Coast & Country News January 2015

BEST ALL ROUND NEWSPAPER 2014 · BEST ALL ROUND NEWSPAPER 2014 · BEST ALL ROUND NEWSPAPER 2014 · BEST ALL ROUND NEWSPAPER 2014

SPEED SHEARING PAGE 9

MOTORHOMES PAGE 35

GENERATION FARMING PAGE 10-11

FIRE PAGE 41

TAUPO CYCLE TRAIL PAGE 30

A&P SHOWS PAGE 8

KAITUNA RIVER PAGE 25

January 2015 Issue No.173

Bay of Plenty & Waikato Farm, Orchard & Rural Lifestyle

‘Food be thy medicine’ Mushroom grower Geoff Oliver believes food, and mushrooms in particular, can indeed be a medicine – a recipe for keeping well - which is why he’s increasing the variety of mushrooms he grows – read his story on pages 4-5. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 2

When ‘going west’ is good advice

Brian Rogers Director/ Editor

Rose Hodges Advertising 07 928 3043

Claire Rogers Managing Director

Elaine Fisher Editor 07 928 3046

Lois Natta Advertising 027 281 7427

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Sarah Adamson Graphic Designer Page Coordinator

Suzy King Advertising 021 769 831

“When everyone is going east, you go west” was a favourite saying of a wise old family friend – a Dutch immigrant dairy farmer in fact.

His philosophy on not to follow the crowd, but take a different path, is very sound advice.

Trailblazers may take the biggest risks, but those who succeed also enjoy the greatest rewards.

However, human nature being what it is, when others see that success, they follow close behind, potentially diminishing the rewards.

Such could be the case with the dairy industry, nationally and internationally. When returns were high – (remember the $8 per kg/ms days not so long ago?)

– farmers throughout the world

began to increase production and not surprisingly, this year prices fell.

Production increases alone may not have had such a dramatic impact if the world had remained a relatively peaceful place, but fighting in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia resulted in that country banning dairy imports from Europe. An over-supply of dairy products in China also decreased demand in that country.

All this puts dairy farmers under financial pressure which is particularly hard on newcomers, especially sharemilkers. Anyone who follows a career in agriculture or indeed horticulture, must be aware their income is subject to much which is beyond their control – fluctuations in demand, prices, the strength or weakness of the NZ dollar, not to mention the impacts weather.

Farmers have battled this and more for generations, and at times with tragic consequences as in the case of Te Aroha’s Mace Family – see pages 10-11 There’s also storms we can’t control, but it was the farsighted actions back in the 1980s by Bay of Plenty farmer and fruit grower representatives which helped lesson their impacts on power supply – see the story on page 19.

That the impacts of farming, industry and urban communities on water quality can be decreased has been proven by what’s happening to the Kaituna River – see story on page 25.

Summer is the time to celebrate the best of country life – and in the coming weeks, three great shows and a shearing competition do just that– see stories page 8 and 9.

By Elaine Fisher

Winners of the DVD prize – ‘Victim or Villain, The New Zealand Brushtail Possum’ by South Coast production are Carol and Willie Oates of Te Awamutu, and Wilma Robinson of Te Aroha. Suzanne Beatty of Katikati has won the book ‘Homeopathy for Horses’ by Tineke Verkade.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 3

Pressure comes on water use in Bay

The second session will be ‘Smart irrigation use’ – focusing on irrigation for profit.

“This will deal with questions of when to start irrigation, how much to irrigate, maintenance of the system for optimal performance, and how technology can help.”

DairyNZ will be supplying the speakers for ‘Smart water use on farm’ while a speaker from Irrigation NZ will address the second session. The DairyNZ Smart Water Field day on February 4, 2015, will be held at Robin Barkla’s dairy farm at 73 Thompson Rd, Whakatane, from 10.30am-1pm. Farmlands will be supplying a barbecue lunch. By Elaine Fisher

“The idea is to have sessions that are interactive, provide a platform where we can draw out the great things that farmers currently do and provide some technical expertise.

“The day will be suitable for all farmers who want to use this resource more efficiently.”

The day will also focus on ‘Smart water use on farm’ which looks at how water can be used more efficiently.

“The key focus area will be around the dairy, although we will also look at stock requirements for good performance.

How technology can help and gadgets and gizmos that can help will also be covered.”

Federated Farmers regional policy advisor Gwyn Morgan says while the plan is not yet finalised, once in force, some farmers may not be able to take any more water than they currently use.

“We know from BOPRC data in some catchments water appears to be over-allocated and under-allocated in others, but we don’t know exactly where at this stage,” says Gwyn, who is policy advisor for the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua/Taupo and Gisborne/Wairoa regions.

“Changes are underway regarding water use under the Bay of Plenty Regional Plan and whatever the outcome, it is clear farmers will have to use water more efficiently in future.”

Until the draft document is released for comment, it’s hard to know what restrictions or conditions it may impose but Gwyn expects many will be similar to those now in force under the Waikato Regional Council’s Variation 6 conditions which have been tested in the Environment Court.

Variation 6

Water Allocation Variation 6 to the Waikato Regional Plan became operative in April 2012 and for dairying, the rules’ main impact is

dairy sheds using more than 15m3 per day of surface water such as river, stream, creek or spring or groundwater such as bore water need a resource consent. Fifteen cubic metres per day equates to about 215 cows.

“Federated Farmers have been involved in talks with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council over the last two years regarding the regional plan and feel we have been kept well-informed,” Gwyn says.

It’s also up to farmers to involve themselves with the plan’s consultation process, once the draft is released for comment early this year. The formal notification will be later in the year once comments have been considered by council.

“It’s a bit like not voting at a general election. If you’re not enrolled, and don’t cast a vote, you can’t complain about the outcome.”

Urban growth

In its Bay of Plenty Regional Water and Land Plan, council has warned “the lack of availability of water resources may limit land use intensification or urban growth in some areas of the region, as increased water abstraction may cause significant adverse effects on the environment”.

The report goes on to say: “increasing water demand in the Bay of Plenty is evident due to increasing amounts of water being abstracted for irrigation, domestic water supply, for example life-style blocks, and municipal water supply as a result of population growth”.

Under the plan council aims to: “develop a long-term water sustain-

t o o ngan r a R A

ability strategy in conjunction with the city council, district councils, stakeholders and the community, including representatives from commercial, industrial, horticultural and agricultural organisations, to manage future water use requirements in areas of high water demand”.

It also aims to identify appropriate mechanisms to manage future water use “to ensure water is allocated in a fair and equitable manner”.

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Gwyn says National Regulations on the measuring and reporting of water takes were introduced under section 360 of the Resource Management Act in November 2010.

“From November 10, 2014, all new consents taking 10L/s or more but less than 20L/s need to report their actual usage to Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

“It is very important now that farmers know, can accurately measure and understand their actual water use as efficiency becomes increasingly important.”

Farmers are significant water users and one way those in the Whakatane district can help stay informed is to attend the DairyNZ Smart Water Field day on February 4, 2015.

DairyNZ senior consulting officer for Western Bay of Plenty, Wilma Foster, says this is an awareness session to help inform farmers where water allocation still available in the Whakatane region, what proposed changes are likely, and to stimulate interest in the submission process.

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Water use in some Bay of Plenty catchments appears to be over-allocated and changes planned by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council will impact on all users, farmers in particular.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 4

Mushroom man leading oyster fungi world The way delicate oyster mushrooms are cultivated at Te Puna’s Flavour Queen Mushrooms might be a world first.

Mushroom grower Geoff Oliver has been experimenting with growing the tasty fungi and thinks he’s onto a win-

ning system, the exact details of which he’s understandably not about to make public.

“As far as I know, what we are doing here is a world first,” says Geoff.

“Traditionally, oyster mushroom have been grown in bags of straw suspended from a ceiling but we think we’ve found a better way,” says Geoff, whose family has been growing mushrooms commer-

“The mushroom industry in Europe has gone through the kind of trends we’re seeing in New Zealand, starting from small family businesses, growing to very big operations, and now returning to small family businesses again.”

Pat, who at 82 still helps with harvesting and selling mushrooms, says quality control is much easier in a smaller operation.

Mushrooms can be tricky to grow and need careful handling at harvest to ensure the best quality product for customers, she says.

One international trend Geoff says is catching on in New Zealand is to use food as medicine in keeping with the saying of Hippocrates, the Greek physician referred to as the father of western medicine: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”.

Medicinal benefits

Geoff Oliver believes the way he’s growing oyster mushrooms is a world first. cially at Te Puna for 65 years.

So successful has Geoff ’s trial been, he’s confident of soon producing commercial quantities of the oyster mushroom to sell alongside his already well-known portobello mushrooms at the Tauranga Farmer’s Market and from the Te Puna mushroom farm.

That Geoff should have the knack to find innovative ways of growing mushrooms is really no surprise. Innovation is definitely in his genes and he grew up helping his mother Pat and his late father Trevor grow and harvest the fungi.

Family farms

Recently he’s also visited mushroom farms overseas seeking new ideas, only to find that farmers in Europe are “reverting” to the way the Oliver family have always grown mushrooms.

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“Asian cultures, Chinese in particular, have always used food as a medicine and the rest of the world is now beginning to think this way with people looking for foods with medicinal benefits,” says Geoff.

It’s for that reason the next species of mushrooms he grows commercially will be the reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) which is commonly called the ling-zhi in China.

One of the bracket fungi, it has been used in Chinese and Japanese folk medicine for at least 4000 years, for liver problems, hepatitis, hypertension, arthritis, insomnia, bronchitis, gastric ulcer and asthma.

Ling zhi, is also known as the ‘The Mushroom of Immortality’ and is used in cancer treatment in traditional and modern Chinese medicine.

It is said to improve vitality, strength and stamina and to prolong life and to enhance immune response, alleviate chemotherapy side effects such as nausea and kidney damage and protect cellular DNA by raising antioxidant capacity.

Scientists at the USA’s City of Hope research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other lifethreatening diseases are reported to have found a potential link between mushrooms and a decreased likelihood of tumour growth and development in cells and animals.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 5

Brandy mushrooms

Brandy mushrooms is a favourite recipe of Te Puna mushroom grower Geoff Oliver.

Pat Oliver and her son Geoff take pride in their Mushrooms.

The ‘dark rooms’ in which the mushrooms grow are air-conditioned.

Innovative cultivation of oyster fungi City of Hope researchers now plan to apply this research to human clinical trials. Other researchers have found evidence extracts from certain mushrooms, in combination with other extracts, may play a role in breast cancer treatment.

Nutritious food

However, making health claims for a natural product like mushrooms can’t be done without exhaustive scientific research and published findings.

Geoff says there’s no doubt though that mushrooms are a nutritious food; they are low in calories, fat-free, cholesterolfree, gluten-free, and very low in sodium, and provide important nutrients, including selenium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin D and more.

Pat says she and Trevor became mushroom farmers almost by accident.

“Trevor was an electrical engineer and when we first lived here in Clark Rd, Te Puna, we were surrounded by farmland and in autumn could go out and pick wild mushrooms.”

As land use changed to orchards, the supply of mushrooms dwin-

dled. “Trevor saw an advertisement in a magazine about an American company, which was selling mushroom spore so he had some shipped out.”

Absorbing hobby

The spores should have been kept refrigerated but they weren’t. However, some mushrooms did grow leading to an absorbing hobby for Trevor. It wasn’t long before Pat and Trevor decided growing mushrooms could become a business.

“Trevor built all the mushroom houses, which are air-conditioned to keep the temperature just right for the mushrooms.”

An innovative man with diverse technical and practical skills, Trevor designed systems to make running the business as simple as possible.

This included buying sets of railway tracks from the Waihi Goldmine along with bogies to run on them, and laying the tracks to allow heavy trays of compost to be moved to and from the mushroom houses.

He also bought a huge butter churn from a dairy factory to make and mix the compost; vital to the successful cultivation of mushrooms.

The most recent ingenious Oliver device is a mobile Marshall solid fuel hot water heater on a wheeled trolley, which produces stream to pasteurise the compost.

Geoff still imports mushroom spore for Flavour Queen Mushrooms and it arrives by air, not sea as did his father’s first shipment.

Farmers market

It takes about three weeks for pinhead sized mushrooms to emerge from their growing medium and these beds are “select picked” during several weeks.

For Geoff it’s a constant rotation of cleaning out used mushroom trays, preparing new ones with fresh compost and spores, caring for the fungi while they grow and harvesting the mushroom.

Then on Saturday morning he and Pat can be found at the Tauranga Farmer’s Market at the Tauranga Primary School, where their mushrooms sell out well before the market closes.

“It’s the part of the business I like the best because you get to meet and talk to customers, many of who have bought mushrooms from us for years.”

Geoff was among the founders of the market and he reckons it’s the

ideal place for consumers to meet producers and ask about the food they are buying, how it’s produced, what’s great about it and how to cook and eat it.

By Elaine Fisher

Ingredients: 50g butter 2 cloves crushed garlic 3 spring onions, sliced 100g mushrooms 1 Tbsp soya sauce 1 Tbsp brandy 1 cup of cream Method: Gently cook onions and garlic in butter (or oil) until soft and nearly caramelised. Add mushrooms, cover and cook gently for a few minutes. Stir in soya sauce, cream and brandy.

Page 6

COAST & COUNTRY

Pilot scheme to get more Kiwis in work

By Elaine Fisher

Rapidly increasing fruit volumes mean the kiwifruit industry will need an additional 2000 employees within the next two years.

To meet this need, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc’s employment development manager Ian Fryer is

involved in a pilot scheme aimed at recruiting and training newcomers to the industry, many currently unemployed.

The significant volumes of gold kiwifruit coming on stream in the next few years, the Government’s focus on getting more Kiwis into work and activities of some 'cowboys” in the industry are among reasons for the

These employees are among the first to be part of the pilot scheme aimed at recruiting and training newcomers to the kiwifruit industry. pilot programme, which if successful will be rolled out in other horticultural industries.

The programme has the support of the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment, Work and Income NZ and Immigration NZ. The Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and Fruition Horticultural are assisting with training.

Ian says NZKGI is working with government departments and horticultural contractors on the scheme, which sees employees supported for the first six weeks of their new job to help them become “work fit”.

Overcoming obstacles

“It’s all very well to say someone, who has been unemployed for a while, should be able to get straight into work – but it’s not always that easy,” says Ian. The programme assists employees in overcoming obstacles to getting to work, such as transport, and helps them develop good work habits including reliability and responsibility.

“This is not about finding them seasonal work, but getting them into full-time employment. The kiwifruit industry’s orchard operations generally has the capacity to offer at least 46 weeks per year of employment.”

Employees in the scheme are encouraged to undertake industry training and formal NZQA

qualifications, with the aim of enabling them to fill more skilled and leadership roles.

The success of the scheme requires close co-operation of horticultural contractors – and, Ian says so far Bay of Plenty contractors have employed 65 people, aged from 16 upwards, under the scheme. Contractors who take part must be able to prove they’re fully compliant with all NZ Employment Law and NZ Immigration Law. This can be best achieved by becoming a registered member New Zealand Master Contractors Inc, which conducts ongoing and regular audits on members, says Ian, who is also the organisation’s chief executive officer.

Labour resource

“Master Contractors represents the best in contracting services for the horticulture, viticulture and other seasonal industries in New Zealand; and our aim is to provide a reliable and professional labour resource for employers in the kiwifruit, apple, grape, avocado, pip fruit, squash, cherry and summer fruit industries. “Our focus is our members are fully compliant, striving for best practice and wishing to employ New Zealanders first.

“All our members have current certificates of compliance from New Zealand Master Contractors Inc, including GlobalGAP or the RSE scheme.”

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Ian says contractors are significant employers in the industry, alongside growers and post-harvest facilities, particularly during the peak picking season.

“Without contractors the horticulture and viticulture industries would not function,” says Ian. “However, there is continuing pressure to incur cost and achieve compliance with a range of employment, immigration, health and safety and various quality assurance programmes.

“Unfortunately there is also a significant number of non-compliant and fringe ‘cowboy’ operators, who continue in business with no aspiration to meet these requirements.”

It’s the aim of the Master Contractors to address those problems.

Ian says another initiative in development and consultation stage is creation of the Kiwifruit ID card, which employees registered to work in the industry may be given.

“The card will include their photo and have a barcode, which labour inspectors can read with their mobile phone to ensure the person is legally allowed to work in NZ. “Growers who have contract teams coming onto their orchards will also be able to ask to see the cards, to ensure all staff are working legally.”

Anyone interesting in discussing industry partnerships or joining Master Contractors should contact Ian Fryer by emailing: ian@mastercontractors.co.nz

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 7

Helping bees survive more than just a job The first time Raeann Stead visited a honey house as a teenager, she was terrified by the cloud of bees outside.

Hives of different colours are used so bees can find their way back to their own hive.

Today the 22-year-old works with bees every day and is in awe, not in terror, of them.

“They are the most amazing creatures and are vital to so much of the food we eat.

I’m fascinated by them and happy to be able to help the bees survive,” says Raeann.

So many pests and diseases now threaten the honeybee that without beekeepers like Raeann they wouldn’t survive.

It was Raeann’s brother Greg, who suggested she might like to join him and the team at Aratakai Honey’s Netherton branch in 2009 as a trainee beekeeper – and the girl from Auckland’s North Shore took up the challenge.

Now she’s one a just a few women beekeepers in New Zealand.

“When I first started I found lifting boxes from hives to extract honey hard, as the weight of the box, the frames, and the wax, can be 40 to 50kg.

“The honey weight alone is usually about 20-25kg, but I soon developed enough strength to do that.”

Raeann has learnt on the job, and from her own research, finding out more and more about bees “but I didn’t think you ever stop learning about them”.

She gets stung – a lot. “It’s part of the job and mostly doesn’t bother me unless I get stung on the face.”

Cheese factory Raeann Stead loves her job as a beekeeper at Netherton.

Arataki Honey’s Netherton depot is an old cheese factory on the banks of the Waihou River – and it’s from there the

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team head out to feed or move hives, or collect honey.

“In the summer we often leave at 6am to try to get most of our work done before the heat of the day, because of the gear we have to wear.”

The company has honey sites in the Coromandel and these are visited regularly to extract honey.

It also supplies hives for kiwifruit pollination and these must be fed with a sugar syrup to supplement the rather poor nectar from the kiwifruit flowers.

When hives are removed from an orchard, depot or honey site, they’re transported at least 10 kilometres away so worker bees won’t be tempted to return to the original site.

they would gorge themselves on honey stores and possibly put the hive’s food supply at risk.”

Queen bees are the egg layers, which keep the colony supplied with workers, drones and new queens. But queen bees also influence hive behaviour through the pheromones they excrete.

Raeann says most queens and workers are quite “placid” and easy to work with.

“Occasionally, we get an aggressive queen and the rest of the hive might be the same. They are not so good to

By Elaine Fisher work with.”

Coloured hives

“We put hives of different colours together, and orientate them in different directions so bees can find their way back to their own hive.”

Capturing swarms of bees is something Raeann has become good at too – and it was her, who gently removed hundreds of bees from a fence post on a Netherton dairy farm after farmer Louise Shaw spotted them early one morning.

“It’s good to collect these swarms because the bees wouldn’t survive for long in the wild.”

Treating hives for pests such as the varroa mite and monitoring them for diseases like American foulbrood is all part of the job, as is ensuring hives are up to strength for pollination or honey production, or to survive winter.

“In autumn the drones, whose only job is to mate with queens, are usually forced out of the hive by the female workers because

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A&P SHOWS

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Celebrity chef among expo’s attractions Talented celebrity chef Nici Wickes will be back to demonstrate more culinary delights at the Rotorua A&P Lifestyle Expo on January 24-25.

Nici will be working from a brand new state-of-the-art kitchen designed and installed by Innovative Kitchens, using ingredients and equipment sponsored by Pak ‘n’ Save Rotorua.

Nici made her name as one of New Zealand’s most well-loved foodies and TV chefs when she hosted the popular food-travel show on TV3, called ‘World Kitchen’.

The show, which follows Nici on her travels around the world meet-

ing chefs, growers, producers and restaurateurs in search of inspiration to bring back to her kitchen at home in New Zealand, now enjoys worldwide audiences as it airs in more than 80 countries.

A successful cookbook author, newspaper columnist and broadcaster, Nici’s enthusiasm for encouraging average NZ cooks to become more confident in their own kitchens is infectious.

She’s is all about great food; she travels for it, writes about it and eats lots of it and her cooking

she promises to bring her flare for easy, full-flavoured and spicy dishes to your barbecue this summer.

The Rotorua expo will also be honouring the ANZACs during their Centennial year, through large military displays, memorabilia, film and ANZAC memories.

The New Zealand Defence Force representing navy, army and air force is setting up camp at the show to recruit, provide information and take part in the show’s ANZAC commemorations.

There will be big prizes for lucky visitors to win and goodie bags to be given away. Other attractions include competitions for horse, cattle, alpacas and goat as well the Agrodome shears, wool-handling and axemen events.

The Rotorua A&P Lifestyle is on January 24-25 and gates are open 8.30am-5pm. Tickets cost $10 for adults and children under 15 enter for free.

style can be summed up as “cooking without fuss or stress, focusing on the flavour and not creating too many dishes”.

Showing audiences how to adapt recipes from farflung countries to their own kitchens is her specialty and

Plenty to do and see at Katikati’s show next month The 92-year-old tradition of town meets country takes place again on Sunday, February 1, 2015, when the gates open for the Katikati A&P Show at the Uretara Domain.

and entrants will compete for the Country Skip Trophy donated by Faye Ashworth in memory of her horse by that name. There’s also a competition for junior side sale riders.”

Mural Town Traders has donated a silver tray as a trophy for the Show Hunter event in conjunction with the Waihi A&P Show held in October. Competitors collect points by competing at both shows and the winner will receive the trophy plus $50. It’s designed to give less experienced horses and inexperienced riders a go at something new. The home industries competition for children to adults

food stalls, a range of rides and amusements, live music, plus stilt walkers are other attractions.

“As always we will have the bar under the big oak tree, and lots more seating around the grounds this year.”

Admission to the show is $5 for adults and $2 for children, with free admission for those aged under 5.

includes a wide range of sections from home baking and preserving to hand crafts, fruit and vegetables to photography. At the event, there’s the chance to try your hand at milking a cow and farmers of all ages will be parading their dairy and beef cattle before the judges in an attempt to win ribbons and maybe take best in show awards. Trade exhibits,

Jumping dogs, strongmen Arab horses, dog jumping, live music, interactive activities and exciting rides and amusements will be among the attractions at the 2015 Tauranga A&P Show.

free entry to the show and there are a number of activities that are free for children to enjoy.

Back at the show by popular demand are the Northern Horde, with their displays of medieval combat and culture, and the Bay of Plenty Strongest Man contest, where a NZ record was set at the 2014 “It’s a modern show for show. everyone, of any age, from The Rotorua Axemen’s Club the city or country,” says will demonstrate wood chopTerry Woodmass, of the ping and sawing and some of organising committee. the country’s top shearers will The show is on Saturcompete at the show in events, day, January 17 at the which are a warm-up for their Tauranga Racecourse at national competitions as well Greerton; and getting as competing in a ‘test match’ there is even easier thanks Strongman of a series against the Welsh to a free bus service.

Chris Latham.

Shearing team who’ll be tour“Just cut the voucher ing NZ. from our newspaper advertisements There’s a Young Farmers Tug of War and use it to catch a Bay Hopper Bus and sheep racing events too. from anywhere within the city for a Anyone can enter their dogs in free ride to and from the show,” says the dog jumping contest. “This was so popular last year, we’re staging it Terry.

Children aged 12 and under also have again.”

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The show’s links extend back to the town’s Ulster Irish pioneers but today it includes thoroughly modern attractions and rides as well as traditional agricultural and pastoral show events such as home industries and cattle and horse competitions.

“The Katikati show is in very good heart and is so well supported by our local community,” says committee member Louellen Davies.

“We’re very lucky because some A&P shows are struggling to survive.”

Equestrian competitions are among the show’s most popular and this year children as young as four-and-a-half will participate in the lead reign competitions.

There are competitions for Clydesdales and a special trophy for side saddle riders too.

“The unity side saddle event is judged on horse, rider and tackle

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COAST & COUNTRY

Speed shearing action at Te Puna

The highly popular Te Puna Speed Shear Competition, hosted by the Te Puna Hunting and Fishing Club, will be held on Saturday, January 17.

In the 15 years since it was launched, the event has attracted top shearers from throughout New Zealand and beyond, and is watched by enthusiastic audiences.

The evening contest is held on the same day as the Tauranga A&P Show, with many shearers taking part in competitions at both events.

It’s a gold coin entry and there’s live music from Journey Men, who’ve been entertaining at the speed shear for a number of years.

Speed shearing is a great spectator sport and organisers encourage you to come along and have a look and get right up close to the action.

As an added bonus there are raffles during the evening with prizes ranging from a Stihl chainsaw to meat raffles and much more.

They are drawn on the night and you have to be there to win, and there’s plenty of spot prizes throughout the event.

The Speed Shear classes are categorised as senior, veterans of 55 years-plus and open.

Top prize for open is $2000, and top prize for senior is $1000 donated by a great group of sponsors. Plus there is a prize for the best local who has the fastest time over all categories.

The 2015 Te Puna Speed Shear is held at the Top Shot Pub at Te Puna directly behind Farmlands from 5pm and prize giving starts about 10:30pm.

For more information about the Te Puna Speed Shear call John Dalziel (Worzel) on 027 577 2632, Maree Morton (Petal) on 021 399 793, or Gary Sobye on 027 472 0014. General enquiries can be emailed to: tepunahuntfishclub@gmail.com

Exciting rides at Tauranga show A twist on high jumping, the event sees dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds compete by jumping a ‘doggy high jump’ with ever-increasing heights until a winner emerges. The Tauranga show is also known for its horse events; and this year Terry says special competitions have been introduced for Arab horses.

“As far as we know this is a first for Tauranga and we’ve had interest from Arab owners and breeders from throughout the country.”

As well as show jumping and pony events, there will also be horse and carriage (harness) and Western Riding events too.

The Home Industries competitions are open to both children and adults and there are a wide range of sections from baking to handcrafts, to produce and photography.

Entertain the children for a day these holidays by getting them to prepare their Home Industries entries. At the show children will have the chance to get up close to farm animals in the petting zoo, alpaca enclosure, rides in the Clydesdale wagon, hand-milking a cow and through pony rides.

For those keen on getting into the action, there is the ‘Volcanic Adventure Run’, a climbing wall and super water slides; and for the grown-ups, the Young Farmers rowing challenge promises to be entertaining.

As always, there will be plenty of food stalls and continuous live entertainment with buskers as well as song and dance performances.

The 2015 Tauranga A&P Show will be “an action-packed, not-to-be-missed, fun day out for all,” says Terry.

For more information, including schedules for competitions, check out the Facebook page: www.facebook. com/TaurangaAgriculturalandPastoralAssociation

Digger Balme will be competing in this month’s Te Puna Hunting and Fishing Club Speed Shear Competition.

Page 9

Shearing:

‘a decent hard day’s work’

Digger Balme has been “hooked” on shearing since, as a teenager, he first helped his father shear sheep on the family farm near Tuakau.

it.” Digger also enjoys taking the microphone and entertaining the crowd during the evening contest, which follows the Tauranga A&P Show, with both event’s shearing competitions on the same day.

“I just like the fact; it’s a decent hard day’s work. I like the company, the competition and the chance to travel.

“Now it’s more of a hobby,” says Digger, who 33 years on is still shearing and will again compete and MC the 15th Te Puna Hunting and Fishing Club Speed Shear Competition on Saturday, January 17, 2015. Digger hasn’t missed a year since the contest started in 1999 and says it’s one of the most enjoyable competitions around.

“Te Puna always draws a good crowd of people, both rural and city. It’s a good opportunity to bring shearing to city people so they can experience what it’s all about.

“It’s also well run. I really enjoy

Both events

Digger and many other shearers compete in both events – and while that makes for a good workout, Digger says it’s nothing like a full day in a shearing shed.

“Speed shearing is great because it’s over pretty quickly. I just need to do a bit of training in the shed before the event to build my speed up.”

Digger, who now has his own sheep and beef farm at Te Kuiti, made a career out of shearing by traveling New Zealand shearing in gangs on large stations such as Lochinver Station on the Napier Taupo Highway and in the South Island. For several years he worked in Australia and the UK too.

Competition in his early shearing

By Elaine Fisher

career was a daily event. “Competition in the shed was how you got to the top.

“You started at the bottom and took on the guy next to you, working your way up to the top stand.

“Today that competitive edge seems to have gone and younger shearers are happy to work away at a steady pace.”

Golden shears

For many years he worked for David Fagan and then Neil Fagan and competed in nine Golden Shears Open finals from 1991 to 2007, filling every place during that period except winning.

Decades of shearing have taken their toll on Digger. “My back has given me problems for seven or eight years now, but I work through it.”

Shearing must be in the blood because his teenage son Josh is also a keen shearer, combining that sport with rowing. Josh will be at Te Puna to compete if he can.

Page 10

FARMING THROUGH THE GENERATIONS

Family tragedy left Eric in charge of farms “I was on holiday in the South Island with my Eric Mace was just 20 when a double cousin when I got word my father and uncle had tragedy propelled him into the weighty both drowned in a flood on the farm,” says Eric, responsibilities of managing two family farms. who today still owns the farm his grandparents

Charles and Louisa Mace developed 111 years ago near Mangaiti, Te Aroha.

Eric’s father Reginald, known as Jack, and Jack’s younger brother Arthur both perished in the tragedy during an exceptionally big flood in May 1954.

“Parts of the farm always flooded in heavy rain because there was no stop bank on our side of the river.

“The cows were on an island in the middle of the flood and my father and uncle were rowing out to give them hay from a barn on the island when the accident happened.”

The loss of the husbands and fathers was a huge blow for the Mace families – and it was Eric who took over running both farms for his mother and aunt.

Fortunately farming was all Eric had ever wanted to do.

“I left school a fortnight before I turned 15 because our farm worker wanted to go on holiday and I told Dad I’d fill in for him.

“I didn’t tell the headmaster and by the time he figured out I wasn’t at school, I was 15 anyway.”

Macetown brothers

Eric is the third generation Mace to farm land between the Waihou River and Rawhiti Rd, which the Mace family bought for one pound an acre in 1895.

His 70ha property is the only part of the original 1100 acres still in Mace family ownership.

His grandfather Charles Mace was born in Thames, the son of John Mace, one of three brothers for whom Macetown, in the hills near Arrowtown, was named.

John, Charles and Harry Mace went to the Arrow River from Wanaka, via Cardrona, searching for gold and established their claim on a beach where a creek flowed into the Arrow River.

Although they weren’t the first to arrive in the area, they became prominent and highly respected citizens and were also renowned as cricketers in the Otago Province – which is why the town was named for them.

John later moved to Thames, where Charles was born. Charles married Louisa Pocock, who came to New Zealand in 1874.

Charles and Lousia Mace and their children, including Arthur and Jack who were tragically drowned together on the family farm near Te Aroha in 1954.

The couple had a butchery business at Waitekauri, when Charles won a lottery in 1903 and moved his family to the farm at Mangaiti.

Railway tracks

Brothers Henry, John and Charles Mace were gold miners at Macetown, which was named after them. (Image Hocken Collection University of Otago).

Because there were no roads, Charles used the railway line that ran through the farm to access undeveloped parts of the property, spending all day clearing it in preparation for sowing pasture.

As well as raising her family, Louisa was postmistress for Mangaiti, as the post office was on the farm.

The family gave land for the building of the former Mangaiti School, which continued to operate until 1936. Little remains today of Mangaiti but it once had a railway station, hall and store as well as the school.

Eric says the original Mace property was split into three farms for Charles and Louisa’s sons; and it was his parents Reginald and Jessie (Nee McNicol), who farmed on the property where Eric still lives.

“After my father and uncle died I ran the two farms but it became just too hard, and in the end my aunt sold her property.”

Walk-through

Even before he left school, Eric worked on the farm and for many years milked cows in the original walk-through shed his grandfather built.

Cream, and later milk was taken in cans to a ‘dump’ closer to Te Aroha, where it was picked up by the milk factory trucks.

“In the flush we had so much milk we used up all of the 30 cans we had.” Like most farmers at that time, the Mace farm-raised pigs, fed on skim milk.

Horses were the original mode of transport on the farm but the family were early adopters of tractors.

“Our first tractor was an Allis Chalmers tractor with steel wheels,” says Eric.

“I used it to drag willows out of the swampy parts of the farm.”

Eric progressed to David Browns but is now a fan of the Case tractors.

“We always used to have two-wheel-drive tractors; and I couldn’t see the need for four-wheel-drive until I saw what they could do on the hills, then I thought ‘I had to have one of these’.”

In the 1960s Eric began to breed Friesian cows, developing a well-respected stud enhancing his own milking herd and selling pedigree animals to other farmers.

However, when he gave up milking and brought in

FARMING THROUGH THE GENERATIONS

Page 11

Mace family’s gold mining links pedal the Hauraki Rail Trail. gated onto pasture.

“I can see them from my lounge. There’s almost always The day-to-day runsomeone going by, especially on a fine weekend.” ning of the farm is now in the capable hands of

By Elaine Fisher Tim and Jolene Roskam, but Eric is still involved.

“I go round and find any problems like electric fences which aren’t working, or clearing drains, lid Food for Soils sprayingS oweeds or cleaning water troughs.”

In Charles Mace’s day there was a railway instead of a public road between Te Aroha and Paeroa.

Today there’s a busy highway linking the two o l orailway Z e s t tracks towns.DThe have been removed C a l ciand Zest along the route Charlie 0800 843 809 once walked, cyclists 07 362 7288 or go to www.esi.org.nz Eco-Logic Soil Improvement

The floods of May 1954 inundated farmland from Te Aroha to Kopu.

(Image www.ohinemuri.org.nz)

sharemilkers, Eric also stopped breeding Friesians.

Eric married Althea Keightley, and the couple had four children, John, Maryanne and Andrew and Louise.

“All the children have worked on the farm,” says Eric, who now has six grandchildren. Sadly Althea died 12 years ago.

Flood scheme

Floods continued to affect the Mace farm until the late 1990s, when the Waihou Valley Scheme, which began in the 1970s, was finally complete.

This involved farmers contributing through rates to the cost of constructing stop banks along the Waihou River.

“It has made a huge difference to our farm and the use of lowland, which is among the last areas to dry out round here in summer.”

The farm’s old walk-through wooden shed has been replaced with a 20-aside herringbone shed, where sharemilker Tim Roskam milks a herd of 200 cows.

Recently an effluent pond with 90 days’ storage capacity has been constructed and effluent is irri-

Eric Mace is the third generation of his family to farm at Mangaiti near Te Aroha.

Page 12

FEED MANAGEMENT

Colour wraps for cancer awareness

Wrapping hay and silage in pink plastic is a novel way to raise awareness of breast cancer – and next season blue bales will do the same for prostate cancer.

The pink bales of silage and pink and black bales of hay that have appeared near highways in farming districts this season are an initiative by crop packaging supplier Agpac to get people talking about women’s health and in particular breast cancer prevention.

!

Agpac general manager Chris Dawson says his company worked with its overseas suppliers to develop the pink wrap and pink and black netwrap.

Agpac is donating a percentage of the sales of the pink products to Sweet Louise, which provides practical support to improve the lives of Kiwi women with secondary breast cancer and their families.

“The limited supply of the pink silage wrap and pink and black netwrap we had this year is selling very well.

“The support we have received from farmers, contractors and from rural newspapers that have picked up the story has been very gratifying.

“Thanks to this positive response, we will expand the programme next year.”

Next year Agpac will increase its volume of pink bale wrap and pink and black net wrap to cater for the extra demand that has been created.

It will also add a blue bale wrap to raise awareness of men’s health and prostate cancer in support of Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ. Chris says Agpac sales representatives requested contractors who bought the pink wrap should supply it to farms near major roadways so the pink bales would be very visible.

Te Awamutu contractor Maurice Forkert is one of those who supplied the pink wrap. He says it’s very popular with his dairy farmer clients and especially their wives.

“It was all sold by word of mouth.

One of the farmers who bought it wasn’t so keen at first, but his daughter insisted and he came around,” Maurice says.

Chris says many of those who ordered the pink products have a wife, mother or sister who has had an experience with breast cancer.

“We want to thank everyone who bought these products, not least because it will enable us to donate to the Louise Perkins Foundation, which is doing

fantastic work helping women who are in the difficult final stages of breast cancer.”

Sweet Louise is a charitable trust that works to improve the lives of New Zealand women with secondary breast cancer. The support services Sweet Louise provides range from counselling and emotional support to haircuts, wigs and hats, to helpers who do chores around the home.

Sweet Louise CEO Fiona Hatton is thrilled Agpac wants to support the organisation and raise awareness about breast cancer in regions otherwise hard to reach.

“We are grateful that Chris and the Agpac team have chosen to support us. I think we have built a genuine partnership with them.

“They have a real affinity with us and understand some of the difficulties our members go through.

“We provide services throughout the North Island, including nurses who work in rural areas. We have members in the South Island and are looking to expand our services there.

“But we are still a small organisation, and we would never manage to do the kind of marketing in rural areas that the pink bale initiative has achieved,” says Fiona.

Chris thanks Agpac’s overseas suppliers that made the pink bale campaign possible. They are the Israeli company Tama Plastic Industry, which supplied the pink and black striped netwrap, and Swedish company Trioplast, which supplied the pink bale wrap.

“Our Australian parent company Tapex has picked up the idea and is promoting breast cancer awareness in rural communities there. Tama is rolling out its pink and black netwrap in Europe and Israel.

“The story has been picked up by social media and we have requests for information from around the world.”

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FEED MANAGEMENT

Page 13

Tackling food waste one solution for nitrogen woes One third of food produced globally each year is wasted – about 1.3 billion tonnes of it – and it’s worth NZ$887 trillion.

Households, even in New Zealand, send 258,886 tonnes of food waste to landfill every year, throwing out $751 million worth.

Those figures were among those quoted in the Norman Taylor Memorial Lecture for 2014 delivered by Dr Stewart Ledgard at the closing session of the recent Soil Science conference.

His topic was ‘Nitrogen Efficiency: From Plant to Planet’, and contained a fascinating journey of just what happens with nitrogen inputs and outputs during the lifecycle and travels of our meat and milk.

At the plant level our stalwart white clover has been fixing N from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and transferring it to other plants and grasses for 100 years or so.

Cost efficient

It does it very cheaply, particularly when compared to the considerable energy usage required to make fertiliser N. In the 1980s the clover N fixation nationwide was assessed at 1.57 million tonnes, with N fertiliser at a measly 0.02 million tonnes.

By 2014, with the increasing idea that urea will increase production, fixed N had reduced to 0.9mt, while N fertiliser had gone up to 0.35mt.

It may surprise you to find our fixed N is still worth $1.2 billion per year to primary production.

A five-year farm trial by DairyNZ comparing N ins and outs found 207kg N/ha/yr as urea did indeed increase milk solids production by 110kg/ha/yr, milk plus meat by 11kg N/ha/yr, but almost halved N use efficiency, and more than doubled N leaching.

One must wonder whether the increases would be worth the clean-up costs.

Unfortunately, both pure clover and clover plus grass produce up to twice

in various ways including airborne droplets causing smog in big cities.

Globally, milk and meat production loses more N per kg protein than cereals, but New Zealand has relatively lower N loss from milk and meat than some of our competitors and much of our land is unsuitable for cereal production; and well suited for production of meat and milk.

So what should we be doing instead? Stewart came up with some firm answers. At the plant level we should use more legumes, and rely the percentage of N that grazing animals need, so unless low protein extra feed sources, for example maize silage, can balance things out a bit there will always be a large proportion of N excreted in urine and dung.

Some interesting graphs show while the proportion of clover in pasture has a dynamic pattern of ups and downs, the amount of N fixed by it remains almost constant. It’s a system of selfregulation, whereby when the grass takes up the fixed N and grows taller, the clover just ups its N fixing production.

Grass compete

But when fixed N builds up in soil, increased grass growth competes more strongly with the clover. Surprisingly, older studies show clover plus grass had almost the same leaching rate as grass plus urea; but only when urea was applied in small regular amounts.

However, recent research during several years has shown the more even accrual of N from clover, set against heavy dumps of urea, means actual leaching from urea can be more than twice as much.

On some overseas graphs our N usage appears to be up with Ireland, and quite a bit above Canada and Australia, but a closer look reveals the calculations are based on human populations, not animal ones. A slight distortion.

Not only that but an awful lot of nitrogen leaves our shores in exported products, mainly milk solids (112m kg N), but also in beef (12m kg N) sheep meat (11m kg N) and wool (13m kg N).

Nitrogen loss

We’re losing N in all its forms both into the air and into the ground, and thus causing a welter of environmental impacts, including eutrophication, global warming, acidification, ozone depletion and affecting human health

more on fixed N. At the animal level we need to strive for decreased N loss per kg of product. For our grazing system we need to tighten up the N cycle by getting less N in urine and spreading that urine-N more widely.

And to try and rescue the planet we must reduce food wastage, utilise N wastes (including sewage N), consider whether we really need to eat all that milk and meat, or increase cereals which make much less N waste; and in New Zealand we must continue to focus on reducing the environmental impacts of that milk and meat.

By Sue Edmonds How hard can it be, really?

PASTURE RENOVATION

Page 14 a iN &

SEED DrESSi

ID G E CRSEEDS

Gr

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qua lity paSturE SEED

On-farm ‘border patrol’ to control weeds

Alligator weed is a creeping plant that grows on damp pasture, stream banks and swampy areas.

Alligator weed is a creeping plant that Farmers are being encouraged grows on damp pasture, stream banks to exercise their own “border and swampy areas. It’s known to choke patrol” to reduce unwanted pest waterways and interfere with irrigation systems. Its leaves are long, hollow and weeds entering their land waxy with green or red tinged stems. this summer.

It has white clover-like flowers visible Bay of Plenty Regional Counfrom December to March. cil senior biosecurity officer Shane Noogoora bur grows up to 2m high Grayling says the best way to keep as a single stem or bush. It has maplefarms free of weed pests is by ensuring like leaves and forms clusters of spiny, machines used for crop harvest and hooked burs that can stick to animal drain clearing are clean before they fur, machinery and clothing. Young start work.

Noogoora bur plants are toxic to “Unwanted pasture weeds like Noog- sheep, cattle and pigs. The burs are visoora bur and alligator weed can spread ible from December through to July. as seeds or plant fragments carried on People should contact Bay of Plenty animals or rural machinery. They’re Regional Council if they see either easily spread and difficult to control.” weed.

“One of the best ways to keep them “Please don’t attempt to control them off your property is to check machinyourself, you could make the problem ery before you bring it onto your worse. We’ll control them for you at land.” no cost.”

He’s also asking farmers and contracMore information is available tors to keep an eye out for unusual at www.boprc.govt.nz/pestplants weeds this summer and report any or by calling that they see.

0800 ST0P PESTS (0800 780 773).

Call for tougher rustling laws New Zealand First wants tougher laws on cattle rustling as costs to farmers soar to more than $120 million a year.

“Rustling is a crime that affects the backbone of this country – our farmers – who are often miles away from support,” says New Zealand First’s Primary Industries spokesperson Richard Prosser.

“Farmers’ livelihoods and our economy are the losers.

“We are drafting amendments to crime and sentencing laws to bring in stronger penalties and mandatory confiscation of vehicles and equipment.

“New Zealand First believes in getting tough on crime, but the National Government has run down rural policing.”

Richard says strong penalties will move the cost of rustling onto the perpetrators rather than the victims, “and in tandem, with graduated sentencing, will provide some real deterrence”.

“While farmers are generally impressed with police, the lack of appropriate laws means that rustlers are slapped with the wettest of wet bus tickets in court.

“It’s just plain common sense to support our farmers and rural communities.”

PASTURE RENOVATION

Page 15

New group helps water users Water, including that used for irrigation, is a critical part of any Bay rural business.

A group representing rural water users is working with Bay of Plenty Regional Council to help farmers and growers manage their use of fresh water.

The Irrigation Technical Group is a forum for water uses and the regional council to develop guidelines for best practice and efficient water use.

It includes representatives of agricultural and horticultural industries and irrigation services.

Regional council project implementation officer Scott Mahupuku, who chairs the group, says it will drive best water practice on farms and orchards,

involve and inform water users on national and regional water requirements and make regional council consent processes easier for water users.

“We want water users to understand their requirements around water, and make the changes coming as easy as possible.

“Water is a critical part of any Bay rural business, with water used for spraying, stock, dairy shed wash down, irrigation and frost protection.”

Central Government’s National Policy Statement for fresh water, land and water forum reports, Treaty settlements and irrigation funding are driving change to the way water is used.

“The regional council needs to work with communities to drive more efficient use of water, while protecting ecological and community values and economic growth.”

The group includes Federated Farmers, Dairy NZ, dairy companies, NZ Avocado, NZKGI, Te Puke and Katikati Fruit Growers associations, Zespri, packhouses, Horticulture NZ and Irrigation NZ.

Maize focus of FAR field day at Tamahere

The Foundation for Arable Research is holding a maize fielday on Thursday January 22, from 4pm-6pm at the Waikato Arable Research, Oakley Lane, Tamahere.

Trevor James and Mike Trolove of AgResearch will take a look at herbicide trials evaluating the cost and efficacy of all available herbicides for maize, now that weeds have grown.

The Foundation for Arable Research’s Mike Parker will talk about trials evaluating maize and other crops in rotation and how we to reduce nitrogen inputs while maintaining yield.

The Maize Hybrid Performance Trial, organised and funded by representatives from FAR, NZ Plant Breeding and Research Association independent researchers

and the participating seed companies will be outlined by Allister Holmes of FAR. Hybrids will be

labelled and available for comparison and representatives from the participating seed companies will be present.

Recording your water use data You can send us your water use information in three ways:

Telemetry – data is loaded automatically from your data logger.

Online – use WUDMS on our website www.boprc.govt.nz/watermetering Paper – you can still post, fax or email your info. Use the form on our website.

NOW

2016

For more information phone 0800 884 880 or visit www.boprc.govt.nz/watermetering

per hectare*

*Saving based on retail price of the leading competitor brand valid as at 17 December 2014

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0800 674 6627 or GRAEME ROBB 021 337 977

®PANTHER is a Registered Trade Mark of Orion Crop Protection Ltd. Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No. P8064, See www.foodsafety.govt.nz for registration conditions. Approved pursuant to the HSNO Act 1996, No. HSR100025, See www.epa.govt.nz for approval conditions.

2017

BUSINESS

Page 16

Under-the-table payments are illegal Freddy’s pondering a quick cashjob for his university student nephew. A couple of days’ work for a needy family member at $20 an hour slipped under the table would get the job done nicely and save Freddy – and his nephew – some admin hassles.

Like a lot of farmers, Freddy is no stranger to slipping the occasional cash job to a casual worker for an odd job

– removing the bookkeeping hassles of registering and calculating PAYE, paying ACC, keeping wages records and all the other compliance issues.

After all, very often casuals will refuse anything but cash, so it seems like a fair deal. Furthermore, isn’t it fair enough agreeing to pay the worker in cash and then of course not claiming the cash payments as a business expense?

Freddy does know better. Even though cash is understandably a practi-

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cal solution when only small one-off payments are involved, the law is very clear. As soon as you pay wages, you must deduct and remit PAYE. [Section RA5, of the Act]. Cash jobs are illegal.

Cash consequences

Despite being tempted in the face of the pending Fonterra deadline, Freddy needs to remind himself of the consequences of cash for casuals.

All things considered, as Freddy knows second-hand, the cost of paying cash compared to the consequences of getting caught is very high.

He saw what happened to old Jock, who was picked up a few years ago by the IRD for handing out $200 cash every few weeks to a casual worker.

He paid heavily for his crime. Not only did Jock have to front up with the PAYE payment

– which is what he’d been trying to avoid in the first place – but he was hit with a late payment penalty fee, use of money interest at 8.4 per cent, the ACC levy, plus penalties, plus interest – and a tax penalty of possibly up to 150 per cent. There was also the risk of possible prosecution, which could lead to imprisonment and a maximum fine of $50,000.

Illegal activity

This illegal employer activity cost Jock many times more in time, penalties, payments and stress than taking the legal, albeit tiresome, legal option.

What’s more, while fortunately the IRD decided not to prosecute him this time round – they’ve been keeping an eye on him… and maybe his local farmer colleagues.

Tim Cooney is a director of BDO Tauranga Chartered Accountants, specialising in rural and horticultural services. Phone Tim on 07 571 6280 for considered accounting and business advice.

New building laws for consumer protection There is currently huge growth in building activity in New Zealand as building work Forproviding Tim, providing considered For Tim, considered reaches its highest rates in a decade. accounting and business advice accounting and business advice

Unfortunately, history dictates it’s in these growth is based on a good is based on a good times when the risks are greatest for tradespeople understanding of a client’s understanding of a client’s cutting corners, compromising on building business from the ground up. business from the ground up. quality, and therefore putting consumers at risk.

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS & BUSINESS ADVISORS From January 1, 2015, building conCHARTERED & BUSINESS ADVISORS Specialists in theACCOUNTANTS Horticulture & Farming Sectors tractors are now required to have written SpecialistsThe in the Farming Sectors TAURANGA Hub,Horticulture 525 Cameron&Road contracts. They will now also have to TE TAURANGA PUKE CornerThe Jocelyn Queen StreetsRoad Hub,&525 Cameron provide information on their relevant skills, Ph TE TimPUKE Cooney 07-571-6280 experience and qualifications.

Corner Jocelynwww.bdo.co.nz & Queen Streets They will also have to disclose their Ph Tim Cooney 07-571-6280 www.bdo.co.nz insurance and extent of warranty cover for residential building work valued at more than $30,000.

The Government’s intent is for these legislative changes to have a significant impact on the way the industry operates.

These new changes are part of the wider consumer protection measures being introduced in January,

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which strengthen the consumer protection measures currently contained in the Building Act 2004.

Some of the new consumer protections are: • Requiring certain information to be provided to consumers on completion of building work further to a residential building contract.

• Providing that certain information/ documentation must be given to a consumer before a residential building contract is signed.

• Setting out minimum requirements for residential building contracts of more than $30,000.

• Implying warranties further to residential building contracts and providing remedies for breach of the warranties.

• Any defective building work under a residential building contract to be notified and remedied within one year of completion.

The purpose of the new consumer protection measures in the Building Act is an attempt to move away from the current reliance on building consent authorities (local councils) to ensure build quality, and cause building professionals and tradespeople to take responsibility for the quality and standard of their work.

These changes are intended to reinforce the good practice for many building practitioners, while constraining ‘cowboys’ only interested in making a quick profit.

Disclaimer: This article is general in nature and should not be treated as professional advice. It is recommended that you consult your advisor. No liability is assumed by Harris Tate Ltd for any losses suffered by any person relying directly or indirectly upon the above article.

DAIRY

Page 17

Melamine triggers dairy transformation Of that 2.5 billion is local premium milk which sells in 250 ml tetra boxes and retails for $US3.60 a litre and is the most expensive UHT milk in world.

“Ninety per cent of that most expensive UHT milk is sold in second and

third tier cities.”

These markets are not targeted by foreign companies exporting long life milk into China largely because of the complexities involved in transporting and handling the product in the “smaller cities”.

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Frank says long life milk is an example of what’s happening in the Chinese market which consumes around 7.2 billion litres of UHT milk.

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That’s the view of Xavier Naville and Frank Gibson of Vision Management Consultants, who say the Chinese Government recognised the problem wasn’t about Sanlu, the company which produced the milk, nor its 43 per cent shareholder Fonterra.

“The front end of the dairy industry, the retail, branding and marketing was all 21st Century, but the backend was mediaeval with 1.5 dairy cows the average herd size.

“After 300,000 babies were poisoned the emphasis switched to modern supply chains with a raft of new regulations and improved standards of surveillance and compliance,” says Frank.

In 2008 melamine, a substance used in the manufacture of building materials, furniture and dinnerware, was added to milk to make it appear to have a higher protein content.

That milk was used to manufacture infant formula and it’s estimated 300,000 children fell ill with six infants dying from kidney stones and other kidney damage, and an estimated 54,000 babies were hospitalised.

Frank says while the Chinese Government had modernised many other aspects of its economy, it had been reluctant to do the same for the 700 million peasant dairy farmers, worried that would create social upheaval.

The Sanlu scandal changed all that and was a pivotal moment in food safety in China.

“There has been a big shift from protecting peasant farmers to modern dairying. The transformation during last five to six years has been startling.

“There are still the same number of cows in China as in 2008, which is 12 million, but 50 per cent are in scale model modern farms. This is the greatest modernisation that’s ever occurred in dairying anywhere.”

With China’s history of food safety scares, from dye in buns, melamine in infant formula and antibiotics in chickens, Frank and Xavier says food safety is at the top of their concerns for most Chinese consumers.

“Health and food safety concerns rank more highly than income, education and the welfare and happiness of their parents.”

Consumers consider modern trade, for example supermarkets, and e-commerce channels as more reliable than traditional forms of retail.

“Online sales are bigger and faster-growing in China than any other country; and the internet is the main platform for consumer information,” says Frank.

Chinese also trust the advice and opinions of their peers on social media when making decisions about what to purchase 7573457AA

The melamine in infant formula milk crisis of 2008 was a pivotal moment for China, which gave rise to the greatest modernisation of the dairy industry to occur anywhere worldwide.

DAIRY

Page 18

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Paying $50 more for a bale of wrapped silage may in fact represent a saving of at least eight per cent and a daily increase in milk production too.

That’s provided, of course, that the silage is of good quality – for example, with a metabolisable energy level of 11.95.

I bring this up because I know many dairy farmers will be looking at costs to ensure they’re not straining the budget too far following the drop in the forecast pay out to $4.70 kg/ms.

Previous farm income drops have resulted in some essential costs, such as fertiliser, animal health and feed, being cut with negative long-term effects on future production and income.

Planning is obviously now as important as ever, as is knowing the quality of what’s being purchased to ensure maximum value per dollar spend.

Recently, there’s been an increase in advertising for cheap feed, but as always the devil is in the detail.

Research by eminent local agricultural scientist Garry Waghorn, from DairyNZ, has drawn a close comparison between supplement metabolisable energy and milk output which is worth a review here as what appears to be cheap in supplement costs may not prove to be so.

A recent advert in the Waikato Times had silage for sale at $85 plus delivery at say $10, which works out to be $95 per bale delivered. The ME rating was not mentioned.

But if the ME was 9.6 – the industry average – and the bales were, as advertised, 10 bale equivalents, the dry matter would be 180kg. This would equate to 1728ME per bale. Dividing that by the $95 cost equates to $0.055 per ME.

Bigger bales

At Bill Webb Feed Solutions we conduct extensive tests on supplements and our average ME is 11.9 and our bale equivalent averages are 13.3.

So the bales are bigger and heavier and contain more metabolisable energy than many others available for sale. For more in-depth information on the calculation table, visit our website www.billwebb. co.nz.

Following the same logic each bale would contain 2868ME; using a cost of say $145 a bale delivered equates to $0.051 per ME. That’s an effective cost saving of eight per cent.

But wait there’s more…because the ME is higher, production is higher.

Based on Waghorn’s research it seems production with the higher ME is somewhere between 0.3 and 0.6 kg/ms per day. Even with the lowered payout, that equates to between $1.41 and $2.82 additional income per cow per day.

So farmers are wise to do their sums, now more so than ever, to ensure they really are getting maximum value out of their feed dollar.

Welcome rain

The reduced payout wasn’t a pleasant Christmas present for farmers but at least in mid-December the weather finally gave up what we needed, with soil temperatures rising and welcome rain triggering improved pasture and crop growth.

The meat schedule reached the highest it has ever been in early December, which was a help to farmers culling cows.

Hopefully though they have hung on to those in-milk as in this low payout season maximising production is the aim.

Waikato farmers appear to have fared better for pasture this spring than those in the Bay of Plenty. One farmer I spoke to says his production is up 28 per cent on last season, which should help soften the impacts of the payout for him.

Pasture management

Pasture needs careful management.

Topping in front of the cows will reduce weed and long stalky growth, promote grass growth and reduce the facial eczema risk later in the season. It’s important not to over-graze as if you have grass, you can grow grass, but once pastures become bare in summer it’s harder for them to recover.

Summer and winter crops also need attention. Apply nitrogen, spray for weeds and insects in turnip and kale crops as those caterpillars from the white butterfly can cause a lot of damage in a very short time.

DAIRY

Page 19

‘Cool heads’ sorted shelter tree-power conflict A “war” was brewing back in the late-1980s between orchardists, dairy farmers and the power board over hundreds of kilometres of shelter belt trees which were threatening power lines in the Bay of Plenty.

thing down, was “there must be consultation between all parties”.

“I’d seen first-hand the heavy-handed approach to trees taken by the very autocratic Otago Central Electric Power Board and didn’t want a repeat of that in the Bay of Plenty,” says Leo. “After many local meetings and many more in Wellington, a common sense approach was finally hammered out which included consultation between all parties.”

“The power board had the right to cut off, at ground level, any trees affecting their legal responsibility to bring an uninterrupted supply of power to all consumers,” says Leo Mangos of Tauranga.

“The board had identified 1700 kilometres of shelter belt trees affecting power lines and I could just envisage some very volatile situations arising in the Bay, if very stroppy orchardists were confronted by an enthusiastic chainsaw operator working at ground level on their shelter trees.”

It was to prevent such altercations that Ian Noble of Katikati contacted Leo, suggesting it was time for cool heads to find a solution acceptable to all parties.

Ian was Bay of Plenty president for Federated Farmers and Leo was New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation director of the Bay. Ian says frequent power cuts at milking time, many caused Leo Mangos and Ian Noble were by orchard shelter trees, had instrumental in creating policies to local farmers up in arms, and prevent shelter trees from damaging demanding action. power lines.

The kiwifruit industry was experiencing rapid growth, with farmland converted to orchards, and quick-growing trees planted to protect young vines.

However, Leo says in many cases little thought was given to how those shelter trees might impact on power supply, and many where planted far too close to the lines.

Dispensation grant

A dispensation was granted to allow trees to be above the “growth limit line” which applied to trees near power lines.

If disputes arose between the owner of trees and the power board, arbitrators would be called in to settle the issue.

Colin Spratt of Te Puke and Ian, were appointed as arbitrators.

“It was not an onerous role as in many cases the situation could be settled by phone calls,” says Ian. “It didn’t take long for orchardists to realise the impact their trees were having on others and they mostly all agreed to the need to keep shelter trimmed.”

Cyclone Bola

Leo says the new rules to trim shelter trees were in force not long before the highly

destructive storm Cyclone Bola struck in 1988.

“If the trees hadn’t been trimmed I believe they would have caused disruption to power supplies which was so severe it could have resulted in a civil emergency.

“With hundreds of kilometres of lines at risk from falling trees, there would not have been enough linesman to repair the lines quickly enough to restore power.”

Many of the provisions Leo, Ian, Eddie and others thrashed out are part

of the current Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 which still include provisions for arbitrators, and also cover all trees affecting power lines.

Leo and Ian say it’s hard to image now, with today’s neatly maintained shelter belts, just what an issue the trees once were.

“Without the regulations and well-trimmed shelter, almost any big storm which hit the Bay would cause widespread disruption to power supply,” says Ian.

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Ian and Leo arranged to meet with Tauranga Electric Power Board’s general manager Eddie Graham, to find a solution.

They took Eddie to see well-trimmed shelter trees in Te Puke’s No 1 Rd to demonstrate that when properly managed, shelter trees were not a threat to power lines.

“We were also able to show growers that shelter kept to an appropriate height actually gave better protection to vines than shelter which was too high, and could cause a ‘dumping’ effect and wind damage to vines closest to the shelter,” says Ian. Leo says the philosophy he promoted, to calm every-

DAIRY

Page 20

Vet’s role changes - yet stays the same In reflection with a previous client on the passing of a veterinary colleague recently, the client respectfully said the veterinarian was what he termed a “red rubber flutter valve and calving chains veterinarian”.

This respected large animal clinician could conduct

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a caesarean with hygiene, speed and a successful uncomplicated outcome.

It was acknowledged this colleague was a proficient large animal veterinarian.

Foray by veterinarians and advisors into recommending alternative feeds, ration balancing etc were greeted with the true statement: ‘Cows are made to eat grass full stop’.

My generation of veterinarians bridged the period from the clinical era into the ‘herd or flock’ medicine approach.

Our academic teachers at Massey University, Palmerston North, were a mix of the respected clinical leaders in their fields, but near the late-1980s a new type of veterinary academics arrived from Northern America, Europe and Australia.

Both worlds

They heralded an analytical herd or flock medicine approach supported by computer analysis and statistics.

We were fortunate to have the best of both worlds. Our senior colleagues in practice mentored us on the

challenges of clinical practice.

The mantra of proving your worth clinically opened the door for herd or flock medicine with your clients.

Nothing was more delightful to employ these new tools to assist in supporting your clinical judgement.

Problem solving was still happening, but on a different herd or flock level. For example in the case of herd reproductive performance: was it heat detection, anoestrous, or venereal disease? Were hogget weights up to scratch? Was it a poor flushing management, infectious causes or postlambing management for flock performance?

Currently, our veterinarians are focused on developing those herd or flock skills with an even greater epidemiological approach – the

evidence-based research of larger studies of populations, patterns of disease and treatments.

Cost benefits

Modelling is applied and cost benefits are evaluated with clients in a consultative environment with an ‘application’ cowside.

No longer fixing problems, but preempting them. The sizes of herds/flocks are greater – decisions have to be economically viable otherwise the costs are great.

Veterinary software is available to forward plan with your clients and remind them from your database of the agreed interventions/decisions to be made in the coming months or the year ahead.

In many respects a lot has changed and the profession too has to reflect the anticipated needs of our clients.

But one truism exists: that good individual clinical medicine and animal husbandry are the building blocks for a successful producing herd or flock. Our forebears knew that without sophisticated analysis.

Trade and career opportunities focus of Central Districts Field Days For the first time, Central Districts Field Days is partnering with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise to create the inaugural Central Districts Investor Showcase.

Technology-focused New Zealand companies in the

agribusiness and food sectors, which require $500,000 to $2 million to grow internationally, can contact NZTE to apply to take part.

Also new to 2015, is a dedicated programme promoting and fostering careers in

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agriculture, including a local leaders’ debate focused of the future of youth in agriculture.

Many old favourites will return in 2015, including wood chopping at the Husqvarna Wood Chopping Arena,

the central districts fencing competition, ag machinery demonstrations and the everpopular tractor pull.

The Central Districts Field Days will be at Manfeild Park in Feilding from March 12-14, 2015.

DAIRY

Page 21

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Taupo farmers form water users group HAY - SILAGE & STRAW SUPPLIES

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A new group is to be set up to find ways to optimise water usage and ensure the water requirements of all Taupo dairy farmers are met to the greatest extent possible.

Federated Farmers, Landcorp Farming Ltd, and Wairakei Pastoral Ltd have undertaken to explore setting up a water users group of upper Waikato River farmers.

Participants have also agreed to work collaboratively on lowering rates of nutrient loading and developing new on-farm systems and practices that minimise dairying’s environmental impact.

Federated Farmers President William Rolleston says water use and protecting the environment are challenges faced by all farmers. Farmers have the best chance of success if they work together.

“The results of the discussions are a very strong commitment from participants that we will do everything in our power to ensure water takes are fairly and efficiently shared.

“New Zealand farmers are some of the most efficient users of water, but we still need to keep doing better.

“Strengthening the relationships between Landcorp, Wairakei Pastoral and other farmers in the community will mean we can work together to develop the most effi-

cient and environmentally sound on-farm systems possible.”

Landcorp chief executive Steven Carden says water allocation is a core part of Landcorp’s strategy to rejuvenate the land.

“It was useful to let Federated Farmers and the Waikato Regional Council know-how water use is part our strategy for dealing with nutrient loading across the estate.

“A closer relationship with them allows us to share our knowledge of what dairy farming practices work best in Taupo.

“We’re looking forward to deepening our relationships with local farmers in the future.”

Why spring’s been less of a challenge for some As one farmer client stated: “This spring has been a challenge”.

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Solid Food for Soils

In the cooler areas of the Bay of Plenty, and the pattern by most accounts has been similar country-wide, there’s been a few warm bright days, interspersed with yet another band of buffeting chilling south-westerly winds.

That’s not conducive to strong pasture growth and the figures from the cages on the two ESI monitor properties reflect this.

Apart from Edgecumbe growth rates of 80kgDM/ ha/day for October, growth rates are down on last year.

The October growth figure has been supported by a record silage take. However, without reasonable rainfall it’s unlikely there will be surplus to make into hay.

What is clear is the ability to manage the uneven growth this spring has been largely dependent on the amount of pasture cover available at calving.

Properties with higher covers have been able to maintain longer intervals between grazing, ensuring higher plant energy levels and more rapid regrowth after grazing.

Available cover

The amount of available cover at calving was dictated by autumn management months before, prior to soil temperatures dropping to below 10 degrees Celsius, when there is no or little growth.

Thus it takes much forward planning and careful management for famers to have the ability to safeguard feed supplies months into the future.

When we started our farming career we were told a shed full of hay was good insurance. But we were young, enthusiastic, and confident we had the answers. Extra hay wasn’t stored, nor were winter crops on our agenda.

Without securing our feed supplies we became increasingly nervous, and certain that the weather was conspiring against us in ways earlier generations never had to cope with.

We also mistakenly thought that, because of our importance to the country’s economy, in times of hardship government support should and would be available.

Short-term

Our thinking and planning became short-term. We were always looking for the next decent rain in order

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to ensure sufficient pasture for the next grazing. Spending took place when there was money in the cheque account, and stopped when there wasn’t.

Through our own lack of planning our wellbeing was at the mercy of short-term weather events.

In doing so our financial survival was placed in the hands of local banks and overseas markets; it appears little has changed for many farmers since.

But it doesn’t have to be. Farmers have the ability to gain greater control of their future by ensuring more pasture is pushed ahead as soon as pasture growth is sparked by the arrival of the autumn rains.

Build covers

Squeezing the system to achieve a few extra kilograms of milksolids is unlikely to generate more, if any, profit this season.

Therefore, it may be an ideal opportunity to dry off early, build covers and put weight on animals. Next spring’s feed will largely be secured and with better conditioned animals, early season production will be optimised.

That way the dependence on fertiliser nitrogen for winter pasture is greatly reduced, allowing a more sustainable soil fertility programme to be introduced; and ensuring any nitrogen leaching regulations are comfortably met.

For more information call Peter on 0800 843 809.

DAIRY

Page 23

Earlier calving thanks to genetics Calving on many dairy farms will be earlier next season, thanks to bulls from LIC with genetics which shorten the gestation length.

“This year’s SGL dairy bull team will naturally deliver offspring an average 10 days earlier next season,” says SGL breeding programme manager Malcolm Ellis “That’s pretty significant for a farm’s calving pattern and production,” says Malcolm.

LIC is making plans to get more cowsin-calf at Christmas in response to high demand for its short gestation genetics and as farmers find new ways to maximise the benefits this season.

The company has already set a new semen record this season with 142,006 straws for artificial insemination dispatched from its Newstead

laboratory in one day.

More than five million straws will be processed by Christmas Eve when the peak time usually ends, but this season farmers want more.

“It’s been a cracker of a season here at LIC, and the massive response to short gestation length has been a huge part of that.

“Farmers’ first priority for the breeding season is to carry out the matings that will create the next generation of high genetic merit offspring,” says Malcolm.

“However, as they plan for zero use of inductions, empty rates are at the forefront of their minds more than ever.”

Orders for SGL are more than double last season’s total, with more coming in each day as farmers incorporate the short gestation solution into their existing mating plans; either at the tail-end of AB before the bulls go out, or, somewhat surprisingly, after the natural mating period.

Consultants win top women’s award A South Canterbury-based environmental consultancy duo are the supreme winners of this year’s Enterprising Rural Women Awards.

Keri Johnston and Haidee McCabe, principals of Irricon Resource Solutions, have gone from strength to strength since establishing their joint consultancy in 2010.

Irricon Resource Solutions also won the ‘Help! I Need Somebody’ category, sponsored by Access Homehealth Ltd. Other category winners are Renee De Luca of Putake Honey based out of Blenheim. Renee won the Love of the

Land category, sponsored by Agrisea.

The Making it in Rural section sponsored by Spark was hotly contested, with the main award going to Nicola Wright of Wrights Winery and Vineyard in Gisborne.

And a special merit award went to Dot Kettle and Georgia Richards of Dove River Peonies from Wakefield, near Nelson.

The winner of the ‘Stay, Play Rural’ award, sponsored by Xero, is Bobbie Mulgrew of Easyhike, a car relocation service based at Glenorchy servicing hikers of the Routeburn and Milford tracks.

“Farmers have been quick to see the merit in adding a period of SGL to the end of their standard AB plan.

“The extra days in milk will be gold next spring, but the real advantage is the ability to take the pressure off the bulls.

“A 500-cow farmer doing four weeks AB often doesn’t calculate that there are 234 non-pregnant cows are waiting for the natural bull team.

“That’s 12 cows cycling a day. But by adding two weeks of SGL matings, the bulls will only be dealing with 5.5 cows a day, which is much more achievable and in many cases a more economical option too.”

SGL breeding programme manager Malcolm Ellis.

Page 24

EFFLUENT

Call for collaboration between science and society At the recent NZ Soil Science Society Conference ‘Soil Science for Future Generations’ held at the University of Waikato 180 participants had their first chance in six years to share research findings, and swap news about successes and other results.

Soil, and what we are doing to it, crops up in several Crown Research Institutes, and at least three of our universities.

But because of the way they are organised and funded, for some years there wasn’t a lot of continuous sharing, and the different areas seemed to work in silos; something they are trying hard to overcome.

Soil science appears to be attracting students in the universities, because a number of them attended the conference, and 11 out of 80 papers presented were by students, who by and large coped with it very well.

Or do we have a few

wildly enthusiastic lecturers who gather acolytes?

Scientific findings are all very well, but unless results of all these trials can be communicated, in practical and not-too-technical terms, to the folk who growing things in the soils, the latter aren’t getting to make use of what’s been found.

This was reiterated by a number of speakers, each urging the science experts to realise there are social, economic, technical and urban/rural aspects to changes in soil forms and uses.

Dr Liz Wedderburn of AgResearch put it very plainly.

The problems are growth within limits, climate change adaptation, resource efficiency, value add, and ecosystem services.

The needs are to fill science gaps, build capability, set clear targets, build trust, influence and communicate policy, and implement plans.

To achieve this requires undertaking excellent science, collaboration between science and society, sharing science with economics, translating ‘technical’ to ‘useful’, communicating uncertainty, and respecting other knowledge systems.

Simple as that

So what was talked about during the four days? Soil fertility and nutrient management. Soil carbon and greenhouse gases. International issues/ecosystem services.

Catchment scale water management. Soil quality and function.

Soils in the landscape and knowing what is where. Sustainable management of soils. Fertility and nutrient management. Soil water management, and managing soil contaminants. Fairly comprehensive coverage.

And there was even a session for students, and those getting started, on career pathways and

opportunities, getting funding and applying for grants, getting papers published, and what employers are looking for; which seemed very far-sighted on the part of the organisers.

Increased production

To put all that in perspective, the opening keynote address was given by Dr Oene Oenema, professor in Nutrient Management and Soil Fertility at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.

He spoke on the different approaches applied in the European Union since the Common Agricultural Policy was set up in 1962.

First came the push for greatly increased production, and the disastrous results for wildlife and the environment which resulted.

Despite all the subsidies paid for increasing production, and then different ones to rescue some of the environment, Oene pointed out economic pressure still made food very cheap, and farmers’ incomes were half of others doing different careers.

We don’t have subsidies, but there are many similarities to New Zealand in the 21st Century. Let’s hope that more ‘togetherness’ will stave off the worst outcomes.

By Sue Edmonds

World War II’s spies in the skies Today satellites and remotecontrolled drones gather images and intelligence for the military but in World War II the task was much more dangerous.

led to the airborne assault on the Italian Fleet at Taranto, the hunt for the German battleship the Bismarck and the Dam Busters’ raid on the Ruhr dams.

The final section focuses on the D-Day landings, V-Weapons, the firestorm on Tokyo and the dropping of the first atomic bombs on Japan.

In his book ‘World War Two from Above’ Jeremy Harwood recounts the little-known stories of the Allied and Axis spies in the skies and how their daring efforts helped influence the tide of war.

Thanks to publishers Exisle PubArmed with cameras precariously lishing, Coast & Country has a copy mounted in Spitfire and Mosquito ‘World War Two from Above’ of ‘World War Two from Above’ to aircraft, pilots and photographers give away.

by Jeremy Harwood is the flew day-time missions over enemy To be in to win, email your name book prize for January. territory to bring back the informaand address, with Book Prize as the tion vital to those commanding operations. subject, to: elaine@thesun.co.nz Or put these details The book includes many aerial reconnaissance on the back of an envelope and post to: Coast & photo drawn from the archives of all the major fight- Country Book Prize, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, ing powers. to arrive no later than January 17. The winner will Examples include the aerial reconnaissance, which be announced in Coast & Country’s February issue.

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DESIGN – SUPPLY – BUILD

EFFLUENT

Page 25

Affco helps improve Kaituna River quality Environmental initiatives at Affco’s Rangiuru freezing works have helped achieve steadily improving water quality results for the Kaituna River.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Kaituna catchments manager Pim de Monchy says council’s monitoring work has shown a steadily improving trend in one of the key indicators of water quality – bacteria.

“The improvement so far is due to some environmental initiatives from Affco’s Rangiuru freezing works and Te Puke’s sewerage treatment plant, as well as improvements in the way farmers use dairy effluent,” says Pim. “It’s heartening to see improvements in bacteria levels in the river, showing that good resource consent conditions and environmental work by farmers and companies like Affco is paying off.”

The river’s water quality has been affected by stock grazing and nutrients washing into the river from surrounding farms, urban areas and industries such as Affco.

Affco plant manager Kevin Casey says the company has made great strides to improve the quality of its effluent flows into the Kaituna during the last 20 years.

In 1997 it installed four wastewater wetlands covering 3.5 hectares and later upgraded three existing anaerobic ponds, increasing their volume by 60 per cent and changing them to operate in series. In 2004 it installed two oxidation ponds with a total volume of 40,000 cubic metres.

Final treatment

“The wetlands are an important final treatment step for the wastewater after it’s been treated in a sedimentation system, three anaerobic ponds and two oxidation ponds,” says Kevin.

“The effluent is already of high quality before it reaches the wetlands, and they further improve most aspects of wastewater quality, ‘polishing’ the water before it’s discharged to the river.”

He said processing improvements had also been made to reduce the amount of waste that entered the effluent stream, such as emptying animal stomach contents with minimal water.

“Water quality is improving in most indicators monitored by Affco and are stable in the remainder as a result of the company’s improvements to their treated effluent discharge,” Pim says.

“Affco is a large industrial water user, and they’re operating with a very high level of consent compliance these days. Their improvements, including their man-made treatment wetlands, have been a big part of the five-fold reduction in median bacterial contamination in the lower Kaituna since 1989.”

Bacteria loads

Water quality can be measured using key indicators, including phosphorus, nitrogen, sediment and bacteria. In the Kaituna River phosphorus and sediment have both remained stable since 1975 while bacteria loads are coming down, reducing 500 percent since 1989.

“Of the four, the only indicator worsening is nitrogen, which has been increasing two to three per cent a year because of intensified land use and higher stocking rates in the area. The riparian protection landowners have put in place, sometimes with assistance from the regional council, is intercepting some of the phosphorus, sediment and bacteria, but it doesn’t work so well for nitrogen.

“Our next challenge is to look at nutrient management and work with stakeholders to stop the increase in nitrogen levels as well. This work will be part of the regional council and Te Maru o Kaituna’s role in implementing the National Policy Statements on freshwater management, including both quality and quantity.”

The regional council has prioritised the Kaituna and Rangitaiki catchments for this work.

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EFFLUENT

Page 26

Don’t let your waste go to waste this year There is a change in the air and it’s not coming from crusted old oxidation ponds.

Leaders in sustainable dairy farming are now viewing effective effluent management as a key sustainability driver instead of just forced environmental compliance, says Presco Group’s contracts manager Oliver Prestidge.

“While the familiar oxidation pond is where effluent management began, it’s certainly not what is required to take sustainable dairy farming into the future.

“A key feature of effluent management today is getting the nutrient value from dairy effluent back on the pasture as soon as possible. Letting it break down organically in a settling pond provides no value.”

Effective effluent management systems now collect fresh dairy effluent and hold it for immediate irrigation back onto the pasture on a ‘little and often’ basis.

This regular, managed application of nutrient rich effluent is proving to be a major cost saving on fertiliser, with some farmers reporting $50,000 saved per annum.

“Compare this to effluent that has been breaking down in an oxidation pond. The nutrients in the effluent decrease over time meaning that the value of the waste has gone to waste,” says Oliver.

“Another key benefit of an effective effluent management system is that there is not the same level of solids build-up in ponds.

“This is because the solids are either irrigated directly back onto the pasture or separated out and dried ready to be broadcasted at a later date. This reduces the need for effluent pond cleaning expenses.”

Environmental sustainability is ensured through managed application rates and sufficient effluent storage capacity.

Oliver says heavy shock loadings of effluent at best give an overdose of nutrients that the pasture cannot

absorb, and in worse case scenarios can actually distress and damage the pasture. Careful management of application volumes and frequency provides the most effective release of nutrients.

“This size of effluent storage ponds or sumps needs to be professionally calculated to ensure sufficient holding capacity so that effluent application can be deferred during periods where the ground is already saturated, preventing pollution from run off into waterways.

“Combined with riparian planting, these improvements in effluent management will have huge positive effects on the quality of our water ways for generations to come, at the same time as improving financial sustainability of dairy farming.”

Presco Group is one of New Zealand’s leaders in sustainable dairy farming infrastructure. They are the sole manufacturers and installers of the Prosump concrete effluent sump. To speak to a FDE consultant about pond size calculations or what options will work for you, contact Presco Group on 0800 PRESCO or sales@prescogroup.co.nz

Fielday at Raroa Stud NATION WIDE NATION

NATION WIDE WIDE NATION

Beef & Lamb NZ is holding an environmental planning workshop for deer farmers at Raroa Red Deer Stud near Cambridge on Tuesday, February 10.

B+LNZ extension manager mid-northern North Island, Andrew Jolly, says the free workshop will help farmers understand the land and environment issues on their farms and make a plan to manage them.

“Using the B+LNZ Land and Environment Planning Toolkit, you will be able to identify land and environmental issues on your farm; take stock of your land, soil and water resources; assess production opportunities and environmental risks; and develop an action plan showing what you’ll target, where, when and how.”

Numbers are limited and early registration is recommended. The fielday runs 12pm-5pm.

For more information and to register see http://beeflambnz.com/news-events/events-calendar/

Facing up to facial eczema

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Often described as “insidious”, facial eczema is a destructive disease that can be far more costly than farmers may appreciate, says B+LNZ extension manager for mid-northern North Island, Andrew Jolly.

That’s why Beef & Lamb is holding a “facing up to facial eczema in cattle” fielday on Thursday, February 12 from 1pm-5pm at Steve & Sandra Parrott’s woolshed, Matira Rd, Matira.

“Together with their veterinarian and trial advisor Kara Watson and a steering group, the Parrotts have collected and analysed two years of farm data,” says Andrew.

“They have carried out regular spore counts and compared the use of various treatments on cattle performance and it is the results of this project which will be discussed on the day.”

The project aims to answer: Does facial eczema cause a decrease in live weight gains in beef animals? What is the best treatment for prevention of facial eczema in beef animals on a sheep and beef farm? What is the most cost efficient treatment for prevention of facial eczema to maintain live weight gain in beef animals?

For more information, email Andrew Jolly at: andrew.jolly@beeflambnz.com or call him on 07 839 0286.

EFFLUENT

Page 27

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Page 28

Big gaps in car insurance knowledge Kiwi drivers don’t know a lot about car insurance, according to a AA Insurance survey, which shows a D grade is the average score for 1000 NZ motorists quizzed about car insurance.

Many respondents struggled to identify factors influencing their premiums and some had difficulty determining what’s covered by third party insurance.

No one who took the survey received a perfect score, and only seven per cent got an A grade.

The majority of respondents, about 51 per cent, managed a C grade – and 36 per cent got a D grade, with the rest landing an ‘F’ because they failed to score.

To help improve basic insurance literacy AA Insurance has posted the survey questions online, raising the bar by adding a few trickier ones: • A restricted driver breaches the conditions of their license by driving after 10pm. They are almost home when they’re rear-ended by another vehicle.

Are they likely to be covered for the damage by their insurance?

• A dog escapes its yard for the fifth time, runs out onto the road causing you to swerve and hit a parked vehicle. The owner has contents insurance and you have comprehensive full car insurance. In this scenario whose insurance typically covers the damage?

You can check out the survey and see the answers at www.aainsurance.co.nz One of the most surprising findings from the survey is only 10 per cent of respondents fully understand what factors influence their premium.

The numbers were better for understanding what comprehensive and third party insurance covers, with three-quarters of respondents getting these answers right.

Oddly, it was the drivers with comprehensive cover, about 76 per cent, who knew more about third party insurance than those – about 54 per cent of respondents – who actually have a third party, fire and theft policy.

AA Insurance customer relations manager Amelia Macandrew says the survey shows while some Kiwi drivers have a fairly good understanding of car insur-

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ance and how their policy works, for others there’s room for improvement.

“For example, this survey shows us the vast majority of Kiwis don’t realise how much their home address affects their car insurance premium.

“And correspondingly, a small number of people still believe the colour of their car is used to determine their premium.”

Amelia says the survey also shows us what AA Insurance as an insurer need to work on to help customers understand their policies.

“It’s important our customers understand what they’re buying before they take out a policy, or make a claim.

“As most New Zealanders own a car, it’s really important they understand how best to protect it.”

AA Insurance recommend customers check their policy if they’re unsure about what they’re covered for, or ask their insurer, to avoid any surprises come claim time.

“Having said that, we understand customers don’t always know what they don’t know, so we’ve taken on board the findings of this survey, as well as the questions we’re most often asked, and come up with some plain-English insurance tips online to help drivers understand how their policies work.”

Curious to see how you’d rate? Go to aainsurance. co.nz to take the full survey, including bonus questions, and see how your score compares.

The survey only takes a few minutes. Check out the tips at the end of the survey to learn more.

The 2014 AA Insurance Drivers Index surveyed 1000 Kiwis, aged 18-plus, who drive at least once a week. This article relates to the four multiple choice insurance questions included in the survey.

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RURAL DRIVER

Page 29

Call for ‘Either Way It’s 20K’ signs on buses Illuminating 20km speed limit signs should be approved for school buses without delay Rural Women NZ believes.

A trial of new LED signs in Ashburton last year proved successful in slowing drivers, and Rural Women NZ hope the signs will be approved for general use on school buses in 2015.

“We have been advocating for years for public awareness and driver education around school bus safety, especially the 20K speed limit in either direction,” says Rural Women New Zealand's national president Wendy McGowan.

“Using technology to get the message across to driv-

ers has been a big part of our campaign.”

The ‘Either Way It’s 20K’ Ashburton trial saw a marked drop in speeds when the flashing 20km signs were operating.

The NZ Transport Agency agrees the results of the Ashburton trial are promising, provided they are widely and consistently used on entire school bus fleets, and supported by active and widespread community engagement and publicity.

Wendy says such signs may have helped avoid an accident in late-2014 in Christchurch where a teenager was hit crossing the road after getting off a bus.

“The accident may well have been avoided if the bus had been fitted with illuminated 20km/h signs to

remind drivers of the speed limit past a stopped school bus.”

In early December an 88-year-old man was taken to Tauranga Hospital for observation after suffering seatbelt bruising in a crash with a school bus in Katikati.

The man was travelling up Kauri Point Rd at about 3.20pm when he rearended the stationary bus, says Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Ian Campion.

Ian says the reason why he crashed

into the back of the bus is under investigation, but concerns about the man’s driving had been raised.

“There were 12 students on the bus and no one was injured.”

The bus suffered minimal damage and was able to be driven away but the man’s car sustained significant damage and had to be towed from the scene.

Since 1987 a tally of 23 children have been killed in New Zealand when crossing the road to or from school buses. At least 47 more have been seriously injured.

Safety features may be‘lifesavers’ Subaru has added two more five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Programme safety ratings to its marque, with both the Outback and the Legacy joining the top ratings club.

ANCAP crash-tested the 2015 Subaru Outback compact SUV, the results of which also apply to the Legacy, which is built on the same platform.

Both vehicles include dual frontal, side curtain and a driver knee airbags as standard. Antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution and electronic stability control are also standard along with advanced seat belt reminders, which are fitted to all seats.

NZ Transport Agency group manager access and use Celia Patrick says it’s pleasing to see vehicle manufacturers continuing to raise the bar for safety, as the advanced safety features like those offered by the

Outback and Legacy are potential lifesavers.

“We’re aiming for a truly safe transport system that’s more forgiving of human error, so no-one pays with their life when a driver makes a mistake, and safer vehicles are a key part of a safe system.

“Multiple airbag packages can prevent serious injuries in a crash, and active safety features like Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Electronic Stability Control can prevent some crashes from happening in the first place.”

ANCAP is supported by all Australian motoring clubs, the New Zealand Automobile Association, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, Australian state and territory governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

The full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings, other vehicle safety information and the specifications of the rated vehicles are available online at aa.co.nz or rightcar.govt.nz

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RURAL DRIVER

View before you try for Taupo trails Nine videos designed as guides to bike trails in the Taupo region have been released by Destination Great Lake Taupo.

The project is the result of close collaboration between DGLT, the Departnemnt of Conservation, Bike Taupo and a number of tourism operators with a direct involvement with the use of the trails.

A video guide for each trail, presented by Sarah Ulmer – New Zealand Cycleways ambassador and former Olympic cyclist, contains information for novice riders through to experts to determine which trail is best for them and their riding party.

The videos are supported with images, text descriptions, maps and track profiles.

The nine videos cover the Lions Walk, Rotary Ride, Tongariro River Trail, five sections of the Great Lake Trail (Waihaha, Waihora, Orakau, K2K and W2K) and Tree Trunk Gorge.

“These videos are a fantastic tool that showcase the amazing

bike trails in and around the area,” says Bike Taupo chairman, Rowan Sapsford.

“I think we’ve set a benchmark for other regions to follow here, both in the standard of our trails and also how we tell the world about them.”

DGLT sales and marketing manager Zelia Horrell, says: “We see this as the completion of stage one of the project and in the coming months plan to release more interactive content as well as additional trails”.

Tourism New Zealand CEO Kevin Bowler is really impressed with this initiative.

“This new collateral is a great asset for promoting cycling holidays in New Zealand and provides a resource for media, trade and consumers alike to engage with.”

Ideal for families – the Lions Walk is among the The published material can be viewed on the DGLT bike trails in the Taupo region. website at: www.GreatLakeTaupo.com/BikeTrails

Free rentals – available online There is a trick that some savvy travellers might want to keep to themselves: at a time when saving money for our holidays has become so difficult, it’s now possible to cut costs and enjoy driving free rental cars and campervans on New Zealand roads.

How does this work? Rental car companies need to position their fleet for new hires and have to spend large amounts of money on relocating their cars using trucks. Pascal Languillon, Transfercar’s chief marketing officer, says the founders of Transfercar thought there had to be a better way to solve this problem.

“We’ve created a website that connects rental car companies needing to transfer their cars with travellers eager to drive them in exchange for a cheap trip.

“This model provides a win-win solution where

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travellers get a free one-way car or campervan hire while rental companies save big money on relocation costs.’’

Even though Transfercar’s website was first launched in 2008, it remained relatively secret until last summer, where it saw a surge of about 2000 visits per day and helped thousands of travellers secure a free rental car.

This summer is set to become another busy one for Transfercar as there are record numbers of relocation deals currently advertised on the website.

The most popular routes are northbound from Christchurch and Queenstown to Auckland, however new deals and various routes are being added every day so it pays for travellers to check the website regularly at www.transfercar.co.nz.

Most deals include a free tank of petrol and interisland routes often come with a free ferry crossing as well.

COAST & COUNTRY

Check out the new videos on our website, including the FM2800 front mount mower.

www.maxam.net.nz

Page 31

KIWIFRUIT

Page 32

Focus on building iindustry’s future leaders New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc continues to develop an extensive group of future leaders from the kiwifruit and associated industries.

It does this by engaging them through regular learning, networking and social activities while linking opportunities with the appropriate candidates from future leaders through relationships with the Tauranga Chambers of Commerce, Priority One, Zespri Directors Remuneration Committee, the Institute of Directors, Nuffield, Kelloggs and other groups that offer opportunities.

The 2014 Future Leaders calendar was kicked off with a ‘Party @ Plant & Food Research’ where we heard from business manager kiwifruit Stuart Kay, entomologist Nicola Mauchline, physiologist Nick Gould, plant breeder Luis Gea and orchard manager Steven Owen to learn about Plant & Food and the

role science plays in our primary industries.

This event was followed by five further events in the Bay of Plenty during the year.

Although the focus has largely been on the kiwifruit industry through presentations from Zespri chairman Peter McBride, Zespri CEO Lain Jager and Kiwifruit Vine Health CEO Barry O’Neil, we have also had talks from entrepreneur Neil Richardson and Ballance Agri-nutrients CEO Mark Wynne and his team with a tour of their Hewletts Rd facility.

Northland leaders

Each Bay of Plenty Future Leaders event has attracted between 30 and 56 future leaders and continues to attract new faces at every event as well as a group of about 25 regulars.

One event was held in Whangarei

with a turnout of 18.

The feedback from Northland Future Leaders suggests we’ll be looking into holding additional events in Northland next year.

As future leaders has become more established in 2014, and grows its base of members, the group will begin to offer leadership roles within the future leaders group by appointing a chair, vice chair, treasurer, secretary and formal committee member positions.

To date, the organisation of the group’s events have been fairly informal and organised by New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc’s Kate Longman, Jacqui Craig, Lara Harrison, Tania Swain, of KVH and NZKGI, Robert Humphries, Sophie Headley of Zespri,

My Name is Neil Woodward.

I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run business, our team consists of three, being myself, my son and my brother.

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

We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We have the equipment to spray orchards with our two Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.

My Name is Neil Woodward.

I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run business, our team consists of three, being myself, my son and my brother.

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

We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We have the equipment to spray orchards with our two Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.

Our Atoms are set up with radar speed sensors, this combined with fully automated sprayer controllers and three nozzle rings enhances application efficiency and accuracy.

We also use a quad bike for strip weed spray applications.

We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap compliance.

We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect your crop with excellence.

Splash Direct 2113 Main Road Te Puke

Phone: 07 573 6138 Email: info@splashdirect.co.nz

Craig Bell Mobile: 0272 931 268

and Campbell Wood.

A big thank you to the team for their commitment to the development of our industry’s future.

Labour initiatives

Members of the future leaders group must also be recognised for their contribution to NZKGI’s Labour Initiatives throughout the year.

Future leaders have represented our industry in events such as the National Feildays at Mystery Creek, the Tauranga Business and Careers Expo, and the Careers and Transition Education Conference and have been a great asset in promoting the opportunities available to young people in our industry.

Thank you to the businesses and

organisations who’ve supported their future leaders attending these events.

Early this year we’ll confirm some more great future leader events for 2015. If you have any queries, or would like to be involved in the future leaders group, please email info@nzkgi.org.nz

New kiwifruit productivity app

Our Atoms are set up with radar speed sensors, this combined with fully automated sprayer controllers and threeA nozzle freerings appenhances to helpapplication efficiency and accuracy.

kiwifruit growers

We also use a quad bike increase the for strip weed spray applications.

productivity of their We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap orchards has been compliance. developed

by Zespri’s We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect your crop with excellence.

Orchard Productivity Centre.

216 Pongakawa Bush Road Te Puke

To contact us: Phone: 021 907 621 E-mail: zcl@zanadu.co.nz

The app, which can be downloaded from Googleplay and the AppStore had two calculators, one for fruit thinning and one 216 Pongakawa Bush Road for fresh weight and dry Te Puke matter.

Orchard Productivity Centre’s licensed varieties OPC’s licensed varieties manager Jayne Chamberlain says the OPC manager ChamberToJayne contact us: Productivity Calculator is relatively simple to use. lain says more functions Phone: 021 907 621 may be added in future, if several months in development. We have consulted E-mail: zcl@zanadu.co.nz there’s a demand. with growers about what kind of app would be of most “This app has been two years in the planning and value and this is the one they preferred.”

Jayne says while online apps might be expected to appeal to younger orchardists, it is in fact older growers who’ve been the first to test out and endorse it.

“We hope with the launch of this app, others in the business of developing apps may see the potential within the kiwifruit industry to develop their own applications to suit the needs of growers.”

The app which works offline once downloaded incudes all Zespri’s marketed varieties.

Using the system is relatively simple. It’s a case of entering the information requested and the calculator will produce answers to help with orchard management decision-making.

The thinning calculator provides an estimate of the fruit weight growers need to thin below, to minimise the volume of fruit which falls outside the size Zespri requires for export.

Three dates: full bloom, thinning and harvest are entered to provide the information about which weight fruit need to be thinned.

The fresh weight and dry matter calculator provides a predicted outcome at harvest for weight, count size, expected dry matter and TZG (taste qualities).

Growers need to enter full bloom date, sample date, harvest date, sample weight and sample dry matter percentage.

Additionally, they have the option to enter up to two girdle dates. This information is then combined to calculate fresh weight and dry matter predictions.

Predictions used in this app are based on industry fruit growth and dry matter curves which do not take into account varying crop loads, climatic conditions or management practices. So the results should be viewed as indicative only.

KIWIFRUIT

Page 33

High returns boost grower confidence Mount Pack and Cool is extremely pleased with the outcome of the 2014 season, especially the record returns to its largely green grower pool, says general manager Murray Gough.

“The average Hayward pool orchard gate tray return is currently at $6.28, based on Zespri’s December forecast.

This is 37 cents above industry average, and translates into an average return of $60,157 OGR per hectare for MPAC green growers.

“Fruit values have not been this high since 2003, and our growers have renewed optimism following the impact of Psa.” MPAC’s gold returns for the year were also well above industry average.

“The Gold 3 growers who grafted over from the Hort16A variety have received a much needed financial boost, with MPAC Gold 3 pool returns averaging $106,927 OGR per hectare.”

However, Murray warns these high

returns for Gold 3 are likely to be short lived as volumes ramp up.

“But we expect to still be able to generate returns for our growers in the top quartile of the industry’s performance. The size of our business allows us to maintain close relationships with our growers and their individual orchard performance.

“Any incremental growth in our business, particularly with the Gold 3 variety, will be managed with care, attention to detail and without incurring any conflict with main pack MPAC’s size allows it to maintain Hayward production.” close relationships with growers and There’s another upside to their individual orchard performance. the predicted increased in the volume of Gold 3. It will fit nicely with the current early start Hayward fruit at MPAC and allow better economies of scale as several shifts are currently under-utilised during this early period, Murray says.

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Maximising Your Profits

Tariffs on kiwifruit dropping Tariffs are costing every kiwifruit grower $29,000 each season but a new report shows tariffs imposed by other countries on New Zealand products are dropping.

The study says fruit and vegetable exporters paid an estimated NZ$181 million in tariffs to importing countries, a reduction of 25 per cent on the 2012 figure of $241 million.

At the same time export earnings increased by 4 per cent. The number of growers for export has reduced since 2012.

For this country’s 2556 kiwifruit growers the highest tariff is 45 per cent in the Republic of Korea, which equates to almost $20m. The tariff in the EU is 8.8 per cent, a cost of $24.4m.

The New Zealand Horticulture Export Authority and Horticulture New Zealand commissions the report ‘New Zealand Horticulture – Barriers to Our Export Trade’ every two years, with funding support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The report is prepared by Welling-

ton-based company Market Access Solutionz and 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, valued at a little more than $2.4 billion.

“It is very pleasing to see the eight free trade agreements now in effect are bearing fruit as overall trade value increases while the tariff cost drops,” says Horticulture Export Authority chief executive Simon Hegarty.

“With New Zealand’s free trade agreements being predominantly in the Asian region, where high tariffs are common, this progress on tariff reduction enhances the great opportunities for developing trade in Asian countries,” says HortNZ chief executive Peter Silcock.

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

As in the previous 2010 and 2012 editions, there’s a notable trend for many importing countries to exploit the use of non-tariff trade barriers”.

Global experts in food safety and quality AsureQuality has been operating in the NZ food and agricultural sectors for over 100 years.

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Page 34

AVOCADOS

Australian markets swings in NZ’s favour

New Zealand avocados being unloaded in Australia, where they are meeting an increased demand from consumers.

Rapidly changing market conditions in Australia have swung in New Zealand’s favour and AVOCO is working hard to make the most of these new opportunities.

Retailers and exporters, both here and across the Tasman, were anticipating a large crop out of Western Australia to flow through to the marketplace this season due to favourable growing conditions.

Avocados are a key horticultural industry in Western Australia and early reports suggested growers there were on track to produce a record crop of 24,000 tonnes.

However, the state’s crop estimate, revised at the start of December, revealed both a crop shortfall and an accelerated harvest, which created a heightened opportunity for AVOCO, says AVOCO director John Carroll.

The exceptional demand for all avocados in the Australian market has added fuel to the fire.

“Our experienced marketing team has been able to respond to the changing market landscape quickly to ensure AVOCO fruit could fill any market gaps.

“As soon as we had confirmation about Australia’s heavier than expected demand and some crop

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Manage harvest

“As AVOCO, we’re fortunate we can manage our harvest so as to maximise the market value of our fruit on behalf of growers.”

The large volume of fruit coming out of Western Australia in November clashed head on with New Zealand avocados which softened prices.

AVOCO had expected that and stuck to its preseason marketing commitments, expecting the tide to turn when the flow of Australian fruit came off its peak, normally in the New Year.

“As much as we believe the Western Australians will come in with lighter volume than anticipated, the exceptional continuing growth in demand for avocados in Australia has surprised us.”

Early December, in the space of a week, the changing market conditions led to some strong sales for AVOCO fruit, which bodes well for the next two months of selling the joint entity has ahead of it.

“The valued retail commitments we already had in our plan suddenly became more significant.”

Experienced exporters

AVOCO formed more than 18 months ago, merging the two experienced avocado exporters Southern Produce and Primor Produce.

In its first season, AVOCO exported 1.9 million trays and is on track in what is a record season for the industry to export about 3 million trays. This should represent the equivalent of about two-thirds of the New Zealand industry’s projected export volume for 2014-2015.

Australia is AVOCO’s biggest market but through its marketing partnership with AVANZA, it also exports about 34 per cent of its fruit to the US and key Asian markets, such as Japan and Singapore. The last of AVANZA’s shipments arrived in the US in December and packing for Japan was completed by Christmas.

AVOCO harvested about 75 per cent of its crop by the end of December.

Picking and packing will continue for growers and pack houses throughout the holiday season. AVOCO director Alistair Young says January is still an important time for the industry and the ability to maintain a consistent supply of fruit is critical.

“To capitalise on the opportunity these new market conditions present, it’s important for us to keep calm heads about the appropriate pace and flow of our fruit.

“As part of the bigger picture, we need to continue supplying fruit through to early March for our retail customers.

“We need to do everything in our power to ensure our harvest continues uninterrupted and the packing arrangements we have in place can accommodate our programme.”

MOTORHOMES

The Camper Care NZ Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show celebrates 10 years this year.

Competitors work at turning drab into fab in the Resene Caravan Do-Up Challenge.

Page 35

Classic cars and classic caravans at the Camper Care NZ Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show.

Outdoor and leisure now part of show The Camper Care NZ Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show is growing and celebrating 10 years of the best in motorhomes, caravans and introducing a new area to the show, the ‘Everything Outdoors & Leisure Zone’, showcasing everything we love about the great Kiwi outdoors.

“Our target market are active and enjoy a leisurefilled lifestyle, therefore it’s natural for the show to grow and evolve into the leisure market,” says event manager Michele Connell.

“We are excited with the variety of exhibitors coming along, as well as the many interactive activities to try at the show.”

Achieving 10 years showcasing the best in motorhomes and caravans, and now adding leisure to the show, 2015 is the year to celebrate.

Ten selected exhibitors will be offering 10th birthday deals and unbeatable specials at the show. Friday is also $10 day, where all entry only cost $10.

The Top 10 Rally is free for all, with the fantastic facilities available on-site at Mystery Creek.

Make a weekend of it and enjoy the fantastic evening entertainment options.

Masterchef 2014 contestants Jordan and Nikki Shearer will be demonstrating how to make the most of cooking in a confined space, while the Hunter from the Heartland, Cameron Petley, will show how to turn what you catch into something delicious in the Everything Outdoor and Leisure zone.

And be inspired, as competitors work at turning drab into fab in the Resene Caravan Do-Up Challenge.

An exciting new feature of the show is the VIP club.

“We understand purchasing a motorhome, caravan or other leisure product is a great investment, and we want to reward these customers by inviting them to join our new VIP club at the show.

“This will include hospitality, special deals and free entry into upcoming shows.”

As your favourite show gets bigger and better, see the best of NZ’s motorhomes, caravans and leisure pursuits, enjoy fantastic birthday deals and super show specials.

Celebrate 10 years at the Camper Care NZ Motorhome, Caravan and Leisure Show from February 27-March 1, 2015 at Mystery Creek in Hamilton.

Check out all the details on the shows website: www.nzmotorhomeshow.co.nz To keep up with all the latest news, sign up to the visitor newsletter; and go in the draw to win free tickets to the show.

RETIREMENT

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Couple make new life at Cambridge Graham and Annette Goodall have found a quiet haven, away from the stresses of postearthquake Christchurch, at the Bupa St Kilda Retirement Village in Cambridge.

The couple, whose Christchurch home was damaged in the earthquakes, are the second residents to move into the brand new village and they are happy to be there.

“We still own our home in Christchurch but wanted to move to the North Island away from the stress,” says Graham.

“We had actually considered moving north before the earthquakes and looked at villages in a number of Waikato and Bay of Plenty towns, before finally settling on a villa at St Kilda.”

Annette and Graham say it was the spacious feel of the villa and its pleasing colour scheme that complemented their furnishings, which helped them

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Care home decide to become manager Minoo among the first Baker says before residents of the Christmas, staff village. They also were busy installhave a daughter ing furniture and living in Hamilpreparing rooms ton, which is an for the first resiadded bonus. dents.

The couple “Interest is moved to the vilstrong with many lage on November rooms already 1, and are looking booked. The forward to seeing most popular new neighbours include those with arrive. lovely views over The Goodalls, farmland or the who enjoy playing gardens, or those bowls, intend closest to the to make regular dining room.” trips in their Minoo says as motorhome, well as excellent exploring parts of meals from the the North Island kitchen, residents they haven’t yet can enjoy the cafe, visited.

Annette and Graham Goodall are happy with their which is open to They advise choice of retirement home, at the Bupa St Kilda friends, family anyone thinking Retirement Village in Cambridge. and the public of moving to a too. retirement village “Our team of to consider their well trained staff, who are passionate about caring options carefully, seek legal advice and discuss plans for the most valuable people in our community, are with family. “Also make sure that the facilities the looking forward to welcoming our new residents to village offers meets your needs.” enjoy the friendly, family atmosphere of our modern Village manager Christine Bax says after having home. such a hard time in Christchurch, it is nice to see “During the summer we will be enjoying barbecues Annette and Graham building a new life in an enviand trips to various destinations around the area.” ronment where they feel safe and are close to family.

The home also offers respite care and is taking Meanwhile, the adjoining Bupa St Kilda Care Home opens on January 12, which includes a 20-bed bookings now, to give carers time to take a welldeserved break. dementia care unit.

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We understand that for you, lifestyle is important. So whether you’re looking for some interesting conversation and a great coffee at our coffee club, some extra help and support for a few days or full time residential care, we have an option to suit. Our dedicated team will ensure that your care is tailored to match your individual needs – all in the privacy of our new care home.

So when you’re ready to begin your care home conversation give me a call and together we’ll work to find the best option for you.

Phone (07) 827 0371 or 027 836 5300.

I’m Minoo and I’m your local St Kilda Care Home Manager. I look forward to meeting you.

ST KILDA RETIREMENT VILLAGE Brand new one and two bedroom villas priced from $288,000. For more information call Village Manager Christine Bax on (07) 823 9026 or 027 886 1219. www.bupa.co.nz

RETIREMENT

Ingenious and far cry from modern amusements Back in its day it this month’s mystery item would have been something special.

Barbara Dalziel, Manager of the Morrinsville Heritage Centre is unsure if it is handmade or a commercially produced but she says it’s ingenious.

If you think you know what it is or have a story to tell about something similar we love to hear from you – and you could be in to win a visit for two to the Morrinsville Heritage Centre. 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 Coast & Country’s February issue.

The museum at 41 Canada St, Morrinsville, and is open Tuesdays to Fridays 12.30pm-4pm, and Saturdays from 9am-2pm, and is closed Sundays and Mondays. To find out more call 07 889 4190 or visit www.morrinsvilleheritagecentre.org.nz

This month’s mystery object may bring back childhood memories.

Last month’s mystery item had our readers stumped. No one knew what it was. According to the team at the Te Aroha and District Museum, it is a Maori anchor stone, carved from heavy rock, and is among its oldest exhibits.

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COUNTRY LIVING

Ponies and possums great subjects for captions They say owners come to look like their pets – or vice versa – but with last month’s Country Funnies photo it was more a case of owner and pet acting alike.

The winning caption for the photo of the ‘laughing horse’ and young rider comes from Raewyn Hall of Waiuku and it’s: “Anything you can do I can do better”.

Raewyn wins a copy of the ‘Hunting under the Southern Cross’ by Greg Fagg, published by Halcyon Press.

Pam Wright of Matamata sug-

gested: “I just heard it straight from the horse’s mouth and I am NOT amused” and “Oh Ed, don’t be silly, horses cannot talk” as captions too.

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The photos were taken in ladies’ public toilets and we’d love to receive your captions.

The best caption will win a copy of ‘It’s a bit rugged Mate – the best yarns by Big Al Lester’, published by Penguin.

Once described as Barry Crump meets Fred Dagg, Big Al Lester is a modern-day master hunting storyteller.

This latest book combines the biggest and best yarns from his previous three books and will appeal to those with a good keen sense of humour and a love of New Zealand’s wild outdoors.

To be in to win ‘It’s a bit rugged Mate’, email your suggested captions for the photos above, along with your name and address, and with Country Funnies as the subject to: elaine@thesun. co.nz Or put these details and captions on the back of an envelope and post to: Country Funnies, Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, to arrive no later than January 17.

The winning caption

FU

will be published in Coast & Country’s February issue.

If you have a ‘Country Funnies’ photo we’d love the chance to publish it and invite readers for their caption suggestions.

Post you photos to Country Funnies, Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110 or email elaine@ thesun.co.nz with ‘Country Funnies’ in the subject line.

N NIE

S

C This month’s country funnies photos come from Willie and Carol Oates of Te Awamutu.

Y

O U NT R

COUNTRY LIVING

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Katikati festival aids St John appeal

Jetsprint thrills and spills return

This year’s Katikati Avocado Food & Wine Festival in January features not only food, wine, avocados and great entertainment, but will also raise funds for the town’s much-needed new St John Ambulance station.

The St John 365 project is the beneficiary of the festival, which has become a summer highlight for the region and its holiday visitors. This year’s festival is on Saturday, January 10 from 11.30am6pm at Katikati’s Uretara Domain.

The St John 365 project is close to achieving its goal of raising $800,000 for the new station to replace the outdated and undersized building constructed 18 years ago. Proceeds from the festival will be a welcome boost

to plans to begin construction early this year. Festival performers include the Dee DeLuca Trio fronted by Dee, known for her high class, jazz with soul and blues. The Tim Armstrong Band is guaranteed to get festival-goers up and dancing. Five O’Clock Shadow is a highly experienced band with two great lead singers and will be providing some classy entertainment at the festival.

Popular local musicians My Pennyworth will be entertaining the crowd at the start and in between main acts. Also performing at various times during the day will be the impressive local Steel Pan Band. Gate tickets on the day cost $20. Children under 18 enter for free if accompanied by a parent.

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Jetsprints boats will provide thrills and spills at Mount Maunganui’s ASB Stadium on Auckland Anniversary weekend.

When the V8 jetsprint boats power their way into Mount Maunganui’s ASB Stadium again on January 24 and 25 – Tauranga’s Ken Goebel is guaranteed to be there front and centre.

There’s no way he’s going to miss two days of fast-paced, highoctane racing and entertainment at Baypark speedway on Auckland Anniversary weekend.

“When they brought it to Baypark last year, I was there front and centre and it just brought it all back,” says Ken. “It’s reignited my passion for the sport.”

The 61-year-old was on the

committee of the New Zealand Jet Boat Association’s Northern District’s branch about 20 years ago, helping run what he believes was the first professionally-run jet sprint competition at Stevenson’s Quarry, Kaiaua.

So to see jetsprints come to Tauranga means a lot to Ken. “You know you’re a Kiwi when you dig up your rugby paddock to run a jet sprint course, then you put it back again a week later.”

The event features Round 2 of the PSP New Zealand Jetsprint Championship on Saturday and the inaugural international ENZED Stadium Jetsprints Cup on Sunday.

Up to 60 teams from NZ, with

guests from Australia, the US and Canada, will compete in three classes, with the Suzuki superboats reaching speeds of more than 125km per hour – and an impressive zero to 100km in 1.8 seconds.

The stadium setting gives spectators the unique opportunity to get up close to the racing action and in-field family entertainment There’s a dedicated ‘kidzone’ with bouncy castles, watersides and loads more fun.

The pits area will be open for limited sessions, to allow the public to check out the boats and meet race teams first-hand.

Tickets cost $30 for adults and $75 for a family pass and are available from www.eventfinda.co.nz

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Page 40

Employment Law Services

When it comes to fire – the buck stops with you Fire suppression insurance cover is required under the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977. by you or started on your property.

Rural property owners face a higher mean needing to sell other assets, such as your home, to pay for fire suppression cost Cover is required under Section 43, 46 risk from fire than their urban or other losses caused by a fire starting on and 46A of the Forest and Rural Fires counterparts, and that includes your property. Individuals found responsiAct 1977. ble for causing rural fi res have faced costs in There are also some simple steps you can liability risk, says Whakatane excess of $500,000.” take to help reduce emergency response District Council’s deputy What insurance is needed to cover any time: potential fire related costs, losses and • Clearly display your RAPID (Rural principal rural fire officer liabilities?

Addressing Property Identification) Tony Gillard.

1. Insurance of property for loss and number at the beginning of your The consequences are greater because replacement from fire: For your house, driveway. fires are detected later and the emergency household effects, other buildings, • Ensure unhindered access to your response takes longer. vehicles, plant and machinery, forests property for fire trucks and large “Any fire you light, be it campfires, cookand crops. vehicles by clearing roads and drives to a ing fires, braziers, rubbish fires, controlled 2. Public Liability Insurance: To cover width and height of four metres. burns or prescribed burns, are your responthe cost of damage and loss to a third • Maintain tracks, roads and bridges sibility. party from anything, including fire, • Maintain water supplies with good “You could be liable for costs associated that escapes from your property and access and adequate sign posting. with an escaped fire in the rural area if damages other parties’ property.

Tony says: “Check your insurance policy proven to have caused it.

3. Forest and Rural Fire Act fire today”. Talk to your insurer to confirm “Insurance gives landowners and forest suppression insurance: To cover the cover and appropriate limits. The buck owners some security so that a fire doesn’t cost of fire suppression from fire caused stops with you!”

How to turbo charge your team in 2015 The whole is greater than the sum of parts. Nurturing your team to flourish will reap rewards for any organisation.

Here are some tips to help your team flourish.

Purpose and meaning at work. A crucial element of effective teams is a clear shared vision that everyone knows and is committed to.

Everyone needs to feel they are making a difference.

A sense of purpose is a powerful motivator. Let your team clearly see

the value of what they are doing – in a larger sense, not just in financial terms.

Let your team feel pride in their success. What is the vision your team is working towards?

Intelligent leadership. Lead by example. If you notice negative traits in your team, check to see you are not exhibiting these same traits.

Use your strengths to bring out the best in others.

Focus only on your strengths, not your weaknesses.

Ensure you communicate with your team on a regular basis. Regular supportive communication helps the team to remain focused.

Ensure you nurture your team so they have a sense of belonging.

Control. Allow your team to work on a whole project, not just parts of the project.

Explain the end result and importance of the project. Focus on the results attaching to the project, not on the specific tasks of the project. Let your team control the project from start to finish so they can feel a sense of accomplishment.

Training. Training makes financial sense and provides a sense of accomplishment to members of the team. Research shows a return of 10 to 30 times the initial financial investment in training, no matter what a team or individual learns.

Respect. When your team achieves, show you appreciation. Let your team see your respect for their achievement, and make sure others see it as well.

This article is intended as a point of reference and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional advice. Specialist advice should always be sought in relation to any particular circumstances and no liability will be accepted for any losses incurred by those relying solely on this article.

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 41

FORESTRY

Page 42

Decades before water quality improves About 5800 hectares of land has been converted from farming to forestry in the Lake Taupo catchment in a move to protect the quality of the lake’s waters.

The conversions are a result of Waikato Regional Council enforcing its Variation No. 5 - Lake Taupo Catchment rule in 2011.

A further 2000ha could be converted as a result of a proposed land use change in the catchment.

Council’s new policy and rules aim to manage land use in the catchment, with

some farming practices controlled or requiring consents. It also contains tighter controls for new urban development in the Lake Taupo catchment. However, the extensive change of land use from farming to forestry hasn’t seen an improvement in water quality.

In fact, there’s been an increase in nitrogen levels – but council’s water scientist Bill Vant says these are likely to be “legacy” effects rather than a result of recent land use changes.

“When Variation 5 was developed it was anticipated that, despite capping, the loads of nitrogen entering the lake in its inflows would continue to increase until the new measures began to take effect.

“It was expected it would take several decades or more before the full effects of intervention would be seen in the lake.”

Scientific evidence

A Waikato Regional Council staff member measuring dissolved oxygen levels in the Waitahanui Stream, which flows into Lake Taupo. Photo by John Barran.

This underlines Variation 5 as no “quick fix” but a long-term investment in the health of the lake, one with measures underpinned by sound scientific evidence, says Bill.

However, Bill admits some of the changes in water quality are somewhat unexpected.

“In particular, more than half of the overall increase in nitrogen between 2002 and 2011 was carried by four inflows, which drain

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undeveloped and pine catchments on the eastern side of the lake, the Hinemaiaia, Tauranga-Taupo, Waimarino and Waitahanui rivers.

“When the variation to the Waikato Regional Plan was being developed, it was assumed the nitrogen loads from undeveloped and forested catchments would remain stable.

“Recently, we commissioned a preliminary analysis of historic 1958-1965 aerial photographs of the south-eastern part of the Taupo catchment including part of the TaurangaTaupo sub-catchment.

“The area photographed currently contains about 159km2 pine plantation, or about one-third of the combined area of plantation in this part of the lake’s catchment.

“Of this area of pine forest, nearly half is growing on land where pasture was present from 1958-1965. It is probable the pre-plantation history of land use in this area is at least partly responsible for recently-observed increases in nitrogen concentration in the streams that drain from it.”

Pollen’s impact

Farming and forestry in the lake catchment is now under strict caps on nitrogen leeching, with forestry deemed to leech less

nitrogen to ground water than farming.

However, during Environment Court hearings into council’s plans to limit nitrogen leeching some of the arguments related to the impact of nitrogen from pine pollen on water quality.

In written evidence to the court, Bill said: “The main difficulty with estimating the load of nitrogen to Lake Taupo that is associated with pine pollen is knowing clearly what proportion, on average, of the pollen from pine forests in the catchment [and elsewhere] actually falls into the lake”.

The effects of pine pollen on the quality of fresh water in the Northern Hemisphere is the subject of a report called ‘Effects of pollen leaching and microbial degradation on organic carbon and nutrient availability in lake water’ by scientists Stefan Rosel, Anna Rychła, Christian Wurzbacher and Hans-Peter Grossart.

Their report says: “The role of pollen for biogeochemical cycling in aquatic systems seems to be greatly underrated”.

The report goes on to say: “The potentially large amount of organic carbon and nutrients introduced by pollen can fertilise freshwater ecosystems”.

Relatively minor

In relation to Lake Taupo, Bill says he made some calculations for pollen, based on estimates from several sources, and these suggest to him any extra nutrients from pine pollen due to more planting would be a “relatively minor matter”.

However, Bill says he can’t be certain about how realistic his calculations are, as his expertise is in aquatic ecology rather than forest ecology.

Some idea of nitrogen loads from pollen entering the lake have been gained from calculations about how “atmospheric deposition” – mostly rainfall, but including “dry” deposition – added to nitrogen in the water.

Bill says these figures suggest the total load of nitrogen from pollen getting into the lake from existing and new plantings would be relatively minor in the overall scheme of things.

Essentially, Bill feels there’s not really enough information available to form a firm conclusion on whether replacing pastoral farming with forestry may negatively impact on lake quality because of production of pollen from forestry.

“In particular, estimates of the loads of nitrogen and phosphorous delivered to the lake in deposited pollen are imprecise.

“What is clear is capping farming activity on land around the lake will cut nutrient loads from this source; and this action is expected to help protect lake health over time, even if there is more forestry.”

There was also debate, during Environment Court hearings, about different calculations over how much nitrogen would leach to the lake from areas of scrub on undeveloped land. Bill’s evidence to the court was his estimates were nitrogen from gorse and broom areas would be about 12kg per hectare per year. Another witness told the court they thought the figure would be 23kg/ha/year.

A scientist’s group asked by the court to look at these types of unresolved issues concluded Bill’s 12kg figure was the better figure.

The group also considered any wide proliferation of gorse and broom could further threaten lake water quality.

Bill says this implies it will be important for people doing conversions to keep on top of wild broom and

By Elaine Fisher gorse to help protect the lake.

FENCING

Page 43

Keeping out pests with hi-tech fences A Rotorua company’s innovative pest-proof fencing system is finding favour in far flung places.

The Xcluder Fencing team has built more than 100km of pest-proof fence for clients throughout New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, Mauritius, and the Azores, and provides animal exclusion advice to clients all over the world.

The company specialises in the design and construction of fences that keep out a wide range of pest and other animals to protect rural, conservation or commercial values.

“We live and breathe pest exclusion. We’re proud to have

provided the benchmark standard for effective pest-proofing in New Zealand, and internationally, over the last 16 years,” Xcluder operations manager,

rol Pest exclusion fences from Xcluder cont . deer as e larg as creatures as small as mice or

Dr Tim Day says.

“We strive to continue providing the highest quality and best value exclusion solutions. It’s a real buzz when we get to solve someone’s pest problem.”

The options for exclusion fences, barriers and other products are wide and varied. Xcluder provides products and materiXcluder Fencing systems are keeping pests at bay als, or builds fences, that range in New Zealand and overseas. from very simple and low cost add-ons to an existing fence (eg rodent proofing of an industrial or other assets from pests. We also sell site) right through to multi-species a lot of high quality stainless steel or fences that target everything from galvanised mesh, both for pest and bird mice to deer, using high quality proofing, but also for beehives and tons materials. of other applications.”

“We’ve recently been focused If you’ve got an issue with pests, or on fence designs that suit rural even pets, Xcluder can probably cusproperties, don’t cost the earth, tomise a solution for you. but effectively protect retired land,

Thames Arboretum re-named    

At the William Hall Arboretum are: Back row, from left: Forest and Bird’s Ken Clark and Malcolm Sowman, and TCDC’s Parks Officer Chris Muller.

Front row, from left: Hauraki Plains students William Park and Isaac Heron, Forest and Bird’s Beverly Woods, and students Ingrid Hurle and Natasha Shand. Photo by TCDC.

New Zealand’s oldest curated botanical garden devoted to trees received its most visible acknowledgement recently.

New signs have been installed renaming the former Thames William Hall Reserve as the William Hall Arboretum.

The William Hall Arboretum has an incredible collection of nationally and internationally significant trees grown from seedlings in the early 1870s by the garden’s namesake.

The flora also includes the separate Totara species know as Hall’s Totara, named in honour of the Thames pharmacist and botanist.

Hauraki Plains College students taking part in a working bee as part of their Environment Day studies were joined at the arboretum by representatives from Forest and Bird, and Thames-Coromandel District Council’s new parks officer and arborist Chris Muller.

Forest and Bird has had a close association with the TCDC and William Hall Arboretum over the years and contributed via fundraising for projects in the park.

Recently they donated $16,000 to help carry out tree work when a listed pohutukawa was damaged.

At the time Chris wrote the tree report as a consultant arborist that helped Forest and Bird fundraise.

Forest and Bird Thames-Hauraki spokesperson Ken Clark says it’s satisfying to see the community recognising the importance of the pioneering botanist.

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FARM MACHINERY EQUIPMENT

Quad bikes most dangerous – research New research shows farmers are confused about quad bike safety, while most manufacturers are resistant to adding safety features to their bikes.

It comes after quads this year officially surpassed tractors as the most dangerous piece of farm equipment in Australia, with the majority of fatalities from crush injuries or asphyxia after bikes rolled on riders.

A study from James Cook University’s Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health and College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, led by professor Sabina Knight and associate professor Richard Franklin, has found many farmers don’t know who to ask about the dangers of the bikes or how to lessen them.

“There is a lot of misinformation out there.

Some farmers believed that horses were the most dangerous form of transport on the farm, followed by two-wheeled motorbikes, followed by quads.

“In fact it’s completely the opposite. Agriculture is Australia’s most dangerous industry and quad bikes are predominately associated with serious injury and death,” Sabina says.

Apparent stability

Horses won’t deliberately get themselves into danger and the risks of two-wheel motorbikes are well known, but quads catch many people unaware because of their ease of use and misleading apparent stability.

The study found some farmers and pastoralists had a marked tolerance for injuries to themselves and accepted calculated risks to children as a part of growing up on a farm.

Richard says farmers expect children to take risks. “The participants told us that there is risk in sport, riding horses; if you break an arm that’s how it goes. To them, injury was just a normal part of life.

“However, we know that with often simple strategies many of these injuries can be prevented.”

Farmers are smart people and it wasn’t about talking down to them. “It has to be a discussion about what level of risk is acceptable, the appropriate ways quads can be used and what can be done to mitigate and prevent harm.

This was the first time academics have engaged with pastoralists in the region on this important subject and there is anecdotal evidence the study has helped spark a lively conversation in the broader community.

“What is very clear from our work is farmers and pastoralists need to have a trusted independent source of information about quad bike safety,” says Sabrina.

Child safety

“Ultimately, it’s about making it safer and making it home. There is not going to be any single magic bullet.

“Roll bars are one possible solution, as is improving stability. Personal protection equipment and riding skills as well as child safety features will all help.”

The study found attitudes of retailers and manufacturers were powerful influencers among quad bike customers, but the industry’s role in advocating injury prevention and safety activities was minimal, despite being important to ensure the safety of those using quad bikes.

Sabrina says car makers have vastly improved the safety of their vehicles and it isn’t beyond quad bike manufacturers to deal with instability problems, give the bikes anti-crush devices and instigate a safety rating system so farmers know what they’re buying.

Number check results in savings on power bills Consumers from the Waikato region visited the What’s My Number website more than 3700 times during winter to check if they could get a better deal on their electricity bill, with their average estimated savings calculated at $185 per annum.

According to statistics released by the Electricity Authority some results from the site identified estimated savings of more than $400 per annum by switching power companies.

“New Zealanders utilising the What’s My Number website have found they could save significantly on their power bills by shopping around,” says Electricity Authority chief executive Carl Hansen.

“Spring is a good time to check to see if you are on the best deal.

As the seasons change, so do our power needs.

“Different sized households also have different needs depending on their lifestyle’ and these statistics show families of all sizes could make significant savings by shopping around.”

During winter New Zealanders visited the What’s My Number website more than 60,000 times, with the national average for

estimated savings identified by the site coming in at $175 annually.

There were 11,414 actual switches in the Waikato region and 96,407 nationally during winter.

What’s My Number spokesperson Judy Bailey has used the website to check her deal.

“I love to know I’m getting the best deal for my money. The What’s My Number online tool is a simple way to check if you’re with the best power company for your needs. It’s quick and easy and you can do it in two minutes...what’s to lose?”

What’s My Number is run by the Electricity Authority in partnership with Consumer NZ,

putting choice in consumers’ hands by helping them to shop around.

To find out if you’re getting the best deal for your power, visit www.whatsmynumber.org. nz and don’t forget to check!

The Electricity Authority is an independent Crown Entity with a statutory objective to promote competition in, reliable supply by, and the efficient operation of, the electricity industry for the long-term benefit of consumers.

Section 16(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 requires the Authority to promote to consumers the benefits of comparing and switching electricity retailers.

FARM MACHINERY EQUIPMENT

Page 45

Irrigation possible on hill country too The myth that irrigation only occurs on flat land is set to be dispelled with the release of a new guidebook targeting farmers irrigating within New Zealand’s hilly regions.

IrrigationNZ has developed the resource book, with the support of the Sustainable Farming Fund, to help hill country farmers successfully adapt irrigation for steeper slopes.

The guidebook outlines the best irrigation systems for hill country properties and provides advice to minimise run-off and improve water retention on slopes with high gradients.

IrrigationNZ project manager Paul Reese, who co-authored the guidebook, says while many New Zealanders associate irrigation with the Canterbury Plains and flatter areas of New

Zealand, irrigation on hill country farms is increasingly common.

“Advances in technologies, combined with favourable economics, have encouraged irrigation development in many hillier areas not traditionally considered for irrigation,” says Paul.

“Areas such as Central and North Otago, the foothills along Canterbury and in eastern parts the North Island have seen growth in irrigation on sloping ground covering a wide variety of crops and pasture.

“In many parts of NZ irrigating using natural contours has been happening for decades but more automated and efficient equipment and infrastructure is now being used over a larger area.”

Paul says achieving efficient irrigation on hill country is more challenging than on flat land

Additional input came from Precision Irrigation and the North Otago Irrigation Company, in the form of support for field trials conducted in North Otago.

Productivity affordability

meets

Farmers encouraged to recycle

and demands a greater level of skill, as well as specific design tailored to the property.

“The critical challenge is to keep the water in the plant root zone avoiding and minimising run-off.

“Our guide book offers solutions to these problems, alongside a review of the relative merits of the different methods of irrigation that suit hill slopes in NZ.” The ‘Hill Country Irrigation guidebook’ was launched at IrrigationNZ’s Great Irrigation Challenge training and education event in Ashburton in October.

The guidelines, co-authored by AgResearch, Landcare Research and Aqualinc, are relevant to all irrigated areas in New Zealand where slope has the potential to cause irrigation water to move off-site as either surface or subsurface flow.

CHC131030

Agrecovery container collection sites provide farmers and growers with an alternative to burning or dumping. and demolition material and domestic A plastic container recycling refuse. scheme is saving thousands of Property owners dealt with it by burytonnes of rural waste from being ing, burning or bulk storing it on-site. burnt or buried – and orchardist A similar study in the Canterbury area and farmers are being urged to reported comparable results, with 53 farms surveyed in 2013. make use of it.

Overall, waste generated by Canterbury farms was estimated at Agrecovery has more than 70 collec209,000 tonnes produced each year, tion sites at easily accessible locations roughly equal to the amount going to across rural New Zealand, supported by landfill from Christchurch city in 2012collection events in areas without a per2013. manent site and on-property collection According to the report the bulk of for large users. that waste, about 92 per cent, is either The need for the service is highlighted buried, burned or bulked stored during by a report commissioned by Bay of the year.

Plenty and Waikato Regional councils “Since their report was released in of 69 properties, which recorded 2564 2013, Environment Canterbury introtonnes of rural waste with an average of duced a ban on burning agricultural 37 tonnes generated per property each plastics. year.

“We believe this was responsible for Agrecovery Foundation chair Graeme the 113 per cent increase we experienced Peters is reminding farmers there’s no in container recycling in the Canterbury need to burn or dump plastic containregion in the first six months following ers. the ban, compared to the same period in “Thanks to a commitment to good 2013,” says Graeme. product stewardship by manufacturers “It proves farmers will increase their and distributors, farmers can recycle use of sustainable disposal methods with their empty plastic containers from the right combination of incentives in more than 3000 commonly used prodplace, such as bans and free recycling.” ucts for free.

Agrecovery, a not-for-profit charitable “This eliminates the need for unsustrust, offers recycling and recovery protainable practices such as burning or grammes for plastic containers, drums dumping.” and unwanted or expired chemicals.

The waste in the BOP and Waikato Nearly 10,000 farmers and growers use study ranged from various types of the programme. More information is plastics, scrap metal, timber and fence available at www.agrecovery.co.nz posts to glass, batteries, construction

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 46

trades & services

Maori drystock farmers urged to enter awards Entries for the 2015 Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Maori Excellence in Farming Award for sheep and beef close on January 30.

Three finalists will be announced on March 26 at a function at Parliament and the winner will be announced at an awards dinner in Whanganui on May 29, 2015.

The awards have two judging panels – one decides the three finalists for the competition and a separate panel selects the overall winner from the three finalists.

Judges for the first round are

headed by Rob Gemmell from the Bank of New Zealand.

Other members of the panel are Gary Walton from Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Peter Ettema from the Ministry for Primary Industries, Peter Little from Te Puni Kokiri and Peter MacGregor and Abe Seymour from Primary ITO. The finalist judges are led by Dana Blackburn and he’s assisted by independent judge Gavin Sheath, Rob Davison from Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Sam Johnson from the Bank of New Zealand and

Abe Seymour.

Ahuwhenua Trophy Management Committee chairman Kingi Smiler says members of both the judging panels are highly experienced and respected individuals who have a comprehensive understanding of the primary sector and the contribution Maori make to this.

“The concept of having two judging panels brings additional rigor to the whole judging process. What’s more, the range of skills of the members of the two panels ensures entrants get quality feedback on

their respective farming operations which could prove invaluable.”

Previous entrants and finalists say the experience of just entering has been hugely beneficial.

Kingi would like to see a large number of entrants for the 2015 competition and is urging trusts, incorporations and whanau to take the plunge.

The Head of Agribusiness for the Bank of New Zealand John Janssen says during the last 10 years the Ahuwhenua Trophy, BNZ Maori Excellence in Farming Award, has become the highest honour possible within Maori agribusiness recognising and celebrating the highest achievers in the country.

“Winners of the award display industry-leading capability across governance, nga tikanga Maori, financial, production and environmental categories.

“The award is a critical means to share knowledge and experience, which supports not only other Maori farming organisations but all New Zealand agribusinesses, to grow and prosper,” says John.

Entry forms and full details for the 2015 competition are available on the Ahuwhenua Trophy website www.ahuwhenuatrophy.maori.nz For further information call Peter Burke on 021 2242184 or email: peterb@levin.pl.net

S

Tauranga A&P Show Tauranga Racecourse, 1383 Cameron Rd, Tauranga. All the usual A&P events, equestrian, western riding, cattle, shearing competitions, home industries, pony rides, fairground and more. Adults $10, children 12 and under enter for free.

Te Puna Speed Shear Celebrating 15 years, starts at 5pm after Tauranga A&P Show at Te Puna Top Shot Bar. Come watch some of the world’s best shearers. Gold coin entry.

Live band, hot food, spot prizes. Want to try win some money? Enter on the day. Contact John for shearing enquires 027 577 2632.

BER TR TIM E

NT ME AT

PEPP ER

Calendar Events Sunday, January 26 from 8.30am-4pm Saturday 17 January at Rotorua A&P Showgrounds, 141

Saturday 25 January e We servic of all makes pumps

A&P Lifestyle Expo January 25 from 8.30am-5pm and

personal

Western Rd, Rotorua. Part of WW100: Remembering WW1 – 100 Years On. Large military displays, memorabilia, film, ANZAC memories and more.

Competitions with horse, cattle, alpacas and goat, plus axemen events and woolhandling. Adult 16-plus $10, children age 15 and under enter for free. Ph 07 357 2979 or email: rotoruashow@gmail. co.nz

Sunday 22 February

Rotorua Tractor and Machinery Club Vintage tractor show and live day at Oturoa Rd, off SH5 Mamaku 10am-3pm. Vintage tractor and horse ploughing. Hay making demonstration (weather permitting) ancient and modern, vintage cars, stationary engines,

trades

refreshments. Ph John 07 308 0571 or email: titancouch@msn.com To list your rural event please email: julie@ thesun.co.nz with Rural Event in the subject heading.

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Join Te Puna Hunting & Fishing club for only $10 per adult and enter our monthly competition Prime Explosives 500, you could win $500 Cash every month. Check out www.tepunahuntfishclub.co.nz or check out our facebook page to keep upto date www.facebook. com/tepunahuntfishclub

phone 07 578 0030

email ads@thesun.co.nz

web www.coastandcountrynews.co.nz

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 47

Man’s age - as determined by trip to hardware store You’re in the middle of some kind of project around the house; mowing the lawn, putting in a new fence, painting the living room or whatever.

You’re hot and sweaty, covered in dust, lawn clippings, dirt or paint.

You have your old work clothes on. You know the outfit – shorts with the hole in the crotch, old T-shirt with a stain from who-knows-what and an old pair of tennis shoes.

Right in the middle of this great home improvement project you realise you need to run to the hardware store to get something to help complete the job.

Depending on your age, you might do the following:

In your 20s:

Stop what you’re doing. Shave, take a shower, blow dry your hair, brush your teeth, floss and put on clean clothes. Check yourself in the mirror and flex. Add a dab of your favourite cologne because you never know, you just might meet some hot chick while standing in the checkout lane. And you went to school with the pretty girl running the register.

In your 30s:

Stop what you’re doing, put on clean shorts and shirt.

Change shoes. You married the hot chick so no need for much else. Wash your hands and comb your hair.

Check yourself in the mirror.

Still got it. Add a shot of your favourite cologne to cover the smell. The cute girl running the register is the kid sister to someone you went to school with.

In your 40s:

Stop what you are doing.

Put on a sweatshirt that’s long enough to cover the hole in the crotch of your shorts.

Put on different shoes and a hat.

Wash your hands. Your bottle of Brute Cologne is almost empty so you don’t

want to waste any of it. Check yourself in the mirror and do more sucking in than flexing.

The hot young thing running the register is your daughter’s age and you feel weird thinking she’s spicy.

In your 50s:

Stop what you are doing. Put on a hat; wipe the dirt off your hands onto your shirt.

Change shoes because you don’t want to get dog crap in your new sports car.

Check yourself in the mirror and your ‘swear-not-to wear that’ shirt any more because it makes you look fat.

The Cutie running the register smiles when she sees you coming and you think you still have it. Then you remember the hat you have on is from Gold Coast’s Bait & Beer Bar and it says: “I Got Worms”.

In your 70s:

Stop what you are doing.

Wait to go to the hardware store until the chemist has your prescriptions ready, too.

Don’t even notice the dog crap on your shoes. The young thing at the register stares at you and you realise your undercarriage is hanging out the hole in your crotch.

In your 80s:

Stop what you are doing. Start again.

Then stop again.

Now you remember you need to go

In your 90s and beyond:

What did I need? Something for my garden? Where am I? Who am I? Why am I reading this? Did I send it?

Did you?

Who farted?

In your 60s:

Stop what you are doing.

No need for a hat any more.

Hose the dog crap off your shoes.

The mirror was shattered when you were in your 50s.

You hope you have underwear on so nothing hangs out the hole in your pants.

The girl running the register may be cute, but you don’t have your glasses on so you are not sure.

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to the hardware store. Go to a department store instead and wander around trying to think what it is you are looking for.

Fart out loud and you think someone called out your name. You went to school with the old lady who greeted you at the front door.

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Page 48

COAST & COUNTRY

Milyo, Dimana and Atila Kolarova chasing a calf near Pukekohe. Sent in by Svetla Kolarova.

Jessica Coster keeping the cows in line.

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS PRIZE UP FOR GRABS! Nathan Paden-Bennie keen to be in the flock.

Morgan Eddie on one friendly bull called Ted.

Scarlett ThorntonColquhoun, aged 2, of Katikati with a newborn lamb sporting a bread bag outfit.

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.