Northern Farming Lifestyles, April 2024

Leading farmers from around New Zealand connected to share environmental stories and inspiration and build relationships at the Dairy Environment Leaders national forum in Wellington.

The forum last month gave the 70 attending farmers an opportunity to share and seek inspiration about how they will continue to drive environmental progress in their respective regions.

Based on a ‘whanaungatanga for future success’ theme, it sought to establish connection among attendees as they continue to reduce their environmental footprint and support their communities.

“Feedback from those attending was positive, with farmers and speakers enjoying the chance to connect, share experiences and learn from each other,” said National DEL chair and Hunua dairy farmer Amber Carpenter.

The Dairy Environment Leaders network was formed by farmers, DairyNZ and the NZ Farm Environment Trust in 2007. It aims to empower leadership and provide opportunities to support and share on-farm actions to reduce environmental footprint and broader sustainability issues.

“We look forward to building on the connections made and strengthened at the forum as the dairy sector continues to contribute positively to New Zealand’s environment and economy. These connections help the sector accelerate positive change.

The programme included Mavis Mullins, a fifth-generation farmer, agribusiness leader and Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, who shared te ao Māori insights into improving waterway health and working collaboratively to support water quality outcomes.

Taranaki dairy farmer Damian Roper spoke about the positive relationships he and his wife Jayne have with key stakeholders in their community.

Damian explained how the relationships support their focus on reducing onfarm environmental footprint, building biodiversity and farming holistically, with people, animals and the environment at the centre of their business.

He also shared how he and Jayne have built a traditional pā to help bring native trees and Māori values back to the family farm, and how he has embraced learning te reo.

Other speakers included former opposition leader Todd Muller, who highlighted the importance of connection in terms of prioritising his own mental health and wellbeing.

DairyNZ general manager farm systems and policy Dr David Burger says the DEL network’s vision is of environmental stewardship for the future — farmer-led practical change across individual farms, catchments and regions.

“The line-up of speakers was inspirational. The forum’s focus every year is on inspiring attendees to go back to their farms, communities and regions and continue to do great things. Their actions have positive impacts across the sector.”

“The DELs work hard to encourage the adoption of positive environmental practices. Thanks to their efforts, and those of other dairy farmers around NZ, the sector is embracing environmental change with a positive, future-focussed approach.”

Amber Carpenter, Dairy Environment Leaders chair

Rescue chopper seeks support

by Ann van Engelen

A proposal by the Northland Regional Council to cancel emergency services support from June 30 to soften a planned rate increase has sparked an open letter to NRC ratepayers and Northland Rescue Helicopter supporters.

“We are extremely grateful to the Northland Regional Council and Northland ratepayers for the support provided to the Northland Rescue Helicopters through the council’s Emergency Services Fund (ESF),” said NEST chair Paul Ahlers.

“This fund provides valuable support to us and other rescue organisations in Northland and is created through a targeted rate of $12 per household included in your annual rates bill.

“Each year, we are required to find $1.2 million of community funding to cover the basic cost of our operations. However, the NRC has just released its consultation document on the Long Term Plan and is proposing that the Emergency Services Fund be scrapped.

“This will be devastating for our helicopter service, which receives the greatest level of support from this fund. Of the $12 per household currently levied in the ESF rate, approximately $6 of this goes to our rescue helicopter service.

“Unfortunately, this leaves us almost no time at all to replace the funding gap. Under this scenario, NEST will almost certainly have to run under a deficit, and this will place us under tremendous financial pressure.

“The NRC has used the rationale that rescue services are not core business, but the evolution of almost all rescue services has started in small communities

and is driven by our inherent desire as people to help one another. That’s what communities are all about.”

The NRC has provided an option in the consultation document that could see community funding for emergency services continue at the current level.

“We know how hard things are for Northland households at the moment, but we would urge you to support at the very least a continuation of what you’re currently giving to help fund rescue services in your community.

To create a submission to the NRC and have your voice count, you will need to go to nrc.govt/futureplan.

“The NRC must listen to the community it serves. So, that’s why it’s really important that as many people as possible provide submissions in support of continuing the community funding for our helicopter service.

“Let’s be clear. If people don’t speak up, the NRC will remove the funding and use it to pay for other council services. The submission process is only open for a short time and closes on April 19.”

Paul Ahlers, Northland Emergency Services Trust chair

BUILT ON COMMUNITY LOVE

BY AMY FIFITA

TLast month, trekkers from across the country travelled to the Pakōtai Parakao Community Group Horse Trek, an annual fundraiser.

his year, it was for the local Nukutawhiti All Saints Church revamp, which is a new roof and exterior painting.

“When my and Sally Leemeyer’s children started Playcentre, they suggested we do a pizza and chocolate fundraiser, but we wanted to do something that would generate significantly more funds than a few chocolates. I got the help of the exstockmen of the valley Des and the late Clarry Maddox and organised the horse trek instead,” said event coordinator Diane Vuletich.

The annual fundraiser has contributed to the local community for two decades and counting. It has helped provide various activities and items, including school trips and supporting the local Parakao Hall, Pakōtai School and Pakōtai Recreation Hall.

“We love it here. There is so much adventure here in our valley like the winter mud drags and monthly muso jam sessions at the Parakao Store.

“In 1915, the original Good Shepherd of Mangakahia Church was destroyed by fire. The Arona family gave the funds from the Sunday cream, milked from their cows

every week until they had enough money to rebuild the church in 1934. The roof is still original, and the building has had a

lick of paint or two. It is now in need of a new roof and exterior paint to bring her back up to her former glory.

The trek included fun horse races, with six people in each race winching in their wooden horses for the win

“We got everyone to sign our trek book. It has photos and landowners’ and participants’ comments on the treks we’ve been on. We also started a new book for the Nukutawhiti All Saints Church. Everybody signed the book when we had lunch there on the last day of the trek, which is great for recording the history for future generations.”

“We’ve been to funerals and weddings there, and they used to have regular services there once a month until just before Covid. It would be fantastic to see the church community get it going again, implement a Sunday school and get all the children in the valley to learn.

“We want our grown children to use it for weddings and christenings, and when I die, I want to have my funeral service here because this is our valley.”

Some outdoor work has already been completed by community volunteers. Trees that were damaging the building have been cut, split and sold as firewood, extra funds for the church revamp. We are now waiting for the roofer and painting to start.

The group is grateful to all event volunteers, landowners and sponsors. The trek has grown from a one-day event with about 30 people to a three-day affair with approximately 100 riders.

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“Saturday afternoon was filled with reel horse racing, swimming in the river, eating great food and dancing the night away with live entertainment.”

Jody Fisher attended the threeday event with Kindra, a 16-year-old Appaloosa Clydesdale.

“I learnt how to ride when I was four years old on our family bull,” said Jody.

“Kindra comes to me because she has breathing allergies on her owner’s Anna Low’s Waitakere property during summer. We did the three-hour trek.

“It did her well and she was not even coughing or sneezing, and her breathing was good. We went for a beautiful swim,

which was nice and deep. The water went right over her.”

Blind rider Tony Mosen went on the trek with his friends and traversed the countryside with his horse Arby.

“It is the second year we’ve done this trek. It was fun. We trekked some good terrain and ate good food. I have been riding for two decades. I love animals and am used to relying on them.

“I enjoy the freedom of it, and I trust Arby. I can get an adrenaline rush sometimes riding blind because I can’t gauge how steep the slopes are. I like trekking because you get to meet people.”

Volunteer cashiers Sue Girven and Toni Sadler had a monopoly on the funny money currency for betting on the fun horse races

Volunteers Rachel Alexander, Tarnia Faber and Ken Follas showcased some of the main sponsors for the event with their purple T-shirts

THE ENVIRONMENT MATTERS

Having a strong commitment to look after the land, Aoroa Farm owners Hal Harding and Penny Smart are fulfilling their aspirations to do right by the environment at their 480-hectare Kaipara property.

“O

ur dairy farm is a mix of rolling Te Kōpuru sand hills and Kaipara flats in the Northern Wairoa sub-catchment of the Kaipara Moana catchment and in the Kaipara plant eco-district,” says Hal.

“The farm is a once-a-day split calving dairy unit milking 650 cows with a strong focus on the natural system, prioritising soil health and adopting biological practices as much as possible.

“We have worked hard over the decades to exclude stock and undertake planting on the steeper areas and in the natural wetland areas. In total, the couple have approximately 30ha of wetlands, with the largest an impressive 15ha — a beautiful area to view.”

The couple were inaugural members of the Integrated Kaipara Harbour

Management Group (IKHMG) some years ago, with the property becoming a flagship farm, planting around four hectares of natives with the assistance of the group.

“Part of our management plan is to also rest certain areas of the land. Three years ago, we sold off 20ha of mature pine and replanted 15ha in a 50/50 manuka and eucalyptus split. We are leading the charge to encourage other farmers to work with the Kaipara Moana Remediation programme.”

The Kaipara Moana Remediation team introduced Navigator projects in 2023 as flagship projects. By becoming ‘Navigators’, the Hardings are helping chart the way for others.

“Since collaborating with KMR, we have planted more than 47,000 native flax,

BY ANN VAN ENGELEN

The property is home to a once-a-day split calving dairy unit milking 650 cows

shrubs and trees on approximately 20ha of the farm to protect and restore our wetlands. Around 130ha of Aoroa Farms is now mainly in maturing, regenerating or recently planted natives, and we still have more to go.

“The aim is to demonstrate and champion best practice in reducing sediment losses from the land, increase biodiversity and share learnings with others in their community, with iwi/hapū and within their farming sector.

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“Our project will significantly extend protection and restoration of the wetlands across the property, also supporting rare and native orchids and hard-to-spot matuku hūrepo (bittern).

“Biodiversity and sediment reduction is so necessary in the Kaipara, and it is a real privilege to be part of the KMR Navigator project. The KMR crew are great to work with. Justine Daw and her team are doing really well.”

The family has additional planting in years to come, including more canopy trees, ti kōuka or cabbage tree, kōwhai, tairere, karaka, kahikatea, houpara, karo and tōtara among other natives.

“Now we have a nice amount of nurse trees in the ground,” says Penny.

“Our focus is on looking after the trees, and we plan to regularly invite all community, local and non-local, to visit and assist us with the ongoing planting, releasing and management of the wetlands on the farm.

“It is an opportunity for people to come and see how things are done and learn from it. We want that to have a ripple effect out into the community. It’s something Hal has always wanted to do so others can gain from it.

“Hal is the fourth generation on the farm, and our kids are the fifth — it’s something we like to share. We regard our farm as a community asset on a few different levels as a food producer, a source of fresh water to our rivers and a place where we produce nutritionally dense sustainable, healthy products.

“We want the community to engage in the responsibility we have as land owners, to not only look after the profit from the farm but to be environmentally responsible.

“We also hope to initiate biodiversity monitoring and research opportunities in years to come. Along with sediment retention, we hope to progress towards a healthy and thriving biodiversity within the wetlands and all parts of the farm.

“We would love the entire Kaipara catchment on board with KMR as biodiversity and sediment reduction are so necessary to the sustainability and the enhancement of the harbour, the wetlands and the land.

“Ultimately, we intend to have a fully environmentally sustainable property, leaving a legacy we and future generations can be proud of.

“KMR is already working with close to half of the estimated pastoral landowners in the catchment. We have recently expanded our focus on waterway protection to include projects on erosion-prone hill country.”

For more information or enquiries regarding KMR’s available funding to retire and plant on erosion-prone hillsides, email hono@kmr.org.nz or fill in an Expression of Interest form at kmr.org.nz.

The Aoroa Farm planting project will significantly extend protection and restoration of the wetlands across the property

Part of Hal

Penny’s management plan is to rest particular areas of the farm

APOSITIVE FAMILY CHOICES

BY ANN VAN ENGELEN

Phil Paikea moved to Ruakākā with his wife Rowena and family some 38 years ago and now manages the Safe Man Safe Family initiative as he advocates for men to turn their lives around to the positive.

s a young child, Phil grew up around abuse and, as a result, became a perpetrator of family violence himself. After years in gangs and living a negative life, he turned his life around for the good and to protect his family.

Phil is proud to see other men work on their life trauma and create a more positive life for themselves and their families.

“Now, having put the past in our past, where it belongs, my focus is caring for our family,” says Phil.

“Safe Man Safe Family is peer-led and professionally supported. We make the men safe. I first went to a men’s programme in the 1990s to support a man dealing with

anger. I told him I knew where to take him for help, but he was shy and asked if I could go in with him for the first session.

“The facilitator said I couldn’t sit in the group, I had to do the 20 weeks, so I did. My bad behaviour was challenged — I wasn’t saying sorry, I wasn’t cutting it. I never stopped going, and now I run courses in Whangārei at the Salvation Army, and we have more than 30 men attending every Tuesday.

“For men to learn how to come to terms with their behaviour, they have to first acknowledge they have a problem, just as we had to come to terms with our behaviour and do something about it.

“We focus on knowledge, comprehension and wisdom. We don’t overflow them with information. Knowledge is information,

comprehension is understanding, and wisdom is in the application of knowledge and comprehension.

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Rowena is an integral part of the work Phil accomplishes around the country

“You can have all the knowledge in the world but need to know how to use it. We give the men tools, but they need to understand and apply the tools and knowledge to their lives and situations.

“When you’re dealing with anger, that’s the tip of the iceberg. When you dig deeper, it’s bigger. A lot of men are dealing with childhood trauma. Some are dealing with sexual abuse, and that’s a big one, as men don’t talk about it.

“Once they listen and other men tell their stories, they can speak up and unload in a group they feel safe in. That’s very liberating. We build very supportive friendships, and although the course runs for 14 weeks, some have stayed on for more than 28 weeks.

“Everyone is welcome. We have active and former gang members, businessmen and everyday family men. We see changes over time and tell them, ‘work on yourself and show change by your actions’.

“By and large, men are the perpetrators of family violence. We have counsellors available and refer people to Man Up and Man Alive in Whangārei, too, because they all do great work.

“It’s been a wonderful journey, but I don’t plan on doing this for the rest of my life. I’m currently training others to take the batten and take our work to another level. To me, it’s not a programme, it’s a lifestyle — we don’t just talk about it, we walk it.

“We have to apply everything that we’ve learned to our lives. The changes should reflect in our behaviour, including the way we hold ourselves and the way we talk to people.

“We start to see the swearing disappear, the ‘forgive me’ happening and hearing they love their wives and children. They are taking notice of their children and being active in their schools.

Men from all walks of life have taken the step to turn their lives around for the

“The majority of the men have been in trouble, and some will take a while before they can engage in their family, but we’re helping them to prepare for that.

“I’m seeing happy families now. We had the Villy Day Out that my daughter and friends organised in Ruakākā, and some of the men brought their families and had a good time, and that says it all.

“I now belong to a church without walls. This is our front-line ministry, we’re reaching the unreachable, we’re on the battlefield, and are seeing these men become leaders.

“We walk amongst them, break bread together and have celebration days with the men as well. If we don’t celebrate the successes of our tāne, we aren’t recognising positive behaviour.”

To contact Safe Man Safe Family call 0800 Safe Help — 0800 7233 4357.

Phil often spends time with men discussing life and how they can make positive changes together

positive through the programme

Caring for family is one of the main things Safe Man Safe Family focusses on

Lime application key to soil health

Avoca Director Bryce Manderson wants farmers to think more carefully about the value of applying lime to their pasture.

“There are plenty of farmers who should be thinking about their soil health and fertility management. Understanding the bene ts of putting lime on their land is becoming extremely critical to farming,” says Manderson.

“Having spent 40 years in the lime industry, I have unfortunately witnessed a decline in lime application over the past 20 years. In dairy farming, in my opinion, we have seen massive overuse of ‘acidifying’ nitrogen.”

Anita Grant • 027 462 1339

Manderson believes sheep and beef farmers are being led to believe that lime application on hill country is not cost-effective but he says they are underestimating the bene ts of lime.

“Besides this being false, lack of liming will be far more costly long-term. Even low rates of liming annually on hill country have proved cost-effective. These factors have led to the biggest problem in farming — low pH (or soil acidity).”

In fact, low pH has major detrimental effects on soil structure, soil biology and the availability of soil nutrients to the plant. Contrary to what farmers may have been told, the ideal pH is actually 6.2–6.3.

“At that level, we are getting the release of major and minor nutrients that have been locked up at low pH levels.”

With the significant farm cost increases detrimentally impacting farming profitability, Manderson is urging farmers to apply lime to release those much-needed nutrients, hence saving fertiliser costs.

Avoca was founded in Northland 75 years ago and is a leading provider of lime and fertiliser mixes in Northland, South Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty. Lime itself, calcium carbonate, provides calcium to soil and plants. Calcium ensures ef cient plant uptake of water and nutrients, carbohydrate storage in plant leaves, nodulation

and nitrogen xation in legumes, and encourages earthworm activity.

Manderson says it makes sense for farmers to ‘sweeten’ their soil by boosting pH levels through applying lime rather than spending lots of money on expensive fertilisers.

“Lime clearly maximises returns from money spent on fertiliser, reduces soil acidity and signi cantly increases the availability of important plant nutrients — a key bene t of liming.

“It also increases the availability of important plant nutrients — phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium and trace elements like boron and molybdenum.

“I liken lime to being like a multipowered superhero; because it fosters optimum availability of all other nutrients, so it provides great bang for your buck. You only have to talk to farmers who have a regular liming programme to understand the bene ts.”

Bryce Manderson, Avoca director

Avoca’s Agricultural Lime (AgLime) and Limestone are manufactured at our three lime quarries at Rarewa (Whangarei), Pokapu (Bay of Islands), and Port Albert (Wellsford). Both are also available at bulk stores in Dargaville and Te Kauwhata (Waikato). From all of these locations, we’re well placed to deliver Agricultural Lime products Northland and Waikato wide. Avoca also provide soil fertility testing and consulting as well as lime and fertiliser products and custom mixes.

NORTHLAND LIME

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reasons to apply lime to your soils:

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Increases nutrient availability; raising soil pH with lime to ~6.3-6.5 releases and balances soil nutrients for plant uptake, maximising return on your fertiliser spend.

Improves pasture yield. Trials have shown pasture production increases up to 68% and corresponding live weight gains.

Reduces need for N-fertiliser; lime stimulates N-fixation by legumes, and N-release from organic matter into plant available forms.

Improves P availability through a ‘phosphate sparing effect’ - trials in Northland showed 50-60kg more P available consistent over 3 years after applying 5t/ha of lime to a pH 5.8 soil. Optimal P availability occurs when soils are limes to pH 6.3-6.5.

Improves pasture palatability allowing for more even grazing of pasture and better pasture utilisation.

Increases soil biological activity and diversity; key to nutrient availability, good soil structure & porosity, and ultimately pasture/crop yield.

Increases resilience to droughts, floods, and runoff/erosion, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and greater root penetration for pasture/crop growth by flocculating (loosening) your soil to improve soil structure and porosity.

Increases water holding capacity in the dry and water drainage in the wet. Lime drives down magnesium in ‘tight, high Mg’ soils such as estuarine soils found in the Hauraki Plains.

Reduces elemental toxicities evident at low pH levels, e.g. Al, preventing subsoil acidification and improving root growth, root development, and reduces P-fixation.

Provides calcium which is essential for both plant and animal growth and health.

Darling Group well positioned amid challenges

by Glen Dunseath, CEO, New Zealand Operations, Darling Group Orchard

gate return results for Just Avocados suppliers for the 2023–24 season were announced in March and nal payments are being made by the end of this month.

Overall, we are happy with the result although I am aware that it doesn’t make orchard pro tability a reality, but we have delivered an orchard gate return that is at the top end of the export sector.

A speci c challenge for our industry in the 2023–24 season was the large Western Australian volume of more than 11 million trays. This reaf rmed Darling Group’s strategy to develop Asia and drove the need to review new market opportunities outside of Australia. The latter action resulted in our well-considered decision not to supply this market and instead, we created the opportunity to be the rst exporters to supply Canada with New Zealand avocados.

Another challenge in 2023 was a short New Zealand crop which impacted harvest, transport and packing capacity optimisation. Just Avocados’ strategy to transport all harvested fruit to our Katikati packing facility proved a solid platform for a reduction in costs. A single site managing quality, volume and logistics, and a single dispatch system allowed us to maintain packing and packaging charges at similar rates to previous years. It also minimised quality variables and maximised the quality of fruit heading

to our international customers. On such a short volume year, the cost of multiple pack sites, packaging, container transport and other associated costs would have impacted our return.

Our strategy this coming export season is to supply Asia (Hong Kong, China and Korea), North America and potentially Australia. Overall, Just Avocados’ focus will be similar to last season with valuebased market selection, a cost-focussed logistics and packing process, a wellthought-through technical programme and good communication.

Glen Dunseath

Farming excellence recognised

A culture of pride, connection and community saw Oromahoe Trust, managed by Dean Candy, named the regional supreme winner at the Northland Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

The award recognises the significance of the trust’s underlying mission, which is to protect and look after the land for future generations. All farming decisions build on the goals of the Oromahoe Trust, a collective of 1,500 shareholders who are focussed on achieving more than good economic outcomes.

“As kaitiaki of the land, the trustees are also sharply focussed on achieving environmental, cultural and social aspirations,” says a BFEA spokesperson.

“Managed by Dean Candy, the 1,050ha (750ha effective) sheep and beef farm has been operating under the Oromahoe Trust since 1990. Fourteen hundred bulls are run on the property, including 700 weaners that are purchased annually and finished on-farm. This income is supplemented by running 800 ewes, along with growing Pinus radiata for harvest.

“Caring for the environment is central to every decision, and this is having a positive impact on the farm’s freshwater. Extensive riparian fencing and native planting have complemented the redevelopment of paddocks for cell grazing, ultimately reducing nitrogen levels.

“Multiple wetlands on the farm have been protected for many years and have now returned to their natural states. This is supported by active pest management, which is enabling native plants and wildlife to flourish.”

The judges noted that the trust has a good understanding of its land

capabilities and has adapted its systems to match.

“The operation integrates sheep, beef and forestry to maximise returns while minimising the impact of farming on the environment. The business balances successful production, environmental stewardship and a long-term vision for the whenua, which is highlighted by industry-leading results alongside extensive environmental protection work. Additionally, there is a strong culture of pride and connection, and a desire to excel.

In awarding the regional supreme award, the judges observed that Oromahoe Trust is outstanding in all parts of its farming operation.

“This a great example of a financially successful, intensive farm system that has long-term environmental sustainability and a positive future for tangata whenua at its heart.”

Dean Candy also won the Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award and the Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award.

Other Northland Ballance Farm Environment Award winners include Greg and Claire Collins, Emerald Hills in Kaipara, Adam and Laura Kateley-Cullen from Ararua Hills Farm in Kaipara, Philip and Julia Leaf at Brierly Hill, also in Kaipara, and Mark and Kevin Strawbridge from Northland Forestry Nursery based in Kaikohe.

ADVERTORIAL

Can my joints improve?

by John Arts

I have been working with someone who has had problems with his knees; he had damaged one knee some time ago.

In more recent times, his ‘good’ knee had started to deteriorate from osteoarthritis. Eventually, his ‘good’ knee became worse than the knee damaged in an accident.

During a monthly review, he told me the results were amazing. He has much less pain and is more mobile. He has come from a position where working was becoming increasingly dif cult to now being more con dent about the future.

There are several lessons we can learn from this. The rst is that our bodies have an extraordinary ability to heal. However, this healing is dependent on the smooth operation of our healing systems.

In many cases, healing is restricted because the body system that is designed to heal the damage is somehow faulty or has just stopped functioning. The outcome of this is always disease.

In this case, we made several changes. The rst is to try and identify foods that either cause in ammation or, in some way, restrict healing.

Two of the most important groups of nutrients are fats because they govern the in ammatory pathways and antioxidants protecting our cells from damage.

We can also cheat a bit, but in a good way. I see effective joint health supplements as the ultimate cheat. We can target speci c compounds that have a direct therapeutic function in sore joints. Doing so can often reverse the discomfort and reduction in mobility by adding therapeutic levels of chondroitin sulphate to greatly impact the health and stability of cartilage. Adding water-soluble curcumin (from turmeric) can reduce in ammation and swelling in the joint capsule. Next edition, we continue this discussion and look at the second lesson we can learn.

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 emailjohn@abundant.co.nz. Join his all-new newsletter at abundant.co.nz.

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Dean Candy, Oromahoe Trust manager — Regional Supreme Northland Ballance Farm Environment Awards winner

Timeless highlights await

Claphams National Clock Museum is a ‘must do’ in Whangarei. Named after its founder, Archibald Clapham, it is home to one of the southern hemisphere’s largest and most historically signi cant collections of timepieces.

Today, the collection includes more than 1,000 clocks and 400 watches. Every clock in this quirky collection tells a story. You will be introduced to amazing timepieces and discover why clocks tick, why there are 24 hours in a day, why clocks go ‘clockwise’, how cuckoo clocks ‘cuckoo’, and much more.

From mindboggling backwards clocks to antique French dancing girl clocks, and even clocks that make tea, there’s something to entertain everyone at Claphams National Clock Museum. Children are very welcome and enjoy playing the Clock Hunt Game, where they search for speci c clocks among the hundreds on display.

The museum is ideally located alongside the visiting yachts at Whangarei’s picturesque marina at the iconic town basin. It is surrounded by cafes, galleries and speciality gift shops and adjacent to a fabulous children’s playground.

Enjoy a little time at Claphams — it will be the unexpected highlight of your Northland journey.

Explore the time pieces at Claphams National Clock Museum

SPOTLIGHT ON WHANGAREI

Exploring Whangārei Heads

People who enjoy the outdoors and hiking will find many stunning outdoor spaces in the Whangārei Heads area.

The Mt Manaia track at Whangārei Heads is a much-loved scenic location for people of medium fitness levels, with the duration taking approximately 1.5 hours. At the top of the climb, visitors experience spectacular views of the local harbour and ocean.

The experience begins in the lower car park of the Manaia Club with toilets available in the car park. It is important for the elderly or community members of lower physical abilities to be aware that there are many stairs to climb. Mt Manaia is in an area of bushcovered peaks towering 420m above sea level. The track begins with a view south from the early settlers’ memorial and continues into the bush at an easy grade.

Once the steps begin, they continue almost to the top of the walk. Three-

quarters of the way up, people can discover the spur track to the right, with its rock plateau and amazing views. However, it is important to note extreme caution is needed.

As you approach the top, a wooden staircase will lead you to the highest accessible point, which has views both over Whangārei Harbour towards the city, and across to Bream Head, with the Hen and Chicken Islands behind. Once you have enjoyed your time up Mt Manaia, you need to return down the track you went up on.

Other easy tracks in the area include Busby Head, Smugglers Bay, Kauri Mountain Beach Walk and McLeod Bay to Little Munro Bay. Medium walkers can also enjoy Mount Aubrey once they have

Stockists of Surfboards, Stand-Up Paddleboards, Foil Boards & Accessories

There are many hidden treasures to discover at Whangārei Heads conquered Mt Manaia. For those with a high fitness level, there are several tracks, such as Te Araroa National Walkway, Peach Cove Track, Bream Head/Te Whara Track and Te Whara Loop.

At the end of Whangārei Heads is Ocean Beach, one of its premier surf beaches, with its beautiful white sand and views of Bream Head. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer months. Many families explore the surrounding areas, play in the waves, surf and have time in the locally famous sand dunes. There are public toilets available in the car park.

Other beaches in the area include Smugglers Beach. With its stunningly clear water and white sand, this is one not to be missed. This secluded beach is 20-minute walk and a good swimming or snorkelling spot with large pōhutukawa for shade.

Outdoor lovers should also consider exploring McLeod Bay Beach, Reotahi Marine Reserve, Little Munro Bay, Taurikura Beach, Urquharts Bay, Pataua North Beach, Pataua Estuary/Lagoon, Pataua South, Taiharuru Estuary, McGregor’s Bay and Kauri Mountain Beach.

by Liz Clark

Art for the heart

Spending time in the Whangārei Town Basin, whether local or visiting, is a worthwhile visit to be immersed in the arts or take time out with friends at the many eateries on the river foreshore.

Burning Issues Gallery is one of the standouts in the precinct. Showcasing the works of national and local artists, viewers will be greeted with an array of works from paintings to art glass, ceramics, fibre work and sculptures in many mediums.

The gallery was started in 1995 by Shona Firman and Keith Mahy in conjunction with their hot glass studio, which is alongside. The gallery is now owned by Kathryn Beros and Philip Kilmore, a contemporary artist, who continue to showcase the best of Northland artistic talent. Alongside is the glass studio where glassmaker Keith Grinter and other artists create glass pieces for visitors to purchase. Gallery patrons can drop in and watch the process of turning molten glass into stunning works of art.

Close by is the Hundertwasser Art Centre, opened in 2022 as a monument to the life and works of avant-garde artist, architect and environmentalist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. He was commissioned in the 1990s to design a building that would be a standout feature

on the city’s waterfront. Materials from the former Northland Harbour Board building were incorporated into the new art centre in keeping with Hundertwasser’s ideals of recycling and protecting the environment. Visitors will be greeted with an architectural feast upon entry into the centre. Upstairs in the gallery, Hundertwasser’s works are displayed in a series of galleries that contain silk prints, Japanese woodcuts and canvas works. There’s also a collection

of architectural models of buildings Hundertwasser designed in Europe. Knowledgeable guides are on hand to explain Hundertwasser’s creative processes behind each work. The Wairau Māori Art Gallery, the world’s only gallery to showcase contemporary indigenous art, has a new exhibition, Te Ao Hurihuri, featuring works by Elizabeth Ellis, Ralph Hotere, Kāterina Mataira, Para Matchitt, Selwyn Muru, Buck Nin, Cliff Whiting and Pauline Yearbury.

The hot glass studio at Burning Issues is open to visitors to watch the creative process of glassmaking

A visit to the Whangārei town basin is often noted as one of the town’s central locations for eating, entertainment, catching a harbour cruise and enjoying the Hātea Loop walk.

Colonial architecture from days gone by can be found mixed with modern flair and articulate landscaping to blend the structural designs perfectly together.

Local community members, yachties from around the world and visitors to the area can often be found enjoying the museums, cafes, restaurants, speciality stores and art galleries.

With the city centre a short walk away, there is a mix of clothing stores, opportunity shops, eateries and more. Based in Maunu, west of the city centre, people can explore the outstanding Heritage Park and natural history museum complete with a kiwi house and the native bird recovery centre nursing unwell birds back to health nearby.

Heritage Park is a visitor experience, with something for everyone. The nocturnal kiwi house is where visitors can view kiwi, while discovering why our environment and its animals are so unique and special.

Stories are told at the museum of our people and their place with travelling exhibitions often on-site. Set on 25 hectares, the original 1886 heritage homestead and other historic buildings are a must-see and there’s room for the kids to run and enjoy the great outdoors. A short drive from the city centre will place nature lovers at Whangārei Falls and The AH Reed Memorial Park. The site received recreational reserve status in 1889 and was named in 1956 after the well-known author and publisher AH Reed, who had an interest in longdistance walking, the natural environment and kauri trees in particular.

Wai Koromiko Stream and the Paranui Falls, which is more than 23m high.

The Whangārei Falls is one of the area’s most photographed waterfalls, while the memorial park is a magnificent remnant of the original Northland kauri forest. Walking through a forest canopy from a raised walkway, visitors can view the maturing kauri trees known to be at least 500 years old, while running through the centre of the park are the bubbling

If travelling through to spend time at one of the local beaches or holiday spots, Whangārei is a good place to stock up on essential supplies with several supermarkets and speciality stores available.

If you are not sure what to do or where to go to fulfil your curiosity, a stop at the Whangārei visitor information centre based at Tarewa Park 92 Otaika Road, Raumanga, is the perfect place to ask for ideas to cater for your unique interests.

SPOTLIGHT ON

Keep the lights on

by Ann van Engelen

The museum and art gallery communities around Northland were excited to have spent time with More FM’s John, Flash and Toast recently as the team visited various locations to highlight Northland, encouraging locals to enjoy attractions at their back door.

“They were amazing and so positive, not only about the areas but supporting not-for-profit organisations in smaller places that don’t always have the budget for airtime,” said Mangawhai museum manager Angela Cook.

Whangārei has a variety of art galleries and museums worth visiting, including The Whangarei Art Museum, The Clapham Clock Museum, Packard Motor Museum, Hikurangi Historic Museum, Kiwi North, Jack Morgan Museum, The Quarry Gardens and the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery.

“With the Brynderwyns closed, the team is encouraging people to visit small towns as a destination instead of just a detour. John, Flash and Toast focussed on some of the stories in the museum and engaged in the exhibits.

“Currently, there is a nationwide campaign led by Museums Aotearoa called Keep the Lights On to draw attention to the shortage of funding for galleries and museums across the country. It‘s a very real issue as admissions only cover

THE AGRI ADVISORY EXPERTS

a quarter of our operating costs. The rest we generate in funding and grant applications, of which only a portion are successful.

“Often, when they’re declined. It’s not based on our merits, but there isn’t sufficient funding to give out. People are wearing T-shirts with ‘Keep the Lights On’ standing next to items that they care about in museums to draw attention because we want people to continue to have access to our taonga and stories.

“A specific event is scheduled for April 15 where major museums with outdoor light installations will be turning off the lights in a synchronised stand to highlight the problem. All external lighting will turn off as a public display of our culture crisis. The question is: Can New Zealand museums be saved?

“Keeping the doors open is important. We generate 75 per cent of our operational expenses from projects and have been seeking a target rate for some time. Rising insurance, health and safety

and other costs are so much higher but we can’t make our admissions higher as we want as many people as possible to have access to our displays.

“We need to ensure our communities can see what we all have. People can go to museumsandgalleriesmatter.org.nz for more information.”

Angela Cook wearing the ‘Keep The Lights On’ campaign T-shirt

More FM’s Toast, Flash and John with Mangawhai Museum manager Angela Cook encouraging people to help ‘keep the lights on’ by visiting local museums and art galleries

by Ann van Engelen

Taking care of you

Grabbing your bags, gathering your friends, and prioritising ‘you’ time by getting off-farm for an hour or a few days often does more for your wellbeing than you think.

A getaway can give both men and women a break that recharges them and refreshes their mind, body and soul in a way nothing else can.

Being with your significant other or friends, chatting over coffee and a meal, or walking the beach gives you space to think, answer some of life’s questions and make positive plans for the future.

There are many health benefits of time away, full of laughter with those closest to you. It is said when friends spend time together, increased levels of oxytocin and serotonin are released,

helping to alleviate stress levels in our bodies.

Finding a beauty therapist for a wellearned facial or massage, watching funny movies, comedy shows or playing board games that make you laugh until your sides hurt is all good for mental health. Laughter also triggers an increase in endorphins, the feel-good chemical. They say laughter not only burns calories but relieves stress, relaxes our body, and can improve circulation. Life can be too serious, so spending time with those close to you should be a time of acceptance and love. Good

Time out and off-farm

We all need space to vent at times, so talk about issues you may be having, with your trusted friends, and see what you can solve before finding a spa pool, indulging in a massage or perhaps walking through a public garden.

Talking can leave you feeling like a load has been lifted from your shoulders. Remember, time out helps to inspire you. That may mean joining in on a local art lesson, weaving session or cheese-making course. Time out should be a safe place full of encouragement while boosting your confidence. Chat about your favourite books, what you enjoy about being onfarm, along with your love of life’s simple or not-so-simple pleasures. www.bodyworksphysio.co.nz 09

by Andy Bryenton

The fireplace is the heart of the home; it’s no mistake that the word ‘hearth’ also means ‘the

North European Pagan tradition.

Putting a fireplace inside a hut or making a portable hearth that one could construct a yurt or tent around must have made moving out of caves, where there’s no way to let out choking smoke, seem very attractive.

By Roman times, people had worked out how to make a chimney, placing pottery tubes inside the walls of bakeries and forges to keep the smoke away from where people worked and gathered. However, they didn’t cotton on to the possibilities for homes, and living on the upper floors of a Roman apartment building meant having to come down to street level to cook your dinner.

In Britain, the first chimneys were added to castles in the 1100s, and some of them were actually toilets. The idea of a garderobe, or a tube going down through the walls for ablutionary reasons, led to some being modified to go up as well, meaning that multiple levels in the castle had the use of bathroom facilities. Bundles of herbs were lit in these primitive lavatory rooms to get rid of the inevitable smells, and it was noticed that the smoke went up and away. There’s still a chimney constructed in this style at Conisbrough Castle in Yorkshire, turning the idea upside down and making it possible to have a fireplace right in your bedroom.

The first chimney sweeps were likely employed in industry, not around the house. Ore smelters knew that the fumes from some of their work were toxic, so they would build immensely long, nearly horizontal chimneys leading far away from the workshop and the whole town. Some could be kilometres in length, and they would develop a build-up of valuable mineral deposits. Chimney cleaning crews were out to scrape up these valuables long before the era of Victorian youngsters pressed into service to scrub soot. Today, it’s adult professionals who manage chimney sweeping duties, and their most common task is to ensure that soot, nesting birds and other debris

are removed from the flues of people’s homes. With vacuum cleaners, modular brushes and plenty of equipment to keep the job clean and safe, they are an important part of ensuring your fireplace is ready for winter. For many homeowners,

having the family fireplace checked out by the experts is also a requirement set by insurance providers. So, book in quickly and beat the rush as temperatures drop.

The modern chimney sweep faces less hardship than his predecessors but still works hard to keep homes safe from fire-related accidents

by Amy Fifita

Draped in creativity

This year curtain trends are showing bold prints and colour, a refreshing change from the beige and plain colours popular last season.

While selecting a new set of curtains may be exciting, the economic climate allows families to get creative. For artists, the whites and beige of the previous year

can be used as a canvas to brighten the home without the expense of new drapes.

All it takes is some fabric paint and some rollers or paintbrushes. This idea is great for people who want their bedrooms to represent who they are and is also fun to do with children. The design can be simple or elaborate.

While we still have some summery weather left in the kitty, it is an ideal time to fabric paint so it can dry easily. There are many methods to get a professional curtain look from hand-painting designs to masking tape techniques to tie-dyeing. Personal taste is a must when creating how you want your house to look. Currently, colourful and bold prints are stylish, an idea that can be recreated at home with a paintbrush and some paint. Some doit-yourself designs require masking tape, especially for straight-lined patterns.

Another alternative is to dye them for a bolder colour block. Creatives could also tie-dye them for an added effect with more hues, and dip-dyeing is an option. Tie-dyeing gained popularity in fashion

in 2023 and is here to stay for 2024. Historians have traced this timeless colour blast to ancient Asia, and it gained a resurgence last year.

Ice-dyeing fabric is a similar technique. Instead of using liquid dye, crafters put the material under ice before placing coloured powder on top. When the ice melts, it leaves vibrant hues on the curtains. Drapes can add a splash of colour to a home and can be more easily changed when the patterns or colours go out of fashion.

For something unique, macrame curtains can be made with dyed rope. This technique can be used over a drape and can add pattern to your drapes if layered on top of a window hanging. There are patterns for different macrame styles online. The great thing about doing DIY is that you can make your own designs to the style and colours you want. It is often a cheaper option for many wanting to achieve a look on a budget.

Autumn is a great time to repair your lawn and with help from Newton’s it will be back looking its lushest best in a jiffy. Come to us for great prices and expert advice, talk to us now!

WINTER FOCUS

Check before earthworks

Northland landowners are being advised by the Northland Regional Council to check they will not be affecting a wetland before starting any earthworks or vegetation clearance works on their property.

“Since Christmas, the council received several reports of wetland incidents, ranging from vegetation clearance to earthworks, including draining works,” says NRC Compliance Monitoring manager Tess Dacre.

“Penalties for Resource Management Act (RMA) breaches, such as draining a wetland, include an up to $600,000 fine for a company and a $300,000 fine for an individual. The NRC currently has two ongoing prosecutions involving prohibited works within and around wetlands.”

Wetlands occur in areas where surface water collects or where underground water seeps through to the surface, and Northland has nine different types.

“There are many different kinds of wetlands. Some include swamps, bogs, marshes, gumlands, saltmarshes, mangroves and some rivers, lakes and stream edges. It’s important to remember that not all wetlands are wet, especially during the warm summer months.

“Some wetlands can be dry for months at a time, often coinciding with the

“We urge people to contact us proactively than risk damaging wetlands and potentially exposing themselves to enforcement action.”

earthworks season that typically runs from October to May. Some people are also unaware that ‘induced wetlands’, wetlands that have appeared as a result of human activity, hold the same status as a natural wetland in terms of rules, and even mowing wetland areas is not allowed as it is considered vegetation clearance.”

The council urges anyone who may have a wetland on their property to check it will not be affected before they begin any earthworks or vegetation clearance works.

“It’s important to note that the rules apply to wetlands regardless of their size and perceived ecological value. People wanting advice about looking after their

wetlands should contact the council’s biodiversity team.

“We would much rather people contact us proactively than risk damaging wetlands and potentially exposing themselves to enforcement action. Wetlands essentially

act as giant ‘sponges’, helping to soak up water and boost water quality.

“The plants in them slow the flow of water off the land so that, in times of flood, more can be absorbed into the soil and taken up by the plant life. In summer, stored water is slowly released from wetlands, maintaining water flows.

“Not only do they serve a crucial role in the environment, because they help prevent flooding and improve water quality wetlands, also provide a habitat for a number of unique species of plants and animals, many of which are rare.”

Bacteria in damp wetland soils contribute to cleaner water by absorbing and breaking down nutrients from fertilisers, chemicals and animal wastes.

“Wetland plants trap waterborne sediment, preventing silt entering streams and harbours and also provide an enormous food source for fish, birds and other animals. Culturally, wetlands are also an important taonga to Māori.”

More information on wetlands can be found at nrc.govt.nz/wetlands.

Tess Dacre, Northland Regional Council Compliance Monitoring manager

In-store — ready to go ADVERTORIAL

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Now stocking new and used doubleglazed joinery and a range of cabins, portacoms and shipping containers. Established in 2007, the company is a trusted name among Kiwis, with satis ed customers from all over the country. They BUY quality stock from the top to the bottom of the North Island.

Whether you’re looking for a single item, like a ranchslider, a bifold Door, French doors, or a whole house lot of windows and doors for a building project, Back 2 Wood has what you’re looking for. Check out their fantastic selection and shop online using their updated and user-friendly website back2wood.co.nz.

Due to high turnover and many items being ‘one of’, not all of their stock is listed. Make enquiries via their email back2wood@gmail.com or phone 0800 10 98 77 with your wish list of window sizes, etc. The team will reply with what they have that may suit. Take a drive to Awanui and browse their massive selection.

Door-to-door delivery can be arranged. Alternatively, collect items from Whangãrei and Auckland storage depots.

If you’re looking for a cabin to accommodate out-of-town guests or

require a dedicated hobby or storage space, look no further. Back 2 Wood Demolition has affordable new and used transportable cabins and new and used 20–40-foot shipping containers, offering something for every budget. Back 2 Wood builds cabins on-site. To keep costs down, they use readymade recycled joinery from their massive selection. They can also organise Hiab delivery of cabins and shipping containers.

So, don’t bother looking elsewhere— they have it all and more. Chat with the team today on 09 408 7163. They’re here to make the process as simple and hassle-free as possible. Our opening hours are 9am to 4.30pm on weekdays and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Look no further than Back 2 Wood for all your building, storage and accommodation needs

NRC putting lives at risk in Northland

by Colin Hannah, Northland Federated

Farmers president

At the Northland Field Days this year we had our Northland Rescue Helicopter colleagues (a lifeline to our community) on our stand. I was absolutely amazed at the number of people who came up to me and said these people saved my life or a family member’s life.

It really drove home to me the value of this service to Northland. This service, to me as a farmer, is a real peace of mind because if I did have an accident, then these people would provide me with every opportunity to survive.

Every day I am on my own working with animals with just a phone for communication. As the seasons change, risks of potential injury ebb and flow, that’s why it is essential that a region as remote as Northland is, has emergency services available to care for us.

I said to the media recently that if you take the community out of the Northland Rescue Helicopter, you will take the Rescue Chopper out of the community. That’s a possibility if the Northland Regional Council gets its way and cuts the Emergency Services Fund (ESF) as part of its Long Term Plan process.

That will remove $535,000 of crucial funding from our life-saving Northland Rescue Helicopter Service and $1.11 million when you add in the other five lifesaving services that rely on this fund to keep Northlanders and visitors to our region safe.

The killing of this funding will see the NRC Councillors and staff recommending cutting these essential services to our region with blood on their hands — not a pleasant position to be in. The community they represent depends on them to provide these services in the region, as has happened for many years.

Weeks before people had a fair chance to have their say on the issue, the NRC chair (a farmer) made comments about ditching the ESF. I imagine plenty of NRC staff, councillors, their friends and family

under the NRC and shares the

office), relies heavily on first responders in times of crisis to pick up the pieces.

The local government submission process is only worthwhile if the voices of the people are truly heard and weighed up. The NRC has an economic and social accountability role within our communities, and they need to listen and deliver on that. The NRC is weakly defending its proposal by saying it must focus on its core role.

Well, part of that core role is community wellbeing, resilience, and emergency preparedness. Civil Defence (which sits

It would be hard to call on those essential life-saving services if they no longer have the funds to operate 24/7 when we need them most. Surely human lives are worthy of an NRC rate payment of just $1 for each household a month — money that does not belong to the NRC I must point out.

I encourage everyone to send an email to submissions@nrc.govt.nz before the April 19 submission deadline, opposing the NRC’s plans to put lives at risk.

Colin Hannah, Northland Federated Farmers president members have needed Northland’s emergency services in times of accidents, trauma and illness and will in future.

same

Polled Highland cattle — beautiful beef

Why breed Polled Highlands? That’s because they have all the positive attributes of horned Scottish Highlands without the hassle of horns.

Polled Highlands are a hardy breed of cattle that can live to be 20 years old and raise 15 or more calves.

Highland cows are known for their good mothering instincts and easy calving. The calves tend to be smaller but grow rapidly.

Highland Cattle grow their coats in autumn, ready for winter, and shed them again in the spring. The coat length is directly related to the temperature experienced within any region. So, the warmer it is, the less hair they will grow.

The Broch has been breeding Polled Highlands for more than 20 years.

The dominant poll gene was introduced from our children’s Angus/

• One polled gene will result in a 50% chance that the calves will not have horns

• When a cow or bull has two poll genes, all of their offspring will be hornless

• We still use our full-blood cattle in our programme to maintain Highland qualities

• We DNA pro le our cattle to determine whether our cattle have one gene or two for hornlessness Polled Highland Bulls are popular terminal dairy sires and Jersey/ Highland calves make popular show day calves.

Looking toward future

Rural Women New Zealand has created a new associate board member role to develop the next generation of rural leaders.

“As we near the centenary of Rural Women NZ, it’s important that we not only look back and acknowledge how far we have come over the past 100 years but also that we look to the future,” says RWNZ president Gill Naylor.

“Creating this associate board member role is a way for us to foster emerging leaders and support the movement for more women on boards generally. As an organisation, it also supports our succession planning and helps us achieve a broader balance of skills and diversity.

“I like to think of the position as a ‘step up’ role aimed at candidates who do not have board-level experience but could succeed in leadership and governance roles if given the opportunity to prove themselves.”

The associate board member role is appointed, not elected by RWNZ members, and does not hold voting rights. The successful candidate will play a full role in board and committee meetings, helping to shape strategic planning and decision-making for the organisation.

“We’ve made some great inroads into nurturing the next generation of leaders through our various scholarships and bursaries, annual business awards and activator programme over the years. This associate board member role is a way we can continue to evolve as an organisation.”

More information on the role responsibilities, personal attributes, time commitments and desired knowledge and experience is available on the Rural Women NZ website.

Dr Hud’s Killing & Processing

BOOK YOUR BEAST IN BEFORE YOU RUN OUT OF GRASS

• Electrical stimulation for accelerated rigor mortis - improving the PH levels & aging process on the bone.

• Offal & Hide deposal by arrangement (extra fee).

• All beasts weighed onsiteMeat returned & weighed back.

• All beasts vac packed & hung on the bone minimum of 7 days.

• Operating for 22 years.

• We know our job well.

w: www.drhudshomekill.co.nz

Gill Naylor, Rural Women New Zealand president Applications close at 5pm on Friday, May 10, and the successful candidate is expected to be announced in mid-June, ahead of starting on the board at the beginning of July.

Julie Boyd – The Broch PH: 021 852 017 E: optimum.boyd@gmail.com

Hardy, Low Maintenance, Easy Calving, marbled meat, beautiful beef

Friesian show-day calves mated to our full-blood Highland bulls.

Polled Highlands have all the qualities of the breed without the hassle of horns

by Andy Bryenton

The fuel source right under our noses

Tractors powered by electricity, or more recently, those powered by hydrogen, have made headlines in the 2020s, but the ultimate in circular-economy vehicles may be a tractor that runs on effluent.

To be precise, machines running on bio-methane, harvested from carefully separated dairy effluent waste, have recently been deployed on an English country farm, supplying the supermarket chain Waitrose in the UK. The Hampshire property is home to 500 cattle, and together, they keep a custom-built covered ‘lagoon’ filled with energyrich fluid. Methane escaping from the effluent is captured and stored using a system designed by clean energy experts Bennamann, working together with tractor giant New Holland.

The Bennamann process has the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of an average dairy farm. It’s estimated that the CO2 reduction for a 120-cow farm could be equivalent to 100 typical households.

“As a tractor manufacturer, we’re interested in the fact that the methane can be used to make fuel,” said Tom Kindred, platform and engineering lead for the New Holland Methane Power tractor programme. “For the farmer, covering the lagoon reduces the smell, which can be a very important factor. Stopping the rainwater from getting in is another benefit.”

It’s not just the British getting in on the idea. Late in 2023, New Holland also brought its bio-methane tractor concept to

Brazil, landing a T6.180 methane-fuelled tractor in the South American nation.

“We continue to reinforce our sustainability strategy on the global level, confirming with concrete actions our brand’s leadership position in alternative propulsions,” said New Holland’s brand president, Carlo Lambro, when the firm forged alliances with leading bio-methane infrastructure providers there.

Irish farmers are also catching on, with two T6.180 New Hollands hitting the fields in County Kildare last October. The pair of machines replaced diesel tractors of a similar size. They will work alongside bio-methane-powered vans and trucks for the Green Generation company.

New Zealand has a lot to gain from this technology. A report produced in partnership with the EECA and Fonterra discovered that four per cent of New Zealand’s energy-related emissions could be avoided with biogas upgraded into biomethane. Throughout the full biomethane value chain, it prevents up to 95 per cent of associated carbon emissions.

The best part, however, is that it’s a resource sourced from a substance that’s more than plentiful on our dairy farms, which already needs to be contained and controlled. Why not ask proponents of biomethane to turn the brown stuff into gaseous gold?

GLOBAL Series 74 to 132hp

New Holland first created the T6 bio-methane tractor in 2019; the concept it embodies is gathering momentum worldwide in 2024

Kaitaia: Kaitaia Tractors Ph: 09 408 0670

Warkworth: Warkworth Motorcycles Ph: 09 425 8535