LIFESTYLER
November 30 2011
Kaipara
Shop Local for a chance to win See pages 9-11
Kaipara’s Regional Newspaper — Kaipara Owned and Operated — Phone 09 439 6933 — www.kaiparalifestyler.co.nz 10,000 Copies DELIVERED FREE throughout the Kaipara: Dargaville, Ruawai, Paparoa, Matakohe, Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka, Mangawhai and environs
Top Honour for Ruawai Student
Page 3
Changing boards
by Jewelie Sterling
Academic accolades continue for former Dargaville High School head boy, Calvin Ball Calvin’s family have a dairy farm at Ruawai and his rural background has translated into the award of Massey University Agricultural Student of the Year for 2011. As well as high academic achievement, the award also recognises contributions to student welfare, social or recreational activity. Calvin attended Dargaville High School and was head boy in 2007. Following a year spent working at Winterfold House School in England, he returned to study at Massey in Palmerston North. There he has completed his Bachelor in Agricultural Science degree, specialising in soils and pastures, and been invited to do an Honours year. He will also work over the summer holiday and has received a scholarship with the Agricultural Green House Gas Research Centre. “I will be making the most of my Honours year, I would be mad not to. I will be surrounded by influential and smart people,” said Calvin. “The research is looking at growing more grass with less nitrogen, as a way of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and so helping the environment, while not losing production. Professor Tony Parsons, who used to be at Ag-Research and is now at Massey, is regarded as one of the leading greenhouse gas experts, has taken me under his wing. “I have been in classes that have had talks from DairyNZ’s chief executive Dr Tim Mackle and Landcorp’s chief executive, Chris Kelly, as well as leaders from many top agricultural companies. Calvin is also the president of the Massey Young Farmers Club, which with 130 members, is the largest in the country. “You don’t have to be an agriculture student. You can be urban, with an interest in agriculture to be a member. A love of the land and a willingness to be active are all you need,” said Calvin. He sees himself getting a job after his honours year. “I’d like to do a couple of years in consultancy, and then hopefully move to management. But nothing is set in concrete. I will see what’s on offer.“
Page 5
What a splash
Page 8
More broadband coverage for Kaipara
Calvin Ball — Massey University, 2011 Agricultural Student of the Year