Hawke's Bay Farming Lifestyles, December 2020

December 2020 edition

Farming with many talents Pages 4–5

Illegal agrichemical spray drift

A blooming enterprise

30

Irrigation eyes in the skies

P6

www.thornhill.co.nz | 06 870 0803

P14

2

December 2020 HAWKE’S BAY FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

Integrity community media

The Hawkes Bay Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned NZ company.

Phone: 0800 466 793 Email: info@integrity.nz General Manager: Deb Wright | deb.wright@integrity.nz | 021 639 696

Hazards project re-engaged The Hawke’s Bay coastal hazards project is re-engaging with the community to build solutions for the coast between Clifton and Tangoio.

Editorial: Ann van Engelen, Paul Campbell, Andy Bryenton Advertising: Leanne Anania Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz Distribution: Laurie Willetts Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

– Tecnofruit Picking Platforms – Orchard, Vineyard & Topping Mowers 1416 Omahu Rd, Hastings 0800 425 299

Call Us Today!

“A proud family company-Est-1975”

PETER WARREN M: 027 443 2154 E: peter@betterbuiltnz.co.nz

• NEW HOMES • RENOVATIONS • DESIGN & BUILD

WWW.BETTERBUILTNZ.CO.NZ

SUPER SHOPPES NZ’s PREMIUM AUTOMOTIVE CENTRES

AUTO SUPER SHOPPES GREENMEADOWS Steve Niethe 06 844 6171

14 Gloucester St, Napier 4112 | tac.greenmeadows@airnet.net.nz autosupershoppes.co.nz

SAFETY FIRST

ON THE FARM

BRANDERSON HOMES LTD PRE BUILT HOMES

OFFICE LOCATED AT: 37 HAUTAPU RD, CAMBRIDGE � TELEPHONE: 07 827 3901 Email: branderson.homes@xtra.co.nz ������������������� Web: www.brandersonhomes.co.nz Please send us an information pack about your Transportable Pre-Built Homes Name Address Phone __________________________ Style/Size Please mail to: Branderson Homes Ltd, PO Box 434, Cambridge, 3450

The first workshop, discussing northern design options was held recently

The joint committee met to discuss a series of community workshops, aimed at testing the project workstream outputs ahead of formal consultation in 2021, as well as a proposed funding review.

“This is complex work that we are asking the community to look at and consider. We are talking about engineering design, and the related impacts — costs, communities, housing, recreation, longevity of solutions,” says Coastal Hazards Joint Committee chair and Regional Councillor Jerf van Beek.

“We want to take action on solutions as quickly as possible, but we know this needs to be with community support.

Since assessment panels gave us their report in 2018, the project team has been busy developing the details around those recommendations, including developing a coastal processes model, concept designs for the proposed actions, revised costings and a funding model.

“We have a series of workshops lined up to talk about this work over the next six months. This is really exciting, nationally-leading work on coastal hazards and climate change, but it takes time to develop scenarios and work through with the community.”

The first workshop was in November and looked at the design options for the

Northern Cells — Pandora, Westshore, Bay View and Whirinaki. The committee, made up of partner councils and iwi, confirmed retired judge Mr Raynor Asher QC is to lead a proposed funding review. The review will resolve questions about which council should lead the implementation of the strategy, in part due to a lack of legislative guidance.

“While this issue has been highlighted to the central government and new legislation may be in development to resolve it, the committee elected to push on with seeking a local solution, and are looking to develop recommendations based on current law and practical and administrative considerations.

“This outcome, once developed, will provide all parties with clarity of role and a clear path to implementing outcomes confirmed by the strategy,” says Mr van Beek.

Mr Asher was appointed to the High Court bench in 2005 and to the Court of Appeal in 2016. He retired from the Court of Appeal in 2019 and is now practising as a barrister and arbitrator/ mediator. He is now being briefed and will commence work on the review early in 2021. The funding model, individual designs, costs and other elements will be the focus of public consultation before any final decisions are made.

HAWKE’S BAY FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

Illegal agrichemical spray drift

The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council says a $14,000 fine for an orchard that allowed an illegal agrichemical spray drift sends a strong signal to the horticulture sector that poor practice will not be tolerated.

Johnny Appleseed Holdings Ltd pleaded guilty to discharging agrichemicals into the air in breach of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Resource Management Plan.

On September 23 2019, two cyclists were riding along the path bordering an orchard in Otene Road in Hastings.

A spray operator employed by Johnny Appleseed was spraying the orchard at the time.

The cyclists were covered in spray from the sprayer, wetting their hair despite the helmets they were wearing.

There were no signs on the pathway that spraying was in progress.

Following a complaint, a Hawke’s Bay Regional Council environmental officer attended the scene and observed two orchard sprayers operating in a gusty wind. Spray could clearly be seen blowing over the path and Otene Road.

The agrichemicals the cyclists came into contact with were Calibra (a fertiliser), Folicur (a fungicide classified as hazardous), Mantrac (a fertiliser classified as hazardous) and Pristine (a fungicide classified as hazardous).

In the Hastings District Court, Johnny Appleseed pleaded guilty. Judge Dickey fined the company $14,000.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s group manager policy and regulation, Katrina Brunton, says the large fine serves as a strong signal to orchardists that they

must comply with the law.

“Sprays can be dangerous to public health and need to be used with great care and diligence. We will not tolerate poor practice from the horticulture sector, and will rigorously enforce the law to protect people and the environment. The fine should discourage others from not taking the proper precautions when using agrichemical spray.

“This is the fourth successful prosecution for the regional council this year. We are committed to pursuing illegal activities through the courts to enforce the rules that Katrina Brunton, Hawke’s Bay protect our community and Regional Council group manager policy and regulation our environment.”

Earlier this month Farmers Transport Ltd and Dynes Transport Ltd pleaded guilty to discharging a milk solution contaminant into water and were fined a total of $37,000. Also this year, two other companies were fined $11,900 and $12,555 for illegal burning.

If anyone has information regarding unauthorised discharges to land, air or water they should contact the council’s 24/7 Pollution Hotline on 0800 108 838.

DRIVE SAFE On Rural Roads

GUNS

MIN $250

CRAFTYS RODS

SYNTHETIC RRP $799

LESS $250

TRADE IN ONLY

TRADE IN ON THE ETERNAL IMPACTOR SEMI-AUTO SHOTGUNS 28” 3”MAG

WALNUT RRP $899

, ANY ANY GUN ION IT D CON ED TIME

LESS $250

IMPACTOR SEMI AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN

Pay attention! around road works

06 879 6099 OR ELWYN 027 404 2535

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT’S AROUND THE CORNER

HAWKE’S BAY FENCING CONTRACTORS

• Rural • Farms • Retaining Walls • Temporary • Security • Industrial • Tennis Courts • Electric

TRADE IN

LIMIT

Caliber: 3” (76mm), Gauge: 12, Barrel Length: 28” (71cm), Magazine Capacity: 4+1, Frame: Ergal Aluminium, 5 Chokes, Overall Length: 124 cm, Weight: 3,30 kg, Synthetic or Walnut

$549

December 2020

ONLY

$649

Call Gordon Now! 027 450 5230 PO Box 1125, Napier 4110

108 Maraekakaho Road, Stortford Lodge, Hastings Ph 06 878 2800 www.crays.co.nz

Taking care of your trees 06 844 7777 www.greenscene.co.nz

Bulk post peelings supplied and delivered or supply only

Please call Bevan on 027 405 7000 · Commercial · Rural · Lifestyle · · Woodlots · Residential ·

STANDOFF PADS • CALF SHEDS • HERD HOMES • BARNS • LANDSCAPING

3

4

December 2020 HAWKE’S BAY FARMING LIFESTYLES

Farming with many talents

by Ann van Engelen Tania Cresswell manages her parents’ 55-hectare dairy farm, has artificially inseminated more than 25,000 dairy cows and is often seen on the car-racing circuit.

T

he 29-year-old milks 160 cows and is the third generation from her family to farm the property.

“We have 10 hectares of flats, and the remainder of the land is hilly. It was bought by my grandparents Bob and Gladys Cresswell in 1950, and I now manage it for my parents Keith and Gayle,” says Tania.

“Our herd is predominantly Holstein Friesian, and the farm produced 52,000 kilograms of milksolids in the 2019–20 season, which was about 10,000 kgMS less than normal. The farm’s best production has been 65,000kgMS. “I jump onto my two-wheeler motorbike every morning by 4am and bring the cows to the 14-aside milking

shed. An easy-going temperament is one of the main traits I strive for in a cow. I work alone a lot of the time, so having a docile animal is crucial.

“I also give the cows a mineral drench in the shed, things like magnesium and iodine, and quiet cows are easier to drench. During milking, I work my way down the pit, changing clusters and identifying cows to draft for artificial insemination.

“I have been an AI technician for 10 years and did my training with LIC in 2011. After a month working as an apprentice, I was given my own AI run.

It is a really rewarding job. During the season it is a daily race against the clock to get my farm jobs done and

CONFIRMED

CONFIRMED

SIS BALL COCK VALVE

Watching the New Zealand Rally Championship race past the family CONFIRMED property sparked an interest in the sport and Tania is now a co-driver

Price $99.50+GST EACH

CONFIRMED

Freight free anywhere in NZ • Buy 10 receive 12 and 2x service kits

• 3 models available – all the one price • Nearly indestructible • Only NZ Manufacturer providing lifetime guarantee on the body of the ballcock

CONFIRMED (DIFFERENT LOGO STYLE) CONFIRMED (DIFFERENT LOGO STYLE)

www.sisballcock.co.nz | 0800 175 720 Only available direct from manufacturer

SAFETY FIRST

ON THE FARM

CONFIRMED (DIFFERENT LOGO STYLE)

9162_nzhearing_BusinessCard_BARCLAY_v1.indd 2

CONFIRMED (DIFFERENT LOGO STYLE) 9162_nzhearing_BusinessCard_BARCLAY_v1.indd 2 9162_nzhearing_BusinessCard_BARCLAY_v1.indd 2

SERVICING THE PUKETAPU, PATOKA AND PUKETITIRI AREA FOR • Balage • Grass silage • Grass/Lucerne silage supply • Cultivation • Drilling • Maize/beet planting • Earthmoving requirements • Spraying Callum 021 308 684 • E info@ct.net.nz • CT.NET.NZ

3/12/18 12:55 PM 3/12/18 12:55 PM

It's the dirtiest job on the farm!

TO BE CONFIRMED

9162_nzhearing_BusinessCard_BARCLAY_v1.indd 2

Let us take care of your woolshed.

Clean Sweep Woolsheds can quickly and efficiently remove all the TO BE CONFIRMED TO BE CONFIRMED manure from under your woolshed, count out pens and covered yards, giving you a cleaner and healthier shed. Less ammonia smell and faster drying sheep.

• Fast • Cost effective • Operated from outside • Can reach the furthermost point

Phone Mark for a no obligation free quote 027 682 1186

TO BE CONFIRMED

3/12

www.cleansweepwoolsheds.nz

3/12/18

HAWKE’S BAY FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

be on the road by 7.15am. I cover approximately 12 local dairy farms each day, inseminating cows on heat.

“Mating is one of the busiest times of the year, and people can often get stuck in their farm bubbles for long periods.

The aspect I enjoy the most is getting out and talking to other farmers.

“If the grass isn’t growing and feed is in short supply, it is nice to be able to let farmers know others in the district are in a similar situation. The biggest farm on my run milks about 700 cows.

When they synchronise a large number of cows to come on heat together, I have to inseminate 120 cows in one visit, and that can take up to two hours.”

According to LIC, Tania has inseminated 25,611 cows since she started as an AI technician. That is approximately 2,561 inseminations a year.

“I usually get home at 11am at the earliest from my AI run. After a quick bite to eat, I head back out on the farm to do my chores. We tend to say we have mountain cows rather than just plain dairy cows.

“The prolonged drought had a big impact on grass growth and milk production last season. I ended up switching to once-a-day milking at the start of March, which isn’t something we had done before I had to dry off, or stop milking the cows, on May 6 this year, three weeks earlier than usual.

“The farm was the driest it has been in living memory. Going once-a-day helped the cows hold some of their condition.

Milk production on the property usually averages 380–400kgMS per cow. We

5

✓ Farms, Lifestyle Blocks, Orchards, Vineyards ✓ Mini Rounds ✓ Mini Squares Ph: 06 858 8773 Mobile: 027 725 1306 www.minibaleshb.co.nz

Lacey is the maternal sister of Whariti EO Hillbury S3F’s dam

don’t do any summer cropping. We rely on pasture and feed out grass silage harvested from a nearby 60-hectare runoff. Cows have access to up to two kilograms a day each of palm kernel and molasses during the spring that is fed in trailers.

“The farm sits 170–220 metres above sea level, meaning calving does not start until August 5. We purchased a neighbouring 42-hectare block in 2009, and we winter the herd there.”

Cows and genetics is not Tania’s only hobby. She is often found in the front seat of a rally car on gravel roads, racing

Dam Weed Guard Protect Your Pump From Costly Repairs – Keep Your Water The Best It Can Be • Are you having trouble with rubbish getting into your farm pump?

• Weeds building up on your water filter? • Algae blocking your water lines?

at speeds of more than 200 kilometres an hour as a co-driver for Ashburton drystock farmer Wayne Muckle.

“I am a co-driver for Ashburton drystock farmer Wayne Muckle in the New Zealand Rally Championship. We used to have a hill climb on the public road that goes past our support block.

I would go and watch, and thought it looked fun.”

Read part two of Tania’s story next month.

NO JOB IS TOO BIG OR SMALL!

• Design and advice • Home automation • Compliance certification and testing • Philips Greenswitch member Our dedicated team of technicians have the skills to complete your project.

Call us Today!

06 876 9482

steve@best-forsyth.co.nz

Dam Weed Guard • Floats in your water supply (dam/creek) • Protects your filter from weeds & floating debris

December 2020

STAY AFLOAT

THIS SUMMER

Think water safety

FOR FARM, ORCHARD & LIFESTYLE BLOCK EARTHWORKS • House Sites & Driveways • Farm Dams • Post Driving

17 years experience in the business

• Diggers • Loader • Truck • Stump grinder • Compactor/auger Contact Andrew Ward 021 502 361 amexcavating66@gmail.com

Screen Filter lter with Stainless Steel mesh

Chlorine Tablet & Dispenser • Prevents most algae build up & blockages Stainless Steel Screen • Filters your water supply

Contact: Peter and Sheryl Tonkin

P: 09 4317276 • M: 027 353 7274 • www.damweedguard.co.nz

PRACTICAL HELP AND ADVICE TO LIFESTYLE BLOCK HOLDERS AND SMALL FARMS IN HAWKE’S BAY Phone: 027 817 6646 Email: admin@smallfarmserviceshb.co.nz Website: www.smallfarmserviceshb.co.nz

6

December 2020 HAWKE’S BAY FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

A blooming enterprise

by Ann van Engelen

Flowerland was established by Bert Tripp in 1966 and continues to be a family operated and owned business with his son Dick and daughter-in-law Jo now at the helm.

“D

ick joined the company in 1978 and is the grower. I have been with Dick since 1981 and look after the packing shed and dispatch side of things,” says Jo. “I come from a horticultural background as my family had an orchard.

I worked in banking for 13 years, which has helped with the administration of the business. We have 13,000 square metres undercover and grow a wide variety of flowers in 26 glasshouses.”

These include lilies, alstroemeria, roses, hypericum, gerberas, sunflowers, hydrangeas, sea holly, zinnias, hellebores, carnations and echinops.

“We also grow seasonal crops like strawflowers, kale and stock. We have foliage growing around the garden and shelterbelts such as pittosporums, viburnum, coppersheen and flaxes.

We source other foliages and flowers

such as chrysanthemums, lisianthus, calla lilies, snapdragons and stock from nurseries in the Waikato that we have had a long association with. We work with other nurseries in the South Island and lower and upper North Island as well.”

Continuing on from his dad, Dick sources the lily bulbs from Holland.

“My dad passed away 10 months ago in his late 80s. He had retired about 23 years ago. Taking over the business was easy for me as I had worked here for a number of years and it was well set up,” says Dick.

“For a start, we were the biggest carnation grower in New Zealand. As the popularity faded away, we diversified to other flowers to meet the market demand. We use new bulbs from Holland for the lilies every time we replant. They come in a container at -1.5 degrees. It is

When the flowers are harvested, they are predominantly sent to supermarkets, florists and flower markets across the country

Merry Chrismas HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON, FROM ALL OF US HERE AT THE HAWKE’S BAY FARMING LIFESTYLES

TERESA, MONIQUE, BRAXTON

ANN VAN ENGELEN

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGERS

JOURNALIST

Special thanks to all of our loyal advertisers, and those who have come on board in 2020 to help spread the message for their businesses.

After a year of challenges, you all deserve a relaxing and festive time with friends and family. We will return again in the new year to get 2021 off to a happy, positive and profitable start.

I believe 2020 is a year that will no doubt go down in history as a year that was life changing for us all. There were also many positive moments along the way to reflect on.

As we welcome in 2021, I would like to thank our clients, and readers, for your support and encouragement, and look forward to working alongside you next year. I wish you all a safe and memorable festive season.

For all your earthmoving needs Tracks, dams, roading, metalling, house sites and all general earthworks.

Access to river metal

teresa.steed@integrity.nz monique.mckenzie@integrity.nz braxton.epere@integrity.nz

ann.vanengelen@integrity.nz

BRENT TAYLOR PHONE: 027 352 0494 EMAIL: XCAV8@OUTLOOK.CO.NZ

HAWKE’S BAY FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2020

7

Dick and Jo Tripp have 15 staff at Flowerland with some having been with the company for 30 years A wide variety of flowers including gerbera, lilies and roses are grown in 26 glasshouses on the property

an interesting and challenging business but very satisfying.

“We still grow a few carnations and rotate our planting between lilies and sunflowers to rest the soil. Alstroemeria and other plants are grown under licence, which lasts five years. Then they have done their royalty time and are removed.

“The roses can stay in the ground for years, but the trends and varieties change so we consistently replace a couple of rows each year. When replanting we get the soil correct with fertiliser first to keep the plants at optimum performance. I get the flowers up to the picking stage and then Jo takes over with her team.”

Flowerland has 15 staff who help with all aspects of the business, including harvesting, planting, framing and wiring to support the crops.

“Some staff have been with us for 30 years. Being in the North Island we plant one or two weeks later than a South Island growers,” says Jo. “The main thing is timing the crops right with planting. Timing is critical for harvest, and you have to know the local climate and what is likely to happen. You don’t want the flowers ready too early or too late.

“We don’t get it right all the time. You can plant the same time annually, and the weather changes and throws harvest out, so now we plant a couple of weeks either side to counteract the risk.

“The younger generation have a trend of dried flowers and wreaths for Christmas. Misty is a fine plant, which is great for drying along with strawflowers and excess roses. During Covid, flower growers suffered as staff couldn’t work so we ploughed in 90 per cent of our

EAST COAST STUMP

GRINDERS (06) 835 7032

• STUMP REMOVAL • TREE REMOVAL

FRANK LAWSON

47 Burns Road, Ahuriri, Napier 027 298 9773 | frank.stumps@gmail.com

CYCLE HIDDEN NORTH ISLAND BACKROADS AND BEACHES

crops. Dick and I still tended to our plants and worked very long days. I also covered the packing shed windows in cardboard and cut long lengths of bamboo to create drying racks. We picked what we thought were the best drying roses, strawflowers and misty and hung them to dry.

“We send flowers overnight through Aramex, formerly Fastway Couriers.

We were their first-ever customer. My father-in-law, our bank manager and Bill McGowan had a discussion because we needed a special courier service. Bill started Fastways in Napier, and from there, it became a global entity. The company recently rebranded.

“To care for your flowers, recut them when you get home as stems dry and seal. It is like holding the bottom of a straw and saying drink.

“Make sure the containers are clean and change the water every couple of days and again recut t he stems.

“We put half a sachet of flower food in the water and a couple of drops of bleach to keep the bacteria out. Don’t sit them in the sun as they will wilt.

“Flowerland will be around for a long time yet.

“We are happy with what we do and enjoy the outside lifestyle. Having great staff also makes it more fun.”

Your Local Rural

Solution Centre • FULL PARTS AND RETAIL STORE • TRACTOR SALES AND SERVICE • FULLY EQUIPPED ENGINEERING AND MACHINING SERVICES • OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT SALES AND SERVICE • DIESEL SERVICE SHOP

Extraordinary accommodation, amazing food and service. Ebikes or regular bikes.

www.greenjersey.co.nz 021 074 6640 tours@greenjersey.co.nz

STEVENSON & TAYLOR LTD STEVENSON TAYLOR LTD PH: (06) 858 6041 • & E: info@sntltd.co.nz

stevensonandtaylor.co.nz info@sntltd.co.nz 2294 Takapau Road, Waipukurau, Hawke’s Bay 2294 Takapau Road, Waipukurau. www.stevensonandtaylor.co.nz

8

December 2020 HAWKE’S BAY FArmING LIFeSTYLeS ADVERTORIAL

Stories of the wild west coast The Kauri Coast, that region of forest giants, wild surf beaches and old colonial townships in the far north-west, is a very different place to the rest of Northland.

32 Mt Wesley Coast Road Harding Park Pou Tu o Te Rangi Dargaville P: 09 439 7555 E: info@dargavillemuseum.co.nz www.dargavillemuseum.co.nz

Oi!

DON’T TXT & DRIVE

With a history far removed from the planned and careful colonisation of the east coast, away from the guiding hand of the British Admiralty, the region centred on Dargaville has seen amazing stories unfold during the centuries.

From fierce battles, trade and seagoing exploration in pre-European times to the era of the hardy gumdiggers and the kauri bushmen, this is a place apart; New Zealand’s ‘wild west’. Capturing its tales of shipwrecks, adventures, innovations, adversity, cultures and colonisation is the job for a very special museum, largely run by passionate volunteers. No random collection of artefacts, the Dargaville Museum is designed to tell a story with each piece on display. From giant sawblades once driven by steam to slice through kauri as wide around as a locomotive, through to the original lighthouse which guided ships away from the dangerous Kaipara Harbour bar, each display comes with a tale or two from the rich history of this area.

The volunteer guides who often accompany visiting parties are engaged

History brings the land a new dimension — travellers to the north-west are well advised to stop by Dargaville Museum to learn more about the fascinating history of the Kauri Coast

with the heritage passed down from their great-great-grandparents, from carefully preserved old records and from the community.

The museum’s collection brings to life the hard work of the gum fields, the busy industry of the mills and shipyards, and the coming together of many peoples; Maori, Dalmatian, Scots, Irish, English and many others who journeyed here to make their fortune, when kauri gum was literally ‘as good as gold’. The Dargaville Museum’s collection spans everything from a giant pre-European waka carved from a single tree, to a

working steam-powered gum-washing plant, the nation’s smallest heritagelisted building, and the masts of the Rainbow Warrior, the antinuclear protest ship destroyed by French agents in the 1980s. The surrounding Harding Park contains a separate vintage machinery club, mountain biking trails, an authentic pa site, walking tracks and great views of the riverlands. If you’re visiting the Kauri Coast, add a new level of appreciation to your journey; stop by and delve into the history of this unique corner of New Zealand.

The Constant Angle Knife Sharpening System

WE SPECIALISE IN:

Pile and Post Driving for: ∙ Orchards ∙ Fences ∙ Lifestyle Blocks ∙ Retaining Walls ∙ House Pile driving ∙ Drilling for Shed Poles

Glen Taylor

027 436 1525

PRECISION

SERIES

Serene Screens Window screens

The indexed rotating clamping system 3 Angle adjustments 12°, 20°, 25° Your knife is always in the same place • High Grade Stainless Steel • Hygienic • Easy Care

Deluxe Precision Kit Pictured

See our website for the full range www.scarysharp.co.nz Talk to the manufacturer toll free 0800 175 720

AVON TUI SURI ALPACAS

Breeding Quality Suri Alpacas since 2014 Standing at Stud: Avon Tui Cosmic Dancer $600+GST Three cria to date — two supreme winners

Avon Tui Lumo Brilliante $500+GST Soon to be standing at stud: Top Mill Halil and Far North Zappa Some alpacas for sale, all enquires Welcome

Contact: Cheryl Hunter 364 Norsewood-Ormondville Rd, Norsewood Ph: 06 374 1775 | cherylfletcher@inspire.net.nz

Phantom screens are New Zealand’s leading provider of retractable insect screens/solar screens. Our focus is offering high quality products that are functional, practical and aesthetically pleasing.

We offer 3 simple and non-invasive options that can be installed in both new and existing buildings.

Our screens are custom made to fit and have the largest opening span compared to other products on the market.

For further information please feel free to check our products out at: www.phantomscreens.co.nz or alternatively give our friendly team a call on 027 664 2590.

Executive Screens Automatic screens

Brio Pleated Screens Door screens

Jeremy Evans — your local installer for the Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu and surrounding areas.

For a no obligation quote email jeremyevansbuilders@gmail.com

HAWKE’S BAY FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2020

“81,123kms

I’ll bank that, thanks!”

“I would’ve got another 2000-3000km, but today was the only day I could get into town over the next 2-3 weeks.”

B

rent Boyce explains, after purchasing a new set of Cooper A/T3’s; “My farm consultancy business typically means driving on-road over Takaka Hill (272 corners) 2-3 days/week, Whangamoa or Hope Saddles for the rest of the week, and when I get to the farms, spending around 1-2hrs/ day of 4WDing.

Brent Boyce Farm Consultant

I’d normally buy regular tyres for around $1,310 a set, costing 3.05¢/km; the Coopers are only 2.34¢/km. This is a saving of $511.20 annually - I’ll bank that thanks! Apart from the money saved, I now spend a lot less time changing tyres.

Plus they’re damn good tyres to drive on – I won’t be driving on anything else now!”

GUARANTEED UP TO

70,000KMS

CS5 GRAND TOURING

If you’re like Brent, and want to save money on your next set of 4WD tyres, contact Bay Tyres today or visit baytyres.co.nz to find your closest Bay Tyres shop.

GUARANTEED

GUARANTEED

AT3LT

ST MAXX

UP TO

80,000KMS

ALL - TERRAIN (HEAVY DUTY)

UP TO

70,000KMS

HEAVY DUTY ALL TERRAIN

Keeping Hawke’s Bay rolling!

- Locally owned and operated with 3 branches covering Hawke’s Bay - On site servicing specialising in ALL agricultural needs (Tractor, Truck, Trailers, Quads etc.)

- 10 Fully equipped Fleet service vehicles - 24/7 Callout service available - Fully independent so we are able to obtain ANY brand of tyre that you want - Fully equipped workshops catering for all of your families tyres and wheel alignment needs - Farmlands card accepted here, just give us your name and shareholder number and the job is tidy - Big or small we do it all, from your family/teenagers car, farm ute, quad, tractor and even your wheelbarrow or trolley - we have it covered!

- Combining expert local knowledge we will recommend and fit tyres that suit your driving, vehicle and the terrain that you drive on - Bay Tyres has the largest range of tyres in Hawke’s Bay and is the largest commercial operator in Hawke’s Bay - We are proudly Hawke’s Bay owned and operated.

baytyres.co.nz

Bay Tyres Onekawa (06) 843 9119 onekawa@baytyres.co.nz 47 Austin Street, Onekawa, Napier

Bay Tyres Napier (06) 835 4709 napier@baytyres.co.nz 25 Carlyle Street, Napier

Bay Tyres Hastings (06) 879 7029 hastings@baytyres.co.nz 221 Wilson Road, Hastings

9

10

December 2020 HAWKE’S BAY FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

Tackling nitrogen leaching

Fonterra and Nestle’ are teaming up with DairyNZ to expand a promising plantain trial to help improve waterways and reduce onfarm greenhouse gas emissions.

Incorporating certain varieties of plantain into a cow’s diet has been shown to reduce the nitrogen concentration in their urine, which can leach through soil into groundwater.

To test the benefits in local pastures, DairyNZ has been leading the Tararua Plantain Project in the lower North Island, where farmers have been growing the leafy herb for their cows.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is also involved as a key contributor, and Fonterra and Nestle’ are helping expand the project further through additional funding and by sharing expertise.

“We are all about finding ways to ensure Aotearoa New Zealand has a thriving environment and a thriving farming economy,” says Fonterra’s director of On-Farm Excellence Charlotte

Rutherford. “We can achieve more by partnering with others, so it is great to join forces with DairyNZ and Nestle’.

This is helping to speed up the adoption of plantain by farmers. Ultimately it could be a real game-changer to reduce nitrogen from cows and help mitigate nitrous oxide emissions.”

The new collaboration is helping to accelerate the uptake of Ecotain, a blend of environmentally functional plantain cultivars developed by seed company Agricom. Currently, 50 Tararua farms have started to use plantain, through DairyNZ’s Tararua Plantain Project.

With the funding boost from Fonterra and Nestle’, it is expected these farms, and more will increase the amount they grow, therefore maximising the benefits.

Ecotain has been used in studies by

Email: info@hecton.co.nz Visit our website www.hecton.co.nz for a full list of products

SHEEP HANDLER AND LEAD UP RACE • Fastest handler on the market • Ideal for dagging, crutching & foot trimming

HECTON WEIGH CRATE

Including plantain in dairy cows’ diet shows promise to improve waterways, and possibly reduce greenhouse gas emissions

DairyNZ, Agricom, Lincoln University, Massey University and AgResearch, with results showing it can significantly reduce nitrogen leaching.

Preliminary studies also show it has the potential to lower on-farm GHG emissions through the reduction of nitrous oxide, which is promising news for farmers.

Nestle’, the world’s largest food company and a customer of Fonterra’s, was keen to be involved in the Tararua project given the commitments it has made around sustainability. “Working

with our suppliers and others is critical for achieving Nestle’s target of net zerocarbon emissions by 2050. Reducing on-farm greenhouse gas emissions and protecting waterways will help us get there and we’re pleased to partner with Fonterra and DairyNZ on this initiative,” says Nestlé’s Robert Erhard.

The project also focusses on improving understanding of how farmers can implement Ecotain successfully and engaging farmers through workshops, events and a national farmer network to extend knowledge.

Capable of: • Weighing • Drafting • Dagging • Mouthing • Ear Tagging • Capsuling

Quality TRACTOR SERVICES

Call in & see us | 73 Preston Street | Invercargill | Phone: 03 215 8558

QUAD BIKE SAFETY Think think think.

Think about what you’re carrying. Think about where you’re going.

TRACTOR & MACHINERY REPAIRS: • Repairing of all tractor and farm implements • Repair of Diesel Engines • Make & Repair all Hydraulic hoses • Tractor Restoration

• Stockist of Valvoline oil • Good range of oil filters in stock • Can supply Tractor Parts & implements to meet your needs

Ph: 06 858 8590 • Simon Davies 027 240 4848 qualitytractorservices@gmail.com • www.facebook.com/qualitytractorservices

Welcome to Hawke’s Bay You made the right choice by moving to our friendly Hawke’s Bay Community!

For all your accountancy needs, we welcome you to choose:

Call us now on 06 858 8796 | Email info@ruralaccountantshb.co.nz Visit 45 Ruataniwha Street, Waipukurau | 100 Queen Street East, Hastings

Services: • Farm Accounting Specialists • Business Accounting • Taxation Planning • Estate Planning • Succession Planning • Business Analysis • Benchmarking

HAWKE’S BAY FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2020

W AT E R M AT T E R S

Small leaks — big losses

MEADS EARTHWORKS LTD

by Paul Campbell

Underground water lines on rural properties are subject to breaks and leakage, and a leaking water line can lose a massive amount of water if it’s not repaired promptly, about 14,000 litres a day, for example, through a hole the size of a small nail.

With a water meter, it’s easy to do an overnight check for problems. Just read the meter before going to bed, then first thing in the morning. The difference should be minimal.

Watching for leaks if you don’t have a meter is a little more difficult. The obvious first step is to watch for wet spots on dry ground, there could be water soaking the ground from the line below, or for pasture areas that grow more quickly than others.

Sometimes you can hear the water rushing out of the pipe, so keep an ear to the ground! So keeping an eye out, and that ear to the ground can make a real difference.

Getting the water to you; it’s not cheap and it’s not easy! We drink it, cook with it, shower under it, or bathe in it.

We use it to wash our dishes, clothes and cars. Access to fresh, clean and plentiful drinking water is a cornerstone of modern society. If you’re on town supply, it’s easy to take water for granted.

For the vast majority of rural residents, rainwater is the key to household use, with irrigation coming from streams

11

are here for you...

Landscaping, Earthmoving, Digging, Tree Removal Demolition, Levelling, Dumping, Bulldozing & Clearing

Over 20 years experience We’re based in Hawkes Bay so get in touch to find out more information about us today Phone: 021 500 883

An underground water leak can be very obvious

and creeks and perhaps aquifers. So maintenance is vital. DairyNZ has some good advice.

• Identify problem areas and mark locations of weak spots on a farm map • Gradually upgrade older sections to help prevent water loss • Replace ill-fitting connections to decrease the risk of leaks • Bring the problem areas to the attention of everyone working on the farm Water lines that are near the surface, run under races or over drains are at particular risk of damage.

• Bury the lines deeper to protect them • If renewing or replacing lines, bury them alongside a fence to give added protection • To prevent problems where water lines must go under races, place them inside a larger rigid pipe for protection • Where lines cross drains, strap them securely to the bottom side of a pipe or post

100 IT’S NOT A TARGET

• Bring these water lines to the attention of everyone working on the farm

New

s Fla

Introducing...

QUALITY DAIRY EFFLUENT LINER INSTALLATIONS

• We provide HDPE Geomembranes for fresh water storage, effluent containment and ornamental ponds.

• HDPE Liners meet all current standards and are proven in the harsh New Zealand environment Quality dairy effluent liners.

0800 1 LINER

Flash Gas And Plumbing Limited Bringing a quality and value-added service to the industry by a certified Gasfitter and Maintenance plumber.

20 year produc t warran ty

- 0800 154 637 Email: info@envirolinenz.co.nz • www.envirolinenz.co.nz

DOES YOUR LAND NEED DRAINAGE? CALL THE EXPERTS TODAY! P: 06 8787567 | E: sales@awakeri.co.nz WEB: www.awakeridrainage.co.nz

sh!

Expertise provided in: Gasfitting Gas W.O.F For more information go to: www.flashgasandplumbing.co.nz Plumbing Phone: 027 243 5274 Water Filters Campbell Winter - Company Director

12

December 2020 HAWKE’S BAY FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

PLUMBING

DRAINAGE

GAS FITTING

Devine Plumbing is a locally owned plumbing, drainage and gas fitting company based in Hawkes Bay. We are a progressive modern company that can provide cost effective solutions for all your plumbing needs.

We pride ourselves on genuine customer service and quality workmanship.

We can tackle any job big or small. With a wealth of knowledge and a can-do kiwi attitude we are Hawkes Bay's first call for any plumbing, drainlaying or gasfitting projects.

Design • Installation Servicing • Repairs Agents for:

WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

Call: 06 651 2200

HAWKE’S BAY FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2020

W AT E R M AT T E R S

Savings on the dairy front

Summer is soon to be upon us, and as usual, rural thoughts turn to water usage, whether the weather will be kind or not, and of course, new regulations that have many people looking askance at the government rules effective from September this year.

Water is a very valuable resource, and a lot is used in the milking shed. DairyNZ advises that efficient processes for milk cooling, vat wash and yard hosing can add up to significant savings.

The primary milk cooling system should use about two to three times as much water for the volume of milk cooled.

If there is a continuous flow of water when milk is coming through the cooler intermittently, more water is being used than necessary.

To cut this water use a solenoid valve can be installed at the inlet to the cooler and linked to the milk pump, or a variable flow drive so water and milk flow match.

Use correct flow rates through the plate cooler — two to three litres to every one litre of milk. Increasing water volume does not decrease water temperature.

Ensure the plate cooler is serviced regularly and has adequate pumps and water storage to function efficiently.

Cleaning and improving the efficiency of plate cooling will require the services of a technician who can align the plate’s spacings correctly. Ensure all refill tanks and cylinders have an automatic shutoff to avoid overflows. Toilet cisterns or

13

Need a

plumber?

06 211 6462 eastcoastplumbingandgas.co.nz/booknow

The well-managed milking shed can save water

trough floats have been used as proven refill and shut-off options.

Improving yard washing efficiency is another way to improve the bottom line on the farm ledger.

On warm, sunny days, pre-wet the yard with a hose or sprinkler to help prevent dung from sticking.

Use a scraper or a chain inside an old yard hose on the backing gate to break up dung before hosing and wash the yard after each milking.

Hose the yard with high water volume under low pressure so you are pushing effluent not spraying it around and

maybe include a timer setting on the yard washdown pump.

Set a time standard for washdown and train staff to achieve it. Flood wash with green water recycled from the effluent pond.

There are strict compliance requirements for this practice under the New Zealand Food Safety Authority’s Code of Practice for the Design and Operation of Farm Dairies (NZCP1). If you are recycling green water, get advice from your dairy company representative to ensure you are compliant with terms and conditions of supply.

Be water wise this summer

DON’T WASTE IT

Inspection - Vacuum Filter + Recycle - Clean - Certification Cost effective tank cleaning and water purification system to your doorstep.

“Most of your water remains and its cleaned!”

Safe H2O provides a unique and innovative solution to clean your water tank and your water. Our mobile unit is fully equipped with a state of the art nanofiltration system which filters your water to .001 of a micron.

Tank sediment is vacuumed out using heavy duty vacuum pumps while your water remains in the tank.

Nick Whyte 021 678 659 / 0800 723 3420 ec@safeh2o.co.nz | www.coastwater.co.nz SafeH2OEastCoast

14

December 2020 HAWKE’S BAY FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

W AT E R M AT T E R S

Irrigation eyes in the skies

by Andy Bryenton

With confirmation this year that irrigation for cropping is the single biggest user of fresh water on Earth, the focus has shifted toward making the best use of water resources in applications such as vineyards, orchards and arable fields. In this new paradigm, knowledge is power.

New Zealand is blessed with an abundance of fresh water compared to many other nations. However, it’s still a resource that costs money to source and reticulate. A savvy farmer would ideally know exactly where water was needed to avoid ‘broadcasting’ irrigation to areas already well hydrated. In the very near past systems have indeed been developed to render that data to mobile devices, often by using probes emplaced in the roots of trees or vines.

However, other developments in technology have been happening at the same time. These have put highresolution cameras and scanning equipment over our heads; some say it’s the inadvertent knock-on of military and espionage applications. The result; commercial satellite launches have now MUT machines for accurate agriculture

in orbit, with some of the most advanced belonging to the European Space Agency and the government of China.

Their system, dubbed Gaofen, is designed to image transpiration and crop growth in real time, helping feed the one and a half billion citizens of the People’s Republic.

While in the capitalist sphere, an app called IrriWatch may point the way forward. The app receives information through satellites. Earth observation satellites measure spectral radiation from irrigated crops.

The images from satellites such as Landsat and GPM are available for free and may be used to create a time series.

Other satellites measure the fraction of vegetation cover that represents the crops’ phenological phase, the amount of solar radiation absorbed for

IS THE WATER LEVEL GETTING LOW IN YOUR TANK?

NEED WATER DELIVERY AND CLEAN DRINKING WATER SUPPLY? RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | RURAL RELIABLE, PROFESSIONAL AND QUALITY EARTHWORKS

Backed up with drone or soil probe information, satellite moisture data can help farmers cut back on over-irrigation for better profits

photosynthesis and rainfall. Phenology is the study of crop development cycles and how these are influenced by climate change and habitat factors.

With this information at hand, on a field by field basis, farmers can accurately apportion scarce water supplies. Initial tests were undertaken

FE ED A S OS E CL RAG N E TO S

BULK CARTAGE AND FRESH WATER DELIVERY IN THE HAWKE’S BAY.

in Kazakhstan, due to its arid southern areas and the fact that a satellite launching cosmodrome is situated in this country.

Early adopters in New Zealand are already able to access similar programs, which combine with weather forecasts to cut irrigation costs significantly.

WATER STORAGE SOLVED Flexi Tanks NZ are a cost effective solution ideal for, viticulture, horticulture and agriculture. Our tanks are strong, enclosed bladders that can store anywhere form 1,000 litres to 2,000,000 litres of quality water.

• • • • •

BOURKE CONTRACTORS | 176 Napier Road, Havelock North 06 877 7186 | bourkecontractorsltd.co.nz

Stores water as clean as the day it enters the tank, no pests, no contamination Rapid 1 - 2 hour installation with minimal site preparation Safe, enclosed and self supporting 10 year manufactures warranty & up to 20 years life expectancy Various size options, can be custom made to suit project

Phone: 027 7063 633 Email: andre@flexitanksnz.com Web: flexitanksnz.com

HAWKE’S BAY’S MOST TRUSTED WATER RETICULATION COMPANY info@aqualinecontractors.co.nz | www.aqualinecontractors.co.nz

PH: 06 879 6238

HAWKE’S BAY FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2020

W AT E R M AT T E R S

15

Map inaccuracies must be corrected

by Andy Bryenton

The Ministry for the Environment acknowledges problems with the low-slope farmland map, which is at the heart of stock exclusion regulations, particularly relating to sheep and beef farms.

Now Beef + Lamb New Zealand is calling on its constituents to assist in putting the anomalies right. Under new farming rules, low-slope land, flatter and less undulating than much of our farmed hilly country, is subject to stock exclusion measures, with fencing required to keep livestock out of waterways. A map designed to clarify the boundaries of these zones has been found inaccurate, with mapping anomalies categorising swathes of hilly land as ‘low slope’.

It has significant implications for the management of rolling and hill country.

This type of country was not originally intended to be captured by the stock exclusion regulations. The ministry is therefore looking to farmers to help to build a picture of the scale of the mapping inaccuracy and help them identify what the potential solutions may be. A feedback form is available for farmers at mfe.govt.nz/fresh-water/ freshwater-acts-and-regulations/stockexclusion-regulations.

Hill country farmland may have been erroneously tagged as ‘low-slope’ and thus subject to waterway fencing rules, as a new map from the government proves problematic in its implementation

B+LNZ’s environment strategy manager, Corina Jordan, encourages farmers to fill in the form, saying it’s relatively straightforward and provides useful prompts to ensure all information is included.

She says B+LNZ is strongly encouraging affected farmers to engage in this process as this will help the organisation advocate the government, on behalf of farmers, to find sensible solutions quickly to the issues identified.

“We continue to work closely with the government to find a way forward on regulations that are impractical to implement on-farm and don’t have the positive environmental outcomes we are all seeking.”

While B+LNZ acknowledges the basic principle of the rule and agrees that more intensively farmed stock on low-slope land should be fenced off from rivers or streams more than one metre wide, extensively grazed

land, including land above 10 degrees, should not require stock exclusion by fencing.

“Given the scale of the inaccuracies, B+LNZ would prefer the map was replaced with a general rule that regional councils would be empowered to give effect to.

“This could be through either a 10-degree slope-trigger based at the paddock scale or by undertaking their own regional mapping.”

WATER TANK CLEANER Tank Doctor

WATER TANK CLEANING & REPAIRS

• Covering rural & coastal areas • Domestic & commercial tanks “We do not clean septic tanks”

Ph Nick 021 050 0400 or 06 211 8973

CLOUD WATER PURIFICATION

• Whole House filter unit installation • Kitchen Bench filter unit installation • Filter replacement service • UV filters from Viqua Sterilight, outstanding performance • Carbon Block filters from Matrikx and Omnipure, the best in the world

Get in touch and get your water sorted!

021 0283 7384 | jason.cloudwater@gmail.com | cloudwater.co.nz

We think outside the box to deliver you the best.

We are focused and passionate about innovation, expert technical advice and consistently high quality workmanship across plumbing, drainage, gas and heating solutions.

06______________________________________________ 878 2359 | 0508 22 88 99 | advancedplumbing.co.nz We're proud supporters of the Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter

16

December 2020 HAWKE’S BAY FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

W AT E R M AT T E R S

ADVERTORIAL

Providing a top service

by Billy Whyte

I started out working on machinery around 10 years ago in Australia and then worked in New Zealand for both civil and drainage companies so, with the experience gained throughout the years, I decided to start Precision Digger Worx at the beginning of this year and venture out on my own.

It has been an interesting year to start a business to say the least, having Covid-19 taking us all by surprise and my wife and I having our second child!

The work Precision Digger Worx does is varied, and that’s the way we like it.

One day I’ll be on a farm installing a culvert and the next, I’ll be prepping for concrete on a new build in town.

We take care of varied clients across Hawke’s Bay from builders and plumbers to farmers and homeowners. Also, with our auger attachments we even cater to fencers, wineries, orchards and much more.

We pride ourselves in providing topnotch service to our clients. With our compact digger and truck setup, I find it fast and efficient in unloading and setting up at job sites and getting into those hard to reach areas. I love working here in the Hawke’s Bay, and I have had a great response with the business so far.

So, if you’re in need of an honest digger service with professional experience at a reasonable rate, get in touch with Billy Whyte at

Precision Digger Worx via phone 022 649 1618 or email

precisiondiggerworx@gmail.com and feel free to check us out on Facebook.

PRECISION DIGGER WORX

Landscaping – Service Trenches Driveways – New Lawns – Concrete Prep Stump Removals – Post holes Fence Lines – Site Clearing Culverts – Foundations And more...

CALL BILLY TODAY!

NEED MORE WATER ON YOUR FARM?

For ANY Digger Work & a Professional Job Guaranteed!

PH 022 649 1618

Design Ι Installation Ι Service

Email: precisiondiggerworx@gmail.com ‘Precision Digger Worx’

Pond/Dam Liners LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED FOR OVER 25 YEARS

• 20 year UV warranty • Certified (AS/NZS 4020) potable fabric • Liners made in New Zealand • Super strong Australian-made fabric • Easy to self-install • From $12+gst per m2

Project Management Customised Solutions Solar olar - Diesel - Electric

Transport & Marine Covers Ltd E: sales@tmcovers.co.nz Ph: 03 546 6809 Web: www.tmcovers.co.nz TM Covers

www.harrispumps.co.nz 500 Omahu Road, Hastings Ι 06 878 8622

HAWKE’S BAY FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2020

17

• Hydroseeding • Land Clearance • Whole Tree Chipping • Shelterbelts Commercial Contractors

Residential Homes and Gardens

Eastland Network Powerline Approved

Our professional fleet has a depth of experience and equipment. We are uniquely qualified to tackle a wide range of large and complex commercial arborist and tree care jobs.

The trees that surround your home fortify your refuge from the world. We understand that your home is your haven, and we want to ensure that it remains that way.

We work with Wairoa and Gisborne District Council and Eastland Network regulations to keep trees safe and clear from overhead lines.

Our team is Eastland Network approved; we carry $10 million in insurance cover; We have a great safety record.

Our Gisborne Tairāwhiti residential tree care team, offers a full tree maintenance service; tree pruning, hedge trimming, power line clearance, storm damage, tree removal, stump grinding, tree inspections and planting.

Tree owners are responsible for the clearance of their trees from power lines. Trimming trees close to power lines can be very hazardous and it is illegal to work near power lines without authorisation. Our Arborists are experienced in line clearance with the appropriate machinery and training.

For over 20 years, ArborCare Tree Company has been proud to care for trees throughout the Gisborne Tairāwhiti and Wairoa districts. From planting and maintaining residential gardens, to full agricultural tree work, ArborCare’s crew are fully trained to carry out all aspects of arboriculture.

Save time and money, hire ArborCare Tree Company.

06 862 5785

admin@actco.co.nz

www.actco.co.nz

18

December 2020 HAWKE’S BAY FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

SPOTLIGHT ON

GISBORNE

Friends around the world

by Andy Bryenton

The city of Gisborne is one of New Zealand’s hidden treasures among foreign tourists, who often bypass the best of the regional centres to tread well-worn paths to Queenstown and the Bay of Islands.

Still, there’s an appreciation for this characterful hub on the east coast around the world, as evidenced by the four sister cities, which have a special international relationship with Gisborne.

Amazingly, none of the four is quite the same, and all are very different from the coastal town in Poverty Bay with its famous wineries and surf beaches.

The first is nestled on the northern coast of Tahiti, in warmer latitudes, where tourism is the prime driver of the economy, along with plentiful banana crops. Gisborne’s tropical twin, Mahina, has only half the population and spans just 52 square kilometres, but the major difference is that the locals speak French. Gisbornians enjoying the beaches of their own town can reflect that they have in common with Mahina a love of surfing; American pop culture guru ‘Don the Beachcomber’ exported the Polynesian-pastiche ‘tiki bar’ culture from Mahina, Tahiti to California in the 1950s. Gisborne’s second sister city is Nonoichi, Japan, and was once a small

Twilight falls over Palm Desert, California, sister city to Gisborne

village growing rice on the floodplain of the Tedori River. Strategically important to the Kaga samurai dynasty, this small city is now a satellite of the huge metropolis of Kanagawa, famed for its shogun-era castle, cherry blossom gardens and fine ceramics. Also in Asia, Gisborne’s sister city of Rizhao, China has a history dating back to 2000 BC. It has always been a bustling seaport, and enjoys some of the highest sunshine hours in China, hence the

name of the city meaning ‘sunshine’.

Taking advantage of this, and seeking to create a better living environment for the nearly three million residents, Rizhao has been at the forefront of adopting solar technology gaining the title of one of the cleanest and most liveable cities in China and the world.

Gisborne’s final sister city is Palm Desert, California, situated in the Coachella Valley. This name might be familiar to music lovers; the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

is the American equivalent of the UK’s Glastonbury Festival, a weekend of top acts playing to gigantic crowds. The town itself is famed for its date palms, and benefitted from irrigation postsecond world war, becoming a popular destination for retirees fleeing the harsh winters of the northern USA. In most other ways, Palm Desert, with its high altitude, landlocked and dry climate, is the polar opposite of Gisborne, proving that even in terms of sister cities, opposites attract.

BOUNDARY LOCATIONS Ph. 027 282 9302

HORTICULTURAL CROP PROTECTION •Crop Canopies • Insect Proof Orchard Enclosures • Green House Construction • Vertical Windbreaks and Artificial Shelters Phone Paul Gordon 027 282 9302

Gisborne, East Coast & Wairoa

Gisborne Rewinds is proud to be the distributor of the Lorentz range of solar pumps.

Lorentz Solar powered helical rotor pumps deliver water economically, cleanly and reliably, ANYWHERE.

BENEFITS: ∙ Long life expectancy and proven in service record ∙ Designed for use in remote and harsh conditions ∙ Smart modular design for simple and cost effective servicing and repair ∙ Water filled motors for reliability and to avoid oil contamination ∙ Fast and simple installation ∙ Cost effective spare parts philosophy ∙ Very strong ROI against diesel powered pumping ∙ Large range of pumps to closely match each application and optimise efficiency.

TALK TO US TODAY!

P: 06 868 8181 ∙ E: jim@gisbornerewinds.co.nz A: 338 Childers Rd, Gisborne

LAND SURVEYING SUBDIVISIONS RESOURCE CONSENTS HORTICULTURAL & AGRICULTURAL SURVEYS

HAWKE’S BAY FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2020

Hill Country FENCING & BULLDOZING Your waterway and native bush fencing experts

One contractor for all your fencing requirements Hill Country Fencing is a Gisborne based fencing contracting business operating through the wider East Coast and Hawke’s Bay regions.

We have 3 crews running specialised machinery giving us the ability to tackle the toughest terrain. We pride ourselves on completing a top quality fence as efficiently as possible, meaning less disruption to your farming operation. We can complete your whole job from bulldozing to laying gear to erecting your fence and cleaning up afterwards.

haydon@waltoncontracting.co.nz

www.hillcountry.nz

Look after your bees with DNA testing from dnature.

DNA testing is fast, sensitive and detects harmful bacteria, viruses and nosemas in your bees before symptoms show.

AMERICAN FOULBROOD (AFB)

Test your bees to see if AFB spores are present in bees, honey or hive-ware.

NOSEMA DUO (N.ceranae and N.apis)

Associated with recent hive collapse outbreaks.

APIVIRUS PANEL

This suite includes: • Deformed Wing Virus • Acute Paralysis Virus • Kashmir Bee Virus These viruses are associated with over-wintering losses and are often present without visual symptoms.

Contact dnature today for more info...

0800 362 887 info@dnature.co.nz www.dnature.co.nz/testing/bees www.dnature.co.nz

021 223 4411

19

20

December 2020 HAWKE’S BAY FARMING LIFESTYLES