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June 2026

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Local farm innovations Pages 4–5

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June 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

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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Pragmatic, compassionate budget delivers lifeline by Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki/King Country

This year’s budget stands out as one of the most memorable during my time in parliament. Here’s why I think so.

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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To me, the 2026 budget from Finance Minister Nicola Willis is a unique mix of two qualities that don’t often go together: pragmatism and compassion. For example, there’s a major increase in infrastructure investment, especially for roads and rail, along with a focus on fuel resilience and supply. That’s the practical side. On the other hand, it’s clear the budget recognises New Zealanders are facing tough times. We’re dealing with heavy debt, global uncertainty, unstable trading markets, and rising fuel prices that affect nearly every part of society. Even with these challenges, the government has managed to fund a $5.5 billion boost for front-line health services, $470 million to upgrade schools and add 272 new classrooms, and another $50 million for front-line police. That’s the compassionate side. Some have called this a back-tobasics budget, and I agree that’s what we need right now. We need a budget and a government that focusses on the most urgent needs and offers practical solutions. It’s also worth noting that this budget is set to return to a $2.6 billion operating surplus by the 2028/29 financial year, which is a year ahead of schedule. That’s the big picture. Still, there’s also a local example that shows how this budget focusses on real needs and pays attention to detail: Awakino Gorge. Someone joked to me recently that it’s less about driving through the gorge and more about when we can actually get through. Since July 2021, the stretch between Mount Messenger and the SH4 junction has closed 14 times due to weather. Earlier this year, it was shut for over a month after severe storms. This road is crucial for King Country and Taranaki, and every closure can cost the local economy millions. The government

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.

understands this, which is why $50 million has been set aside to make the road through the gorge stronger against bad weather, focussing on the most atrisk parts. To me, this is what good government means: managing the country’s finances while staying connected to what local communities really need. For people in Taranaki and King Country, the money for Awakino Gorge isn’t just a number on a page. It’s a lifeline for families, farmers and businesses who depend on that road every day. When the road is open, trucks can run, milk gets to the factory, kids get to school, and emergency services can reach those who need help. That is the heart of this budget: help for those who need it most. That’s why I believe this is the exact budget we most need right now.

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Bird flu alert underway

June 2026

by Paul Campbell

New Zealand biosecurity agencies are on the alert as Australia confirmed the presence of the highly-pathogenic H5N1 bird flu strain on its mainland for the first time, which the government says marks a significant moment in the global spread of the virus. across the biosecurity sector, with authorities encouraging people to report unusual bird deaths and avoid handling sick or dead wildlife. While the public health risk remains low, experts warn the consequences for wildlife, biodiversity and agriculture could be significant if the virus establishes itself in New Zealand bird populations.

worldwide and has spread into numerous mammal species, including marine mammals. Experts regard it as one of the most significant wildlife disease outbreaks in modern history. Australian authorities confirmed the virus after a brown skua found in Western Australia tested positive. Additional testing is continuing on other seabirds found in the same area. Until now, Australia had remained free of the deadly strain on its mainland despite widespread outbreaks elsewhere in the world. The Department of Conservation has already undertaken vaccine trials involving endangered native species, including

“It’s important for farmers and backyard bird owners to have good biosecurity practices in place.”

E Y,

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For New Zealand, the greatest concern remains the potential impact on native bird species and wildlife. Migratory birds are considered the most likely pathway for the virus to reach here, prompting planning and preparedness by government agencies, conservation groups and the poultry sector. The detection in a wild bird in Western Australia marks a spread that has devastated wild bird populations and affected mammals across multiple continents since emerging in its current form in 2020. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says New Zealand remains vigilant as authorities assess the implications of the Australian detection. The Ministry for Primary Industries’ surveillance systems are already in place. “It is a timely reminder that it takes all of us to be prepared for the arrival of a virus we can’t control the spread of. It’s important for farmers and backyard bird owners to have good biosecurity practices in place. “Look for signs of illness in your birds and contact your vet if concerned, prevent contact between your birds and wild birds, and clean your boots, gear, surfaces and hands often.” The H5N1 strain, known as clade 2.3.4.4b, has killed millions of birds

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard

kākāpō, takahē and kakī, as part of wider preparations for a possible outbreak. Officials stress there is currently no evidence of H5N1 in New Zealand. However, the arrival of the virus in Australia has heightened awareness

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LOCAL FARM INNOVATION

MARKS FIELDAYS’ SUCCESS

“A

n efficient fence post puller has clearly struck a chord, earning the title of crowd favourite and resonating strongly with farmers and contractors across the country and internationally,” said programme manager Steve Chappell. “For years, rural communities have faced a common and dangerous challenge removing stubborn fence posts. Traditional methods can take up to four times longer than this new solution, and often require operators to work beneath machinery, exposing them to serious safety risks.” Warren Storey took the problem back to his farm shed, combining practical farming experience with Kiwi ingenuity. Over the past three years, he refined the invention, using and improving it with the support of former workmates Harry Newey and Shawn Watson, who had worked alongside him in the primary industries.

Storey and his business partners, Newey and Watson, understood the realities of farming and the need for practical, reliable tools. Eight months ago, the trio decided to bring the concept to market. The result is The PostMate, a purpose-built tool designed to make the job safer, faster and easier, while requiring just one operator. “The strong public support for The PostMate highlights the importance of practical, safety-driven innovation, particularly in the rural sector,” said Chappell. “The awards started in 1969 and continue to showcase the brightest new solutions for the primary sector.” The momentum behind The PostMate is also opening doors to markets well beyond New Zealand. In its first year exhibiting at Fieldays, the invention attracted interest from South America, the United States and Australia, alongside an influx of sales in Europe, where the business already has distribution in place.

STOP FEED GOING TO WASTE

BY PAUL CAMPBELL A farm shed solution to a long-standing safety problem has captured the public’s vote in the Fieldays Innovation Awards with Waikato dairy farmer Warren Storey’s invention, The PostMate, winning the 2026 Fieldays Innovation Awards People’s Choice Award.

More than 132,000 visitors came through the gates over four days of the 58th Fieldays and overall event attendance was up 20% on last year, and exhibitor sites were sold out. The final day saw a packed programme of competitions, demonstrations and entertainment. Crowd favourites racing, food, family fun and rural experiences were all on the schedule. Adding to the excitement, was the chance to win a $57,000 prize package. The finals of Tractor Pull as well as the Excavator Competition saw operators from across Waikato and the Bay of Plenty competing for the title of Regional Excavator Champion, while visitors could also get involved, with the family-friendly Doug the Digger activity for children and Have a Go excavator experiences for adults. “Fieldays continues to be where the primary industries come together to do business, share ideas and build

Harry Newey and Shawn Watson from people’s choice winner, Postmate

connections,” said Fieldays Society CEO Richard Lindroos. “Fieldays isn’t just an event, as this year has proved, it is a national strategic asset that brings together the best of our primary industries in one place, it is a mega event.”

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Record crowds came to Fieldays

“This year’s strong attendance and exhibitor demand highlight the confidence in the sector and the vital role Fieldays plays in enabling growth.” Lindroos says he received overwhelmingly positive feedback, driven by a buoyant rural sector, four days of good weather, and the significant effort behind the scenes from a passionate and dedicated team. The full economic impact will take time to emerge, as the benefits extend well beyond the four days of the event — planning is already underway for Fieldays 2027, June 16–19. A flagship event was the Innovation Awards. The Young Innovator of the Year went to Wellington-based Enivo for its biodegradable plant pots made from New Zealand forestry and primary industry waste.

The Prototype Award was awarded to Scanabull for its Scanabull WeighApp. The Early-Stage Award-winner was Hamiltonbased elert for its elert EQ device, a wearable technology designed to monitor equine health. The Growth and Scale Award went to Trussed Systems for its Truss House Portal Frame. New Zealand’s top fencers brought sharp focus and grit to demonstrating their skills with the ever-reliable number eight wire and showcased the growing strength of the fencing community, with nine new entrants competing in the heats and the first female competitor since the 1980s, Tiffany Garrick. Tony Bouskill came out on top in the prestigious Golden Pliers final, with judges also awarding him best quality, for producing the highest standard of workmanship, precision and finish under intense competition conditions.

June 2026

Field event winners Tony and Shane Bouskill and Kupu Lloyd

The competition is judged on a combination of speed, quality, and the overall strength and durability of the finished fence, with the ‘first off the line’ component highlighting how quickly a competitor can complete their work without compromising standards, all assessed by a team of 15 volunteer judges. Tony also took out the Fieldays Silver Spades™ Doubles Championship with his father, Shane Bouskill. The pair will head to the Tornado Wire Fencing Competition at the NSA Sheep Event in the United Kingdom in July. The Bill Schuler competition, established in memory of the late Bill Schuler to support newer and developing fencers, was won by Kupu Lloyd. The Fieldays Silver Staples cadet competition went to Smedley Station’s Noah Glasgow and Mark Chambers

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June 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

PUREBRED WITH PASSION BY AMY FIFITA Wanting something for herself, Linda van Eyk fell in love with Belted Galloways while on a trip to the UK with her daughter, an experience that began her, now Pirongia-based, Linwood Belted Galloways venture.

ailing from a dairy farming background, Linda grew up in Ngātea, then Kerepehi, where her parents, Arthur and Sylvia Blake, dairy farmed, plus ran Blake Contracting, a homekill business, and a Massey Fergusson dealership. Marrying young and moving to the Waitakaruru area, Linda had four children, Paul, Kevin, Greg and Corrina. “My children are the third generation to attend Hauraki Plains College, and have done very well for themselves. A fourthgeneration grandson is now attending there, too,” said Linda. “When I ended up with a run-off after our divorce 23 years on, I did dairy grazing and calf rearing to make a living. I sold that property and moved to Waerenga, and my daughter lived with me. “After returning from our UK trip, I purchased my first five purebred Belted

Galloways and have been breeding them since 2004. Belted Galloways are extremely hardy, therefore easy care; they are stunning to look at and have their own character style. They are quiet, but also highly protective of their newborn calves.” Relocating to Pirongia in 2011, Linda developed her 20.35ha bare block to what it is today. Development planning has been fully dedicated to her Galloways, plus her Arapawa sheep — another rare breed. She also planted 2,000–3,000 various species of trees for shelter and shade throughout. “These are a magnet for the local birdlife of doves, pheasant, tūī, fantails and more. I even painted the old round barn to look like a Belted Galloway. “I am on the tourist route from Auckland to Waitomo Caves, and often see the buses going past slowly or minibuses stop

With a deep appreciation for rare breeds, Linda also keeps Arapawa sheep on her property

at my gateway, so tourists can photograph the Galloways in the roadside paddock.” After a period of breeding horses again, when she returned her focus to the Galloways, she realised a shift in the breed.

“Unfortunately, I noticed worldwide that people started creating a red-coloured Belted Galloway. I spoke to the breeder who bred them in New Zealand by crossing his purebreds with his Red Sussex herd.

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Hardy animals, Belted Galloways have traits that make them special, including their iconic white belt, a double coat and a smaller frame than other cattle

“Outcrossing with red beef breeds destroys the 300-year old Galloway breed, resulting in white feet, spotted and mismarked belts, and the loss of the longer haired, double coat look. “I wrote a report about it, which I sent worldwide. We had a World Galloway Congress Tour in New Zealand last year and since then, I have removed any crossbreds. “This season, so far, I have 12 beautifully belted newborn purebred calves with no white feet. It proves my point, because I have no crossbred Galloways left on my farm.” Wanting to provide a better education and, as then, a NZ Galloway Society member, Linda and three other breeders collaborated and donated a one-day videoproduced upgrade for the NZ Galloway Society Website. It showcased White, Riggit, Standard and Belted Galloways.

With a desire to preserve the purebred original black or dun-coloured Belted Galloway, Linda says she will continue to breed them until she has to retire. “It would be a shame if they disappeared. They are a rare breed, and unfortunately, in New Zealand, they are getting rarer — the breeding numbers have crashed. “The Galloways connect to you. I call mine to shift paddocks and they come. They get used to you, but if a stranger comes on to the farm, that can be a different story. They soon settle with any new owner and become very placid. “They are shorter legged than regular cattle and don’t mess up your paddocks as much from walking around unnecessarily. Slower growing, it takes up to three years for them to grow to maximum size, creating marbled, lowfat meat.

June 2026

Lighter on the paddocks due to their smaller frame, Belted Galloways are kinder on the paddock than other cattle, one of the many benefits of this rare breed

“Galloways were originally from Galloway, in Scotland, and the thick double coat, fluffy ears and faces help them handle cold, wet or snowy weather. “Dairy farmers love them. They like to use the Belted Galloway over their dairy herds because the calves come out looking just like a Belted Galloway, making it easier for them to tell when AI calves are finished.”

Linda says they are generally easy at calving and that farmers make a good return on these beef-cross calves that grow out to very good weights. “Galloway cows weigh around 600kg, and bulls and steers anywhere up to 980kg. I have a steady order of sales. I hope more people will step up to preserve and maintain this unique and lovely rare breed.”

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June 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

CELEBRATING

BY AMY FIFITA

THE FUTURE OF FARMING The annual Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final is coming to Taranaki for the first time this year. With excitement promised for spectators, the contestants are gearing up to showcase their farming abilities and knowledge.

he 58th year of the competition sees seven young gentlemen, Justin Ruygrok, Bryce Win, David Reesby, Edwin Laver, Cam Clayton, Thomas Slee and Jack Taggart, in the running for the desired crown. New Plymouth will showcase the farming skills and expertise of YFOTY, Junior Young Farmers and AgriKids on July 2–4 at various locations. “We are excited that it is coming to Taranaki next month. As we close in on our 100 years of Young Farmers, it is exciting to look back at what has come before, and what is coming next for YF and our FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest,” said CEO Cheyne Gillooly. “It keeps growing every year, and there is a lot of excitement leading up to the event. There are a lot more people competing in the event and more

spectators. The contest has transformed over the years, and there has been a mixture of competitors.” While the contest aims to showcase excellence in the agricultural sector and helps young farmers to grow into awesome spokespeople for their regions and the industry — it is also a spectator sport. The YFOTY Practical Day on July 3 promises plenty of action at the Stratford A&P Showgrounds. “We work with our sponsors to determine what the practical day activities and modules will be. “Each year, we set up a head-to-head challenge. The seven main finalists in the seniors division will compete against one another in a half-hour full noise competition. Last year, they built a full bridge that they had to drive a motorcycle across.

Photo credits: Daniela Aebli Photography

While the main event culminates on the Young Farmer of the Year, the event includes Junior Young Farmers and AgriKids, helping hone the upcoming generation of farmers

“Agrisports is in the afternoon. In a full-noise event, competitors have a set

of tasks to complete within a timeframe, and will be judged on quality.”

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Contestants from last year celebrated the 2025 YFOTY winner, Hugh Jackson, with joy and delight

Amongst the competitors for the day are the Junior Young Farmers and Agrikids contestants, who are awarded at the end of the day, from 5pm at the TSB Showplace. July 4 ends with a bang with the final challenge at TSB Stadium, an evening quiz, followed by the award ceremony with dinner included. As three days of competition approach, contestants are preparing their minds and practical skills, and volunteers are making sure it is a success in Taranaki style. With a focus on creating excitement for onlookers, volunteer convenors Emma Northcott and Sarah Avery are setting up for fun across the board. “The theme we are running with this year is expect a challenge but expect to have fun, too. We are honing in on the spectator side of things to make it

cool to watch, and challenging for the contestants,” said co-convenor Emma. “We are hoping to give the event a Taranaki twang, with some things that will pop up being specific to our region.” Originally from Urinui in North Taranaki, Emma lives in Hāwera and works for the Power Farming machinery company, and has always been involved in the ag sector. Growing up, she spent the school holidays on her grandparents’ farm and later in life “accidentally competed in the YFOTY district competition”. “I joined Young Farmers about eight years ago, when I moved to Hāwera, and I love organising things, so I started on the executive committee doing various tasks. I didn’t know many people, and Young Farmers has allowed me to meet lots of new people. That was cool for me, so I love that I can give back to the organisation now.

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June 2026

Grand finalists, (from left) Justin Ruygrok, Bryce Win, David Reesby, Edwin Laver, Cam Clayton, Thomas Slee and Jack Taggart will be competing for the Young Farmer of the Year crown this year

“One of my farmer friends signed up to compete, and I offered to go with her because she was nervous. A couple of people dropped out, and I got thrown into the fun.” With a first-hand understanding of what YFOTY is all about, the whole team at Young Farmers hope to bring more

wonder to the growing event. For more information, visit youngfarmers.co.nz. “What does the future of the ag sector look like? It looks like the seven contestants coming through now and they are going to do great things for our industry,” said CEO Gillooly.

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June 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Rural women’s wellbeing in focus

by Paul Campbell

A nationwide call has gone out to women living and working on farms around New Zealand to share their experiences of mental health and wellbeing in a survey being conducted by Massey and Lincoln universities. The NZ Women in Farming Wellbeing Survey aims to address a significant gap in research and data on rural women — a group whose contributions to the agricultural sector it says are vital but often under-recognised. The research team consists of associate professor Nicky StanleyClarke, from Massey, and Dr Jorie Knook and Dan Smith, from Lincoln, who say the survey comes at a critical time for the sector. “With the government’s recent consultation on the Draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026–2036, a renewed call for a focus on rural wellbeing, and National Fieldays underway in Waikato, this survey fills a knowledge gap about the wellbeing needs of women in farming. “We know women are balancing multiple roles, from farm work to family responsibilities and often off-farm employment, but there is very little New Zealand-specific data capturing what this means for their wellbeing.” The initiative also aligns with growing national and international recognition of women’s roles in agriculture, with

2026 marked as the United Nations International Year of the Woman Farmer. Despite increasing numbers of women entering farming and agricultural study, much of the existing research, services and policy focus has traditionally centred on male farmers. Dr Stanley-Clarke says this has created a blind spot in understanding the pressures facing rural women. “International research highlights what’s often called the ‘triple burden’ of managing farm work, caregiving and household responsibilities. In New Zealand, that can also include paid work off the farm and strong commitments to community life, often leaving women with little time to prioritise their own wellbeing. “There are some great farming organisations supporting farming women, such as Dairy Women’s Network, Rural Women New Zealand and Agri-Women’s Development Trust, but to our knowledge there is no New Zealand academic research, and no current data capturing the wellbeing needs of this sector,” she said. “We hope the survey results will create a comprehensive national

Nicky Stanley-Clarke, Massey University associate professor

picture of women’s wellbeing in farming, providing evidence to inform future services, policy and community initiatives.”

The NZ Women in Farming Wellbeing Survey is online and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, and is open until mid-July.

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Grandma’s broom by Liz Clark

Many years ago, my grandparents had a big old farmhouse, complete with draughty corners and big wooden verandahs that went right around. Beyond was the garden full of fruit trees and rose bushes, all lovingly pruned with every colour a rose bloom could ever be found in. Grandma was very proud of her house and her garden. Being very house proud, Grandma, of course, had a broom. It wasn’t just any broom she had beside the farm kitchen door. It was a special willow broom made by Grandpa’s own steady hands, just for Grandma to use. Woe betide anyone else who touched Grandma’s special broom. There, it would sit beside the farm kitchen door seemingly unused, and yet the floors were always swept clean. As youngsters, we were never allowed to touch that sacred broom. No matter how much we asked and pleaded to use that big old broom, it was always the same. “Don’t you dare touch my special broom!” One fine day, when Grandma was in the kitchen, a big bull jumped over the fence straight into her prized rose garden. Those roses were her pride and joy, but as all bulls can, and do, those roses were soon being turned into mashed-up compost. He tore, he ripped, he stomped and he snorted those roses into the ground. Just for good measure, that big old bull gave a few more a good belting with his big heavy head. He was almost done with the roses when Grandma saw him through the

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

June 2026

ADVERTORIAL

Complementary therapy for joint health (Part two)

by John Arts

If you’re hoping to win Lotto or Powerball in New Zealand, your odds are about 1 in 38 million. However, here’s a statistic with far greater relevance: the chance of developing knee osteoarthritis (OA) is approximately 50% — that’s a bet none of us want to take.

kitchen window. Her bellow could be heard clear to the next town. “Out of there!” she shouted, running towards the kitchen door. On the way out, Grandma armed herself with her special broom, never mind she still had her dressing gown and slippers on — after that bull, she went. Now, it was the bull that bellowed with all of his might. Off he went, with Grandma and her broom in hot pursuit. Through the fence went the bull, and so did Grandma, who gave that bull two hard wallops as a reminder to never mess with her and that broom. It wasn’t the first time that bull had come, and it wouldn’t be the last time, either. At last, the truth about that broom came out. It wasn’t to sweep the dust off the floor — it was to sweep the bull out of the garden.

Osteoarthritis is a condition that can creep up silently, often beginning years — even decades — before the first signs of discomfort appear. You might notice a slight twinge in your knee, pain in your hip, or stiffening fingers, but OA’s real damage may have started long before. The disease can accelerate rapidly following joint trauma and is typically diagnosed through symptoms and scans. Unfortunately, we rarely focus on the actual causes driving this degenerative process. OA is marked by the loss of cartilage, the essential tissue that allows smooth joint movement and shields bone ends like a shock absorber. Though cartilage seems inert, it’s maintained by living cells called chondrocytes. These cells play a vital role in repairing damaged cartilage, but they are susceptible to harm from free radicals and destructive enzymes. When chondrocytes are damaged, their ability to maintain healthy cartilage diminishes. Fortunately, there are several nutrients available as supplements that can

help chondrocytes resist damage and regenerate cartilage more effectively. Among these, chondroitin sulphate stands out. Supplementing with chondroitin encourages chondrocytes to produce cartilage matrix and shields them from free radicals, harmful enzymes and inflammation. Its importance is underscored by its availability in Europe on prescription at doses of 800–1,200mg daily. Yet, many joint supplements contain little or no chondroitin — likely due to its high cost. Combining premium chondroitin with glucosamine and 100% water-soluble curcumin from turmeric can offer significant benefits, especially when paired with an anti-inflammatory diet. John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a qualified nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. To read more articles by John and learn more about the Abundant Health products he has formulated, visit healthhouse.co.nz, call 0800 140 141, or email john@ healthhouse.co.nz.

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June 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

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Summerset “superior in a lot of ways”

“I’d been to Summerset on a couple of occasions as part of my job as Eve’s Real Estate branch manager in Pāpāmoa. We looked at villages in the area and when we compared them all, we felt that Summerset is superior in a lot of ways,” said Summerset resident Trevor Hansen.

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“Summerset is modern with a number of different facilities on-site that were superior, and the location is close to our sons and the grandkids,” said Trevor. “We liked the village cafe as well as the people here. When you throw all of that into the mix, Summerset was ticking so many boxes. Heather liked this village for the newness and its safe and secure, with care facilities for later.” The Hansens felt more informed than others might when they started looking for a

retirement village, and shared the importance of understanding the value you’re really getting when signing up to a village. “A fundamental thing to understand is the deferred management fee. As long as you can get your head around that, then you can see the benefits for you,” said Trevor. “I believe that above all you have to place a high value and worth on the lifestyle and camaraderie. “All the facilities and activities you can do are on your doorstep. Then, there’s the safety and security. You need to place a lot

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of worth and value on enjoying all that while you’re alive.” If you are contemplating village life, pop in and spend some time in the village. You can enjoy a cuppa and treat in the cafe, or just call in and talk with the friendly team and chat with residents who already love the Summerset life. If you’d like to know more about Summerset Cambridge, call 07 839 9482 or visit summerset.co.nz/cambridge.

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June 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

ADVERTORIAL

Understanding livestock values

Farmers’ livestock often forms a large part of their assets, and therefore deserves consideration by owners on how to manage for the future. In May and June each year the IRD’s Herd Scheme values are released, and financial advisers are often asked: ‘Are they out yet? What will they be? What will they mean for my tax bill?’ “A review is important, particularly with higher profitability trends this season. However, at CooperAitken we also believe in planning when making tax and livestock valuation decisions,” says Grant Eddy, a partner at this leading accountancy practice.

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“An equally important question is — ‘what will the situation look like in 5–10 years’ time so we can plan accordingly?” To help plan the treatment of livestock in their financial statements, clients need to understand the origins of the rules; where they are currently, and what may happen in the future. For many years, farmers have been able to value livestock under methods such as Market Value, Self Assessed Cost, National Standard Cost (NSC) and National Average Market Values (Herd). In broad terms, farmers mainly use two main options: NSC and Herd. The Herd option treats livestock as a capital asset with tax assessed on any change in livestock numbers or categories, or when livestock is sold at a value different to the IRD’s annually published Herd Scheme values. The IRD surveys livestock agents across the country and bases Herd Scheme values on sales in recent months. The main alternative, NSC value, treats the stock as a trading asset, with tax paid on any change in values between years. The NSC value is based on an IRD assessment of the costs to breed, rear and grow the animal as well as factoring in the cost of animals purchased. With the base livestock tax valuation methodology largely unchanged for the last 30 years, there are many tools and programs that can work out behind-the-scenes valuation calculations. However, the nature of a farmer’s business has evolved, with larger and more complex operations, leading to more complex

Grant Eddy

structures. Do the rules cover multi-owner, multiproperty and multi-generational operating structures easily and fairly? “At CooperAitken we view planning for the future as important,” says Grant. “Therefore, we challenge our clients when livestock values are released or discussed, that they not only consider what this means for taxes today and the next 12 months.

“They should also consider future plans, such as inheritance and legacies, the cyclical nature of business, future rules updates, and the political and legislative landscape. “Overall, livestock is a significant asset for farmers, and the financial and tax aspects of this asset need to be managed by the farmer and a suitably qualified rural professional, asking the right questions.”

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

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BUSINESS NAME �� CONTACT NUMBER Ag Worx Milk and Water Systems – Forsi Innovations �� 07 888 7524 AHD – Animal Health Direct �� 06 873 3611 Autotrimmers Matamata Ltd �� 07 888 5484 Bax Contractors Ltd �� 027 495 3108 Book a Geek �� 07 280 1426 Bowers Brothers Concrete �� 07 889 6774 Buildsmart Ltd �� 07 828 9285 Bunn Earthworks Ltd �� 021 0272 2193 Complete Engineering & Hydraulics �� 07 847 1514 CooperAitken Accounts Morrinsville �� 07 889 7153 Ebbett Volkswagen/Audi Group �� 07 838 2949 Ecoworld �� 0800 109 202 Franklin Fencing & Contracting Ltd �� 021 053 0936 Frankton Aluminium – Rylock Waikato �� 07 847 4680 GWM Hamilton �� 07 849 0144 Health House �� 0800 140 141 Helisika Agricultural �� 0508 435 424 Henrys Septic Tank Service �� 07 888 6132 Husqvarna NZ Ltd �� 09 920 2410 Inspire Legal �� 07 853 2288 Intrinsic Events �� 021 0877 6773 iSparx Electrical �� 07 777 8018 Jakaar Industries Ltd �� 09 273 5511 Keith Mahon Painters Ltd �� 07 828 7209 Leisurecom Homes �� 07 823 5951 Lockwood Group �� 0508 5625 9663 Midas Diamond Jewellers �� 07 839 0039 Novel Ways �� 0800 003 003 NZ Adventures �� 03 218 8569 Olsen Commercial Limited �� 09 298 1519 Paramount Effluent Spreading �� 022 678 9877 Ravensdown �� 0800 100 123 Scary Sharp & SIS Ballcocks �� 0800 175 720 Shane Davis Bulk Spreading Ltd �� 027 487 8984 Sheds4U �� 0800 86 20 10 Softwash Professional �� 07 848 1700 Steelspan Buildings �� 0800 787 726 Stump Boss �� 0800 022 044 Summerset �� 07 839 9482 The Goldsmiths Gallery Ltd �� 07 838 3418 The Olive Grove Supplies Company �� 09 945 0890 Total Concrete Products Ltd �� 027 512 4631 Transbuild �� 0800 460 307 Trowel Trades Supa Centre �� 07 849 3659 Tuatara Machinery Ltd �� 03 347 4956 Urban Homes Hamilton �� 07 839 5570 Wagener Stoves ‘Lion’ Ltd �� 09 408 2469 Waihou Excavation �� 07 884 8986 Waikato Dairy Effluent Services Ltd �� 07 889 0933 Waikato Door Specialits Ltd �� 07 849 7695 Waikato Fascia and Spouting Ltd �� 027 522 6485 Waikato Water Supples �� 0800 805 808 Waipa Heat Pumps �� 021 737 443 Wilco �� 07 322 8196

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June 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Chainsaw safety in the spotlight

by Andy Bryenton

Chainsaw Safety Awareness Week has just passed, as winter motivates many of us to get out there and carve up a bundle of firewood. If you’re getting the chainsaw out of the shed this weekend, your work clothing should be snug-fitting, with no loose straps, belts or hems. It’s a good idea to invest in timber-worker chaps filled with fibres that clog the blade and save your skin in an emergency. Your shoes should be protective, fully enclosed footwear

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with non-slip soles and steel toecaps. Protect your hands with heavy-duty nonslip gloves, preferably in leather. Don’t forget to wear proper head, face and eye protection, as well as hearing protection if you’re using a petrol saw. Next, check the saw itself. A rattly, rusty old saw with the wrong parts, half-bodged repairs or a dull, poorly tensioned chain is an accident waiting to happen, and a hassle to work with. If in doubt, don’t use the chainsaw, especially if you were not the last one to operate it. After a year in the shed it’s likely to need a service in any case. Don’t forget to check your work area. Plan out your strategy when cutting limbs or trees. Look out for power lines and tripping hazards. If you’re working at height, be extra careful and consider drop areas, as well as getting help to stay steady and safe. Here’s what Stihl, the sponsors of Chainsaw Safety Awareness Week, say about proper chainsaw technique. Keep two hands on the saw and hold it close to your body, with the body of the saw close to what you’re cutting. Plant your feet firmly and slightly apart for balance. Never try to adjust your chain or machine while the engine is running. Good maintenance will extend the chainsaw’s life and ensure it’s always safe to use. When you finish a job make sure the air filters, sprocket cover and chain brake

From firewood chores to tall timber, chainsaw users who respect their tools know that safety gear comes first

mechanism are free from sawdust; clean the guide bar groove; oil the holes and check everything is in place. Of course, if your old machine has passed its use-by date, the best thing you can do is send it off to the great hereafter and invest in new technology. If firewood and small tasks are your main chainsaw jobs, why not take a look at an electric saw? They’re just as powerful as their same-size petrol counterparts, but are quieter, have less vibration, and use no fuel. There’s a whole range available at your local mower and chainsaw specialists right now.

These tips and techniques are great not just for piling up firewood for a cozy winter, but also for that other cold-weather outdoor chore; making sure that dicey branches and questionable trees are cut back to prevent disasters. If a powerful storm blows through, it’s best to have foliage out of the way, and a safe, efficient saw is your best friend when calculating a pruning-back strategy. If it looks like it’s a big, dangerous, high or complicated job, or if you’re unsure if your non-commercial chainsaw is up to the task, consult an arborist and stay safe.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Space plumber’s record call-out

June 2026

by Andy Bryenton

Allowing astronauts aboard the international space station to ‘boldly go where no one has gone before’ was the mission for the most highflying plumber of all time, Canadian professional Robert Thirsk. The call went out in 2009 when the space station was hosting its biggest crowd ever. The Russian-built toilet facilities of the station, known as the Waste Hygiene Compartment or WHC, failed at the worst possible time when crew members were busy installing new experimental equipment outside. Thirteen people needed that facility operational, fast. The difficulties of using the bathroom in zero gravity will be apparent to anyone who gives the problem a little thought. That’s why the WHC is not only one of the most complicated toilets in existence, but also one of the most expensive, at US$19 million. When an internal pump went wrong, astronauts were forced to use the even less convenient ‘convenience’ aboard the space shuttle Endeavour, which was docked to the station at the time. Enter Dr Robert Thirsk, an engineer and physician who was and still is one of the leading authorities in zero-gravity medicine. He was just the right man for the job, with his engineering background setting him up perfectly for the role of high-tech space plumber. To get to the

toilet in question, he’d had to travel from his native Canada to be launched in a Russian Soyuz space pod 400 kilometres into space. That represents the longest call-out for a plumber to get to the problem he needs to fix. Thankfully, Thirsk was on hand, and the tools needed to repair the pump could be sourced. He got to work and managed to repair humanity’s most isolated commode on the exact anniversary of the Apollo moon landings, a cause for celebration among astronauts. “Copy, the WHC is go for nominal ops,” reported Thirsk to mission control, after a test flush. With those words, the man who is perhaps the most overqualified plumber in history took the out-of-order sign off the door and returned to his other duties, centred on a detailed study of human physiology during spaceflight. There’s no word as to whether those studies included the effects of using a toilet which is travelling in orbit at a staggering 28,000 km/h, but we’re certain that his skills came as a great relief to his 12 crewmates.

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Canadian astronaut Dr Bob Thirsk became the world’s most long-distance plumber in 2009 when he was called upon to fix the bathroom aboard the international space station

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Planning for bathroom perfection

June 2026

by Andy Bryenton

There’s no room in your home that polarises opinions like the bathroom, and getting the design right can mean the difference between an oasis of calm and a space you regret. Bathrooms and kitchens are two spaces in every home, which must combine form and function. While most other rooms fulfil their purpose by being a blank canvas, ready to become what furnishings and floor coverings make them, bathrooms have to be ergonomic, practical, easy to keep clean, and also aesthetically pleasing. This is reflected in surveys rating the rooms that sway the opinion of home buyers. A cramped kitchen is one thing, but an ugly bathroom is a dealbreaker. Conversely, the most renovation ‘bang for your buck’ can come from giving a tired old bathroom a makeover. There are limitless options out there, from antique free-standing baths to monsoon showers and his-and-hers counter tops, but before you head down to your local building supplier to pick a fresh look, it’s very advisable to take a look beneath. That’s because the heart and soul of a bathroom is in running water, and only an experienced plumber can tell you what’s physically possible with the pipes that make your bathroom function. The experts in this field agree; countless ambitious plans have foundered due to homeowners putting inspiration before consultation. That leaves a whole lot of expensive porcelain, glass and steel unable to

You can even talk to your local plumber before you buy a home, to see if the bathroom renovation you’d like to do as soon as you get the keys is practical. In many cases, this kind of input can prevent disasters, and having seen all kinds of looks and styles achieved in all kinds of spaces, the advice of a veteran plumber is like talking to a master mechanic about which car to buy — it will save you in the long run.

Avoid bathroom design disasters — talk to a trusted plumber before you embark on your renovation

be installed, or worse, a workaround fix gets applied, making for some bizarre compromises. The solution is to get inspired with a general theme for your new bathroom, and the particulars of what you’d like to see installed. Then come and talk to your

local plumber, and make a plan ensuring everything connects, flows and fits in with the architecture of your home. After all, hiring a qualified plumber to take care of this kind of work is often a necessity, so getting the benefit of their knowledge before you buy is a great idea.

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June 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

BIODIVERSITY IS KEY

BY PAUL CAMPBELL

TO THE FUTURE The Waikato Regional Council community survey to help strengthen a new biodiversity strategy to protect the region’s unique natural environment is currently underway focussing district-wide attention on a major issue across the country.

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he council’s specialist policy adviser Judy van Rossem says she’s very happy with the high number of responses so far. “The information will help us coordinate biodiversity around the region by landowners, iwi and hapū, councils, government agencies, community groups and other organisations, so we can focus our efforts where they are needed the most.” Waikato is home to a rich diversity of native plants, animals, ecosystems and habitats. Feedback is sought, because overall biodiversity across the region faces significant pressure from habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, landuse change and the growing impacts of climate change. The council is leading the development of a biodiversity strategy that sets out a 25year plan to halt the decline of indigenous biodiversity and support thriving

ecosystems across the region’s land, freshwater and coastal environments. Developed with Waikato Biodiversity Accord partners and stakeholders, and supported by technical evidence and statutory direction, the draft Waikato Regional Biodiversity Strategy establishes a shared regional vision and clear priorities through to 2050. The strategy aligns the efforts of councils, iwi, government agencies, landowner s and communit y organisations, enabling more effective collaboration, smarter investment and stronger outcomes. The survey aligns with the government’s plan to sharpen New Zealand’s focus on restoring biodiversity and supporting nature to recover. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has set out its priorities to make a difference for nature, in the Action for Nature Biodiversity Strategy.

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“Biodiversity underpins our environment, our economy, and our way of life. It connects people to place, to whakapapa, and to each other,” Potaka said. “At the same time, nature is under pressure. Around 75 per cent of our indigenous species are at risk. Without action, we risk losing more of what makes New Zealand unique.”

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Action for Nature sets out a clear direction for smarter investment, stronger partnerships, and better use of information to guide decisions. “This means more native species returning to the places people live, work and visit, and making sure funding goes to projects that deliver real results. “It also supports jobs and tourism in regions that rely on a healthy natural environment, and backs communities already doing the work on the ground.” The government has just announced that threatened native wildlife will get a reprieve from predators with a $14.1 million boost to predator control funding, The investment from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy will support the Department of Conservation to scale up its predator control work to protect native species facing increased threat from a major South Island beech forest.

This year beech forests have dropped trillions of seeds, fuelling rat and stoat breeding, which will put vulnerable native birds, bats and other wildlife at high risk over the coming year. However there’s some current controversy on the biodiversity front because proposed changes in the government’s Conservation Amendment Bill will provide for up to 60 per cent of current conservation land to be exchanged or disposed by selling off, as long as it’s not important for threatened species and it doesn’t contain the best examples of wildlife or plants of its type in the area. Forest and Bird among other groups have announced opposition to provisions contained therein, but Mr Potaka says the bill recognises “conservation and economic development do not sit in opposition to one another all the time”. In Waikato, the council biodiversity programme began in May, and

respondents now have until July 15 to complete the survey that can be found online. An interactive online map is also available, enabling people to highlight local restoration efforts already underway and pinpoint areas where further action is needed. This tool helps build a clearer picture of community-led restoration across the region and will inform the development of an implementation plan — an output of the strategy. Science, policy and information director, Tracey May, said the strategy marks an important step toward a more coordinated and future-focussed approach. “Our region’s biodiversity is central to our identity, wellbeing and economy. This strategy will help ensure we are aligning our efforts, sharing knowledge and focussing investment where it will have the greatest impact in protecting and enhancing what makes the Waikato unique.”

June 2026

Judy van Rossem, said community perspectives will be vital in shaping the final strategy, ensuring it reflects local values, priorities and aspirations of people across the region. “Hearing from our communities will help ensure the strategy is grounded in local knowledge and supported by those who will help bring it to life.” Waikato is home to an extraordinary richness of native plants, animals and ecosystems, from wetlands and geothermal areas to forests, rivers, lakes and coastal habitats. Biodiversity is vital to wellbeing. It purifies water, recycles nutrients, provides food and shields communities from flooding. It also strengthens resilience to climate change, supports the economy and sustains our cultural identity. Protecting biodiversity is an investment in the health, prosperity and future.

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June 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Safe from the children

by Amy Fifita

As a parent, sometimes the only room you get alone in the house is the sanctity of the bedroom, so making it relaxing is a must. A hideaway from the ongoing drone of having your role of mum requested over and over again, the bedroom is a safe place. A sanctuary where you can find some peace from the little folk that turned up after a different kind of bedroom fun. Starting with seating for clothes not dirty enough for the wash, or seating, most people opt for an armchair or a bed bench. Each has its benefits, and storage is an issue, a bench can offer space to put things. Mention this ad and get 10% off

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Armchairs can be a real statement piece in the bedroom and can be accompanied by a bookshelf for bookworms or a television and console for the cool gaming parents. Add a small table at the side for a coffee that won’t go cold if you lock the children out for 20 minutes. Layer your throne with colourful cushions for comfort and a throw to snuggle with, and the spot can be a great place to wind down, read, game or relax. A lamp, candles or diffusers can add to the ambience. Bedside tables can be a fun and functional item in the bedroom. Many people opt for having a drawer space, but some enjoy adding character by repurposing antique sewing tables or using vintage luggage cases. It is an opportunity to match your creativity with your practicality. Adding pot plants and earthy tones can make the room a grounded space to recharge from parenthood. Paintings, photos and mirrors add personality to the room. Whether it is a standalone mirror or a wall mirror — it can help create the illusion of space. What is great about doing it yourself is that you don’t have to keep up with modern trends; you can stick to your personal style. While the little delights may visit the sacred space on occasion, claiming that the monster under their bed is ‘scaring them’, it is best to make the space work for you.

While the rest of the house may be communal or occupied by children or flatmates, your bedroom is your personal space where you can relax

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June 2026

VEHICLES, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Virtual Deere trains next-generation drivers by Andy Bryenton

Letting a learner driver loose in your family car is nail-biting enough, but what about giving a trainee the keys to a powerful modern tractor or bulldozer? It’s a real concern, as the next generation of tractor and machinery operators have to learn somewhere. Autonomous control is touted as part of a future solution, but human drivers will still be needed for many operations. That’s where virtual reality comes in, or as one of the heavyweights in the industry call it, John Deere Extended Reality. At the big US CONEXPO 2026 Deere developers debuted a compact, portable headset and hand controls, which put the wearer into the driver’s seat of a range of John Deere machines. It’s a logical step for training, and even has some crossover with the popularity of farming and construction simulator games among youngsters. This is no toy, but it’s a new window into a virtual world familiar to gamers. The first two machines simulated are a big excavator and bulldozer, but making this technology embrace the whole construction and farming fleet in green and yellow is just a matter of programming. The JDXR system creates an immersive environment in which it’s possible to get familiar with powerful machines safely and without using a drop of diesel. “This technology represents a major step forward in how we prepare our customers and operators to be successful

from any location,” said Curtis LeConte, project manager for next-generation training at John Deere. “By making our training more portable and accessible, we’re delivering a powerful new way to train users in machine operations, maintenance, as well as key features, without the limitations of traditional training simulators.” That’s another good point, because previously, simulating the cab of a tractor, excavator or harvester required building a mock-up that could be as costly as the real thing, and nearly as hard to move about. As well as training a new generation and giving students a taste of a career behind the controls of a Deere, this technology can help demonstrate a wide range of machines to existing customers too. Imagine shopping for the right tractor by test driving a whole range in virtual reality, and getting familiar with the controls before the keys are in your hand. Currently, the JDXR system features operator-focussed virtual reality lessons, including daily maintenance walkarounds, controls familiarisation, and direct interaction modules, such as trenching and spreading. There’s a sandbox mode in which operators can pilot a variety of machines in a simulation of John Deere’s

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June 2026 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

VEHICLES, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Plug-in powerhouse

by Andy Bryenton

At the 2025 National Fieldays, the JAC T9 amassed a lot of buzz from the farming audience, and that positive impression has carried over to its new petrol-and-plug-in incarnation. Excitement alone wasn’t enough for the truck manufacturer, however, and in the following year a team of test-drivers, tradies and farmers gave the new ute a baptism by gravel and mud. JAC reports that they’ve driven long and lonely roads, hauled heavy loads and tackled trackless terrain to be prepared for a wintertime launch. Factory figures tell a story borne out by the extensive testing the new JAC has gone through. To be competitive in its segment this new ute boasts a 3.5-tonne towing capacity, a 915kg payload, and enough space to comfortably seat grown adults in the front and back. Moreover, the plug-in hybrid system helps to deliver exceptional fuel economy and 1,005 kilometres of range on a full tank and battery. You get the impression

that the developers didn’t want to settle for a mere 1,000, and that the additional five acts like an exclamation point to drive home this tonic to range anxiety. More importantly, it’s got enough power to do the business on the farm — 482 horsepower, delivered by a two-litre petrol unit and two electric motors. A plug-in boost to fuel economy could not come at a better time, with the volatile situation in the Strait of Hormuz showing that fuel security is never guaranteed. It’s a bonus on top of the already legendary fuel economy of the original T9. One of these machines monstered the 24-hour endurance record in South Africa recently, going around the Gerotek raceway 1,350 times in a single day, and averaging 16.5 litres for every 100km. That’s a total of 4,084km, in a record which knocked the

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previous winner off its perch by a margin of 20km. We’ve got to this point of the story without even mentioning that the justunder-$60,000 price of the T9 puts it at the sharp and affordable end of the market compared to similar offerings. Interest, as Fieldays 2026 has shown, is high for just this kind of ute, at this price point, in this fraught fuel market. Of course, the JAC is helped along by two factors; firstly, it’s the product of a truck maker, so hard work is in its DNA. Secondly,

it looks very much the part, without being too wildly different. The predilection for some companies to make their electric and hybrid offerings appear futuristic seems inept in an era when this technology is now mainstream, and the T9’s lines are definitive without being too avant garde. It will be interesting to see how many of the die-hard diesel faithful are keen for a test drive. Early reviews suggest that leaving PHEV prejudices at the door and judging this new JAC on its merits is the savvy choice.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

June 2026

DAIRY & LIVESTOCK

Research into global emissions policy by Andy Bryenton

Beef and Lamb New Zealand has released the results of research the organisation has undertaken into global agricultural carbon emissions policymaking, and how the moves enacted by our own government stack up. The key point of the report, building on earlier research completed in 2024, is that no country is looking to include agriculture in its Emissions Trading Scheme equivalent programme, and virtually none have plans to price agricultural emissions. The implication is that most of our peers on the global stage are focussed on industrial and infrastructural-based emissions. A high estimate of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions puts us at 0.17 per cent of the global total. Half of this is estimated to come from agriculture. Cutting back this figure is perhaps more problematic than imposing greater efficiencies on heavy industry or power generation could be for foreign governments. Furthermore, an argument can be made that if pasture, orchards, crops, native forest and other flora were counted toward carbon totals, rural New Zealand would already be carbon neutral. The B+LNZ research shows that most of our peers are directing largescale public funding to incentivising and subsidising farmers to achieve climate change outcomes. The recent budget would argue that there is little left in Wellington’s coffers to fund such schemes locally. However, B+LNZ chief executive Kate Acland says other solutions exist.

climate change control, reflecting the scientific differences between CO 2 and methane. “Forty-one organisations across 16 countries have now signed the joint statement. The expanding coalition reflects growing international recognition that biogenic methane must be treated differently to long-lived gases such as carbon dioxide,” Acland said.

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Beef and Lamb New Zealand has undertaken its own comparative study of global agricultural emissions policy, and has found that subsidies, not penalties, are the norm

“B+LNZ is not advocating for subsidies for our sector. We’re asking for more creative approaches, such as exploring ways to incentivise reductions through a focus on efficiency gains and options, such as emissions reduction credits for technology uptake. We believe reductions in emissions should primarily be driven by customers and the market.” Additionally, the research Ms Acland’s colleagues have undertaken highlights the point that recent reductions in biomethane targets and limits on carbon afforestation are on-trend with global opinion.

“New Zealand’s decision to revise its methane targets down is not out of line internationally,” she said. “For example, the Australian government released its Agriculture and Land Sector Plan last year, which does not have specific targets for reductions in agricultural emissions. Australia is not, at this stage, aiming to reduce gross reductions from agriculture until after 2040.” Advocacy and debate in this space is ongoing, with B+LNZ instrumental in calling for a split-gas approach to

Paul & Kyllee Henton

pkhenton@xtra.co.nz

@AgriTechImportsNZ

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Paul 027 244 3354 | Kyllee 027 688 8677

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