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The Hat wanted to shake my hand
Why?
BecauseIhadshakenhishand justfivedaysearlierwhenIarrived toservemysentence.Sentence?–that’swhatlifeonthefarmcanfeel likeforacitykid.Acourtordered communitydetention.Andnow hewantstoshakemyhandagain, renewmyacquaintance.That’sodd.
“No!”saidTheHat.“It’sman school.Youngpupsneedtolearn aboutbeingagrown-up.”And here’smethinkingIhadallthe socialgracesneededtogetby.
“IfItakeyoutothesaleyards,you needtoknowhowtobehave.How nottoembarrassyourself.More importantly,me.”
NowTheHatreckonedyou couldtellamanbyhishandshake. Andthestateofhisshoes.His shoes?Really?
Solessononeat“manschool” wouldbeaboutshakinghands.The etiquetteofgreeting.Butwhat’sto belearned?
Seemsmygripdidn’tcutit. Feeble–adeadfishshake–limp andclammy.HadIknownthis
was going to be an issue, I would have at least dried my sweaty palms on my shorts
Lessons from the farm having a holiday on a farm
“Ifyouaremeetingabloke,he willwanttoshakeyourhand. That’stheform.Soyoushould readyyourself.Flexyourhandand wrist,presenthimwithabitof steel,abonecrusher.Makehim rememberthatfirstcontact,and hewillrespectyou.”
ButIdon’thaveanycallouses, deepcracking,orbrokennails cakedwitheverynastyforeign matterknowntomankind.
“Youwillsenseyouhavethe righttensionwhenheadjustshis grip.Ifhetightens,musclesup mid-shake,youwillhavealready wonthecontest.Andtherewillbe acceptanceandrespect.”
Nopathetic“finger-tip”shakes, advisedTheHat.“Gottabefull handtohand.Anddon’tlinger–grab,shaketwiceandletgo.”Think NixonandMaoafterdecadesof isolation;thinkRonald“Teardown thatwall”ReaganandGorbachev. Handshakescanbegame changers.Unfortunately,thisisnot geopolitics,justacityschoolboy
All this gamesmanship seemed unnecessary So I suggested some alternative URBANetiquette–aneyebrow flashaccompaniedbyanupward headnod.It’scool,stylishand seemstoworkamongstthe bros.Nopersonalcontact.No exchangeofbacteria.TheHat frowned,tweakedhisbrim,sighed andshookhishead.Ithinkhe despaired.IthinkIhadjustfailed leveloneatManSchool.
“Iamtryingtolikeyou,”said TheHat. IfeltlikethekidatCampGrenada intheAllanShermansong.
“Takemehome,ohMudder, Fadder, Takemehome,IhateGrenada, Pleasedon’tmakemestay,I’vebeen hereonewholeday.”
“Bytheway,”saidTheHat. “Polishedshoestellmesomeone ismeticulous,conscientious,and takesprideintheirpresentation.I likethat.”
Ilookeddownatthree-month-old schoolshoesthathadneverever metNugget. Ohdear!Anotherfailure.
GISBORNNE
HAMILTON
Dairysensorgoesgloobal TwoBayofPlentycompanieshave earnednationalrecognitionafter beingnamedfinalistsinboththe NZHi-TechAwardsandFieldays InnovationAwards.
Tauranga-baseddairyherdhealthinnovator BovonicandHelicalfromRotorua,which hasdevelopedadvancedsystemsforlivestock breeding,werebothfinalistsintheAgritech CompanyoftheYearcategory.
TheawardsrecogniseNewZealand’smost successfulhigh-techbusinessesandleading individualsacrossthesector.
Bothfirmswerealsoshortlistedforthe Growth&ScaleAwardatFieldays,which highlightscompanieslaunchedwithin thepastfouryearsthatareoperatinginNew Zealandandatleastoneinternationalmarket.
Mastitisdetection BovonicpioneeredQuadSense,amastitis detectiontechnologythatincorporatesamilking sensorineachcupliner,enablingindividual testingofeachquarterof acow’sudderratherthan theentirecluster.
Chiefexecutiveand founderLiamKampshof saysthesystemstarts measuringmilkassoon asthecupsareattached, deliveringresultsafter justaminute.
“Itcanbeinstalledby farmersintoanymilking cuplinerandgivesaredlightalertwhenmastitis ispresent.”
Mastitis–inflammationofthe mammarygland(udder) indairycows–isthe costliestdiseaseinthe industry,estimatedat$180millionperyear. FromadairyfarmingbackgroundintheBay ofPlenty,LiamsetupBovonicin2021and launchedtheproductin2024.
willlooktorampupthroughouttherestof theyear.
Hehasbeenbasedtheresincetheendof lastyearandsaysthesameconversations aroundmastitisdetectionhavearisenasback inNewZealand.
“Sameproblem,samesolution.”
WhileQuadSensehasaherringbone milkingshedfocusatpresent,Liamsaysthe companyislookingtodevelopapurposebuiltversionforrotarysheds.
Hesaysamajorityofdairyoperationsinthe UnitedKingdomandIrelanduseherringbone milkingsheds.
Thecompanyisalsonowbeingpromoted byFarmSource,dairygiantFonterra’sretail arminNewZealand.
Helical Meanwhile,Rotorua-basedHelicalis applyingadvancedmathematics,genomic scienceandcloudcomputingtomodernise livestockbreedingsystemsglobally.
Bovonicchiefexecutiveandfounder LiamKampshof. Photo/Supplied
Sincethen,hesaysnearly6000unitshave beeninstalledonaround250farmsacrossNew Zealand,includingtheBayofPlenty,Waikato, Taranaki,PalmerstonNorthandSouthland.
Thesensorsmeasuremilkconductivity, detectinganincreaseinsalt(sodiumand chloride)concentrationthatoccurswith infection,enablingearlyidentificationofboth clinicalandsubclinicalmastitis.
Survey
Inarecentsurveyof33earlyusers,75% offarmersreportedlyusedfewerantibiotics, reporteda37%reductioninbulkSCC (somaticcellcount)andsavedmorethan3.5 hoursperweekstrippingcows.
Liamsaysearlysaleshavenowbeensecured intheUnitedKingdomandIreland,and
LedbychiefexecutiveDrDanGarrick, anaerospaceengineer,thecompanyhas developedtechnology capableofprocessing billionsofgenomicdata pointstopredictthe geneticmeritofanimals. Samplescollected fromlivestockare analysedinlaboratories anduploadedto Helical’sintegrated databasesystem. Originallydeveloped atColoradoState UniversityintheUnited States,thetechnology wasintroducedtoNew Zealandasgrowing volumesofDNAdata outpacedexisting systems.
HelicalbusinessdevelopmentmanagerPaul Charterissaystheplatformprovidesasingle systemforbreeders,researchersandbreed societiestomanageanimalrecords,DNA dataandbreedingperformance.
Technology Thetechnologyisnowusedacrossmultiple sectors,includingbeefanddairycattle,sheep, deer,pigs,aquacultureandforestrygenetics,
incountriessuchas s Australia, theUnitedStates,CCanada and theUnitedKingdom m Paulsaysthesystem m enables fasterandmoreaccuurate identificationofdesiirable traits, includinghealth,ferrtility, growth, environmentalperfoormance and productquality.
Inthepast18monnths, Helical hasexperiencedasignificant increaseinglobaldeemand, drivenbygrowingvvolumes of genomicdata.
“ThishaspositionedHelical as anext-generationsoolution for thegloballivestockindustry,” hesays. StteveEdwards
Helical chief executive Dr Dan Garrick Photo / Supplied
From Colonial experimentto Tuckedwithin10haofnative bushandexoticplantingsin Ngongotahā,Fish&Game NewZealand’sEastern Regionheadquartershasbeen acornerstoneoffreshwater managementsince1937. Originallyestablishedunderthe NewZealandWildlifeService, thesitetodayoperatesaspartof Fish&GameNZ,apublicentity
createdundertheConservation Act1987.Whileitreportstothe MinisterofConservation,itisnot taxpayerfunded,relyinglargely onrevenuefromfishingandgame birdhuntinglicences.
Oneofitskeyresponsibilities ismaintaininghealthyfish stocksthroughregulationand restocking.IntheEastern Region,thatworkcentreson breedingtroutforreleaseinto Rotorua’slakes–ataskthat
blendsscience,precision,and astrongconnectiontoNew Zealand’sanglingheritage.
Alakelegacy TroutarenotnativetoNew Zealand.Browntroutwere firstintroducedinthe1860s, afterearlypioneersovercame thechallengeoftransporting temperature-sensitiveeggsacross equatorialseas.Rainbowtrout followedinthe1880s,and
bothspeciesarenowfirmly embeddedinthecountry’s freshwaterecosystems.
AtNgongotahā,hatchery managerMarkSherburn overseesthebreeding programmethathelpssustain thesepopulations.
“Ourhatcherystyleisa flow-throughsystem,”Mark says.“Freshspringwater fromtheaquiferunderthe mountainpassesthrougheach tankbeforeflowingintothe NgongotahāStreamandon toLakeRotorua.It’sidealfor raisingtrout.”
Thehatcherypredominantly workswithbrownand rainbowtrout,althoughhybrid tigertrout–ararercross–arealsofoundintheregion, particularlyinLakeRotoiti.
Eachyear,fromApril throughtotheendofAugust, wildbroodstockarecollected fromLakeTarawerausinga fishtrap.Carefullyselected malesandfemalesarebrougght back to the hatchery, where the
breedingprocessbegins. Femalesarechosenfortheir sizeandstronggenetics.When ready,theyareanaesthetised andtheireggs–orova–aregentlyexpressedintoa container.Malesarethen strippedofmilt,whichis addedtofertilisetheeggs. “Themiltandeggsareswirled incoldwatertocreateavortex,” Markexplains.“Itmimics whathappensinthewild. Fertilisationisimmediate.” Oncetheprocessiscomplete, theadultfisharereturned unharmedtotheirhomelakes. Strictbiosecuritymeasures arefollowedthroughout. Broodstockarekeptseparate fromhatchery-raisedfish,and allequipmentissubjectto rigorouscleaningprotocolsto minimisediseaserisk.
Lifecycle Thefertilisedeggsare transferredintoincubator trayys,wherethey y reston gauze in cool, flowing spring
Eastern Region Fish and Game Hatchery manager Mark Sherburn, left, and Eastern RegionFishandGameHatcheryCEOArashAlaeinia(right). Photo/CatherineFry
nationallegacy water.Dimlightingmimicsnaturalriver conditions,whereeggswouldtypicallybe buriedbeneathgravel.
Withinamatterofweeks,tinyblack dots–thedevelopingeyes–become visibleinsidethebrightorangeova.Nonviableeggsareremovedtoprotectthe healthoftherest.
Afteraboutamonth,theeggshatch intoalevins–small,tadpole-likefishstill sustainedbytheiryolksacs.Thesearekept indarktroughsuntiltheybegintoswim freelyandseekfood.
“That’swhenweknowthey’rereadyto moveon,”saysMark.
Fromthere,theyoungtroutarefeda high-proteindietofcommercialsalmon feed.Astheygrow,theyaremoved throughprogressivelylargertanksand ponds,mimickingthetransitionfrom shelteredstreamstoopenwater.
Ataroundsixmonthsold,thefishare transferredtooutdoorponds.Bythetime theyreachoneyear,theyarereadyfor releaseintoregionallakes.
Rotorua’sfisheries
Whilesomelakes,suchasLakeRotorua andLakeTikitapu(BlueLake),sustain theirowntroutpopulations,manyothers lacksuitablespawninghabitats.The hatcheryplaysavitalroleinsupplementing thesefisheries,ensuringongoing opportunitiesforrecreationalanglers.
Beyondfishproduction,thesitealso servesaneducationalandcommunity function.
Thehatcheryisopentothepublicon weekdays,andguidedtoursareavailableby arrangement.Duringspring,thepopular Children’sFish-OutDaysofferyoung peoplethechancetocatchtheirowntrout.
“Forasmalldonation,weteachthem howtofishandcatchingatroutis guaranteed,”Marksays.“It’sagreatwayto getkidsoffscreensandoutdoors,andto showthemwheretheirfoodcomesfrom.”
WithsupportfromtheRotoruaAnglers’ Association,fisharefilletedonsite,giving
childrenatangibleconnectiontothe processfromwatertoplate. Aspressuresonfreshwaterecosystems continuetogrow,theroleoffacilitieslike theNgongotahāhatcheryisincreasingly important.Combiningdecadesof expertisewithadeeprespectforthe environment,theteamworksquietly behindthescenestoensureRotorua’s lakesremainproductiveandaccessible. Foranglers,itmeansthechanceto castalineintowell-stockedwaters.For theregion,itrepresentsalongstanding commitmenttoconservation,recreation, andcommunity. CatherineFry
A$400millionGovernment investmentinstatehighwayresilience hasbeenwelcomedbythehorticulture sector,withindustryleaderssaying itwillhelpprotectgrowersandkeep producemovingtomarketduring severeweatherevents.
HortNZsaysthefundingrecognises thecriticalrolereliabletransport linksplayinthesuccessofthesector. ProjectsincludeupgradestoState Highway2throughtheWaioweka GorgeandStateHighway25inthe Coromandel-bothvulnerableroutes duringstorms.
HortNZchiefexecutiveKateScott saysmanygrowingregionsrelyon
alimitednumberofkeytransport routesandpackhouses,increasingrisks forperishablegoods.
“Reliableandresilienttransport linkagesareessentialtoachieving ourgoalofdoublingfarmgatevalue by2035.”
BayofPlentyandHawke’sBayNewZealand’slargesthorticultural regions-eachproducemorethan$5 billionworthofcrops,muchofit export-focused.Disruptionscanhave significanteconomicconsequences. Scottsaysproduceoftenmoves multipletimesalongthesupplychain, meaningdelayscanquicklyimpact qualityandreturnsforgrowers.
Arainbowtrout. Photo/RodMorris
Atroutalevin,partofthetroutlifecycle.
Photo/GeorgeNovak
Hauraki dairyaassistant Auckland-bornWilWilkieneever imaginedacareerinfarminng growing up-butnowthe26-yyearold is beingrecognisedasone e of the industry’srisingstars. Wil has beennamedthe2026Daairy Industry Awards(DIA)Traineeoftthe Year for the Auckland/Haurakiregion, taking home $6400alongwiththe Franklin Vets FarmingKnowledgeMMerit Award His farmingjourneyhasbeeen anything but conventional.Hewas young when hefinishedschoolwith h no idea what hewantedtodo,sohe completed a BachelorofScience.
“I really like allthattheoreticalstuuff and calculus andlinearalgebra,”sayys
Wil.“Therewasadefinitedrawto farming,butIhadverylittleexperience.” WilenrolledatToiOhomaiInstitute ofTechnologyinRotoruaandobtained aCertificateofPrimaryIndustrySkills.
“Duringthat12-weekcourse,the conceptofmovingintofarming.Iwas introducedtoabitofeverythingand feltthatdoingthecoursemighthelpme findworkintheindustry.”
Farmassistant
Wil’sjobhuntingledhimtohisfirst roleona900-cowdairyfarminTe Awamutu.
“Iwasshowneverythingfromscratch, includingdrivingamanualcarand ridingamotorbike.Itwasrightintothe deepend,butIreceivedlotsofsupport andencouragementandlearnedvery fastonthejjob.”
WilstudiedatToiOhomaiInstituteofTechnologyinRotorua beforelearningveryfastonthejobinhisfirstrole.
Sales,Parts&Service: 078437237•sales@acmd.co.nz
agandcivilmachinery.co.nz@agandcivil
2026NZDIAHaurakiTraineeoftheYearWilWilkieworkson BrendanandTessaHopson’s600-cowPaeroadairyfarm. Photos/CatherineFry
winsregionalNZDIAaward wins regional NZDIA award Herealisedthatfarmingwastheideal careerforhim,combininghispassionfor animalswiththevarietyoftaskshegets todoeveryday.
In2024,Wilmovedtoafarmassistant roleatBrendanandTessaHopson’s 600-cowdairyfarmatPaeroa.Thisfarm introducedhimtomilkingina50-bale rotaryshedanddrivingatractorpulling amixerwagonwhenfeedingout. BrendanandTessahavehadprevious DairyTraineeentrantsandwinners workingontheirfarm,andwere themselvestheNZDIA2020Auckland/ HaurakiShareFarmeroftheYear. Wilisnowpartofateamoffiveand wasencouragedtoentertheawardsby the2025DairyTraineeoftheYearfor Auckland/Hauraki,CaitlinSnodgrass.
TheNZDIAawards “Ithoughttheskillsdaywouldbefun. AcoupleofthingswerenewtomebutI gavethemashot,”saysWil. Wilsaystheprepforthenationalsisfull on,buthereallyappreciatesmeetingand talkingtoalotofpeopleintheindustry. Thejudgescited“Wildemonstrated excellentfarmingknowledgeacrossa widerangeofareas.Heconfidently articulatedastrongunderstandingof generalfarmingpracticesandprinciples, includinganimalhealth,calvingand matingmanagement.Inaddition,he demonstratedexceptionalknowledgein feedbudgetingandastrongcommitment tohealthandsafetybestpractices.”
WilwontheFranklinVetsFarming
KnowledgeMeritAward.
“Mytasksincludedcullselection, fencingknots,readingdrugdatasheets andchangingabiketyre.Myplant IDwasn’tsogood,butIscoredpretty wellinmostofthecategoriesandcan learnmoreabouttheweakerareas.I wasrelievedandabletorelaxoncethat sectionwasover.”
Afutureinfarming
Wilintendstostayintheindustrywhere heisquitehappyworkingonfarmforthe moment.He’skeentolearnasmuchashe canandiseagertotrynewthings.
“IcompletedaLICDIYABcourse andmaybeabletogetmoreinvolvedin thatarea.”
Followingthemathsareahe“thrives” in,Wilwouldliketogetmoreinvolved inthepasturemanagementsideon thefarm.
“Thefarmhas200haanda60harunoff operatesunderaproductionsystem3. Wegrow17haofmaizesilageandcut grasssilagewhentheopportunityarises. Webuyinabout600tonnesofPKand hayintotalandfeedthatthefeedpad.” Wilenjoysanythingwithdataand usingitinhiswork.
“Weusehealthcollarstokeepaneye onourcolostrumcowsforthefirstfour daysaftercalvingandwedon’tsend thembacktotheherduntiltheyare ready.Theruminationandactivitydata alsotelluswhencowscomeintoheat,so weknowtheyarereadyformating.”
AnotherareaWilwouldliketoget involvedinisfertiliserspreading.He’s
FARMTREEPACKS2026 Specimen
GradeOGPriceBagged Pricefrom AcerRubrumandFreemanii(RedMaple)(2.5m)3for$135$75
Albizzia(SilkTree) (2.5m)3for$120$65
Alnus(Elder)BlackandItalian (2.5m)3for$105$55
Betula(Birch)JacqmontiiandPendula(2m)3for$105$49.95
FagusRiversii(CopperBeech) (1.2m) $95
FraxinusRaywoodii(ClaretAsh) (2.5m)3for$150$75
GinkgoBiloba (1.5m)3for$135$55
Idesia(WonderTree) (2.5m) $65
J Juglans Nigra (Black Walnut) (1.22m) SOLDOUT $ $75
Liquidambers–grafted4Varieties(1.75m) $85
Seedling–Styraciflua (2m)3for150$65
Liriodendron(TulipTree) (1.5m) $65
M Magnolia Grandiflora (1.22m) SOLDOUT
Metasequoia(DawnRedwood) (2m)3for135$65
P Paulonia (1 5m) SOLDOUT
Platanus(Planes) 2Varieties(2.5m)3for$135$65
P Populus (poplars) 3 Varieties (2 5m) SOLDOUT
Prunus(FloweringCherries)4Varieties $75
WeepingCherries 2Varieties $85
Quercus(Oaks) (2m)3for$135$75
Salix(WeepingWillow)2yr(3m)3for$150 1 1yr (2m) SOLDOUT
T Taxodium (Swamp Cypress) (1.22m) SOLDOUT $65
Ulmus (Elm) Golden (2m) SOLDOUT
U Ulmus (Elm) Variegata (2 5) SOLDOUT $85
learningtoreadandanalysesoiltests andunderstandwhyeachfertiliserisused andwhen.
Cullselectionisanotherareaofinterest andusingdatafromfourherdteststo identifytopperformersandwho isstruggling.
“Isayyestoprettymuchanyfarm trainingofferedwhereIcanlearnmore.” Wilwouldbehappytomaybeto progresstoafarmmanagerpositionbut sharemilkingorfarmownershiparen’ton hisradar.Hewouldn’tleavetheindustry butmightconsiderretrainingasavetor vettechtostayworkingwithanimals
Wil Wilkie, left, Hugo, 2, Toby, 8, Ollie, 5, farm owners Tessa and Brendan Hopson.
TaurangaCentral 97FourthAvenue Views,location,potential
PositionedontheedgeoftheCBD,thisisarareopportunitytosecureapremium propertywithstunninginnerharbourandMountviews.Enjoytheconvenienceof walkingtowork,cafés,shops,andthecitycentre,allwhilebenefitingfroma generoussectioninahighlysought-afterlocation.Zonedforhigh-density development,withthepotentialtobuildupto27metresinheight,theopportunities herearesignificant.Theoriginal1940shomeoffersendlesspotentialforrenovation, providingtheperfectcanvastoaddvalue,enhanceitscharacter,andcreate somethingtrulyspecial.
Tender ClosesThursday23rdJuly2026at4.00pm HarcourtsTaurangaCentralOffice,1ThirdAvenue, Tauranga(willnotbesoldprior) View byappointment www.harcourts.co.nz/L41242301
DionWarner M 021781635 E dion.warner@harcourts.co.nz
PaengaroaoperatorJohnRohloff winsBayofPlentyexcavatorcrown wins Bay of Plenty excavator crown PaengaroaoperatorJohn Rohloffhasreclaimedthe BayofPlentyexcavator crown,takingouttheCivil ContractorsNewZealand CablePriceBayofPlenty RegionalExcavatorOperator CompetitionatFieldays earlierthismonth.
Rohloff’scomebackwin–his secondregionaltitle–was confirmedat aTauranga prizegiving, securinghim aplaceinthe nationalgrand finalatCentral DistrictsFieldays inFeildingnext March.
Afterplacing thirdlastyear, Rohloffsaid bettertime management provedkeytothis year’ssuccess.
Competitorswerepushed tothelimitsofprecision, completingaseriesoftechnical challengesusingexcavators –includingpaintingasign, liftinganeggintoacupwithout crackingit,andmanoeuvring alogoverandunderawire withoutmakingcontact.
Nicknamed‘MrConsistency’, Rohloffwontheregionaltitlein 2024andplacedrunner-upin the2025nationalfinal,marking himasastrong contenderheading intonextyear’s competition.
Paengaroa’sJohnRohloff wasnamedBayofPlenty’s topexcavatoroperator.
“LastyearIaddedupmytime wrongandreallyhadtorush throughthecourseattheend,” hesaidinamediarelease.
Hesaidhisday jobasamachine operatorfor FultonHogan, includingrecent workonthe OceanaGold Waihiwater treatmentplant upgrade,had helpedsharpen hisskills.
“Theskills involvedwhenyouaredigging aroundservicesarethesameas inthecompetition–youneeda lotoffinecontrol,”hesaid.
TroyWebberofCBCivil finishedsecondintheregional competition,withBayCivil’s PaulEdwardstakingthirdplace. Rohloffwillcompeteagainst 11otherregionalwinnersat nextyear’snationalfinalsin
Ahomegrownloveofknitting andNewZealandfibre JustnorthofRotorua,thecraftof knittingisbeingkeptalivebyAimee vandenEng,whohasapassionfor knitting,fibresandsharingherlove ofNewZealandwool.
Aimeedescribesherchildhoodas a“typical”farmonespentona700acresheepandbeeffarminWaiotira, Whangārei,goingintotownonceamonth forsupplies.“Irememberspendingmy childhoodonahorse,helpingdadonthe farmandmybrotherandIwereinvolved indocking,shearingandlambingfroma youngage,”saysAimee.
“Iwastaughthowtoknitbymymum
whenIwasnine.Sheusedtospinher ownwoolandknitgarmentsinlovely naturalcolours.”
In2016,Aimeeandherhusband Rodneywerereadyforachange.Aimee wantedtostartherownyarnshopand Rodneywantedtorunaheavydiesel mechanicbusiness.Aimeehasdeveloped arangeoftonallydyedmerino/silk blendwool.“I’vereallyleantintoour ownbackyard,andtheyarerichearthy coloursappropriatelynamedafterthe beautifulanddiversenaturetheRotorua regionoffers.”
Readmoreonlineatwww.nzherald.co.nz/the-country/ coast-and-country-news
whatorganisersdescribeas anexcavator“battleroyale” todetermineNewZealand’s topoperator.
“Itwasabitdauntingatthe nationalslasttimeIwent,butI toldmyselfifIgotanothergo
I’dgiveitagoodcrack,” Rohloffsaid. “Itmightbeeasierthistime becauseIknowwhatI’minfor –butaftercomingrunner-up there’smoreexpectation.I’lltry togoonebetter.”
Fulton Hogan operator John Rohloff in action during his last appearance at the national excavator operator competition finals in Feilding, in 2025 Photos / Supplied
BoPtimberinnovatorwinsFieldaysaward ABayofPlentyconstruction innovatorhastakenoutatop honouratthe2026Fieldays InnovationAwards.
TrussHousewontheGrowthand Scalecategory,oneofthecountry’smost prominentawardsforagriculturaland primaryindustryinnovation.
Theawardrecognisesthecompany’s patentedportalframebuildingsystem, whichcombinesfloor,walland roofstructuresintoasinglefactorymanufacturedtimberframe.
ThesystemisproducedusingNew Zealand’sexistingnetworkofframeand trussplantsandplantationpine,withno needfornewfactories,supplychainsor
specialistlabour.
Co-founderKimAitkensaidtheaward reflectedawiderindustryeffort.
“Innovationisneverasoloactivity.It’s alwaysateamsport,”hesays.
“Thisrepresentsengineerswillingto thinkdifferently,manufacturerswilling toexperiment,builderswillingtotry somethingnew,andpartnerskeen tosolveoneofNewZealand’smost persistentproblems.”
Solutions Fellowco-founderPamelaAitkensaysthe systembuildsonNewZealand’stradition ofpractical,homegrownsolutions.
TheTrussHousesystemaimsto addresslong-standingchallengesinthe
build,”hesays.
constructionsector,includingrisingcosts, labourshortagesandlongbuildtimes, whilealsoaddingvaluetolocallysourced timber.
Residentialbuildsusingthesystemcan becompletedinfourtosixweeks,with homesdesignedtoexceedminimum energyefficiencystandards.
ThesystemislicensedtoPryda,partof ITWConstruction,providingbuilders andcouncilswithpre-engineered structuralassurancethroughPS1producer statementstohelpstreamlineconsenting.
Prydaengineeringandbuildersolutions managerAdamDawsonsaysthesystem representedamajorshiftinoff-site construction.
“Nothingcomescloseintermsof efficiencytodesign,manufactureand
Nationwide
Theproductisbeingrolledout nationallythroughapartnershipwiththe BunningsNZnetwork,withshowhomes plannedacrossthecountryandmorethan 200unitstargeted.
PōhutukawaFrameandTrussdirector MylesWhitchersaysthesystemoffered manufacturersawaytoscaleproduction withoutsignificantcapitalinvestment.
“There’snoupfrontcapexandnoneed tobuildanewfactory,”hesays.
Lookingahead,TrussHouseplansto expandfurtheracrossNewZealand,with afocusonlargerhomes,community andaffordablehousing,andmulti-unit developments.
PamAitken. Photo/Supplied
Fieldayshitscapacityand PlanningforthenextFieldays wasalreadyunderwaybeforethe gatesclosedonthisyear’sevent, reflectingboththescaleofthe agriculturalshowcaseandthe demanditcontinuestogenerate acrossthesector.
NewZealandNationalFieldaysSociety chiefexecutiveRichardLindroossays preparationforthe2027eventbegan earlierthisyear,withexhibitorprocesses rollingoutalmostimmediatelyafterthe Juneshowcasewrappedup.
“Westartedplanningfor2027 earlierthisyear,andtheexhibitorsite applicationprocessstartsstraightaway,” hesays.
Anexhibitorsurveywascirculated shortlyaftertheevent,withearly feedbackindicatingstrongengagement fromthosewhotookpartthisseason. Thatresponsecomesoffthebackof anotherfull-capacityyear,with1115 exhibitorsoccupying1335sitesacrossthe MysteryCreekEventsCentre. Richardsaysthecurrentsite configurationeffectivelyrepresentsa sellout.
“Wereviewandadjustthesitelayout eachyear,butunderthecurrentplan,this representsfullcapacity,”hesays,noting therewillbelittlechangetooverallsite numbersfor2027.
Returningexhibitorsinkeyareas, includingoutdoorandindooragri,heavy equipment,motorvehiclesandrural living,arealreadybeingallowedtosecure theirexistingsitesthroughapre-release process,whichopenedonJune18for thosemeetingspecificcriteria.Other spacesacrosstheeventfootprintwillbe madeavailablethroughgeneralallocation inearlyOctober.
Globalinterest I International interest also continues to grow This year ’ s Fieldays hosted 73 overseas exhibitors, up from 66 in 2025, representing markets as varied as Australia, China, Germany, India, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States
Tradeanddiplomaticengagement remainedstrong,withdelegationsfrom BrazilandChileattendingfollowing targetedoutreachbyFieldaysorganisers. Richardsaysthereisalreadysolid interestforthe2027eventfromcountries includingPoland,Spain,Italy,the NetherlandsandBrazil,highlightingthe event’sincreasingglobalreach. Thatinternationalmomentumwas matchedbystrongdomesticturnout, withthisyear’sFieldaysbenefitingfrom favourableweatherconditionsacrossall fourdays.
Attendancefiguressurpassed expectations,withmorethan132,000 peoplethroughthegates–thefirsttimein fiveyyearsnumbershaveexceeded130,,000.
Day one The opening day set the tone, drawing just under 30,000 attendees compared to a more typical Wednesday crowd of about 22,000 Overall attendance
Farmersccautious despite rebound Farmers cautious rebound Whilesheepandbeeffarmersare enjoyingastrongseason,asector leadersaysithascometoolate forsome.
WaikatoFederatedFarmers’meatandwool chairReonVerryknowsofseveralpeople whopreviouslyransheepwhohaveturnedto commercialforestryontheirproperties.
Reonsaysaspikeinfuelcostscaused bytheconflictintheMiddleEastaddsto risingcostsalreadyfacedbysheepfarmers, includinga10%jumpinshearingbills.
Returnsforwool–$5/kg–havesimply returnedtowhattheywere10yearsago,after slumpingto$1.50/kg.
Addedtothisisa10%riseinshearing chargesthroughACCcosts,anincrease intheminimumwageforstaffand travelexpenses.
Hesaysthefuelissuehasseenahikein fertiliserpricesandassociatedspreading,with contractorsengagedforre-grassingthistime ofyear.
“Profithascomefromaprettylowlevel,” saysReon,whoruns6000sheepand1500 headofbeefcattleona1800hapropertynear TeKūiti.“Butcurrentreturnshavegivenusa littlebitofbreathingroom.”
Hesaysthecashboostwillmostlikely beusedbysheepandbeeffarmersfor debtrepaymentanddeferredrepairsand maintenanceontheirproperties.
Beef+LambNewZealand(B+LNZ)says farmerscanexpectcontinuingstrongreturns, withaveragefarmprofitforecasttoclimbto $287,600perfarmin2025-2026.
B+LNZsaysitsmid-seasonupdatereport marksasharpshiftinfortunesforthered meatsectorthathasweatheredtwodifficult seasons,withthelatestdatareflectingstrong globaldemandforbeefandlamband
tighteningsupply.
Realfarmprofitbeforetax(FPBT), accountingforinflation,isexpectedtosit about80%abovethedecadeaverage.
Positivepicture B+LNZchairKateAclandsaysthereport paintedapositivepictureforthesector,with farmerscautiouslyoptimistic.
“Farmersareawarethatwhilerevenueis improving,costscanmovejustasquickly.”
Theaveragelambpriceisforecasttoreach $10.28/kgCW(kilogramsofcarcassweight), adultsheep$5.55/kgCW,andall-cattle $7.59/kgCW.
IntheWaikatoandBayofPlenty,FPBTin thesectorissettorisebyanaverageof73% to$324,500,withebitrm(earningsbefore interest,tax,rentandanywagespaidtoa manager)up43%to$401,300.
BayofPlentyFederatedFarmers’meatand
woolchairAnneMackerseysaysthesectorhas comethroughsome“reallydifficult”years. “Threeyearsago,sheepandbeefwereatan all-timelow,”shesays.“Thefutureforyoung farmersenteringtheindustrywasreallybleak.” “Youhavetorememberwhatithasturned aroundfrom.”
Whileappreciatingthecurrent“high”in thesector,Annesayssheepandbeeffarmers arealwaysconsciousof“what’saroundthe corner”.
ShesaysthecurrentsituationintheMiddle Eastcouldseeasignificantdisruptionto NewZealand’sexportsupplychains.
Unexpectedstormsanddroughtscanalso haveaseriouslocalisedimpactonfarming.
“Youcan’tplanforthose,”saysAnne,who managesafamilyfarmrunning700ewesand hoggets,700calvesand50Angusbreeding cowsatWhakamarama.
CentralPlateau Rotorua-TaupōFederatedFarmers’meat andwoolchairRubyMulindersayswhile goodpricingforallstockclassesispleasing, thesereturnsareneededaftersomevery toughyears.
“Duetopoorprofitability,sheepandbeef farmersoftenerodetheirfarms’fertilityand infrastructureduringhardtimes.
“Improvedprofitabilityhasseenplentyof farmersinvestbackintotheirfarms,beit fencing,fertiliser,genetics,pasturerenewal, yards,orinfrastructure–whichisreally positiveforthesectorandoureconomy.”
Rubysaysthemoneyfarmersearnadds significantvaluetocommunitiesasthey spendmostofwhattheyearn.
“Inflationisstartingtosparkupagain. Wearealreadyseeingthisasover-inflated invoicingthatfarmersreceivemonthly.
“Thecoreconcernisthatfarmshaveno abilitytopassonanycosts.Weareultimately aprice-taker.”
Rubyhasamixofactivitiesonthe150ha propertynearLakeTaupō,whichsheowns withhusbandSeanNixon.
Theyrunsheeppredominantly,formeat andmilk–milking1015ina30-a-side herringboneshed–plus50breedingcows.
Intheirfifthseasonmilkingsheep,shesays theoutlookis“fairlypositive”astheseason hasbeenextendedbyamonth.
RubysaysMauiMilk,thecollectionand processingcompanytheyuse,alsohassome positivemovementsinmilkpriceforthe nextseason.
“Ournaturallambrearingsystemremains keytoourbusiness,whichhasseena greateruptakewithintheMauisuppliers’ pool,supportingprofitabilityandamore sustainablefarmsystem.”
What food production system do I want to be in? NZ produces food and fibre to the highest standards supplying the commodity ($) to elite ($) market expectation and value-chain.
CertifiedOrganic Ag PertainingtoCarbon
ThroughtheLiving>>Biotic<<
•Mustmeetallstandardfoodproduction &safetylaw.
•Internationalthird-partyvalidationand principles.
•80+yearssinceneedidentified.
•Regulationsbasedonbiological/natural systems.
•Regulations/productionstandardsalways available.
•Practisebasedoncarboncycleviathe living.
•Diverseplantssupportbroadeco-system.
•Validationofinputs..ifitdidn’tgo in>>>>>>
•Nobroadacreherbicide.
•Natural,targetspecificbiocides.
•Establishedunder-suppliedmarkets.
Re-GenAg >Organics< withChemicals
•Mustmeetallstandardfoodproduction& safetylaw.
•Arangeofmarketingcodesofwithvarying productionpractise.
•Guidelinesbasedonbiologicalsystemswith chemicalmanagement.
•Guidelines/productionstandardsnotalways available.
•Diverseplants(treatedseeds)support eco-system,inpart.
•Practisebasedonloweringcarbon footprint.
•Validationofresiduelevels-ifwecannot detectit>>>>great!
•Broadacreherbicideisused.
•Allbiocidescanbeused.
•AllAginputscanbeused.
•Developingmarketswithbigpartners… Syngenta,Bayer,&more.
DisclosureofPractiseNon-Consistent
ConventionalAg AppliedChemistry •Mustmeetallstandardfoodproduction &safetylaw.
•Openmethodsadopted.
•Canusechemicalripening/topping.
•Treatedseeds,widerangeofinputs.
•Generalknowledgeofsystemsby market.
•Greatforbulkcheapfoodproduction.
•Marketing:increasinglyrebranding, grassfed,NZFAP,animalwelfarecodes.
•Urea,super-phosphate,highinputs.
•AllAginputscanbeused.
•Allbiocidescanbeused.
Farmers -themostfarmedanimalinNZ
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair Kate Acland Photo / Supplied
Savetimeandsavemoney withBionic®Plus-the 100Day* controlled releasecombinationanthelminticwithmineralscapsuleforsheep. WormcontrolwithBionic®Pluscanreducedrenchinputs1,aidincontrol ofdagsandassociatedflystrike2,andslowthedevelopmentofresistance. FarmersandveterinarianscanbeconfidentwhentheychooseBionic®Plus.
PROUDLYAVAILABLEFROMYOURLOCALPARTICIPATINGVETERINARYCLINIC *Witharangeof85to115dayswormcontrol. Seeproductlabelforfullclaimdetailsanddirectionsforuse. ACVMRegistrationNo.A011825.BIONIC® isaregisteredtrademarkofBoehringerIngelheimVetmedicaGmbH,used underlicense.©Copyright2026BoehringerIngelheimAnimalHealthNewZealandLimited.Allrightsreserved. NZ-RUM-0032-2026.Ref:1.Dataonfile.2.Seeproductlabelsforfullclaimdetailsanddirectionsforuse.
WinterdeliversboostforBoPfarmers Well,wearenowhalfwaythrough theyearandhavejustpassedthe wintersolstice,witheachdaygetting longerandsunnier.Ithasbeen afantasticwintersofarformost farmers,withbelow-averagerainfall. HereinTePuke,wehaveonlyrecorded 101.6mmuptoJune22,withmostofit fallinginthefirstweek.
PasturecoverformanyintheBayof PlentywaslookingprettyleaninmidMay,butwiththerainthatfellatthestart ofJune,followedbysunnierdaysand warmertemperatures,grassgrowthhas rocketed.Thedrierwinterhasalsomeant
pastureutilisationhasbeengood,enabling sometogetoutofwhathadappearedto beafeedhole.
Fieldays ItwasalsofantasticweatherforFieldays, whichwaswellattended.Ienjoyeditwith mykids,catchingupwithclientsandold friends,andseeingthenewtechnology onoffer.Ihavepreviouslymentioned howquicklynewtechnologyischanging thefaceoffarming,particularlythenew wearablesforcows.Withourdairygrazing thisyear,wearrangedwithaclientwho usesHaltertoinstallatowerononeof thepropertieswelease.Overthelastfew weeks,I’veenjoyedshiftingthecowsusing
Adrywinter,warmertemperaturesandtimelyrainhavedrivenstrongpasturegrowthacross theBayofPlenty,helpingfarmersrecoverfromtightfeedconditionsearlierintheseason.
myphone–occasionallydoingsofrom thecomfortofmyownbed!Nothaving toputupbreakfencing,beingableto increasethesizeofthebreakifIfeelthe cowsneedmore,andbeingabletocheck everythingfrommyphone hasbeengreat. Thereareafewcowsthat willbestartingtocalve now,anditisagoodtime tosourceaqualitycalfmeal tofeed.Itisfairtosaythat notallcalfmealsarecreated equal.Iencourageeveryone totakealookatthenutrient specificationsonthesideof thebagtobetterunderstand thequality.Typically,the higherthenumbersforkey measures(ME,protein,starch,etc),the better–exceptforNDF.Weproducea high-spec,nutrient-dense,low-NDFfeed theold-fashionedway,withmaizegrain wehavegrownformingthebaseofthe product.Calvesloveit.Weareoffering freebagstothosewhowanttotryit–just jumponourwebsiteandorderyourfree bagtoday.
Economy Fromaneconomicperspective,itwas greattoseethefirstagreementtohalt hostilitiesbetweentheUnitedStates andIranonJune14.Leadinguptothe agreement,thepriceofdiesel hadbeenfalling,butithas droppedfurthersince.At thetimeofwriting,itisonly 54centsabovewhatitwas onFebruary26,priortothe beginningofthewar.Iam hopefulthatinflationary pressuresareeasingasaresult andthatNewZealandwill returntostrongeconomic growth.Itmaytakesome timeforthingstoreturnto normal.
Manyeconomistsare predictingtheOfficialCashRate(OCR) willbeliftedonJuly8.Tome,itseems manyurbanbusinessesarestillstruggling, asIcontinuetoreadaboutmoreclosures, soanyrisecouldhavedetrimentaleffects. Swaprateshavereducedsincethepeace dealbetweenIranandtheUnitedStates, anditwasencouragingtoseeANZcut lendingratesslightly.
Boostnutritionforewesinlatepregnancy Nutritioniskeyduringthe lambingcycle,saysindustrybody Beef+LambNewZealand. VeterinarianandWormwise programmemanagerGinnyDodunski saysensuringewesarewellfedinlate pregnancyiscriticalforlambsurvival, lactationandpre-weaninggrowthrates. Inthelastmonthofpregnancy, shesaysthefeedofferedtoa65kg multiple-bearingeweneedstoincrease from1.6kgto2.3kgDM(drymatter) perday.
Fortriplet-bearingewes,thisshould riseto3-4kgDM/dayoncethey havelambed.
Shesaystriplet-bearingewescannot physicallyeatthisamountunless theyareonhighfeedcoversofat least1500kgDM/ha(5-6cmaverage leaflength),andsheencourages sheepfarmerstoplantheirtriplet paddocksnow.
Feedingtriplet-bearingewestoincrease theirintakeofhigh-qualitypastureinthe fourtosixweeksbeforelambingenhances bothlambsurvivalandgrowthrates.
Ginnysayspasturemustbehighquality andatleast1200kgDM/ha(or4cm high).Thisheightletstheewemaximise thegrasssheharvestsineachmouthful.
“Rumensizedoesnotdifferbetween twin-andtriplet-bearingewes,sowhile, fromanutritionalpointofview,the twogroupsdonotnecessarilyneedto beseparated,ifonegroupistobegiven preferentialtreatment,itshouldbethe triplet-bearingewes.”
ShesaysewesshouldhaveaBody ConditionScoreofthreeorhigherandbe
Beef+LambNewZealandveterinarian andWormwiseprogrammemanager GinnyDodunski. Photo/Supplied 20kgheavieratlambingthanatmating.
“Thistakesintoaccountlambs, membranesandfluid.”
“Iftriplet-bearingewesarenot20kg heavier,thentheywillhavelostbody conditionandlambsurvivalmaybe compromised.”
Supplementaryfeeding “Ifpastureislimited,thenewes carryingtripletsshouldbeprioritised forsupplementaryfeedingwithahighenergysupplementsuchaspeas,grainor sheepnuts.Average-orlow-qualitysilage orhayisnotrecommendedbecause ofitshighbulk.Newfeedshouldbe introducedgraduallytoavoidunwanted
metabolicissues.”
Tighteningfeedinlatepregnancy doesnotreducebirthdifficulties orbearingsbutincreasestherisk ofmetabolicdiseasessuchassleepy sickness,shesays.
“Underfeedingatthiscriticaltimecan resultinsmaller,weakerlambs,poor motheringbehaviour,andreduced colostrumandmilkproduction.”
Meetingdemand Ginnysaysstockingratesatlambing dependonewedemand(single,twinor triplet)andpasturegrowthrates.
AtatypicalAugustpasturegrowth rateof12kgDM/ha/day,ewes averaging65kgliveweightshouldbe set-stockedatfourewes/hafortriplets andsixewes/hafortwins.
Thisallowspasturegrowthtomeet ewedemand.
Wherehigherset-stockingratesare usedforeweslambinginAugust,feed coversalsoneedtobehigheruntilpasture growthcatchesup.
Iffarmersfindthesepasturecoverstoo difficulttoachieve,theycouldconsider movinglambingdates.
Awell-equippedlambingkitcanhelp minimiselamblosses,particularlyin badweather.
WillHalliday,Beef+LambNew Zealand’sseniormanagerfortechnical policy,saysawaterproofbackpackor containerwithlambcovers,iodinespray, bearingequipment,dextrosesolutionand syringe,gloves,veterinarylubricant,a towelandathermosofwarmwaterwill givelambsthebestchanceofsurvival. Hesaysa20%dextrosemixcanbe
usedasalastresorttoreviveweakor hypothermiclambsduringacoldsnap.
“Injectingthewarmed(wherepossible) dextrosestraightintothelamb’s abdomenwillgiveittheenergyboostit needstosurvive.”
“Itisimportantthatthisisdonebefore warmingthelambup.Ifyouwarmthe lambfirst,itcanhastenitsdeath.”
Hesaystheidealcandidatesforthis treatmentarelambs4or5hoursoldthat havenotfedfromtheirmothers.
Newbornlambstypicallyrespondto warmingalone,althoughadextrose injectionwillnotharmthem.
“Dextroseisnotthesameastable sugar,andthelattershouldneverbe usedasareplacement.”
Toinjectalamb,a5mlor10ml vaccinatinggunshouldbeconnected tothedraw-offtube,orthedextrose extractedusinga60mlsyringe,saysWill.
“A10mm18Gvaccinatingneedleis idealforthispurpose–itmustnotbe longerthan12.5mm.”
Hesaysthedosageis10mlofdextrose perkgofbodyweight.
“Mostlambsinneedofthistreatment willweighlessthan4kg,so40mlisa suitabledose.”
Afterpreparingtheinjectionsitewith iodine,inserttheneedlejustabovethe navelandpushitinataslightangle towardsthechest.
“Thereshouldbeaslightpopping sensationastheneedlepiercesthe abdominalwall.”Gentlyinjectthe solutionintotheabdomen.
“Anyswellingundertheskinwill indicatethattheneedleisnotinserted farenough.”
ADVANCED CALFREARING CALFXTREME isaprobioticadditive thatimprovescalfhealthand enablesfastergrowthratesin calveswhileonmilk,resultingin rearingbiggerheifersandbulls.By deliveringprobioticsefficiently throughmilk,itsupportsrumen health,protectsagainstnutritional scours,andimprovesdigestionand feedintake-settingcalvesupfor successfromdayone.Compatible withonce-a-dayfeeding,it reduceslabourwhilemaximising results.
CALF XTREME is a probiotic additive that improves calf health and enables faster growth rates in calves while on milk, resulting in rearing bigger heifers and bulls By delivering probiotics efficiently through milk, it supports rumen health, protects against nutritional feed intake - setting calves up for success from day one Compatible with once-a-day feeding, it reduces labour while maximising results
IstoppedusingCalfXtremefor2 seasons... butthenmymilkrecordsshowedthat theheifersIhadusedCalfXtremeon wereaveraging40kgMSmorethan anyotheryear"
"We’veslashedourcalfillnessand deathsusingCalfXtreme.Just212in sickpensandonly8lossesoutof 7,000calveslastyear.Thisyearis shapinguptobesimilar."
Just212in 7,000calveslastyear Thisyearis
"Calvesexceedgrowthratesandwith improvedimmunityfromCalfXtreme, ourcalvesarebetterequippedto handlerotavirus. Outof800calves,weonlyhad2 unexplaineddeaths"
SteveEdwards
Managing that‘right tree’ TheUniversityofCanterbury’s SchoolofForestryiscontinuingto supplythenextgenerationofforest managers,withitsprogrammes theonlydedicatedforestry qualificationsofferedinAustralasia.
BasedinChristchurch,TeKuraNgahere offerstwospecialistdegrees-aBachelor ofForestryScienceandaBachelorof EngineeringinForestEngineeringdesignedtoequipgraduateswiththe skillsneededtomanageforestsacross NewZealandandinternationally.
Theforestryscienceprogramme combinesenvironmentalknowledge withpracticalmanagementskills,with about20%ofthecoursefocusedon forestecosystembiologyand80% onthetoolsrequiredtorunmodern forestryoperations.
Studentsstudyamixofproductionfocusedsubjectssuchassilvicultureand harvesting,alongsidebroaderdisciplines includingmanagement,marketing, soilandwoodscience,biosecurityand environmentalforestry.
Geospatialtechnologiesareamajor componentoftheprogramme,with studentstrainedinadvancedtoolssuchas LiDAR,hyperspectralimagingandUAV photogrammetry,increasinglycentralto forestplanningandmonitoring.
Theforestengineeringdegreeisaligned withcivilengineeringandprepares graduatestodesignandbuildcritical infrastructuresuchasforestroadsand rivercrossings,whilealsodeveloping harvestingplansforchallengingterrain, includingsteepanderosion-proneland.
Establishedmorethan50yearsago,the SchoolofForestrycontinuestoattract studentswithitssmallclasssizesand hands-onlearningapproach,including fieldtripsandpracticaltraining.
Graduatesaremovingintowell-paid rolesacrosstheforestrysector,with strongdemandreportedinregional NewZealandandoverseas,reflecting theongoingimportanceofforestryto boththenationaleconomyandglobal resourcemanagement.
Formoreinformation,seetheiradvert onthispage.
Newfoodandfibre trainingproviderplanned Foodandfibreindustryemployers, includingthoseinagricultureand horticulture,arehelpingshapethe futureofwork-basedlearning.
In2025,theGovernmentannounced majorchangestoNewZealand’s vocationaleducationsystem,giving industriesdirectcontrolovertraining standardsandwork-basedlearning.
AllIndustryTrainingOrganisation learnersmustmovetoanewprovider beforeDecember2027.
PrimaryITOlefttheNewZealand InstituteofSkillsandTechnology(Te Pūkenga)tojointheFoodandFibre IndustrySkillsBoardasastandalone businessunitonJanuary1.
Whiletheownershipmodelisyettobe finalised,workisfocusedontransitioning PrimaryITOoutofGovernmentinto anall-of-primary-sectorprivatetraining organisationdeliveringthesamescopeof work-basedtraining.
“Ithasbeenhearteningtoseestrong industryengagement,withemployers andstakeholdersconsideringthethree optionsofcurrentwork-basedlearning deliverymovingtopolytechnics,wānanga oraprivatetrainingentity,”chief executiveGinnyVincentsays.
“Industryfeedbackhasstrongly supportedtheestablishmentofanew foodandfibreprivatetrainingentity, whichwillbeownedbyindustry shareholders.”
Beef+LambNewZealandispartofa workinggroupwithDairyNZ,HortNZ
andSeafoodNewZealanddeveloping thelegalstructure,ownershipand constitutionoftheneworganisation.
“Itisintendedtooperatelargely independently;however,industry organisationssuchasB+LNZwill provideinputonitsstrategicdirection andensureitmeetsexpectations,”policy andcommunicationsgeneralmanager RowenaHumesays.
“Ourviewisthatthenewprovider shouldcovertheentireprimarysectorto savecostsandenablecollaborationwhere possible.Itdidnotmakesense,froma cost-effectivenessperspective,tohavea solelysheepandbeef-focusedprovider. “We’reworkinghardtoensurecontinuity whilethedeliverymodelchanges.”
UpcomingNZQA-Recognised FruitionProgrammes FruitionhasarangeofNZQA-recognisedhorticultureandfood andfibrequalificationsandmicro-credentialsstartingsoon,with optionsavailableacrossmultiplelocationsandonline.
Programmesinclude:
EmergingLeadershipinPeople,FoodandFibreIndustries NZQAmicro-credential.StartsSeptemberinBayofPlenty.
LincolnUniversityDiplomainHorticulture,Level5 NZQAqualification.Starts14July2026inTaurangaandNelson HeiWhanake:FoundationtoEmploymentinHorticulture,Level2 NZQAqualification.Starts20July2026TePuke/Tauranga,and3August 2026inNelson/TasmanandBlenheim
FreshwaterRiskManagementfromHorticulturalProduction NZQAmicro-credential.Starts13August2026online, and25September2026inHorowhenua
ContinuousImprovementinHorticulturalIndustries NZQAmicro-credential.StartsSeptember2026,inTauranga availableface-to-faceoronline
GainanNZQA-recognisedqualificationormicro-credentialwith Fruition.Chooseyourprogramme,locationandstartdatetoday.
locations,feesand enrolmentinformation atfruition.ac.nz.
EmmaWalters,arecentgraduateturnedatechnicalforester.
SteveEdwards
Avocadoindustrygears upforbumperyear Anotherbumperyearispredicted fortheavocadoindustry.
NewZealandAvocadochiefexecutive BradSiebertsaysthereis“plentyto bepositiveaboutasweheadintothe newseason”.
“Earlyexportfruitbeganleavingthe countrybytheendofJune,markingthe startofwhatwehopewillbeastrong campaignforNewZealandgrowers.”
Bradsaysgettingfruitawayearlyhelps spreadsupplyacrosstheseasonandgives exportersaheadstartinkeymarkets.
TheeastcoastofAustraliaisexpected toreceivemorethan50%ofNew Zealand’sexportavocadovolumesthis season,withnumerousAsianmarkets andCanadatakingthebalance.
“Thismarketmixallowstheindustry tocapitaliseonstrongopportunitiesin Australiawhilecontinuingtoadvance theindustry’slongtermmarket diversificationstrategy.
“It’sanencouragingsignal,anda reminderofthequalityandreputation NewZealandavocadoscontinueto carryoffshore.
Typically,around50%ofNew Zealand’savocadocropisexported.
Thisyear’sharvestispredictedto produce8milliontraysintotal,withthe latestforecastbeing5.3millionexported and2.7milliongoingintotheNew Zealandmarket.
The2025–26exportseasonsawtotal shipmentsof3.446milliontrays.
Abouthalfofthe4700avocado hectaresinproductionareintheBay ofPlenty,andaround40%inthe Northlandregion.
Closertohome,Bradsaysdomesticsupply isholdingupwell,andKiwishopperscan expecttokeepfindinggoodlocalavocados ontheshelvesthroughwinter.
“Maintainingasteadyflowintothe domesticmarketmatters;itkeeps avocadosfrontofmindforconsumers year-roundandsupportsgrowerswho supplylocally.
“We’dencourageeveryonetokeep enjoyingthem:winterisagreattime foravocadosontoast,insaladsorfora nutritionalboosttoasmoothie.”
Wintertips Whilewinterhaswellandtrulysettled overavocadoorchards,Bradsaysthisis notimeforgrowerstoputtheirfeetup.
“Julyiswhenthegroundworkis
laidfortheseasonahead,andalittle attentionnowpaysdividendscome harvest.Lookafteryourtreesthrough thecold.
“Waterloggingisthebigwinterrisk, socheckthatdrainageisdoingits jobafterheavyrainandthatmulchis keepingrootzonesprotectedwithout smotheringthem.”
Hesaysfrost-pronesitesareworthaclose eye.“Youngtreesinparticularbenefitfrom protectiononclear,stillnights.”
Bradsaysitisalsotherightwindow tostayontopoforchardhygiene:clear fallenfruitandleaflittertoreduce diseasecarry-over,andkeepmonitoring forrotandpeststhatdon’ttakethe winteroff.
Growersplanningnutrition programmesshouldbethinkingahead now,sotreesgointospringingood heart,hesays.
“Asalways,healthysoilandgood drainagearethefoundationofaresilient crop.”
Fielddays Julyalsobringsachanceforgrowersto gettogether.
FielddaysareplannedforearlyJuly, includingoneintheBayofPlentyon July6,1pm-3pm,at40FJensenRd, Omanawa.
GrowerscanjoinNZAvocadoat AndrewCraib’sorchardinOmanawafor anafternoonofpracticalinsightsand industryconnections.
Bradsaysthisfielddaywillfeature on-orchardupdatesfromtheirresearch team,coveringthelatestfindings onmiridinsects,fruitquality,and productionsystems-allwithafocuson managementstrategiesthatmaximise financialreturnsforgrowers.
“Thefielddaysareagreatopportunity togetoutoftheorchard,talkshopwith fellowgrowers,hearthelatestfromNew ZealandAvocado,andpickuppractical tipsyoucantakehome.
“Theteamwouldlovetoseeagood turnout.”
Wintercanfeelquiet,butBradsaysa lotishappeningbehindthescenesacross theindustry.
“Whetherit’stendingyourtrees, watchingthefirstexportfruitheadaway, orgettinginvolvedintheelections,July isamonthtostayengaged.
“Here’stoaproductiveseasonahead.” SteveEdwards
HotHoneyHalloumiSmashed AvoToast (15mins;servesfourpeople)
Ingredients 1avocado 1tsplemonjuice 1tbspolive oil
200ghalloumi,sliced 2tbsphoney ½tspchilli flakes(adjustto taste) 4slicesciabatta
Method
Mashtheavocado inasmallbowlwith lemon juiceandasprinkleof salt and pepper Heatolive oil inapanovermedium heatandfry the halloumi untilgoldenon both sides.Reduce heatanddrizzle overhoneyandchilliflakes, tossingtocoat. Atthe sametime toast the ciabatta. Spreadtheavocadooverthetoastedciabatta. Topwith thehot honeyhalloumiandserve immediately.
Progrowers LTD HamishMcKain
GeneralManager/AvocadoGrowerServices
0272202005
hamish.mckain@dms4kiwi.co.nz
WillieHerder AvocadoGrowerServices 0276673849
willie.herder@dms4kiwi.co.nz
IvonaKopecka AvocadoGrowerServices 0272664901
ivona.kopecka@dms4kiwi.co.nz
WarrennSargent AvoGreenManager
0279000292
warrenn.sargent@dms4kiwi.co.nz
MattRoyackers AvocadoGrowerServices 0272000788
matt.royackers@dms4kiwi.co.nz
ToniMorrison AvocadoGrowerServices 0272654469
toni.morrison@dms4kiwi.co.nz
23-tonnebulldozerfindsaforeverhome Afterlovingmachineryfromavery youngage,ScottBright,now semi-retired,hasmuchmoretime toenjoycollectingandrestoring vintagemachinery.
WhileScottwasraisedonadairyfarm, hemovedintosheepandbeeffarming whenhegotolderandtrainedasadiesel mechanic.Healsoworkedinconstruction, settinghimselfandhiswifeupforstepping backalittleintheirretirement.
Hefirstsawhis1953CaterpillarD8 2U,in2021whenvisitingKamoin Whangārei.
“Theownerhadhaditfor10yearsor moreandwasveryattachedtoit,butlike thedozer,agehadcaughtupwithhim
andsoat84hewantedtoretire.He agreedtosellitaslongasIguaranteed nevertotakeittothescrapyardandI saidIhadnointentionofdoingthat,” saysScott.
ApieceofNZhistory ThisparticularD82Uhadbeen ownedbyMcBreenJenkinscontractors inNorthlandandwouldhavebeen importedfromtheUSAaround1953.
“Thesebulldozerscarriedoutthe earthmovingforbuildingroads,dams andeverythinginbetween.Theywere usedtobuildtheearlyinfrastructureof NewZealand.Youcouldparktheminthe bushandreturn12monthslater, andthey’dstillstarteasily.”
Unliketheairconditionedmachines oftodaywithelectronics andcomputertechnology, Scottsaysyoureallyknew youhaddoneaday’swork ononeofthese23-tonne girls.Theyhavenobattery togoflat,nolightsto damageandnohydraulics tofail.
“The23hppetrolstarter enginewasstartedwitha crankhandle.You’dengage theclutch,andthemaindieselengine wouldstartup.”
Theenginestatistics TheD82UengineisaD13000,hassix cylindersandproduces185hpat1200 rpm(fullload).Theenginedisplacement is1246cubicinches.Theboreandstroke are5.75inchesby8inches.Ithasfive
ScottBrightnexttothe3.5mwideand 1.1mhighsteelblade,whichweighs around2.5tonnes. Photos/CatherineFry
forwardandthreereverse
Thebladeisoperatedbyawire-cable andpulleysystem(similartoawinch)
gears and has a top speed of 7.2 mph.
“The steel blade weighs around 2.5 tonnes. It’s 3.5 metres wide and 1.1 metres high with a maximum draw bar pull of 44,840 lbs.”
The blade is operated by a wire-cable and pulley system (similar to a winch) which runs off the engine.
The D8 2U maintains full power to the tracks during tight turns.
TheD82Umaintainsfullpowertothe
Scott uses the Caterpillar on his land, but he doesn’t want to overwork it, as he feels it’s deserving of retirement.
ScottusestheCaterpillaron hisland,buthedoesn’twant tooverworkit,ashefeelsit’s deservingofretirement.
LoganDobbs’passionforagriculturebegan early,growinguponadairyfarmonNew Zealand’sNorthIslandsurroundedbytractors andheavymachinery.
“Aftertheaccident,Itoldmyself‘youcan’t putthearmbackon,soyoumayaswelljust keepgoing’,”hesaid.
Thatupbringingledhimnaturallyintoa careerasaheavydieselmechanic,wherehe spentyearsworkingonthetools.Butalifechangingworkplaceaccidentinearly2025, whichresultedinthelossofhisrightarm, forcedhimtoreassesshisfuture.Determinedto stayintheindustryheloves,Logantransitioned intoaPartsTechnicianapprenticeshipwith BrandtTePukeinlate2025.
“Istillwantedtoworkwithtractorsand machinery,sopartsseemedlikeanicewayto go.”Logan’sbackgroundasaqualifiedservice technicianhasprovedinvaluableinhisnew role.Heisabletoprovideaccurateadvice, diagnosefaults,andrecommendpractical solutions,quicklyearningthetrustofboth customersandcolleagues.Knownforhis positivityandstrongworkethic,Loganhas alreadymadeasignificantimpactatthebranch.
The1953 Caterpillar D8 2U.
Acceptanceintotheprestigious KelloggRuralLeadership Programmefitsperfectlywiththe careerpathofaBayofPlenty-based horticultureprofessional.
NickPridgeon,SeniorOrchardManager withPivotHorticulture,joined24other scholarsinlastmonth’sintakeforthesixmonthprogramme.
“IhadheardabouttheKelloggRural LeadershipProgrammethroughpeoplein theindustryovertheyearsandknewithad astrongreputationfordevelopingleaders acrosstheruralsector,”saysNick.
“IthadalwaysbeensomethingIwas interestedindoingatsomestagein mycareer.”
“Thetimingfeltrighttoapplynow,” hesays.“I’matapointwhereIwantand needtocontinuegrowingboth professionallyandpersonally,andI sawKelloggasagoodopportunity tobuildonmyleadershipskills, broadenmythinkingandgain perspectivesfromoutsidethe kiwifruitindustryaswell.”
“Iwasalsointerestedinthe chancetoconnectwithpeople fromdifferentpartsoftherural sectorandlearnfromtheir experiencesandchallenges.”
Scholarship Nicksayshewasfortunate toreceiveascholarshipfor theKelloggRuralLeadership Programmethroughthekiwifruit industryviamarketerZesprito supporthisparticipationinthe programme.
“Thescholarshipmakesitmuch moreachievabletotakepart, particularlywhilebalancingwork commitments.
genderandethnicity.
“Theresidentialformatoftheprogramme createscohortnetworksandfriendships acrossthecountryandindustriesthrough themixoffarmers,growers,producersand agribusinessprofessionals.”
Nicksaysthebiggestthinghehopes togetoutoftheprogrammeisnew leadershipskillsanddifferentwaysof thinkingthathecanbringbackintothe kiwifruitindustryandapplyineveryday practicalsituations.
“I’mlookingforwardtolearningfrom peoplewithdifferentbackgroundsand experiences,particularlyfromotherparts oftheruralsector,asIthinkthereisalot ofvalueinhearinghowothersapproach challengesandopportunities.
“Ialsoseeitasachancetocontinue growingpersonallyandprofessionally, buildstrongernetworksanddevelopskills
KelloggRuralLeadershipProgrammeScholarship recipientNickPridgeon. Photo/Supplied
Havingthatsupportnotonlyfrom ZespributalsoPivotHorticultureremoves someofthebarriersandallowsmetofocus ongettingthemostoutoftheprogramme andapplyingthelearningsbackintothe workplaceandwiderindustry.”
TheKelloggRuralLeadership Programmehasbeendevelopingleaders fortheruralandagri-foodsectorsince 1979.
Therearecurrentlytwointakesofupto 24scholarseachyear.
Carefulselection TheNewZealandRuralLeadership TrustProgramme,whichrunstheKellogg scheme,sayscohortsarecarefullyselected tomaximisediversityacrossindustries, levelofexperience,geographicallocation,
thatwillhelpmebettersupportthepeople Iworkalongsideandhelpcontribute positivelytotheindustrymovingforward.”
NickhasspenthisentirelifeintheBay ofPlenty,apartfromasmallperiodin thebuildingindustryinAucklandinhis early20s.
“OnceImovedbackhomeafter livinginAucklandIneededtomakea choice,continueinconstructionortry somethingelse.
“Ineededmoney,soIworkedona familyfriend’skiwifruitorchardand enjoyeditalot.
“ThisledmetosignupattheBayof Plentypolytechnictostudyhorticulture.
Orchardmanagement “Ithenstartedcontractpickingand pruning,whichthensnowballedinto
variousrolesintheindustry,fromorchard managementtopackhousegrower representative,butfinallylandingback intoorchardmanagement.”
NickhasbeenwithPivotHorticulture forfouryears,withtheseniororchard managerroleinvolvingoverseeingorchard performanceacrossmultipleproperties, workingcloselywithlabourteamsand clients,andhelpingmanageboththe day-to-dayoperationalsideaswellas longer-termplanning.
“Abigpartoftheroleissupporting staff,problem-solvingandmakingsure orchardsareperformingwellwhile balancingquality,productivityand people,”hesays.
“Therolehasgivenmeexposureto leadershipand strategicthinking, whichispartof whatsparkedmy interestinfurther development opportunitieslike Kellogg.”
Nicksaysthe applicationprocess fortheKellogg programmeinvolved puttingtogether informationaround hisbackground, leadership experienceandwhat hehopedtogetout oftheprogramme.
Therewasalsoa focusonidentifying anareaofinterest ortopictoresearch throughthe
programmeandhowthelearningcould beappliedbackintoindustry.
“Itwasagoodopportunitytoreflect onwhereI’vecomefrominmycareer sofarandwhereI’dliketocontinue developing,”hesays.
Theprogrammerunsoversixmonths andincludesamixoftheorysessions, workshops,industryengagementanda researchproject.
“Itallowsparticipantstocontinue workingwhilecompletingthe programme,whichmakesitpracticalfor peoplealreadyinfull-timeindustryroles,” saysNick.
“IwillattendLincolnUniversitytwice andforaperiodoftimeinWellington.”
SteveEdwards
Growerswarnedonplant-movingrisks Kiwifruitgrowersneedtobe “biosecuritysmart”. Winterisakeytimeforreplantingor establishingnewkiwifruitblocks,Kiwifruit VineHealthchiefexecutiveLeanne Stewartsays.
“Whetheryou’rereplacing oldvinesordeveloping anewarea,it’svitalto stayontopofbiosecurity requirements-especially whenmovingplants betweenproperties.”
Leannesaysfollowing biosecurityrequirements reducestheriskofspreading pestsanddiseaseslikePsa andhelpsensurearapid, effectiveresponseifanew organismisdetected.
Growersmustonlysource kiwifruitplantsandshelter plantsfromnurseriesthat meettheNationalKiwifruit PathwayManagementPlanrequirements.
Plants Therearetwolevelsofcertification withinKVH’sKPCS:FullCertification: PlantsarefreefromPsaandothertarget organisms.ThesenurseriesoperateinPsa-free environmentsandprovideplantsthathave tested“PsaNotDetected”, andRestrictedCertification: Plantsmaycarrythe commonNewZealand strainofPsa(Psa-V)but aretestedtobefreefrom moreharmful,resistant,or offshorestrains.
Thismeanscertificationthroughone ofthefollowing:KVH’sKiwifruitPlant CertificationScheme,andPlantPass,a broadnurseryplanthealthandbiosecurity certificationprogrammeforallplanttypes.
TheprocessforKVH’s KPCSschemeinvolves completingacertification manualandsubmittingit toKVHforreview,being independentlyaudited, andhavingplantssampled andtestedannuallybefore dispatch.
Leannesaysgrowerscan growplantsonthepropertytheywillbeused on,withoutcertification.
Additionally,upto1000plantsperyearmay bemovedbetweenpropertiesthathavethe samekiwifruitpropertyidentificationnumber, orKPIN,andbeunderthesameownership.
AllTerrainPollination(2017)Ltduseawetpollenapplicationsystemforspraying pollendirectlyontothefloweranddevelopedspecificallyfortheNewZealand Kiwifruitindustrytoassistgrowersinachievingmaximumresults.
Whilecertificationisnotneededinthese cases,Stewartsaysaccuratetraceability recordsmustbekept.
Importantreminders:Donotmoveany plantsshowingdiseasesymptoms,andBoththe supplyingnurseryandthereceivingproperty mustmaintaintraceabilityrecordsincase symptomsappearlaterandtracingisrequired.
Alistofcertifiednurseries(bothFull CertificationandRestrictedCertification)is ontheKVHwebsite.
BiosecurityEngagement KVHrepresentativesrecentlyattended aworkshophostedbyresearchersfrom theBioeconomyScienceInstitutetohear findingsfromthefirstyearofaBetterBorder Biosecuritysocialscienceresearchproject focusedonbiosecurityengagement.
Thethree-yearprojectisexploringhow industriesandcommunitiesunderstand, engagewith,andsupportbiosecuritypractices. Itaimstohelpstrengthensociallicence andencouragepracticalbiosecurityaction acrossNewZealand’sprimarysectorsand communities.
Threecasestudieshavebeencompleted duringtheproject’sfirstyear,focusingon on-orchardbiosecuritypracticeswithinthe kiwifruitindustry,Lepidoptera(winged insectslikebutterfliesandmoths),readiness planning,andMāoribiosecurityengagement withinpollinationservices.
Theworkshopsharedvaluableinsights intohowbiosecurityisviewedandapplied acrossdifferentsettings,andhighlighted theimportanceofpractical,people-focused approachestoimprovingengagement.
Thenextphaseoftheprojectwillinvolve researchersandbiosecuritypartnersworking togethertoco-designpracticaltoolsand approachestostrengthenbiosecurity participation.
Overthecomingmonths,shesaysfindings fromthecasestudieswillbesharedwith interviewparticipantsandthenmore widelyreleased.
ResearchSymposium KVHwasalsorepresentedatthe2026 PlantBiosecurityResearchSymposium inMelbourne,whichbroughttogether researchers,industry,andgovernmentpartners
fromacrossAustraliaandNewZealand.
TheeventcoincidedwiththeUnited NationsInternationalDayofPlantHealth andfocusedonthethemePlantBiosecurity forFoodSecurity.
KVHparticipantssaidthesymposium showcasedthelatestresearchandthinking acrosskeyareas,includingearlywarningand risk,diagnosticsandsurveillance,resilientcrop protectionsystems,andreadinessandrecovery.
“Researchaimedatbetterunderstanding emergingriskswashighlighted,including theimpactsofclimatechange,aswellasthe developmentoftoolstosupportindustry-led riskassessment.
“Therewasastrongfocusonimproving diagnosticcapability,withnewtoolsin developmenttoenablefaster,moreeffective identificationofunwantedorganismsatthe borderandpost-border,supportingmore rapidresponsetimes.”
Importantly,theysaidthesymposium reinforcedthevalueofconnectionsacross theTasman.
“BuildingrelationshipswithAustralian counterpartsishighlybeneficial,asboth countriesfacemanyofthesamebiosecurity threats,oftenwithpestsanddiseases establishinginAustraliafirst.
“Theseconnectionssupportsharedlearning, earlyawareness,andstrongercollaborationto protectNewZealand’skiwifruitindustry.”
KVHisstagingitsbiennialbiosecurity symposiumonAugust5-6atBayOval, MountMaunganui.
Leannesaysthisisa“must-attend”event focusedonstayingaheadofthebiosecurity incursioncurve.
Thisyear’ssymposiumincludesinternational guestspeakersanddivesintowhatittakesto beprepared:proactivereadiness,fastresponse, andsmartcollaboration.
“Youwillexperiencerealworldinsights broughttolifethroughdynamicpresentations, practicalcasestudies,andforward-thinking discussionsdesignedforgrowers,industry leaders,technicalexperts,andgovernment partners,”Leannesays.
“Thisisyourchancetoconnectwithpeople involvedinthefutureofbiosecuritywithinthe kiwifruitindustry,NewZealand,andbeyond, sowecanallbeattheleadingedgeofwhat’s comingnext.” SteveEdwards
Kiwifruit Vine Health chief executiveLeanneStewart. Photo/Supplied
E Establishing a healthy kiwifruit vine starts with strict biosecurity practices.
KatikatigrowerwinsBayofPlentytitle Athird-generationKatikati kiwifruitgrowercombiningorchard know-howwithcutting-edge innovationhasbeennamedtheBay ofPlenty’stopyounghorticultural talentfor2026.
WilliamKennahastakenoutthe2026 BayofPlentyYoungGrowerregionaltitle, aflagshipcompetitionrunbyHorticulture NewZealandrecognisingemergingleaders inthhesector,afftercompetingagainstseven othercontestantsonJune19.
The29-year-oldistheorchard andinnovationleadathisfamily’s business, KWKiwi,wherehe blends hands-on growing with the development of new technology aimed at improving productivity
andsustainabilityacrosstheindustry. Hiswinearnshimaplaceatthenational YoungGroweroftheYearfinal,hostedby HorticultureNewZealandinCromwell onAugust27-28,wherehewillcompete againstsixotherregionalwinnersforthe nationaltitle.
Kennareturnedtothefamilyorchard nearKatikatiin2020aftercompleting adegreeinmarketingandlogisticsand workinginWellington’swiderfruitand vegetablesector.
AtKW K Kiwi,thebusinessisalso involved indevelopinghorticulturaltechnology g , includingtoolsfornon-destructive fruitmeasurementandforecasting, improvedwateruse,and climate insights designed to support growers nationwide Kenna says the role offers
varietyandtheopportunitytohelpshape thefutureoftheindustry.
“Igrewuplearningaboutthebusiness andreallyenjoytheopportunities forinnovationandgrowingagreat productwhichishealthyandenjoyedby consumersaroundtheworld.”
HesaystheYoungGrowercompetition isakeypathwayfordevelopingskillsand highlightinghorticulturecareers.
“Thecompetitionisabsolutely importanttoencouragepeopletoupskill andlearndifferentskills.Itshowcases whatthecareerpossibilitiesare,”he says.Runner-upintheregionalevent wasAimeeBarker-Gilbert,external operationsmanageratHumePack-N-
CoolinKatikati,whilethirdplacewentto PattersonKelly,anorchardmanagerwith Trevelyan’sPackandCoolinTePuke. HorticultureNewZealandchief executiveKateScottsaystheregional competitionscelebratethehighcalibreof youngpeopleworkingintheindustryand helppromotecareerpathways.
“Theydoittorecogniseandcelebrate theveryhighcalibreofyoungpeople wehaveworkingintheindustryandto demonstratetoothersthemanypathways horticultureoffers,”shesays.
TheYoungGrowercompetitionsareheld acrossthecountryeachyear,culminating inanationalfinalshowcasingthenext generationofhorticulturalleaders.
POLLINATORSYOUCANTRUST WEATHERHARDY WORKMOREDAYS&FORLONGER SYNERGYWITHHONEYBEES ALTERNATEPEAKSOFACTIVITY IMPROVEDSPEED&EFFICIENCY BETTERCROSS-POLLINATION UPTO20XBETTERINSOMECROPS 2-3XFASTERONFLOWERS DEPENDABLEACTIVITY INSULATEDBOXAVAILABLE
Katikati grower William Kenna celebrates taking out the 2026 Bay of Plenty Young Grower title.
Photo / Supplied
Morethanjust WaiotahiContractorsoperations coordinatorforquarriesNicolePierce issurprisedtobenamedtheMinEx KristyChristensenMemorialAward winneratthe2026KomatsuNew ZealandWomeninExtractivesevent.
Theannualawards,hostedbytheNew ZealandMineralsCouncil,Aggregateand QuarryAssociation(AQA),andMinEx, recogniseoutstandingwomenacross theextractivesindustry,andcelebrate leadership,innovationandcommitment. TheawardNicolereceivedcarriesspecial weight.IthonoursKristyChristensen,who spent15yearsworkinginunderground coalminingwhileadvocatingfor workplacesthatbettersupportwomen. Kristydiedofbreastcancerat37,leaving alegacythatcontinuestoshapeindustry cultureandexpectations.
WaiotahicolleaguesHollieAtarau andGerardHullnominatedNicole forherleadership,professionalismand unwaveringfocusonpeople.
Theworldofquarrying Nicole’spathwayintoquarryingwas anythingbuttraditional.
GrowingupinWhakatānewitha passionforhorses,shestudiedtourism andtravelatWaikatoPolytechnicbefore buildingacareerinhospitalityandfood management.AlaterroleatFarmlands duringCoviddrewherclosertoarural environment–somethingsheadmitsfelt morealignedwithherinterests.
In2021,NicolestartedwithWaiotahi
Quarryasanadministrator,thenmoved intoqualityassurance,overseeing materialsdestinedfortheŌpōtiki Harbourproject.
“Thatleadstoamoreenvironmental role,whereIfollowthestrict environmentalcodeWaiotahitakes soseriously,”says Nicole.“Thatincludes monitoringdust emissionsandensuring roadsandwaterways aren’tpolluted.”
Thevarietyofwork–andthecompany’sfocus ontraining–keepsher engaged.
“Thecompanyis reallygoodatupskilling people,andIlove learningnewthings. That’swhatkeepsme interested,”shesays.
“Whetherit’sgainingmy wheels,tracksandrollers endorsementsortakingonnewtasks, there’salwayssomethingtobuildon.”
NicoleisnowworkingtowardherB GradeQuarryManagercertification, whichHolliesaysreflectsbothher ambitionandhercommitmentto strengtheningcapabilityacrossthe wideroperation.
Apeople-firstapproach
HolliesaysNicolestandsoutforher hands-on,practicalleadershipstyle.
“Nicoledemonstratesoutstanding leadershipacrossquarryoperations
through a people-focused approach that consistently sets high standards,” she says. “She’s not afraid to get stuck in and regularly works alongside the team on site.”
throughapeople-focusedapproachthat consistentlysetshighstandards,”she says.“She’snotafraidtogetstuckinand regularlyworksalongsidetheteamonsite.”
Workinginatraditionallymaledominatedindustry,Nicolealsoplaysan importantroleinbuildingaculturewhere stafffeelsupported.
Working in a traditionally maledominated industry, Nicole also plays an important role in building a culture where staff feel supported.
With few women on site, she becomes a trusted sounding board, encouraging open communication and helping to create a workplace where people feel safe to speak up.
Withfewwomen onsite,shebecomes atrustedsounding board,encouraging opencommunication andhelpingtocreatea workplacewherepeople feelsafetospeakup.
She places particular emphasis on mental wellbeing – an area she believes is critical to both safety and performance.
Sheplacesparticular emphasisonmental wellbeing–anareashe believesiscriticaltoboth safetyandperformance.
“Thementalhealthof theteamisextremely importanttome,” Nicolesays.“People needtobelookedaftertobeproductive.”
NicolesupportstherolloutoftheUOK BRONZwellbeinginitiativewithinthe company.Theprogrammeprovidesfree andconfidentialcounsellingservices, alongsidepracticalsupportsuchas budgetingadvice.
“Inmyeyes,itreallyisokaytonotbe okay,”shesays.“Nooneshouldbecarrying theweightoftheirproblemsalone, whetherthat’swork-relatedorpersonal.”
HolliesaysNicole’sapproachablenature andempathyhavealastingimpact.
“Whenissuesarise,Nicoleisproactive andsolution-focused,oftenthefirst persononsiteworkingthrough challengesandidentifyingpractical solutions,”shesays.“Shealsosteps intoleadershipwhenthequarrybranch managerisonleave,ensuringcontinuity andstrongperformance.”
Safetyandsolutions Alongsideheroperationalresponsibilities, Nicoleplaysanactiveroleinstrengthening safetypracticesacrossthebusiness.
Sheisacommittedmemberofthehealth andsafetycommitteeandcontributesto ongoingimprovementsinsystemsand processes,helpingreinforceastrongsafety culturewithinquarryoperations.
Nicolealsoworkscollaboratively withotherquarrymanagersandthe companydirector,sharingknowledgeand supportingwiderorganisationalgoals. Herabilitytoleadismostevidentin complexsituations.
Onestandoutexampleinvolvedthe removalofmetalstockpiledonprivate property–along-runningissuethat presentedlogisticalandcommunity challenges,includingresistancefrom localresidents.
Nicoletooktheleadinengagingwith iwiandlandowners,navigatingthe situationwithsensitivity,persistenceand professionalism. Throughcarefulco-ordination,the materialwassuccessfullyremoved, transportedtotheprocessingsiteandsold. “Shehasaverybrightfutureinthe quarryingindustry,andweareproudto haveheraspartofourteam."
Waiotahi Contractors’ Nicole Pierce wontheMinExKristyChristensen MemorialAward. Photos/Supplied NicolePiercereceivingheraward
HiddenlifeinourwaterwaysusingeDNAtesting When Coast&CountryNews last visitedthecommunity-driven MangatangiMaramaruaCatchment (MMC)groupin2024,itfound themprogressingsteadilywithefforts tobuildacomprehensivepicture offreshwaterhealthacrossmultiple indicators:habitat,wildlife,water quality,flow,andenergyand nutrientdynamics.
Now,twoyearslater,throughsciencebasedmonitoringledbyfreshwater ecologistDrMerrinWhatley,thegroup isgainingdeeperinsightsintothe biodiversityandecologicalconditionofthe MangatangiandMaramaruarivers andstreams.
eDNAtesting “Astandoutelementistheuseof environmentalDNA(eDNA)testing,a non-invasive,cutting-edgemethodthat detectsgenetictracesleftbyorganismsin thewater.Samplescollectedatsixsites areanalysedbyWilderlabinWellington, revealingthousandsofspecieswithout disturbingwildlife,”chairmanWill Murphysays.
Since2023,thegrouphasconducted quarterlywaterqualitymonitoringat12 sites,rapidhabitatassessments,andfaecal sourcetracking,andthisindependentwork complementstheannualinvertebrateand fishmonitoringdonebyWaikatoRegional Council(WRC)andWatercare.
Overthepasttwoyears(2024and2025), eDNAresultshavebeenencouragingand informative.In2024,approximately326 speciesweredetectedacrossthesites,and thisroseto527in2025.
“Theseexcitingresultsshowcaserich biodiversity,including233insectspecies, 93plants,15fish,23birds,11mammals, pluscrustaceans,molluscs,spiders, amphibians,andmicroorganisms,” Willsays.
Tworareanddecliningfreshwatermussel species(kākahi)Echyridellamenziesiiand themuchrarerEchyridellaaucklandica havebeendetected.E.menziesii wereconsistentlydetectedatseveral samplelocationsinbothyearswhileE. aucklandicaweredetectedatonesitein bothyears.
“Theirpresencesignalsareasof ecologicalvalueworthprioritisingfor protectionandrestoration.What’s more,beingfilterfeeders,protectingthis populationcancontributetoincreasing theoverallhealthofourriver.Kākahi haveacomplexlifecyclewhichrequiresa healthynativefreshwaterfishcommunity tocomplete,”saysfreshwaterecologistDr MerrinWhatley.
“Theyarealsosensitivetopestssuchas koicarp,catfishandratsandpollutants
likesediment,excessivenutrientsand pesticides.WhileeDNAtestingallowsus todetectthepresenceofthesespecieswe don’tknowanythingaboutthepopulation andwhethertheyarereproducing.”
Detectionofmammalsincreasedfrom eightspeciesin2024to11in2025.
Commondetectionsincludedrats(ship andNorway),possum,cattle,sheep,dog, andmice,withotherslikecat,rabbit,and stoatatsinglesamplelocations.
“Patternsvariedbyyearandlocation withmorepossumandcattleDNAin 2025,possiblyinfluencedbythehot,dry autumndrawinganimalstowater.This providedvaluableinsightsintopestand land-usepressures.”
Twenty-sixbirdspeciesweredetected, including11nativessuchaspūkeko,sacred kingfisher,kererū,tūī,fantail,andsilvereye.
Widespreaddetectionsofsacred kingfisher,silvereye,songthrush,and mallardhighlightstrongavianpresence, withhighestdiversityatcertainsample locations(upto15speciesatonesite).
Rarefishspecies(sidehead)
Sixteenfishspeciesweredetected,with 10natives,includingthreatenedlongfin eel,lamprey,īnanga,giantkōkopu,and potentiallyshortjawkōkopu.
“Thesearealldecliningnationallydue tohabitatlossandwaterqualityissues. ShortfinandlongfineelsandCran’sbully werefoundatallsamplesites.Introduced andpestspeciessuchaskoicarp,goldfish, gambusia,catfishandruddappearedat severallocations,butwerenotablyabsent attwoheadwatersites.”
BiologicalindicatorsderivedfromeDNA ofmacroinvertebrates(MCI),FishIBI (indexofbioticintegrity),andTICI(taxon independentcommunityindex),reveal someenvironmentalimpactsoverall,but withbrighterspots.
“Theheadwateranduppercatchment samplelocationsshowedtheleast impact,reflectingmilderpollutionand habitatimpacts,supportinggreater nativebiodiversity,comparedtothe downstreamsites.
“Lower-scoringsitessuggestednutrient/ sedimentstressinplaces,yetstill
supporteddiversefishandimportantkākahi populationswhichunderscoresrestoration potential.”
ThiseDNAwork,alongsidebroader monitoring,empowersthecommunityto makeinformeddecisions,trackchanges, andtargetactionslikepestcontroland habitatenhancement.
TheMangatangiMaramaruaCatchment groupexemplifieshowlocalcollaboration, expertguidancefromDrWhatley,and innovativetoolslikeeDNAaredelivering realbenefitsforwaterwayhealthand buildingresilienceforfuturegenerationsin thearea.
ThegroupwillconductfurthereDNA testingacrossthecatchmentinMarch2026, thankstoitsvaluableinsights.
Giant kōkopu were detected at three locations in the catchment Photo/ / Rod d Morriis
FreshwaterecologistDrMerrinWhatley collectingwaterforeDNAanalysisfrom theupperMangatangiStream. Photo/Supplied
A very rare freshwater mussel species (kākahi) E aucklandica Photo / Earth Sciences NZ – Michele Melchior
Womencelebrate100yearsofruralsupport Bayof Plenty-CoromandelRRuralWomencontinues toexpanditsreach,withrregionalleaderMary Nowotarskileadingayeearofcelebration, connectionand d growth.
Marysaysthepast12 monthshhavecentredon celebrationsforRural WomenNNewZealand’s100th anniversary,bringingmemberstoogetheracrosstheregion.
ThegrouphostedacocktaileveeninginAugust,aseries of100thbirthday lunchesin Octtober,andwrappedup festivitieswith a finallunch in Appril.
“Theseeventscelebrate our histtoryandtherole ruralwomencontinueto playinsupportingtheir communities,”Marysays.
100 years
RuralWomenNewZealaandbeganin1925asthe Women’sDivisionoftheFarmers’Unionand hasgrownintoa a nationwideorganisation advocatingforruralcommunities. Alonggsidethecentenary events,Maryfocuseson creeatingmoreopportunities f forwomentoconnect socially.
Shehassetupa morningteagroup andanevening group,giving
Farmersoftendevelopsorejoints (Part1) NewZealandfarmersoftendevelop osteoarthritisduetothephysically demandingnatureoftheirwork.
Farminginvolvesrepetitivemovements, heavylifting,prolongedstanding, andfrequentbending,allof whichplacesignificantstrain onthejoints,particularlythe knees,hips,andhands.
Overmanyyears,these repetitivestressescanlead tothegradualbreakdown ofcartilage,whichisthe hallmarkofosteoarthritis.The outdoorenvironmentalso exposesfarmerstovariable weatherconditions,whichmay exacerbatejointpain andstiffness.
membersoptionsforinformalcatch-upsand organisedoutings.
“Sometimesit’sdinner,sometimesavisit toaflowerfarmorevenapamperevening. Thesearesowomencanjustgettogetherfor funandfriendship.”
Maryplanstoexpandtheseinitiatives acrosstheregiontomeetgrowinginterest.
Members
TheBayofPlenty-Coromandelregion nowhasmorethan100membersacross branchesincludingColville,Galatea,Oropi, Rerewhakaaitu,Kaharoa,Ngakuru,Te Puke-RotoehuandTurua.
Membershipreflectsachangingrural landscape.
“RuralWomenarefromallsortsofwalks
inlifeanddon’thavetobefarmerstojoin. Theyjustneedaninterestinrurallife.We havememberswholiveintownaswell.”
MaryjoinedRWNZintheearly2000s whilelivingnearŌtorohanga,quickly becominginvolvedatbranchlevel.After movingtoRotoruain2012,shejoinedthe Kaharoabranchandcontinuedtobuild herleadershiprole,eventuallybecoming regionalleader.
MarysaysRWNZplaysavitalrolein givingruralwomenavoice.
”Theorganisationadvocateslocally, nationallyandinternationally,ensuring ruralperspectivesareheardwhile providingleadershipopportunities, personaldevelopmentandglobal networkingconnections.
Additionally,farmingisayear-round occupationwithlimitedopportunitiesfor restorrecovery,increasingtherisk ofchronicjointoveruse.Manyfarmers alsostartworkingatayoungageand continuewellintoolderage,further compoundingthewearandtearontheir jointsoverdecades.
Therealquestioniswhattodoaboutit, especiallyifjointdeteriorationdoesnot warrantsurgery.Whileanti-inflammatory medicationshelprelievepain,theyarehard
by making and secreting new cartilage
onthebodyanddonotaddressthemain diseaseprocessbehindcartilageloss. Cartilageisdynamictissuedependent onspecialcellscalledchondrocytesto maintainandrepaircartilage.Theydothis bymakingandsecretingnewcartilage matrixwhichincludeschondroitin sulphate.Ifthesearedamaged,or die,thetinypatchofcartilageit maintainedsoondisintegrates. Adding800-1600mgofhighgradechondroitincanmake ahugedifference.Chondroitin isbyfarthemostimportant compoundavailablethrough supplements.Whileglucosamine isimportant,Iregardthisasa supportingtherapy.Addingthe latestwater-solublecurcumin (fromturmeric)canbehelpfulby reducingjointcapsuleinflammation.
Myclientfilesincludemanyfarmers whohavehadsignificantbenefitsofthis typeoftherapywithmostgettingnotable improvementsinflexibility,mobilityand comfort.Tolearnmore,emailmefora copyofmyOsteoarthritisprogramme.
JohnArts(Adv.Dip.Nut.Med)isaqualified nutritionalmedicinepractitioner.Toreadmore byJohnandtheAbundantHealthproducts,visit www.healthhouse.co.nz,call0800140141,or emailjohn@healthhouse.co.nz.
Bay of PlentyCoromandel Rural Women regional leader
Mary Nowotarski cutting the cake Photo / Supplied
It’snevertoo Nitrate-Nlevelsin groundwaterinSouthland, basedonarecentarticle, aresteadilyincreasing andareclosetothe concentrationsatwhich humanhealthisimpacted.
Thisissuehasbeendiscussed andwrittenaboutforthelast 20years,andactionnecessary tolimittheincreasehas,asyet, beenineffective.
Thereasonforthependingpredicament istheoveruseofsyntheticnitrogen, withearlyindicationscomingfrom groundwatermonitoringsitesbetween Ashburtonandthecoast.
Thequestionis:atwhatpointdoes theissuebecomesufficientlyimportant forregulationstobeimplementedthat initiallylimittheincreaseand,overtime, reducethetrend?
Debate Theargumentfornotdoinganything isthatsyntheticnitrogenisessentialfor pastureproduction,necessarytosustain highlevelsofmilkproduction.
Thatpremiseisfalse.Beforethe availabilityofureafromKapuniin1989, annualpasturewproductionmeasured bystaffatRuakuraResearchStation nearHamiltonwasregularlyaround 18,000kgDM/ha.
Thatfigureisseldomattainedtoday, witharangebetween14–16,000kg DM/habeingthenormrecordedfrom flatirrigatedlandtowhichnitrogenis regularlyapplied.
Thenitrogenrequiredfordairypasture productionpriorto1990wasprovidedby clover,andthedatashowsthatclovercan fix670kgN/ha/year;however,lessthan halfofthatisrequiredtoreplenishlosses undergrazedpermanentpasture.
Jointventure In2009,RotoruaLakesandLandTrust instigatedaproof-of-conceptprojectto
measurenitrate-Nlossesto groundwaterfromfarmsusing CalciZestandDoloZestbasednutrientprogrammes providedbyEco-LogicSoil Improvement,comparedto conventionalwater-soluble/ syntheticN-drivenones.
MembersoftheTrust-a jointventurebetweenTe ArawaFederationofMāori AuthoritiesandtheRotorua/ TaupōProvinceofFederated Farmers-wereawareof anincreasingnumberof localdairyfarmersobservingarangeof benefitsfromtheDoloZest/CalciZestfull nutrientprogrammes.
Theseincludedanincreaseinannual pastureproduction,a90%decreasein ureausage,significantlyimprovedanimal healthandperformance,aswellasa reductioninweedandpestpressure.
FundingwassecuredandScionwas appointedtooverseemethodology,ensure adequatereplication,andcarryoutdata analysisandinterpretation.
TwoEdgecumbedairyfarmswere chosen,onealong-termEco-Logicclient andtheneighbouringpropertyalongtermsyntheticNapplier.
Afterafullseasonofmonthly samplingandanalysis,thedatashowed a70%decreaseinnitrate-Nlossesto groundwaterfromtheEco-Logicproperty comparedtotheneighbouringone.
Thiswasaccompaniedbya30% increaseinpasturegrownoverthesame period.Alldatawassenttoalocalfarm consultant,wherestockingrate,milk production,andfeedconsumedwere analysedandareportwritten.
Conclusion Thereportconclusioncontainedthe following:“Thebiologicalfarmhadan advantageovertheconventionalfarmin allareasanalysed...Thebiologicalfarm isagoodexampleofwhatispossiblefor manyconventionalfarmsthathavea desiretoimproveprofitabilityaswellas
reduceenvironmentalfootprint.”
Subsequently,twoBiologicalFarming Conferenceswereheld;however,with thedoctrinethatsyntheticnitrogenwas anecessarytoolforhigh-performance dairying-andthestudychallengedthatnofurtherworkwasundertaken. Hopefully,15yearson,theremay
nowbeanincreasedappetiteforfresh research.Biologicallydrivensystemsare fundamentallydifferent.Calciumisthe mostimportantnutrient,withastute pasturemanagementbasedonobservation keytounlockingunrealisedprofit. Formoreinformation,contactPeteron 0800843809or0274950041.
Installation of flux-meters in the BOP for water quality sampling.
Growhealthypasturewhilereducing g leaching g AnofficialpressreleaseonJune10from AgricultureMinisterToddMcClay statedthatthegovernmenthasinvested “$3.55millionina$8.47millionfiveyearprojecttoboostbeefandsheep production,and$18.34millionon a$45.85millionseven-yearproject togrowdairyoutputwithimproved environmentaloutcomes”.
Alsonotedinthispressreleaseisthe government’sintentiontodelivera20% reductioninnitrogenleachingperhectareas partofthedairyproject.
Thesimplestwaytoachievethisgoalwould betocontinuetolimitnitrogenuseviathe N-Caprulesandregulationswealreadyhave.
However,whilethisstrategymightimprove environmentaloutcomes,it’sunlikelyto growdairyoutputsincenitrogenisessential forourpasture-basedsysteminNZ.
Afarbetteralternativewouldbetoconsider thetypeofnitrogenproductsbeingapplied andlookforoptionsthatcanreduceleaching whilestillgrowinggrass.
Fortunately,suchnutrient-efficientproducts doexist,andFertco’spolymer-coatedurea (PCU)istheperfectexampleofthis.
WhatisPCU?
PCUisacontrolled-releasefertiliser, manufacturedbycoatinggranulesofurea withabiodegradablecoating.Thepurpose ofthecoatingistoprotectthenutrients insidethegranulesothattheyare
ORCHARDCOMPOST AVAILABLENOW
Qualityorchardcompost. Idealforkiwifruit andavocadogrowers. HillLabsreportavailable.
•CompetitivelyPriced
•AvailableinBulk
•DeliveryavailableBOPWide
gradually released into the soil PCUreleasesitsnutrients whensoilmoisture penetratesthecoatingof thegranuleandstartsto dissolveitscontents.This causesthegranuletoswell andpressuretodevelop insidethegranule.With increasedpressure,the dissolvednutrientsmoveout intothesoilthroughpores inthecoating,whichhavea a fixedsize.Whenthepressure eventuallydropsinsidethegranule,the coatingdegradesaway.
TakecontrolofyourNuse!
Why44Magnumworks:
–Deliversfast-actingammonia
–Deliversfast-actingsulphatesulphur
–Deliverscontrolledreleasepolymercoatedurea –Powersgrassgrowthfor3months
Appliedat150kgperhectare,44Magnumdelivers 44kgofN–20kgsNimmediatelyand24kgsN over3months
FindyourlocalFieldRepat www.fertco.co.nz
Notethatthisprocesscantakeupto threemonths,andthatthenutrientrelease followsacontrolledpattern.
Howureaworks IncontrasttoPCU,ureaisverysoluble. So,itreleasesitsnutrientsrapidly.Assoon asitcomesintocontactwithsoilmoisture andsoilmicrobessuchasureaseenzymes andnitrifyingbacteria,thenitrogenin theureaistransformedintoplant-usable ammonium(NH4+)andnitrate(NO3-). WhereasnutrientreleaseinPCUoccurs overmonths,thepatternofnutrientrelease forureatypicallyoccursoverdays. Moreover,thenitrateionshaveanegative chargesoarepoorlyheldbythesoil.
Thiscanallresultinmorenitratesbeing availableinthesoilsolutionthanplantscan takeup.Andit’sexactlythesituationthat promotesnutrientleaching.
It’seasytoseehowasurplusofnitrates inthesoilcandevelopinthelateautumn,
winter,aand early spring months.OOn the one e hand,temperaturesaredown,so pllantrequirementsarelow.Onthe o otherhand,soilmoisturelevelsare h highduetorain. So,afertiliserlikePCUthatcan r rationoutitsnutrientsinsync w withsoilmoisturelevelsandplant g growthdemandisagreatstartto r reducingenvironmentaldamage f fromleaching.
I Increasingoutput Notethatit’snotjustleachingthatthe governmentaimstoaddress.There’salso thematterofincreasingdairyoutput.Asa nutrient-efficientfertiliser,PCUcanalso playapartingrowingdairyoutput. BecausePCUismoreefficient,and nutrientavailabilitymatchesplantgrowth demandsmoreclosely,moreofwhatis appliedgetsusedasintended.Leached nutrientsresultinwastedmoneyand resourcestoboostpastureandcropgrowth. WithPCU,repeatedapplicationsaren’t necessarybecausethenutrientsarearound forlonger.So,cartageandspreadingcosts arereduced.Anotherbenefitlieswith theencapsulatedgranules:they’remore accurateandsafertohandleandspread.
EncouragePCU So,inresponsetothegovernment’s aimsforthedairyindustrytoreduce leachingby20%perhectarewhile increasingdairyoutput,weatFertco urgeseriousconsiderationbegivento encouragingtheuseofcontrolledrelease fertiliserslikePCU.
Fertiliser like PCU can grow healthy pasture while reducing leaching
Choosingtherightfertiliserforyourblock Soyouknowyouneedfertiliserfor yourlifestyleblock.
Youwantfertiliserforyourvegetable garden,yourfruittrees,thesheeporhorse paddockbehindthehouse,andafew paddockswhereyourearcalvesorbeef. Sofar,sogood.
However,whenyougrowsomany differentthings,it’snotalwayseasyto workoutwhatfertilisertoget.Doyou needadifferentfertiliserforeverything yougrow?Howdoyouchoosebetween allthedifferentfertiliserproducts?
It’salsotrickytofindwhatyouneed. Gardencentressell500gpotsthataretoo smallanduneconomical,whileaonetonnebagfromafertilisercompanyisfar toomuchunlessyouhavea largerblock.Butitdoesn’thavetobe thiscomplicated.
Whenyouvisitthegardencentre, theshelvesarestackedhighwitha kaleidoscopeofpackets,potsandpottles, eachtargetingaspecificuse.Soit’s notsurprisingifitseemslikeyouneed adifferentcontaineroffertiliserfor everythingyougrow.
However,thetruthisthatmostplants needthesamenutrients.Therefore,it ispossibletousethesamefertiliser blendformostofwhatyougrow–as longastheblendisformulatedwiththe rightingredients.
Keynutrients Sourceslist16nutrientsessentialto plantgrowth.Apartfromcarbon,oxygen andhydrogen-whichareavailablefrom airandwater-plantsmustobtainthe remainingelementsfromthesoil.When thesoilislackingthese,fertiliser isneeded.
Notallnutrientsarerequiredin thesamequantities.Youareprobably familiarwiththeacronym‘NPK’, whichstandsfornitrogen,phosphorus andpotassium.Theseareknownas macronutrientsbecauseplantsneedthem inlargeamounts.
Therefore,anyall-purposefertiliser blendshouldcontainmostlyNPK.
Calcium(Ca),magnesium(Mg)and sulphur(S)arealsoessential,although theyarerequiredinsmallerquantities thanNPK,soagoodblendshould includetheseaswell.
Youmightalsofindsmallamountsof micronutrients,ortraceelements.
Theessentialtraceelementsforplants areboron(B),copper(Cu),iron(Fe), manganese(Mn),molybdenum(Mo), zinc(Zn)andchlorine(Cl). Somefertilisersmayalsocontaintrace elementsthataren’tessentialforplants butareimportantforgrazinganimals. Cobalt(Co),iodine(I)andselenium(Se) arethreeexamples.
Anall-purposefertilisercansupportvegetables,fruit andpasture.
IMPROVES
•OrganicMatter Percentage
•WaterHoldingCapacity
•MacroandMicroNutrient Availability
•AerationByProviding Habitat(Carbon) ForMicrobialBreeding
•RootingDepthCapability
•SoilFoodWeb PopulationsCreating FoodForWorms
•TextureByReducing Compaction
•FoodChainandAnimal ForageSafety
TelarcRegistra onNo2847means:
•Compliantwiththe NewZealandComposting StandardNZ4454:2005
•Compliancewith ISO9001:2015 QualityStandard
Insummary Insummary, chooseanallpurposefertiliser thatcontainsat leastNPK,Ca,
MgandS.Thiswillworkwell,inthe firstinstance,foreverythingyougrow, includingvegetables,fruitandpasture. Findingfertiliser
Twoexamplesofqualityfertiliser blendsthatcontainalltheessential nutrientscanbefoundintheFertco lifestylerange.Thefirstis‘Organic Boost’,aBioGro-certifiedproductmade fromnaturalingredients.Thesecond is‘All-In-One’,acost-effectiveproduct withaddedtraceelements. Bothblendsareeasytosourcefrom localfarmsupplystoresinquantities suitedtolifestyleblocks:25kg,
500kgandone-tonnebags,withOrganic Boostalsoavailableinconvenient 9kgbuckets.
Whileanall-purposefertiliserblendwill workforeverythingyouwanttogrow, therearesomesituationswhereadditional nutrientscanbebeneficial. Horse-grazedpastureisoneexample. Sincehorsesrequiretraceelementssuch ascopper,cobaltandselenium,any pasturetheygrazeshouldreceive adressingthatincludesthese. Fertco’sEquineMixisafertiliser developedspecificallytotakethe guessworkoutofgrowingthebest pastureforyourhorses.
COSTEFFECTIVERETRACTINGROOFSYSTEM RobinBoomCPAgMBSPC–IndependentAgronomyandSoilConsultant
Ihaveasanindependentagronomistbeenevaluatingfertilisermaterials andindustrialby-productssoldtofarmersandgrowerstohelpthem growpasturesandcrops.AnalysesofWaitoaComposttakenthisyearhave shownextremelygoodCarbon:Nitrogen(C:N)ratios,below20:1whichis superbforanycompost.Thereisalsonoissueofdangerousheavymetal amountscontainedinthese.IrateWaitoaCompostasthegoldstandard forcompostmaterialsandhaveyettoseeabetterqualityproduct.
WaitoaCompostSales
lyn.fause @wiel.co.nz -COMMERCIALSALESONLY0273853478
Canberetrofittedtoexisting concretewoodorblockbins Uniquespacesavingsectional design
Canvasorsteelcladdingoptions
Winchsystemforeasyaccess
Keepsfeedorfertiliserdry Kitsetoptionsavailable
Traceelementslikeseleniumandcopperarekeyforgrazinganimals.
FromMatamatarootstoRolandGarrosglory FromNewZealandpastureto Frenchclay,ayoungsportsman withstrongfamilyconnectionsin t the dairy industry is making a name forhimselfonthetenniscourts ofEurope.
Now basedinGermany,Jamie Mackenzie,18,recentlytookout the junior boys’doublestitleatthe prestigious FrenchOpeninParis. His father and managerJustin
MackenziewasborninTauranga, withhisgrandfatherKenMackenziea machineoperatorattheformerdairy factoryinKatikatiforaroundsevenyears.
H He was then transferredtotheformer SunnyParkDairyCoompanyinTePoi, nearMatamata,and,afteritsclosure, workedforFonterraiinHautapubefore retiringat66.
Justinwastwowhen n hisparentscame toTePoi,attendingtthelocalschoolfor ashorttimebeforeheeadingtoMatamata PrimarySchoolanndultimately MatamataCollege.
Hismother,KKay,testedmilk samplesatLIC C (Livestock ImprovementCorporation)in Matamata.
Justinstarted d playingtennis aged8atMatamataTennisClub.
“Mymotheralwaystookme tohertenniscllubonSaturdays, whereIconstantlypractisedagainst thewall,hopingtthateventuallyan adultwouldapproacchmetoplaytennis withthem.”
ThefamilylivedinMatamata untilJustinwas18,wwhenhewonthe 18-and-underNewZZealandnational men ’ s doublestennistitleandwas invited to movetoAAucklandbyDavis Cup captain JeffSimmpsontotrainwith the national squad.
Jamie was bornin22008whenJustin was the head coachat t WestendTennis Club in Auckland
Justin had previouslybeenatravelling professional coach forTennisNZanda development coach forAucklandTennis.
“Jamie spent a lot oftimeonthesideof the courts while I coached,”saysJustin.
“Fromtheverybeginning,itwasJamie’s bigdreamtobecomeaprofessional tennisplayer.
“Ialwaystookhimwithmetothe ATPtournamentsinAucklandandthe AustralianOpen.
That,ofcourse,fuelledhisdreameven more,”saysJustin.“Nowhe’splayingin thejuniorGrandSlamsandgetstouse thesamecourtsasthebigstars.”
Germanconnection
TheconnectionwithGermanybegan whenJustinplayedprofessionalclub tennisinDüsseldorfattheageof19.
“AfterJamiebecamethejuniornumber oneinNewZealandandAustraliaatthe ageof11,IwantedtogotoEuropewith himtoseehowhewouldfareagainstthe bestyoungEuropeanplayers,”saysJustin.
“Aftersomesuccessfulexperiences–winningthreetournaments–wedecided tostayinEurope.
“Iwasalsoplayingprofessionaltennis atthattimeandfoundaclub,RW Düsseldorf,forleaguematches.That helpedmeandusalot.”
InSeptember2019,themore permanentmovetoGermanybecame areality.
“Iaskedafriendofminefromyears beforeifheknewofanytennisjobs(in Europe)asIthoughtwecouldcome backwhenhe(Jamie)was15or16,” saysJustin.
“Hesaidhehadone,butIhadtobe backinEuropeinsixweeks.
“Imadeadecisionin58hourstoleave myclubof19yearsinAucklandand takethegambletomovetoGermany withJamie.”
Thepairgot“stuck”inEuropeduring theCovid-19pandemicandwerenot abletoreturntoNewZealand.
Covidlifeline
“TheGermanTennisFederationoffered usalifelineduringCovidbyallowing Jamietomovetotheirnationaltraining baseinHanover,threehoursawayfrom whereweliveasnoonewasallowedto trainoutsidethesecontrolledbases.”
JamiewasatthetimerankedNo1 inGermanyforboys’playersaged12 andunder.
Justinnowcoaches50hoursaweekforTC RheinstadioninDusseldorf,whereJamie alsotrainswhileplayingforRochusclubin theTennisBundesliga,thetoplevelofthe Germantennisleaguesystem.
“Itrytoactmoreasamentorandfather figureandhardlyasacoach,”saysJustin.
“I’mthereforJamieifhewantstotalk aboutspecificthings.”
Earlierthisyear,Jamiewontwosingles titlesontheITFWorldTennisTour JuniorsinGermanyandItaly.
TheJ500tournamentsprovidepremier playingopportunitiesforplayersonthe ITFWorldTennisTourJuniorsandarea rungbelowJuniorGrandSlamsinterms ofrankingpointsonoffer.
HecombinedwithGermancompatriot VincentRiasachtowintheFrenchOpen juniorboys’singlestitleonthefamedclay courtsatRolandGarros,alsoreachingthe singlesquarter-finals.
Followingthatsuccess,Jamiewas grantedawildcardtotheATP500grass tournamentinHalle,Germany,afterwhich hewillheadtoLondonforWimbledon.
SteveEdwards
Jamie Mackenzie in action on the red clay at Roland Garros. Photo / Supplied
