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Unlocking jobs and growth in Northland
by Grant McCallum, MP for Northland
Horticulture and employment opportunities in Northland are set for a major boost following the completion of the Te Waihekeora Reservoir, a cornerstone water storage project located south of Dargaville.
Last week, I hosted prime minister Christopher Luxon in Northland, where our visit began in Ruawai with Anthony Blundell and Kaipara Kūmara discussing the significance and potential of local horticulture. The highlight was attending the official opening of the Te Waihekeora Reservoir at Te Kōpuru, conducted by the prime minister, and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones.
This newly-completed reservoir, with a capacity of 3.3 million cubic metres, is a critical step toward unlocking the region’s economic potential. Northland’s climate brings both opportunity and challenge because, while drought and flooding are common, the area is blessed with fertile soils and ample rainfall.
However, limited water storage has restricted the region’s ability to maximise these natural assets.
Te Waihekeora Reservoir transforms this. The reservoir will open more than 1,000 hectares of land for horticulture, with scope to quadruple this through the upcoming 22km Kaipara pipeline, which will ultimately extend to Dargaville.
The project offers numerous other benefits, including enhanced land use and productivity, greater investment certainty for growers and iwi, job creation and economic growth. It also supports
the government’s ambition to double the value of New Zealand’s exports by fostering smarter, more sustainable growth in the food and fibre sectors.
Since 2018, nearly $126 million in government funding has supported water storage in Northland, including $35 million from the Provincial Growth Fund for Te Waihekeora and up to $17.5 million for the Kaipara pipeline.
This massive project marks a proud moment for Northland, and promises long-term benefits for our communities and the region’s economy.
by Paul Campbell
Critical rescue appeal underway
The generosity of Northlanders is being counted as the Northern Rescue Helicopters’ annual appeal is now underway and looking forward to involvement and activities from a wide variety of businesses, organisations and community groups.
The appeal is backed by the chief executives of Top Energy and Northpower and the former, Russell Shaw, says the company has supported the Northern Region helicopters from the start in 1988.
“There are few degrees of separation between people in our community and a life saved by the helicopter crews. Everyone in Northland knows someone with a connection to the service, and so many people have benefitted from this over the past 37 years,” says Russell.
“The support of our community can also help save lives, so I encourage people to help out where they can.”
Northpower CEO Andrew McLeod says the company continues to support causes that uplift and benefit Northland communities.
Rescue critical care paramedic Sara Eivers
“We proudly support these local organisations and charities who provide incredible services and opportunities for our people — and that helps build stronger, more resilient communities.
“We are very proud sponsors of our Northern Rescue Helicopters, and have
been since day one. These days, it is a hugely sophisticated operation and is essential across Auckland, Northland and other regions around the North Island in times of need.
“I know Northland businesses write some pretty big cheques out to support the service, so I say good on you to those people. The 2025 Northern Rescue Annual Appeal is our chance to all say thank you to our awesome crews.”
Northern Rescue CEO Ian MacPherson says the organisation is immensely grateful for the long-standing support of Top Energy and Northpower.
“Top Energy and Northpower are critical to the success of our region, and are heavily committed to the communities their people live and work in. They really are community champions with the work they do to keep the lights on, keep Te Tai Tokerau connected to the rest of New Zealand and a whole lot more they are involved in.
“Northern Rescue is lucky to have so many loyal sponsors and supporters, and I look forward to getting out and about with them during our appeal in Northland, which is our most critical and substantial fundraising effort of the year.”
Join in some fun family activities and chat with the Kiwi Coast Crew!
Find out how to clear out pests, care for kiwi and get your forest bursting with birdsong!
Plus – we’ll have our kiwi themed range of fundraising merchandise available including limited edition t-shirts, hats, toys, books and more!
Get yourself kitted out for summer or pick up some great Christmas gifts that help raise funds for Northland kiwi. www.kiwicoast.org.nz
Northern
Petals of growth surround them
by Amy Fifita
Teenagers Milly and Gracie-Mae Leong turned their love for dahlias into a success, and with a pick-your-own garden behind them, the sisters have their sights set on their futures.
“Our story began at Trefoil Park, an old Girl Guides’ camp, where we moved when we were between four and six years old. Living there for a long time, we started our first business venture, Green Footed Kiwi, a dahlia pick-your-own farm,” said Milly.
“Growing all of our dahlias from seed, each seed grows a completely different variety. We ended up having 250 new cultivars.”
Both homeschooled, the Leong sisters were given a project to create a profitable business from $100, funded by their mother, Jennifer. Milly says Gracie-Mae fell in love with dahlias and wanted to spend her entire $100 on potted cuttings and sell the colourful blooms on the roadside.
“With a one-kilometre driveway coming off on a windy road, I started to realise that selling flowers on the roadside probably wouldn’t work so well. We decided to
create a pick-your-own farm instead,” said Gracie-Mae.
“Thanks to our mentor Dennis, we learned how to grow dahlias from seed, and eventually, we came up with about 250 different varieties, and more than 2,000 plants.
“Last February, we went to the National Dahlia Show in Hamilton to enter our homebred seedlings. It was quite odd for the Dahlia Society, because they normally
only accept named dahlias and the best bloom of the specific variety on that day.
“When we arrived with our seedlings that no one had ever seen before, it was quite different. We won the best medium cactus show-wide, best new seed exhibition seedling, best garden seedling and the best novice bloom.”
Not long after the competition success, the family sold their Trefoil Park property, providing Gracie-Mae and Milly with the
Milly, Gracie-Mae and Lexi Leong are putting out strings to corral the dahlia plants
Milly picking an early morning dahlia order from the Leong sisters’ cultivar selection
opportunity to rethink how to continue their love for dahlias. Already entrepreneurs at heart, a new dream was born — The Stripey Caterpillar and GracieMae Photography.
“At Trefoil Park, I was inspired to make a butterfly house. During our pick-your-own venture, we had heaps of Monarch butterflies, and we also had high teas,” said Milly. “A couple were having high tea, and a butterfly emerged from a chrysalis, dried its wings and fluttered over to them and landed on the flowers on their high tea plate. They loved it — it was a wonderful experience for them.
“That was where the idea for Caterpillar Castle came from. It was going to be an enormous butterfly house where people could walk and experience the beauty of Monarch butterflies.
“We can’t do that now at our current property because it isn’t suitable. As we wait for our current house to sell, we have started our art businesses so we can fund Caterpillar Castle. With all of the magical moments around us at Trefoil Park, the castle was inspired by our former pick-yourown farm.”
To fund their future venture, Milly hand-draws art inspired by New Zealand and pollinators, and Gracie-Mae takes photos of dahlias and pollinators. With both girls contributing artistically, they
sell mugs, canvases, cards and art prints.
“We started with doing markets, mostly attending the Packhouse Market in Kerikeri. After I signed up for the Yes Programme, I got the Stripey Caterpillar off the ground. I was the youngest one there by two years.
“We have just signed up to do the Paihia Cruise Ship Market. It is awesome because I think tourists love what we are doing, but we also have a website, stripeycaterpillar.com, with both Gracie-Mae’s and my artwork for sale.”
Attending the markets provided the Leong sisters with the opportunity to receive feedback, make connections and hear heartfelt stories from customers.
“A lovely lady returns to our stall each time we are there to buy new art pieces from us. One lady came to us to buy a mug for Mother’s Day, and returned for more items, saying it was her mum’s prized possession. This summer, we will be doing the Packhouse and Paihia Market.”
Using both their artistic flair, the sisters say their artworks are putting them in a good position to create Caterpillar Castle.
“We are going to construct Caterpillar Castle with netting as a trial to see if it will work and how many butterflies we can breed in a year.
“Throughout this experience, I have enjoyed learning about the different ways to run businesses and talking and sharing stories with people. It may be hard work, but it is fun, and a great lifestyle to lead.”
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Milly hand-draws art inspired by butterflies pollinating and dahlias
After a butterfly emerged from its chrysalis and landed on a couple enjoying high tea at Green Footed Kiwi, Milly was inspired to start Caterpillar Castle
Turning quantity into quality
by Amy Fifita
We continue with the story of Ian Webb, who turned his two-acre hobby into 1,000 acres of backcountry beauty surrounded by ancient forests where his polled Herefords could breed sustainably.
Aman desiring quality, and not quantity, Ian has revived the land and has bolstered the fencing issue, a value that extends to his cattle and breeding processes.
“Coming up on Mondays and returning home on Fridays, I run Herefords with about 300 head, with about 160 breeding cows, and I do split calving in the spring and autumn. There are about 60 calves in each set,” said Ian.
After experiencing birthing issues in the first year, Ian researched estimated birth weights and decided to improve them. The following year, a solution had already been found.
“It has been a bit of a learning curve, not being with the stock seven days a week. I started with a bull but didn’t know enough about estimated birth values. As a result, I got a bull, and the birth weights of the calves were too large. There were
birthing problems that year, and we lost a cow and a calf.
“After doing my research to solve the issue, I looked for smaller birth-weight bulls, and I haven’t had any problems since then. They produce small and fastgrowing calves.
“It was a lesson that was learned quickly, and now, I leave my cows to calve on their own and haven’t had to pull a calf since the beginning. I source pedigree sire
bulls from across the country with a low birth weight.”
Learning from his mistakes, Ian could now concentrate on the unique traits he wanted his cattle to have. With the fences and low birth weights sorted, and the pastures lush with clover and ryegrass, Ian has set his eyes upon producing quality meat, particularly intramuscular fat.
“Firstly, you need to breed with temperament in mind, which takes a
Since Ian bought the farm nine years ago, he has put the hard work in to not only having a lush pasture and good fencing, but also good
long time because you don’t want to get attacked by a cow or a bull. You still get the odd touchy cow, because if it has a calf, they don’t like to be interrupted, but cows are well-tempered for the most part.
“I have focussed on intramuscular fats. The bulls that I’ve been buying are in the top two per cent of intramuscular fats. As a beef farming community, we have been driven to quantity rather than quality, but that is what I am working towards.
“If every animal is destined to be on somebody’s table, and if it is, why are we paying more attention to growth rate and heavy weights, and not to the end-product value? In the long term, if it is going to be
a sustainable breed, they need to produce quality meat.”
Ian challenges the current regulations and believes they need to change to encourage a competitive meat price. In future, Ian hopes to see a change in how meat is sold in New Zealand.
“An intramuscular fat breed value would start at zero. Most of the bulls being sold are between zero and 0.5, with most of my sire bulls between 2–2.9. I have seen very few sire bulls selling higher than that.
“What it means is that when an animal is butchered, it has more intramuscular fat, which is the flavour in the meat. My goal is to produce the best quality meat, even though it doesn’t get recognised at the sale yards. Currently, there are very few opportunities to sell privately, and I believe the regulations need to change on that. There is home kill, but that requires
people to own the animal for so many days before they can kill it.”
Ian says he knows people break the rules, but that’s not the point; he wants a change in regulations to create freedom to create a more local market.
“The point is, I cannot have my own abattoir or kill the meat at a home-kill abattoir and sell it commercially — I want us to get there because the price of meat can become more competitive.
“Until then, New Zealand is going to pay too much for their meat. There are lots of local home-kill abattoirs that could satisfy a more community-based production.
“It is substantially less expensive than what people would buy in the supermarket and probably better quality. It is another thing we need to work with the regulators on — if someone can make the right presentation to the government, who knows?”
Instead of concentrating on the weight of his cattle, Ian breeds for the quality of intramuscular
meat
A keeper of heritage
by Amy Fifita & Liz Clark
A story, dating back to the late 1800s recounts that two residences were built at the Poutō Lighthouse, and later, in the 20th century, a third — here is their story.
After many years of lives being lost at the entrance of the Kaipara Harbour, and constant lobbying from the timber and maritime industries, the government of the day relented and commissioned a new lighthouse.
Built on a sandstone outcrop, the lighthouse was designed by John Blackett and overseen by David Scott, who had constructed many of the beacons found nationwide.
It was unique in that it was constructed from locally-milled kauri, while its core
was stone quarried from Mt Eden. The light was first exhibited on December 1 1884, and was visible up to 37 kilometres away in good conditions. However, ships being wrecked on the bar did continue to a lesser extent.
“In the early 1900s, the lighthouse staff and their families moved from the station to nearby Poutō, where there was a school, post office and store. Relocation of the houses was largely due to problems with shifting sand at the lighthouse,” said historian Liz Ferry.
The third residence was erected for the rotating lighthouse keepers to live in during their active service. In November 1947, the harbour was closed as a port for shipping. The lighthouse continued to exhibit its light until 1954/55 when it was decommissioned and left derelict on the shifting sands.
“Left behind at Kaipara North Head, just a short distance from the lighthouse, was the grave of infant George Raymond Dallas Finch (died 1909), a son of assistant keeper George Finch. The grave
and its kauri marker remain, as does a midden bearing discarded items, possibly from the occupation of the station.”
Now, the lighthouse is the only building on the site, with the houses relocated. The government subdivided the land at Poutō in the mid-1950s.
“Three keepers were stationed at Kaipara after the move, with each keeper serving two weeks at the lighthouse followed by one week at Poutō. This meant that at any one time, two keepers would be at Kaipara North Head.
A light guiding the way, after many shipwrecks at the Poutō Bar, the New Zealand government had the lighthouse built in 1883/84
In the mid-1950s, the lighthouse was left decommissioned, and no longer required to have residences at the site
“The keepers would ride the eight kilometres between Poutō and the lighthouse on horseback along the beach. A stable remained at Kaipara Heads, but no feed for the horses, so chaff had to be brought in for them. One residence was left at the station, which was shared by the keepers on duty.”
More than a century later, Craig and Morag Rendle bought the former lighthouse keeper’s residence at Poutō in a dilapidated state. With the help of family and friends on demolition and cleaning projects, and financial support from the Rendles, the house has been restored.
“I spent a lot of my childhood in and around Raglan, so when I first came to Poutō, it felt like coming home. We have accumulated a few toys along the way, like a boat and a tractor,” said Craig Rendle.
“Originally looking for a place to put a man shed on, this property ticked all the boxes, but the idea of restoring the cottage to its former glory was the icing on the cake. When the Department of Lands and Surveys started selling its houses in the 1950s, the residence was transported down the beach to Poutō Point.
“Ending up on the site in 1955, it would have come down with bullocks and horses, and been dragged eight kilometres from the lighthouse to its current location. Due to its shape, the windows and photos, we think it was the house closest, immediately to the left of the lighthouse itself.”
With the help of family and friends on demolition and cleaning projects, the Rendles restored the house, finding ways to honour its history.
“Everything was kauri, and it was a beautiful cottage, but it was rough around the edges. Everything in the cottage is original, and we exchanged like for like. We found up to seven layers of paint at times, and there was even paint on the kauri floors in the lounge.
“It took a year to complete, and the hero piece is how the kauri floor turned out. Morag and I did a lot of shopping through Trade Me, and other places for light fittings, balustrading and an antique vanity.
“Morag and I tried to keep everything within the age and historic nature of the building. While restoring the house, we found a 1956 newspaper that we made into a splashback and commissioned a leadlight glass artwork for the property.”
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Residences were built at the lighthouse for the keepers and their families
Craig and Morag Rendle bought one of the relocated houses and renovated it, paying tribute to its history with a 1956 newspaper splashback and a leadlight artwork of the lighthouse
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Government sets consent expectations
Cabinet ministers Chris Bishop, Todd McClay and Penny Simmonds, have set expectations to all councils nationwide to take a sensible approach when issuing consents.
“Ministers continue to receive concerning reports of councils across the country applying stringent, unnecessary and burdensome requirements when issuing new consents, particularly for our farmers and growers,” said Mr Bishop.
“Our country relies on our rural producers. At a time of economic challenges, councils should be doing all they can to unlock economic growth, not stymie it.
“Farmers are not the enemy. Working on the land is not a ‘nice to have’ — it’s vital for our country’s success.
“Prior to the induction of our new planning system, councils need to recognise that they’ll need to be pragmatic and flexible to ensure our rural economy continues to operate.”
“The RMA gives local authorities power to exercise discretion over consent processes. This includes extending consenting timeframes and working with individual applicants to reach pragmatic solutions,” Mr McClay said.
“Later this year, a regime to transition consents into the new system will be released. Until then, we expect councils to use this discretion where appropriate. Farmers should not be punished for what amounts to a bureaucratic process.”
“We know that the transition into a new planning system could create some bumps for those sectors whose livelihoods depend on their consents.
The government expects local authorities to smooth those bumps as much as possible,” Ms Simmonds said.
“Local authorities need to recognise that the system is changing, and change their behaviour accordingly.
“The government has committed to working alongside councils to support the implementation of, and alignment with, the future system.”
Coenzyme Q10 for energy
by John Arts, Abundant Health Ltd
Mitochondria are our cell engines that take the energy from food and change this into the energy our bodies need. At the end of the line is the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to provide the energy that makes our bodies work.
Free radicals, especially nitrogen radicals like peroxynitrite, can damage delicate cell structures causing less energy to be made. Some diseases can damage mitochondria. Studies show that chronic fatigue syndrome weakens mitochondria resulting in significantly less energy than in healthy people.
The result is always tiredness, but other symptoms are determined by the type of disease. For example, in MS mitochondrial changes occur leading to nerve myelin damage.
The first step to improve energy is to add coenzyme Q10. Be aware that most of the CoQ10 on the market is low-cost semi-synthetic material. I prefer high-grade naturally-fermented material despite its higher cost. There is no such thing as a good, cheap CoQ10.
The most important component of nutritional therapy for fatigue and inflammatory problems are adding a
range of mitochondrial nutrients and co factors. These include CoQ10, PQQ and other compounds, such as resveratrol, grape seed extract, acetyl L-carnitine, N acetylcysteine, Alpha Lipoic Acid. These help to increase energy output, support flagging energy processes and reduce free-radical damage by actively targeting the free radicals that damage delicate energy systems. We then add a full B vitamin complex, as these are needed in most of the steps to make energy. A combination of a good diet and these beneficial supplements can make a real difference in life quality for those with low energy. Most people feel a real difference within two months.
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.
Chris Bishop, Minister for RMA Reform
Grant McCallum MP for Northland
by Amy Fifita
Safeguarding for risky situations
A partnership between Hato Hone St John and the Dairy Women’s Network is ensuring farmers have basic medical treatment on farm until medics arrive if needed.
Providing an opportunity to get off the farm and socialise, the day course is an opportunity for farmers and horticulturalists to broaden their medical knowledge. The course safeguards people on farms and provides practical solutions for various scenarios on and off farm.
“Dairy Women’s Network has partnered with Hato Hone St John to bring practical, handson On-Farm First Aid Courses to rural communities across the country,” said partner relationship manager Sarah van Munster.
The collaboration helps educate and provides updated knowledge for those in the agriculture and horticulture sector, should first aid be needed onsite. With machinery, tools and other risks on farm, it is important to be prepared for situations where someone becomes injured or hurt.
“A four-hour course designed with the agriculture sector in mind is for anyone wanting to learn the essentials of first aid without the need for NZQA unit standards.” First aid instructors are heading to rural areas to inform and teach rural communities about what to do if there is an injury on-farm
From CPR to handling serious injuries, the day course will equip farmers with everything they need to know in the case of an emergency — it also covers mental health.
“During the session, you’ll learn how to assess hazards, perform CPR, use a defibrillator, and control life-threatening bleeding. You’ll be shown how to manage serious injuries such as amputations, crush injuries, stab wounds, impalements, fractures and internal bleeding.
“The course also covers recognising mental distress and ways to build resilience in yourself and others. By the end of the course, you’ll have the ability to recognise lifethreatening situations and the confidence to take quick, decisive action.”
Join the Dargaville session on Monday, November 10. For more information or to register, visit dwn.co.nz/events/first-aidon-farms-course-northland2.
“You’ll be prepared to provide vital assistance before emergency services arrive and leave with a strong foundation for further first aid learning.”
TIMBER
BATTENS
2.4
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Creating space in Kaipara
Container Space is broadening its scope in Northland and making containers more affordable for people in the Dargaville area, with a new depot.
“We are creating a depot in Dargaville behind the yard of Dargaville Honda’s magnificent new workshop and showroom. Northland is an area where we are proud to be a part of, with depots in Whangārei, Kaitāia and Waipapa, so Dargaville was the deliberate next location to sell from,” said managing director Nick Walker. By creating a base in Dargaville, delivery will be more affordable for locals in and around the area.
Local Hiab operators, Wayne and Sharon Constable from Ideal Transport Solutions in Dargaville, do all the container deliveries and so have local knowledge.
“They are always willing to go the extra mile for the customer and where they would like the container placed. We are very lucky to work with Wayne and Sharon.”
From storage to office spaces, workshops to seasonal storage, smoko huts to swimming pools, containers can be used for standard and creative means. The tight-knit team at Container Space is eager to work with and for people’s visions for using the corrugated boxes.
“Some people want them for simple storage needs, and some want them modified
and ready to go as a workspace. Others want to do a project, where we can supply the container and initial engineering, and then they finish it to their requirements themselves.
“We are a small team, and whilst we sell New Zealand-wide, we sponsor various Northland events and are proud to play a part in the Northland economy. We pride ourselves on great service and work hard
to earn their respect with excellent service, delivery and affordable prices.”
With various sizes available, the company can bring your ideas to fruition or provide a basic container for buyers to finish a project. For more information, visit containerspace. co.nz or contact the team on 0800 080 170 or sales@containerspace.co.nz.
Nick and Libby are part of the sales team at Container Space for all customers. We want
Shaping the future
The Buckton Surveyors and Planners team has recently expanded and is excited to be sharing its services with Dargaville, Whangārei and the wider Northland region.
From its start over 60 years ago, the business has played a significant role in developing the Auckland, Kaipara and Northland regions. Knowing the area and building a strong client base, based on trust and quality, has seen the company’s growth further north from the Warkworth office.
At Buckton, they offer a full range of services designed to make land development as straightforward and efficient as possible. These services include land development consulting, land and construction surveying, planning and resource consent, ecology and engineering. Every team member has extensive knowledge and experience to provide customers with excellent development services and solutions.
Their trusted surveyors can provide the establishment, measurement, and documentation of property boundaries, easements, and related land interests in a timely and efficient manner, without compromising quality and precision. Their experienced planners can guide you through
Committed, experienced and local teams are now based in Whangārei and Dargaville
the complexities of the resource consents process and compliance with the RMA.
In addition, their ecology team is here to help you understand and manage environmental factors that may affect your development, offering practical and sustainable solutions.
Get in contact with the Buckton Surveyors and Planners on 0800 282 586 or admin@ buckton.co.nz. For further information, visit buckton.co.nz.
Recycling is the way to go
Back 2 Wood specialises in recycled wooden and aluminium windows and doors with an impressive selection of good quality stock sourced from all over the country.
Established in 2007, the company is a trusted name among Kiwis, with many satisfied customers nationwide.
It’s why many people who are building or renovating look for recycled products. As well as finding good quality, they save themselves cash in the process.
The store specialises in recycled windows and doors, from a single item like a ranch slider or French doors to whole house lots of windows and doors (mainly aluminium) for that new build or refit. Back 2 Wood Demolition also sells complete kitchens and vanities for your renovation needs.
If you’re looking for a cabin to house outof-town guests or need a dedicated hobby or storage space, look no further. Back 2 Wood Demolition has affordable new and used transportable cabins and 20–40 foot shipping containers, offering something for every budget. They can also organise Hiab delivery. Their latest stock lines are
10m² cabins built to order, using recycled aluminium joinery, larger portable buildings and 20ft shipping containers. Email back2wood@gmail.com or phone 0800 10 98 77 with what you require and they’ll reply to you with photos, sizes and prices. The business delivers Northland-wide. Check out the website back2wood.co.nz. People don’t even need to leave the comfort of their own home these days. So don’t bother looking anywhere else for windows and doors — these guys have it all and more.
Back 2 Wood is stored with plenty of recycled wooden and aluminium windows, doors, and other reusable
ADVERTORIAL
WHO’S WHO IN Expanding to serve the north
by Andy Bryenton
FAR NORTH
Gas & Tyre has moved into new, bigger premises in Waipapa, after finding that the demand for their services outstripped the space available in their previous workshop.
The Northland-owned and operated company has gone from strength to strength based on a solid reputation and a focus on service that’s above and beyond the ordinary. Gas and Tyre came to Waipapa in 2014, but their first site was soon too small to accommodate the demand that came from a welcoming public.
Within a year, the racks of rubber for everything from ATVs and motorcycles to massive tractors and log skidders had found a new home, under 550 square metres of roofing. Now, another expansion’s been called for, and the team has kitted out a massive 1,000-square-metre workshop and store to accommodate the many aspects that make Gas & Tyre unique.
These have grown from the demands of industry. The mid-north is the home of extensive and busy horticultural operations, orchards and farms, forestry and road freight logistics. All of these things demand hardwearing, safe and reliable tyres, and Gas & Tyre delivers, with a special emphasis on busting the biggest problem for all of these operators — downtime.
Understanding that a machine that’s off the road, out of the field or out of action costs time and money, in industries where the bottom line and the clock are vitally important, means that the Gas & Tyre team goes further to get those wheels rolling again.
They’ve gone beyond tyres, too, in the quest to help Northlanders enjoy their recreational time. The pursuit of excellent offroad tyres led inevitably to a growing range
of accessories for SUVs and utes that venture off the beaten track. Lights, bullbars, cooking and camping equipment, and all the gear to ensure that no terrain is too rugged. They’re all in-store, alongside a big range of wheels and tyres for all surfaces.
Of course, Gas & Tyre is about gas, too. From their new Waipapa location at 8 Industrial Way, right near the timber mill, Gas & Tyre delivers LPG for homes and businesses across the mid-north. In conjunction with
their sister stores in Kaikohe, Dargaville and Whangārei, they’ve got the country covered from Mangawhai to Kaeo and Hokianga to Poutō.
There’s a lot to see inside the new, bigger Gas & Tyre location in Waipapa, but the biggest asset of this local company is their team. Come and pay them a visit, and put their service to the test. You’ll see why they’ve grown through the years, alongside their many happy customers.
Carbon forest conversion compromise
by Andy Bryenton
The government has moved to restrict carbon afforestation on productive farmland, but has stopped short of banning the practice, which opponents say is detrimental to the rural economy and provincial communities.
An election commitment to curtail the planting of pine forests on highly productive farmland has been fulfilled with the advent of the Climate change Response (Emissions Trading Forestry Conversions) Amendment Bill this month. A legislative balancing act appropriately championed by the ministers of agriculture and climate change, respectively.
“This bill strikes the right balance between protecting New Zealand’s most productive farmland and maintaining confidence in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS),” says Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.
“We campaigned on stopping the wholesale conversion of farms into pine forests, and we have delivered. This bill restores balance. It protects food production, supports rural communities, and ensures foresters can continue to invest with confidence.”
Under the new rules, land categorised as Land Use Capability one through six faces restrictions on forestry conversions. Up to a quarter of such productive land on farms may still be turned into carbon
forests, which exist to accrue credits offsetting largely foreign air pollution instead of for timber. There will be a review of the hectare limit in 2028.
The bill attempts to balance the very real threat to the rural economy of productive land being locked out of farming, and the need to plant an estimated 680,000 hectares of trees to meet ambitious 2050 climate change netzero targets.
Ministers McClay and Watts laud this compromise as delivering “credible climate outcomes”, but opponents of carbon afforestation are vehement that even a 25 per cent farm-to-forest conversion rate is too much.
“Restricting carbon-farming forestry to 25 per cent of a farm is a good step towards the right tree, right place principle, but it’s only a stopgap,” said Groundswell New Zealand’s Bryce McKenzie, when details of the bill emerged in June.
“Every hectare of productive farmland lost to pine monoculture means jobs cut across the whole agriculture supply chain, hollowing out rural communities so
jetsetters and the like can tick a feel-good offset box on a website.”
Proponents of the new bill opine that there’s more to the compromise than just numbers of trees planted. Mr McClay says the government has heard the calls by landowners on the need to strengthen pest, weed and fire management plans for forests.
“There is work underway. We are committed to ensure foresters manage risk, continue to improve management practices and give rural communities and landowners greater assurance,” he said.
Milking machine testing, Westfalia and Milfos parts and servicing from Helensville to the Cape!
Call Garry Wilson on 021 569 661 or email gea.midnorth@gmail.com
World leaders signed the Paris climate change agreement, which has ignited an unintended chain of consequences on Kiwi farms
Short list for top tractor of 2026
by Andy Bryenton
It’s only one month until Agritechnica in Europe, and that means the short lists are out for 2026 Tractor of the Year, a sneak peek at what you’ll want to be driving into the new season.
In the high-power section, where you’ll find the tractors with the biggest torque and horsepower, the short list is a who’s who of big names in agricultural engineering. Case IH represents the big red brand with the Optum, Claas put forward the Axion, and McCormick made the grade with its X8.634 VT-Drive. The JCB company, well-known for heavy-duty construction machines, has reached the pinnacle of tractor manufacturing this year, too, with its new Fastrac up for not just this award but also a sustainable accolade. Fendt’s 800 Series is also up for this double achievement of environmental responsibility and maximum power.
There are only four contenders for the three podium spots in the midpower tractor category. This is where the machines live that are most useful for Kiwi ag contractors, and hence, this is a section that’s under high scrutiny as the judging progresses. This year, Fendt follows up the success of its bigger 800 series with a finalist’s spot for the 500
series. New Holland’s T7 is in the mix, along with Valtra’s Q265 and the Zetor 6170.
The other big section that will excite local dealerships is the utility tractor award, given to the machine that is the most useful as a Swiss army knife around the farm. Claas made the cut with its Axos 3.120, and Valtra were also shortlisted for the G125 Active. Landini represents Italy with the 6-125 RS, and there’s a new contender in this category, which has made an impact in the Kiwi sales charts in recent years, too, with Kioti in the running with its HX1403 ATC-EU.
Of growing importance in this age of AI and information technology, is the award for robot tractor of the year. New names in agricultural engineering, such as Agricobots and Agxceed, will once again amaze the judges with autonomous machines that point toward an automated future.
As well as these three categories spanning the kind of tractors forming the backbone of the farming fleet, there are also awards coming up in November for specialised tractors, of the sort working hard in orchards and vineyards. Then there’s the environmental award, which is contested by both JCB and Fendt this year. In fact, Fendt managed to get two of their tractors into the final five.
The mighty Case IH Quadtrac took home the last Tractor of the Year award; which finalist will be crowned top machine for 2026?
Gravel drive repair specialist in Northland
When Doug and his family moved north, they discovered the need for gravel repair services for rural driveways. Now, professional gravel drive repairs have arrived with GroundsCARE.
Further south, their family-run business had focussed on mowing lifestyle properties: the tough stuff, steep slopes, extra-long grass and swampy fields. Schools and sports fields loved their quality mowing services.
“We were surprised to hear radio ads for gravel drive repairs until we saw how bad the drives were up here,” said Doug.
“Almost every property we worked on had heavily rutted and potholed driveways, and ours wasn’t great.”
GroundsCARE invested in specialised machinery that grinds out potholes and ruts. The machine powerfully reshapes and repacks the gravel into place.
Flat driveways are the main reason why drives form ruts and standing water forms potholes.
“We always try for a three-to-five-degree slope off the centre, like road builders always did. The key thing is to form a crown, a centre-ridge, so the water runs straight off,” says Doug.
“Grass strips down the middle or the sides are a major problem. They trap water on the drive, we remove them. Typically, we, or our client, spray the grass weeks before we start, so it’s easier to remove.”
Next, they clear or reform the gutters to keep the run-off water away from the drive surface.
GroundsCARE’s approach is so efficient that the client seldom needs to buy more gravel. Most of what is needed can be salvaged by raking it back to the drive.
The team arrives with only one truck, but four or five machines to fix to their tractor, so their costs are lower than competitors’.
Doug’s final word on whether gravel driveways are worth fixing: “If the King of England prefers gravel drives at his place, it’s good enough for me.”
For more information, visit groundscare.nz, or call 021 294 7737.
GRAVEL DRIVE
Doug Vause
Life source of the north
Owned by Cory and Christine Jamieson, Kiwi Welldrillers is committed to ensuring rural communities across Northland have access to much-needed water.
After working with Geoff Butt, the previous owner of Kiwi Welldrillers, Cory took the opportunity to own his own business when it became available. He has focussed on the company’s strength in drilling water bores.
With summer fast approaching, it’s time to understand your needs and ask what Kiwi Welldrillers can do to help you. If you’re a farmer, will your current water source see you through the dry spell? If you’ve got a bore, has it been serviced lately, and does it still produce the volume it should? Is the water quality still good for you or your animals?
If you’re constantly worrying during summer about your home’s or bach’s water supply, kids’ showers being too long, the boat needing washing, the gardens needing watering, then have you considered getting a water bore?
Bores give you the freedom of not having that worry again. The team at Kiwi Welldrillers can walk you through the process, starting with the consent, right through to supplying and installing the pump system.
Kiwi Welldrillers expanded with the purchase of Aqua Drill NZ in Matakana
late last year, giving them the opportunity to cover more area and reduce waiting times, especially during the summer months.
Valuing empowering communities, Christine and Cory believe in investing not only in the industry and service areas, but in the people, too. They achieve it through training and taking on apprentices and offsiders, imparting to them the knowledge it has taken years to gain.
Discover more about what Kiwi Welldrillers can do for you at kiwiwelldrillers.co.nz or facebook.com/KiwiWellDrillers. Contact the team on 0800 822 822 or email info@ kiwiwelldrillers.co.nz.
Here at Kiwi Welldrillers, we pride ourselves on our
integrity and reputation, for a job well done .
Christine and Cory Jamieson
by Amy Fifita
Seeds of opportunity
Hemp Farm’s Nigel Hosking and Anton van der Westhuizen are positive about the opportunities for health and fibre that Cannabis sativa holds in New Zealand.
“The fibre potential for the North Island should be there in time for building products or building material ingredients. That means a decortication facility will need to be built to supply the steadily growing housing building product demand in the top half of the North Island,” said Nigel.
“The lower stalk and stem are put through a decortication process where they break the stalk apart, and the woody core, which is called the hurd, goes one way for animal bedding, and as building material for rammed earth homes.
“Lower-grade fibre is being blended with waste wool to make geotextiles for weed matting and other uses. The current rules do not allow us to use the roots or any biomass coming from the hemp crop, so it is purely seed or stalk at this stage.”
Innovative company Rubisco is already processing hemp stalks, producing hurd
for animal bedding and sustainable building materials, while also blending hemp fibre with wool and manufacturing geotextiles and biocomposites.
“Hemp enhances the value of wool, with both fibres working in harmony to complement one another. It offers a tensile strength 20 times greater than merino wool, adding durability and resilience, while wool contributes its exceptional moisture management and odour-
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absorbing qualities. Together, they create superior products with broad potential applications. From textiles to building materials, the opportunities are vast,” said Anton.
Nigel says farmers are interested in hemp as a crop and understand that the fibre market opens up more for other applications. With all parts of the plants usable, regulations have created boundaries, but hope is in sight. With hemp regulations under scrutiny, rules surrounding the industry may loosen.
“From an animal feed perspective, it is a wonderful product. We are considering changes to the rules to enable us to supply companion animals and the pet nutrition market in New Zealand.
“Earlier this year, David Seymour announced a comprehensive review of the hemp regulations to see how to open up the industry for everyone. There is a
high payout for lamb, dairy and beef is on the rise, but arable needs a lift. Some of the new varieties we’ve been trialling that yield higher kilograms per hectare are what we want.”
With new innovations stemming from this plant being found by modern science, the potential for a new and profitable Kiwi crop is right on Northland’s doorstep.
Farmers are showing interest in hemp as a crop, and the opportunities for it in the fibre market
Honouring those protecting rural Northland
by Colin Hannah, Northland Federated Farmers President
In rural Northland we are blessed with the service and care we receive from first responders, community volunteers and support networks.
As the 2025 Northern Rescue Helicopter annual appeal kicks into gear this month, I want to acknowledge how so many people work together on a daily basis in the north.
As farmers, it is essential that we dig into our pockets and donate what we can at nest.org.nz/donate, and follow the annual fundraising campaign at facebook. com/northland.rescuehelicopter.
One easy way to do that is to contribute the proceeds of an animal every couple of years that you sell to the works or saleyards. If we all did that, we would end up providing critical funds to make numerous lifesaving flights and that would be greatly appreciated by our friends at our community-owned Northern Rescue Helicopter operation.
Let’s face it, farmers are very common users of our Northern Rescue Helicopters. I know dozens of farmers — and rural folk in general — in Northland and around New Zealand who have had their lives saved after cardiac arrest, illness, farming, road or sporting accidents.
Given there are so many remote pockets around Northland, getting people to hospital quickly is critical to the wellbeing and safety of locals and visitors to our region.
In the 2024/2025 financial year alone, our local air ambulance service flew over 1,000 flights — 60 to Kaipara, 53 to the Mid North, 124 to Bay of Islands and 388 to the Far North among them.
The cost associated with running a service is immense when you consider
a winch is worth $205,000, a single rotor blade $405,000 and a pair of night vision goggles $27,500. The passion and dedication of the Northern Rescue team is immense and I thank them for that.
I would also like to acknowledge the work of the Northland Corporate Group for the work they are doing to help improve Northland’s infrastructure and the economic and social outcomes — now and in future.
It is equally important to acknowledge Northland Inc, NorthChamber and the Employers and Manufacturers Association for the impact they can have in our region. My team at Federated Farmers Northland are constantly endeavouring to collaborate for the benefit of the north.
On the issue of positive collaboration, for those of you out there who have not attended our Northland Collaboration dinners, I would encourage you to keep an eye out for them in future. They are designed to bring rural folk together to
have a break from the land and chat with some like-minded people. It is also a great chance to be supported by those behind the dinners.
The list includes Federated Farmers Northland, FMG, Fonterra, Dairy NZ, Beef + Lamb NZ, Civil Defence, Forsyth Barr, NZ Police, Dairy Women’s Network, Rural Women NZ, Young Farmers and more.
After another very wet winter, I hope everyone is bouncing back with the sun and warmer temperature kicking in to provide some really good spring growth. Take care out there.
Northland Federated Farmers supports the rescue service
Privacy and pricing fuel ERUC debate
by Andy Bryenton
Electronic road user charges for all vehicles could come into effect as early as March 2026, with some groups welcoming the move as a boost in fairness, but others criticising the possibility of more governmental monitoring.
The cabinet has agreed to a suite of legislative changes, which would pave the way for the nation’s fleet of 3.5 million light vehicles to move to electronic road user charges, abolishing petrol tax at the pump. A move to electronically-monitored road user charges has been hailed as a way to ensure that EVs and other very efficient vehicles pay a fair share for the nation’s roading budget.
“It isn’t fair to have Kiwis who drive less and who can’t afford a fuel-efficient car paying more than people who can afford one and drive more often,” says Transport Minister Chris Bishop.
“This is a change that simply has to happen. The government has recognised reality and is getting on with the transition.”
With roading a huge issue in local body elections nationwide, the group advocating for councils has welcomed the move, indicating that monies collected from the proposed new regime would flow through to councils for road maintenance and upgrades.
“Councils are responsible for around 90% of New Zealand’s roading network. It’s a core part of local government’s infrastructure work; councils spend nearly $2.5 billion annually on maintaining local roads,” says Local Government New Zealand’s Neil Holdom.
“Minister Bishop has outlined a bold way forward for allocating the costs of transport infrastructure and this is to be commended. The sooner this can happen, the better. Local government has a strong interest in moving toward a more sustainable funding model for transport infrastructure.”
LGNZ’s position is that eRUC pricing could lead to more accurate data as well as a more transparent approach to funding. However, there have been concerns in the public about one of the necessities involved in setting up an eRUC scheme for all vehicles; privacy and data collection.
“If they’re going to electronically monitor every vehicle, it’s the privacy issues around it,” said Automobile Association principal policy adviser Terry Collins. “Who wants to know where you are and when? That unlocks that whole issue around everything to do with phones, and the data. Who has it, and what do they want to do with it?”
Mr Bishop has rebutted these fears, saying that the Privacy Commissioner would be involved in planning. However, the indication that eRUC data may be collected by private third parties under government contract has stoked controversy, with many citizens vehemently opposed to having a ‘tracking device’ fitted to their car.
The government and LGNZ say that eRUC changes will lead to better roading outcomes, but opponents are concerned about privacy and monitoring overreach
Toyota’s hybrid milestone
by Andy Bryenton
When it was first introduced with the Prius, late last century, the concept of a hybrid car was new and strange to many Kiwi drivers, but, as the figures prove, we’ve come to embrace the technology. This month, Toyota, which first brought hybrid technology to the mainstream for motorists, revealed that it had just sold its 100,000th hybrid electric vehicle. There have been numerous hits along the way, and the acceptance of the Prius as a pop-culture touchstone, with reallife actors and even cartoon characters getting behind the wheel. Not only has Toyota sold 100,000 hybrid cars and
SUVs, the firm has also increased the amount of electrically-boosted machines it sells each year. Today, hybrids make up 95 per cent of Toyota’s passenger vehicle sales, thanks to efforts such as the new hybrid RAV4, which has been a top seller in 2025, shifting 5,184 units by August.
“Our hybrid vehicles continue to get better, with greater efficiency without sacrificing performance. The sale of
The hybrid RAV4 is a best seller, attracting drivers with its combination of capability and economy
a hybrid system. Also fielding comments on a possible electric boost is the fourth generation of the MR2, another sporty favourite from the Toyota back catalogue.
our 100,000th hybrid is a significant milestone, but it’s also just the beginning for us as we work towards a net-zero carbon future for our business,” says Toyota New Zealand’s assistant vice president Susanne Hardy.
“Toyota is moving towards being a mobility company for all, therefore how we reach the net-zero ambition is key. We want to protect the planet we have. It is our responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all the products we sell, and how we sell them.”
Hybrid technology has been a winner for Toyota and luxurious sister company Lexus, and speculation on new hybrid models of classic Toyota models is rife. Right now, the Internet is abuzz with news about the end of the current run of Supra, and the potential for it to be reborn with
Toyota New Zealand has not been drawn on these halo products as yet, but is instead concentrating on the more mundane, but equally important matter of battery recycling, one of the big challenges to electric and hybrid sustainability in the long term.
“We’re taking a full-lifecycle approach to sustainability, from how we source and ship our vehicles, to how we power, service and eventually recycle them,” said Ms Hardy. “It’s about catering to the diverse needs of our customers and communities, while simultaneously reducing our environmental impact, now and into the future.”
by Andy Bryenton
Flying the flag for the Kombi nation
The term iconic gets thrown around a lot these days, as automakers take styling cues from their greatest historical hits in service of nostalgia and good vibes.
However, there are few machines that have ever hit the road deserving the word ‘iconic’ than two of Volkswagen’s all-time greats. The Beetle is one, and that quirky little classic received a polarising but popular new edition in time for the turn of the century. Now a second VW legend has a new incarnation, with the ID.Buzz hitting the road 70 years after its ancestor, the VW Kombi van.
“The all-new ID.Buzz represents the evolution of a Volkswagen icon. It honours the spirit of the original Kombi, celebrating freedom and connection, while stepping into a bold new era of sustainable mobility. More than just a vehicle. It’s a way for the next generation to make new memories on the road — just like generations before them,” says Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles New Zealand general manager Kevin Richards.
The Kombi T2, inspiration for the ID.Buzz was beloved of the peace movement, of hippies, surfers and
travelling bands in the golden summers of the 1960s. In line with that ethos, VW has made their new van electric, with up to 250 kilowatts of power underpinning its classic looks. These have to be some of the best reimagined vintage lines since the new Mini and the new Fiat 500. The
ID.Buzz is clearly a homage to the Kombi, but updates its lines with modern and aerodynamic tweaks.
Inside, there’s attention to detail in the clever cubbies and storage spaces, as well as to a continuation of that twotone, retro-cool aesthetic. You can choose
from five or seven seats, with plenty of space for cargo, too, as the back row is completely removable. Volkswagen is adamant to point out that the ID.Buzz has substance to match its style, and all the electronic mod cons are there, but it’s the sheer impact of this Kombi successor’s image that will sway potential owners.
Part of that’s down to colour and flair. In a world of crossover SUVs in shades of grey and silver, the cheerful front grille and cheeky palette choices of the ID.Buzz make all the difference. Here’s an electric option that fits the whole family without looking cookie-cutter homogenised, rather quite the opposite. Fancy a mint green and white two-tone that carries on into the cabin’s soft surfaces? Cherry red and silver? Perhaps a sunburst yellow? There are 13 options to try.
If you’re ready to invest in a premium EV for a growing family, or you need your business to stand out, the ID.Buzz might be the groove you’re looking for.
Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz reinvents the Kombi as a modern EV outside the constraints of crossover-SUV design
Northern Rural Marketplace
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FENCING
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LIVESTOCK
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