March Issue 42 by Pete's web sites

RODNEY'S

MARCH 2011

Rural life: the Helensville sheep dog trials pg3 Lifestyle farming: getting started pg6 Health feature: when it rains it sucks pg12 Agriculture: bees are under threat…again pg14

ISSUE 42

EDITORIAL

It’s mind blowing that this is Issue 42 and we’ve been running nearly 4 years. The feedback you send is greatly valued. Thank you – and please keep it coming.

(online)… and enter the draw for a case of sparkling Feijoa Wines crafted here in Rodney by Lethorian Wines. And if you subscribe to the online version of Rural lifestyle, each month I’ll send you a link to view the entire content before anyone else sees the printed edition.

In the January issue we asked for comment on Colloidal Silver. It seems that others also report good results and I have recently found it 100% effective for tackling sore throats. In this issue, Duncan McNab shares his knowledge about setting up your block to run sheep and Helen reports on the Helensville Sheep Dog Trials. I write about a very smart invention that improves tank water quality and Logan interviews a visiting beekeeping dignitary from France about the threats facing the world’s bees.

Visit us online at: www.rurallifestyle.co.nz and be in to win! The website has been drastically overhauled thanks to Steve Hart of Mosaic Media and is now packed with more features and more content. Please tell us what you think

work from her collection that was in Christchurch has been destroyed. We would very much encourage you to get along and support her exhibition.

Thanks for supporting the magazine and please keep letting advertisers know where you read about their advertised products – this helps us to deliver more of the content you like.

Neville Walker – Editor & Publisher

Our thoughts and hearts go out to the people of Christchurch and everyone affected. No doubt the relief funds’ coffers from the first earthquake will have to be filled again (we have the links posted on our website). It is worth mention that Renata PrzynogaCousins, who is exhibiting her work at Coatesville’s Flametree Art Garden & Gallery until April 1, and whose painting appears on our cover, has been personally affected also, as the historic building where she had paintings and materials has now been leveled. At this stage it appears all the

Letters or enquiries to Rodney’s Rural Lifestyle, RD Marketing Ltd, RD1, Kaukapakapa. Phone 09 947 3580. Email: neville@rurallifestyle.co.nz Advertising enquiries: Marlene Brown 021-854-946 Logan Tudehope 021 483401 Rodney’s Rural Lifestyle ©2011. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without permission of the publisher is prohibited. No responsibility accepted for any direct or indirect consequences arising from reliance on any content within Rodney’s Rural Lifestyle. Editor: Neville Walker. Sub Editor: Helen Martin. Writers this issue: Helen Martin, Logan Tudehope, Neville Walker. Cover: Image courtesy Renata Przynoga-Cousins. Title: The other view. E. coli image p12 and bee image p14 ©United States Department of Agriculture. Designer: Dan Stenhouse, Bgraphix. Printing: International Print.

• Fences • Retaining • Landscaping • Decks

BUY DIRECT

Posts • Strainers • Battens • Wire • Gates Poles • Timber • Plywood • Hardware

For the big jobs let us UPSIZE you to our

1.8m PREMIUM POST Big Strodng n a

Beautiful

WE DELIVER 2

only

8.50 WHILE

+ gst

STOCKS LAST

150 - 160mm

SED

That’s less than the price of our

No. 1s!

GIVE US A CALL FOR MORE GREAT PRICES ON OUR QUALITY PRODUCTS

RURAL LIFESTYLE ISSUE 42

Ph: 09 431 2855

Schiska Rd, Topuni, SH 1, 10 Min North of Wellsford. Fax: 09 431 2856 Email: sales@topunitimber.co.nz. Mon-Fri 7am - 5pm, Sat 8am - 12pm

RURAL LIFE

Helensville sheep dog

trials

By Helen Martin

While sheep dog trial competitors are generally professional farmers, there’s a lot people from lifestyle blocks can gain from being a sheep dog trial spectator. As Duncan McNab, President of the Helensville Sheep Dog Trial Club for the past 15 years explains, you can make some really useful contacts with people who know about breeding and training good working dogs. And for a newbie like me, watching a trial in action is a great lesson in New Zealand’s historical rural culture.

It’s the weekend of the Helensville sheep dog trials and everywhere you look there are dogs – Huntaways (which are only bred in New Zealand) and Heading Dogs mostly, along with Morris the fox terrier, who’s here for his 9th trial. Morris doesn’t compete, but he likes to keep an eye on things, snaffle the occasional sausage and

provide moral support for his mates, Tip and Fly. I watch a succession of beautiful Huntaways, commanded by their owner’s voice and whistle, bark sheep in groups of 3 up a hill. Big Bruce doesn’t have much of a bark, but the sheep seem to know what he wants. It’s not hard to work out the aim is to get the sheep through markers, but sometimes they disappear into the bushes and the run is called off. A couple of times the judge retrieves wayward sheep with his Heading Dog Gay, quietly showing us how it’s done. Waiting their turn, competitors shoot the breeze about the course (“It’s a bugger of a hill, this”), about their performance so far (“I haven’t had a complete yet – they zigged when they should’ve zagged”), about dog training (“When I broke him in I’d just got me false teeth and I couldn’t whistle” and “My dog was shaking so hard he had no fleas left on him”) and, of course, about the dogs’ abilities (“A top trial dog doesn’t necessarily make a great working dog”) and the judging process (“These judges are mean as!”). RURAL LIFESTYLE ISSUE 42

fo CA rF L C R fL an EE or FN AL d m ROEW L qu aen E N ot adsu m e qrue e ot as e

Wardrobe Doors Wardrobe Doors

Wardrobe Doors

fo C A rF L R L

an EE N d m OW qu e ot asu e re

Veterans and newbies alike put Duke, Jack, Jess, Blaze et al through their paces in these local trials, with a view to scoring enough points to qualify for entry into the next level of competition, the North Island and South Island trials. Points are cumulative, Custom-made so you can attend a sliding number of or trials to stack upWardrobe enough bi-folding points toCustom-made qualify. From there, forallows sliding Door System those really serious about the sport, or bi-folding Wardrobe efficient access to the eventual goal is to qualify for Door System allows storage the national and maybe even thespace efficient access to international competitions. www.homeplus.co.nz

storage space

Lorna Sanson who, along with competitor husband Alec, is a longtime trial supporter, shows me the book insiders call The White Bible, which sets down the rules for the competition, including those for successful completion of a run.

fo CA rF L R L an EE N d m OW qu e ot asu e re

Some workers take a well-earned rest.

Like all sports dog trialling is an art, www.homeplus.co.nz with judges looking for a dog’s ability Custom-made sliding to read and work cleanly with the sheep and perfect control over or display bi-folding Wardrobe them and for the System owner to allows give the Door Wardrobe Doors right commands to assist the dog. efficient access toAs part of the process the judge draws storage space a map of the sheep’s movements as the Competitors enter either the Maiden, www.homeplus.co.nz trial is in progress, using it to score Intermediate or Open section, with the run when it is completed (or not, Heading Dogs competing in the Long as the case may be). Head and the Short Head and Yard

Roller Blinds Roller Blinds

Roller Blinds

events and Huntaways competing in The New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial the Zig Zag Hunt and the Straight Association website Custom-made sliding Hunt. www.sheepdogtrials.co.nz records or bi-folding Wardrobe

Warmer in Winter / Door System allows Cool in Warmer in Summer Winter efficient access to/ www.blinds.co.nz TM TM storage space Sunscreen blinds in Summer Deauville Folding Arm Awnings Pergolaflex Cool Conservatory AwningscanAWNINGS www.blinds.co.nz www.homeplus.co.nzSunscreen reduce energy blinds can Manual or Motorised consumption reduce energy by up toCome in and see the 63% while by also upadding to range of colour-durable, Roller Blindsconsumption mildew-resistant fabrics 63% whileinalso adding elegant, sophisticated and options for Pergolaflex Warmer Winter / elegant, sophisticated Conservatory, Rolling Arm, and minimalistic Cool in Summer or Drop-Arm www.blinds.co.nz and minimalistic appearance to can Drop-Down Sunscreen blinds Awnings for business appearance to come inor home. Options also windows,and reduce energy remote control and windows,and consumption by upintotoinclude a variety of come colours wind sensors to activate a variety of home. colours to retraction automatically! 63% while also adding suit any suit any home. elegant, sophisticated ® Winter / Warmer in

Fully automated Italian design Niceway Cool in Summer

Sunscreen blinds can reduce energy consumption by up to 63% while also adding elegant, sophisticated and minimalistic appearance to windows,and come in a variety of colours to suit any home.

and minimalistic www.blinds.co.nz appearance to windows,and come in a variety of colours to 16-18 Morrison Drive 16-18 suit any home.Morrison Drive

HOMEPLUS RODNEY HOMEPLUS RODNEY

16-18 Morrison Drive rodney@homeplus.co.nz rodney@homeplus.co.nz Warkworth

HOMEPLUS RODNEY rodney@homeplus.co.nz

09 425 7053 09 425 7053 16-18 Morrison Drive

HOMEPLUS RODNEY rodney@homeplus.co.nz www.homeplus.co.nz

RURAL LIFESTYLE ISSUE 42

151M

09 425 7053

16-18 Morrison Drive rodney@homeplus.co.nz

09 425 7053

151M

there are 90 sheep dog trial clubs in the North Island and 71 in the South Island, grouped for administration into 13 Centres. Of these, the Helensville Sheep Dog Trial Club, which has been going for 85 years, is one of the oldest in the country. Running originally from McGowans’ farm on Te Pua School Road, the club eventually shifted operations to Andrew McKenzie’s Inland Rd farm. Duncan McNab, whose wife Jinny helps with the organisation and catering and whose adult children Robyn and James take part in the behind-thescenes work when they can, tells me it used to take a week to set up for a trial: building liberating pens and courses; repairing and painting yards, hurdles and pegs; committing and collecting from sponsors; organising food and drink; organising accommodation for the judges, many of whom travel some distance for the trials. But now, with the three yards

permanently in place, setting up and packing out is quick and easy. The trials couldn’t happen without sponsorship from the likes of local businesses RD1, Wrightsons, Neville Brothers Transport, Oikoumene Forest and P.G. Smith Fertilisers. And of course without the competitors there would be no trials. So why do they do it? There are trophies and cash prizes to be won, but like any sport it’s about much more than that, and, listening to the competitors compare notes, it’s obvious there’s a lot of pride and honour in turning in a good performance. It’s hugely challenging,” says Lorna Sanson, “it’s all about the relationship between the master and the dog.” Duncan agrees. “A good stockman reads the sheep. They know when to step forward and when to pull back. They have an empathy with the animals. That’s what makes a winner.”

Ryan Stewart and Huntaway Pip wait their turn.

Rodney Sheep Dog Trial Club are holding their trials on March 11, 12 at Tauhoa Rd, Kaipara Flat. Visit www.sheepdogtrials.co.nz for more details. Ed.

Come home to the country

We've built a solid reputation, now we are ready to build for you! 10-year Master Builders’ Guarantee and a fixed-price contract.

Take a look at our rural plans that make Cranston the choice for quality in the country, or we will design and build to your choice. For your local Rodney consultant or for a FREE information pack phone us on

0800 272 678 or visit www.cranston.co.nz

FREE

Architectural Home Concept Design worth over $2500! CALL NOW. Some conditions apply. Offer is limited.

Open homes: 82 Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga (Friday, Saturday and Sunday 12 to 3pm), 12 Martingale Lane, One Tree Point (please call to arrange a time). Office: 56a Forge Road, Silverdale. Ph 09 426 8277 RURAL LIFESTYLE ISSUE 42

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Belt Sander Belt Sander

Sika Black Plus Sika Blackseal

459$0045900

Ball Bearing AllMotor $ Motor All Ball Bearing Variable Speed Variable Speed 1050w 1050w SB8V2

SB8V2

0 129 2920

$ $ 00

FR 129 20L EE EE $

SV13YB

Random Orbital Random Orbital Sander Sander Worth $175 Worth $175

HOT PRIC

*When purchased with SB8V2

Getting

started

DV16VSSGA

Drill 13mm Electric 13mm Electric Drill

D13VG

Reduction Gearbox Triple HOTPRI Gearbox Triple Reduction High Torque High Torque H 9 $ H 800w * OT P OT 800w RIC PR Impact Drill Impact Drill$ 00 $ I C E 00 E Case includedCase included AnchorFix 16mm 300ml AnchorFix-1 16mm Two for Tw Worth $140 Worth $140

D13VG

DV16VSSGA

399 399

o for $18.95 $18.95

*When purchased with D13VG *When purchased with D13VG

Sabre Saw 130mm By Helen Martin Saw 130mm Sabre Variable Speed Variable Speed 1010w 1010w

365 365

Premium P3 NailbondNailbond

E13 Piece

E $ 00 FRE 00 FR

13 Piece CR13V CR13V Sabre Saw Sabre Saw Blades or Blades of Worth $110 Worth $110 Tw .50

Helen Martin talks to Duncan McNab about getting started on a lifestyle block. *When purchased with CR13V

Fence Finish Fence Finish

some some stores may not stock both sizes

Assorted Colours Colours 10L Assorted 10L

Traditional 95 Forestwood Traditional Forestwood quickly and some just give up and go died and a donkey from $ lambing 3995$39 Oil Stain Oil Stain Colours Assorted 5L Underproof back to town. the donkey5L rescue people and a Assorted Colours Underproof All Purpose Undercoat, All Purpose Undercoat, $ 993 95$6695 $1599$15 $ Primer Undercoat Acrylic 10 Undercoat Acrylic Primer Kaimanawa pony that needs a home, 66 Primer Wood What are the best first steps in 40kg Wood Primer 40kg 25kg 2L White 00$4900 $ 2L White 49 and with a coupleKillrust of pigsKillrust thrown avoiding the rural idyll turning into a Cut O SPE EnamelExclusive Offer Exclusive Enamel SPE -to in they end up with way too much. or Aluminium White Black, $300 on-L Spend nightmare? Aluminium Black, White or Solasafe Spend $300 on FREE a get and get a FREE and 50 $ All animals have different food, $ On some lifestyle blocks people 1525m roll of 25m Aerosol 79 $ roll of tape 1550 Aerosol Metal Primer Anti-Noise Metal Primer 21met Anti-Noise tape 50 $need Steel Grey and 50 $ social needs and 50 $ get the pony for the kids and a pet Steel Grey shelter 50 42 1L $ 22 500ml 22 500ml 42 1L SuperEtch 50 goat and some lambs whose mother different kinds of care, if$you $ so50 SuperEtch 42want 1L

Let’s get the negatives out of the way first. What do you see as the downside of lifestyle block farming? There are plenty of pitfalls in running a lifestyle property and while I’m sure everyone sets out with the best of intentions, people with no experience can get out of their depth quite

Metal Primer Metal Primer

Grey, Aerosol Grey, Aerosol

SelfLok Homestead Fencing ya nd bu ore a m r o r 0* 95 lide o r d $20 Spen Ea Leaf S iverter fo E rD AL e t a w OLES H W Rain THEN LESS

Homestead Rail

Chain Tensioner Nosed Bar n

cloud

Storm

2400X113mm $

cc Chainsaw

When purchased with $200 of other products

Scaffold Planks 2950x230x42mm Laminated

30x3.15mm Zinc 50x4mm Zinc

ger

BBA520

14500

3999

200mm Earth Auger 2 Stroke 1.98kw $ FOREST 52cc LIMITED

Oikoumene|

1 West Road, Helensville | Phone: (09) 420 8706 | www..oikoumene.co.nz

All prices include GST

Promotion runs from 1st Feb 2011 to 31 Mar 2011 or while stocks last

RURAL LIFESTYLE ISSUE 42

Scaffold Planks 2950x230x42mm 1:08:04 PM Laminated

7/4/09

Post Hole Borer

129500

BBA520

N5900B

fro Promotion Feb 20 from 1st runs Promotion runs

2695

235mm, 20T TCT 85mm cu

www.build www.buildlink.co.

Heavy Duty Round Posts 1800x170mm

Circul

Be for BuyPric for Buy Better Cash for Eftpos for Cash, Mastercar Mastercard and Vi

1595

39 Insto Apply or On Apply Instore

Per sheet 1484 Oikoumene Forest Letterhead.pdf

$ 1 11900 HOT 0 $ $ PRIC 35900359 E in

Two Two Rainwater Twoo fo r for for for 25kg $ 2 5 $Diverter .9.95 $22.95 25.95 5 $22 95 $ For Rain Storage Ea

Plywood CD. H3 1845x945x12mm

69500

Fencing Staples 25kg Pail

rer

29500

Per sheet

Edged Half Round Post 1800x145x75mm

High Performance Light Weight Reduced Exhaust Emissions Easy Starting Loop Handle EBH252L Envionmentally Friendly 25.4cc

2695

o Twor 5 f$1.95 $ f .9 9 9 $2 Gst 40kg *Incl 25kg $2 40kg

4 15

8 Ea Brush Cutter Petrol 4 Stroke All pricesAll include GST pricesGST include

$ 60 ce Light Weight Ea 95 $ st Emissions Ea Pail 5kg Staples Fencing op Handle EBH252L Round Posts Duty Heavy Zinc 30x3.15mm Friendly 00 $ 1800x170mm 50x4mm Zinc

Plywood CD. H3 1845x945x12mm

895

DCS4610

$ 75Post #3 1.8m Round 8 Ea

Petrol 4 Stroke

with $200 of other d buy products re an r mo r o * 0 o d $20 af Slide er for Spen t Le r e r Div LESALE o teo aw Tw o rRainwT oNr 9W5HO . Twofro9L.E9S5S THfE Tw 19

cloud

Anti-Vibe Lateral Chain Tensioner 450mm Sprocket Nosed Bar $ 95 Rainwater Ea Fast Acceleration *Incl Gst Diverter Easy Start 95 00 $ Post #1 1.8m Half Round For Rain Storage $ 2.6kw Ea

Angle

840w 840watt Grinde 11,000 rpm 11,0

min Quality Dry5Concretes in clog-up m Quality Dry Concretes ute inu ic Add Water s tes lassJust CWater Just Add a When purchased

Storm

Pro Series 46cc Chainsaw

#2 2.4m Strainer Post Edged Half Round Post $ 2995Ea1800x145x75mm

Leaf Slide

Cemix SPrevents Sdrain 1 ets e

Cemix

89500

DCS4610

1550$1550

Prevents drain clog-up

ic Class

9557NB

Leaf Slide

4595

or of Tw 7.50 $2 C UltracemUl

*When purchased with CR13V

180X1800mm $ Predrilled Post

3999 Ea

FOREST Oikoumene LIMITED Oikoumene| FOREST

FREEPHONE 0800 8333LIMITED 99

1 West Road, Helensville | Phone: (09) 420 8706 | www..oikoumene.co.nz

1 West St, Helensville. E: oikoumene@xtra.co.nz W: www.oikoumene.co.nz Promotion runs from 1st Feb 2011 to 31 Mar 2011 or while stocks last

IS GORSE OR SCRUB ERODING YOUR LAND’S PRODUCTIVITY? Before...

After!

For an online video demonstration visit www.allaboutearthmoving.co.nz

We’ll make quick work of the tallest gorse on steep, hard-to-reach sites. Steep gullies and hillsides are often left for gorse to overtake because it’s too difficult to control. Spraying requires a lengthy die-off period and still leaves the problem of removal. Burning can promote rapid re-growth and can damage non-target vegetation. With our new 22.5tonne machine and its fixed tooth

mulching head we go where no others have before. We’ll turn gorse-ridden land into productive farm land quickly and efficiently. You’ll save on spraying costs and re-vegetation or re-sowing can start immediately. Any gorse regrowth can then be more easily managed and maintained.

Also ask us about mulching whole trees in place, storm damage work, shelter belt removal, scrub and other noxious weed removal - spray-free! $5,000,000 Public Liability Insurance covering all fire risk Call Ken Borg 0800 600 500 | 021 635577 A/Hrs 09 425 4520 | Fax 09 425 4521 ken@allaboutearthmoving.co.nz www.allaboutearthmoving.co.nz

Sheep holding in the crush pen.

to avoid giving yourself a life sentence, don’t try and farm everything. So if you decide on sheep, for example, given that the whole economic basis of sheep farming is to produce lambs, small block holders choosing to run sheep need to think about why they want them and how they’re going to manage them so their lives are as comfortable as possible. To limit your problems, if you want to farm sheep, just farm sheep. Once you’ve decided what you’re going to focus on, do your research and get help and advice from people who’ve been there before you. Say you’ve decided to focus on farming sheep. How do you get started? Whether you buy a block of land that’s already set up, or whether you’re setting it up yourself, you need the right

Would Your Wetland or Bush Block Qualify for Subdivision? Call us now for a FREE initial consultation Cato Bolam will assist you in maximising the development potential of your rural landholding through:

■ Wetland Potential / Restoration ■ Existing Native Bush Potential ■ Bush Planting Proposals ■ Potential from Boundary Relocations ■ Countryside Living Subdivisions

planners surveyors engineers Call Myles, Mark or Michelle Orewa 09 427 0072 Kumeu 09 412 9040 www.catobolam.co.nz

35yrs experience in Rodney “Quality Services for Quality Environments”

RURAL LIFESTYLE ISSUE 42

facilities: available water; good fencing and gateways; a good set of yards with a loading ramp; a shearing shed with a nice shearing board and a good drenching race; the right tools.

WATER Because sheep have relatively small bodies they don’t need a lot of water and they’re very good converters of grass, which is 80% water. But they still need access to a good water supply, especially in the heat of summer. Like most rural landowners you’ll be collecting water off your roof. Two 5,000 gallon tanks (or two 25,000 litre tanks) will save a lot of time and expense during dry spells. You can have a simple system using low pressure alkathene and plastic troughs in your paddocks attached to your house water supply, or you may connect to a stream or other water supply e.g. bore water. It’s beneficial for the sheep if you put the troughs in a

sheltered area where the water can stay cool. Small plastic troughs will suffice for ewes. If you use larger, higher sided troughs, dig them in so the ewes can get their mouths in to drink. It pays to put concrete blocks in the trough in a step formation so that any springing lambs about 2 months old that end up in the trough can get themselves out. Otherwise they can drown.

FENCING AND GATEWAYS Sheep like to move uphill and your property has to be fenced so the sheep will flow. Stock will get behind gates that swing out into the open, especially when you’re moving sheep. When the ewes head off to good tucker, especially with the rotational grazing system, they’re racing off not worrying about their lambs and the lambs can freak out and do crazy things like run into fence posts and knock themselves out. So gateways should be at the end of the slope, or if it’s flat land you put your gateways in the corner, not in the middle of your fence lines. If your fences and gateways are well designed you don’t need sheepdogs to do the work for you.

YARDS AND LOADING RAMP Whether you have 100 or 20 sheep you have to have stockyards. Your yards need to be in a dry spot. If they’re exposed, build walls and roof them (you’ll need this shelter for lambing problems and shearing). It’s really important to design your yards for ease of stock management. If you can, build your yards on a slight slope, so stock walk uphill to get into them. One of the worst things you see on small blocks is yards out in the middle of nowhere, with no way of getting stock into the gateway. I’ve seen so many cases where people should be filing for divorce when, instead of taking 15 minutes,

How do you chose the right contractor for the job? After more than 25 years in the business, our company holds a unique pool of knowledge and experience. KBL has built a respected reputation for completing projects on time and to budget. • House excavations • Wetland development • Foundations • Footings • Long-reach • Mulching • Retaining • Dams • V-drains • Metal supply • Stumping • Soil removal • Roading • Drainage • Driveways • Rock-breaking • Drilling rock • Registered Drainlayer • Truck & Excavator Hire

Our new Caterpillar Multi Terrain Loader is fast, cost effective and highly versatile. Especially suited for residential, commercial, agricultural, building construction, lawn care and golf course maintenance.

Contact Kevin Brashier Today

it’s taken them half of Saturday to get their sheep into their stockyards and everyone’s red in the face from screaming at each other and even the pet dog’s dived for cover. There should be easy access for trucks loading stock. You need a loading ramp. It’s best to have a platform built onto a bank with a race going up to it. If you don’t have a bank you can make a ramp that has a simple-to-operate height adjustment. You need a height of 45cm to 60cm for a trailer and 120cm for a stock truck.

DRENCHING RACE A drenching race isn’t absolutely necessary, but it’s handy to have one. It needs to be a maximum of 600mm because you want to be able to hold sheep with your legs on your own while you drench them. You want a gateway that leads into the drenching race so you can hold sheep in a crush pen. This is triangular and can hold 10 sheep. You’ve got the race in front that’ll hold them, so you push the 10 sheep into the race, out of that crush pen. If you don’t have a drenching race you can do your drenching in a confined area where, as you catch and drench each sheep, you mark it with a stock marker.

SHEARING SHED AND SHEARING BOARD I shudder when I see people on small blocks shearing in a paddock. They’re shearing live animals weighing 50 to 60 kilograms with a very sharp piece of machinery doing huge revolutions. It’s too hard on your back and if you make a mistake you can cut the sheep or yourself. You need a shed that’s comfortable for the shearer. You need a nice flat balance board to work on – two sheets of ply board 2.4 by 1.2 will give you a 4.8 by 2.4 floor area. If you can afford it, this should be covered in – a lean-to covering is good enough.

VEGETATion MAnAGEMEnT Free quote on all aspects of Vegetation Management – Anywhere in the Country Tree Felling / Chipping Forest to Pasture Conversion Shelter Belt Removal Trimming / Transplanting Mulch Sales / Delivery Wood-lot Purchase / Logging Consultancy / Stump Grinding

For a FREE quote please contact: Chris Sheffield. Ph 0276 108 540 Or our office on 0800 TREEWORK (873396) Take a look at what we do at www.treescape.co.nz

FREEPHONE 0800 927 066 to discuss your project. Mobile: 0274 927 066 Email: kevin@kblemovers.co.nz

KEVIN BRASHIER DIRECTOR Mob: 0274 927 066

RURAL LIFESTYLE ISSUE 42

…a couple of pigs thrown in.

THE TOOLS Sheep don’t like being in a shed, so whether you’re drenching, docking, drafting, culling or shearing you need to have everything set up and in place so you can do the job quickly and efficiently. You can buy a second hand shearing plant off Trademe but shearers bring their own plant. You do need power, with an extension cord if necessary.

The basic tools you need are: drench; a drench gun; a drench pack; a spray can stock marker or raddle; a pair of foot-rotters (for trimming overgrown hooves); fly strike dressing or powder; dip; dip applicator (the modern versions are hand-applied spray on and very effective). These items can be purchased from your rural farm supplier. In the May 2011 issue of RRL Duncan will talk to Helen about stocking your lifestyle block.

A handy quick reference source for NZ Sheep is Pocket Guide to Sheep Breeds of New Zealand by Graham Meadows, New Holland Publishers NZ Ltd, 2008. We have also added some good reference sites on our website for further help with stockyards. And if you need a contractor to build yards, plan fencing or shear sheep our Service Directory at the back has the people to contact. Ed.

Letters Home – Reflections on an adopted country

An exhibition of oil paintings by Renata Przynoga-Cousins February 27 – April 1. Viewing hours: 11am – 4pm, Thursday to Sunday. Flametree Art Garden & Gallery, 16a O’Brien Rd, Coatesville (off the Coatesville/Riverhead Highway). Phone 414 7433 or see www.flametreegallery.co.nz for details and directions.

RURAL LIFESTYLE ISSUE 42

Husqvarna, proof Husqvarna, proof Husqvarna, proof that there’s safety that there’s safety that there’s safety in numbers. in numbers. in numbers. ™

Introducing the the all new . With ™ its.three brake Introducing all TrioBrake new TrioBrake With itssystem three brake system for extra safety that lets you work longer, faster and harder. ™ Introducing the all new TrioBrake . With its three brake system for extra safety that lets you work longer, faster and harder.

for extra safety that lets you work longer, faster and harder.

HUSQVARNA TrioBrake™

The Safest Chainsaws on the market! The Safest Chainsaws on the market! The Safest Chainsaws on The Safest Chainsaws on the market! The Safest Chainsaws on the the market! market! HUSQVARNA HUSQVARNA TrioBrake TrioBrake™™ HUSQVARNA TrioBrake™

1619

1099

RRP

Incl. G.S.T

749

RRP

Incl. G.S.T

346 346 XP® XP®TrioBrake TrioBrake™™

RRP

Incl. G.S.T

346 445 XP® E-Series TrioBrake TrioBrake 445 E-Series TrioBrake ™ ™ ™

346 XP® TrioBrake™

240 E-Series E TrioBrake 445 TrioBrake ™ ™

445 E-Series

model, ideal for jobs likeforpruning, cutting New saw people who New powerful all-round saw people lighter who value New powerful powerful all-round saw for forlogging, peoplewhere who value value AA small A small XP® saw all-round for professional small XP® XP® saw saw for for professional professional logging, logging,where where tasks and hobby work.inEasy toThe start andNew operate, thanks all-r professional qualities inin aa saw. X-Torq® engine professional qualities a saw. X-Torq® engine professional qualities saw.The The X-Torq® engine users users demand rapid acceleration, maximum power users demand demand rapid rapid acceleration, acceleration,maximum maximum power powerful A small XP® saw for professional logging, where ™ power ™ to built-in Husqvarna features like design, lower and reduced emission means lower fuel consumption andergonomic reduced emission means lower fuel fuel consumption consumption and reduced emission and andmeans manoeuvrability. Equipped with our E-TECH® and manoeuvrability. manoeuvrability.Equipped Equipped with with our our E-TECH® E-TECH® professional demand rapid acceleration, maximum power facilitating powerful X-Torq® levels. Auto return stop tool-less chain tenioner levels. Autotechnology return stopand switch, tool-less chain engine tenioner qualiti levels. Auto returnusers stop switch, switch, tool-less chain tenioner engine with reduced emissions. Includes: engine with reduced emissions. Includes: side mounted engine withXP® reduced emissions. Includes:side side mounted mounted where New powerful all-round saw for people who value A small saw for professional logging, means lower fuel c with low emissions. Equipped with Smart Start® and and makes the andour visible fuel level makes the saw easier to handle. and visible visible fuel fuel level level makes the saw saw easier easier to to handle. handle. and manoeuvrability. with E-TECH® chain chain tensioner, fuel pump and Smart Start® forEquipped easier chain tensioner, tensioner,fuel fuel pump pump and and Smart Smart Start® Start® for for easier easier professional in a saw. The X-Torq® engine tool-less chain tensioning. Equipped Start® pump Equipped with Smart Start® and fuel pump to ensure Equipped with with Smart Smart Start® and and fuel fuelqualities pump to to ensure ensure users demand rapid acceleration, maximum power levels. Auto return starts starts and quick-release cylinder cover. Equippedemissions. with starts and and quick-release quick-release cylinder cylinder cover. cover.Equipped Equipped with with engine with reduced side mounted easy Equipped with TrioBrake™, which easyreduced starts every time. Equipped with TrioBrake™, which easy starts starts every every time. time. Equipped with TrioBrake™, which Includes: means lower fuel consumption and emission and visible fuel leve and manoeuvrability. with our E-TECH® TrioBrake™, which and safety feature TrioBrake™, which is a new and innovative safety feature TrioBrake™, which isis aa new newEquipped and innovative innovative safety feature chain tensioner, fuel and Smart Start® fortenioner easier isis aa new safety feature on the chainsaw. is a new and innovative safety feature on the chainsaw. new and and innovative innovative safety feature on thepump chainsaw. levels. Auto return stop switch, tool-less chain on the can inin three on the chainsaw. The chain brake can be engaged in three on the chainsaw. chainsaw. The chain chain brake brake can be be engaged engaged three with Sma engine with The reduced emissions. Includes: side mounted The inin three third The chain brake canwith be engaged in threeEquipped ways, the third The chain chain brake brake can can be be engaged engaged three ways, ways,the thecylinder third andright quick-release cover. Equipped ways, ways, the third way isstarts with your hand.level makes ways,the the third third way way isis with with your your right right hand. hand. and visible fuel the saw easier to handle. way is with your right hand. way is with your right hand. way is with your right hand. easy starts every t chain tensioner, fuel pump and Smart Start® for easier

346 XP® TrioBrake

445 E-Series TrioBrake

TrioBrake™, which is aStart® new and feature Equipped with Smart andinnovative fuel pumpsafety to ensure is a new and innov starts and quick-release cylinder cover. Equipped with on the chainsaw. The chain brake can be engaged in easy starts every time. Equipped with TrioBrake™, which 346 346 XP® Technicaldata data 346 XP® XP®Technical Technical data data 240 445 EETechnical 445 E Technical datathree 445 Technical data The chain brake ca TrioBrake™, which is a new and innovative safety feature Engine Engine specification Engine specification specification ways, way is withsafety your right hand. Engine specification Engine specification Engine specification is a the newthird and innovative feature on the chainsaw. way is with your ri on the chainsaw. The chain brake can be engaged in three The chain brake can be engaged in three ways, the third 38.2 2.3 cu.inch Cylinder displacement Cylinder displacement 45.7 cm³ / 2.8 Cylinder displacement cu.inch Cylinder displacement cm³ /cm³ 3.06// 2.8 cu.inch Cylinder displacement50.1 45.7 45.7 cm³ 2.8 cu.inch cu.inch Cylinder displacement 50.1 cm³ // 3.06 3.06 cu.inch ways, the third way50.1 is cm³ with your right hand. way is with your right hand. Power output 2.1 2.8 Power output 2.1 Power 2.7 Power output kW / 3.7//hp 1.5 kW /2 2.8 hp hp Power output 2.1 kW kW 2.8 hp hp Power output output 2.7 kW kW // 3.7 3.7 hp hp 3462.7XP® Technical data 445 E Technical Engine specification Engine specifica 346 XP® Technical data 445 E Technical Common data Common Features Common Features Features YOUR LOCAL HUSQVARNA SPECIALISTS Engine specification Enginedisplacement specification50.1 cm³ / 3.06 cu.inch Cylinder displacem Cylinder TrioBrake™ TrioBrake™ TrioBrake™ Air Injection Air Injection Air Injection Power output Power output 2.7 kW / 3.7 hp Wellsford TrioBrake™ chain TrioBrake™ allows the chainfor TrioBrake™ allows the chaincu.inch WILMOT MOTORS LTDcm³ Centrifugal air cleaning system Centrifugal air cleaning system for 45.7 Cylinder displacement / 2.8 cu.inchCentrifugal air cleaning system for Cylinder displacement 50.1allows cm³the / 3.06 Warkworth brake to be activated either brake to be activated either brake to be activated either reduced wear and longer operating reduced wear and longer operating reduced wear and longer operating 308 State Highway 1, Te2.7 Hana. (2.5km Power output 2.1 kW / 2.88439. hp www.wilmot.co.nz Power output kW 3.7 hpnorth of Wellsford) automatically automatically by the inertia Phone: automatically by by the the/inertia inertia time between filter cleaning. time between filter cleaning. time between filter cleaning. Mill Lane, Warkworth. 09 425

www.husqvarna.co.nz

Phone: 09 423 8558 - Fax: 094238568

release release mechanism or mechanically release mechanism mechanism or or mechanically mechanically Common Features by or by your left or right hand. by your your&left left or right right hand. hand. ALBANY MOWERS MACHINERY Albany KUMEU CHAINSAW & MOWER SERVICES Kumeu Smart Start® Smart Start® crankshaft Common Features Albany Village 09-415 9756 crankshaft Three-piece Three-piece Three-piece crankshaft 377 SH 16 (Main Road), Huapai (1km past Huapai Smart Tavern) Start® Forged Forged three-piece three-piece crankshaft crankshaft www.albany-mowers.co.nz for for maximum maximum durability durability for for the the KAIWAKA MOTORCYCLES, toughest applications. toughestTrioBrake™ applications. Kaiwaka Mangawhai Rd., KaiwakaTrioBrake™ Ph 09 4312127 allows the chain www.kaiwakamotorcycles.co.nz brake to be activated either

automatically by the inertia mechanically

LowVib® LowVib® mechanism Effective anti-vibration dampeners Effectiverelease anti-vibration dampenersor

TrioBrake™ The engine and have The engine and starter have been The enginethree-piece and starter startercrankshaft have been been Forged Phone: 8109 designed so the machine starts designed so the machine starts designed so09 the412 machine starts TrioBrake™ allows the chain for maximum durability for the Air brake Injection quickly with minimum quickly with minimum effort. quickly withapplications. minimum effort. effort. toughest to be activated either 6-10 Parkway Dv (Off Constellation Dv) Mairangi Resistance isis Resistance Resistance inin the the starter starter cord cord Centrifugal air cleaning system for in the starter cord is automatically by the inertia 09 443 2436 www.yrco.co.nz reduced reduced up to 40%. reduced up up to to 40%. 40%. Bay reduced wear and longer release mechanism oroperating mechanically

your leftfilter or right hand. timebybetween cleaning. Snap-lock cylinder Snap-lock cylinder cover Snap-lock cylinder cover cover LowVib® Snap-lock cover Snap-lock cylinder cover saves Snap-lock cylinder cover saves saves Effectivecylinder anti-vibration dampeners

Electron micrograph of a cluster of E. coli bacteria.

ADVERTORIAL

When it rains it

sucks!

By Neville Walker

Water quality is important to us, especially with having young children, so I tend to keep an eye out for suitable solutions.

it harbours multiply significantly during summer, and ultimately the sediment, while it robs the oxygen from the water also clogs filtration and UV systems, leading to more maintenance needed and a shorter life for the filters.

Recent rainfall levels have been very beneficial - they have made many dairy, sheep and beef farmers happy, not to mention the wider economic benefits. But of course a silver lining usually comes with a cloud, in this instance in the form of tank trouble as the rain washes the dust and other contaminants (e.g. bird poo) that have accumulated during dry periods into our tanks, where it mixes with the sediment-soup resting on the bottom. Without the accumulation of this ‘soup’ much of our drinking water problems would be eliminated. The E. coli

I reported around this time last year (March, Issue 30) how this sediment layer in our tanks had accumulated to a depth of around 200-300mm before I cleaned them out. One year on, out of curiosity I took a peek inside one of the tanks, only to see a significant amount of sediment has yet again built up. The recommended period between cleans is two years but I think that's too long to wait. It only takes a relatively small number of coliforms to be a health problem. If you can remove the sediment, the food source for these pathogens disappears and with it the E. coli. The solution

Clean, sparkling water from your tank

HEARING LOSS – WHY PUT UP WITH IT?

Tank Vac has been tested and proven by AUT University microbiologists to remove all E. Coli from a normal rainwater tank after just one heavy rainfall! Tank Vac creates a powerful vacuum that automatically takes all the stale water from the tank’s base, including sediment, bacteria, cysts like giardia and decomposing material, without the need for electricity. Supplied complete as a DIY kit. Installation is simple and your tank won’t even need emptying. Visit us online at www.tankvac.co.nz for a video demonstration.

Special Price $298 +$12.50 p&p

Call 09 425 6483 or 0800 TANK VAC (0800 826 582)

RURAL LIFESTYLE ISSUE 42

Lesleigh Smith BSc.,MSc Aud., M.N.Z.A.S. C.C.C AUDIOLOGIST

Kasia Hamilton B.Tech (Hons), M.Aud (Hons) C.C.C.,M.N.Z.A.S AUDIOLOGIST

Shirley Parker Office administrator

• Fully qualified audiologists • Professional and caring service • Independent hearing instrument specialists • ACC and War Pensions accredited • Obligation free trial of hearing aids

Come and see us for a comprehensive assessment

Phone: 09 422 2550

NORTHLAND

Unit 4, 23 Percy Street, Warkworth. (Just above New World)

has to be a self-cleaning tank. In the January issue of Rural Lifestyle I touched on some issues surrounding rain water contamination and filtration options and I also mentioned in-tank Wanting to cover in-tank flushing systems in more detail, I spoke recently with Warren Agnew who, along with his wife Lois, invented a self-cleaning tank solution they have called Tank Vac. Warren revealed it was Lois who came up with the idea out of blue. “Why can’t we draw the over-flow water from the bottom of the tank?” asked Lois one morning while they were having breakfast on the deck. Warren thought about it and from there rigged up a simple drum with a small pipe system to replicate the function of the household water tank. How does the Tank Vac system work? A single perforated pipe that runs along the bottom of the water tank is connected to the outflow. When the water collected from your roof fills the tank, the over-flow creates a vacuum-like effect which draws the poor quality water from the base. This means fresh, oxygenated water entering the tank is available for use and the old stale water from the base is expelled (instead of the fresh water). Since those early days of the first prototypes, the system has been further developed in association with University of Waikato engineers and Auckland University of Technology microbiologists. Their refinements mean the system creates a discharge from the over-flow of up to 9 litres per second due to a patented magnetic valve within the over-flow pipe. The over-flow creates a sufficient level of suction to remove all decomposing material resting on the base of the tank

(usually the place from which the household supply is drawn). This cleaning cycle comes to an end when the water level drops 25mm. As we’ve mentioned previously household filters, with the exception of ultra-membrane filters, do not block pathogens such as E. coli. UV systems neutralise 97-98% of the pathogens, but when you have sediment being drawn from the base of the tank, these systems can become less efficient over time. With the decomposing material removed, UV systems, normal filters and ultra-membrane filters require less maintenance and less frequent replacement. To test the effect that Tank Vac can have on water quality, AUT microbiologists set up test storage tanks and found an average E. coli count of 450/100ml at the base and 130/100ml at the top. After a weekend of heavy rain the E. coli counts tested zero at both base and at the top! Would such a system completely eliminate the need for UV or ultra-filtration systems? In my opinion, no. Tank Vac flushes bacteria and other contaminants during downpours where the tank over flows. However. during dryer periods with the tank less than full, bacteria and other, possibly harmful, contaminants will be present in the water and as summer’s heat raises the water temperature inside the tank, pathogen numbers do increase. The best solution I believe, is to cover your bases by having both a UV system (or ultra-membrane) and a Tank Vac for year-round protection. The Tank Vac can be installed DIY for under $300 (and the tank does not need to be empty). The Tank Vac system will complement existing UV or ultra-membrane filtration systems by preventing much of the sediment ever reaching these treatment systems.

Is your water SAFE? Do you know what you’re drinking? ULTRA VIOLET FILTRATION N PACKAGES S

Standard whole house ltration packages.

If you don’t have a lter YOU are the lter!

COMPLETE PUMP N & FILTRATION PACKAGES

DRINKING & BATHING IN CHLORINE? We GUARANTEE chemical free water that tastes great & is safe for the family.

UNDER BENCH

TOWN/TANK WATER (or whole house)

Full service, RESULTS GUARANTEED.

Full service & complete l t packages. We make it EASY to FIX all your water problems.

“Get a real pump and do the job right”

$150.00 FREESave ON-SITE APPRAISAL

Certied installation experts. p

If you don’t have a water lter you are the lter!

offFull whole-house steriliser report forUV tank water systems users to 31 March) Valid(Valid till 28th February

0800 PURE WATER ìWeíre your local.î

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO.

RURAL LIFESTYLE ISSUE 42

AGRICULTURE

Using the fork for change

By Logan Tudehope

I was lucky enough to sit down for an exclusive chat with beekeeping royalty this week. Gilles Ratia is President of Apimondia, the International Federation of Beekeepers' Associations, and creator of the world renowned www.beekeeping.com. He's on a serious crusade and was being hosted by Maureen Maxwell, Executive Member of the National Beekeepers' Association and their Northern Ward Representative, as well as creator of Waimauku's well known cafe on State Highway 16, BeesOnline. The message Gilles Ratia brings on his crusade is a grim one: bees the world over are in crisis and if action isn't taken, the medium to long term effects are expected to be catastrophic. He believes the common fork could represent the catalyst for change.

time and work for farmers. Unfortunately they are also 'systemic' which means they affect every part of the plant and remain there (and in the soil) for sustained periods. Thus they are introduced to bees and the beekeeping industry as the bees go about their pollinating. According to Gilles Ratia, the effect they have on the bees is to severely downgrade their immune systems, resulting in a significant

The issue for bees behind Gilles Ratia's crusade is the new generation of pesticides, the most offensive of which are those known as neonicotinoids. Said to be neurotoxins seven thousand times more powerful than DDT, they save

Pumping Problems? Choose a cost effective solution for your farm or lifestyle property.

PISTON PUMPS

from

350

4 sizes, compact design. high flow – 25-100 litres per min High head – 300psi Can be retro-fitted to replace Bulldozer pumps or fitted with electric, petrol, or diesel motors to suit.

incl gst (pump only)

BUY DIRECT FROM THE NURSERY Plan ahead and order now for your Autumn/Winter planting. FREE QUOTES for plant supply. FREE DELIVERY to Leigh, Snells Beach, Omaha and Warkworth area for all orders over $150 (excl gst) during March. DISCOUNTS ON ALL BULK ORDERS. TRADE DISCOUNTS FOR LANDSCAPING BUSINESSES.

from

350

incl gst

PORTABLE PETROL OR DIESEL PUMPS

Phone, email or fax your order, or come in and visit us – our team are always happy to help you make the right choices for your property.

20m-63m head.

09-422 7307

admin@libertypark.co.nz 90 Jones Road, Omaha www.libertypark.co.nz

Contact the pump specialists… Rhonda Toni Nursery Plants Manager Admin/Office Manager

Visit us online at www.watertechplus.com or our showroom at 6 Worker Road, Wellsford. Ph/fax 09 423 8061 14

RURAL LIFESTYLE ISSUE 42

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

HOURS: Mon-Fri 8.00am to 4.30pm, Saturdays 10am-1pm Eftpos, cash or cheque (sorry, no credit cards)

BALANCED SPINE CHIR O P R A CT I C Tired of no one knowing what the problem is? Sick of people just telling you it's a 'normal' part of aging? I look for the cause, not just treat the symptoms.

Dr Ben Bruce (B.Chiro) MNZCA

Gilles and his large and fully accessorised BMW touring motorcycle.

jump in the mortality rate within the hive from a range of diseases. Its like HIV for bees. However, the real dangers posed by the neonicotinoids are not commercial in nature. Nor are they a matter of public health, even though the toxins are said to finish up in the consumer product. The scary part has to do with pollination. If we severely deplete the number of bees, or worse, wipe them out altogether, pollination will suffer by the same margin. Thirty-five percent of human food depends upon the pollinating activities of different varieties of bees. That's one in every three mouthfuls. Many hives never have honey drawn from them – their sole purpose is to provide a pollination service to the farmer. Human requirements aside, the absence of bees would have a devastating impact on plant life and ecosystems in general. The human race is famous for disrupting nature but never before have we threatened a derailment of this magnitude.

Need to put

4 Earlsway , Warkworth. 12/44 William Pickering Drive, Albany. (09) 963 4908

Phone Ben now on (09) 945 0320 and receive your first adjustment

FREE!*

www.balancedspine.co.nz

* March 2010 only. This offer does not include cost of assessment.

‘keeping your spine in line, so you feel fine!’

HEALTH BY LOGIC “good health and wellbeing naturally” • Vitamins • Minerals • Herbals • Oils • Teas • Sport & Diet Nutrition • Organic Skin Care Ranges • And so much more for all the family!!

OMEGA-3 FISH OIL

Go Healthy NZ Brand

440 x 1000mg CAPSULES

$27.00!

20 Silverdale Street, Silverdale. Phone/Fax 09 421 1273 www.healthbylogic.co.nz

life back into your lifestyle?

Acreages both small and large from Rodney to Franklin Large area mowing, slashing and/or heavy mulching Rotary hoeing & soil preparation Cambridge rolling rough paddocks Renovating tired paddocks or lawns / re-seeding Natural liquid fertiliser and liquid lime application Boom or gun weed spraying incl. Facial eczema and kikuyu control Gorse control or removal Section tidying and selling presentation Top soil or mulch spreading Community event fund raising (safe hay rides) New section and subdivision maintenance Facial eczema fungicide paddock spraying

Why choose Block Busters... Block Busters Lifestyle Maintenance is dedicated to professional service, great value, and 150% reliability. Our goal is to have you so happy you will have us back again and again. Lance and Sheryl Pawley Founders/Master Franchise It costs nothing to call…

0508 BLOCKB - (0508 256 252)

www.blockbusters.co.nz

RURAL LIFESTYLE ISSUE 42

Maureen Maxwell and Gilles Ratia.

In the normal course of events, an average beehive has a natural mortality rate of between five and ten percent. That rate jumps to between thirty and forty percent, and much higher in some cases, when the bees are doing their work in an area where these insecticides have been used. Some of the worst examples are in the United States where the insecticides have been intensively used and numerous instances of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) have occurred. The North American beekeeping industry is in disarray and our local beekeeping industry could be affected the same way. Gilles met with a beekeeper near Gisborne recently who reported normal mortality rates in his hives when they were kept up in the hills, but when he came to winter them down on the flats within a bee's range of vast squash plantations

Optimise Your Pasture BOOK NOW for autumn sowing. • Grassing options to suit your animals or stock • High yielding forage crops for winter and spring • Improved feed management • Undersowing / seed drilling for improved seed strike and faster grazing rotation

For further information or a quote phone Lyndon on

Ph: 09 420 4484 Mob: 021 752 632 16

RURAL LIFESTYLE ISSUE 42

which had been treated with neonicotinoids, the mortality rate went through the roof. Grass and other seeds have long been sold with coatings on them of a range of pesticides and fertilisers. Of significant concern now is the increasing use of clover seed precoated with neonicotinoid insecticides, which threatens to exponentialise the occurrence of these toxins in the environment. Organisations such as Apimondia are now producing alarming reports on the effects of these products, and slowly awareness is spreading. The results of many studies can be viewed on their website. Has the horse already bolted? Germany, France, Italy and Slovenia have now banned application of a range of pesticides containing neonicotinoids. New Zealand beekeepers are urging the government to seriously consider the effects this new generation of pesticides might be having on the broader environment. So I asked Gilles Ratia what the solution is. He leapt up and hurried off to the kitchen without a word. Presently he was back with a common table fork. “It's quite simple,” he said, “we demand, as one, that everything we put on our fork is one hundred percent residue-free. We say to our supermarket that if they cannot provide this we will take our business to someone who can. Eventually the message will filter back and attitudes will change.” My understanding is that 'residue-free' in Europe is tantamount to what we know as 'spray-free', and at the extreme of that scale we have 'organic'. Obviously the wholesale change Gilles Ratia would like to see won't happen overnight, but it is stories such as his which are likely to cause consumers to more closely investigate the origins of the food we all eat. Gilles Ratia's journey to save the “Sentinel of the Environment” is well documented on a dedicated website which is both informative and fascinating – well worth a look at www.worldbees.com

DIRECTORY REGISTERED VALUERS

Alan Davies

Dip, URB Val, SPINZ

34 years experience

DAVIESBATLEY Signature Signature of of Advertiser Advertiser

ctory AUCKLAND

C o m -pRenovations o s i t e J o i n e&r yAddit sification Builders Composite Joinery Limited Limited.

• VANTAGE Rep JoineryName

AZTECH RR50

William Pickering Office Park, 09 414 7170 29 William Pickering Drive 09 414 7180 This proof shows fi Customer Name BUNGALOW & VILLA RENOVATIONS S Customer Proof This proof Customer Name BUNGALOW & VILLA RENOVATIONS S it does notshows show fififi Customer Proof This proof shows PO Box 302 730 0274 953 163 Customer Name BUNGALOW & VILLA RENOVATIONS S Customer Proof Directory AUCKLAND it does not show fi it does not show fi North Harbour Directory 09 420 4776 Suppliers of quality kitset and erected farm buildings, TAG 11567 Directory AUCKLAND AUCKLAND 11567 TAG Builders Renovations & Addit Classification North Shore City 0751 alan@daviesbatley.com TAG 11567 at Aztech- we work with&you to deliver the design you’re after. Builders Renovations Addit Classification Classification Builders - Renovations & Addit Team H36 Rep Name 36327 - REUBEN HARRIS Date Printed 14/ Team Rep - REUBEN HARRIS Date Printed 14/ Team H36 Rep Name Name 36327 H36 36327 - REUBEN HARRIS 14/ Date .co.nz or call 0800 454 873. Cust. Printed ID2140066 Ad Size 4UHW visit www.aztechfarmbuildings Ad ID Y-7392851/01 2140066 Cust. ID Ad Size Ad ID 4UHW Y-7392851/01 This proof shows final advertisement layout only, BUNGALOW & VILLA RENOVATIONS S 2140066 Cust. ID Ad ID Y-7392851/01 Designation Signature of Advertiser Ad Size 4UHW

Telephone: Facsimile: Mobile: A/H: Email:

omer Name

m H36

BUILD QUALITY BUIL LD THE AZTECH WAY

Lifestyle Block Specialists for Southern Rodney.

it does not show final print quality, colour or scale. Designation

TAG 11567 Please check to ensure all contact details are correct Please Please check check to to ensure ensure all all contact contact details details are are correct correct

Designation

36327 - REUBEN HARRIS

Timber Joinery ze 4UHW ••VANTAGE joinery

• •timber Exteriorjoinery and Interior • exterior and interior • •residential Residential&&commercial Commercial

Date Printed 14/12/2010 Cust. ID214006612 Capture your view with Ad NEW ID Y-7392851/01 COLOURS AVAILABLE VANTAGE windows and doors! Designation VISIT OUR SHOWROOM: OUR SHOWROOM: 7VISIT Glenmore Dr, Warkworth 7 Glenmore Dr, Warkworth 09 425 7510

AZTECH RR31

se check to ensure all contact details are correct or visit www.compositejoinery.co.nz 09 425 7510 Email:sales@compositejoinery.co.nz Email:sales@compositejoinery.co.nz www.compositejoinery.co.nz You can rely on the team at Composite

Call 0800

298 324 for your FREE information pack, or visit www.aztechbuildings.co.nz

Joinery!

Registered Master Joiner

Memb:Window Assoc Of NZ

RURAL • INDUSTRIAL • LIFESTYLE • CUSTOM BUILD • KITSETS

Reg. Master Joiner

Septic and Water Tank Cleaning

SAVE ON ANIMAL FEED

Have your Are Renovating Water Tank orYou Are You Renovating Are You Renovating Your Bungalow or Villa? Septic Tank Your Bungalow Your Bungalow or or Villa? Villa? cleaned for Summer

Want to save money without compromising on quality, service or choice? Best value • All major brands • Discounts on bulk-buys • Professional friendly service, always happy to advise • FREE DELIVERY

We won’t be beaten on price! Big or small, we feed ‘em all! Call John Colman

Burnetts

0508 FEED DIRECT (0508 333 334)

NICOLA WARD

440 Main Road Huapai (opposite the fire station). Ph 412 7334 Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-2pm

0508 FEED DIRECT

Ph 09 412 9210 or 0274 924 494

JOHN COLMAN

Are You Renovating Your Bungalow or Villa?

You will be 100% You will be 100% satisfied with our You will be 100% satisfied with our work - I personally satisfied with work - I personally guarantee it our work - I Molloy personally guarantee it Justin guarantee it Justin Molloy Company Director

email: burnetts.sts@xtra.co.nz

0508 FEED DIRECT

Justin Molloy Company Director Company Director

Here are the 4 reasons why Bungalow & Villa Renovation Here are the 4Specialists reasons why & Villa Renovation are Bungalow your 1st choice Here are the 4Specialists reasons why & Villa Renovation are Bungalow your 1st choice are your choice 1. With 15 years of Specialists bungalow & villa need it – we source it! We use 3. You1st

1. 1.

With 15 years ofmeticulous bungalow & villa need it – we quality source materials it! We use 3. You experience and the highest With 15 years ofmeticulous bungalow & villa You it – we source it!high We tech use 3. only experience only the highest quality attention toand detail we guarantee and need products – the latestmaterials experience and meticulous only the highest quality attention detail we guarantee and products – the latestmaterials high tech our qualitytoworkmanship for equipment. attention to detail we guarantee and products – the latest high tech our quality workmanship for 10 years. 4. equipment. Your home’s value will be quality workmanship for 10 years. 4. equipment. Your home’s value will beWe can 2. our We personally guarantee your substantially enhanced. 10 years. 4. Your value willchoices, beWe can 2. We personally guarantee your substantially enhanced. will be completed on time offer home’s you sustainable 2. project We personally guarantee your substantially enhanced. Weincan project will completed on time offer youyou sustainable choices, OR you dinebe free at your favourite helping sleep soundly your project will be completed on time offer you sustainable choices, OR you dine at your helping you sleep soundly in your restaurant tofree the value offavourite $500. new home. OR you dine at your helping you sleep soundly in your restaurant tofree the value offavourite $500. new home. Callrestaurant Justin today for value your free personalised new project evaluation (valued at $395) to the of $500. home.

Call Justin today for your free personalised project evaluation (valued at $395) Call Justin today for your free personalised project evaluation (valued at $395)

You will be 100% satisfied with our work - I personally guarantee it

Justin Molloy Company Director

09 629 0366 09 629 0366 AUCKLAND WIDE 09 629 0366 AUCKLAND WIDE

AUCKLAND WIDE www.bungalowvilla.co.nz www.bungalowvilla.co.nz www.bungalowvilla.co.nz

Cook St Cook St Cook St

Here are the 4 reasons why Bungalow & Villa Renovation Need Sales? Talk to us now... Deadline for choice April issue is 14 March. Deadline for May issue is 15 April. For rates and availability, Specialists are your 1st email neville@rurallifestyle.co.nz or phone 09 3580 / 021 377 580 or Marlene on 021 854 946. Don’t delay – space is limited. 1. With 15 years of bungalow & villa 3. You need it947 – we source it! We use experience and meticulous attention to detail we guarantee

only the highest quality materials and products – the latest high tech

DIRECTORY Is Your Dog Behaving Badly? Dog Behaviour Solutions provides you with simple and effective methods for correcting your dog’s behaviour… for good! Why put up with bad behaviour any longer? Call me now to book an individual training session or phone for a FREE information pack. I also offer Dog Education in Schools for dog control and teaching kids how to be safer around dogs.

Sue Murphy 09 415 9038 Fax 09 414 5038 email: baddogsolutions@woosh.co.nz

RODNEY GARAGE DOORS Custom made for you

• Sectional-tilting Roller • 22 colours or powder-coated Kaipara Coast Plant Centre - Best to match yourPlants joinery& Prices 1481 Kaipara Coast Highway (SH16), Kaukapakapa. • We service all makes of 4km North of Kaukapakapa Village Hotel & Café. doors and automatics Ph 09 420 5655. OPEN 7 DAYS 9am to 5pm. www.plantsnz.co.nz • Free measure and quote

Installation • Sales • Service

Huge range, including fruit trees, natives, garden shrubs, driveway trees, wetland plants. Wholesale direct to the public prices. Rodney FREE QUOTES. Established 1988 Ltd. Garage Doors 1998

29 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth Ph 09-425 0258 Mob 0274 425 025 Serving Rodney for over 30 years

Bill LEMMEN MOTORS MOBILE & WORKSHOP • Repairs • Servicing • Parts Massey Ferguson, Kubota & Zetor. All makes and models. 1151 Woodcocks Rd, Warkworth 09 422 5852

PROPERTY VALUATIONS • • • • •

Lifestyle Properties Farms Subdivisions Residential Commercial / Industrial / Retail

• • • • •

Progress Reports Proposed Buildings Family Trust Transfers Reserve Contributions IRD Purposes

West Rodney (incl Coatesville): Albany Office: 09 415 2125

Cushla Howard 021 324 965 Rodney South

East Rodney: Orewa Office: 09 427 9903

Mike Morse 0274 909 211 Rodney North

Servicing the Rodney area for 30 years and accepted by all major financial institutions.

Best Garden Centre (N.Is.) 2008 Established 1988

Specialists in plants, natives & fruit trees suitable for the Auckland region CLIP THIS COUPON FOR FREE FERTILISER WITH EACH PLANT PURCHASED! • Beautiful plants at wholesale direct-to-the-public prices • Book a FREE site assessment and quote

Ph 09 420 5655 • OPEN 7 DAYS 9am to 5pm • www.plantsnz.co.nz 1481 Kaipara Coast Highway (SH16), Kaukapakapa. 4km North of Kaukapakapa Village

ph 0800 420 565

KEMP

BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS Farming and Rural Legal Specialists  Property (Sales, Purchase, Lease)  Trusts  Litigation  Commercial  Family  Company

Principal: Luke Kemp LLB, B.com, Dip. Hort. cnr Matua & Oraha Road, Huapai Tel (09) 412 6000 | Fax (09) 412 6016 luke@kempsolicitors.co.nz

IS GORSE OR SCRUB ERODING YOUR LAND’S PRODUCTIVITY?

With our new fixed-tooth mulching head, fitted to our 22.5t machine, we can go where no one has gone before! Call Ken Borg 0800 600 500 | 021 635577 A/Hrs 09 425 4520 | Fax 09 425 4521 ken@allaboutearthmoving.co.nz www.allaboutearthmoving.co.nz

Need Sales? Talk to us now... Deadline for April issue is 14 March. Deadline for May issue is 15 April. For rates and availability, email neville@rurallifestyle.co.nz or phone 09 947 3580 / 021 377 580 or Marlene on 021 854 946. Don’t delay – space is limited.

DIRECTORY 24hr Emergency Service Qualified Arborist

Specialists in: Fine Pruning, Rose, www.aucklandtreemasters.co.nz Tree & Shrubs, Hedge Pruning, Tree Removal, Crown Reduction, Branch Chipping, Stump Grinding, Land Clearing. $5mil Public Liability.

COLIN HAWKEN FENCING DESIGN AND BUILD Farms • Lifestyle Blocks • Domestic Deer • Post & Rail • 7-Wire • Stock yards

Pensioner Discounts • Free Quotes

• Property Fencing Plans

www.aucklandtreemasters.co.nz

Ph/Fax 09-422 0108 Mob: 0274-902 516 email: gemo@xtra.co.nz

Phone Matt (09) 426 7912 or 021 124 6478 email: atm.onalimb@yahoo.co.nz

BULK WATER 0800 888 158

10,000 LITRES - GUARANTEED! Steve Crawley

Warkworth Office, reasonable rent, walking dist to shops. 4 rooms, carpeted, Air Con available. Long/Short term lease. Good parking. Would suit Hairdresser, Accountant or similar.

Call Kevin Salmon 021 774 828

Sheep Goats Alpacas Llamas MR CLIP LIMITED

Water tanks and drainage systems House sites – engineer-certified cut and fill specialist Subdivisions • Driveways • Lifestyle block and farm work Metal, sand and topsoil cartage • Diggers, roller, truck and trailer hire Landscaping and retaining walls • Footings and ﬂoor preparation

Serving Albany to Ruakaka

Call Ian 0274 955 262 office phone/fax 09 422 9358

Mobile Shearing Services Bombay to Kaiwaka

Shearing • crutching • flystrike • drenching (worming) • footrotting • tailing • castrating • one or more animals Reliable, specialised information on sheep management and care Experienced, Certified Shearers (machine and blade).

Ces & Jan Mayall Phone Warkworth 09 425 7104

or Fax 09 425 7134

Auckland 09 276 1219

or Fax 09 276 1261

Or Mobile 0274 853 234

Lifestyle & Rural Specialists

Building better for less

09 299 7855 | www. econobuilt.co.nz

MARCH MELTDOWN ON PRICES DEAL OF THE MONTH!

SILVAN SELECTA SAVINGS!

Hustler HD-400 Professional Sprayer

Spotpak Sprayer

Weedpak Sprayer

• Fully internal pump - no possibility of leaking down your back. • Tested for 1500 hours with the harshest chemicals with no breakdowns (Viton Seals). • Easy to service - field service kit included. • Large 16 litre capacity.

• 12V DC Shurflo pump 6.8l/min. • Telescopic spray lance/adjustable nozzle. • On/off switch, 3m wiring loom. • 6m of quality 8mm ID hose.

• Reliable 12V pump. • 6m of quality spray hose with spray lance. • UV stabilised tank. • 3m wiring loom.

FREE

G360 5ltr

(valued at $69)

ONLY $119.95 SAVE $95! 5’ x 4’ Tyson Trailer with Stock Crate

Low Profile ATV Trailer 6’ x 3’6”

• Fully galvanised chassis for strength. • Removable tailgate for ease of use. • Deeper sides for greater capacity.

• Low profile and wide axle for greater stability. • Wide all-terrain tires.

ONLY $1499 NORMALLY UP TO $2000

ONLY $599

CopRice Dog Food Family dog - Chicken, Kelp and Garlic • Beef protein-free and low in wheat gluten making it a good choice for dogs with allergies. • No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Working dog - Beef and Chicken • Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and glowing coat. • All natural antioxidants to help protect cells and boost immune system.

SPECIAL $49.95 SAVE $5

Hot Poultry Netting

Lifestyle Chicken Coop Made of high quality solid cold weather pine and mesh wire • Packed ready for transport and assembly • Suitable for 4-6 chickens • 198cm x 77.5cm x 103cm.

Hot Sheep Netting • 8 horizontal wires and 90cm tall. • 6 live wire and 2 bottom non-electrified wires. • 14 fiberglass posts already in place in net. • 2 corner tie pegs with rope and 6 ground pins.

50M ROLL ONLY $269.95 TO WELLSFORD

FREE! CA

AY 1 HW HIG L DR

OR ED RIVE

NORMALLY UP TO $90!

WE ARE HERE! C.

ONLY $74.95

Call us to arrange delivery (09) 425 7754 email: thefarmcentre@xtra.co.nz

RRI VE MO SON D RI

2-4 Morrison Drive, PO Box 378, Warkworth. Ph 09 425 7754 Fax 09 425 7560 thefarmcentre@xtra.co.nz 2-4 Morrison Drive, Warkworth.

KS ROAD G LE

WO O D C O C

STATE

Purchase a Hayes permanent wire strainer 25-pack and receive a FREE cooler bag valued at $40!

• 13 horizontal wires and 110cm tall. • 4 corner tie pegs with rope. • 13 ground pegs for holding bottom wire down. • 25m netting 8 fiberglass post already in place in net. • 50m netting 14 fiberglass posts already in place in net.

25M ROLL ONLY $264.95 50M ROLL ONLY $374.95

OUR PRICE ONLY $389.95

ALSO AVAILABLE 20ltr $299 WITH A FREE G360 1ltr

100ltr ONLY $599

50ltr ONLY $559

TO AUCKLAND $79.00

PHONE ORDERS WELCOME! (09) 425 7754 A. Prices valid until Saturday 30 April 2011 or while stocks last. All prices include GST unless otherwise stated.