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July 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Democracy in today’s world

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

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Editor: Andy Bryenton

by Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country

As I write from the Presiding Officers’ and Clerks’ Conference for New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific, my thoughts turn to democracy.

Journalists: Amy Fifita | Andy Bryenton Advertising: Donna Eves 027 525 8223 Production: Gavin Bainbridge | Marnie Fuller | Daniel Foster | Liz Clark Accounts: accounts@rml.nz Distribution: Laurie Willetts Printed by: NZME Website: farminglifestyles.co.nz Opinions expressed in this publication and in advertising inserts, by contributors or advertisers, are not necessarily those of Rural Matters Ltd. All inserts delivered with the publication are not produced by Rural Matters Ltd.

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Democracy, broadly defined as a system of governance where power rests with the people, continues to be a cornerstone of political life in many countries around the world. In today’s rapidly changing global landscape, democracy faces both new opportunities and significant challenges. The rise of digital technologies, the spread of social media, and increasingly interconnected societies have reshaped how citizens participate in democratic processes. While these innovations have made information more accessible and enhanced opportunities for civic engagement, they have also introduced vulnerabilities such as misinformation, polarisation and threats to electoral integrity. Globally, democracy is being tested by political instability, economic inequality, and the resurgence of authoritarian tendencies in some regions. Countries such as the United States, India, and parts of Europe have experienced debates about the strength and resilience of their democratic institutions. Issues like voter suppression, political corruption, and the erosion of civil liberties challenge the core values of democracy

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

and prompt discussions about reform and renewal. Yet, in many places, grassroots movements and civil society organisations continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation, showing that democracy remains a dynamic and evolving ideal. New Zealand stands out as a vibrant example of democracy in today’s world. Its parliamentary system, grounded in principles of fairness and representation, has earned international respect for its transparency and responsiveness. This must be protected at all times. In relation to global trends, New Zealand’s democracy serves as a model for balancing tradition with innovation. The country’s ability to foster dialogue across diverse communities and to protect civil liberties in the face of new challenges underscores the enduring relevance of democratic ideals. As the world navigates complex issues — from climate change to technological disruption — New Zealand’s experience offers valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability and the importance of maintaining a government accountable to its people.

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

July 2026

Minister promises ‘simpler’ RMA replacement

by Andy Bryenton

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has used his speech at the Primary Industries New Zealand Summit to announce an end to the ‘war on farming’, speaking of the replacement to the RMA as the tonic to an “ever-growing regulatory burden”. Mr McClay was a keynote speaker at the event, which was held in Auckland on June 23 and 24, bringing together primary producers to consider a year of change and opportunity. His speech touched on the highs of 2026, including record forecasts in dairy, projected at $28.6 billion, meat and wool, $14.1 billion, and horticulture — $9.5 billion. “This government’s vision is clear: to position New Zealand as a worldleading, high-value producer of premium, sustainable food and fibre. We are on track to double the value of our exports within a decade, and the latest forecasts show we are ahead of schedule. By 2030, we are looking at primary exports exceeding $70 billion,” said Mr McClay. He then took aim at the perceived regulatory overreach which he and his party opine has set back the achievement of that $70 billion goal, saying that “the sector faced an ever-growing regulatory burden that eroded certainty and increased compliance costs.” Mr McClay told delegates that the replacement to the RMA “will deliver simpler, more predictable consenting, fewer prescriptive rules, and clearer national direction. “This is not about removing environmental standards. It is about

making them workable and practical so that farmers can focus on production while delivering genuine environmental outcomes. Improved environmental performance is a must — but it can and should be achieved without imposing unnecessary and excessive costs on the primary sector,” he said. Farmers will be keen to hold the coalition to these benchmarks for the new resource management framework. There’s also the matter of the New Zealand-India free trade agreement, which has garnered criticism from some senior parliamentarians, Mr McClay promoted in his address as a major breakthrough for primary producers. “This landmark deal opens the door to a market of 1.4 billion people and provides tariff reductions or elimination on 95 per cent of our current exports to India.” Mr McClay’s final point was on landuse flexibility, which touches on issues of resource management, and getting more revenue each hectare. “The principle is straightforward,” he said. “If you can demonstrate the same or an improved environmental and climate footprint, you should have the freedom to choose what you use your land for. With one exception: I have banned the conversion of productive land to pine trees for carbon farming.”

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July 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

HORSES OF THE

ROUND TABLE BY AMY FIFITA

While many fantasise about mediaeval times, Vikki Subritzky lives it, travelling the country with her horses to showcase jousting and other skills at events and movies.

eing raised in the 60s, Vikki says she was drawn to horses from an early age. Life for her was a mix of urban and rural living, as her grandparents ran a farm in Fairburn. “I was raised in an urban environment, and I always gravitated to any horse living in the area. When I spent time on my grandparents’ farm, I was enthralled by the wild horses that roamed the area,” Vikki says. “I couldn’t understand why no one would catch one for me. I got to ‘ride’ the stock horses in the sheep yards. I was very young, and the yards were safe

enough for a toddler to sit happily for as long as I could. When my grandfather gave me a bridle, it opened doors for me.” With a bridle in hand, Vikki’s spark for equines grew, and she wanted to begin her personal journey with horses. Vikki knew what she wanted, not only to ride horses but to own one of her own. “Back home, I disappeared with my bridle and with grass wrapped around the bit, managed to put it on a rather large horse at Maunu Pony Club grounds down Puriri Park Road. Through the kitchen window, my mother saw this

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Adding a mediaeval flair to events, Vikki puts on displays and performances with the Guild of the Hawk to show people jousting and other skill sets

horse trotting across the paddock and then me getting dumped at the same time. I’m sure it was thoroughly sick of me.

“My father finally relented, and a chunky white-faced horse I named Sparky joined the family — the name fitted his temperament.

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Having a passion for horses her whole life, Vikki is not shy to get out there and do tasks like Roman riding with them, an equestrian discipline uncommon to the everyday horse rider

“My grandfather, my older brother and I had to corner him using a long rope, then with a long stick rubbed the horse all over till he could get a rope on him. Not the ideal first horse, but I got to ride him.” Leasing land in her teens, Vikki began buying about four horses a year, some suitable for lessons and treks, others in need of rehabilitation, or people would send horses for her to train and sell on. It was a learning curve for Vikki, and one that she built on. “The big heavy horses also appealed to me, and I helped at the Clarke Homestead and Whangārei Museum in Maunu for several years, and learnt a lot from old Dick Stirling. As a lad, he had a four-horse team and wagon working over Mareretu way, taking something like two weeks to get round all the farms delivering sacks of flour, sugar, tea and so on.

“Old-timers like him had abundant knowledge, and I loved nothing more than to hear tales of particular horses and the journeys they made. “Around the turn of the century, in the middle of an applied arts degree and involved in theatre productions, the museum advertised a mediaeval day. I cheekily asked if they would like some jousting knights. “They were delighted and readily accepted. A local guy and I borrowed some armour from Auckland, practised, and put on a pretty average jousting display. However, it was a great draw card, and they had us back the following year.” Having tasted the fun of mediaeval jousting, another journey, one that included her horses. “Then I discovered there was a jousting group in Upper Hutt, the Order of the Boar, and it needed persuasion and perseverance from me to allow me to

July 2026

Wanting to learn how to perform the mediaeval sports, Vikki trained with the Order of the Boar for a couple of years and eventually went on to form the Guild of the Hawk

train with them. Now, years later, we still support each other in training and events. “When the Company of Lance chapter ended, I formed the Guild of the Hawk. We travelled a lot, competing in tournaments here and abroad. I was fortunate in spending a decade competing in Australia and did a stint in Canada. “The Great Lakes International Jousting Tournament ran for quite a few years. I produced a DVD documentary of the 2006 tournament to promote it.” With her saddle clearly mounted on mediaeval horsemanship, and finding like-hearted individuals, Vikki helped form the Guild of the Hawk, a group that worked across New Zealand and the world. One such event is upcoming on January 23 and 24 at the Northland Renaissance Faire in Arapohue, where people from all over can come and experience mediaeval times. Join us next month for more about Vikki’s journey.

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July 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

UNITING ART,

TOWN AND COUNTRY BY AMY FIFITA

All keen gardeners, a group of four ladies from the Morrinsville Rotary and Morrinsville Gallery have come together to organise their inaugural garden ramble to raise funds for the local gallery.

otarians Angela Peters, president Shelly Good, Donna Tomsett, and the gallery’s Glenda Howie have taken up the torch to bring a garden ramble to gardeners and admirers alike. Showcasing the love people put into their gardens and the love for nature visitors have, the Morrinsville Rotary Garden Ramble invites people into their beautiful places. “Shelly Good, the president of Morrinsville Rotary; Glenda Howie, a committee member at the Morrinsville Gallery; Angela Peters, part of the Rotary team; and Donna Tomsett, who is a dedicated gardener and has her fabulous rural garden featured in the ramble. All of our committee members are very keen gardeners themselves, and know about the time and effort required to make a garden wonderful,” said Angela.

“Two members of the committee went on an out-of-town ramble last year and decided it would be a good project for Morrinsville Rotary, which likes to have one major project a year. We believe another community group had a garden ramble quite a few years ago, but as it’s quite a lot of work, no group has held a ramble in Morrinsville recently.” Mostly hidden from public view, many of the properties listed for this year’s event open the gate to gardens not even seen by local garden clubs. With 13 gardens featured, enthusiasts can expect rural views and garden paths in the township and surrounding areas. With various gardens to peruse, people can see the charm of others’ personal outdoor spaces, offering a source of inspiration for their own projects. “We love seeing how passionate our home and rural gardeners are, and they

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Country charm and hidden township spaces are promised in the inaugural Morrinsville Rotary Garden Ramble

“Groups locally, and from the greater Waikato, are ecstatic that we have decided to host this garden ramble as they will get inspiration for their own gardens. So we are excited to present the gardens and gardeners that we have found for the first time.” It is not just gardeners that the event touches, though. Organiser Donna Tomsett will also be opening up her rural garden, and with proceeds going towards the Morrinsville Gallery, it reaches out to artists, volunteers and lovers of art. “Morrinsville Gallery is totally reliant on sponsorship and donations, and the volunteers, to open its doors. The gallery

is a magnificent space that encourages local and national artists to exhibit. “The space holds workshops and functions, and encourages the local schools to display work. The gallery, unfortunately, needs funds to run the gallery day-today, and we at Rotary are really happy to fundraise for this worthwhile cause.” Helping local and national creatives of various media thrive, the Morrinsville Gallery is made up of mostly volunteers, ensuring that art is celebrated in their town. While the gallery had a record number of visitors last year, it needs funds to keep the space free, so art is accessible to everyone, and that is when the Rotary team stepped in.

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Morrinsville Rotary Garden Ramble tickets are available from the counter at Morrinsville Gallery and also online at morrinsvillegallery.org.nz from Tuesday, August 11, ahead of the November 1 event. With 13 gardens to explore, the Rotary and gallery team are bringing homemade treats and other refreshments on the day from 9am at the Rotary Clubrooms on Canada Street. “Our team is very experienced in catering for large groups and will have real coffee, too, and we will also sell lastminute tickets on the day. We have a raffle of garden ornaments to purchase as well for $5 a ticket, which will give you seven draws.”

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July 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

MAID WITH

NEW ZEALAND PRIDE BY ANDY BRYENTON AND IAN DOUGHERTY

ew Zealand Maid tells the tale of that epic trek, the first of its kind, and certainly the first campaign for local products and produce. Esther James was the first person to walk the length of the country, which is remarkable in itself, but she did so in 1932 during the Great Depression, wearing only New Zealandmade clothes and eating only New Zealand-produced food, to encourage people to ‘buy local’. Mr Dougherty says that every stage of her progress in New Zealand was followed by newspapers and fledgling radio stations, and devoured by the public. Bands played her into cities and towns, which feted her with official welcomes, civic receptions, dances and socials. Reporters bombarded her with questions.

Autograph hunters thrust pens and paper at her. Poets waxed lyrical about her. She quickly became a celebrity, says the author. It was part distraction, part inspiration, and part symbol of people’s aspiring progress out of the economic and social gloom. Setting out from Spirits Bay on December 3 1931, Miss James walked through Northland, Waikato, Taranaki and Manawatū to Wellington, then down the east coast of the South Island to Bluff, where she arrived on June 18 1932. In completing her extraordinary journey, Miss James had walked a total of 2,581 kilometres: 1,448 through the North Island and 1,133 through the South Island, with a few detours along the way. It had taken her 937 hours over 199 days: 128 days walking and 71 resting,

including a Christmas/New Year’s break in Auckland. She estimated she had taken six million steps. Despite the daily physical workout, contemporary reports say she had ‘piled on the pounds’. Starting out weighing 50 kilograms, she walked into Bluff weighing 65 kilograms, which she attributed to eating New Zealand-grown food and especially New Zealand milk and cream, butter and cheese. The overnight stays with hospitable families, and the foodcentred functions through which she politely sat and ate, would not have been conducive to figure-keeping, not to mention the special hiking chocolate Nestle produced for her. News of Esther James’s arrival in Bluff was widely reported in newspapers

Author Ian Dougherty has written a book about the remarkable Esther James, who walked the length of New Zealand during the Depression years of the 1930s to promote Kiwi produce.

throughout the country. It resulted in her receiving more than 1,000 letters and about 500 telegrams from all over New Zealand congratulating her on her achievement. This was in addition to about 1,200 letters and telegrams of congratulations and good wishes she received during the walk. She personally answered every message: it took her three weeks just to reply to the end-ofwalk messages. Many of the host of congratulatory telegrams echoed the sentiment the mayor of Pātea, Fred Ramsbottom, had expressed during Miss James’s visit to the town: that she was ‘undertaking a work which many a man would hesitate to tackle, and she deserved credit for her pluck.’

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Esther would often be asked if she needed a ride by motorists eager to help, but she refused them, walking every step of the way

The telegrams included one from politician Gordon Coates, who told her: ‘I feel that this is a remarkable achievement and you as a New Zealand woman are to be commended for your spirit and determination.’ Another was from the county clerk in Kaitāia, who conveyed: ‘By your performance you have ennobled the women of our country.’ In a similar vein, a Christchurch newspaper later commented that Miss James ‘deserves to be regarded as one of our national heroines.’ The enthusiastic public response to Esther James’s walk was a statement of faith. As she later wrote of the congratulatory letters and telegrams that poured in from all over New Zealand after

the walk: ‘although they were addressed to me, they were really written by New Zealanders to their own country. I was merely a focus for their faith in the fact that, in spite of the grimness of the passing depression, we still had the spirit to get up and do things and make things — and to make and do them well.’ Mr Dougherty says that the ‘buy local’ campaigns associated with climate change and carbon footprints, the coronavirus pandemic, supply chain disruptions and the fast-approaching centenary of the onset of the Great Depression, prompted him to write the book, focussing on Miss James’s New Zealand and Australian walks and the public responses to them.

In an era before endurance sports, before social media and national marketing campaigns, Esther captured the imagination with a feat celebrating Kiwi primary industries

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July 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

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Fostering retired working dogs is a rewarding experience for Horowhenua dog fosterers Mark and Astrid, and it’s providing a second chance for the canines to be rehomed.

A NEW LIFE FOR

RETIRED WORKING DOGS

he couple first heard about Retired Working Dogs NZ (RWD) through a friend’s daughter who was a farm cadet at Otiwhiti School of Agriculture. As a charitable trust, RWD finds foster and permanent homes for working dogs that are no longer able to put in long days on the farm due to age, injury or inability to work. Since its establishment in 2012, RWD has rehomed more than 3,000 working dogs from all over the country. Farmers contact RWD through either the trust’s Facebook page or website retiredworkingdogs.org.nz. Some dogs are referred to RWD through veterinary clinics. These dogs tend to have sustained career-ending injuries. Pounds, the SPCA and other rescue agencies refer dogs, too. Other dogs may need to be off-farm and taken into foster care to be desexed, vaccinated and socialised before rehoming.

The RWD team of fosterers plays a critical role behind the scenes to help the dogs. Mark and Astrid became involved with RWD following the deaths of two of their three pet dogs due to old age, and within a short time frame. They couldn’t see themselves with just one dog, so two years ago decided to foster dogs through RWD. “We had love to give and a property big enough to allow an ex-work dog to run. An interim is essential at times between the farmer rehoming and finding the best home if time is a pressure,” said Astrid. The couple had previously rehomed three dogs, just not working dogs. Thor, a nine-year-old Huntaway-cross, arrived on Mark and Astrid’s property when he was five. Astrid said Thor had been cared for by a farm worker after the farmer had given him up.

Astrid and Mark with their two dogs, Thor and Speck, adopted through Retired Working Dogs NZ

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Since being adopted by Mark and Astrid, Speck has come out of his shell

“We appreciate the work that the fosterer put into Thor before he arrived, and that she stepped up to give him a chance.” Mark and Astrid have fostered nine dogs through RWD, responding to those advertised that they feel will mesh with their pack. They’ve found that being open to the dog’s needs first is the key to settling the canine into a new environment. On arrival, Mark and Astrid spend time with the dog on a lead and walk around their one-acre property.

The couple has fostered nine dogs through Retired Working Dogs NZ

“Then we gauge the meet and greet process needed with our own two dogs. This can vary tremendously,” said Mark. “Usually, we take a day for dogs to see each other and smell through a fence. We also prioritise our dogs getting lots of attention so their status is acknowledged. Recently, we had a female dog introduced happily in an hour with no issues at all.” Their other adopted working dog, Speck, has also come out of his shell. “He now comes up for cuddles and sits with other dogs.”

Mark said some of the highlights since fostering working dogs have been working with the RWD team. “They work together so cohesively. It’s the willingness of each team member that stands out. Nothing is ever a problem. “Also the word goes around when a dog needs transporting from one town to another, even from the North to South Island. The RWD community all chip in to help in various ways. There’s a wealth of very willing people.”

July 2026

Photo credits: Jo Moore

Retirement is well earned by these working dogs

“When a foster dog finds a permanent home, it gives the dog a second chance for a different chapter in life with its working days behind them. Retirement is well earned by these amazing dogs,” said Astrid. The couple encourages more people to become involved in fostering or adopting dogs through RWDNZ. “Our world needs understanding and empathy. Our dogs need kindness,” said Astrid. “You’ve giving a fresh chapter to a dog — a new beginning.”

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Daffodil Day turns 36 by Andy Bryenton

This year marks the 36th anniversary of one of the most important charitable fundraisers in our community, the annual appeal for the Cancer Society New Zealand. We likely know this occasion better as Daffodil Day, a time for reflection, commemoration and hope for the future symbolised by garlands of bright yellow flowers. While it seems that the yearly event has been part of our calendar forever, in fact, it’s a recent addition to the works of the CSNZ. The first-ever Daffodil Day was organised for the start of spring in 1990, the year when New Zealand turned 150. It turned out to be a great idea, raising awareness as well as funds. Still, it’s notable that the Cancer Society had been operating for 61 years before that date. Founded in 1929, out of a desire to offer support to Kiwis and their families battling cancer, the CSNZ has always been at the forefront of both treatment, diagnosis and education, as well as practical help for cancer patients and survivors. In those early days, the Cancer Society lobbied hard for support. It established a consultation clinic in 1930, with follow-up services coming online just a year later. In 1933 a radiological medical specialist was hired, putting the CSNZ at the front of known treatments and diagnosis methods. Education has always been a priority for the CSNZ. From ensuring that Kiwis take precautions out in the sun to telling doctors and nurses in those early years what to look for when it came to early detection of cancer symptoms. Doubtlessly, the knowledge disseminated by the CSNZ has helped save lives. It’s

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now common knowledge that we should keep a close eye on moles and skin spots, for example, and have regular check-ups. In 1950 cancer research in Auckland began, when Dr JF Burton was granted a cancer research scholarship in pathology. That was to be the beginning of a wideranging and continuing campaign that has linked up with doctors and scientists worldwide, looking for ways to cure or prevent cancer in all its forms. By the time of the 1979 jubilee year, the CSNZ was a major force in Kiwi medicine, looking to the future. By 1990, the scope and variety of the services they offered meant it was necessary to apply modern techniques to their fundraising, branding their message with a bright symbol of hope. The daffodil, legendary as the herald of spring and held in many worldwide myths and legends as an icon of rebirth, was chosen. Thirty years on, we still honour the commitment and hard work of the Cancer Society New Zealand through its image.

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Farming involves repetitive movements, heavy lifting, prolonged standing, and frequent bending, all of which place significant strain on the joints, particularly the knees, hips and hands. Over many years, these repetitive stresses can lead to the gradual breakdown of cartilage, which is the hallmark of osteoarthritis. The outdoor environment also exposes farmers to variable weather conditions, which may exacerbate joint pain and stiffness. Additionally, farming is a year-round occupation with limited opportunities for rest or recovery, increasing the risk of chronic joint overuse. Many farmers also start working at a young age and continue well into older age, further compounding the wear and tear on their joints over decades. The real question is what to do about it, especially if joint deterioration does not warrant surgery. While anti-inflammatory medications help relieve pain, they are hard on the body and do not address the main disease process behind cartilage loss. Cartilage is dynamic tissue dependent on special cells called chondrocytes to

maintain and repair cartilage. They do this by making and secreting new cartilage matrix, which includes chondroitin sulphate. If these are damaged, or die, the tiny patch of cartilage they maintain soon disintegrates. Adding 800–1,600mg of high-grade chondroitin can make a huge difference. Chondroitin is by far the most important compound available through supplements. While glucosamine is important, I regard this as a supporting therapy. Adding the latest water-soluble curcumin (from turmeric) can be helpful by reducing joint capsule inflammation. My client files include many farmers who have had significant benefits of this type of therapy with most getting notable improvements in flexibility, mobility and comfort. To learn more, email me for a copy of my osteoarthritis programme and start your journey to better joint health. John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a qualified nutritional medicine practitioner. To read more by John and the Abundant Health products, visit healthhouse.co.nz, call 0800 140 141, or email john@ healthhouse.co.nz.

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July 2026

(Part one)

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July 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

July 2026

Rural Building/sheds & shelters Faster reports — faster builds by Andy Bryenton

Waiting on a Project Information Memorandum can be frustrating, and the government insists that it’s stifling the ability for builders to swing into action, leading for calls for maximum wait times to be slashed. Rules changes proposed in Wellington will truncate the amount of time councils can take to issue Project Information Memorandums (PIMs), effectively cutting them in half. It’s another plan from a duo of parliamentarians who have been very visible and vocal in the ‘red tape busting’ space during the past triennium: Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk and Local Government Minister Simon Watts. “Fixing the basics and building for the future for New Zealand means taking a close look at every part of the building system to identify delays, remove bottlenecks, and improve productivity,” Mr Penk says. “Project Information Memorandums, or PIMs, are an important part of the building process. They give homeowners and builders greater certainty about site-specific requirements, like natural hazards and infrastructure constraints, before a building consent is requested and construction begins.” “Right now, the system can also undermine competition in our building consent market, with private building consent authorities required to obtain PIMs

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk wants faster reports and increased council efficiency to speed up building

from councils before they can progress work. The government wants to ensure there is a strong incentive for councils to process those applications promptly.” Councils can take 20 working days to process a PIM application, and that ‘working days’ appellation means that the reality is roughly one month. The slowest councils in the land are, on average, the biggest, according to MBIE’s quarterly figures, on issues of building consents in general. Kaipara, the Far North and Whangārei outperform Auckland in these metrics, for example. If the wait time

should be cut back to just 10 working days, it’s likely that the smaller, more nimble councils of the north would adapt well, with minimal need for more staffing. Mr Watts and Mr Penk say that such measures are necessary. “To address these issues, the government will reduce the processing timeframe for all PIM applications from 20 working days to 10 working days,” they announced in mid-June. “Faster processing times will help homeowners and businesses to get on with their projects sooner, improve

competition in the building consent market, and reduce unnecessary delays and costs, as part of the government’s wider work programme to make building easier and more affordable for New Zealanders. “Reducing PIM processing times will also particularly help our agriculture sector — by accelerating farm development, reducing costs, and improving investment certainty. It will help farmers and rural businesses to respond faster to market opportunities, environmental requirements, and operational needs.”

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July 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Rural Building/sheds & shelters Getting the lead out by Andy Bryenton

After nearly 3,000 years, lead plumbing fixtures may soon be a thing of the past, preventing a health issue which, at least apocryphally, contributed to the fall of ancient Rome. New building rules will ban lead plumbing fixtures in all new builds nationwide, putting an end to the use of lead piping and fittings. Famously, lead pipes were first used to bring water from the aqueducts of Rome

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to the palaces and plazas of that great city of antiquity, but now we know that lead exposure can cause problems. “The quality of the buildings where we live, work and play can have a significant impact on our wellbeing, and there is growing evidence that even trace amounts of lead exposure can be harmful over time,” says Building Minister Chris Penk. “International health advice shows that removing lead from plumbing products entirely is the most effective way to reduce the risk of exposure.” Lead is detrimental to human health, and lead plumbing can introduce tiny amounts of the substance to drinking water. One of its effects is to disrupt neurotransmitters in the brain, with the risk of personality changes, psychosis and delirium in sustained doses. Some have posited that the use of alllead plumbing in the days of the Roman emperors may have contributed to the erratic, antisocial and bizarre behaviour of several historical rulers, such as Nero and Caligula. There’s even a theory that the effects of lead contamination on the mental state of the ruling class may have contributed to the demise of the empire.

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What we know today is that lead is bad for health, and it’s been cut from paint and petrol, toys and utensils. Now, plumbing fixtures are to face a similar restriction. “From tomorrow, all pipes, fittings, valves and tapware that come into contact with drinking water must be lead-free for new buildings or renovations. Tapware must also be resistant to dezincification to help maintain water quality over time,” says Mr Penk. “That means designers and tradies will need to check that products specified in a building consent and those installed meet the updated requirements and confirm early with suppliers that compliant products are available, so they don’t get caught short. “The move to lead-free plumbing products has been well signalled. In 2022, plans were announced to tighten the amount of lead permitted in plumbing products used for drinking water, alongside a transition period to give the industry time to prepare before the updated guidance comes into effect from May 2.

Lead plumbing originated in Rome, but it ends in New Zealand with a new ban enacted last week

“We have received positive feedback from plumbers, other trades and suppliers, which suggests the industry is well placed to transition. It’s estimated any additional cost from using lead-free plumbing products will be negligible.”

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

July 2026

Rural Building/sheds & shelters Check your sourcing by Liz Clark

With spring kicking in at the end of this winter, thoughts will turn toward outdoor living spaces, a plan to build that long-overdue deck and buying the furniture to match. Most decks and outdoor furniture use H3 or H4-treated radiata pine. However, other timber can be used, including eucalyptus, macrocarpa and tropical hardwoods such as kwila, balau and, more rarely, Fijian kauri. Alternative timbers can be attractive and durable. Still, before you jump into the vehicle and go off to the local hardware store to get your timber or outdoor furniture made from tropical hardwood, consider where it came from first. If your furniture retailer is responsible, the wood the products are made from will carry a sustainable forest certification label, especially in the case of outdoor furniture. While it’s a great idea to have attractive wood tables and chairs, check before you buy that a sustainable wood certification label comes with the product you want to purchase. If there isn’t a label on the product, then check with the retailer where it was originally sourced. The same applies to decking timber. Always check with your local timber merchant where that particular tropical timber species has been sourced. All good timber retailers can provide advice and information on where their imported wood has been supplied from.

Tropical timber comes from regions such as Africa, Indonesia, South America and the Pacific Islands. Balau is a dense hardwood native to the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. Kwila is sourced from the Indonesian-ruled areas of New Guinea. In recent times, issues have been raised regarding illegal logging surrounding this particular hardwood species. Fijian kauri is considered a fast-growing timber species. Still, according to a study by the Vanuatu Environmental Science Society, this tropical tree is now under threat. There are legal and sustainable logging operations globally that comply with international conventions on sustainable timber production. According to the Ministry of Primary Industries website, tropical hardwood timber has the highest chance of being illegally or unsustainably logged. You can also check if the retailer is a member of the New Zealand Imported Timber Trade Group. Its members are importers and retailers that aim to only import and sell sustainable timber products. For more information about the importation of tropical timber, visit the MPI website at mpi.govt.nz/import/forestproducts/combatting-trade-of-illegallylogged-timber.

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July 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Rural Building/sheds & shelters Keep warm to keep dry by Andy Bryenton

Winter in New Zealand is usually not so much a matter of cold, biting chill, but of damp and persistent conditions, which can promote illness and mould through an excess of moisture. Heating your home, whether by firewood, electricity or gas, is harder when the air is filled with moisture. Imagine the difference between getting warm while wearing a dry sweatshirt and wearing one that’s soaked through. The energy from your heat pump or fireplace has to heat the water molecules in the air to raise the temperature in the room, and it can be hard going. At the same time, warm and damp conditions are just the ticket for mould and fungus to take hold. What’s the solution when Kiwi homes are often built more to a northern hemisphere design than to fit our subtropical climate? The first step is to expel as much moisture as you can at the source. In winter, it’s not

practical, safe or smart to have windows open day and night, so extractor fans in damp areas are your best bet. The bathroom and shower area comes firstequal with the kitchen when it comes to moisture output; both pump out steam with litres of moisture a day. What’s worse is that modern homes are more weathertight than ever before. That is a good thing in many other ways but trapped moist air can’t escape via ‘unintended ventilation’, a nice name for draughts, gaps and cracks. Before winter, clean out your kitchen rangehood and bathroom extractors. They may have built up dust, scurf, lint and grease during the year that’s

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affecting their operation. In some cases, replacing cracked or bent fans is a good idea, too. If you have no extractor in the kitchen or bathroom, contact a handyman or grab a kitset from your hardware store. That leads to one of the biggest modern questions: will an in-ceiling ventilation system warm my home? The short answer is no, but the more complicated truth is that you’ll feel warmer if your ceiling cavity contains dry air. Most of these systems take dry air from in the roof, where there’s no respiration, cooking or cleaning being done, and bring it into the home to stop window

condensation and mould. The added bonus is that low-moisture air heats up more easily. Of course, it depends on your ceiling and your roof. A roof getting lots of sun, fitted with tar paper and insulation, will be a good source of drier air. A roof cavity connected via wall gaps to a damp undercroft and foundations will be of little use. As a general rule, systems in the roof and extractors at the source beat chemical mould absorbers and electric dehumidifiers, hands down. If you have to use these products, consulting with an HVAC professional about how to stop the issue is a must.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

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Rural Building/sheds & shelters ADVERTORIAL

Creating lasting value

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Our track record speaks for itself. Builtsmart has successfully delivered multiple large housing developments in partnership with iwi organisations and government agencies, helping provide quality housing solutions where they are needed most. These projects demonstrate not only our ability to deliver at scale but also our commitment to supporting communities and creating lasting value. By combining industry-leading capacity, efficient manufacturing, a growing and skilled team, and genuine family values, Builtsmart offers a range of exceptional homes at highly competitive prices. It’s a simple formula that has made us one of New Zealand’s most-trusted and affordable transportable home providers.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

July 2026

Rural Building/sheds & shelters A royal flush by Amy Fifita

Humorously called the throne, some people have taken the colloquial term literally and have gold toilets in their establishments or homes. While most of society is more bothered about the function of the humble toilet, some people have taken luxurious living to new heights by installing a gold toilet in their throne rooms. Moreover, while some exist as an artistic pot shot at wealth and consumerism, some are intended for prestige and power. Luxurious bathrooms have been around for centuries, but some say that gold toilets are more of a modern trend. Some high-end hotels offer gold toilets, whereas others are placed in museums for guests to marvel at and use. While the wealthy enjoy the luxury and status of their opulent ablutions, some turn it into bathroom humour, showing the absurdity of it. One such lavish lavatory is located in Hong Kong. Made by jeweller Lam Saiwing, the loo is solid 24-carat gold; its prominence extends beyond the toilet bowl. The tiles, door and sink are also solid gold, and visitors have to wear plastic coverings on their shoes to enter. The jeweller was inspired by Vladimir Lenin, who envisioned using surplus gold to build public toilets, making fun of capitalist greed and waste.

Whether made for satire or luxury, gold toilets exist as a reminder that everybody poops, whether they are in the higher echelons of society or your everyday down-to-earth person.

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The Guggenheim Museum displayed America by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan in 2017, before its disappearance from Blenheim Palace in 2019

Knowing the toilet is simply a place to sit your bottom, another artist, Maurizio Cattelan, made a functional toilet sculpture. Named America, the 103-kilogram, 18-carat solid-gold loo sat

at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire on loan from Solomon R Guggenheim. It was stolen in 2019, with the culprits convicted last year. A second casting of the gold toilet was sold beyond its bullion value in 2025.

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July 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

ADVERTORIAL

by Andy Bryenton

WHEELS

Flying the flag for the Kombi nation

The term iconic gets thrown around a lot these days, as automakers take styling cues from their greatest historical hits in service of nostalgia and good vibes. However, there are few machines that have ever hit the road deserving the word ‘iconic’ than two of Volkswagen’s all-time greats. The Beetle is one, and that quirky little classic received a polarising but popular new edition in time for the turn of the century. Now a second VW legend has a new incarnation, with the ID.Buzz hitting the road 70 years after its ancestor, the VW Kombi van. “The all‑new ID.Buzz represents the evolution of a Volkswagen icon. It honours the spirit of the original Kombi, celebrating freedom and connection, while stepping into a bold new era of sustainable mobility.

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More than just a vehicle. It’s a way for the next generation to make new memories on the road — just like generations before them,” says Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles New Zealand general manager Kevin Richards. The Kombi T2, inspiration for the ID.Buzz was beloved of the peace movement, of hippies, surfers and travelling bands in the golden summers of the 1960s. In line with that ethos, VW has made their new van electric, with up to 250 kilowatts of power underpinning its classic looks. These have to be some of the best reimagined vintage lines since the new Mini and the new Fiat 500. The ID.Buzz is clearly a homage to the Kombi, but updates its lines with modern and aerodynamic tweaks. Inside, there’s attention to detail in the clever cubbies and storage spaces, as well as to a continuation of that two-tone, retro-cool aesthetic. You can choose from five or seven seats, with plenty of space for cargo, too, as the back row is completely removable. Volkswagen is adamant to point out that the ID.Buzz has substance to

Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz reinvents the Kombi as a modern EV outside the constraints of crossover-SUV design

match its style, and all the electronic mod cons are there, but it’s the sheer impact of this Kombi successor’s image that will sway potential owners. Part of that’s down to colour and flair. In a world of crossover SUVs in shades of grey and silver, the cheerful front grille and cheeky palette choices of the ID.Buzz make all the difference. Here’s an electric option that fits the whole family

without looking cookie-cutter homogenised, rather quite the opposite. Fancy a mint green and white two-tone that carries on into the cabin’s soft surfaces? Cherry red and silver? Perhaps a sunburst yellow? There are 13 options to try. If you’re ready to invest in a premium EV for a growing family, or you need your business to stand out, the ID.Buzz might be the groove you’re looking for.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

July 2026

Expo returns to Rotorua

Whether you’re a farmer, hunter, angler, 4X4 enthusiast or simply enjoy the outdoors, the New Zealand Fishing, Hunting & 4X4 Expo is shaping up to be one of New Zealand’s biggest outdoor lifestyle weekends. Returning to Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre from August 14 to 16 2026, the expo has grown from humble beginnings into a major national event, attracting more than 11,000 attendees in 2025, with over two-thirds travelling from outside the Rotorua region. The expo opens at 3pm on Friday, August 14, followed by full days from 9am on Saturday and Sunday, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the huge indoor and outdoor exhibition areas. More than 100 exhibitors will showcase the latest in hunting, fishing, marine, 4X4, camping, overlanding and outdoor lifestyle products. Whether you’re looking for a new boat, upgrading your hunting gear, planning your next camping trip, or checking out the latest vehicles and equipment — there is something for every outdoor enthusiast. A major highlight is the Big Four Rotorua competition, running from Wednesday through to Sunday. Teams of five compete across four iconic species, including wild boar, red deer, rainbow trout and pheasant, with the competition culminating in a live weigh-in and prizegiving at the expo on Sunday afternoon. The weekend also features a packed programme of workshops and demonstrations covering topics such as surfcasting, freshwater fishing, hunting, game preparation, butchery and outdoor skills.

Families are well catered for, with activities for children, great food vendors, entertainment and plenty of hands-on experiences throughout the weekend. Visitors can also enjoy the popular Show & Shine display and 4X4 Flex Comp, showcasing some of New Zealand’s most impressive off-road vehicles and builds. At just $10 an adult online or at the gate, and $20 for a family pass, the New Zealand Fishing, Hunting & 4X4 Expo offers one of the best value family days out on the Bay of Plenty events calendar. It is a great excuse to get off the farm, catch up with mates and

spend a day immersed in New Zealand’s outdoor lifestyle.

For more information and tickets — visit wildnzexpo.co.nz.

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July 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

WHEELS

Same lifesaving service — new name

Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters continue to be active completing lifesaving missions and helping communities in rural pockets of Waikato and Ōtorohanga when required. Between July 1 2025, and May 31, 2026, Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters, operated by Northern Rescue, flew 49 missions in Waikato and seven to Ōtorohanga out of 892 tasked missions, including 28 rapid response vehicle jobs in Auckland, during the year. The Waikato breakdown included 33 interhospital transfers, 13 accidents, eight search and rescue and two medical events. Locations outside of Hamilton and Waikato Base Hospital Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter crews a few included Huntly, Kāwhia, Mangatangi, Mangatāwhiri, Meremere, Ngāruawāhia, Pirongia, Port Waikato, Putāruru, Raglan and Te Kauwhata. Since 1970, the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust has provided trusted emergency rescue and air ambulance services to communities across Auckland, the Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel. From July 1 2026, the rescue helicopters serving the region became known as the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters, a proudly charitable community-supported service and locally operated by Northern Rescue. While the name is changing, the service people rely on remains the same. “Our helicopters will continue to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with the same highly trained pilots,

aircrew officers, doctors and critical care paramedics,” says Northern Rescue chief executive Ian MacPherson. “It is continuity people can count on — the same mission, same crews and same commitment to the communities we serve.” The service will continue providing lifesaving emergency care and rescue support across Auckland, the Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel, including winch rescues, medical transfers, search and rescue operations, and emergency response during severe weather and major incidents. Who is Northern Rescue? The change reflects the continued evolution of New Zealand’s rescue helicopter network following the government’s introduction of a threeregion model in 2018 to ensure consistent and reliable rescue helicopter and air ambulance services nationwide. In 2019, Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust (ARHT) and Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) formed a joint venture partnership known as Northern Rescue, focussed on delivering rescue helicopter services across Northland, Auckland and Coromandel. “Northern Rescue was established as a partnership between ARHT and NEST, bringing together more than 90 years of combined aeromedical and rescue helicopter experience,” says MacPherson.

“ARHT was founded in 1970, and NEST in 1988. That legacy, built through decades of community support, sponsorship and volunteer dedication, remains central to who we are today.” Northern Rescue now proudly owns and operates both the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters and Northland Westpac Rescue Helicopters. Supporting the Coromandel community Demand for emergency air ambulance and rescue services across the upper North Island continues to grow. In 2025, Northern Rescue’s Ardmore-based helicopters were tasked to 1,034 missions, including 170 call-outs across the Coromandel region. Each mission represents someone’s loved one needing urgent help. “Whether it’s a serious accident, medical emergency, search and rescue incident, winch rescue at sea or disaster response, our crews are ready to respond with urgency, skill and compassion,” MacPherson says. Northern Rescue remains a charitable, community-supported service and says

Northern Rescue 1 July 2025–31 May 2026

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public support continues to play a vital role in keeping helicopters flying. “That community connection is at the heart of everything we do. Every donation helps ensure we can continue being there when it matters most for people across Coromandel, Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.” For more information visit — northernrescue.org.nz.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

July 2026

Just what the doctor ordered by Andy Bryenton

Suzuki’s new DR150 proves that a tool made for hard work can be elegant and simple as well as rugged and dependable. With just about 12 horsepower, the little 150cc four-stroke is a masterclass in doing more with less, and a tonic to the overcomputerisation, overcomplication and size creep of off-road options for those working the land. While there’s a power and tech war at the top of the table in the world of ATVs, the little Suzuki doesn’t just make do with a single aircooled cylinder — it thrives. That’s because it’s amazing where a small bike can go, with the right amount of skill and a good design. Suzuki has been putting the DR badge on clever, simple but punchy bikes since the 1990s, when the little DR125 with its Miami Vice paint scheme broke cover, and the big DR650 went head-to-head with Honda’s Dominator as the king of single-thumper off-road might. Fast-forward to the present day, and the DR150 fills a niche farmers need: a small, easy to master off-road bike which is great for stock checks, flitting from paddock to paddock down the races, or nipping between blocks to take care of minor chores. There’s only 11.8 horses, but there’s 11.6 Newton-metres of torque at 6,000rpm as well, meaning that there’s plenty of guts to handle mud and choppy terrain. Let’s face it, you don’t want to have superbike speeds at your fingertips

when you’re shifting the herd, you want control, a good centre of gravity, and a light weight. The DR150 weighs less than some rugby players at 139kg fuelled up. With raw power off the table and irrelevant, let’s talk about the important numbers for a farm utility bike. The little motor sips fuel and the tank packs 12.5 litres, meaning more time between fillups. Ground clearance is set at 244mm, for long-legged terrain-tackling ability. There’s even a proper kickstart as well as an electric one, which is not just old school cool; it’s all part of the Dr150 being easy to use and maintain. Don’t get it wrong — there’s a place for a big, powerful ATV on the modern farm. It’s just that there’s definitely always been a niche for a small, economical and nimble farm bike, too. This one’s as handy as a proper old folding knife, a real stainless steel lighter or a pair of gumboots. The modern design looks sharp, too, which is a cheeky bonus.

“DR150 is a small farm bike which punches above its weight.”

The new DR150 is a practical and precise small farm bike which punches above its weight

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July 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

DA I RY, CA LV I N G & L I V E S TO C K

CHRONICLING CALF

BY DENISE GUNN

REARING JOURNEYS

Interaction received on calf rearing posts on her personal Facebook page, led Taranaki dairy farmer LeAnne Blakelock to start a separate page, Calf Chronicles, dedicated to sharing her calf-rearing journey with others.

eAnne and her husband Ian Powell are in an equity partnership with LeAnne’s parents, milking 320 cows on their Inglewood farm. LeAnne also has her own accounting practice. Rearing the calves is one of LeAnne’s on-farm roles and although calf rearing information is available from different sources, she’s found it to be scattered. “Some of it was technical, some of it was practical, some of it sat with vets or nutritionists or experienced calf rearers. Very little of it was pulled together in a way that helped me apply it to my own shed,

my own calves, and my own system,” said LeAnne. “My early results weren’t very good. The calves got sick. More died than should have. I was working incredibly hard, but I couldn’t reconcile the effort I was putting in with the outcomes I was getting.” LeAnne recalls calf rearing felt like one of the loneliest, most stressful, and morally soul-destroying spaces for a few months every year. As she began to learn more about the biology, nutrition, immunity, housing, hygiene, disease pressure and welfare

side of calf rearing, she found the system complex and fascinating. “The more I learned, the more I shared.” Since setting up Calf Chronicles two years ago, there is now a following of nearly 7,000 people with some contributing their own information and different topics discussed. “I have a very engaged audience, and people are often generous about sharing their own experiences, examples, questions and perspectives. That is hugely valuable because calf rearing is one of those areas where there is not just one

farm, one system, one answer, or one perfect way of doing things.” LeAnne said the aim of Calf Chronicles is to empower people to make better decisions for calves, for farms and for themselves. “At its heart, it is about welfare, understanding and confidence. Not just saying do this, but helping people understand why it matters, what the science says, what the trade-offs are, and how the choices made in the calf shed reach much further than those first few weeks.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

July 2026

DA I RY, CA LV I N G & L I V E S TO C K

A wide range of calf rearing content is posted on Calf Chronicles

Calf Chronicles supports calf rearers, providing a place to chat about experiences

“A dairy heifer calf is the future herd. Her first feeds, colostrums, housing, health, growth and the way she is managed in those early weeks can shape the cow she becomes. Her resilience, productivity, longevity and her ability to step into the milking herd all start long before she ever sees the platform.” She also recognises the value chain of dairy beef calves. “Calf Chronicles is about helping people see outside the farm gate. To understand that what happens in the calf shed does not stop at weaning. It follows that animal forward into welfare outcomes, beef performance, dairy productivity, industry reputation, and the value we are either creating or losing without always seeing it.” Calf Chronicles supports calf rearers, too, as a place to chat about the pressure, hard calls, mistakes, mental load and learning.

“The bigger goal is industry improvement. Calf Chronicles is about helping dairy heifer and dairy-beef systems get even five per cent better productivity. Five per cent is a very achievable goal and across the industry, that is enormous.” During spring, when LeAnne is directly rearing calves, she posts content that follows the everyday rhythm of the calf shed, capturing not just information, but also the mistakes, little wins, hard calls and funny moments. Throughout the rest of the year, LeAnne finds a wide range of topical subject matters to post. Some posts are practical and science-based, and others may cover calf rearing issues or the human side of calf rearing. “Sometimes there are bigger story arcs, like when I covered the New Zealand

Specialising in Ease of Calving g and Heifer matin

Dairy beef calves are reared to six months of age on the Inglewood farm

120 YEARLING ANGUS BULLS at our Annual On Farm Sale and Auction Hybrid

Mental Health Foundation’s Five Ways to Wellbeing as a five-part series.” As the same basic calf rearing topics are naturally repeated each season, LeAnne often finds another angle, layer, season, science-based information or a practical example to add to the topic. She thinks part of why Calf Chronicles has grown is that it’s real and doesn’t pretend that calf rearing is always easy, tidy or straightforward. “If Calf Chronicles can help even a small number of people feel more confident, more supported, more curious, and better equipped to make good decisions, then it is doing something worthwhile.”

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PARAM O U NT EFFLUENT SPREADING

Nick Wright 022 678 9877

paramounteffluent.co.nz

INSTALLATION

SERVICE

REPAIR

Doda Pumps & Stirrers | Dallai Fittings | Hydrants | Effluent Parts

20+ years experience of Dairy Effluent Systems and Repairs Servicing of all Effluent & Irrigation equipment Full system installations. NZ supplier of DODA products, we also carry a comprehensive range of Dairy Effluent parts & equipment designed to provide a robust and trouble free operation, complementing our Servicing business. 11 Anderson Street, Morrinsville • (07) 889 0933 • admin@waikatodes.co.nz

July 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

The Amarok.

Get out in your comfort zone.

You don’t need to sacrifice comfort and refinement for the everyday workhorse. Featuring a bold design and impressive capability, the Amarok sets the benchmark for a premium driving experience. Scan the code

Ebbett Volkswagen 51 Te Kowhai East Road, Burbush, Hamilton | Phone: 07 838 2949 | www.ebbettvw.co.nz