repair, and servicing. It can also supply and build everything from dog tucker/home kill chillers and freezers to ice makers and water chillers.

The business can supply a mobile chiller trailer for when customers need an immediate back-up chilling facility.

Heat pumps and air-conditioning units are a speciality of Brooks Refrigeration Services with all brands able to be supplied and installed. Brooks Refrigeration Services has units to suit all budgets and purposes, from heating a room to heating an entire home, and can repair and service all types of heat pumps and air-conditioning units.

Check out Brooks Refrigeration Services on

Facebook to see photos of heat pumps that hadn’t been serviced for years – it’s truly an eye-opener how filthy they can get without regular care from a professional.

Adam says: “I work throughout the Wairarapa region and further afield as the jobs take me, and I pride myself on communication and quality workmanship, whatever the job. I like to look at every job as if it was at my own home.”

“Please feel free to contact me for a no obligation, free, quote and let’s see what we can make happen.”

SERVICING

ADAM BROOKS.

JACK WAKELING, LIVESTOCK AGENT WITH JOHN GRIFFITH & CO.

Bargh & Gardner Aviation Ltd

Flying on fertiliser for farmers

From their 29-hectare Kahutara property, John and Penny Bargh operate their aerial top-dressing business. With a trusted yellow Airtractor 402B turbo prop, John’s in charge of flying operations while Penny is the safety and office manager. In their well-established business, they’re partners in everything.

“We’re both committed to making the best use of modern technology,” John says.

Using GPS allows the couple to maintain records of where the Airtractor has flown for each client. The hopper box is now computerised using technology called Variable Rate: “It spreads a constant rate of fertiliser,” John explains, “because the computer continually adjusts.”

The couple uses Tabula (formerly Tracmap) to outline the boundary of each client’s farm, areas to be fertilised, and areas to avoid (like waterways, swamps, and bush) to be better for the environment. And new technology coming in is Slope Scan which is a slope-based variable rate application, involving a mapping of each farm’s terrain to ensure even better results with an even spread of fertiliser.

“I started flying top dressing planes in the 1970s,” John says. “Things changed in the 1980s. They were tough times for farmers and for the businesses servicing them.”

Penny went out to work and John took on every job he could find to keep food on the table, until farming improved.

The magnificent view from the house they worked so hard for takes in the block of land they call home: a portion of Grandad Bargh’s post-WWI ballot block. It includes their airstrip, hangar, and grass destined to be silage and baleage. Their perseverance and hard work over decades have paid off.

“Modern technology has been a steep learning curve,” Penny says. “But we’ve crested that curve and are up for the next challenge.”

JOHN BARGH IN HIS AIR TRACTOR. CREDIT: HARRY MATERMAN

Osborne Group

Outstanding accounting, tax, and business advice

The experienced and diverse accounting team at Osborne Group point out they are outstanding in their field and the truth is reflected within clients’ testimonials:

“I have tried a number, but none are better. Seriously very good service.”

Myles Oldershaw.

“Professional, tailor-made solutions for our unique individual circumstances, that are cost-effective, localised, not globalised.” Ross & Kim Champion, Pepperwood Trust.

“Your service is excellent in every way. I am living overseas, entirely dependent upon electronic communication and your team have always been supportive and professional to the highest standard.”

Dr Jane Gilmer.

When clients come to Osborne Group’s Director, Jason Osborne, he greets them with a swathe of experience that comes from starting a business from scratch. Strong client relationships and nurturing loyal and long-serving staff are amongst his key aims. Jason established Osborne Group in 2007 with three clients. These days the 15-strong staff span two offices in Greytown and Masterton. Raised in South Wairarapa on a dairy farm near Featherston, he knows the intricacies of running a farm and of the foibles of living rurally.

Osborne Group is well-known as an accounting firm committed to forming close partnerships, understanding of each client’s situation, and customising the assistance

client’s require. The team works closely with rural clients both in the training of various computer packages such as Farm Focus, Xero, and Figured. They also enjoy visiting clients in their homes, and on farms, to get a better picture of their lives and business.

“I like to think Osborne Group is way more than simply an accounting firm which sorts out how much tax you must pay. With a huge skill set, including five Chartered Accountants, we offer quality business advice.”

Maxim Business Consulting, Osborne Group’s associate service, provides professional consulting services to rural, commercial, and private clients. Advice is given on structure, management, risk mitigation, growth acceleration and general business counsel.

“It allows people to set realistic goals reducing the risk of wandering through a business without any clear planning or goals. We believe knowing where you are heading, and with some idea of the result, is imperative,” adds Jason. “Maxim will happily mentor people who have other accountants but want to take advantage of our business consulting service.”

Adding to the diversity of Osborne Group is its dedication to community. A valuable supporter of the Cancer Society, it also offers a study grant out of Wairarapa College, and annually, the Osborne Group team take a day off to work for a charity, collectively chosen by the staff.

Building

“Whether its rural or urban, commercial or residential,” owner Richard Barlow says, “we wash houses, gutters, outbuildings, yards, decks, driveways, solar panels, and roofs. We also do spider treatments and moss treatments.”

Richard helped former owner David Pope establish Property Wash. Then, just over a year ago, he bought the business. David’s still involved though and gets sent out on jobs. Richard and David have been joined by Pretorius Hard and administrator Linamaria Carlsen.

The team will go just about anywhere.

“We’ve had jobs out at Western Lake, up at Pahiatua, and out at the Tora and Ngawi coasts.” And the company only uses ecofriendly chemicals.

“This is important in rural areas and near water catchments,” Richard says. Health and safety are critical for Property Wash. The business is both Site Safe and Height and Harness approved. You can trust Property Wash Wairarapa to do a professional job, with a smile.

JASON OSBORNE AND FRIENDS.

Quality Sheds | Hepburn Builders

Sheds and houses designed for you

Quality Sheds, a long-standing Wairarapa business, came into the hands of Willie and Emma Hepburn in 2017.

“Quality Sheds both supplies and builds pole sheds of all types. We do small sheds, large sheds, clear-span sheds, stables, woolsheds, covered yards and garages.”

Whether you’re on a farm, at the beach, in town or have a lifestyle block, if you’re looking for a shed that looks great and is constructed from top quality materials, Quality Sheds has one for you.

“Our sheds can be designed and built with you in mind. You tell us what you’re after and we can design it to suit your situation. Basic structures are extremely versatile and can be easily adapted to offer the flexibility you need.”

Plans are fully engineered to current building standards, the sheds are built with high strength H5 poles and No1 timber, galvanized fixings & bracing. They offer a fully flashed structure which can be horizontally or vertically clad, gable or lean-to. As an added bonus, Quality Sheds organises the building permits for you.

When they bought Quality Sheds the business added another string to Willie and Emma’s bow. They also own Hepburn

Builders and so have a fleet of staff who can be deployed to build sheds, renovate existing houses, or build new homes, as the need arises.

Willie focuses on his team and the project management of each project while Emma successfully administers the businesses. Having a dedicated project manager ensures decisions are made efficiently and allows for a streamlined building process. The work incorporates a perfectionist’s eye and attention to detail.

Whether it’s bringing an old home back to life in keeping with its age, or building an architecturally designed new home, Hepburn Builders relishes the unique challenges represented. The team prides itself on honesty, integrity, approachability, and effective communication. It is available and responsive. And you can get a shed built to.

Quality Sheds and Hepburn Builders are based in Masterton and build Wairarapa wide. Go to www.qualitysheds.co.nz and www.hepburnbuilders.co.nz to learn more.

Testimonial from a very satisfied customer:

‘We entrusted Hepburn Builders to project manage and build our home. From the initial discussions when it was just a pipedream, to onsite guidance pre-build, helpful tips through the planning stage and practical solutions during the construction, we cannot fault Willie and his professional team of builders. Building a home is complex, especially when there is a multitude of materials and numerous sub-contractors onsite. Willie problem-solved and, on numerous occasions, delivered a better solution that surpassed our original expectations. Our finished home is a testament to Willie’s eye for detail and craftsmanship. We are looking forward to filling it now with lots of happy memories – thank you team Hepburn!’

EMMA AND WILLIE HEPBURN.

QUALITY SHEDS.

24/7 service, wherever you are

“Joe’s Tyres are on call for commercial vehicles 24/7,” says owner Colin Richardson. “We understand that when the weather favours them, farmers and ag contractors need to be on the job at all hours. And if a tractor or truck tyre fails them, we need to get there as soon as possible and get them moving again.”

It’s very important to all of us at Joe’s Tyres to provide quality service that keeps our client’s vehicles running.”

Joe’s Tyres started from scratch about ten years ago - a significant commercial clientele of farmers and agricultural contractors has built up since then.

“We go as far afield as Mount Bruce and Cape Palliser,” Colin says. He and his wife Milli are the backbone of the business, and customer service is in their blood. Prior to Joe’s Tyres, they worked with farmers years ago, selling farm produce, as did Colin’s father and grandfather before him.

EquivetsNZSouthern Rangitikei Veterinary Services

For all your equine veterinary care needs

“It’s very important to all of us at Joe’s Tyres to provide quality service that keeps our client’s vehicles running.”

EquivetsNZ, a branch of Southern Rangitikei Veterinary Services has Wairarapa’s equine needs covered with Mandy Illston, Grainne Cunningham, and Bex Presow. You can find them at 197 Te Whiti Road, Masterton. Mandy is well known in equine circles across the district, having been brought up in Wairarapa and ridden, competed and showjumped her way through the years. “I’ve spent my life immersed in horses, starting from when I accompanied my parents around the racing, jumping and show circuits.” Mandy went on to own her own horses and became an equine vet.

Mandy, along with fellow vets Bex and Grainne, come from genuine equine backgrounds. “This means we all give practical, sensible advice that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.”

Grainne is keen on stud work including breeding and foal medicine. Bex favours equine dentistry and sport horses. Mandy carries out the stud work for Little Avondale Stud as well as having a wealth of experience in all aspects of equine veterinary care. All the vets, however, do a bit of everything. “Some days”, Mandy says, “we are horse obstetricians, dentists, and podiatrists. We never know what’s on the cards.”

EquivetsNZ offers a full range of first opinion and emergency care such as endoscopes, radiographs, ultrasounds, reproductive services, lameness work ups, prepurchase exams, and dentistry.

For equine veterinary work - whether you have a competition horse or a pleasure horse - you can’t go past the vets with genuine equine backgrounds: Mandy, Grainne, and Bex at EquivetsNZ.

JOE’S TYRES ON THE JOB OUT IN THE FIELD.

Joe’s Tyres

EQUIVETSNZ (FROM LEFT) MANDY ILLSTON, GRAINNE CUNNINGHAM, AND BEX PRESOW.

Wairarapa Hunting & Fishing

Come and meet the team of hunting, fishing and outdoor experts

“Come and meet the team at Wairarapa Hunting & Fishing,” owner Greg McKinney suggests.

Greg’s been in the industry since the age of 16 when he started making fishing rods. He’s spent his life selling guns, boats, and fishing gear, including for Shimano NZ.

“I came into Wairarapa Hunting & Fishing in March 2020, then covid hit. We’re in a very different space now and people are super keen to get back out on the water or into the hills.”

From the moment you walk in the door you’ll be greeted by one of the store’s friendly knowledgeable team members. They’re all super passionate about hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors.

Georgia and Lewis are there, front of house, ready to greet and assist you. Need some technical advice about tramping, camping and packs? Bo and Kevin will steer you in the right direction.

And there’s a team dedicated to gear for fishing of all types: top water, surfcasting, fly fishing, game fishing, bottom fishing and more. Jared, who relocated from Turangi, is a fly-fishing expert.

Looking for a firearm? Mark, Blaze, and

VEIN TREATMENTS

Kevin can get you the right tool for the job and match it with your scope of choice - try the NEW range of Swarovski scopes and optics.

“We’re now the exclusive Wairarapa dealers for Swarovski,” Greg says. “We’ll also make sure you’re ready to roll, with your firearm zeroed in.”

The shop carries a huge range of free diving product including Beuchat gear from France: wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins, weight belts and dive weights and spearguns.

“Come and see Bo and Kevin - they’ll sort you out for your next mission.” Ken, the store’s dedicated logistics guy, looks after your orders.

The Wairarapa Hunting & Fishing store in Ngaumutawa Road has been open for over a year now, and customers love the space, the layout, and the amazing carpark. The new roundabout connecting State Highway 2 and Ngaumutawa Road makes accessibility a breeze too.

Come and have a browse and meet the team.

We are at the forefront of non-surgical treatment of varicose veins. Experience our gold standard service, no referral required, walk in, walk out procedure.

*our varicose vein treatments are covered by most insurers

SKIN CANCER CHECK

If you have been exposed to the harsh New Zealand sun it is important for you to check any new spots, moles & freckles. Stay sun smart and book in with one of our skin cancer specialists for your annual check up. We may offer excision or biopsy on site.

GREG MCKINNEY (RIGHT), OWNER OF WAI HUNTING & FISHING, AND HIS TEAM OF EXPERTS IN EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE GREAT OUTDOORS.

BOATS OUTBOARDS

Our experienced team will provide a comprehensive service to ensure your boat is ready for your boating pleasure.

TO BOOK CALL US ON 377 2964

Come and see us for anything boating we can help with life jackets, GPS, sh nders, boat accessories and outboard motor sales + servicing.

“Ordish & Stevens returned to being a local, family-owned business when Lisa and I bought the business,” says Scott Forbes, owner-operator.

The Masterton-based business has been servicing Wairarapa farmers, councils, and lifestylers with irrigation, milking systems, and all things water and wastewater related, for over 50 years.

A nationwide firm Hynds Pipes bought the business from the Ordish’s in 2007 and hired Scott as their Operations Manager. They went on to sell the business to Scott and Lisa in 2016.

It was important to the husband-and-wife team that they keep on all the staff at the time of purchase.

“Now we have a staff of 21,” Scott says, “covering a diverse range of specialty trades including engineers, mechanics, and electricians. I can’t praise our team enough.”

Our management team brings a wealth of experience to the table. Brian Deller alone has 49 years of hands-on experience in the milking and design team. Our supervisors and sales and design teams include Simon Hutton, Warwick Burkett, Devon Moylan and Russell Forbes, Scott’s nephew.

“And all the guys on the tools are great,” Scott says. “From the senior staff to the new apprentices.”

Scott and Lisa’s son Callum has joined the team and has almost completed his apprenticeship. “Apprenticeships are important to us. We have an eye to the future.”

Ordish & Stevens serves the Wairarapa district and can go as far afield as Wellington, Kapiti and Dannevirke. Scott says: “Come and talk to us. We have experience, local knowledge, and know how. We can provide turnkey solutions. Equally, we can come up with options to suit your requirements and budget. We’re value for money and provide quality options backed by our 24/7 breakdown and support service.”

Whether its rainwater harvesting (no matter the scale), ground water abstraction, or machinery in the milking shed, Ordish & Stevens can help manage your assets. They have all the machinery and resources to do your job.

Ordish & Stevens is looking to be the solution to your irrigation, water reticulation, and milking system requirements.

Solutions based on experience, local knowledge, and know how

THE TEAM AT ORDISH & STEVENS.

Langlands Motorcycles

Going from strength to strength

Langlands Motorcycles has been providing the right tool for the job for Wairarapa’s farming, biking, and lifestyle block customers for over 30 years. It’s now able to carry over its customer-centric ethos into lawn care and power tools with the Husqvarna brand, right across region.

“When we opened our Greytown store in 2018,” says Amber Greenfield, Langlands’ manager, “we had the opportunity to pick up the Husqvarna brand for South Wairarapa, which was a great addition to our business. From 1 July this year, Langlands Masterton will now stock Husqvarna products which will broaden our cover of the Husqvarna brand to the entire Wairarapa district.”

The Husqvarna range includes chainsaws, lawn mowers, automatic mowers and tools for turf, and grounds care. There’s even cleaning paraphernalia such as pressure washers. Parts and accessories underpin all the Husqvarna offerings.

Langlands’ decades old relationship with Honda continues unabated, even while new ranges come on stream.

Without diluting any of its Honda expertise and institutional knowledge, Langlands has

Seeds and

For all your seed and feed needs with a personalised service

Bruce Tocher, managing director and owner of the uniquely independent business Seeds and Cereals, says: “we support the farming industry with all the cereal, forage and seeds it requires over the year. We also supply back garden to broad acre with seed and feed.”

year 2000, with his wife Sue.

Prior to that, Bruce was a sheep and beef farmer and an agricultural contractor. “You have to have your head in the competitive agricultural industry,” he says.

listened to its customers, and added new strings to its bow.

Both the Masterton and Greytown Langlands’ stores also pride themselves on their extensive ranges of spare parts and the quality of their servicing of bikes, mowers, and land care products. Langlands has a full workshop and service department available five days a week at very competitive rates. It also offers on-farm ATV servicing.

Langlands is your one-stop shop for farmers, for owners of lifestyle blocks, for people tending a much-loved lawn and garden, and for people who want to hit the roads or go off-road on a motorcycle or e-bike.

“We’re able to meet all your needs and price points,” says Amber, “and we back all that up with great value servicing of your purchases.”

The company’s team of 14 receives seed from farmers, dresses and treats it, and then supplies it back to the farmer, pest and fungus-free. “Each farmer’s particular quantity of seed is identified as theirs and is returned to them,” production manager Murray Quirke says.

When farmers want grain to be crushed, it is also custom blended with minerals and additives that are good for the respective animals (horses, chickens, sheep, or cattle). Animals need the extra energy that can be gained from grain, to help them process the protein in grass. This is important when the grass is having a growth spurt or when the animals are under pressure in adverse weather conditions.

“Our aim is to give farmers the best possible feed for their animals, so they can produce the best possible animals.”

Bruce understands the needs of farmers.

He’s owned Seeds and Cereals since the

One of the advantages of Seeds and Cereals is personalised service, the likes of which you can only receive from an independent company. “We don’t push a product or a brand,” Bruce says. “We rely on scientific evidence of merit.” In addition, the turnaround times of Seeds and Cereals can be quick.

Although the company is small, Seeds and Cereals regularly processes large quantities, including for export.

Another string to its bow is on-farm monitoring. “We can monitor crops and offer growing support with products to help growth,” Bruce says.

In addition, Seeds & Cereals runs a Masterton retail store and another in Hastings/Hawke’s Bay. These stores sell a full range of animal feeds direct to customers.

Bowl on up to Seeds and Cereals in Ngaumutawa Road or visit www.seedscereals.co.nz to learn more.

SOME OF THE LANGLANDS TEAM WITH THE HUSQVARNA RANGE.

BRUCE TOCHER, OWNER OF SEEDS AND CEREALS WITH PRODUCTION MANAGER MURRAY QUIRKE AND FLOOR FOREMAN SHANE SCULLY.

Wairarapa College

School farm: pathway to a career

The school farm at Wairarapa College, overseen by Dan Grace, Head of Agriculture and Farm Manager, supports students to find their passions and their futures.

Three courses are on offer for years nine and ten. The first is a practical course covering “fencing, driving tractors, ag chemicals, chainsaw use, health and safety, employeremployee relationships …”

Then there’s a course in growing locally and selling globally. “It’s gate to plate,” says Dan. “Through growing our own crops (potatoes, garlic, and olives) and raising sheep and cattle, we go on a journey from demand to production, supply, marketing, and pricing.”

The third, science-based course focuses on happy, healthy livestock. “We cover calving, lambing, genetics, reproduction, and animal welfare such as nutrition and shelter.”

Senior students on the school farm can do one, or both, of an academic (agricultural science) pathway and a practical pathway. The latter includes two years of primary industry trades, with 18 students at each level.

“Last year,” Dan says, “we made our first batch of olive oil and donated 400kg of our food to the foodbank. We’ve stabilised a breed of sheep (the Kaimac) with a fast growth rate and high fecundity. We’ve also established a Gelbvieh cattle stud. The Gelbvieh is developed from a milking breed but has muscle mass.”

The farm keeps going from strength to strength. “We’ve redesigned the woolshed for our shearing course. Each year, our students support the Golden Shears. We’ve built a new cattle yard and fenced along the train tracks.” Dan barely draws breath.

“All our produce sales go back into the farm. We’re building a pole shed for hay storage and stock shelter. And the planting of 1,000 native trees from Akura Plant Nursery is underway.”

“The school farm is one of the College’s jewels,” Matt White, College Principal, says.

“It’s great for all our students to be able to learn and engage with agriculture through our farm.

Students from rural and urban backgrounds experience farming and explore related employment opportunities right on our back door.”

“I’d like to acknowledge the importance to our farm of the 14 hectares of land we lease from Masterton Trust Lands Trust,” Dan says. Community connections are important for the school farm: Years 12 and 13 spend one day a week on a local farm in preparation for the next steps on their pathways.

The school farm is one of the college’s jewels. It’s great for all aspects of our rural community to be able to learn agriculture through our farm.”

These might include fencing, farming beef, milking sheep, or a myriad of other employment options.

Having worked for the college for about 25 years, Dan Grace is the right man for the job with his Agricultural Science degree from Massey, a teaching qualification, and experience with shearing gangs, cattle stations, and in milking sheds.

This year, nearly 380 students at Wairarapa College have enrolled with the school farm: about one-third of all its students.

Wairarapa College’s School Farm has an impressive history and a bright future with its connection to Wairarapa’s rural community.

STUDENTS HERDING SHEEP GUIDED BY FARM MANAGER DAN GRACE (LEFT).

Introducing Zac Chandler to the sales team

Zac Chandler is the new face in the Sales Division of TFM Tractors at Solway Masterton but when it comes to tractors, he knows all about them.

“I’ve been driving them all my working life,” says Zac, enthused to be able to pass on this experience and knowledge to customers.

“I left school, and I began driving (tractors),” he said. “I just loved it.”

Musing on why he likes being out in the field so much, he tells of the combination of driving impressive versatile machines with the ever-increasing technology improvements; being able to enter a farmer’s paddock; cut, bale, plough, or rake, and then experience the pleasure of looking back at a job well done.

“It suits my obsessive-compulsive nature,” he laughs. Interviewed in his first week at TFM, he had already sold two machines –the future looks good.

Zac has had plenty of experience in sales too, working at other local rural retail outlets, so he is well placed to fit into the TFM Tractors team.

TFM is the parallel division to Tulloch Farm Machines which collectively come with

an impressive 60-year history of servicing Wairarapa. “Tullochs” slips off the tongue of anyone rural in Wairarapa.

There are current staff members who have generational connections to the founders, William, Graeme and David Tulloch.

James Hannon is the Dealer principal of TFM Tractors and John Tulloch is the Managing Director of Tulloch Farm Machines. Both James’ father and grandfather have worked for the company.

In May 2022, the two divisions were established in a re-structure to allow the expansion of after-sales service and the parts department.

The divisions compliment each other perfectly and it’s an all-encompassing service that is proudly offered from the Solway premises.

Zac will join Cyril Butler in the sales team and looks forward to working with clients Wairarapa wide.

Rabobank is a specialist agribusiness bank

We know how important farming is to our country.

Our team of agribusiness managers and other knowledgeable specialists are available to talk with you face-to-face.

We’re commi�ed to growing a be�er New Zealand together and seeing our rural communi�es thrive.

Find out how at rabobank.co.nz/community

For all your rural banking requirements, give your local Masterton Team a call on 0800 533 900 or email masterton.rural@rabobank.com

ZAC CHANDLER (LEFT) WITH JAMES HANNON (CENTRE) AND CYRIL BUTLER.

We're proud supporters of rural communities

The personal service provided at Sellar & Sellar has played a large part in its longevity, with long lasting ties built and retained over many years. Whether you are established, starting a business or purchasing an existing business, Sellar & Sellar can use our many years of experience to advise on the best ownership structure, record keeping requirements, tax efficiency and employment issues, as well as succession planning and strategic advice.

A homegrown company still growing, still on the ascent

Damian and Tracey Kamo established D&T Silviculture about six years ago, building on Damian’s previous 15 years working in the industry. Today, they have a crew of 21 and five Mitsubishi utes and, earlier in 2023, their business won a Southern North Island Forestry Award in Silviculture Excellence. The couple met at Wairarapa College and have spent their lives in the district. They now raise three children surrounded by both paddocks and pine trees. Damian whakapapas to both Ngāti Mutunga and Ngāti Tumapuhia so has strong links into rural communities in the district.

“We plant thousands of trees a day in the planting season,” Damian says. “Our mainstay is pine,” Tracey adds, “but we also plant redwood, manuka, eucalyptus and other trees.”

They plant in both rough country and on the flat, whatever the weather. “I like being out in nature, being physical,” Damian says. Then there’s spraying to kill off the competition, and regular thinning and pruning. The industry has declared the quality of their work as outstanding, with operations completed to schedule or earlier. Damian and Tracey’s dedication to training and upskilling their staff is also praised.

D&T Silviculture is a company on the ascent.

THE TEAM AT D&T SILVICULTURE.

Soil health key to sustainable irrigation

Shifting from gun irrigation to a Zimmatic variable rate irrigation pivot system has helped Hawke’s Bay couple Simon and Lou White save more than $1,000 a week in labour and running costs. They are also making the most sustainable use of their water.

The White’s were finalists in the 2021 Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards. They farm a mix of arable cropping and sheep and beef finishing across their 1100-hectare property, including a lease property, which has been in their family for three generations.

The couple use four Centre pivot irrigators with variable rate irrigation (VRI) technology to help them isolate irrigation blocks based on their farm’s soil types, and the seasonal crops in the ground, ensuring the most sustainable use of water.

“Zimmatic’s Precision VRI system has allowed us to put water and nutrients exactly where the plants need it, saving time, cost, and having a positive environmental impact,” says Simon.

The White’s harvest most of their water throughout the winter months from excess flood water and store it in four large irrigation dams for summer application.

They then stagger-plant crops so the demand for irrigation is spread across a five-month planting programme. They also match crops to the soil types on their farm.

“We’ve been looking at how isolating different zones impacts how much water we’re using and cutting out laneways in areas that don’t need to be irrigated,” says

Simon. “The system is helping us use the resource as sustainably as possible.”

Crops grown include processed vegetables for McCains, squash for the Japanese market, milling and feed wheat, malting and feed barley, and grass seed for seed production.

They also produce five vegetable seed crops for South Pacific Seeds (SPS). Alongside the cropping, they are also finishing prime lamb through winter months and beef all year round.

The couple also recently added hemp to their operation, establishing another off-farm business alongside our business partner Isaac Beach, Kanapu Hempery, where they process, manufacture, package and sell hemp food products. They also recently added Faba beans to their crop rotation - a type of broad bean.

The couple’s operation is based on notillage with all crops direct drilled, which also helps preserve soil structure and maintain soil biology.

“Our soil health is the key to the sustainability of our operation for generations to come. Holding the moisture in our soils is key to how sustainable our irrigation is.

“We are the caretakers for our children and future generations. We are lucky to have guardianship of our land and intend to pass it on in the best state possible.”

Troubleshooting for TVs, satellite dishes, aerials, and more

Company director Sean Nyboer has been in the business about 17 years all up, eleven of those when the company was known as Aerials Are Us.

“Cable Guy is a fantastic family-run business,” Sean says. “Every day, every job, is different. My brother Alex and I are efficiently organised by our mum Caroline, who’s in charge of the office.”

Jobs can include installing TV antennae and satellite dishes on new builds and existing homes, installing the Starlink kits sent out to customers (getting help from the experts is a good idea if you want to avoid damaging your property or the kits), wall mounting TVs, doing internet and data cabling, sorting out sound systems and dodgy wiring, extending Wi-Fi coverage around your house, and more.

“Call sooner rather than later,” Sean says, “before your new build or renovated walls are closed in.”

“It’s such an interesting and varied job,” says Alex. “We get to travel all over the district and really use our troubleshooting skills.”

Running the business from the family home in Upper Plain Road, the Cable Guy team has a fascinating background. Caroline and her builder husband Eric took off, when the

“Every day, every job is different. My brother Alex and I are efficiently organised by our mum Caroline, who’s in charge of the office.”

boys were only seven and two years old, to work in a school for missionary children in Senegal, West Africa.

Well-known local Eric was the maintenance man for the school while Caroline did administrative work - they stayed for eight years.

Now the proud owners of a 15-acre block on the outskirts of Masterton, Caroline and Eric live next door to their daughter and her family. And Alex and his partner have a oneyear-old daughter.

Cable Guy is a tight-knit family team with a sense of adventure but also strong principles of patience and reliability.

“Whether it’s a small job after the grandkids have been fiddling with the remote or a much bigger job,” Sean smiles, “call Caroline to book us in - we can help.”

CAROLINE, SEAN, AND ALEX NYBOER, THE CABLE GUY FAMILY.

SIMON AND LOU WHITE WITH THEIR CHILDREN MILLY, OSCAR AND GEORGE.