HBT - Real Heartland Feature - Nov 2020

REAL HEARTLAND 2020

First with the Bay’s news

Rural Cartage Specialists Nick Agnew 027 583 7373 1445 Omahu Road Hastings

REAL HEARTLAND 2020

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HAWKE’S BAY FARMERS KEEN ON POPLARS AND WILLOWS

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hree Hawke’s Bay farmers - James Hunter, Philip Holt and Dave Read – are in a group of top farmers joining forces with the Poplar and Willow Research Trust to promote the value of poplars and willows on New Zealand farms.

More than 1.6 million hectares of pastoral hill country in New Zealand needs spaceplanted willows or poplars for erosion control. Their deep root systems provide the best means of minimising soil erosion and in turn, help to keep rivers healthy. Most rivers require willows for bank stabilisation to manage flooding, and waterways need shade. Poplars and willows provide shade and shelter for stock and can also be used for fodder in summer; willows also provide food for bees in spring. When planted appropriately, space planted poplars and willows can qualify for the ETS, while also still allowing pasture to grow.

James Hunter’s farm, Rangitoto, features extensive poplar and willow plantings, the work of three generations as lessons of past slipping and slumping of unstable clay soils have been absorbed. Carbon positive is the theme with significant areas of these plantings in the PFSI and ETS systems. Additionally, there are 51ha of regenerating natives and wetlands in QEII National Trust covenants.

Philip and Robyn Holt’s farm, Maraetara, is on the coastal hills north west of Napier. It originally had very few trees but Philip has been a passionate tree planter for forty years and now realises how important it is to plant the right tree in the right place for the right reason.

Poplars and willows have multiple benefits in conjunction with a wide range of other species. The farm also has a large open space QEII covenant.

Dave Read farms Waiau Station, which has about 4000 poplars and willows for erosion control, shade and shelter, and fodder when needed, as well as a 20ha QEII covenant, 38ha of fenced bush, 20ha regenerating manuka and 120ha unfenced bush.

All three have been recognised in the East Coast Ballance Farm Environment Awards for their sustainable farming practices.

“Poplars and willows have an important role in developing greater resilience in our farming systems, so we’re using the knowledge and experience of some top farmers who know the true worth of poplars and willows on their land,” Trust chairman Bruce Wills says.

“Their role is essentially one of education.

They could be invited to speak at field days or other rural events, talk one-on-one or

Pōrangahau farmer James Hunter appreciating some spring rain on his farm, which has extensive poplar and willow plantings. accept visits with farmers wanting advice about poplars and willows, or be a point of contact for regional council land managers or other rural professionals.”

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REAL HEARTLAND 2020

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SHARING THE KNOWLEDGE OF TRADITIONAL MĀORI FOOD GATHERING

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his year, EIT has launched a Certificate in Māori Traditional Food Production, Harvest and Management at the regional learning centre in Waipukurau. The traditional food, or mahinga kai, course was such a success that EIT will offer it again in February.

Amiria Nepe-Apatu (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne) ran the programme with incredible passion. Born and bred in Takapau, twenty minutes from Waipukurau, Amiria has been a teacher for all her adult life.

She taught different levels from early childhood to adult learners, worked as a te reo and kapa haka teacher and taught for many years in the Kura Kaupapa Māori in Takapau.

Amiria also brings a profound knowledge of tikanga and māotauranga Māori, and was thus shoulder tapped to teach on the mahinga kai course.

The guiding principle of the programme was the maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar. “We used a maramataka app and all our activities were consistent with the phases of the moon,” explains Amiria As one of the first projects the students turned the ragged veggie patch adjacent to the learning centre into a blooming and thriving kai and rongoā (traditional Māori

medicine) garden. “We planted different crops, kumara, kamokamo and all sorts of veggies, herbs and healing natives such as kawakawa, kākābeak and mānuka.”

Amiria taught her students about the three sources of food, moana (ocean) maara (land) and ngahere (forest/bush) and how to gather food in a sustainable and responsible way.

“My goal is to instill in my students the idea that we are kaitiaki of the land and we have to value our natural resources.”

Amiria was thrilled to see that students - apart from learning the ins and outs of traditional food gathering – also reconnected with themselves. “Everyone just felt important, valued and part of greater whole.“ The group also worked in the community garden in Waipukurau, went for bush walks and grew kōwhai and totara seedlings.

Amiria showed the students how to use traditional tools such as digging sticks (kō) and they mapped the area to record where they had sourced their food.

Preparing (and indulging in) their carefully planned dishes rounded off the programme.

The next intake will be starting in February, classes are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 - 3. It’s fees-free.

Amiria Nepe-Apatu shares with her students her knowledge of traditional food gathering.

NOTE: EIT is a member of the Steering Group who worked on the Matariki Hawke’s Bay Regional Development Strategy (HBRDS).

Introducing new programmes such as the Certificate in Māori Traditional Food Production, Harvest and Management contributes to Matariki HBRDS for Employment, Skills and Capability Pou 2.

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REAL HEARTLAND 2020

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QUALITY AIR AND POWER PRODUCTS

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nsite Compressed Air is a privatelyowned family business and part of a nation-wide, global network of partners for KAESER Compressors of Germany, DUETZ Power Solutions, Lister Petter and carry a full range of NORGREN regulators, fittings and RAMS in stock.

Onsite Compressed Air are based in the beautiful seaside holiday paradise of Mount Maunganui and we have recently opened our new branch in Thames Street, Napier. We have a showroom and retail area onsite where you can purchase everything from automotive accessories

to pneumatic fittings and small piston air compressors.

In conjunction with our sister companies we cover all New Zealand offering a nationwide sales and service experience.

We specialise and carryout maintenance and repairs on all makes and models of rotary screw, reciprocating and vane compressors, new/retro factory fit outs, installations and total after sales servicing and support of all your compressed air requirements, diesel generators, and we also have a range of hire air compressors available.

Onsite Compressed Air covers all facets of pneumatic and compressed air procedures, built through integrity in providing exceptional quality service to satisfy the customer’s expectations.

With around 30 years of combined industry experience, our highly skilled sales and service team have the skills and knowledge to cater to the needs of clients across a broad range of industries.

• Dairy & Agricultural • Wine industry • Horticulture • Transport • Marine • Construction • Residential • Industrial • Food manufacturing • Petroleum

solutions for all your Compressed Air, Diesel Generator and Onsite Gas Generation requirements Onsite Compressed Air also specialise in your onsite gas generation demands.

We have access to and work with all the world’s leading manufacturers of nitrogen and Oxygen Generators.

Onsite Compressed Air for reliable, cost effective service and support moving forward with technology into the future.

Come into our show room located at 54 Thames Street, Pandora, Napier Call toll free 0800 266 7247 www.onsitecompressedair.com

Our service technicians are KAESER factory trained and can also service most makes and models of compressors, providing 24/7 local emergency breakdown service.

Onsite Compressed Air are committed to only selling the highest quality air and power products and focused on delivering outstanding local service support with guaranteed efficiency and satisfaction.

Our dedicated qualified staff can also offer services such as power savings, air demand analysis, monitoring and leak detection for gas, moisture and air to meet customers’ demands. Offering professional, friendly no obligation

If you require security from dry conditions invest in PPP Silos Sizes from 17t to 3,000t

Industries Ltd

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With around 50 years of combined industry experience, our highly skilled sales and service team have the skills to cater to the needs of clients across a broad range of industries including

Onsite Compressed Air Limited are your “One-Stop-Shop” for all your Compressed Air, Portable and Stand-By Diesel Generator and Onsite Gases Solutions

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REAL HEARTLAND 2020

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STEVENSON & TAYLOR (SNT) COVERING THE HAWKE’S BAY WITH CASE IH TRACTORS

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ith spring 2020 in Hawke’s Bay delivering better weather for growth conditions after the drought in the region, it was well timed that Marty Cook ordered a Case IH Farmall 25B tractor. He then worked closely with SNT engineering to modify the unit to produce a ‘best for purpose’ custom machine, just in time for planting in his busy Hastings nursery business. The modifications that SNT engineering made to the Farmall 25B mean that Marty can work more efficiently and safely in his nursery confines.

“Marty Cook chose the Farmall 25B because it was “heavier duty” and had superior strength and quality construction compared to previous machines they have had, particularly around the three-point linkage and associated adjusters.

Marty researched other brands and also found the Case IH Farmall 25B was the most suitable for working in the narrow (1.2m) row specification with cultivators and rotary hoes at the nursery. Marty said “another plus is the whole team need to be able to drive the tractor at any time and they find it easy to use, love ts manoeuvrability and appreciate the ample leg room space, a win-win all round”.

Case IH Maxxum ActiveDrive 8 series debuts in Hawke’s Bay October saw the arrival of the new Case IH ActiveDrive 8 Maxxum 135 model in New Zealand. Stevenson and Taylor Ltd Waipukurau sold one of the first models to a busy Hawke’s Bay Contractor / Cropper.

The tractor was delivered and operating within two weeks of coming off the boat.

The new owner finds his Active 8 more than meets his power needs and is capable of doing all the big jobs required.

The ActiveDrive 8 specifications include: • Industry leading fuel efficiency • High spec cab for ease of operation and operator comfort with armrest Multicontoller and AFS Pro 700 display • ActiveClutch lets you stop, inch or vary your speed without having to use the clutch pedal • 360-degree HD LED lighting package as standard.

From the outside, the Maxxum tractors look strikingly different to their predecessors, with sharp fresh styling and improved lighting. But what makes these tractors so different to their forebears is a comprehensive range of improvements designed to make a difference to the working day. From the latest FPT engines, which are more frugal, cleaner and have greater power outputs than before, to operating feature updates designed to make life easier.

Underneath the revised styling of the latest Maxxum lie some significant practical enhancements. Headland Management Control II – HMC II – is offered on Maxxum Multicontroller and Maxxum CVT models. It automates workflow for less driver fatigue and higher productivity.

With early starts and late finishes being part and parcel of farming, Case IH has given increased lighting power to the latest generation Maxxum tractors. New front working lights and roof styling incorporates a full 360-degree lighting package to ensure optimum visibility, not just of what’s ahead but a better view of how things are performing behind and out to your implement as well.

Greater importance has been placed on a comfortable operator being a productive operator and that’s why there is even more focus on the driver features in the latest Maxxum models. From cab and front axle suspension to an enhanced range of seating options, Maxxum tractors are designed to ensure the operator remains comfortable hour after hour, day after day, regardless of the task or terrain.

For more information on the Case IH ActiveDrive 8 or any other model please contact Stevenson and Taylor, your local agriculture service centre. Ph 06 858 6041 Located: 2294 Takapau Road, Waipukurau info@sntltd.co.nz www.stevensonandtaylor.co.nz

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REAL HEARTLAND 2020

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ALTOGETHER EAST COAST TEAM PLAYER

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ony Rasmussen has a passion for the land and rural real estate which results in some excellent sales results for the high achieving Bayleys Hawke’s Bay country salesman.

Born and bred on a Wairarapa sheep and beef farm Tony has never lost his passion for farming. Initially he gained a BAgr from Massey University majoring in rural valuation. He probably never realised that this would stand him in good stead later on his career. He went on to spend five years in the stock and station industry and then moved into rural banking for ten

years. This thorough grounding in all things rural has given him a deep understanding of horticulture, farming, finances and what drives the rural property market.

“After twelve years in rural real estate on the East Coast, five of them in Hawke’s Bay Tony knows what it takes to maximise the value of his clients assets. In addition his knowledge, networks in the industry coupled with is background and relationship skills ensure he gets excellent results.

He has been placed in the top 5% of Bayleys agents nationwide three times since 2013.”

Tony has been approached by other real estate companies but knows no other can match the reach that Bayleys does and the Bayleys Country team has a genuine work ethic. The team of eight, combined with

the Bayleys brand and its reach, provide their vendors with maximum exposure that reflects in very good sales prices. The rural agents in Hawke’s Bay cover the area from Wairoa to Dannevirke.

A recent acquisition of Tony’s, in addition to his drone and video services, is a five seater, 1000cc Honda motorbike for comprehensive farm inspections.

He has all the tools of the trade to ensure inspections are carried out safely and thoroughly. “I focus on promoting properties with excellent photography, aerial footage, and superior marketing.”

“My aim is to maximise the value of my vendors rural properties. To do this I believe in exposing the property to a wide range of purchasers nationally and internationally,” Tony says.

“I will find you the best buyer.”

Testimonials: “He put in long hours. His people and communication skills were excellent.”

Adrian Heays, Sarah Strawbridge and Annette Heays.

“Throughout the sales campaign Tony’s commitment shone through, nothing was too much to ask, his rural work ethic and attitude came to the fore. He has a very communicable and easy-going personality which made the interactions between us and the prospective purchasers free flowing.”

John Poulton.

“I found him very approachable and enjoyable to work with. To sum him up he is simply just a good all-round guy, and right from the word go felt I could trust him completely.”

Barry Newall.

After 27 years in the industry he still enjoys the people he deals with people and also enjoys the opportunity to appreciate our beautiful rural properties.

Watch Tony on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0SoMeIN7YE www.bayleys.co.nztony-rasmussen

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721 Atua Road

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REAL HEARTLAND 2020

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DO-IT-ONCE, DO-IT-RIGHT-ATTITUDE DRIVING FARMING SUCCESS

D

o it once – do it right. This is the attitude driving a successful East Coast farm that will open its gates to the public early next year.

Linda and Evan Potter are holding a combined field day at their sheep, beef and deer property to celebrate two prestigious 2020 farming award wins.

They were named East Coast Regional Supreme Winners in the 2020 Ballance Farm Environment Awards and also took out Deer Industry NZ’s national Elworthy Environmental Award.

Balancing business security with protecting the land and resources for future generations was one of the reasons behind the Potters’ BFEA win, says East

Coast regional committee chair Steve WynHarris.

“There are many sustainably managed farms throughout New Zealand and the Potters’ property Waipapa is an excellent example of one of them,” he says.

“Evan and Linda have shown that you can achieve a profitable business and care for the environment at the same time.”

He says their ‘do-it-once, do-it-right-attitude is paying off, including their investment in bridges, fencing and water.

They also have a dedicated focus on biodiversity and trees, with impressive regeneration happening within the

Linda and Evan Potter. property’s 125ha of QEII National Trust covenants. In addition, there are 20ha of pine trees, an annual pole planting programme that helps with shade and erosion control, plus the Potters undertake regular native, wetland and riparian planting.

“Recent independent research has shown that many farms in this country have so much woody vegetation sequestering carbon that they more than offset the on-farm emissions. This property is one of them.”

Photos courtesy NZ Farm Environment Trust

Being held from 9.30am to 4pm on Wednesday 17 February, the Potters’ field day will include a farm tour, a number of guest speakers and a barbecue. Topics to be covered include QEII covenants, the Emissions Trading Scheme and why

the Potters were successful at the 2020 awards.

As well as taking out the top regional award, they received the East Coast Farming for Future Award, sponsored by the Hawke’s Bay Regional and Gisborne District councils, Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award and the Synlait Climate Stewardship Award.

“The day is free and open to all – it’s a great opportunity to view a wonderful example of sustainable land use,” Steve says.

• When: 9.30am – 4pm, Wednesday 17 February • Where: Waipapa – 658 St Lawrence Rd, Elsthorpe • RSVPs essential: eastcoast@bfea.org.nz

EXPERTS IN CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE

H

ort Air Services is a privately owned and operated business started in the sunny Bay of Plenty town of Mount Maunganui. Hort Air services is the exclusive sales and service agent for ABSOGER in France and has been working with ABSOGER, a world leader in Controlled Atmosphere products and onsite nitrogen generation, since 2006.

Hort Air Services are proud to be the exclusive distributor of ABSOGER products to New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands and has recently opened a branch in Thames Street, Napier.

Hort Air Services Director Jason Anderson is a specialist in Controlled Atmosphere and has been providing Controlled Atmosphere solutions and onsite nitrogen generators to the horticulture sector for 14 years, and to the wine, grain and seed, and industrial sectors. Prior to setting up Hort Air services Jason spent 12 years operating a large kiwifruit-controlled

atmosphere facility so can boast 25 plus years direct experience working with control atmosphere storage.

Based in the Bay of Plenty, in the heart of New Zealand’s kiwifruit growing region, Jason has managed and designed CA stores for the post-harvest sector and worked directly with and used ABSOGER equipment for more than 25 years.

A local Hawke’s Bay Control Atmosphere site has recently become one of the most innovative control atmosphere sites in Australasia.

Hort Air Services customer was looking to tweak things to make further small gains to continually improve their produce while in storage.

The latest completed commissioning is a Australasia first, ABSOGER DYNAMIC PRESSURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

Dynamic pressure management is connected to ABSOGER’S supervisor V7 controller allowing for real time pressure management in each individual room onsite.

By measuring real time atmospheric pressure in each room we are able to maintain a small positive pressure inside each room at all times. Some main advantages of the DPM system are • Up to 40% energy savings on older CA installations • No more leaks and introduction of O2 into your room • Consistent and stable atmosphere levels creating better quality fruit during storage • No more air bags required thus eliminating a main leakage point and storage of heated air which in turn makes your refrigeration equipment work harder and longer Like most older CA installations around the country ABSOGER’S Dynamic Pressure

Management system will turn your old costly leaky rooms into a new modern efficient easily manageable control atmosphere rooms.

If you would like to learn more about how this state of the art system can save you money and time then call us to discuss and receive an obligation free appraisal of your CA rooms.

Hort Air services offer Nationwide Consultancy Service providing full testing, analysis, reporting and recommendations on your CA equipment including full range of spare parts and service for Isolcell equipment and are the only One Stop Shop for CA - Machinery Leasing, Sales, Servicing, Carbon Analysis and Replacement in New Zealand.

Contact us today to discuss your current or future requirements 0800 HORTAIR (467 824) or info@hortair.co.nz

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Hort Air Services’ complete range of equipment is dedicated to fruit and vegetable preservation.

Jason Anderson +64 27 2959 623 PO Box 4656, Mt Maunganui South 3149 Email: Jason@hortair.co.nz • www.hortair.com

REAL HEARTLAND 2020

12

NEW THINKING, TOOLS AND CONCEPTS

By Alan Maxwell an Agribusiness Advisor at BM Accounting

2

020 has created more uncertainty and challenges than normal for Hawke’s Bay’s agribusinesses. Covid 19 has impacted supply, access to labour and product distribution networks.

This pandemic, however, has had significantly less impact than the ongoing challenges of the adverse weather conditions that farming businesses have endured this year.

businesses are looking to cloud-based software that can continually merge traditional financial metrics with on-farm performance indicators and additional operational information. This multi-faceted data, combined with a strong check-in process, means few excuses exist for not having real-time insight and awareness of your business position, performance, and direction.

As always, but especially in times of upheaval, all businesses will benefit from having strong financial management processes, a clear idea of direction and strong support networks including a solid team of professional advisors.

Advisors, consultants, and coaches are exceptionally prevalent today. Business owners should demand more from those who purport to be experts in supporting their businesses. A breadth of experienced advisors should be a huge asset to a business.

There are four key pillars which are integral to a strong, stable foundation from which to make informed financial and strategic decisions. Broadly these are having a clear direction, regular check-ins, up-to-date data and a broad base of advisors. Let’s look at each of these pillars in more detail: A clear direction for any business will be concise and easily articulated to and by all key stakeholders. A good and sustainable strategy requires a clear idea of a desired goal and timeframe. This goal should be broken down into two or three manageable stages, with clear actions to be worked on over three to sixmonth increments.

Regular check-ins mean having fixed, structured meetings to review your bigger goals and your current progress towards these. These meetings should be well documented and very clear in purpose and the ongoing actions required to achieve your goals.

The availability of accurate and timely data is unprecedented. The strongest, modern agri-

You should expect to be challenged on traditional thinking in a positive, strategic, and dynamic way.

Proactive, effective advisors will constantly bring new thinking and ideas for your most important asset.

They will provide tools and concepts that help you to develop and grow as a business owner as well.

Together these four pillars combine to provide a greater level of clarity, structure, and governance for your business. The quintessential New Zealand agri-business owner is already amongst the most resilient, resourceful, and hard-working anywhere in the world. A strong and regular support network is often all that is required to make these businesses and owners even more effective, to drive better returns for all stakeholders, and to ensure they thrive, even in times of local and global uncertainty.

BM is a Business Advisory and Accountant firm, Hawke’s Bay owned and operated, with offices in Waipukurau and Havelock North.