9,074 copies DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Taranaki.
Contract milkers deserve greater protection
Sharemilkers Consultants’ Contract Milkers Experience Survey makes for disturbing reading.
The survey, which took place in December 2024, analysed the responses of 276 individuals working in the milking sector, 201 of whom are current contract milkers, equating to 12.8% of the New Zealand total.
What those contract milkers told the survey is deeply concerning. Fortythree per cent of respondents report abusive behaviour from a farm owner, while 72.7% reported having had a contract milking experience that caused a mental or financial setback, including withheld payments. A total of 82.5% of respondents reported this impacted their family situation or relationships, and 38.4% said they stayed in this situation because they were worried about where they would live if they left.
Why is this? Is this some hidden issue? Some deep malaise that the industry is too frightened to talk about? Is it that respondents are often in remote situations and feel alone, isolated and vulnerable? If so, this survey has done the milking industry a great service in bringing this issue to light and should be applauded for that.
Still, I want to know more. I’ll be working with the lead author of the survey, Louise
Gibson, to try to get to the core of the issue. Once there, I’ll see what scope the government, through law, has to improve the legal protection of contract milkers. They deserve it. Just about every employee sector has substantial legal protection and welfare agencies looking after their interests — contract milkers should have the same.
In the interim, what can we do? Well, farm advisers, and most farms have access to them, may be one source of help. Another is an approach to the Rural Support Trust (0800 787 254), which is set up explicitly to look after those working in the rural sector. Sadly, the survey indicated that less than a quarter of respondents had used this service. It’s there — please use it. I encourage each of you to collaborate with the relevant authorities to pave the way for substantial reform. Together, let’s ensure that no contract milker feels isolated or vulnerable again. The time for change is now.
If you are affected by this issue and would like to read the survey in full, feel free to contact my office, Kuriger. Inglewood@Parliament.govt.nz, and I’ll send you a copy.
Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country
by Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country
Public input sought on future water services delivery options
New Plymouth, Stratford and South Taranaki district councils are proposing to team up to establish a regional council-controlled organisation to deliver future drinking water and wastewater services to Taranaki residents.
Several different options have been considered since March 2024.
The regional Water Services CouncilControlled Organisation (WSCCO) is the proposed option the three councils are seeking community input on. Each council is looking to meet the government’s Local Water Done Well (LWDW) strategy to tackle New Zealand’s water infrastructure issues.
While the region-wide organisation is the proposed way to deliver the safe, reliable and affordable services required under LWDW, the councils have put up other options as well.
All three have an option to continue delivering all water services (including stormwater) through an in-house business unit, similar to what they do now but with some changes to meet new legislative requirements.
Additionally, New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) is consulting on an option for its own WSCCO.
Taranaki Mayoral Forum chair and Stratford District Council mayor Neil Volzke said the councils started looking at a range of options in March last year. A big part of the discussion being what a joint water services model could look like in Taranaki.
“What was clear from the extensive investigations was that by working together, a regional model was a viable option well
worth looking at and this has become the proposed model for each council.”
He said reforming water services is a significant and complex issue with a range of advantages and disadvantages inherent in every model being considered.
“This is an incredibly important decision, probably one of the biggest that we have faced in many years which is why it will be important to hear from our communities on what they believe is the best long-term option.”
Due to the nature of stormwater services, including it being influenced by other council services, such as roads, parks and land management, and growth planning, stormwater will continue to be delivered by each council.
To find out more and ways to have your say, go to each council’s website:
• Stratford District Council: YourSay. Stratford.govt.nz/Local-Water-Done-Well
• New Plymouth District Council: npdc. govt.nz/haveyoursay
• South Taranaki District Council: southtaranaki.com/water
Public feedback is open this month with submissions closing on Friday, May 30 at 5pm. All councils must submit a draft Water Services Delivery Plan to the Department of Internal Affairs for approval by Wednesday, September 3 2025.
New Plymouth wastewater treatment plant
Eltham wastewater plant
The success rate ranges between 50% to 60%.
“Thankfully, in my case I got the best scenario; three ewes and one ram, so a 100% success rate.”
In 2024, when Megan’s purebred ewes were old enough for mating, she sent them to Animal Breeding Services.
“We flushed them so we could take the embryos off and implant them into some of my own F1s as recipients. One of my ewes we discovered was infertile but out of the other two ewes, we got 12 embryos of which were implanted into six ewes as twins.
“One ewe lost one twin. However from this exercise we successfully got 11
healthy purebred lambs on the ground. Plus, we successfully mated the two ewes when they got home, and between them, produced another three.”
Megan is hoping to get some F4s (fourth generation of the breeding-up programme) on the ground this year. She’s aiming to fine-tune the breed’s characteristics and maintain standards to improve the quality of her stock.
“I have quite a demand for pet day lambs, so I want to be able to keep supplying some and introducing this breed to others.”
Last year, some of her F2 ewe lambs were purchased for export to a farm in Korea.
Valais Blacknose grow up to 30cm of wool each year so need to be shorn twice. Currently, there is no market for the fleece and Megan has given some purebred wool away. The sheep are raised on the couple’s lifestyle block near Stratford.
“We started off 10 years ago with one acre and have slowly grown to 16. Matt always jokes that my business plan is no good. It’s breed more sheep — buy more land.
“The Valais are mountain sheep, and I live at the bottom of Mount Taranaki on
what was flat dairy land with no tracks or rocks. We are often wet underfoot.
“So footrot is always an issue. We need to keep their hooves trimmed as they grow so quickly.”
All of Megan’s stock is registered. She is also a member of New Zealand Valais Blacknose Sheep Society and the New Zealand Sheepbreeders Association.
“The Valais Blacknose Society is invaluable. They are there to help us and guide us with breeding the best stock,” she said.
This month marks a milestone for Kurt and Tanya Phillips as they celebrate 20 years growing native plants in their Taranaki nursery.
A GROWING BUSINESS
BY DENISE GUNN
Kurt and Tanya previously worked in the dairy industry as lower order sharemilkers. Tanya also trained in the horticultural industry, working as a nursery manager.
They both shared a vision of owning a horticultural business, and soon found the ideal property listed for sale.
The couple bought a two-acre property near Hāwera, and set to work to clear and level the land. A full irrigation system was installed and weed matting put in place. Starting small and manageable was the key.
“We had a small amount of savings to get started, and away we went,” said Tanya.
While establishing the nursery and building up plant numbers, Tanya worked part-time jobs for income. Kurt continued working full-time as a mechanic.
A couple of contracts to supply plants then ensured they could make the leap for Kurt to work full-time at the nursery.
Another large contract allowed Tanya to join him.
The initial concept for their Landscape Essentials Nursery was to grow hardy, healthy, locally-grown plants for landscaping and shelter belts. Seed collection is a year-round task but Tanya said it’s not always about collecting.
“Lots of observations are made during the year to check on flowering of trees, development of seed pods and fruit before going out collecting seed.”
As a keen tramper and trail runner, Tanya checks what’s happening with native plants throughout the year while she is hitting the trails.
laug hter
“Some years, trees barely produce any seed, so you have to look further to find the quantities you need. With our seed collection, we try to harvest from crops of trees in exposed sites.
“When you have multiple trees in one location, you have a mixing of their genetics in the seeds. You can also source multiple trees.”
Collecting seeds from exposed sites is an important component to the success of growing plants in similar areas.
“We have plants going into some pretty rough sites, open to all the southern coast of Taranaki has to offer. If we collect from a similar environment, the plants will have some genetic disposition to this environment.
Love the care around you.
At Summerset Pohutukawa Place, there’s always a helping hand when you need it Alongside our neighbourly community, our villages are designed so that as your needs change, we have different levels of care and support across our villages (subject to availability and eligibility criteria). We call it our continuum of care but really, it’s about always being there
Come along to the village every Wednesday in May at 10 30am, and see for yourself why our residents love the Summerset life
Love the life you choose
Morning Tea & Tour
Every Wednesday in May, 10.30am
Summerset at Pohutukawa Place 70 Pohutukawa Place, Bell Block 06 824 8532
summerset co.nz/pohutukawaplace
Loading the trailer with plants for delivery
“It’s about making sure you are helping create a plant that will survive.”
Seeds are cleaned then sown in soil conditions similar to the forest floor during winter. In spring, as the weather and soil starts to warm up, the seeds start to germinate.
Tanya said the seedlings are cared for in propagation tunnels for the next year and another winter. The following spring, seedlings are potted into larger sized pots.
“Over this next growing time, trimming for shape, and keeping them healthy and weed free is the aim, so they are sturdy plants ready for planting late autumn/ winter. This is almost exactly two full years after we collected the seeds.”
With the growth of the nursery, Kurt and Tanya now employ a team of three fulltime and three part-time staff members.
“It’s a physically active job with lots of variation throughout the year. We have seasonal variation with cuttings and lots of propagation in the winter, through to large potting schedules in spring to the start of summer.”
Maintenance tasks in summer continue into autumn. In the last few years, the couple has developed a business website and social media presence.
“We just work hard to connect with our customers in every way we can.”
Kurt and Tanya’s involvement with several planting schemes sees them work alongside multiple Trees that Count projects and the Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust. She said the nursery industry is very broad, and there is so much to learn.
“Nearly everyone who grows plants is doing a different plant, a different way for a different purpose. We all have such unique ways of doing things.
“It’s hard for people to learn all the tricks of what you do. Not one year is like the next. Plants decide to do their own thing season-to-season.”
Landscape Essentials Nursery’s plants are now shipped all over the country, from Waiheke Island to as far south as Wānaka.
“Knowing that our plants are now being shipped all over the country is just amazing,” said Tanya. “It’s been a real journey to get here.”
Landscape Essentials Nursery covers two acres near Hāwera
Three stages of growing lemonwoods from seed
The Hooper’s banana reference collection containing 14 different types
“The whole process is a challenge of getting everything into the best alignment you can and when they start to flower it’s exciting. When you get pretty consistent bunches and fruit size, it’s really satisfying.”
Vance’s interest in plants began as a 10-year-old, after his grandmother gave him some cactus cuttings. Seven years later, he took up a horticultural career with plant industry leader Duncan and Davies.
Gardening runs in Kathryn’s family, too. Her mother Mary Dickson opened her farm garden every year for the Powerco Taranaki Garden Festival and continued to do this after she moved into town.
Kathryn also finds gardening to be good therapy away from her work as deputy principal at Highlands Intermediate.
Three years after buying their initial 8,000 square metre block of land, the couple purchased an adjoining property. This enabled them to double the garden size, treble the field nursery and start growing magnolia trees for mail order.
There was also space available to plant about 3,500 hand-crossed magnolia seedlings for the breeding project. Cryptomeria hedges, along with other species, were planted to provide windbreaks.
The Hoopers open their Magnolia Grove Garden during weekends for the magnolia flower season in August and September. They also open by appointment and during the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival.
Close to 20,000 magnolia seedlings are grown on the property each year
Award-winning magnolia growers Vance and Kathryn Hooper are also growing bananas on their property
and sold locally to other nurseries for rootstocks, as well as for their own mail order production.
The hybrid magnolia seedlings are evaluated and then selections are sent overseas for trials and production. This avoids the challenges of exporting live plants.
Their Magnolia Genie won best new plant at IPM Essen in Germany. This show is the world horticultural equivalent of the New Zealand National Agricultural Field Days.
Vance said they’ve released a few more magnolia varieties to complement their range.
“We have also focussed nursery production towards citrus and moved away from assorted ornamental varieties,
as we have a limited amount of water for irrigation.”
Currently, Vance and Kathryn are propagating a few banana plants for gate sales.
“We’re not getting carried away until we know what varieties can be grown relatively easily. We’ve got probably five years to see which varieties consistently produce results.
“In the meantime, a surplus of fruit will be generated for sale to locals,” said Vance.
225mm
300mm
375mm
450mm
525mm
600mm
750mm $1550
Short courses with safety focus
The Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT) has launched several short rural lifestyle and farming courses this year, with basic fencing included in this series.
Course tutor and farming expert Adrian Edser said the fencing short course is aimed at people on smaller farms and lifestyle blocks who want to build or repair fences themselves.
It’s also ideal for people who want to learn practical skills to work on a farm or with a fencing contractor.
“Secure, stable fencing is about safety on the farm and for motorists,” said Adrian. “Worst case scenario is your cows get out on the road, cause an accident and kill someone, and your cows end up dead as well. No one wants that.”
Fencing has come a long way from timber posts and the number eight wire.
“Now we have electronic or virtual fencing, with smart collars on cows. You can draw a fence on an app on your phone and the cows won’t walk over it.”
While invisible electronically-controlled fences are a game-changer, they are mainly suited to large scale commercial operations and can be costly for small holdings.
Adrian said that’s why there is still a need to know how to put up a basic, run-of-the-mill but still highly effective conventional fence. The next fencing short course will be held in mid-November.
Courses take place at Grassmere training farm in Egmont Village. A dedicated classroom and workshop with equipment
including chainsaws, tractor and a quad bike are available for course participants to learn practical skills.
Other courses coming up include the safe use of chainsaws, tractors, quad bikes and light utility vehicles. A chainsaw safety course is scheduled for Thursday, May 29, and another in November.
Participants will learn how to handle different types of cuts with ease from trimming branches, basic up and down cuts, and bore cuts. They will also discover how to keep a chainsaw in peak condition.
“From routine cleaning to sharpening and adjusting the chain, you’ll gain the skills needed to prolong the life of your equipment and keep it running smoothly,” said Adrian.
“Learning how to correctly operate and maintain all farm machinery and vehicles is vital from a health and safety perspective, and helps keep costs down.”
The courses are suited to rural lifestylers and small farm owners, as well as being relevant to conservation workers, landscape gardeners, employees in construction, forestry and outdoor industries. Supervisors and safety officers looking to create a safer work environment would also find the courses beneficial.
For further information or to apply, contact WITT on 0800 948 869 or email info@witt.ac.nz
Relief from joint pain (Part one)
by John Arts, Abundant Health Ltd
Joint pain from osteoarthritis can be anything from annoying to debilitating. Earlier this year, someone contacted me about osteoarthritis in his knees and elbows.
He needed knee braces to get around, and the pain prevented him from doing many activities that he enjoyed. He had resorted to cortisone injections for relief and was booked for another.
I started him on a double dose of my joint supplement. This gave him 1,600mg of chondroitin sulphate, 1,600mg of glucosamine sulphate and 400mg of the latest 100% water soluble curcumin (from turmeric) extract. While glucosamine and curcumin are important, it is the chondroitin that generates the greatest impact on arthritis joints.
Chondroitin sulphate helps to reduce inflammation in the affected joints. It promotes the repair and maintenance of cartilage thereby improving joint function and mobility.
Research indicates that chondroitin sulphate plays a crucial role in supporting chondrocytes, the cells responsible for cartilage repair and maintenance. Studies have shown that chondroitin enhances the synthesis of extracellular
matrix components, which are essential for the structural integrity of cartilage. Furthermore, chondroitin sulphate aids in reducing the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage tissue, thereby preserving joint function.
The real test of any supplement is whether it works. I often ask clients to give me a pain rating out of 10. We then compare against this when we conduct our first review, typically after six weeks.
At the first review, my client noticed improvements. He was able to get around without the knee braces and he had cancelled the steroid injection. I spoke to him the other day, and he said he was much more comfortable, and now back playing competitive sport. Feel free to request a copy of my osteoarthritis programme.
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.
Help you create a business plan and foreca s
Ensure you don’t overpay your t a xes and are compliant with the IRD
Help identif y oppor tunities and potential vulnerabilities to minimise t a x , increa se savings , and ma ximise your profit
Watch your back and t ake care of you
What is Bettaflex?
• Bettaflex is a joint support formula to promote healthy joint cartilage function
• Bettaflex has 400mg (per capsule) of high-grade avian chondroitin, 400mg of glucosamine and 100mg of BioSolve® bioavailable Curcumin (from turmeric).
• Try Bettaflex for 3 months and see for yourself.
How can Bettaflex help?
• Chondroitin and glucosamine are building blocks of cartilage.
• Supplementation with correct levels can support healthy cartilage function and cartilage repair processes.
• New BioSolve® bioavailable curcumin helps joint function while gentle on the stomach.
• Research indicates that chondroitin is highly effective at 800mg daily.
John Arts comments:
“My latest Bettaflex formula includes BioSolve® bioavailable curcumin
higher dose for 1-3 bottles to saturate join tissue.”
by Paul Campbell
Mystery Creek gears up to go
The annual Fieldays’ knees-up has gone down to earth, or down on the farm, in terms of a strategy for this June and adopted a “mullet strategy — business in the front, party at the back,” according to its organisers.
“With tickets officially on sale, the mullet, a hairstyle regularly seen during the annual four-day event at Mystery Creek Events Centre, symbolises the important business and entertainment factors that make Fieldays, to bring together innovation, education and globalisation to this year’s event,” says New Zealand Fieldays Society’s Taryn Storey.
“Fieldays has always been about combining cutting-edge agricultural technology, networking and insightful discussions, all while celebrating the uniqueness of the rural sector and bringing town and country together. This year, we’re leaning into that even more with the mullet strategy, ensuring both business and entertainment factors are equally compelling,” says Taryn.
New business in the front initiatives include Fieldays Tent Talks in association with the University of Waikato, Fieldays Drone Zone and the Fieldays Sector Spotlight: It’s Wool. Fieldays Tent Talks in association with the University of Waikato are focussed on engaging educational discussions, expert-led sessions and realworld solutions.
The Drone Zone, a live demonstration area, in association with the Agricultural Drone Association, is a must-visit for anyone eager to see how drones are revolutionising farm management.
The Fieldays Sector Spotlight plans to highlight a sector within the primary industries each year, in conjunction with the Ministry for Primary Industries. For 2025, the focus will be on wool, highlighting the versatility and quality of New Zealand wool. Exhibitors will showcase the key roles they play in the wool sector and the consumer-use opportunities.
The site will also connect producers and designers to help ensure a secure future for this timeless natural resource.
The new initiatives join returning Fieldays hubs, the Rural Advocacy Hub, Forestry Hub, Careers and Education Hub, Innovation Hub and the Hauora Taiwhenua Health and Wellbeing Hub.
Party in the back initiatives include the Fieldays Family Fun Zone in the Heritage Village and Super Saturday; a campaign with exhibitors to deliver unbeatable prices and exclusive Fieldays-only offers.
Entertainment favourites also return, including the One Big Dig activity, which will run on the hour from 10am to 4pm each day of the event on the Fieldays Village Green, backed by One NZ.
“The 50th anniversary of Fieldays Tractor Pull in association with PTS Logistics will also bring excitement to punters. The entry form is now open, and early indications suggest that we’re gearing up for another busy event with strong turnout from both drivers and spectators.
Fieldays
®
“We wanted to create a format that reflects the way people engage with our event,” says Taryn. “During the week, it’s all about networking and business discussions, research and sealing deals with a handshake. By Saturday, it’s time to celebrate those achievements, wrap up any last-minute business and shopping endeavours, and celebrate with friends and family at Super Saturday.
“With more than 1,200 exhibitors, Fieldays’ visitors can expect to see a
Crowds enjoyed last year’s attractions at Fieldays
diverse range of innovative agricultural technology, farm equipment, and rural lifestyle exhibits and bag themselves a bargain.”
Many roles in the four days are voluntary, and more than 150 people have come forward to help in running the event, from assisting at exhibitor venues, as well as safety, hospitality, parking and many other behind-the-scenes jobs to keep things running smoothly.
Tickets can be purchased online via the Fieldays website, or at the gate during the event. Every ticket purchased is a chance to win the ultimate Fieldays’ gate prize of a JAC T9 Ute (RRP $49,990) and $10,000 of Stoney Creek gear. Visitors can triple their chances to win during the event by visiting the JAC site at F90 and Stoney Creek at site F55.
Tickets on sale also include the Fieldays VIP Business Plus in association
with KPMG. A VIP ticket, including access to an all-inclusive lounge developed to enhance the experience of business and rural leaders at the event.
Fieldays is the largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere, drawing people from around the world, both as exhibitors and visitors. It is run by the New Zealand National Fieldays Society, a charitable organisation founded in 1968 to advance agriculture and the primary industries.
O ur loca l kn owle dge
go e s a l o ng way.
O u r Ta ra n a ki tea m h ave ove r 70 yea r s of co m b in e d exp e rie n ce in yo u r reg io n . Ta lk to o n e of o u r A g ri M a nage r s to day:
Nor th Taranaki/ Coa st al: S arah G o o d 021 560 413 S outh Taranaki: Jame s Living ston 021 900 307
Strat ford/ Ea st Taranaki: Julie Rob er t s 021 900 316
by Andy Bryenton
Ensuring that you do know JAC
New vehicles for the farming family and the working tradie are not a new trend at Fieldays, but this year Mystery Creek will greet a whole new name in the local ute game, which comes with a few unexpected surprises.
The JAC T9 is a fresh new machine from a brand new to these shores, JAC Motors. It has done extensive research to find out what Kiwis want in a ute, and to that end it has put together a vehicle that’s got 3.2 tonnes of towing capacity, a 1,045kg payload and a proper 4x4 system with locking diffs. Power comes from a 125-kilowatt common rail turbo diesel, packing 410N/m of torque. It’s all delivered through an eight-speed Borg Warner transmission, and that’s not the only big-name part that’s found its way into the recipe.
JAC might be new to making utes for New Zealanders, but it has been making bigger trucks for 60 years. Hence, the use of truck-spec parts by Eaton, Bosch and Honeywell, to name just a few. JAC’s expertise has made the T9 what it’s calling the safest ute in the nation, too.
“Being a brand that’s new to New Zealand, we’re stoked to be getting behind Kiwis and supporting the team at Fieldays and Mystery Creek Events Centre,” says JAC NZ general manager Andrew Craw. “Before launching the T9 here, we’ve
“JAC might be new to making utes for New Zealanders, but it has been making bigger trucks for 60 years.”
been putting it through its paces both on and off NZ roads. It’s been tested for Kiwis by Kiwis; built with truck DNA it’s a proven workhorse. It’s also officially NZ’s safest ute with its five-star ANCAP score,” says Craw.
If all of this, and a tough-looking angular design aren’t enough to tempt you, consider this. JAC has done so much research into what Kiwis want, that its ute comes with an in-console pie warmer. That goes next to the drinks cooler, of course; a
little piece of heaven for hungry farmers and tradespeople.
“We are really excited to have JAC onboard and help them showcase a ute that has been built with truck DNA to the New Zealand market at Fieldays,” says New Zealand National Fieldays Society CEO Richard Lindroos. He found the JAC T9 so impressive that he and his colleagues signed a partnership with the brand.
You can check out the JAC T9 and its surprising little brother, an all-electric light-duty cargo truck, which could also be a game-changer, at the national Fieldays in Mystery Creek next month. Alternatively, grab a sneak peek by visiting jac.co.nz, where you can see just how extensively the T9 was tested across all kinds of local terrain to prove its mettle.
Who are you going to call?
Fire it up for a warm winter
by Andy Bryenton
With power prices on the rise and firewood plentiful in rural Kaipara, many households are keen to reinstate fireplaces which have not seen action in several years.
Sometimes a home was equipped with a fireplace back when it was built, but it’s become sealed off or disused in later years. Other fireplaces may have fallen afoul of corrosion or wear and tear, with their owners unsure of what to do to get them back up to code.
It’s important to know that there is a code, both for installing a new fireplace, refurbishing one that’s been long dormant, or indeed insuring a home which has a fireplace as part of its chattels. That’s why jobs from chimney sweeping through to complete new installs are not really DIY tasks, but are best left to the professionals.
to make sure the fire is safe to use.
of New Zealanders are concerned about “fake news” and its implications
If you have an existing fireplace that’s looking a bit the worse for wear, or if it’s been a long spring and summer since you lit a fire in the grate, a chimney sweep is the first thing to get sorted. It’s not just a good idea to evict bird’s nests, old ash and other debris from the flue; it’s a requirement of many insurance policies.
That’s because a good chimney sweep also exposes other potential issues with a fireplace’s structure. Things like baffle plates, fire bricks and window glass
If these parts are needed, your local plumber and fireplace installer can usually source them for you, direct from the manufacturer. Most are quite easy to fit, but all are vital to making your fireplace burn safely and efficiently.
If your fireplace needs replacement, or if you’d like to bring a long-disused fireplace up to date and back to life, options abound. For old brick hearths, there are modern metal firebox inserts, which can deliver cost-effective warmth, while maintaining the classic character of your living room. Free-standing fires can be switched out for newer models with minimal modifications, and modern chimneys can sometimes even be concealed in older brick constructions. A new fireplace install may also be an opportunity to explore a money-saving hot water heating wet-back system, which uses the firebox to pre-heat water for your hot water cylinder. Whichever way you choose to bring the warmth and comfort of a fire back into your home, make sure your installer is qualified, and can handle the consenting paperwork, which must be lodged with the council for new fireplaces.
A warm and cosy fire can slash power bills, heat hot water, provide a cooking surface in power outages, and of course, your pets will love it as much as you do retainers might need to be swapped out
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Fishery improvement
As someone who’s been a commercial eel fisherman for 45 years, I want to send out a big thank you to all the landowners and others who’ve worked hard to improve our waterways.
Your efforts have made a real difference, and I’d like to share some thoughts on why they matter so much.
Most commercial eel fishing happens on or around farmland — these are prime spots for eels. So, what happens on the land has a huge impact on the eel fishery. Things like fencing off drains and streams, protecting wetlands and building dams really do work.
Where these steps have been taken, the results speak for themselves. Water clarity has improved dramatically because topsoils and sediments are now staying on the land instead of washing out to sea. The vegetation that’s come back along waterways provides awesome habitats for all sorts of aquatic life.
Bits of wood, whether it’s tree roots or fallen branches, are perfect for the insects that breed in water. Willows, in particular, are brilliant. They’re great for bees in early spring, they’re handy cattle fodder in summer, and they provide the hard cover that longfin eels love.
Slowing water flow during rainstorms has another bonus. It helps recharge
groundwater aquifers, which so many rural folks and their livestock rely on. Plus, stream and river flows stay more consistent during dry spells. It’s a win-win.
Some of the restoration work I’ve seen has been downright impressive (and probably not cheap). But here’s the thing: you don’t need to go all
“Some of the restoration work I’ve seen has been downright impressive.”
out to get good results. Even simple steps, like fencing off a watercourse with a single electric wire, can make a big difference.
For the eel fishery, the benefits are huge. Eels are surviving better, growing larger, and thriving in healthier conditions. On top of that, the improved waterway environment is just a better place to work, and let’s not forget how this boosts New Zealand’s clean, green image, which helps our sales, too.
So, to everyone who’s chipped in to help — thank you. It works, and it’s deeply appreciated.
Mike Holmes, Eel Enhancement Company Ltd chair
Mike Holmes Chair, Eel Enhancement Company Ltd
DAIRY & LIVESTOCK
Locals feature on North Island leaderboard
Competitors from Taranaki and Whanganui performed well in the recent North Island Sheep Dog Trial Championships.
The trials, hosted by the Wanganui Dog Trial Centre, were held at Richard and Lucy Batley’s Rimrock Hills property at Moawhango from Monday, May 5 to Saturday, May 10.
Wanganui Centre president Bruce Parkinson and championship secretary Dan Kirkby were really pleased with how the week played out. Three thousand sheep, supplied by Motukawa Land Company’s manager Rimu Wipak, were used on the four courses throughout the week.
Wanganui Centre publicity officer Brenda O’Leary said the mornings were crisp with frosty starts.
“The sun soon warmed things up. It rained when the final run-off was just about completed mid-afternoon on Friday.”
“Sadly, Fraser was unable to compete in the run-off for the North Island title because he was taken to hospital with suspected appendicitis the night before the finals. It was doubly disappointing for Fraser, because he also had his huntaway Gruff in the Zig-Zag Hunt final.”
Bernard Arends from Dannevirke and his dog Tarn took out the Long Head title with a very well-controlled run.
“The Taranaki Centre punched well above their weight with four members from the Whangamōmona Club featuring in the three events,” said Brenda.
Wanganui Centre dogs featured strongly with six huntaways in the hunt finals and only one heading dog making the final of the Long Head event.
Moawhango Collie Club member Fraser Taylor won the club trial with Paddy at the same venue earlier in the season. They were the top qualifiers for the Long Head with the only full point runout on 48 points.
“It was a wonderful effort on the formidable hill and vying with over 200 other dogs,” said Brenda.
Dan Murphy and Nippy won the Short Head and Yard by a clear margin of three points; Ken Lobb and Liz were third in the Short Head; Steve Murphy and Edge placed sixth in the Long Head; and Rachel Law with the well-performed huntaway Miss was second in the Zig-Zag Hunt. Omatane/Kawhatau club member Jamie Shrubsall won the Zig-Zag Hunt with Jed and also placed third with Rusty. Trevor Rumbal from Taumarunui won the Straight Hunt with Kate; Mangamahu Dog Trials Club’s Fergus Smith with Punch were fourth; and Omatane club member Dermott Mullins placed sixth with Storm. The 2025 Pro Plan South Island and New Zealand Championships commence on Sunday, May 25 at Lochiel Station, Hanmer Springs.
From left: Whangamōmona Sheep Dog Trials Club members Ken Lobb, Rachel Law, Steve Murphy and Dan Murphy during prizegiving
Caring for animals in emergencies
The New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) was part of the first Australasian Animals Emergency Incident Management Network (AEIMN) conference held at Massey University recently.
New Zealand veterinarians are working with emergency management networks to improve and promote safer practices for managing animals during emergencies and natural disasters. The conference brought together expertise from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
The NZVA emergency lead Leanne Fecser took part in the panel session at the conference. She said veterinarians and their teams play a critical role in animal welfare under the national Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) plan.
“This conference is an opportunity to learn from and test our emergency management approach, identify any improvements, and strengthen how we work across emergency networks in a coordinated response.”
Normally, owners are primarily responsible for their animal’s welfare. However, situations change in a natural disaster when people may be injured, isolated or separated from their animals and unable to care for them.
“Animals depend on our veterinarians and their teams for their wellbeing, and our communities rely on our expertise to navigate the complex challenges emergencies bring.”
Under the Veterinarians Act, veterinarians are legally obliged to alleviate the suffering of animals. In emergencies, veterinarians hold key responsibilities to do so under the CDEM, including advising on where to get treatment and coordinating advice on feeding and sheltering animals.
“During Cyclone Gabrielle, our veterinarians and their teams worked around the clock, often without power, communications and in isolated areas to care for injured and sick animals, and provide advice to their owners.”
Many of these animal owners had been evacuated to shelters with nowhere for their pets to go.
“Farm animals in particular suffered a lot and, in one case where a farmer in an inaccessible area needed pharmaceuticals to treat their stock, the
veterinarian organised a helicopter to deliver them. In many cases, vets also treated animals for free where displaced people had no money.”
Leanne said overall, the cyclone gave them a glimpse of how a more catastrophic event could impact our animals, industry and communities.
In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, the NZVA developed a dedicated emergency management plan to ensure veterinary professionals and teams are prepared for, and part of, a coordinated response and recovery from natural disaster. This includes training, an incident management team and other ready to go response roles.
The New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) has developed a dedicated emergency management plan to manage animals
Checkout our fabulous showroom for more renovation inspiration, showcasing products from NZ’s most trusted and respected brands.
TIME TO SORT OUT THE GARDEN PAINTS AND STAIN - IT’S
See us for everything you need to sort out your garden including fertilisers, weedspray, deck and path cleaners bulk or bagged bark, stones etc - we can even deliver to you when you need it!
ALL HERE
Spring is here, so see us today for advice on the right paint or stain for your decks and fences - or even repainting the house!
We can also set you up with everything else you’ll need - brushes and rollers you name it we have it!
With over 50+ years building sheds, we can design a shed to match your needs, and stand up to Taranaki’s harsh conditions. From haysheds to implement sheds, workshops to storage, Lifestyle and American barns we can do it all! And if its a kitset you’re after, look no further for one of the most straight forward sheds you’ll ever put together!
