Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, September 2026

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September 2026

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

The heartland is humming

THE TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES IS PUBLISHED WITH PRIDE BY RURAL MATTERS LTD, A PRIVATELY OWNED NZ COMPANY. Phone: 0800 466 793 Email: info@rml.nz Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville

Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville

Editor: Andy Bryenton Journalists: Denise Gunn | Andy Bryenton | Amy Fifita

by Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki/King Country

Can you hear it? There’s a real buzz in rural New Zealand. In our towns, villages, farms and schools, people are talking, sharing stories, and feeling the energy.

Advertising: Debra Seymour 027 525 8217 Production: Gavin Bainbridge | Marnie Fuller | Daniel Foster | Liz Clark Accounts: accounts@rml.nz Distribution: Laurie Willetts Printed by: NZME Website: farminglifestyles.co.nz Opinions expressed in this publication and in advertising inserts, by contributors or advertisers, are not necessarily those of Rural Matters Ltd. All inserts delivered with the publication are not produced by Rural Matters Ltd.

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There is optimism — a sense that things are coming right. There is hope. There’s a good reason to feel hopeful. Even with challenges overseas and tough tariffs, our rural sector is holding strong. Prices are up, Fieldays was bustling, and farming is still the engine room of New Zealand. That buzz comes from something deeper. It is not new — it is you, the people who make these communities strong. Rural New Zealand is at the heart of who we are and keeps our economy ticking. Farming, horticulture, forestry, fishing, tourism and food production all depend on the land and the people who work it. So much of what we eat, export and celebrate starts right here. One of rural life’s greatest strengths is the way people look out for each other. In small towns and on farms, neighbours know when someone needs a hand. Schools, sports clubs, fire brigades, marae, churches, halls, markets and agricultural events bring us together. Out here, you are not just another face. You are part of the family. Rural life also keeps us close to the land. We notice the seasons: spring

Barbara Kuriger MP for Taranaki-King Country Inglewood Office 80 Rata St, PO Box 124, Inglewood 4330 • 06 756 6032 Kuriger.Inglewood@parliament.govt.nz Te Awamutu Office 196 Alexandra Street Te Awamutu, 3800 • 07 870 1005 Kuriger.Teawamutu@parliament.govt.nz King Country Virtual Office 021 815 017 • Kuriger.Kingcountry@parliament.govt.nz Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Barbara Kuriger, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

lambs, summer haymaking, misty winter mornings, and autumn colours. Rivers, hills, coastlines, dark skies, birds and wide-open views are part of daily life and good for the soul. For us, life isn’t always easy. Getting to a doctor, catching a bus, finding a school, or even getting decent internet can be a challenge. Still, for most of us, the good far outweighs the tough bits: open spaces, strong friendships, hard work and pride in where we live. There’s still work to do. Rural communities need good roads, reliable internet, practical health services, and policies that understand distance, weather, and what it really takes to run a business on the land. When decisionmakers listen to the people who live here, rural New Zealand doesn’t just get by — it leads. So yes, the heartland really is humming. It’s humming with resilience, opportunity and people who believe in their place and their future. If we keep backing them, that buzz will only get stronger — for our regions, our economy, and for all of New Zealand. Can you hear it?

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

What future for organic produce? by Andy Bryenton

September 2026

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demand for premium and sustainablyproduced products,” Mr Butterick said. “We want to build on that strong foundation and maximise opportunities for regional communities.” To qualify as organic, Kiwi produce must already meet strict ecological criteria, including no use of synthetic chemical weedkillers and insecticides, no artificial fertilisers, the deployment of natural pest management, natural compost and natural manures. Geneticallymodified organisms are prohibited from being deemed organic, and there’s an added level of scrutiny on the long-term protection of the soil, its microbiome and general health. Mr Butterick reinforced the fact that the Ministry for Primary Industries has worked closely with organic farmers throughout the development of previous legislation, such as the Organic Products and Production Act 2023. It’s reported that the MPI will be on schedule for a March 31 2028 deadline, beyond which it will be illegal to label any product as organic if it does not comply with the rules. Now, with regulations in place and standards close to completion, it’s time for feedback from those on the front lines of organic production. If

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Core to plans to update the rules surrounding organic farming is the possibility of boosting the limit on organic business turnover, above which a farmer would have to be approved as an operator. The suggestion of boosting this from $10,000 to $30,000 could be in line with the modern realities of being a small-scale organic producer for niche products, and avoid red tape. Additionally, there’s a call for New Zealand to consider a single, overarching organic mark. Those who qualify to use the mark would be certified organic, boosting customer confidence and allowing for a strong showing internationally. Unity and clear rules would encourage investment. Currently, five or more respected thirdparty organic certifiers exist across the nation. Associate Minister of Agriculture Mike Butterick announced public consultation on these and a number of smaller procedural changes in midAugust, calling for grassroots input from the organic farming community to shape how government agencies support the sector. “New Zealand’s wider organic sector is worth $1.18 billion, with exports of more than $606 million fuelled by global

Mike Butterick, Associate Minister of Agriculture

you are involved with organic produce farming, or in the rural sector in general, please take a look and have your say via the MPI portal at mpi.govt. nz/consultations. Search ‘proposed changes to New Zealand’s organic regulations’ to read the proposals and submit your thoughts, through until September 22.

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September 2026

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

HORSES OF THE

ROUND TABLE BY AMY FIFITA We continue with Vikki Subritzky’s story of living her mediaeval dream, travelling the country with her horses to showcase jousting and other skills at events.

W

hile living out her passion is one thing, behind the scenes, there are hours of training to get her horses to a premium standard for show, and to have a good life, too. “With the training of a war horse, or any horse for that matter, it’s really about laying a good foundation. To train a horse well is the best thing you can do to ensure it has a good life,” Vikki said. ““Groundwork and dressage are the base for military training. A horse that is listening to its rider is supple, manoeuvrable, strong and athletic. Then we simply add layers to the horses’ education and give them miles.” Vikki favours a versatile horse, especially one that will spend its whole life with her. Vikki says as a horse develops and matures, its needs change. Her

PART TWO

horses are trained to adapt to various roles and disciplines. All her horses are used for stock work. “Cattle mustering is super for horses. They can have big days with tough country to get over and often have to deal with rank cattle. I school my horses for jumping and attend events as time allows. One of my horses recently returned from working with a Wellington company for a feature film production. “Building a trusting partnership with your horse is part and parcel, whatever your discipline. Four of my homebred horses have been trained for jousting as well as several project horses. “One in particular was Flag, who had Grand Prix dressage capabilities, and if I had that time again with him, I would have pursued it.

Jousting involves various components, from the shift of gravity from the armour to limitations of physical and visual freedom before striking or being struck by your opponent

“Advanced movements came easily to Flag, and at events he always stole the show, with his Spanish walk, terre-à-terre

(canter on the spot), levades and others. He was also very hot, super fun and fast, and gentle with his young riders.”

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While Vikki enjoys her small permaculture farm and family who visit, she says horse riding provides time for her to spend with her friends

While horses are a big part of the display, another integral part is the armour. While the garb adds to the theme of the day, it also serves a purpose: to protect the rider while jousting. “My armour is 14th century, so not too heavy. The kit I wear on a hot summer day is just under 30 kilograms, but I reckon I can drop a few kilos in body weight after a hard day’s jousting. “There are a lot of components to jousting. The shift of gravity from the armour, less physical freedom, limited vision, holding and placement of the lance, striking a moving target and not forgetting the target is striking back. The knight’s shield is the target, and the armour is there in case we miss a little.” With the armour and horses at displays piquing the interest of many, Vikki says she is happy to help people wanting to join the niche sport.

“Squires wanting to joust need to help with events and be able to ride quite well on their own horse. They learn the skill at arms (lance, sword, spear with targets) and progress up the ranks if they choose. It is not for the fainthearted. “I’m happy to work with people who would like to find out more, and the Guild of the Hawk is a great training ground. We bring in our younger horses and have organised training days.” When not travelling and showing her armoured talents in mediaeval sports, you will find Vikki on her small permaculture farm in Pātaua North. “Given the abundance of horse manure, I’ve established a flourishing food forest with about 250 edibles. Over the years, ‘wwoofers’ have been a great help here, in exchange for a significant learning curve for them.

September 2026

Vikki says a horse used for jousting must be brave to complete the task of charging forward and having its rider potentially struck with a lance

“As well as learning to milk a cow and make cheese, it’s not unusual to have them as ground crew at events. I prefer longer-term students, which enables us to give more depth to their learning, and give them opportunities to use their initiative and the satisfaction of seeing projects finish. “My family enjoy spending time here, and all the grandchildren love horses and

riding. While I love working the property, time off the farm is important to me. Horse riding is a great way to spend time with friends, and being involved with the local Whangārei creative arts community events gives the balance needed.” Readers near and far can see Vikki at the Northland Renaissance Faire at 3338 Mititai Road, Arapohue, Northland on January 23 and 24 2027.

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September 2026

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

TAKING THE HIGHWAY TO

FARM OWNERSHIP BY DENISE GUNN

A goal of farm ownership is driving Hayden and Anna Tristram forwards as they hit the road with their two young daughters next month, picking up farming-related work as they travel around New Zealand.

A

The couple met while serving as medics in the New Zealand Army. “Then about 10 years ago, we decided to go farming, and Anna studied teaching.” Hayden was raised on his parents’ 400ha hill country sheep and beef breeding farm in Hawke’s Bay, while Anna grew up in Wellington. In 2020, the couple began leasing the hill country farm, purchasing 1,500 Romney ewes, 60 Hereford-Friesian breeding cows and 100 R1 bulls. In addition to running the farm, the couple established Floating Peaks, a woollen gardening gift range using their own ewe wool clip. Anna also taught at Central Hawke’s Bay College in Waipukurau.

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Although the farm eventually sold, the lease continued until May this year. Meantime, Hayden moved to Manawatū in 2025 to take up a farm management position near Halcombe. Anna and the couple’s daughters remained on the Hawke’s Bay farm to finish up before joining him. “When we moved to Manawatū, Anna started relief teaching at Feilding High School up until the end of term two this year. At the beginning of term three, she started with Agri Futures.” While juggling farm management in different regions over the past 18 months, and raising a young family, Hayden felt they were both burning the candle at both ends. “We tried looking at buying a house in town, and buying 20ha at Halcombe, but nothing sort of felt right. We needed a way

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lready, the pair have jobs lined up through to March 2027, starting with farm-sitting in Dannevirke, followed by work in the Coromandel and Waikato, before they head to the South Island. A 9.5-metre Jayco caravan, shipped from Australia to Auckland, will become a fulltime home on wheels for Hayden, Anna, Ariela, 4, and Kiara, 2. In August, the family drove to Auckland in their Ford Ranger towing vehicle, collected the caravan and are making preparations to live in it. Hayden said the girls have already settled in with flying colours. “The caravan is quite spacious, but laundry with two young kids might be a challenge.”

Hayden grew up on a sheep and beef breeding farm in Hawke’s Bay

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Hayden and Anna’s long term goal is farm ownership

The couple’s two young daughters are settling in well to life on the road

Initially, the couple considered buying a caravan for weekends away. “Then we thought, why don’t we do farm contracting out of it, meet other farmers around the country, hear their stories about what they’ve done, and set a goal to buy our own farm. We are going to find the golden bits of advice and piece it all together.” Through this, the couple hopes to also discover which region of New Zealand they would like to buy a farm in, and what type of farm they want to chase. While travelling around in the caravan, and when they aren’t working, Hayden and

Anna will make the most of opportunities to show their daughters different areas in New Zealand. “The biggest highlight we are looking forward to is spending time with the kids.” Through using social media accounts named Caravan2Farm, the couple is lining up jobs and hoping to experience a wide range of agricultural and horticultural work. “As soon as we put our first post on social media for anyone who wants work done, the support was really cool. Putting yourself out there on social media is quite daunting. We are open to trying everything.

September 2026

The Tristram family is ready to hit the road, picking up farm-related work as they travel through New Zealand

Anna, a qualified school teacher, is also on the Agri Futures team connecting students with the food and fibre sector

“The goal is to learn and figure out what sort of farm we would like to chase. Then

we can focus our efforts in that area,” said Hayden.

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September 2026

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

AN ENCHANTING BREED When Tania Chisholm’s four imported Fell pony mares foaled in 2019, she was considered to be the first Fell pony breeder in New Zealand and the owner of one of just two studs in Australasia.

T

ania previously bred purebred Clydesdales on a 730ha hill country farm north of Wanganui. As she got older, she found the heavy lifting involved with a large breed became more difficult. “I had bred pedigree Clydes for much of my life but made the hard decision to disperse the stud and look for something smaller. I wanted something suitable for ladies going into their 50s that are sensible, sure-footed and easy to get on and off. “When I started looking, the only breed that came close was a cob-type horse around 14hh. It’s an easy height to get on and off, and open gates from. “There weren’t many cobs in New Zealand at the time and the Gypsy Vanners were at a very high price. So I

BY DENISE GUNN

decided to go to Australia and look at the Gypsy Cobs over there.” While in Australia, Tania visited a Fell pony stud farm. When the Fell herd trotted over the hill towards her, she fell in love with the breed. In 2016, she imported four mares into New Zealand; three pedigree and one registered Gypsy Cob/Fell cross. Initially, she bred Gypsy Cob/Fell crosses. “Then I brought in another Fell that was in-foal by AI, from the same breeder. We broke in those mares and I rode the crossbred, which was really nice and quiet, but the Fells have such a nice walk on them. The crossbred ended up going back to Australia.” In 2017, Tania travelled to England to talk to top Fell pony breeders and look

Tania now has 10 mares, including six purebred fillies

at their stock, making several contacts along the way. “I thought I could buy semen but there wasn’t any available for the southern hemisphere.”

However, Tania was able to contact a breeder to find her a colt which was transported by international horse transport company IRT to New Zealand as a three-year-old.

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September 2026

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One of Tania’s mares with her first Fell/Gypsy-cross foal

Tania said the colt has worked out well and she now has 10 mares in total, including six purebred fillies. “Last year a couple of English girls came over on their OE and started some of the horses and started taking them out. The oldest ones we bred here were ready to go out on a few outings. “The first gelding I bred is now down south teaching kids to ride. I have another Gypsy-cross out and about locally. “At the moment, I have quite a few partbreds; Clydesdale, Hanoverian, Gisborne stationbred and they are all crossing well.” Tania is currently saving up funds to import another Fell. Native to the mountains and moorlands of northern England, the Fell pony is a versatile, sure-footed breed. Farmers

used the breed for light draft work and mustering, and Fell ponies were also used in British mines. The late Queen Elizabeth II rode a Fell pony for 15 years, and the late Duke of Edinburgh used a team of Fell ponies for carriage driving. Tania said Fell ponies can jump their own height and are proving popular on the hunt field in England. “When people first meet them, they discover how quiet they are. They are like old souls. “To me, the reason I brought them in is that granny can buy one as her last horse, but her son can also take the horse pighunting and the grandkids can ride it.” Breeding purebred Fell ponies and crossbreds has become a pet

Fell pony breeder Tania Chisholm

project as Tania looks towards her retirement years. “With the two studs in the southern hemisphere, the breed is now preserved for maintaining genetic diversity. Fells are very long-lived.” Tania now lives on her Fordell property where she runs her Home of Enchanting Fells stud. She has also developed a farmstay, The Stockman’s Rest. She plans to incorporate the Fell ponies into the farmstay where guests can unwind and spend time with them. “There are enough Fell pony genetics here now to keep the line,” she said. “I want to find the right people out there to take over the reins, so to speak. It would be nice to secure more people to pass the baton to.”

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Think berberine, think blood sugar by John Arts

Your body has finely-tuned systems for turning food into usable energy. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, or blood sugar, which enters the bloodstream. The pancreas then releases insulin, the hormone that helps move glucose from the blood into cells, where it can be used for fuel. Too much blood sugar and cell insulin resistance can become a serious problem. Surplus glucose can attach to proteins and fats in the bloodstream forming harmful compounds causing inflammation and tissue damage. This damage is a real concern in pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes, particularly when it affects blood vessels and nerves. While we can store some blood sugar as glycogen, excess glucose (blood sugar) is converted into triglycerides, a type of fat, and released into the bloodstream to be stored as body fat. This is why weight gain and raised triglyceride levels can be signs of poor blood sugar control. The best way to support healthy blood sugar control is to follow a diet low in sugar and carbohydrates, while focussing on low-starch plant foods, healthy fats, and protein. For more information, contact me for an email copy of my healthy eating guide.

Berberine Balance

Two supplements can be helpful while making these diet changes: a highquality, water-soluble berberine extract and the mineral chromium polynicotinate. Berberine and chromium both play key roles in blood sugar metabolism. Berberine supports AMPK (AMPactivated protein kinase) often described as the body’s “energy switch”. AMPK helps maintain healthy blood sugar balance by reducing further glucose production and encouraging glucose to move out of the bloodstream and into cells for energy. Chromium supports insulin receptor function, helping cells take up glucose more effectively. Choose a water-soluble berberine extract where possible, as it may improve absorption and reduce the digestive discomfort sometimes associated with standard berberine extracts. John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a qualified nutritional medicine practitioner. To read more by John and find out more about the Abundant Health products, visit healthhouse.co.nz, call 0800 140 141, or email john@healthhouse.co.nz.

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Prostate cancer may not cause symptoms at first. When they happen, early-stage prostate cancer signs and symptoms can include: • Blood in the urine, which might make the urine look pink, red or cola-colored • Blood in the semen • Needing to urinate more often • Trouble getting started when trying to urinate • Waking up to urinate more often at night Not all doctors are proactive in promoting prostate cancer testing, so men should be willing to take the initiative and request testing if they have any concerns. It’s recommended that men aged 50 and over discuss prostate testing with their doctor. For men with a known family history of prostate cancer, this discussion should begin at 40 years of age, as they may be at higher risk.

Men over 50, and those with a known family history, should be tested at least every one to two years. The initial test will find a baseline level and subsequent tests can be recorded to note any significant change that may warrant further investigation. Regular testing should continue until mid-70s or later, depending on the risk profile that has been recorded. Doctors will usually do a series of tests such as a simple blood test that looks for raised levels of a protein in the blood, called prostate specific antigen, or a digital rectal examination. If there are possible indications of prostate cancer from these tests, a referral will be made to a urologist (medical specialist in prostate cancer and other urinary conditions) who will conduct further tests to actually diagnose the disease. To find out more, visit prostate.org.nz.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

The good times roll on

September 2026

11

by Andy Bryenton

Toyota celebrates 60 years of presence in New Zealand for 2026, and it’s a birthday which has a special resonance with millions of Kiwi motorists. “Our place in New Zealand has been shaped over time by listening to customers, understanding how they live and work, and earning their trust through our products and the service we deliver. We’re grateful for that trust and it’s not something we take for granted,” says Toyota New Zealand CEO Tatsuya Ishikawa That place includes numerous superlatives: Toyota enjoys the status of a ‘most trusted’ brand, and for 38 out of those past 60 years it has been the bestselling auto brand in the nation. You’ll see the depth of feeling that Toyota commands when you look through the classifieds for Toyota models now considered classics. The price of an original Celica GT-4, an AW11 MR-2 sports car or even the legendary K-series-powered Corolla might make you do a double take, especially if, like so many Kiwis, you once drove one of these cars. That’s because they are loved. People’s eyes light up with passion for their projects, classics and survivors. There are Toyota stories across the length and breadth of New Zealand, and little touchstones of shared history, too. The ‘indestructible’ Hilux ads of the 1980s made Barry Crump’s face at least as famous as his ripping yarns had done. Adventures in Land Cruisers, road trips in Camry wagons past rolling fields, student flat moves accomplished in KP Starlets and driving tests passed in first Corollas are indelibly inked on the national psyche.

Still, the automaker is not content to rest on its laurels, however impressively gilded. “Toyota’s philosophy is centred on the Japanese concept of Kaizen, or continuous improvement, and a ‘hospitality’ mindset. For us, this means we’re always looking at how we can do things better for the people who rely on us,” says Mr Ishikawa. “This philosophy is really brought to life in our local teams, which are part of the same communities as our customers. They put in the work at a grassroots level to not just sell cars, but to show up every day for the communities they serve.” Progress comes in many forms, and Toyota is poised on the brink of a new expansion for 2026. The monstrous GR-GT has proven that it can step into the octagon with the big boys of high performance. A new, all-electric Hilux (featured in this edition) points to an energy-smart future. Hydrogen experimentation and implementation are very much of Toyota’s mind, as is the pursuit of more utility, comfort and safety. They’ll never forget their roots, though, and exciting cars continue to be hinted at. For example, a rumoured new MR-2 midengined two-seater has been reported hitting Japanese tracks in full camo. With 60 stores nationwide, and a fleet spanning the suburbs to the wild hinterland, Toyota is in it for the long haul. Thankfully, reliability and longevity are two qualities the company is renowned for.

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September 2026

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

ADVERTORIAL

Rugby, cows and lawyers

What do rugby, cows and lawyers have in common? In Taranaki, the answer is community. The Taranaki Community Rugby Trust (TCRT) has been at the heart of local rugby for years, supporting grassroots clubs and nurturing young players. TCRT operates its own dairy farms, owning one in Manaia, leasing another in Inglewood as well as a runoff, to provide their primary funding source, contributing over $1.3 million back into community rugby to date. Behind the rugby field and milking sheds, however, there’s a significant amount of administrative and legal work that keeps the organisation running. Work that Govett

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Quilliam (GQ) has been supporting for almost as long as the trust has existed. GQ provides pro bono legal support to TCRT, having guided the organisation through obtaining charitable status, leasing and banking arrangements, the farm purchase, and more. “There’s a lot of legal work behind the scenes that people don’t see, but it’s crucial to keeping the clubs, programmes and farms operating safely and effectively,” says TCRT chair Garry Carnachan. The partnership extends to a more personal level too. John Eagles, a partner of Govett Quilliam (1971–2017) dedicated many years to the trust as a board member, since the trust’s inception. Today, Alice Tocher, a partner since 2014, continues that tradition. “Being on the board gives us the chance to contribute beyond just a legal capacity,” Alice says. “We get to be part of the day‑to‑day decisions that help the organisation thrive. They’re also just awesome people, doing awesome things in the community, and it’s an absolute pleasure to work alongside them and be a part of the incredible work they do for Taranaki kids.” The collaboration between GQ and TCRT is a natural fit. Both are proudly regional organisations with a deep commitment to Taranaki and a shared focus on people and community. GQ’s experience across business, property, rural, employment and not-for-profit

Garry Carnachan (TCRT) with Alice Tocher (GQ)

law has meant it can provide tailored support, not just for TCRT but for many of the region’s community organisations. “It’s easy to watch a rugby match and only see the action on the field,” Garry said. “Moreover, knowing there’s a team behind the scenes, making sure everything is in

place to enable these kids to get involved in the game.” For GQ, supporting TCRT is about contributing to a community that brings people together on and off the field. So, while rugby, cows and lawyers seem like an unusual mix, they work in tandem to bring people and community together.

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September 2026

13

FROM THE GROUND UP Having a real blast by Andy Bryenton

Water blasting and power washing are so satisfying that it’s spawned a series of simulator video games, but getting it wrong can make a cleaning job into an expensive resurfacing; here are some tips from the professionals. Preparation is everything when it comes to getting the best result from your water blasting mission, and that starts with getting the right machine for the job. Not enough power, and you’re effectively just using the hose. It will power through more water and time before your path or deck are clean. Too powerful, and you could damage the surface itself. Choose a power washer or blaster which is for more than just cleaning the mud off tyres to tackle big spring-clean chores, but also take note of which nozzle you’re using. Many machines, especially those which use a petrol motor, have multiple options, so check to see which one provides a good spread to clean down timber and concrete. Clear off debris with a stiff broom before you begin, and give the machine a test to ensure it’s working at full strength. Now you’re ready to take care of the three big areas around the home which could do with a spruce-up for springtime. For your driveway and concrete paths, it’s always best to start at the highest point and work down. Water, and the filth that is

The power of water can cut cleaning jobs down to size, but preparation and technique are vitally important

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the urge to get artistic. There are stories both apocryphal and real of humorous but crude pictures and words ‘painted’ on to concrete by chuckling homeowners, which are still clearly visible even after several passes to try to erase them. To wash down your house, you’ll need a little less pressure than you might for cleaning concrete surfaces; turn it down and stand back, especially if your paint is getting on in years. Once again, start at the top right under the eaves, and begin by brushing away cobwebs while they are dry. It’s amazing how resilient these spiderwebs are to a high-powered stream of water. Why not do the whole job, hire portable scaffolding, and blast the gutters first? Aim down when washing weatherboards, and you won’t force water in between the overlap with this angle. For decks, always wash along the grain, usually the long axis of each board. If this means going parallel to the house, do it; washing with the grain will prevent timber splitting and frizzing. Once again, long straight strokes, not wavy lines, are the key to

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September 2026

15

FROM THE GROUND UP Solar panels and easier installation by Andy Bryenton

It’s a bold ambition: ACT leader David Seymour’s crusade against ‘red tape’ has seen an announcement last week that New Zealand might soon be the easiest place in the developed world to install solar panels. The coalition government has agreed to progress the recommendations of a report from the Ministry for Regulation, which blasted the consent process for photovoltaic solar in residential and small-scale applications, saying that some simple installs require up to six signoffs and visits from four inspectors. That’s too much, according to Mr Seymour and Energy Minister Simeon Brown, who say they’d like to see a raft of changes. “Kiwis need access to reliable and affordable energy, but approval for solar panels can take months. The report’s recommendations will make solar an easy option for Kiwi families,” Mr Seymour says. One of the ideas coming to these shores is plug-in solar, an easy method for getting the power of the sun into homes and into the grid. These portable panels are a perfect fit for those renting property, as they can be plugged in or out, moved, and set up with the same ease as a Starlink satellite modem, another piece of popular plug-in

infrastructure gaining traction in rural New Zealand. “The government will legalise plugin solar because there was no good reason for preventing Kiwis using it,” said Seymour. “Plug-in systems can be used by renters and people living in apartments who can’t access traditional rooftop solar. If they’re good enough for Germany and the UK, they’re good enough for us.” The two ministers have embraced the recommendations of the Ministry for Regulation’s Sector Review Report, and focus on the figures, which tell a definitive story. “Once all the recommendations are implemented, installation approvals for residential solar will be reduced from about $640 and three months, down to $200 and six days,” says Mr Seymour. “For small–medium scale solar, such as a farmer installing panels on a milking shed, it would reduce installation approvals from up to $11,000 and six months, down to $1,300 and one month.”

Solar installs are going to become less expensive and easier to process, with fewer permits and costs

Simeon Brown approaches the issue from the perspective of lower power bills and greater energy security. Power price rises have outstripped inflation by almost double in recent years, putting the squeeze on a population already burdened with a general cost-of-living crisis. Solar power is seen as a granular, personalised fix which can help ease this pressure.

“Plug-in solar will also be a gamechanger for people who rent, meaning people will be able to buy a plug-in solar kit and take it with them if they move house. The power of the sun is there to be harnessed. Implementing these recommendations will help people do that, and feel the benefits in their household budgets,” Mr Brown says.

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September 2026

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

FROM THE GROUND UP Creating a rural lifestyle by Paul Campbell

Taranaki is increasingly home to lifestylers seeking a bit of rural paradise. For anyone planning to create a home in the country or relocate to a rural property, doing some research is a good start. First up is to contact the local council for up-to-date building regulations and zoning and in the local case that would be the district council. However, a careful look at your lifestyle requirements is a must. There may be some added ideas, such as a plan to live more self-sufficiently, earning an income off the land, or working from home. High-speed internet and wireless connectivity are now available in most parts of rural New Zealand, making working from home increasingly practical in post-Covid years. Even if you don’t want to be more self-sufficient, you may need to adjust from an urban way of thinking and that means locations of things like neighbours, medical services and the nearest supermarket. The council check will add information, such as the available power, gas, phone, internet, water supply, wastewater treatment and rubbish disposal. It can be expensive to connect to the electricity grid, especially if you have to lay a copper cable to the nearest power line. Instead, you might decide to install your own generation and go solar.

There is a wide selection of on-site wastewater treatment, which can be more environmentally friendly than traditional septic tanks. The costs associated with services are sometimes underestimated, leading to problems with water supply, wastewater treatment and energy supply. The construction of access roads to rural sites can be extremely expensive, especially if it involves wet ground, steep slopes, or waterways. Finding the right rural builder in New Zealand requires focussing on specialists who understand the unique challenges of country construction. Unlike standard urban builds, rural projects demand expertise in complex site works, off-grid or localised utility connections, council zoning rules, and high-durability materials designed for exposed environments. If you are all happy with your rural move, your build can be a multi-use shed or outbuilding with accommodation on a rural lifestyle block, or a customdesigned home for modern, sustainable living, or you might decide on a modern,

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September 2026

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FROM THE GROUND UP The spring of ‘dopamine decor’ by Andy Bryenton

Interior design trends for 2026 focus on comfort, personalisation, colour and texture, rebelling against the minimalism and ‘unlived-in’ aesthetic which suggested homes should look like airport terminals. The current trend swings wildly toward ochre, blue, gold and green tones as opposed to cream and grey. It might be a tonic for emotional comfort, as colour psychologists suggest that vivid hues can be a neurological pick-me-up in troubling times. Then there’s the seismic shift away from what’s now derided by style influencers as ‘sad beige’, a trend now receiving more satirical backlash than applause. Colour saturating is another aspect of the new aesthetic: picking a bright and bold colour and drenching a room in that shade, to create an almost surreal and cartoon-like burst of vivaciousness. This goes beyond feature walls, and replaces desaturated and muted colours with textures as well, using different materials to define shapes and layers rather than visual tones. This new emphasis on texture lends itself to the blending of the old and the new. The patina of vintage wood, the warmth of wool and felt, and the juxtaposition of chrome, glass and organic materials make a room feel more comfortingly complex and ‘real’ — another rejection of

sterility, minimalism and homogeneity. From a style that sought to make rooms look like anodyne catalogue backdrops, the tables have turned. Spaces looking like they have organically accrued layers of personality and comfort are in, and there’s even an acceptance of some indulgences bordering on the baroque. It’s being unironically labelled ‘dopamine decor’, and there are two trends driving this move away from the safe, sterile and stilted. The first is that we live in interesting times, and the urge to nest and ‘castle up’ is strong when chaos rules outside our four walls. Creating a refuge from the increasingly artificial, mechanised, AI-driven outside world almost demands an organic response to design. The second is that ‘sad beige’ was always, in part, about appealing to the next home buyer following after you. Stark uniformity and a catalogue-clean look work well when you’re aiming to create a space not to live in, but to flip. With people increasingly buying to put down roots, the need to do the equivalent of choosing a silver car with a grey interior is gone.

Colour, texture, detail and character are in, while sterility and sameness are out in 2026

It’s time to get expressive. It’s the season to do it for yourself, and make your home into an oasis that’s more like your favourite comfy clothes than a business

suit and tie. The rule for 2026 is ‘if it makes you feel good, and makes you feel at home, it’s right’. Get inspired for spring and get creative.

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September 2026

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

FROM THE GROUND UP Hemp homes growing in popularity by Denise Gunn

Taranaki builder Tony Cook has embarked on a new project; building a hemp house in New Plymouth. Developed alongside regional economic development agency, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, this will be the first house that Tony has built using hemp as a construction material.

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“I was asked by a past client if I would be interested in building them a house. When they mentioned that it would be built of hemp, we were immediately interested as we love the idea of building a healthy home, and it is a sustainable solution for the construction industry,” said Tony. The homeowners put Tony and his wife Stephanie in contact with Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki and its Branching Out programme. “ Venture Taranaki has been investigating industrial hemp through the Branching Out programme since 2020, with multiple seasons of growing trials indicating that hemp performs well in Taranaki conditions, particularly South Taranaki,” said Branching Out programme manager Michelle Bauer at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki. “Through the establishment of the Taranaki Hemp Hub, our focus is progressing from crop trials to building the markets and infrastructure needed to support a commercial industry around hemp fibre.” She said hempcrete has been identified as the most immediate commercial

CONSTRUCTION

opportunity because it provides a practical and immediate market for locally-grown and processed hemp. Since 2012, four hemp houses have been built in Taranaki. Tony said based on the data from one of those hempcrete houses, approximately 4.5 tonnes of hemp hurd will be required to construct the wall. “The hemp crop matures in three months and 1.6ha of hemp produces enough fibre to build a 150m² house.” It’s estimated that the 158m² hemp house being built in Frankleigh Park, should take around five months to complete. “As this is a new project, there are a few unknowns. This is the first time that the hemp has been locally grown and processed in Taranaki. In the past, hemp has been imported from Australia.” Michelle said establishing the pilotscale hemp processing facility has been a major milestone, with the processor now undergoing commissioning in Taranaki. “Once operational, it will enable locallygrown hemp to be processed here in Taranaki into construction-ready material, creating an important link between growers and end-users, while giving

Tony and Steph Cook

industry greater confidence that regional supply can develop alongside demand.” Tony is impressed with hemp as a building material due to its insulation qualities. “It is mould-resistant, non-toxic, absorbs sound, fire-resistant and energyefficient. It has a low carbon footprint and less waste on the building site,” he said.

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September 2026

FROM THE GROUND UP allergy sufferers, and quiet living with acoustic insulation.” After agreeing to take on the hemp house build, Tony completed an online training course run by Venture Taranaki through Branching Out. “The first part of the training was an online course delivered by the renowned Australian Hemp Masonry Company. This was followed up by a full-day practical course at WITT and visits to two houses built of hemp in Taranaki.”

He had hands -on experience working on hemp house construction in Byron Bay, Australia, too. This opportunity was facilitated by the Local Hempcrete Action Group, organised by Venture Taranaki. Tony said the Hempcrete Action Group has regular meetings to update everyone on progress in the industry. “We’ve already had a couple of enquiries for future builds.” For enquiries email info@ tonycookbuilder.co.nz.

Group doing a hemp training course at the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT)

When hemp is growing, it absorbs 8–15 tonnes of CO2 a hectare in a growing season. It is shallow-rooted, helping improve the soil. “It’s a great crop to grow and manufacture in Taranaki as we have good fertile soils and a favourable climate. It is low maintenance to grow as it requires minimum inputs, such as fertilisers, sprays, irrigation and weeding.” Delia Bellaby from Design and Make Architects designed the hemp house which has walls approximately three times thicker than a conventional house. “Delia has been great to work alongside,” said Tony. “She’s always keeping us and the client in the loop with detailed information and emails.”

The conventional timber frame, with a large roof that overhangs, is included in the design plans. This will create shade in the summer and reduce water loading on the lime-rendered walls. External walls will be painted with breathable paint. “The internal walls can be left unrendered and they are often used as design features utilising the different colours in the hemp. The thick walls are also good for creating seating and shelving.” Also listed among the benefits to a hemp homeowner are low energy bills and healthy living. “This is followed by moisture regulation, mould prevention, which is great for

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September 2026

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

FROM THE GROUND UP Prepping for spring projects by Amy Fifita

As we step into the last month of winter, it is time to start thinking about how we plan to experience our summer, be it under a pergola or around a newly constructed raised garden bed.

T, WORK, P EA L Y,

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BU

Looking ahead and preparing for your outdoor projects now can help save time for the spring start

The upcoming spring season provides new opportunities for landowners to improve their land and lifestyle in the form of social spaces and garden addons. Perhaps it is putting a cabin to use as a craft space, or a place for your teenager to sleep. Whatever it is, now is a good time to get ahead of the game. Popular spring projects include fire pits, wooden art pieces, raised garden beds, deck construction, cabins, tree benches, bird houses and so on. With many options to choose from, think ahead to what you want your summer months to be like. Whether it is spending time with family and friends, a nice relaxed rest from the business of life or hiding away to get into your hobbies. Create a plan and take an inventory of the materials and tools needed, and other considerations like needing a tradesperson at some point for tasks, especially electrical work.

Planning and obtaining necessities ahead of time can help home handypeople avoid the crowd and high demand of certain items. With materials and tools ready, the only limitations are time and the weather. With El Niño winter conditions in effect, projects could even start early, or homeowners could take advantage of a sunny day to take measurements of the work area. Preparation work like clearing the area can be done ahead of time, too, if the weather permits. While some are digging their teeth into the possibilities of their backyard, others already have their dream outdoor spaces, but as with all good things, maintenance is a must. Right now is a great time to be taking stock of what needs replacing, repairing, weeding or demolishing and starting anew. With the warm months in our sights, social occasions and outdoor time are calling. Putting the effort in now can save time and get the property to where you want it.

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FROM THE GROUND UP Put up in a day? by Liz Clark

Recently, I moved from Kaipara down to North Otago, after selling up and moving to be closer to my adult children, with the idea of a smaller block of land and home. The idea was great, and still is. However, there’s that thing they call Murphy’s law when it comes to building a home. You might have seen the advertisements popping up on your social media feed full of wonderful visions of expandable homes you can put up in a day. Watch out for it — buyer beware. Being more aware of how buildings are put together, I weighed up the cost of a new home versus an expandable one. Down here in North Otago, the cost for every square metre is around $3,900, thus making a home from the ground up expensive and, in my case, out of reach. So I went for an expandable home, choosing a company that was well established and had good reviews. It also had actual premises and the ‘built in one day’ catchphrase was firmly put as four months or more. Be warned — everything has to be upgraded to be compliant with the New Zealand Building Code, and that’s just for the building. Allow at least an extra $20,000 for upgrades to meet the standards. Then add in the requirement to now have interlinked smoke alarms as well — but wait, there’s more. Before the

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process even began, I had to engage a surveyor to ensure the house site would comply with the strict district plan rules for a rural/residential site just out of Ōamaru. That was the first stage. Next was the geotechnical engineer going on-site, taking soil samples and sending technical reports to the housing company. Following that was paying a structural engineer to design the house foundations and provide the data such as load-bearing capacity, materials and so on.

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Currently, we’re now in the process of having the wastewater and stormwater systems designed by an engineer. The next stage is the provision of a compliant driveway plan, architect’s drawings and detailed information on framing, insulation ratings and so on. We’ll keep readers posted on progress. Before you go ahead with the big idea, visit the Building Performance website

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September 2026

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

CROP & PASTURE PREP Potatoes celebration by Paul Campbell

The humble Kiwi staple of potatoes be they mashed, chipped and fried, baked or boiled are worthy of industry recognition and Potatoes New Zealand is celebrating the outstanding success of rising stars from the potato industry. While Kaipara is globally famous for growing kūmara, it also plays a significant role in regular potato cultivation. The wider industry in

the country is marked by the Young Grower of the Year competition that showcases the very best emerging talent in New Zealand horticulture, challenging competitors across a wide range of technical, practical and leadership disciplines. Potatoes New Zealand chair Paul Olsen said James Blair, of AS Wilcox, was crowned the 2026 Young Grower of the Year and Amber Davy, of Eurogrow, named runner-up and winner of the Innovation Award. “These awards celebrate excellence, dedication and leadership, and we could not be prouder of what James and Amber have achieved,” said Olsen. “To have James take out the national title and Amber secure both runnerup and the Innovation Award is an incredible result for them personally, for their organisations and the wider potato industry.” Olsen said both competitors represent the next generation of industry leaders who will help shape the future of New Zealand’s potato sector.

Paul Olsen and potato winners Amber and James

“These are exactly the qualities that will help drive our industry forward and ensure it continues to thrive for generations to come. The future of our industry is in good hands.

“Their achievements should inspire other young people to consider a career in horticulture and see the many opportunities that exist within the potato industry.”

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CROP & PASTURE PREP In the slipstream of aviation by Amy Fifita

The De Havilland DH-82A Tiger Moth, ZK-ASO, was the first plane to perform commercial aerial topdressing in the country — but it wouldn’t be the last. Taking to the skies with a payload of 181 kilograms of fertiliser, Airwork pilot Charles Brazier applied superphosphate to Sir Heaton Rhodes’ Tai Tapu property in May 1949. At the time, applying fertiliser cost about half as much as spreading it by hand. It was not the first time in history wings were used for farm work. Other pilots had dropped seeds from the air in Northland, Hawke’s Bay and Dunedin, and two gentlemen had independently suggested aerial topdressing. New Zealand was interested in using aircraft to spread fertiliser, and even the government had performed experiments in 1948 at Ōhakea using a Grumman Avenger. With pioneering pilots already having success, Airwork was the crew who brought it to the fore, changing New Zealand’s commercial fertiliser application forever. Shortly after Brazier’s commercial flight for Rhodes, the government continued to run trials. Initially tested by the Royal New Zealand Air Force in a single-engined Grumman Avenger, Miles Aerovans were brought in to see how they fared.

As technology progresses, with drones becoming a common occurrence on Kiwi farms, we can thank the pioneer pilots for the use of the airways in agriculture.

•POST & RAIL Airwork helped lift the commercial topdressing industry, with the first flight in a De Havilland DH-82A Tiger Moth; they would soon change to the Fletcher FU24, such as this one on a Feilding farm

An air force official said this about the Aerovans in the Ashburton Guardian, January 28 1950: “This aircraft is considered to be a satisfactory type with which to conduct these further experiments, and the lessons learned will be advantageous when a larger type of aircraft is eventually used, carrying five tons of superphosphate or more.” Two aircraft were modified and given to the research and development flight. Having had various trials, findings were

that smaller and nimbler aircraft were cheaper to modify and could be more effective flying through narrow valleys and over hilly, rough terrain. Eventually, in 1953, the US Fletcher Aviation Corporation’s Wendell Fletcher presented a proposal for what became the Fletcher FU 24 to the Aviation Industry Association. This aircraft became New Zealand’s most popular top-dressing plane for its era.

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The leader for over 100 years. Made right here in New Zealand for more than 100 years, superphosphate has earned its place on Kiwi farms. Spring is the ideal time to spread quality super and set your pasture up for the seasons ahead. Talk to Ravensdown and we’ll help make sure it’s applied in the right place and at the right rate, so every dollar works harder. Call 0800 100 123 or talk to your agri manager today.

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CROP & PASTURE PREP ADVERTORIAL

Getting the best start this season

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LIVESTOCK

Beef + Lamb cautiously optimistic by Andy Bryenton

Further details of the coalition government’s Freshwater Farm Plans system were revealed in late August, and while they stop short of providing exemptions for low-risk farms, industry advocate Beef + Lamb New Zealand has expressed tentative optimism for a pragmatic approach. Beef + Lamb NZ reports the intent is for FWFPs to replace the old system of rules and consents, which was muchderided as a level of baffling ‘red tape’ within the industry. However, the group notes that most sheep and beef farmers don’t need consent to farm, so they have been working hard to ensure the farm

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plan requirements clearly differentiate between levels of risk. Feedback from farmers supports the adage used in their recent communique to farmers: ‘tailored approaches will always be better than costly blunt national and regional rules.’ “Beef + Lamb NZ had been pushing for an exemption for low-risk extensive farms as we believe the administrative burden for these properties to complete a Freshwater Farm Plan wasn’t proportionate with the low risk they pose,” said B+LNZ chair Kate Acland. “Although we were unsuccessful in achieving the exemption, the framework proposed by the government, especially around certification and auditing expectations, is much better than it was.” The detail of the emerging FWFP scheme, which pleased the red sector advocates most, was news that certified and audited farm plans will now only apply to farmers undertaking specific highrisk activities. These include large amounts of winter grazing or extensive irrigation. Certification is now granular, as well — only the part of the farm where high-risk activities take place will require cert. That’s important,

because in the majority of cases sheep and beef farms would only use a small portion of their available land for such activities. At the same time, unnecessary complex mapping requirements have also been removed. “All farms that meet the threshold will still need to prepare and hold a farm plan, and declare it to their council, but they will not need it certified or audited if they fit into the lower-risk category,” said Agriculture Minister Todd McClay. “Most sheep and beef farmers will still need to have a plan for how they manage risks to freshwater, but it will not automatically need to be certified or audited under the changes announced — reducing unnecessary and unreasonable

compliance costs. These plans should be able to be completed by farmers themselves,” said Ms Acland. There’s more to come, with details emerging about how the government will create an equivalency pathway for industry-based freshwater plans, and how the FWFP regime will interlock with the other aspects of the replacement to the Resource Management Act in a wider context. “While today’s announcement is a positive step forward, we still need to further analyse details which will be clearer once the government releases its National Direction and National Standards — those are where the rubber hits the road,” Acland said.

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For growth and protection by Amy Fifita

As the general election looms, DairyNZ is asking political parties to take action by committing to six policy priorities that promise growth for the sector. With the dairy sector leading the way with $28.6 billion in revenue produced each year and producing about 51,800 jobs, DairyNZ is requesting parties focus on six priorities. “If New Zealand wants stronger economic growth, it needs policies that support the industries delivering it,” said DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown. The practical and evidence-based priorities intend to encourage investment, suppor t ongoing environmental development and continue NZ’s competitive edge in dairy. Resource management and freshwater, biosecurity, workforce capability, science and innovation, rural infrastructure, animal welfare and low-emissions technology are the topics in question. “The election presents a critical opportunity for political parties to match their economic growth ambitions with policies that give farmers the confidence to invest.” No matter who wins, DairyNZ will work alongside any government for farmers to get favourable outcomes. Brown says farmers need clear, practical rules for resource management and freshwater systems, so they can invest in the environment and their businesses.

“When farmers have confidence in the policy environment, they’re more willing to invest in new technology, improve environmental performance and build resilient businesses. A lack of certainty on policy settings means investment decisions become harder, slowing the pace of innovation and growth.” Brown said DairyNZ’s priorities focus on creating the conditions for farmers to continue improving while delivering benefits well beyond the farm gate. “Dairy farmers have consistently shown they’re willing to invest in productivity, environmental improvements and innovation. Moreover, continued investment depends on policy settings that are practical, predictable and grounded in evidence.” As a whole, the organisation is asking that the next government get resource management and freshwater systems right, build and fund a strong biosecurity system, and strengthen the dairy workforce. It is also asking for a boost in science funding and to accelerate technology uptake, promote lowemissions technology, rural infrastructure investment, and back strong animal welfare rules.

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DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is advocating for the dairy farmers by appealing to political parties to focus on six particular policies

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