Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, December 2023

December 2023 Edition

The Irish connection Pages 4–5

Stylish sendoff for Oxfam Trailwalker

Future-proofing property

P2

Caring for kittens

P6

P9

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DEcEMbER 2023 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

The Taranaki Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned NZ company.

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Stylish send-off for Oxfam Trailwalker After a four-year run, the 2024 Oxfam Trailwalker, to be held in Taranaki in March, will be the final event due to increased operation and living costs.

Journalists: Denise Gunn | Andy Bryenton | Amy Fifita Advertising: Debra Seymour 027 525 8217 Production: Gavin Bainbridge | Anna Fredericksen | Kelsey Harrison | Liz Clark Accounts: accounts@integrity.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 Integrity Community Media. All inserts delivered with the publication are not produced by Integrity Community Media.

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The last-ever Oxfam Trailwalker will be held Taranaki in March 2024

Teams are encouraged to enter the charity event, which features three different routes designed to provide stunning 180-degree views, including beaches, bush, farms, cityscapes, Pukekura Park and Lake Mangamahoe.

This year, the routes will cover the original 50km and 100km trails alongside a new 25km, nine-hour route, which is perfect for first-timers, families or a Trailwalker legend looking for a shorter challenge.

The Oxfam Trailwalker usually draws nearly 2,000 walkers, friends, family and supporters to New Plymouth each year.

Hundreds of teams from throughout New Zealand enter to fundraise for the fight against poverty.

Venture Taranaki and the New Plymouth District Council have been host partners of the event since 2021. New Plymouth District Council head of major events Neil Fenwick is disappointed that next year’s Oxfam Trailwalker will be the last. He hopes people who may have had it on their bucket list will take the opportunity to sign up.

“The Oxfam Trailwalker has been a great outdoor adventure event for New Plymouth to host, as it has been a chance to showcase our beautiful district to visitors and locals exploring their own backyard. Seeing teams taking on an intense challenge shows the commitment people have to the event.”

“Over the last four years, it has been exciting to see how the event has shaped up as an experience and in bringing positive impact to our local economy in our sustainable lifestyle capital,” he said.

Morgan Harrison and her team, Glorious Ladies of Operational Excellence (GLOE) plan to complete the event in style.

She said her team’s name was loosely taken from the TV Show, Glorious Ladies of Wrestling.

“This was a physical challenge we were willing to tackle as a team, and I’m glad we were able to do this while we still had the chance. Oxfam has been providing training plans, which have been great to keep us moving and prepare for our 50km walk.”

For the past 17 years, more than 20,000 New Zealanders have taken part in the Oxfam Trailwalker through different parts of New Zealand. These efforts have raised more than $16m to fund lifesaving work around the world.

Oxfam decided the 2024 event would be the last as increased operation and living costs meant fundraising was more difficult for participants. It also presented an unpredictable risk that the organisation could no longer carry.

The final Oxfam Trailwalker will be held on Saturday, 23 March and Sunday, 24 March 2024. Register your interest in taking part at oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Free buses for festive season

DEcEMbER 2023

3

Free buses will be available for Waitara and Inglewood residents travelling to the Festival of Lights this summer.

Council transport manager Cheryl Gazley hopes people will take advantage of the Festival of Lights buses for a fun night out.

“The festival is an incredible event attracting people from all over New Zealand. We wanted to help make it more accessible for people in those communities without transport and encourage others to ditch their cars for the night.

“We are expecting a festive, familyfriendly atmosphere on the buses, which will drop off and pick up at the Fillis Street gate, meaning no parking worries or a long walk back to the car at the end of the night.”

The return bus service, organised by the Taranaki Regional Council, will run from Queen Street, Waitara, on Wednesday, December 20, and Friday, January 5.

Inglewood residents can catch the bus on Friday, December 22 and Thursday, January 18. Each bus run will leave at 7pm, returning at 10.15pm to allow passengers plenty of time to take in the sights and sounds of the iconic festival.

Several special bus services will be provided by the council this summer, including extended timetables in place for three Saturdays this month on buses across Taranaki. The council also put on a free bus for the Waitara Night Market

Waitara and Inglewood residents can enjoy free buses to the Festival of Lights in New Plymouth

last month in conjunction with the New Plymouth District Council.

The usual Saturday Citylink timetable has been extended with routes one to nine in New Plymouth and route 20 from Waitara to New Plymouth, running at regular intervals throughout the day.

There is also a Southlink Waverley to Hāwera service connecting with the Ōpunake/Hāwera to New Plymouth

Connector, timed for Christmas shoppers or those visiting friends or family for the day.

Taranaki Regional Council recently completed public consultation of its draft Better Travel Choices for Taranaki strategy, with councillors due to deliberate on its final form in February.

Ms Gazley said the council is committed to making public transport more accessible. That may include more buses and extended routes for special events in the future.

Further information on bus services and timetables is available at trc.govt. nz/buses-transport/.

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DEcEMbER 2023 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

THE IRISH

CONNECTION

BY DENISE GUNN

Irish connections remain firmly embedded in south Taranaki’s soil, where four generations of the Bourke family have worked on their dairy farm.

T

he farm, Bourke Clonlara, was established by former accountant Geoff Bourke after he returned from the second world war. Geoff named the farm in memory of the farming village of Clonlara in County Clare, Ireland, where his grandfather JJ Bourke lived before immigrating to New Zealand.

Geoff’s grandson Kieran is now the third generation of the Bourke family to farm the property, along with his wife, Claire. Their three children, Sienna (11), Fergus (9) and Declan (8), also help out on the farm.

The couple bought the 116ha Pihama farm from Kieran’s parents, Paul and

Bernadette, in stages. When they made the final payment on the remaining part of the property in 2018, they also bought the herd from Paul and Bernadette.

The 500-cow herd, predominantly Holstein Friesians, are autumn calvers.

“My wife is a pedigree breeder, so we have a few Jersey and Ayrshire thrown in the mix,” said Kieran.

Nine years ago, Kieran and Claire purchased another farm, Kaupok, near Manaia, milking a herd of 700 cows. The Bourke family live on the home farm and has a contract milker on Kaupok. Maize silage is grown on both farms.

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Four generations of the Bourke family have worked on their south Taranaki dairy farm, Bourke Clonlara

This year, the family travelled to Ireland to catch up with a number of former farm employees. While there, they viewed the Ekochute Manual hoof trimming crush, manufactured by the Irish company Eko Hoofcare.

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A 500-cow herd is milked on Bourke Clonlara

“I looked at all the other available models in New Zealand and found this to be the strongest, and user and cow-friendly.”

Eko Hoofcare is the largest hoof care company in Ireland, producing specialised chutes, also known as crates, from its €1 million purpose-built factory in Buncrana, County Donegal.

The company is owned by professional hoof trimmer, trainer and examiner, Francis Burns. It is also the only organisation in Ireland providing training for the Dutch Diploma in Professional Hoof Trimming from the Dairy Training Centre at the University of Utrecht.

Francis said from his years of hoof trimming work and training new trimmers, he could see with better equipment,

the job could be made a lot easier and more efficient.

“We set about designing the Ekochute and added an engineering component to our existing hoof care company. Today, we pride ourselves in hoof care still being at the heart of our company and everything we do. We produce innovative machinery that is both farm-ready and animal-ready.

“The Ekochute has all the essential components for trimming safely and comfortably. It offers a complete professional spec, back bar system, including a W bar, and a dynamic front leg system.

“I was delighted to hear from Kieran in New Zealand and learn that he has had Irish people go down and work with on

DEcEMbER 2023

Sienna, Fergus and Declan are the fourth generation of the family on Bourke Clonlara

Kieran bought five Ekochute Manual hoof trimming crushes while in Ireland

his farms. It was humbling to hear of his interest in the Ekochute.”

He said New Zealand and Ireland are facing similar challenges around milk prices.

“We both know that lameness delays fertility and has a knock-on effect on productivity. We practise the mentality of Ed-Pet (Early Detection — Prompt Effective Treatment) and know that you can’t carry out effective treatment if you don’t have the tools to do it. Now is the time to look to the ground and focus on feet.”

Kieran ended up buying five Ekochute Manual hoof trimming crushes, which have several features not found in other

chutes. He said the chutes will make a massive difference and make trimming hooves enjoyable and safe.

“Hoof trimming on-farm is now longer a reactive chore but a preventative and enjoyable exercise.”

An Ekochute Manual has been installed on both of the Bourke family’s properties.

Kieran plans to sell the other three.

Each generation has put its own stamp on Bourke Clonlara through expansion, developments and improvements.

The chutes are just one of Kieran’s contributions to the next generation of farmers in his family.

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DEcEMbER 2023 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

FUTURE-PROOFING

PROPERTY

BY DENISE GUNN

This year’s winners of the Taranaki Regional Council’s Environmental Leadership in Farming award, Glenn and Lynda Howatson, have achieved their goal to develop a sustainable property.

T

he couple began farming their 196ha Huiroa property around 10 years ago, starting with dairy heifers, sheep and beef cattle. Glenn said since then they’ve increased dairy heifer numbers and gone out of sheep and beef.

“We run approximately 400 dairy heifers from May to May. Then, we take on approximately another 150 dairy weaner calves from December to May, grazing for dairy clients.

“The sheep and beef country has either been retired or planted in pine trees, and we’ve planted the gullies into natives.”

A mixture of 50ha flat land, leading into rolling and undulating hills, forms the property.

“It’s quite safe, grazeable country for dairy stock. The steeper country is either retired or put into trees.”

Six wetlands were identified on the eastern hill country farm, and the couple began to take steps to protect these, creating habitat for flora and fauna. The planting process started about seven years ago.

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Six wetlands were identified on the farm, and the Howatsons have taken steps to protect these

“We’ve progressively planted year-onyear and fencing off, so we would identify a wetland area and fence that.”

Glenn and Lynda have since planted more than 7,000 riparian plants and fenced hundreds of metres of waterways.

“When we first got here, we started with about 38 paddocks. With fencing, we are now up to about 95 paddocks, if you include where the pine trees are. That helps immensely with rotational grazing with our dairy heifer mobs.

“It also enables us to fence all those areas we consider shouldn’t have stock in.

All those areas we fenced off, we generally planted in natives or planted pine trees.”

Glenn grew up on a sheep and beef property in the Toko district. While travelling around the world shearing, he met English-born Lynda on one

DEcEMbER 2023

After achieving their goals with the farm, the couple has placed the property on the market

of his trips to London. Back in New Zealand, the couple ran drystock properties in conjunction with a couple of retail businesses.

“We have just about always been farming but it was always with something else,” said Glenn.

“In the last 10 years, we have just been focussing on farming. It was always a goal to have a one-off sustainable property. It’s taken a lot of years of work to get there so we felt this is a great place to be living and earning our income.

“We wanted to keep on improving things and leave this property better than we started with.”

The main challenge was to have a safe, reliable system in their farming operation. That has given Glenn and Lynda peace of mind about weather

events, dry summers and wet winters.

Glenn said it’s taken quite a few years to find what works well for their property and their type of farming.

“We are really trying to future-proof the business, make it well manageable and improving what we are doing.”

Now that Glenn and Lynda have more or less achieved their goals with the farm, they have placed the property on the market.

“Our next goal is to start travelling more, back to the UK and spend time with relatives.”

The couple have four sons living in New Zealand and Europe, and 18-month-old twin grand-daughters. Glenn said it is now time for the next stage of life.

“We are still happy doing what we are doing. There are always projects and

improvements to work on. So we will carry on that path we are on at the moment and fine-tuning our operation.

“I think what we’ve done is in front of the curve with the latest water regulations. We could see what was happening, so we’ve always tried to be in front.

“It’s far more pleasant when you want to do them. Still, when someone comes with a big stick, it becomes more of a chore. It’s been a pleasant process working with the Taranaki Regional Council and Fish and Game to achieve what we’ve achieved,” he said.

“I would encourage more farmers to get on board and have a conversation with the Taranaki Regional Council and Fish and Game because they are there to help us and improve things.”

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DEcEMbER 2023 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES ADVERTORIAL

Joint problems — dealing with the causes (Part two)

by John Arts

Most people will experience Osteoarthritis (OA) in their lifetime. OA was referred to as ‘wear and tear arthritis’ or similar, which gave the impression that over time, cartilage ‘wears out’ like slowly rubbing sandpaper on wood.

The cause of cartilage loss is complex and is much more than cartilage wearing away. Cartilage is lost when the specialised cells that live in cartilage, called chondrocytes, are damaged. This damage can come from trauma or by a slow process of free radical damage to chondrocytes.

As chondrocytes die, they cannot maintain cartilage, which slowly disintegrates. It can be accelerated by certain enzymes (MMPs), which can be triggered by trauma.

The key to maintaining healthy cartilage is Chondroitin Sulfate (CS).

This is secreted by chondrocytes as they repair cartilage. Adding therapeutic levels of CS can help protect chondrocytes and further help to restore damaged cartilage.

Maintaining good levels of CS is critical for joint health as it helps to maintain both the strength (resistance) and flexibility.

Adding supplemental CS is, in my opinion, the single most effective method of preserving and maintaining cartilage health, even if the joint is showing signs of OA. That is supported by several international organisations,

“The key to maintaining healthy cartilage is Chondroitin Sulfate (CS).” and, more importantly, the European Medicine Agency has approved CS as a prescribed medicine in Europe.

My preference is for CS from avian (chicken) sources CS as its smaller molecular size allows for rapid accumulation within the joint capsule. While my standard longterm recommendation is 800mg daily, I usually commence therapy with 1,600mg and review every six weeks. For best results, look for supplements that combine CS with similar levels of glucosamine and a new generation 100% water-soluble curcumin (turmeric) extract to help reduce joint capsule inflammation.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv. Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his newsletter at abundant.co.nz.

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Gone by Christmas lunchtime

by Andy Bryenton

Many of the looming regulatory changes which undermined farming sector confidence have been signalled for the chop by the new coalition government, but where does that leave those making long-term plans for their rural land?

Don Brash coined the term ‘gone by lunchtime’ over his long-ago plans to scrap anti-nuclear accords. The coalition’s schemes to do away with the replacement of the Resource Management Act, Significant Natural Areas, the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management, and Three Waters-related legislation have met with more public support.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s going to go, and what that could mean.

‘We will cease the implementation of new SNAs and seek advice on the operation of existing SNAs as part of the government’s programme to reform the RMA,’ says the wording of the coalition deal, which put a triumvirate of ACT, NZ First and National into power.

The SNA stoush has been longrunning, and farmers felt they would be penalised for protecting natural taonga on their privately owned land. Many opined that expanding the existing QEII schemes already in operation would be superior to what was called a ‘land grab’ by opponents.

Live export bans are being lifted. Both NZ First and ACT pushed for this change to animal welfare laws, reinstating livestock export. Since the practice was banned in 2022, those in the industry have been working to improve animal

welfare standards and hoping to resume the trade.

“We’ve done a lot of work on that, and the other concern is what happens to the animals when they arrive in the market, so we need to have a good discussion around how we can provide that information back so that people’s fears that animal welfare isn’t at the forefront are alleviated,” said Livestock Export New Zealand chairperson Mark Willis.

The clean car tax and so-called ute tax are consigned to the scrap heap meaning that those living in rural areas with little electric vehicle support or practicality will no longer subsidise wealthy city-dwellers into new EVs. The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management is perhaps the issue most worrying to farmers, eclipsing even the RMA reforms that will, according to the coalition, now be replaced by a streamlined building system designed around ‘enjoying property rights.’

The freshwater management plan will be replaced, but hopes among opponents of the NPS are that it will prove less restrictive. Some regional councils proposed its implementation would see mandatory one-metre setbacks from all waterways and a ban on farming on slopes above 20 degrees.

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DEcEMbER 2023

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SHOP LOCAL – SUPPORT LOCAL Caring for kittens

by Denise Gunn

Since its formation in 2012, The Scratching Post has taken in hundreds of stray and unwanted kittens, prepared them for adoption, and run desexing programmes for felines.

The charity is run by a group of four trustees who banded together after the Stratford SPCA closed its doors. Each trustee has a long background in animal welfare, either working as an SPCA staff member or on the committee.

Alongside the trustees is a group of volunteers who help out with all sorts of duties. Trustee Karma Andrews said this includes fostering kittens, fundraising and everything in between.

“It takes many hands to keep a charity like this going. The main objective is to take in any young stray or orphaned kittens. We deal specifically with kittens to raise and socialise them to an adoptable stage, which is around 10 weeks old.”

Before adoption, each kitten receives health checks, flea and worm treatment, vaccination and desexed.

“The other objective is to concentrate and push the importance of cat desexing.

When funds permit, we run a discounted cat desexing programme, which is offered to owners who hold a Community Services or Gold Card. It enables owners to get their cats fixed at half the normal cost, and the cat is microchipped free of charge.”

“The main objective is to take in any young stray or orphaned kittens.”

Karma Andrews is one of The Scratching Post’s trustees

This service is available to residents in central and south Taranaki. A new batch of discount vouchers is now available.

Around 60 to 80 kittens are taken in by The Scratching Post each season and fully socialised in a home environment.

“All kittens are cared for in foster homes. They take the kittens in, and we

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The kittens are available to view and meet three days a week at the charity’s building at 127 Broadway, Stratford. If not adopted, they go back to the foster family until the next opening day. A small shop at the front of the building helps raise funds.

Karma said the shop sells new items for pets, such as scratching posts, pet bowls, collars and leads.

“We have a group of very talented volunteers that make pet bedding, blankets and lots of toys, too. There is no government assistance, so we rely on the community to help us. Our biggest need is kitten food and litter or monetary donations to purchase these items.”

The Scratching Post can be contacted on 027 292 6167.

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10

DECEMBER 2023 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

SHOP LOCAL – SUPPORT LOCAL Country music weekend

by Denise Gunn

Guest artists from all over New Zealand will perform during a weekend of live music at the Egmont Country Music Festival in early January.

The three-day festival kicks off on Friday, January 5, at 1pm with Country Road, from Te Awamutu, entertaining the crowd. Festival organiser Lynn Crawford said an open mic session will follow.

“Anyone can get up and have a go.

Open mic sessions just require you to bring chord charts for the band to back you. The chord charts are important.”

The open mic session will run through until a dinner break. A night show will feature several invited guests and a sneak preview, from the Saturday night performers. Friday night’s band line-up includes Joe Martin, Mike Ratu, Owen Harding, and Sue and Boss Terangi.

“Also Shaminka Hoeta who is an upcoming star,” said Lynn.

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Another open mic session will take place on the Saturday morning, from 9am to lunchtime.

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“Then our invited guests, different from the Friday night, will be coming through. That will take us through to dinner, followed by the night time show with Craig Robinson and Roger Tibbs.

“Our main guests for the weekend are going to be Roger Tibbs, Craig Robertson, Glen Carley, Mike Ratu and Mark Corbett. Our band on Saturday afternoon and night will be both Mark and Mike, along with Dougie Brooks, Dave

Sharrock and Joe Martin. Another guest is Carylanne Martin.”

Six years ago, Lynn and her three sisters organised the inaugural Egmont Country Music Festival. Since then, the festival has enjoyed appearances by Laura Downing from Australia, the Topp Twins in 2021 and many others.

“Now, sadly, with having lost one of my sisters and the others in ill health, we now have a team of local people who work beside me to form a team to bring this festival to Taranaki.”

Lynn said the new team includes Kevin and Linda Moratti, who own the Ninia park over venue, Aileen Silver, Karen Barker and Dave Sharrock.

The festival costs $50 for each person for the entire weekend, or $20 for Friday night, $35 for Saturday and $10 for Sunday. Meals, as well as hot and cold refreshments, will be available.

Private vehicle parking at the 39 Ninia Road venue is free. Motorhome and caravan parking is available for four days at $20. Ninia Road is off Corbett Road in Bell Block. The festival winds up on Sunday, January 7, around 3pm.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

December 2023

11

SHOP LOCAL – SUPPORT LOCAL Classic cars hit the road

by Denise Gunn

For more than 30 years, the Egmont Classic Car Register has organised an extensive variety of events for members driving a diverse range of vehicles.

Egmont Classic Car Register president John Apps said some of the more unusual vehicles owned by club members cover a wide range of years and styles.

“For example, from a 1949 Citroen 15-6 to a 2006 Mazda RX8, a rare 1970 V4 Lancia Fulvia Coupe, a 1985 replica Ferrari 308 with a Holden V6 motor, a completely original 1968 Morris Mini Cooper S, to 1 1965 Cadillac Coupe. An enormous variety.

“Our motto is if you think your car is a classic, you are welcome to join our club.”

Members take part in runs to points of interest, shed visits, car shows, and trials (mystery drives) with clues and questions.

There are also low-level motorsport activities, including occasional track days and closed road hill climbs such as the Ngawhini Road Classic Car Hill Climb near Hāwera.

John said there is typically one event held each month, but sometimes, there are more. The group’s events are generally centred within Taranaki.

“Recent events have included a Havea-Go-Day at the Waitara go-karting track,

“If you think your car is a classic, you are welcome.”

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A line-up of vehicles at an Egmont Classic Car Register event

a navigational tour finishing at a collection of numerous Ford Falcons, and a lovingly restored, relocated community hall, which now serves as the ultimate man shed and party venue.

“In December, we have our pre-Christmas meal and social evening. This year, it’s at the TET Stadium Bistro in Stratford.”

The group will take part in a member’s mystery birthday run in January. It usually

involves a navigation run, finishing at a cafe for afternoon tea and birthday cake.

“It will then be followed by our annual display of members’ cars at the Inglewood Classic Car Show hosted by Inglewood Rotary Club,” said John.

For further information about joining the Egmont Classic Car Register, contact John on 027 264 1015 or visit the group’s Facebook page.

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DEcEMbER 2023 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

DEcEMbER 2023

13

SHOP LOCAL – SUPPORT LOCAL Beating the summer dry

by Liz Clark

With summer temperatures rising nationwide, drought-proofing the garden is essential for the farm and lifestyle block.

Cover the soil Bare soil is a recipe for rapid moisture loss caused by prevailing winds and dry conditions, resulting in more watering to keep the vegetable and ornamental plants alive. Applying a five-centimetre deep layer of mulch, such as post peelings, pea straw, or even newspaper, will help retain moisture for longer periods of time.

Applying too much mulch could prevent air and water from getting into the soil and should be applied lightly. Before adding any mulch, add generous amounts of compost to the garden. It will help retain moisture in the soil for longer. Water everything well before adding the final mulch layer on top, avoiding trunks, stems and leaves.

Water conservation With most rural properties relying on tanks or bores, conserving water during extreme dry can be challenging. Deep watering in the early morning or evening, two or three times a week, will help send plant roots deeper into the soil. A good soaking rather than a short sprinkling is always the way to go.

Using a sprinkler system in the garden is one of the most inefficient ways to water plants — 30–50 per cent moisture loss is

“Before adding any mulch, add generous amounts of compost to the garden.”

Chosen for their attractive form and colour, many species are available at local nurseries. Try out the attractive pōhutukawa as a shelterbelt or a standalone specimen tree. Its deep crimson blooms in early summer provide a burst of colour and provide food for native birds, bees and butterflies. Also consider akeake, carex, Griselinia, Knightia, Poor Knights Lily, Olearia and many more.

Other plants that love the dry include proteas, waratahs, leucadendrons, achillea, dianthus, gazania and lavender.

Choosing drought-resistant plants such as lavender will save water and time

common. The spray also will go where it’s not needed and result in unwanted weeds growing where they are not wanted. A drip irrigation system is the most effective way to deliver water directly to the root systems while saving water and time. Choosing a good-quality set-up will mean a long-lasting system without the issues associated with cheaper, more leak-prone products.

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DEcEMbER 2023 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

WATER MATTERS T, WORK, P EA L Y,

AY

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14

Drip irrigators beat the heat

by Andy Bryenton

Hotter, drier summers are predicted for New Zealand in the future, with many farmers and home gardeners looking closely at irrigation techniques pioneered in the world’s driest places.

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Namibia is home to the driest deserts in Africa. The world’s oldest desert, the Namib, from which the nation takes its name, and the Kalahari, which translates to ‘place of great thirst’ in the indigenous Tswana dialect. The arable land bracketing these expanses of desert is hammered by drought.

After 2019’s dry spell, the worst in 90 years, the government sought a scientific solution to make the most of limited water reserves. They found aid in an unexpected place, through the International Atomic Energy Agency. The IAEA didn’t propose atomic power as the answer; indeed, solar panels are part of their recipe for better farming instead. However, they did possess the tools to detect certain isotopes in the roots of plants, which can tell farmers exactly when they need water.

Using these neutron sensors and a micro-irrigation drip-feed system powered by the sun, water reserves now go four times further in the small farming villages of rural Namibia. That means more crops and more food resilience for thousands of citizens.

A farm in Namibia shows the dry red earth of the land showing through; irrigation lessons learned there are being put to work on Kiwi farms and in local gardens

“The installation of the small-scale drip irrigation system with the help of the irrigation information, when and how much to apply, has helped to increase the production of crops in my farm from a one-time to almost all-year-round,” said Moses Gaeseb, a farmer from the north-eastern town of Tsumeb. Lessons learned in arid Namibia are being put to use in home gardens and on farms

in New Zealand. Here, the harsh UV content of summer sunlight means that evaporation is an issue for irrigated crops, and being able to drip-feed what’s needed right to the roots can be the difference between a good crop and a withered failure. Micro-irrigation via a drip feed is one method proven to conquer the heat in even tougher conditions than those we experience.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

DEcEMbER 2023

WATER MATTERS

15

Household drought preparation

by Ann van Engelen

With the expectation of a drought season approaching, preparation is advised for both animal, crop and household needs.

Water is a precious product, and what may seem like common sense to some people may not be known by others who are new to rural life.

First and foremost, ensure your animals have enough water at all times.

Check your farm pipes and troughs periodically for leaks. Water sources, including ponds, rivers and streams, can be greatly impacted, resulting in loss of water supply, crop damage and significant effects on the environment.

Efforts to conserve water should be made by everyone. Before, and during a drought, take steps to reduce water usage and make water conservation practises a part of your daily life. Indoor water conservation tips include avoiding pouring water down the drain. Instead, use it for watering your indoor plants or garden.

Check all plumbing, including taps, for leaks and have any leaks repaired by a plumber. One drop each second wastes 2,700 gallons of water a year. Make it a habit to use a half flush in the toilet when possible, and replace your showerhead with a low-flow version.

Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants. Take short showers, and don’t let the tap run unused. Avoid running water while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving. Rather than use sink disposal units, start a compost pile for food waste.

Plant native and drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs, trees or

“Before, and during a drought, take steps to reduce water usage and make water conservation practises a part of your daily life.”

Be mindful of water usage in all areas of rural and urban living

small plants. Small plants require less water to become established. Mulch also helps to control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.

Avoid purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water and raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches or to its highest level.

A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system, and holds soil moisture.

Clean vegetables in a pot filled with water and store drinking water in the refrigerator. Rather than wasting water waiting for it to get hot, capture it for things like plant watering. Operate

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washing machines only when they are fully loaded or set the appropriate water level for the size of your load.

If watering your garden is necessary, do so early morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler, and water is less likely to evaporate. Avoid leaving sprinklers or hoses unattended, as a garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours. If your water levels are low, order from a water supplier in good time to guarantee you and your animals don’t run out.

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DEcEMbER 2023 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

RURAL WHEELS

O AT, W RK, P E L Y,

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16

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING LOCAL

• Motorbike Seats • Custom made seat covers • All marine work • Milk Shed Bird Screens • Tonneau covers • Canvas work • Rollup Deck Curtains FREE QUOTES

Cliff Steffensen Phone 06 272 8115 021 353 742 c l i f f @ c m s u p h o l s t e r y. c o . n z 1 9 Wa l l s c o u r t P l a c e , Normanby

by Amy Fifita

The first spark

Subaru’s electric sports utility vehicle, the Solterra, is expected to arrive just in time for Christmas with the vehicle company’s first fully electric automobile.

The brand’s EV is almost ready to cruise the streets with 215 horsepower in this galvanic car. The automobile manufacturer has its eyes set on the sustainable sunrise with the Solterra, a name meaning sun and earth. A collaboration between Subaru and Toyota gave way to the production of the BZ4X and the Solterra.

What makes the Solterra different is that it is reportedly faster and better to handle. There is a difference in the price, too. Subaru offers its EV with the standard all-wheel-drive system for the retail recommended price of $79,990, while buyers must pay more for AWD on its twin equivalent.

The vehicle comes equipped with two electric motors and a range of 465 kilometres allowing travellers a good distance between charging stations. It is spacious, suitable for family trips and befitting for light off-roading experiences.

Despite being a change in direction for the company, the EV still has the distinctive Subaru features and abilities.

Its features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch centre display, a power rear tailgate and a 10-way power driver seat. The vehicle also provides six speakers, dual-zone air conditioning, a cloth interior and wireless capabilities.

The team at Honda Hub want to thank everyone for the support we have received over 2023 and we look forward to seeing you all next year!

Christmas Opening hours: Closed Stat Days | Open - 9am to 12pm 27th - 29th Dec and 3rd - 5th Jan

The 2023 Subaru Solterra electric vehicle is arriving in New Zealand in December after unveiling it in 2021

Those wanting a more luxurious drive can spend an extra $5,000 for the Solterra Touring. It has synthetic leather upholstery, Harman Kardon speakers, a panorama sunroof, intelligent parking assistance, and a heated steering wheel and seats. This option comes with a wireless phone charger, 20-inch alloy wheels and, for an extra $1,000, a twotone exterior paint job.

The company’s goal is to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 90% of its 2010 output. Those goals allow the company to forge forward using advanced technologies to provide environmentally efficient automobiles. The Solterra is part of the corporation, showing its commitment to sustainability and producing only electric and hybrid vehicles for the world markets by 2030.

TACKLE NOW IN STORE To compliment the marine side of our business we have decided to add Bait, Burley & Black Magic tackle to the store to make it easier for anyone in South Taranaki get out there and catch their next trophy fish.

The Black Magic and Wasabi ranges of tackle and accessories is the result of years of research and development. With over 2,000 products, we have something for every angler, from the “mad keen” to those who get out on the water when they can, and those just learning to fish.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

December 2023

RURAL WHEELS ADVERTORIAL

17

One-stop auto shop at Mountain Motors

by Denise Gunn

Mountain Motors in Stratford is fast becoming a one-stop auto shop since owners Jack and Sarah Hywood took over the business.

The couple have expanded the business in several directions offering everything from vehicle servicing, repairs and WOFs, used vehicle sales, tyres and wheel alignments, auto air conditioning to parts, accessories and car care products.

Mountain Motors has also undergone a makeover with new signage and opening up the front entrance on Broadway.

“We invested in some new equipment and now have a great range of tyres in stock, catering to all budgets,” said Jack.

Recently, the business also branched into stocking Ironman 4x4s range of parts and accessories with a showroom set up specifically for that purpose.

“Ironman 4x4 is new to the Taranaki district. Mountain Motors is now Taranaki’s Home of Ironman 4x4. We now have a retail shop at the front of the building with parts, accessories and products for all makes and models.”

Previously, customers had to travel to other towns to buy automotive parts and accessories. Jack said this would often take up most of a day, leaving less time for working on vehicles, so having this local will make a big difference.

Bookings and service enquiries can be made at the front entrance, too. The back

Jack and Sarah Hywood in the Ironman 4x4 showroom at Mountain Motors

entrance to the building on Miranda Street is used for dropping vehicles off for repairs and servicing.

Jack was born and raised on sheep and cattle stations in outback Australia, so had involvement with the rural industry for many years. In recognition of the challenges and difficulties facing farmers in recent years, Jack and Sarah are offering a 10% discount for farmers for the remainder of the financial year.

“The reason behind the discount is the economic climate we are in,” said Jack. “I understand the frustrations and problems they are having.

“Farmers were getting a hard deal with the government before the election, and now with the milk payout. We are in a farming community, and farmers carry the weight on their shoulders. When it’s not going right for them, it’s not going right for the community.

“We decided to throw a 10% discount for farmers coming in for anything.

We enjoy being our own bosses and giving back to the community with what we are doing and are receiving great feedback.”

Mountain Motors is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm, and Saturdays between 8am to 2pm, excluding public holidays. Phone 06 765 6059 for enquiries.

Beat the heat with an A/C Service to ensure your holiday travels are comfortable and as cool as a cucumber. See us for all your Auto Air Conditioning needs.

We are a registered Ford service agent and supplier of genuine Ford parts. Our new Showroom for the IRONMAN 4X4 Parts and Accessories is now open for all your 4-wheel drive needs to get you off the beaten track over the festive season.

We offer: WOF • Service • Mechanical Repairs • Tyres • Wheel Alignment Auto Air Conditioning • Parts & Accessories (not just Ford, but for all makes and models) DIY auto parts & accessories • Car Care • 4X4 parts & accessories (including Bull Bars, Winches, Lighting, Recovery Equipment, Air components, Suspension components & upgrades) Underbody Protection • Canopies • Camping & Outdoor Equipment • Trailer WOF • Service & repair, and more.

Mountain Motors now has a great range of tyres, and we cater for all budgets. Ranging from Commercial and Trailer tyres to Passenger Vehicles and SUV/4X4. We have MAXXIS RAZR, MAXXIS BRAVO, HIFLY AND ROVELO, as well as HANKOOK AT EXTREME, GO PRO, LUAFEEN and FORROAD tyres, just to name a few. And to top it off, for the remainder of this month, if you book in and have all 4 tyres replaced, we will throw in a Wheel Alignment ABSOLUTELY FREE. Call us today for this great offer.

As we are all aware, times are a little tough at the moment due to the current economic climate. We are all feeling the pinch and in particular, the crew that keeps the country afloat, the FARMERS. Poor buggers have had a bit of a bum steer of late so the team here at Mountain Motors, Taranaki’s Home of IRONMAN 4X4 are going to throw them a small, but I’m sure, welcome, lifeline. For ALL BOOKINGS and PARTS between now and the new Financial Year, ALL FARMERS will get an automatic 10% DISCOUNT across the board. It’s just a small way for us to say a BIG thank you and we hope the struggle ends soon.

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri, 8.00am - 5.00pm excluding public holidays | Sat - 8am - 2pm admin@mountainmotors.co.nz 06 765 6059 (24/7) | 147 Broadway, Stratford 4332

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DEcEMbER 2023 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

RURAL WHEELS

Compressed for success

by Andy Bryenton

It’s a happy 100-year celebration for one of the all-time greatest automotive add-ons ever invented, the supercharger.

That’s correct. Christmas of 1923 was the first festive season that you could wish for a car with forced induction under the tree. Well, you could if you were part of the upper crust of the motoring aristocracy.

That’s because the first two cars to boast this revolutionary technology were top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz cruisers, which used what the Germans call a ‘kompressor’ to squeeze more power from a small 1.6-litre engine and a bigger 2.6, respectively. In the times of the roaring eight-litre Bentleys and vast, aero-engined racers which dominated early motorsport, such small displacements making upward of 40 horsepower were seen as pure magic.

The idea of adding more air to the internal combustion mix had occurred to Scotsman Dugald Clerk in 1876. By

Supercharged power came to public roads with the first-ever factory forced-induction motor car, the 1923 Mercedes-Benz 10/40

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1885, the ‘father of the automobile’ Gottlieb Daimler, had patented the idea of slapping one atop a car’s power plant.

Louis Renault, who also founded a car company in his own name, came up with a more compact centrifugal supercharger in 1902.

The basic principle of the supercharger is simple. Internal combustion engines ignite fuel and oxygen to make a big bang, turning the pistons and crank

to get power to the wheels. More air, under higher pressure, means a bigger bang and more power. It had been displayed on smelting furnaces, where old-fashioned bellows had been replaced by a new kind of twin-screw air pump designed by the incredibly named Philander Root and his brother Francis.

The problem for those early engines was that the amount of power produced was too much for other parts of the motor to handle. Either that, or they were so expensive and temperamental that only racing drivers wanted to deal with them.

The two Benzes of 1923 changed all of that. Suddenly, the technology that made Alfas, Fiats and Bugattis dominant on the track was reliable enough to add some zest to a road-going car, one that you could own. By 1929, when the ‘blower’ Bentley hit the roads, it was the number one performance upgrade for the discerning motorist.

Some say the supercharger hit its peak with the huge units bolted to American hot rods or with the latterday Kompressor monsters crafted

by Mercedes’ AMG tuning works.

However, the song of those whirring belts and rotors stirs hearts everywhere petrolheads are gathered.

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World-beating performances

by Andy Bryenton

The World Car of the Year Awards for 2023 delivered a big boost to the South Korean auto industry, with Hyundai and Kia securing major accolades.

In the overall car of the year category, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 beat the competition by a respectable margin, making it the only car in the history of the awards to take the top spot from its immediate predecessor. The Ioniq 5 was the 2022 World Car of the Year, and now the six takes up the title with a different look.

In terms of appearance, the Ioniq 6 is a departure from the previous model, which took the form of a crossover SUV, high in the back and with a chunky aesthetic. The Ioniq 6 looks more akin to the old Mercedes CLK series, with a smooth and flowing sedan-style body shape. That slippery profile gives the car a drag coefficient of just 0.21, similar to that of a sports car. Low drag means more range from the Hyundai’s 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery, with claims that the Ioniq 6 can trek 600 kilometres on a single charge.

To make it a hat trick, the Ioniq 6 also took home the trophy for Electric Car of the Year as well, in a move which saw it pip this year’s luxury car winner, the Lucid Air. It’s too bad that at the time of the awards, Lucid, a California manufacturer, was not keen to expand into New Zealand immediately. The news that the Air can

recharge up to 320 kilometres range in only 12 minutes would make it popular here.

While the Ioniq 6 rated highly for performance, thanks in part to the massive on-demand torque of its electric drivetrain, the big winner for 2023 in this category was the Kia EV6 GT. The standard model of this vehicle adopts a crossover SUV style with aggressively futuristic planes and curves, and the faster GT edition is even more purposeful in its looks, boasting huge, neon brake callipers lurking behind jewel-cut rims.

The standard EV6 has already scooped the 2022 European Car of the Year and 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year trophies. The GT follows this up by beating hot offerings such as Nissan’s new Z-car and Toyota’s delightfully mad GR Corolla for the gold. It’s easy to see why. The EV6 GT is a big machine, full of family space and modern comforts, but it can rocket from 0 to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 260km/h.

So, 2023 was the year of the electric South Korean auto invasion. That’s the kind of story they would never have

Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 and Kia’s EV6 GT made 2023 a world-beating year for South Korean automakers

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