THE RING OF STEEL - PEST TRAPPING REPORT
Summer rains and high tides have not helped the ease with which our trusty band of trappers maintains the ring of steel, but maintain it with regularity they have, making many fine catches of some of the largest rats seen to date - obviously plenty of food around this summer. A mixture of peanut butter, mayonnaise and lamb fat has, however, proven irresistible.
Although we never saw any catches of mustelids (stoats, weasels and ferrets), that is a good thing as we were catching them regularly in the past. That is not a reason for complacency though, as one was seen running under a house in the centre of the Point just this week. Traps have been deployed.
Mustelids are darned hard to beat. The females are born pregnant, and they are fine swimmers, easily able to cross the channels around the point, so any single female that arrives can quickly foster a litter and start the population building once more.
Another interesting piece of information about these creatures is that they evolved in the cold and snow of Scandinavia and as a survival mechanism there, they kill anything they see that they can kill, and bury it in the snow.
Whilst they don’t have snow here, they nonetheless remain instant killers and therefore a severe threat to our native birds of both forest and shore. Please keep an eye out for these critters and let me know if any are spotted so we can try to capture them ASAP.
Hedgehogs are also tough on our ground dwelling birds, as they will happily eat eggs and chicks, so please don’t feed them. Our traps have dispatched a few, but there are obviously still plenty here.
Those who have an eye for our native birds may notice a strong presence of a species for a while, and none after that. For example, we had many Kaka in the village over spring, but few now.
Many of our flying birds will head for places like Taumahanga forest at this time of the year when there is plenty of traditional food sourcing to be had there, but come back down to the towns when food is short there, to eat exotic species (have you noticed the many tuis that love the bottle-brush trees when they are in flower) or even to access natives that we plant, that are rarer in the local forests for whatever reason. We native gardeners don’t tend to observe the same geographic distributions of natives as nature has traditionally allowed.
Personally, I was very pleased to see a pair of rare banded rails that frequently visit our garden, raise 2 of a clutch of 3 chicks to maturity.
I am also pleased to often spy king quail again. They were reasonably common when we first came here nine years back, but disappeared for a few years before the trapping program was established. Whilst they are nonnatives, they are nonetheless a marker species for the safety of our native birds, as they too nest on the ground.
I think as the native bird population in the area grows, we will find a need to assist their survival through the cold months of winter. Watch out as winter approaches for our instructions in this regard.
Grateful thanks to Peter Torrice of Pest-X, for his generous donation of traps and poison to Rat HQ
Graeme Beals Eradicator in Chief
If you would like information or assistance in regard to trapping, please feel free to contact Graeme at graemebeals@gmail.com. He will be able to point you in the right direction to access the help you need.
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Ferret Phil & Sarah’s Rat
BALI GARDEN - REAWAKENED
Sophie Carew has recently taken over Bali Garden in Point Wells Road and has shared some of her story with us:
Born in Auckland, I moved to LA at 21 for 2 years, then Sydneyfor 4 years and back to Auckland in 2011, moving to Matakana 9 years ago.
Yoga and surfing are favourite pastimes and I am passionate about youth suicide prevention, mental health, animal welfare and conservation /environmental issues.
An interesting fact about me is that I am one quarter Indian: my grandmother was born in Northern India.
When I first moved to Matakana I attended yoga classes at Bali Garden and was blown away by the beauty of the gardens and the tranquil, calming energy. I vividly remember sitting in the outdoor gazebo, thinking “I would love to work here one day!” Four years later, I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity by Robyn Alexander.
I was introduced to Yoga when I lived in LA and have been practicing ever since. Yoga has helped me through some difficult times in my life. I was involved in a serious car accident 12 years ago in Australia, and was hospitalised for three months, sustaining over seven broken bones. I had eight operations and had to learn to walk again. I believe having been active and fit prior to the accident definitely helped with my recovery and rehabilitation. Yoga really helped with not only my recovery but my mental health, after suffering from severe PTSD.
Shortly after my recovery in 2013, I created my own business, Carew Kitchen, NZ’s first fresh handmade almond milk. My career prior to the accident was in the fashion industry, however, seeing first-hand how important our health and wellbeing is, my priorities shifted. I pivoted my career focus to the wellness industry and wanting to help others.
I took over the Bali Garden business in December last year.
I had been working with Robyn Alexander for over two years, managing the shop, events and the accommodation at Bali Garden. I’m extremely grateful to Robyn for this incredible opportunity. I feel very lucky to work in such a beautiful environment.
We have a studio at Bali Garden, offering a variety of different classes for all ages and abilities: Yoga, Pilates, Meditation as well as Men’s classes. We also have other amazing practitioners working out of Bali Garden running day retreats and workshops. These events can be found on the events page on our website baligarden.nz. We also have a Spa, offering massage, facials and energy healings.
OpenDay
On Saturday, 11 March from 8am-12.30pm we will be hosting an Open Day for our community here at Bali Garden. Offering a range of classes (KOHA only), all our proceeds on the day will be donated to the ‘Orange Sky’ fundraiser for those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. It will be a great opportunity for our community to see the gardens if they haven’t visited before, meet our teachers and practitioners and try a class. The Sway will be on site serving drinks and Alma Wholefoods famous chia puddings. Bookings are essential to attend classes as spaces are limited. For more information and to book a class, please visit our website.
My dream for Bali Garden is that will become a wellness destination here in Point Wells. A mini Byron Bay at Bali Garden! It’s always been a dream of mine to have a wellness centre, especially in this area. I’m passionate about helping others on their wellness journey, and being able to offer an amazing place such as Bali Garden for our community to visit for all things wellness.
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NOTE FROM JODI STERLING
Whilst it may look like the Point Wells property market is quiet at present, four of my current listings are under contract (conditionally) and buyer enquiries remain strong which isn’t really surprising given we live in such a fantastic village.
In this issue I would like to introduce you to my team who you have probably seen in our friendly little Point Wells office.
Becky has recently joined me as a Sales Associate / Licensed Assistant. She has six years working in the real estate industry and brings a huge amount of experience and energy to the team. Becky lives in Snells Beach with her husband and you can often spot her out running in the village (always training for the next half marathon).
Amanda has worked with me part-time for the last two years. Amanda has a marketing background and together we strategize and design the marketing campaign for each individual property. She is a Point Wells local and lives on Harbour View Road with her husband and two sons, who all love the lifestyle this area offers, including boating, fishing, swimming and paddleboarding.
I am very proud of our small team and invite you to pop in anytime to say hi or ask any questions - our door is always open. See you soon.
Jodi and team
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LOCAL FOLK - GARETH EYRES
Local personality, Gareth Eyres, has led a fascinating life: self-employed from the age of 28, he has had several careers (sometimes simultaneously), has travelled the world, worked with celebrities, wrangled Playboy bunnies, saved forests, written 11 books, and many, many other things. He was gracious enough to sit down with us to answer some questions.
PWC: When and where were you born?
GE: 1954, North Lancashire.
PWC: Where have you lived?
GE: I came to NZ from the UK when I was 15 and lived most of the time on the North Shore with the exception of some brief stints in the US, Canada, the Pacific Islands and Australia.
PWC: How long have you lived in Point Wells?
GE: Approx. 20 years part-time and 15 years fulltime.
PWC: Do you have family history with Point Wells?
GE: No, but I was always interested in the area from the age of 19 when I would go diving at Goat Island and thought I would live here one day. I just loved all that it had to offer.
PWC: What is your favourite hobby?
GE: Tiddly winks and macramé
PWC: What is your favourite travel destination?
GE: The States, to paddle rivers or diving in Fiji, but that was in the earlier years.
PWC: What kind of pets do you have, if any?
GE: No pets but we have been involved with the Blind, Low Vision NZ guide dogs for 20 years. My partner, Kate, does all the hard work puppy raising from 8 weeks until around 15 months. Some of ‘our’ puppies did so well they were taken into the guide dog breeding programme. We have now adopted a retired guide dog, Zeira. Her daughter, Olive, currently lives with us as well. They can be seen walking the village with Ray Smith most mornings, and in the afternoon with Kate.
PWC: Are you a sports fan? If so, what is your favourite team?
GE: The All Blacks. I also enjoy any other outdoor sports.
PWC: What causes are you passionate about?
GE: Where do I start? Getting people into the outdoors safely, which led to my involvement with the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre for 15 years, Blind, Low Vision Guide Dogs, to name a few.
PWC: What’s the best thing about living in Point Wells?
GE: Accessibility to the ocean and the outdoors. I’d like to say the climate but after this last period, maybe not.
PWC: What’s your least favourite thing about living in Point Wells?
GE: Growth and change within the village. I was quite happy with what it was.
PWC: Who is someone you admire, and why?
GE: Amongst a number of people, I’d say Jacinda Ardern, because of the great work she did during COVID and the Christchurch shootings. She gave it all to her job whilst being a mum and it obviously took its toll.
PWC: Tell me three pet peeves.
GE: Mindless polluters, dangerous drivers and ignorance.
PWC: What do you want to be when you grow up?
GE: An archaeologist, even though there was a shortage of Pyramids where I lived in Manchester.
PWC: What do you want to make sure you do before you die?
GE: I want to go to the Canyon De Chelly in Arizona and the Great Mosque in Istanbul.
PWC: What skill would you like to master?
GE: After sitting in the back of them for so long, it would be good to fly a helicopter properly and with skill
PWC: What was the highlight of last year for you?
GE: Escaping Covid and running away to the Yasawa Islands in Fiji.
PWC: What is your favourite place you’ve travelled to?
GE: Taking a month to paddle the Grand Canyon. 238 miles of big white-water, a mile deep canyon and Anasazi ruins to be discovered on the canyon cliffs
What is your favourite restaurant or café around here?
GE: MMK.
PWC: What is something you’ve always wanted to learn?
GE: Playing guitar as good as Pat Metheny in a week
PWC: If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
GE: It wouldn’t be a lot different to how I spend my time now to be honest. Money doesn’t buy happiness.
PWC: What is your favourite movie of all time?
GE: The English Patient.
PWC: What was your first job?
GE: Lab technician for my famous brother, Dr Laurence Eyres.
PWC: What was the worst job you ever had?
GE: See above - in particular when it involved gathering fresh horse blood from a pet food facility in the Bombay Hills at 5am and racing it back to the lab to be centrifuged and subsequently freeze-dried for biological growth media.
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Zeira & Olive
PWC: Did you know what profession you wanted to work in when you started university?
GE: I mindlessly followed my brother into the sciences. I wasn’t aware of a job that suited my needs at the time.
PWC: What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?
GE: The discipline of learning.
PWC: What is your current job title?
GE: Semi retired. I still import whitewater rafts and E bikes https://www.garetheyres-exposure.com/
PWC: Have you changed careers?
GE: I’ve worked in the sciences, in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, and in medical publishing which led to a career in medical communications and advertising. I was also writing and photographing for North & South, Air NZ magazine, Adventure, Islands magazine and other leading publications both here and overseas. This led to me buying 2 large format German panoramic cameras and working for the NZ Tourism Industry for over 20 years, among other projects. Along with another guy, we developed a range of white-water rafts that became the benchmark in the white-water industry in NZ, ran my own raft company and have been an active trustee at the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre for 15 years.
PWC: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
GE: Getting involved with a group of protestors in Canada trying to save the old growth forest of British Columbia, which got a bunch of people arrested and thrown in prison. It was dangerous stuff out in the forest for weeks photographing and writing about what as very important to me.
I worked with Mark Hume City Desk Editor of the Vancouver Sun, to make the BC public aware of what was going on in their own backyard in relationship to logging and bad logging practices. The result was a broad sweeping change throughout the logging industry which helped to save stands of 1200 year old trees, which still stand today.
PWC: What is a valuable lesson you learned in your career?
GE: People make the world go around.
PWC: If you could give a younger person career advice, what would it be?
GE: Get educated and get a real job or a skill before following your dreams. You can do whatever job you like but you have you deliver at the end of the day.
PWC: What do you think is the key to professional success?
GE: Just doing it right - and all that embraces. What is a favourite memory from your career?
GE: Being on a 10-day tourism shoot with Sir Edmund Hillary. We had 10 days to shoot as much as we could of South Island walking tracks. We hopped from track to track in chartered helicopters and fixed wing planes. One day, we needed to leave Ed at a hut on the Kepler for an hour in order to film walkers on the track. On our return, he was sipping tea and eating fresh scones baked by Ranger Ray, surrounded by the Te Anau Catholic Tramping Club signing $5 bills. He was reluctant to leave as there was a fresh batch of scones in the oven, so we all stayed and enjoyed Ray’s scones and a priceless moment in the NZ outdoors.
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Sir Edmund Hillary Mount Cook Rafting Wairoa waterfall in the 80s
K9 RAMBLE …. RAMBLE ….
With the recent extreme weather events, the following (adapted) advice is, hopefully, timely and helpful for any future extreme weather events.
RSPCA’S Cyclone Gabrielle Advisory (published on 12/2/2023)
Unpredictable weather events can cause serious harm to both people and their animals. The information below may help to understand how best to keep your pets protected.
Whattodo:
• Make a plan for your pets: Identify a safe place for your pets to stay during the storm, whether it's a designated room in your home, with a trusted friend or at a family member's house. Ensure you have all necessary supplies, including f ood, water, bowls, a leash, and any medications your pet requires.
• Update identification tags: Ensure your pets are wearing current ID tags with your correct contact information. This will make it easier to reunite with your pet in the event they become lost.
• Ensure you have enough food, water, and any necessary medications for your pets.
Beforetheextremeweatherevent:
• If you must evacuate and cannot keep your pets with you, the Ministry of Primary Industries with animal charity HUHA set up temporary animal shelters for companion animals (see below). Owners may not stay with their animals but can visit. To avoid travelling during the peak of the storm, owners are encouraged to bring their animals in early. Animals must arrive contained in a cage or on-leash. Owners may bring their animal’s bedding, food and toys to make their pet’s stay more comfortable.
• If your pet remains at home alone during the storm, please contact Auckland Emergency Management on 0800 22 22 00 for assistance (via Ministry for Primary Industries).
Athomeduringtheextremeweatherevent:
• Keep pets indoors: It's important to keep your pets inside during the storm for their own safety. Ensure they have access to food, water, and are comfortable in a confined place.
• Avoid using candles or open flames: Pets easily knock over candles that can start a fire, so it's best to avoid using them during a storm.
Aftertheextremeweatherevent:
• Check for injuries: Check your pets for any injuries and seek veterinary care if necessary.
• Keep your pets on- leash: If you need to take your pets outside, make sure they are on a leash to prevent them from running away or getting lost if frightened.
• Be cautious of unfamiliar surroundings: The storm may have caused changes to the environment, so be cautious of unfamiliar surroundings and ensure your
pets are supervised at all times. DO NOT LET THEM NEAR FLOOD WATERS - they may be contaminated and/or have strong currents.
Refer to www.spca.nz/pets-in-emergencies for more information.
Emergency Information and Boarding for Pets/Companion Animals (current 02/2023)
HUHA established a temporary animal shelter for companion animals at 743 Papakura-Clevedon Road, Ardmore0274416474
AucklandCouncilAnimalShelters:
Henderson Animal Shelter, 48 The Concourse, Henderson,Auckland.(098367777); also equipped to house companion animals, including cats, rabbits and guinea pigs (at no charge).
Silverdale Animal Shelter, 47 Tavern Road, Silverdale 0932.(094210222)
Manukau Animal Shelter, 33 McLaughlins Road, Auckland2104.(092618033)
Dogs must be microchipped or registered. Auckland Council is offering free microchipping and registration of all dogs and micro-chipping of small animals affected by this (Cyclone Gabriel) flood response. You will not be fined if your dog is unregistered.
If you require temporary pet housing, please state this when discussing your requirements with Civil Defence (CDC). Temporary accommodation facilities such as hotels/motels may accept pets if they are able to be contained or crated.
CommunityHubs:
Animal care packages with food and supplies are available to pet owners in need at the following community hubs: https://www.aucklandemergencymanagement.org.nz/flo od-event-2023/civil-defence-centres-community-hubsand-shelter-sites
CivilDefenceCentres:
People impacted by an extreme weather event can take their pets to CDCs if you are going to stay there. Bring any essential items you may need, eg. medication, special food.
Dogs must be leashed and, if possible, muzzled. Cats and other companion animals should be contained. Locations can be found:
https://www.aucklandemergencymanagement.org.nz/flo od-event-2023/civil-defence-centres-community-hubsand-shelter-sites
Raewyn at TranzFURmers
(BSc., MSc(Hons), Dip.Sec.Tchg, Prof. Grm) Riverside Drive, Pt Wells
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DOING IT RIGHT
For some time now, we have relied on the output of our primary producers to survive financially on the Global Market. Milk and its by-products have become the export lifeblood of the country. NZ wool has clad and carpeted homes both here and overseas. Our meat products are some of the best the world can buy
Something had to give as a result of the volume-based output production from a land that hadn’t experienced it before, especially from the Dairy sector. And the environment, especially our water resources, took the brunt of the hit.
As Massey University professor of freshwater ecology, Russell Death states “Toxic algae blooms in rivers and lakes all over New Zealand; increasing nitrates in Canterbury groundwater; 4 deaths from the Havelock North incident; and drinking water all around the country below standard.”
To have a "pristine" lake like Taupo developing toxic benthic cyanobacterial blooms must surely be a sign that everything is not good in "clean green New Zealand. It constantly surprises me that people tend to brush off these multiple recurring events as isolated instances. Surely, most people can see that these events are increasing in severity, occurrence and extent all over New Zealand. And yes, while climate changes are contributing, so too is the continued intensification of agriculture.”
Even 10 years ago it was a rarity to see the words E.coli and river used in the same headline. Now it’s an almost weeklyoccurrence. People are getting sick, and as usual, look for someone to blame. And the farmers are the ones who are first in the firing line.
After writing in North & South about a waterborne infection that nearly killed me, I received a number of emails and comments in social media. The most virulent email was from a mild-mannered intelligent woman that I knew. It read just three words “f*#! dairy farmers!”
In these three words I felt that a divide had formed in this country. And that the last government, who were voted in to steer and guide us had fallen asleep at the wheel on the water quality issue. Things had gone too far too fast, and now we are desperately playing catch-up.
The current goal on behalf of the Ministry of the Environment of having 90% of our rivers and lakes swimmable by 2040 is admirable, but should the situation have become so dire that we even need to be aiming for these goals?
But all primary producers should not be tarred with the same brush. Manyfarmers are passionate about the land upon which they farm and the animals they grow.
The Taupō Beef Story
In 2004, Mike and Sharon Barton, in their late 50s, decided to make the break from city life and bought a 150ha farm with views overlooking Lake Taupō, just off Western Bay Rd in Tihoi.
The area was covered under the Lake Taupō Regional Plan Catchment 5; in 2011 Environment Waikato imposed an “N cap” - strict limits on the amount of nitrogen farms in the catchment could leach into the lake. The main source of nitrogen is not applied fertiliser, but animal urine. To control this means controlling stock numbers per hectare.
Mike and Sharon were going to have to think outside of the square to make their 150ha work for them. They realised they had to work within the legislation to turn that “negative” of reduced stock numbers into a positive. They became involved in the science, learning what they could best to do to mitigate the impact of their farm on the environment and invited scientists to study the nitrogen impact problem on their working farm.
They run Charolais bulls over Angus cows, proven performers in meat production; heifers rather than steers. The animals are kept until they’re two, the optimal age when the bulk of what they eat is translated into meat production rather than being excreted onto the land
While we stand in shin-deep grass waiting for a photo opportunity, one of the heifers takes a long, nitrogen-rich pee. I advise Mike that it’s not a good look in a photo. He glances over his shoulder and says, “And there lies the problem. By the time that urine reaches the lake I’ll be dead and my grandson will be older than I am now. It will take 80 years for that urine to have its full effect on the environment.”
This means what’s being practiced by farmers now is critical for the future, and we can only work with the science we have to estimate the long-term impact on the environment. Science tells us all food production has an impact on the environment, be it vegetables, cereals, meat, rice or dairy.
So, how to reduce that impact? In beef and dairy farming the easy answers are to reduce stock numbers, plant more trees, practice riparian planting and fence off marginal land, especially those gullies that become waterways in heavy rain. Commendable actions that also risk reducing the financial viability of a farm serving the commodity food market.
With farm costs rising and their herd numbers constrained by the nitrogen cap, the Bartons started developing their high-value, environmentally friendly Taupō Beef brand in 2009. They went to market in a trial two years later, supplying the product to top local restaurants at a premium price-point.
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The results were outstanding. All the restaurants wanted to continue. The Bartons also work with an Auckland distributor, Neat Meat, to get their product in front of customers with a conscience who are prepared to pay a little more for their steaks and roasts and support the “eat fresh, eat local” philosophy.
Sharon has articulated the ethical farmer’s dilemma at TEDx talks. “The environmental cost has never been billed into our farming production,” she told an audience recently. “New Zealand food is not governmentsubsidised. There’s a cost involved to protect our waterways and no one wants to pay for it. …the farming community can’t afford to pay for it on their own.”
The Bartons believe by giving consumers the back-story to their beef, including the farm’s role in preserving water quality, customers can make an informed choice about whether to pay a bit more for the product.
It’s proven science and hard work that’s seen the Bartons win Sustainable Business Network and Ballance Farm Environment awards over the past three years, and for Mike, a QSM in 2014 in recognition of his efforts to preserve the Lake Taupō environment and services to farming. https://www.taupobeef.co.nz
Transforming marginal land
In the 60s it was called scrub. Whole hillsides and gullies full of manuka (Leptospermum scoparium/tea tree) would be rolled over by dozers and diggers, then piled into heaps and burned. This made way for more sheep and cattle to be grazed and contributed towards New Zealand having the largest sheep per capita ratio in the world. Nowadays, many of those marginal hillsides and gullies are losing their fragile grass cover and slipping away, exposing scars on the landscape, and spilling exposed soil into waterways. Many hill farms have land like this: scruffy hills crisscrossed with animal tracks and slips, along with gullies choked with bogs and weeds. Smart farmers, though, are reintroducing the scruffy old scrub, and not only for the goldmine that is the manuka honey industry. A recent study, led by the University of Canterbury, has found manuka and kanuka reduce nitrate leaching as well as phosphorus and sediments run-off that would otherwise contaminate waterways. John Burke used to work as a product manager for Comvita. He is now involved in the improvement of two beef and sheep stations on the hilly escarpment overlooking the Tauranga Harbour. His pride and joy is the grazing unit named Pukekauri. This farm has been in the family since the 1980s. John is proud of what they have achieved here.
“We retired that piece 10 years ago. The previous owner had beef cattle roaming all the way through it. Now look at it!” The patch of native forest rings with birdsong. There’s a low dam that has a fenced-off wetland upstream. “Look at the colour of the water. Three years ago this was a useless FRAP, and now…
FRAP (farm runoff aggregation points) are the boggy bits you find in gullies and flat areas at the base of hills. They’re hotspots for waterway pollution, pooling E.coli, phosphorous and nitrates. FRAPs can make up to 510% of a farm’s area, says Burke, and they’re unlikely to be making a positive contribution to the business.
“In my view, retiring them, releasing the areas from production and replanting is more important than riparian fencing in terms of reducing farm water pollution, so they should be deemed an environmental priority. Prevention of contaminated water entering a waterway is the key… once polluted water has entered a drain or stream it’s too late. Planting wetlands - nature’s kidneys - to slow and filter the water is a great way to reduce farm water pollution and improve farm production.”
Pukekauri not only looks lovely, the balance sheet is also showing results: the farm is in the top 20% of profitable farm units in the area.
John’s son James is working a leased grazing unit close by. James and the farm’s owners, the Hicksons, are working with Comvita on trial plots of manuka in nonproductive areas of the farm. Tracks have been carved into the landscape to allow easy access for hives and beekeepers.
Standing on a plateau overlooking the farm, it all seems quite straightforward.
First, planting non-profitable areas of suitable farms in manuka. Then introducing beehives to increase profitability and soil health. Fencing off fragile areas to allow regeneration. Creating wetlands as sumps that clean and filter water and runoff. Choosing stock breeds that have a reduced impact on the land and managing them to optimal growth and potential before they start making a damaging environmental impact from their size and excretions.
All of this can have a downstream effect on our waterways and water reserves, and subsequently the health of the seas surrounding us.
After seeing recent events on the East cape maybe we should be taking a closer look at what these guys do and consider doing the same.
Gareth Eyres
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The Legacy of the Migounoffs: A Russian family in Matakana
In our cemetery, in the lower right-hand corner stands an impressive granite obelisk marking the plot of the Migounoffs'.
The first to arrive in New Zealand was Alexis Migounoff, a hardworking Russian immigrant who lived and worked in the Omaha Flats. Born in 1882 in Kyenga, Tomsk, Southern Siberia, Russia, in 1906, at the age of 24 with a wife, Maria, and a young family, Alexis received the news that he was to be conscripted into the Imperial Russian Army. Conscription wasn't voluntary; it was forced upon Russian youth and involved a 15-year term. During this period, the Russian army had experienced crushing defeats by the Chinese and Japanese and morale was at an all-time low. A job with no pay, the worst conditions for 15 years - a life and career move that wasn't appealing to a young family man. Consequently, a familydecision was made that he would run, leaving his family, home and Russia to find a better future.
In the dead of night, along with 2 other conscripts from his village, he fled and boarded a train for the nearest port, Vladivostok, 4 days away. Upon arrival, the first boat out of the port was destined for New Zealand, a place they had never heard of and knew nothing of what to expect.
Arriving in Wellington, the 3 young men, with little English, headed north to Fielding to work on the Whittle farm. While there, Alexis met another Russian immigrant named Xenophon Rudusoff (aka Rudy) and they became friends, eventually purchasing land in Hatuma in Central Hawke's Bay and starting a market garden. By 1911 Alexis had saved enough money to send for his family; his wife Maria, and their daughter Nina.
It was in 1914 that Alexis and Rudy purchased land on the fertile peat of Omaha Flats and established a market garden. They worked hard and soon were able to advertise their produce in the local paper.
The Migounoff name became synonymous with Matakana and the production of good quality homegrown produce such as potatoes, citrus and eggs along with show winning sheep and cattle. His pure-bred Friesian herd, so famous with many show ribbons, was taken over by Alexis’s daughter Mary and her husband Eric Tickle. They then passed the tradition and breeding program onto their son, Peter Tickle.
Sadly, Rudy was killed in 1919 when his horse bolted on the Matakana hill, and he was thrown off his cart, which then rolled onto him.
This would have been a sad and significant loss for Alexis. Rudy was only 32 years old and was the first to be buried in the Migounoff plot in the Matakana Cemetery.
A few years later in 1925, Alexis’s widowed mother, Nadejda, arrived in New Zealand to join the family; she was 73 years old.
In 1929, Alexis, at the age of 47, developed rheumatoid arthritis, making it difficult for him to work on the farm. After experimenting with various remedies, he turned to citrus, eating grapefruit and finding that it improved his health. He then stored barrels of grapefruit juice, which fermented into fruit wine.
This became the famous "Lemora" wine, a fortified grapefruit and lemon wine marketed as "the Wine of the Golden Fruit." Doctors recommended it for aches and pains and as a sleep aid, and it became popular throughout New Zealand.
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In 1937, with growing sales, he relocated the production of the wine to Greenlane in Auckland and began selling nationwide. The company remained successful for many years, but eventually, due to declining interest and increased taxes, Lemora was discontinued around 2005 after sixty years of production.
Alexis's wife Maria (nee Antipiev) and their children are essential to the story. Maria was born in 1886 in Nerchinsk, Russia, and was Alexis's strong and supportive partner. Their children, Nina, Michael, Louisa, Mary Violet and Leonard, went on to have their own families and continue the legacy.
Nina was born in Russia and married Alfred Bell in 1931. Their first son, Michael, was born in New Zealand in 1910 and, unfortunately, died in 1932. Louisa, born in 1912, married Joseph Carlson in 1931. Mary Violet, born in
EVERY BODY YOGA
1916, married Eric Tickle, a family name we are familiar with. Leonard, the youngest son and the only descendant to carry on the Migounoff name, married Katherine and had two sons, Peter and Michael.
Of interest is that teaching was a favourite career choice for the Migounoffs, with Nina teaching at the Whangaripo School. Her son, Bob Bell, taught at Warkworth and Sonia Tickle at Matakana. All of the Migounoffs attended Matakana School.
The story of the Migounoff family is a testament to the struggles, sacrifices, and hard work of the early pioneering immigrants of New Zealand. Despite facing many challenges, Alexis created a successful business and provided for his family. His legacy lives on in the history of the Matakana.
Today we remember Peter Tickle, who recently passed away. Peter was the grandson of Alexis Migounoff and continued in his tradition. Rest in peace, Peter.
February 2023
Written by Adrienne J. Miller
Tickle)
At all times, but especially during times of change and uncertainty, when stress levels are running high and our nervous systems are overloaded, taking care of our 'whole' selves is most important. Termed 'self care', taking care of our 'whole' selves, is the act of doing what replenishes us, fills our cup'. What is rejuvenating for our body and mind, so that we are better placed to do what we do, work, care for others and go about our days. It might be spending time in nature, reading, resting, a cup of tea, writing, painting, a walk with a friend, making a healthy meal, a massage, surfing. There are so many ways to care for yourself and everyone is different. Yoga is also an act of self care.
There is now a community Yoga (slow flow) class at the Point Wells hall, Wednesday morning, 9am - 10am (school term time, keep an eye on the notice board and facebook for updated days and times).
Local resident Caroline Searle has been practicing yoga for the past 20 years or so. In 2022 Caroline completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training with a vision to share yoga with those that often don't experience it. There can be misconceptions about yoga, that you need to be a certain way or be able to do certain things. Every Body Yoga, as the name suggests, is designed for everybody; young, old, stiff, flexible, beginner, experienced, male, female.
The drive behind Every Body Yoga is to make yoga accessible for anyone that is curious and keen to move their body, explore the body mind connection, find ease and take some time for themselves (self care). It's not just about the poses and movement on the mat but also, how practicing on the mat can impact how you feel throughout the rest of your day. Caroline offers a weekly community class; 1:1 sessions (beginner, postnatal, chair yoga, designed to suit your individual needs); Private group and workplace yoga (tailored to occasion and needs). Any questions or for more info contact Caroline 0212018859 carolinesarahsearle@gmail.com
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Photos & information from Sonia Marie Alex (Née
PWCRA Committee
Robin Ransom February 2023
Marion Ransom
Pat Leitch, Commodore
