As a farmer, I pay close attention to the legislation passing through parliament that impacts the rural sector.
One current development that particularly caught my eye, especially because it affects Northland, is the ban on farm-to-forest conversions bill, which will be presented to parliament later this year.
The government is focussed on maintaining strong food and fibre production while supporting sustainable land use. We are concerned about the impact that farm conversions are having on highly productive land, particularly sheep and beef farms in Northland, the east coast, and certain regions of Otago and Southland.
The new rules, which are currently progressing through cabinet, aim to ensure a balance between forestry and farming while providing certainty for food producers. Key changes include:
A moratorium on full farm-to-forest conversions for land classified as Land Use Classification (LUC) 1–5 that is actively farmed.
An annual registration cap of 15,000 hectares for forestry entering the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for LUC 6 farmland.
Allowing up to 25% of a farm’s LUC 1–6 land to be planted in forestry for the ETS, ensuring that farmers retain flexibility and choice.
Excluding specific categories of Māoriowned land from these restrictions in line with Treaty obligations, while ensuring pathways for economic development.
Transitional measures are in place for landowners who were in the process of afforestation prior to the original December 4 2023, announcement, provided they can demonstrate qualifying evidence of a forestry investment. Applicants will need to supply sufficient proof to satisfy the regulator that the investment was made before the December 4 2023, cutoff. Each application will be reviewed by the regulator at the point of registration within the ETS, once the trees are planted and sufficiently established to meet ETS requirements.
I fully support any endeavour to ensure that productive farming land stays productive, and I am pleased that this act does that.
by Paul Campbell
Rural showcase goes global
The country’s largest agricultural event at Mystery Creek opened with a strong number of international delegates, ambassadors and exhibitors, signalling a growing interest in New Zealand as a world-class provider of agricultural products and innovation.
This interest is highlighted by the Ministry of Primary Industries’ situation and outlook report indicating a seven per cent boost in the country’s primary sector export revenue to $56.9 billion this June after contracting in 2024. It also expects that growth to be sustained, with revenue forecast to hit $58.3 billion in the June 2026 year.
New Zealand imported $6.4 billion and exported $7.8 billion of goods in April 2025. Increases in our primary products exports in April 2025 compared with April 2024 contributed to this surplus, including milk powder, butter and cheese up $601 million, to $2.2 billion and fruit up $265 million, to $1.2 billion.
The 2024 year was affected by China’s slowdown and a correction in commodity prices. Director-general Ray Smith said MPI was backing the sector to drive the economy and prosperity and help deliver the government’s goal of doubling export value within 10 years. The global economic environment was showing signs of improvement.
“Inflation is returning towards target levels, interest rates are declining, which is reducing debt servicing expenditure, global shipping costs have weakened over the last four months and, while still elevated, farm input costs have started to decrease,” Smith said.
The report said revenue for New Zealand dairy products was expected to lift 10% to reach $25.5 billion in the 2025 year, thanks to higher global dairy prices arising from tight global supply. Meat and wool export revenue is expected to lift slightly to $11.4 billion as demand improves.
These buoyant figures were reflected by international interest at the national Fieldays, with a notable first being a German Pavilion backed by that country’s Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture with 11 leading agri-businesses all under one roof.
“This milestone highlights the strength of our growing relationship and aims to foster long-term partnerships, reinforcing the strategic importance of New Zealand as a destination for global business,” said Fieldays Society CEO Richard Lindroos.
Other international exhibitors included the Irish government’s export agency, and exhibitors from countries, including Australia, United States, United Kingdom, China and South Korea. Among the thousands at Mystery Creek for the June 11 to 14 event were a large number of international visitors, including student delegates from Oklahoma State University, that highlighted international interest in the educational opportunities at the event.
Fieldays offered 25 agriculture students and a record number of booked domestic schools, a unique learning experience about agriculture, forestry, science, technology and sustainability, while exploring career pathways in these industries. The New Zealand International Business Centre held a range of seminars,
The Constant Angle Knife Sharpening System
High international interest at the national Fieldays
Agritech in Latin America and New Zealand’s Role in International Food Security and Beyond.
Queen like no other
by Amy Fifita
The collaboration of Owen Schafli and Mike Hadland is proving fruitful for the pineapple industry in Northland with their new cooperative NZpineapples.
After meeting Owen at the Whangārei Growers’ Markets, a firm bond was made — one that would help the pineapple industry thrive in Northland.
“It could be a great industry for Northland if we can get them in the ground and growing; it has excellent returns,” said Mike.
“Pineapples are exciting because they have reproductive value, whereas
with other crops, you don’t get to sell plants from the initial plant. You can with strawberries, but it requires a lot of labour, and pineapples have a low labour content and high-value return.”
Mike brings with him two decades of horticultural experience. He has spent the past 11 years developing his Northland orchard and continues to grow various produce for the Whangārei Growers Market.
“Nine years of that were spent in Taranaki growing kiwifruit, feijoas, and blueberries before we moved to Auckland, where I worked as a business consultant in various roles. We bought land in Northland in 2014 and started developing it.”
While other parts of New Zealand are too cold for the tropical bromeliad, the Northland climate promises hope. With cooperative partner Owen Schafli having
LUXURY RUR AL LIVING WAIPŪ
grown pineapples in Northland for over a decade, there is room to grow the industry in Northland.
“The Northland climate is ideal. Pineapples need between 14 and 20 degrees and reasonable humidity to last. Once you pick strawberries and raspberries, you have to chill them and get rid of them quickly because they have minimal shelf life. With pineapples, you can store them for four to five weeks, if
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Mike Hadland says that while Cayenne (in left hand) pineapples are commonly sold in supermarkets, the Queen variety is more popular in overseas markets
Mike and Owen Schafli are starting a cooperative to help the pineapple industry thrive in Northland
you look after them properly. We have grown pineapples for three to four years, starting with reds, but they are nowhere near as nice. You have to wait until they are white before you pick them.
“Red pineapples are not as sweet and are more acidic. They are large and not that nice to eat. The Queen is the most popular pineapple overseas, but the Cayenne, the species sold in the supermarkets, is a canning variety.”
Unlike Cayennes, the Queen core is edible and holds many health benefits. The bromelain in the centre helps fight cancer, inflammation, sinusitis, osteoarthritis and other health conditions.
“The health product in pineapple is underestimated. If you buy the bromelain
capsules, and nutritionists recommend it because of its health benefits, it is a huge advantage. Overseas research suggests that it even helps people heal from surgery.”
Kim Brown, on behalf of Plant and Food Research NZ, discovered that all that was needed to maintain the current 9,000 tonne annual consumption was 450 hectares to grow on. With Northland being the only climate suitable to grow Queen pineapples, the collective is preparing for the future.
“There are 450 hectares’ worth of plants that the growers that we sell to can pick off and sell to others, or grow themselves. If people buy in, they can become part of the cooperative.
New Horticulture Fruit Crop Release
Phenomenal Crop Returns Estimated first 6 years average “94%” per year INVITATION TO FREE SEMINARS ON
GROWING QUEEN PINEAPPLES
We are releasing plants for a new commercial pineapple crop in 2025. We see this crop as the start of a new industry in NZ.
Plant and Food Research have a report available on this crop.
We estimate this crop will give returns better than any fruit crop currently grown in NZ with a massive bonus in the sixth year, repaying your entire investment plus a huge surplus on going.
A Cooperative has been developed to support growers ongoing.
A new registered pineapple variety will be exclusive to this cooperative.
This crop is ideally suited to Northland with its hot summers.
ROI estimate for the first 6 years is an average of 94% per year
The returns for this crop are phenomenal.
Seminars will be held at the following locations:
Kaitaia Digital Hub 30 June 10am to 12pm
Kerikeri Cornerstone Church Hall 1 July 10am to 12pm Kaikohe Mahinga Innovation Piwakawaka Room 2 July 10am to 12pm Maungatepere Community Hall 8 July 10am to 12pm Whangarei The Orchard 10 July 10am to 12pm
For further information and to reserve a place: reply by email to: bacmil@xtra.co.nz or Go to www.bacmil.co.nz to check any seminar changes
To buy our plants, you must be part of the cooperative.
“You can only get the pineapples from Whangārei, and eventually, we want to distribute them throughout New Zealand. They get sweeter as the season goes on, and July is the peak time for Queen pineapple.
“We can manipulate them to fruit yearround, according to when you plant them, and they will all flower differently. With all the different attributes, there is no other crop like the pineapple.”
Another benefit of pineapples is their reproductive value. Growths known as suckers, slips and ratoons arise from the plant and can be taken to plant more pineapples.
“We want a growing industry, so with pineapples it is more specialised. We have the unique position where
these are the only commercial plants available, so they must come through us to buy them and must be part of the cooperative. It must all be done under contract.
“From there, growers can’t plant out another hectare for five years, so they can learn how to do it. They will get enough crop from the first plantation with an excellent return.
“At the end of the five years, they can pick all their plants and plant out another 5 or 10 ha, or sell them off and get their money back. The return on investment is incredible.”
If you are interested in joining the cooperative, contact Mike at bacmil@xtra. co.nz. Read next month’s edition of the Northern Farming Lifestyles as we delve deeper into the opportunity in Northland’s pineapple industry.
Pineapple plants have a reproductive value and grow ratoons, suckers and slips that can be planted for the next season’s fruit
Environment and restoration funding secure
by Paul Campbell
The latest budget is great news for landowners, communities and the environment, with waterways catchment funding continuing until 2031, a period earmarked for ongoing significant growth, according to Kaipara Moana Remediation CEO Justine Daw.
“We are very pleased to have an ongoing budget to allow us to continue and keep us well on track to reach our end goal of having 14.9 million plants and trees in the ground over 10 years,” she says.
“Central government funding from the latest budget investment, combined with support from our founding partners Auckland Council and Northland Regional Council, will allow us to continue to protect and restore the Kaipara Harbour. In addition, this coming year will see our investment in localised environmental
monitoring led by farmers and groups within the catchment.
“Sediment is a long-term contaminant. What that means is that it can take some time to demonstrate statistically that the actions supported by KMR are improving water quality in the harbour.
“While the scientific evidence is clear that our projects will make a difference to water quality in the harbour, by supporting some direct monitoring in rivers and streams near our project sites, we expect to demonstrate the benefits of taking action much earlier.
“Following Budget Day, I would particularly like to acknowledge the ongoing support of the Minister for the Environment, Penny Simmonds, and associate minister Andrew Hoggard, as well as Northland MP Grant McCallum, who has been an active champion of KMR,” says Justine.
The 10-year project is the country’s largest harbour restoration initiative by one of the largest catchment groups in the country.
“Catchment groups are a critical part of New Zealand’s future. We actively
support a number of other groups up and down the country with advice, practical support and open-access resources, and we look forward to continuing sharing our knowledge.
“KMR’s success relies in large part on the way we work as we focus on making things easy for the many landowners and groups who would like to do the right thing but need a hand to get started, or to focus on the actions that make the greatest environmental difference.
“To this end, I’d like to thank my staff for all their hard work supporting nature,
Kaipara Moana Remediation CEO, Justine Daw
Fencing is an integral component of KMR’s project
alongside local communities and inspiring future generations.”
The work and quality advice of KMR’s field advisers, which is enabled by smart digital systems, has been instrumental in the project being nominated for the globally prestigious Prince of Wales’ Earthshot Prize to be held in Brazil, with the main awards ceremony, along with several days of events for nominees, investors and environmental leaders in Rio de Janeiro in November.
It gives $2 million to five winners judged to offer the best solution to some of the world’s biggest climate challenges. Shortlisted will be 15 projects for the prizes awarded to identify and support programmes and initiatives that can accelerate and scale the environmental innovations needed to repair and regenerate the planet across five categories.
As winter draws nearer, KMR is encouraging even more farmers and groups in the Kaipara Moana catchment to get plants in the ground across 640,000 hectares in Northland and Auckland. It invests in projects to restore wetlands, fence off rivers and streams, plant trees and regenerate forest on erosion-prone land.
It aims to halve the sediment washing off the land into the waterways and ultimately down into the harbour itself. Projects also support thriving biodiversity, local jobs and training and greater connectivity to local waterways.
“This includes free advice — we walk the land with you to discuss your aspirations and project options.”
KMR pays a contribution (up to 50%) towards eligible sediment reduction projects. Field advisers prepare a plan
to access funding and provide support through the project and recently came together to upskill in the technical aspects of preparing for — and maintaining — planting projects around freshwater and on steep, erodible hillsides.
“The training covered both technical skills and hands-on learning through field visits to plantings of different ages and plant survival challenges,” says Justine.
“This type of training is central to our commitment to upskilling a cohort of 50 freshwater farm planners across the catchment. These skills are critical for good environmental outcomes and support forthcoming government policy.
“In addition, if you are dairy farming, through our support for on-farm planting, KMR can help you make the most of the opportunities from the recently
announced Fonterra Cooperative Difference emissions incentives from June 1. Our field advisers provide technical advice and grants to support farmers to maximise the opportunities from on-farm carbon sequestration.
“With 735,000 trees and plants already confirmed for planting this winter, KMR is keen to support even more landowners and groups to take action. From working with 35 landowners and groups, a little over three and a quarter years ago, we are now working with 814 landowners and groups.
“Projects we invest in, to restore wetlands, fence off rivers and streams, plant trees and regenerate forest on erosion-prone land, also bring wider benefits. These include helping valued species to thrive, reducing climate change risks and increasing resilience to storms and other extreme weather.”
management specialist Duncan Kervil leads a field trip Planting along waterways extends to involve school parties
by Amy Fifita
Even farmers need downtime, and for many in Kaipara, the Northern Wairoa Football Club has been a retreat from the diligence of rural life.
While rugby has often been a pastime for many Kiwi farmers and their associated jobs, another beautiful game has been gaining popularity in rural Kaipara — football.
“Football is a very accessible sport, which appeals to many rural people. You don’t need much equipment, it is fun and easy to coach people into and appeals to both genders. Appealing to parents, it also has a low injury risk,” said NWFC midfielder Rory Dean.
“The Northern Wairoa Football Club was established in 1953, so it has quite a long history. Although it has been somewhat in the shadows, with the main sport in the region being rugby, and that is still the case, football is becoming more popular, and the club has really taken off in the last 10 to 15 years, especially the youth teams. It relies on a lot of volunteers.”
From a rural vet to farmers, people in the rural sector are enjoying what football has to offer the Northern Wairoa area,
and in recent times, interest in the sport has increased.
“The club is successful in both the youth and the senior teams. It is great seeing how many new teams we have and how involved the community is in supporting, coaching members and sponsoring the club. I am passionate about football, and my involvement has been largely with the senior team. The business I work for is Kaipara Farm Vets, and it is a proud sponsor of the Northern
Wairoa Football team. There are many other local small businesses that sponsor and support us, too.
“The support has helped us grow. I have been in the area for six years now, and the club has grown from strength to strength, and I’m sure it will continue to do so.”
With interest growing in the sport in general, the team has made great strides, this year being the first year they have been in the Premier League.
Defensive midfielder and local veterinarian Rory Dean makes a robust tackle
A skilful midfielder and volunteer groundsman, Lincoln Adomea, is on the ball
“This is the first season in 40 years that the senior team has been in the toptier men’s football in the region. In 1985, the Dargaville team won Northland’s top tier, and it is special to be back in that league with coach Colin Sloan, manager Dharmendra Kumar and captain Dylan Hines.
“Many people are delighted to see the senior team in the top division, and the football is getting to a reasonable standard now.
“Football has been vastly more popular since Dargaville was last in the top tier, and there is work to be done. We are battling, and we recently lost our recent fixture with our rivals at Mangawhai, but we are rallying to stay in the premium division.”
A farm vet himself, football has been in Rory’s life since growing up in Scotland;
it is a sport that has knitted this rural community together.
“I grew up in a footballing region in Scotland. Being the national sport, it was very popular where I come from, and I was lucky to be part of a sporting family.
“I also played rugby, but after a long list of shoulder injuries, I decided to focus on football. It is a great way to keep healthy and fit, and it is a great community game, too.”
Rory says the sport talks to two cultures, sometimes in different ways. While Scotland takes football seriously, in New Zealand, it has a more community focus.
“Scottish people take it way too seriously, and it is great in New Zealand because it is more relaxed and communityoriented, but it can still be competitive when it needs to be.
“We have proven that because the senior men’s team have gone up three divisions in the last few years, so we can take it competitively when we want. We are so lucky in our area to have that relatively traditional community feel, well represented in the football club, because it is becoming more of a mainstream sport.
“It is a great way to see our beautiful region. With the growing trend towards football, we sometimes play friendly games outside of the region, and there are cup competitions that we compete in.
“It is amazing to meet people who otherwise do not have many opportunities to get off the farm, and for people from several local small businesses. It is great for connecting with other members of our community.”
Coach and St John volunteer Colin Sloan gives the half-time team talk
Defender and beekeeper Christiaan Van Der Ende in action
Pasture decline a reality
Poor pasture persistence is an increasing concern for many New Zealand farmers, leading to an investigation into the extent of the problem.
DairyBase data shows a growing trend of declining pasture harvest, with about a tonne a hectare for each decade in Northland, and half a tonne in Waikato in the past 20 years.
DairyNZ-led modelling suggests pasture production and persistence will continue to decline in the future in the upper North Island. Factoring this into farm system studies highlights the potential for significant impacts across the entire farm system.
This trend is reflected in Statistics New Zealand data, which shows a two to three per cent increase in pasture renewal rates across Waikato and Te Tai Tokerau — Northland between 2007 and 2017.
While Northland is currently facing urgency, it is expected that Waikato and Bay of Plenty will soon encounter similar challenges as well.
Pasture is vital to the New Zealand economy. It provides a sustainable, low-cost feed source, underpinning the country’s competitive advantage in global dairy markets. Case studies and data confirm that incremental global warming and changing weather patterns affect feed flow.
Although milk production has remained stable in affected areas, supplementary feed use and cropping and pasture
renewal rates have increased, potentially masking the impact of climate on pasture. While these strategies are viable, they can affect farm profitability and the environment.
Increased pasture renewal and cropping also have downsides, including soil structure impacts and loss of nitrogen and carbon.
In a survey of farmers, more than half of those interviewed believed the impact of climate change will increase.
“We are constantly managing to minimise the effects of wet and dry — it’s very taxing to live on the edge of disaster,” a Northland dairy farmer said.
A Kaikohe dairy farmer added, “Pasture starts declining in the second year, and by the third or fourth year, it’s almost over.”
Through the Improved Forage Gains programme, DairyNZ is working with farmers and sector partners to refine strategies that can be applied across different regions.
Pasture persistence is a complex issue, but ongoing research, innovation and farmer-led adaptation will be key to keeping New Zealand’s pasture-based farming system resilient and competitive.
For more information about climate change adaptation visit dairynz.co.nz/ adapting.
Should I take coenzyme Q10?
by John Arts, Abundant Health Ltd
Imagine trying to drive your car after someone had crimped the fuel line from your fuel tank to your engine. The car would still run but would quickly lose power on a hill or under load.
This is much like our bodies when they have insufficient Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 acts like the fuel line in your car by transporting energy within cell energy factories called mitochondria to make the energy we need.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential vitamin-like substance mostly made in our liver. While we normally make all the CoQ10 we need, some people because of age, health problems or medications can benefit from taking good quality CoQ10. Be aware that the market is now flooded with low cost semi-synthetic CoQ10, which is chemically different from the naturally fermented CoQ10 that I recommend.
The most common reason for CoQ10 supplementation is for those using cholesterol lowering (statin) medication. The side effects of statins are so common that they are diagnosable diseases called statin myopathy and statin neuropathy. The most common side effects are muscle
stiffness, pain and weakness. This can also cause general fatigue, which often feels like a lack of motivation.
Statins inhibit the enzyme needed to make cholesterol. Unfortunately, this enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) is also needed to make CoQ10. Restricting this enzyme reduces cholesterol but also CoQ10 by as much as 50%.
Drug companies are aware of this problem and hold patents for combining CoQ10 with statins. Until such drugs are available, I recommend those on statins supplement with 100–200mg of naturally fermented CoQ10. If people have low energy or have other health issues, I often add a mitochondrial complex that includes high grade CoQ10.
John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his newsletter at abundant.co.nz.
Beers on the bay
by Amy Fifita
Savour the delights of a winter beverage at the 2025 Brew of Islands Festival, an event that promises fun, great entertainment and cold drinks.
An idea sparked over a cold one, Tyler Bamber and Gerry Paul had an interest in hosting a beer festival similar to Wellington’s Beervana Festival. The Northland festival celebrates local great-tasting beer, vibrant music and delicious food.
“Brew of Islands is a fun celebration of Northland wrapped up in a beer festival. Gerry and I both enjoy a craft beer, and
THE SHORT DROP LIMITED
I suggested pulling off a scaled-down version of the Wellington festival in Kerikeri,” said Tyler.
Reaching out to some local breweries to gauge interest, they all responded with a definite yes. Tyler and Gerry’s brainchild came into fruition in 2023, this year, marking the festival’s third year.
“Being tough economic times for people, we have cut back to doing two sessions in one day, so it is worthwhile to everyone involved.”
This year, the festival is showcasing eight breweries and five well-respected street food vendors from Northland.
“We always have a barbecue person, and this year, we have Wingless Angel’s Mat Fulton, a true-blue American based in Kerikeri, providing some epic barbecue for us.”
The day allows guests to devour the delicacies of the Taco Bandit, Tasty Tucker’s fresh and sustainably-caught seafood. Taste the wonder of more local cuisine at Mrs Miller’s Mussel Fritters and Northland Fine Foods.
“Albi and the Wolves is an amazing folk rock trio who play some pumping tunes that will get the crowd moving, but with a unique sound. Superhero Second Line is like a full horn second from a New Orleans jazz band that plays covers that people will know and love.”
The 2025 line-up also includes Kōhia, Merv Pinny and DJs in the Nightclub Zone such as Rhys, French Kiss, Sye and PAWS. One person who has been with the festival since it began is McLeod’s Breweries’ Geoff Gwynne.
“What I love about Brew of Islands, particularly, is that there is excellent music all day and that with local spirits, it is not only for beer fans,” said Geoff.
“It is great to try new things and have an awesome day out, and I love that it
includes a wide range of people, always eager for a good time.
“It is a spark of enjoyment in the middle of winter, and with not many events happening for beer in winter, we need to keep everyone engaged.”
We have been kindly given a Brew of Islands double pass to give away to one of our lucky readers. To be in to win, let us know how many breweries are attending this year’s festival at comp@integrity.nz.
Organisers Gerry Paul and Tyler Bamber enjoyed a casual beer before the festival last year
Photo: Max Cadenhead
by Amy Fifita
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Decisions for a lifetime
When leaving school or changing careers, the big question for many is whether
While many flock to university to learn their skills, there are others, often more practically minded, who want to dive right in, making apprenticeships beneficial to businesses and individuals.
Sometimes, doing the work while learning is the better option, as it provides people with a realistic look at what the job entails. Apprenticeships suit not only the practical learners but also businesses that want to train their workers the way they expect them to learn.
Training on the job creates a new depth to learning. By walking into a workplace to learn, you have already created a network of people with similar mindsets, a positive factor to gaining skills in the trade. They offer aspiring professionals and tradespeople a practical experience, giving them knowledge of how it’s likely to be as they progress in their careers. It surrounds those learning with people who have been in their respective fields.
Having a university degree is worthwhile. So, if you do want to pursue that pathway, work experience will give you a peek into what the career is about.
While university is a great way to broaden your academic knowledge, apprenticeships provide trainees with a guaranteed job at the end of their studies. That way, people are learning, working and ensuring their career prospects are within sight.
If university is the desirable pathway, having an eyes-wide-open approach helps students know what to expect. University education provides more career opportunities, and with at least three years of your life studying, selecting the right degree for you will send you on an exciting journey.
Taking the time to seek out and interview someone who is well established in the field is a great way to see what it is all about. They can give you insights into their day-to-day job, and with a network in the industry, it might help you after your university years are completed.
Selecting a career pathway is different, depending on where you want to go and what you want to be. There are great sites like careers.govt.nz to help navigate the best way forward, be it learning in the workplace or entering the lecture hall.
Whether you’re graduating from university or finishing an apprenticeship, it is a step in the right direction for a prosperous future
by Amy Fifita
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Learning by doing
Education is more than hitting the books and understanding how certain things work, learning is about being able to take theory into action, making clubs an active way of learning.
Sitting reading through textbooks is great; however, learning in action has a realworld impact. From sports and music to games and community organisations, there are clubs to suit various people.
Joining clubs and groups is a great way to get to know people in the area and add flavour to the local spirit. Part of the fun of having interests and being educated is being able to hone the skill and contribute it to the community.
It can look like joining a local music club or volunteering with an organisation, be it a church, Lions, Zonta or Rotary. Young Farmers has clubs throughout the country for fresh agriculturalists to engage in.
Joining a sheepdog trial club is another great way to learn some new skills. It teaches you how to manage and train animals and provides a fun platform and community for you to test your skills.
There are many groups dedicated to ensuring our native species, from kiwi protection to wildlife in general. With pest control being part of the rural lifestyle,
• Health & Safety Manuals including Policies & Procedures
• Yearly health & safety updates
• Staff Training
• Farm Signage
• Staff Meetings On Farm
• Worker Accommodation
Property Inspections
• Accident mitigation for clients
• New farm staff inductions
Pull
new skill, from sports clubs to sheepdog trials people can join the cause and start trapping, making a real-world impact as a collective. It teaches people how to manage and maintain traps while doing
good for the environment. These are the clubs that enhance the community and are often the place people lean on for support. Athletes can enjoy many sports, from cycling to basketball. There are always options to keep fit and healthy available for teambuilding or personal resilience.
Football, rugby, volleyball, basketball and waka ama are some examples of great team sports to be part of. If golf is more your flavour, check out golf.co.nz to discover your closest club. No matter what we choose, we learn. For many, joining their local volunteer fire brigade or ambulance service is an exciting way to learn new skills, meet people and contribute in a meaningful way.
There are plenty more worthy clubs throughout the region to engage and contribute to, so search around and find what’s right for you.
The farming community has plenty of ways to learn
Buoyant figures and a call for change
by Andy Bryenton
The Minister of Agriculture is giving credit to farmers for a threefold success in the agricultural sector, amid claims that forthcoming reforms to resource management, freshwater policies and ecological protection laws will make an even bigger impact when finalised.
Political rhetoric aside, the figures themselves paint a picture of a rural economy breaking free of the long shadow of the 2020 pandemic. As the dairy farming calendar came to a close, for example, government calculations put the subsector on track to produce an additional $4.5 billion. That equates to $4,700 for every man, woman and child in the nation.
Forecasts for milk solids have reached $10kg/MS, with returns higher than the previous record season in 2022. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says that this outlook is down to farmers.
“This is the result of hard work onfarm, smart investment and a global market that continues to demand highquality, grass-fed New Zealand dairy,” Mr McClay says.
The entire horticultural subsector is up 12 per cent on last year, with other fruits and crops following kiwifruit’s example and bulking out exports to a total of $8 billion.
These are exceptional tidings, and they are also a springboard for publicising a wide-reaching consultation on issues of resource and environmental management in rural New Zealand.
issues, should visit environment.govt. nz/news/consultation-on-updating-rmanational-direction and speak up now.
“Our farmers are world leaders in producing high-quality, safe, sustainable, grass-fed meat,” said McClay.
Horticulture is also riding a wave of global appetite and local hard work. A bellwether announcement from kiwifruit producers Zespri showed that they’d delivered $5 billion in sales for the 2024–2025 season, a 31 per cent increase on the previous year. That’s 220 million trays, sending $3 billion directly to growers.
In the red sector, beef and lamb sales surged to a 34 per cent year-onyear increase for March, wrapping up the month with $1.2 billion in export sales. Roughly the same amount is forecast to be added to the beef and lamb subsector’s books for the farming year.
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The mandate of the vote is one thing, but the response from farmers to a raft of proposed rules on building, land use, grazing, stock exclusion and water management is another altogether. Presenting a package like the one announced by parliamentarians in late May to a depressed sector would be a different proposition from seeking buy-in from a dairy, red meat and horticulture triumvirate on the rise.
Those interested in having their say on reform in the areas of Significant Natural Areas, freshwater policy, use of highly productive land, stock exclusion, aquaculture or forestry, among other
Kiwifruit led the charge as horticulture, red meat and dairy also combined big export increases to produce a bumper year
by Andy Bryenton
Call to fulfil election promise
As the budget was set to be read last month, young farmers were hoping for the delivery of an overdue election promise, which could help them advance their agricultural careers.
The budget was marked with pragmatism and austerity in spending, with a focus on balancing the books. This was applauded by rural advocacy groups such as Federated Farmers.
“The budget will once again need to be more about reducing spending than announcing spending, and farmers will welcome that,” Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford said.
“Farmers work hard to balance their books on the farm, and we expect to see the government doing the same. Farming businesses are beginning to
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experience the benefits of lower inflation and interest rates this year. A balanced budget will mean this stability is more likely to continue.”
However, a promise left unfulfilled has drawn criticism from the same leading rural advocates. In 2023, the National Party campaigned on, among other issues, the ability for young farmers to use their Kiwisaver funds differently from those in other industries. For young farmers looking to get established, the funds they have built up in Kiwisaver schemes should not, they argued, be stored away for a faroff retirement, but should be able to be drawn down to purchase a first farm or first herd.
farmers with a legacy herd, productive property and substantial equity to fund their later years.
“They made that campaign promise in Morrinsville, but 18 months later, there has been no action,” says Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre.
“The announcement was incredibly popular, particularly among the next generation of farmers, but also with older farmers who are looking for succession pathways. There are a lot of people out there waiting for these changes to be made, so it’s important they follow through and deliver on their promise.”
These assets palpably grow the rural economy, and young farmers with their own assets in the game are motivated participants in making farming work better; a situation that boosts the entire economy from what is literally a grassroots level. The ideal scenario is that by the time these young people reach retirement age, they will be prosperous
Sharemilkers and contract milkers have always saved hard to reach the next level — ownership of a herd and land. The cost of living crisis has exacerbated this savings struggle. With a long wait between
2023’s promise and this year’s budget, with still no action, some rural voters are feeling let down.
“It’s an unfair playing field and young farmers are missing out on a key step towards growing their long-term wealth,” McIntyre said.
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National MP Suze Redmayne has submitted a members’ bill to help young farmers, but as one of 70 in the ballot, it may never be drawn this term
by Paul Campbell
Rules boost for vegetable producers
Reforms in the horticultural sector aimed at
Leading the way is Potatoes New Zealand that says the government changes will mean improving productivity and ensuring a more secure food future for the country.
“This is a step in the right direction for the vegetable industry,” said Potatoes New Zealand CEO Kate Trufitt. “They remove unnecessary red tape and recognise the importance of growing food for New Zealanders. The proposed changes to freshwater rules would provide for crop rotation which is vital for the sustainability of our sector.”
The proposal to streamline resource consent requirements and make vegetable growing a permitted activity is being applauded by the industry as a longoverdue move to protect the country’s ability to feed itself.
“We’re pleased to see recognition that vegetable production is essential for New Zealand’s health, economy and long-term resilience. The potato industry alone contributes over $1 billion to the economy annually and plays a critical role in domestic food supply and export growth.”
Potatoes New Zealand also supports the government’s intent to take a more integrated and practical approach to managing highly productive land.
“True productivity relies on more than just soil quality — it includes water access, climate, labour, and proximity to market,” Trufitt said. “When those factors are lost due to poor planning or unworkable regulations, our ability to grow food is compromised.”
Potatoes New Zealand is looking forward to continuing to work collaboratively to support growers, protect land use for food production, and ensure that New Zealanders have access to fresh, healthy food now and into the future.
Potatoes are a very efficient highyielding plant, using less water than comparable crops, and are able to adapt to all sorts of growing conditions.
Production in New Zealand over the last 10 years has increased markedly even though the area under production has remained reasonably static. The percentage of crop targeted for processing
There are over 50 varieties including Russett Burbank, Innovator, Rua, Nadine, Agria, Moonlight, Desiree, Ilam Hardy and Red Rascal and the growing area is approximately 10,000 hectares grown and harvested year-round. Three key strategic targets for the industry are to increase profit for each hectare by $150 year on year, by improving productivity to double the value of all exports by this year and increase the value of the domestic market by 50%.
Kate Trufitt, Potatoes New Zealand CEO has also increased significantly in the last decade to around 57%.
A maritime mecca awaits
by Paul Campbell
Northland has the welcome mat out any time of the year, and while the rest of New Zealand might be shivering with winter winds there’s a fair chance it will be a little warmer in a region dubbed ‘the Winterless North’ on account of a mild climate.
There’s myriad attractions, but coastal proximity is high among these and the Bay of Islands is something of a jewel in the crown further north. Still, there is a relatively undiscovered aquatic playground right on Auckland’s doorstep in the huge Kaipara Harbour. In fact, geography has blessed the north with two oceans reached within minutes from its welcoming population centres.
The Bay of Islands is 16 kilometres across, containing 144 islands, many that can be explored by boat. With several scenic inlets and beautiful coastline, it is a mecca for watersports and spending time in, on, or around the water. In winter, there
are harbour excursions and fishing trips, and if you are planning your next summer holiday into surfing, world-class diving, sailing, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking or fishing, you’ll be spoiled for choice as you make your way around the region. The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve promises a glimpse of sea life unspoiled by human hands.
A huge introduction to our water world, though, comes with the Kaipara Harbour, covering 947 square kilometres at high tide and surrounded by an 800-kilometre shoreline. Ideal for a winter holiday exploration, it extends for some 60 kilometres from north to south and has
catchments feeding five rivers that emerge from drowned valleys, earning them the name of salt rivers, and over a hundred streams.
Its sheltered waters belie a fiery past though, for this was once part of a giant Kaipara volcano that erupted some 20 million years ago. Near Tinopai, visitors can still see geological layers indicating ash and giant kauri trees reduced to time-worn petrified stumps. Birdwatchers have a unique opportunity, as the harbour is a huge migratory bird habitat of international significance. Forty-two coastal species are known, and up to 50,000 birds are common. Rare species, such as the godwit, use the harbour for feeding during summer before returning to the northern hemisphere to breed. Species also include fernbird, fairy tern, crake, Australasian bittern, banded rail, grey-faced petrels, banded and NZ dotterels, South Island pied oystercatcher, pied stilt and wrybill.
Land habitats adjacent to the harbour support some rare botanical species, including native orchids, the king fern, and the endangered kākā beak. The edible fern (para) was good to eat (kai) — creating the Māori name Kaipara. From the harbour waters still come abundant fish, and the area is the major snapper breeding ground for the waters of the west coast. Mullet, flounder, sole, kahawai, trevally, gurnard, rays and sharks also abound. Oysters are also on the seafood menu, today farmed where once they could be gathered in the wild.
Northland is a marine playground
Farmers help clear out almost 1 million pests
Northlanders have now trapped 966,739 animal pests over the last 12 years.
Each year, Kiwi Coast Trust collates the trap catch data from its network of farmers, community groups and hapū-led projects across the region to highlight the significant work being undertaken to clear out pests and look after the land.
The 12-year tally includes 434,389 possums, 372,746 rodents and 15,955 stoats. In 2024 alone, 120,520 pests were trapped, giving an average trap catch of 2,300 pests a week. As this is just trap catch data, the true numbers of pests removed is understood to be far higher as it does not include pests controlled via toxins.
There are now 264 entities linked into the Kiwi Coast network, spanning 276,000ha of Northland. Predominantly the entities are locally based groups and projects led by keen farmers and locals working together to look after their area.
Andy Mentor, Mid North coordinator at Kiwi Coast said: “The results speak for themselves and reflect the growing momentum and commitment to clearing out pests across the region.”
Each year, Kiwi Coast also holds a Northland Pest Control Workshop to bring the groups together with researchers,
scientists, product suppliers and like-minded projects keen to share their skills, innovations and results. The 2025 workshop was held with Ngāti Hau at Akerama Marae on May 18, and attended by over 100 people.
A special prize was awarded to Takahue Pest Control, a community-led group just south of Kaitaia, which formed in 2024, and has already removed an impressive 1,796 from their area. The group received $500 of pest control products, generously donated by Trapinator.
The free event was made possible by funding from Foundation North, along with sponsorship from NZ Autotraps, Key Industries, Dead Rat Ltd and support from Northland Regional Council and QEII National Trust.
To get involved in Kiwi Coast or find out how to get started with pest control or kiwi protection visit kiwicoast.org.nz or contact support@ kiwicoast.org.nz.
Sue Grocott of Whareora Landcare removes a possum from a Flipping Timmy May 2023
Photo: Wendy Bown
, PLAY
Legends of the toheroa
by Liz Clark
Since pre-European times, toheroa was a high-status food for Northland tangata whenua, used to sustain warriors when they were on foot heading for war with another iwi or for tangi and other important cultural events.
In the early 20th century, however, commercial interests began to eye up the surf clam, then believed to be
unique to Northland’s west coast beaches. Research would show much later that the bivalve was found nationwide.
In 1904, a small cannery was opened on the beach at Mahuta Gap, near Dargaville, where toheroa were gathered, cooked, and then put into cans before being sent to the Auckland markets.
By 1906, the Meredith brothers had taken over the venture. They sent samples of their canned toheroa, including soup, to the industrial exhibition in Christchurch, where the young company won several awards for its innovative product.
At the same time, the coastal settlements of Baylys and Glinks Gully were starting to become popular holiday destinations. Families would stay in temporary accommodation and spend the summer on Rīpiro Beach gathering toheroa to put in the pot or use as bait for fishing in the harbour. By the 1920s,
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with the advent of the motor car, pressure on the once plentiful bivalve began to take its toll.
In 1923, former Dargaville Borough mayor A McLean raised concerns about the wholesale and poorly regulated taking of the shellfish, once plentiful on the coastal beaches. While some government regulations had been enacted a decade earlier, it was still proving inadequate to conserve the fishery stock.
McLean, at the time, said five years earlier the toheroa were plentiful and ‘one only had to scrape the sand up and uncover in a few minutes sufficient toheroa to fill a kerosene can’. However, stocks had been significantly depleted. McLean said the Meredith’s cannery, by then relocated to Tikinui in 1918, should be prevented from commercially exploiting the fishery altogether, to no avail.
In the same decade, another cannery opened up at Ninety Mile Beach, adding further pressure. It started a new fight to save the toheroa in the Far North, resulting in a court case in the 1950s being filed by mana whenua attempting to protect the toheroa from the onslaught of commercial interests. The case was unsuccessful.
The canneries were finally closed in the 1960s, and gathering by the general public was completely banned in the 1980s. Today, the toheroa has never recovered to pre-1900 levels.
A worker shells toheroa for the now-defunct cannery based at Ninety Mile Beach in the Far North
by Andy Bryenton
WELCOME TO THE REGION
Get engaged with local democracy
If you’re new to the north, you’ve arrived among us in an election year, when the future of Northland is decided by those of us who live here through the power of the ballot.
Elections are coming in October, but it’s important if you’ve changed address to enrol to vote before August 1. When the elections occur, you’ll get the chance to vote for both the Northland Regional Council and your local council, in Kaipara, Whangārei or the Far North.
There are big issues coming that will affect how much you pay in rates, how your water is maintained and paid for, who is in charge of resource management and what happens in the future for zoning, progress, parks, amenities and roads. Some have said that this local body election is the most important for decades, as much of the central government’s reform has a direct impact on local councils.
Here are the councils that look after the north, and what they are in charge of:
The Northland Regional Council has a wide mandate to care for the environment, including all the lakes and rivers, shorelines and wildlife of this part of New Zealand. It’s also in charge of flood protection, community resilience in case of disasters, economic
development, and takes a lead role in tying together transport across the region. If you’re farming, the NRC is an important regulatory and governance body you will likely interact with regularly.
The NRC has several wards, and you’ll be asked to vote for a representative for your ward. Joe Carr represents the far north, Geoff Crawford the mid-north, John Blackwell represents Kaipara, Rick Stolwerk the coastal south, Jack Craw Whangārei, Amy Macdonald the central east coast, and Marty Robinson the Bay of Islands — Whangaroa. Tui Shortland and Peter Lucas-Jones are Te Raki Māori ward councillors. Tui serves as deputy chair, and Geoff as chair; they are elected to these roles by their peers.
The Kaipara District Council spans Mangawhai to the west coast, and as far north as Waipoua Forest. Mayor Criag Jepson and eight councillors govern this area. The Whangārei district council is headed by mayor Vince Cocurullo, and features 13 councillors. The Far North District Council is led by mayor Moko
Tepania and 10 elected members. In addition to council elections this year, there will also be a referendum on the continued existence of Māori wards across every part of Northland except
Kaipara. With the good governance of the north at stake, get involved, learn about the issues, and speak out by using your vote for good. Visit vote.nz/local-elections to enrol now.
If you’re new to the north, get engaged with local democracy and make a positive difference when elections come around in October
Burning issues made safe
Northlanders are being asked to follow the rules and be courteous or risk fines and other penalties as the pre-winter
season comes to an end.
Regulatory services group manager, Colin Dall, says in a typical year, roughly a quarter of all calls to the Northland Regional Council’s 24/7 incident hotline, 0800 504 639, involve complaints about burning or associated smoke nuisance.
He says while the council had typically preferred to educate rather than take enforcement action, its approach had toughened in recent years because backyard burning generated large numbers of complaints. The harder line also applies to those caught breaching the rules at industrial and trade premises.
“Open burning at industrial or trade premises is not permitted under our Proposed Regional Plan. Businesses breaching this rule are now more likely to receive a $1,000 instant fine, rather than the warning they may have received previously,” said Mr Dall.
Mr Dall says burning on trade and industrial premises must be done in an “incineration device”, which the plan defines as:
A device made from non-combustible materials designed to burn waste that contains all embers and sparks, has a grate and lid or spark arrestor and is not used to generate energy. An open 44-gallon (170-litre) drum is not deemed to be an incineration device.
“Those breaching the rules are liable for enforcement action, which can range from instant fines of up to $1,000, abatement notices and prosecution. The latter risks stiffer penalties through the courts.”
Mr Dall says last year the council had issued 38 infringement notices
ranging from $300 to $1,000, 56 abatement notices and two courtordered enforcement orders for burning-related incidents.
He says the council’s Proposed Regional Plan effectively bans backyard burning in the more densely populated Whangārei urban area.
“People living within the Whangārei city airshed can only burn some waste materials during the period from September 1 to May 31 the following year if the size of their property exceeds one hectare or they have a resource consent to burn.
“Only waste that is paper, untreated wood, cardboard or vegetation can be burnt. Waste vegetation can be composted or mulched, larger branches can be used as firewood and paper and other materials can usually be recycled.”
If waste vegetation is being burnt, a lot of problems can be easily avoided just by ensuring it has been given plenty of time to dry out, rather than burning it green. However, Mr Dall says even if some burning is allowed, council rules
and national regulations specifically ban the burning of some materials on health and environmental grounds. For more information, go to nrc.govt.nz/ backyardburning.
The Northland Regional Council is tightening up on backyard burning to address concerns from locals
Northland’s farming leaders earn awards
by Andy Bryenton
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka
Ahuwhenua Trophy and the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award, recognising
The prestigious awards are designed to promote the burgeoning Māori farming community, celebrating success stories and innovators in the field. A gala dinner was held in Palmerston North in early June to fete the finalists and name the winners. This year, the Northland-based Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust was awarded the 2025 Ahuwhenua Trophy for excellence in Māori sheep and beef farming.
“Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust turned a struggling farm into a thriving 1,200head bull beef operation, and it’s a clear example of what vision and hard work can achieve,” says Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.
“This award celebrates Māori excellence in farming and the kind of leadership that will help us double the value of exports in 10 years.”
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka was also present to applaud the winners, and his message was one of intergenerational learning and success. Mr Potaka says the Ahuwhenua Trophy recognises excellence in farming knowhow, as well as the wider role that Māori
farming entities play in New Zealand’s regional communities and in protecting the environment.
Leadership in farming, like that shown by the Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust, paves the way for learning across generations, future success in farming endeavours, and financial and employment opportunities for rural towns. Encouraging this kind of sustainable, community-engaged agribusiness is a win for both those involved directly and for rural service industries as well.
“Sheep and beef farms are the backbone of the Māori primary sector, valued at over $12 billion, and these awards honour the landowners, rangatira and kaimahi who keep that success going,” says Mr Potaka.
It was a double win for Northland later in the evening, as Te Tai Tokerau farm manager Coby Warmington took out the 2025 Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award for sheep and beef.
“Congratulations to the winner and all those who took part in this year’s
in Māori agribusiness.
competition,” said Mr Potaka. “The prosperity and wellbeing farming generates for iwi and Māori across the motu has far-reaching impacts for
communities, for whānau, for reinvesting back into marae and more. I tautoko the outstanding work these finalists are doing.”
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka was pleased to hand out two major farming awards to Te Tai Tokerau in early June
by Andy Bryenton
Freshwater plans retooled
Small block farmers are less likely to have to implement a freshwater farm plan under new changes announced by the government last week, and large farms will be able to manage freshwater resources with less complexity and cost.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard claim that the changes they have made to freshwater farm plans will make the system ‘more practical and affordable’.
Ministers have agreed to reduce the number of farms required to have a plan and to take a risk-based approach to certification. Plans will still manage environmental impacts, but without unnecessary red tape.
“We’re recognising existing industry programmes that achieve equivalent environmental outcomes, farmers shouldn’t have to complete multiple plans,” says Mr McClay. “The new system will also act as an alternative to local council rules and consents where appropriate, allowing landowners to meet requirements in a way that suits their farm systems.”
“At the same time, caution needs to be exercised in trying to standardise farming too much, as every farm, catchment and community is different. The freshwater farm plan model, introduced by the previous government and amended by the current, is a tool that can replace the need for resource consent. It is a ready-to-go standard for farming with huge buy-in from farmers, sector groups, and regional councils.”
“Farm plans are useful tools, but they must be practical and matched to actual environmental risk,” said Andrew Hoggard.
Management Act repeals, replacements and retooling that has formed a large part of the coalition government’s rural policy platform.
Even before the roll-out of freshwater farm plans was paused last year, in order for fine-tuning of the system to be discussed in Wellington, industry advocates were calling such plans a
better alternative to the ‘blunt instrument’ of the RMA.
“It’s never made sense for farmers to be farming by resource consent. Resource consents are a costly, time-consuming and bureaucratic way to improve farming practice,” said Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper.
“These changes reflect our shift from a precautionary to a more permissive, risk-based approach, ensuring landowners can use their property more freely, while protecting the environment and their rights,” said Mr McClay.
The Tairāwhiti-Gisborne area has been chosen as the pilot region for the new freshwater farm plan roll-out, which will begin this year. Alterations to rules around freshwater and how it’s used on farms are part of wide-reaching Resource
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has advanced government plans to make water management on farms and small blocks easier and less expensive
So many emission target questions
by Colin Hannah, Federated Farmers Northland president
Federated Farmers has been questioning the position of provinces around the government’s plan to set an emission target of between a 24% and 47% reduction from 2017 to 2050.
In response — and following a reasonably detailed analysis of the situation in Northland by Federated Farmers for dairy and beef emissions — I am not surprised with the dairy emission profile, but we were by the beef profile.
The wall of wood being planted across the region has not only moved dairy farmers to quit the primary sector but also beef farmers.
There has been a steady exit of dairy farmers around the region due to age, regulation and just the interference by those city bureaucrats who don’t know one end of a cow from the other.
Analysing the accurate figures that DairyNZ publishes annually by province, it enabled a picture of milking cows in Northland, to which we added 40% for replacements — that is yearling and rising two-year-olds which don’t appear in those figures — and the trend line is downwards.
Thankfully, the great thing for Northland is that the income level is straight lining because of the dairy payout has been increasing.
From 2017 to 2024 the drop is 20% in milking cow numbers in Northland. So,
this means that dairy methane emissions have dropped by the same amount, and that’s really important with all the unrealistic emissions hysteria that was started under the previous government.
The beef figures for Northland were more problematic as they are not recorded by age class. The figures were not published annually but we were able to look at beef and lamb information and couple that together with input from the statistics department to come up with a credible trend. Moreover, because we don’t have a separation by age class, our emission profile for the region will be higher than what it actually is.
As was expected, there was an increase in beef animals following the exit of dairy animals which peaked in 2018. We then saw the reduction in beef numbers being chased by the wall of wood.
The surprise to us for beef from 2018 at peak to 2024 the reduction is 19%.
However, because there is no differentiation by age class, the emission profile has been treated as a mature beef animal. Therefore, our beef emission profile will be overstated.
Referencing back to dairy emission, it is my view that the remaining 17% reduction will be achieved by science. There are 25 years for us to achieve this.
We don’t want any more dairy farmers exiting the land in Northland. Already in 2025, the province has already achieved the target originally set for 2030.
Our beef emission profile by the end of 2025/26 (in our model) will exceed the 24% that is being set. Again, the
remaining 26% will come from attrition, forests and science.
Northland Federated Farmers’ position is that looking at the science, for our region, 0.3% increase means that there is no additional warming in Northland, and our farmers don’t need additional taxing that will come from the bottom line of their businesses going forward.
Our position in Northland is that there should be no additional taxing of biogenic emissions.
by Andy Bryenton
Still the king of the roadsters
The start of winter is an odd time to consider buying a convertible, but it’s a great time to pick one up second-hand.
Those in the market for a roadster would usually enjoy knock-down pricing on soft-top cars as the rain sets in, but this year the price of that fan favourite, the Mazda MX-5 is more buoyant than ever.
There’s another aspect at play here too. The speculative new convertible buyer has limited options at the MX-5’s end of the market. The current version of the droptop Mazda comes in at just over $60,000, and it’s more powerful than ever while still hovering around the 1,000kg mark.
Compared to many bloated modern cars, that’s fighting trim. However, the once crowded field of competitors has melted away like morning mist.
When the MX-5 arrived, its popularity made other automakers scramble to make a similar cabriolet. Some hacked the roof off their small coupes, others designed new convertibles from the ground up. Soon there were soft-top Toyota Celicas, Peugeot CCs, Mercedes SLKs, BMW Z3s, Honda S2000s and MGFs in car yards everywhere.
In the ensuing decade the wave crested and broke, leaving those in the market for a nice second-hand convertible spoilt for choice. A big 2.8-litre manual Z3, a Toyota MR2 Spider or a cheeky secondhand Boxster are good value to this day,
and will put a smile on your face even with the top up. However, new convertibles have retreated to the rarefied heights of luxury motoring, except for the MX-5 and, notably, a chopped-top Mini Cooper.
The next cabrio on the charts after the MX-5 would appear to be the Ford Mustang, which is not the same beast as the small, light and precise little Mazda.
Then you’re headed for Euro territory, with BMW’s Supra-adjacent Z4 and a beautifully penned Mercedes CLE 300 on offer, albeit for twice the price of the MX-5.
From there, the sky’s the limit, with options from supercar contenders like Porsche and, wistfully unobtainable to many, Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren.
Second-hand MX-5s have proven almost as popular as new ones, with variants of the little convertible finding fame in the drift racing culture, as well as serving as a blank canvas for tuning and design artists. One of the most entertaining spectacles on the Internet is watching MX-5 designer Bob Hall commenting on the bizarre and beautiful builds tuners have undertaken, using his original car as their starting point.
So, what has made the MX-5 hold out as the last bastion of fun and frivolity in a world dominated by big, square crossover
SUVs? How is a Japanese brand inspired by the Lotus Elan still cruising with the top down, when Lotus itself is no longer offering convertibles amid its range of superfast lightweight confections?
It’s because it’s fantastic. Hairdresser jokes have been buried under 36 years of driving enjoyment. New or used, give one a try. It’ll make you forget the rain.
Mazda’s MX-5 has endured the test of time because it’s a perfect recipe
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For expert Isuzu truck sales, service and parts in Northland and Rodney, visit CAL Isuzu at 20 Logyard Road. We’re here to keep your business moving.
by Andy Bryenton
Honda seizes the day
Honda is the kind of company that appraises the situation, stands back, plans
changes the game.
We’ve seen it in their history. This motorcycle firm saw the need for a small scooter, but they didn’t charge in and copy the Vespa. They took their time, assembled the Honda Cub, and proceeded to dominate the Southeast Asian two-wheeled market with it.
It’s the same with cars. For many years Honda was all about bikes, but when they came to make a car for the western market, they measured twice and cut once, changing the landscape forever with the little Civic. You could say they’ve been true to form in other areas as well. Honda waited a long time after the Wright Brothers to make a jet plane, and a fair few decades after Star Wars to make an android. Both were shockingly ahead of their time.
Now, Honda has ventured into the territory of electric vehicles for New Zealand, and once again, the big Japanese firm is not at the forefront of the rush to electrify. They’ve played the hybrid game like Toyota, releasing cars like the CR-Z, which took a new angle on the formula, but their new e:N1 is entirely plug and play, taking the form of a crossover SUV like many of its rivals. The firm tested the water with its Clarity and e-Hatch models overseas, but this will be the first electric
desire for this to be a popular everyman’s EV
Honda on these shores. It’s landing in a packed field, not just with traditional automakers but also with up-and-coming contenders out of China. However, Honda have delivered on their expected form, fit and build quality, as well as on price, both factors, which will attract some buyers who would otherwise be wary of switching to voltage.
“We are excited to announce the launch of Honda’s first fully electric vehicle, the e:N1. This momentous introduction represents the start of a significant journey for our brand and underscores Honda’s commitment to a sustainable
future. The e:N1 is the inaugural model in Honda’s e:N series of electric vehicles,” said Honda New Zealand managing director Carolyn McMahon. Customers might well be equally excited by the new e:N1’s 500-kilometre range and hefty 310 Newton-metres of torque, coupled to a design that’s understated and conservative compared to the wilful futurism of some rivals. The price is the real knockout, however. Honda build quality comes in at just a touch over $52,000, making the e:N1 compare favourably to opponents from brands of shorter heritage. In fact, it’s only the price of a decently-sized televison more than its petrol-hybrid HR-V Sport stablemate.
THE
BEHIND
CLEAR.
Honda e:N1 — the name is a pun on ‘anyone’, reflecting the brand’s
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