The Record, February 25 2015

Record

February 25 2015

Your Local Dealership

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Businesses face broadband barrier  by Kent Caddick

Kirwee businesses are suffering as broadband speeds in the town are failing to cope with a growing demand according to a local businessman.

New fire station

West Melton is in line for a new fire station …

P3

National champion

Miné Nel of the Waitaha Swim Club created history for the club when she became its first national title holder …

P4

Family fun as community comes together Around 250 people attended the Family Fun Day …

P7

Over the past few weeks frustrated Kirwee residents have taken to social media to register their anger at broadband speeds in the area and the failure of anyone to take responsibility for improving the service.

Alastair Frizzell, of agricultural electronics firm Frizzell Ltd, said after 4pm most businesses in Kirwee were unable to carry out electronic transactions as the broadband speed was too low.

“Once the children are home from school and go on to the internet the speed of broadband services available to businesses makes it  virtually unusable,” he said.

According to Selwyn MP and Communications Minister Amy Adams there were two different broadband services available in the Kirwee area — copper wire services provided through Chorus and wireless broadband services provided via the Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) tower at West Melton.

However, Mr Frizzell said the impact of the new RBI tower in West Melton on Kirwee, or the other tower at Aylesbury, is a bit of a red herring.

“The West Melton tower which is 4G capable and the Aylesbury tower, which is 3G, have limited impact on broadband services in Kirwee.

“Also the cost of data through the RBI can be four to 10 times more than through the copper network.”

He said an initial fix would be to upgrade the copper wire system at the

Kirwee businessman Alastair Frizzell is frustrated at the broadband capabilities in the town

Kirwee exchange but owners Chorus don’t seem too keen on that.

“What would need to happen first is to upgrade the switches in the exchange and that would solve around 75% of the issues Kirwee residents are currently facing.

“It would not be as a long term a solution as upgrading the copper system to fibre optic but the broadband speed would probably increase to about 20 times what it is now at peak times.”

Mr Frizzell is encouraging Kirwee residents to register their interest in having the system upgraded as he said one of the factors in determining whether the Government would upgrade a system is community interest and demand.

People can register their interest by going to register.broadband.govt.nz.

Vodafone spokesperson Kirsty Hansen the signal from its heightshortened RBI tower in West Melton is performing as expected in the Kirwee area.

“The area has a huge number of mature trees that can affect coverage at specific locations, particularly near Kirwee which is on the north western outer reaches of the coverage footprint.

“We designed the site to be 30 metres, however the cost and uncertainty associated with getting approval in the Environment Court for this height was a challenge.

“As a result, the cell site was built to 25 metres and coverage is constrained by this.”

Meanwhile, Chorus spokesperson Nathan Beaumont said they had continued on page 6 …

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FEBRUARY 25 - 2015

THE RECORD

NEWS briefs

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WWI Anzac biscuit tins The RSA and New Zealand company AFM Group, have joined forces to produce a range of limited edition WWI commemorative Anzac biscuit tins.

Every tin sold will result in a donation to the RSA’s support services; helping veterans, ex-service and service men and women, and their dependants, when they are most in need.

The RSA branded commemorative tins will be available in seven limited edition designs, featuring photographic scenes of New Zealanders during the First World War. RSA National President, BJ Clark, believes it’s fitting that proceeds from the sale of the biscuits will directly contribute to the wellbeing of New Zealand’s service and exservice community.

“Anzac biscuits are a part of our national heritage. 100 years ago they were a comforting taste of home that sustained our soldiers on the battlefields of WWI. “Today our new Kiwi made range will continue to support and sustain those who have given so much in the service of their country.”

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or check out our website www.canterburyswimschool.co.nz  RSA business development manager, Grant Marris (left), and RSA National President, BJ Clark, enjoy the new range of RSA Anzac biscuits

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There’s been disappointment for Selwyn motor-racing fans with the Ruapuna Raceway leg of the BNT New Zealand Supertourers championship being cancelled.

According to organisers a declining grid size has rendered it unfeasible to run the category at Ruapuna in late March and also the other South Island leg in Timaru earlier in the month.

NZ SuperTourers CEO Ray Noonan said viability for stakeholders in the series was one of the key factors in making the decision.

“It is certainly not the desired outcome for any involved in the category but all efforts to grow the grid for these rounds has failed and it is simply not viable for any of our stakeholders, including teams and

sponsors, to travel South with just five confirmed entries.

“We were hopeful several others would be at these rounds but this is now highly unlikely hence the decision to cancel.”

Mr Noonan said they are committed to working with the series teams on the future of the category, with the goal of growing the grid size for the 2015– 16 season.

“We are confident that we have a pipeline of team owners and drivers that will ensure credible grids for the future.

“We are convinced there is a future for the category but we cannot continue to run it in its current state given the obligations we all have to sponsors and fans and the large cost involved for all parties.” 

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New fire station  by Kent Caddick

West Melton is in line for a new fire station.

THE RECORD FEBRUARY 25 - 2015

3

Developing artistic talent in central Selwyn  by Kent Caddick

Arts Heart is calling on budding and experienced Selwyn artists to get their entries in for this year’s Arts Heart Art Exhibition next month.

 West Melton’s fire station is in line for a major revamp which could see the new building house more response vehicles

Concept plans are being worked on for the aging West Melton station which currently houses one fire tender.

Selwyn deputy principal rural fire officer Douglas Marshall said the current building is around 35 years old and it was a matter of ‘sooner rather than later’ in terms of an upgrade.

“West Melton, like many other parts of Selwyn, has grown significantly in the last few years and our fire response capability has to grow with it.

“The currently building, which houses the West Melton Volunteer Rural Fire Force, is a little tight for space.”

Mr Marshall said there were two options being looked at in regard the concept plans.

“We could look at upgrading the current building or putting together a concept plan for a new one making efficient use of the space we have.”

Fire Force Controller for the West Melton brigade, John Doherty, is naturally pleased an upgrade of the station is on the cards.

“We have quite a large team here and the additional space would be welcome

as well as giving us the ability to expand our response by housing additional vehicles,” he said.

“While our current tender has both water carrying and firefighting capabilities an additional smaller 4WD vehicle would help us to go places that are difficult for the big truck and also to respond quicker to events which may not require the large unit.

“It would also enable us to split our crews into two units to respond to multiple events at the same time and also provide us with the ability to send a back-up crew to relieve a crew already involved in an event.”

The land the fire station on is owned by the Selwyn District Council.

Mr Marshall said funding for the fire station revamp would likely come from the council’s vehicle and building maintenance budget which is around $160,000 to $200,000 a year.

He said community funding may play a part in the development and they have also worked in well with the New Zealand Fires Service in the past when developing fire-fighting capabilities. 

 At the opening of the last year’s Arts Heart Exhibition were, from left, Selwyn Central Arts Council chair Rails Mackey, long-serving committee member Margaret McFedries and Selwyn MP Amy Adams

Founded to promote and develop local art and artists in the central Selwyn region, Arts Heart, which is run by the Selwyn Central Arts Council, is now into its 12th year.

Council chair Rails Mackey said Arts Heart was founded by Heather Wild and Annette Foster who saw need to support local artists.

“They engaged the support of a group of people interested in the arts and along with assistance from the Selwyn District Council formed Arts Heart. We are about encouraging new artists to give it a go while also holding workshops to help them and the more experienced artists develop their techniques.

“We have been relatively successful in encouraging new artists into exhibiting as we are a non-profit group so the fees and commission rates are at a very basic level. I think we also provide a friendly and nonthreatening environment for those just starting out.”

This year’s annual Arts Heart exhibition will be held at the Rolleston

Community Centre on March 14 and 15.

For those wanting to enter they can contact Rails Mackey on 03 347 7229 or email artsheartselwyn@gmail.com. 

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FEBRUARY 25 - 2015

THE RECORD

The importance of cyber security

Driver charged following fatal crash

 by Amy Adams, Selwyn MP

The internet is now part of our daily lives and while this brings great benefits, it does contain some risk.

To avoid becoming victims of internet scams, or exposed to harmful and objectionable material online, we need to be smarter about protecting ourselves.

The Government’s cyber awareness initiative Connect Smart (www. connectsmart.govt.nz) is helping people learn how to protect their security and privacy online, so they can become more active and confident online citizens.

Here are some helpful tips for protecting yourself online: • Ensure all your devices including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones are secured with different passwords. Use strong or complex passwords and change these passwords regularly.

• Protect your wireless connection with a strong password and encryption settings. Be cautious about operating on an unsecured Wi-Fi connection. Don’t use

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unsecured Wi-Fi for banking or other transactions.

• Secure your computer. Install adequate firewalls and keep your anti-virus and operating software up to date. Ensure that you have information safely backed up.

• Be cautious on emails and social media. Do not open emails that look unusual or are from people you don’t know and do not click on links to unknown websites — these may be spam email with malicious software attached. Limit the amount and type of identity information you share online. Tighten your privacy settings on social media sites.

• Be cautious when shopping online. Use a secure payment method or your credit card. Be aware of scams, online frauds and false suppliers. Make sure that requests from companies or individuals for identity or financial information are authentic.

Many school students now have tablets or laptops as part of their school’s technology requirements.

It is really important for parents to discuss the harmful effects of cyberbullying with their children, as well as internet safety. 

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Canterbury Police have charged the driver of a vehicle which was involved in an accident on Monday morning in which a 54-year-old woman from Leeston was killed.

The two-car crash occurred at a stopcontrolled intersection of Goulds Road and Leeston Road.

Police say witnesses report a Honda Odyssey vehicle failed to stop at the junction and collided with a vehicle being driven by Stephanie Anne Ellis from Leeston, who died at the scene.

The 26-year-old driver of the Honda, who is from Germany, will appear in the Christchurch District Court this Friday charged with careless use causing death.

The death has been referred to the Coroner.

A spokesperson from Mrs Ellis’s family said that to know that their much

loved mother and close friend is not coming home is extremely upsetting.

“We understand that there is considerable public interest in the events that led to us losing our mother but ask that they and the media respect our request for privacy. We are all shellshocked and supporting each other while we come to terms with the new reality we find ourselves in.

“There will be a private funeral for our mother’s family and friends and we ask that the media please do not attend or approach her mourners.

“We would like to thank Canterbury Police, the Fire Service and our friends and extended family for their help and support. We hope no other family has to go through what we are going through.”

Police investigations into the crash are continuing. 

National champion Miné Nel of the Waitaha Swim Club (pictured right), based at the Waitaha Aquatic Centre in Yaldhurst, created history for the club when she became its first national title holder at the New Zealand Junior National Swimming Championships in Wellington this month.

She took out the gold medal in winning the 12-year girls’ 50m butterfly title in a time of 30.70 seconds, which equalled the Canterbury agegroup record. In addition Nel made five finals out of the seven disciplines she entered.

The club, which was formed just two years ago, had two swimmers at the champs, with Zac Knowles making four finals in the 10-year boys’ division and setting personal bests in most events he competed in. 

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THE RECORD FEBRUARY 25 - 2015

Making a splash Perfect weather last week greeted the competitors in the West Melton Primary School’s Moa Team School Swimming Championships. Teacher aide Rita Spadoni said the day was ideal for all

the children who participated. “Lots of close heats and times made the day very enjoyable. Congratulations to all swimmers who participated and especially to those who gave it a go.” 

 Moa Team swimmers wait for their turn in the pool

 The race is on in the 9-year boys’ freestyle event

 Jess Laing comes up for air in the 9-year girl’s two-length breaststroke in which she finished first overall

 It was a close race in the 10-year boys’ backstroke

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FEBRUARY 25 - 2015

THE RECORD

Fire evacuation plans needed

Selwyn residents are being reminded to have an evacuation plan in place should fire threaten their homes.

 Police cordon off a section of Weedons to allow firefighters to battle a blaze which threatened homes recently

The reminder comes after several Selwyn residents were forced to evacuate their homes during a couple of significant blazes this summer.

Selwyn deputy principal rural fire officer Douglas Marshall said the fires which forced evacuations show how unpredictable they can be and how quickly fires can spread in the right conditions.

“It’s important that every property owner, both in rural areas and in townships, knows what to do if a fire threatens their area.

“It’s also important for property owners to consider what they can do now to reduce the chance of a fire damaging their home,” Mr Marshall said.

A total fire ban is currently in place across Selwyn which means no outdoor fires, fireworks, bonfires, hangis or charcoal barbecues are allowed.

“It is important that people don’t light fires. Even if we do receive some rain the fire risk will remain very high as vegetation is extremely dry and rain is not a signal that people can light fires.”

Mr Marshall said the council will seek to recover fire callout costs from anyone who breaches the fire restrictions and people can also be liable for the cost of fire damage.

“To date this year nine individuals have been billed for fire callout costs in Selwyn.” 

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… continued from front page

Businesses face broadband barrier no plans to upgrade the broadband infrastructure in Kirwee.

“However, several residents have approached Chorus over the past year and have indicated that there is an apparent appetite within the community to raise the required funds to get this project underway.

“If the community is able to raise the required funds, then Chorus would be happy to carry out the upgrade. The estimated cost for this would be around $65,000 to $75,000.”

Mr Beaumont said in addition to the equipment upgrade at the local exchange, Chorus would need to separately install a DWDM multiplexer, to provide more backhaul capacity between the Kirwee exchange and the

Christchurch exchange, so that the faster services would work.

Ms Adams also suppor ted residents registering to the broadband upgrade site run by the Ministry of Economic Development.

“It is great that people are getting involved in this process to express their interest in the additional contestable Government funding for rural broadband that I announced late last year.”

Ms Adams said there were a number of factors which could affect broadband speeds to individual homes including internet service provider and service package, the age and specifications of a computer, the type of modem, wiring and how busy the network is. 

US sister city trip Applications to travel to Selwyn’s new American sister city, Coventry in Rhode Island, are now open.

 The Vanderbilt family home ‘The Breakers’ is one of the sites to be visited during the Selwyn District Council’s sister city trip to the United States

Selwyn District Council’s Sister City committee has organised the October trip to help strengthen the relationship between the two areas. A visit to Boston and two days in New York are part of the travel itinerary.

Participants need to pay for their own travel expenses, travel insurance, visas and spending money, but some free accommodation is provided through homestays. The estimated cost for the trip is $5,000 per person.

Selwyn District Council’s Sister City committee chairperson Allison Rosanowski says the trip is a wonderful opportunity for residents of Selwyn.

“There is plenty to do and homestay hosts will showcase the cultural and historical highlights of their region.”

Mrs Rosanowski is expecting the trip to Coventry will happen every two years in the future.

“People can also consider taking part in the next visit if they cannot join this one.”

There will also be a visit to Cape Cod Marine Park and Newport, a popular holiday spot which is home to many large mansions such as ‘The Breakers’, owned by the Vanderbilt family and ‘Beechwood’ owned by the Astors.

Three places are available on the trip for active, fit adults over the age of 18, who live or work in Selwyn.

Applications close on February 20 and application forms are available by phoning 03 347 2830 or emailing bernadette.ryan@selwyn.govt.nz. 

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THE RECORD FEBRUARY 25 - 2015

Family fun as community comes together

7

Around 250 people attended the Family Fun Day held at St Paul’s Church in West Melton recently.

Organiser Gail Watson said it was a great day and everyone enjoyed the time with neighbours and friends in the West Melton community.

The focus was on family fun and there was plenty for everyone to do with games of volleyball and cricket to sack races and clown Adam Allsorts who kept the younger participants thoroughly entertained.

Mrs Watson said the day was funded with the support of the Selwyn District

Council, CERA and the Diocese of Christchurch and was the third event they had held.

“We would also like to thank New World for sponsoring the sausages and the Rolleston Lions for manning the BBQ as well as Mervyn Curragh for the sound system, Dr Susan Searle for first aid and members of the Parish and the St Paul’s congregation for helping with the running of the event.   Clown Adam Allsorts leads children in a game

 Coordination and cooperation were key to this race

 The sack races proved popular

Sheep milking untapped opportunity A Lincoln University farm management and agribusiness lecturer is so convinced about the opportunities sheep milk presents he plans to manufacture his own ice-cream from it.

Guy Trafford said with 31 million sheep in New Zealand and with sheep farmers looking for more income it is a good option.

He is setting up a processing plant on his farm with his wife Suzanne Trafford, a lecturer in business communication in the same agribusiness and commerce faculty at Lincoln.

They are using their expertise to manufacture and market the product.

“We are using ourselves as a case study,” he said. “Sheep milk from New Zealand is already being exported and was popular in China. The milk has a

higher solid content than cow’s milk and a fuller flavour.”

Mr Trafford said sheep dairying has less environmental impact than its bovine equivalent so it was more sustainable, and while sheep milk at the moment was not as profitable as cows, it was more profitable than meat production.

“It is an alternative system sheep farmers can use, and making products such as ice-cream or cheese added value.”

He believes attitudes have changed and New Zealander’s were more

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embracing of new foods as some common cheeses were made from sheep’s milk.

He sees ice-cream as a high-end product he could make for the domestic and international market with only 100 to 200 ewes.

“There is the potential for a milking flock to be established at Lincoln University and the possibility of the recently announced food testing and production centre which will be setup on campus, developing products from it.” 

 Lincoln University farm management and agribusiness lecturer Guy Trafford is keen to make ice-cream from sheep milk

TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS… PHONE OUR SALES CONSULTANTS SALES MANAGER Helen Rhodes 03 347 1564 0275 273 542 helenr@therecord.co.nz

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FEBRUARY 25 - 2015

THE RECORD

FA R M I N G

Record attendance at field day Farmers flocked to the Lincoln University Foundation’s South Island Farmer of the Year winner’s field day recently with over 400 people crowding into the Hawarden War Memorial Park Hall for the field day.

Those attending included farmers from as far south as Invercargill up to the Wairarapa in the north, plus a visiting farmers’ tour from France, setting a record attendance for the foundation at a winner’s field day event.

Hosts Steve and Josie Sterne and their daughter Holly from Patoa Farms

presented a comprehensive summary of the challenges and rewards of running New Zealand’s largest free-farm piggery, where some 40,000 pigs have to be managed on a daily basis with 2,000 pigs a week going to slaughter.

Feedback from field day participants revealed the bus tours of the farm itself

 Field Day participants enjoying the Canterbury produce featured in the lunch time BBQ

 The Hawarden War Memorial Park Hall was filled to the brim for the Lincoln University Foundation’s South Island Farmer of the Year winner’s field day

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Foundation chair Ben Todhunter said all visitors would have taken something valuable away from the field day to apply to their own farm businesses.

“Steve Sterne spoke frankly, but with good humour and considerable insight into how the business came about, what makes it tick and how those lessons can be applied across almost any field,

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THE RECORD FEBRUARY 25 - 2015

9

FA R M I N G

Rural leadership programme revamped The Kellogg Rural Leadership programme has restarted at Lincoln University with a new structure and fresh content.

 Steve and Josie Sterne (centre) chatting to some of the French farmer delegation

work together to find solutions was an inspirational example for the very large gathering.”

Mr Todhunter said Holly Sterne, representing the next generation, also spoke passionately and with clarity into the risks, challenges and opportunities associated with succession planning in a farm business of this scale.

“Succession is a huge issue for many farm families and Holly revealed that it cannot happen by accident. Detailed planning, some honest conversations and collaborative thinking have to be applied.”

One of the highlights of the day was the focus on local food and produce.

A traditional country morning tea of strong tea, coffee and creamy scones, prepared by the local Hawarden College PTA, set the day off to a good start.

Former London chef Jonny Schwass and the Charcoal Relief Unit featured spit roast Patoa pork and Canterbury produce for the lunch, while local celebrity Miss Lillies made a feature of Hellers preserved meats for afternoon tea along with wine from last year’s winners, Yealands Wine Estate. Hellers are a major customer of Patoa Farms. 

A group of 23 participants working in the primary industries across the country have just begun a six-month course which includes three residential components and an industry-based project.

“The changes introduced this year include a shortened sixmonth programme and a second course starting in June. This provides better options for different seasonal sector commitments,”  programme general manager Anne Hindson said.

“The previous model was an 11-month programme with one residential module in January and another in November, causing issues for some of the large sectors. A January course is difficult for those in arable and horticulture sectors, particularly if they are hands-on farmers.”

Field trips are another new initiative, giving participants the opportunity to visit different producers and businesses in the larger sectors.

“This is linked to syndicate work, where strategy and leadership are explored in the context of visited organisations,” Ms Hindson said.

Some of this year’s Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme participants begin their training at Lincoln University during the first residential module of the course

Programme par ticipants are selected to ensure a varied mix in terms of sector, age, gender and geographical location.

“The carefully selected cross-sector mix encourages greater knowledge of the New Zealand primary industries and builds networks.

“As well as people from the dairy, red meat, horticulture and arable industries, there is a large group from the agri-business sector including bankers, consultants and vets working in rural communities,” Ms Hindson said. 

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10

FEBRUARY 25 - 2015

THE RECORD

FA R M I N G

Report backs primary sector careers Lincoln University is welcoming a report which shows particularly favourable prospects for those exploring primary sector and associated land-based careers.

The Occupation Outlook 2015 by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) report is a comprehensive industry document designed to provide key information for those contemplating study and career options.

The report rated the job prospects for agricultural scientists as very high, and projected an annual growth for the profession of 4% for 2013–18 and 3.2% for 2018–23.

Lincoln’s deputy vice-chancellor of business development, Jeremy Baker, said identical figures are listed for environmental scientists and food technicians, while the job prospects for farmers and farm managers is also rated as very high.

“The report lends weight to the message Lincoln University has been making for some time, namely, that there are many exciting career opportunities in the primary sector for those who are prepared to open themselves up to the possibilities.

“A key ‘take home’ from the report is that the sector is becoming increasingly sophisticated. While this

means a greater need for highly trained individuals in agribusiness and sciencerelated fields, it also opens up a range of opportunities in areas such as IT and manufacturing, as well as in the provision of financial and accounting services.”

Mr Baker said the Government is increasingly targeting more highly skilled occupations within the primary industries in an attempt to improve outcomes across value chains and meet its 2025 target of  Job prospects for those undertaking primary sector courses doubling primary exports. at tertiary institutions like Lincoln University are good  Lincoln’s deputy vice-chancellor of business “This is par ticularly according to a new report development Jeremy Baker important in light of last year’s Ministry of Education report for around one in six employees. sector, and that’s the need to engage which stated that only 1.1% of current According to the Occupation Outlook and inform urban students as to the university students are studying an 2015 report, it’s expected the country opportunities within the industry as a will need an additional 92,600 qualified whole,” Mr Baker said. agriculture-based discipline.”

“There are pathways and When including manufacturing workers in the sector by 2025 in order specialisations that extend well beyond associated with the land-based to meet industry goals.

“One thing is certain if we are to the farm itself.” industries and other related services, the The full report can be viewed at www. primary sector employs approximately ensure we can meet the necessary 350,000 people nationwide, accounting target of graduates entering the mbie.govt.nz. 

Dairy volatility the new norm While it may not be what farmers want to hear, a Lincoln University expert says price volatility in the dairy industry may be the new normal.

Farm Management and Agribusiness lecturer Bruce Greig said the milk price farmers in New Zealand receive is a result of the demand and supply conditions of milk in the international market.

“It is a commodity market which exhibits characteristic fluctuations.

Dairy farmers may just have to get used to it and implement systems which can cope with these changes,” Mr Greig said.

A recent Federated Farmers’ survey found dairy price drops, which are down 46% from their peak last February, had led to increased pessimism among farmers about the future.

“Many were worried about cashflow, and would have to cut spending and increase debt for the first time for several years,” Mr Greig said.

“Farmers needed to implement resilient systems which are sustainably profitable at high and low milk prices.

“The traditional all grass New Zealand system might be better at low prices, but might also fail to capture the full benefit of high prices when they occur.”

He said farmers themselves play a key role.

“Farmer capability is more a determinant of profitability rather than the system itself. All systems can be profitable under different conditions, and it is a question about how you manage the risks.

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“Therefore your choice of farm system, and therefore cost of production, determines your farm sustainability.”

Mr Reid said the low payout this year is unfortunately accompanied by drought conditions which lowers production and can increase costs.

As for farmers’ other concerns he said few can avoid debt.

“In fact it makes sense to borrow capital when the return from the investment in land is greater than the interest rate. But you must be able to service that debt from cashflow, which is where the risk emerges with low payouts.”

However, Mr Reid said he was not as pessimistic as some farmers appear to be.

“Farmers, however, are resilient themselves and will weather the storm until conditions improve.’ 

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THE RECORD FEBRUARY 25 - 2015

11

FA R M I N G

Farmers up the creek

Peter Etheridge is passionate about wildlife, so much so, when this summer’s drought threatened to shut down the creek flowing through his 30 acre property, he knew he had to act.

The deer farmer, who lives 7km outside of Ashburton, teamed up with neighbouring farmers to keep Green Street’s Spring Creek alive. It was a tough ask.

Irrigating farmers in the area were already on 100% water restriction due to the dry conditions, meaning no water could be taken from the nearby Ashburton River which feeds the creek.

However Peter and his neighbours managed to find a solution.

By negotiating with the local regional council, Environment Canterbury, they were able to get a small amount of water released purely for environmental purposes.

Without their intervention, Green Street’s Spring Creek would have run dry, fish and invertebrate life would have been decimated and the creek’s habitat might have taken years to recover.

Peter says his actions — supported by the Green Street Irrigators — are simply part and parcel of being a farmer.

“You couldn’t farm if you weren’t looking after the environment,” he says.

Peter and wife Lois’s property Oakridge is a haven of green in the midst of the parched Canterbury Plains.

Over the past decade the couple have worked tirelessly to turn five acres of the forming cropping farm into an oasis for wildlife. Today Oakridge boasts dozens of native and exotic fish and birds within

its artificial wetlands. Peter first saw the creek dry up 10 years ago when drought struck the area and the spring-fed waterway succumbed. The Etheridges hadn’t long been at Oakridge and Peter worked day and night to preserve the fishery.

“I spent two or three nights catching 134 fish out of the creek and putting them into the Ashburton River at night, trout, korus and cockabullies,” he says.

When this dry spell started kicking in after Christmas Peter was adamant he wasn’t going to repeat that experience.

“I knew it was going to happen again and I couldn’t let it… it’s my favourite (creek).”

Green Street’s Spring Creek starts from a spring 10km north of Ashburton and flows between the north and south branches of the Ashburton River.

Normally used to carry irrigation water for around 20 members of the Green Street Irrigators group, the creek meanders through several rural properties.

Lyndon Webb, who farms 3km up the road and is a member of the Green Street Irrigator’s group, was Peter’s first point of call.

Lyndon offered to talk to Environment Canterbury to see whether the irrigators’ infrastructure could be used to save the creek. The Ashburton Zone Committee threw its weight behind the idea and Fish & Game also came on board.

 Peter Etheridge, left, and Lyndon Webb enjoy a moment of reflection on the banks of Green Street’s Spring Creek

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 Green Street’s Spring Creek maintains a flourishing flora and fauna despite the drought

“It was more effective for them to give us permission to access water rather than try and electric fish the creek,” Lyndon says.

After initial reservations, the regional council agreed 60 litres a second could be released as long as it wasn’t diverted for irrigation. This solution has ensured Green Street’s Spring Creek has maintained a small flow most of summer despite drought now officially declared in the area.

Peter is thrilled with the outcome as he never wants to see a dry creek again.

“Ten years ago the creek was technically dead for a year until I restocked it with korus and cockabillies.

I put the native fish back in and the trout came back themselves. This creek has been a trout fishery for children for many years.

“I used to ride out here from town when I was a kid and catch them. In all it probably took at least two to three years to recover, for all the life under the sticks and stones to come back.”

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been used to protect the health of the creek, despite not benefiting from the water themselves.

“We can’t irrigate from the water in the creek but at least it will protect the creek’s ecosystem until we get some decent rain again,” he says. 

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THE RECORD

MIND & BODY

How to deal with fatigue New Stock in store NOW!

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Fatigue can be an early indicator that your health has been detrimentally affected, and left untreated could ultimately lead to more serious health complaints.

The most obvious cause of fatigue is lack of restorative sleep caused by having trouble falling asleep, waking during the night or waking too early.

Many herbs such as valerian, chamomile or skullcap can be used depending on the cause, but are best provided by a qualified medical herbalist who can create a formula with your precise needs in mind.

Low blood sugar levels can also cause fatigue, especially in the afternoon.

A diet high in refined carbohydrates, vitamin and mineral deficiencies or poor absorption of nutrients can all contribute to this type of fatigue.

To help fight fatigue, exclude high carbohydrate foods such as sugar, fruit juices, and white bread from the diet and include foods high in fibre, lean protein and vegetables to avoid wide fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Ironically exercise is beneficial as is weight reduction (where required).

Stress can also result in fatigue. We have two dominant stress hormones, namely adrenalin and cortisol.

When the stress is chronic (happening on a regular basis) our body’s demand

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for cortisol increases. If the body cannot keep up with the demand this will commonly result in fatigue.

Stress increases the body’s requirement for certain nutrients such as magnesium and the B vitamins.

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For example stress (still very prevalent in Christchurch post earthquake) can affect quality of sleep, blood sugar levels and cause hormonal imbalances and weight gain.

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THE RECORD FEBRUARY 25 - 2015

13

MIND & BODY

What can Reflexology do for you?  by Christine Blandford, Reflexologist

Many people think reflexology is just a foot massage, but it is so much more.

I went to see a reflexologist because I was pregnant with my third child and had severe morning sickness.

I had trained as a registered nurse and was very sceptical about complementary therapies, but was blown away with the results.

I continued with reflexology throughout my pregnancy and decided to train in this amazing therapy.

Reflexology is a non-invasive complementar y health therapy, based on the principle that all the systems of the body are mapped out in reflex points on the feet, hands and ears.

Reflexology is a well-established and effective therapy which treats the mind and body as a whole to achieve a state of general well-being.

A reflexologist applies pressure to parts of the foot and is skilled at detecting imbalances in our body. In fact feet can tell a reflexologist a lot about a person’s health.

During the treatment a state of deep relaxation is created in the body, interrupting the pattern of stress and bringing balance to the body and its systems.

When we are stressed our body’s defences break down and we become more susceptible to illness and disease.

Many medical doctors agree that many health issues today can be linked to stress.

Reflexology interrupts the pattern of stress. It aims to re-balance the body, improve sleep and mood, relieve stress and enhance well-being.

This gentle therapy aims to encourage the body to tap into its innate selfhealing abilities.

The beauty of reflexology is that it is suitable for all ages, from babies to the elderly, and only shoes and socks need to be removed.

Five key benefits of Reflexology: • Release tension and stress to encourage relaxation

 Reflexology is more than a foot massage

• Improves circulation • Improves immune system • Improves sleep patterns

• Aids muscle repair Find out for yourself why reflexology is not just a foot massage. 

Christine Blandford is a reflexologist and a member of Reflexology New Zealand with a home based practice in Kirwee. For more visit www.selwynreflexology.co.nz.

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FEBRUARY 25 - 2015

THE RECORD

GARDENING

Autumn harvest tips  Article supplied by www.gogardening.co.nz

Throughout Selwyn avid gardeners are preparing to harvest the fruits and vegetables of their Summer labour and store the bounty for the winter months ahead.

If you’ve been bitten by the ‘grow your own’ bug and have enough fresh produce to stock an entire Farmer’s Market, here are a few tips on how to handle it.

Tomatoes Tomatoes have been ripe for picking for weeks now and it will soon be time to pull plants out to make way for winter crops. About a month before the first expected frost or pulling plants out, cut off top of the plant or remove new flower clusters. This directs energy into ripening existing fruit instead of producing new fruit, which won’t have time to mature.

When plants are eventually pulled, those that are still in fruit can be hung up in a in a cool dry shed. Fruit will continue to ripen, although flavour will be compromised. Fruit can also be picked and placed in a single layer in a cool dark place (or warm spot to ripen more quickly). Check regularly for damage and remove any spoilt fruit.

Pumpkins To aid ripening, trim off any foliage shading your pumpkins. Don’t pick until fruit have coloured up and always test for ripeness by gently knocking with

your knuckles. Ripe pumpkins sound hollow and have very hard skin resistant to denting. Another good indicator of ripeness is when vines begin to die off.

Cut pumpkins with secateurs, leaving a 10cm stem, to prevent disease entry and storage rot. Handle them with care as they bruise easily. If storing for prolonged periods, wash or spray pumpkins with a 10% bleach solution.

Leave them in an open sunny position to dry out for about two weeks and protect with frost cloth if necessary. Store by standing them upright in single rows in a cool, well ventilated, dark place for up to 6 months.

Onions Onions should be left in the ground until their tops die down naturally. Once 80% to 90% of the tops have dried off, bend the rest over and leave for another 10 to 14 days for onions to mature.

Pull them from the ground on a dry sunny day and lay them in the sun for another 2 to 3 days to dry out. Before curing, check the root system is dry and brittle and trim tops to about 3cm long.

Spread them in a warm dry, well ventilated place out of direct sun. Turn a few times during curing to aid drying.

Garden Checklist ✓ Water – keep this up as much as you can ✓ Dead-head roses and continue to check for any pests

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Leave for 2 to 3 weeks until the skins rattle and roots are dry and wiry. Store by hanging in mesh bags in a dry garage, shed or cellar.

Potatoes Autumn is time to harvest main crop potatoes. Wait until the tops of the plants have completely died down and dig tubers out on a dry, windy day. The skin should have set (i.e. does not rub off easily).

Separate out any damaged tubers as you dig. These should be eaten first and only healthy tubers stored.

When storing, don’t wash off the soil as this may damage the skin allowing disease entry.

Spread tubers out in a shaded, well ventilated place to dry for a day or so. Never leave them in the sun as this causes potatoes to go green and produce toxic solanine making them inedible. Place tubers in paper bags or Hessian sacks and store in a cool, dry, well ventilated place.

Check regularly for rotten potatoes and remove immediately. Well stored potatoes should last for up to 6 months.

Peppers Peppers, including chillies, start ripening quickly in autumn. Harvest

them at any stage from green to red, depending on the required flavour.

Sweet bell peppers (capsicums) change from a tangy pungent flavour when green, to a sweeter, mellower flavour when red, orange or yellow.

Chilli peppers increase in hotness as they ripen from green to red.

Harvest frequently as peppers deteriorate very fast when past their peak ripeness.

Apples and pears Autumn is peak season for apples and pears. Fruit is ready to pick when it reaches full colour and separates easily from the spur without breaking the stem. Fruit beginning to drop from the tree (windfalls) are also a sign of maturity.

Early maturing varieties have a short peak maturity period and lose quality quickly. Try picking them slightly early (softening but not rock hard) and ripen indoors. Later varieties last longer but can also be picked slightly early if they are to be stored.

Extended storage requires refrigeration, so excess home crops really need to be bottled or cooked and frozen to use in delicious winter crumbles. 

Written by NGINZ. For more Go Gardening advice, guides and inspiration please go to www.gogardening.co.nz and visit the Facebook page facebook.com/gogardeningnz.

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15

The Record Classifieds

Phone 03 318 8604

Closing date for classified advertising for the 4 March 2015 edition is 10am, Tuesday 3 March 2015.

See our terms and conditions online at www.therecord.co.nz Wanted to Buy

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027 226 3898

Malvern Anglican Parish — 8.00am at St Peters Springfield; 8.00am Trinity Darfield; 9.30am St Ambrose Sheffield; 7.00pm St Georges Kirwee; The Ven Canon Susan Baldwin. 03 317 9079. malvernanglican.wordpress.com St Paul’s Anglican West Melton — 9.30am at St Pauls – Holy Communion with John and Dawn Stringer; Bible study Mondays and Tuesdays 7.30pm – for more info contact Colin & Gail 03 347 8443 or Penny 03 347 8139.

Church @ Rolleston — 40 Brookside Road. – 9.30am Union Service & Sunday School– Rev P Harris; 2.30pm Chinese Christian Church; 5.00pm Catholic Mass. Contact Secretary Lynette 03 347 4599 lynlen50@hotmail.com.

Parish of Hororata Anglican — 9.30am St Johns Hororata; 11.00am St Andrews Glentunnel; www.hororataparish.co.nz; Rev Jenni Carter 03 318 0858.

Darfield Catholic Church — Sunday Masses 8.30am For Weekly Masses, and the Liturgy Timetable refer to the church newsletter.

Parish Priest: Fr Paulo Filoiai’i 03 342 9763. Email: hornbyparish@xtra.co.nz. Hornby Presbytery.

Kirwee Community Church — 10am Kirwee Sports Pavilion, High Street, Kirwee, Morning Tea to follow, Pastor: Brian Booth 03 318 1309.

Hope Presbyterian West Melton — 9.30am weekly, West Melton (1136 West Coast Rd). 11.00am first Sunday of the month, Halkett (668 Halkett Rd). Intern Pastor: Jordan Redding. Pastor available Wednesdays 9.00–12.00, 03 347 7509. Youth Leader: Sage Harris 03 980 2296 Ext 217.

Hope Presbyterian Rolleston — Service 10am, Rolleston School Hall, Kidman St. Pastor: Brent Richardson.

03 347 4007, Youth Leader: Courtney Forrest, 03 347 4007, www.hopechurch.net.nz.

Darfield Baptist Church — Services and Sunday School, Darfield 15 Greendale Road, 10.30am every Sunday, Glenroy Hall 9am 2nd & 4th Sundays. Ph 03 318 7360 Pastor – Paul Cossey; Youth Pastors Danielle Duff, Poiema Heine.

Malvern Co-Operating Parish — 9.30am Trinity Darfield - ‘To know, love, and serve Jesus Christ’ Glentunnel Chapel — Sunday 10.30am Worship & Communion, 03 318 8948 or 021 274 2548. www.glentunnel.org.nz.

Darfield Life Church — 17 North Terrace - 6.30pm Sunday Service; Pastors Wayne and Nicky Watson 03 318 7979 or 027 281 8340; Origin Youth 7.30pm Friday – Youth Leader James Sutherland 021 029 5223.

Rolleston Church — 10am Family Service 5pm Night Service. Cornerstone Kids during morning service. Cornerstone Youth in the Lounge, Friday 7–9pm. All meetings held at the Rolleston Community Centre, 126 Rolleston Drive, Administration contact: Nikki @ 03 347 8716, admin@rollestonchurch.co.nz, www.rollestonchurch.co.nz.

Verse of the week: For the Lord will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake, because it hath pleased the Lord to make you His people - 1 Sam 12 v22

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