Northern Farming Lifestyles, November 2020

Harrisons Cape Runner • The world famous Cape Reinga • Tour along 90 mile beach November 2020 edition

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The free–range life Pages 6–7

Fast-tracking water project

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Advocating farm safety

Wool to the fore

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November 2020 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

Integrity community media

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New Zealand environmental charity Trees That Count has approved funding for more than 5,000 native trees for Northland planting projects next year.

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

Phone: 0800 466 793 Email: info@integrity.nz General Manager: Deb Wright | deb.wright@integrity.nz | 021 639 696 Editorial: Ann van Engelen, Paul Campbell, Andy Bryenton Advertising: Betty Willetts, Devon Blair Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz Distribution: Laurie Willetts Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

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The benefits for the region range from waterway restoration to increased biodiversity. The charity’s native tree ‘marketplace’, which collects donations from businesses and individuals in order to fund native tree planting nationwide, has funded more than 50 projects in the region since 2017.

“There’s increasing interest in planting native trees in Northland from all quarters,” says Northland regional adviser for Trees That Count, Paul Quinlan.

More applications for funded native trees are expected. The three projects approved in the first round for 2021 being two community groups and a dairy farmer.

“We are fielding inquiries from a diverse range of groups, but what they all have in common is an appreciation of the multiple benefits native forests can provide, and the feeling that native forests will create the most appropriate long-term legacy.”

The volunteer-led Puke Kopipi Restoration Group has been working to eradicate weeds and establish native plantings on their chosen site, a hilly area behind the local sports complex, since 2013.

Pines were removed from the area in 2011. The aim is to now build on the site’s rough walkway, restoring native forest, combatting devastating erosion, and attracting native birdlife back to the area, while creating a peaceful recreation space for local people.

“There continues to be strong interest in options to establish native forest on harvested pine blocks, especially on steep and less accessible areas.”

Dairy farmer Tim Douglas and his family are in the first stage of a twoyear project adding another 17ha of planting to their existing 15ha QEII block at Titoki.

“Their ambitious project is also being supported by the Whangarei District Council and the One Billion Trees fund.”

The family is working hard to fence and reforest all unproductive land on the property. The mission will see plentiful benefits in terms of waterways, wildlife and carbon emission reduction.

The third project in Northland is also based around waterway restoration.

Friends of Kapiro-Rangitane Stream are planting stream margins and wetland areas, aiming to provide safe, sheltered wildlife corridors between the existing pockets of vegetation.

“Planting at Kapiro-Rangitane will also reduce sediment and improve stream ecosystems, which is critical for the Northland region. Sediment load is a major issue in Northland’s waterways and harbours, along with the need for shade to keep the water cool.

“Riparian planting has a significant role to play in improving these environmental indicators. Native tree species add natural character qualities that cannot be had any other way.”

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Fast-tracking water project “This project will establish a supply of clean, fresh water, that will open up opportunities such as increased horticulture that will flow through to benefit other sectors of the community. It is an important part of our recovery plan, investing in projects that both create jobs now and set up further economic development opportunities for the future.”

The applicant estimated that there could be an increase in GDP of $9 million a year and an additional 60 full-time equivalent jobs representing a two per cent increase in employment in Kaikohe and its immediate surrounding area.

The decision to approve the project was made by an Expert Consenting Panel led by former Environment Court Chief Justice, Laurie Newhook. The decision was made in 55 days from the time the application was lodged with the EPA, around half the time it takes for a similar consent to be granted under the Resource Management Act consenting process.

Projects to be considered under the fast-track process are referred in two ways: those listed in the act or those referred by the Minister for the Environment through an order in council.

More information about the Matawii decision is on the EPA website.

Further information about applications for fast-tracking through the Order in Council process is on the Ministry for the Environment website.

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The government has welcomed the decision to approve a new water storage reservoir in Northland.

It is the first of a number of infrastructure projects earmarked for a speedy consenting process that aims to accelerate New Zealand’s economic recovery from Covid-19.

The Matawii Water Storage Reservoir will provide drinking water for Kaikohe, and support Northland’s horticulture and agriculture sectors.

Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust says the 750,000 cubic metre water reservoir in the upper catchment of the Kopenui Stream, east of the township of Kaikohe, will be used to supply water for town supply. That includes residential, commercial and industrial uses as well as irrigation.

“This was the first project approved by an Expert Consenting Panel under the Covid-19 Recovery, FastTrack Consenting, Act 2020,” says Environment Minister David Parker.

“This project and others like it earmarked for fast-track consenting, will accelerate our economic recovery from Covid and create jobs. It demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to investment in our regions.

“The project meets all the requirements under the fast-track consenting process to promote employment and support our economic recovery while protecting environmental standards and Treaty of Waitangi principles.

“Northland’s economy has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The construction of the reservoir will have a positive effect on employment in the region, and the increased supply of water to the area will have the knock-on effect of assisting other investment prospects to help us build back stronger.

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November 2020 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

ADVOCATING FARM SAFETY

by Ann van Engelen Chris and Karren Biddles have run Te Atarangi Angus stud for more than 38 years, turning their 1,000-hectare property into a successful breeding operation.

PART ONE

“W

e have mated yearlings since 1982, and our stud cows are calved behind a hot wire. The calves from the Angus are tagged and weighed at birth,” says Chris.

“Our stud cows and heifers’ calving date is July 20. Approximately 60 calves are on the ground by that date because we have been using short gestation bulls for a number of years. We are now increasing the empathise on carcase

traits. We are no longer chasing a high 600-day weight, but are trying to lift the 400-day weight. For 600 days we are happy to be just under the breed average. We believe that the mature cow weight Australasian average is far too high and we don’t want big cows. We are after a mature cow around or below the 400-day figure.”

Chris prides himself on his safety practices, but one day in 2019, when he was tired, the fatigue meant he made one

bad decision. Chris is now an advocate for ensuring farmers understand the dangers of fatigue on the farm and the importance of supporting the Rescue Helicopter Services.

“I am a good example of how fatigue can alter our decision-making,” says Chris.

“I was mowing one of my hills at 7pm after a long day a couple of weeks before my accident. I deliberately stopped the tractor and asked myself, ‘would I

mow you at 8am in the morning?’ Two weeks later, I got on the quad when I was too tired to stop and think. That is the danger of fatigue. You do something you wouldn’t normally do. I had sat with a mate a few days prior and told him how tired I was, but I still didn’t consider the consequences.

“I was booked in to get a total knee replacement on February 26. Through December and January, we worked seven days a week and only had

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Christmas and New Year’s Day off and one Saturday fishing.

“We worked long hours so I could have eight weeks off-farm to recover from my pending operation. I only had a couple more days of stock work to complete, and we were a month ahead.

On the afternoon of February 1, I made a stupid and dumb decision.”

Chris was on his quad, moving weaned cows when his dogs jumped off the machine.

“For some ridiculous reason, I turned and went down a hill I had no intention of going down. The quad went end over end, and I was catapulted off with the machine following behind me. It landed upside down with the back bars sitting on my ankle. I wrenched my foot out and knew immediately it was bad.

“I tried to pull myself up on one leg to tip it on its wheels to fetch help, but I had broken my shoulder. With no radio or telephone service, I dragged myself 30 metres up the hill with one hand and one foot. I got halfway up and realised the radio was beside the quad so I had to do it all over again.”

Chris then radioed a Mayday twice.

“My daughter Joanne and son-in-law, Charles had just come to our side of the farm to check a water tank and heard the Mayday. This was the second bit of luck for me. The first being that the quad did not land on my back or head.”

“Charles came to find me, and Joanne called 111. She had no idea

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Chris and Karren Biddles’ 1,000-hectare property is home to Te Atarangi Angus stud where they use short gestation bulls for breeding of the extent of my injuries and knew the ambulance would not be able to reach me. They dispatched the rescue helicopter and an ambulance. Both arrived at their home where they had moved me to.”

The ankle was a compound fracture, and the bone and flesh were protruding badly.

“The shoulder ball at the top of the arm was not sitting in the socket. It was broken like a boiled egg and well out of place. Within two hours of the accident, I was landing at Whangarei

Hospital. I was on the operating table within four hours of my accident. It is thanks to the rescue chopper service that the success of my recovery was enhanced. The longer the split ankle was without blood, could have meant a lot more dead bone. I do not believe that quads are dangerous, but the decisions that we make on them can be incredibly dangerous. We have since fitted our quads with Lifeguard protectors that are manufactured in Dargaville, and

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Farmers everywhere need to be aware of the danger of fatigue and also the importance of supporting our emergency helicopters. We mostly live remotely and to get to hospital quickly when needed is a very important aspect of survival.”

Read part two of Chris’s story next month.

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November 2020 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

The free-range life

by Ann van Engelen Jeannie and Richard Walker’s 10-acre block in Mangawhai is home to 1,000 brown shaver chickens, which free-range around the property thanks to their portable homes.

“W

e moved here a year ago to follow our dream of having a lifestyle block with chickens,” says Jeannie.

“Richard is a builder, and we are big animal lovers. We spent a year researching what we needed for a sustainable hen farm. There are strict animal welfare, MPI and risk management programmes we adhere to.

The laws are changing for egg production in New Zealand, and there will be a lot more demand for free-range eggs, which is a good thing.

“Our first flock arrived a few months ago and the second flock has arrived in time to provide beautiful eggs for

Christmas. Free-range means the chickens have access to the outdoors.

We wanted to create the ultimate environment on the rolling hills so our girls can be outside playing all day having a happy life.”

The Walkers purchased the hens through Maketu Poultry Farms.

“They arrive at 16 weeks old and ready to lay and live in the lush green pasture in transportable mini houses with purpose built nesting boxes. We move them often and give them fresh rainwater and purchase more from Mangawhai Water Boy if we run low, so they drink what we drink. The hens live on grass, bugs and worms. We

supplement their feed to maintain their health. They also have oyster shell grit, which helps with the shell quality to protect the egg on the inside.

“Our hens are really friendly and enjoy a pat, cuddles and jumping on our backs to play. We plan to keep our flock for two years before rehoming them to chicken lovers so they can retire. They will still lay, just not at their premium. The amount of care, time and money it takes to commercially egg farm means we need hens at their optimal production.

“They definitely have individual personalities. We have cheeky ones, naughty ones and a couple of escapees.

Richard built the moveable chicken

caravans on trailers with wheels, and we move them around onto fresh grass constantly.”

The chicken caravans have doors that open up depending on the wind direction.

“Chickens also like shelter from predators such as birds flying overhead.

It is more complicated than just having a few chickens. It is amazing what they produce for such a little package. Eggs are solid protein that you can eat daily in very versatile ways.

“Every egg we collect is cleaned, weighed and graded. We also candle them to see any defects to the shell to keep the eggs fresh for health and safety regulations. Some come down

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“We have strict quality control and know exactly which day our eggs were laid. When you have fresh eggs, store them away from direct sunlight at room temp like your pantry, not the fridge. If they are stored in the fridge, they sweat when they come out. They can last 35 days if stored correctly.

“Chickens are a flock animal and love people and company. They love being talked to and interacting. They are underrated for their intelligence.

They need care seven days a week just like we and our children do. Back yard hens can have fruit and vegetable

scraps, but these need to be fresh, not mouldy bread.

“We have now got a licence to sell our eggs outside the Mangawhai Village Library Hall, and we go to the Takapuna Markets as well. City customers really appreciate free-range.

“We also do free local delivery and have lots of photos and information on our Happy Chicks Facebook page, and our website tells you how to get to our farm on Devich Road.

“We love the business and the people we are meeting. We are excited to see how it expands in the future.”

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“Cleanliness is very important. We have penthouse nest boxes that they climb up to and lay. The eggs roll out the back end and remain clean for collection.

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November 2020 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

Wool to the fore

by Ann van Engelen

Barbie Cassidy describes herself as a sheep person, brought up in the country at the foothills of the Wakarara Ranges.

“I

was a war child, and my father had sheep and raised racehorses. He believed I should work hard and from five years old it was my job to get rid of the rabbits on the farm,” says Barbie.

“I had a cocker spaniel, called Sue, a knife, a little spade and one of mum’s stockings. I would walk around the farm, and Sue would find the rabbit holes. I would pull the babies out, dispatch them and cut off the tails. Dad gave me a threepence per tail and Sue ate the meat. My other jobs included collecting the tufts of wool off the fences and

plucking any dead sheep I found. The wool I gathered was so valuable a bale would buy a cow or nearly a car.

“In those times, some dogs got fed twice a week, and lived in old tanks that were freezing in winter and hot in summer.”

Barbie married Garth Cassidy who worked in the family business Cassidy Transport.

“We had 30 stock trucks, and people kept asking Garth to run for parliament.

Twenty-six people went up for the job, including Ruth Richardson. Garth got through to the last three.

“It was a nightmare that election night as I said I would divorce him if he were an MP. We had animals and four children, and I had absolutely no desire to live in Wellington. John Falloon became Minister of Agriculture and two friends and I stayed with John and his wife in Wellington. While we were there, a gift arrived from Lord Sam Vesty, previously of Tomoana Works in Hastings. It was a little round dog bed for their Highland terrier.

“I thought it was a good idea, but it was made of synthetic rubbish. John suggested we make something from

wool. I went home and sat drawing at the kitchen table. That day, Neil Sloan, a saddler and I made a Labrador and a Jack Russell bed. We improved the shape from round to oval and found a friend to sew the covers. We filled those first two with bags of gifted wool knops.

“The wool knops are made with a machine that blows strong wool with force to make shapes.

“A man called Phil Collins was using it to insulate houses. I rang him to congratulate him on his efforts. He came and gave me two big plastic bags of knops. We made the dog beds with

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Barbie Cassidy is on a mission to see New Zealand lead the world with strong wool and woollen products

it, and my soapbox thing is now to get strong wool in the light.“ Barbie says a hobby was born, the dogs approved and the word spread like a chain letter.

“Nearly 30 years later, the beds are still made on a daily basis with many more uses for knopped wool arising.

The knop wool doesn’t flatten and is therapeutic. One day I started putting the wool into sacks, and a labrador sat comfortably on the sack. Now I make a sack bed for farm dogs, with four kilograms of long fleece wool.

“Each dog needs its own, never pass a bed on to other dogs because if a bitch has been on heat, another dog will rip it up.

“I use a finer, sanitised small ball in pillows for people. The small version is for very important passengers, in hospital, for children in car seats and they are great between legs following

a hip transplant. My website, vipbeds. co.nz has all the options available.

The wool gives the dogs joints a bit of a massage. Letters constantly arrive attesting to the therapeutic help from both forms of wool.

“We sold our property and moved to the beach to retire. Two days a week I go to my shed and post my beds and pillows. All our sofas were filled with wool. Our family does not have any synthetics at all.

“We just wear and live in wool, silk, cotton and linen and never ever get a cold.

“We only believe in natural fibres because synthetics are so bad for you.

I married an amazing man who did so much in this district. He got roads where there were no roads and started a marine reserve and RT radios in trucks.

“Every day has been exciting, with lots of fun, but the world is changing so

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much. It is time we get back to the good stuff, and bring wool to the forefront of New Zealand homes.

“We need to back our sheep farmers and realise the health benefits of wool products.

“It is a waste to have bales of wool stored in sheds because nylon is the most used product. We need to lead the world with woollen products. It is right here in our own backyard and Kiwis seem blind to it.”

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November 2020 NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

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Donovans Trade Supplies carry the largest range of engineering tools, bearings, fastenings and consumables in Northland. They know the rural, forestry and marine sectors inside out and can get what you need out to you usually within 24 hours.

Owner, Warren Parr says: “We know how frustrating it can be when something breaks down and it’s a two-hour round trip into town. That’s why we keep only the very best quality available in generators, pumps, heavy-duty drivers, power tools and anything else you need on the land. Lesser quality serves no one.

It’s better to buy well and get reliable products that do the job every time, for years. That’s what we expect from our brands; we don’t carry anything less in the shop.”

Donovans is a locally-owned Whangarei business, which has been servicing rural Northland continuously for 74 years. They carry top-notch brands such as Hikoki, Makita, Milwaukee and many, many more.

You’ll recognise the staff from last time when you come in. They’ve been with the company for years and have more expertise between them than anyone else in Northland. If it’s old machinery, they’ll be able to tell you what modern equivalent part will do the job. With more than 28,000 product lines on hand, it just might be in stock.

Donovans Trade Supplies services Northland’s biggest engineering projects and supplies the smallest engineering shops. They’ll have something that fits

• Fencing • Mulching 027 490 2516 78 Valley Road, Waitoki RD 1, KAUKAPAKAPA 0871 colinhawken@gmail.com

your project and will be reliable for a long time. If it’s something on the farm, they’ve got you covered. If it’s forestry, they’ll have it. If it’s serious marine engineering, the part is likely to be in stock.

If you can’t get in, then email or phone and they’ll get it out to you.

Use Donovans 74 years of trusted experience, get proper old-fashioned service, and the largest range of

stock available. “Our combination of experience, expertise and good, sound reliable parts and tools is unbeatable.”

We’re in Whangarei but local to you in Northland. We know Northland.

We know rural. We can help. Get it now, when you need it, from Donovans Trade Supplies.

100 IT’S NOT A TARGET

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As a business person who grows for a living, you know that there’s nothing more important to a consistent growing environment than a consistent supply of energy.

That’s where Elgas can help. With a large distribution network of LPG from our Whangarei depot, you can depend on Elgas for all your LPG needs.

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November 2020 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

FISHING & HUNTING ADVERTORIAL

When the big one bites Would you run a modern turbo charged car on old tractor oil? Hardly! So why run modern fishing reels on yesterday’s oils?

Have you ever wondered why so many small header bearings pack up when the big one hits? Ever wondered why they keep putting grease into your reel which goes hard and gunky? Why is there no reel lube which is neutral on the rubber wear patch?

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just a claim on the bottle. ReelX stops electrolysis on impact with more than 35,000-volt dielectric strength. So all the different metals in your gear stop eating each other!

Imported by Corrosion Control NZ Ltd in Whangarei, ReelX is available

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from top fishing shops in NZ. The product is neutral on monofilament, rubber, neoprene, carbon, all plastics, paint, anodising; even sunglasses, touchscreens and gelcoat.

ReelX is safe on rubber wear patches, electronics and electrics and is perfect for looking after electrical connectors, plugs and instrumentation. It is non-

flammable, and NZ MPI certified to class C11.

Last but not least, you can mix ReelX with CorrosionX Grease, effectively making up precisely the oil viscosity you want for your reel. If your fishing shop still tries to sell you the old oils for your new reel, then jump on corrosionx.co.nz and find a ReelX dealer near you.

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

November 2020

13

TO BUILD OR RENOVATE DARGAVILLE – MANGAWHAI – WHANGAREI BUSINESS PROFILE

Putting transport solutions on wheels Patrick Klijn is the proud owner of Northland Vehicle Transport, a thriving business delivering ‘wheels, tracks and keels’ all over the nation. The Netherlands-born driver got his start driving hiab and tip trucks in his family’s business, and has turned his lifelong skill into a valuable career.

Patrick’s transport odyssey began when he was 19 years old, and continued along the path to settling here in New Zealand. Patrick met his wife Jannette in the Netherlands at a pony club. She was born in New Zealand, and so during the years they visited her home country, creating an impression. When their children were born, the continental ‘rat race’ was no longer so appealing, and a move to beautiful New Zealand was on the cards.

The young family bought a motel in Awanui in 2002. It was a big change, but Patrick, Jannette and the kids settled in and enjoyed the journey. Soon this took another turn, with the motel sold and the decision made to buy a big, luxury motorhome. These proved hard to find in New Zealand, so Patrick investigated import options to begin a new business enterprise.

To bring the motorhomes from Auckland to Whangarei, Patrick needed transport, and met Pete Olson, from Pete’s Towing. The motorhomes arrived just a few months after ‘Black Monday’ in 2007, the GFC and a drop in tourism.

The motorhomes were sold, and Patrick signed up to drive for Pete’s firm, putting his transport skills to good use. After 10 years, he started his own transport business, not only for cars but also

Our team are highly experienced operators in all aspects of Civil Construction, Forestry & Rural Earthworks Subdivisions • House Sites • Land Development • Trenching Dam Construction • Roading • Concrete Floor Preparation • Drainage & Pipelaying

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tractors, quads, ATV bikes, caravans, forklifts, motorhomes, busses, trucks, vintage cars and even boats on trailers.

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Skid Steer with Leveller 4.5t to 38t Excavators Motor Scrapers Tractors & Trailers Trucks Bulldozers Graders Rollers

focus is on delivering the best service, on schedule. His company covers from the Bay of Plenty to Waikato up to Cape Reinga but can arrange any transport across the whole of New Zealand.

VEHICLES | TRACTORS | CARAVANS | DIGGERS | BOATS | TRUCKS Looking for a quality transporter you can depend on?

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BRIDGE BUILDING & PILING SPECIALISTS We offer Design & Build for Bridges including plans, permits, consents and construction.

Or see us to strengthen and repair your existing bridge to ensure safe access on your property.

Contact: GHK Piling Phone: 09 435 4443

Address: 9-11 Hewlett St, Whangarei

Email: admin@ghk.co.nz Web: www.ghk.co.nz

Civil & Urban Glen Jury 021 892 360 Rural Mark Wilson 021 848 537 admin@wilsonearthmoving.co.nz 47 Edward Street, Dargaville 0310

09 439 5838

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November 2020 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

T O B U I L D O R R E N O VAT E

Counting the cost is important

by Paul Campbell

Getting a bargain buy in this day and age of a pandemic, which has seen property prices soar, is probably not going to be easy.

Still, there is always the chance of a bargain where renovation will be a key factor in turning something dilapidated, into a viable home.

So you buy the worst house in the best street. Once you know how much you can spend, try to get an idea of what your plans might cost. Talk to people who have done similar work, check out online tools or have an informal chat with a builder. Costs for renovation and building projects can vary hugely, depending on where you live and the materials and fixtures you use.

As a very rough guide, building projects in NZ average around $2,000 to $2,500 a square metre. However, this varies depending on where you live in NZ, the size and type of project and the materials and fixtures you use.

Make sure your budget allows for living expenses and unexpected bills, eg medical, car repairs. Most renovations take longer than expected, and will often

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take longer if you’re living on-site while work is happening. Design and planning can take three to four months before you even get started on the building work. If there is a particular time of year you need or want the work to be done, speak to builders early to find out if it’s possible.

Check with your local council about what works require consent, what consents might cost, and whether there’s anything, in particular, you can or can’t do. You should also check whether there are any restrictions on what you can do with your property. For instance, if you have a heritage-listed building, there’ll be a strict process and rules you have to follow.

You can do some building, electrical and plumbing work yourself, but you need to check the rules and meet the Building Code requirements. Any

building work that doesn’t require a building consent is not restricted, so you can do it yourself if you have the skills but remember any building work you do must meet the performance standards in the Building Code.

If you want to carry out restricted building work on your home, or holiday home, you can apply to the council for an owner-builder exemption. It means you won’t need a licensed building practitioner to do or supervise any restricted building work.

Be aware; the council will keep on file that you have done the work for the life of the building.

If you’re hiring an electrician, check if they are licensed by searching the public Electrical Worker Register. WorkSafe doesn’t recommend doing your own work unless you really know what you are doing.

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

November 2020

T O B U I L D O R R E N O VAT E

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Knowing the ropes Burgeoning Auckland property prices, and to some extent the desire for many city dwellers to find some space and distance in the country means Northland is a favoured destination and that is both for new builds and also house removals and resiting.

With properties and land increasingly in demand, it’s becoming good business for trades and suppliers in the region.

Services generally are in big demand, and this means prospective homeowners need to plan carefully.

It might be a new build or relocating an existing house on to a piece of rural land. However, it certainly makes sense to give your local builder a chance to price a new dwelling on your section before you make the decision to relocate Hiring good professionals to help you can be crucial to the whole building experience.

If you need a designer, builder, carpenter or tradesman, go to the Licensed Building Practitioner register whose members have been well and truly vetted through a stringent application process. It includes a written application, which is followed-up by proficiency exams and support from customers who have verified the quality of work they have carried out before you made inquiries.

Members of the register also remain conversant with the changing industry rules and regulations.

Any building work that requires a building consent must be completed to the appropriate standards under the Building Code. Some work, notably gas, plumbing and electrical work, must be done by a professional. Restricted Building Work requirements will apply, meaning only Licensed Building Practitioners can do some types of building work Generally, the building contract outlines the general rights and

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100 IT’S NOT A TARGET responsibilities of the builder and the homeowner. As always, legal protection is a must when embarking on something as major as a new home, and the building contract is at the centre of negotiations.

It is important to obtain good legal advice before signing the dotted line on a contract. Ensure the price you are quoted is finite, and avoid situations where the words ‘cost-plus’ appear.

While it might be a salesperson who does the paperwork, you need to ensure that any undertakings made are actually in the contract. Seek expert advice, and

DRIVEWAY DEALS BOOK YOUR DRIVEWAY REPAIR IN ADVANCE.

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November 2020 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

T O B U I L D O R R E N O VAT E

It’s a material world

by Paul Campbell

Time waits for no one is a truism, and this applies to evolution in building materials, so setting off on a building experience today means examining a changing selection of available materials.

TRS not only limits to roofing and cladding, but also provides other product varieties including Insulated panels, Metal tiles, Ventilation products and some associated accessories that make it easier for you to get almost everything in one terminus.

We also provide free job quotes for all sorts of inquiry. What’s more, are you after re-roofing?

Dial the number below and get more information about 12 months interest free deals on Re-roofing and Long-term Finance with no payments and interest for first 3 months.

HEAD OFFICE P:0800 277 271 F: 09 277 2701 info@theroofingstore.co.nz WHANGAREI P: 09 430 7570 14 Gumdigger Place, Raumanga whinfo@theroofingstore.co.nz ALBANY P: 09 972 0060 2 Cowley Place, Albany albany@theroofingstore.co.nz

The list is extensive and covers such staples as glass, insulation, walls and flooring along with myriad other accessories to the building trade. For instance, there are many different types of insulation to choose from. Beginning a building project today, we can be forgiven for being overwhelmed by the choice of materials available. Back in the day when wood was the way, tanalised Pinus radiata was high on the building list — although in renovating older houses, there is often the choice of kauri and rimu from pioneer times.

New technology has brought a welcome rest to both farmed and native timbers as new building materials for homes and buildings tend to be more eco-friendly and cost-effective. However, wood still has a place — only it’s been tweaked a bit. Laminated timber is prefabricated wood, and it can also support high-rise buildings as well as humble homes.

There’s also a quantum leap forward in a glass substitute — a ceramic alloy that is almost twice as strong as the jewel known as sapphire. It can’t corrode and is used to make stronger windows for homes, apart from uses in

aviation and undersea exploration. The cost of electricity never goes down, and many new builds in New Zealand today are using solar panels. However, huge solar arrays are not really needed when you can use new unseen solar cells that produce power in building materials for doors and windows.

Another innovation is 100 per cent recyclable aluminium foam, produced when air is infused with molten metal to produce a strong and lightweight cladding material.

However, wood is still alive; this time as ‘translucent wood.’ It provides high insulation properties, and it is biodegradable. You can use the wood in solar panels, on windows as replacements for glass because the treated wood is 90 per cent transparent.

Moreover, alongside these modern innovations, there are building materials that have stood the test of time and are also environmentally desirable.

Wool bricks, which are a mix of wool and seaweed, do not need firing as with traditional bricks. Earthen materials like adobe bricks and rammed earth have been used for construction since the beginning of time. Rammed earth,

instead of concrete, is a sort of manmade rock that’s formed by compressing earth, gravel, whatever is to hand. Baled straw has great insulating properties, and its materials make a wall almost completely soundproof. Plain old stone covers a wide range of uses from flooring, walls and decorative use.

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

November 2020

17

Steady as she goes

by Paul Campbell

While our trans-Tasman cousins sometimes delight in calling us the ‘shaky isles’ there is a certain truth that we cannot really deny. However, it is not only the odd earth tremor we need to be concerned with in older homes that seem ideal for resurrection.

In many areas of the country, including Northland, some ground is less than stable, with the combination of drought and rains sometimes impacting on wooden piles perhaps laid down a century ago.

Some rural buildings that may have started life in pioneer days may by now need the foundations inspected and in many cases upgraded because, as over time, piles can move and deteriorate.

If the house was built in an era that used totara piles, an examination would soon determine if any repiling operations have been carried out in the past as new piles are either concrete or tanalised (H5) pine and are easy to spot.

Make sure to check out that all the piles have been replaced. It is quite common that only a few piles are new, often just around the edge of the house. Sometimes all the piles move, but more often, different piles move to different extents.

It is obviously more apparent within the building. Does that kitchen floor slope slightly? A ball dropped at one end of the floor space will roll happily if it is not level. So bad piling can show in causing the house to twist, bow and

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Pay attention! crack, resulting in damage. The piles may have stopped moving, or may be continuing to move — this all depends on the cause.

If you are planning renovations, it pays to start with firm foundations, or you are going to end up with an inferior result.

That involves digging new piles down to a firm base and attempting to realign the house on this new foundation.

If you have concerns, then ask the experts, and so a qualified house inspector is called for.

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Repiling is a major job, and different repilers use different methods. Some cut holes in the floor for access and others lift the entire house on jacks to make room to work.

Repiling requires a building permit.

Other additions and changes to the house can be added to the same permit, so it pays to make plans in advance.

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November 2020 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Solar builds just got easier

by Andy Bryenton

Solar power is a technology that has been teetering on the edge of massive uptake for the past decade, with pros and cons relating to its payback time and cost to benefit ratio filling kilometres of columns like these. Now, it looks like a decisive point has come down in solar’s favour, with building consents removed from ground-based solar arrays.

It may have a much larger impact in rural areas than in urban environments, and not just due to space constraints.

The new amendments to building rules, which came into effect at the beginning of September, make it clear that there are no consents required for groundbased, ie not mounted on a roof, solar arrays up to 20 square metres, or double this if the design and build is undertaken by a qualified professional.

However, that sized restriction is struck off for those building solar in rural areas.

To be fair, that’s also where the open space is there for the taking, in areas, perhaps, too steep for livestock which conveniently face north. Not that a single gigantic solar array may be needed for some of the most popular rural applications we’ve discovered for free, plentiful sunlight. Helping boost water heating systems in a cowshed is one of those with a growing track record of success, while another is gathering photovoltaic energy to help refrigeration systems do their job. There’s a nice symmetry to this, as the hotter the sun gets, them or it helps cool the vats and ice banks.

November 2020

19

DO YOU NEED TO

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Solar power works wonders in climates harsher than ours; now new building regulations have made it cheaper to adopt in New Zealand

One area where this new lack of building consent will make a big difference is in remote water pumping stations.

Far-flung bores and wells were once exclusively serviced by rattly old generators and pumps that required supervision, fuel and usually earplugs.

Substitute this approach for a solar unit which pumps when the sun shines and has panels no longer encumbered by consent costs, and it’s a definite win.

This is doubly true when combined with another amendment to the building regulations, which allows ‘small pipe

supporting structures’ and flexible water bladders up to 200,000 litres capacity to be installed with no building consent either.

For those who were on the fence as to whether solar adds up financially, this little extra cut to the cost of installation may be a push to act.

For many, staring down the prospect of a long, hot summer again for 2021, the combination of savings suggested by solar pumps, pipes and flexible irrigation water storage will seem like some long-overdue common sense.

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November 2020 NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

NEW TECHNOLOGY IN

Gorse Removal

Father and son team Andy and Fraser Murdoch have been operating Robotech for over two years now and their business is growing faster than the Northland gorse they set out to destroy.

It all began after Andy retired from the Police Force and he and wife Louise decided to head north to look for a business to buy. As they drove around looking at various opportunities, he was struck by the amount of gorse that was growing rampant on the roadside, in paddocks and on really steep hillsides. That got him to thinking that removing it was a good business proposition so, after doing a lot of research, he purchased a remote-controlled Robocut mulcher and started his own business.

He says “it was a bit of an unknown market, as everyone else was using manned vehicles like tractors, skid steers or excavators fitted with mulching heads for gorse removal. But I could see that the low centre of gravity and huge power to weight ratio made it ideal for Northland farms… it just grunts up the hills like you wouldn’t believe.”

And he’s not exaggerating, the Robocut can operate safely on gradients of up to 65 degrees.

Just as impressive are the various attachments.

The heavy-duty tungsten-toothed forestry head is the go-to for “the mongrel jobs”, while Andy

Top Image: Andy Murdoch with the 3 tonne Robomax “beast” which he uses for all the heavy duty land clearing jobs.

Bottom Image: The Robocut machine pictured is very nimble, and together with their Kabota Tractor forms just part of the land clearing options offered by Robotech.

cracks out the two-directional hammer flail for medium brush (thickets of blackberry, deep kikuyu etc.) and the ‘Y’ flail head is reserved for finishing work, grass and lighter scrub.

A set of spiked tracks helps to improves traction in wet conditions. “They’re great! They don’t slow us down and it just adds another level of safety,” which is a key selling point of being remote controlled.

At the time he bought it, Robocut it was the latest technology however the manufacturers have since gone one better with the new Robomax which Andy has recently added to the fleet and describes as “the bigger, tougher brother”. He reckons the “three ton of beast” has some pretty impressive commercial and

farming applications and is just better built for some of the gnarlier conditions they encounter out in the back blocks. “It just makes clearing land ready for development or planting that much faster”.

Of course, being bigger means it’s not quite as nimble as the original Robocut which Fraser pilots, mostly clearing lifestyle blocks and smaller patches of centrally located land such as the waist-high scrub they recently cleared down by the Stone Store bridge for DOC. “It’s horses for courses” which is why their arsenal also includes a Kubota 5740 Tractor together with a Trimax Warlord S3 flail mower, Landpride BB3596 boxblade and front end loader attachments.

• Gorse & Scrub Clearing • Mulching & Mowing robotech.co.nz 021 365 111

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES ADVERTORIAL

Improving fruit set in avocado orchards

by Erica Faber

Flowering, pollination, and fruit set is underway in avocado orchards. It is the most important stage of growing avocados; however, fruit set can also present the most challenge for growers.

The flower to fruit ratio is very low in avocados with a mature tree producing more than one million flowers with fruit set only ranging from 0.3–0.5%. There are many factors that affect pollination and growers should be on top of those they can control to improve this outcome.

Throughout the year, a regular pruning programme will ensure adequate light into the canopy, which in turn, results in flowers and fruit throughout the canopy.

Pruning also results in better bud quality as by pruning you are essentially flower pruning before the tree expends the energy producing the actual flowers.

Avocado orchards are currently in the peak of flowering, and by this stage, growers will have worked through their pre-flowering checklist. Pushing spring flush with the appropriate nutrient applications during winter, harvesting some or all of the crop, completing any pruning, correcting nutrient imbalances, and having beehives present from 5–10% flowering are some of the ways to set the orchard up for optimal fruit set before full flowering hits.

Now, the focus is on supporting the tree through very high nutrient demand and withdrawal due to the development of flowers and nectar, and in many cases, the existing crop is still hanging on the tree as well.

Growers can optimise fertilisation and fruit set by applying foliar fertiliser and flower sprays of specific nutrients.

Boron and zinc are the important nutrients currently. If you are not regularly applying foliars then ensure that you time at least one boron, zinc, and seaweed foliar spray when 50% of the trees are at 50% cauliflower stage, 25% at earlier flower development and 25% approaching full bloom. Consider also applying foliar spray products that are high in amino acids to support any heavy flowering or stressed trees.

I have found that growers are often conservative with their beehive numbers but depending on orchard density and flowering intensity I recommend having 8 to 12 a hectare.

The only way for fruit to set is to have pollen moved onto the flowers, and lots

WE’RE INVESTING IN YOUR GROWTH

of it. Encourage your bees to stay busy pollinating your flowers by placing a safe source of water close to the hives so they do not have to travel far in search of water.

If, during pollination, the weather conditions are not favourable for bee activity, consider applying a pheromone spray. Bee-Scent™ is a pheromonebased liquid formulation that attracts honeybees to treated blossoms and encourages foraging behaviour.

Soil moisture needs to be managed over fruit set as any water stress can cause higher fruitlet drop.

Should you be fortunate to have irrigation, now is the time that this investment pays off.

Use moisture meters to ensure you are applying the required amount of water through dry periods.

If avocado growers need assistance or advice over fruit set, they can contact the team at Just Avocados — justavocados. co.nz.

November 2020

Erica Faber, Just Avocados technical manager

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November 2020 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

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23

ADVERTORIAL

Mowing down summer chores

by Andy Bryenton

The Constant Angle Knife Sharpening System

Summer is here, and it’s a humid one so far, promoting riotous growth in the garden and making lawns look shaggy all over the north. In Warkworth, this means busy times for the local outdoor power experts, Rodney Honda, also the region’s hub for Husqvarna equipment and tools.

Rodney Honda enjoys a respected reputation as a Honda dealer, with the full range of bikes and off-roaders, which have defined this iconic brand on Kiwi farms for generations and continue to rack up podium finishes on the motocross circuit. Beyond helping Warkworth locals work and play on two and four wheels, Rodney Honda is also an outlet for another of the world’s leading brands, Husqvarna, who have carved out a name for themselves in outdoor power.

Now, with lawns running amok and holidays on the way, those wanting to roll up their sleeves and tidy up the backyard will find the perfect allies in Brendon and his team. This summer the big orange brand has rolled out even more powerful battery-operated systems which need to be tried to be believed. It makes petrol power a thing of the past in applications like trimming, hedge sculpting, pruning and light yard maintenance. Light is just the word because even with a battery pack installed, Husqvarna’s battery range is easy to heft, need no pull-start ‘muscle power’ and make light work of suburban greenery.

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The ride-on mower, evolved — Huaqvarna’s Rider series has more than 30 years of research and development packed into a compact frame

ride-on mowers and flexible Rider series lawn care machines.

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larger lawns. If the mower in your shed is a rusty mess with slipping belts and a wheezing engine, it might just be time to bid it farewell and pay a visit to Rodney Honda instead.

24

November 2020 NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES November 2020

25

EDUCATION Learning a road to recovery

by Paul Campbell

In the post-Covid-19 world, jobs have become a premium resource and for many, a change in direction, including re-education has become mandatory, from the airline pilot now driving a farm tractor, to the tourism operator retraining as a social worker.

The government has made job training for some industries free from July 1 this year, with more people expected to take up training following job losses during the pandemic. For many people, that means a new education opening. In the former administration re-election, Chris Hipkins said at the time that industries were chosen based on those that are expected to be hard hit by Covid-19, “such as hospitality, tourism and food.

“For 2021, we will refine these initial targeted areas to reflect the work that is underway across government to better understand how industry workforce needs are being affected by Covid-19 and what skills will be needed to support the country’s economic recovery.”

The targeted funding includes primary industries, construction, community support, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, technology, electrical engineering and road transport.

Free trades training for all ages was announced in Budget 2020. “The $320 million fund is part of a wider package to get New Zealand moving again,” Mr Hipkins said.

It was expected those undertaking the courses would save $2,500–$6,500 a year. “We know as a result of Covid-19, many New Zealanders will be looking to retrain, and employers in key sectors will need more skilled people. It’s designed not just for school leavers but for people in a range of circumstances and stages of their lives.” The fund was available from July 1 2020 to December 31 2022.

The government advice is for those in employment to also broaden their skills while working to become better at and increase chances for a promotion or change career entirely.

‘Think about what training would benefit both you and your employer and discuss it with them,’ a government post suggests.

Find a course that’s offered online or by distance education and train to progress in your current career and get credit for the skills and knowledge you already have. Studying while you work is hard going, so know your options and make the right decisions on what to study. It’s possible to train for a new career while still working in a different

field. You’re able to search courses by region, qualification type and study field at Careers NZ — Careers NZ course finder. You can also talk to the industry training organisation (ITO) that covers the type of work you do, to see if there are any on the job learning opportunities.

The New Zealand College of Early Childhood Education offers fieldbased learning where you work part-

time while studying towards your teaching qualification.

If you’re already working in the health sector, Health Workforce NZ can work together with you and provide funding to the organisation you work for to assist with your career development.

Careerforce is an ITO providing workbased training towards qualifications in health and wellbeing, social and community sectors.

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26

November 2020 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

Livestock export update

The Ministry for Primary Industries has introduced new requirements for the safe transport of livestock by sea as a result of the tragic loss of the Gulf Livestock 1 in early September.

It follows an independent review into the animal welfare assurances MPI receives from exporters, led by Mike Heron QC and supported by retired Rear Admiral Tony Parr.

“It will introduce several additional requirements for the export of livestock until the incoming government can make decisions about a wider policy review of the trade,” says MPI director-general Ray Smith.

“We have moved quickly following the Heron review to ensure no serious animal welfare issue for the 24,000 cows in pre-export quarantine, which would likely have to be slaughtered if interim measures weren’t put in place.

“We want to ensure they are moved safely. It is important to note New Zealand does not export animals for slaughter but as breeding stock. The Heron review found New Zealand has robust checks and balances in place, to ensure the welfare of livestock transported by sea, but MPI can strengthen parts of the Animal Welfare Export Certificate process.

“We are committed to ensuring crew and animals on livestock export boats are safe.” Cabinet has introduced a

conditional prohibition until November 30. “Immediate changes will apply for the conditional prohibition period. They include focussed maritime inspection of livestock carrier ships entering New Zealand to transport livestock

by Maritime New Zealand as an additional safeguard.

“Restricting stocking density on vessels to 90 per cent of current limits to match new Australian standards.

Increased requirements for voyage reporting, including daily veterinary reports during voyages and increased minimum fodder requirements that ensure at least 20 per cent of feed is available for unplanned delays during the voyage.”

Rear Admiral Tony Parr says livestock vessels operate according to international rules and certification, but additional New Zealand-based checks

by Maritime NZ should provide extra safeguards for vessel safety. During the conditional prohibition period, MPI will have the discretion to consider applications for AWECs for livestock exports by sea.

Approval for AWECs will not be granted for livestock shipments unless all requirements have been met.

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ADVERTORIAL

Cartilage loss

by John Arts

Osteoarthritis is all about loss of cartilage, subsequent inflammation and changes to bone and joint structure.

The result is pain and loss of mobility. The ends of bones such as the femur are covered in tough, flexible articular cartilage. It may surprise that despite its tough appearance and texture, it is 80% water, which acts like a shock absorber.

Cartilage is a combination of living cells, the matrix they produce, plus water. These specialised cells are called chondrocytes, and their job is to secrete and maintain cartilage.

They repair small amounts of damage as it occurs.

Osteoarthritis starts when chondrocyte cells die, causing the cartilage to breakdown. While there are several things that can damage chondrocytes, in most cases these are a combination of free radical damage from insufficient antioxidants and biochemical changes caused by trauma to the joint. While the triggers vary, the outcome is chondrocyte death and cartilage loss.

It is then followed by unwanted inflammation in the joint capsule that further damages cartilage. Eventually, the bone itself becomes compromised,

and the net result is more pain and restricted mobility.

Nutritional therapy can help, especially in reducing inflammation, slowing the rate of cartilage loss and improving the function of existing cartilage. For example, therapeutic levels (800+ mg) of chondroitin can have significant effects on the health of chondrocytes and therefore, cartilage protection and repair. Glucosamine also helps maintain cartilage while curcumin from turmeric helps reduce inflammation and fluid accumulation.

An ex-builder contacted me two years ago with significant knee pain from advanced osteoarthritis.

An orthopaedic specialist had recommended knee replacement. Two years on a personalised joint health programme and he now has very little pain and no longer needs surgery.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, 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 all-new newsletter at abundant.co.nz.

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Expanding M bovis surveillance

27

DR & BA

GRANT ENGINEERING

As a partner in the Mycoplasma bovis programme alongside the Ministry for Primary Industries, DairyNZ is providing information on the expansion of surveillance of the beef sector for M bovis.

National surveillance is carried out around the country to give assurance that M bovis is not widespread, and on occasions, it can help find the disease faster than tracing movements of infected animals. It will be a key component in providing confidence in the future that we are free from the disease.

National surveillance includes routine testing of the dairy sector’s bulk tank milk and beef sector surveillance. As well as sampling at meat processing plants and a national feedlot, beef sector surveillance includes samples taken for testing at the same time as on-farm TB testing. It is an effective method that reduces disruption of farming activities.

A wider range of farms will now be part of the National Beef Survey for M bovis. All herds rearing beef cattle for slaughter can now be selected, previously only beef breeding herds were considered. The minimum number of cattle required for sampling has also reduced, while the maximum sample size in some regions has increased.

Sampling beef breeding herds has been underway for most of 2020. At this stage in the eradication programme, it is important the programme goes as broad as possible and includes herds with a higher risk of being infected as

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a result of cattle movements from the dairy sector. Based on data so far, the programme is also confident lowering the required sample size will pose a minimal risk of larger numbers of false positives.

It allows the programme to survey more farms more quickly. If undetected infection exists in the beef sector, the programme is more likely to find it, contain it, control it and ultimately eradicate M bovis faster. That affects beef farmers who are running groups of finishing cattle, which can be subject to testing for TB. Some additional time will be required during TB testing. A very small number

of properties will have further testing on top of this.

For farmers, it means infected herds will be identified more quickly and stopped from spreading the infection further, meaning faster progress will be made toward the eradication of the disease from New Zealand.

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November 2020

29

Ram selection criteria With ram buying season underway, commercial farmers are the first in the world to be able to include low methane emissions in their selection criteria.

A research breeding value for methane emissions was launched in November 2019. It was the outcome of a 10-year breeding programme funded

by Beef + Lamb New Zealand levy payers through the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium and the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre.

AgResearch scientist Dr Suzanne Rowe has been leading the research programme and says for 10 years they have been running two closed flocks side-by-side, a low methane emitting flock and a high methane emitting flock.

These selection lines were created through methane screening of the B+LNZ central progeny test flocks, and AgResearch’s Woodlands research flock.

Dr Rowe says on average they have created a difference in methane emissions between the two flocks of 11 per cent per unit of feed eaten.

“Most importantly, it appears there is no difference in the health, productivity or profitability between low or high emitting sheep.

“We are seeing more lean growth, carcase yield and wool production in the low methane sheep without any negative trade-offs,” she says.

This breeding programme, which confirmed that methane emissions were heritable, allowed for the establishment of a research breeding value for the trait, which was incorporated into the Sheep Improvement Limited database last year.

Stud breeders have been embracing the opportunity to measure the methane emissions in their stud animals through AgResearch’s portable accumulation chambers.

Southland ram breeders Leon and Wendy Black were amongst the first commercial stud breeders to invest in measuring methane emissions and generating methane emitting EBVs in their Blackdale stud rams.

Leon says as a ram breeder, he is breeding now for his clients’ needs five years down the track.

While as yet, there are no economic incentives or market signals for breeders or commercial farmers to breed low methane sheep, he believes it is just a matter of time.

Leon believes genetics is the most effective way of meeting the sector’s emission reduction targets.

“The most cost-effective way for the sector to reduce its emissions is to lean

that way and breed animals that produce 10 per cent less methane. It takes time, but you’ve got to make a start, and I

learnt a long time ago that you are more likely to improve something if you focus on it than if you don’t.”

ATTENTION FARMERS BULK SILO FILL OR BY THE BAG For all of your stockfood requirements contact your local merchant or

Phone 09 433 8933 Factory Lane, Hikurangi

THANK YOU FOR WORKING WITH US, YOUR LOCAL NORTHLAND LIVESTOCK CARRIER

SILO & BULK DELIVERIES Silo deliveries of Stock feed and Fertiliser.

Bulk deliveries of palm kernel, woodchip, sawdust and post peelings.

ROYDONS – KAIPARA

Call Dan: 021 407 255 PO Box 253, Kerikeri

∙ Ph: Email: NEVILLE BROS SILVERDALE

S

HILDER’S LIVESTOCK BAY OF ISLANDS

UNITED LIVESTOCK WHANGAREI

“I’d like to help you out today. Which way did you come in?”

TAN

EMENOFF LIVESTOCK LTD

STAN SEMENOFF LIVESTOCK LTD P: 0800 800 585 LIVESTOCK@SEMENOFFGROUP.CO.NZ

Call Mike on 027 497 2935 or Call Scotty on 027 274 3787 PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE LIFE EDUCATION TRUST IN NORTHLAND FOR THE LAST 26 YEARS

Beat the drought Order now!

me ooso hs M y l g l Tota ete trou r conc

30

November 2020 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

WHEELS

ADVERTORIAL

Back in business

New model arrives soon for the smaller lawn... and a small price!

Agriline is pleased to introduce the latest addition to our team in Nigel Hamlin who has joined the company as our upper North Island salesman.

0800 384 450

Wear a helmet.

A helmet is a must while riding a quad bike around the farm.

Nigel will be a familiar face to many Northland farmers and contractors as he has spent many years in the industry both selling and servicing farm machinery.

After a few years in other sectors, Nigel is pleased to be back in business selling top-quality farm machinery again.

Agriline specialises in land development/maintenance and cultivation machinery. That includes an extensive range including forestry mulchers, excavator and skid-steer mulchers, stone crushers, orchard/ vineyard mulchers and, of course, the ever-popular Vigolo high body mulchers.

Also in the product line-up are Australian-made Rapidspray sprayers, mainly for gun spraying and with a range suitable for ATVs, UTVs, utes and trucks. All have an industry-leading 15year tank warranty. Rapidspray also produces the Buddy Smart auto reel, the most reliable compact remote-controlled reel on the market.

The cultivation machinery supplied

by Agriline can be described in three words: strong, reliable and efficient.

So when buying any equipment from Agriline you can be confident it will do a superb job and is there for the long haul. This range includes

HIGH BODY MULCHERS

•

Large Diameter Rotors

•

High HP Ratings

•

Double Row of Front Chains

•

Wide Skids

•

Heavy Duty Rollers

•

Adjustable Tailgate

agriline www.agriline.co.nz

0800 24 74 54

rippers, speed discs, rotary hoes and power-harrows.

Agriline primarily buys directly from the manufacturer and supplies directly to the end-user, which allows us to

supply top-quality gear at competitive prices. For any agricultural machinery requirements, call Agriline on 0800 247 454 or call Nigel direct on 021 875 421.

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

WHEELS

November 2020

FIVE YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT HAS ARRIVED!

Stubbornly successful

$20,865 EX GST Special 100% finance rate offered by UDC

by Andy Bryenton

2020 Upgrade Model. Still at the Old Price!

In the animal kingdom, the humble mule gets the reputation of being single-minded and hard working in equal measure. Ask any of the old kauri bushmen who worked with these beasts in olden times, and they’d tell you that if you pointed one in the right direction, it wouldn’t stop.

Less single-minded but just as unstoppable is the new Mule from Kawasaki, a side-by-side vehicle, which combines hard work with off-road recreation. It’s, therefore, a nice choice for the rural dweller who wants to take care of business during the week, and head out on the trails or down to the beach on the weekend for some hunting, fishing or camping fun.

Kawasaki had already cracked the code for a solid and dependable sideby-side with the original Mule. So this new variant has come with fresh styling to signal its intent, without messing too much with the formula under the skin.

Available in any colour you like so long as its red, the Mule pro FXR gains a sportier, more aggressive look at the front with sturdy bars, quad headlamps and two-tone cut mag wheels. There’s room for three in the cab, and room for plenty in the back tray, no matter if that’s got to be chilly bins or fencing tools, a fishing torpedo or some hiking packs.

On the job, the FXR can tow more than 900 kilograms, which means there’s torque aplenty for both work and play.

Power comes from a Kawasaki standard layout. A three-cylinder fourstroke engine displacing 812cc and cooled with a liquid to air radiator. This layout has served well on previous

31

THE BEST YET!!!

UPGRADES Electophoresis anticorrosion treatment of entire vehicle; Upgraded cooling system; Updated, more powerful 1,000cc engine; Enhanced turning circle; Upgraded suspension;

Tel. 03 347 4956 Mob. 027 477 0070 www.tuataraatv.com info@tuataraatv.com

Machinery Limited

DRIVE SAFE On Rural Roads

Kawasaki deliver a blend of hard-working toughness and adventure-ready versatility with its latest Mule variant

Mules, and in the FXR it’s mated to a low and high-ratio CVT box, with final power delivery coming via shaft drive to the wheels. You can choose two or four-wheel-drive on the fly, and the combination of long travel shocks, a good approach angle, knobbly rubber and a small, four-metre turning circle makes for nimble agility even when the going gets muddy. Kawasaki’s Teryx

KRX 1000 is one of the sportiest offroaders in its class, while the original Mule is one of the most utilitarian. This new middle ground offers the best of both worlds for off-road operators. The hardest choice will be whether to kit it out with accessories for fun or farming.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT’S AROUND THE CORNER

D ESELTUNE N Z

your complete diesel repair specialist 09 407 5514 | 021 057 7442 20 Kerikeri Inlet Rd Kerikeri - PO Box 885, Kerikeri, 0230

WITH THE YAMAHA LEARNER RANGE

USED TRACTORS & MACHINERY FARM TRAILER 3 TON TIPPER����������$6,000 TRIMAX TOPPER 2�4M��������������������$2,800 FARMGARD INDUSTRIAL 450K GRADE BLADE 1FT ��������������������������$2,800 SAM 4�75T TANDEM AXLE FERT SPREADER ����������������������������$14,500 FIELDMASTER GMM270 TOPPER������������������������������������������$6,900 2005 JOHN DEERE 6220 TRACTOR ������������������������������������$40,000

POSTDRIVER ����������������������������������$8,500 SAM 3�25 TANDEM SPREADER ������$13,500 PALLET FORKS �����������������������������������$600 BERTI TSB 200 MULCHER ����������������$5,000 2016 POLARIS RANGER 400���������������������� ��������������������������������������� ARRIVING SOON 2019 BERTOLINI BA003-430HP 3PT LINKAGE SPRAYER �������������������$3,400 BERTI 1�8 MULCHER������������������������$3,500

All prices exclude GST

FREE

TO THE VALUE OF $585

INC GST

AVAILABLE ON SELECTED LAMS MODELS FIND YOUR LOCAL DEALER AT:

www.yamaha-motor.co.nz

®

PH 408 0670 or Evan 027 481 2188 FX 408 2949 • North Road Kaitaia

EM sales@kaitaiatractors.co.nz • www.kaitaiatractors.co.nz

YAMAHA MOTORCYCLES WHANGAREI PH: 09 438 0804 | admin@yamahawhg.co.nz Offer available between 1/10/20 to 31/12/20 on purchases of new and eligible XV250L, MT03LAK, MT07LAK, MTM660LAK, YZF-R15L, YZF-R3AL, WR250RL, XT250L models through participating authorised Yamaha Motorcycle dealers while stocks last. Free on road costs to the value of (including GST) is $471.78 for XV250L, MT03LAK, YZF-R15L, YZF-R3AL, WR250RL, XT250L, and $585.94 for MTM660LAK and MT07LAK when an eligible motorcycle is purchased. Offer available for private buyers only on specified models, and warranty registered on or before the 31/12/20. See your participating authorised Yamaha dealership for details.

32

November 2020 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

NEW DEFENDER HD10 PICK-UP THE BEST IN CLASS DEFENDER WITH EXTENDED CAPABILITIES

WORK EASY WITH

®

TOUGH, CAPABLE, CLEVER LARGEST BED IN INDUSTRY: 4,5 FT X 6 FT | MADE TO GO AND WORK ANYWHERE TRANSFORMS INTO A FLATBED | ADAPTS TO ANYTHING - 100’S 0F ACCESSORIES LOADS EVERYTHING | HUGE VOLUME CAPACITY AND STORAGE OPTIONS

Famlands shareholders get a 2.5%* discount on any new Can-Am Side-by-Side and 5%* discount on any Can-Am ATV, parts, labour, and servicing. ©2020 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc (BRP). All rights reserved. ™, ®, and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always wear protective gear & approved helmet. BRP reserves the right to change the promotion at any time. *Terms and Conditions apply.

CLICK

WE KEEP YOU FARMING Talk to us today about our new click and ride program! ®

AND

RIDE

SEARCH INVENTORY PURCHASE ONLINE UNIT DELIVERED TO DOORSTEP

Hikurangi: Rouse Motorcycles Ph: 09 433 8471 | Kaitaia: Kaitaia Tractors Ph: 09 408 0670 Warkworth/Kaiwaka: Warkworth Motorcycles Ph: 09 425 8535 | Dargaville: Northland Motor Sports Ph: 0800 120 236 ®

WHEELS

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Ian

Transformation complete

33

Wayne

EDMONDS & MASON

PANEL & PAINT

by Andy Bryenton

Mitsubishi’s original Eclipse was a long way from the current vehicle, which bears its namesake, and it’s a story that encapsulates the way the market has shifted.

The original, a compact and sporty car, which came out of the ‘golden era’ of Japanese coupe’s and compact sports machines, was defined by being small and nimble. The alchemy which Mitsubishi has wrought in creating their latest Eclipse badged vehicle, the Eclipse Cross, is to keep that sense of nimble road-holding grip and poise, while turning everything above the wheels into a mid-sized SUV. The time of the crossover is definitely upon us when marques like Lamborghini and Aston Martin have their own sporty, sports-utility derived tall and wide cars on offer. Mitsubishi may be in a more humble price bracket with the Eclipse Cross but expect the same formula. An SUV with minimal body roll and car-like handling, removing the ‘on stilts’ and boxy image of their much older offerings like the original short wheelbase Pajero.

AWD models don’t even call the system simply all-wheel-drive. It’s now super allwheel control, which hints more at the rally-crushing 4x4 set up of that other legendary Mitsubishi, the Evo Lancer, rather than ponderously large, big iron diffs and transfer cases moved about by levers like those on a steam train.

No, this is all electronic, and the toys don’t stop with a suite of artificially

November 2020

Private & All Insurance Work

Contact Wayne 021 765 706, Ian 021 977 729

Phone: 425 8723 Fax: 425 9526 Email: autoglassww@xtra.co.nz or autoglassww@gmail.com

STAY AFLOAT Stylish and contemporary, the outer skin of the Eclipse Cross conceals plenty of space for the whole family and plenty of electronic wizardry to keep them safe

intelligent helpers to keep the Eclipse Cross planted, solid and smooth in the bends. Adaptive cruise control makes highway driving a walk in the park.

There’s even crash mitigation tech under the hood, to pull the Eclipse Cross up short should the driver in front feel a pressing need to stand on the brakes.

There are so many gadgets at your disposal that they’ve fitted the car with a small touchpad, like you’d find on your laptop, helping to navigate

through screens, which command navigation, sound, communications and climate control.

The mid-sized SUV market is tight and fierce right now, with superb offerings surfacing from many big names.

However, for value for money, the Eclipse Cross, with its price point of just a touch above $40,000 for the best in the line-up, looks like a well-sorted package indeed.

THIS SUMMER

Think water safety

BRYANT TRACTORS LTD Providing NZ with a wide selection of Boat and Box Trailers

∙ SALES ∙ SERVICE ∙ PARTS ∙

WHEN IT COMES TO REAL VALUE – WE’LL HOOK YOU UP! Locally owned and operated

DESIGNED BY KIWIS FOR KIWIS

-- PICK UP AND NATIONWIDE DELIVERY AVAILABLE --

Ph 0800 100 055 WWW.ULTRATRAILERS.CO.NZ

FOR ALL YOUR TRACTOR AND MACHINERY REQUIREMENTS

Your one-stop professional team, available for on-site servicing, mechanical and engineering repairs on all trucks and machinery, including mobile hydraulic hose service

Phone: 09 401 1015 Mobile: 027 549 5399 State Highway 12, Kaikohe

Service agents for

From, lifestyle blocks to horticulture to dairy sheep and cattle. From Orchard Tractors to Slurry Tanks and everything in-between.

CALL IN TODAY AND SEE WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU! 38 Rewa Rewa Road, Raumanga, Whangarei | P: 09 438 1319

Murray 027 490 9379 E: sales@bryanttractors.co.nz | Web: www.bryanttractors.co.nz

Email: info@adauto.co.nz

100% LOCAL SERVING NORTHLAND FOR OVER 40 YEARS

34

November 2020 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

MUFFLER SERVICES 62 CLYDE STREET

WE CAN

1. Fix any size exhaust system 2. Fit or supply all your exhaust requirements 3. Provide you with FREE NO-OBLIGATION QUOTES 4. Tube bending 5. TRUCK & CAMPERVAN REPAIRS 6. Small MIG welding repairs WE SPECIALISE IN ALL TRUCKS, TRACTORS & HEAVY MACHINERY So for your cars, vans, utes, imports, light and heavy trucks, tractors and heavy machinery...

CALL US NOW

Phone 438 8960 WHANGAREI

sales@mufflerservices.co.nz

www.mufflerservices.co.nz

WHEELS

On side rule

by Andy Bryenton

What do the towns of Redmond, Washington, in America’s Pacific Northwest, and Irbit, Russia have in common? The answer is one of the most indestructible, go-anywhere machines ever built by human hands, with a legacy that goes back more than three-quarters of a century.

When the Soviet Union was attacked by the Nazis during the second world war, they needed to mechanise their army, fast. Alongside tanks and aircraft, the Red Army needed fast, tough offroad bikes able to deploy scouts and move field machine guns into position.

Being resourceful (and communist), they used the Germans’ own boxer-engined design, copying the BMW bikes of the Axis forces and making them tougher to deal with the mud, snow and massive distances Russia is famous for.

We all know how that turned out.

However, what about now? Why is it that an American firm is still paying Russian workers in a town so old it was named by Catherine the Great to make second world war-tested off-road bikes, with sidecars, today? One could start by asking Hubert Kriegel, who has been riding around the world on a Ural sidecar bike for the past 13 years. He’s been to all the continents except Antarctica, through 140 countries, and the biggest test for the bike was when he had to tune the carburettors for altitude riding over the Himalayas. He’s still going.

These things are light, with both the rear wheel and sidecar wheel driven by

The Ural motorcycle is proudly utilitarian and looks authentically military-vintage

a simple boxer motor. Put simply; they won’t quit, even in terrain that would terrify a tank. How do they know? Well, because they were literally made to get to places tanks couldn’t.

The Red Army made millions of them during the Soviet era. While the current factory makes merely thousands a year, they offer an unique adventure riding experience that you can share with your best mate, your dog, your family and a lot of camping gear. Now, New Zealand Ural customers can buy a

‘gear up’ two-wheel-drive model with the sidecar on the left, making for easier road riding. It’s been a while coming, but while the Ural looks classic and battle-ready, it has evolved during the years, with more power, better brakes, and modern electrics.

If you’re intent on a motorcycle adventure this summer, this odd, interesting, unstoppable combo of cold war grit and open road freedom might be the novel twist you’re looking for. Check out the range on imz-ural.nz.

8,490

$

EX GST RIDE AWAY

*Ride away prices quoted exclude GST. See www.cfmoto.co.nz for more information.

Gatmans Mowers & More

Northland Powersports

Maungaturoto Motorcycles

Rob Titter Farm Services

Silverdale | P: 0800 800 960

Whangarei | P: (09) 437 5451

Maungaturoto | P: (09) 431 8555

Kaikohe | P: (09) 401 1774

www.cfmoto.co.nz

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

November 2020

35

Northern Rural Marketplace ATJ

Acraflex Dairy Wall Coatings

• Rollers 1.5 - 13 tonne • Diggers 1-20 tonne • Site dumpers 1-10 tonne • Loaders, Trailers, Plate Compactors etc

Able to be applied between milkings during summer months

SELF DRIVE MACHINERY HIRE

Colourcrete Dairy Floor Resurfacing System

Call the team at ATJ for your hire needs

Warkworth 09 425 8845 or Aaron on 021 210 0493 4 Morrosion Drive, Warkworth

WELLSFORD SALE MONDAYS 12:00pm - Store Cattle

Andrew Simpson

Steers | Bulls | Heifers | Weaner

TUESDAYS 11:00am - Sheep 12:00pm - Prime Cattle

Your Carrfields Agent for Kaipara/Rodney area

Steers | Bulls | Heifers | Boners

CONTACT Andrew Simpson

11:00am - Calves (seasonal) 12:00pm - Dairy (seasonal)

PH 027 449 1228 EMAIL andrewsimpson.ns@hotmail.com

BEEF / DAIRY / SHEEP 100% NZ owned

DARGAVILLE SALE THURSDAYS 11:30am - Feeder Calves 12:30pm - Store Cattle

Suitable for repairing damaged dairy floors or slippery areas Bruce Cameron 027 498 8412 / 09 235 8263

Harrison Water Ram Pumps 4 Models

Pump water on your farm or to your house 24/7 NO Electricity Bills.

Also Available Solar Water Pumps (No Batteries)

15-2 0mm $895 prices froMmodel .0

0 Inc

Enquiries: harrisons@actrix.co.nz, Ph 027 483 9996 John or 022 059 5166

TREE WORK

. GST

BRIDGE BUILDING & PILING SPECIALISTS

Tree climbing Tree felling Saw milling Firewood cutting & splitting

We offer design & build for bridges including plans, permits, consents and construction.

Or see us to strengthen and repair your existing bridge to ensure safe access on your property.

Phone Daron

027 471 6927

Contact: GHK Piling Phone: 09 435 4443

Address: 9-11 Hewlett St, Whangarei

Email: admin@ghk.co.nz Web: www.ghk.co.nz

IES CONSTRUCTION LTD. CONCRETE AND TILT SLAB CONSTRUCTION • • • •

Bridges Farm buildings Feed pads Bins

PO Box 448, Kerikeri, 0245 • PHONE: 09 407 8784 EMAIL: ies@concrete.net.nz

info@locksmart.co.nz

www.locksmart.co.nz

Northland Laser Drainage Ltd Neil Carter Trading as

Doug Wilson Manager Phone: Fax: Mobile: Email:

09 430 2934 09 430 2936 0274 302 934 dougw@nrh.co.nz

Specialising in Fertiliser and Metal cartage.

30 Tonne units available.

We cover your country!

Subsurface Drainage Specialists (Nth) All Services & Maintenance Available PO Box 1174, Whangarei Ph 09 434 7741 • Mobile 027 273 6865

1279 S/H 14, MAUNGATAPERE

www.animalherbs.co.nz

* House Wash

S

TAN

We courier to your door!

* Concrete Clean

EMENOFF LIVESTOCK LTD

A big range of Health Solutions for you, your family and animals

• Solutions for control of fleas, ticks • Consult with Pat for solutions and worms with WashBar products, to skin problems and other Diatomaceous Earth and Flee Flea health issues for your pet • Herbal and Homeopathic remedies • Orijen Organic Dog and Cat Food — no grains for you and your animals

North Island Livestock Cartage Don Wilson - Pukekohe 027 497 5825 - don@onroadtransport.nz Blue Vallance - Paparoa 027 480 1072 - blueandgayle@xtra.co.nz Grant Robinson -Whangarei 021 158 8386 - grant@onroadtransport.nz 09 238 4016 | 2169 Buckland Road RD2, Pukekohe 2677 www.onroadtransport.nz

Mike: 027 497 2935 OR Scotty: 027 274 3787 STAN SEMENOFF LIVESTOCK LTD P: 0800 800 585 LIVESTOCK@SEMENOFFGROUP.CO.NZ

Ph 09 432 0820

Email: homeopat@ubernet.co.nz Visit: homeopat@ubernet.co.nz to buy online

NORTHERN FARMING CLASSIFIEDS

* Gutter Clean * Roof Treatments aaron@washrite.co.nz

* Cowshed Wash

022 438 8838

REMEMBER...

Reach 33,300 Rural Homes Phone 0800 466 793 For Sale

For Sale

ATV SAFETY HELMETS — from $119 accessories from $15. The law has changed! Have you got yours? Come & see us at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Ph 0800 963 636. www. atvtyres.co.nz. Subject to availability.

CHICKEN MANURE for sale in bulk or small lots - $20 cubic metre plus freight call 09 432 2444 or 027 476 5458.

ATV MATS from $89 — Come in & see us at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Ph 0800 963 636. www.atvtyres.co.nz.

BACK 2 Wood Demolition. We buy & sell renovation materials. Servicing Northland — Auckland.

Specialising in Windows, Doors, Ranch Sliders, Kitchens, Vanities, Roofing and More! Check out our website back2wood.co.nz or Ph 0800 10 98 77.

NEW YAMAHA FARM ATVs — 5.9% interest & 3 year warranty. Only at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi — phone 0800 963 636 & Yamaha MC Whangarei. Ph 09 438 0804

Avoid Drink Driving

Slip, Slop, Slap

36

November 2020 NORTHERN FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

LOW COST

700CC QUIET,

KAWASAKI

LOW SERVICING COSTS DESIGNED WITH SERVICING IN MIND

ROBUST 700CC SINGLE PACKS PUNCH LOCKABLE DIFFERENTIAL AND FULL ENGINE BRAKING

BUILT KAWASAKI STRONG USING KHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES TECHNOLOGY

OF OWNERSHIP

POWERFUL ENGINE

HEAVY ENGINEERING

$17,995

+GST

SEE YOUR LOCAL DEALER TODAY OR VISIT

www.kawasaki.co.nz

DARGAVILLE

WINDSCREEN AND WIPERS NOT INCLUDED AND ARE OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES.

KAIWAKA

C A Motorcycles - 104 Jervois St, Dargaville | 09 439 0170

Warkworth Motorcycles Kaiwaka - 1916 SH 1 | 09 431 2123

HIKURANGI

KAIKOHE

WARKWORTH

WHANGAREI

Rouse Motorcycles - 1 King St, Hikurangi | 09 433 8471

Warkworth Motorcycles - 22 Whitaker Rd | 09 425 8535

Rob Titter Farm Services - 55 Station Rd E | 09 401 1774

Shaw Motorcycles - 111 Cameron Street | 09 438 1183