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Landmark agreement reached
Leaders from across the livestock sector have come together with the government to sign a new agreement on how to prepare and respond in the unlikely event of a foot and mouth disease outbreak.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand, DairyNZ, Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand, Deer Industry New Zealand, NZPork and the Meat Industry Association of New Zealand signed the operational agreement alongside the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) at Fieldays. The agreement formalises how the seven partners will work together on foot and mouth disease (FMD) readiness, and how to respond should the disease arrive here. It sets out how the costs of FMD readiness and response activities will be shared between the government and the livestock industry. It also creates legally binding participation of industry in decision-making, ensuring that farmers’ interests, knowledge and input is heard.
“We needed their formal approval to sign the agreement and our farmers told us they want to have a voice in decisionmaking about readiness and response activities and funding,” she said.
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DairyNZ chief executive and inaugural chair of the Foot and Mouth Disease Council Campbell Parker welcomed the signing.
“Biosecurity is a key priority for DairyNZ as it helps us to power more productive and resilient farms — with dairy farmers the biggest sector investors in the biosecurity system,” he said.
Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand executive director Kimberly Crewther said the agreement signing is a major milestone after more than a decade of engagement to establish the foundations for partnership in addressing this most significant biosecurity risk for the livestock sectors.
“Dealing with an outbreak of FMD would cost the livestock sector billions, and we want to be involved in deciding how those costs would be best spent.”
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair Kate Acland said the wide sector support for this agreement was reflected in a clear ‘yes’ vote from sheep and beef farmers, following the high-profile voting campaign undertaken by Beef + Lamb New Zealand in April and May.
Deer Industry New Zealand CEO Rhys Griffiths said the legally binding agreement gives the deer industry a seat at the table, which is vital for representing the voices of farmers.
“Such representation is crucial, not just for the deer industry but for the wider primary industries and the channelling of farmer perspectives to the government.”
Meat Industry Association of New Zealand chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said “the agreement has support across the agricultural sector and shows a clear commitment of both the government and industry to work collaboratively on FMD.”
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Setting the benchmark
The Kāinga Ora decision to award a multimillion-dollar contract for wool carpet supply in its new build and renovated homes is being hailed as a breakthrough for NZ’s natural fibre sector by industry experts.
Locally-owned manufacturer
Bremworth will be the wool carpet supplier for the Kāinga Ora agency’s newly constructed and retrofitted homes. It will see wool carpet installed in almost 1,000 planned state housing projects annually.
Bremworth CEO Craig Woolford says the win has far-reaching implications for the public sector procurement, the rural community and the broader property development industry.
“This isn’t just a commercial contract, it’s a signal to the entire construction sector that wool carpet meets the durability, safety and sustainability standards expected of any high-traffic housing environment. Government agencies like Kāinga Ora are seen as setting the benchmark for the wider industry,” said Woolford.
“Wool has now passed one of the most stringent testing processes in the country. It’s proof that when put on a level playing field, New Zealand-made natural fibres can not only compete, they can win.”
The contract announcement follows extensive industry lobbying and sector advocacy, which pushed for wool manufacturers to be able to pitch for government building projects.
“The inclusion of wool is a win for the environment, for New Zealand’s farmers and future tenants of these homes.”
Beyond the public housing win, Bremworth is already seeing positive movement in the private sector as a result of the announcement.
“We’re now actively being invited to present wool carpet solutions to property developers and construction firms involved in Kāinga Ora builds, and those working on private developments. It’s giving us access to projects that had previously defaulted to synthetic solutions.”
Woolford says that while the production volumes for the Kāinga Ora contract represent a relatively small portion of Bremworth’s total capacity, the strategic value is enormous.
“To produce 20,000 broadloom metres of wool carpet, you’re looking at approximately 95 tonnes of wool, the annual fleece of more than 31,000 New Zealand sheep. It’s a demonstration of the potential scale of opportunity for our wool sector.”
“This proves performance at scale and under pressure. It also opens the door for broader adoption in schools, commercial fit-outs and private homes.”
He says wool’s natural properties, including its flame resistance, air purification capabilities, thermal and acoustic insulation and biodegradability, are uniquely suited to New Zealand’s sustainability goals.
“The Kāinga Ora new state homes are built to the latest standards, designed to deliver better warmth, comfort and health outcomes for some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable residents, and flooring choices like wool carpet play a vital role in achieving that.
“This is an important milestone, but also just the beginning of a much bigger conversation about the role of New Zealand wool in our built environment.”
Is bad hearing
Craig Woolford, Bremworth CEO, says the Kāinga Ora contract sets the benchmark for the wider industry
Rose celebrates rural women
by Denise Gunn
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) start a year celebrating its 100th anniversary in July, and has released a centennial rose selected especially to commemorate the event.
Five years of planning went into selecting the floribunda rose, grown at Matthews Nurseries Limited near Whanganui.
Members of the Fordell/Mangamahu branch of RWNZ came up with the idea of a rose to honour the past, be enjoyed in the present and into the future.
Fordell/Mangamahu branch committee member Clare Adkins said it had to be a statement about rural women, people of the land that nurture and grow, are versatile and hardy.
“Secondly, we wanted it to be a conduit for RWNZ members to publicise and highlight the projects and activities that each branch or group is involved in, within their communities.
The group wanted to follow the trailblazing lead of former Mangamahu/ Whanganui resident Florence Polson.
Florence was the first dominion president of the rural division of the Farmer’s Union, formed in 1925.
The name of this division, originally established to support isolated rural women, was rebranded RWNZ in 1999.
a positive way around the country. Those who order a rose could potentially become a member.”
The group contacted Matthews Nurseries in Fordell to cultivate a new rose for RWNZ. Multi-award-winning rose breeder Bob Matthews runs the nurseries, along with his wife Cath and daughter, Sam.
“Thirdly, it was to be an opportunity for each branch to raise a little bit of money to use in their area.”
Clare said as the branch is in the Fordell/ Mangamahu area, they felt a responsibility to live up to Florence’s example.
“It’s a way to celebrate the centenary and also a platform to promote RWNZ in
“We teamed up with them and a small group went to their trial growing area in November 2021,” said Clare.
A short list of around 12 roses was made.
The annual Walk the World, held by the Fordell/Mangamahu branch of RWNZ, raises money to support the Associated Country Women of the World organisation
The centennial rose released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Rural Women New Zealand
“We went back in the autumn and whittled them down to two that we really liked. The following year we made our selection.”
Meantime, Matthews Nurseries started building up numbers of that rose. A competition, held to name the rose, was opened up to national membership and build up enthusiasm.
Clare said a couple of their senior members who have been involved for many years, had the honour of being judges.
The name Rural Women was chosen for the lilac-coloured, fragrant rose. The first priority in the selection process was the rose’s scent.
“We are very keen that each branch makes a little money from the sale of each rose. For our branch, it’s about building our capital for our bursary fund.
“It’s the secondary school bursary where children from the Whanganui-east
cluster of schools can apply to get money towards uniforms and computers when starting high school. It’s to get a good start in their high schools.”
Clare joined RWNZ in Marton more than 30 years ago as a way to meet locals. When she and her husband Grant bought a farm near Whanganui in 2015, she transferred to the Fordell/ Mangamahu branch.
For the past 100 years, RWNZ has launched several initiatives. One of these early schemes included a bush nursing programme, employing nurses with surgical and midwifery qualifications to provide care in remote areas.
A dominion book club was established in 1927 to distribute hundreds of book parcels to isolated members. That same year, the emergency housekeepers scheme was introduced, with wages supported by a newly created community chest.
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In 1935, the organisation affiliated with the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). When the second world war began, the division guided women towards making woollen goods for the merchant navy.
During the dominion conference in 1940, a fundraising campaign was suggested to raise money for a Spitfire aircraft. Within one month, members raised £5,000, which was forwarded, via the New Zealand government, to Great Britain for the purchase of a Spitfire. The aircraft, inscribed with WDNZFU, was first piloted by the son of a Levin branch member.
Following the Christchurch earthquake, RWNZ gathered together to feed Farmy Army volunteers. Funds raised from RWNZ’s successful Aftersocks campaign went to affected rural communities.
Since those early schemes, RWNZ has continued to support women and children in rural communities. Each year, the NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards recognises entrepreneurial women who have created their own businesses.
To order a Rural Women centennial rose, visit ruralwomennz.nz and follow the link to RWNZ Centennial, or contact Pauline Masters at paulinemasters@ xtra.co.nz.
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Regional branches of Rural Women New Zealand are found across the country
Rural Women New Zealand supports and connects with women and their families living rurally throughout New Zealand
Caring for the cows
by Denise Gunn
The 2025 Manawatū Dairy Trainee of the Year, Eva Wooller, got her first taste of farming as she neared the end of a Bachelor of Animal Science degree majoring in animal welfare.
Her goal, on obtaining her degree, was to secure a position with MPI in the welfare section. However, a mentor advised her to first gain some farm
experience, as this would be beneficial in providing an in-depth understanding of the dairy industry. In 2022, Eva started working as a casual dairy farm assistant,
before moving into a full-time position on Fonterra’s 270ha, 650-cow farm at Longburn.
“The thing I love the most about working in the dairy industry is definitely getting to be so hands-on with the cows. From a young age, I knew I wanted to work with animals, so it has been a dream,” she said. “I have also come to love the physical aspect of the job as well as getting to be outdoors.”
The farming operation runs the Friesian herd on a split-calving system with 350 autumn calves and 650 spring calvers. Although calving is hectic, Eva loves it.
“I definitely thrive.”
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Eva Wooller won the 2025 Manawatū Dairy Trainee of the Year
Since 2022, Eva has worked on Fonterra’s 650-cow farm at Longburn
Calving may be hectic — but Eva loves it
Summers are generally relatively short on the Longburn farm, and winters are cold and wet. The farm receives an annual average rainfall of 1,096mm.
“We can experience dry periods, but we are lucky to have an irrigation team that helps us keep them under control. Winters are pretty cloudy and windy most of the time.”
The 23-year-old is excited about the continual progress optimising the welfare of cows in the dairy industry.
“I see myself fitting in where these changes are or need to be happening. I want to be part of those conversations.
“We are also about to start a shade tree project where we are going to plant 50-plus native trees across two
platforms to provide shade and shelter for the girls.
“The trees will also help minimise our greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.
Since graduating from Massey University and working full-time, studies have continued. Eva is currently working towards PrimaryITO Level Three Livestock Feed, Supply and Demand, and Milk Harvesting and Optimising Milk Quality.
As she didn’t grow up in a farming family, Eva has worked extra hard to get where she is today.
“I am extremely lucky to have the support of such an amazing team around me that I never found I was at a loss,” she said. The Dairy Industry Awards have been a huge career highlight for the second-
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time entrant. Eva also acknowledges Fonterra’s training and opportunities to broaden her knowledge.
“It’s great as a benchmarking tool as well as an amazing opportunity to learn more, improve skills and branch out of your comfort zone. I also love the networking involved in entering, as it opens up a lot of opportunities to speak with different people in the industry.”
Eva finds seeing the success of calves she has reared and the results from putting in the hard yards is rewarding. The cows keep her motivated during challenging times, too.
“They rely on us to ensure they receive everything they need.”
Eva said if she could change anything about the dairy industry, it would be the negative connotations associated with it.
“When I began farming, I felt I would be looked at as a hypocrite for working within this industry. However, it became clear very quickly that everything on-farm is done to the utmost care and highest standard to ensure the cows’ health and welfare is optimised.”
A herd manager position is among Eva’s future farming goals. Long term, her aim is to work with MPI in the welfare sector.
The herd’s health and welfare is top priority
Dairy stock on the farm
Opening the farm gate to guests
by Denise Gunn
Fifth-generation farmers Will and Annabelle Lilburn have opened their farm gate to Drysdale Station, hosting walkers while creating an additional income stream on the property.
The 2,500ha sheep and beef station, situated in the Turakina Valley near Hunterville, has been in the Lilburn family since the land was first cleared by Robert Lilburn in the early 1900s. Robert immigrated to New Zealand in his early 20s and began felling native bush.
His entrepreneurial talents saw him breed the first registered Jersey herd in New Zealand, own the local store and organise the milk collection, as well as build his own hydro scheme in the Turakina River.
When Will and Annabelle took over Drysdale from Will’s parents, Hugh and Pru, they considered different ideas to diversify the business. Annabelle said she also wanted to create a project on the farm that could bring in a secondary income, and keep her occupied.
“We tossed around a number of ideas but at the end of the day the farming operation comes first, so we needed to find something that worked around that.
“Pru gave us the idea for a walk. She had always wanted to do it, which
worked in well with me as I really wanted to do some type of accommodation on the farm.”
Drysdale Station runs 13,000 Romney sheep and 700 Angus finishing cattle. Weaned lambs are sent to Liddledale, one of Lilburn’s two fattening blocks near Halcombe. Will said all lambs go to the works from Liddledale.
“About 2,000 are sold store throughout the season from Drysdale.”
Supporting Will in the day-to-day management of Drysdale are four full-
time and two casual team members. Due to the terrain of Drysdale, most of the work on-farm is carried out on horseback with a large team of working dogs.
Each year, between two to four kilometres of new conventional fencing is required.
“Fencing is a never-ending battle with slips and weather bombs. The 2004 and 2015 floods really took their toll on infrastructure.”
Drysdale Station receives an average annual rainfall of 1,000mm.
Will and Annabelle Lilburn are fifth-generation farmers on Drysdale Station
Drysdale Station offers two walks covering a total of 28km
“With the climate ever so slightly getting warmer, we are seeing the rise of disease such as facial eczema in the sheep being more common. Also, having to drench more selectively with the rise of drench resistance in sheep,” said Will.
Sustainability is a top priority, and Will keeps farming practices straightforward. An organic system is used on-farm and pastures are a mix of native herbs and grasses.
A new secondary woolshed and covered yards were built at the top end of the farm in 2020. Annabelle’s flair for design has seen her turn the station’s 1960s shearers’ quarters building into five bedrooms, accommodating up to 11 guests year-round.
“We started in January 2024 with renovating the shearers’ quarters, which took about three months,” said Annabelle.
She said the accommodation has been carefully thought out with styling to create ultimate comfort.
“Guests can expect to unwind, relax and get a true taste of rural life. This is a high-intensity working sheep and beef station, so they can expect to see a lot of action.”
Annabelle sources local produce to create homemade baking and meals for guests to indulge in. Setting up the tracks was a huge undertaking and took longer than anticipated.
“From there, the walking route was decided on and the maintenance of the tracks began. This was no small feat
as we had a digger driver here for over a month, smoothing out the tracks and putting in 45 culverts to make the tracks more weatherproof.”
Two farm walks are available, covering a total of 28km during a two-night stay. Walkers experience a working sheep and beef farm with shepherds on horseback, livestock grazing and scenic vistas, including views of Kāpiti Island and Mount Ruapehu.
In November 2024, Will and Annabelle launched their website, and received their first booking.
“We opened in February this year, so we have had a few groups through from February through until the end of March when our season closes for walking.
“We already have bookings rolling in for next summer — which is exciting.”
Annabelle said she loves hosting and being around people.
“Having guests on the farm is very cool for me. They get to see what we live in every day.
“To see how excited they are to be away and relaxing for a few days is pretty cool.”
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The 2,500ha property is situated in the Turakina Valley
The homestead in the early years on Drysdale Station
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by Denise Gunn
Laying the groundwork
The skilled, experienced team at Village Earthworks specialise in providing comprehensive drainage solutions and earthmoving requirements that customers can rely on.
Owner/manager Nick Walkley’s background in engineering, along with a long-standing interest in all things machinery and outdoors, led him to establish the family-owned business four years ago. He focusses on delivering exceptional results and customer satisfaction.
Personalised advice and assistance is provided throughout each project, reassuring customers every step of the way.
Each project begins with an on-site assessment followed by a personalised recommendation. A drainage assessment on a wet area of ground follows a threestep process.
“Firstly, we look for where the water is coming from and then we work out why it isn’t getting away,” said Nick. “Lastly, we give consideration to where we can send it.”
This may involve placing a pipe under the ground, a surface drain, or the surface of the land may be reshaped to direct the water away. From there, the team can advise the next step to solve the issue.
Nick and his team of four each bring different skill sets and experience to the job. Keith and Nick are both engineers by trade with a methodical and straightforward approach to projects.
With expert precision, Nick also operates the machinery along with Julian. Keith is an all-rounder with his technical mind, and Jamie is a general hand with diverse skills.
“He’s also learning the ropes with machinery operation and maintenance,” said Nick.
The team is based at Village Earthworks’ depot in Rongotea, travelling to projects as far as Woodville, Marton, and south to Foxton and Shannon.
“We have done some work in Dannevirke, Taihape and Waiouru, too.
“We have found that there are not a lot of businesses with the organic skills and machinery to do this work. Our point of difference is that we really take the time to understand the problem, and offer a solution that is really going to work.”
“We do things thoroughly,” he said.
One of the team’s recent standout projects was solving a customer’s flooding problem in a garden area.
“The water was at risk of going into the house. At the customer’s request we turned the area into an invisible open-air soak pit about one metre into the ground, then lined it and filled it with giant rocks to create a rock garden, finishing it with a border of recycled railway sleepers.”
DOES WATER POOL ON YOUR LAWN?
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Village Earthworks also offers tradie support, working in partnership with machinery to get the job done.
“There are a lot of builders, plumbers and electricians without trucks, diggers, bobcats and rollers of their own. We work to the clients deadline, budget and standard so they can keep focussing on what they do best. We specialise in trenching, earthmoving,
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foundation preparations, concrete and landscaping. We have the right know-how to get the job done, and can provide flexible on-site assistance to other trades.”
Nick plans to continue growing the business and staff numbers in response to customer requirements.
“At the end of the day, we want the customers to be really happy.”
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The team at Village Earthworks provide personalised advice and assistance throughout each project
Design awards push the envelope
by Andy Bryenton
The iF Design Awards have been handed out for 2025, marking the pinnacle of aesthetic achievement in a wide range of products, including the automotive world.
Two of the winners in this category point to an interesting divergence in auto design, and highlight the way in which traditional designers are being matched by up-and-coming new rivals.
In the corner of new contenders with everything to prove we have the GAC group, out of Guangzhou, China. Their award-winning effort is the GAC ERA, an SUV with doors like a 1963 Lincoln and seats that can rearrange from a standard sports utility configuration into a kind of mobile lounge room. The ERA even has its own stow-away coffee table to complement its plush, revolving pilot’s chairs. Open up those massive doors and the entire mobile living room is open to the air.
Taking a stand for traditional design is Pininfarina, the Italian company responsible for some of the most breathtaking and expensive supercars of all time. For 2025, they swept the iF Design Awards with the literal Batmobile; their bespoke, topless electric supercar, the B95. Why is this ultra-stylised, coachbuilt track rocket associated with the Caped Crusader? Moreover, because Pininfarina made a special Gotham Edition, specially designed for Bruce Wayne himself. Judges called it the ultimate open-top driving experience.
However, the winner that Kiwi customers will be most keen to embrace
comes from a different design discipline altogether. The Valtra S Series tractors have already performed well in the Tractor of the Year competition, and now they’ve been feted for their excellent, driver-focussed design which makes a hard day’s work in the cab easier to manage.
“We’re delighted that once again, the S Series demonstrates its exceptional farmer-focussed design with this prestigious iF Design Award. Following the completion of our new CVT transmission facility, the S Series is 100 per cent built in Finland. Farmers and contractors can get exactly the machine they need for their demanding large-scale smart farming businesses,” said Valtra vice-president Matti Tiitinen.
It’s easy to applaud innovative hydrogen electric SUVs that act as a moving living room or supercars designed for superheroes. However, the importance of Valtra’s design input into making the S Series safer, more comfortable and more intuitive to operate will come in a better bottom line for farmers who adopt it, and that flows on to a stronger rural economy. Especially when competitors, as they inevitably do in a vigorous market, take note of what’s pushing Valtra to the top of the awards podium, and make similar innovations of their own.
Should I take coenzyme Q10?
by John Arts, Abundant Health Ltd
Imagine trying to drive your car after someone had crimped the fuel line from your fuel tank to your engine. The car would still run but would quickly lose power on a hill or under load.
This is much like our bodies when they have insufficient Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 acts like the fuel line in your car by transporting energy within cell energy factories called mitochondria to make the energy we need.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential vitamin-like substance mostly made in our liver. While we normally make all the CoQ10 we need, some people because of age, health problems or medications can benefit from taking good quality CoQ10. Be aware that the market is now flooded with low cost semi-synthetic CoQ10, which is chemically different from the naturally fermented CoQ10 that I recommend.
The most common reason for CoQ10 supplementation is for those using cholesterol lowering (statin) medication. The side effects of statins are so common that they are diagnosable diseases called statin myopathy and statin neuropathy. The most common side effects are muscle
stiffness, pain and weakness. This can also cause general fatigue, which often feels like a lack of motivation.
Statins inhibit the enzyme needed to make cholesterol. Unfortunately, this enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) is also needed to make CoQ10. Restricting this enzyme reduces cholesterol but also CoQ10 by as much as 50%.
Drug companies are aware of this problem and hold patents for combining CoQ10 with statins. Until such drugs are available, I recommend those on statins supplement with 100–200mg of naturally fermented CoQ10. If people have low energy or have other health issues, I often add a mitochondrial complex that includes high grade CoQ10.
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.
Abundant Health
The Valtra S Series has won a prestigious design award, putting it in the same category as the Batmobile-inspired B95 Gotham supercar
by Amy Fifita
Decisions for a lifetime
When leaving school or changing careers, the big question for many is whether to pursue a university education or an apprenticeship.
While many flock to university to learn their skills, there are others, often more practically minded, who want to dive right in, making apprenticeships beneficial to businesses and individuals.
PN:
Sometimes, doing the work while learning is the better option, as it provides people with a realistic look at what the job entails. Apprenticeships suit not only the practical learners but also businesses that want to train their workers the way they expect them to learn.
Training on the job creates a new depth to learning. By walking into a workplace to learn, you have already created a network of people with similar mindsets, a positive factor to gaining skills in the trade. They offer aspiring professionals and tradespeople a practical experience, giving them knowledge of how it’s likely to be as they progress in their careers. It surrounds those learning with people who have been in their respective fields. Having a university degree is worthwhile. So, if you do want to pursue
that pathway, work experience will give you a peek into what the career is about. While university is a great way to broaden your academic knowledge, apprenticeships provide trainees with a guaranteed job at the end of their studies. That way, people are learning, working and ensuring their career prospects are within sight.
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If university is the desirable pathway, having an eyes-wide-open approach helps students know what to expect. University education provides more career opportunities, and with at least three years of your life studying, selecting the right degree for you will send you on an exciting journey.
Taking the time to seek out and interview someone who is well established in the field is a great way to see what it is all about. They can give you insights into their day-to-day job, and with a network in the industry, it might help you after your university years are completed. Selecting a career pathway is different, depending on where you want to go and what you want to be. There are great sites like careers.govt.nz to help navigate the best way forward, be it learning in the workplace or entering the lecture hall.
Whether you’re graduating from university or finishing an apprenticeship, it is a step in the right direction for a prosperous future
by Amy Fifita
Learning by doing
Education is more than hitting the books and understanding how certain things work, learning is about being able to take theory into action, making clubs an active way of learning.
Sitting reading through textbooks is great; however, learning in action has a real-world impact. From sports and music to games and community organisations, there are clubs to suit various people.
Joining clubs and groups is a great way to get to know people in the area and add flavour to the local spirit. Part of the fun of having interests and being educated is being able to hone the skill and contribute it to the community.
It can look like joining a local music club or volunteering with an organisation, be it a church, Lions, Zonta or Rotary. Young Farmers has clubs throughout the country for fresh agriculturalists to engage in.
Joining a sheepdog trial club is another great way to learn some new skills. It teaches you how to manage and train animals and provides a fun platform and community for you to test your skills.
There are many groups dedicated to ensuring our native species, from kiwi protection to wildlife in general. With pest control being part of the rural lifestyle, people can join the cause and
start trapping, making a realworld impact as a collective. It teaches people how to manage and maintain traps while doing good for the environment.
These are the clubs that enhance the community and are often the place people lean on for support. Athletes can enjoy many sports, from cycling to basketball. There are always options to keep fit and healthy available for teambuilding or personal resilience.
Football, rugby, volleyball, basketball and waka ama are some examples of great team sports to be part of. If golf is more your flavour, check out golf.co.nz to discover your closest club.
No matter what we choose, we learn. For many, joining their local volunteer fire brigade or ambulance service is an exciting way to learn new skills, meet people and contribute in a meaningful way.
more
throughout
The farming community has plenty of ways to learn new skills, from sports clubs to sheepdog trials
There are plenty
worthy clubs
the region to engage and contribute to, so search around and find what’s right for you.
by Amy Fifita
promising exhibits from 250 companies displaying their innovations and culinary flavours.
Exhibits are displayed from July 11 to 13, on Friday at the Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North; Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and on Sunday from 10am to 4pm at the Central Energy Trust Arena.
With around 250 exhibitors gathered at the show, there will be something for everyone, whether it is a need or a desire. Covering topics like kitchens, heating, insulation, bathrooms, gardening, outdoor furniture and other products, there will be show-only deals for people to take advantage of.
The show provides access to experts across the industry, from carpets to sinks, allowing clients to book appointments, peruse designs and preview the new trends coming. Gourmet food and beverages will also be available to enjoy.
Attracting people who want their homespace to reflect their lifestyle needs, it offers many stylish options.
From kitchenware to new builds — there is something for everyone.
The three-day event provides companies with an opportunity to showcase their skill sets and products to guests, whether they are renovating, building or need household items.
People interested in renovating their homes, DIY projects, new builds and home decor can attend the event to be inspired, buy products and services and gather information.
Online earlybird deals are available until Thursday, July 10 at 11.59pm as combo deals for two adults for $7.50 and four people for $14. For a senior discount, a Gold
LEADERS IN QUALITY PAINT FINISHES
Card must be supplied and is available for July 11 only at $3 a ticket.
Single tickets cost $5, and children under 12 years old can attend for free. All online sales have a small booking fee.
Door sales cost $6 an adult. The show will also be in Whanganui on August 9–10 at Jubilee Stadium.
For more information and locations, visit homeandlifestyleshow.co.nz.
The three-day Manawatū Home and Lifestyle Show will feature around 250 companies showcasing their wares and home innovations
MANAWATU HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOW
by Amy Fifita
Keeping your intimate space classy
For most people, their ultimate safe place where they can destress from the troubles of the world is their bedrooms, so why not make it a place that reflects style and relaxation?
Whether you are refreshing a dated bedroom or designing the look of a new build, knowing current trends and tips will help with the process. Starting with the bed, base and headboard, a uniform look helps knit the bedspace together.
Fabric scallop and arched headboards are trending in 2025, making the item a statement piece. The key to a welcoming bedroom is simplicity and choosing items and furniture that complement the main attraction — the bed.
Using a fitted sheet with a valance gives people the opportunity to hide worn bed bases, and a large duvet can give the bed a plush look, covering the bed feet and sides. Adding an edge to any bedroom, furniture provides practicality and personality.
Bedroom chairs are a great go-to for any bedroom. They offer a comfortable place to hang out, read, dress or throw your clean-enough-to-wear-again items on.
Natural materials and curves are currently trending for dressers. For those building a bedroom from scratch,
Reduce your heating costs and come see us at the Manawatu home show
there are many options available in stores, but for those with an established room, upcycling what is there could be an option.
Sometimes all a dresser needs to be revived is a sanding and a varnishing, perhaps changing the mirror to alter the look and make a new statement in your space. Bedside tables to match can help create a theme in the room.
Lighting and lamps are another consideration. These functional items can be used not only to light up the space but also to set the mood. Art deco designs are popular, as are layered looks, shapes and metallic shades and lamp bases.
Next on the list is colour. Making the private space welcoming and endearing creates the perfect setting for relaxation, especially since it is a resting place.
Earthy tones are popular in 2025 and cover a range of colours. Ranging in colours like terracotta orange, rust red and forest green, there will be a hue to suit anyone’s palette. Jewel tones are also in season and add depth to the room.
INSULMA X
For Home Owners
DO YOU WANT THE WARM WALL FEEL OF A NEW HOME?
Warm, healthy homes start with blown insulation. If cold or damp are words you’d use to describe your home or if you’re tired of high heating bills, insulation is a major part of the solution. While heating solutions seem like the answer, reducing the amount of heat escaping from your home is the most cost effective way to get an energy efficient, warm, dry home.
can not only keep the light and cold out, but are also a style feature. From a minimalist look with natural tones to mixed layers, drape trends are varied.
For those wanting to add texture to the space, light patterns, culture-rich and printed curtains are readily accessible, as are sustainable options.
Making your bedroom space more welcoming and relaxing allows it to be a safe haven for rest away from everyday life
Curtains
As Davey Water Products Master Dealers, we supply domestic, commercial, spa and pool pumps, water filters, water softeners and UV treatment systems.
Recently, we purchased a Spintouch Pool Water Tester, which enables us to complete a pool water test in minutes, producing a report on chemicals required to keep your pool sparkling. We now carry a good range of pool chemicals in-store.
On October 24, Machinery Maintenance became agents for Prattley Datamars, and we are now able to service their electric drafter/weight scales.
We install irrigation and farm reticulation systems, and have our own lifting rig to remove submersible pumps from bores. Being RX Plastics agents we can supply pipe, K-Line irrigation pods and plastic tanks.
We sell and service and can supply many different brands of pump.
Machinery Maintenance is an authorised dealer of GEA Farm Technologies, servicing Milfos and WestfaliaSurge milking machines.
Our team of experienced servicemen complete upgrades and service work of all dairy equipment, and include a registered milking machine tester.
We are able to supply many different effluent system options, including Houle
Equipment, K-line Pods or travelling irrigators.
See us in-store for RX water tanks, pipe, hose, lever valves, ballcocks, fittings — PVC, Anka, stainless steel, camlocks, plus all other pump and dairy essentials.
SPOTLIGHT ON
by Liz Clark
Undesirable immigrants
In 1908, the Aramoho Tea Gardens, a site used for refreshments and leisure in the township of Whanganui, was sold by Mr Shelley to Wellingtonian John James Boyd, a successful builder. Boyd, though, had plans that would later seed the foundation animals for the zoological collection that gave rise to Auckland Zoo in 1922. The Yorkshireborn entrepreneur had built up land holdings in Wellington and had been financially successful.
Retired, Boyd set about revamping the tea gardens and beginning one of the most significant collections of exotic animals and birds the nation would ever see and the first privately-owned zoo.
In October 1908, the retired builder put in adverts wanting to buy ‘wild animals and birds’ and ‘opossums’, referring to the Australian brushtailed possum, rather than the North American species. The tea garden would be transformed into a zoo within a short timeframe. By early 1909, the site was renamed the Aramoho Tea Gardens and Zoo.
Author Lisa J Truttman, in her 2008 book, The Zoo War, put it succinctly when things changed in scale. She writes: ‘Small animals were one thing: Boyd would have known, via the example of Newtown Zoo [Wellington Zoo], that fierce
and large animals, as well as ever-popular monkeys, would be the sure drawcard.’
In May 1909, Boyd and his daughter, Elsie, left New Zealand for England and Europe with the intention of purchasing animals, including lions, tigers and bears, to form the nucleus of the zoo at Aramoho. The consignment of animals that arrived in January 1910, however, weren’t all legal. It took a change to the then Wild Animals Protection Act for Boyd to be allowed to have his predators and several species of monkeys and birds for the collection based at Aramoho.
Initially, the venture proved hugely successful with local residents. Concerts and other entertainment were included in the new set-up John Boyd had created with an eye to profit. Leopards, pumas and
The novelty wore off by 1914, when complaints of smells and other issues began to rise in volume to the local council. Things compounded in 1916, when animals escaped from their enclosures, including a baboon, and later, a bear, which was subsequently shot. In June of the same year, the zoo was closed down, and the animals were moved to Auckland.
Whanganui Concrete Pumping offers comprehensive concrete pumping and related services. Proudly serving Whanganui, Taranaki, Manawatu, Ruapehu, and the wider region.
As a locally owned and operated company, we pride ourselves on our commitment to high-quality work, outstanding customer service, and reliable project execution.
Proudly built by Whanganui Boating Centre
Himalayan brown bears on display at Aramoho Zoo in 1910
Photo: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections foxes soon joined the growing menagerie of exotic animals.
A decade of trusted service and innovation
As one of Wanganui’s longest-serving panelbeating workshops, Wanganui Collision Centre has
a
for delivering consistent, top-quality workmanship.
The locally-owned and operated workshop takes care of all your panelbeating and automotive spray painting requirements, restoring cars to their former glory. Keeping customers and their families safe on the road is top priority.
Nathan and Laura Cleveland bought the business in September 2015, and this year they proudly celebrate 10 years of ownership. For the past decade, the couple has significantly grown and modernised the business, investing in advanced equipment to keep pace with the rapidly evolving demands of automotive technology.
In addition to upgrading tools and processes, Nathan and Laura have recently given the workshop a fresh new look, including a building facelift and rebranding.
With a dedicated team of nine skilled staff, Wanganui Collision Centre continues to focus on quality repairs and contributing to the industry’s future. All the team are industry I-CAR trained and up-to-date with all manufacturers’ specifications.
Nathan and Laura are passionate about education and are always looking for ways to support growth and training within the panelbeating profession. The team’s commitment to excellence has earned the business a well-respected name in the automotive repair industry
Wanganui Collision Centre is the recommended repairer for AA, IAG, Toyota and all other major insurance companies. The team is also available to take customers through the insurance lodging claim process, ensuring vehicle claims are handled efficiently and with accuracy.
“We strive to provide the highest standard of crash repairs,” said Nathan.
“Come and see why Wanganui Collision Centre is still going strong after 10 years.”
Visit the team at 18 Wilson Street, Wanganui or phone 06 345 4272.
Well Drillers Wanganui provide a variety of services, specialising in water bores for farm supplies, stock, irrigation and town water supplies. We supply and install new pumps, replace old pumps, and carry out maintenance repairs on current pumps. For times when bores aren’t working as efficiently as needed Well Drillers Wanganui can restore and clean the bore, so it is performing to its potential.
We can inspect bores from 100 mm to 750 mm plus diameter. Camera rated for depths of 1000 metres.
Wanganui Collision Centre takes care of all your panelbeating and automotive spray painting requirements
High-performance homes make
Whanganui-based Black Pine Architects had four nominations across three different regions at the 2025 New Zealand Architecture Awards.
The firm, which is the region’s only Passivhaus and B-Corp certified architect, specialises in high-performance buildings built to the Passivhaus standard, with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainable materials.
One of the featured projects, an awardwinning farmhouse in rural Fordell designed by Energy Architecture, incorporated natural materials, including straw, clay and timber to create an airtight, off-grid, low-carbon dwelling that is modern and comfortable.
Of the project, Black Pine founder Duncan Sinclair said: “Firstly, it’s a beautiful building. It fits wonderfully with the landscape
and feels amazing to be in. That it’s made with such a focus on sustainability, using materials that are literally grown next door, is fantastic and shows what’s possible with thoughtful design.”
Health is at the heart of Passivhaus. This results in buildings designed around air quality and energy efficiency, and means only minimal heating or cooling is needed, if any, regardless of the outside temperature.
“Unfortunately, many of us grew up in houses that were freezing or sweltering, or both, but it doesn’t have to be that way. We have the knowledge and skills, so it’s our
choice to build in a way that’s better for our wellbeing,” said Duncan.
“At an individual and community level, we see a direct connection between healthy buildings and healthy people.”
The benefits of this approach fit with the company’s wider ethos, which considers a long-term view and aims to leave a positive legacy.
“Project by project, we’re trying to make a difference. We’re trying to show that you can still have a beautiful, modern, comfortable building that also uses fewer resources, has a
smaller environmental footprint, and minimal running costs.
“We believe it’s our duty to be good ancestors and make smarter design decisions that benefit not only ourselves right now, but the generations that come behind us.”
Martins Farmhouse will host open days on July 19 and 20 to showcase the benefits of Passivhaus and natural building materials, and provide an opportunity to speak with architects, builders and homeowners. This is a free event, but bookings are required — email martinsfarmhouse@fastmail.com.
by Amy Fifita
WELCOME TO THE REGION
Road provides free access
The newly opened Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū-Tararua Highway is making it easier for people in the surrounding regions to access Hawke’s Bay, following eight years without the Manawatū Gorge.
Travellers can expect to get to their desired destinations faster, after the Manawatū Gorge was closed indefinitely due to slips in 2017. The 11.5-kilometre stretch of road almost halves the travel time it took to get between Ashurst and Woodville.
“This is more than just a new road. It provides a vital link for freight operators and businesses throughout the lower and central North Island, which will encourage travel and support economic growth for the region,” said Minister for Transport Chris Bishop.
The new highway is welcomed by businesses and the public alike, but not without contention about its toll-free status. Industry association Transporting New Zealand is in favour of the tollfree highway.
“This new highway will make a real difference to the flow of freight and to the lives of drivers. We also think it is a win that this is a non-tolled road,” said chief executive Dom Kalasih.
“Our members were clear: tolling this essential link would be unfair and would raise the cost of freight,
hitting consumers across the board.”
Infrastructure New Zealand has expressed disappointment at not taking on National’s proposed toll.
“Not tolling the Manawatū Tararua Highway is a missed opportunity to help fund the ongoing maintenance and future resilience of this critical transport route through a user pays approach,” said chief executive Nick Leggett.
“New Zealand’s problem is that nobody thinks about maintaining a new road when it’s nice and new, other than those who are responsible for building it. Those people don’t control the money, though.”
The proposed toll was quashed after the community banded together with the backing of the Labour Party. Labour had funded the road and was represented by MPs Tangi Utikere and Kieran McAnulty, who celebrated the toll-free win during the opening with locals.
“It is such a relief for locals to have the Manawatū Tararua Highway open today, after years of work went into replacing the old Manawatū Gorge,” said Labour transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere. “It took a huge effort by locals, and strong
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support from people in surrounding areas who stood against National’s toll. It’s a beautiful new road, and I look forward
to using it regularly to drive between the mighty electorates of Palmerston North and Wairarapa.”
The long-awaited opening of the Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū-Tararua Highway was celebrated by locals and businesses Photo: NZTA
Tax credit to grow farms and businesses
by Andy Bryenton
Investment Boost is the name of a new scheme developed by the government to encourage farmers and other business owners to invest in their own operations.
Announced in late May, but hitting its full impact during the National Fieldays in mid-June, the tax package effectively cuts one-fifth from the price of all new farming machinery, vehicles, equipment, plant and buildings. This is returned as a tax credit, with the aim of the plan being to persuade farmers to retrench some of
the high payouts coming from record beef, dairy and crop prices into self-investment.
“There’s no cap on the value of eligible investments. All businesses, regardless of size, can benefit,” said Finance Minister Nicola Willis.
“Investment Boost delivers more bang for buck than a company tax cut because it only applies to new investments, not those made in the past.”
Here’s how it works.
The coalition government’s Investment Boost tax break has driven exceptional interest in vehicles, plant and machinery at the recent Fieldays in Mystery Creek
Businesses can claim 20 per cent deductions for the costs of new (or new to New Zealand) business assets that they bought, or finished constructing, on or after May 22 2025, according to Inland Revenue. They can then still claim depreciation as usual on the remaining 80 per cent.
That’s a big discount, amounting to tens of thousands of dollars, and it’s able to be claimed on any new or New-Zealand new assets. That could mean dairy machinery,
ATVs, tractors, harvesting equipment, trailers, bailers, effluent infrastructure or silos. It can also stretch to encompass any non-residential building constructed on a farm, for commercial or industrial purposes. Furthermore, improvements to primary sector land are also covered.
There’s also the opportunity for nonprimary industries, such as transport and logistics companies, to get on board and improve their fleets or premises. Full
details of who qualifies, and how much they could claim back, are available at ird.govt. nz/investment-boost.
“The Treasury and Inland Revenue estimate Investment Boost will improve economic growth, lifting New Zealand’s GDP by one per cent, wages by 1.5 per cent and our capital stock by 1.6 per cent over the next 20 years, with around half these gains expected in the first five years,” says Ms Willis.
“Investment Boost starts today and applies to new assets purchased in New Zealand as well as new and used assets imported from overseas. It includes commercial buildings but excludes land, residential buildings and assets already in use in New Zealand.”
The message to farmers and business owners is to act fast; demand will be high as evidenced by vehicle and equipment sales at Fieldays. For buildings, the waiting lists could stretch unless you act soon.
by Andy Bryenton
WELCOME TO THE REGION
Freshwater plans retooled
Small block farmers are less likely to have to implement a freshwater farm plan under new changes announced by the
last week, and large farms will be able to manage freshwater resources with less complexity and cost.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard claim that the changes they have made to freshwater farm plans will make the system ‘more practical and affordable’.
Ministers have agreed to reduce the number of farms required to have a plan and to take a risk-based approach to certification. Plans will still manage environmental impacts, but without unnecessary red tape.
“We’re recognising existing industry programmes that achieve equivalent environmental outcomes, farmers shouldn’t have to complete multiple plans,” says Mr McClay. “The new system will also act as an alternative to local council rules and consents where appropriate, allowing landowners to meet requirements in a way that suits their farm systems.”
Even before the roll-out of freshwater farm plans was paused last year, in order for fine-tuning of the system to be discussed in Wellington, industry
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has advanced government plans to make water management on farms and small blocks easier and less expensive
advocates were calling such plans a better alternative to the ‘blunt instrument’ of the RMA.
“It’s never made sense for farmers to be farming by resource consent. Resource consents are a costly, time-consuming and bureaucratic way to improve farming practice,” said Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper. “At the same time, caution needs to be
exercised in trying to standardise farming too much, as every farm, catchment and community is different. The freshwater farm plan model, introduced by the previous government and amended by the current, is a tool that can replace the need for resource consent. It is a readyto-go standard for farming with huge buy-in from farmers, sector groups, and regional councils.”
“Farm plans are useful tools, but they must be practical and matched to actual environmental risk,” said Andrew Hoggard.
“These changes reflect our shift from a precautionary to a more permissive, riskbased approach, ensuring landowners can use their property more freely, while protecting the environment and their rights,” said Mr McClay.
The Tairāwhiti-Gisborne area has been chosen as the pilot region for the new freshwater farm plan roll-out, which will begin this year. Alterations to rules around freshwater and how it’s used on farms are part of wide-reaching Resource Management Act repeals, replacements
and retooling that has formed a large part of the coalition government’s rural policy platform.
Fieldays in a positive frame of mind
by Andy Bryenton
A huge National Fieldays packed in more than 100,000 visitors and 1,200 exhibitors in mid-June, exceeding targets and showing that record-high commodity prices are driving a round of upgrades and investments on Kiwi farms.
As Fieldays’ CEO Richard Lindroos tipped sales to exceed those of 2024, and cited ‘queues out the door’ for both general and big-ticket items, the focus
•
of many guests was not just on the bellwether performance of the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest agricultural event, but also on what the coalition government would announce during the threeday festival.
Prime minister Christopher Luxon’s address to the Fieldays’ crowd was not focussed on the uptick in the rural economy’s returns, or on the impact of a new tax incentive on farm machinery. It was all about appreciating those on the front lines of the rural economy, and supporting their mental health.
“I want the farmers to know they’re deeply valued and deeply loved by this government,” said Mr Luxon. “This is the backbone of the New Zealand economy; we are the best farmers in the world.”
Todd McClay then went on to announce a $4 million boost to rural wellbeing, to expand investment in communitybased initiatives.
While many opined that the best panacea to rural stress is the profitability of farming, and the rising value of milk solids, red meat and crops, such as
kiwifruit, in a volatile world trade market are delivering more than $4 million in relief, Mr McClay’s news was met with positivity.
Programmes like FarmStrong, Surfing for Farmers, New Zealand Young Farmers and FirstMate are well regarded, well patronised and proven effective in rural New Zealand. A panel of five with representation from the primary sector will be established to review similar initiatives, test their ability to provide clear benefits to rural communities, and gauge their ability to attract co-investment before funds are granted.
“We’re backing the people on the ground who are already doing great work. This fund is about scaling up, reaching further, and removing barriers for rural communities to lead their own wellbeing efforts,” Mr McClay said.
This $4 million fund brings the government’s commitment to rural resilience and mental health to more than $11 million in total, to be disbursed during the next four years. That figure also includes $6 million for Rural Support
“This package is about ensuring the farmers and growers who generate our export income, create jobs, and sustain our regions have the support they need to thrive,” Mr McClay says. “When rural New Zealand is well — New Zealand does well.”
Prime minister Christopher Luxon has called Kiwi farmers the best in the world at his Fieldays’ address Trusts and $1 million in 2025 alone for rural mental wellbeing services.
WELCOME TO THE REGION
The confidence of farmers
New Zealand dairy farmers are feeling proud and increasingly positive about the future of their sector, according
from the Cowshed report released at Fieldays.
A nationwide survey of dairy farmers reveals that nearly 85 per cent are proud to work in the sector, and over threequarters believe the outlook for dairying will remain stable or improve in the next three years, signalling a lift in confidence despite ongoing challenges.
DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker says the findings paint a picture of a sector that is passionate, resilient and progressive.
“What stands out is farmers’ pride in their work and their deep commitment to animal welfare, environmental stewardship and their communities,” says Campbell. “Even as farmers face increasing demands from consumers and markets, they are stepping up, demonstrating adaptability and a clear focus on long-term sustainability.”
While confidence and pride are evident, the report also highlights key areas of concern.
Rising farm expenses, particularly for feed and fertiliser, were the top challenge for individual farmers, closely followed by regulatory compliance impacts. At a sector level, the need for greater long-
term regulatory certainty emerged as the most pressing issue, with many farmers wanting clearer, more practical and enduring rules.
“Like many New Zealanders, farmers are feeling the pressure from persistently higher costs of doing business, which directly affects day-to-day operations.
“We also know that regulatory certainty remains a significant concern for dairy farmers. We hear those concerns. That’s why we’re actively working across the sector and with local and central governments to advocate for practical, enduring, evidence-based solutions that work for farmers.”
Environmental and climate-related challenges also remain a top priority for farmers. Many are seeking better access to tools that will help reduce their environmental footprint and are asking for fit-for-purpose regulations that support real progress on-farm.
“To help meet these challenges, DairyNZ invests in critical areas to support profitability and sustainability like animal care, pasture resilience, animal genetic gain, water quality, and robust biosecurity.
SANDBLASTING?
“There is a lot to balance. With the right science, support and relationships, grounded in evidence and trust, we believe the future is bright for the sector, for farmers, for rural communities, and for all New Zealanders who benefit from their hard work.”
The full view from the Cowshed 2025 report is available at dairynz.co.nz/vftcs.
