CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP

After thirty three years of owning the Glentunnel Garage, Yerry van Leeuwen and Jane van Leeuwen-Vaissaire have decided it’s time to retire and have recently sold the Garage to new owners Kyle and Olivia Challis from Challis Motorcycles in Darfield.

The Garage was originally purchased from the Higgens family and has been a big part of their life. As a close, hardworking family with many combined talents and dedication to customers and the community, they made the business a success. Yerry and Jane feel it has been a privilege to have served the community for so many years.

The business has seen many ups and downs over the years, including a fire, economic downturns and long term illness, but it has remained strong from the numerous customers, family and friends who have supported the business.

Over the years, there have also been changes from the main business of WOF, farm engineering, car and general repairs, with a side line of steampunk art and haymaking added to help grow the business. Yerry has made many items that are appreciated around the area, including the Glentunnel School bell stand, the information stand at the Glentunnel Hall, various coal carts, as well as minions, punk art gates and braziers. The Garage has also been a petrol station, which was open seven days a week until the fire in 1999.

“Our motto at that time was, open seven days, just for you!” commented Jane. There have been many special memories made over the years, including when the Garage was closed for a week to become a filming set for the movie Snake Skin, as well as, Christmas barbeques to show appreciation to staff, customers, family and friends.

“We would like to make a special mention of our daughter Yerane and son Jeremy who have been a big part of the business from a young age right through until now.

“Also, a big thank you to Jacky, Donna and the mechanics Justin, Bruce (RIP), Eldad and Chris , who is known by many customers and staying on, who have been part of the team for many years. in the past year,” Andrew added. With climate change, maize is becoming a more viable option in Canterbury, with maize silage a high value feed crop commonly grown in the North Island holding strong appeal for southern farmers.

“The local posties, visiting distributors and suppliers and Oxford Couriers have all helped the business with their fantastic service,” Jane added.

“Thank you to our fantastic, loyal customers, without your support, the business wouldn’t have been the success it was. There are too many people to thank, none of you have been forgotten, and your loyalty meant a lot to us.

“We wish Kyle and Olivia all the best as they make their mark on the business moving forward,” Jane concluded.

The opportunity for farmers to see, touch and operate the latest in agricultural equipment returns this year as the countdown commences to the South Island Agricultural Field Days, held at Kirwee from March 29th - 31st.

Field Days organisers report exhibitor interest has been stronger than ever, with all sites selling out, including the additional laneway sites the organisers elected to add to this year’s event.

Committee Chairman Hayden Dorman said, “despite the tough times machinery distributors have had in the past two years in sourcing equipment and parts due to shipping and Covid delays, all brands have stepped up with their best and latest equipment for farmers this year. “The Field Days provide an opportunity for people to really do their homework on what the best purchase decision might be after some of the challenges in the past couple of years,” Hayden added.

A key appeal of the Field Days is the opportunity for farmers to scrutinise potential equipment purchases closely before committing.

With its easily accessible, flat site in central Canterbury, the Kirwee event has become popular with both farmers and contractors keen to get to grips with the latest gear.

The planted crop on the Kirwee site showcases different outcomes using three different drill types, including a strip till drill and a later planted variety of maize.

“Despite the challenges of the past two years in sourcing and servicing equipment, machinery companies appreciate the SIAFD focused, farmer friendly approach enabling them to have indepth one on one contact with their ultimate clients,” Andrew concluded. But it will not only be machinery nuts who will get something out of the event. Organisers have gone to efforts to keep the Field Days’ appeal broad across the rural community. This includes also supporting a growing number of agritech exhibitors keen to showcase their latest developments, incorporating an Innovations Award with the winner announced during the event. A wide range of quality food and drink vendors will be on hand offering some of the best local offerings to visitors.

Message from Nicola Grigg

It’s Autumn show season and I’m really looking forward to attending the Malvern A&P Show and South Island Agricultural Field Days this month!

I will have a National Party stall at both events and would love to see as many of you as I can, so feel free to come over for a chat. I will be hosting a number of my National Party colleagues at Field Days, including Agriculture Spokesperson Todd Muller and National Leader Christopher Luxon, on Thursday 30th March. Please do come along to share your views and ideas with usor just say hi!

Nicola Grigg, MP for Selwyn.

Demonstration

Co-ordinator Andrew Stewart said, “all the respected brands of tractors, machines and cultivation equipment will be on display this year. I expect up to fifty different pieces of equipment will be on active demonstration throughout the Field Days’ duration.

“We have doubled the area put into maize this year for demonstrating drilling methods and harvesters in response to a lot of farmer interest in the crop as an option instead of importing more expensive supplements as costs have risen

With one eye on recent weather events in the North Island, organisers have also welcomed the offer by ACE Homes to put a movable home up for auction, with proceeds going to the Rural Support Trust.

“The heart of the South Island Field Days are the rural communities on whom our exhibitors rely so much. It is an event to celebrate not only the latest and greatest in equipment and machinery but also the innovation and inspiration that our rural communities generate,” Hayden concluded.

TROPHY PRESENTATIONS:

• Day 1 - 4:30pm: Announcement of the Agri-Innovations award.

• Day 2 - 3:30pm: Best small and large sites awards.

• Day 2 - 3:35pm: Hamish Reid Memorial Trophy for the Best Overall Site.

• Day 3 - 3:40pm: Phillip van de Klundert Memorial Trophy for the Best Demonstration.

29-31

March 2023 Kirwee

Chairperson - Hayden Dorman

Hayden Dorman has taken on the role of Chairperson for the South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) Organising Committee, for the 2023 Event. He has been on the committee for twelve years. Hayden served his earlier days in Young Farmers as Dunsandel

Club Chair and Tasman Regional Chair.

Hayden lives in Rakaia, Mid Canterbury and is a passionate cow man who has been in the industry for twenty five years. He has two young boys, nine year old Adam and four year old Noah.

“We are pleased to be able to run the event without Covid disruptions, and have great support,” commented Hayden. “Field Days are a great way to support the area as it provides fundraising opportunities for local community organisations.

“The event is run by a great group of volunteers who are all extremely hard working people.

“Hopefully the weather plays its part, either way, it will be a fabulous event.

““We look forward to seeing lots of you there,” Hayden concluded.

Message from Sam Broughton

Hot on the heels of the Malvern A&P Show is New Zealand’s longest running Field Days, the South Island Agricultural Field Days between March 29th - 31st, in Kirwee. This is a great day out for the whanau, but the main aim of the field days is to offer farmers and others in the rural sector the opportunity to get together and experience first-hand the cutting-edge developments in agricultural machinery and services. With more than 100 specialist agricultural machines taking part in live demonstrations each day, it’s a must for anybody keen to develop their capability or update their farming equipment from harvesters, cultivators, drills and other specialist equipment. Head along and celebrate our strong rural heritage and see the very latest technology our district leads with. Mark up your diary and make a day of it with your friends and family.

Sam Broughton, Selwyn Mayor.