Northern Farming Lifestyles, May 2024

The Northern Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned Northland company.

Phone: 0800 466 793 Email: info@integrity.nz

Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville

Editor: Deb Wright 021 639 696 deb.wright@integrity.nz

Journalists: Ann van Engelen | Andy Bryenton | Amy Fifita | Paul Campbell

Advertising: Krystal Carey 027 239 5791

Production: Gavin Bainbridge | Anna Fredericksen | Kelsey Harrison | Liz Clark

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Distribution: Laurie Willetts Printed by: NZME

Website: farminglifestyles.co.nz

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Respecting Anzac memories

by Ann van Engelen

Roi McCabe has had a variety of life experiences, and as a war veteran, says Anzac Day is a day that he remembers those he fought with.

“Ko Otamaahua te maunga, ko Ngāti Manuhiri te iwi, ko Te Uri o Katea te hapū, ko Roi McCabe taku ingoa.

“I was born in Taamaki in 1945. When I left school, I started a mechanics apprenticeship,” says Roi.

“Then, I was called up for national service in the New Zealand Army, in the NZ Electrical Mechanical Engineers unit, with the rank of corporal, stationed in Auckland. I got what people in the army call ‘the smell of cordite’ in my nose, and knew the army would be my career.

“In 1968, I went to Australia and decided to join the Australian Army. I was posted to Vietnam in 1969 attached to the 6RAR — Royal Australian Regiment Anzac Battalion as a lead scout.”

Roi was later posted to the 8RAR and promoted in the field to the rank of corporal — section commander, front-line infantry NCO, non-commissioned officer.

for national service, but in Australia, I signed up for the regular force.

“My team in Vietnam was made up of national servicemen and regular force, but most of the time, only myself and one other were regulars.

“I served in Vietnam for approximately one year. Most Australian National Services didn’t want to be there, but they were great soldiers with a natural ability to take the hardship.

“I returned to New Zealand at the end of 1974, and worked as a prison officer at Mt Eden briefly. At the same time, I joined the 3 Auckland/Northland Battalion with the rank of sergeant, and later joined the New Zealand Police.

“I served for 38 years in the police attached to the Auckland Armed Offenders Squad and Anti-Terrorist Squad. I also served with the Auckland Task Force, whose mission was to clean up the streets of Auckland of violence, gangs and drunkenness. It was a time when most gangs were starting up.”

Reflecting on Anzac Day, Roi says it’s important to remember those who served in all wars.

“Anzac Day, to me, as a veteran, is to remember comrades, those fallen and those who served for our countries would be free. In New Zealand, I was called up

“We protected the combined South Vietnamese and Aid Units in the villages. The 6th and 8th regiments were infantry and spent long periods of time doing search and destroy operations searching out the communists.

“I had lots of time for the South Vietnamese because of the situation there. Most of them, who I talked to, didn’t want to become communists. People say we shouldn’t have been there, but to my mind — we should have.

“It’s like previous wars, we assist allies who are under threat. Unfortunately, the American forces couldn’t sustain the war, pulled out, and we followed.

“The day Saigon fell brought tears to my eyes.”

Roi McCabe felt called to his service with the Royal Australian Regiment Anzac Battalion as a lead scout

Roi’s experience in the armed forces is illustrated through the medals he received in recognition of his service

copies DELIVERED FREE to every farm and rural delivery address from Albany to Cape Reinga.

Raising the bar

The Dairy Women’s Network is celebrating herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts — this year’s Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.

Based in Waikato, Katrina is a herd health veterinarian for Anexa Veterinary Services. Recognised for her outstanding passion and advocacy for the dairy industry, DWN trustee Donna Smit says Katrina has raised the bar for the industry and personifies enthusiasm and the values of the Dairy Women’s Network.

“We are thrilled to award Katrina the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year,” says Donna.

“Her commitment and passion to helping farmers and advocate for her industry and her team is outstanding. Her research and development has changed the way many farmers operate their business for the betterment of the whole industry.

“She has already achieved so much in a short space of time and will continue to add huge value to the agriculture industry in governance, advocacy, and leadership well into the future.”

For the past 20 years, Katrina has provided farm consultancy and has been involved in the redevelopment of many DairyNZ programmes, including InCalf, FeedRight and body condition score accreditation. Her expertise is often called upon by farmers and vets across the country in both a research and project management role and keynote speaking.

“Katrina was one of four finalists, who were all exemplary in their own right. Our judges had their work cut for them this year as we had such a large number of high- calibre entries.

“The other finalists, Myfanwy Alexander, Amber Carpenter and Michelle Ruddell are amazing women who bring a huge amount of passion, knowledge and leadership to the sector and embody our conference theme: Enhance, Elevate, Evolve. We are fortunate to have women of their calibre working in the dairy industry.”

Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell says the cooperative is proud to have sponsored the award since its inception.

“It’s important to shine a light on women who are making outstanding contributions to the dairy industry and helping pave the way for the next generation to succeed.

“We’re honoured to play a part in that by sponsoring this award and supporting the Dairy Women’s Network in the work they’re doing across the country.

“Katrina achieved so much in a short space of time and will continue to add huge value to the industry.”

“Katrina has worked closely with many of Fonterra’s On-Farm Excellence team who describe her as a tireless advocate for farmers, holding our industry to high, evidence-based standards and offering practical solutions that deliver real value on-farm.

“Through her impressive list of achievements, it’s clear to see how passionate she is about animal wellbeing and building a better future for farmers, her fellow vets and the dairy industry as a whole.”

The Regional Leader of the Year was Eastern Bay of Plenty dairy farmer Rebecca O’Brien.

Credit: Supplied by DWN Katrina Roberts, the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year

TASTES OF VICTORY

BY AMY FIFITA

“Iwas brought up in Mangawhai Village when there were only four other boys in my Mangawhai Primary School class,” said Adam.

“It was a small, rural and isolated environment. It has changed significantly since then. I used to know every single person in the town, but now, I barely know anybody. We were a working-class family, which struggled through life, and here I am. I opened my brewery a year ago.”

Adam was a surveyor and also did some property development, which is how he came across his Pacific Coast Beverages property.

“We started construction two years ago, and completed it last year, and have been producing ever since. I make beer and spirits for the North Island and have started distributing in the South Island and Australia.

“We have 25 acres of land on the waterfront of the Mangawhai Harbour. Our brewery is elevated above the vineyard

and faces north. It is a one-minute drive from the village or a 10-minute walk. It is a stylish building, and we still have two more portions to build.

“I put a 10-acre vineyard on it. I thought about putting a winery there, too, but

decided a brewery appealed to me more. It was always an aspiration of mine. The brewery was an exciting venture to be involved in, and it has a great community of people who are fun to work with. It was an excellent fit for me.

(Front from left) Matt, Jo, Brian, (rear from left) Brad and Sam are part of Adam’s team

acres of land on the Mangawhai Harbour, he made his aspirations a reality.

“I enjoy creating new tastes and flavours for people to taste. I love meeting people and engaging with the Mangawhai community. They are all fairly passionate about what we are doing — they get right behind it.

“We get a lot of support from the local council with advice. My ultimate goal is to create a community focal point for the town. There is not really anywhere for people to have a large birthday or wedding, and I want to create that space — a place for people to relax and have a good time.

“Eventually, we will build two restaurants on either side and, within

the next decade, I want three on the property. It will include a boutique finedining restaurant, which may take the form of a chapel. I may use that to host weddings, too.”

This year, the brewery won accolades at two festivals, the Northland Fritter Festival and the Lager Festival in Mount Maunganui.

“My sales representatives are constantly looking for places to sell our product. They are both passionate about the industry, and keep their eyes out for possible locations where we can sell our product.

“The Northland Fritter Festival was a perfect fit for us. It was an amazing day, and the organisers it did a great job. Everyone at the festival looked like they were enjoying themselves, and so did we.

“Our Pilsner won the best beer and people’s choice award at the Lager Festival. It was a good achievement. It feels great, and makes me feel like we are on the right track and not going down a rabbit hole. We are producing goodquality beers and spirits, and that is what I aim for.

“My favourite beer that I make is the West Coast IPA. It is a strong, clear, bright and easy-drinking beer. Our most popular beverage is our Beach Break Pilsner. It is a tasty and easy-to-drink beer.

“I have always been a part of the Mangawhai, and have an opportunity to provide something awesome for the community to enjoy.”

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Adam Booth celebrated the brewery’s win with Northland Fritter Festival 2024 judges Dave Sinclair (left) and Al Brown (right)

Sam is the head brewer and distiller, ensuring the drinks have a full flavour

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BY ANN VAN ENGELEN

Dedicated to bringing the six hectares of family land at Akerama, near Ruapekapeka, alive, Hone is reaching his goal through native plantings, fencing, caring for the waterways and putting other systems in place.

“I’ve wanted to heal the whenua and driven by a desire to respect and enhance the whenua,” says Hone.

“Getting that chance now is healing for me. While providing a home and good food for my whānau, I’m learning skills such as fencing and collecting native tree seeds from my local rohe.

“Seeing myself as kaitiaki of the block and surrounding whenua, I’m extending my plantings down into the wider landscape and working with other local landowners to implement landscape remediation and te mana o te wai, looking after our water.

“I’m learning as I go, and I am loving my new life after years abroad. When

your blood and bones are from here, it’s even more important to look after the environment.

“I’m revitalising a degraded puna/ spring and a small creek running into the Paiaka Stream, then into the Ngaruawahine Stream, and then I’ll focus on the Waiotu.”

Hone moved on to the land less than two years ago and is proud of his achievements, working with the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme and the Whenua Whānui Fund to achieve his goals, with nearly 2,000 stems in the ground.

“Stock have had creek and bush block access for decades, and there’s bank erosion we need to reverse. Hopefully, neighbouring farmers and fellow custodians of land in the Kaipara Moana catchment feel similarly driven, and do their best to keep waterways clean by fencing them off and planting natives in those areas.

“Instead of using toxic chemicals for site preparation, I prefer preparing and releasing each plant by hand.

“We’ve completed nearly 500 metres of fencing and have 3,330m² of riparian, lake/wetlands areas planting underway. A pond laden with raupō and fed by a puna is now surrounded by a mix of natives, which, over time, will help improve water quality.

“We’ll fence off the native bush blocks and interplant to get a greater diversity of species to attract birds and accelerate natural regeneration. My ideal would be to see the whole Paiaka Stream restoration effort across multiple properties.

“Growing food for my family by creating food forests and gardens is also important, and we’re fattening a few cattle and sheep on 1.5ha of pasture through low-intensity farming to look after the land.

By revitalising the whenua on which his elders once walked, Hone Waiomio is on a mission to honour his koro.

“I’m working on pest management, gardening and growing fruit trees, and have so far trapped more than 40 possums, one stoat, 11 rats and 12 feral cats, which is already making a positive difference to the environment. There’s definitely more bird life around.

“I remember Aotearoa was clean and green when I was growing up and was really proud of that, but over time we’ve let that slip, and have a lot of work to do to rebuild the environment and get it right.

“KMR has been awesome to work with, and I encourage landowners within the Kaipara Moana catchment to get on board and take advantage of the funding and guidance available, especially people and community groups able to benefit from the Whenua Whānui Fund. It’s awesome.”

Hone is also passionate about using food sources and rongoā from the bush

and maximising the natural productivity of biodiversity.

“Me and my whānau are not just local kaitiaki but also mana whenua, with roles in the Akerama Marae community. The Whenua Whānui Fund supports groups to develop projects that protect the Kaipara Moana by protecting and boosting the environment.

“This is done through restoring wetlands, fencing off rivers and streams, planting trees and regenerating native forests on erosion-prone land. The fund supports projects aiming to reduce sedimentation and improve water quality within the Kaipara Moana catchment.

“The WWF is open to iwi/hapū, marae, landcare groups, catchment groups, kaitiaki, schools and trusts administering land with multiple ownership. It is also available to land with fish and game purposes and reserve boards to clarify aspirations for their land and waterways

and develop projects to make progress towards those goals.

“By backing projects that empower groups and collectives, WWF aims to mobilise local community participation in local solutions, build kotahitanga, enabling communities to work together and upskill local tangata through training and employment.

“It also aims to increase utility of land that is currently not productive or marginally commercial, raise awareness and provide learning opportunities for environmental protection of Kaipara Moana, or incorporate Mātauranga Māori into restoration efforts. Contact hono@ kmr.org.nz to get started.

“As long as I can keep doing my bit for the environment, society and the world, I feel like I’m doing my part. It’s a privilege to have returned to my father’s whānau block, and I intend to be here for the long haul.”

Hone is fencing off the native bush blocks and interplantings to attract birds and accelerate natural regeneration

Rebuilding the environment back to a clean green New Zealand is something Hone is enjoying being a part of for future generations

THE JOY OF COWS

“Moo is a celebration of the humble and inquisitive cow, which is one of the most common farm animals on earth,” says Angus.

“I grew up on farms in rural Devon, in the United Kingdom, and in those days, before farming became corporatised, people had a few cows, but rural Devon didn’t have great fencing back then and we’d often see them out on the road.”

BY ANN VAN ENGELEN

Angus loves animals. Moo adds to a series of published adult picture books celebrating them under the Animal Happiness series with Exisle Publishing.

“With farmers having become more sensitive about animal welfare, we thought we’d produce Moo, celebrating how the world has got better with how they deal with animals.

“Exisle Publishing is an independent traditional publishing company, and, years

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ago, we produced our first adult animal picture books called Meow and Woof starting our series with simple pictures and quotes.

“The books are about the joys of animals, including Spirit, which is about horses, Cluck for chickens, Oink for pigs and Buzz for bees. They’re very good fun, and every critter has its own enthusiast.

“The vastly increasing intolerance for any maltreatment of cows and the thousands of rescue organisations inspired me to produce a joyful pictorial celebration of the world’s billion cows.

“New Zealand has been my home for around 30 years but the most interesting place I’ve seen cows was in New Delhi where they’re revered. You can’t harm them or eat them — you find

As an author, Angus St John Galloway delights in giving animals their time to shine

them in the middle of traffic and can’t do a thing.”

Angus says the eight million cows around New Zealand have become a big part of the landscape.

We’ll match their price and

Having spent his life around cattle, and with a deep concern for their welfare, author Angus St John Galloway is honouring his much-loved bovine friends through his book, Moo.

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“One very urban girl asked me recently if all cows are girls. I smiled, and was very polite in my answer, but thought — she needs to spend a little more time in the country.

“Post-Covid we’ve noticed the small farm thing is coming back, with people setting up with a few cattle here and there. People love seeing cows in the countryside, the days of them only being a source of meat are long gone.

“Many people don’t realise that these gentle creatures are uniquely inquisitive and affectionate. They’re friendly and curious about humans as well — they want to know what’s going on. They’re terrific mothers, and if you watch them carefully, you notice their playfulness.

“The book is full of quotes that I’ve sourced from around the world. Some are jokes about human and bovine characteristics being the same. One picture is of a dangerous-looking bull and the Ronald Regan quote says ‘Trust, but verify’.

“From Thomas de Quincey to Mary Quant, cows have fascinated writers, philosophers, fashion designers, film stars and musicians for centuries. They’re hugely sociable creatures, with several strange habits, such as spending up to eight hours a day chewing.

“Moo opens your eyes to their immense variety, joyfulness and surprising tenderness. With photos of around 50 of the world’s most popular cattle breeds, it’s the perfect gift for anyone from bovine experts to folks who find cows cute.”

The publication date for Moo is set for June 19. It is available from exislepublishing.com and wherever good books are sold.

“New Zealand farming techniques aren’t as bad as some would like people to believe. Kiwi farmers are frankly pretty on to it. Often when people are around their cows, they relax.

“We believe if you know your flock individually, which a good farmer will, you’re in touch with your animals. We celebrate animals and constantly explore the human-to-animal relationship.

“They have the ability to travel and walk a fair distance at a time. Fundamentally, we’re very urbanised, and think we should be aware of that. We wouldn’t exist without cows.

“In my childhood, there were particular friendly Highland cattle cows that were naughty little fellas. They always crossed over into our little garden and had a good time with the fruit trees. They would always look at each other as if saying ‘What’s he doing now?’

“They were a part of life and they are very much valued by the farmers who could make a living out of 20 to 30 cattle. It wasn’t a grand living, and they were nearly always named after flowers. To me, animals are born as they are, they accept it and live with a greater peace than people do.”

We have a copy of Moo to give to one lucky reader. To be in to win, email comp@integrity.nz and tell us if all cows are girls by Friday, May 31.

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Books are an important part of Angus’ life

The pages of Moo showcase the personality of cows with a word of wisdom or fun for each

New Zealand farming’s red-letter days

by Andy Bryenton

The scene is set and the anticipation is building, as 2024’s National Fieldays prepares to transform Mystery Creek into the biggest rural event on the Kiwi calendar.

More than 1,000 exhibitors will come together for a four-day exposition of farming technology, and a celebration of the biggest sector of the Kiwi economy. Fieldays has been a pivotal event in New Zealand’s agricultural life for 56 years now, and it’s getting stronger each time it’s held. Once again, the big event will unfold this year at Hamilton’s Mystery Creek Events Centre, from June 12 to June 15.

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“Fieldays is more than just an exhibition. It’s a vital connection point that strengthens the bonds within our agricultural community,” says New Zealand National Fieldays Society CEO Peter Nation.

It’s so big that the Feildays has been divided into six distinct hubs, Innovation, Hauora Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing, Forestry, Careers & Education, Sustainability and Digital Futures. New this year is a Rural Advocacy Hub.

The Advocacy Hub will bring together many rural organisations that advocate for farmers on a national level. Exhibitors include Federated Farmers, Young Farmers, Groundswell, Rural Women, Future Farmers NZ and many more.

Every aspect of agriculture and rural life will be on display, with innovations and advancements, advocacy and discussion

As well as plenty to listen to and plenty to learn through the hub structure of Fieldays, there will be a showcase of innovations in the agricultural sector to browse, and plenty of machinery and hardware in all its glory. One of the biggest drawcards will, once again, be the competition to secure two very coveted national-level titles.

Tony Bouskill won the Fieldays Fencing Competitions Golden Pliers Singles Championship by Wiremark for the fifth year in a row in 2023, cementing a place in the history books. We can expect some tough competition for this year’s contest,

as top fencers from across New Zealand step up to display speed, determination and skill.

Also lighting up the competitive field will be the ace drivers of the tractor pull, with three days of heats pitting the monsters of farming diesel against the sledge, before the finals on June 15. Just around the corner, other top operators will be at the controls of competitive excavators. With a scorecard comprising

10 precision tasks, this year’s excavator pros will battle to exceed the benchmark set by 2023 victors Michael Brown, Aaron Maguire and Zahnn Hedges. There’s so much to see and do at New Zealand’s biggest rural event. It’s a good idea to visit the official website at fieldays.co.nz, check out the range of products, ideas, flavours, discussions and innovations on offer, and make a four-day adventure of it. Tickets are on sale now.

Ag Leader delivers hands-free turning

Precision agriculture technology specialist, Ag Leader, has introduced a fully automated end-of-row turning option

guidance and steering systems.

The aptly named TurnPath™ function provides precise and repeatable end-ofrow turning from either straight or curved guidance patterns. Passes can be easily skipped if desired.

Ag Leader sales manager — Asia Paci c, Douglas Amos, says the new function optimises turning accuracy and ef ciency.

“Every farmer in Australia can relate to the frustration of turning machinery and large implements around at headlands,” he says.

“You have to disengage the autosteer system, take back the steering wheel, shut down and disengage the implement, make the turn, line up the next pass and then re-engage the implement.

“You just about need two sets of hands to manage everything. TurnPath makes the turn ‘hands-free’, so the operator can focus on other tasks.”

Douglas says the technology has been successfully tested on more than 60 different machines across four continents.

“Ag Leader’s goal has always been to make farming easier and TurnPath is a good example of that,” he says.

“It’s easy to set up, it’s easy to use, it performs consistently and it works seamlessly across your entire eet.”

TurnPath is available as a one-time unlock option through the InCommand® display. A free demonstration is available.

To take advantage of TurnPath, the machine must be equipped with a SteerCommand® Z2 or SteadySteer® system in combination with an

What’s

InCommand® 1200 or 800 display. Any correction source can be used, although the best results are achieved with TerraStar-C Pro or RTK.

“SteerCommand Z2 is a completely integrated guidance system that utilises CAN, integrated steering or external hydraulic valves, while SteadySteer is an assisted system that mounts to your steering wheel,” Douglas says.

“They are controlled using the InCommand 1200 universal display, which controls all of Ag Leader’s precision planting, spraying, harvesting and decision support systems.

“This high de nition, low-glare 30cm touchscreen display has built-in lightbar guidance, four camera inputs and splitscreen capability.

“It has wireless connectivity that allows you to sync and share guidance

lines, coverage maps, live statistics, yield information and satellite imagery with other connected machines and remote devices.

“In combination, installing SteerCommand and InCommand are the first steps towards improving the ef ciency of all your cropping operations.”

Ag Leader is a leading provider of precision agriculture technology, including GPS guidance/steering systems, precision planting, spreading and spraying technology, and decision support systems.

Ag Leader is represented by more than 60 specialist dealers throughout Australia and New Zealand. Contact Matthew Gray at Unearth Ag Ltd on 027 508 3789 or email matthew@ unearthag.com.

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KMR supports Cyclone Recovery

Hayley and Geoff Clayton have only been on their 135-hectare Kaipara Hills property since 2021, but they are determined to boost the environmental outcomes of the property.

They have aligned themselves with the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme as a ‘Navigator’ project, whereby they are putting in place an ecological restoration plan by excluding stock from rivers and streams, retiring some of the farm’s steepest land, and undertaking restoration planting to reduce sediment losses into the Kaipara Moana.

The couple are doing so by undertaking large scale fencing of gullies, waterways, wetlands and highly erodible hillsides. They planted out 15,000 natives in partnership with KMR in 2023, in addition to 2000 mānuka. The Claytons had previously funded the planting of 5000 natives in 2022, alongside 1000 natives that same year which were funded by KMR through the Forest Bridge Trust. KMR also funded a substantial amount of fencing in 2022.

Thanks to KMR’s 2023 winter Flood and Cyclone Recovery Fund damaged planting and fencing has been replaced, expanded or relocated to help reduce risk from future adverse weather events, as the Claytons began working towards retiring around 80ha of their farmland in years to come.

The couple appreciate the immense support they have received from the KMR team and Forest Bridge Trust. They are also grateful for the generosity of KMR’s a third-party commercial co-investor Comvita which partnered with KMR to gift the Clayton’s those 2000 mānuka in the aftermath of the 2023 storms to plant on the worst affected of the slip faces to help stabilise the now fragile land.

“KMR has been fundamental in helping us to work towards achieving our goal of nurturing our land back into an ecologically diverse farm,” the pair say.

“Post-Cyclone Gabrielle, which was an incredibly stressful and devastating event, KMR were there to not only reinstate fencing that we had lost but provide support and funding for how we could address and remedy the massive number of land slips we had suffered. We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with KMR and The Forest Bridge Trust.”

But it was pre-Gabrielle that started the immense damage to their hillsides. After receiving 185mm of rain in just five hours on January 27, 2023, dozens of slips appeared all over their property - many of them substantial in size.

“We lost 1.5km of fencing and raceways. Sink holes appeared which were pre-cursors to more slips when Gabrielle hit. As I was driving home through my paddocks, I could see the slips coming down above me,” say Geoff.

Despite the storm damage, Hayley and Geoff say their gameplan was always to retire marginal hillsides and they are gratleful that the KMR Navigator project is helping fast-track that plan. And they are looking forward to planting out larger slips with a mix of natives and 1360 fast growing exotics. One of the major slips will end up with more than 1000 trees alone and that area will become a permanent forest. From 2024 on, thousands more natives will be planted on the property.

Having grown up in Kaukapakapa, Geoff says he always had a leaning towards plants and natives.

“Despite the damage to the farm, we love it here because the property has so much going for it. Where else could we go to create this satisfaction of giving back to the land and the environment. We love the concept of that we will be leaving our children with something that is doing good for the planet,” the couple say.

If you are thinking about planting near waterways or on erodible hillsides this winter, get in touch with KMR as soon as possible.

Continuous improvement makes a difference

by Glen Dunseath, CEO, New Zealand Operations, Darling Group

In recent months, the narrative surrounding the avocado industry has been largely dominated by discussions of the challenges we’ve faced and the poor outcomes for growers.

At Just Avocados and Darling Group, we recognise that while many factors in uencing these challenges lie beyond our control, our commitment remains steadfast to steering the elements we can in uence toward the ‘best’ outcomes available to us in a challenged environment.

The age-old analogy of doing the same thing and hoping for a different outcome is not the way forward. Our focus as a business is on our own continuous improvement, which is unfolding across various aspects of our operation — from our export strategies and grower engagement to internal team dynamics, packhouse operations and logistics.

One signi cant shift in our strategy last season was the adaptation of our market focus. The forecast underperformance in the Australian market prompted our decisive pivot to take that broken record off and press play on a more promising opportunity in Canada while continuing to nurture our presence in Asian markets. This nimble reorientation exempli es the capability of Darling Group’s business model to change the playlist quickly to ensure that our actions align closely with the best interests of our growers.

In our ongoing quest for innovation, we are currently exploring alternative harvesting techniques aimed at boosting efficiency and reducing costs. Our expectations are that more fruit can be harvested daily, thereby enhancing overall productivity of harvesters and the packhouse and reducing costs for growers. Stay tuned for outcomes of these trials later in the year.

In logistics, we have made signi cant strides in optimising our processes. A strategic consolidation of our packing operations at Just Avocados in Katikati, which boasts the leading avocado packing technology in the industry, has streamlined our timeframes from pick to pack to loading for export fruit. This enhancement not only shortens the supply chain but ensures consistent quality control, which has been instrumental in avoiding issues in both domestic and international markets.

The recent update to GLOBALG.A.P. v6 has brought a heightened focus on continuous improvement within orchards. Our grower services team has been proactive in hosting workshops across the Bay of Plenty, Whangarei and Far North regions, aimed at empowering our growers with knowledge and strategies

to enable them to plan improvements they can make to their operations.

Inside the packhouse, we are netuning our fruit handling machinery and working with our staff to develop a shared vision and values that can continue to inspire our team. Great people who are happy and engaged that have great technology to work with can make for better outcomes for our growers and customers.

At the core of our ethos is the belief that through continuous improvement in our systems and culture we can effect meaningful change — even in the face of daunting challenges. This commitment to excellence and adaptability is what de nes us at Just Avocados and Darling Group, and it is how we continue to make a signi cant impact in the avocado industry.

Just Avocados is focussing on continuous improvement across its business in response to challenging industry conditions.

Glen Dunseath

Who are you going to call?

Property critter control

by Amy Fifita

The days are noticeably cooler now and with that comes the unwanted guests of rodents and other squatters coming uninvited on to your land.

Pest Control is not only important for the environment but for animal welfare, too. It takes a community effort to impact an area allowing the natural surroundings to flourish. It also decreases biosecurity risks for crops and livestock.

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Rest assured, there are people in the community who can ensure that humans and wanted animals are the only inhabitants calling your property home. Pests like rodents can cause expensive damage to amenities such as wiring and pipes, so getting on top of the situation in autumn or the beginning of winter is advisable.

Possums and mustelids are likely to be present on your property. There are people throughout Northland who can help reduce rodents, spiders and other pests. They can also offer expertise in managing the situation with traps, baits and other useful tools.

Another option is to approach the local predator-free community groups and trusts. Various conservation initiatives have noticed a resurgence or return of native birdlife, following significant trappings in rural areas.

“Possums and mustelids are likely to be present on your property.”

Pest Free Peninsulas Kaipara has spent the past five years trapping pests and assisting landowners to eradicate them, with a positive result. The group recently reported that the kākā parrots were selfreintroducing themselves to Pahi. The organisation is one of many throughout Northland fighting the conservation battle.

In the Far North, Project Island Song continues. The initiative is a partnership between the Guardians of the Bay of Islands, the Department of Conservation and Te Rawhiti hapū wanting to restore the area to its former glory.

The Forest Bridge Trust works with Rodney’s rural landowners to help eradicate pests on their properties. The trust also assists with riparian planting, fencing and education among other things. It works with people from Mangawhai and Tāpora to South Head and Pūhoi.

Length:

Length: 900mm

Width: 600mm

Height: 600mm

Weight Approx: 750kg

Width: 600mm

Height: 600mm

Weight Approx: 1260kg

Length: 900/1500mm

Width: 600mm

Height: 600mm

Weight Approx: 1000kg

Trap pests like ferrets and other mustelids on your property to decrease biosecurity risks and encourage a brighter future for native forests and species

by Amy Fifita

Right for the land

With resource consents and regulations surrounding effluent ponds, sometimes it is difficult for farmers to decide on a suitable one for the farm.

Effluent storage is a difficult business, especially since there are various options to select from. There are several considerations, depending on if you are designing one for installation or upgrading the current system. Travelling irrigators, low-rate sprinklers with mechanical separation and sometimes muck spreader systems have stormwater diversion systems in place.

Travelling irrigators are suitable for flat to low-sloped farms, with no particular landscape or climate risk factors, and freely-draining soil. The traditional design allows the effluent to flow from the yard through a stone trap to the storage facility using gravity or a pump mechanism. Farms prone to high-risk soils, high rainfall areas or sensitive catchments will benefit from a low-rate sprinkler with mechanical separation set up. Like the travelling irrigator option, effluent flows through a stone trap but then to a mechanical separator. The solids are removed and the liquid can be pumped to storage. The liquid can be irrigated on to the property using minimal lowrate sprinklers.

A muck-spreading system is suited to smaller farms with fewer cattle. The system runs with a pump or gravity feed to the effluent storage before being stirred and sucked into a muck spreader truck. It is then sprayed on the land.

Fonterra offers assistance in supporting farmers with their effluent management, including dairy effluent storage calculations. The calculator takes

into account regulations and planning or upgrades. The company has experts in the Northland area who can assist with riparian management plans and help match the farm type to an effluent solution. The co-operative group is there to support dairy farmers in managing their land and water within regional catchments and backs trials looking into new on-farm practices and technologies.

“Fonterra offers assistance in supporting farmers with their effluent management, including dairy effluent storage calculations.”

The best effluent pond system depends on the landscape of the dairy farm

by Andy Bryenton

Who are you going to call?

The toughest Internet repair ever

For most of us, a telecommunications or IT repair is only a phone call away, with help desk operators and, at worst, a mobile technician able to solve the problem.

That wasn’t the case in 2008, though, when a quartet of repairmen were forced to undertake what is perhaps the most extreme Wi-Fi fix ever, in the middle of an Antarctic winter. There was little choice for James Travis, Pete Allen, Jack Sharp and Jason McDonald, who went into action when the main satellite dish connecting the US Antarctic polar scientific base to the outside world shut down.

While the first two men were communications and IT pros, the last two, Jack and Jason, were vehicle mechanics, brought in on the issue because it required an outside-the-box solution.

“Morale is a big part of it, and just any kind of general communications,” said South Pole base IT lead Henry Malmgren. “It was just amazing that they could fix it.”

Heading out to the unheated radar dome housing the dish, the four repairmen encountered temperatures well below -50 degrees. Taking the stricken dish’s motors apart, they discovered the problem. A new kind of low-temperature grease had been

trialled to keep the gears moving at 50 below, but it hadn’t worked.

“We took the right side bearing cap off, and could see the bearing moving on the shaft,” said Sharp, who noted that the gears were badly damaged.

“To kind of make it short, we didn’t have any parts down here that would fit it. I took the jackscrew apart just to see what we might be able to do with it. I then decided I might be able to work some magic on it and just maybe get it running.”

The team improvised parts, used their knowledge of vehicle gear-trains, cleaned up and replaced the gears with hand tools in freezing conditions, and even juryrigged a new lubrication mix that would work in the Antarctic cold. It all worked, garnering the crew comparisons to 1980s television hero MacGyver, famous for his clever use of engineering.

“So far, this is a great experience to be down here,” said Sharp. “Once you get used to the cold, working in the dark with a wind chill of minus 54 below, your glasses freeze in less than three minutes. Not a bad place to work. Everyone should try it at least once for the experience.”

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The imposing dome of the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Base in summer: when it was cut off from broadband, it was locked in freezing darkness

QUICK INDEX

BUSINESS NAME ..................................................... CONTACT NUMBER

2 Ducks 021 459 531

Absolute Concrete 09 431 2211 www.absoluteconcrete.co.nz

Active Refrigeration Ltd ............................. 09 430 3186 / 021 430 319

AgSpares 09 437 9036

Back 2 Wood Trading Ltd 09 408 7163

Barnbuilders NZ Ltd 021 705 837 www.barnbuilders.co.nz

Bellingham Quarries 021 848 098 bellingham.quarry@xtra.co.nz

Blackwell Contract Fencing 021 295 9647

Clearlands Ltd ...................................................................... 021 715 110

Cleartech Installations Ltd 021 628 847

Clunie Portable Sawmilling 021 791 457

Contour Fencing 027 439 4411

Counties Ready Mix Ltd 0800 300 488

CPC Fencing Ltd 027 274 4188

Custom Cabins and Kids Playhouses 09 438 4660

Dempster Diggers 027 262 1848 diggerd@xtra.co.nz

Dr Hud’s Killing & Processing Services 027 453 9157 info@drhudshomekill.co.nz

Ecoworld 0800 109 202

Element Landworks 027 496 5277

MP Lighting & Electrics ...................................................... 021 129 5399

Mt Pokaka Products Ltd 09 407 7271

Orang-Otang Tree Trimmers 0800 619 728 www.treetrimmers.co.nz

Rodney Co-Op Lime Company Ltd 09 425 8531 info@rodneyline.co.nz

Silvicom Ltd 020 430 2677

Sureflo................................................................................. 0800 747 356

Swale Earthmovers and Supply Yard 09 420 8352

The Olive Grove 09 945 0890

Virgin Concrete Ltd ............................................................... 09 435 5044 www.virginconcrete.co.nz

Yamaha Motorcycles Whangarei 09 438 0804

by Andy Bryenton

Options beyond electric explored

Toyota may have recently launched its first specialist-designed battery electric vehicle in New Zealand, but on a wider scale, the huge industrial innovator is banking on hydrogen.

While sales of the BZ4X battery SUV are expected to be robust for Toyota dealers, a multi-pronged approach by the firm is also pushing the benefits and practicality of the universe’s most abundant element.

They began the charge with the provision of an entirely hydrogen-powered chase vessel to help get Emirates Team New Zealand within reach of yachting’s biggest prize, but they have not stopped there, says Toyota New Zealand CEO Neeraj Lala.

After a series of demanding trials on the water, Emirates Team New Zealand’s Chase Zero is now in Europe with the team, and orders have been received for

five more hydrogen fuel cell chase boats for other America’s Cup teams.

“Following our investment with Emirates Team New Zealand with the development of its hydrogen chase boat, our investment in the Toyota hydrogen generator is designed to allow partners to test and consider hydrogen as a genuine alternative energy source in the commercial sector,” says Neeraj.

“We are passionate about exploring the broader use of hydrogen across multiple sectors, including construction, which relies heavily on diesel generators.”

Such devices may not be as eye-catching as cars, but they are large consumers of

diesel fuel, emitters of carbon and, at the same time, a vital part of the construction trade. Replacing them with hydrogen would be a coup.

Wellington Airport was the test site for a hydrogen generator trial arranged between Toyota and Air New Zealand in late March. The national carrier wanted to test the waters of hydrogen technology and see if one of the big generators powered by Toyota technology could charge up its Wellington fleet of electric runway tugs and carts.

Milking machine testing, Westfalia and Milfos parts and servicing from Helensville to the Cape!

Call Garry Wilson on 021 569 661 or email gea.midnorth@gmail.com

Toyota’s hydrogen-powered Mirai will be a more common sight in New Zealand soon, alongside other hydrogen initiatives by the Japanese automaker

FarmShop annual auction to ‘clear the gear’

The highly anticipated FarmShop Annual Machinery Auction is set for Tuesday, 28 May, from 12:30pm

Kaiwaka — mark the calendar!

Rumour has it the deals on new and used farm gear are set to sizzle, along with huge savings on Jolt fencing products.

This highly anticipated event has been running every year since 2015 and is an opportunity for farmers to secure a deal as FarmShop set a promise to ‘clear the gear’.

FarmShop is an established factoryto-farm business supporting Northland’s farming community with direct imports of agricultural machinery and farm supplies. With the largest farm machinery yard in the north, FarmShop’s mission is to help customers maximise yields, pro tability and farm asset value.

The barbecue will be ring, and the coffee will be as hot as the auction results. Farmers and contractors who attend can expect the hammer to fall on farm trailers, mowers, mixers, spreaders, culverts, gates and more. Remember to bring the trailer to load up your goodies.

Attendee numbers in 2023 saw more than 70 farmers register on the day,

despite showery conditions. Among the guests was Maungaturoto farmer and National MP for Northland, Grant McCallum, who addressed the group. To keep this popular speaking slot going, another Northland MP has been lined up to share rural insights for 2024.

FarmShop respects that farmers and contractors play a vital role in New Zealand’s economy. Providing a yearly auction on farming gear feels like a small step towards helping this hard-

TIMBER SHEDS & SLEEP-OUTS

working sector with productivity gains and improved pro tability. It’s an electric vibe when you bring farmers together to inspect ‘no reserve’ auction lots, network and enjoy a BBQ lunch, and drive away with a deal or two.

Let’s hope the sun will shine on farmers from Puhoi to Kaitaia as they place bids in the FarmShop yard this May. There is plenty of parking on-site, and FarmShop’s tech team will be available

for a chat, along with machinery demos to keep everyone entertained. Tuesday, 28 May, from 12:30pm — circle the date now! View the full auction lots at farmshop.co.nz.

Auctions get underway in 2023

Sale: panelling slabs and raised garden beds

Selling Macrocarpa & Minor Species

Dedicated to industry

The Northland Dairy Industry Awards, 2024 Share Farmers of the Year, are proud of their high-quality and efficient milk production and remain dedicated to ongoing improvements to ensure their longterm competitiveness in the global market.

Jeremy and Kate Mounter were named winners of the 2024 Northland Share Farmer of the Year, with Kieran McCahon taking the 2024 Northland Dairy Manager of the Year and Quinn Hewlett named the region’s Dairy Trainee of the Year.

Due to the minimum number of finalists not being reached, Northland Share Farmer and Dairy Trainee entrants’ scores were benchmarked against the national average, with data collated from the 10 other regions. It also means merit awards are awarded if the entrant achieved the right level.

Jeremy and Kate are first-time entrants who feel a strong sense of control and alignment with their career path. They 50/50 sharemilk 330 cows on Moss and Margaret Pepper’s 131ha Kaeo property.

“We’ve been on Pepper Farm for three and a half seasons and spent the first two seasons shaping the farm into our desired vision,” they say.

“In our third year, we really capitalised on this, and now we are really reaping the benefits of our hard work and dedication. We’ve surrounded ourselves with a community of exceptional individuals, and

Jeremy and Kate Mounter, winners of the 2024 Northland Dairy Industry Awards Share Farmer of the Year we wanted to showcase the outstanding efforts of our whole team and all the experts we collaborate with.”

Runners-up in the Northland Share Farmer of the Year category were Jordan and Samantha Brown, who are 50/50 sharemilking on McIntyre Farms Ltd 120ha farm at Okaihau, milking 240 cows.

Kieran McCahon was also a firsttime entrant. He grew up on a farm

and holds a Bachelor of Agriscience majoring in agriculture and a Master’s in Management, majoring in agribusiness, and spent two years as a solutions and development specialist with DairyNZ.

Runner-up in the dairy manager category was awarded to Courtney West.

The 25-year-old is farm manager on Greg Partington and Nicola Murray’s 147ha, 350-cow Tomarata farm. Dyllan Matthews, the farm manager on Roger and Rachel Kidd’s 376ha Te Kōpuru farm, milking 670 cows was placed third and won $1,250.

The Northland Dairy Trainee of the Year is Quinn Hewlett a farm assistant for the Rangihamama Omapere Trust’s 560-cow, 219ha property at Kaikohe. Quinn has completed PrimaryITO level three agriculture and is currently studying towards level four.

Runner-up in the Northland Dairy Trainee category was Michaela McCracken who is farm assistant on Greg and Ingrid McCracken’s 17ha Wellsford property, milking 370 cows.

Further details on the winners and the field day can be found at dairyindustryawards.co.nz.

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by Amy Fifita

Who are you going to call?

Giants on show

The community gathered in late April at the Parakao Hall for the inaugural Mangakahia Road and Valley Giant Pumpkin Competition organised by Susan Pryor.

“I live here. Rural farming communities are special places for all ages and stages of being whānau. Halls are a community hub and events like this one bring everyone out,” said Susan Pryor.

“Some attendees commented that it was reminiscent of their childhood and evoked lovely memories of good family fun and community. Mangakahia is a relatively remote area between State Highway 14 and Kaikohe.

“It is a beautiful valley with a lot of farming folk. This event reminded me of our connections as children through community events at our local hall.

Community halls are pivotal to this, and we stand to lose them if we don’t use them. I enjoy supporting and encouraging local community activities and events.

“By organising events like the pumpkin competition, I see people reconnect to each other, their whenua and their reasons for choosing to live rurally.

“It was better than a day at McDonald’s. We have nicknamed it the ‘fest’. For those whose giants had not grown, had been stolen, rotted or grown to be midgets, we added some extra fun.”

Added to the itinerary was the pumpkin variety, smallest mature pumpkin, ugliest/ weirdest, prettiest/cutest, decorated, carved and baking showcasing pumpkin.

“The pumpkins kept rolling through the doors all morning and we ended up with around 100 entries. There were about 20 giant pumpkins. A tractor with a bucket to hook our weighing device above a homemade pumpkin weighing sling and some strong pumpkin luggers, all of whom were volunteers.

“Ten fabulous volunteers from the Tītoki and Parakao area helped with the event — Minsu, Kyle, Paul, George, Nigel, Anne, Susan, Birgit, Jude and Gay. The

fest could not have gone ahead without these people. They are truly the ones who made it a success. All votes were in by noon and we gave certificates and prizes out for every category.”

The Cullen family took out the top three prizes with mother, Nelly, winning first prize for her 94kg gourd. Her daughter, Hazel, placed second with her 62kg pumpkin and Kora with her 60kg one.

“It was a real family affair. We are thankful to our fabulous sponsors and supporters for their generosity with prizes and cash offerings. We had lots of enthusiastic feedback and ideas are bubbling away for next year.”

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The Cullen family won first second and third prizes with their 94, 62 and 60kg pumpkins

The public came to witness the competition and view the gourds, like the decorated pumpkin group

Who are you going to call?

Toward a deer-free future

A decade-long plan to remove all wild deer from Northland is being launched jointly by the Northland Regional Council, the Department of Conservation and local hapū.

It covers more than 13,000 square kilometres and is one of New Zealand’s most biodiverse regions. If successful, it will be the largest deer-free area in mainland New Zealand.

The first project is the $1.5 million eradication of sika deer from the Russell Forest, which began after a pōwhiri on April 17. This pilot will potentially model for the rest of the region.

The sika project is the result of a four-year partnership between NRC, hapū Ngāti Kuta, Patukeha, Te Kapotai, Ngātiwai iwi and DOC. This collective

Mow, Rake, Bale & Wrap Stack Silage

Discing, Power Harrowing with airseeder & Drilling

effort to safeguard Northland’s unique ecosystems showcases the region’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage for generations to come.

“This project is grounded in ‘by community for community’,” says Northland Regional Councillor Marty Robinson.

“A working group consisting of hapū, NRC, DOC and other technical experts in animal eradication programmes was formed to build the project from the ground up and provide the mechanism for joint decision-making, including designing of the contracts, tender evaluation and supporting the drafting of the eradication plan.

“Russell Forest is a diverse native ngāhere; it is the largest inland forest and scrubland area of the eastern landscape. It is an important example of a warm temperate rainforest in the region. It contains kauri, tawa, kōtukutuku/tree fuchsia and tōtara, along with threatened bird species, including the North Island brown kiwi.

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“Unlike most of the country, the forest composition has not been significantly altered by introduced mammalian browsers. Wild deer have historically not been present in Te Tai Tokerau, but due to illegal releases and farm escapes there are some small wild populations in the area.

“Sika deer were illegally released into the Russell Forest about 35 years ago, and are hundreds of kilometres outside of their regulated feral range in the central North Island.

“Sika deer are more elusive and eat a wider range of plants than other deer species, and pose a threat to Northland’s biodiversity. Northland is a biodiversity hotspot for New Zealand, and working to keep it deer-free will ensure its preservation.”

Sue Reed-Thomas, the director for DOC’s Northern North Island, emphasises the importance of taking action promptly regarding the current wild deer populations.

“Although these populations are currently small and scattered, immediate

action is important, as wild deer have the potential to breed rapidly when food is abundant,” she says.

“There would be considerable future costs for the region if they were to become widely established.

“We have a unique opportunity with the funding provided by the government for deer management and goat control in Budget 2022 to remove the current populations and prevent further establishment of wild deer into the future.”

Northland Regional Councillor Marty Robinson and Sue Reed-Thomas, director for DOC Northern North Island at a pōwhiri at Rawhiti

A spark from the water

by Liz Clark

Back in the late 1920s, Kerikeri was still a sleepy hamlet with its stone store and historic memories until George Alderton came up with a grand scheme.

Alderton had a vision to create what he termed a ‘group settlement scheme’, and create the ultimate orcharding enterprise for former civil servants of the British Empire. The plan was to sell citrus orchards to prospective investors and make the Kerikeri area a dominant growing region for oranges and other varieties. Investors could settle and run an orchard under expert supervision. However, more than used to the convenience of electricity being readily available back in their home country, those planning to make the move demanded that luxury, rare in rural Northland, be an absolute necessity. Under the Kerikeri Syndicate Limited, power came to Kerikeri. While previous attempts to bring power to all of Northland had failed, the Alderton scheme, with its small-scale project applied to the Public Works Department for a licence to generate electricity from one of streams near Kerikeri.

Company director of the now-renamed Alderton Utility Company, Edward Little, engaged Lloyd Mandeno, an electrical and civil engineer to head the project. After a survey of the Kerikeri River, Mandeno advised there was enough water supply year-round to provide the energy for what would be the second hydroelectric power plant in Northland.

The head of Rainbow Falls was chosen to build a concrete weir to divert water from the river down an open race more than 1,200m in length to a holding dam situated just above the powerhouse. The powerhouse itself was located below the lower falls. The work took 10 months to complete and Kerikeri got its first electrical supply. Later, in 1940, the scheme was taken over by the Bay of Islands Power Board, which operated it until 1966 when the station reached the end of its usefulness.

Today the area forms part of a series of scenic walks around the Kerikeri River Track. The walk includes the restored powerhouse and remnants of the dam and water race. For more information about walking options, visit doc.govt.nz and search for Kerikeri River Track.

Tractors and forestry rigged diggers all available with rammers.

Covering from Warkworth to KeriKeri and surrounds

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Rainbow Falls helped bring Kerikeri its first electricity supply

Ready to retreat

by Amy Fifita

Everyone needs a rest sometimes, and Kerikeri and Waipapa have plenty of rural escapes for people to wind down and relax in the country scenery.

Farmstays are a great place for people to relax and enjoy rural New Zealand. There are a few in the area that offer the farm experience for families wanting to

explore. The best thing about booking now is availability as many accommodation spots are in the low season.

Located two kilometres outside of Kerikeri is The Carriage House. Visitors can expect to witness piebald Gypsy Cobs, Clydesdales and Shire heavy horses working and grazing on the 25-acre property.

There are opportunities to have a closer encounter with the heavy horses. Nine of their large equine rarities are trained to pull a wagon. The farm boasts of being the only breeder of grey Shires in the southern hemisphere.

The cottage offers a crib option for small children — guests must self-cater for themselves. Pets are allowed at a $20 charge a night, and there is a two-night minimum stay at this rural gem.

For a bed and breakfast vibe try Lavender Vale where visitors are hosted by Shelia and Rob Lavender on their rural property. There, patrons can enjoy the natural sounds in solitude or with close friends with the option to venture to the nearby townships. There are gardens on the property for guests to relax in.

Guests are assured an exclusive time there with their four-guest limit. There are two rooms and two en suite suites for travellers to select from, with a free breakfast and various activities. There are walking tours, horseback riding, a tennis mini golf, boating and many other amenities on-site or nearby.

Peace and Tranquility is another option for those with a rural desire.

Visitors will discover a remote place to relax in the cottage-style house. Those taking this opportunity can enjoy rowing on the lake or experiencing the farm animals.

People wanting to holiday with their pets can ask for approval, and those wanting to book for more than seven days are offered a discount.

The Carriage House property has rare heavy horses like the piebald Gypsy Cob for visitors to adore and experience

A range of choices

Waipapa and Kerikeri are home to many orchards, cafes, art galleries and historic places, where people can relax and take time to refresh themselves as they take a break in life.

Lygon Cafe at 12 Kinlac Lane Waipapa is located in a handy position for book lovers visiting the Village Books next door, with hundreds of second-hand books on display waiting for avid readers to find their treasure.

The Cafe@Redwoods has been a destination for garden lovers for many years. The garden centre provides everchanging scenery, with many local products on the menu waiting to be tasted.

Pioneer Restaurant on the corner of State Highway 10 and Loop Road, is where people enjoy the opportunity to join in on Wednesday night quiz nights or enter the pool competition show their karaoke skills. The establishment’s live music calendar gives the opportunity for locals and travellers to enjoy a range of various bands and singers.

Also nearby, on Kerikeri Road, is Makana Confections where customers discover handmade delicacies using available fresh, natural ingredients. Makana chocolate is well sought after, and has been known to delight many taste buds with treats such as Macadamia Biscotti, truffles, caramel creations and chocolate-dipped apricots.

Based at 505 Kerikeri Road is the Old Packhouse Market that has become what

some call the hub of Kerikeri, with people from near and far supporting local and travelling vendors each weekend.

As a growers’ and artisan market, the premises has become home to a wide range of talented small business owners and entrepreneurs with the complex providing a much-loved area for selling their wares.

The Saturday market has up to 100 vendors on-site, including local produce, street food and baked goods, artisanal products, plants, seafood, cheeses, health and wellbeing products and works of art for sale. The Sunday market is smaller with more of an eclectic mix.

The markets include live entertainment with a much-appreciated variety of readyto-eat food choices, with many visitors taking advantage of the Old Packhouse Cafe, bakery and butchery.

Kerikeri is home to many historic places, including the Stone Store, the Charles Rock Waterfall and St James Anglican Church. Kororipo is a strategic coastal pā site and the Mission House, built in 1822, is the oldest building in New Zealand.

Picnic sites and barbecue areas are available in the Kerikeri River Scenic Reserve on the north side of the basin, while Discoverers’ Garden is a place to view native plants and discover their traditional Māori uses.

DOES YOUR PIPE SIZE MATTER?

YES - because of pipe friction.

CAN YOU PUT ANY BORE PUMP DOWN?

NO - you must have a bore log. This is to specify the correct pump.

IF YOU HAVE ECOLI IN YOUR WATER, DO YOU NEED PROTECTION?

YES - you require a UV Filtration system.

WOULD ANY HOUSEHOLD PUMP BE SUFFICIENT TO RUN YOUR HOME?

NO - it all depends on usage required.

IS IT GOOD TO HAVE A PRESSURE TANK INSTALLED WITH YOUR PUMP?

YES - it saves power and short cycling.

Kerikeri and surrounds has a variety of cafes, markets and tourism sites to be enjoyed

The Stone Store in Kerikeri is a much-visited historic site

Avoca’s Agricultural Lime (AgLime) and Limestone are manufactured at our three lime quarries at Rarewa (Whangarei), Pokapu (Bay of Islands), and Port Albert (Wellsford). Both are also available at bulk stores in Dargaville and Te Kauwhata (Waikato). From all of these locations, we’re well placed to deliver Agricultural Lime products Northland and Waikato wide. Avoca also provide soil fertility testing and consulting as well as lime and fertiliser products and custom mixes.

NORTHLAND LIME

10

reasons to apply lime to your soils:

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Increases nutrient availability; raising soil pH with lime to ~6.3-6.5 releases and balances soil nutrients for plant uptake, maximising return on your fertiliser spend.

Improves pasture yield. Trials have shown pasture production increases up to 68% and corresponding live weight gains.

Reduces need for N-fertiliser; lime stimulates N-fixation by legumes, and N-release from organic matter into plant available forms.

Improves P availability through a ‘phosphate sparing effect’ - trials in Northland showed 50-60kg more P available consistent over 3 years after applying 5t/ha of lime to a pH 5.8 soil. Optimal P availability occurs when soils are limes to pH 6.3-6.5.

Improves pasture palatability allowing for more even grazing of pasture and better pasture utilisation.

Increases soil biological activity and diversity; key to nutrient availability, good soil structure & porosity, and ultimately pasture/crop yield.

Increases resilience to droughts, floods, and runoff/erosion, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and greater root penetration for pasture/crop growth by flocculating (loosening) your soil to improve soil structure and porosity.

Increases water holding capacity in the dry and water drainage in the wet. Lime drives down magnesium in ‘tight, high Mg’ soils such as estuarine soils found in the Hauraki Plains.

Reduces elemental toxicities evident at low pH levels, e.g. Al, preventing subsoil acidification and improving root growth, root development, and reduces P-fixation.

Provides calcium which is essential for both plant and animal growth and health.

Too many farmers xated on phosphate

Farmers are wasting money by needlessly applying phosphate when there may already be ample in the soil.

That is the view of Avoca Director Bryce Manderson. He says applying phosphate on-farm is a waste if it remains unavailable due to low pH levels.

“I think phospate is being applied either because it has become traditional practice stemming from the early days of farming in New Zealand when P was de cient, or because farmers are being given poor soil fertility advice,” says Manderson.

The application of very expensive phosphate should be questioned, especially in a time of tough economic conditions, he says.

“The Olsen P test, which indicates plant available phosphate, may be low due to the unavailability of P at low soil pHs. This test should be combined with a total P and pH test to show whether there is enough P that can be released by liming at a much lower cost than applying more P unnecessarily.”

Manderson says if soils are too acidic, usually less than pH 6, phosphorus can lock up with iron and aluminium compounds, reducing its availability to plants.

“That is why liming is important to improve and maintain soils at pH 6.3–6.5, so lock-up mechanisms and elemental toxicities are minimal and plant availability of phosphorus is maximised.

“Applying lime to increase pH and subsequent phosphorous availability is known as a phosphate-sparing effect, which can happen in different ways. When pH increases the presence of aluminium and iron compounds lowers, which reduces lock up of new phosphorus additions like phosphate itself.

“What many people do not realise is that lime increases the mineralisation of organic nitrogen in soil, which boosts plant growth. That allows their roots to utilise a bigger volume of aluminium and iron-bound phosphorus that is already there naturally or from previous phosphorus applications.”

Manderson notes that through an onfarm trial, a phosphate sparing effect has been observed in Northland, which was equivalent to 50–60kg of phosphorus a hectare (560–670kg of super phosphate a hectare) consistent over three years after ve tonnes of lime a hectare was applied to a pH 5.8 soil.

“I would happily speak to any farmers who want to learn more about the bene ts of lime, so they can better understand how lime can boost their soil health and release nutrients to increase productivity,” Manderson said.

“As I have said before, lime clearly increases the availability of

really valuable plant nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, calcium and magnesium, along with trace elements like boron and molybdenum.”

Manderson’s father Jim established Avoca in Northland 75 years ago. Through signi cant growth, the company is now a leading provider of lime and fertiliser mixes throughout Northland, South Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

BRIDGE BUILDING & PILING SPECIALISTS

We offer Design & Build for Bridges including plans, permits, consents and construction.

Or see us to strengthen and repair your existing bridge to ensure safe access on your property.

NORTHLAND

This 1900s villa is a character filled home with intricate fretwork, pressed ceilings, large central hallway and offers two choices of living areas. “The Edward” offers wonderful indoor/outdoor flow and plenty of generous living space, boasting 3 large bedrooms, dinning area and full family bathroom. With two large living areas, the separate lounge shows real craftsmanship with stunning ceilings. A very rare find that ticks all the boxes.

Bryce Manderson — Avoca director

WINNER OF THE 2022 OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IN HOUSE RELOCATIONS

A challenging 12 months

by Colin Hannah — Federated Farmers Northland president

When I look back on the past year, I am really grateful for the support we have had from the Northland community — those who live urban and rural.

regardless of weather, for very little financial gain.

work exceptionally hard all year round,

Despite the high quality of produce they supply, they are largely forced to be price-takers due to hefty input costs they cannot pass on — unlike many other sectors which do.

The reason I highlight these points is because we are all here to support each other in the immensely challenging social and economic times of recent years. Too often, the finger is pointed at primary producers as being bad eggs by people who don’t know what they are talking about, and have not lived and breathed the realities of life on the land in all weather conditions. These producers are good people. They are hard workers.

The Northland Federated Farmer’s team epitomises these values and ethics. They are volunteers who are committed in storms, droughts or crises to do their best for Northlanders. These are a collective of farmers, parents, grandparents, business owners, volunteers and first responders, all good-hearted people who wear their hearts on their gumboots, tools and sleeves.

They stand up for what they believe in and speak up for those in our communities who struggle to have a

voice or feel vulnerable for any number of reasons — mental wellbeing, lack of mobile connectivity, illness and financially.

That is despite the challenges we have all faced since early 2023, which started with Cyclone Gabrielle. The incessant rain continued until we had received 4.3 metres of water, which created plenty of challenges. Then, it turned to a mediumscale drought in the early months of 2024.

Northland Federated Farmers continues to work closely with Rural

Support Trust and collaboration partners with rural dinners provided for communities. Federated Farmers Northland will continue to contribute physically and financially thanks to the dedication of our members, sponsors and supporters.

The team at Integrity Community Media and Northern Farming Lifestyles also deserve recognition for their ongoing support of Northlanders, rural New Zealand and genuine rural Kiwis.

Colin Hannah, Federated Farmers Northland president

Breeding better beef

The Northland Hereford Breeders’ Association recently held its annual Herdwalk with breeders gathering

cattle at Te Puna Herefords, Okaihau and Waimaire/Otengi Herefords, Tauranga Bay.

The annual event gives breeders the opportunity to share and compare ideas and view some great cattle before the start of the winter bull selling season in May.

Hereford cross cattle have a reputation for gaining a premium at the saleyards, and the breeders aim to produce bulls suitable for the beef and dairy sectors.

They have a detailed knowledge of the pedigrees and genetic characteristics of their cattle, which gives their customers certainty about the history of the bulls they are buying. The breeders can also advise buyers about the suitability of the bulls for mating to both cows and heifers. This year, seven breeders are offering bulls during the winter sale

season through on-farm sales and private treaty — see details in our advert below.

Several breeders will also have rising two-year-old bulls and yearling bulls available for the spring bull sale season — look out for our advert in the August issue.

Moana Herefords (Baylys Beach)

(Whangarei)

Pampas

(Kaitaia)

Otengi & Waimaire

(Kaeo)

Matapouri Polled Herefords (Whangarei)

Philip Shepherd and Paul Shepherd (Otengi/Waimaire Herefords) with Ian McInnes (Marua Herefords)

Northland Hereford Breeders on the recent Herdwalk: (Left to right) Emma, Carolyn and Cam Gerrard (Te Puna Herefords), Bill Grounds (Pampas Lane Herefords), Kate and Sam Biddles (Kaipara Herefords), Ian Clements (Matapouri Herefords) and Brian Coutts (Wyborn Herefords)

Catalogue in-store now!

by Andy Bryenton

Forged in the deep Sahara

The old adage in racing was ‘win on Sunday, sales on Monday’, but how does that translate to building brand prestige off the tarmac, in the more gruelling world of ATVs?

CFMoto would be quick to answer after its impressive performance at this year’s Dakar Rally, one of the most brutal racing events on the planet. The factory team from CFMoto managed to place fifth in this massive trek through the Sahara Desert to the coast; no mean feat in a race where many people never finish. A single breakdown can spell disaster, and previous top placegetters are the likes of Porsche and Land Rover. The ATV class is relatively new.

Rider Antanas Kanopkinas’s stamina was tested over 15 days in the roughest terrain the desert could provide, and his CForce 1000 displayed similar fortitude. Amazingly, in a race that devours the inexperienced, Mr Kanopkinas and the CFMoto team were first-time entrants. The question that hung over the whole endeavour was whether a Chinese ATV could make it in a race that has wrecked the best of the USA and Japan in the past.

It could, and that’s good news for Kiwi farmers, adventure riders and hunters looking for a very capable machine. Autumn means duck season, muddy trails and tough tasks on the farm, all scenarios where a big, capable ATV

is a real asset. While you can’t buy a Formula One-winning McLaren tomorrow or even one of the monster Camaros and Mustangs that race at Bathurst, you can walk into a CFMoto showroom and take home the ATV that smashed the Dakar in 113 hours flat. Admittedly, Antanas made a few modifications, but surprisingly few.

The CForce 1000 Overland packs a 75-horsepower fuel-injected v-twin engine that also develops 79 Newton-metres of torque, liquid-cooled as one would expect from a desert-conquering design. It delivers power to the ground with an ultradurable CVT transmission, selectable two and four-wheel-drive, front-locking diff and a rear limited slip system to stay stable and planted.

All this is armoured with an eightmillimetre full-length skid plate set-up and 38mm steel tube bars, defending the lights and grille from sticks, stones and other obstacles. There’s a powerful winch to get you or fellow riders out of trouble, 27-inch Stag tyres that can be deflated for more contact thanks to a sturdy beadlock, and plenty of towing and carrying capacity for any rural jobs you might load up to accomplish.

Perhaps the best part of investing in this race-winning formula is the cost. While taking home a world rally championship-winning car or the bike

which impressed at the Isle of Man TT could prove expensive, nobody will question the value and practicality of putting the CForce 1000 into your garage.

CFMoto’s CForce 1000 conquered the Dakar Rally with an impressive fifth place on its first trip to the Sahara

Northern Rural Marketplace

Farming & Lifestyle

LAWN SEED/PASTURE SEED/FENCING Reels and Standards from Northland Seed, Okara Drive, Whangarei. Phone 09 438 0884. Fencing

FENCING, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus... call Jeff 027 476 5458. For Sale

HERITAGE APPLE TREES - Hardy root stocksDiversify your Farm with an Orchard pack www. tastytrees.co.nz, call 09 408 5443 or text 027 346 7645. NEW YAMAHA FARM ATVS — 5.9% interest & 3 year warranty. Only at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi — phone 080 096 3636 & Yamaha MC Whangarei. Ph 09 438 0804. For Sale

Dargaville:

Northland Motorsports Ph: 0800 120 236

Hikurangi/Whangarei:

Rouse Motorcycles Ph: 09 433 8471

Kaitaia:

Kaitaia Tractors Ph: 09 408 0670

Warkworth:

Warkworth Motorcycles Ph: 09 425 8535