Coast & Country - February 2018

The anti-farming rhetoric of last year’s election campaign prompted Carol and David Hodge to make public the environmental work they are carrying out on their dry stock farm. Read their story on page 30. Photo: Elaine Fisher.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

2018’s inspirational role models Once again I’ve had the privilege of interviewing and visiting entrants in the annual Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards; something I’ve been doing for the past 10 years.

What stands out for me this year, and indeed in every other year, is the commitment farmers and growers have to the land, the environment and the wider community. These awards showcase famers who are aking significant econo ic invest ents to enhance and protect the environment, for no obvious financial gain For some entrants, the work has been years in the making and is ongoing; for others, they are just starting out, but all are worthy of recognition and support.

What has also impressed me is that, despite farmers retiring often uite significant percentages of their far s, their stocking rates and profitabilit have not been compromised.

That’s because the areas retired are often those which were arginal in the first place, needed ore fertiliser and weed control and were a hassle to get stock out of. In effect, taking them out of the day-today management of the farm makes more time and

money available for the most productive areas.

Fencing out streams has an initial impact on farm water supplies as alternative systems of providing drinking water for stock must be installed. However, the pleasure farmers derive from the enhanced water quality and life in their streams, and the birds and insects which populate the surrounding plantings more than makes up for that.

The debate is once again raging about whether or not climate change is human-induced and whether or not farming should be included in the Emissions Trading Scheme at an estimated cost of $1500 for the average dairy farm and $700 for the average sheep and beef farm.

The Labour government seems determined farming will be part of the scheme and is setting up a Climate Change Commission in the next few months and calling for public consultation on the Zero Carbon Act planned to be passed next year.

Whether or not climate change is human-induced, there is no escaping people are having a huge impact on the environment and it is vital we all play our part to try to reverse some of the impacts of our activities.

When it comes to farming and orcharding, the entrants in this year’s farm environment awards are role models we can all look to for inspiration. Read about the 2018 entrants on pages 3 and 28-33.

Elaine Fisher

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 3

Challenges drivers for sustainabilit change The finalists in this ear s a of Plent allance ar nviron ent wards each have a different and co pelling reason for the approach the have taken to their far ing or orcharding business, sa s awards judging co-ordinator argaret right ach of the five finalists have faced a challenge or a life changing experience which has driven the in a new direction, sa s argaret n the case of the owners of old ugget rchard, it was the devastating i pact of the disease Psa- on their gold kiwifruit vines or ark and Catriona hite, organic kiwifruit growers of potiki, it was a desire to leave the cit in search of a better lifest le for their oung children

business to give the oung en a pathwa to a sound business future and work-life-balance Carol and David odge, sheep and beef far ers of Pikowai, have each taken responsibilit for half of their far , running the blocks in tande while giving Carol the chance to realise her environ ental vision to i ple ent riparian plantings and erosion control initiatives u piaries td is also the first beekeeping business to enter the a of Plent wards, and argaret hopes the ight begin a trend To be successful, beekeepers ust care for the environ ent in which their bees work and it s great to have this industr represented alongside far ing and orcharding nother feature of this ear s entries is that the owners of u piaries and old ugget rchard each represent a second generation to take part t s wondferul to see the next generation in the awards, and continuing the environ ental traditions begun b their parents, sa s argaret

argaret and husband David own two dair far s, and are previous winners in the far environ ent awards argaret is hands-on at the ho e far at anawahe, which ilks cows, and oversees the operations of the cow far at on the Rangitaiki Plains near dgecu be, while David works off far t s been a real privilege to be part of the judging panel, eeting so an inspirational far ers and orchardists, sa s argaret ve learnt so uch and put into practice so e the things ve seen entrants do o atter what indus-

tr ou are in, ou can learn fro each other and use that knowledge to i prove our own operation hile she will no longer co-ordinate judging, argaret would like to re ain involved with the awards and also hopes to give ti e to the Rural upport Trust The winners of the a of Plent allance ar nviron ent wards will be announced at a gala dinner on ebruar 3 at a park rena, ount aunganui Tickets cost incl T per person, and can be purchased on-line at Elaine Fisher www n featrust org n

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Second generation

old ugget rchard is owned b avin and inda D er and tephen and nette D er tephen and avin s parents avis and raha D er won the a of Plent supre e environent award for their kiwifruit orchard in n 3 David and ulie a es, now of u piaries, won three categor awards in the inaugural a of Plent allance ar nvironent wards for the kiwifruit orchards the own n ter s of how the have arrived at where there are now, and where the will go in the future, these five finalists all de onstrate excellence in good far practices which pro ote sustainable land anage ent, sa s argaret, who is stepping down as judging co-ordinator after six ears in the role

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Chairperson of the a of Plent ar nviron ent wards Trust, i itchcock, sa s argaret s contribution to the awards has been i ense Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards judges from he is probabl one of the ost left, Jo Carr (judging coordinator for next season), Sharryn senior environ ental awards judges Clark, Claire Bekhuis and Margaret Wright. in the countr he has a relaxed, but arbara and ilson c illivra , of atikati, were no-nonsense approach to judging and her extensive experienced kiwifruit growers who, in , took on knowledge of far ing brings value to the awards and the new challenge of avocado orcharding to those who enter During this round of judging, argaret has generBeekeeper entrants ousl entored o Carr, who will be the new judging David and ulie a es of u piaries td, atico-ordinator o brings to the role a fresh perspective, kati have encouraged their sons River and Corban, including experience with environ ent and water together with ochie art and lair Coone , to ualit issues in the Rotorua lakes catch ent where take over the hands-on running of their beekeeping she far s

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

an roles for

Powhaitere has served an roles in her - ears of histor ong the ost significant have been as troop carrier and suppl aircraft, and later top dresser, but she s also transported thousands of passengers to places they needed to go, or places they simply wanted to see.

Today the 1945 Douglas DC3 Dakota, which has completed in excess of , hours of fl ing ti e, is owned b ir Chatha s and used for

- ear-old DC 3

schedule flights, charters, scenic flights and airshows.

This summer Air Chathams again joined forces with Classic l ers at ount aunganui to operate 3 - inute scenic flights over Tauranga and up the coast to Waihi Beach in a weekend service which ends on ebruar Taking a flight on Powhaitere reall is like going back in ti e There s no x-ra achines or bag checks to undergo, and the -seater has leg roo that

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Powhaitere – the 72-year-old DC 3 which takes passengers on s en fl hts o er the estern a o ent . is the envy of today’s long haul passengers.

There is, however, a pre-flight briefing, given on a unda in Dece ber b pilot eith itchell who outlined so ething of the histor of the aircraft built in Oklahoma City in 1945.

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“Rosie the Riveters”

t was war ti e, sa s eith, who was joined on the flight deck b co-pilot Dar l Petit These aircraft were built ainl b wo en because the en were serving overseas.

“Collectively they were known as ‘Rosie the Rivet-

ers’ and they turned out one of these aircraft from the asse bl line ever three hours hen we opened up one of Powhaitere s wings for repairs last ear we found the na e ane inscribed there. She must have written it while working on the plane.”

The DC 3 may have a distinctive noise from outside, but the cabin is well sound-proofed and once the seat belt signs are off, passengers are welco e to walk around, enjo the view or visit the flight deck owever, Powhaitere s co unication s ste s are odern enough to be interfered with b cellphones,

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...continued

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

ro

Page 5

troop carrier to Pacific service

continued...

which is why air hostess Vicki Hannah, during her safet briefing, re uested all electronic devices be switched to flight ode The relativel low-level flights provide plent of opportunities to enjo the scener below, including picking out fa iliar points of interest and the channels within the Tauranga arbour The flight passed over ount aunganui beach, up the coast along atakana sland, inland to circuit atikati, then the owentown ntrance, aihi each and back down the harbour and over the cit

Cruising at 130 knots

The DC 3 has a wing span of feet, an overall length of feet and a height of al ost feet ts two Pratt and hitne R- 3 engines boast brake horse power t has a cruise speed of 3 knots, a range of nautical iles and can operate co fortabl into unpaved fields of etres or so eti es less, carr ing a standard load of three tons The aircraft has enjo ed a colourful histor , fro vital war service - including troop carrier and suppl aircraft - to C passenger aircraft, service in a oa, top dressing and aerial apping work and passenger services in Tonga nown as Powhaitere, red-headed parakeet , it has had an other na es and nu bers during its histor ts stor begins on pril , , when it flew to a ilton to beco e R Dakota 3 3, assigned to uadron R ediatel after the war, the aircraft was engaged in ferr ing service en ho e to ew ealand and was based for a considerable ti e in Changi, ingapore

Repatriate serviceman

During it was used to help repatriate service an fro apan and was based in wakuni, apan t served in ingapore again on suppl issions during the ala an ergenc with light of s uadron between and n une of the aircraft was handed over as 3 3 at henuapai to ew ealand ational irwa s Corporation and was given the na e Powhaitere n 3 the aircraft was operated b Pol nesian irlines of a oa as until it was sold to outhern ir uper td on ugust 3, 3, and as P was converted as a top dresser n ul , the aircraft s ownership passed to ieldair td n ove ber 3, the plane was badl

is for

Pilot Keith Mitchell (left) and co-pilot Daryl Petit on the fl ht e o the a e o ha tere. da aged when a fertiliser loader hopper collapsed onto the aircraft s crown at isborne, crushing a substantial portion of it The aircraft saw service as a top dresser until a , , and in this role co pleted so e hours of strenuous fl ing fter conclusion of its ag fl ing da s, it was chosen in for conversion to freighter for Classic ir ervices and, latterl , ieldair reight t was sold to the lpine ighter Collection in ugust 3, when it then spent ti e with Classic ir at Paraparau u before passing to ackle viation at rd ore in Dece ber wner Rob ackle was the son of retired C pilot ill ackle

Aerial mapping

wnership passed to erial apping apier in , while the ear saw P placed on the international arket after so e , fl ing hours t joined the tea at Pionair dventures td in une that ear on charter work and spent an hours fl ing tours around ew ealand and ustralia o e two ears later, while atte pting to take off in deep snow at t Cook lentanner tation , the aircraft skidded off the runway and was substantiall da aged The DC 3 was taken to Pal erston orth for repairs and rena ed ucille n une , , at the re uest of the Crown Prince of Tonga later ing eorge it left Christchurch e uipped with long range fuel tanks even-and-a-half hours later it at

landed at ua a otou, ingdo of Tonga, to work with the hore ine roup Peau ava u, in partnership with Pionair, fl ing do estic routes until ctober

Tonga service

The aircraft was then purchased b Craig en fro ir Chatha s in ew ealand and ajor work was undertaken to return the aircraft to airworthiness in t began fl ing scheduled passenger services again shortl afterwards for the wholl owned ir Chatha s subsidiar , Chatha s Pacific n this role, the aircraft served the Tongan people reliabl and safel until Chatha s Pacific voluntaril concluded operations in arch 3 The aircraft, which re ains in co ercial service, represent a i portant part of ew ealand s aviation histor t is the last fl ing piston engine exa ple of the R C- fleet, the last fl ing exa ple of the C DC-3 fleet, the last fl ing exa ple of the ieldair fleet and the onl surviving R orld ar veteran aircraft still in front-line service Elaine Fisher

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Underground sources for Western Bay water The Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s water supplies come from underground sources to “give residents security and safety of drinking water supply”, says Kelvin Hill, the council utilities manager.

“Bore water, generally speaking, is safer due to the fact it isn’t interfered with or contaminated by airborne debris, animals or people. We also have Public Health Risk Management Plans for our water sources (Ministry of Health approved). These documents have undergone extensive reviews and are now nationally called water safety plans,” he says.

Kelvin is responding to questions from Coast & Country News following the release of the government inquiry into the 2016 Havelock North water poisoning that saw 5500 people become ill from drinking contaminated water.

The illness may have contributed to three deaths, and 45 people were hospitalised. The outbreak was traced to two shallow bores on the outskirts of Havelock North. After some heavy rain, contaminated water flowed fro a paddock into a pond fro the extraction point.

Kelvin says WBOPDC sources its drinking water fro nine secure groundwater bore fields and one surface water supply.

“We use groundwater bores because the water tends to be safer – there’s no access from air, people or animals. This enables us to achieve a more consistent quality of water and reliability of supply. It also allows council to increase its capacity to meet future demand and to improve reliability of supply in drought conditions.”

A number of WBOPDC bore heads are located within horticultural or agricultural land. However, strict guidelines around design and protection of such an asset has been adhered to during construction. Each site has undergone a strict audit to ensure such design conditions continue to be met.

Security fencing

“For example there is an exclusion zone around the bore heads using security type fencing, as well as ensuring all surface water drains away from the bore heads. This makes sure there is protection in place at all times,” says Kelvin.

Samples of water are routinely taken from pipes throughout the district and tested in a laboratory – on average this happens on a weekly basis.

“We monitor the results to ensure all drinking water fits the ew ealand Drinking ater tandards Council works with a drinking water assessor from the Ministry of Health to ensure we achieve this every time,” says Kelvin.

To ensure the safet of each bore field and treatment plant each has a water safety plan to make sure the underground water supplies are protected from becoming contaminated and that the treated water isn't contaminated on the way to your tap.”

Safe to drink

Raw water collects different minerals and naturallyoccurring pollutants, so council treats it to make sure it's safe to drink and use.

The raw water council gets from its underground bores is already of a very high quality and generally requires very little treatment. To make it safe to drink a number of processes are used.

Filtration removes particles such as manganese, iron, clay, silt and other organic matter from bore water.

Disinfection kills bacteria and other harmful microorganisms by adding very small amounts of chlorine or through ultra-violet radiation and pH treatment/ balance adjusts acidity/alkalinity of water to a neutral level pH which gives water a better taste.

“This is necessary because council water is taken from bores and hasn't had time to complete a full natural purification process, sa s elvin Regular sampling and testing is carried out to ensure water eets Drinking ater tandards set by the Ministry of Health.

Kelvin says there have been no waterborne illnesses that council is aware of in the past 12 months.

Council supplies metered drinking water to 15,700 properties (about 34,000 people) across the Western Bay District through a complex network of reticulation.

Those people not on council water manage their own on-site supply by bore, rainwater tanks or pumping from streams, rivers and lakes.

“Council is happy to provide any educational literature on the benefits of having a treated water supply. While the consumer has the choice of what water supply they wish to use, it is important that they understand the potential health risks,” says Kelvin.

Elaine Fisher

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Plan change as it stands ‘not fit for purpose’ - PLUG claims Dear Editor You published a reply from Vaughan Payne to an article written by Mr Rick Burke in the January issue of your newspaper.

In that reply Mr Payne is quoted as saying: n order to have a significant i pact on reducing contaminants and improving water quality everyone in the Waikato and Waipa river catchment needs to do their part. PPC1 sets limits and targets to ensure everyone in the catchment is working to improve water quality.”

While I agree that everyone should do their part to reduce contaminants and improve water quality, I totally disagree that under PPC1 everyone is required to work to improve water quality.PPC1 is totally focused on agricultural land users, yet 39 per cent of nitrogen and 55 per cent of phosphorous are from sources other than farming.

Rural industrial land users and all urban dwellers are exempt from any requirements under PPC1.

Everyone in the catchment has an effect on the water ualit we all flush the C yet

agriculture is being singled out under the PPC1.

With these facts in mind, and given the almost total focus on the agricultural sector, I challenge Mr Payne to explain just how PPC1 is ensuring “everyone in the catchment is working to improve water quality.”

Overseer was designed to be an expert system to inform nutrient management decisions at the farm level. As with any model attempting to describe biological processes, it’s predicted outputs are subject to errors. For example the minimum error in the predicted rate of nitrogen leaching from Overseer is about 30 per cent, but it can be uch higher per cent if the incorrect input data is used, inadvertently or otherwise.

So Under PPC1 we have a system of grandparenting nitrogen discharges based on a tool that has a built in possibility for error and this is going to hold discharge levels and see reduction.

PPC1 does not address the issue of pest fishes in the waterwa s, and without addressing this issue there is no way that the vision

and strategy under the Waikato-Tainui Raupatu Clai s aikato River ettle ent Act 2010 will ever be achieved.

Pest fishes feed like a vacuu cleaner, sucking up everything and blowing out what isn’t wanted.

They stir up the bottom of ponds, lakes and rivers, muddying the water and destroying native plant and fish habitat oi carp are opportunistic omnivores, which means they eat a wide range of food, including insects, fish eggs, juvenile fish of other species and a diverse range of plants and other organic matter.

Whilst we applaud and support the aims of PPC1 (cleaner waterwa s , the proposed plan change 1 as it currently stands is not fit for this purpose and it will only result in huge costs for all involved without the benefit of achieving the desired results Andy Loader C0-Chairman P.L.U.G. (Primary Land Users Group) (Abridged)

Council’s response Dear Editor We have been working closely with PLUG over the past several months to discuss concerns they have around some aspects of Healthy Rivers/Wai Ora: Proposed Plan Change 1.

Waikato Regional Council did not write PPC1. The proposed rules were developed by a Collaborative Stakeholder Group comprising community and sector representatives, including agriculture. This means that those most affected by the changes had a seat at the table and a say in developing the policy.

Because our council is responsible for enforcing the plan change, we are also seeking improvements to PPC1 and have made our own submission with suggested changes. These issues, and those raised by all submitters, will be heard by the independent hearings panel who will recommend changes to the plan.

There are three points in PLUG’s letter I’d like to clarify.

Urban and industrial point source dischargers are also required to make changes under PPC1. Managing industrial, urban and rural contaminants requires different approaches and there are existing regulations in place for point source discharges, which will continue to apply.

Short-term targets for nitrogen in water were set by the CSG, with the nitrogen reference point the tool to achieve this. Overseer is used to measure nitrogen reference points – it’s been accepted by the Environment Court and has been used as a regulatory tool in multiple situations, including for protecting Lake Taupo.

est fis a

roac

To improve Waikato’s water quality, we’ll need to use a combination of regulatory and non-regulatory tools. PPC1 is a regulatory approach but issues like pest fish re uire a different approach e work with community groups and other agencies, such as the Department of Conversation, to stop the spread of pest fish Non-regulatory tools are just as important to addressing water quality issues in our region.As such, we spend about $2.5 million a year on catchment works. Last year we partnered with landowners, iwi, government agencies, and the Waikato River Authority to plant more than 500,000 native trees and erect 115km of fencing. And that’s in addition to the $1.4 million we gave to community groups for restoration projects.

There’s no doubt water quality is one of the hottest topics for people in our region, and beyond. Making sure we have fresh clean water into the future remains our number one priority. But it can’t be achieved on our own. We look forward to continuing to work with iwi, landowners and with our communities to achieve this.

Vaughan Payne Chief Executive, Waikato Regional Council Editor’s Note: This letter, in reply to PLUG’s claims, is at the request of Coast & Country News.

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 9

Being not-so-perfect is perfectly alright O U NT R

Written by clinical psychologist Lynn Jenkins, the latest in the ‘Lessons of a LAC’ series is ‘Perfect Petunias’, illustrated by Kirrili Lonergan. It provides children with a very simple way to understand their anxious thoughts and feelings.

Childhood anxiety can manifest itself with varying levels of intensity.

Whether they’re little worriers or Perfect Petunias by Lynn more prominent anxiety sufferJenkins, illustrated by ers, this early intervention picture Thanks to publishers EKBooks, Coast Kirrili Lonergan and book aimed at pre-schoolers to & Country News has a copy of ‘Perfect Year 6 students gives kids tools to published by EKBooks is the Petunias’ to give away. To be in to win book prize for February. manage anxiety. email captions (as many as you like) for the photo at left and send with your name and address with Country Funnies as the subject line to elaine@thesun. co.nz Or put these details on the back of an envelope and post to Country Funnies, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140 to arrive no later than March 16.

The winner of the December Country Funnies caption is Elaine Garbett of Tauranga for her caption “Yes deer, I hear you calling. What are you giving me for Christmas?” She wins a copy of the book ‘Feed Your Brain: The Cookbook’ by Delia McCabe, published by Exisle Publishing.

The winner of the January Country Funnies is Louise Ruiterman of Waiuku

FU

N NIE

S

C

‘Perfect Petunias’ is a book especially for those little people who find it hard to ake mistakes, and aims to help ’shape’ perfectionistic tendencies towards being a little ore self-accepting and flexible Loppy LAC is very worried about not doing his homework well enough. He is always focusing on what he hasn’t done rather then what he has, and he becomes very frustrated. So, his friend Curly teaches him about how petunias grow — in lots of different, imperfect directions that we can’t control.

Y

Loppy is a Little Anxious Creature (also known as an LAC) and a key character in an innovative picture books to help children manage anxiety.

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FORESTRY

Page 10

Tasmanian blackwood yields high quality timber Trees are a

uch better financial deal than sheep and beef.”

especially once the trees became more “We were pretty ignorant when we started and established and the branches grew larger. our local regional council (then the Waikato Valley The Tasmanian Blackwoods line the Authority), encouraged us to plant Tasmanian side of the road as you approach the Blackwood and even gave us a grant to help. I didn’t Quite a statement, but words that Otorohanga farm Mackenzie house and they blend in well know any better and we planted four separate blocks forester Malcolm Mackenzie can back it up with his with the farm and nearby bush. They experience of ‘farming’ trees. Malcolm and Alison Mac- totalling about 20 hectares.” do not look like a forest crop, more like The trees were a lot of work pruning over a period kenzie have been growing trees on their Otorohanga nice mature shade trees. of about 15 years in an effort to get clean property for more than 30 years.

About six years ago Malstraight trunks.

In 1980 they purchased 100ha of hill country, sold colm harvested several ‘edge’ 40ha to an adjoining dairy farm and then set about Blackwood. He individually planting out the rough hill country.

High value felled each tree, dragging Tasmanian Blackwood timber is a high value timber it to his timber working and as it is mostly used for furniture making it needs area where the trees were to be straight and as free from knots as possible. milled using a portable When mature, it’s a dense, strong timber which is saw mill. The resultits main asset. It has a lovely ‘look’ which again ing timber was stored makes it perfect for high-end furniture. and dried for two years “The Blackwood don’t naturally grow straight before it was sold to a but there are ways to help them. Plant them close kitchen bench maker in or in amongst Manuka which forces the tree to Carterton. go straight. We didn’t have Manuka so we This process planted 1100 per ha, which has meant we have got some good straight trees,” he says.

Malcolm did nearly Malcolm Mackenzie shows his Tasmanian Blackwood bench. all of the annual prunNot only a great look but also very practical with a laminate ing of the Blackwood coating making it ideal in the kitchen. and says it wasn’t easy, been repeated for five ears now with the Carterton man keen to purchase the Blackwood timber when needed.

Another cabinet maker, located in Maungataroto, is also a repeat customer. He also makes beautiful timber benchtops. Another customer is making food platters from the ‘second grade’ Blackwood timber.

“Daun Kor, a Cambodian refugee, came to New Zealand as a child 30 plus years ago and he makes beautiful food platters for restaurants. He is snowed under with orders. Long may the trend for wood platters last,” says Malcolm.

The price for the high grade Blackwood is $3000 to $4000 per cube and $1500 for the knotty grade. Malcolm produces 6x2, 4x2 and a little one inch timber and acknowledges the scale of the operation is small with only small numbers of trees harvested each year.

But this will change with not only his Blackwood trees coming of age, but also quite a number of other blocks of Blackwood, which were planted in New Zealand about 30 years ago.

Marketing the Blackwood is a challenge, especially if the small quantities Malcolm is producing was to increase substantially but he is steadily making progress.

Most of the Blackwood furniture available in New Zealand comes from overseas so Malcolm is keen to sell his timber to New Zealand furniture makers but he is also looking at the export market as well.

Radiata pine

But the main product on Malcolm’s hill country property is radiata pine and this is certainly where the good dollar return comes in. He planted blocks of radiata through the late 1980s and early 1990s and as they matured they have been harvested and sold for a very good return.

A recent 5.2 ha block returned $285,000 when the 27 year-old trees were harvested.

“On this class of hill country that is a far superior return than sheep and beef particularly when you take into account the amount of effort required,” he says.

With his pine wood lots, once the trees are the right age and size, all the work is done by a forestry company.

“The log price index for Radiata pine is the best it has been for 20 years.”

Malcolm is president of the Waitomo Farm Forestry Association and along with his Otorohanga property he and Alison are also partners in two Coromandel forests, totalling 280 hectares.

Malcolm believes growing Radiata pine on hill-country farms makes good economic sense.

"I can understand that most farmers don't think 25-30 years ahead, but most stay on their farms that long and more.

The benefits are well worth the initial investment."

Fritha Tagg

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 11

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

A House of Representatives or party poodles?

Democracy is a fragile flower that ust be vigilantly protected. That is why all New Zealanders should be concerned by the government’s proposed changes to the Electoral Act pushed by Winston Peters that will enable party leaders, rather than the public, to dismiss MPs from our parliament.

This law risks turning our parliamentarians into party poodles. An MP who questions a policy, criticises a leader or votes differently to his or her party faces the prospect of dismissal from parliament by their party leader. This is a fundamental change to the centuriesold principle that the public, and the public alone, get to hire and fire Ps The greatest har fro this change is to stifle debate It will further concentrate power with political parties and leaders. Our Parliament is already much more

rigid along party lines than most western democracies and this provision will make it worse.

Dissent and debate can sometimes make parliament messy, but they are essential ingredients to a properly functioning democracy.

Unconstitutional laws

A survey of other parliaments around the world shows just how far out of whack this bill is from democratic norms. Every democracy faces this tension between MPs standing on a party ticket but who fall out with their party.

Only a few failed democracies like Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Bangladesh enable a party leader to sack an MP. The courts in Europe have struck down such laws as unconstitutional.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union, based in Switzerland, represents 173 parliaments and has been advocating since 1889 on best practise for parliaments around the world. It is damning of the sort of law being proposed for New Zealand, saying it creates “political party dictatorships”.

It argues the free mandate of MPs is an “indispensable guarantee of parliamentary democracy”.

It states: “While party loyalty and discipline are necessary for the proper functioning of a democracy, they must never impair the full and effective exercise of freedom of expression and association by any member of that party since these are overriding fundamental human rights.”

Too great a cost

This concern is shared by New Zealand constitutional law experts.

Professor Andrew Geddis of the University of Otago says that using the law to quash internal party disagreement comes at too great a cost to our wider parliamentary democracy.

The origin of this law change lies with Winston Peter’s deep resentment during the first P govern ent of nearl half his MPs defecting. These eight MPs dared to disagree with their leader over his walking out of the then Jenny Shipley-led Government. They believed they were acting in the best interests of New Zealand.

New Zealand First now has a rule in its constitution that any MP who leaves or is kicked out has to pay the party $300,000. do find it ironic that when was a junior member of the National caucus in the 1990s, Winston Peters was the strongest champion of the rights of MPs to free speech and association. Consist-

ency is not his strongest personal trait.

It is claimed the power of the leader to sack a MP from parliament is constrained under the Bill by party rules and a two-thirds vote of MPs. This is ineffective. Two thirds of New Zealand First’s caucus hold ministerial and other positions at the discretion of the leader.

Parties are tribal and do as their leaders wish. Parties are entitled to exit MPs from their caucus but not from parliament. This law change is particularly obnoxious for an electorate MP with a direct mandate from his or her constituents.

The govern ent justifies this law change on the basis that MPs who vote differently to the party line are upsetting the proportionally of parliament and the integrity of the election outcome. This erroneously assumes that political parties and leaders have a monopoly on integrity.

The history of New Zealand parliamentary dissidents suggest it is the party and its leadership that more commonly strays from a party’s elected mandate.

Derek Quigley was closer to core National values than Prime Minister Rob Muldoon.

rosse t e oor

Most people today would accept that Jim Anderton was closer to Labour party philosophy when he left during the Rogernomics era in 1989. Tariana Turia totall reflected the views of Labour Maori voters when she left over the foreshore and seabed issue in 2004.

Hone Harawira left the Maori party in opposition to their agreement with the John Key-led National government. The latest example was Kennedy Graham and David Clendon's abandoning the reens pre-election over the benefit fraud controversy.

A simple tick in the ballot box can never be simplistically translated into clear positions on every issue. I crossed the floor as a junior P over the Employment Contracts Act in the 1990s to provide for a graduated minimum wage for workers under 20. Such dissent would be impossible under this proposed law.

I am particularly astounded by the Green Party support for this law change.

They described a near identical bill in 2005 as one of the worst to ever come before our parliament.

It is hardly acceptable for the New Zealand Green Party to be the champions of human rights and democracy abroad while voting for erosion of these values at home.

Freedom of speech and tolerance of dissent are core Kiwi values. We must reject this attempt to weaken our parliamentary democracy.

DAIRY

Page 13

n aerobic, crust-free pond produces less greenhouse gases ffluent is an inevitable part of an dair far s ste , but few far ers stop to think about whether their effluent is good or bad and what akes it so in the first place, sa s David aw of orward ar ing iological Consultanc health effluent pond is clear and free fro crust, sa s David hen irrigated to pasture, the effluent is light coloured to clear with ver little odour n contrast, an effluent pond with an for of crust on top de onstrates that the effluent within is tending towards poor nderneath the crust is a section of dead water , and at the botto of the pond, a sludg build-up Poor effluent, which contains elevated Before: David Law of levels of ethane and nitric oxide as Forward Farming, walking unprocessed solids, is dark and strong on an e fluent pon h h s elling when irrigated to pasture has a one meter thick crust. pond sitting at rest with no stirring displa s the true ph sical characteristics of the effluent owever, it a be difficult to read an effluent pond that uses a solids separator or a weeping wall s ste in these cases, a p test will tell ou if our pond is do inated b aerobic good or anaerobic bad bacteria health effluent pond, sa s David, is free fro After: The same pond, clear and crust-free after crust and sludge The the pH was increased and aerobic bacteria ph sical condition of the introduced to digest the crust and sludge. pond is dictated b the biological condition of The health of the pond is deter ined the pond b its p levels, and which bacteria are The crust on a pond is feed that has thriving under those conditions not been digested b the cow pond with a p of is ideal, creatn a health pond, aerobic bacteria ing a crust-free pond do inated b thrive, he explains The naturall aerobic bacteria digest these solids, or undigested feed, n these ideal conditions, the aerobic creating clear, processed effluent that is bacteria digest the undigested feed preread for soil to absorb senting as crust and sludge Raw or anaerobic effluent contains erobic and anaerobic bacteria have solids which still need to break down co petitive exclusion - the further the before the effluent can be utilised b the p drops below the e uilibriu of p soil, using valuable energ fro the soil , the thicker the crust and the higher to break down

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the percentage of anaerobic bacteria n fact, ou can calculate the p of the pond b easuring the thickness of the crust, sa David Contrar to popular belief, stirring does not change the biological akeup of the pond it onl te poraril breaks up the crust f our pond is anaerobic and ou aerate it, it is a waste of effort as there is no aerobic bacteria present to breathe the air, he adds tirring a pond, even for eight hours a da , will not change the pond fro an anaerobic state to an aerobic state it si pl disrupts the job of the aerobic bacteria to eat the crust and later, the sludge f the aerobic bugs are not present, in the case of a ver low p , ou ust change the p to support the introduction of the in the short ter , and follow up with a review of far biolog and s ste s Research fro ancaster niversit has shown that an aerobic, crust-free pond produces per cent less greenhouse gases than a crusted pond ith this infor ation available, far ers have to start thinking biologicall

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DAIRY

Page 14

Life after farming will be what you make of it I know I have rabbited on about this topic before, but there are so many factors involved. And I know I am repeating myself but I can now speak from personal experience.

More than that, I work with and am surrounded by people who have successfully, and not so successfully, negotiated their way through this incredibly difficult process

And let’s face it, it is a process. It just does not happen without a huge amount of effort, soul searching and planning.

When many farmers, who have spent a lifetime on the land, are unable to face, until forced, the changes necessary, they hang on for grim death (excuse the pun) for fear of change, the unknown, let alone the old “what will the neighbours think?”

They see others go to town, get sick and die and fear death themselves. We

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all do - but those who went to town where probably going to die soon anyway.

Many farmers’ wives live in the hope that change will come because they are hanging out for the opportunity and time for more fun, more people, and to get away from the stresses and ties that farming may bring - but the old boy just keeps on hanging on.

Years left

It is inevitable that we are going to die. This is another real fear we are faced with and accept it we must. We need to calculate how many healthy, effective years we have left and start working backwards.

I am 71. I expect to have 15 to 20 years left – say 15. What am I going to do with these valuable 15 ears as the flash b ife is like a roll of toilet paper, the more you use, the faster it goes.”

Questions to ask include are we going to stay on the farm, sell up and invest the money, travel, live, laugh and love, find so ething else to do or plan those 15 attractive years, each containing no more than 365 days?

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How do we do it and where do we invest our hard-earned capital?

Note right here that capital is the nest egg and we should try to only spend the income derived from it.

Remember, a couple of new cars, a boat, trips and a bit for the kids can burn through $200,000 to $300,000 as quick as a wink.

Mental health

This can be a big one.

Everybody suffers from some degree of anxiety, some more than others.

Can you replace the noise in your head from farming with other interests like golf, bowls, community work, grandkids and look after your nest egg? eaving the far and who ou know around you is bigger than a marriage break up on the stress level. It is massive and should be treated and managed, tears and all.

Relationship issues

Are you both on the same page, with a common plan, or is one waiting for the other to die so they can get a life and start doing what they want to do by selling up?

You need to call a meeting with your spouse and have a deep and meaningful discussion, record the agreements then agree to take action. This still is not easy and may require a third party as a chair.

Then include your professionals in the loop so they can brief you on legal and tax issues.

The process

If you have agreements for change then you need to plan the process.

What will happen and when?

Who will do what and how are you going to make it happen in an effective manner? Who will be part of your team in the way of realtors, bankers, accountants and so on?

There is nothing like calling a meeting of stakeholders, once you have a plan, to get them focussed on your business. Again, an independent chair can be a huge help here.

“You need to start the process with the end in mind.” The process of changing properties, selling, buildings etc is certainly not for the faint hearted. Ensure you have good support from friends and family and it may even pay to tell your family doctor.

Finally, there is life after farming.

It will be what you make it, it will be difficult and challenging and it will increase your anxiety and make you nervous.

It will involve big changes, but once you have made the decisions and start moving forward, the uncertainty falls away and you are on a journey.

And when you get there, lean back a little and celebrate your efforts and pat yourself on the back, because there is life after farming.

Disclaimer – These are the opinions of Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Finance. Any decisions made should not be based on this article alone and appropriate professional assistance should be sought.

Don Fraser is the Principal of Fraser Farm Finance and a consultant to the Farming Industry. Contact him on: 0800 777 675 or: 021 777 675. A disclosure document is available on request.

DAIRY

Page 15

The planning bit of farming takes real effort Doing stuff, particularly for practical people, is the easiest and most satisfying part of the farming process.

It’s the planning bit that takes the real effort, and in many instances planning is not well done, with the big picture always remaining somewhat murky. hat will the efficient far of look like? Will the priority still be total number of animals, or will some other factor have become the focus?

At present, the most commonly used model is based on feeding and managing a certain number of animals, with those with the most animals per hectare, often described as ‘stocking rate’, seen as the most successful.

Are those with the most animals those with the most satisfying, stress-free operations? And most importantly, do the enjo the greatest financial surplus at the end of the year, with the time to enjoy spending it?

Applauded diligence

We’ve evolved from a society that’s applauded diligent, focussed, and at times frantic activity, regardless of outcome, and fortunately that is starting to change.

Our team works closely with farmers who like to look at their farming operations a little differently. They’ve replaced the dominant ‘head-down, tail-up’ mentality with activity targeted toward achieving so e ver specific outcomes, and at the top of the list is maximising pasture growth.

There’s a tipping point on every farm where even a few extra animals means systems don’t quite cope, with a downward spiral in efficienc , an increase in costs and a subsequent lack of enjoyment.

PKE penalties

The reason for the rapid growth in the PKE industry has been the inability to fully feed animals on the pasture grown, and in September that system will change as Fonterra penalises farmers producing milk with excess PKE content.

If there’s too little pasture to satisfy demand, and other bought-in feed is too expensive, the only immediate option is a reduction in animal numbers. That alone usually means a lift in milk solid production, as less feed is required for animal maintenance and more tucker is therefore available for production.

It also reduces the pressure on monthly pasture production, as higher pasture residuals means more rapid recovery after grazing, which results in more flexible anage ent, i portant as pasture growth is dictated by longer cycle seasonal changes.

The requirement for short term manipulation of pasture growth by applying nitrogen decreases, allowing clovers to dominate during summer, fixing the nitrogen re uired for autu n and early winter growth.

Clover, being higher in calcium and

more digestible than grass, is the ideal feed for summer production, and animals well fed on clover-rich pasture are able to produce at high levels and maintain, and even gain, weight.

Where recommended soil fertility inputs are geared to maximise clover growth, attack b flea and weevil is ini ised and of no real consequence, with bloat seldom a concern and easily managed. Total annual pasture production lifts with more rapid recovery of pasture after the inevitable summer dry spell.

Summer provides the ideal opportunity to reduce animal numbers, and autumn the ideal time to make fundamental changes to soil fertility. Any production lost by drying off even a fortnight earlier than

Power farming now in the USA The Power Farming Group has completed an agreement with SDF Italia to become the exclusive distributor of Deutz-Fahr tractors in the USA. Executive chairman of PFG Geoff Maber says this deal represents an ambitious expansion for the family-owned company.

It follows a very successful period of growth with Deutz-Fahr in Australia and New Zealand and is a logical next step in the company’s evolution.

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Page 16

DAIRY

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Water storage vital for International geneticists gather in NZ provincial development Federated Farmers is pleased the coalition government recognises water storage and irrigation as a vital aspect of provincial economic development.

Regional Economic Development Minister hane ones confir ed water initiatives were to be included in the annual $1-billion-dollar spend towards revitalising provincial New Zealand.

Federated Farmers Water spokesperson Chris Allen says this is a reassuring message for provincial communities, many of which struggle to attract investment.

"Water is the lifeblood for many, especially our farmers who simply wouldn’t be in business without it.

Irrigation in particular brings great benefits econo ic and social, ou just have to look at Mid Canterbury and how that region has prospered since it was introduced back in the 90s.

"For every dollar an irrigator makes, at least another $3 is created in the local community.

"As a food producer reliant on exports, our country needs consistent, reliable growing conditions. Irrigation provides that continuity of supply that

is high quality and can be delivered to arket, benefiting both the consumer and grower."

Chris says localised water initiatives can also grow provincial capability to manage future adverse events and adaption to climate change, while ensuring long-ter benefits flow downstrea to co munities.

"In those regions that have water storage and irrigation, we know it generates greater investment and incentives for the processor, manufacturer and farmer, creating opportunities to add value to their produce.

"Drought mitigation and increased production, which the Minister referred to, fundamentally relies on irrigation and water storage."

The advent of precision agriculture increasingly adopted by irrigators, demonstrates the value reliable water systems can provide with environmental benefits too "Well managed and designed irrigation is effectively precision rainfall, creating the right time, right amount and right place, which is best for the farmer and environment.

"We look forward to working with the Government to help rural New Zealand achieve its potential," says Chris.

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More than 1000 delegates from around the world will travel to New Zealand to take part in three prestigious animal recording and genetics conferences in February.

t is the first ti e the orld Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production has held its four yearly congress in New Zealand, and only the second time in the Southern Hemisphere.

The congress will be combined with the annual conferences for the International Committee for Animal Recording and Interbull – the leading event for research and development in animal improvement, milk testing, DNA parentage analysis, genomics and genetics.

With agendas covering every-

thing fro parentage verification, breeding and genetic evaluation to ear tags, technology and herd testing, the three events attract a wide range of national and international experts.

LIC chief scientist and ICAR conference co-chair, Bevin Harris, says the events – which are mainly attended by researchers, scientists and other professionals – are something for the Kiwi animal industry to be proud of.

“These are the biggest events on the industry’s event calendar.

“This represents a huge recognition of our country’s animal genetics industry and is a great opportunity to showcase our animal recording and technological developments. New Zealand is a leader in this space, so what better way to show this than by hosting these conferences.”

Previous WCGALP events have been held in Spain, UK, Canada, France, Brazil, Germany and the United States.

NZAEL manager and ICAR conference co-chair, Jeremy Bryant, says the organisers are looking forward to welcoming such a vast crowd of international visitors to New Zealand.

“For many of the delegates, this will be their first ti e to ew Zealand. We want to not only showcase the latest and greatest of animal recording and genetics but also give visitors a hands-on insight into the New Zealand agricultural scene.”

The taste of New Zealand’s wide-ranging primary industries is offered to delegates through several field trips All three events are held at Aotea Centre in Auckland, with the first event starting on Wednesday, February 7.

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Farming like dad Increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and new limits on the amount of PKE cows can be fed mean farmers need to plan well ahead to ensure they have enough food for their herds.

In the past many have been ‘winging it’ when it comes to feed planning, knowing they could dial up another load of PKE when needed. With Fonterra’s new restrictions on PKE, that will no longer work.

Farmers will need to go back to basics, farming

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the way their fathers or grandfathers did; shutting up areas of the farm to make hay or silage and planting crops.

There are supplements other than PKE but how much can be fed must be carefully considered and forage needs to be provided as well.

Now is a good time to review the past year, consider what worked and what didn’t, and form a plan for the coming 12 months.

Available land

This includes working closely with feed supply companies such as our own. Maize is not a cheap crop to grow so we can’t afford to plant more than there is demand for.

Also, good quality land available for growing maize is getting harder to find as ore goes into kiwifruit and avocados, so ordering well ahead and committing to contracts for supplements is vital.

We can no longer rely on stable weather patterns – 2017 and the start of 2018 has certainly taught us that.

The big storm in early January,

which coincided with king tides, followed a very dry November and December.

That was on the back of a wet spring during which maize crops struggled and some were even ‘pineappling’ which is when the plants turn blue-green and the leaves start pointing upwards. It happens in response to stress caused by too much, or too little water.

However, by early January high ground maize crops were looking good, while some in the lower, swampy areas were still struggling a bit.

Rain timely

The rain came at the right time as it helps the tassels to pollinate the silk.

Each silk is linked to a kernel and every one needs to be pollinated to form a full cob.

The rain also resulted in a drop-off of demand for supplementary feed and some farmers who had gone to 16 hour milkings were able to return to twice a day, thanks to good grass growth in January.

As if unpredictable weather and feed supply concerns aren’t enough, the primary industry in New Zealand can’t afford to ignore the threats posed by plant-based proteins.

Even the Foundation for Arable Research is signalling we should be looking at alternative crops to meet the

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Record temperatures challenge livestock and farmers With New Zealand experiencing recordbreaking heatwaves this summer, AgResearch scientists say farmed animals can be susceptible and the pressure is on farmers to manage it.

The extreme temperatures across the country include the hottest recorded temperature in Dunedin and Invercargill in January. The increased heat and humidity raises issues of not only the welfare of livestock, but also production from those animals.

Fortunately, extensive research over the past 15 years at AgResearch into dairy cows and how they cope with the heat has provided important insights for animal management, says senior scientist Dr Karin Schütz.

“Like many mammals, dairy cows are more sensitive to heat than they are to cold. A large animal like a lactating cow generates a lot of metabolic heat, and while it will increase its respiratory rate and sweat like a human being, it can struggle in especially warm conditions to lose the heat.

“When you see the animal starting to drool and open-mouth panting, it’s a sign it is in distress from the heat.”

Karin says the cows will change their behaviour to cope in the warm conditions, including drinking more, eating less, seeking out “micro-climates” in the shade or close to water, and orienting themselves differently from the sun.

“They also don’t lie down as much, which may be to increase the airflow around their bodies

Milk decline

Research showed that when the air temperature reached 21degC and humidity more than 75 per cent, it can affect the cow’s behaviour and milk production could decline.

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“If you want to keep up production, you need to keep your animals cool. That can mean providing shelter (such as trees), increasing access to drinking water, reducing walking distances, and preventing stress. If it is really hot, a lot of farmers will use sprinklers at their milking sheds to cool the cows as they wait to be milked.

Solar radiation

“Given a choice however, we have found the cows will seek shade over the sprinklers, and from our research we know the cows can tell the difference between different degrees of shade, and will choose shade that protects them more from solar radiation.”

DairyNZ animal husbandry team leader Helen Thoday says proactive prevention of heat stress is more cost-effective than trying to manage the consequences once cows become heat stressed.

“All activity will increase the risk of heat stress, including walking to the water trough, to and from the dairy shed, and even grazing as normal,” says Helen.

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“When hot conditions are forecast, some short-term solutions to reduce heat stress are to graze cows close to the dairy shed to reduce walking distance for milking, and to milk later in the afternoon/early evening when the temperature has dropped.”

Farmers can also provide supplementary feed at night, so extra heat generated by digestion occurs at the coolest time.

DairyNZ has a Temperature Humidity Index calculator to help manage heat stress in cows at: www.dairynz.co.nz/heatstress With adequate drinking water also being key, AgResearch is planning to look into the effect of quality of drinking water provided and the effect on production in further research.

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Page 20

DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS - BOP

Judging underway to find winning farmers Proud sponsors of the Dairy Industry Awards 2017 We’re specialists in growing rural business.

Specialist Rural Accountants Xero and Figured experts Part of your farming team The 2017 Bay of Plenty Dairy Industry Awards winners were Managers of the Year Hayden and Linda McCartie, Share Farmers of the Year Cameron and Margaret Bierre and Dairy Trainee of the Year Hayden Goodall.

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An intense round of judging is under way this month for the 34 farmers who have entered the 2018 Bay of Plenty Dairy ndustr wards to select the finalists in the prestigious contest.

Regional manager for the awards, Jodie Mexted, says the number and standard of entrants is pleasing and the competition will be tough.

“Entrants have come from throughout our region and it’s great to see such a good spread of people taking part.

“What is also exciting is, because of the number of entries, we are able to dust off our third place trophy in the share farmer category. Last year we were only able to award the first place troph This year there are 12 entrants in the Dairy Trainee of the Year Awards, seven in the Share Farmer of Year

ty:

Bay of Plen

ing: e Year Judg th f o ee in ra ruary 7-9 Dairy T Round, Feb Preliminary nd, February 26 Finals Rou anager of and Dairy M er m ar F e Shar ging: the Year Jud ebruary 7-9 F , d n u ro Preliminary g, Feb 27-Mar 1 n gi d Ju s al in F : ards Dinner Regional Aw i Events Centre waker 14 March, A Day: inners Field Regional W enue TBC April 5, V

Awards and eight in the Dairy Manager of the Year Awards.

“The total number of people entered is in fact higher than that, as a number of the entries in the share far er and anager sections are couples, says Jodie.

A highly-successful entrant and sponsors evening for the Bay of Plenty awards was held in Pongakawa in January, attended by around 100 people.

“We are fortunate to have so many local sponsors who support our regional awards, alongside national sponsors, and give back to farmers. We really appreciate their support and the entrants and sponsors night was a great chance to acknowledge the , sa s odie The winner of the 2018 Bay of Plenty Dairy Industry Awards will be announced at a gala dinner at the Awakeri Events Centre on March 14. Tickets cost $85 per person and are purchased through the website at: www. dairyindustryawards.co.nz

Central P

lateau: Dairy Train ee of the Y ear Judgin Preliminary g: roun Finals roun d, February 7-9 d, February 26 Share Farm er and Dair y M a n ager of the Preliminary Year Judging: Jud Finals Judg ging, February 13-15 ing, Feb 27 to Mar 1 Regional A wards Din March 15, ner: Rotorua C Regional F onvention Centre ie April 5, Ven ld Day: ue TBC

DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS - CENTRAL PLATEAU

Page 21

Entering awards opens many doors The benefits of entering the dair industr awards go far beyond the great prizes to be won, says Karla Shaw, who with husband Ross is regional manager for the 2018 Central Plateau Dairy Industry Awards.

“When we entered, Ross and I found that by far the biggest benefits are the people ou eet, the friendships you form and the doors that can open.

“Entering initially opens one door but that leads to the opportunity to open three or four more doors in future.”

Karla says it takes courage to enter, especially for dairy trainees, but stepping outside their comfort

zone is worthwhile.

“Entering gives you the chance to see how others farm and learn from their experience. It also introduces you to people who are willing to help you in your business.”

This ear s co petition has attracted five entries in the Central Plateau Share Farmer of the Year Awards, eight in the Central Plateau Dairy Managers Awards and 11 Central Plateau Dairy Trainee entries.

Judging rounds are held this month and the winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Rotorua Convention Centre on March 15.

Tickets, which cost $90 per person, can be purchased online via credit card at: www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz

The 2017 Central Plateau Dairy Industry Awards winners were Dairy Manager of the Year Anthony Kiff, Share Farmers of the Year Carlos and Bernice Delos Santos and Dairy Trainee of the Year Taylor Macdonald.

Summer swot pays off for entrants Entrants in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards who used the summer to prepare for the 2018 competitions will be one step ahead of their competitors as judging begins, says general manager of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Chris Keeping.

There is no on-farm judging component in the dairy trainee competition. Instead entrants participate in a short practical session covering everyday farming tasks and an interview.

The time allowed for on-farm judging is two hours in the Share Farmer of the Year competition and one-and-a-half hours in the Dairy Manager of the Year competition. It is up to each entrant to determine how best to cover off the judging criteria, so it is important that entrants make the most of that time and plan well.

“This is where time spent planning over the summer will really pay off,” says Chris.

Information events for entrants and sponsors have already been held in some of the awards’ 11 regions, and the rest will take place over the next few weeks.

“These events provide an opportunity for entrants to meet, and to learn more about the awards and what to expect, as well as connecting people within the industry.

Chris says the events are also useful for entrants as they prepare for judging, which began for the dairy trainee competition in Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa and Northland on January 24.

“Along with the national Dairy Industry Awards Facebook page, each region has their own page where local events are promoted, as well as on the website.”

The first regional winners will be announced in Hawke’s Bay on March 1, while the West Coast/Top of the South region is the last to name its winners on March 27. All regional winners will progress to a national final in nvercargill on a The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, DeLaval, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra Farm Source, Honda Motorcycles, LIC, Meridian Energy and Ravensdown, along with industry partner Primary ITO. Full details of the entrant and sponsor events can be found at: www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz

Piako Tractors supports all the contestants of the 2018 Central Plateau dairy industry awards.

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CARTAGE & EARTHWORKS

Page 22

Woodchips and bacteria cleaning up ground water Pine wood chips, the kind used for animal bedding, and the bacteria which live in them, may provide one of the solutions to managing nitrogen leaching from farms.

That’s the belief of those involved in research into an effective design for denitrifying bioreactors suitable for treating subsurface drainage waters under New Zealand conditions.

Hamilton based Roland Stenger, Principal Scientist in the Environmental Group of Lincoln Agritech Ltd, Aldrin Rivas, Catchment Hydrologist, also with Lincoln Agritech Ltd and Greg Barkle, Principal Environmental Engineer of Aqualinc Research Ltd have pooled their knowledge and talents to design and build a pilot-scale denitrifying bioreactor on a dairy farm near Tatuanui.

So far, the results are promising. Early monitoring results show a reduction of nitrate-nitrogen levels from seven-to-eight milligrams per litre of drain water to almost undetectable levels after the water has been filtered through the wood chips The research is funded by Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment via the Institute of Environmental Science and Research, with additional support provided by Waikato Regional Council.

Cooperative farmer

The research also benefits greatl fro a ver cooperative farmer, who is not only tolerating the activities on his land, but even lent a helping hand during the bioreactor construction.

“Denitrifying bioreactors are being used in the US and Europe, but overseas designs can’t just be uplifted and applied in New Zealand, because of the difference in drainage systems, land use and climate,” says Roland.

However, the technology is reasonably simple and installation cost is low, so if proven to work reliably in

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The project team from Lincoln Agritech Ltd and Aqualinc Research Ltd at work during the construction of the bioreactor. this country, the method should appeal to New Zealand farmers. The reactors work by passing water fro a subsurface field drain through a pit filled with woodchips, naturall colonised b bacteria, which feed on the nitrate in the water, turning it into harmless nitrogen gas and so reducing the amount of nitrogen leaching into waterways.

Aldrin says the design of the bioreactors had to take into account the fact that in New Zealand, subsurface drains are typically installed at a depth of between 0.6 to 0.8m, compared to 1.5-1.8m common in those parts of the US where most bioreactors have been trialled.

“This meant designing a bioreactor below the level of the drain and aking sure water could flow through it without the use of costly pumping systems.”

Hardworking bacteria

The hardest workers in the project are the bacteria themselves, which live in the woodchips. “We don’t have to introduce them,” says Aldrin. “They are everywhere. We just provide an environment they like.”

...continued

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 23

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Assessing the side effects

At this point in the project Roland, Aldrin and Greg aren’t prepared to say it is right for New Zealand conditions until they have gathered more solid information. One concern that people have raised, says Roland, is that bioreactors may have some undesirable side effects. ne of the is that inco plete denitrification a result in emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). We will monitor if, or how much, nitrous oxide gets produced and how a bioreactor can be optimised to minimise any emissions. If a bioreactor becomes more strongly reduced than what is required for denitrification, obilisation of phosphorus and trace metals and hydrogen sulphide production (‘rotten egg smell’) may occur.

“Our research will therefore determine if and under what conditions these processes occur and, if required, develop strategies to reduce these unwanted effects.”

Denitrifying bacteria are estimated to make up to 15 per cent of bacteria found in soil, water and sediments and there are more than 126 different species.

Two cyclones

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The early stages of construction were more than a little hampered by two cyclones in April, but the reactor was finall operational

by July 2017 and will continue to be monitored for at least two years.

Greg says the woodchips, which are readily available, should last 15 or more years before they need replacing.

“The biggest costs for farmers installing a bioreactor will be digging the pit, which many can probably do with their own equipment, plus the cost of the liner, and inlet and outlet control structures,” he says.

While the Tataunui reactor is fenced off from stock, Roland says there’s no reason the grassed area above a reactor, in a Greg Barkle, Roland Stenger and Aldrin Rivas with the normal farming situation, couldn’t woodchip which form the basis of the bioreactors. be grazed.

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“Bioreactors aren’t a silver bullet to mitigate nitrogen leaching, but they may be one useful new tool in the toolbox and could appeal to farmers who are coming under pressure to reduce their farm’s impact on water quality.”

The aim of the project, says Greg, is to ensure the system not only works effectively, but is also an affordable option for far ers rtificial drainage is used on approximately 40 per cent of New Zealand’s dairying land and is essential to enable many pastures to be used year round.

However, says Roland, subsurface drains can also provide a pathway for fast and non-attenuated nutrient transfers, able to treat water before it enters surface drains, streams or rivers meaning it will be of value to farmers and the environment.

The Tatuanui pilot-scale bioreactor has a 60 cubic etre capacit and is five etres b nine eters at the base of the pit, with a one-to-one slope rising to the surface where it measures approximately 12 metres by eight. Filled with wood chips, there is an inlet control structure at one end, and an outlet control at the other.

The reactor drains an area of 0.65 hectare.

“For research purposes, the pilot reactor is equipped with a lot more monitoring equipment than would be required for a routine farm reactor,” says Aldrin.

That’s because to prove it works reliably, the researchers need to extract detailed data, including weather, rainfall, inlet and outlet water che istr and flow rates

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continued...

your tax problem to get out of hand and you need to know if your business is progressing.

“Accountants Bay of Plenty can help sort out your accounts, your tax obligations and your financial position, which will help show which way your business is going.”

Trish is client-focussed. She talks one-on-one with her clients and is very happy to deal with If you have answered yes to any or all of whichever computer package a client is using. these questions then it might be time you Her clients know who they will deal with and phoned Trish Patterson at Accountants Bay the fixed-fee structure eans clients know of Plenty to get your business and your exactly what they will pay. life back on track.

“My big focus is to get clients’ tax Trish Patterson, director and correct and to tidy up any loose ends. chartered accountant, says most busiThis takes the worry away and puts the ness owners want to understand the client’s business back on track.” figures which represent All you have to do to get peace of Trish Patterson, director and their business. ind about our financials is to pick chartered accountant with “This can often extend to their up the phone and talk to Trish.

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COUNTRY LIVING

Check out the pool without getting wet Barrier Reef pools are the feature at the new Pools Plus displa facilit at Whakakake Street, Tauriko, Tauranga. wners of Pools Plus, ndrew and ocel n c illlivra , sa the public has the chance to look inside the pool without getting wet and view the actual si e of the pool to get a feel for the depth and the space ndrew encourages people to pop in to chat about pool options with the on-site Pools Plus tea and view the swi ing pools e will also be at the Rotorua o e arden how fro ebruar - , he sa s, so co e along and see us there to discuss our proposed pool plans rders for pools and install bookings are on track to surpass this past bus ear and we encourage people to be ordering as soon as possible for su er use ocel n sa s the network of arrier Reef retailers has expanded throughout central ew ealand, with retailers based in Tauranga, Taupo, Whitianga, aikato, isborne, ranklin and awke s a

Barrier Reef pools are sold and installed throughout ew ealand b retailers who appreciate the great reputation, fabulous designs and attention to workanship of the arrier Reef fibreglass pool, and that includes the c illivra s, who have been i porting the pools to ew ealand since

In a Barrier Reef pool, you can swim, splash, cool off, enterta n et t or ust re ax.

Captain risks life to save fro en The departure of the sailing vessel Dunedin from Port Chalmers on February 15, 1882 is highl significant in ew Zealand’s farming history.

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The Dunedin carried fro en utton and la b carcasses bound for ngland in the first refrigerated ship ent to leave the countr The story of the voyage and the people and technolog behind the

venture is among those told in the book Toda in ew ealand istor b eill tkinson, David Green, Gareth Phipps and Steve Watters and published by Exisle Publishing.

The thoroughl -researched, wellillustrated and engagingl -written book was created as a collaboration between anatu Taonga inistry for Culture and Heritage and the lexander Turnbull ibrar Previously a passenger ship, the Dunedin was refitted b il-

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lian Soltau Davidson, British-based general manager of the ew ealand and ustralian and Co pan , with a coal powered ell Cole an free ing plant hen the vessel beca e becal ed, the unit struggled to keep air circulating in the hold To save his historic cargo the ship s captain, ohn hitson, crawled into the hold to cut extra air holes, nearl free ing to death in the process

COUNTRY LIVING

Tours offer South Island back-country experience NZ Adventures’ self-drive tours are an excellent way to see the South Island.

NZ Adventures offer self-drive 4X4 tours throughout the South Island. Robbie and Connie Crickett, owner operators, say these tours are the ideal way to enjoy the spectacular scenery and hospitality of landowners in the high country.

travelling from Geraldine to Alexandra, in five da s five da tour, outh, starting in awrence and finishing in Cro well, is a very popular trip travelling roughly along the th parallel

For any NZ Adventures 4x4 trip, the only stipulation is that it is mandatory for vehicles to have decent all-terrain type tyres in good condition and a low range trans ission fitted Robbie and Connie offer five different tours of five, six and seven da s during the season which runs from November until the end of April.

Accommodation is in motels, dining at restaurants, some lunches with run holders and the balance are picnic lunches. Each vehicle is equipped with a quality radio which means Robbie can provide a knowledgeable commentary as the trips proceed.

“The High Country Heritage is the most popular tour and is run in December, February and April as a six day and in March as a seven day,” says Robbie.

“The West Coast Explorer is run in November and pril and these are five da trips and the astern Explorer takes place in the later part of January,

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COUNTRY LIVING

Page 26

‘Man overboard’, sharks and plenty of snapper Fishing on the Ratahi was up and down in mid-January. n one outing we s ashed it, filling

our bins with snapper, tarakihi, gurnard, trevally and kahawai.

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coloured blue waters we also were plagued by several sharks which we could see following our catch up from at least 10-15 metres deep.

Some passengers were too slow and lost half their fish to a hungr blue or ako and one of the larger bronzies I've seen in a while peeled off a spool before departing.

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Later we had another slow day, and when I say slow, I mean that we all still took a feed of fish ho e but it was not firing like when you have to take a break because your arms are getting sore.

On one spot we had a school of nice fat ocean kahawai occasionally hitting everyone's lines. It meant excitement and tangles which is okay

because we are professional untanglers at Blue Ocean Charters.

That Saturday we had Mayor Island pickups in the afternoon.

We hit the reefs on the western side ranging from 30-50 metres.

Some 40-50cm snapper made it aboard and lots of porae, some of which were monsters.

Hitting the spot

Surprisingly, there were lots of smaller trailer boats out at Mayor considering the wind and swell we had to bash through to get out of the entrance and shipping channel.

On Sunday things picked up for us and we slayed some nice eating snapper about four miles east of the Mount on flat sand, with a bit of foul holding app sher oman a school. th her at h a oo This was a s e hapu u. really good day’s fishing and so e passengers al ost got their snapper quota while also catching gurnard, tarakihi and kahawai.

We found a spot and stayed there pretty much all day. few kingfish schools were hanging around but they were all rats.

Snapper came in really nice sized for fishing out on the sand in about 30 metres, ranging in size between 35-44cm. uns reen an hats ta or a a out sh n th s summer. at h n a hapu u s a onus.

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Page 27

Protect our valuable ho e electronics during power cuts Every time there is a wide-spread power outage, hundreds of people are faced with replacing damaged routers, computers and other home electronics.

In the wake of the January storms that took thousands of ho es offline, this could ver well be fresh in your mind if you were one of those affected.

Instantaneous protection

Power surges can instantly overload and short-out electronics and anything plugged into the wall, or they can degrade them over time. There are several options available to safeguard our electronics during a power cut, and one of the most effective options is an Uninterrupted Power Supply (known as UPS).

A UPS device provides instantaneous protection from power interruptions and allows sufficient ti e to properl shut down the protected equipment.

Coles, considers them an essential device for every rural home.

“All of my personal home electronics are connected to a UPS including my home theatre system, TV, cordless phones, co puters and broadband equipment,” explains Terry. would never be without the in my own home, so naturally it follows that EOL would like to help protect

our customer’s equipment as well.”

From now until March 31, EOL is offering a free UPS device in addition to free installation and wireless router with its rural wireless connection packages when you sign up for a 24-month contract (savings of more than $600).

To find out ore about this offer and the services EOL provides, call: 07 577 0066 or visit: www.eol.co.nz

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Frankly confused over penguins’ desitination Truck driver John is transporting 50 penguins to the city zoo when his truck breaks down He waves down another truck and both of the try to repair the truck.

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If it's any help to you, I can take your load from you as my truck is empty anyway".

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Meanwhile, John manages to repair his truck and proceeds to the cit e stops for a coffee before

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Page 28

BALLANCE FARM ENVIRONMENT AWARDS

Five-point wish list a reality – 10 years on This organic kiwifruit orchard was developed from former dairy pasture by Catriona and Mark White.

Ten years ago, while looking for a new challenge, Catriona and Mark White co piled a five-point list to guide the on a uest to create an i proved lifest le for their oung fa il

Catriona and Mark White

couple planted Cr pto eria aponica apanese Cedar and Casuarina Cunningha shelter trees oth are e didn t know where we wanted to live in ew excellent shelter and were chosen because pests such as Zealand, or exactly what we wanted to be doing,” says scale do not live in either of the Mark, who at the time was Operations Manager for The orchard’s soils are predominantly Opotiki Sandy Post in uckland, while Catriona was a bus u oa , which is free draining and its top soil encourages to two children under five root growth ur strateg during the develop ent of eing able to spend ore ti e with daughter etisha the orchard has been to minimise earthworks in order and son ochlan, while living in a coastal location with to ini ise da aging our soil structure good education opportunities, running a profitable n situations where earthworks have been co pleted fa il business and enabling their children to gain in order to re-shape the land for orchard use, the stratfinancial literac skills were all on that list eg has been to put the cows back into that area for a n , the fa il found the e br onic answers to few years to assist with replenishing the soil biology that their wishes when Catriona’s parents offered the chance gets disturbed to bu part of an organic dair far near potiki to nitiall a ward reen and ort gold kiwifruit develop as a kiwifruit orchard That orchard is now were grafted onto runo rootstock, but when ark and an entrant in the a of Plent allance ar Catriona saw the devastation caused b the vine disease nviron ent wards Psa- , first identified in Te Puke in , the decided fa il has been far ing this land for four to re ove the gold vines, growing organic passion fruit generations, and our children are the fifth generation to provide so e inco e until the newl grafted 3 to live here, sa s Catriona or ost of that ti e the vines ca e into production land has been far ed using organic principles n reflection, grafting to 3 is the best thing we could have done The variet is well suited to growing Learn by mistakes organicall as it produces good si ed fruit The couple, who knew little about kiwifruit, had e struggled with fruit si e when growing some initial family assistance with planning and then ort , sa s ark decided to do ost of the ph sical develop ent work Toda the orchard has 3 ha of espri rganic the selves, keeping down costs and learning b reen kiwifruit, producing in a total of 3, 3 our istakes tra s of kiwi-start fruit espri rganic un old 3 ark enrolled in what he calls kiwifruit school - a is currentl grown on ha, producing 3 ,3 tra s pol technic course to gain the ational Certificate This production was achieved in a challenging growin orticulture t was great, as the skills learned ing ear which included various c clones and a ver co pli ented what was happening on our orchard, wet and wind autu n Recentl developed blocks of including grafting which we learned on the course at un old are co ing into production during the the sa e ti e as we were doing it on the orchard upco ing season ith a clear vision to grow kiwifruit organicall , the

Native birds

s all flock of certified organic sheep carr out weed control duties around the sides of the orchard, helping reduce tractor work and its associated soil co paction, especiall in winter Pest anage ent is based on eli inating as an host plants as possible and organic spra s are used as re uired, to disrupt pests life-c cles There are other unpaid pest patrols , including native weka and fantail which pre on insects ven slugs are welco e living in what ark calls slug hotels - large clu ps of grass beneath the vines lugs assist in rec cling organic aterial on the floor of the orchard and provide a source of food for birds ith plent for the slugs to eat on the ground, the didn t bother to chew on the newl grafted vines ark and Catriona believe ever thing within the environ ent is striving to live ven Psa just wants to live, so it s a atter of finding the point at which ever thing can live in balance etisha, now , and ochlan, 3, have been involved in the orchard since the were pre-schoolers and now have their own ini orchard block to anage ith Catriona and ark s guidance, and a little ph sical help, the plan and carr out the orchard work and receive an profit their fruit has ade after all expenses are paid The bare land the hites bought in fell short of eeting ever ite on their wish list Thanks to their hard work, support and encourageent fro fa il and industr professionals, toda the orchard and the lifest le Catriona and ark have created ore than ticks ever one of those five points

BALLANCE FARM ENVIRONMENT AWARDS

Owners, manager not deterred by adversity

To assist David and wife Rebecca towards their orchard ownership goal, Gold Nugget Orchard partnership encouraged the couple to develop a Bruno rootstock nursery, and when they wanted to expand the operation, became guarantors for the loan to buy a

Page 29

22ha block adjacent to their home.

Gold Nugget Orchard and its owners are growing not just high-quality kiwifruit, using sustainable practices, but they have an eye on the industry’s long-term future, and are nurturing people too.

Gavin Dyer and David Timms of Gold Nugget Orchard.

Seeing opportunity where others see adversity is something Gavin Dyer and David Timms have in common; as is the courage to act on their convictions.

Gavin and wife Linda, with brother Stephen and wife Lynette, own Gold Nugget Orchard at Pukehina, which is an entrant in the 2018 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Four years ago, the orchard employed David as its manager.

“What I like about David is his positive attitude and work ethic,” says Gavin who took what might be viewed as a risk in employing David who had only just entered the kiwifruit industry.

“You can teach the skills of growing kiwifruit, but you can’t teach attitude.”

David also took a risk. He had been working on dairy farms since he left school but decided to change careers and began studying horticulture at polytech, shortly before the vine disease Psa-V hit the industry.

“My dairy farming bosses said my job was still open if I wanted it, but I decided I would stick with kiwifruit despite all the doom and gloom.”

Chainsawing canes

David went on to work for David Reid of Reid Kiwifruit Management Ltd, which at the time was managing the 14.43 ha Gold Nugget Orchard for the Dyers.

“Once Psa arrived I realised an entirely different approach to orchard management was required and I wanted someone with the right mindset, who knew nothing about the way kiwifruit was managed before Psa and had a willingness to learn,” says Gavin. ne of David s first jobs at old ugget was to take the chainsaw to kiwifruit trunks, cutting out Hort16A vines. “I’m never one to give up, and when I see people having a crack, I’m more than happy to help,” says David figured had nothing to lose as could alwa s go back to dairying.”

Those Bruno stumps David cut back were oozing white Psa “like spaghetti” says Gavin. “We had no option but to graft to the new variety G3 even though we had no idea if it would work. It was a variety bred for other attributes, not tolerance to Psa. We just got lucky with this variety.”

Despite the setbacks, today the orchard’s production levels exceed the industry average and while Psa is still present, its incidence and impact are negligible.

In 2008, Gavin, Linda, Stephen and Lynette bought Gold Nugget Orchard which was growing Hayward, converting 14.5Ha of Hort16A – until it was infected

by Psa. Unsure if the industry he had invested so heavily in had a future, Gavin nonetheless put in place the best management practices and people he could for growing the new variety.

“We still manage the orchard as if Psa was a big problem, including sterilising our cutting tools, applying copper sprays when adverse weather events are forecast and paying attention to orchard hygiene and vine health,” says David.

Observation skills

The orchard’s four permanent staff are encouraged to be pro-active in their observation of what’s happening to the vines. Under David’s guidance, they’ve been taught meticulous and methodological workmanship, with the focus on doing a good job in the current season to result in an easier job in the following.

The orchard operates under the philosophy that “people are key”, paying staff no less than $20 an hour and providing social occasions and team building days.

Compost is applied to feed the vines, build humus and improve soil health. This is especially important in the new 3 ha greenfield develop ent block of 3 which was grafted in 2015. “Previously this block could hardly grow grass, it was so hungry for nutrients,” says Gavin. trial using xtenda white reflective ground cover to lift production and improve vine health on the mature orchard has been so successful, it is being extended this season. “The blocks with the ground cover had similar dry matter to other blocks, but produced more fruit,” says Gavin.

“Leaves stayed on the vines longer and the vines are healthier, sa s David t appears the full benefits of the $8000 per hectare investment will be on-going with further gains expected in subsequent seasons.

Hicane is applied at night to reduce spray drift risk.

“People, animals and birds are not active outdoors at night, sa s David nother benefit of the practice is that it has reduced the need for flower thinning possibly due to improved contact time in cooler, more moist conditions prevalent at night.

Gavin strongly believes the kiwifruit industry needs more young, talented and enthusiastic people like David to ensure its future. “There are currently limited pathways for young growers into orchard ownership.”

Your co-operative, your community.

Te Puke Farmlands are proud to support Gold Nugget Orchard and wish them well in the awards.

Farmlands Te Puke Boucher Avenue (07) 573 7216 tepuke@farmlands.co.nz

ADVANCED HORTICULTURAL FABRICS

TM

Ph 09 413 7900

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BALLANCE FARM ENVIRONMENT AWARDS

Detention ams For the past eight years, Carol and David odge have been quietly carrying out work to protect and enhance waterways on their Pikowai dry stock farm.

Largely hidden from public view, the extensive plantings, fencing and formation of ponds and detention dams have benefited not just their far , but also the ualit of water flowing into local streams and rivers.

While proud of what they have achieved, the couple didn’t seek attention for the work; that was until the barrage of anti-farming rhetoric which hit the media during last year’s general election. “I felt it was important to let the general public know the positive work farmers are doing for the environent, sa s Carol o she and David

entered their 200ha family trust farm in 2018 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

The panel was impressed with what has been achieved, with judges Ray a ward, oanna Carr and Dan riffin saying: “Overall, water quality on the farm is excellent. All waterways are fenced. Riparian planting on the farm is excellent. The amount of area planted, and the quality of the plantings, is a real stand out.

“There is great use of plant species and population. An outstanding example of protection of waterways.

“The amount of work carried out under the two current Land Environment Plans in eight years is amazing and a real credit to your commitment,” While Carol manages the trust block, David anages the adjoining ha partnership farm and looks after repairs

sim le ut so effective David and Carol Hodge and the former stumpy and steep paddock, now planted out in natives.

Black Angus cows and calves. and maintenance on both properties.

Environmental work is Carol’s passion, and she has found contractors who share her vision, working with them to enhance and protect waterways without compromising farm productivity.

urface oo ing

“We have worked closely with Environment Bay of Plenty, which has assisted with advice and some of the cost of the projects,” says Carol. “The staff have been excellent to work with.”

Craig Crowley carried out earthworks to create ponds and four detention dams to control and slow surface flooding during high rainfall “Craig and Brandon are real artists in the work they do in the landscape. I give them an outline of what I want to achieve, and they add to and enhance that and then create something both practical and beautiful,” says Carol.

The farm runs 650 Coopworth ewes, 925 lambs, 120 Angus breeding cows, 120 calves, 50 rising twoyear-old steers, 25 rising two-year-old heifers and 110 one-year heifers. Its contour is steep to rolling with so e paddocks flat enough for aking supple ents Recent earthworks to contour two paddocks, has increased the area available for making winter feed, by Marsh Contracting. Carol is particularly pleased with the effectiveness of the detention dams. “In the past

so e of these areas would flood up to fence height in heavy rain, but building the dams now controls the water.”

The dams are discrete, contoured banks with culverts, and built in flood-prone paddocks to hold back and slow the release of water, reducing erosion and flooding The largest area of retirement and planting is in a former steep paddock, bounded by a stream. “It is quite swampy at the bottom, and stock often got stuck, or were hard to move from here,” says Carol.

Taking it out of production hasn’t reduced stocking numbers on the rest of the farm, but has reduced the hassles.

Water supply

However, fencing out waterways has put pressure on the farm’s water supply system as stock no longer have free access to streams. Instead, water is pumped from a spring at the front of the farm and reticulated to troughs. The aim is to install a new system, pumping water to reservoirs at the top of the farm, and gravity feeding it to troughs. lthough significant parts of the far have been fenced out and planted, they still need maintaining to ensure young plants survive, and to control weeds and animal pests. It’s work for which there is no financial return, but Carol and David take a uch wider view.

“We are just caretakers of the land and have an obligation to pass it on in a better condition to the next generation,” says Carol.

Elaine Fisher

BALLANCE FARM ENVIRONMENT AWARDS

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Quest for change of pace a ‘work in progress’ bought the farm, but the aim is to get it set up so they can, eventually, slow down a little.

“Gaye and I always believe a well set up property is ore efficientl run and productive and is ore enjoyable to work on.

“The hours I’m working now are not so bad – I do get to sleep in until 6am instead of getting up at 4.30am,” says Kerry.

Elaine Fisher

Kerry and Gaye Barnes have made impressive improvements to their new property in a few short months.

When Kerry and Gaye Barnes sold their Reporoa dairy farm in June 2017, it was with the intention of finding a change of lifestyle and working shorter hours in less physically demanding situations.

“Mark has helped us work out stocking rates throughout the season on the farm, which at 400 metres above seas level, we believe to be summer-safe as

To date they haven’t achieved that, but they have achieved significant i prove ents in a ver short time to the 130 ha drystock unit they bought at Manawahe near Whakatane.

The former dairy farm, converted to deer, was run down, but its location and potential appealed to the couple.

The Barnes’ wasted no time in bringing the farm back to its full potential, and so impressed were the neighbours with what they achieved, they encouraged Kerry and Gaye to enter the 2018 Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Judging helpful

“There’s so much more that needs doing, and entering now seemed too early for us, but the judging process has been really helpful in giving us advice and ideas for the future,” says Kerry.

For 22 years, the couple had milked 350 cows on a 130 ha (115 effective) farm at Reporoa, with 100 ha under irrigation. “It was a beautiful farm but I was working 12-to-16 hours a day,” says Kerry.

“With the drop in the dairy pay out, we couldn’t afford to put a manager on. We talked about where we wanted to be in five ears, and realised it was not doing what we were doing then.”

So the farm was sold and the search began for a dry stock block. Gaye and Kerry had no idea where Manawahe was, but when they saw the farm, they decided it was for them despite the work that was required.

Since taking over in June, new yards have been built, races constructed and work has begun on an extensive water reticulation system, tapping a bore and pumping to header tanks to gravity feed the stock troughs.

“Plenty of drinking water is vital to stock growth,” adds Kerry. “Without it, they won’t eat so much or put on condition.” ignificant infestations of ragwort were tackled earl on, to enable silage to be made before Christmas for supplementary feed. Kerry has spent long hours spraying blackberry too.

Paddock subdivision

Once the water system is complete, the next step will be re-fencing and sub-dividing paddocks where required. The soils are free draining sandy loam, prone to erosion if top soil is removed, so controlling slip areas is a priority. Waterways will be fenced out and bush areas protected.

A programme of shooting rabbits and laying poison bait stations for rats is also underway.

The Manawahe area and drystock farming are new to the Barnes’, so they have called on the advice of Mark McIntosh, who had been their consultant when they were dairy farming.

Waterways will be fenced out and bush areas protected.

far as dry conditions go.”

In early summer, 115 hectare of effective pasture carried 84 dairy cows, 87 heifers, 120 calves and 13 bulls. “As our stock are sold we will be replacing them with graziers stock of approximately 350 head by June.”

It’s been non-stop work since Gaye and Kerry

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BALLANCE FARM ENVIRONMENT AWARDS

Planting trees for bees and birds part of couple’s vision Previous owners had collected cars and much of the property had been used as a rubbish tip before it was converted to an avocado orchard by developers. Most of the car bodies have gone, but the ground continues to give up remnants of buried trash.

Barbara and Wilson bought the orchard in partnership with Wilson’s

brother and his wife in 2011, farming it in partnership until 2013 when the orchard was subdivided.

The avocado trees on Wilson and Barbara’s 5.41 canopy hectare block are of mixed ages and quality and the orchard is an entrant in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

“The initial planting was done at a time when the sale price of avocado orchards was based on how many trees were planted,” says Wilson.

“We are still learning how best to manage the problems created by the original development.”

The contour is a mix of steep to sloping, with the avocado trees planted on the easier land which affords some protection from frosts.

Wilson and Barbara McGillvray are enjoying the challenges of avocado orcharding.

Biodiversity plantings

On steeper areas Wilson and Barbara have planted a mix of native and exotics to help retrain the banks and promote biodiversity including providing food for birds, bees and other insects.

Two banks are planted in flaxes and one in front of the house is mostly in natives, with specimen trees planted for their grandchildren a particular highlight.

“Another bank we call our bee bank, where we have planted trees, shrubs and herbs for bees with the intention of providing a continuous food supply,” says Barbara.

These plantings include rewarewa, kowhai, five finger, borage, lavender and Pittosporum eugenioides.

Other grassland “weeds” such as self-heal and pasture species like plantain are encouraged to grow as food for insects.

Stoat and rat traps are placed throughout the orchard and in 2016 a pest contractor removed 31 possums from the orchard surrounds in just three nights.

The couple carry out much of the orchard work themselves, taking direction from Danni van der Heijden and Dr Jonathan Cutting of Trevelyan’s Pack and Cool.

Barbara holds an Avo-Green owner grower ualification and carries out regular inspections for insects, while Wilson holds a rowsafe certificate and spra s the orchard.

The couple’s aim is to produce a consistent volume of crop annually, and they’ve largely achieved that in the past four years.

Avocado orcharding is new for Wilson and Barbara. From 1978 to 2003 they developed and farmed kiwifruit at Oropi, and from 1980 to 2001 were partners in the

Your Co-operative, your community Farmlands is proud to support the McGillivrays, entrants in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

For all your needs in-store and on Farmlands Card.

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Two thousand wrecked cars, countless household appliances and other debris were among the challenges facing Wilson and Barbara McGillvray when they bought an avocado orchard near Katikati in 2011.

Farmlands Te Puna 15B Minden Road (07) 552 5072 tepuna@farmlands.co.nz

Waimapu Packhouse and Coolstore and Waimapu Management Ltd, an orchard leasing company.

“Unruly” nature

After 25 years of owning and managing well-manicured kiwifruit orchards, coming to terms with the “unruly” nature of their Stokes Road avocado orchard has taken time.

Despite the extensive work already carried out, much remains to be done.

“We entered this competition as a learning experience. Our ambition is not to produce the highest yield supplied to our packhouse, but to produce fruit in a healthy environment, in a sustainable manner.”

Elaine Fisher

BALLANCE FARM ENVIRONMENT AWARDS

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Late night beekeeping still a buzz for brothers The excitement of going out into the night with their dad to move beehives never wore off for Corban and River Hayes.

When the brothers grew up, they wanted to be keepers too, and today River, 21, has been working for the family business, Buzz Apiaries td of atikati, for five ears, while - ear-old Corban has been involved for three years.

“It’s hard physical work and at times long hours,” says Corban, “but I enjoy caring for the bees. It’s like managing any livestock, except there’s thousands of them.”

River is also fascinated by bees and well aware that without the intervention of beekeepers, honey bees probably wouldn’t survive. The hours can be long, especially with the need to travel to honey sites or ove pollination hives ut properl anaged, you can still enjoy a good lifestyle and time out for the other things you want to do,” says River.

Alongside staff members Lochie Hart and Blair Coone , the pair are the hands-on tea for the co pan which is the first beekeeping business to ever enter the a of Plent allance ar nvironment Awards. In doing so, the brothers are following a family tradition.

In 2003 their parents David and Julie Hayes won three category awards in the inaugural Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards for the kiwifruit orchards they own.

Move to diversify

Buzz Apiaries was launched by David and Julie when they bought 100 hives in 2003 to bring diversity to their business. Now the company has more than 1000, providing pollination services to kiwifruit and avocado orchards, as well as producing top grade honey.

As delighted as they are that their sons have joined the business, David and Julie say there was never any pressure for them to do so. “It’s what they really wanted to do,” says David.

Increasingly River and Corban run the beekeeping side of the business, leaving David and Julie more time to concentrate on honey extraction and processing at their purpose-built high specfacilit in atikati There they extract honey from their own hives as well as 22 other beekeepers’ hives from around the North Island. The Hayes honey and bee products are sold under the brand name BeeNZ. Meanwhile, Buzz Apiaries, under the management of the young team, have shown productive growth and increased honey production.

There’s a strong focus on the environment in and around the hives, with wooden hive boxes used instead of plastic and close liaisons established with orchardists, spray contractors and landowners around the applications of sprays which may harm bees.

“We’ve really noticed a big improvement in the understanding about when not to spray,” says Corban.

Corban Hayes, Lochie Hart, David Hayes, River Hayes amd Blair Cooney of Buzz Apiaries Ltd of Katikati. ike all beekeepers, u piaries is faced with anaging the verroa mite which infects hives. River says the use of oxalic acid strips for the control of the mite is performing well and leaves no waste.

Keeping pollination hives healthy, especially in green kiwifruit orchards where flowers offer little food for the bees, is a challenge.

“We feed pollen and AgriSea's Bee Nutrition product to keep the hives strong and healthy,” says River.

A big focus for the company is the relationship enjoyed with landowners who allow the honey hives to be placed on their properties.

River, lair, ochie and Corban all take responsibility for ensuring their landowners are considered and respected. Hives are placed well into the property for security for the hives.

“The landowners are awesome,” says Corban, recounting how on a very hot day at one farm they visited “a lady came out with cold drinks for us and filled our water bottle with ice

REE FELLERS BIG OR SMALL - WE DO IT ALL

Manuka nursery

To ensure a great source of nectar for their bees and to help landowners with riparian plantings, Buzz Apiaries had established a small Manuka nursery to provide plants to famers and the community. It’s part of the company philosophy to consider what you leave behind both inter-generationall , and here and now ealth and safet is a significant consideration with “toolbox” meetings every Monday morning so all team members know what is happening for the week.

All vehicles and equipment is modern and in top condition to minimise maintenance costs and down time and night work is never carried out alone.

David and Julie have a succession plan involving their family, with the intention of ensuring Buzz Apiaries and ee have a long and sustainable future providing essential pollination services to the horticultural industry, and high quality honey to the consumer.

Elaine Fisher

What does better business advice look like?

You’re looking at it!

In business, the best advice comes from experience. What’s more, the depth of that experience profoundly influences the quality of the advice.

It’s the sort of experience and advice we put to good use to help businesses like Buzz Apiaries succeed.

07 927 1200 60 Durham St, Tauranga www.inghammora.co.nz

Page 34

HORTICULTURE

Logical solution is to store water For a country with a plentiful supply of water, it seems wrong to say that we are progressively facing more water shortages.

The December 2017 Ministry for the Environment report, Adapting to climate change in New Zealand, observes that: “New Zealand will experience increased frequency and intensity of extreme events such as higher te peratures, flooding, droughts and wildfires, increased sealevel rise, and warmer and more acidic oceans.

“This will threaten our coastal communities, cities, infrastructure, human health, biodiversity, oceans and resource-based econo ntergovern ental Panel on Cli ate Change PCC , These changes may also bring opportunities and we need to plan how we can best position ourselves to take advantage of these.”

Last winter, spring and now the summer are prime examples of what may be coming our way in the future. A cold and wet winter that hampered vegetable production has been followed by a hot and very dry December that saw many areas going into drought f this is the wa of the future, we need to prepare and plan for it. n ew ealand, we have ti es when there is an abundance of water and then times when there is not enough. A little known fact is that, according to , of the average of billion cubic etres of rain each ear, per cent flows out to sea per cent of rainfall evaporates, and around two per cent is used for irrigation, urban and industrial use

Dams and ponds

The logical solution is to store water when it is plentiful for the times when it is scarce.

Aquifers are nature’s way of storing water and there are projects running where the a uifer is re-charged

when there is plenty of water available. But the more traditional way to store water is in dams and ponds. n the ew ealand of the future, it seems we are going to have to do more water storage to ensure we can sustain our domestic food supply through the weather extre es hen it rains a lot, water storage schemes, such as dams, take and store the excess water preventing flooding hen it is dr , the provide water for urban consumption, to keep rivers and stream running, to provide drinking water for animals and irrigation for pasture and crops. ithout water there is no life and high levels of food production cannot be maintained.

Providing water when it is dry also has enormous benefits for our rural co unities and that, in turn, helps the financial viabilit of our urban co unities ithout water, production stops and jobs are lost.

Irrigation’s contribution

n the ove ber R report to the inistr for Pri ar ndustries, alue of rrigation in New Zealand, it was estimated that in 2011/12, irrigation contributed $2.17 billion to net farm gate DP That figure is increasing ever ear and has been esti ated b rrigation to increase to 3 billion by 2021.

R believes that ew ealand s real DP would be per cent lower billion less without irrigation and all households in New Zealand would earn lower wages.

So this is not just something that affects rural co unities t i pacts all of ew ealand e all need water to survive - hu ans, ani als and plants New Zealand’s economic prosperity is linked to water being in plentiful supply all year around. ithout sustainable water supplies, we cannot feed New Zealand and grow the produce that drives our export returns.

Manuka Provenances

Kaitaia

Coromandel

Marlborough

East Cape

Wairarapa

Taranaki

EDUCATION & BOARDING SCHOOLS

Students challenged to excel

Milk good for kids - report The findings of a asse University study which shows a high proportion of young Kiwi kids are getting the goodness of dairy nutrition by drinking milk has been welcomed by Fonterra.

The research, published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, showed 88 per cent of young children in New Zealand regularly consume cow’s milk and there was no relationship between fullfat milk consumption and the risk of children being overweight from drinking

it. Fonterra general manager nutrition Angela Rowan says the cooperative supports the Ministry of Health guidelines which recommend reduced and low-fat varieties for children two years and older.

“It is reassuring to see such a high proportion of young children consuming milk instead of alternatives that do not have the key nutrients that milk provides.”

The campus at Saint Kentigern borders the Tamaki Estuary.

Saint Kentigern Middle and Senior Colleges for boys and girls in Years seven-to-13 (ages 11-18) are among the world’s leaders in independent Presbyterian education, says Saint Kentigern Middle College Principal, Duncan McQueen and Senior College Principal, Suzanne Winthrop.

Students in the Middle College (Years seven-to-10) are taught in single-gender classes while in the Senior College, (Years 11-to-13), girls and boys learn together.

The colleges are located on a 40 ha campus, bordering the Tamaki Estuary, 16 kilometres from Auckland’s centre, and are founded on strong Christian values with a focus on excellence in education and service to others.

“Bruce House is our specialist boarding facility for both boys and girls,” says Head of Girls’ Boarding, Bridget Anitelea.

“To ensure they are well settled, a dedicated and highl ualified tea of teachers and pastoral care specialists monitors the students’ progress academically, socially and emotionally.

“We challenge all our students to excel; academic success is expected. An unparalleled range of subjects is taught in innovative, specialist facilities. Students attain internationall recognised ualifications “Senior students can choose NCEA or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The colleges have a strong digital focus and all our students access the Saint Kentigern Online Learning Environment to collaborate with their peers, connect with teachers, and to undertake class work and homework.

“Our sports and dance facilities, programmes and coaches are among New Zealand’s best. Drama students perform in dedicated spaces, while the Music Centre provides superb, soundproofed facilities for our choirs and instrumental enthusiasts.

“Please contact us by email or phone. We look forward to introducing you to our world of opportunity for boys and girls.”

Colour printing on rewritable paper Chinese scientists have developed a paper and ink combination that allows erasable, multicolour printing.

Reusable paper holds environental and cost benefits over its disposable counterpart, but its absence from the everyday marketplace stems from an existing inability to print multi-coloured, long-lasting erasable images.

Qiang Zhao, Wei Huang and

colleagues have designed a paper and ink combination that allows them to print multi-colour images that last for more than six months, but that can also be erased on demand. The inks consist of metal salts dissolved in water, and the paper is odified to contain molecules that interact with these metals. Inkjet printing of a pattern or text causes the paper to change colour as a new compound forms.

The colour adopted depends on the metal salts used, and as a broad range of these are available, a wide colour palette can be printed. Owing to the reversible nature of the chemical bonds, coating the paper with a specific substance will then break those bonds and erase the image. The paper can be rewritten up to eight times before the colours fade.

(Source Nature Communications)

See how we learn.

COLLEGE OPEN DAY 7 MARCH 2018

Our College family is waiting to meet yours.

Join us for our Open Day on 7 March to see why we love learning at Saint Kentigern.

For more information and to register, isit saintkentigern.com

Saint Kentigern Senior College

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Middle College

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EDUCATION & BOARDING SCHOOLS

EDUCATION & BOARDING SCHOOLS

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Teaching students resilience part of curriculum essential topics such as character development, song preparation, audition skills, working with a conductor, performance psychology and more.

St Peter’s is one of only 10 schools in New Zealand accredited as an IB world school.

“This means the school offers senior students two pathwa s, explains says Principal Burden,

The campus at St Peter’s School, Cambridge.

With a record roll in 2018 and boarding spaces at a premium, demand at St Peter’s School, Cambridge, has never been higher says Principal Dale Burden.

Among the reasons for the school’s popularity are the opportunities it offer students and its focus on wellbeing.

“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of pastoral care for students has grown significantl , sa s Principal Burden. “At the start of the year, St Peter’s launched its new pastoral care structure and wellbeing curriculu

The wellbeing curriculum will be taught to all students at all year levels ears seven-to- 3 t has been specifically designed to include the teaching of resilience building, emotional intelligence, dealing with anxiety and stress, mindfulness and many other important topics.

2018 also sees the launch of the Musical Theatre Academy, which will provide students with intensive vocational training outside of academic class time.

“Led by a highly experienced team of musical theatre practitioners, the academy will work to develop students into skilled triple thread perfor ers The co-ed programme will cover

Grammar offers a world of opportunities

The friendships formed by students living at Tibbs House are lifelong.

Since its establishment in 1869, Auckland Grammar School’s vision has been for all of the young men who attend the school to reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives.

Today, the school retains the traditional values that it was founded on, and it remains committed to offering young men the best opportunity to succeed in the classroo , on the sports field and in musical, cultural and social activities.

Nearly a century after Auckland Grammar School was founded, a boarding hostel was opened opposite the school in 1962 to allow students from outside the local area to benefit fro attending Named after the School’s fourth Headmaster – Mr J W Tibbs, who was headmaster from 1893 to 1922 – Tibbs House opened its doors to 46 boys. The roll of Tibbs has now grown to 120.

Director of boarding, Mr Daniel Oram, says: “The school’s boarding establishment offers a blend of excellence and opportunity to young men who live beyond the school’s zone.

“By attending Tibbs, and thereby Auckland Grammar School, a whole

new world of opportunities opens up for our oung en Located at the foot of Mount Eden, Tibbs House provides modern and comfortable facilities, making it one of the leading boarding institutions in the country. Boys have comfortable rooms, with no ore than five to a roo at junior level and even fewer at senior level.

Additionally, an excellent and varied level of food is provided every day by contract caterers Montana.

In addition to excellent facilities, eight full-time teaching masters provide daily supervision, pastoral guidance and assistance during prep sessions, while two matrons meet maternal and medical needs.

Tibbs House boarders are expected to conform to the highest standards of behaviour and maturity, to participate widely in school life and to develop into well-educated and well-adjusted young men.

“The friendships formed at Tibbs House are lifelong, and their experiences will be richl rewarding

“NCEA and the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

“The IB Diploma differs from NCEA in that it is a two-year course taken in years 12 and 13. It emphasises high academic standards in the mandatory areas of literature, a second language, mathematics, humanities and science In 2017, St Peter’s also won

the National Co-Ed Top 4 1st Rugb , tied first at the Rowing Championships and came a close second at the NZSS Rowing Championships.

“With an equestrian academy, golf academy, national velodrome and two swimming pools on site, it is easy to see the appeal of boarding at St Peter s, Ca bridge

RURAL DRIVER

Page 38

Round five of V8 championships at Manfield Andre Heimgartner has continued his charge to a maiden BNT V8 title by winning round four of the championship at Teretonga.

Heimgartner says it was a good weekend overall.

“We were pretty speedy all weekend, got another pole, three podiums and extending the championship lead is another positive.”

Following up his With two rounds win in race one, in the championhe banked more ship remaining, valuable points with Heimgartner is two-second placings starting to focus on in subsquent races. adding the BNT V8 Race two of the championship to championship his racing CV. weekend was won “The New Zeaby his teammate land V8 title is a Jason Bargwanna, good thing to have while the final race under your belt and was won by Nick it doesn’t hurt your Andre Heimgartner and teammate Jason Bargwanna Ross who fought CV to have it on racing side by side at Teretonga. back following a there definitel major “off” in Saturday’s race one. focused on it over the next two rounds.”

The podium was rounded out by Jason Bargwanna The T s now head to anfeild for round five with Lance Hughes in third. of the championship from February 10-11.

Cars here to stay Freedom, privacy, digital detoxing, and the satisfaction of using your hands top the list of reasons why drivers will choose to continue driving and working on cars long after self-driving cars are the norm, a motoring forum in the USA has been told.

A panel of automotive experts hosted by American insurance provider Hagerty told attendees at an auction week in Arizona that while self-driving technology will save lives, make commutes more productive and ease congestion in cities, it doesn’t mean people will lose interest in driving themselves.

“This question of why driving matters is really the question of our time right now,” says CEO McKeel Hagerty.

“What I’m seeing is the top of a lot of people’s heads walking around looking at their phones. It’s very seldom you don’t see someone not connected to their screen. I think there’s going to be a backlash. I think in five to ears ti e ore and ore people are going to see the value in seizing their attention back, and I think that’s the

value of cars without a lot of electronics in them.”

Panellist Bob Lutz, former vice chairman and head of product development at General Motors, says the transition to self-driving cars is going to take some time and likens it to the impact on horses when mass-produced cars were introduced.

“Horses didn’t go away, they just weren’t allowed on the road. The horse industry is still a gigantic industry and a wonderful hobby.”

People-piloted cars, he says, will follow a similar arc. “There will be a spawning of motor sports parks all over the country, just like golf courses.”

Panelist Wayne Carini, host of American TV show ‘Chasing Classic Cars’ emphasised the satisfaction many people feel in repairing, building and restoring vehicles.

Cars, he says, are only about a century old and public fascination with them isn’t about to fade.

“Cars are so important for all of us. The automobile is in its infancy, it’s a little over 100 years,” he says. “Being able to repair cars, you become part of the automobile and the industry, and it’s so cool.”

Hagerty has set up a ‘Why Driving Matters’ forum at: https://forums.hagerty. com/c/why-driving-matters

Google co-founder Sergey Brin shows former US Secretary of State John Kerry inside one of Google’s self-driving cars.

Photo: US State Department/Wikimedia Commons.

New models’ top safety ratings Both Holden and Hyundai have earned top safety ratings for their new models.

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conducted by the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme.

It boasts autonomous emergency braking,

blind spot monitoring and lane support systems on the New Zealand variants, earning five stars. These features are optional on the Australian base variant.

Also doing well in the crash test, the medium SUV Holden Equinox picked up a five-star safety rating. Autonomous emergency braking

and active lane-keep assistance are available on some models.

Both vehicles also offer acceptable pedestrian protection.The full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings, other vehicle safety information and the specifications of the rated vehicles are available at: aa.co.nz or rightcar.govt.nz

RURAL DRIVER

Page 39

Safety on orchards aim of courses Courses aimed at improving the safe operation of sideby-side vehicles in kiwifruit orchards will be held on a Katikati orchard over six days in February.

Jacks Machinery, Polaris agents of Whakatane, has engaged Andrew Simpson of Carnz Training Ltd to conduct three, two-day courses attended by up to 20 trainees from the post-harvest and quality assurance sectors, and the owners and staff of KW Kiwi Ltd. The idea for the not-for-profit courses grew out of discussions with Seeka about the need for training,” says Steve Donoghue of Jacks Machinery.

“We initially planned a single two-day course but the interest was so strong that quickly increased to three, two-day courses. The main focus is safety in the orchard and the industry migration away from quad bikes.”

The training sessions, which begin with a day of theory and instruction about the unique features of the Polaris side-byside vehicles, followed by a day of practical experience, begin on Monday February 12 and run until Saturday, February 17.

“Those who take part have the chance to gain up to 17 NZQA credits and will learn not only the safe operation of the Polaris vehicles, but also gain thorough instruction in the best use of them to prolong the life of the vehicles.”

Familiar configuration

Steve says there is a growing interest in the use of Polaris orchardised vehicles because of their lower centre of gravity, the fact they are wider and longer than quad bikes and from the driver’s point of view, have a fa iliar configuration to most passenger cars.

“The driver is sitting as they would in any other vehicle and has a steering wheel, brakes and foot throttle with which to operate the vehicle.”

Depending on their specifica-

Polaris orchardised vehicles have a lower centre of gravity and are wider and longer than quad bikes.

In Polaris orchardised vehicles, drivers sit as they would in other vehicles. tions, the Polaris vehicles can carry up to six passengers, and be used to transport small to large loads, and tow a trailer.

Steve says Jacks Machinery is grateful to Stephen Kenna and Phillipa Wright who have made their orchard available for the courses. “It’s an ideal location as the orchard has a mix of contour which will give those taking part the opportunity to experience driving in different conditions.”

Driver safety

Carnz director and training manager Andrew Simpson, (more commonly known as Simmo) has more than two decades of experience as a trainer and a reputation

for providing training through sessions which are both comprehensive and fun.

He is a registered MITO Assessor, Primary ITO AgExcel Endorsed Trainer, and an NZTA Registered Driving Instructor and Testing fficer and is passionate about keeping all drivers safe behind the wheel.

Simmo also prides himself in keeping abreast with all the technological advances by engaging with manufacturers of vehicles and machines to ensure training is upto-date and relevant to the vehicle types being trained on.

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HAY, SILAGE & PASTURE RENOVATION

New clover pest now widespread in NZ red clover pest first for all identified in ew Zealand just 16 months ago has now been found right across the country.

R seed research anager Richard Chynoweth says the red clover case bearer moth (Coleophora deauratella) was discovered in uckland in ctober 2016, setting off alarm bells and prompting a nationwide monitor-

ing campaign. Special pheromone traps were imported and distributed to red clover growers up and down the country over this summer’s clover growing and flowering period “Traps were placed on farms

FAR seed research manager Richard Chynoweth. from the lower North Island to the south of the South Island. The results are not good news for red clover growers, with moths being found on farms, roadsides and other areas everywhere from Wairarapa to Southland. s it was first identified in uckland, we can assume they will be found across the North Island as well. Given the numbers and spread of this pest, it see s likel that it has been here for quite a while. My guess would be that it’s been around for at least a decade and could have been affecting red clover seed yields for several years.”

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Red clover casebearer is a small moth (about 8mm long) and is very similar to two other species of clover casebearer moth (Coleophora spp.) that are already well-established in white clover in New Zealand, however in this case, it’s principal host is red clover.

Adult moths lay eggs on developing red clover flower heads and once hatched, the larvae tunnel into the florets to feed, destro ing the growing seed. As the larvae grow, they adhere the selves to a chewed-off floret, using it like a cape or case for protection and ca ouflage eeding da age to seeds can severely impact on crop yields.

Richard says that as not a lot is known about red clover casebearer in New Zealand, researchers have a lot of work on their hands “We will continue to monitor its spread, but more importantly, we need to understand its life cycle and

exactl how that links with the red clover growth cycle. Once we have a clearer idea of that, we can start to consider control options, so that arable farmers can continue to grow this specialist crop.

Insecticide trials

“Late last year we carried out initial laboratory based insecticide trials and the results indicate that some insecticides currently registered for use in clover crops are effective against red clover casebearer moth. owever, field trials will be re uired, as adult moths moving within the foliage of a growing crop may not receive a direct application due to location in the foliage urther work will investigate whether any of the parasitoid species which already help to control other Coleophora spp. in white clover crops could be of use.”

In the meantime, farmers who wish to check their crops for the presence of red clover casebearer should inspect flowers, looking for illi etre-si ed holes chewed into the base of individual florets and or distinctive black droppings, also at the base of the florets They may also be able to see the casebearing larvae, which look like s all red-brown cigars on the flowers. If evidence of casebearer is found, discuss management with your crop agrichemical advisor.

This work is conducted b R with support from the Seed Industry Research Centre.

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HAY, SILAGE & PASTURE RENOVATION

Focus on how nature manages things The Wai-Bop Soils Conference at Waikato University was an opportunity to check on the tone and scope of soil science research in 2017.

The day ended with the presentation of the Normal Taylor Lecture by Prof Tim Clough of Lincoln.

This covered the wide range of research being carried out both here and overseas on the processes of By attenting, I also got to see award presentations, turning ammonia into useful nitrate and the chance to hear from some of the enthusiastic nitrification , and the opposite Waikato University PhD scholars, whose focus is on processes which occur which don’t different ways to reduce or measure nitrous oxide provide soil and emissions. plant energy and in They soil tested the process produce from the sky, the long-lived greenusing amazing house gas nitrous special cameras oxide denitrificathat produce figtion). ures at one metre I shall write more square intervals, on this when I am which looked clearer on what and ideal for hill why each occurs. country, and went below ground with dung beetles to One has to say that there’s plenty of see if they improved water quality. work being done, but so far man and Detainment bunds as an attempt to stop phosphotechnology have managed to produce rus fro flowing into water bodies, and what agic more product, but the cost has been can go on in soils to attenuate nitrogen before and high and is still growing. during its groundwater travels were also investigated.

Sue Edmonds

Page 41

FAR appoints new CEO Internationally-recognised scientist with specialist knowledge in the area of plant protection, Dr Alison Stewart, has been appointed as the new CEO of the Foundation for Arable Research.

“She has also worked in the commercial sector in New Zealand and the USA, successfully developing and commercialising several biologically-based pest and disease management technologies for the agriculture, horticulture and nursery sectors, and sat on the boards of Plant & Food FAR board chair David Birkett Research in New Zealand and The says Dr Stewart, who is currently Waite Research Institute at the general manager forest science University of Adelaide. at Scion, will bring with her a “Alison is also familiar with unique combination FAR and its research, having of skills. been involved in several FAR“Alison has a wealth of funded research projects and experience in managing a member of the independent research groups, programmes External Programme Manand institutions in New Dr Alison Stewart. agement Review panel which Zealand universities and CRIs, carried out a high-level overview with research encompassing eveof FAR’s activities and research rything from cutting-edge molecular in 2016.” technologies to product development and Alison will take up the role of CEO in on-farm trials. As such, she has a strong mid-March, replacing founding CEO Nick understanding of the New Zealand science Pyke who has been with the organisation sector, particularly as it relates to since it was formed in 1995. primary industries.

Massive carbon loss

Our sad soil carbon losses are getting the isotope measuring treatment. The massive losses of carbon and large flows of greenhouse gases fro our sinking peat bogs have et to find their own iracle cures, and whether feeding masses of supplements instead of just pasture is helping to sequester more carbon apparently relates to how much dung is deposited on the soil.

Land use suitability, a topic raised by the recent National Science Challenge on Land and Water, is gaining traction, motivated both by our current environmental degradation and the advent of new technology since the original work on land use capability was done in 1969, (although reviewed up to 1998).

But there is still an overall acceptance of the apparent necessity of urea to grow pasture, and soil science see s fixated on itigation easures and technolog , rather than a focus on how nature manages things, and economics are still ahead of environment in the race to the future.

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Common plants can be deadly for livestock Many common plants, often found in gardens or in the wild, are lethal to livestock.

In the second part of a series we look at the main, potentially deadly plants.

Acorns/Oak: (Quercus spp.) Fallen acorns and branches are sources of toxin, and are most poisonous when green.

Cattle and sheep are vulnerable, with young stock more susceptible than adults.

Affected individuals show lethargy, anorexia and wasting, with frequent urination.

Bracken Fern: (Pteridium esculentum) Toxicity occurs with grazing scrubby areas and rough pasture sward. Cattle, goats and horses can be affected. Various forms of disease can develop including bladder bleeding with discoloured urine, bowel tumour growths and neurological staggers.

Nightshade: (Solanum nigrum) Plants are found in patches under areas of shade such as hedgerows. Toxicity has been noted in goats and cattle, with calves mainly affected. Alkaloid and cyanide toxins produce neurological signs and death from asphyxia and heart failure.

Ngaio: (Myoporum laetum) Access is by grazing scrubby or bush areas and fallen branches. Cattle and sheep are most vulnerable. Clinical signs range from skin damage due to liver insults through to sudden death with bleeding.

Oleander: (Nerium oleander) Found in gardens as an ornamental shrub, just a few leaves or pruning waste thrown over the fence is enough to be lethal. Affected species include cattle, sheep, horses and camelids. Toxicity results from several cardiac glycosides, notably oleandrin and nerine.

Affected stock show evidence of gut pain and difficult breathing associated with profound heart and lung disease.

Ragwort: (Senecio jacobaea) Occurs at times of feed shortage, heavy pasture infestation and intake of contaminated hay. Cattle, sheep, horses and pigs are vulnerable The ain finding is chronic wasting, mainly through severe liver damage.

Redroot: (Amaranthus retroflexus) Sourced from weed overgrowth in yards and failed crop paddocks. Cattle, sheep and pigs are affected. Signs include lethargy, anorexia, wasting with frequent urination.

Rhododendron: (Azalea and Rhododendron spp) All parts are toxic,

especially the leaves from this common garden shrub. Sheep, goats, horses and cattle are commonly affected. Signs include spectacular vomiting and intense abdominal pain, slowing heart rate, convulsions and coma before death.

Tutu: (Coriaria arborea) Occurs near bush blocks when grazing scrubby or bush areas and transporting stock along roadsides. Cattle, sheep and horses are affected. Sudden death results with lung congestion the ain finding Yew: (Taxus spp.) Garden waste access may occur or stock grazing near trees or clippings. Cattle, sheep, horses and camelids are susceptible. All parts of this tree are poisonous. Profound breathing difficult and sudden death result If you have any questions about possible toxins on your property, contact your local vet, before running the risk of exposing stock to the source. Vets are well placed to investigate any suspicious cases and help to prevent future poisonings.

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LIFESTYLE FARMING

Subdivision rules change lifestyle focus in Western Bay Following a major rewrite of the rural subdivision rules in the Western Bay District, the Minden Lifestyle Zone has become the focus for rural residential subdivision in the Bay. The change in rules took away the ability to subdivide ‘on-site’ for many rural landowners and gave them the opportunity to sell their ‘rights’ to others located in the Lifestyle Zone.

These rights, commonly known as Transferable Development Rights, trade for around $20,000. Older sites over four hectares in size can sometimes have these available to sell. TDRs can also be created by protecting ecological features and amalgamating existing titles together in the rural zone.

Without purchasing these TDRs, you cannot subdivide in the Lifestyle Zone. This cost obviously adds significantl to the cost of subdivision in the ifest le Zone, however lot values have risen in recent years and many subdivisions have now been given approval.

Numbers restricted

Out of about 250 available under this plan change, 143 have been applied for according to council’s latest update on their website – most of these over the past five ears The number of lots available were restricted by NZTA and the ability to safely access the State Highway. According to NZTA, the construction of the Tauranga Northern Link is due to start this year.

Once completed, council has indicated that more sites will be released. This will particularly be wel-

comed by landowners who access the highway at the Wairoa Bridge. This area was limited initially to 30 sites which were taken very quickly indeed.

Elsewhere in the WBOP District, lifestyle subdivisions are very limited now. The major opportunity is where your property has wetland over half a hectare in size, native bush or stream margins that can be planted out 20m wide in native vegetation – 500m on one side required.

Page 43

Fumigation for Italian containers New fumigation treatment requirements to stop brown marmorated stink bugs arriving into New Zealand in sea containers from Italy has been introduced by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

“The new measure is a response to the increasing number of stink bug detections P officers are aking at the border in cargo from Italy,” says Paul Hallett, MPI’s biosecurity and

environment manager. “We want to reduce the chance of this nasty bug getting into New Zealand.” o far this season, P officers have intercepted more stink bugs from Italy than any other country (39 out of 80 interceptions). The largest single find involved dead bugs in a container of machinery and parts.

The treatment requirements will last until the end February.

Land for public use

Council will also allow some subdivision where you are providing land for public use such as a reserve or access thereto. Other subdivision rules provide for horticultural blocks with a minimum of six hectares and 40-hectare rural blocks.

The emphasis for rural living blocks is now in the Minden Lifestyle Zone, although I would describe this as more of a rural 'residential' zone than lifestyle. The blocks here are a minimum of 2500 square metres with many being closer to 5000 square metres.

This allows for a house with spacious yards but not for animals or any production. Those seeking a true lifest le block will generall have to find an alread established larger block of a few hectares in size.

If you wish to clarify any subdivision strategies mentioned here please feel free to give me a call. I am happy to discuss the situation with you to see if it is worth pursuing.

Brent Trail, Managing Director of Surveying Services, specialises in resource consent applications for subdivisions across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Coromandel. For further information call 0800 268 632 or email btrail@surveyingservices.co.nz

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Page 44

FERTILISER

Ancient seabed The following describes a visit by Ron McLean, Managing Director of Kiwi Fertiliser to the Vale Phosphate mine. This is the original source of Sechura RPR, situated at Bayovar in the north of Peru.

Right: Komatsu 4800 Hydraulic Excavators at work in the Vale phosphate mine.

The mine is almost three hours’ drive from the city of Piura. The phosphate extraction area covers eight square miles, and up to 20 metres of stripping sand to get down to the ancient seabed deposit of phosphate ore. There are seven benches.

We were met by one of the mine managers who explained there are eight Komatsu 4800 Hydraulic Excavators loading 22 Cat Dumpers that work on two shifts, 20-hours a day, seven days a week. It takes just four bucket fills to load tonnes onto the waiting dumper. As soon as one fills, another is alread waiting to be loaded.

From the mine we went onto the screening and washing plant, as it was mid-winter in Peru and the Port Silos

were full and the plant was on shut down for maintenance. After going through the initial screening process to take out the oversize, the ore then goes through the washing stage with salt water twice then final wash with desalinated fresh water out to the stock pile.

Phosphate rock

The a ovar beneficiation process to obtain the phosphate rock concentrate is basically scrubbing; attrition between two stages of screening and de-sli ing, filtration and finall drying (at the port). Unfortunately there is no provision for keeping all the colloidal silica (diatomite) with the concentrate, but two-to-three per ...continued cent does remain.

Visiting the Vale mine in Peru are from left Ross Wales, NZ Honorary Consulate to Peru, Elbe Thome Filho, International Sales for Vale Bayovar and Ron McLean, managing director of Kiwi Fertiliser Company.

FERTILISER

Page 45

mined for phosphate continued...

The phosphate is then transported b a fleet of around 3 off-highwa Mercedes Benz road trains that haul tonne pa loads towards the port where the off load onto eight kilo etres of conve or belt to the two kiln dr ing plants Once dry, the phosphate is then stored in two , tonne concrete silos awaiting shipping hen a ship co es alongside the wharf, the phosphate is loaded at around tonnes per hour, eaning that the can load a , tonne vessel in just over a da

Employee valued

This is b no eans a s all operation, and the ale ine e plo s people e were treated to lunch in their staff canteen which serves a ver good variet of good food ale values its e plo ees and looks after the well e could see it in the genuine s iles of the workers who all speak panish, but no nglish t the onsite laborator we

were shown ever roo and their apparatus as the phosphate oves through the plant, sa ples are taken and tested ever four hours as their goal is to continuall produce consistent phosphate content The lab is set up to global best practice and is vetted b other labs urther ore, test independentl all export ship ents of echura Rock Phosphate

Honest operation

The ine is relativel close to the port The wharf is all-weather access nce a ship is loaded it is da s stea ing to the first ew ealand port for discharge directl across the Pacific cean n the last two ears ale sold illion T of product annuall , but is capable of four illion tonnes ale runs a ver professional, up-front and honest operation and we were shown ever aspect of the operation othing was held back t is hard to co prehend that ew

At the wharf, the phosphate is loaded at around 850 tonnes per hour meaning that the plant can load a 25,000 tonne vessel in just over a day.

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FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

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Page 47

Rural fun day out for all ages at Morrinsville This year the Morrinsville A&P Show on Saturday, March 3 offers even more entertainment, animals and trade sites than ever before.

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“In its 101st year, the show has become an iconic part of growing up in Morrinsville and each year we try to showcase what it means to be a part of our diverse community,” says show committee president Bruce McRobbie.

“Full family entertainment is what we aim for and this ear for the first ti e we will have ew ealand s world champion axeman, Jason Wynyard, along with the Auckland Axemen Club demonstrating their amazing skills.”

Mahons Amusements is back with sideshows and rides, as well as children s favourites; the teddy bears picnic between 11-12pm, face painting and Mike the Magician.

“There is something special about the sound of the pipes that sets the atmosphere and the Highland dancing is always well-attended,” says Bruce.

Other entertainment on the day includes the Chelsea Dog Show, Wai Taiko Drummers, a rock climbing wall, petting zoo and pony rides, country and western music and rock n roll dancers The ini iss orrinsville and Miss Morrinsville competitions also run in the afternoon.

For those more interested in the animals, the Morrinsville A&P show will not disappoint. In the horse area there will be Clydesdales (one of the largest displays in the Waikato), harness horses, miniatures, hacks, ponies and donkeys. There will be sheep dog trials, beef and dairy cattle, dairy goats, calf club contests and alpaca.

Bruce says there will be a greater number of trade sites this year which will include tractors, motorcars, farm equipment, motorcycles, lawn mowers, chainsaws and more. There will also be vintage cars and machinery on display.

One lucky gate ticket will win a night away to Rotorua for two including accommodation and activities (this is drawn in the afternoon and winners must be in attendance when it is drawn). t s a good da out for young and old. A family pass is only $20 for two adults and two children over 12 (under 12s attend free). We would love to see you there.”

Morrinsville A&P Show is on Saturday, March 3. Gates open at 9am at the Morrinsville Recreation grounds.

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AVOCADO

Page 48

Avocado tree with good fruit set for 2018-19 crop.

Fascinating facts about avocado fruit set ruit set is the process in which flowers become fruit. The seed develops and the surrounding tissue grows to form a berry.

Yes, as strange as it may seem, the avocado fruit is botanicall classified as a berr Fruit set is a stressful time for avocado trees due to the high demand and competition for resources between the mature fruit that is being harvested, the fruit that is being set for next year’s harvest and the new shoots that will produce next ear s flowers – three concurrent growth cycles.

The challenge is to balance the resource needs of all three growth cycles in order to ensure optimal tree health and performance as well as optimal fruit quality and yield. t is nor al for a large portion of flowers and fruitlets to fail and drop, even under optimum conditions, but good orchard management can ensure improved fruit set.

Steps to improve fruit set

• Practice balanced soil and leaf nutrition.

The supply of nutrients from the roots can be insufficient to satisf the high nutrient de and during flowering and fruit set upple ental

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fertiliser nutrients applied to the foliage can help to meet this demand.

• Pruning management is important for maintaining a balance between vegetative growth and production as well as ensuring adequate light into the canop for successful flowering and fruit set. eaweed products are a co on source of plant hor ones i portant for sti ulating flowering and improving fruit set.

• Ensure healthy canopies. Leaves are responsible for providing important resources through photosynthesis.

• Healthy roots are important in order to produce c tokinins, support the tree b efficient nutrient uptake and supply adequate water to meet the increase in transpiration during this period.

• If you are fortunate enough to have irrigation, now is the time that you will reap the rewards. Any water deficit stress during fruit set will result in elevated fruit drop.

Fruit drop can continue well into February, and ensuring we do everything we can to minimise unnecessary fruit drop will ensure we line our pockets rather than the orchard floor

By Erica Faber,

orchard productivity manager, Just Avocados Ltd

AVOCADO

Page 49

enefits of copper spra ing Examining the orchard practices of Australia’s biggest avocado growers has highlighted the benefits of spra ing copper to opti ise fruit ualit

of iwi growers do because it feels like here, we are so re oved fro the consu er Copper spra ing is considered the ost effective wa to prevent fungal rot - a proble which starts in the orchard through infection of fruit, but usuall doesn t e erge until post-harvest ungal rot has been an industr -wide fruit ualit proble over the past two seasons in ew ealand Avoco technical manager Colin Partridge and consultant ero e ard support researchers who advise the proble can be itigated b growers appl ing copper spra and re oving dead wood and plant aterial fro around their trees

Wet climate

In New Zealand, Avoco grower leaders are encouraging their peers to adopt similar practices to ensure more of their fruit reaches the consumer in premium condition Ross Mutton, a member of Avoco’s grower relations committee, was among a group of growers who travelled to estern ustralia and ueensland last ear to visit large-scale commercial orchards to learn more about the ustralian industr and voco s place in it The industr s three largest growers are fa il owned and operated, all suppl ing in excess of one illion tra s of fruit ost ears ost of it the suppl to the do estic arket, with their involveent extending to shipping and arketing the fruit as well

Quality issues

Having such a direct relationship with the end consu er, Ross sa s ualit issues uickl bounce back to the Australian growers who understand the importance of copper spra ing their crops and preventing proble s before the occur “Being at the sharp end of a call from a retailer eans the ll do whatever the need to, sa s Ross, so the don t have an issues The will put their copper spra s on, not like a lot

Avocado orchards devastated b fire Avocado and lemon orchards in Ventura Count , outh California were hard hit b the wild fires which swept through the area in late Dece ber The ew ork Ti es reports so e growers lost up to per cent of their avocado crop to the destructive fires which raced through hundreds of thousands of acres As well as homes, building and industrial areas, the fires have seriousl affected agriculture, which is a billion industr in California and e plo s ore than , people state-wide The fires found read fuel in avocado orchards in the leaves on the ground beneath the trees and an orchards, established on hillsides, were in the fire s path e on orchards ostl escaped the fla es but the strong winds which drove the fires caused fruit to be da aged or blown off the trees owever, while the fires have seriousl hurt orchard owners, the industr doesn t expect the price consu ers pa for avocados to rise significantl as ost of the avocados sold in the co e fro exico Lemon prices are also not expected to increase because an shortfall in the crop caused b the fires will be ade up b i ports

Dead wooding The best practice approach adopted b ustralian growers extends to include dedicated dead wooding orchard progra es Colin Partridge agrees that rot control is an integrated process and orchard sanitation is ver i portant “We advise growers to get rid of dead wood and u ified fruit through ulching and pruning to let light in, explains Colin This, together with wind protection, tr ing to increase fruit calcium levels and soft fruit handling, are collectivel as i portant as copper spra s Avoco is New Zealand’s largest avocado export suppl group, with support fro ore than growers n - , voco is expected to export about 3 illion tra s of fruit, with per cent destined for ustralia nder the van a brand, voco also exports to developing arkets in sia

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CC0218

Ross Mutton, a member of AVOCO’s Grower Relations Committee.

inancial costs and co placenc are cited as reasons wh so e growers avoid spra ing ut Ross sa s ew ealand s wet cli ate and the distance of their fruit to arket eans iwi avocado growers ust spra to preserve fruit ualit rowers here ight think their fruit won t be affected or that the re safe in the ix of a grower pool, so the don t do it, sa s Ross “Smaller growers in New Zealand might have a copper bill of up to $4000, but Australian growers spend a whole lot ore because the are uch closer to the proble s when the arise n realit , we have even ore reasons to spra than the Australians because our fruit has further to travel, putting it at greater risk of post-harvest ripening disorders

KIWIFRUIT

Page 50

No time for biosecurity complacency The kiwifruit industry’s recovery from the vine disease Psa-V is impressive but there’s no time to be complacent, says Barry O’Neil, CEO of Kiwifruit Vine Health.

“There are four other virulent strains of Psa-V in orea and apan which we definitel don t want in New Zealand, and at least another 69 known pests and pathogens which would pose serious threats if they became established in this country.”

Barry, who steps down from his role with KVH in March, says the kiwifruit industry’s leaders and their collective response to the outbreak of Pseudomonas syringae actinidiae in 2010 was among the reasons he took up the role six years ago.

“Very early in the response, the industry put up $25 million, which was matched dollar for dollar by the government, to tackle the disease. It was a very wise and smart move by the industry to get governent to ake a significant financial contribution to help the industry recover.”

The unified nature of the kiwifruit industr and the fact that all sectors, from growers, contractors, post-harvest, to New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc and Zespri, worked collaboratively to get through, was also impressive.

Talented people

Kiwifruit Vine Health, under general manager John Burke, was established in early 2011 to coordinate the disease response. “It was set up very quickly and a team of talented people, seconded from throughout the industry, was put together. Without the generosity of their employers, there’s no way such a skilled team could have been drawn together so quickly.”

The choice of the name Kiwifruit Vine Health was also enlightened, says Barry, as it means today the organisation is rightfully focusing not only on keeping Psa-V in check, but also on other pest and disease threats.

It was on Barry’s watch in 2014 that kiwifruit beca e the first industr to sign up to the overnment Industry Agreement on Biosecurity Readiness

and Response (known as GIA). “There was some concern about what being part of a response to a biosecurity incursion might cost but I see it as an investment in helping protect our industry. It means we can be around the table and part of the decisionmaking.”

Stink bug

Barry attributes the close relationship horticultural industries have with government through the GIA to the fact that MPI is now fumigating all sea containers from Italy in an effort to keep Barry O’Neil is stepping down as CEO out the brown marmof Kiwifruit Vine Health. orated stink bug.

“Climate change for those in the post plays a part in biosecurity risk too, as harvest industry, Zespri and New warmer conditions could make New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc and the Our Atoms are set up with radar speed sensors, this My Name is Neil Woodward.

Zealand suitable for new pests and leadership they have shown in bringing combined with fully automated sprayer controllers and diseases, the Queensland industry back stronger and with an I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run three nozzle including rings enhances application efficiencythe and Fruit Fly. even brighter future than before Psa-V. business, our team consists of three, being myself, my accuracy. son and my brother.

“No matter how hard MPI works to “We certainly never want to see 216 Pongakawa Bush Road We also use a quad bike for strip weed spray keep bugs and diseases out, some will another incursion like Psa, but itTe Puke Our organisation has been established for over 18 applications. slip through.” taught us a lot.” years. I have been involved in applying crop protection all why certificates to meet Globalgap Stu Hutchings of OSPRI the has That’s publicneeded education – aimed programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966. We hold compliance. at encouraging every New Zealander been appointed as To the contact new KVHus: CEO We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We to become a biosecurity risk manager, and takes over from Barry in March.

We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect Phone: 021 907 621 have the equipment to spray orchards with our two your with excellence. incrop effect creating a ‘Biosecurity team of KVH board chairman, Adrian Gault, Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom E-mail: zcl@zanadu.co.nz 4.7 million’ – is so important. sa s tu joins the tea well- ualified Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.

Barry feels he’s leaving KVH and with a wealth of experience and the kiwifruit industry in good heart. knowledge in management of biosOur Atoms are set up with radar speed sensors, this My Name is Neil Woodward.

“O’Neil has done what he could do. It ecurity risks; research and innovation; combined with fully automated sprayer controllers and is now time for someone else to take I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run and working on a day-to-day basis three nozzle rings enhances application efficiency and business, our team consists of three, being myself, my accuracy. this role. with farmers, alongside industry and son and my brother.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Bush working government partners.

216 Pongakawa Road We also use a quad bike for strip weed spray with our small but highly-effective “Stu is perfectly placed to take the Our organisation has been established for over 18 applications.

Te Puke KVH team of 10 and I have especially helm and continue the great work the years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966. We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap enjoyed my contact with growers. They KVH team has been doing to stop compliance. us: call and spade unwanted pests and diseases from are theTo saltcontact of the earth, We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect a shovel so you Phone: 021know 907exactly 621 where making their way into our communihave the equipment to spray orchards with our two your crop with excellence. you standzcl@zanadu.co.nz with them.” ties and onto our orchards, and being Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom E-mail: Formula tractor which is also available for mulching Barry also has admiration and respect well-prepared in case they do get here.”

and mowing.

Elaine Fisher

FAMILY OWNED & RUN SINCE 1981

KIWIFRUIT

Page 51

Region’s top young growers vie for title Six of the region’s top young horticulturalists go head-to-head in a series of events at this year’s Te Puke A&P Show on February 10 as part of the 2018 Young Grower of the Year competition.

The entrants in this year’s BOP Young Grower of the Year contest are: Aaron Wright, 27, regional manager, EastPack, Te Puke. Aaron developed a passion for horticulture at a young age and has a degree in horticulture from asse niversit e spent four ears anaging a large portfolio of orchards. He now manages the Te The day-long event will be followed by a speech Puke Prospa rchard anage ent tea , the Prospa competition during a gala dinner at ASB Arena on Spray Division Team and 30ha of kiwifruit. In 2017, Thursday, February 15, where the overall winner is also aron fulfilled a childhood drea and now owns his announced. Award-winning comedian Ben Hurley, own kiwifruit orchard in Te Puke. widely recognised from his regular appearances on Danni van der Heijden, 24, avocado services, TV3’s 7Days, for which he is also head writer, has been Trevel an s Pack Cool, Tauranga, has a achelor of confir ed as C for the ala Dinner Tickets are Science majoring in biology and chemistry. Danni’s available on line at www.bopyoungfruitgrower.co.nz responsibilities include grower technical support, data analysis and reporting, mapping, undertaking research trials and avocado nursery support. She uses data and technology in new ways to help growers. Danni is passionate about coming up with new ideas to move her team forward and enjoys the thrill of new challenges.

Hamish McKain, 27, avocado manager/production anager, D , Te Puna, works in both kiwifruit production and avocado harvest and has a Bachelor of anage ent tudies ajoring in arketing and hu an resources fro the niversit of aikato Hamish has always had a passion for horticulture and is currently part of a team working to change health and safet culture for the benefit of staff and contractors.

Levi Smith, 22, assistant production manager, Trinit ands iwifruit rchard based in aketu, has been working towards a diploma in horticulture through incoln niversit and will graduate in pril Levi is responsible for a range of activities including canopy management, team management and machine operations. Having been raised on a dairy farm and switching to horticulture in 3, evi strives to find new ways to improve overall production and job satisfaction for both himself and his co-workers.

Rishi Preet Singh, , rchard anager eeka td, Te Puke, holds a ational Certificate in orticulture Level 4 and a Diploma in Horticulture Level 5. Rishi Preet began his career as an orchard worker, advancing to a crop management role and then to orchard manager. Rishi Preet also has experience growing orchids and avocados and is passionate about growing kiwifruit plants and Erin Atkinson of Te Puke not only won the 2017 passing his knowledge and expertise onto the new Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year, but staff members that he trains. went on to take the national title too.

Rochelle Kerkmeester, 26, quality controller Apata Group Ltd, Te Puna.

Rochelle is currently working towards a evel orticulture Certificate and holds both Growsafe and Approved andlers Certificates aving been born and raised on an orchard, kiwifruit has always been in Rochelle’s DNA

and since 2015, in conjunction with Horticare Services, Rochelle has been managing her family’s orchard which she believes to be her greatest achievement. Rochelle is constantly looking for new ways to broaden her skillset and implement new techniques to improve orchard practises.

www.gaz.co.nz

Page 52

RURAL BUILDING

RURAL BUILDING

Rusty old buildings part of rural charm There is a certain beauty in the rusty old sheds and houses which dot the rural landscape. If only they could talk. If only they could tell us their history – what they were used for, who built them – what intriguing tales they could tell. They are as diverse as they are rusty but they add to the charm of the landscape. Coast & Country journalist Fritha Tagg captured images of these old buildings while driving through the Waikato countryside.

Page 53

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 54

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Advanced Home Garden-

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trades & services

February 3-4

Plant Sales, 10am-4pm,

Hamilton Gardens.

February 4-16

Permaculture Design Course,

Koanga Institute, Wairoa, $2400. See: tinyurl.com/ y8ea9ezu

February 6

Ferment, Preserve, Pickle,

9am-5pm, Pakaraka Farm, near Thames, $150. See: tinyurl.com/ybo4djgg

February 9

Concept Garden Talk & Walk, 1-3pm, start Waikato Museum and end at Hamilton Gardens, free but registration essential.

See: tinyurl.com/y8zlpvww

February 9-11

A Revealing Thyme, one-

woman show in Hamilton

BOP Young Grower of the

Year Competition, Te Puke A&P Show. See: www.bopyoungfruitgrower.co.nz

February 10

Worm Composting Workshop, 1-3pm, Paengaroa Hall, $31.50 (includes worm farm).

WBOPDC residents only, registrations essential. See: tinyurl.com/hgetab6 International Polo Day from 1pm, Kihikihi. See: tinyurl. com/yb6dszvs

February 10-11 Hamilton Dahlia Show,

1-3.30pm Sat; 9.30am-3pm Sun, Hamilton Gardens.

February 15

Introduction to Herbal

February 17

Practical Pruning: Plums,

9am-noon, Tauranga, $60.

See: tinyurl.com/ybwk5xq9 February 17-18 Organic Market Gardening Workshop, 9am-5pm, Pakaraka Farm, near Thames, $330. See: tinyurl.com/ ycl5rhtg

February 18

Mansfield Garden Party, 10am-4pm, Rogers Rose Garden, Hamilton Gardens, free (donation appreciated).

NZ Tree Project, 10am-5pm, Waikato Museum, Hamilton, free. See: tinyurl.com/ y8w3mrud

February 20

Orchid & Plant Auction,

7pm, Wesley Church Hall, 13th Ave, Tauranga. Cash only. Ph 07 577 6676.

Contact Lois today!

027 281 7427 lois@thesun.co.nz

February 24-25

Mile High Tea, 6pm, nib-

bles and bubbles on a scenic DC3 flight, Whakatane Airport, $150. See: tinyurl.com/ybrzett7

February 26March 2

Seed Week, Koanga Institute, Wairoa, $820. Learn to set up a seed bank. See: tinyurl.com/ y9x4c9cp

March 1

Home-made Household

Products, 6.30-8.30pm, Katikati Community Centre, $15. Repeated March 15. See: tinyurl.com/y9s93a57

February 22

March 3

ing, 9.30am-12.30pm, The Falls Retreat, Waihi, $75 (includes lunch). See: www. fallsretreat.co.nz

Gardens, 1-4pm, near Wairoa, koha. See: tinyurl.com/ybh2vhl4

Your herd reproduction

Rotorua Dahlia Show,

toolkit – Eastern Bay of Plenty. February 15th @ 9:30 am - 2:30 pm. Eastbay REAP, 21 Pyne Street, Whakatane Free event, register at www. dwn.co.nz/events FaceBook “Dairy Women’s Network - Central Plateau and Bay of Plenty”

February 16

noon-4pm, St Paul’s Church

Composting & Worm Farm-

February 24

11.30am-3.30pm, Ngongotaha Hall.

Livestock on a Small Block, 9am-5pm, Pakaraka Farm near Thames, $140. See: tinyurl.com/ybdsur3n

Free Home Composting

Workshop, 1.30pm, Taupo Community Gardens. See: tinyurl.com/gqseptb Garden Design Course, 9am3pm for 2 weeks, Fraser High

Guided Tour of Koanga

March 3-4 Plant Sales

10am-4pm, Hamilton Gardens.

March 4-5 Hamilton Dahlia Show, noon-3pm, Hamilton Gardens.

March 10

BOP-Waikato Young Farmer

of the Year, 8am-3pm (A&P Showgrounds) and from 6.30pm (Novotel Hotel), Rotorua.

Ngatea stopbank gets a top-up Ngatea residents are experiencing increased truck movements as the next stage in a multimillion dollar project to upgrade the stopbank gets underway, says Waikato Regional Council.

The publication showcases a range of New Farm Dairies, offering you the opportunity to highlight your particular area of involvement.

School, Hamilton, $85. See: tinyurl.com/jxwolwf Wild Food Masterclass, 4.30pm, Sunshine Gourmet Markets, Whakatane Heads, $15. See: tinyurl.com/yalutzqy

Medicine, 7-9pm for 7 weeks, Fraser High School, Hamilton, $85. See: tinyurl.com/ ybddxk95 Wild Fermentation, 7-9pm for 4 weeks, Fraser High School, Hamilton, $85. See: tinyurl.com/yajofkmp

Putaruru Dahlia Show,

xterior wash

Lounge, Kensington St, gold coin entry.

Kerepehi Transport Ltd has been contracted by the regional council to carry out work six days a week to raise the height of 1.7km of stopbank from the Ngatea town bridge to 209 River Road.

This will result in 80-100 truck movements daily between 7am and 7pm, said the council’s Hauraki zone manager, Karen Botting.

“The stopbank upgrade is expected to take 42 days, but construction is weather dependent so might take through to the end of February. We’re working closely with our contractors to minimise the impact on local residents, so we’re starting in the town and moving away from it.”

But residents might at times experience traffic disruptions on River Road, construction noise and vibration, and restricted or no access to the walking track.

Trees still standing on the stopbank will also be removed to protect the

integrity of this infrastructure. These have been offered to local Iwi. The last step as construction moves along the bank is for hay mulch to be applied. This will protect the surface of the stopbank and allow the new grass to grow.

“This section of stopbank is already above the desired flood design level, but it will naturally sink over time. So we’re topping it up by an extra 500mm to provide a greater level of protection,” says Karen.

The final stage of the project will take place in January/February 2019. It will involve upgrading 1.1km of stopbank from the Ngatea town bridge to the Phillip Island Rd bridge.

Ngatea and the surrounding area on the Piako River is vulnerable to flooding. This $10 million project – which started in 2008 – will help the council provide continued protection to people, land and roads as part of the Piako flood protection scheme.

The existing Piako flood protection scheme was developed by the Hauraki Catchment Board in 1959 and constructed between 1962 and 1979.

The scheme provides vital river and coastal flood protection for a significant portion of the Hauraki Plains.

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 55

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 56

Katikati Avocado Food & Wine Festival in January was a great success.

Visitors and locals alike enjoyed the music, food, wine and of course avocado.

Photos: Fritha Tagg.

Jamie and Alex Rayce-Bainbridge did a good job keeping up with the empties on the day.

n eep, or Susa Little Bo P om Paeroa fr Matheson, st her sheep lo e might hav prime spot for a d a but she h e day. enjoying th

BS! PRIZandEdetUailsPcan beFemOaileRd (higGh resRolutionAjpgy,s)POto Box 240,

Pictures to Coast & Countr untry Camera” or posted every entry. kathy@thesun.co.nz “Co e a name, address and phone number with Tauranga. Please includ

Charlie Chaplin and friend – one of the many entertainers mingling with the crowd.

This lively tr

oupe interact

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owd.