c&c 01/13

INSIDE

January ‘13

HORTICULTURE EFFLUENT DAIRY RURAL DRIVER CONTRACTORS SAFETY A&P SHOWS COUNTRY LIVING

Issue No. 149 Bay of Plenty & Waikato Farm, Orchard & Rural Lifestyle news

10-12 16-17 18-22 24- 25 32-33 31 34-35 36-44

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Island of birds Tititiri Matangi Island in the Hauraki Gulf provides a refuge for New Zealand’s unique native birds. Thanks to the efforts of thousands of volunteers - and it’s a place where bird spotting is easy, even for amateurs.– see story page 4

INSIDE THIS MONTH’S ISSUE

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 2

Tough decisions ahead for teens In a few short weeks children will be returning to school, and for many the beginning of the new term will mean making subject choices which could influence their future careers.

Many new Year 11 students will have no idea what career they want, which makes it doubly hard to decide what subjects to take, but the fact is, what they lock in as a 15 or 16 year old will in all probability decide the course of their tertiary education or career prospects.

It’s tempting to pursue subjects these young teens enjoy and find easiest but unless they include some of the ‘harder’ topics such as science and maths, they may miss out on careers which are rewarding both financially and personally.

Art, PE and music are fantastic but need to be balanced with core subjects which keep all the options open so that when it comes to Year 12 and 13 and thoughts turn to university, polytech or apprenticeships, the basics are there to build on.

In this issue we feature two young men who have made the most of educational opportunities to further their career ambitions. Daniel van de Pas has completed his university education and is now a scientist with the Crown Research Institute Scion (story page 42) and Shawn Sands is about to return to Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre near Masterton to complete the NCEA Level 4 dairy qualification (story page 18).

Lesley Mochan, programme co-ordinator for Horticulture with the School

of Applied Science at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, says horticultural graduates are in demand and urges young people with a love of the outdoors to consider the career options this offers (story page 14).

Mike Chapman, CEO of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers, echoes her call, saying despite the Psa-V woes, young leaders are needed now and into the future to help the kiwifruit industry recover and prosper (story page 15).

Parents and guardians assisting young people to make subject choices for 2013 should encourage them to research their options widely, through attending careers expos, visiting tertiary education facilities, careers advisers, and talking to people in jobs which interest them, as well as (of course) consulting good old ‘Uncle Google’. It’s best to keep the options open because it’s hard to know at 15 what you’ll be doing at 20. I sure didn’t have a clue.

By Elaine Fisher

Read more about Shawn Sands page 18.

The Winners of last month’s book prizes, courtesy of Halcyon Press were: “Gold Dust and Saddle Bag – Tales from the Cavalcade” by Sally Rae and Stephen Jaquiery – Dawn Wagner of Gisborne; “The New Zealand Hunting Rifle” by James Passmore - Nick Gunter of Tauranga; “Student Hunter” by James Morris - Roy Stewart of Mangakino.

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COAST & COUNTRY

The first evidence of plants gaining resistance to the herbicide Roundup is likely to mean changes to spray practices by councils, orchardists, farmer and contractors.

However, the product is also widely used by home gardeners. Companies such as Yates sell it in ready to use spray bottles advertising it as a “broad spectrum, all-purpose weed killer. It effectively controls difficult broadleaf and grass weeds. It has low toxicity and is inactivated once it contacts the soil”.

Educating home gardeners on how to avoid triggering resistance to the chemical might be more difficult than getting the message out to commercial users.

The discovery of glyphosate (Roundup) resistant annual ryegrass on a Marlborough vineyard was announced in December after it was found by a project led by the Foundation of Arable Research (FAR) and funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF).

Mike Parker, Project Manager for the Avoiding Glyphosate Resistance team, says glyphosate is the most frequently used herbicide in New Zealand agriculture and although there have been some anecdotal reports of resistance, this is the first confirmed occurrence. He says the resistance finding should provide a wake-up call for all users of the broad spectrum weed killer.

The discovery may result in changes to the rotation of crops he grows and his management practices says Bill Webb of Bill Webb Feed Solutions, Paengaroa.

“The resistance is of concern for the cropping industry and it may be that we have to look at rotating different crops but I don’t see it as too much of an issue because we remove ryegrass (as silage) before it forms a seed head so any resistance it unlikely to be passed on to the next generation of plants.”

The problem is likely to be greater where grass cover is permanent as in orchards and vine yards, or along fence lines and road sides where weeds are sprayed year after year with the same chemical, Bill believes.

“The biggest concern is from roadside verges which are also the biggest source of weeds for farmers and cropping industry, so it’s important that chemicals are rotated and the same ones not used all the time. On dairy farms paddocks are renewed on average every 10 years so resistance to the chemical is unlikely.

“Roundup is a valuable tool in pasture renewal and it would be a worry if it was not as effective.

“We already rotate the use of chemicals in our maize crops and do not use the same mix year after year to minimize the risk of resistance.

“I don’t think there’s any reason for a great panic at this stage but it is a warning that we do have to be careful with chemical use.”

Dr Trevor James from AgResearch says the best way of avoiding glyphosate resistance is to ensure it is not the only chemical used on the same paddock year after year.

Instead, he recommends mixing it with a herbicide from a different mode-of-action group every three or four years. This will kill any weeds that may be building up resistance.

While the resistance has developed naturally through the plant’s own evolutionary traits, Monsanto, which manufactures Roundup, has used genetic engineering to deliberately induce Roundup resistance in some crops.

Its website says “Roundup Ready Soybeans were commercialized in 1996, followed by alfalfa, corn, cotton, spring canola, sugar beets and winter canola, which contain in-plant tolerance to Roundup agricultural herbicides. This means you can spray Roundup agricultural herbicides in-crop from emergence through flowering for unsurpassed weed control, proven crop safety and maximum yield potential.”

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COAST & COUNTRY

High volume sweet serenade Tiny songsters flitted around us, performing an aerial concert of almost overwhelming volume.

The bellbirds were drawn to that spot, not to entertain us, but to drink sugar water, sharing it with saddlebacks inside a cage only they could enter.

Their ‘concert’ can be enjoyed almost any time on the island sanctuary which is Tititiri Matangi (commonly known as ‘Tiri’) in the Hauraki Gulf, not far from Auckland.

I’ve never heard nor seen as many native birds in the bush as we did that day. In fact, a few weeks later when we walked for four hours in the Kaimai Ranges, we heard only a solitary tui, a couple of grey warblers and saw a fantail – sad testament to the impacts of introduced pests.

Thank goodness then for sanctuaries like Tiri which provide a refuge for our unique birds, and the hope that one day some may be safety re-introduced to at least parts of the mainland.

Tiritiri Matangi is one of the few open sanctuaries where the public is able to freely enjoy the birds and the bush. It’s remarkable not just for its friendly and vocal birds, but also for the work of thousands of volunteers who have restored it to close to its original flora and fauna.

The island was settled by the Kawerau-a-Maki tribe, who built the pa from which the island takes its name. Later the Ngati Paoa tribe moved in and established the Papakura pa, which was destroyed in the 1700s during conflict between the tribes.

Europeans arrived in the mid-1850s and the island was farmed continu-

ously until the 1970s. In 1865 the Tiritiri lighthouse was built and today continues as an important navigation beacon, although it is now fully automated and powered by solar panels.

In 1984 an ambitious plan to replant the island in native bush began and a decade later more than 250,000 trees had been planted, most by volunteers, recreating a forest as close as possible to that which one grew there. Central to the project was Bellbirds are so numerous a nursery on the island propagaton Tiri their song can be ing seeds gathered from its few overwhelming. remaining trees.

We travelled to Tiri on the 360 Discovery ferry service from Gulf Harbour and spent part of the day on a two-hour, $5 guided tour led by volunteer, Kumeu chemist Jane Thompson.

Together with five others in our party, we took a leisurely stroll through the bush, stopping along the way to watch saddle backs, stitchbirds, tui and robins.

Jane explained that after the forest was replanted, and once cattle no longer grazed there, seeds which had stayed dormant for decades germinated to complement the planted bush.

Tiri never had possums. Rats were its main pest and the biggest concern for its Above: Takahe are future is the re-introduction of rats or mice, so all now breeding on visitors are warned to ensure they don’t have any Tiritiri Matangi. rodents in their backpacks or lunch boxes – but more seriously, aboard the boats which bring them ashore.

Below: The Tiri Today moreporks account for most of the fatalities lighthouse, built in of baby birds – nature at work the way it was.

1865, is now solar The tui, fantails, silvereyes, grey warblers, bellbirds powered. and spotless crakes survived on the island despite the loss of bush, but rarer birds did not. Over the years the saddleback, takahe, red-crowned parakeet, North Island robin, kokako, whitehead, little spotted kiwi, brown teal, fernbird, stitchbird, rifleman and tomtit have all been introduced and most are flourishing.

Tuatara, Dunvaucel’s gecko and shore skinks have also been introduced.

As we neared the top of the Ridge Track, a pair of takahe was quietly eating grass in the sunshine. A little like over-grown pukeko, these strange birds, once thought extinct in New Zealand, are now breeding on the island. Another pair studiously ignored tourists gathered for lunch outside the visitor centre a short walk away.

It was as we walked on our own back to the wharf that we came across the bellbird feeding station.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 5 Tui gather round a sugar water feeder.

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Gulf Harbour at the end There was one for tui outside of a full and thoroughly the visitor centre but the station enjoyable day. for smaller birds is enclosed The ferry departs from Auckwith netting too small for the Botanist Joseph Banks travelled with Captain James Cook land and Gulf Harbour. No bullying tui to enter, giving on his first expedition to New Zealand in 1769-70. This food can be purchased on the the smaller birds a chance to journal entry describes the dawn chorus he heard island and bookings for the ferry enjoy the sugar water staff put on 17 January 1770, while the Endeavare recommended. in the stations dotted around our was anchored in Queen Charlotte To find out more about the island. Designed solely for Sound, Marlborough Sounds: ‘This Tiritiri Matangi and how nectar feeders like tui, bellbird morn I was awakd by the singing to get there go to: www. and saddlebacks, the feeders of the birds ashore from whence tiritirimatangi.org. consist of a sugar-water filled we are distant not a quarter of a nz or ww.doc.govt.nz bottle inverted over a plastic, mile, the numbers of them were (search for tititiri) or hollow disk, with tiny slots just certainly very great who seemd to www.360discovery.co.nz big enough for bird tongues. strain their throats with emulaThey are for sale on the island tion perhaps; their voices were for $25 each and the two we certainly the most melodious wild have on the deck at home are musick I have ever heard, almost a vast improvement on the imitating small bells but with the dishes of sugar water we an most tuneable silver sound imaginable un dR used to put out because to which maybe the distance was no obin and are friendly small addition. On enquiring of the sparrows can’t get their our people I was told that they beaks through the slits have had observd them ever and the bees stay away since we have been here, too, leaving the sweet and that they begin to drink just for the tui. qu sing at about 1 or Some of those who o en t 2 in the morn s tly travelled to Tiri on the ferry seen by visitor and continue elected to stay the night in a till sunrise, DOC hostel, but we returned to after which they are silent all day like our The Tiri Kat entering Gulf nightingales.’ (Source: www.teara.govt.nz) Harbour to take passengers to Tiritiri Matangi.

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COAST & COUNTRY A bund was built between the Waikato River and the wetland.

Draining part of wetland management The new Ohaaki Wetland won’t be wet all the time, but it will be man, not nature, who decides the ebb and flow of its waters.

John Meikle, Fish & Game Officer, Eastern Region says annual draining of the wetland is the one critical difference between the Ohaaki wetland and most others in New Zealand and will be an important aspect of its management, pest control and provision of food for birds and aquatic species.

The wetland, which will eventually cover 35 ha of land near Reporoa, was officially opened

by Minister of Conservation, Kate Wilkinson in November.

Its development had been a two-year project which has transformed previously unused land into a natural resource that will help restore an ecosystem providing irreplaceable benefits

for the area, Dennis Barnes, chief executive of Contact Energy said at the opening.

Contact Energy gifted the land for the wetland and funding for the $1 million development was provided through the Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust and the Wairakei Environmental Mitigation Charitable Trust. WEMCT was created by Contact as part of the company’s efforts to mitigate the environmental impacts of its Wairakei operations.

John, who went to the US on a scholarship to look at wetland management there, led the project. He says there is now recognition that it is not always possible to accurately re-create wetlands the way they were before man’s intervention. Instead they should be managed to achieve the best outcomes within the modern environment.

For Ohaaki this means a management programme beyond normal spraying of emergent

plants (such as willows). “We have the absolute ability to manage water. By draining the wetland we can control aquatic pest plants, disk the site, feed seeds throughout the site for specific grasses and tubular plants so they can grow while the site is dry, then gradually reflood to provide ample plant seed food sources for waterfowl.

“Once full, the plants will then decompose and the waterfowl will eat the insects feeding on the decomposing vegetation. This system is very common in the US but not regularly used in New Zealand, especially to this scale.”

Draining will be slow and carefully controlled to give birds and aquatic life the chance to move on. The management is not unlike what happens in natural ephemeral wetlands, those which are sometimes dry, sometimes wet.

John says because of pest plants and aquatic species, flooding wetlands and leaving them flooded doesn’t always produce the best results.

One aquatic weed of particular concern for the Ohaaki wetland is hornwort, a dark green, free-floating weed with dense growth which is already in the Waikato River system. “We know it’s there and can’t do anything about that but at Ohaaki we can control it by draining the wetland and spraying it.”

As the land beneath the wetland continues to subside, it will eventually cover 35 ha. It was this instability, plus the ramping up and down of flow in the adjacent Waikato River for power generation which added complications to the design and construction of the wetland.

“The land is subsiding at differing rates and has variable water head pressures dependent upon wetland and Waikato River levels. This made the bund design especially complicated.”

The wetland is open to the public, with hides for bird watching and walking tracks. It will also be open to hunters during duck season on a permit system, managed by Fish & Game.

‘Playing in mud’ requires special skills It wasn’t quite mission impossible but it was certainly ‘mission difficult’ – designing a wetland on subsiding land, adjacent to a river with water flows which rise and fall like the tide.

That was the task assigned to engineer Steve Everitt, of Waterline Engineering Consultants Whakatane by John Meikle, Fish & Game Officer, Eastern Region.

“Three years ago John asked us to provide a feasibility study on whether or not he could create a wetland at Ohaaki where the land is subsiding because of the draw off of geothermal steam,” says Steve.

The proposal was to build a bund between the land which had previously been grazed, and the Waikato River, creating a wetland, which could also be drained on a regular basis.

Steve employed a specialist geotechnical engineer, Marianne O’Halloran of Papamoa, to examine the soils to find out if they would hold water, because if not the wetland would need to be sealed.

However, despite the predominance of pumice in the area, it was established that the soils would hold water.

The next issue was the stability of the site. “The land is still subsiding and will continue to do so and the wetland will increase in size over time.” The bund between it and the river had to be of the right height to prevent the river flooding the area in future, and the river level rises and falls because of the operation of hydro dams.

“John wanted to be able to drain the wetland and coming up with a solution to that wasn’t too difficult. Some systems rely on electrical methods of opening and closing values but we opted for a more simple one – John in his waders opening them manually.”

Steve says the project was great to work on as the emphasis was on achieving the desired result within reasonable timeframes. He’s pleased with the completed wetland and says it’s an excellent example of what can be achieved, on a much smaller scale, by private land owners who want to re-create an area for aquatic life on their land.

The irony is that engineers such as Steve were designing schemes last century to drain swamps and turn them into pasture, but now some of the more marginal areas are reverting to wetlands.

John says Fish & Game employed “on the ground engineers, and contractors well known to us.”

There is a big difference, he says in employing people with a proven track record in wetland works, rather than general civil construction. “In other words, playing in the mud is very different to playing in the dry as complications can occur very quickly.”

Above: Controlling the flooding and draining of the wetland is crucial to its long term health.

Page 7

COAST & COUNTRY

Plants provide food and shelter Enhancing the habitat for waterfowl and native fauna was the primary purpose of the planting at the Ohaaki Wetland, says Dave Dalton, Operations Manager of the Taupo Native Plant Nursery which supplied the plants.

out of season frosts. “Plant selection is important but the sourcing can have a big influence on how successful a planting is (especially on cold sites). There was very little existing native vegetation on this site. Plants which were locally grown such at the Taupo Native Plant Nursery, increase the odds in the establishment and survival of the re-vegetation.”

“Food sources (seed, fruit and flowers) are usually what people think of first but shelter is very important as it not only offers protection from the weather elements but also provides places to rest, nest and hide from predators.”

The plants used at the Ohaaki Wetland site are basically some of the core species for wetland. “One plant supplied that is not commonly used in the riparian mix was Pennatia corymbosa. This has great bird attracting properties and proved resilient in this demanding site.”

David says the site, like many in the Central North Island has cold winters, hot, dry summers and late/

Planting the right species, in the right soil type, plus regular maintenance is vital for wetland success.

Minister of Conservation, Kate Wilkinson and Eastern Fish & Game Council chairman Barry Roderick at the tree planting ceremony at the opening of the Ohaaki Wetland.

WATERLINE

Soil type on the site is wide ranging with areas of waterlogged sediment through to virtually straight pumice. “The wet sites will do well with the likes of Phomium tenax but in the pumice sites planting the right species eg. Hebe stricta needs a fertiliser tab or two.”

Like all native re-vegetation it is important to allow for maintenance. It is crucial to release the plants for the first two years as objective is to get coverage (canopy closure) which will shade out most weeds and provide a nursery for the next generation of native plants says David.

The main species planted at Ohaaki are: Cordyline australis, Phormium tenax, Coprosma propinqua, Austroderia toetoe, Leptospermum scoparium,Plagianthus regius) and riparian (eg Coprosma robusta, Hebe stricta, Pittosporum eugenodes, P. tenuifolium) revegetation. For more information on plants check out www.tauponativeplant.co.nz

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 8

Fosters have farmed the land for 135 years It’s one of the most admired farms on the Coromandel.

Most who drive up the steep hill from the Thames Coast on the way to Coromandel, look down, with some envy, at Kirita Bay.

By Elaine Fisher

“If we had a dollar for everyone who has said how much they love the view of our farm, we’d be quite wealthy,” says Marie Foster, who with husband George farms the land which has been in the Foster family since 1877.

The Foster farm begins in the hills at around 396 metres, and ends at sea level, nearly all of it hill country, broken in from native bush by the late William and George Foster in the 1870s. The original family holding surrounded all of the horse-shoe shaped Kirita Bay, a secluded inlet of the Hauraki Gulf.

Today George and Marie and daughter Rebecca are the last remaining Fosters on the land but others in the family, including George’s cousin Bill Foster, still retain strong connections to the farm and are frequent visitors to the place where they grew up.

George and Marie own 263 hectares of the original 1198 acres (484.81 ha) where George and Bill’s great grandparents, William Kerrin Foster and his wife Mary Cole-Moss settled in 1877.

“I believe the place was bush right to the water’s edge. There was no road, only a track up hill and down dale between Thames and Coromandel. Their only access was by boat,” says George.

“Once they got settled they got to work cutting firewood, posts and caps and props for the mines. The cutter, a type of sailing boat, would come in and take all the mining wood to Thames and firewood to Auckland. They used to get their tucker and supplies brought in by boat.”

William Foster came to New Zealand in 1850 and is believed to

have fought in the land wars under von Tempski as part of the 58th Regiment. Mary, his wife, who was 19 years his junior, came to New Zealand aged seven in 1849.

After the couple married they moved to Great Barrier Island where William worked in the copper. From the island the family moved to Thames to Manaia and then to Waitotara, directly over the hill from Kirita Bay. There they cut firewood and mining timber.

“They paid the Maori an agreed price for the timber on each block of land then cut it and shifted on.

“Today I think people are too harsh in their criticism of the pioneers. If they did not mine the gold or fell the timber they would have had no income and their families would have starved. Once the land was cleared, they could then farm it to provide a more sustainable income,” says George.

When George senior was 16, the family moved to Kirita Bay but still did not own the land. They did however, build a home of kahikatea with a big open fireplace about 12 feet (almost 4 metres) wide. There was a door in the back of the chimney which opened to timber jack in a three foot diameter log, running the length of the chimney. This was called the back log and it would burn day and night, heating water in a couple of big boilers. Cooking was done in camp ovens and on wet days clothes, which had been washed in the creek, were dried in the chimney.

After some years the Maori owners agreed to sell the land.

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COAST & COUNTRY Family ties – Bill Foster (left) with his cousins George and Marie Foster and their daughter Rebecca on a high point of the farm, overlooking Kirita Bay.

Page 9 George Foster logged kauri from the bush above Kirita Bay in the early 1900s.

Kauri rafted to Auckland George decide to raise the money to buy it and he went to work in the kauri bush around Coromandel and Whangapoua, using a bullock team to haul the logs out of the bush.

“Bullocks were also used on the family farm and you can still see the bullock tracks today,” says Bill.

William Foster lived at the bay until he died aged 87 in 1901 but even though she was younger, his wife died 10 years earlier in 1891, aged 49.

By 1901 George had raised enough money to buy the land and the property, registered in his name, is believed to have been one of the first surveyed in the area.

The kauri which grew near Kirita Bay could not be cut until the land was in his ownership so once it was George began to work his own bush, employing quite a few men at two pound a week plus their keep, working 10 hours a day five and half days a week.

George used his bullocks to haul timber to the beach along tracks made by hand. The biggest logs were 10,000 super feet and on the beach all the logs had holes drilled in the end, through which chains where threaded to lash them together, forming rafts which were towed to St Mary’s Bay in Auckland.

As the land was cleared it was disked and sown with English grasses to create pasture on all but the steepest gullies where native bush was left to help protect water courses and reduce erosion.

In 1907 George built the homestead

which still stands on the farm, from timber he had felled.

On January 8, 1908, George Foster (then 46) married Jeanie Bell McCormick aged 30. The couple’s children were Doris, Ernie (father of George) Frank and Tup (father or Bill).

George Foster died aged 65 in 1926 but Jeanie lived until 1950, caring for her family through the depression and war years.

“They were very frugal and selfsufficient growing their own vegetables and meat and dairy products so my father said they really didn’t notice any hardships during the depression,” says Bill.

The land belonging to Doris and Tup was eventually sold and Tup’s land is now Holes were drilled owned by a in the ends of syndicate with kauri logs, through holiday homes which chains where built around the threaded to lash original Foster them together, homestead. forming rafts which George and were towed to St Marie bought Mary’s Bay in Frank’s farm.

Auckland.

George and Marie are happy for Foster family members to visit and rekindle their links with the land and the bay, but they too wonder how long they will be able to keep farming the land they love so much.

“The wool and lamb sale cheques are not keeping up with rising costs and each year it is more difficult to service farm fertiliser and other needs,” says George, the passionate farmer who works his land every day, keeping it weed-free, caring for stock and mending fences.

Marie who works alongside him has a large vegetable garden and chickens, milks a house cow each day and makes a small amount of butter each week, keeping the family as self-sufficient as possible, just as Grandma Jeanie Foster did back in the 1930s.

Their daughter Rebecca and her hus-

band Len live and work on the farm too.

It’s a sad fact that in the 135 years since William first settled on what was a substantial holding, the economics of farming have changed so radically that what once comfortably supported a family, now struggles to do so.

By Elaine Fisher

Coast & Country is keen to learn of other farming families in its circulation area who have been on their farms for generations – email elaine@thesun.co.nz with brief background information and contact details.

Cousins George and Bill Foster on the porch of the homestead their grandfather built in 1907.

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HORTICULTURE

Page 10

How long has Psa been here?

The attitude that nobody in this country who isn’t actually employed by levy and government funded organizations such as Zespri, KVH and Plant and Food Research couldn’t possibly be doing reputable scientific research has been around for a while.

By Nathan Balasingham and Sue Edmonds

So has the attitude that all individuals who set up small companies and produce products, which they claim work as they say, are snake oil salesmen.

Pipfruit New Zealand were warning in their newsletter in September 2006 that any Supplementary Products (what they called SOs) which had not been through their data review process must automatically be suspect, and any use by growers would be at their own risk. They also had the gall to claim that many suppliers of such products simply claimed they couldn’t afford the trial work involved to provide sufficient data. Given the inflated trial charges for ‘acceptable trials’, they probably couldn’t.

The Zespri Kiwifruit Journal of July/August 2011 was on the same theme. Anything not trialled to their specifications was automatically suspect. They claimed that while some growers, when offered free product, would say it worked well, others would claim negative effects. The journal article was entitled “Buyer Beware - don’t put you or your neighbour at risk”. For some, who are currently refusing to take their advice on what to use, there have been consistent put downs and suspicion by other growers.

And yet these same people may have been hiding New Zealand data on the presence of Psa in the country and in kiwifruit for years.

Research papers

Back in 2003 a paper (Genetic Basis of Copper Resistance in New Zealand Strains of Pseudomonas syringae) written by J L Vanneste and M D Voyle (then of Hort Research) found that of 21 strains of P.syringae initially tested for DNA, eight strains were found to be copper resistant, and of a further 44 strains tested, eight were also streptomycin resistant. In both cases fragments were discovered to be 98 per cent similar to a DNA sequence from P.syringae pv. actinidiae.

Given the behaviour of bacteria and their ability to change, multiply and become virulent, it might be said that the basis for Psa to cause problems was in the country in 2003. However, the focus at that time found that with the potential for the use of either streptomycin or copper, there was a risk that either spray could cause resistance to both.

However, even now the authorities are pressing growers to repeatedly use copper sprays, and even streptomycin sprays to try to combat Psa. MPI has even issued a temporary approval for the use of the latter, while further data is gathered to try and prove

that it works.

In March/April 2012 KVH and Zespri reported on tests conducted using four brands of copper sprays to control leaf spotting on kiwifruit (Psa-V product testing - field trial report. Copper efficacy - Hort16A). None were more than partially successful. Phytotoxicity was a large problem, and fruit crops were severely diminished.

Shoot dieback from Psa was reported as higher in the copper pre-treated plants than in the control (which received no copper).

In 1989 a Japanese report (Occurrence of Bacterial Canker in Kiwifruit in Japan: Description of Symptoms, Isolation of the Pathogen and Screening of Bactericides) published in the Annals of the Phytopathogenic Society gave very clear descriptions of what the ‘new bacterial canker’ looked like (leaf spots and orange bacterial ooze) and its two season progress on kiwifruit vines, and likened it to similar circumstances arising from P.syringae pv.syringae found in pipfruit. (This paper was checked and acknowledged by a New Zealand scientist, John Young, who is still protesting at the continued funding and promotion of products which won’t work by KVH.) In March/April 2009 J L Vanneste and M Manning (now of Plant & Food Research) visited the Latina region of Italy, where they were shown orchard examples of the disease by then known as Psa, and their May 2009 paper (Bacterial canker on ‘Hort16A’ kiwifruit in Italy: report on a visit to Latina, 30 March - 7 April 2009) was prepared for Zespri. The report comments that the defining source of symptoms specific to Psa was “copious production of a red exudate from canes, leaders or trunks, with or without presence of a canker”.

They also commented that varieties Hort16A, Kiwi Gold or JinGold and Hayward were affected.

However, the visual memory of M Manning must have been short. In March 2010 he produced a paper with three others from Plant & Food Research for Zespri (Reducing the threat from New Zealand vine diseases) with a strong focus on fungi. On page 12 they reported on findings from mapping 13 Hort16A and six Hayward orchards, undertaken in 2008/9 and 2009/10.

In one case, an orchard at Te Awamutu they commented “5 per cent of the vines (including the dead vines) were showing symptoms of disease in 2008 and 3 per cent of the 758 vines in the orchard block have died since 2008. Symptoms included small cupped leaves and poorly developed fruit. A distinctive orange-coloured ‘ooze’ was observed on one severely affected vine, which also had a strong fishy/bacterial odour.

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Page 11

HORTICULTURE

Psa arrived in 2009?

Psa-V probably arrived in New Zealand around 18 months before the first symptoms of the vine disease were found in Te Puke in 2010 says Plant & Food Corporate Communications Manager Roger Bourne.

He was responding to claims that the disease may have been in this country for much longer. (See article by Sue Edmonds, free-lance science and rural writer and Nathan Balasingham, owner of Indigo Ltd, which manufactures Agrizest on page 10).

“The question of when Psa may have arrived in New Zealand was considered by the Ministry for Primary Industries in its Psa – Pathway Tracing Report, published in December 2011. MPI analysis found Psa V most likely arrived in New Zealand no more than 18 months before the first symptoms were observed in October 2010.

MPI concluded that the initial infection probably arose from a single

point of introduction at or close to the area where the first infected vines were identified,” he says.

Replying to claims by the authors of the same article that research by companies working outside government funded organisations is not recognised, Zespri communication manager David Courtney says “outside of meeting Zespri’s market and quality requirements, growers can decide to manage their orchards in a Psa environment how they choose”.

David says the Psa research and development programme is focused on delivering practical and proven tools to growers to protect their orchards from Psa. “The programme draws on the expertise of scientists and growers around the world, and any recommendations made as a result of this work are tested before being given to growers and in many cases subject to ongoing research. Ultimately, it is for growers to choose if they want to take this advice when managing their orchards.”

Call for Royal Commission This orchard was visited by the project team many times and other scientists with experience in bacteriology and virology”. Despite tests, they considered the bacteria remained unidentified. What did they think they were looking at? And yet officially Psa didn’t appear in New Zealand until 2010.

Agrizest

Agrizest came onto the New Zealand market for woody plants (including kiwifruit) in 2006. Since 2008 its labels have described it as an ‘elicitor’, a product ‘which switches on the plant’s immune system’ (label on 1 litre container).

In April 2009, following the visit to Italy, Kiwitech Bulletins Nos. 168 and 170 both recorded subdued warnings over elicitors. No. 168 stated “Elicitors (products that induce plant defence mechanisms) have not given consistent results for bacterial diseases. Furthermore, too much elicitor can induce the vine to shut down resulting in decreased plant growth.” No. 170 stated “Elicitors. These are compounds which induce a reaction in the plant leading to production of compounds which would either prevent infection or even kill the pathogen. Those compounds in general have not been shown to provide consistent and reliable level of control for bacterial diseases.”

Since 2010, some kiwifruit orchardists in the Latina district in Italy have been using Agrizest on vines, where their orchards have been hit with 70/80 per cent Psa on the trunks, which is still active. In one orchard the farmer has provided figures showing that when it first appeared they picked 90 tons from 7ha. The following year, after only two sprays after flowering they picked 230 tons, and in 2012 with two sprays pre-flowering and two post-flowering they were expecting a harvest of 280 tons. Not only has production increased (despite PSA still being very much there), but because the plants are coping with Psa by themselves, the farmer’s water usage for irrigation has reduced by 50 per cent, saving the same amount on electricity, and a reduced cost of 500 Euros/ha just for water.

In New Zealand, a brochure put out by Agrizest in 2011 quotes six orchardists who have been using Agrizest since 2006 reporting consistent increases in their gold kiwifruit harvests, despite Psa being present, and showing increased Orchard Gate Returns of up to $17,741/ha last year. Five orchardists growing Hayward (green) have consistently, over several seasons, reported increases of over $5,000/ha in OGR, with one reporting an increase of up to $6,626/ha last year.

However, a report prepared by Plant & Food in July 2011 (Short report on commercially available elicitors, natural products and microbes for evaluation against

Pseudomonas synringae pv. actinidiae by T Reglinski et al) does not include Agrizest at all, despite its being advertised and known as an elicitor.

Where did they get their list?

Zespri and Kiwifruit Vine Health have included Agrizest in a trial conducted in 2011, but have not been willing to either reveal the trial protocol, nor any results achieved. They did not seek approval to do the trial from the manufacturer.

Their media comments have consistently purveyed the view that products such as Agrizest have not been proven, and that they are now conducting ‘an extensive global research and development programme involving multiple leading research partners’.

Off the cuff comments from government research people have been along the lines that ‘these people are just out to make money’. There seems to be no thought that ‘these people’ may also be trying to solve a significant problem for part of our export industry. Or that they may have spent many thousands of their own money in research to achieve a useful product, which is doing its job.

Well if protecting your comfortable job, and persuading the Government to pour yet more money into research projects which may well not be needed is what they are aiming for, Zespri, KVH and Plant & Food Research are certainly winning hands down at present.

Despite previous government millions having been poured into developing new varieties, it has recently been reported that the Biological Industries Research Fund is to put a further $6,900,000 over six years into not only breeding Psa resistant kiwifruit vines, but also into finding or creating an elicitor to assist. They seem to have changed their minds on the efficacy of elicitors of late.

Given the apparent ‘cover ups’ of when Psa actually arrived here, the money spent looking for the wrong needles in the haystacks (fungi rather than bacteria), and the current promotion of products which have been proven not to help or solve the problem, surely it must be time for a Royal Commission investigation into the whole Psa debacle. The process must be taken away from the industry itself, and conducted by a neutral set of people.

By Sue Edmonds

My Name is Neil Woodward.

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Our organisation has been established for over 18 years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966.

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New Zealand kiwifruit growers saw first-hand the destruction Psa-V had caused to Italian orchards when they visited Latina in 2011. # Sue Edmonds is a free-lance science and rural writer and Nathan Balasingham is the owner of Indigo Ltd, which manufactures Agrizest.

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HORTICULTURE

Page 12

Developing industry leaders Although we are in the midst of the Psa crisis we continue to plan and prepare for the future.

The kiwifruit industry has been built on innovation and quality people. Innovation starts on the orchard and that works through to the research providers and is complemented by the breeding programme.

On orchard practices and a new more Psa tolerant variety will be the ultimate solution. Unfortunately that is some years away. But the other key component of the industry’s eventual recovery is quality people and quality leaders. NZ Kiwifruit Growers is implementing a leader development programme. This article reports on our progress.

First what makes a leader? Many believe that leaders are born not trained. However potential leaders need to develop credible skills. Also what is needed for effective leadership is absolute passion for the industry. As an industry we need to train and develop our upcoming leaders for their leadership role by using the following strategies.

We need to have “talent scouts” searching for potential leaders. We need to train and equip the talent scouts so that they can find people with the right make-up and a potential to be developed.

Next we need to put our potential leaders onto courses and get them to events that will up skill and enhance their natural leadership skills. We need to run networking events with role models and give each candidate a mentor. We need to get our candidates around the country and the world; we need to expose them to how other industries and how other growers do their business.

To allow leaders to develop we need to have a Reserve Bench (like in rugby) that allows those

with promise to step away from their job so that they can observe and learn from leaders with more developed skills.

To achieve this industry employers need to have understudies available to release those with promise for development.

NZ Kiwifruit Growers has an elected Forum, very similar to Parliament, and what the industry needs NZ Kiwifruit Growers to do is involve the potential leaders in our Forum meetings, develop their skills and get them to stand for election

to the Grower Forum in the future. NZ Kiwifruit Growers is taking responsibility for coordinating the industry’s leadership development by leveraging off all existing events, courses and resources.

What the kiwifruit industry needs to develop is world class leaders for our successful future and the only way we can achieve this is to put in place and coordinate the programmes ourselves. We need to start now and see if even in the current Psa environment (where employees and workers are being laid off ), we can’t have an effective but modest programme targeting anyone with promise whether employed or not.

More than fruit and vegetables Choosing a career in horticulture can open up a world of opportunities, says Lesley Mochan Programme Co-ordinator, Horticulture, School of Applied Science at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.

“Horticulture is not just about picking and packing fruit and vegetables. There are opportunities across a wide spectrum of careers within horticulture from growing and managing crops, to finance, marketing, research and development and more.”

School students who wish to study horticulture at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic need to be aware that horticulture is in fact a science.

“Students would be advised to study science at college if they want to take horticultural courses at the polytech and they also need good numeracy skills so maths is important too.”

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic horticultural programmes focus on the science behind growing plants, soils, pests and diseases, and practical skills that every horticulturalist requires.

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Maths is needed in many aspects of study including working out percentages for application rates for fertilisers and pesticides.

“Like virtually every work place today, computer skills are also becoming an essential part,” says Lesley.

“But most of all horticulture is a career for people who enjoy the outdoors and have a good work ethic.”

Every year school students are given a taste of the kind of careers horticulture can offer at the Horticulture ICE Expo (Innovation, Celebration, Education) which is held in conjunction with the Young Horticulturalist of the Year competition in the Bay of Plenty.

The polytech aims to broaden its students’ career choices through a trip to Gisborne to see other horticulture crops, post-harvest operations, high tech vegetable production and an arboretum.“The trip is a real eye opener for our students.” Even in these tougher economic times, and with the problems the kiwifruit industry is facing with the disease Psa-V, Lesley says there are still jobs available for graduates. To find out more about what’s on offer part time or full time at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic go to: www.boppoly.ac.nz

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FORESTRY

Forestry ‘squeezed’ says report The forestry sector will remain squeezed over the next few years, due to subdued demand from major export markets according to the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Export volumes are expected to hold up, but some product prices will not, the ministry says in its half-year update to the annual Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report.

Deteriorating global economic conditions are having a significant impact on returns across the board for New Zealand's primary products.

The update shows there has been strong pastoral production so far in the 2012/13 season.

"This is partly due to favourable climatic

conditions during the previous season which left breeding stock in good condition, and also on-going expansion of the dairy herd," says Chris Jones, the Manager of Economic Information and Analysis for MPI Sector Policy.

However, MPI reports the continuing economic slowdown, particularly in the traditional markets of the European Union, is causing weaker demand for some New Zealand products such as lamb.

Dollar

And the strengthening of the New Zealand dollar against most major trading currencies in recent months is having a dampening effect on farm-gate returns for primary produce.

As a result, total primary sector export revenue for the year to June 2013 is forecast to

be around $27.5 billion, down 5 per cent on the previous year's income ($29.2 billion).

Key points for the main sectors: International dairy prices are expected to recover over the remainder of the 2012/13 dairy season and beyond.

The bacterial vine-killing disease Psa-V has spread to nearly all kiwifruit growing regions, and will adversely impact gold kiwifruit exports in the year to March 2014.

For more information, go to the full, 12-page half-year update report in the Publications section </news-resources/publications> of the MPI website.

Europe

Lower lamb prices are expected, resulting from weaker demand in key European markets.

Beef prices are expected to remain firm over the next two years, following a major drought in North America affecting production there.

Horticultural exports are on track to reach $3.5 billion in export earnings in the year to March 2013, with higher in-market prices expected to offset lower volumes of kiwifruit and wine.

Many career path options Forestry is an ever-changing and multifaceted field offering a diverse range of career opportunities says Keri-Anne Tane, group manager of human resources for Scion.

“Our forest industry is dynamic and technologically sophisticated. Already the third largest export and the employer of more than 27,000 people, it faces a positive future as the world confronts the need to find solutions to shortages of wood and energy, mitigate and adapt to climate change and use land resources sustainably.”

Scion is a New Zealand Crown Research Institute, with its head office in Rotorua, that provides the scientific evidence to support forests, wood products and composite manufacturing industries. Keri-Anne, says its scientists are involved in a broad range of programmes.

“Our research is aimed at driving innovation in all aspects of the forest industry supply chain. From providing evidence for new and public policy to working in partnership with iwi to help them realise their economic and social development aspirations.

“We also pride ourselves on being at the forefront of building new industries based on renewable technologies derived from trees.”

Self-employed

Forestry offers a huge range of opportunities from relatively unskilled jobs right through to highly specialised research careers. From a business perspective, there is plenty of potential for skilled workers to become self-employed and very prosperous. Equally, Keri-Anne says people working within corporate forestry companies have access to career paths extending right up to executive management.

“Working in forestry not only provides variation in what type of role, but where. Some jobs are based in the forest itself, but others are in offices, research libraries, universities, laboratories, or customer environments. Jobs can be locally, nationally or internationally focused.”

Another huge advantage of forestry is that it provides jobs in almost all regions in New Zealand.

In regards to the careers available at Scion, Keri-Anne says the roles are as diverse as the industry and team work is an integral part of achieving results.

“We have of scientists spanning disciplines that include forest ecology, resource monitoring, pathology (forest diseases), entomology (insects), molecular biology, material sciences, chemistry, engineering, statistics, microbiology and so many more.

you are an economist, GIS specialist, pathologist, chemist, botanist, communication professional, software specialist, business development manager, project manager or accountant. The list is endless.”

And the diversification of roles will only continue as the future itself creates challenges to overcome.

“In a world that urgently needs alternatives to fossil fuels, plantation forestry offers a renewable resource of sufficient scale that it can supply future energy and material needs without displacing food crops.”

role in the utilisation of fast-growing softwoods to meet a growing range of consumer needs,” says Keri-Anne.

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Bio-fuels

Advances in technology also create new opportunities and in particular over recent years there has been a massive global push towards the concept of bio-refinery processing. This technology moves wood processing beyond the traditional timber, pulp and paper manufacturing says Keri-Anne.

“A bio-refinery is essentially the same as its oil counterpart, but instead of petroleum it uses mostly plant material as the feedstock. End products include heat, electricity, bio-fuels, chemicals, materials such as bioplastics and bio-fibres.

“This technology, along with growing worldwide demand for solid wood from sustainably managed forests, creates huge opportunities for New Zealand. The increasing ownership of forestry land by iwi enables New Zealand to add a unique proposition on a global scale,” says Keri-Anne.

“Forestry should be a career path on most people’s minds. New Zealand took a pioneering lead in plantation forestry at the end of the 18th century. Our forest management approaches were adopted in many other parts of the world. We have continued to take a leading

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Be prepared — call 0800 96 63 63 now to talk about your trees with Peter Harington, your Regional Manager.

Complex

“A lot of the research problems associated with forestry are highly complex and solutions require the combined effort of multi- disciplinary teams.”

To ensure it is an industry New Zealand continues to lead in, moving skilled professionals into forestry is imperative. Keri-Anne says that because of the significance of forestry in the world and our country’s economy, as well as the environmental future driving a growing industry, it is important the talent pool can meet the demands. And there are plenty of areas of speciality to suit any interests.

“The career choices are exceptionally varied whether

ABLE TASMAN FORESTRY SERVICES LTD

MAIZE

Page 14

Milk-line maturity indicator Silking date is the date when 50 per cent of maize plants are showing silk at the tip of the young embryonic cob and it’s a date which should be noted.

JORDAAN

(vegetative parts) ratio and time of day, all need to be taken into account. However, by examining plants in representative areas good estimates can be made.

One important maturity indicator is the maize kernel milk-line, where the milky liquid changes to the harder darker starch line. By simply snapping a cob in two and examining the upper portion’s kernels, the milk-line can be seen.

When the milk-line is one third of the way up from the bottom of the kernel the plant is in the 28 to 32 per cent DM range.

However, other indicators need to be considered (including those mentioned earlier) such as the hybrid, the husk cover colour, the greenness of the leaves and stem.

Most contractors and technical advisors have experience in harvest scheduling. Dairy farmers would be wise to seek their advice in this area.

Maize generally takes 50-55 days from this time to reach two thirds milk-line, an important indicator of crop maturity.

It is vital that crops are checked for harvest maturity. The AmaizeN calculator (a yield and nitrogen-fertiliser forecaster for growers) and 50 per cent silking date will greatly aid in determining when to start frequent monitoring.

Good quality maize silage is best made when the whole plant Dry Matter (DM) is between 30 and 40 per cent. If harvested at less than 30 per cent DM, silage in the stack will be wet resulting in high stack leachate and this leachate represents (Source: Foundation for Arable Research www.far.org.nz/index.php/far-publications/ nutrient loss. If greater than entry/best-management-practices-for-growing40 per cent DM, stack comThe book - “Best management maize-on-dairy-farms. paction and air exclusion is practices for growing maize on dairy Free copies of the booklet much more difficult. farms” is available free from the “Best management practices for In-field estimation of crop Foundation for Arable Research. growing maize on dairy farms” is DM requires considerable experience as; changes in soil type, topography, prox- available by contacting FAR - e-mail far@far.org.nz or phone 03 345 5783. imity to trees or hedges, the hybrids cob to stover

What was in this blue bottle?

This month’s mystery item from the Katikati Heritage Museum is obviously a bottle but we’d like readers to tell us what it would have contained and why it has a raised pattern in the glass.

If you think you know what it is and have a story to tell about memories of using it, you could be in to win a museum visit for two.

Send your entry to elaine@thesun. co.nz or post to Mystery Item, Coast & Country PO Box 240 Tauranga 3110 to arrive no later than January 17.

The winner will be announced in the February Coast & Country. The museum, just south of Katikati is open seven days a week from 9.30am to 4pm. To find out more visit www.katikatiheritagemuseum.co.nz or phone 07 549 065.

The December mystery item from the Katikati Heritage Museum had Coast & Country readers stumped – no one was able to identify it as a metronome used to time the speed of student typists. The small device, with an electric motor could be set slow or fast, depending on the skill of the students.

Edgecumbe farmer to represent Bay An Edgecumbe dairy farmer now has the chance to compete in the ANZ Young Farmer Contest grand final.

Page 15

MAIZE

Going hard: Contestents competing in the agri-sports race. Photo by Victoria Crafar.

ladies in the mix, keeping their male counterparts honest.”

He said the contest module challenges were designed to test various skills, both theory and practical, which kept most contestants on their Herd manager toes. There were 12 and Eastern Bay modules, ranging from Young Farmers Club welding and fencing, to member Josh Cozens, cake decorating. aged 24, has just won “Running an agristhe Bay of Plenty disports event (farming trict final, hosted by pentathlon), similar to the Reporoa Young what is seen at grand Farmers Club. final level sorted out “I’m pretty stoked, the contestants physical it was my first time and mental fitness,” entering. I thought says Alastair.

I’d try it out and see Several local what it’s all about, businesses and organiand it is good for our sations got behind the club to get out there. club to create, assist I was shocked to take and judge the modules. it out.” Josh topped “It was a combination the contest above of those and a lot of nine other comtime and commitment On the fence: Eastern petitors, who were from members that has Bay Young Farmers Club representing Reporoa, made the club pull off chairperson Josh Cozens, Massey and Eastern a successful contest, right, taking on the fencing Bay Young Farmers which was followed by challenge, looked on and Clubs. an evening show and judged by former Young He will travel to ball at the Reporoa Farmer grand finalist Hamilton in FebruMemorial Hall. and Reporoa local David ary to take part in “For a relatively Chatterton. the regional final, the young club, we have Photo by Victoria Crafar. forerunner competiexceeded our own tion to the grand final expectations and it is and says the district final gave him good great to see things are moving forward a experience to take with him. lot quicker than imagined.”

Contest day, a combined event with the Alastair says the Reporoa Young FarmReporoa Tractor Pull and Rural Safety, ers Club has grown from three members drew a big crowd of families, visitors and a year ago to 36 now. locals, pleasing organisers. The BayTrust “It is a great achievement and the outRescue Helicopter was the beneficiary of look for the club is a positive one.” the event.

The next major Reporoa Young FarmReporoa Young Farmers Club chairers event will be a raft race in February, man Alastair Neville said he was really restoring a once yearly tradition for the impressed with the way the contest came area. Those taking part in young farmer together. “We had a field of really enthucontest were Josh Cozens, Eastern Bay siastic contestants with varying ages and ; James Beattie, Massey ; Josie Winters, backgrounds. Good to see a few young Massey ; Anthony Bolstad, Eastern ;

Monique Mathis, Massey ; Corey Turchie, Reporoa; Nat Hawthorne, Reporoa; Brandon Sayliss, Eastern; Susan Anderson, Reporoa; Michael Ward, Reporoa.

By Victoria Crafar

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Page 16

EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

Project to bring more ‘liquid gold’ to dry lands Water is New Zealand’s liquid gold and its competitive advantage, Primary Industries Minister David Carter said at the announcement of a $2.5 million feasibility study to develop water storage and distribution in the Wairarapa .

The Wairarapa Water Use Project has the potential to irrigate an additional 30,000 to 50,000 hectares of land and boost the area’s GDP by $400 million, David said at the launch in December of the Business Growth Agenda - Building Natural Resources progress report.

The study is jointly funded by the Government’s Irrigation Acceleration Fund and the Greater Wellington Regional Council.

“This is exactly what the Government wants to see – projects that are carefully planned and aim for sustainable natural resource use.

“Water is our greatest natural resource, it is New Zealand's liquid gold and it is our competitive advantage. We must make the best use of it.”

The Wairarapa Water Use Project is the seventh project to come out of the $35 million Irrigation Acceleration Fund announced in

the Budget. The Fund supports the development of irrigation proposals to the ‘investment ready’ prospectus stage.

IrrigationNZ has praised the grant supporting the study into new water infrastructure for the Wairarapa.

“This is the sixth investment the IAF has made since its inception and the first to benefit the Wairarapa. Like much of the East Coast of New Zealand, the region is prone to extreme dry conditions and drought during summer. A feasibility study into a more sustainable water supply which also provides storage for irrigation will be of huge benefit to the community,” says IrrigationNZ CEO Andrew Curtis.

“This is an area that offers a lot of potential for agricultural production and existing growers, farmers and viticulturists are extremely keen to see future water options explored.”

Federated Farmers’ water spokesperson Ian Mackenzie also welcomes the project.

“Water is the lifeblood of farming.

This announcement means Wairarapa is potentially a huge step closer to securing a brighter economic future for its farmers and everyone else in the region.

“Federated Farmers lobbied long and hard for greater central government support for water storage projects, especially in drought prone areas of New Zealand. These would ensure farmers and communities have more resilience in time of drought and more consistency for their farming systems.

“New Zealand wants environmental sustainability in terms of water and land use. Building water storage for irrigation purposes would help Wairarapa farmers achieve this by easing the burden on the region’s water catchments by using stored water instead of taking directly from them.

“If you think the weather is going to get hotter, it’s not a bad idea to store some water.

“This is now the seventh water storage scoping project to receive funding from the IAF, proving the government listened and is taking action where it is needed.

“Getting the ball rolling on these sorts of projects is the first step. If we can get the project built it will means more jobs for all New Zealanders, better outcomes for the environment, and more resilient communities.”

EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

Glass and steel combine in unique tank technology Despite its size, the Waharoa tank doesn’t dominate the landscape – partly due to its green colour.

The unique glass-fused-to-steel tank technology for effluent and water storage is now available in New Zealand.

by a removable ladder and because the tank’s sides are so high, it does not need fencing.

“The next one we do is going to be 8.5 metres in diameter and will hold 200,000 litres of effluent – so it will be smaller in circumference, but taller than this “These one” says tanks have Paul. “Tank the best sizes vary properties of from 25,000 both materilitres to 20 als – the million litres, strength and so we have flexibility of got plenty steel comof scope to bined with meet differthe corrosion ent farmer’s resistance of needs.” glass on both Brett Clow and Paul Lowe of Tanks & Silos with the 2.2 million litre Permatore interior and glass-fused-to-steel effluent tank they constructed at Waharoa.

Ltd, based exterior surin the UK, faces which provides a unique has been making glass-fused-toliner-free system,” says Brett steel tanks and silos since 1959 Clow, of Tanks & Silos New and exports the components to Zealand. “Glass-fused-to-steel 110 countries with more than is able to provide many years 300,000 tanks built worldwide. It of trouble free service in harsh was the flexibility of options that environments and it’s a system attracted Brett to the product. which has been proven over “The tank system is also used for many decades on thousands water storage in cities and towns of installations in more than around the world, and would be 110 countries with the original an effective way for farmers with tanks still going strong today.” water take rights to store their The first tank in New allocation during high rainfall Zealand, which can hold 2.2 times, to allow irrigation during million litres, was constructed drier periods,” says Brett. in just six days on a Waharoa The tanks are constructed on dairy farm and measures 26.5 a concrete pad, and consist of metres in diameter and is 4.2 panels 2.7 metres by 1.4 metres, metres high. “This is the first which weigh around 140 kg. one we’ve assembled and we These panels are bolted together are very pleased at how fast and sealed to become water and easy it went together,” tight. The finish is hard wearing, says Paul Lowe, who is well One to go - the final 2.7 metre by 1.4 respected in the dairy industry metre panel remained to be installed on colour-fast, very low maintenance and easy to clean. as owner of Lowe Builders Ltd. the Waharoa tank.

Paul has been building dairy sheds throughout New Zealand for 22 years.

While constructing large rotary sheds over the last couple of years Paul and his former rugby team mate Brett became aware of the lack of choices for farmers when it came to meeting the increasing level of compliance with effluent management and water supply.

Together they researched effluent management options from around the world. This led them to the UK to investigate Permastore Tanks. It was the high quality, flexibility of size, ease and speed of construction and the strength and durability of the tanks which convinced them to commit to the New Zealand franchise.

Together they have established Tanks & Silos New Zealand Ltd, which will utilise the expertise of Lowe Builders for construction.

Paul had built the dairy on the Waharoa property four years ago, and was aware of the need for a large, secure effluent storage solution. “This particular property has a very high water table so a pond big enough to give the required storage for effluent from a herd of 750 to 800 cows would have been huge. Even though this tank is big it takes up a lot less room than a pond would and it could be located right next to the existing effluent system, making use of the same pumps, saving the cockie a lot of dough in set up costs ” says Paul.

The other huge advantage these tanks have is the ability to adapt to changing regulations. If effluent storage rules change in the future, the tanks size can be altered by simply adding more panels on top. If the farm ever decides to alter land use then the tank can simply be dis-assembled and constructed somewhere else, without leaving behind a contaminated site.

The tank has an inspection platform which is reached

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

Page 17

DAIRY

Page 18

Decision to study pays off Shawn Sands’ parents Kevin and Joanne tried to persuade him to learn a trade but the lad from Waiuku wanted to go dairying – just like them.

“My mum said why not do a trade so you have something to fall back on if you decide you don’t like farming, but

there was no trade I wanted to learn, so I said, how about I get some qualifications in farming?”

Which is what he did, and with considerable success– at Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre near Masterton.

At the end of year prize giving Shawn was awarded the 2012 Taratahi Cup for Best Overall Student, the National Bank Cup for Top Dairy Student Level 3, the

Young people from all over the country attend the fulltime residential course to learn sheep or dairy farming.

“I had a bit of an advantage having grown up on a farm but it wasn’t long before you wouldn’t know the different between me and those who came from towns or cities.

“The tutors are great and you work in small groups of around seven so you get a lot of individual attention and learn so much.”

The courses are a mix of theory, classroom work and practical skills with a strong emphasis on safety in the use of farm machinery, vehicles and equipment.

“The year just flew passed,” says Shawn.

Shawn’s parents own a 74 ha dairy farm milking 224 cows at Aka Aka, Waiuku (near Pukekohe) and that’s where he spends his holidays but the career path he’s mapped out doesn’t include working there full time – at least not immediately.

“I want to finish my level 4 next year and then hopefully find a job on a dairy farm with a person willing to help me learn even more and further my career. I’d like to progress to sharemilking and ultimately farm ownership.

“It’s all still possible in the dairy industry.”

Shawn appreciates all he has learned and experienced at Taratahi and would recommend the centre to any young person keen on a career in farming.

“I’d also like to thank the sponsors Stihl Shop Shawn Sands of Waiuku is the 2012 Taratahi Masterton who awarded me a chainsaw, Dairy NZ Best Overall Student. Photo by Pete Nikolaison.

Scholarship to help with course fees for 2013 and the Richard Mills/Taratahi Scholarship.”

At the prize giving, Taratahi Chief Executive Donovan Wearing honoured the achievements of both students and staff. “I am so proud to see so many motivated young people graduating. Their success is our success. Preparing young people to enter the agricultural industry with the right skills and attitude is sometimes a challenge. These graduates prove that it can be done, and more than that – done well.

“Taratahi has a 90 per cent course completion rate and 85 per cent qualification rate and that puts us on top of all the universities and tertiary institutions in the country. Outcomes for Maori learners are some of the best in the country and that makes me extremely proud.” Guest speaker at the prize-giving was Taine Randell, Director, Ngati Kahungunu Asset Holdings and former All Black Captain.

He advised students to keep striving towards future success in the agricultural industry.

“Farming is the backbone of New Zealand. We have the best farmers in the world. New Zealand is full of natural resources and none better than those sitting here today.”

Strainrite Taratahi Fencing Competition Cup and the Perry Cup for Ideal Trainee.

He’s going back next year to complete the NCEA Level 4 dairy qualification.

“It’s really important to have qualification today and though I’ve learned a lot from Dad, going to Taratahi exposed me to different ways of doing things.”

Shawn attended a four day Taratahi `taster course’ before committing to study there and says it was a great introduction to what the centre offers.

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DAIRY

Milk at the gate sales continue Farm gate sales of raw milk will continue and the amount that can be purchased is likely to increase, Food Safety Minister Kate Wilkinson has announced.

Farmers will also be exempt from the current requirement to have a costly Risk Management Programme for farm gate sales of raw milk and will instead need to adhere to certain animal health and hygiene requirements.

“The current Food Act allows people to buy only up to five litres of raw milk at the farm gate to drink themselves or give to their family,” Ms Wilkinson says.

Consultation carried out by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) on possible changes to rules for raw drinking milk sales attracted nearly 1700 submissions.

“Most submitters not only want farm gate sales to continue, but for the maximum amount to be increased, and for raw milk sales

to also be available off the farm,” Ms Wilkinson says.

“This Government is committed to continuing raw milk sales.

Following the consultation process, I have asked MPI to undertake further policy work including scientific risk analysis to investigate: • Increasing the daily farm gate limit.

• The necessity or otherwise of a maxi mum daily distribution limit for farmers.

• Managing the sale of raw milk outside of the farm in a way that balances public health with consumer choice.

• Ensuring consumers are informed on the risks associated with raw milk when they purchase it to enable an informed choice.

“Once this advice has been received the Ministry for Primary Industries will undertake further consultation.

This will inform the final decisions and the development of new regulations.”

A summary of the submissions can be found here: http://www.foodsafety.govt.nz/elibrary/industry/farm-gate-raw-milk-sales/index.htm

Forecast up – and rain welcome Christmas gifts Dairy farmers received early Christmas presents in the form of an increase in Fonterra’s pay-out and some very welcome rain.

The improved pay-out is now $5.90 to $6 before retentions for a fully shared up farmer, 25 cents up on the previous forecast . It isn’t huge but it will take a lot of pressure off farmers, especially those who were struggling with low advances. The rain was a boost too because conditions were getting pretty dry. I know we certainly welcomed it as it meant we could finish spreading urea on our maize crops to take advantage of the moisture.

It had been a cold spring and crops were suffering some moisture stress so the rain and a lift in day time temperatures was just what we needed to get out crops up and away.

The rain which fell in the second week in December wasn’t forecast and when I checked the rain radar and found rain was on its way we headed out to get the urea spread as quickly as we could.

Weed spraying on our brassica crops was also completed before Christmas and we are now planning for spraying the winter crops.

Despite the rain, predictions are still for a hot dry summer, which should please the holiday makers.

Farmers want to have as much quality feed as possible to keep their cows milking as long as they can. Cows which aren’t producing milk still have to be fed but they are not returning any income.

Mid January to late March is usually the toughest time for grass and we still have a good inventory of quality feed available to keep cows milking when grass becomes scarce.

Many of our clients took early delivery of our bailed silage and some were feeding it out before the December rains, to keep their cows milking and preserve what pasture they had.

With our most immediate crop management jobs tied up before Christmas, we headed off for time with family and friends and like other holiday makers, hoped for some sunshine and settled weather so we can enjoy a spot of fishing.

The team at Bill Webb Feed Solutions wishes everyone a safe holiday and a happy and prosperous 2013.

Page 19

Better quality with higher production There is a widespread misconception that improving the quality of what we grow and produce from the land will result in lower volumes.

This argument is used by supporters and users of conventional growing systems to justify a regime that increasingly struggles with the speed and magnitude of the changes now required.

The production of a healthy plant, animal, or person is always greater than a less healthy one.

So too with soil, healthy well-structured biologically active soil will always produce more than a semi-sterile, compacted piece of dirt.

Eight years ago we started making products based on calcium and magnesium that included live fungi and bacteria and integrating them into conventional soil fertility programmes providing phosphorus and sulphur, and potassium where required.

The notion that New Zealand can produce the quality and quantity of food required for a healthy and productive population without modifying soil chemistry in some way doesn’t make sense.

Our soils are naturally not suited to the production of a wide range of fruit, vegetables, crops and pasture, so an understanding of the nutrient requirements of each is necessary.

Some of that knowledge is available and the rest is being steadily gained through observation and measurement.

Careful measuring of growing systems based on DoloZest and CalciZest over the last eight years has shown that soil is better structured than that under conventional growing systems, particularly those reliant on fertiliser nitrogen as a driver of growth.

In a pastoral situation the nitrogen required for near maximum growth is provided direct from the atmosphere and via fixation by clovers. The spread of growth throughout the season is more even as soils rich in humus are better able to provide nutrient and moisture to plants on an as required basis.

Not only is the quantity grown greater, the quality of the pasture and therefore the quality of the meat is also better. Milk produced from these properties typically has higher protein content.

Per animal production is greater and the cost of treating ill animals is significantly reduced. The ability of animals to maintain a 12-month calving and lambing interval is also improved.

Recently the first fourteen months of nitratenitrogen leaching results were made available and they show significantly lower levels of NitrateN lost from the DoloZest/CalciZest based programme compared to a fertiliser N driven programme.

There is no down side; volume is higher, costs are less, and each year there is the potential for increased production due to more soil-stored carbon.

DAIRY

Page 20

Taking down the boundary fences Hundreds of women who work in the dairy industry will be tackling some of the big issues that affect today’s farmers including the rural/urban divide, environmental constraints and developing future leaders, when they get together at the Dairy Women Network’s annual conference in March 2013.

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having farmers and conservationists working together to achieve this goal will ensure we all have productive and sustainable farms to live and work on in the future,” said Sarah.

Eight workshops across the two-day conference will include topics ranging from profitable nutrition and cow behaviour to time management strategies and leadership mentoring.

“The leadership panel discussion features women such as Robyn Clements and Barbara Kuriger sharing the challenges they’ve faced to go beyond their farming boundaries and become leaders in their communities. Whether you have a grassroots or governance position or are yet to take your first steps into leadership, they’ll help delegates understand where they are on the leadership journey and what the next steps could be,” explained Sarah.

Draw-card speaker Mahe Drysdale will close the conference taking about how dairy farming can be just as demanding as chasing an Olympic dream.

“Being prepared, working hard and dealing with setbacks, there will always be tough times and things you don’t like doing, but overall it’s a pretty awesome existence,” says Sarah.

The Network also confirmed it had a new industry partner and conference sponsor, farm nutrient management specialist Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

“Ballance Agri-Nutrients is a leading company that shares many of our organisational values. We’re very grateful for their support and this tremendous opportunity to work together.”

Ballance General Manager of AgroScience and Marketing, Liz Muller, says that the co-operative recognises one of the biggest issues facing dairy farmers is learning how to manage within nutrient loss limits.

“Women are key decision makers in the rural sector and will have a leading role in managing the changes required as new regulations impact how New Zealanders can farm.

We bring our expertise on managing nutrients on farm to this partnership with the Dairy Women’s Network and provide farmers with viable options for working through these challenging times and for their continued success.”

The second ‘Dairy Woman of the Year’ award winner will be announced at the conference gala dinner. The winner will be awarded a position on the prestigious Women in Leadership 12 month course run by Global Women, which is valued at $25,000. The award is sponsored by Fonterra Milk Supply and nominations are currently being sought.

Registrations for the conference are now open and all women who work in the dairying industry can register at www.dwn.co.nz

The line-up of high calibre keynote speakers includes Olympic rowing gold medal winner Mahe Drysdale.

The two-day conference at Nelson’s Rutherford Hotel, starting on March 20, 2013, is themed ‘Taking down the boundary fences’.

Chief executive Sarah Speight said the conference programme was largely dedicated to inspiring and encouraging dairy women to look outside the boundaries of their farms with topics covering many of the challenges and opportunities faced by dairy women.

She added that it was also a great opportunity to take time out from the farm and connect with other dairy women and rural professionals.

“The dairy industry is constantly changing and under scrutiny from people outside the rural sector. As dairying women we can foster the understanding between our rural and urban colleagues that we want to and can look after the land, our animals and our people, while having sustainable businesses.”

The first of three distinctive key note speakers, Hinerangi Edwards kicks off the conference speaking about the diversity of New Zealand’s dairy industry.

A trustee of Taranaki-based charitable trust Parininihi Ki Waitotara (PKW ) Incorporated whose farming enterprise, PKW Farms Ltd, produces more than 2.3 million kilograms of milk solids per year, Hinerangi will share her goals for creating a positive future for all New Zealanders that is linked through the connection to, custodianship of and shared love for the land.

Hinerangi is followed King Country tourism operator Dan Steele who injects his passion and humour into a subject that must be taken seriously – the environment.

“Combining his passions for farming, tourism and conservation, Dan is on a mission to make New Zealand a better place for the future. Dan believes

Page 21

DAIRY

Pasture renewal - is it worth it? the ground was still very dry, so Dave waited until it rained in mid-April before starting.

The ground was first ploughed, but then rolled and rolled and rolled. A power harrow prepared a seedbed 10mm deep, and then 22kg/ha of The new ryegrasses with various treated ‘Commando’ and ‘150’ ryegrass endophytes have been widely touted to and ‘Emerald’ clover seed was sown on fix animal health and pest probApril 27, 2009 using a seed roller. lems, but they need much No weed control was used at more careful grazing all until last winter, when and other managea light spray was put on ment to persist. by helicopter.

And a lot of the In its first season, problems also the new pasture come back to did, as expected, how healthy produce more and working than its neighbour your soil was between June before you and December started.

3.5 tonne more.

So when After three years Dave Mugthe production is geridge of much like the rest Tatuanui won of his old pastures, the DairyNZ some of which are award for Best more than 20 years Pasture three years old, and which still conand older, those who sistently produce more attended the open day dry matter than other The pasture on Dave found that he had, as farms around.

Muggeridge’s farm usual, succeeded by There are few weeds, has lots of clover. trusting his farmer gut lots of clover, and the feelings and doing it his ryegrass has formed way, rather than blindly strong clumps with long following instructions. roots.

The area to be renewed Dave works on the had come about because principle that grazing a hedge down the times and levels are centre of a carefully controlled, and field had been pugging in winter is removed, and never allowed. there had been The first grazing was quite a bit of not done until it was black beetle around. It proven that the grass seemed a good excuse would not ‘pull’, and to try out some new the cows were allowed grass and clover seeds. no more than two hours However, as with the rest grazing, by which time of Dave’s farm, the lime, the level was down to fertiliser and grazing 1500kg/ha. regimes which had been Two more short grazfollowed, meant that the ing periods followed soil was actively working when regrowth was and very fertile. sufficient, and then the Dave Muggeridge of The seed merchant new pasture ‘took its Tatuanui won the recommended planting chances’ as part of the DairyNZ award for on March 9.

Best Pasture three years normal round.

However, at that stage Some experts would and older.

say that he should have grown a fodder crop in between pasture, and got rid of weeds by spraying that. But with Dave’s normal liming regime there were few weed seeds in the seed bank, and weeds in the new pasture were never a problem.

He also used what some would consider a generous amount of seed, but the way it was planted the germination rates filled all the spaces, and have continued to do so.

So if your soil is already fertile and working well, there is suf-

ficient moisture, you are liming regularly, the ground is well rolled, and adequate seed is planted at the right depth, moving from old pasture to new could work for you. But taking better care of what is already there might also do the job.

By Sue Edmonds

Proven Designs, Proven Profits

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Page 22

Plant life requires 17 essential elements As the ruminating animal is deriving its food form products grown in soil, would it not be wise to make sure that there are no limiting factors down there first?

After all this is where all life begins and in fact where it all ends as well. The type of protein contained in the plant will be modi-

fied depending on the soil on which it grows. If the soil is too compacted the soil biology will have difficulty converting nitrogen and much of what will be taken up will be in the form of ammonia.

Minerals such as those that require an oxygen atom, such as phosphates, nitrates, molybdates, borates,

sulphates, in fact all elements ending in ‘ate’ will be in short supply. Some elements require multiple oxygen atoms, for example, phosphate is taken up by the plant as ortho-phosphoric acid H2PO4 the plants preferred form of phosphate. This molecule contains four atoms of oxygen to each one atom of element. The same applies for the element sulphur; they are taken up by plants as sulphates (SO4) four atoms of oxygen and one atom of element again.

Plant life requires 17 essential elements and if you neglect any one element at soil level, you will be paying for it in one form or another, loss of produc-

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tion or dead animals. On this planet, there are no free meals. Stresses and strains all take money out of your pocket and place it in someone else’s. This is known as Libig’s law of minimum; the response will be proportionate to the element most limiting plant growth. Increasing concentrations of nitrate, nitrite, in the presents of molecular oxygen will enhance the production of nitrous oxide relative to molecular nitrogen during de-nitrification in soils. This is what takes place in swamps and peat bogs.

Soil acidity interacts with nitrate to increase the ratio of nitrous oxide to molecular nitrogen. In response to anoxic conditions, (lack of free oxygen) nitrous oxide production is initially increased.

Nitrous oxide is normally then consumed. This is a process which results from the sequential synthesis of the enzyme nitrate reductase. This process is now limited, thus the increase in nitrous oxides in our soils. Again a manmade problem.

The foolish application of urea and other forms of bagged nitrogen to soils has smitten our soils and our animals, not to mention the damage it is doing to our environment and human health. The type of proteins being consumed are poorly formed and easily disseminated, resulting in bloat, facial eczema, poor fertility, mastitis, rota-virus and many other debilitating diseases and disorders.

Nitrogen applied out of the bag cannot be applied in tandem with all other growth factors, the evidence of that is now vividly obvious. As I have so often reiterated, nitrogen availability to plants is as a result of a cycle, termed the nitrogen cycle. The atmosphere contains 78 per cent nitrogen and the plant life and only some specialised soil bacteria have the ability to ‘fix’ this nitrogen so that plants and animals can use it for their needs. All systems must be on ‘GO’ before it is of any benefit to plant and animal life. To apply it to soils from the bag is just plain irrational; a cost for which we are all now paying.

In summary, look after your primary asset, the soil, first and foremost. A standard NPK test will not do you or your soil justice.

There is no more carbon on the planet than there was in day one.

The methane expended by the animal is excess ingested, balance its feed intake and there will be no excess methane to expel.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is in excess because the bacteria required for their conversion are no longer able to survive in the soil environment provided.

The application of bagged nitrogen to pasture soils is foolish.

KNOW YOUR AGENT

Page 23

Page 24

RURAL DRIVER

Bikers warned of rule changes With summer here and long warm days for riding ahead, the NZ Transport Agency is reminding motorcyclists heading out on the roads of important changes to the driver licensing system introduced earlier this year.

The changes, introduced as part of the Government’s Safer Journeys strategy to reduce deaths and injuries suffered by motorcyclists and keep new riders safer on our roads, include: • Changes to minimum licence time requirements - all novice motorcyclists, regardless of their age, are now subject to a minimum of 18 months in the restricted licence stage. Important aspects of this change to note are: - Taking an approved advanced driving course (Street Talk or Defensive Driving Course) no longer reduces the minimum time a person is required to hold their restricted motorcycle licence.

- The minimum time a person aged 25 years of age or older is required to hold their restricted licence has increased from 6 months to 18 months.

M{ZD{

• The learner approved motorcycle scheme - the introduction of a power-to-weight restriction for learner and restricted motorcyclists. The scheme identifies a range of appropriate motor cycles for learner and restricted Class 6 licence holders, based on the overall performance capability of the motorcycle. Learner and restricted motorcycle riders now have a wider range of motorcycles to choose from but need to ensure the motorcycle they are riding meets the new criteria. To find out which motorcycles are approved, visit www.nzta.govt.nz/lams • Strengthening the basic handling skills test – the test has been changed to ensure new riders have a higher level of skills required to ride on our roads before they obtain their learner licence.

In addition to these initiatives, the NZ Transport Agency expects to introduce a competency based training and assessment course in late 2013 as an alternative path through the motorcycle licensing stages.

Further information about these changes can be found at www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/getting/motorcycles/changes.html

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RURAL DRIVER

Thousands of drivers can’t see properly, survey shows

Bike Wise events on now This summer is shaping up to be a long, hot one and the NZ Transport Agency is urging Kiwis to get on their bikes, enjoy the great weather and discover the many benefits cycling can offer.

To encourage more Kiwis to give cycling a go and to raise awareness of safe cycling, the NZTA’s 11th annual Bike Wise programme includes a schedule of cycling activities are happening around country and culminate in Bike Wise Month, February 2013.

While people get out and start enjoying the best season for cycling, it’s important that cyclists and motorists ensure they share the roads safely this summer.

“Cycling is a great summer activity to be involved in but keeping safe on the roads should be a key consideration,” says NZTA’s Manager Network User Behaviour Jennie Gianotti.

“Thousands of Kiwis already enjoy cycling and as the weather warms up, we’d love to see more people get out there. This year’s Bike Wise programme features plenty of fun events around the country which we encourage people to head along to.”

As holidaymakers hit the roads, here are some key tips to sharing the road safely:

Safety Tips for Cyclists

• Be predictable: make eye contact with other road users to ensure they are aware of you and signal your intentions clearly.

• Be confident: ride in a straight line, at least one metre from parked cars and take the middle of the lane when you have to.

• Be patient: slow down near parked or lined up vehicles. Pass slowly and only when safe.

• Be considerate: try not to hold up the flow of traffic. If necessary, pull over to allow vehicles to pass.

Safety Tips for Motorists

• Be aware: watch for cyclists, especially in low light or rain, before opening car doors and at

Page 25

More than 110,000 drivers on New Zealand roads may not be able to see properly, according to an AA survey, carried out in partnership with Specsavers.

intersections. Cyclists may be travelling faster than you expect.

• Be patient: slow down near cyclists and if need be, wait behind them. Pass slowly and only when it is safe. Ideally, leave a space of about 1.5 metres.

• Be considerate: cyclists sometimes need to use the traffic lane for their safety. Please give them time and space to move in and out of the lane • For more tips see our Safety Tips for Cyclists and Motorists leaflets on www.bikewise.co.nz/ resources/resources-families.

Bike Wise Events

• Big Bike Tune Ups, till - February 2013 To ensure bikes are safe, road-worthy and are a good fit for the cyclist, a series of Big Bike Tune Ups will be held throughout the country over spring and summer. People are encouraged to bring their bikes along to a local Big Bike Tune Up where a free maintenance check will be given. See www.bikewise.co.nz events for a list of Big Bike Tune Ups. • Bike Wise Month, February 2013 A number of fun cycling events will take place throughout the country during Bike Wise Month, to expose Kiwis to the enjoyment of cycling. Events include recreational rides, bike festivals and family fun rides. See www.bikewise.co.nz/events for a full list of events.

• Go By Bike Day, 13 February 2013 The key event during Bike Wise Month, Go By Bike Day is a day on which people are encouraged to leave the car at home and cycle to work or school.

See www.bikewise.co.nz/events for a full list of events.

For more information on the Bike Wise programme, activities happening in your area, cycle routes, bikes and more, visit the Bike Wise website www.bikewise.co.nz.

You can also share your cycling stories and get frequent updates on Bike Wise’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/bikewise) and on Twitter www.twitter.com/bikewisenz.

The survey found that almost one in eight people (12.9 per cent) who are required to wear glasses or contact lenses while driving have driven without them; and of those, over 85 per cent have done so more than once.

The surveyors applied those proportions to 864,000 licensed drivers required to wear corrective lenses and say that equates to more than 110,000 drivers on New Zealand roads who may not be able to see properly; or one in 30 Kiwi drivers in total.

The AA member survey findings also reveal that almost one in five (18.6 per cent) have found the cost of lenses or glasses a barrier to updating their prescriptions, and that 10 per cent of drivers admit to night vision difficulties.

Mike Noon, AA Motoring Affairs General Manager, says the survey shows some drivers aren’t seeing as well as they could be.

“The AA is determined to help drivers be as safe as possible on the roads and hopefully these findings provide a timely reminder of the need to always wear the right prescription glasses when driving.

“Drivers owe it to themselves, and everyone else on the road, to make sure they can see clearly before they get behind the wheel.

If their vision is compromised, they pose a danger to themselves and others.”

Philip Walsh, Specsavers optometrist and Professional Services Advisor, says the survey results are concerning.

“People need to be diligent and ensure that they have their eyes tested regularly.

Just as importantly, they have to ensure they actually wear their glasses when driving because they’re not much use on the bed-side table.

“This research shows that New Zealanders need to make their eye care a higher priority, and cost needn’t be such a big barrier given the competitive prices that some retailers now offer. Good vision is essential for road safety. If you can't see properly, then you can't drive safely,” says Philip.

The online survey of 927 AA Members has a 3.2 per cent margin of error.

Page 26

COAST & COUNTRY

Facial eczema costs millions Facial eczema is a very serious disease mainly of sheep and cattle (particularly younger animals) which generally occurs from January through to May, in the coastal and low lying areas of the North Island.

As well as causing severe pain and suffering in affected animals, it is estimated that it costs New Zealand agriculture

hundreds of millions of dollars per year.

It is caused by a fungus called Pithomyces chartarum that grows in the dead litter layer of the pasture and produces spores containing the toxin ‘sporidesmin’ when conditions are favourable (warm and humid). When animals ingest the toxic spores, the toxin is released, causing liver damage.

The spores then pass through the animal and are excreted in the faeces.

Spore counts can be monitored with pasture spore counting or faecal spore

counting. Faecal spore counting is particularly useful because it gives you a more accurate picture of actual spore intake.

Treatment is unrewarding so significant effort should be put into prevention. Historically high doses of zinc (which ‘neutralises’ the sporidesmin) has been used in conjunction with careful grazing management, but it is well recognised that zinc has its limitations. The dose of zinc required to protect animals is very high so can suppress appetite and production, and administering the correct dose can be difficult practically (especially in sheep). Finally if the dose is too high, toxicity can occur, or if the dose is too low, facial eczema can result due to insufficient protection.

In recent years the use of a fungicide called carbendazim has increased as the price has reduced enormously.

It is sprayed on to the pasture, with a suitable wetter, to control the fungus. Spraying is usually required every six weeks and if started early enough, spore counts can remain virtually undetectable. The huge advantage is that animals ingest negligible amounts of toxic sporidesmin and do not require a potentially toxic substance (zinc) to neutralise it. The key to using fungicide though is to start early (by monitoring spore counts), do a good quality spray job and repeat as required.

$30,000 fine for illegal milling Illegally milling indigenous timber has cost a Whakatane man $30,000 in fines and reparation and the loss of $50,000 of timber.

Stuart McKenzie Neilson pleaded guilty to illegally milling approx 17 m3 of rimu and matai, part way through a defended hearing in the Whakatane District Court late last year.

He was fined $15,000 plus a further $15,000 in reparation to the Ministry for Primary Industries for milling indigenous timber.

More than $50,000 worth of seized timber was also forfeit to the Crown with a judicial recommendation

Get prepared for facial eczema now Use cost-effective Sporeguard® (with Sporewet®) to control the facial eczema fungus by spraying pasture before spore counts rise.

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that it be returned to the local hapu. The court heard that under the Forests Act, indigenous timber can only be produced from forests which are managed in a way that maintains continuous forest cover and ecological balance.

Controls on sawmills mean they may only mill logs of indigenous species sourced from forests managed according to sustainable management plans or permits, or other approved sources.

Indigenous timber may only be milled on registered sawmills and only after consent is granted by the Ministry for Primary Industries under the Act. The Ministry's northern compliance manager Greg Keys says MPI received information in October 2011 that Stuart was milling and selling sawn indigenous timber.

MPI investigations found evidence of a range of transactions made by Stuart and a co-defendant, Bennett Cameron Hutching, including delivering loads of native timber to an Auckland timber merchant, milling matai and rimu from the Waimana area without approval of any kind, and offering a quantity of milled totara, rimu and matai for sale to a Wellington timber merchant.

Charges against the co-offender Bennett Hutching were withdrawn following the guilty plea.

Greg Keys says Stuart Neilson was familiar with the requirements of the Forests Act, having been a registered sawmiller from 1999 to 2002.

"The nature of this offence is serious. The laws relating to our indigenous forests should be vigorously applied and should be complied with for a range of reasons, most significantly to protect New Zealand's natural resources and environment."

Page 27

COAST & COUNTRY

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Page 28

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Tractor ideal in either hemisphere British sheep and beef farmer Colin Boocockwith his new McCormick X60.20.

Farming sheep and beef in Yorkshire may be a world away from New Zealand but if there’s one thing farmers have in common – it’s the appreciation of a dependable, easy to operate tractor which is why the McCormick X60 is finding favour in both hemispheres.

British sheep and beef farmer Colin Boocock has gone from using two tractors on his 38 ha (94 acre) farm in north Yorkshire to using just one. With no back up machine on hand the one he chose had to be reliable and versatile.

Colin says he selected the new McCormick X60.20 to handle the varied field and yard tasks on his property for three reasons.

“Other tractors I looked at were more expensive and also a bit more cramped compared with the X20’s cab,” he says. “When you are getting on and off a tractor all the time feeding stock it needs to be easy, and that’s certainly the case with this tractor. It has a wide door opening and an incredible orchard tractors

ag tractors

Shuttle transmission with a basic 12-speed gearbox and a hydraulic H-M-L that triplicates the ratios of the basic gearbox on load.

The hydraulic reverse shuttle gives a total 36 forward 12 reverse speeds. With the addition of a Creeper you can up your options to 48 forward and 16 reverse.

The electro-hydraulic PTO comes with options of two speeds (540/750 or 540/1000) or a third speed (540/750/1000).

PTO engagement is regulated automatically by a sensor that detects the inertia produced by the implement. The innovative electronically controlled hydraulic reverse shuttle allows the operator to modulate the action of the unit to suit the implement used.

X60 series tractors can be equipped with up to five control valves, while the lifting capacity of the rear power lift is now up to 5,000 kg.

The braking capacity of the X60 range has been increased by installing booster brake pumps that achieve decelerations well below the values required by the European standards. For more details on McCormick tractors contact NZ distributor Agtek on 07 573 8132, or visit www.agtek.co.nz.

Smart phones can help fight fires Spades and hoses are not the only things that rural firefighters can use to fight wildfires; thanks to Crown Research Institute Scion, they can also use their smartphones.

small tractors & mowers

amount of space inside. “The big windows make it easy to see all round the tractor. The push-back, push-up hitch comes standard and with it you only have to look round to hook up to a trailer.

“The X60 has plenty of power for the work it will do. The Perkins engine provides some continuity from my previous tractor where it performed quietly and reliably. My 92hp version has plenty of torque. It pulls really well, and it is nice to know everything is engineered to handle a lot more power.”

The McCormick X60 has a tougher build and heavier duty transmission and front axle than the earlier CX model. It features a locking differential and disc brakes as well as more rear linkage lift capacity with draft control sensing through the lower linkage arms. Their versatility is enhanced by their high ground clearance.

“This tractor is not too heavy,” Colin say, “but it has a fair bit of weight, especially around the back end. That’s great for stability when it is working with a loader.”

There are four models in the X60 Series which extend from the X60.20 up to the 120hp X60.50 model. They feature a Power

Fire researchers at Scion have developed an Android-based smart phone application that

helps fire managers to predict fire behaviour.

Fire managers can input wind speed, relative humidity, slope, and other factors into their phone and the software calculates how hot and how fast a fire is likely to spread in different vegetation types.

Senior fire scientist, Grant Pearce says this tool is based on 20 years of research into how fire is likely to behave in New

Zealand conditions. “We used data collected from experimental burns and wildfires to develop tools that help fire managers to make decisions about how best to tackle any given fire,” he explains.

“These tools started out as paper-based lookup tables and field manuals. Over time, we evolved these into software applications, which are now designed to run on smart-

phones.” Grant says that fire managers were keen to have everything at their fingertips in an emergency.

“People used to just use their phones for calling 111. Now fire fighters can use them to calculate a fire’s rate of spread, its fire intensity, flame length and a whole lot of other useful measures for managing the fire fighting.”

The development of an Apple-based application will begin following the completion of the android version.

Development of this smart phone application was funded by the Forest and Rural Fire Association of New Zealand (FRFANZ), with production of the underlying fire behaviour models funded by the Ministry for Science and Innovation (MSI) and rural fire enduser organisations.

Scion is a Crown Research Institute that undertakes research, science and technology development in forestry, wood products, biomaterials and bioenergy.

Scion's work contributes to beneficial economic, environmental and social outcomes for New Zealand.

Formerly the NZ Forest Research Institute, Scion employs approximately 320 people and has its head office in Rotorua.

For more information, www.scionresearch.com/fire

Page 29

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Scion up-scales biotechnology capability Scion’s new fermentation laboratory enables the scaling-up of its industrial biotechnology capability.

A $5.5 million laboratory upgrade at Scion houses new equipment that could help to blaze new trails for wood processors and manufacturers in New Zealand.

The latest investment adds to a comprehensive range of scientific equipment and services for supporting industrial research using renewable resources.

Manufacturers of advanced materials and products need expert help to achieve innovation while reducing risk. Scion’s unique combination of equipment and capability means that manufacturers can get all the R&D support they need on one site.

Scion’s role in this sector is nothing new. Starting back in the 1980s with an industrial-scale mechanical pulping plant, Scion helped manufacturers of pulp and paper get ahead. This unique facility is now used to develop biorefinery technologies for producing bio-

fuels and chemical co-products. General Manager for Manufacturing and Bioproducts Dr Elspeth MacRae says Scion has invested heavily in growing this capability to a new level.

“We have just installed a fermentation laboratory that enables us to scale-up our industrial biotechnology capability. This facility will be used to research biological processes using micro-organisms,” she explains.

Combined with the mechanical pulping plant, the fermentation laboratory enables scientists to emulate key aspects of processing lignocellulosic material in biorefineries. The ability to conduct large-scale experiments is crucial to demonstrating the commercial potential of new technologies.

“It is often difficult for investors to see the potential in ideas that remain in a laboratory. Our aim is to introduce the scale needed to evaluate product options and demonstrate viable opportunities to industry,” Elspeth says. Scion demonstrated the value of the

scaled approach with TERAX, a waste management technology co-developed with the Rotorua District Council (RDC).The Council has approved the design, and construction of a full-sized demonstration plant for the TERAXTM process will begin in 2013.

“We hope that by demonstrat-

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‘Keep out’ cones a success Using specially designed cones to warn children of spraying in orchards may be adopted in other rural areas following the success of a project at Te Puna.

The idea of placing warning cones near kiwifruit orchards adjacent to schools, Kohanga reo, marae, bus stops and sports grounds came from local children’s writer Tommy Kapai Wilson and Bay of Plenty Regional Council staff under the council’s in-house Innovation Fund.

The fund provides seed funding for staff who come up with bright ideas to do things more efficiently and effectively in the course of their dayto-day work.

Regional Council Deputy Chairman Philip Sherry says the project obviously struck a chord with children and was an innovative use

of a simple tool to keep youngsters designed road cones to warn aware of the dangers around them. children and adults that kiwifruit “Regional council staff are often orchards in the Te Puna area had in the best position to notice a been sprayed with hi-cane, which problem and work out a simple can adversely affect some people. solution in their day-to-day work.

The cones allow children to This shows the value of providing quickly identify orchards in the area funding to extend these ideas into that have been recently sprayed and a reality.” understand that they should not go If other communities showed in or play near them. Orchards the same interest are required in the concept it would be good to to notify see it rolled out neighbours throughout the before sprayregion, Philip says. ing begins, Regional Council and the Pollution Prevencones are put tion manager Nick out to warn Zaman and Polchildren. lution Prevention Officer John Morris Te Puna School students were granted $1000 with a ‘sharky’ cones used to warn them from the fund to when spraying is being carried out in orchards launch their cone near their homes or school. project – specially-

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 30

Time for facial eczema prevention IMAGINE...

HAVING YOUR HERD AND FARM DAIRY ANTIBIOTIC FREE, USING AN EFFECTIVE BIOLOGICAL OPTION!

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Getting ready for the FE season is always a chore around the holiday period, and many farmers wait until they hear of neighbours with clinical cases (often in calves), or wait for the spore counts published in the local papers and websites to rise to danger levels.

All this is far too late. Prevention should have started on January 1.

There are Waikato farms with clinical cases in December, which are usually described as ‘spring eczema’, but it’s basically the same problem as FE. A series of small rises of say 20,000 spores/gm of pasture can be as dangerous as one large spike, as the small doses have sensitised the animal and it takes a very small rise to cause problems.

FE prevention methods have been known for 50 years, so in theory we shouldn’t see clinicals; but they appear every year. Clinical FE animals have been loaded with toxins at least three weeks earlier, and clearly have not had enough zinc to protect them.

In recent seasons, farmers using Wormade’s OMS Nutritional Supplement Plan have found that the zinc–based Oral Mineral Supplement (OMS) has improved nutrition, boosted immunity, and primed stock to deal with the FE fungal toxins. The management aim must be prevention, as when you see clinicals, the programme has been left too late - or is not working.

Also remember that if 5 per cent of the herd is showing clinicals, then 85 per cent of the remainder will have subclinical FE, and their production and welfare will be

affected. So the whole herd needs urgent treatment.

Urgent Action Cows with clinical FE need 100ml of OMS immediately.

Calves and young stock with clinical signs should be dosed with 50ml OMS, and the rest of the mob dosed with 30ml. This emergency OMS dose is needed on top of the current FE precautions.

Stock with clinical FE are under severe stress and pain. Stop milking, provide shade or put a cover on them. Provide good water and give high energy and not high protein feed.

Don’t put fly spray on raw sores, and zinc ointment will help but stock may lick it off. Keep the worst cases in a shed during the middle of the day.

(Supplied by Wormade Ltd).

Which is very annoying…

Life can pass us by so quickly and what seems vitally important at five or 25 somehow loses its intensity at 50 and just when we think we’ve got life figured out – it’s over.

I recently found an intriguing and insightful ‘summary’ of life in a Victoria University student mag – credited to Uther Dean – and I’ve taken more than a little ‘poetic’ licence to re-write it from a farmer’s perspective.

Remember when you are 3 and you want to be a farmer? Now you are 5 and off to school telling everybody you want to stay home and help dad on the farm. You are 8 and have got your first calf at calf club and clean up the dairy section.

You are 10 and your parents are splitting up and your head is smashed in little

pieces on the ground, and it’s the worst thing that has ever happened to you, except now you are 15 and you can see it is the best thing.

You are 16 making plans to be a farmer and resisting studying hard at school. You are 17 and fallen in love and then you are 18 leaving school - and your first love - and it hurts.

You are working crazy hours on a dairy farm and now you are 20. You have been playing a lot of rugby and you have fallen madly in love and are to marry and now you are 23.

You are 10 foot tall and starting to tell the boss what to do.

You borrow to buy cows and lease a farm and you have a kid on the way coz you are 25.

You are 35, pay the herd off and Dad helps you buy your first farm.

Now you are 45 and a recession had bitten you and you learn fast how to manage your cash better. You hit 50 and wonder how everybody else is sane coz you are having a mid-life crisis but manage to hang onto everything with the skin of your teeth.

Now you are 60 and on the drainage board and not as fit as you were and now you are 64 and wondering what happened.

It’s a miracle that the world hasn’t exploded or shaken to bits and you are 70 and not feeling as sharp as you were.

The world is going so fast you wish you were 5 years old again and telling the teacher you wanted to be a farmer. And now you are 85 and things are actually starting to make sense and then you’re 86 and are dead - which is very annoying.

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.

SAFETY

Page 31

Securing firearms correctly crucial for safety The last thing anyone wants wants is to face their own gun in the hands of an intruder, but that’s what can happen if firearms are not stored securely says Paul McLennan, Police District Arms Officer in Tauranga.

“An application will not be accepted unless the applicant has first attended the Mountain Safety Council lecture and passed the test.

On passing the test, “If firearms are not stored securely there’s a real risk applicants are given a intruders will find them, and may turn a gun on the certificate which must be property owner,” says Paul. produced when making The knowledge that failing to secure a gun could application to Police for 1. Treat ever lead to it being stolen and used in a crime in which the licence.”

2. Always poy firearm as loaded. someone was threatened, injured or killed can also be int firearms The conditions of in a safe direct devastating, and something no firearms owner wants, obtaining a licence include 3. Load a fir ion. he says. having fire arms security in earm only w hen ready to fire.

Gone are the days when it is acceptable to leave a rife place, whether or not they 4. Identify behind the kitchen door or in an unlocked wardrobe. intend to own a firearm. your target beyond all doubt.

“People living in rural areas are perhaps most at risk The law requires that the 5. Check yo because they are more isolated from neighbours, so licence holder `take reasonur 6. Store firea firing zone returning home to surprise an armed intruder can be able steps to ensure any rms and am munition a real danger.” safely. firearm is secured against Firearms theft is a 7. Avoid al theft. These reasonable steps cohol major concern for including keeping on your handling fir or drugs when ea rm s.

Police and many premises: a lockable cabinet, of the guns in container or receptacle of the hands of the stout construction; or a lockcriminal comable steel and concrete strong munity come from room; or a display cabinet or the thefts from rack in which firearms may gun owners who be immobilised and locked so have failed to secure them none can be fired.’ Paul says adequately. some people spend a good deal of money on firearms but object Keeping guns out of reach to the cost of providing appropriate security for them. of children is another reason “It’s worth the investment. I know of at least one case where for the Arms Regulations thieves attacked a steel cabinet for some time and couldn’t get into 1992 which sets out the it.” standards for firearms Important as it is to have the right security. “New Zealand kind of storage, it’s of little use if the has a high demand for keys to access it are easy to find. “We’ve firearms. The more seen keys hanging right next to the firearms there are, the cabinet.” greater the risk of theft United Nations protocols on firearms and related crime – require that they be kept in a storage unless of course you container or room which can withstand have good security. an attack with household tools for at Look after your family, least 10 minutes and that standard of your investment and security may be required in this counsport – the answer is in try in future. your hands,” says Paul.

Before a licence is approved, an arms Storing guns safely officer visits applicants to inspect their is only part of the security facilities and will interview responsibility of gun their next of kin and one other referee ownership. The other is to establish whether they are a fit the safe use of firearms, which person to hold a firearms licence. includes identifying the target Every time a licence holder changes beyond all doubt. address, they must notify Police so Paul says owning a firearm in the security of their firearms can be New Zealand is a privilege and checked at the new property. Failure not a right and obtaining one to advice of a change of address can requires more than filling carry a $500 fine. Because gun owners, in forms and paying the but not their guns, are licenced, there $126.50 fee. is no record of how many guns licence

The seven b asic rules for fir earms:

Paul McLennan District Arms Officer is based in Tauranga.

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holders own, and consequently how many legally owned guns are in New Zealand. There was a time when guns were licenced and their details registered to their owners but that is not the case under existing legislation.

Paul says people in both urban and rural areas are licenced firearms owners and there has been a recent increase in the number of women owning guns.

Page 32

CONTRACTORS

Tariffs costing growers more Import tariffs imposed by other countries are costing New Zealand’s horticultural producers an average of $44,000 a year, says a new report released by Horticulture New Zealand.

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The report ‘New Zealand Horticulture – Barriers to Our Export Trade’ shows the country’s 5,400 commercial growers are paying on average $10,000 on the 2010 figures.

This study says horticultural produce exporters paid an estimated NZ$241 million in tariffs to importing countries, an increase of 2.5 per cent on the 2010 figure of $235 million. At the same time export earnings increased by 6 per cent. The number of growers has also reduced since 2010.

The New Zealand Horticulture Export Authority and Horticulture New Zealand commission the report every two years, with funding support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Prepared by Wellington-based company Market Access Solutionz, it is used extensively by both industry and government agencies for monitoring and negotiating international trade access and helping exporters to develop new markets.

About 60 per cent of New Zealand’s total horticultural production of fruit and vegetables is exported,

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valued at just over $2.2 billion. “The catch for horticulture is that we are now reaping the benefit of great opportunities for trading in Asian countries, but there is a downside with that, because their tariffs can be considerably higher,” HortNZ chief executive Peter Silcock says.

“That’s why we need to continue our efforts on developing and signing free trade agreements.”

As in the previous 2010 edition, there is an obvious trend for other countries to exploit the use of nontariff trade barriers, known as ‘SPS’– sanitary and phytosanitary barriers.

“We know difficult international trading conditions have put pressure on some countries to resort to these technical entry barriers for imported products,” Horticulture Export Authority chief executive Simon Hegarty says.

“This is a huge concern to our horticulture export sectors. Unfortunately, reality tells us sound science does not always prevail where SPS barriers are concerned.

“It is important that exporters and Government jointly recognise this risk to their business and appropriately resource it to deal with the importing country requirements.” This report does not calculate the SPS costs of not being able to access a particular market.

HortNZ and HEA are confident these costs are greater than the costs of tariffs calculated in this report.

“Technical barrier costs faced by our exporters include compliance with quota restrictions, grade standards, fumigation requirements, additional product testing, plus labelling and packaging rules. Food security and self-sufficiency are emotive topics and vulnerable to political interference,” Simon.

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A beekeeping business in Cambridge has been fined $32,000 and ordered to pay reparation of $10,000 after an employee lost part of his finger on an unguarded table saw.

The Te Awamutu District Court heard that on July 3 this year an employee was working at the Benn Road, Cambridge premises of Cambridge Bee Products Limited cutting plywood inserts on an unguarded tablesaw.

The wood he was working on was kicked back by the saw forcing his hand into the blade and removing the tip of his right index finger to the first joint, part of his thumb and causing serious cuts to his other fingers.

Murray Thompson, Acting Central Division General Manager, Health and Safety, said: “The guidelines for the safe use of woodworking machinery have been freely available for nearly 20 years, and can all be found on the MBIE website (www.osh.govt.nz/order/catalogue/112.shtml). These give clear guidance on the types of guards that should be used on tablesaws. “This is not a complex piece of machinery and the guarding standards are there to ensure the safety of employees.

“The end result of not ensuring the machine was guarded effectively is an employee who has suffered a permanent disability that could easily have been avoided,” Mr Thompson said.

CONTRACTORS

Page 33

Toxic mine site risk removed The major threat posed by the abandoned Tui Mine site at Te Aroha has now been removed with the completed stabilisation of old mine tailings says Peter Buckley, chairman of Waikato Regional Council which is overseeing the site remediation process.

The newly shaped site of the old Tui mine tailings is to be further landscaped and planted by May next year.

“This is a hugely significant milestone. It means there is no longer any risk of the dam made up of old tailings collapsing and sending toxic chemicals down into the Tui Stream and on to nearby flood plains.

“I’d like to thank our partners in this project – the Ministry for the Environment, Matamata-Piako District Council, the Department of Conservation and local iwi – for their major contributions and support for this important project.”

Matamata-Piako councillor Phillip Legg said the successful completion of the milestone work in the $16.2

million project was welcome news for the local community.

“Besides removing the threat of a tailings dam collapse, the potential danger from old cyanide drums left in the tailings has also been dealt with after empty drums were located and treated.”

The Tui Mine was an “orphan” contaminated site requiring a major clean up due to the threats it posed.

The clean-up is being achieved with major funding from central Government, supported by the regional council and Matamata-Piako District Council.

Old mine tailings were dumped at the site behind a geo-technically unstable dam built of the same tailings and local material, thereby blocking a tributary of the Tui Stream and leaching heavy metals into the stream. If this dam collapsed, the tailings – which contain lead, zinc, arsenic, copper and cadmium – would have contaminated the Tui Stream and nearby land.

There were also reports of old drums

MyLand helps land use decisions A new computer based tool aims to help land managers to weigh up long-term economic and environmental considerations of different land use options.

Crown Research Institute Scion is working with key agricultural partners to develop a tool called “MyLand” which will help farmers and growers make good longterm decisions about their land use.

MyLand, which is at the working prototype stage, integrates many new technologies, research results and land resource information, and makes these available on a home computer. A Beta version of the software is now undergoing evaluation and user testing.

The software project has received backing from several organisations keen to support farmers to explore sustainable land options, particularly in areas where soil erosion and water quality are causing problems.

Project leader Graham West says MyLand offers a good fit with regional sustainable land-use initiatives.

“Sustainable land use often means making long-term changes. Land managers need to think about how different objectives and goals can be analysed and how the transition can be afforded,” he explains.

Land-use change has practical and often economic implications. The geographical database underpinning MyLand is powerful in providing land resource information and visualising different scenarios.”

MyLand overcomes many past hurdles by integrating

results from research into land capability, environmental impacts, agricultural systems and forestry options.

It also enables a user to consider multiple land uses down to a paddock level. It is a framework that could be extended to any combination of land-use options.

Graham says the tool is designed to be used by landowners or their advisors, to easily evaluate the trade-offs between profitability and environmental impacts. An industry steering group has been important in guiding MyLand’s development over the past three years.

“Land owners will be able to view high-quality aerial photos of their property, establish paddock sizes and resources such as soil type, input estimates of their production and explore scenarios for more sustainable land uses,” he explains.

“The agricultural sector already has access to many tools that support short term operational farming decisions, but this is the first system that can be used to make long term, inter-generational decisions that include forestry options.”

The software was originally developed by Scion and AgResearch as a prototype strategic land use decision tool, funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries, through a Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change, (SLMACC) grant.

Funding to develop the Beta version has been granted by the Ministry of Science and Innovation through the Envirolink scheme with Regional Council support, aimed at facilitating the uptake of land-use research.

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of potentially deadly cyanide in the tailings – cyanide was used during mining.

Now the old tailings have been reshaped and had cement and lime injected into them to stabilise them.

“The result is tailings that have an even, well-drained slope, and the risk of them moving down into the Tui Stream and nearby land has been removed,” said the regional council’s project manager Ghassan Basheer.

“Old drum fragments found have been treated within the stabilised tailings mound and are now wellburied in the stable old tailings and therefore are not at risk of being exposed.”

By March next year, a cap of clean fill is due to have been placed over the newly shaped land. The first stage of landscaping and planting of the site is set to be finished by the end of May. “We will continue to keep the local community updated on progress,” says Ghassan.

Page 34

A&P SHOWS

Medieval combat and Welsh shearers at show Medieval combat, Welsh shearers, Dexter cattle, a petting zoo and volcano adventures will be among the diverse attractions at the 118th Tauranga A&P Show on January 19 And 20.

“It’s a traditional A & P show, bringing country to the city, with all the fun of the fair as well,” says show secretary Sue McDonald.

The action packed programme includes demonstrations by the The title of Bay’s strongest man Northern Horde which will also set will be contested at the Tauranga up a medieval camp at the Tauranga A&P Show.

Racecourse site of the annual show.

Other highlights include the Auckland District Mounted Games in which contestants take part in a series of skillful horseback events.

The Rotorua Axemen’s Club will be running a woodchopping demonstration of the exciting heritage sport including the disciplines, Jack and Jill sawing, single saw, underhand and standing chops.

The Welsh Shearing team, on tour in New Zealand, will compete at the show against this district’s finest shearers too.

Among the annual animal competitions is the North Island Dexter cattle Breeds Championship and alpaca, always crowd pleasers, will be there too.

Children will have the chance to get up close to other farm animals in the

petting zoo and through pony rides.

The free climbing wall, volcano adventure run, kids games, miniature train and fairground rides and water slides will be a sure hits with children and teenagers as will the variety of food stalls. Vintage tractor displays and trade sites will also have wide appeal.

The search will be on at the show to find the Bay of Plenty’s strongest man with entrants from throughout the region testing their strength in the 56lb weight throw, the walk with a pair of 100 kg weights, a log lift and stone lifting onto barrels.

The Tauranga A&P Show is at the Tauranga Racecourse in Cameron Rd. Admission is $10 for adults and children under 16 are free.

Wood chopping demonstrations will be among the attraction at the Tauranga A&P Show.

Show for everyone over two day’s Two days of fun and entertainment with a country theme is what the Rotorua A&P Show promises this month.

The 104th show will be held on Saturday and Sunday January 26 and 27at one of the New Zealand’s most picturesque show grounds, which is also the venue of the famous Agrodome and Adventure sites.

Miniature pony events are among Show secretary Pat Corcoran says the competitions at the Rotorua the 2013 show’s equestrian events will A&P Show. include miniature horses, harness horses, heavy horses, show hunter and western One of the few remaining bullock teams riding events and there will be events for in the country will be there too. Ross Batdonkeys and mules too. tensby and his team of beautifully turned As well as the dairy and beef cattle out bullocks will give demonstrations of classes there will be calf club, milking their strength and talk to the public about goats and alpaca competitions. Other the animals and the skill required to drive show highlights will be the Agrodome shears and wool handling event and wood chopping competitions.

Children are well catered for with the ever popular climbing wall and dunking tank and the `Seriously Silly Activities’ organised by Carol Taking time out – Clydesdales at the Rotorua A&P Show.

Dean. The group called The Clown Experience will be them. “This year the King and Queen of wandering the grounds making balloon the Mountain Race will start and finish animals and entertaining children who at the show grounds on Saturday, with will also be fascinated by Poppa Crete the competitors racing to the top of Mount ‘living statue’.

Ngongataha and back.”

A&P SHOWS

Page 35

Katikati show summer highlight

The Katikati A&P Show is among the town’s summer highlights and this year the Uretara Domain will be the venue for the 91st show on Sunday February 3.

“The Katikati A&P Show is among the strongest surviving shows when it comes to dairy and beef cattle entries and that’s thanks to the team which organises the schedule, acts as marshals on the day and our loyal and generous sponsors and judges,” says show president Craig Morton.

Doing well at the show is important for breeders and top performers at Katikati usually go on to win trophies at national events.

The Katikati show sets out to preserve the best of the A&P traditions alongside modern entertainment and the February show will be no exception.

Among the popular attractions will be the milking contest, open to the public, with a $100 prize for the person who can milk the cow the fastest.

Back by popular demand are the troop of belly dancers and other entertainment will include side show events such as a climbing wall and bungi and a variety of food stalls.

The Katikati Wrestling Club will stage beach wrestling and there will be a petting zoo and Clydesdale horses too.

“We are hoping to hold a Farmers’ Market during the middle of the day, inviting stall holders who take part in the normal Friday Katikati market to come along,” says Craig.

This year sees the return of the bar under a shady tree where patrons can enjoy a quiet drink and catch up with friends. Admission to the show is $5 for adults and $2 for children, with those under 5 free. Gates open at 9am.

The Katikati A&P Show is among the strongest surviving shows when it comes to dairy and beef cattle entries

Horses are among the crowd pleasers at the Katikati A&P Show.

Page 36

COUNTRY LIVING

Knot know how for fishers Consistent fishing success hinges on knowing the right rig needed to target the fish species, writes Mark Kitteridge in his book “Knots, Rigs & Baits – A Kiwi Guide”.

The importance of the right rig, and especially the right knots is emphasised in this book first published in 2006 which proved so popular it’s been reprinted.

Key to the book’s success is its precise and readable text explaining the best rigs and techniques for each fish species and location, its colour photos and most

of all the very clear, step by step line drawings on how to tie up to 14 different knots.

“The knots are all well proven winners and can be used with great confidence – provided the angler has spent sufficient time practicing and getting them right. If nothing else, at least learn the Uni knot.

It’s strong, easy to master and can be tied in even the heaviest of lines,” writes Mark.

The author of two previous popular books, Hook Up on Snapper and Hook Up on Kingfish, Mark is assistant editor of New Zealand Fishing News and has featured in several television fishing shows and written articles for overseas and local fishing magazines.

Thanks to publishers Halcyon Press, Coast & Country has a copy of “Knots, Rigs & Baits – A Kiwi Guide” to give away.

To be in to win Email ‘Book Prize’ along with your name, address and phone number to elaine@thesun.co.nz or include these details on the back of an envelope and post to Elaine Fisher, Coast & Country PO Box 240 Tauranga 3110 to arrive no later than January 17, 2013.

The winner will be announced in the February Coast & Country.

Keep it clean appeal Keep it clean campers – is the appeal this summer from Rural Women NZ. “Rural Women NZ would like to remind campers of some simple steps to keep our countryside clean and green, just as we like to promote it,” says Liz Evans, Rural Women New Zealand national president.

Campers, especially those without on-board toilet facilities, should camp in designated areas such as holiday parks and Department of Conservation camping grounds to avoid problems seen in past years of unwanted ‘leftovers’. “For the past few years we have been highlighting the problem of campers without on-board toilet facilities fouling our rural roadsides and the

emptying of effluent and grey water down cattle stops and roadside drains.

“We have seen some improvement since the Freedom Camping Act was passed in 2011 and need to keep this up.”

The www.camping.org.nz website provides a ‘one stop shop’ for campers.

It includes information on keeping safe, facilities, regional camping, what to do and where to stay in New Zealand.

If people are wanting to ‘freedom camp’ they should assume nothing, and check with i-Site visitor centres or Department of Conservation offices to find out where they can freedom camp.

“And if you’re travelling in a rural community, and you’re not sure, ask a local,” says Liz.

Page 37

COUNTRY LIVING

Oldest hunter lands top catch He’s a keen trout fisherman, whitebaiter, surfcaster, duck shooter and deer hunter and with more than 75 years of hunting experience, Harold Pearpoint from Feilding has some great stories to tell.

Equidays firmly on the calendar

Team work – the skills of riders and horses were demonstrated by New Zealand Cutting Horse Association members.

The future of Equidays at Mystery Creek appears assured after the success of the second equestrian weekend in November.

The first held in 2011 was initially billed as a biennial show but organisers have confirmed it will be staged infrom Friday October 18 to Sunday 20, 2013.

From November 2 to 4 last year, the well-known Mystery Creek Fieldays venue was transformed into an event featuring just about everything equestrian Lyn McIntyre (right) and her team of Dunstan Kapiti Vaulters impressed the crowds at the Saturday night Equidays show.

from pink saddles to trick riding.

There were outside arena where clinicians worked with unbroken horses, taught riders new skills or demonstrated trick riding, western riding, show jumping and polo. The main pavilion was filled with truckloads of sand to become an indoor arena, the venue for both day and night time shows.

Any of course there were horses from miniature ponies to Clydesdales and all sizes in between.

Vanessa Richmond, events manager, said visitors were impressed with the calibre of the clinician line-up and the many clinics that offered valuable knowledge and new skills for many horse disciplines.

“The number of visitors we have seen through the gate is very pleasing and indicates that Equidays has now become a staple event on the equine calendar.”

At the age of 89, Harold was selected by the NZ Outdoor Hunting Magazine as the winner in their search for New Zealand’s Oldest Hunter. He was nominated by his son Philip.

“This past season was Dad's 74th duck shooting licence without missing a season. Even when stationed in Waiouru during the war he didn't miss opening morning, catching the train to Feilding on the Friday evening, shooting Saturday morning then back by train to camp, he even got away with it without being missed,” Philip explained.

As the winner of the magazine’s Oldest Hunter competition, Harold has yet another unforgettable hunting experience to look forward to. The prize includes a guided hunting trip, to be enjoyed with a companion, on a remote station in the Wanganui hills.

It’s a two-night/three-day hunting adventure, hosted by professional hunting guide Barry Hogg of New Zealand Outfitters. Harold will also be presented with a special trophy to honour his dedication to hunting.

“Dad is amazing at 89 years of age, and he can't wait for each next trip into

the hills. His days of long hard slogs up rough creeks are gone but his enthusiasm and love of hunting is as strong now as it was when he started over 75 years ago, and how wonderful it is that three generations of our family can hunt together,” Philip said.

The competition was launched in August to celebrate NZ Outdoor Hunting Magazine’s 75th birthday. The leading magazine of its type in New Zealand, this publication promotes all aspects of hunting. Its contents are a mix of expert, professional writing combined with the average hunter telling ‘campfire hunting yarns'.

Harold’s story is featured in the special birthday edition of the NZ Outdoor Hunting Magazine, which is jampacked with stories and photos of 75 years of New Zealand hunting history.

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Page 38

COUNTRY LIVING

GO KARTS History in miniature DIRECT

www.driftgokarts.co.nz

at Rob’s museum Gifts of military badges to a small boy by American servicemen during World War II began a life-long interest which led Rob Hicks of Pahoia to create a private museum.

“These are what started it all,” says Rob, as he opens a small and ancient box, sorting through to find the American military badges among the British and New Zealand ones.

‘It all’ is now a collection far beyond the few initial badges, which not only takes up significant space in the country home of Rob and wife Jocelyn, but also fills to nearly over-flowing a very large shed on their kiwifruit orchard.

It’s as well Jocelyn is keen on history too because without an understanding spouse Rob’s hobby may not have flourished. Jocelyn is a former history teacher, current Omokoroa historian and volunteer Director of Guiding for the last 12 years at The Elms Mission House in Tauranga.

Rob and Jocelyn (nee Francis) have family histories which date back to New Zealand’s pioneers, both Maori and European, and their home features antique furniture which belonged to their ancestors.

Rob was seven or eight when he was given the service badges but perhaps his interest in things military began a little earlier. Among his treasures is a military badge given to him by Leslie Hickman, a neighbour of his grandparents.

“Leslie was in the machine gun corps in World War One but was gassed, captured and remained a prisoner until the war ended. When he returned home he was never able to hold down a job again, but became a skilful cabinet maker from his shed in the backyard.”

Rob’s grandfather was Sydney Wilson Brown, who fractured his collar bone playing rugby for Auckland in Whangarei in 1899.

“He was cared for by members of the Ngapuhi Nursing Sisters, who went into training at the time

Rob Hicks is building a diorama of the Battle of Gate Pa to mark its 150th anniversary in 1914. of the South African War. Among them was Alcyone Calkin, who caught my grandfather’s eye. When Sydney returned to Auckland, they exchanged letters, which I still have, and they later married.”

Alcyone was the daughter of Samuel Calkin, who had fought in the civil war in America, came to New Zealand on a whaler and jumped ship at Russell.

Calkin’s grave in Northland was unveiled on American Independence Day last year by an American Consul, 100 years after his death.

Rob’s grandfather was Sydney Wilson Brown who fractured his collar bone playing rugby for Auckland in Whangarei in 1899. “He was cared for by members of the Ngapuhi Nursing Sisters, among them Alcyone Calkin, who caught my grandfather’s eye.

When Sydney returned to Auckland, they exchanged letters, which I still have, and they later married.”

Page 39

COUNTRY LIVING

Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox models in diorama After Rob’s 30 years of working for a printing and packaging company in Auckland, the couple bought a kiwifruit orchard near Omokoroa 20 years ago.

The house proved ideal for Rob’s growing collection.

“I had decided early on that if I was going to start a collection it would be better to have a theme and as I was interested in anything military, that would be it.”

Initially wonderfully detailed Dinky Toys, which were hard to find, Creating screen printed posters for BOAC may have became the basis for the collection, and pocket money was sent to Engsparked Rob’s desire to travel. land to import them in the1950s.

Much of the collection in the house is displayed in wall mounted glass uniform and dress and so detailed even the eyes have been cases, filled with models of military vehicles, aircraft and ships. There’s painted. When complete, this diorama will be on display in also a display of a Royal Marine Band in miniature.

Tauranga. “I plan to have this finished in time for the 150th It’s the shed which is the real surprise. There are four rooms, each with anniversary of the battle, in 2014.” different exhibits of an eclectic and fascinating range of models and Before then he’s facing an even larger project. Rob is buildmemorabilia, much of it historically very significant ing a new shed on former and valuable and some relating to the family’s past.

Francis family land near “This chest was my grandfather’s tool box. He was a Omokoroa with the cabinet maker,” says Rob, as he lifts the lid on a large intention of re-locating battered wooden box. Inside the lid is beautifully inlaid his collection and possiwith European timber and the draws which fill it are bly opening the museum still pristine. to the public.

Centre piece in the next room is a very large diorama

By Elaine Fisher. representing a post-war NATO military base.

“This was built by Ivan Lindsey of Welcome Bay. He sold it to me to help finance the publication of a book

By Elaine Fisher he compiled about the airmen who trained in Canada during World War Two.” Six hundred Dinky, Corgi, and Matchbox models of military vehicles and ships, plus buildings, guns and service men and women feature in the highly accurate diorama.

Through the next door there is yet another Ivan Lindsey diorama. The Trooping of the Colours along Trooping of the Colours along the Mall the Mall in London has hundreds of very detailed in London – in miniature. models representing the fully trained and operational troops from the Household Division (Foot Guards and Household Cavalry) who parade in June each year on the Queen’s official birthday.

In yet another smaller room, there are military and airline uniforms and musical instruments with a military connection – well almost – there’s also a tuba made by the Salvation Army workshops in London.

In the workshop part of the shed, Rob is building a model of Gate Pa, where in 1864 the Ngai te Rangi tribe, led by Rawiri Puhirake, defeated British troops.

He’s commissioned the casting of figures representing British troops and Maori warriors from a company Greytown. Each tiny, weighty figure is accurate in

Ivan Lindsey of Welcome Bay created this diorama representing a post-war NATO military base, which is now part of the private museum owned by Rob Hicks.

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PLACEMAKERS STORES EXHIBITING AT THIS YEAR’S FIELD DAYS: HAMILTON 07 846 6700 ROTORUA 07 345 6892 HUNTLY 07 828 2000 TAUPO 07 376 0220 PLACEMAKERS STORES EXHIBITINGTEATKUITI THIS YEAR’S FIELD DAYS: MORRINSVILLE 07 889 8057 07 878 8149 MT MAUNGANUI 07 575 4009 THAMES 07 868 0130 HAMILTON 07 ROTORUA 07 PUKEKOHE 09 846 237 6700 0020 WHATAKTANE 07 345 306 6892 0320 HUNTLY 07 828 2000 TAUPO 07 WHITIANGA 07 376 867 0220 2000

MORRINSVILLE 07 889 8057 TE KUITI MT MAUNGANUI 07 575 4009 THAMES PUKEKOHE 09 237 0020 WHATAKTANE TOGETHER, WE’RE BUILDING NEW ZEALAND WHITIANGA

07 878 8149 07 868 0130 07 306 0320 07 867 2000

PLACEMAKERS STORES EXHIBITING AT THIS YEAR’S FIELD DAYS:

Page 40

COUNTRY LIVING

National Show Horse has an exciting future ahead

By Kim Cawte from Candy Lodge

A number of people in Te Puke are now becoming involved in breeding not only the American Saddlebred, but are also introducing the “National Show Horse” into the region.

Anne Marie Garcia (Rebel’s El Dorado from Australia) and Lee Wynne Jones (Denmark Platinum Playboy from the USA) were the first to import their American Saddlebred stallions into the Bay of Plenty.

This is now resulting in progeny being featured in the Horse & Pony magazine and soon to be in the show ring. Purchases have already become international and an exciting future looms ahead for this exquisite breed.

My recent addition of a National Show Horse colt foal to Candy Lodge at Pongakawa has resulted in the return of my mare this season, to the same stallion (Rebel’s El Dorado) to again breed an ultimate equine.

The foal “Candy Dakota” will be retained by my partner as a riding horse and is already showing the flowing paces and excellent conformation of a horse ‘not to be parted with’. My breeding mare, a purebred Arabian “Marhaba Melika” has proven herself by breeding colour – both pinto and now palomino, and has an exceptional nature allowing people to have regular contact with her offspring.

I purchased Melika from Kaikohe in foal five years ago and have kept her foal “Candy” who I have been enjoying riding for the past year as a three-year-old. After breeding horses for 30 years, Dakota is one of my best yet. I hope to have another palomino in my front paddock

The National Show Horse (NSH) is a relatively new American breed whose registry was not founded until 1981.

in 2013.

The National Show Horse (NSH) is a relatively new American breed whose registry was not founded until 1981. A National Show Horse was originally a combination of the best of two breeds, the Arabian and the American Saddlebred.

This breed, with its upright carriage and lofty animated action, not only excels under saddle in English pleasure and gaited classes, but as a driven fine harness or pleasure driving horse.

With their inherent dynamism, athleticism and willing disposition this extremely versatile breed is equally successful in a wide variety of classes, including hunter pleasure, Western pleasure, show hack and dressage.

The National Show horses were used to perform exceedingly long rides for their owners – being ridden over the tobacco and sugar

plantations in the US and are now proving themselves in the endurance discipline with their stamina.

Rebel’s El Dorado’s progeny have recently won endurance competitions in Australia.

The National Show Horse was also adopted by the military as their primary mount because they could travel such long distances, carrying a heavy load.

The combination of beauty, stamina, agility, grace, charisma and flowing athleticism results in the versatility of the National Show Horse, a trait that underlies its popularity and makes the breed particularly appealing as a show horse with which every member of the family can become involved.

National Show Horses are known in the industry as the breed of excitement and versatility, and specifically recognized as the mount of choice for youth and amateur riders.

Milking it for all it’s worth A little old lady from Wisconsin had worked in and around her family dairy farms since she was old enough to walk, with hours of hard work and little compensation.

When canned Carnation Milk became available in grocery stores in the 1940s, she read an advertisement offering $5,000 for the best slogan.

The producers wanted a rhyme beginning With 'Carnation Milk is best of all.'

She thought to herself, I know everything there is to know about milk

and dairy farms.

I can do this! She sent in her entry, and several weeks later, a black car pulled up in front of her house.

A large man got out, knocked on her door and said, "Ma'am,.....The president of Carnation milk absolutely LOVED your entry......So much, in fact, that we are here to award you $1,000 even though we will not be

able to use it for our advertisements!"

He did, however, have one printed up to hang on his office wall.

(Despite claims to the contrary, this is not a true story – but what the heck – it’s a great rural legend).

Page 41

COUNTRY LIVING

Early days of live capture Jumping from a hovering helicopter to wrestle with a wild deer, partly restrained by a net, was all in a day’s work for the shooters involved in the early days of live capture in New Zealand.

Thanks to South Coast Productions, Coast & Country has a copy of `To the Limit – Urewera Deer Capture’ to give away. To be in to win email DVD prize, along with your name, address and phone number to elaine@the sun.co.nz or write these details on the back of an envelope and post to PO Box 240 Tauranga 3110 PO Box 240 Tauranga 3110 to arrive no later than January 17, 2013. The winner will be announced in the February Coast & Country.

Their safety and success relied largely on the skills of the pilots who flew the agile choppers they hunted from and the story of three such teams is told in the video `To the Limit – Urewera Deer Capture’ produced by South Coast Productions.

The video interviews three pilots and three shooters who flew the rugged Urewera country, seeking out deer to snare with nets fired from modified guns, and has extensive original footage of their feats.

No verbal communication was possible between pilot and shooter because of the noise of the machines, and shooters were constantly in and out of the choppers so wearing headsets was impossible.

Instead the men developed an instinctive understanding and trust which enabled them to minimise risks and maximise results in taking deer for the wild for the growing commercial farming industry.

‘Pro-development’ rules offer opportunities Council is adopting a pro-development stance as it formulates its new subdivision and development rules, but they may yet be challenged.

Thames-Coromandel District Council has recently released its Draft District Plan for public comment. Following a short period for feedback it will formally notify the plan and a public consultation process will follow before any new rules are adopted.

The new District Plan is based on the 'Coromandel Blueprint' which sets out the areas for future growth. This dictates that growth will focus on the existing urban towns and villages and ribbon development along the coast will be limited. Council is actively trying to reduce red tape by allowing many more activities to be 'permitted' rather than 'controlled' meaning that less consents will be required overall. The focus has been to make it easy and encourage economic development and growth – which I applaud.

From a rural subdivision point of view, the rules appear to be 'business as usual' with a minimum average lot size of 20ha being promoted. In my opinion this is a sensible rule that has allowed a variety of lot sizes and land uses to be established with a relatively low cost of application and compliance costs. However, it goes against the apparent push by Waikato

Regional Council to see a minimum lot size of 40 ha established across their region.

Of particular note is the review of the rules for conservation allotments. In the past there has been a requirement to covenant 5ha of bush in order to obtain an additional rural lot.

It is currently proposed that that there will be no minimum size, giving council discretion to allow more or less lots per hectare depending on the ecological values of the covenanted area. The reason for this is that certain features - including coastal forest, ribbons of forest joining larger areas, and wetlands - have higher environmental value than some larger bush areas adjoining the forest park.

In my experience now is a good time to sort out any subdivision plans that you may have. When a new plan is formally notified it often creates new opportunities for titles that existed at that specific date.

Also, even though a new rule is proposed by council, anybody can challenge that rule. Therefore, the final outcome is very uncertain.

In some cases the Environment Court makes a ruling that is quite different to what was proposed by either council or the submitter. If you have any plans for subdivision in the future I am happy to discuss the opportunities, so don't hesitate to give me a call.

Brent Trail, Managing Director of Surveying Services, specialises in resource consent applications for subdivisions across the Coromandel, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty.

DVD Release To The Limit

This is the story three helicopters and six men who flew beyond the mist of the inscrutable Ureweras to capture deer, in what was to be the final chapters of a great New Zealand adventure.

Snowline Was Their Boundary

This is the story of earlier times in the high country, a story of pack horses, cooks, musterers and the dogs who made it all possible.

Back Country Tales

Captured on film are some great stories from people out of town. From deer cullers to pilots, fishermen, farmers and bushmen, all with humorous stories to tell.

Available from Farmlands, Selected Whitcoulls Stores, Hunting & Fishing, Opotiki Paper Plus and South Coast Productions Inclu. P&P PO Box 58 Riverton 9847 Ph 03 2348109 Fax 0800448386 www.videosouth.com

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 42

Unlocking the properties of wood polymers Chemicals hidden inside wood may one day replace products made from petrochemicals and one scientist hoping to unlock that potential is Daniel van de Pas of Scion.

Daniel and a team of researchers at the Rotorua research facility are working on extracting and modifying one of these chemicals called lignin for uses such as biofuels, bioplastics, adhesives and new materials.

“Lignin, which makes up about 30 per cent of wood, is currently available as a by-product of the pulping process in paper mills and is typically burnt to generate heat for the mills, however, we think it has the potential to be of much more value,” says Daniel ,who joined Scion in 2006.

Lignin is one of the most abundant natural polymers on earth and plays a key role in wood structure, acting as the glue to bind the fibres together. Turning it into a commercially viable product isn’t proving to be easy.

“There’s a saying that there’s a lot you can do with lignin – except make money out of it,” Daniel jokes.

But making money from the product, and providing renewable, sustainable alternatives to oil-based products is definitely the aim of Scion’s research.

Like most people, Daniel probably hadn’t even heard of lignin when he decided on a science degree while still at college.

Even though his parents had a market garden business at Morrinsville, and later went sharemilking, farming didn’t feature as a career option in Daniel’s mind.

He attended St John’s College in Hamilton, where he enjoyed science and decided to aim for a master’s degree in science at Waikato University.

“One of the great things about the Waikato

degree was that you spent some time working in industry.”

Daniel worked at Fernz Chemicals (now Orica), Hort Research (now Plant & Food) at the Ruakura Research Centre and on a project for Carter Holt Harvey investigating possible improvements to its fibre-cement board.

“I then took on a three month contract with Scion in Rotorua and that eventually led to a full-time position as a scientist in the biopolymer and chemicals team.

“We are looking at ways to upgrade lignin to a high value product and one of the projects I’m working on is using lignin as a component in epoxy resins.”

Scion in New Zealand is not the only research facility striving to find commercial uses for lignin and Daniel’s research has taken him to the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland which is the largest multidisciplinary research organisation in Northern Europe.

Scion scientists Daniel van de Pas with a “It’s fantastic to be able to travel as part of cryogenic superconducting magnet, used to my work but also to meet face-to-face with analyse, new compounds and materials. other scientists to see their facilities, learn park-like grounds with the stately redwood how they work, what they are doing and to forest just across the lawn. exchange ideas.”

Would Daniel recommend a career in sciScion has recently opened a new $5.5 milence to college students currently considering lion laboratory complex called The Orman their future?

Wing, in honour of the late Roy Orman “Yes, I would, if they find they enjoy science who led forest products research at the Forest at school. It’s not an easy option as you do Research Institute from 1950 to 1980. have to be prepared to work hard and apply It’s there that Daniel shares a lab with other yourself at uni, but I think anyone can achieve researchers but he also spends a good deal of if they set their mind to it. time in the basement of another building, “Working for a research institute may not using cryogenic superconducting magnets to be where the biggest money is but it offers analyse, in the finest detail, new compounds so many other positives, like the chance to and materials created in the lab. work with like-minded people, and to travel “These machines have undergone a half abroad.” million dollar upgrade and are sort of the With a solid science degree behind them, chemistry equivalent of a medical MRI young graduates often have a choice of career machine.” paths and according to Daniel – that’s a When he’s not in the lab, Daniel gets to

By Elaine Fisher real bonus. enjoy the great outdoors, as Scion is set in

T H E C A R S AYS YO U ’ V E T H E C A R S AYS YO U ’ V E M T HA ED PE RIIIT. C E S AYS , W T H E C A R S AYS YO U ’ V E M A D E T. T H E TCHAERP SR AYS YO U ’ V E M A D E I T. I C E S AYS , W I S E LY. T H E P R I C E S AYS , W I S E LY. T H E P R I C E S AYS , W I S E LY. T H E C A R S AYS YO U ’ V E M A D E I T. TTHHEE PCRAI R C ES AYS S AYS , W YO U ’ IVSEE LY. M A D E I T. T H E P R I C E S AYS , W I S E LY.

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Time for a summer health check The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on your health. A good way to review your health is to think of your body systems and give each a grade out of 10 with a 10 being fantastic a 0 terrible, then a final grade out of 10.

with a view of lifting your health score to where you would like it to be. In most cases it is a matter of fine tuning with food choices appropriate for your health issues, targeted supplementation and lifestyle choices.

For most health problems there are foods that harm and foods that heal. For example grilled salmon with a mixed avocado and greens salad with olive oil vinaigrette helps inflammatory problems while fish and chips do the opposite. The omega 3 and olive oil in salmon is anti-inflammatory while the oil used to cook fish and chips is highly inflammatory.

Most diseases have an inflammatory component.

If you have any disease with the suffix ‘itis’ then it is an inflammatory disease. Unwanted inflammation is often caused or worsened by diet. If you would like a full discussion on the subject send me an email request for my ‘Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition’ guide. This deals with the processes of inflammation and the role of nutrients in causing and reducing inflammation and many of the practical steps including diet and changes. Give me a call if you need help. To join my weekly newsletter go to www.johnarts.co.nz and visit www.abundant.co.nz. I wish you all a healthy and refreshing holiday season.

Consider your skin, hair and nails, then your muscles and skeleton including your joints. Next check your heart and general circulation followed by your nervous and respiratory system including you breathing and sinuses. Think of your immunity including how often you are unwell and how well you recover.

We generally notice our digestion and elimination but consider any problem affecting your mouth, oesophagus, stomach, intestines including bowel habits, then review your urinary and reproductive and hormonal systems.

Finally rate your overall energy and wellbeing with a final health score out of ten.

If you are less than 8/10 you should take some active steps starting with a full check up with your GP. The next step is to get a full nutritional assessment that can help you set and achieve goals

Research overwhelming confirms that happy workers have higher levels of productivity, produce higher sales, perform better in leadership positions, receive higher performance ratings, and are less likely to take sick days, to quit or to be burned out.

Further, neuroscience shows us that positivity can give someone a seriously competitive edge and makes us open to creativity and to new ideas. It is interesting to note that happy CEOs are more likely to lead teams of employees who are happy and healthy.

Scientists define happiness as the experience of positive emotions, pleasure

Ahuwhenua entries open The 2013 Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Maori Excellence in Farming Award for sheep and beef farmers is now open for entrants.

As well as being presented with the historic Ahuwhenua Cup, the winner will receive a replica of the trophy, a medal based on a 1932 design and up to $40,000 in cash and farm-related products and services. Entries close on January 30, 2013. For more information, visit the www.ahuwhenuatrophy.maori.nz

Employment Law Services

John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health.

Best New Year’s resolution for your business Modern neuroscience and positive psychology show us that increasing your employee’s happiness will have more impact on your business than almost any other factor.

Page 43

combined with deeper feelings of meaning and purpose, “the joy we feel striving after our potential”. Happiness implies a positive mood in the present and a positive outlook for the future.

So why don’t business owners put some effort into identifying ways to increase their employees’ happiness when science conclusively confirms that happy employees have the potential to significantly increase the profitability of a business?

Perhaps business owners have not had access to this information or have difficulty in working out how to apply this informa-

tion in a practical way?

What we do know is that there are a number of simple, cost effective strategies business owners can introduce into their workplaces to increase their team’s happiness and at the same time to increase the Company’s productivity.

The best resolution you can make for yourself and for your business for 2013 is to spend some time exploring this issue and to apply some practical strategies to ensure your employees are happier than last year!

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COUNTRY LIVING

Feminine touch to dog control Betty Hall nearly missed out on her dream job – because she is a woman.

“I applied for the position of dog ranger with the Te Puke Borough Council and thought the interview had gone well. Then I saw the position

THREE BROTHERS

advertised again so rang to ask why, only to be told they really wanted a man,” Betty recalls.

However, no man as experienced or qualified as Betty applied, so she got the job, becoming unintentionally something of a trail blazer for women. Twenty-three years on, she is an animal services officer with Western Bay of Plenty District Council, one of several women employed in similar roles nationwide.

“Although it is still a male dominated occupation, there are a lot more women now than there was when I started. Councils have realised there are advantages in the different approach women can bring and the way the public may react to a visit from a woman officer as opposed to a man in some situations.”

It is believed around a third of New Betty Hall, animal services officer with Western Bay of Plenty Zealand’s animal control officers are District Council, and her own dogs Jake and Sky. now women. underestimate an aggressive dog. It’s not often she has However, righting a gender to employ a catchpole but when she does, Betty uses imbalance has never been Betty’s prime motivation. it to keep the animal at a safe distance.

Making a difference where she can in the lives of “We are so fortunate to have Sue Murray who, animals and people and doing the job she loves is. with the Adopt a Pound Dog Programme, works in “I still can’t believe I actually get paid to do what conjunction with the council to help re-home our I love – working with people and dogs, and for a pound dogs.” council which places emphasis on education of dog Sue retrains the dogs if necessary before matching owners.” them with suitable owners and she’s had considerable Together with two other (male) officers, Betty is success. responsible for dogs and livestock services in the Two former pound dogs have ‘rags to riches’ stories Western Bay district, which currently has 8000 registered dogs, around 140 unregistered and an unknown after Betty and the team identified their particular attributes. number of dogs for which there are no records.

“They have been trained to be sniffer dogs and have Many of the dogs have an impressive pedigree but the majority are what Betty calls the ‘hard-to’ breed – joined the Australian Army.”

The behaviour and temperament of some dogs hard to know what they are. means there’s no option but to euthanize them. “In Where possible the officers help owners of dogs the early days of my job that meant we had to shoot which are roaming, barking or creating a nuisance them. Thank goodness that seldom happens now and to modify their own behaviour and the behaviour of most are euthanized by injection.” their dogs to overcome the issue.

No matter how aggressive the dog, Betty feels sad “It’s not always possible and there are cases where public safety is at risk when we have no option but to about every one which has to be put down, knowing it’s not the dog’s fault it has to end that way. seize and impound a dog.”

“The biggest single mistake people make with dogs Doing so can involve calling in the police to assist if both owner and dog are potential threats to the safety is trying to humanise them and not keeping them safe from themselves. Dogs, no matter what size or of the animal services officers. breed, still have the DNA of a wolf.

In 23 years Betty has never been bitten by a dog.

“For instance, when we say we are taking them for a “That is if you exclude a Bichon Frise, but they are walk, to the dog it’s going for a hunt.” so small they don’t count.”

Dogs need to know their place and have order in She has learned to be quick on her feet and never their lives. Those which bark incessantly or destroy furniture may be suffering separation anxiety because their humans have left them. Wild dogs and wolves have a social order and protocols which are clearly understood so every dog in the pack knows its place, says Betty.

“There’s an alpha male and alpha female and when the alpha male returns after an absence, the others jump around, wanting to lick him and gain his attention. However, he will ignore them until he’s ready to interact. The first thing most humans do when they return home is make a big fuss, excitedly patting and talking to their dog, which can make it feel like the alpha male with all the responsibility that goes with that role.

“Most dogs don’t want to be leaders and putting that responsibility on them causes anxiety.

“Ignoring your dog when you first get home is the best way to establish the right order. After you’ve made a cup of tea, or put on your slippers, it’s fine to greet your dog, who will be quite happy knowing their place.

“It’s ok to let your dog sit on your couch or lie on you bed if that’s what you like – but only at your invitation.”

Betty’s love of and respect for dogs is such she’d probably like to take many impounded dogs home but she’s restrained herself to just two – Jake, who was rescued as a puppy, and Star.

“Jake is my laid back, easy-going dog and Star has the ADD of the dog world but she’s improving and has definite potential.”

THREE BROTHERS

By Elaine Fisher

COAST & COUNTRY

Paeroa A&P Show. at Paeroa Race Course, Thames Road, Paeroa.

Saturday 19 January

Tauranga A&P Show Tauranga Racecourse, Cameron Road, Greerton Jan 19-20 10am – 12pm. Entertainment, pony rides, livestock, shearing demonstrations, equestrian events and more. Enjoy a family day of fun. Adults $10.

Children under 16yrs free. Gate sales only.

Saturday 26 January

...wool handling event, wood chopping competitions. Lots of yummy food and trade sites plus wonderful family entertainment. Children's races and fun activities, wagon rides, climbing wall, fun rides, lawn mower racing, antique machinery and "yesteryear" museum, pedigree poultry, small animal display and more...

Saturday 26 January

... A great day out for all the family. Adults $10, under 16 yrs free. Ph 07 357 2979 or email: rotoruashow@xtra.co.nz

www.gorringebros.co.nz

Saturday 12 January

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Tuesday 22 January

Tokoroa Biz Start At upstairs meeting room, Tokoroa Club, Chambers Street, Tokoroa 11am – 1pm.

Banking basics: Be the person the banks are wanting to lend money to. Bring your lunch.

Ph Amy Johnson 027 483 2205 or email: amy. johnson@dairynz.co.nz

Keep your cows in milk over summer Plan your summer crops now • Pasture Sprayout

• •

Cultivation & Seeding Direct Drilling

We do the complete job.

Book early—Call us on 07 549 1075

Saturday 26 January

104th Rotorua A&P Show Riverdale Park, Western Road, Ngongotaha, Rotorua Jan 26 – 27 8.30am – 5pm. Featuring equestrian, dairy & beef cattle, calf club, goat, alpaca, miniature horse, donkey & mule, harness horse, heavy horse, show hunter and western riding events.

Agrodome shears and...

S

BER TR TIM E NT ME AT

PEPP ER

e We servic of all makes pumps

Ph 07 928 3042 or tasha@thesun.co.nz

FRE QUOTEE S! for sale

PULLETS Brown Shaver. Point of lay, good layers. Ph 07 824 1762

trades & services

BUILDERS - Murray Pedersen licensed builder with his experienced team will undertake additions renovations also reclads. We can arrange plans & consents. Ph 07 575 7870 GORSE SPRAYING Do you have a gorse problem? Ph today for a free quote for all gorse control. Ph Scott 027 462 4769 TREES TREES TREES Felling, Pruning, Maintenance, Chipping, & Removal. Ph Scott Today on 027 462 4769 ADVERTISE YOUR TRADE or services in the Coast & Country RunOn listings for only $20+gst conditions apply. Ph Tasha on 07 928 3042 or email tasha@thesun.co.nz

Card

Page 46

COAST & COUNTRY

feature properties & auctions feature properties & auctions ADVANTAGE REALTY LTD MREINZ

www.harcourts.co.nz www.harcourts.co.nz

Advantage RealtyRealty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent Agent REAA REAA 2008 2008 Advantage Ltd MREINZ Licensed

Tauranga Central Office – 07 578 0879 Cherrywood Office – 07 576 8770 Bethlehem Office – 07 579 2206 Mount Central Office – 07 575 6384 Papamoa Office – 07 542 9012 Te Puke Office – 07 573 4754

COAST & COUNTRY

feature properties & auctions feature properties & auctions ADVANTAGE REALTY LTD MREINZ

Page 47

www.harcourts.co.nz www.harcourts.co.nz

Advantage RealtyRealty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent Agent REAA REAA 2008 2008 Advantage Ltd MREINZ Licensed

Tauranga Central Office – 07 578 0879 Cherrywood Office – 07 576 8770 Bethlehem Office – 07 579 2206 Mount Central Office – 07 575 6384 Papamoa Office – 07 542 9012 Te Puke Office – 07 573 4754

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 48

COAST & COUNTRY

PRIZE PACK UP FOR GRABS!

Pictures and details can be emailed (high resolution jpgs) to sarah@thesun. co.nz “Country Camera” or posted to Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga.

Please include a name, address and phone number with every entry.

Jumping lambs, spot the dog!

Sent in by Caroline.

Sam (Dad) and Nathan heading out to get the cows in.

Sent in by Michelle.

Stella Bracewell, takes her first steps on the farm. Sent in by Nadia Bracewell.

Cameron, enjoying the autumn leaves, ‘Cam-eron-ouflaged’!

Sent in by Margaret Campbell.