The Manawatu Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned NZ company.
Phone: 0800 466 793 Email: info@integrity.nz
Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville
Publisher: Allan Mortensen Editor: Deb Wright 021 639 696 deb.wright@integrity.nz
Journalists: Denise Gunn | Andy Bryenton | Amy Fifita
Advertising: Monique McKenzie 027 525 9172
Production: Gavin Bainbridge | Anna Fredericksen | Kelsey Harrison | Liz Clark
Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz
Distribution: Laurie Willetts Printed by: NZME
Website: farminglifestyles.co.nz
11,495 copies DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Manawatu.
Flood management works to commence
Te Awahou Foxton is set to take a significant step towards improved climate resilience with the commencement of works in the town.
Horizons Regional Council group manager — catchment operations, Dr Jon Roygard, said people in the Horowhenua town will see work starting as part of the Te Awahou Foxton Flood Mitigation Project.
Olive Grove and Orchard Equipment
Phone: 09 945 0890
Email: info@grovesupply.co.nz
Web: grovesupply.co.nz
“This project aims to address the persistent flooding issues in Foxton township. These issues are caused by overtopping and seepage from the Foxton East Drainage Scheme,” said Dr Roygard.
“The upcoming work involves the installation of sheet piling along the true right bank of Kings Canal Drain from Avenue Road to just past Cook Street.
“The sheet piling will mitigate seepage and reinforce the current bank. This work is expected to take approximately 12 weeks, beginning with the removal of overgrown vegetation to prepare the site for contractors.
established in June 2024 which features representatives from local iwi and hapū, the community, Horowhenua District Council, Horizons Regional Council and the Foxton Community Board.
“A range of options have been explored to increase protection to Foxton, while the project itself has been impacted by outside factors such as Covid-19 lockdowns and Cyclone Gabrielle response.
Emmet McConnell (Manawatu) 06 359 1602
Darryl Harwood (Horowhenua) 06 356 5629
Matt Muggeridge (Tararua) 027 237 8661
Clint Worthington (Dannevirke) 021 209 2236
Brad Bell (Wanganui Rangitikei) 027 696 1937
“Collaboration with the community has been a priority throughout the planning and execution of this mahi. We have been in touch with schools, kindergartens and homeowners in affected areas to minimise disruption and address concerns along the way.”
Tractor pumps have also been ordered, and will be used to help remove surface water from Purcell Street during rain events when water cannot flow into Piriharakeke Manawatū River loop due to tidal influences, Dr Roygard says.
“This mahi is being done under the guidance of a governance group
“Despite these delays, all parties remain committed to creating longterm solutions for the people of Te Awahou Foxton, which aim to minimise the impact of future climatic events on the town.
“There will also be additional maintenance work in the wider scheme undertaken over the next few months.
“This initiative marks a crucial step in safeguarding Foxton’s future, equipping the town to better manage the challenges of severe weather and build a more resilient community.”
Cow & Horse Processing in Levin
No Moore Hassel Pet Food is an MPI approved and recognised primary meat processor. Based in Levin we offer local farmers a free and highly professional pick-up service for unwanted healthy cows and horses in the Manawatu-Wanganui region.
If you would prefer to transport your animal yourself or have your horse or cow put down on the farm then we can arrange this with a No Hassell guarantee.
About Us
Our in-house processing plant enables us to guarantee the consistent quality and reliability of the process from the picking-up to the putting-down of the animal. As a recognised specialist you can rest assured that our years of expertise and close connection to the farming industry makes our service as convenient, respectful and professional as it can be.
Work has begun on flood mitigation in Foxton
New Zealand Equine Trust funds new research position
Professor Chris Rogers from Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science has been
Zealand Equine Trust (NZET).
Recently, the trust funded the 10-year chair position to advance the field of equine science. The aim of the role is to foster a world-class research programme, addressing the health, welfare and performance of horses, while reinforcing New Zealand’s reputation as a leader in equine research.
A long-standing member of Massey University’s School of Veterinary Science, Professor Rogers will dedicate the next decade to advancing research and promoting collaboration between the university and New Zealand’s equine industry.
With a PhD in equine biomechanics and postdoctoral experience as a Huygens Fellow at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, Professor Rogers has a long history of research in equine health and performance.
He also has an extensive background in racing and equestrian sport, often course designing at show-jumping competitions on weekends throughout the country.
The primary focus of Professor Rogers’ work has been on the environmental and training factors that influence tissue development and career longevity in racing
and sport horses. His multidisciplinary expertise and leadership are expected to significantly contribute to advancing New Zealand’s equine research agenda.
Professor Rogers has been with Massey University since 2000 and taught across a diverse portfolio of courses, including veterinary anatomy and physiology, animal production, agricultural and veterinary sciences, and veterinary epidemiology. He has undertaken a number of pivotal research projects addressing key industry
issues such as the benefit of early exercise on reducing injury and nutrient management of commercial stud farms.
Professor Rogers said he is looking forward to getting into the role.
“I’m excited about the appointment, as it provides me with the opportunity to focus 100% on the New Zealand equine industry and equine research.”
Distinguished professor and NZET board chair Wayne McIllwraith said the NZET board provided funding for this position to further enhance the quality of equine research at Massey University and in New Zealand.
“As well as achieving the vision of an Equine Safety Centre that will be a world leader in the prevention of musculoskeletal injury and associated problems in equine athletes (racing and sport horses). Professor Rogers has the ability and qualifications to accomplish these goals and we are delighted with his appointment.”
Head of the School of Veterinary Science, professor Jon Huxley, said the
school is honoured to be hosting the New Zealand Equine Trust chair.
“We are looking forward to working with the trust and Professor Rogers to improve the health, welfare and performance of the nation’s horses and deliver tangible benefits for the equine industry.”
Professor Chris Rogers is looking forward to his new research role with the New Zealand Equine Trust
to treasure
• Organic granular slow release fertiliser
• Weed free - 67% organic matter
• Will not burn plant roots or foliage
• Can be incorporated when planting or used as a top feed
• Fantastic for ALL lawns, flowers, vegetables, roses, trees, shrubs, & container plants
• Bioboost is available from: Selected Garden Centres, Commercial Horticultural, Agricultural & Turf Service Centres
Contact Bioboost Ltd for further information by E mail office@bioboostdistribution.co.nz or Phone 06 7548454/ 0274431809 www.bioboost.co.nz
The keen welder took night classes for two years at Horowhenua College.
“When I was a teenager, girls weren’t even allowed to walk down the corridor of the metalwork classes. I always wanted to weld so when I turned 50, I went to night class,” said Alice.
“All the men there were fixing cars, motorbikes and things. The men asked
what I wanted to do, and I told them artistic welding.”
After those two years of night classes, Alice was fixing trailers as well as artistic welding. By then, the men were also doing some artistic welding.
Keep your livestock warm & dry all year round. Our fluffy clean shavings are produced from 100% chemical-free, kiln-dried NZ radiata pine. Available now for North Island Delivery.
The Hood family own a small dairy farm and a beef unit, covering a combined total of 163ha. Located near Levin, the farms are 10km apart or around 3km in a direct line.
Alice and her husband Ross have owned their beef unit for the past 50 years. The Hood’s dairy farm has been in the family for more than 100 years.
“It’s a small farm but has good quality soil,” said Alice.
The couple’s youngest son Neil is now sharemilking with a herd of 130 Friesians on the family farm.
“We rear all the calves. The bull calves are usually sold in January.”
In 1977, Ross and Alice began creating around nine hectares of wetlands on their beef unit. It’s fenced and the family have planted trees.
“My son’s right into it. We’ve made blocks of trees, both natives and exotics. There’s all sorts of things, including azaleas, rhododendrons, oaks and maples.”
The couple is considering moving Alice’s sculptures, which are lined up around the farm, to the wetlands to create a sculpture park.
direct freight options available info@taylormadegates.co.nz www.taylormadegates.co.nz
Alice Hood enjoys artistic welding in her shed on the farm
Most days, after finishing her farm chores, Alice can be found welding in her shed.
“I usually get in a couple of hours until it gets dark and I have to stop. My clothes are full of holes because I arc weld.”
When Ross and Alice moved to the beef unit from the dairy farm 19 years ago, they cleared out Ross’s father’s shed. Among that collection, three tonnes of metal was sold and Alice took one tonne of it to her shed.
Alice keeps a notebook to draw ideas in and her designs grow from there. Among the favourite sculptures she’s completed are dogs, peacocks, dragonflies, horses and herons.
“I’ve had a commission but I like to do what I want to do,” she said.
Since first entering the Kimbolton Sculpture Festival when it began, she’s returned with her sculptures every year. This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, April 5.
“I was depressed about the whole farming situation. It gives us an outlet for our artistic stuff. That’s how I got into it.
“I sculpt all sorts of things. Now I’ve gone into more contemporary stuff.
“I’ve made a mother of two kids out of the spouting off my old aunty’s house. That sold within five minutes of the festival opening. I’ve since made another set for my daughter.”
As word of Alice’s passion for welding spread, people began dropping off bits and pieces she could use.
“For my 75th birthday, I was given a box of mower blades. I’m turning those into a crane.
“I have stuff that local contractors and farmers have given me. Local contractors have pieces that they’ve taken off broken machinery. Sometimes there’s a pile of stuff on the doorstep when I get home.”
Five years ago, Alice visited a couple of potential outlets in the Manawatū and
Residential, Commercial and Rural Building Washing
∙ Cow Shed Washing Gutter Cleaning
∙ Decks, Fences, Pathways, Driveways and Concrete Surface Cleaning
∙ Roof Washing and Roof Treatments
asked if she could look in their scrap bin. She now calls in on a regular basis to search for usable pieces.
“Finding the right pieces can be difficult but now I can make the pieces into the shape I want. With welding, if you cut it wrong, you can just weld another piece to it and away you go again.”
BUY,EAT,
Peacocks are among Alice’s favourite sculptures
PATHWAY TO WEAVING
BY DENISE GUNN
Textiles have been part of Natasha Christensen’s life for as long as she can remember.
From a young age, Natasha learnt to sew under the guidance of her grandmother Molly, on an old Singer sewing machine.
“I was too small to reach the foot pedal, so I would perch on my grandmother’s lap and gingerly guide the fabric under the needle as Molly powered the machine. Together we created simple doll’s dresses and kooky dress-up costumes for the play box, all made from mismatched recycled fabric.”
After leaving secondary school, Natasha trained as a dressmaker before studying fashion and textile design at art school in Whanganui.
She said it was an exciting time for fashion in New Zealand in the mid-1990s.
“It was also a tricky time to get a foot in the door of the industry, especially if you are a shy kid from rural Manawatū. Disappointed with not being able to catch a break, I decided that probably I needed to look for more sensible employment, so life went on to take me in a totally different direction.”
Health complications led Natasha back to the Manawatū in 2017 to be closer to the support of her family.
“I was the passenger in a car with my father when I suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Dad pulled my body from the
Tough Stuff Pet Beds
Fibre artist Natasha Christensen with her award-winning wool and mohair blanket, Harakeke in Bloom
vehicle and did CPR until the ambulance arrived 20 minutes later.
“Thankfully the paramedics were able to restart my heart, but I was in a coma and the doctors told my family to prepare for the worst,” she said.
“Fortunately, I awoke and, as it turns out, I have a serious genetic heart condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Undiagnosed, it often leads to death. It’s a miracle that I am alive.”
Physical recovery was long and tough as Natasha had sustained a brain injury due to lack of oxygen.
Support from her family, friends and rehabilitation programmes, along with time and patience, helped. However, she said it was learning to weave that kicked things up a notch in terms of improving her brain function.
In 2020, when Natasha was helping her father, Graham Christensen, to set up an exhibition of his paintings at the Feilding and District Art Society, she met master weaver, Esther Nitschke MBE.
“Esther was volunteering in the gallery that day and had offered to assist us with the installation of the exhibition. I liked her instantly. She was an absolute joy to work with and, as we hung the paintings, she passed on tips and tricks for creating beautiful displays.”
Natasha said it quickly became apparent that Esther’s masterful eye for curation came from a lifetime in the
arts. Following that meeting, Esther and Natasha became great friends and it wasn’t long before Natasha was drawn to weaving, learning the art in 2023.
“At first, I was slow, miscounted everything and kept getting muddled, but Esther was a masterful tutor, and taught only the most efficient and effective methods with clarity and encouragement.
“Also, if recovering from a brain injury teaches you anything, it’s the untold power of patience and persistence.”
Natasha began weaving fabric on a small table loom.
from Years 9 to 13.
We also welcome international students from a variety of continents.
Nestled in the grounds of Whanganui Girls’ College is Ad Astra Hostel, a self-contained site in park-like grounds. We can house 120 students, with amenities including a gym, pool, conference facilities, canteen and laundry, together with a suite of computers enabling internet access for homework completion.
Hostel directors live on site and are available 24 hours a day.
Ad Astra Hostel provides a secure and compassionate environment where all students are encouraged to adopt a collaborative and supportive approach to school and hostel life. This support fosters high expectations and ensures students feel well prepared to achieve in their academic studies. There are also plenty of opportunities to participate in sport and many other extracurricular activities. The key social skills learnt at Hostel lay the foundations for positive connections throughout life. We provide a myriad of choices on how to spend time, whether sporting, cultural or academic, to ensure your daughter is well-placed to reach her absolute potential in school and beyond. 06 349 0944 | 21 Jones Street, Whanganui East, Whanganui | www.wanganui-girls.school.nz
“Then I was gifted a beautiful kauri floor loom from the family of a weaver in Hastings. The loom had been built by Esther’s late husband Bruce in 1977, and was in beautiful condition, having been clearly cherished by its owner. A bigger loom, of course, brought bigger challenges, but by this stage my brain function was improving all the time. All the counting, knot-tying and repetitive actions of weaving had forged new pathways in my brain.” Last year, Natasha won an art award for a wool and mohair
throw blanket she called Harakeke in Bloom.
“I weave with only natural fibres and hand-dye yarn in colours inspired by the beautiful native plant life of Aotearoa.”
Natasha’s solo exhibition Slow Woven is a testament to her love of weaving and hand-dyeing yarn. The exhibition will be held at the Feilding and District Art Society from Saturday, February 15 to Monday, March 31.
More of Natasha’s work is available to view at slowwoven.co.nz.
Natasha learnt to weave under the knowledgeable eye of master weaver Esther Nitschke MBE
A range of wool and mohair blankets
Botanical blessings
by Denise Gunn
“Iwas a non-achiever at school and, for several years, was a bit of a rebel,” said Gavin.
The pair met when Gavin was a karate instructor, running a dojo in Feilding in 1965.
“She touched my heart and took me to church. I began to see the world in a different light and fell in love with botany.”
Gavin later found out that his greatgrandfather George Hobday, who lived in England, was well recognised in botany and had won a number of awards.
“It must be in my DNA,” he said.
In 1991, while Gavin was working as a chaplain at the freezing works in Feilding, the works closed, leaving hundreds unemployed. Gavin had a vision and
decided to take on a group of unemployed freezing workers to help tidy up Awahuri Forest/Kitchener Park.
The Manawatū District Council approved funding for this restoration project under parks and reserves manager Albert James.
“Local iwi, through Dennis Emery, supported this work. Dennis did the background work, and I had the vision and passion for this mahi,” said Gavin. When funding ran out, work continued on a voluntary basis. Gavin also became involved in helping troubled youth, getting them involved at Kitchener Park.
“Police youth aid officer John Samuela would bring kids for referral, some probation people and Youth Aid.
Gavin Scott’s interest in botany developed through meeting his wife-to-be Brenda and his Christian faith.
Five years ago, Gavin’s botany work and service as a pastor and chaplain was recognised with a Manawatu District Council community honours award
“We continued this project for nearly 30 years. It was part-time for me, as I also worked as a pastor and a chaplain.”
Gavin said the project turned many people’s lives around in a positive way. In 1996, Sir Edmund Hillary and Lady Hillary attended an open day at Kitchener Park, viewing the results of the hard yards put in by Gavin and his helpers.
“Michael Greenwood of DSIR was my mentor. He was the man who saw the passion in me.
“He got me on to growing plants with genetic purity. Michael was a wonderful humble man, who really invested in me, and took me out in the bush to teach me his amazing knowledge of botany.
“Professor Brian Springett at Massey University and Professor David Bellamy invested in my training as well. David told me that people who can connect with farmers, not just academics, are needed.
“Professor Springett said due to the flat land suitable for farming in the Manawatū, the district was one of the most plundered native forestry areas anywhere in New Zealand.”
Gavin was also encouraged by one of New Zealand’s most respected botanists Professor Ian Spellerberg.
As Gavin’s hobby growing natives expanded to become a business, he and Brenda moved to Halcombe. The couple have lived there for the past 27 years.
“I moved to the country as I ran out of space in town for my nursery work.
“I grow from cuttings, and have successfully grown a number of genetically pure and rare plants to the Manawatū region, particularly northern rata.”
The 78-year-old now advises farmers on planting riparian areas and restoring native bush. Fonterra also approached him for consultancy work in northern Manawatū, working with schools.
“My first project was for the Durie family in Feilding working on native forest (ngahere) restoration. The forest had been badly damaged by grazing cows.”
In addition, Gavin works with Feilding High School students clearing an area of about one acre that is currently very overgrown. This area will become an outdoor botany classroom.
Gavin will be the restoration adviser for this project. Some funding for this plan
has come from Horizons Regional Council. In 2020, Gavin received a Manawatū District Council community honours award for his botany work and service as a pastor and chaplain.
“I think the challenge for me is to ensure work on growing rare plants continues. Also getting people to recognise the loss of botany we have had in the Manawatū since the 1870s.
“I’m blessed to have a part to play. My passion is to train others to have a strong desire to continue to restore our loss of ngahere forest.”
Gavin grows native plants from cuttings, including genetically pure and rare plants to the region
by Andy Bryenton
Giving the horse more power
With 2025 upon us, it’s time to think about some automotive new year’s resolutions, including those bucket-list wishes for an exciting car.
Ford came to the party with a new 60th anniversary Mustang in April of 2024, and this year, the option to jump on board the convertible version of the seventh-generation ‘pony’ is here. Those who take the plunge and opt to pilot one of these machines won’t be disappointed by the performance on tap. They’ll likely check out the sharp silhouette of the seventh-gen Mustang as they slide past plate-glass windows, too.
However, they might be thinking about another car, if they’re hard-core Mustang enthusiasts. While a seventh-generation Mustang convertible is pretty special, Ford has recently released something with an even brighter halo.
It all began at Le Mans, just like the story of the GT40. Returning to the Circuit de la Sarthe with a tuned and fettled racing Mustang, Ford managed to grab a podium finish in 2024. Many car companies would stop there, and raise a glass of champagne. Ford, however, decided to turn its GT3 monster into a road car.
All this sets the stage for the GTD, a Mustang made entirely from carbon fire and barely controlled fury. One that’s legal for the road and on sale to
normal drivers like us. The Coyote V8 of the original seventh-gen car has been replaced with a 5.2-litre unit, fitted with a supercharger, and tuned to develop more than 800 horsepower. The previous topof-the-tree Dark Horse edition packed 500, and was a proper monster. Having the power of nearly five original 1964
Mustangs on tap, at once, in one car, is apocalyptically biblical.
There’s more, because strapping a giant engine to a carbon body was not enough. Ford also moved the gearbox to the back, fitted clever race-car style inboard suspension and a dry sump oil system, too.
Then it made the GTD look the business, with menacing gills, scoops and trick active aero, deployed through a massive rear wing. The finished product
looked like it could mix it up with the fastest-ever rod cars to lap Germany’s famous Nurburgring racetrack, considered the most challenging in the world. So they went and tried it out. The lap time Ford driver Dirk Muller posted was 6 minutes 57 seconds, a blistering pace and just 0.685 of a second under the time set by Porsche’s 918 hybrid hypercar.
You can see the entire documentary film about the attempt on the Nurburgring record at youtu.be/YuxuSLB1hg8.
The Ford Mustang GTD is a race-derived beast, transforming Ford’s spirited ‘pony’ into a horseman of the apocalypse
Goat hunters bag a record
by Andy Bryenton
With feral goats thought to exact a toll in the millions of dollars each year on farming operations and the conservation estate, the news that a record number have been culled in a nationwide competition was welcomed by conservationists.
The Department of Conservation, which helped to organise the 2024 National Wild Goat Hunting Competition, reports that 12,900 wild goats were shot by more than 820 participants from Northland to the deep south. Feedback from their tally, released at the very end of last year, also includes the news that 64 per cent of participants now say they’re likely to hunt for wild goats again.
2024’s contest saw more hunters bag more invasive goats, with an increase of 27 per cent to the tally. Praise for this record effort came not just from DOC, but from the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, too.
“This competition is about much more than just numbers; it’s about New Zealanders coming together to protect our unique ecosystems. Hunters play a critical role in controlling introduced species, and this year’s record turnout shows the power of hunter-driven conservation,” said NZDA president Callum Sheridan.
“We couldn’t achieve these results without the incredible dedication of our branches, members, and the collaboration between NZDA, the Department of Conservation and Federated Farmers,” said NZDA board member and competition coordinator Tevor Gratton. “It is great to see DOC working closely with
the NZDA to help manage herd numbers effectively.”
There’s a good reason that contest participants are enthusiastic about that five-digit total. Goats breed rapidly in the wild, and because they are not naturally part of the New Zealand ecosystem, they can have a big impact on native flora and fauna. In some places, it’s been necessary for specialist hunters to remove targeted feral goat populations due to the threat that they might wipe out endangered plants for good.
Goats were originally introduced to New Zealand in a time when ecology was an unknown science, and they were valued as a source of protein. Hundreds of years later, hunting is still a major part of the ‘toolkit’ for keeping wild goat populations in check.
“This fantastic result demonstrates the importance and benefit of strong partnerships across the hunting community in addressing the damage wild goats cause to farmland and native ecosystems,” says Hunting and Fishing Minister Todd McClay.
As an added bonus, $70,000 in prizes went out to the top goat hunters in the contest, with all prizes donated by leaders in the hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation sectors. Organisers
Goat hunters across New Zealand helped to reduce the wild herd by more than 12,000 individuals in a record-breaking effort are hoping for another big season in midto-late 2025.
Making farming a breeze
It is nearly field days’ time of year again and the team at TRC Tractors is getting excited.
The TRC Tractors site this year will be packed with tractors to suit all requirements.
Showcasing the lifestyle compact tractor range with all its versatility and multiple options for implements and attachments that will make lifestyle farming a breeze
The Massey Ferguson GC1723 suits the lifestyler with the ability to set it up for multipurpose use.
With pro quality mowing decks, the 10-gauge stamped steel, full floating decks
deliver a top notch cut on every type of terrain. All spindle assemblies are made of cast iron for greater durability.
With dual-bucket cylinders and exceptional bucket rollback angles, GC1700 loaders deliver better performance than single-cylinder loaders. Pair that with efficient hydraulic pumps delivering higher output at lower RPM than most competitive models.
The GC1700 Series works seamlessly with the full-size, 6.5-ft. BH2720 backhoe.
Fully integrated four-point sub-frame, largediameter cylinders, industry-leading cycle times and our exclusive Boom Float Control make this the most versatile, stable and easy.
The GC also has a range of compatible implements that can be added to do those other jobs around the farm or lifestyle property.
Often sold with a Sabre 1200 topper for topping the paddocks, also there is a rotary hoe attachment for prepping the ground for planting, or a mulcher for mulching those
areas that are hard to keep on top of. There are also carry trays available for carting gear around or even a PTO Log splitter for splitting the firewood throughout the year. All in all this is a well-priced machine that can tick many of the boxes required for the jobs around the lifestyle property!
Be sure to call in to see the TRC Tractors’ team at the Central District Field Days on site C25/C26/C27 this year, and see what great offers they have on the Massey Ferguson Compact Tractor Range.
Specialists in everything electrical
by Denise Gunn
Laser Electrical Manawatu has earned a trusted reputation with its experienced and knowledgeable team covering industrial, commercial, security, data and communications, and domestic servicing.
With more than 45 years experience in the electrical industry, Laser Electrical Manawatū director, Wayne Isaac, originally bought into the business as a Manawatū licensee. Under his directorship, the business later became a local Laser Group franchise, winning several awards.
This year marks the 25th anniversary for the award-winning business in the Laser Group franchise.
Laser Electrical Manawatū is also changing hands between Wayne and his son Mike in 2025. Mike said the team is equipped to meet all of the farming sector’s electrical requirements.
“We offer a full electrical service, including pumps, effluent systems and hot water systems. We also take care of shearing plants and bore pumps.”
“Basically, any electrical need on the farm and in the home. We also offer 24-hour callout support,” he said.
The business operates its own digger, as well, to efficiently and effectively dig trenches for laying cables to power sheds. In addition to those services, Laser Electrical
Manawatū offers on-farm and home water tank monitoring with a sensor and a phone app to check water levels.
“We install, maintain and repair security lighting, alarms and CCTV installation, too.”
The Feilding-based business is centrally located to cover the wider region.
“We have extended our work to cover Horowhenua, Dannevirke, Wanganui and up to Taihape,” said Mike.
“We’ve also been involved with electrical projects at Masterton Hospital, Ryman Healthcare and some high-end houses over the years. Also full wiring, lighting and automation in poultry farm sheds, as well as installing back-up generators on dairy farms.”
A staff member, qualified in thermal imaging, is available to check switchboards, meter boards and other installations to detect hot spots, loose connections, faulty components and other issues.
Mike said some insurance companies are now asking for this to be done. “Early detection can save fires and equipment breakdowns.”
All work is completed to the highest standard by the friendly team.
Mike is happy to travel out to meet farmers on their properties to discuss Laser Electrical Manawatū’s services. In the office, Joanne handles all the administrative side of the business and is often the first point of call.
Phone Laser Electrical Manawatū on 06 323 3926 and speak to either Joanne or Mike.
“Our industrial and domestic electricians cover the whole range. Call us for expert advice and service,”Mike said.
Laser Electrical Manawatū’s experienced and knowledgeable team cover the wider region from its Feilding base
Shark tank
by Andy Bryenton
BYD has come off of winning a prestigious car of the year title with its Sealion SUV, and entered 2025 with another surprise, keeping other automakers guessing.
When the former government announced that there would be a hefty tax on utes for farmers and tradies, it started a rebellion that saw convoys of light commercials take to the streets of Kiwi towns. At the time, the powers that be suggested, with a certain Marine Antoinette flourish, that those who needed a ute could just buy an electric one. The issue was, no such ute existed in the New Zealand market.
The calendar has turned and technology has improved, and BYD, the rising force from out of China, has stepped up to the plate, not with a fully electric utility, but with what they call a super hybrid. Its new Shark 6 has a toothy name, a ruggedly capable look, and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine coupled to two electric motors.
The Shark 6 can travel for 80 kilometres on its battery alone, another illustration of the size of the power cell beneath. It’s a 30 kilowatt-hour unit, which means that it’s about 25 times more powerful than the battery in a normal hybrid hatchback. Range anxiety is banished by the addition of that petrol motor, however, cranking it up to a healthy 800 kilometres between fill-ups. That’s great at the pump
and easy on the environment compared to a big diesel, but what about power and torque? People who need a ute often need a workhorse, and that means horsepower.
Now, a 1.5-litre motor does not sound like the kind of thing that rips out treestumps with its teeth, but the Shark 6 really ups the ante with those two electric engines. Off the line, this big double cab with its 790kg maximum load can get from zero to the speed limit in 5.7 seconds.
It’ll tow 2,500kg, too, on all kinds of surfaces thanks to an all-wheel-drive system with hill descent control and a battery of electronic aides. More pointedly, there’s 429 horsepower on tap, a figure that not so long ago was associated with Germany’s autobahn bruisers. The torque figures are also impressive — there’s 650 Newton-metres to throw around. The Shark’s looks won’t be polarising, either. It cribs a lot of cues from the big players at the top end of the Kiwi ute market, including blazoning its
brand name across the front in big chunky letters. Inside you’ll find a touchscreen of Tesla-like proportions, big comfy seats and ample room.
Priced at just under $70,000, the BYD Shark 6 is set to make waves in the small pond that is the local ute ecosystem. It could be a good fit in both value at the dealership and the petrol pump, so take a test drive soon if you’re in the market for a modern ute.
We won’t be at the Field Days this year but contact us today for all your trailer needs! Prescott Trailers are designed for the rugged outdoors, dependable and durable, to ensure continuous reliable use.
COME FIND Horizons Regional Council
The BYD Shark 6 is a super-hybrid ute with plenty of power
Celebrating three decades at Manfeild
by Paul Campbell
More than 500 exhibitors, sprawling across more than 33 hectares, are on offer as all roads lead to Central Districts Field Days at Manfeild in Feilding, Manawatū, from March 13–15 that has been bringing Kiwi communities and industries together for the past 30plus years.
Food, fun and entertainments galore are a given, along with carefully selected brands with a special emphasis on rural New Zealand. Among the 10-plus automotive brands this year is a new-to-
New Zealand e-truck, along with a range of electric machinery offerings, according to CDF event director Henry McLernon.
“New this year are woodchopping and the Golden Loader competition, joining fan favourites, such as the National Excavator and the Power Fencing contests. However, the first bargain on offer is online tickets, which are cheaper than gate sales that bypass the entry queues and straight to the express lane of what is the highlight of the region’s rural calendar.”
Horizons Regional Council will have a range of staff offering advice on a range of rural issues and needs and availability to talk about pest plants and animal control, sustainable land management, including riparian and poplar pole planting. The rural advice team is also available for on-farm support including consenting requirements.
“From the Power Fencing Competition to the National Excavator Operation Competition, and the Southern North Island Wood Council Golden Loader Championship, there are many rural skills on display.
“Each year, operators battle it out across the regions, identifying 12 regional champions to vie for the title of New Zealand’s best in the CCNZ Cable Price National Excavator Operation Competition.
“After taking out regional competitions from Whangārei to Waimuimu, sometimes against up to 30 opponents on the 13-tonne Hitachi excavators, the national contest piles on the pressure, with competitors battling it out over several days, showcasing skills, with challenges ranging from popping a champagne cork or slam dunking a basketball.”
The popular woodchopping demonstrations return with the Central Axemen’s Association Grade Championships, which features standing block and underhand to double saw and single saw competitions.
Event organiser Patrick Barrett says the 30-plus competitors range from as young as 10 to 12 years old up to 70-plus years.
“Woodchopping is such a unique sporting event in the sense that, in my opinion, it’s a glimpse into the past. It really gives spectators an appreciation for how timber was harvested long before chainsaws and heavy machinery.”
If you struggle just getting the winter firewood into a neat pile in the shed, imagine the skill needed to safely and efficiently load logs on to a truck and trailer unit ready for transport. Spectators can get a close-up view of just how skilled loader operators need to be at the Southern North Island Wood Council holds its Golden Loader competition. Two competitors compete to load and unload a truck-and-trailer unit safely
500 exhibitors will be at Manfield
McLernon, Central
and in line with industry best practice standards. There is a panel of four industry experts judging each competitor. The twoday competition will have a maximum of 20 entrants.
The Southern North Island Wood Council will also be exhibiting a Forestry Hub where visitors can get more information on forestry management and careers in New Zealand.
Some of the best fencers in New Zealand compete in Central Districts Doubles Power Fencing on Friday, March 4.
Lugging and lifting are all in a day’s work for the rural community, but Manawatū Strength Club make it look easy as men and women attempt the seemingly impossible during events, such as log ladder lifting and the two-tonne vehicle pull challenge. The carry medley sees contestants with up to 150kg in each hand over distances of up to 110m.
Brandt Construction Demo Zone visitors can have hands-on trials or watch daily live demos of John Deere construction
machines — from Compact Excavators to Skid Steers. Brandt is holding a Trade A Toy special Saturday-only event. Take your used toys to the Brandt Agriculture Zone and trade it in for a new John Deere toy.
“Kids will learn great negotiation skills as they work out a trade-in price with the sales team. They then put that value toward a new toy and all gently-used toys in good condition will be donated to support local communities,” says Bryan.
Health is always a rural concern and field days will host AFK Sports Clinic’s Michael Harvey, a leading pedorthist, who has trained to world standard in clinical assessment and has more than 6,000 patients in Australia. He will assess people who work rurally with a mobile medical clinic aiming to correct biomechanical issues and recommend custom-made orthotics.
“Biomechanical issues can be caused by normal wear and tear, genetic preposition or injury from accidents or incidents,” he says.
Autumn is the season to grow goodness for your family and
On the new inventions front, Bryscorah’s Bryan Cleland has designed a foldable attachment for excavators in the 1.8 to 20-tonne range that extends the reach by approximately 75 per cent. This equates to a 1.8-tonne mini excavator having a similar reach to a 5-tonne machine, with a lesser charge out rate. Moreover, because it folds it can be used in confined spaces and is easier to transport.
“This means it can be used in tight spaces, such as for demolition, tree arbour work with a tree shear fitted (cutting a tree from the top down), horticultural hedge
trimming, residential trench work, and as an attachment it can be fitted to an existing machine,” says Bryan. No other hydraulics or controls at the joy stick are required.
“I have used it where a larger machine would not have been able to access the site, and my 1.8-tonne mini digger equates to approximately a 5-tonne machine for reach.” This unique extender has patent and trademark applications in place.
Central District Field Days is on March 13–15. For tickets and visitor information, go to cdfielddays.co.nz.
Bruce Gordon Contracting Clearance Sale
District Field Days event director
Covering the surface with Surfatex
by Denise Gunn
The skilled team at Surfatex 2019 Ltd offer a range of top-quality, protective wall and anti-slip floor coverings.
Surfatex 2019 Ltd is a franchised applicator for the Acraflex Hi-Build Dairy Wall Coating system, designed for shed hygiene and ease of cleaning. The system is extremely hardwearing and resistant to acids and alkali used in the dairy industry, allowing dirt and grime to be easily washed from the glazed finish.
Surfatex 2019 director Glen Sinclair and his team have applied Dairy Wall Coating Acraflex to many cowsheds, including a couple of double rotary configurations and walls of shower blocks. They’ve also repaired a lot of exposed aggregate, pitting and cracks in milk and plant rooms.
Covering the Taranaki, Manawatū and Wairarapa regions, the team is available to offer expert advice and workmanship.
Glen said that although work in the rural sector slowed down towards the end of 2024, the team has kept busy with other projects.
“We have other strings to our bow like industrial coatings. We’ve completed a couple of workshop floors and resin floor repairs in a couple of the local meat processing plants.”
Surfatex 2019 also uses premium German-brand Degadur, which is based on liquid plexiglass or methyl methacrylate (MMA) resins.
“These are fast becoming a go-to solution for commercial and industrial flooring projects. MMA floors are highly valued since they achieve full cure within two hours of installation.
“This rapid curing makes Degadur a perfect choice for projects with short timelines, such as repairing cracks and exposed aggregate around the vat, or in the milk room and yard between the daily milkings.”
The Surfatex team is looking forward to exhibiting at the Central Districts Field Days again this year at their traditional site O-14 on the tarmac near the entrance.
“We enjoy the Central Districts Field Days as it gives us a chance to meet and engage with many of the rural community,” said Glen.
“Please call in and say hello, even if you aren’t looking at the Acraflex Dairy Wall Coating System.”
The Surfatex team is always happy to visit and discuss options for cowsheds and other buildings which require painting or remedial work on the floor, yard, wall or any other area.
Phone 027 430 8209 for further information.
Farming can be tough on joints
by John Arts
Earlier this year, I had a call from a farmer who was having significant problems with osteoarthritis in several joints: notably his hands and shoulders.
I have many farming clients, and not many reach 50 without some joint issue. In many cases, it started with some accident, often involving livestock.
In his case, his hands were extremely painful. He found it difficult to close his hands and they hurt all the time. Shoulder arthritis can be very niggly as the shoulder joint is ‘open’, meaning it relies on ligaments, muscles and tendons to stay in place. This means there can be a lot of referred pain in shoulders.
There are essentially two ways osteoarthritis begins. Firstly, damage to the joint from trauma. Secondly, over time cartilage is lost, which can lead to joint bones touching. While cartilage has no nerves, bones certainly do.
Regardless of the cause, cartilage loss occurs with a trifecta of dysfunctional processes: An overproduction of destructive enzymes, free radical damage of cartilage-secreting cells (chondrocytes) and associated inflammation.
I started my client on an intensive programme for three months. We started with a double dose of my joint
formula. This provided 1,600mg of both high-grade chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine sulphate and 400mg of the latest 100% water soluble curcumin (from turmeric) extract.
I had a review with him after three months. He said the improvement had been significant to the point he now has full use of his hands and wrists. His sore shoulder had improved to the point he hardly noticed it. Once again, this testifies to the power of nutritional medicine for osteoarthritis, and indeed with many chronic conditions.
Combining high doses of chondroitin with supporting glucosamine and curcumin from turmeric can be very beneficial, especially when combined with an antiinflammatory diet. Email me for a copy of my osteoarthritis programme.
John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@ abundant.co.nz. Join his newsletter at abundant.co.nz.
Surfatex specialise in ‘Acraflex’ Dairy Wall Coatings, Pit, Milk room and Yard repairs. Industrial coatings including anti-slip solutions and protective flooring.
Our skilled team is based in the Manawatu and mobile across the lower North Island.
What is Bettaflex?
• Bettaflex is a joint support formula to promote healthy joint cartilage function
• Bettaflex has 400mg (per capsule) of high-grade avian chondroitin, 400mg of glucosamine and 100mg of BioSolve® bioavailable Curcumin (from turmeric).
• Try Bettaflex for 3 months and see for yourself.
How can Bettaflex help?
• Chondroitin and glucosamine are building blocks of cartilage.
• Supplementation with correct levels can support healthy cartilage function and cartilage repair processes.
• New BioSolve® bioavailable curcumin helps joint function while gentle on the stomach.
• Research indicates that chondroitin is highly effective at 800mg daily.
John Arts comments:
“My latest Bettaflex formula includes BioSolve® bioavailable curcumin for faster results. The normal dose is 2 capsules daily but I recommend an initial
Two mounted police officers in front of the Surfatex site at last year’s Central Districts Field Days
Beat rising energy prices with Insulmax Insulation
As summer reaches its peak and autumn is fast approaching, now is the time for homeowners to start thinking about the best options for insulating their homes.
Insulation helps protect against the summer heat and winter cold while increasing overall energy efficiency. With energy costs projected to rise further in 2025, heating and cooling your home is becoming increasingly expensive.
Consumer NZ has stated on its website: ‘Households will see an average $10 increase in their monthly electricity bills, with regional variations. Some regions will experience an increase of up to $25 per month.’ It also predicts the ‘increases will represent a 5–12% increase in the average household power bill’, and warns the increases are ‘just the beginning’.
Quality insulation in your walls and ceiling effectively seals the gaps where heat escapes, allowing you to rely less
on heating systems and retain the warmth within your home. Insulation also keeps your home cooler during the summer, preventing air conditioning appliances from overworking.
Stephen Jestin, Insulmax Wall Insulation, Manawatu branch owner, emphasises the importance of prioritising energy efficiency improvements. “The first priority should be ceiling insulation, followed by wall insulation and finally, floor insulation to create a fully insulated box – a bit like a chilly bin,” he said.
Installing new insulation or upgrading existing insulation saves you money on energy costs, and can influence other purchasing decisions regarding your home’s heating, such as requiring a smaller sized heater rather than a large
• Supply & Installation of Spouting
• Repairs or Full Replacement
• Klass and Taylor Guttering Refurbishment
• Insurance Claims
• Maintenance
• Down Pipe Installation
one. A fully insulated home with both ceiling and wall insulation will need less energy to maintain comfortable temperatures, while a home lacking sufficient insulation will lose heat more quickly.
Insulmax wall insulation is a soft, blown mineral fibre insulation that offers several advantages. It maintains warmth and dryness, while also reducing noise, making it an excellent choice for homes near busy roads or in bustling neighbourhoods.
Many homeowners prefer Insulmax because it can be installed through most types of cladding, with an average installation time of just one day. It is water-resistant and fills
the entire cavity, achieving an R-value of 2.8 or more. At the end of each job a thermal imaging camera is used to check all cavities have been filled.
The combination of low costs, high returns on investment from energy savings and the availability of green energy home loans for insulation at 0% or 1%, make Insulmax an appealing option for homeowners looking to enhance energy efficiency.
Interested in learning more? Talk to Stephen about how Insulmax can save on heating bills this winter. Visit the Insulmax website at insulmax.co.nz, or contact Stephen on 027 323 1000 for a free consultation.
Top team for timber processing
by Denise Gunn
With more than 30 years of hands-on experience, the dedicated team of experts at Eastown Timber Processors are at the forefront of the industry.
The Wanganui-based business offers a range of timber processing options available, including resawing, profiling and coating.
Eastown is also the only contract treater offering Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) treatment for private farmers and sawmillers in the region.
“Heat treating for export is also another process relevant to local exporters,” said managing director James Richardson.
The Eastown team has earned a top reputation not only as global exporters, but also for meeting the needs of locals in the surrounding regions.
James said customers can expect a personal touch from a hands-on team who will ensure the job is done right.
“Our customers are not numbers. We work closely with them to ensure they get the service they need.”
Eastown Timber Processors has rebuilt, following a large fire that took out half of its business in March 2022.
“We are now fully rebuilt with brand new plant and machinery.
“The new equipment is far more efficient and all compliant to modern codes. We now have more capacity and can’t wait to put it to use.”
Now that the business is fully operational again, the team’s short-term goal is to build
relationships back up with existing and new customers.
“We plan to continue to grow the business and develop our product offerings. There are some exciting new, more environmentallyfriendly treatments we want to introduce, and some key market partnerships we are pursuing.”
The family-run business loves employing locals. James personally finds taking on new staff and watching them grow in the business
while developing new skills, is a real highlight.
“Our skilled team enjoy working with the customer to work out what products are going to work best for them.
“If people are unsure of anything to do with timber treating or machining, then please give us a call on 027 222 1820. We are only too happy to help,” said James.
The dedicated, experienced team offer a range of timber processing options
Tyre services goes the extra mile
by Denise Gunn
With a 24/7 friendly call-out service available for commercial and large farm equipment, the team at Elmo’s Tyre Service in Feilding goes the extra mile for their customers.
Elmo (Alan) and Jane Gilchrist initially established the business in April 2013, operating from their private residence.
Jane said they decided to set up their own business after Elmo experienced redundancies and was dealing with a bowel cancer diagnosis.
“We made the decision for Elmo to start the business while I kept my job and supported the household,” said Jane.
“Several years ago, we outgrew the garage and are now renting a premises located at 14 Awa Street in Feilding.”
Jane moved into a full-time administration management position within the business.
In July 2020, just after the first nationwide Covid-19 lockdown, the couple hired their first staff member, tyre technician Gary Burns. Between Elmo and Gary, the pair has nearly 70 years experience in the tyre industry.
Specialising in most tyres, except motorbikes, Elmo’s Tyre Service supply and
fit tyres from wheelbarrows to quad bikes, cars, tractors and earthmoving equipment. The business stocks a selection of top tyre brands.
Providing a professional, efficient and friendly is the team’s top priority.
“We knew that we couldn’t compete against the larger companies on the pricing of tyres, so our biggest focus is on the service that we give to our customers. We have a courtesy car if customers are unable to wait for their work to be done, or we will pick up a vehicle and drop it back if organised prior,” said Jane.
Two fleet trucks are available to visit customer’s farms and businesses to carry out the required work on-site.
“We also have a large workshop in Feilding.”
Elmo’s Tyre Service is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am–5pm, and Saturdays between 8am to noon.
Phone 06 323 9585 to discuss all tyre requirements with the team.
Elmo’s Tyre Service in Feilding has two fleet trucks available to visit customer’s farms and businesses to carry out required work on-site
Cleaner solutions with care
by Denise Gunn
The team at Active Tank Cleaning Ltd is on-hand to provide topquality service to local people and businesses.
Mark Hadfield established the business with one trusty truck back in 2003. Although that original truck has since been retired, it has been replaced with several new additions to the fleet. Active Tank Cleaning Ltd has also grown to employ a team of eight staff members.
During his previous career as a mechanic, Mark’s place of employment allowed him use of the workshop after hours to build his first vacuum truck. This eventually led to establishing his own industrial tank cleaning company.
Mark’s can-do attitude and initiative have expanded this successful waste management business to include hydro-excavation, hydro-jetting and HIAB crane truck hire. He said there is a growing need for this in the Manawatū area.
The Palmerston North-based business covers the entire Manawatū with its team of friendly, experienced, approachable technicians.
Among the team are two former Palmerston North City Council employees with a vast knowledge of water, sewer and wastewater systems.
Mark’s wife Amanda brings her background in finance and banking to the administrative side of the business.
“Our knowledgeable team are enthusiastic to go above and behind to help get our customers out of some dire situations,” said Mark.
“It’s a smelly, unpleasant type of job but our team are always professional and positive. It’s rewarding to help out local people and businesses.”
One memorable job was when a tanker containing bovine plasma plunged over the side of the road in the Manawatū Gorge in 2015. It was left hanging precariously above the Manawatū River below.
Mark scaled the top of the tanker to place a hose to the tanker’s pump so the 6,000 litres of contents could be removed. A large crane then lifted the truck off the edge of the cliff.
“The team enjoy their work and aim to just continue providing top quality service,” said Mark.
For a quote or to schedule a site assessment, contact Active Tank Cleaning Ltd on 0800 355 5865 or phone Mark on 027 449 8345.
QUADBAR
“I have no doubt that if I did not have a Quadbar fitted, my accident would have been fatal!” — Rozel Farms “The Quadbar saved our employee from significant injuries.” — Colin van der Geest
445 Tremaine Ave, Palmerston North 021 0221 3872
aenm1@mweb.co.za
systems Performance upgrades and much more... Francois Ferreira
The knowledgeable team at Active Tank Cleaning Ltd has earned a reputation for being professional and positive
by Denise Gunn
From the earth — for the earth
Marton Brick and Tile has made clay pipes and field tiles since 1858, using the same successful recipe.
The 6,000-year-old technology traces back to the ingenuity of the Babylonians, becoming a defining feature of many ancient civilisations that continue today. Clay pipes have since been in use for thousands of years — standing the test of time.
In New Zealand, some clay pipes that are more than 120 years old are still in use.
“Combine clay, water, pressure and heat and you’ve got the most environmentally friendly, high performance, long-lasting draining solution on the planet,” said Marton Brick and Tile managing director Michael Meehan.
“Our products are made from clay and water, and that’s it. No nasty chemicals and no special additives of any kind.
“Just pure and natural clay mined right next door to our factory,” he said. “In short, the most environmentally friendly drainage solution available.”
Clay field tiles are resistant to almost all chemicals and can used in the harshest environments. Unaffected by temperature changes, their inherent strength makes them perfect for high-traffic areas.
Lasting far longer than plastic equivalents, clay field tiles are often cheaper to install as not as much bedding material is required. This saves money up front, and over the life of the tile.
Marton Brick and Tile sells tiles direct to farmers by the pallet. The company partners with three businesses
Longburn Draining installing the field tiles
in the Manawatū and Rangitikei areas, which install the tiles — Blackley Construction, Deep End Drainage, and Longburn Draining.
Recently, Longburn Draining installed 100mm x 600mm field tiles near the road
FROM THE EARTH, FOR THE EARTH
Locally made earthenware field tiles for all your drainage solutions; the world’s strongest, most durable and eco-friendly drainage technology... and it’s 6000 years old!.
PRODUCT INFORMATION, CONTACT: Michael: office@mbat.co.nz or www.mbat.co.nz
FOR INSTALLATION, CONTACT:
Kevin - kevin.blackley@blackley.co.nz
Steve - deependdrainage@gmail.com
Brent - office@longburndraining.co.nz
Marton Brick & Tile, 23 Vera Street, Marton 4710 mbat.co.nz
Experience the joy of flight!
from $190
upgrade at Ohakea. Longburn Draining owner/operator Brent Wootton said the tiles were easy to install.
Marton Brick and Tile is located at 23 Vera Street, Marton, and can be contacted at 06 327 8985.
CUSTOM BUILT DOG BOXES, UTE MOUNTED REFUELLERS AND WATER TANKS
What if there was a better endophyte?
Anyone can make claims, but RAGT New Zealand can back them up with
The
RGT18 endophyte are not just impressive, they’re scientifically proven, giving you the
trust in them.
Quickly gaining huge traction across the country, RGT18 is becoming the go-to solution for farmers looking to boost stock productivity and pasture resilience. When combined with the top-performing RGT Hustle perennial ryegrass, RGT18 helps farmers address some of the toughest challenges in pasture management.
RGT18 plays a key role in combating black beetle, a major pest impacting pasture systems, particularly in certain regions of the North Island. Beyond that, it also enhances ryegrass tolerance to other damaging pests, such as Argentine stem weevil and porina, which can undermine pasture productivity and long-term persistence.
Stock health is always a priority for farmers, and RGT18 stands out by improving insect tolerance while significantly reducing negative impacts on animals compared to some other endophytes. Most importantly, it helps reduce
the risk of ryegrass staggers, making it a game-changer for farm productivity.
The success stories from farmers throughout New Zealand highlight the tangible benefits of RGT Hustle RGT18 in a variety of farming environments. As more farmers experience its excellent performance, RGT Hustle RGT18 is quickly establishing itself as a leading choice for improving pasture resilience and overall farm productivity whilst significantly reducing the risk of staggers.
RAGT New Zealand commercial manager, James White says: “RGT18 is another way we’re proving our commitment to being the partner of the agricultural world, finding innovative solutions to rise to the challenges of tomorrow — breeding key agronomic features that translate into real, on-farm benefits. So no matter where you are or what challenges you face, you can count on RAGT to help you maximise your return on investment.”
To find out more about RGT Hustle RGT18 — visit ragt.nz.
Tired of battling the wet weather?
Keep your feed dry and protect your animals with NZ-made shelters designed for NZ conditions.
With Torto Shelters,
• Reduce waste and prevent feed loss
• Improve animal welfare with less pugging and better feed control.
• Reduce or even eliminate the cost of off-farm grazing.
Celebrating the Rural Games 10th edition
Rural sports athletes nationwide will gather in Palmerston North for the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games, a three-day extravaganza of sports that helped build our nation.
From sheep dog trials and woodchopping to gumboot and axe throwing, this exciting, free event has something for everyone. Thanks to Massey University and CEDA, students from the region will test their food and fibre sector skills in the Agri Futures Clash of the Colleges on Friday, March 7. The day will also feature the North Island Secondary School Shearing Championship, the Stihl Women’s, and the Rookies Timbersports championships.
On Saturday, we host the men’s timbersports championships, the strong men of speed fencing, gumboot throwing, sheepdog trials, mutt and mate derby, and the chainsaw sculpture expo, which happens throughout the day as well.
On Sunday, the action continues with the ANAXE axe throwing championships, traditional coal shovelling and expertly skilled speed tree climbing. The Highland Heavy strong men, including Mathew Ragg, the world’s fourth-strongest man, will battle it out while New Zealand’s fastest shearers compete against the clock. There’ll also be steam traction engine rides for a gold coin donation.
During the weekend for the Under-12s, there’s tree climbing, miniature pony karts and digger rides. The incredible team from Kelly Sports will be back to run Kids n Country with various games, from tug-o-war, bouncy castle, haybale races, and footy and face painting.
We’ve created a Have a Go booklet to celebrate the 10th edition of the games. Collect stamps for each Have a Go activity,
• Accounting and Business Services
• Planning and Succession
• Business Growth Services
• Tax Return Preparation
• Payroll and GST preparation
• Business Establishment Services
• Quick Turnaround on Annual Accounts
• Xero Training and Assistance
• All aspects of Office Support and Administration
306a Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North (06) 952-4646 stuart@accountingsolutions.nz | www.accountingsolutions.nz
like gumboot and cowpat throwing, gearing up a standardbred horse, haystack hunts and egg roulette, and go in the draw for prizes.
Entry is free, and buses in Ashhurst, Feilding and Palmerston North will be free all weekend.
The Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games will be held on March 7–9 at The Square, Palmerston North. For more information visit ruralgames.co.nz.
Planting & Pruning Thinning Scrub Cutting
Tuatara’s director Geoff Hill’s response to that
“They’re built of steel not plastic, they will go where other side-by-sides won’t, they will carry more, tow more, and they are cheap and easy to service. Many customers service them themselves, thus avoiding the $150 an hour charges that many dealerships charge.”
“The Tuatara is not a four-wheel motorbike, like our competition. It is, in fact, a purpose- designed off-road utility vehicle,
designed especially for New Zealand farmers and New Zealand conditions,” said Geoff.
“Furthermore, we listen to feedback from our customers, and this is what many of our design improvements are based on.”
Tuatara offers two completely different propulsion models, one powered by a 1000cc petrol engine, and the other a fully electric 15kW, water-cooled, electric motor.
“There’s a definite place for either model and we tell our customers the benefits and disadvantages of both forms of propulsion. The customer gets what they want.”
Clearly the benefit of the electric model is its quietness and simplicity of operation as well as its low operating costs. It also produces full torque at any speed, which makes it excellent for quietly climbing steep elevations and for towing.
On the other hand, the Tuatara petrol model, powered by a three-cylinder car engine, is also very quiet and extremely fuel efficient. It is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, rather than a CVT, which Geoff said are frequently problematic and expensive to service.
The petrol Tuatara also comes with a 50-litre fuel tank for extreme range, meaning that most farmers are only filling the tank once a week.
Both vehicles have their place, but Geoff said that electric vehicles lend themselves well to farming given their cheap operation and the fact that they are used during the day and charged at night.
Current sales are estimated at a rate of 60% electric and 40% petrol. Phone Geoff on 03 347 4956 or 027 477 0070 to discuss the options.
The eTuatara with trailer
Gateway to affordable quality
by Denise Gunn
Colman Gates specialise in manufacturing top-quality wooden gates in an extensive range of designs, adding style and functionality to any property.
Craig Colman and his father, Chris, established Colman Gates in 2018. Meeting a growing need in the market for topquality, reasonably priced residential and rural gates, the pair achieved their goal to develop Colman Gates into a full-time business.
Although Chris has since retired, Craig’s passion for working with timber to produce a range of gates continues.
As a graphic designer by trade, Craig has an eye for detail and creativity. He enjoys finding the right style of gate to suit each of his customer’s sites with safety, function and aesthetics a top priority.
Colman Gates’ large range of residential, rural, entrance and pedestrian options suit any property size or style. Each range is named after a breed of sheep or cattle.
Using premium quality, locally-sourced timber, each gate is handmade to customer specifications. Gates can also be tailor-made for individuals based on their own designs, ideas and sketches.
Additional services cover painting, staining, sanding, extra rails, capping and installation.
“We provide expert design and support, from concept to completion,” said Craig.
Craig’s purpose-built workshop on his rural Manawatū property is centrally located near Palmerston North. This enables gates to be delivered with ease throughout the North Island.
“We have trusted transport partners that will ensure your gate gets to you no matter where you are,” said Craig.
A variety of residential and farm gate hardware is also available with quality wheel and latch options, hinges and hangers.
“Our service starts with a phone call or email.”
For further details or to contact Colman Gates, visit colmangates.co.nz, email sales@colmangates.co.nz or phone 021 992 406.
Craig Colman is manufacturing a wide range of residential, rural, entrance and pedestrian gates, which can be delivered throughout the North Island
Horses and humans
healing each other
by Denise Gunn
Melissa Malcolm’s love of horses has taken her on a journey of healing.
As a child, Melissa’s experience with horses was limited to staying with family on a sheep farm where mustering was done on horseback. Later, due to overseas travel for work and big city living, the opportunity to own a horse wasn’t possible.
On her return to New Zealand in March 2021, Melissa wanted to save a horse from the Kaimanawa muster. To meet the required criteria for adopting a Kaimanawa horse, she contacted a woman who was adopting two foals, with the goal of learning how to handle a wild horse. Unfortunately, Melissa ended up in hospital a few months later due to health issues.
“I had been through the Christchurch earthquakes, a separation after 16 years of marriage, financial hardship, then moving to Sydney with my two children for better career opportunities and a more fulfilling life for them,” said Melissa.
“I also had four medical procedures to remove cancer, with one being a complete reconstruction of my lower eyelid. My body could not cope anymore, physically or mentally.”
As Melissa worked to regain her health and independence, she decided to take riding lessons. This led to helping out on a holiday programme and volunteering with the Riding for the Disabled.
She noticed that working with horses eased her anxiety and depression, so decided to buy a horse of her own. After viewing several horses, Melissa came across a Kaimanawa gelding that had been mustered as a foal at foot in 2018.
The owner had started to handle him over the summer but his training had regressed due to reduced handling over winter. Melissa felt a connection with the horse, bought him and arranged direct transport from Hamilton to Foxton.
When the horse arrived, he was soaked in sweat and had been traumatised from the journey and loading methods used.
He had also ended up stabled overnight which he wasn’t accustomed to. It took more than a month for Melissa to gain the horse’s trust. Melissa named her horse Bo, and over time noticed her mental health dramatically start to improve. In 2022, an opportunity arose to adopt a Kaimanawa horse straight from a muster.
Without suitable stockyards of her own, Melissa reached out to professional horse trainer Chloe Phillips Harris who has mustered and trained many wild horses. Chloe offered Melissa a chance to be mentored through the training process at her Northland base.
“I lived and breathed wild horses for six weeks and was hooked.”
0800
On her return to Foxton, Melissa adopted a three-year-old stallion named Pacman from the 2022 Kaimanawa muster. Pacman was gelded four weeks into his training. She also adopted a weanling foal named Bella from a Northland muster.
When wild horses arrive after being mustered, Melissa gives them a few days to settle. She works quietly around them, picking up manure, feeding out hay and ensuring they have fresh drinking water.
“Often family bands are separated, mares are separated from their foals with the added stress of the muster and travel taking a toll on them.
“These horses often have not seen humans before, so this is a way for them to realise that we are not a threat to them, without putting too much pressure on.”
Offering handfuls of grass allows the horses to approach Melissa out of curiosity.
“I keep my energy levels low, eyes soft, and talk to them in a quiet and calm manner. The goal is to build a solid foundation of trust, predictability in an environment where they feel safe.
“I would take a few steps towards them and when I see the slightest bit of
relaxation, I walk back. This is known as pressure and release.”
Through groundwork, Melissa’s horses develop good ground manners. She also does float training and introduces them to different environments.
“It’s all about communicating with them, reading their body language and gaining their trust to build a partnership.”
Melissa is now studying Equine Assisted Learning through The Equine Psychotherapy Institute.
“The big dream is to eventually have land with facilities, so that I can save more wild horses and train them for equine facilitated wellness retreats.”
Gaining the horse’s trust in a safe environment
Horses have helped improve Melissa’s health
by Andy Bryenton
Three from the race lab
Perhaps the most exciting of the special divisions fostered by the world’s automakers, Toyota’s GAZOO Racing earns an all-capitals appellation with surprisingly quick cars for those who love driving.
Toyota’s answer to the power-mad AMG engineers and BMW’s M-car designers is all about putting smiles on faces, not necessarily setting blistering lap times at the Nurburgring. The critical acclaim from drivers which met the release of the GR Yaris and GR Corolla was only matched by how quickly they were snapped up. Now there’s a new batch on the way, as indicated by a new price list released by Toyota late in January.
“The Toyota GAZOO Racing range continues to set benchmarks in performance, engineering, and design. These updates showcase Toyota’s dedication to creating cars that excite and connect drivers to the road,” says Andrew Davis, Toyota’s chief strategy officer for New Zealand.
The GR Yaris is back, with more power under the hood. Its three-cylinder engine now kicks out an additional 28 horsepower and 30 more Newton metres of torque, which combines with a new choice between a six-speed manual and eight-speed auto box, a meaner-looking front bumper, and tuned suspension to make a very spicy small car indeed.
The GR Corolla returns as well, which is great news for those who missed out on grabbing an example when it burst onto
the scene. There’s more torque on tap here as well, alongside a new gearbox option and further tweaks and fettling to improve a driving experience already acclaimed as engaging.
Perhaps most exciting for fans of the golden era of JDM coupes is the new 2025 Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition. The number 86 already references Toyota’s legendary 1980s sports coupe, a breakout star of animation, film and drift racing. Building on this legacy, the name Hakone refers to a famous Japanese motorway that snakes through Kanagawa Prefecture. It’s a road beloved of driving enthusiasts to a level that rivals the Nurburgring itself.
This 2.4-litre rear-wheel-drive machine is seen by many to be the true successor to the great coupes of the 1980s to 1990s golden age. At $61,990, it might be one of the most affordable ways to drop right into a sports car legend. The rest of the GR range fit in between this price point and $69,990, making this fleet one of the most accessible in the world of in-house tuning.
Toyota’s GR Corolla has come back better than ever, and it’s brought a new, hotter GR Yaris and a Hakone-themed GR86 to the party
Youngest contestant wins regional title
Massey University student Jock Bourke was recently crowned Taranaki-Manawatū’s top young farmer.
Competitors took part in a series of challenges at the Stratford A&P Showgrounds venue. At 19, Jock was the youngest competitor but he proved age was no barrier, outperforming a strong lineup of experienced contestants.
“I was shocked to see my name at the top of the leaderboard heading into the quiz, and to take out the win was really exciting,” said Jock.
“I loved the entire day. The committee put on an amazing event and the other contestants really pushed me to do my best.”
Participants entered one of three categories based on age, ranging from the AgriKidsNZ competition for primary school pupils, the FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year for high school students, and the tightly fought FMG Young Farmer of the Year category.
Seven contestants battled it out for the top spot in the FMG Young Farmer of the Year category with Jock edging his way to victory, clocking up 274.75 points, the most on the day.
With a number of individual challenges thrown their way, including a head-tohead, general knowledge buzzer-style quiz
and sponsor-led modules, contestants were tested on a broad range of practical skills, technical know-how, and their ability to cope under pressure.
“I really enjoyed the farmlet challenge. It was a great way to show off my skills and I was confident in what I needed to do.
“Building a chicken coop out of recycled materials definitely came with its
challenges, but thinking on my feet helped massively,” said Jock.
“There’s a lot of preparation ahead for the grand final. I’ll be studying up on a bit of everything, especially sponsor knowledge and my agribusiness skills, to make sure I’m covering all bases.”
The FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition is dedicated to showcasing the very best talent in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.
Now, in its 57th year, the title of FMG Young Farmer of the Year is held as the most prestigious farming award in the country. The AgriKidsNZ competition was another crowd favourite, with Rosie
Baxter, Kendyl Humphrey and Emily Angove from Feilding Intermediate winning top spot.
Meanwhile, Haylee Baker and Kate Hopkins from Feilding High School took out the title of Taranaki Manawatu FMG Junior Young Farmers of the Year.
Along with Jock, the top AgriKidsNZ and FMG Junior Young Farmer teams will now compete in July’s Grand Final in Invercargill.
New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Lynda Coppersmith said the competition continues to highlight the incredible skill and talent of young people in the food and fibre sector.
WORKING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
Supplier and installers of high-quality Calpeda pumps, with a 5-year warranty. Sheet metal supply and flashings, one off galv aluminium, zinculum, copper, stainless and brass.
Taranaki-Manawatū FMG Young Farmer of the Year 2025 Jock Bourke
Government claims positive momentum
by Andy Bryenton
The coalition government has revealed a record jump in farming business confidence, and says that one of the core drivers of this improvement is a commitment to strengthening support for rural communities.
Alongside slashing the regulatory burden often derided as red tape, accelerating the uptake of new farming tech, and making profitable trade deals with foreign nations, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay’s missive said the government was intent on ‘improving access to essential services and infrastructure’, and ‘strengthening local support networks.’
That’s good news for small Kiwi towns where access to doctors, government services and even some banks have become problematic. It’s also news that will resonate with those who view carbon afforestation as a dire threat to regional towns.
“The positive momentum we are seeing now is just the beginning. The government will continue delivering for rural communities, ensuring they remain at the heart of New Zealand’s economic success,” Mr McClay says. “We are committed to growing the primary sector, and we won’t be shutting down farms or sending jobs and production overseas.”
The positivity of which the minister speaks is based on the latest Federated Farmers’ farm confidence survey. This survey gauges agri-business confidence in the same way conventional business
confidence surveys track the mood in the nation’s boardrooms, and it’s up by an unprecedented 68 points since July of 2024. This is the largest oneoff improvement the survey has ever seen, and the government is taking credit for a large part of this.
“With the primary sector generating more than 80 per cent of New Zealand’s goods exports directly, employing more than 359,000 Kiwis, ensuring its continued success is crucial to every Kiwi’s economic future,” said Mr McClay.
“That’s why, last year, we took over 20 actions to slash red tape and free up farming, unwinding the damage done by the previous government. We’re not stopping there. This year, we are going for growth, and will deliver on further actions that will support the long-term success of the rural sector.”
The smaller towns of rural New Zealand evolved as and continue to thrive as rural hubs, serving a productive farming hinterland. The acknowledgement by the Minister of Agriculture, and his peers in the government, that rural communities need to provide access to essential services is potentially as much of a positive as those 68 points in the Federated Farmers’ survey. Regional citizens, who fear core services being shifted to large urban centres arbitrarily, will be keen to see actions matched to these words.
Lely Center Taranaki 0273289007
E. ben@bromsdp.co.nz
Lely Center Manawatu 06 3239660
E. sales@bromsdp.co.nz www.bromleys.co.nz
Lely Astronaut A5 milking robot
The Minister of Agriculture has outlined four key points to accelerate rural confidence, ensuring access to essential services in regional towns in high on the list
Stop rust with lanolin
Prolan, a New Zealand-made lanolin-based lubricant and corrosion inhibitor, is becoming increasingly popular with farmers, engineers, panel beaters, motor-homers and boaties for its unique ability to adhere to metal and stop rust in its tracks: whether it be a much-cherished landrover or a new vehicle showing surface rust on purchase.
Prolan Extreme is attracting much interest from those with machinery and equipment exposed to harsh environments, such as salt, sand and mud, says Murray.
“The results are excellent. We’ve trialled it within industries throughout NZ, from mussel spat farmers to Great Barrier Island engineers.”
A coating of Prolan on a vehicle chassis will provide a long-term environmentally-friendly protective coating that will help it pass WOF and COF checks.
“Many vehicle stations are now recommending a coating of Prolan to cover existing rust and seal it off from air and moisture. Prolan cannot be removed by coldwater blasting; this allows vehicle chassis to be cleaned without removing the rust protection.”
will not break them down or cause perishing.
Prolan is best applied on a warm day or on cooler days — the product tin can be warmed in a bucket of hot water before application. The beauty of the Prolan being a natural product is it is safe and easy to apply. With minimal preparation required before coating, wash the chassis down and allow to dry off before coating with Prolan.
A coating can even be applied over existing rust: just a quick brush off if flaky rust is present. For larger areas, Prolan is best applied using an airless spray gun or compressed air type system. Prolan is safe around electrical, electronics and rubbers it
In the past, chassis have been sprayed with used engine oil, fish oil, among other things, inside the chassis rails and underneath.
Prolan’s main ingredient lanolin (from sheep’s wool) adheres to metal surfaces blocking off air and moisture and stops rust in its tracks. The ability of Prolan to creep into hard to reach areas makes it a winner over a paint-type system where if the paint cracks corrosion can creep in.
In coastal environments Prolan is excellent for hinges, tools, seized locks, bolts, chains, winch ropes, radio antennas, alternators, starter motors, squeaky door hinges, garage
doors, lawnmower chassis, garden ornaments and fishing gear. A spray on to a metal surface with a quick wipe off with a rag ensures the surface is well coated and will prevent corrosion from the environment. With a coverage rate of 1 litre for 8–10 square metres, Prolan is, economically, a winner protecting your assets, reducing maintenance and preventing expensive parts replacement down the track.
As a result, Prolan will increase asset life and resale value. “It is hard to believe it is off the sheep’s back — taken from nature to protect nature! With the added bonus, it is made in NZ by Kiwis,” says Murray.
Before
After
by Andy Bryenton
From saws to ploughshares
There’s a direct line of circumstances from the wool-spinning wheel of a modest religious lady and the most powerful of modern farming machines, and it illustrates the power of coincidence as well as the way in which clever ideas have shaped the world.
In 1813, Tabitha Babbit, a member of the pacifist Shaker religious community in Albany, New York, visited a local sawmill. There she watched the workers struggling with the long, toothed whip saws used at the time to section timber. New Zealanders will be familiar with these giant steel saw blades, as they hang in museums dedicated to the kauri logging trade. Accounts from both here and the US say that they were hard to manage, and exacted a huge physical toll.
Tabitha noted that half of the movement of the sawmillers was wasted, and compared the problem to one she knew very well — spinning wool from fleece. She reasoned that a machine like her treadlepowered spinning wheel, with a saw blade right around the wheel, would make the job of the millers less gruelling and more productive. Thus, the circular saw was created, but Tabitha’s religious belief in being humble and sharing with others meant that she never filed a patent. By the 1830s, the idea had spread across the world, changing the timber industry forever. This was important for farming in one way: forests were being cleared and land
broken in that needed plowing. A young blacksmith from Illinois suddenly found demand for iron ploughs skyrocketing, and he decided to make the wooden frames to hold his ironwork as well. When he visited a local sawmill, he took note of a discarded, oldstyle flat saw blade that had broken. Superseded by a circular saw, the foreman was happy to sell it for scrap.
That smith was John Deere, and his idea of hammering the old steel saw blade into a plough changed everything. While other smiths had tinkered with steel plows before, Deere marketed his product as ‘self polishing’, noting that even the sticky soil of the US prairie would peel cleanly from the blade.
Industrialised farming followed. The era of the single horse-drawn wood or iron plough, dominating farming since Egyptian times, was over. Farms got bigger, millions more people could be fed, and John Deere earned the money to capitalise on other new agricultural innovations. These included the thing the Illinois blacksmith’s name is best associated with today — the tractor.
In this way, the world was changed by two young people visiting sawmills, and having flashes of inspiration. The ability to feed a population, now exceeding eight billion, rests, in part, on their ideas coming together.
The father of industrial agriculture in the US, John Deere’s career began with a broken saw blade and a clever innovation
JUST BLO0DY GOOD TRACTORS
Tractor technology at the top of its game
by Andy Bryenton
The Tractor of the Year Awards have been held in Italy, with the top contenders across a variety of categories going through their paces for a panel of expert judges.
The winner of the high-powered category was the Case IH Quadtrac 715, boasting 715 horsepower and the ability to master the largest of implements. Case IH pioneered the four-tracked tractor, and its Quadtrac for 2025 features incredible efficiency in delivering its mountain of torque and power to the ground with the minimum of compaction. Cutting edge, but easy-to-use computer technology and driver comfort, also helped the big red machine sweep the field.
“This is the most productive tractor Case IH has ever built, providing new levels of power, traction and hydraulic output that will help owners do more in less time and so drive down the total cost of ownership,” said Case IH spokesperson Marco Lombardi.
Another big winner for TOTY of 2025 was Fendt, a firm that managed to score not one but two top honours amid the best of the best. In the very highly contested mid-power category, the Fendt 620 Vario DP was the undisputed winner. A new engine, called the iD, sits at the heart
of this machine and is one of the big reasons for its victory. With huge power on tap from very low RPMs and impressive fuel economy, the Vario 620 also shone through with an impressive power to weight ratio, and advanced systems such as centralised on-board tyre pressure control.
Fendt also grabbed gold in the sustainable tractor category, with its e107 Vario breaking ground in purely electric agriculture.
‘This recognition highlights the agricultural industry’s shift towards eco-friendly practices, and Fendt has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability with the introduction of the e107 Vario, a fully electric tractor that leads the agricultural world on the path to energy transition,’ wrote the panel of judges.
Sheer ease of use and versatility muscled out the competition in the utility
A roomy, quiet cabin, intuitive controls and a super-efficient 3.6-litre turbo diesel motor combined with a high degree of flexibility to make this offering from Steyr a standout.
Meanwhile, the specialised category for orchardists and vineyards was won by the
Case IH pioneered the four-tracked tractor, and this year, it has refined the formula to be crowned world champions tractor category, with Steyr’s 4120 Plus exhibiting consummate all-round abilities.
Antonio Carraro Tony 8900, a small and nimble machine with precision control to reach tight spaces among the vines and trees. Its tiny turning circle and big power in a small package put it ahead of the rest.
COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Farming’s robotic revolution
by Andy Bryenton
The annual Tractor of the Year competition in Italy often serves as the springboard for fresh new ideas in agriculture, as big manufacturers vie with each other to floor the judges and impress the farming public.
This year was no exception, but among the awards for high horsepower, versatile, specialised and eco-friendly tractors came another category, which has hit its stride in recent years. That’s the competition among robotic tractors: machines driven by artificial intelligence and promise a robotic revolution on the land.
The winner of the 2025 TOTYBOT category for farming robots was the AgXeed 5.115T2, a driverless, fully robotic machine, which combines smart senses and a computer brain with the ability to handle a huge range of standard implements. Rather than focussing on a single job on the farm, the so-called AgBot packs a rear lifting capacity of 8,000kg and a front capacity of 4,000kg, all backed up by a powerful hydraulic system with a flow rate of 85 litres a minute. Like
a modern battery-operated yard tool, which can adapt several heads, the 5.115T2 can become a variety of different machines for year-round utility.
‘These features allow it to handle a wide range of implements without the need for modifications, making it a versatile choice for farmers looking to optimise their operations with minimal changes,’ said the Tractor of the Year judges.
‘This compatibility with conventional agricultural tools, combined with its autonomous capabilities, makes it a highly attractive option for farms looking to adopt robotic technology.’
Another point, which stood out for the panel, was the fact the AgBot doesn’t run entirely on electricity. Instead, a very efficient diesel motor cranks out 115 kilowatts under the hood, alongside 610 Nm of torque. Diesel is old tech, but it’s tough and dependable, and this form of fuel gives the 5.115T2 a 20-hour operation span, during which it can work on through day and night without a driver.
Removing a human driver and adding treads rather than wheels has had another
design advantage. The AgBot exerts no more than 0.25kg for each centimetre of ground pressure, despite being able to utilise some of the bigger implements in the shed. Less weight means less compaction and more floatation, as well as the ability to go where heavier, more impactful machines could churn up the soil entirely.
AgXeed snapped up a European AgriTechnica innovation award when the 5.115T2 broke out in 2023, and now it has added another world-leading accolade to the trophy cabinet. It’s a sign of things to come, and an indication that future thinking is alive and well in agricultural engineering.
The AgBot 5.115T2 is the 2025 robotic tractor of the year
by Andy Bryenton
How the tractor won New Zealand
The mechanisation of New Zealand farming was a long road, as hardy and self-reliant rural communities were slowly persuaded to give up the bullock and the horse in exchange for internal combustion.
It all began in 1904, when farmers in the Canterbury region were invited to the demonstration of a whole new kind of machine. They’d seen traction engines running on steam before, and a massive gathering of these firebreathing machines would gather there to build the Lake Coleridge hydro dam in 1914. However, in 1904 none had seen anything like the Kinnard Haines Flour City internal combustion tractor, which was brought to New Zealand by the Booth Macdonald company.
The Flour City was made in Minnesota, in the US, and its boxy body resembled a pile of shipping crates with a giant flywheel. Those present were mainly impressed by its lack of a chimney, not by its top speed of ‘more than five miles an hour’ or its 12 horsepower output. The Kinnard-Haines, and another tractor by the Ivel company, made little lasting impression, and by the close of the first world war there were only 136 tractors in all of New Zealand. The war years between 1914 and 1918 changed attitudes toward mechanisation.
Soldiers had seen tanks and other powerful petrol machines traverse the mud and barbed wire of no man’s land, and they embraced crawler tractors on tracks in areas beyond farming when they returned. Miniature bulldozers and tractors with iron wheels proliferated, and by 1931 there were 5,023 tractors on Kiwi farms. The horse and bullock still reigned supreme, however.
New Zealand farmers first got a glimpse of the future when one of these ‘flour city’ machines rolled into Christchurch in 1904
The second world war saw mechanisation take a huge leap forward. By this time, mass-produced tractors like the Fordson were available, and with the government taking an active role in farming to feed hungry Allied troops on multiple fronts, mechanisation was seen as the way of the future. It wasn’t just the lend-lease agreement with the US that saw tractors deployed to farms, boosting the production of everything from vegetables to linen flax and cheese.
boats in and out of the water. Today, a tractor revolution is on the horizon with the advent of full automation, and only time will tell if this next advancement proves to be as game-changing as the move from the horse to steam, and at last to diesel motors.
A new workforce of 3,000 Women’s Land Service recruits was raised to fill in for farming men drafted to fight the Axis, and they were not set in the old ways of farming. New machinery, including tractors, went hand in hand with this new workforce, and when the war was over, the tractors stayed.
By 1971 there were more than 96,000 tractors at work around the country, from brand new machines through to old workhorses pressed into service towing
by Andy Bryenton
Climate target ‘beyond reach’
Last year, prime minister Christopher Luxon called hitting New Zealand’s 2030 climate change targets under the Paris Agreement ‘very challenging’; now new, even more ambitious targets are being branded as unachievable by rural industry leaders.
“We have worked hard to set a target that is both ambitious and achievable, reinforcing our commitment to the Paris Agreement and global climate action,” said Climate Change Minister Simon Watt, announcing a new target for greenhouse gas emissions earlier this month.
That target is to reduce emissions by 51 to 55 per cent compared to 2005 levels, by 2035.
“Meeting this target will mean we are doing our fair share towards reducing the impact of climate change,” said Mr Watts.
However, climate change mitigation is an area of vigorous debate, from those who see carbon credit forestry as a threat to Kiwi agriculture and regional economies, those who criticise the way that gases are calculated and accounted for, and others who reason that all green and growing biomass should count toward a carbon-zero calculation, not just certain trees.
These arguments were voluble and ongoing under New Zealand’s old emissions target. Under the new one, rural advocacy groups are even more vocal in their concerns.
“All the target does is commit us to 10 more years of planting pines, because that’s the only way for our country to achieve such a steep reduction,”
says Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams, who calls the new target ‘completely beyond reach’.
“There is a very real risk that we could become the great pine plantation of the South Pacific — hardly something to be proud of.”
Others point to the fact that New Zealand is one of only two nations looking at imposing penalties on the agricultural sector in a bid to reduce emissions.
“No other country, apart from Denmark, is currently intending to put a price on agricultural emissions,” said Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair Kate Acland.
“However, under the Danish policy proposal the impacts of the price will be offset with billions of dollars of additional subsidies to their farmers.”
“Mr Luxon is right now facing an unachievable target for 2030 left to him by the previous government,” Toby Williams said.
To avoid a further 850,000 hectares of nonproductive carbon forestry taking up productive farmland, a closer look at the natural cycles and relative lifespans of carbon dioxide and ruminant methane was suggested, and agreed to in parliament in 2019. Simon Watts was allegedly contacted last year by Federated Farmers for a meeting on this issue, but the farming advocacy group received no reply.
Full Round Baleage and Hay Services
Full Square Baleage and Hay Services
Fine Chop Grass and Maize Silage
Ploughing/Discing/Levelling
Race/Track Maintenance and Digger Work
Grass and Stubble Mulching
Airseeder/Roller/Drill Direct Drill
Precision Maize Planting
Fertiliser Spreading & Bulk Cartage
COVERING FROM:
Pohangina Valley to Shannon & Pahiatua to Rongotea Areas
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has forged ahead with ambitious plans to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, but opponents have questioned the cost to the rural landscape
by Andy Bryenton
Farming focus in annual address
The Resource Management Act and its impact on farm growth and performance have been set firmly in the crosshairs of government reform efforts, and were a key point in prime minister Christopher Luxon’s 2025 State of the Nation address.
It’s a trendsetter of government performance, and the topics that made the list are those citizens can usually expect to see action on in the following 12 months. Unsurprisingly, Mr Luxon’s speech focussed primarily on the economy, and what’s holding it back. A large part of the reforms he’s tipped focus on the rural sector.
“We need more jobs, more investment, more innovation, exports and talent,” said Luxon. “The bottom line is we need a lot less no and a lot more yes. Economic growth is going to influence every decision I take this year.”
The PM took shots at New Zealand’s ‘broken’ health and safety laws, hinting at sweeping reforms. He also indicated that lack of competition in the banking sector, for a long time a big issue for farmers, will be tackled this year. However, one of the biggest planks of Mr Luxon’s state of the nation platform was the repeal and reform of the Resource Management Act.
“The RMA is fundamentally broken and it needs to be replaced. Just ask anyone building a house or any farmer trying to get on and grow their business,” he said. “I back builders and I back farmers to make a major contribution to growth in the New Zealand economy, and practical rules that let them do it will play a big part in unleashing growth.
“Farmers are the heart of our economy. When they’re doing well, it benefits every
Prime minister Christopher Luxon has indicated several long-awaited changes to ease the stress on farmers in his state of the nation speech table for scientists in the rural sector.
single Kiwi. Core to our RMA reforms will be making it easier to be a farmer, with more time spent milking cows and less time filling out paperwork asking for permission.”
There was also the indication emissions issues would be decisively addressed, and gene technology will be on the
“I also want New Zealand scientists working on high yield crop variants and
solutions to agricultural emissions that don’t drive farmers off their land and risk the very foundation of the New Zealand economy.
“Enabling gene technology is about backing farmers. Our political opponents can continue the scare campaigns of the early 2000s. However, we will back the scientific community, push on, and get that law passed this year too.”
Whether all of these changes come to fruition in 2025, and they are as farreaching as some farmers would like remains to be seen. However, keeping promises is known to win elections, and with the polls looking shaky for the coalition, bold moves may prove more popular than less attentiongrabbing conservatism.
