Rural Living January-February 2018

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ruralliving.co.nz

January/February 2018

Sweet spuds

SHe’S A

rebel

& SAlAD DAyS

Opera – it’s a sing thing

A&P Show ‘powers’ ahead

Polo players made to mallet

Brought to you by members of Franklin’s

Largest Rural/Lifestyle Sales Team PUKEKOHE | TUAKAU PUKEKOHE 68 King St, PO Box 147, Pukekohe | bus. 09 238 7019 | fax. 09 238 7018 | www.barfoot.co.nz/pukekohe

January/February n MUSIC, MUSICALS & THEATRE luck of the Irish February 1, 11am-1pm, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Drive, Papakura Offering a little bit of (old) country and (sham)rock ‘n’ roll, this show sees Saint Patrick’s Day come early. Ideal for anyone who’s ever held a little of Ireland in their hearts, this mad fiddling, jig-fest is loaded with more ditties, haunting ballads, limericks and jokes than one could poke a Shillelagh at! Details via operatunity.co.nz.

Auckland Pride Festival

ruapuke roots festival February 9-11, Ruapuke Motor Camp, 1510 Whaanga Rd, Raglan, Waikato Lively up yourself, people, because an event which people love to ‘dread’ is on very soon! Over three days, six of the best of New Zealand’s reggae groups will be joined on stage by leading international acts. But, as with any summer music festival, the music is just the beginning of what’s on offer. For details, visit ruapukeroots.com... ‘mon’!

n COUNTRY CALENDAR under the mountain February 7-21, ASB Waterfront Theatre, 138 Halsey Street, Auckland City There are strange things afoot... under the mountain. In this stage adaptation of Maurice Gee’s acclaimed novel for young readers, the Wilberforces are out in force once again. Can Rachel and Theo stop this strange race of giant creatures from destroying Auckland this time? There’s only one way to find out! For details, see atc.co.nz/whats-on.

counties Power Pukekohe show February 17-18, Pukekohe Showgrounds, 58 Station Road, Pukekohe The finest can-do country spirit comes to the fore during this event (formerly the Franklin A&P Show). From animal antics to rural sports and fairground rides, this show is one not to be missed. For more details visit pukekoheshowgrounds.co.nz

n EXPOS & FESTIVALS raglan arts Weekend January 27-29, Raglan Old School Arts Centre, 5 Stewart Street, Raglan There’s much more to nearby Raglan than radical surf. And, while Aucklanders celebrate Anniversary Weekend, this picturesque Waikato town will celebrate the talents of artists from throughout its region and beyond. Based at the Old School Arts Centre, this festival includes numerous exhibitions and other events which bring creativity to the fore. For a full schedule, visit raglanartscentre.co.nz. auckland Pride festival February 2-18, locations Auckland-wide When one man comes in the name of love, that’s one thing; when thousands

Luck of the Irish

Craig

Trudy

Brendon

Sue

Stephanie

021 998 605

021 898 483

027 238 6660

027 527 0094

027 246 7911

2 — Rural Living — January/February 2018 McCardle Alderlieste Moore Ashby Boyce

Hunter

Utatao

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of men and women all come together to be proud of the beauty of humanity’s amazingly varied mix of sexualities and gender identities, that’s a tune ‘U2’ can dance to! Kicking off with the Auckland Pride Gala (Feb 2, from 8pm, Q Theatre, 305 Queen Street) and culminating in the Pride Parade (Feb 17, from 7.30pm, Ponsonby Road), this festival also features the Heroic Garden Festival and the always fab-u-lous Big Gay Out; more events too.

See aucklandpride.org.nz.

Hamilton gardens arts festival February 7-18, Hamilton Gardens, Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton Whatever could one do in a Hamilton City garden? Well, if the annual Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival is anything to go by, plenty! From the heavy hitting sounds of the dynamic Devilskin, to the heel-kicking country rhythms of the Topp Twins, this fest’ delivers a feast of music, comedy, theatre and more. See hgaf.co.nz.

Hadley

Pierce

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Graeme

David

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027 485 9321

Willsonwww.ruralliving.co.nz Powell

Community Calendar TUAKAU 22 George St, Tuakau | bus. 09 237 8310 | fax. 09 237 8331 | www.barfoot.co.nz/tuakau

n HOME & GARDEN Heroic gardens festival February 9-11, locations Auckland wide Putting on any home or garden show or tour can often require a herculean effort.

Fortunately, for many years Auckland has benefited from the good work of some heroic individuals. Originally designed to showcase the creativity and flair on display in gay and lesbian-owned gardens, this festival has now grown to include properties of people from all lifestyles. See heroicgardens.org.nz. auckland Begonia festival February 17-18, 10am-4pm, Auckland Botanic Gardens, 102 Hill Rd, The Gardens The perfect picks with the best of petals will be on show soon. Details via aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/whats-on.

n SPORT, FITNESS, RACING & MOTORING classic motorcycle racing festival February 3-4, Pukekohe Park Raceway, 222 -250 Manukau Rd, Pukekohe If you have a motorbike you can ride it if you like at Pukekohe Park Raceway this month. Designed especially for

Lynda & Jools Topp set to entertain at Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival.

Photo supplied

Scott

Kevin

027 210 8887

027 497 8223

www.ruralliving.co.nz Lim McElhinney

those who love to live life on two wheels rather than four, this event offers plenty of motorcycle fun. Oh, and it’s probably safer than riding on the Southern Motorway at rush hour too! Details via pukekohepark.co.nz. yamaha nZ festival of freeride February 16-17, from 9am, Karioitahi Beach, Karioitahi Road, Karioitahi Fancy a leisurely sail on the Tasman Sea? If so, there are plenty of other events which will prove perfect for you, however this in not one of them! Featuring plenty of wild rides in the surf off Karioitahi, this jet skiing, adrenaline pumping event is no scenic jaunt... even for those who simply watch the action from dry land! More information via nzfestivaloffreeride.com. avondale guineas Irish raceday February 17, 11am-5pm, Ellerslie Racecourse, 80 Ascot Ave, Remuera What could be more Irish than kicking off St Patrick’s Day celebrations a full month early? The luck of the Irish will certainly be put to the test as some of the best thoroughbreds thunder around the track at Ellerslie. To be part of the action, first see ellerslie.co.nz. rebel round up February 17-18, Pukekohe Park, 222-250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe Roll up, roll up, it’s time for the Rebel Round up! Whatever vehicle you choose to roll up in, make sure it has plenty of street cred’, because this event is designed especially for those who really love their motors and their music. Billed as two days of ‘rockabilly and vintage mayhem’ (how cool does that sound!), this event should see Pukekohe Park come alive with the roar of engines mixed with toe-tapping (dare we suggest banjo strumming too?) tunes. From hot rods and vintage cars, to racing, this round up will likely have many a rebel yelling for more! Details via nowevents.co.nz.

Debbie

Maria

020 438 5958

021 885 703

Courtney Macpherson

Simon

Macrae

027 420 2540 Tuakau

land rover nZ Polo open February 18, Auckland Polo Club, 102 Clevedon-Kawakawa Rd, Clevedon Billed as the ‘social and sporting event of the summer’, the NZ Polo Open sees fashionistas and sports’ fans head to Clevedon. As some of the best professional players compete on field, there will be plenty of action elsewhere too. See nzpoloopen.com for details.

n MARkETs Pukekohe market Every Saturday, 8am-12pm, Massey Street, Pukekohe Pokeno market Every Sunday, 8am-2pm, main street, Pokeno crafty cows market – Pokeno Second Sunday of each month, 10am-1pm, Pokeno Town Hall awhitu country market Last Sunday monthly or long weekend Sunday, 10am-2pm, Matakawau Hall, Awhitu Road, Awhitu Peninsula sustainable Papakura market Third Sunday of each month (except March & April), 10am-1pm, Papakura Recreation & Fitness Centre, 294 Great South Road, Papakura clevedon Village market Every Sunday, 9am-2pm, Clevedon Community Centre, 1 Papakura-Clevedon Road, Clevedon clevedon farmers market Every Sunday, 8.30am-1pm, Clevedon Showgrounds, Monument Road, Clevedon alfriston country market First Saturday of each month except January, 9am-12pm, Alfriston Community Hall, Mill Road, Alfriston

Murray Nick Rural Living — January/February —3 Dawson 2018 Bates Sales Manager Branch Manager

From the editor... don’t you?” Jesting aside, I’m sure this will be an event with wide appeal – see pages 36-37 for more from our motoring correspondent Alistair Davidson, whose publication, Petrolhead, is a major sponsor.

Well, time marches on and no doubt readers would welcome a chance to grab a cuppa, put their feet up and sit back with the latest Rural Living. This month we feature the Ainsleys of Pukekohe and their passion for polo, some advice on farm management plans and a heads-up on the National Yearly Sales at Karaka. We also talk to a budding opera singer, tempt readers with some delicious recipes and present gardeners with a malodorous plant.

So, with that, it’s onwards and upwards for 2018 – enjoy!

While I may not have been pro-active when it came to household chores, I was easily persuaded to enjoy some great outings including two nights staying at The Viaduct with a Red Boat cruise to Riverhead thrown in plus a wonderful countryside meander to the Nikau Cave, but more on these another time.

Looking ahead, I’m keen to head for the Raglan Arts Weekend (Anniversary Weekend) – any excuse to visit this favourite coastal township and peruse works by many artists and creative crafters – and I am definitely going to Rebel Round Up at Pukekohe Park Raceway (February 17-18).

Man about the house is especially keen having been around cars all his life. I did ask him if he fitted into the ‘vintage motor racing’ genre, a cheeky nod to his former Holden HQ racing days; if it hadn’t been for his recent back operation I’m sure he’d have chased me around the house with the broom! I wish!

He did get his own back by asking – very nicely – if I was entering the Miss Rockabilly pageant! “You do still rock,

Helen Perry, Editor

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ne nasty storm aside, the summer so far has been fabulous. While on holiday I thought all those sunny days would spur me to tackle a pile of jobs just waiting for me to be on a break. But did they? Not in the least.

Visitors were much more likely to find me reclining with a book than scrubbing the floors but I did make a start on the mammoth task of sorting photographs taken over many decades.

And, I do say ‘start’. I threw away scores of panoramic vistas and distant faces with whom I’ve long lost touch plus a good many of the children; the multiple kind that came in school packs, you know, four of one size, two of another, and so on! Yep, I managed to narrow these down to two from each pack.

It’s an ongoing job and one that won’t be finished quickly. But I am pleased to have made that start. The next thing will be to scan the majority and put them on the computer although I do want to frame some and create a new photo gallery in my hallway – a job for winter, perhaps.

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4 — Rural Living — January/February 2018

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reBel, reBel... but not in a dress! Fans of classic cars and hot rods who are ‘round and about Pukekohe on Feb 17-18 are in for a treat when the Rebel Round Up rolls into town. But there’s much more to this funfuelled festival than motoring madness, says promoter and rockabilly filly, Jess Caulfield. As her alter ego (50s-style pin-up, Miss Jessica Mae), Jess is pictured ready to roll in a 1934 Ford Coupe owned by Franklin Street Rodders member, Pete Clothier. To read more, see pages 36-37.

Photo Wayne Martin

info@ruralliving.co.nz editor: Helen Perry DDI 09 271 8036 editor@ruralliving.co.nz Sales: Kate Ockelford-Green DDI 09 271 8090 kate@ruralliving.co.nz Jackie Underhill DDI 09 271 8092 jackie@ruralliving.co.nz Cathy Renolds DDI 09 271 8019 cathy@ruralliving.co.nz Art Director: Clare McGillivray DDI 09 271 8067 clare@ruralliving.co.nz Publisher: Brian Neben Level 1, The Lane, Botany Town Centre, Chapel Road, Auckland PO Box 259-243, Botany, Auckland 2163 Ph: 09 271 8080

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All the material Mangawara Woodleigh Ruawaro in this magazine has the protection of international copyright. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Times House Publishing Ltd.

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Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 5 KAT5300

Local steeds

at star ‘stud-ed’ sales

Success for punters may be measured at the track but, when it comes to those who gamble their livelihoods on raising bloodstock, winning runs often come at New Zealand Bloodstock’s (NZB) Karaka Sales Centre.

W

hile top lots could come from almost anywhere, NZB MD, Andrew Seabrook, says yearlings from local studs could well generate plenty of interest.

“The success local stallions have had in the past year should follow-through into sales success,” he says.

“The progeny of the likes of Haunui Farm’s Iffraaj and Westbury Stud’s Reliable Man have been highly successful internationally over the last year and that has peaked international interest in their Karaka offerings.”

Iffraaj, whose offspring won both the New Zealand and Australian derbies last season (Gingernuts and Jon Snow, respectively) will have 39 of his yearlings up for sale.

Haunui’s managing director, Mark Chitty, says he expects these lots will be hard to turn down.

“Iffraaj has proven to be a magnificent sire and we have watched with keen interest as his progeny have made their name on the track. I’m sure Iffraaj’s new brood of yearlings will similarly meet with success.”

This year, a new-look catalogue structure sees the Premier, Select and Festival Sale names dropped in favour of: Book 1, Book 2 and Book 3. The first horses from Book 1 will go under the hammer on the evening of January 28.

Mr Seabrook believes the changes to the sales series’ structure will be met with approval by both buyers and vendors alike.

“I’m absolutely certain this new structure will be a success. Selling 100 horses on Sunday night gets more horses in front of buyers early in the week, and aids the troublesome transition vendors have always faced mid-week.

“The aim is to give international buyers a reason to stay longer by providing even more horses to look at on the sale ground at one time. In theory, there will be at least 200 more horses being offered in front of a full overseas buying bench. It’s an exciting change we think will provide a positive boost to sales week.”

Despite the rise of NZB’s online fortnightly auction website, gavelhouse.

6 — Rural Living — January/February 2018

Champion sire from Haunui Farm, Iffraaj.

com, Mr Seabrook believes the annual sales series remains as strong as ever.

“Gavelhouse.com has continued to grow and is the common go-to for people to sell their bloodstock online in a timely and cost-effective manner with fortnightly auctions now in Australia and New Zealand,” he adds.

“However, the NZB Sales haven’t suffered from the introduction of this new concept with the yearling sales still viewed as ‘harvest time’ for vendors. ”The sales series kicks off with the NZB Karaka Million at Ellerslie Racecourse on Jan 27. For more information about the sales and ‘New Zealand’s richest race’ see nzb.co.nz.

Photo courtesy NSB

Harness horses under hammer Just when we think the hammer’s fallen silent, another lot of lots will provide plenty of bang for one’s buck at NZB’s Karaka Sales Centre. During the Australasian Classic Yearling Sale (February 12, parade day February 11), a new breed of harness racing’s potential champions will pull in the punters.

The progeny from some of the finest mares and stallions available in New Zealand will be on offer as 175 standardbreds (pacers and trotters) are introduced to buyers from around the world.

◆◆To read more about the Australasian Classic, and the thoughts of one local breeder in particular (Tony Dickinson from Alta Dream Lodge), see pages 6-7 of Rural Living’s January 2018 issue; and, for more about gavelhouse.com, view our February 2017 issue – e-editions for both are accessible via ruralliving.co.nz. www.ruralliving.co.nz

newsbites Mr Postman, please!

NZ Post’s advertisements assure us that we can ‘still do that, you know’, but some of those who choose to do so are about to find they’re facing a higher cost.

Recently, the SOE announced from February 1 untracked parcels sent to RD addresses will carry an additional charge of $3.70. Apparently, this is to off-set a decrease in revenue as letter volumes fall.

However, considering parcel services often provide an invaluable lifeline to rural people – and parcels can’t be sent by email, even where fast broadband is available – Rural Living asked whether this was just one more kick in the teeth to NZ Post’s rural customers.

Assuring us that NZ Post is “committed to giving rural customers the best possible service,” a spokesperson replied: “This is an existing charge [which already applies] to domestic tracked and courier parcels sent to rural addresses, and it will apply to the sender.”

No comment regarding whether or not this move is indeed a kick in the teeth was provided.

Is that a sausage in your pocket?

Summer ‘scum’ comes to Waikato

When a Belgian smuggler recently attempted to cross our border concealing contraband, his plans came a-cropper thanks to one slight... snag.

In fact, it was three snags that drew the attention of Auckland Airport biosecurity staff, Craig Hughes from MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) explains.

“One of our x-ray operators spotted the risk items. They turned out to be pork and salami sausages, both of which could have carried diseases with the potential to cause major harm to our agriculture,” he says.

The passenger was promptly sent packing back to his point of origin.

However, this Belgian’s bangers were left behind to be destroyed.

“We take a very hard line on international travellers who deliberately ignore our biosecurity rules,” adds Craig. “It is loud and clear that every arriving passenger is required to declare or dispose of items that could pose a biosecurity risk.”

Beating the heat with a dip may seem like a good idea but, as the clean waterways debate continues to heat up, it may pay to look before we go jump in the lake!

According to LAWA (Land, Air, Water Aotearoa), swimming should be avoided at many of our country’s lakes (including e Kauwhata’s Lake Waikare) where water quality is rated as ‘very poor’.

Dr Felicity Dumble, from Waikato DHB, says a health warning is in place at this waterway due to a rise in levels of cyanobacteria, a form of algae.

“Scums are a particular risk because they contain a high level of toxins. If contact with scum does occur, skin should be rinsed clean and clothing changed as soon as possible. This warning is particularly important for children,” she warns.

Other bacteria affected Waikato lakes include Lakes Whangape and Ngaroto.

Swallowing water can also prove harmful.

Symptoms of exposure to cyanobacteria include rashes, skin and eye irritation, hayfever, asthma, diarrhoea and vomiting.

To see which lakes (or beaches) are safe for swimmers, visit lawa.org.nz.

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Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 7

Billy the kitty gunning 4 bunnies Brian Neben publishes Rural Living and is also an avid lifestyle farmer

COUNTRY LAD

W

ell, as usual I will start with a comment on the weather.

Last month I said we were waiting for our super summer to arrive. It now has and it has been really super apart from one storm which lasted for two or three days with pretty strong winds. In fact, this year we have used the pool more than we have over the past few summers.

However, things are drying out now and I’m sure most people feeding animals and tending market gardens would appreciate a few solid rain showers – here’s hoping rain, forecast to be delivered as Rural Living went to print, has come about!

Of course, it has also been perfect weather for hay-making with many landowners able to make an early start while some have even harvested two crops. On the other hand, the weather seems to have encouraged a larger number than usual of rabbits!

According to Paul Martin who, back in 2006, published a book, Lifestyle Farming in New Zealand, the main mammalian pest in New Zealand is the bushtail possum closely followed by the rabbit.

Rabbits were first released here

by European settlers in the 1850s as emergency rations and sporting game.

The rabbits had no real predators and, in a short time, numbers were out of control.

Our cat, Billy, has no trouble downing rabbits not much smaller than himself.

I read recently that it is the duty of all Kiwi landowners to rid their properties of rabbits and possums so for further information on how to go about this, I suggest contacting Rural Living’s pest control correspondent, Ditch Keeling from Coastal Pest Solutions. Discuss with him any problems or the need for help.

At home, our rabbit control is largely left to our five-year-old Burmese cat, Sonny Bill or Billy for short. He has been killing and eating a rabbit every two or so days – as many as four a week. He usually brings them inside and takes them to an upstairs bedroom where he gets under the bed for his feast, eating the head first and leaving the ears before devouring the rest.

It takes Billy an hour or so to get through his meal and, as well as leaving the ears, he leaves the feet, eyes and stomach contents. We have to check regularly to ensure all leftovers are removed – he’s

quite a remarkable cat!

Once again it’s time for the thoroughbreds and standardbred yearling sales. Last month Rural Living interviewed Tony Dickinson from Waiau Pa, one of our leading breeders for the harness racing industry. A few days back I visited Tony’s property where his yearlings were being shown to buyers, many from the South Island. I must say they looked in great condition and should attract lots of interest at the February 12 sale.

Last month we also chose the winner of our ‘name the foal’ competition but as yet we have not received confirmation from Harness Racing New Zealand to say the name is all okay. We have checked that there is no other horse with the same name so we are confident Willsherocknroll will be her registered name.

And with that, it’s time to head for the pool. See you next month.

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Name switch lights up show...

W

ell, butter my butt and call me biscuit – the 2018 Counties Power Pukekohe Show is coming to town and y’all should be grinnin’ like possums eatin’ sweet potatoes!

Still managed by the Franklin Agricultural and Pastoral Society, our traditional A&P event has a new name and fresh impetus thanks to welcome sponsorship from Counties Power.

However, all those A&P favourites will be there as usual on February 17 and 18 when locals kick off their high heels, pull on their boots and make hay while it shines!

On the farming front expect to see a huge array of horse and pony events plus

competitions for beef and dairy cattle, sheep, goats, alpaca and donkeys too.

Home industry events will abound – all those favourites such as cakes, preserves, sewing and more – and who doesn’t love a man with muscles?

Yes, the Counties Strongest Man competition will be in the mix as well as shearing prowess and some sheep racing too – is this the time to saddle up for the first time baa-baa style?

While some of the district’s best livestock will be on display in the show ring, there will be a traditional farmyard attraction to keep youngsters busy as well as a variety of fairground rides for some extra thrills.

With more than 150 trade stalls, entertainment and a food zone in the mix, whether your tummy’s rumbling or you’re hungry for the latest in farm machinery, there will be plenty to satisfy.

And to raise awareness of our many not-for profit, volunteer and major local services there’ll be the likes of Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts, Mercer Rowing, Chelsea Wonder Dogs, the New Zealand Army, the Rural Fire Service, Young Farmers, the New Zealand Police and of course, Counties Power, plus many other groups all with displays.

A family day of the best kind, mark the date and stay all weekend or until the cows come home, at least!

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Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 9

Polo at Pukekohe; from left Ross in action, fierce competition amongst players, Kel charges on.

Photos supplied / A Bremner, Eye Witness Images

Of high-goal hopes Many a sport involving horses is referred to as ‘the sport of kings’ but, considering its right regal pedigree, polo is perhaps the most fitting claimant to this crown. And yet, there’s a new(er) kid on the block that similarly sees illustrious players up on their ‘high horses’, as JON RAWLINSON reveals.

F

rom soccer to rugby union, rugby league, American football, sevens, nines (the list goes on!) there are plenty of very different games which claim the name of ‘football’.

Similarly, while polo and polocrosse are not exactly peas from the same pod, these equestrian codes share at least one major connection – they are both the domain of the Ainsley brothers of Pukekohe East.

“We were born and raised on a farm and have been riding all our lives,” Kel Ainsley informs me, “When it comes to sports, there’s not a hell of a lot we haven’t done on a horse!”

Kel and his brother, James (known as ‘Ross’), were born and raised rurally across the ditch. Both have represented high-goal (top level) teams, including Australia in polo, with Kel also competing for New South Wales and Queensland in polocrosse.

For the benefit of city sorts, polo originated in ancient Persia and is a little like mounted hockey, whereas polocrosse (developed into a sport in Australia in the 1930s) is more a hybrid of polo and lacrosse. Or, as Kel puts it, quite succinctly: “With one you catch and throw the ball, with the other you just whack it.”

Of course, there’s more to it than that!

“Polocrosse is a bit like netball in that players have zones where they need to stay,” he elaborates, “A polo field is a whole lot bigger [roughly two to three times the size] and everyone can move everywhere, which makes it a more tactical game.”

10 — Rural Living — January/February 2018

Because polocrosse isn’t as demanding on the horses as the sport’s older cousin, only one mount (rather than at least two) is required per player. In addition, smaller fields – where the ball isn’t played along the ground – require less precise preparation. These factors can keep costs down for players.

Despite this, these two horse sports also have some obvious similarities. Yet, codehopping isn’t common while playing both at a top level is also unusual, he confirms.

“People do go from one sport to the other but not many. They might have a go at both but will tend to stick with the sport they started with.”

First introduced to polocrosse aged six, Kel (also a top showjumper in his youth) took to the sport immediately.

“We were introduced to polocrosse when we were at pony camp. Both sports are great fun to play and there are a lot of great people to play them with. They’re adrenalin sports; you get quite a kick, especially when you win.”

It hasn’t taken me long to realise that whenever this Aussie-born battler’s heckles are up and victory’s on the line he pulls no punches!

Home on the range Although Ross isn’t on hand when I drop by, that’s not unusual; he’s somewhat more of a globe ‘trotter’, a walking (and riding) advertisement for the business than Kel, who (largely) holds down the fort at

home in the country.

“I did that [follow the polo seasons] for about 20 years and Ross, who started before I did, is still going,” he confirms. “I still travel to compete now and then, but I’m not based overseas anymore. “Even when Ross is playing abroad, he’s keeping our face in the game. If people are looking for a horse, he’ll hear about it and, by watching people play, he can see the type of horses they’ll need.”

Since moving to their Pukekohe East property approximately 14 years ago, the brothers have built a successful business, known as Ainsley Polo, breeding and selling horses, tack and saddles, as well as providing training for horses and riders.

“We chose Pukekohe specifically because it’s close to the airport for when international clients come over and when we go overseas to compete. Auckland Polo Club [based in Clevedon] is close by, too.

“If we drive down the road for half an hour here, we’ll see 10 horses and probably try eight of them; if we did the same in Australia, we’d probably only see a couple and not try either. The size of the country comes into it but it’s more just about the quality of the horses New Zealand produces.”Matching the right horses to the top pros is no easy task and neither is breeding the best.

“Genetics plays a huge role. We’ve been breeding polo horses for a long time in order to get the quality of stock we have.

You could have a horse which is just a www.ruralliving.co.nz

AINSLEYS A-PLENTY! From left - Ross, Killian, Siobhan, Niamh (front), Quinn, Rafferty, Lucy, Oscar (front), Kel and Indiana.

freak, put any Joe Blow on him and it’ll go really well, but that person won’t get the best out of it. It really comes down to making sure players have horses best suited to them.”

Just a couple of years after settling here, ‘team Ainsley’ made a new selection when an English lass came to ‘town’ looking for a pony. Instead, she procured much more than she bargained for.

“I came here because New Zealand is known as the place to buy polo ponies,” wife, Lucy, adds. “I was looking for a horse and found Kel!” Lucy no longer plays polo, but she does hold the reigns as far as marketing and advertising the business goes, while also wrangling the couple’s three children.

The Ainsley brothers were practically born in the saddle so it’s no surprise that their children are following in their dads’ hoof steps. Lucy and Kel have three children together while Ross has also sired three youngsters, with his partner, Siobhan.

“They’ve all started riding early but only the older ones now have the strength needed to hit the ball properly,” says Kel. “But give them time and [the younger ones] will get there too.” www.ruralliving.co.nz

Photo Wayne Martin

Polo to the people!

Polo may have once been a right rural pursuit but, down here in the antipodes, it’s rapidly becoming a favourite of town folk too. Bringing a sport enjoyed by royal sorts to the common man – well as common as they come in Remuera – Heineken Urban Polo is an exhibition tournament featuring some of the world’s best players and horses... of course, of course.

On February 24 at Shore Road Reserve, Remuera, Urban Polo takes place soon after the Land Rover NZ Polo Open – February 18, at Auckland Polo Club, Clevedon. While the latter is one of this country’s oldest and most prestigious high-goal (or top level) tournaments, the former also offers plenty of riveting ‘divoting’ entertainment, Kel Ainsley from the Glenfiddich team explains.

“Urban polo is referred to as ‘gladiator polo’. It’s a three-on-three format designed to make the sport more accessible to city people. If they can’t come to the country, we bring the game to them, so there’s more exposure for the sport. And, it’s a good, fun day out too.”

Ainsley Polo will provide plenty of fresh horses for the affair, as well as ensuring professional players from around the world catch their plane in time to mount up.

The Taupiri Polo Club (of which Kel is president and Ross, club captain) hosted its own event, Polo in Pukekohe, in December.

“Spectators have always been welcome but this was the first time we’ve run an event advertised to the general public,” says Kel. “Some friends, who play polocrosse, asked if they could jump in and we thought ‘why not’? It’s probably unheard of to have both sports on show at one event.”

The Ainsley’s property doubles as home ground for the Taupiri Polo Club since it was moved north years back; a name change is currently on the cards.

For more information about Urban Polo or the NZ Polo Open, visit nzpoloopen. com or urbanpolo.co.nz; the next instalment of Polo in Pukekohe is expected to take place towards the end of this year – details via ainsleypolo.com.

Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 11

A trout out of water….

W hen it comes to sustaining trout stocks, sometimes the fish that got away is the best result from a day on the lake

or river.

To help anglers play their part in keep up fish stocks as well as ensuring trout they catch is fit for the table, Fish and Game has produced videos, along with a new brochure as well as pages on its website to inform and assist anglers.

Fish and Game communications manager, Don Rood, says the newly launched initiative to educate anglers on how to properly look after trout they catch is for all anglers not just the less experienced.

He says all anglers need to be aware that how they handle any trout they catch is critical if the fish is to thrive after release back into the stream or river.

“We want anglers to look after the trout they catch while they decide whether to keep them for dinner or release the prime breeding stock.

“It doesn’t matter if you are selectively harvesting one for a feed or releasing good fish so they can breed; they need to be in the best possible condition.

“We’re not, of course, urging anglers to release every trout, but encouraging them to look after them all,” he adds.

Mr Rood says some practices to avoid are using too light gear and fighting a trout for too long (a tired fish has much less chance of surviving). Also avoid dragging trout onto the rocks or a boat deck and take extra care when removing hooks.

He also advises using a net (preferably a knotless one) to land fish and to keep trout in the net and in the water if releasing.

If at all possible avoid touching the fish but, if you must, Mr Rood says wet and cool your hands first or consider wearing gloves.

He says trout make excellent eating so if keeping them for the table, make the decision and kill them quickly and humanely.

“Trout are a great source of wild food and for many anglers, hunting and gathering for their families is a key part of the fishing experience,” Mr Rood says.

“They don’t have to apologise for selectively taking fish for the table and our publicity material advises on the most humane way to despatch a trout.

For further advice have a look at the Fish & Game website: www.fishandgame.org. nz/freshwater-fishing-in-new-zealand/ getting-started/looking-after-your-trout There’s also a ‘looking after your trout’ instructional video on Fish & Game’s Youtube pages: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=yf4Hn5EydRI

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SUMMER CHALLENGES FACING LIFESTYLE BLOC

THURSDAY 16TH FEBRUARY, 7PM AT 86 HARRIS ST, PUKEKOHE

Vet Talk

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BEACHLANDS | KOPU | PAEROA | PAPAKURA | PUKEKOHE | TAUPIRI | TE K WWW.FRANKLINVETS.CO.NZ

Tick trouble Dr Laura Schwerdtfeger BVSc BSc The New Zealand cattle tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is an introduced species and is NZ’s only tick. It is commonly found in warmer parts of the country and while this tick favours cattle, it also feeds on sheep, goats, alpacas, deer, horses, rabbits and even humans.

The NZ cattle tick is a three hosts tick, which means that each stage of its life cycle (larvae, nymph and adult) is carried out on different hosts and sometimes different animal species. Adult ticks generally start laying eggs in November when conditions are warm and wet,

and adults are commonly seen feeding on livestock between December and February.

The most common areas to find ticks on your livestock are on the head, ears, legs and udder.

Ticks feed by puncturing the skin and feeding off the host’s blood. Ticks cause blood loss, damage the pelt and irritate the animal. The salivary secretions can have toxic effects on the animal. Ticks can spread life threatening diseases such as Theileria orientalis between cattle. Young animals are most affected when heavily parasitised by ticks, causing significant blood loss, anaemia and often subsequent death.

Unfortunately, ticks are impossible to eradicate but

Equine summer

checklist

measures can be taken to reduce the incidence of infection in your livestock. We recommend Bayticol, which is licensed for use in cattle and deer, and is a very effective product against ticks. To try to reduce future tick populations, and the spread of ticks on your property, Bayticol should be applied every 3-6 weeks between August and February. Ticks will usually start to fall off the host five days after an application.

If your lifestyle animals are affected by ticks, please don’t hesitate to contact your local Franklin Vets branch to discuss possible treatment options.

vet?

Need a

n Be on the lookout for ryegrass staggers where horses are grazing close to the ground. Signs include increased agitation, excitability or severe un-coordination. Remove horses from grazing, feed hay, and keep in obstacle-free area. Toxin binders can help. n Long, hot summer days are the best for harrowing paddocks to expose worm egg and larval burdens and dry them out. Faecal egg counts will indicate if drenching is required. n If you are competing, make sure your horse’s vaccinations are up to date and remember to monitor horses’ fluid intake to avoid dehydration.

Franklin Vets Papakura and Pukekohe are open 7 days and late nights

WAIUKU 2 COURT STREET. 09 235 9101 | PUKEKOHE 86 HARRIS STREET. 09 238 7486 PAPAKURA 365 GREAT SOUTH ROAD. 09 298 8575 | TE KAUWHATA 91 WAERENGA ROAD 07 826 4838 WWW.FRANKLINVETS.CO.NZ KAT5238-v3

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 13

Brought to you by 12 Wrightson Way, Pukekohe Phone 09 238 5559

Over

the gate

Pukekohe

frankLin A&P Society event co-ordinator

Jacqui Wadham

It may take a village to raise a child but it requires the efforts of folk from both town and country to pull off a quality A&P show. Recently, Rural Living chatted with the Franklin A&P Society’s event co-ordinator, Jacqui Wadham, who is in the midst of bringing together the new Counties Power Pukekohe Show. A committee member with the society for more than 20 years, and former chief horse steward, Jacqui is now taking on responsibility for being the woman behind the show, behind our region.

How did you come to take on the new event co-ordinator’s role?

have a little flutter occasionally. I prefer to win stake money – haha.

I have been secretary of the organisation since 2006. When the previous show planner resigned, the society restructured positions within the office.

As I had worked in conjunction with the show planner in the past, and had also worked in a similar environment at the ASB Showgrounds Easter Show, the committee asked me to step into the event co-ordinator’s role. This not only covers the A&P Show but any events that are hosted here.

When did you first learn to ride and do you still ride for recreation e.g The Hunt?

We understand you train racehorses. Do you live on a lifestyle block, a farm or in town and have you been a trainer for very long? How do you find the time to combine both roles?

My late husband and I began training racehorses when we moved to Pukekohe in 1972. Harvey held the licence but I was always hands-on. When he passed away in 2013, I became a trainer in my own right. The early morning starts for the horses works in well for my job here at the showgrounds; you get into a routine!

Do you train your own horses or do you train clients’ horses? Where do you train – at home or elsewhere? Do you own thoroughbreds yourself and are you a punter too?

I am available to train clients’ horses and currently the horse I have in training is a family partnership giving us a lot of fun. I train out of Counties Racing Club here in Pukekohe although I do have a small track at home suitable for quiet work.

No, I am not a punter although I may 14 — Rural Living — January/February 2018

My Grandmother bought me my first pony when we lived in Remuera and I grazed it in Victoria Ave – believe it or not we used to ride to the St Heliers Pony Club up Peach Parade onto Ladies Mile and out to Mertons Road past Winstone’s quarry! Imagine doing that now.

We later moved to Whitford and I joined the Papatoetoe Pony Club at Flat Bush.

My parents were also part of a group who established the original Whitford Pony Club. As for me, I was very competitive at pony club events, representing NZ in show jumping, dressage and eventing. I also enjoyed hunting.

As the urban sprawl creeps further towards Pukekohe, is there still a future for Franklin A&P and other such shows?

Unfortunately, urban sprawl is inevitable.

Even though some people think we occupy council land, the Franklin A&P Society owns the 52 acres that the showgrounds sit on. This makes us a bit different from those shows being pushed aside because they are not the landowner.

Do women who work full time outside of the home, or a farm, still enter competitions such as cake baking, preserves, vegetable growing etc or are these talents a dying art?

The Home Industry section at Franklin is still extremely well supported across all facets of the event. Each year we do

subtle changes to the classes just to keep people on song. This year we have introduced an oil section for cold pressed oils.

What about local men do they still want to compete in events such as Counties Strongest Man, wood chopping log sawing and the like?

I’m not sure yet if there are local men involved in this year’s Counties Strongest Man event, however, the wood chopping has attracted several local choppers with the Waiuku Axemen always in contention.

This year the wood chopping is on for the two days with a NZ Championship carded.

Is organising the A&P show a year round effort or does it all come together in two or three months?

It would be nice to think it only takes two to three months work! Once we tidy up this year the brains will start rolling again to see what new attractions we can find and how we can improve what was done right or wrong. We are always questioning ourselves as to how we can improve.

This year the show has gained a key sponsor and while it is still managed by the Franklin A&P Society it has been titled, The Counties Power Pukekohe Show. How helpful has this sponsorship been and what are the gains?

The show gaining major sponsorship from Counties Power has been fantastic and very motivational to us all. For us, having Counties Power involved has certainly inspired others sponsors to become involved. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Jacqui Wadham – leading events for the Franklin A&P Society.

Photo Wayne Martin

Has there been any reaction to the name change from locals or hasn’t it sunk home yet? If it hasn’t, do you think the new name will be welcomed?

We have had some comments but when we explained that, unfortunately, Franklin does not register as a place (township) but Pukekohe does most folk seem to understand. To get outsiders to the show we need to use Pukekohe – it is what registers in people’s minds – they live in the township of Pukekohe, they see it in newspaper reports, it will be on their GPS, on motorway signs and more.

If you could grow any plant or raise any animal what would it be and why?

Horses, of course – silly question for me!

If you could be Minister of Agriculture for a day what would you do first and why?

Listen to the farmers who are trying to look after their investment. Believe in them.

They [farmers] know what they’re doing; their future depends on getting things RIGHT. They are the food baskets for this country; if they are not supported the ‘food baskets’ will be EMPTY”. Then what will we do? Certain people are looking through “rose tinted glasses” and not looking at real life. Not everything comes in a glass jar, a paper bag or a can. So much comes from hard-working farmers.

If you could ask three people (living or dead) to dinner who would they be and why?

Sir Edmund Hillary because he achieved so much through sheer willpower and positive thinking My paternal grandparents because I know nothing of them and would love to know more about their life in Scotland and my overall ancestry.

Also my maternal great-greatgrandparents who were in the building – Ford’s Theatre – at the same time Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865.

What a story they could tell! www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 15

What's up with D.O'C...

The people of the USA may have decided a billionaire reality TV star was the best option for president but, here in NZ we’re not quite so avant garde! Instead, we elected a politician to be PM and she picked a farmer as minister of agriculture... fancy that! Once again, we take a look at the activities of our number one land-ed gent, Damien O’Connor.

Bye-bye MPI! What do you call a ministry sans minister?

MPI of course! While National’s Nathan Guy was Minister for Primary Industries, under Labour’s direction, the ‘megaministry’ will be reorganised with various ministers sharing the workload. Good thing too as no ministry could possibly run without a minister... could it?

“Our priority is to achieve greater clarity and unity of purpose,” Mr O’Connor said when outlining changes to MPI late last year. “We are seeking enhanced visibility of government policy and regulatory activities and clearer lines of accountability and engagement for stakeholders.”

As our January issue went to print, the Minister confirmed MPI’s responsibilities

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will be divided among four organisations: Fisheries NZ, Forestry NZ, Biosecurity NZ and NZ Food Safety. Reorganisation should be completed by April.

“I would like to thank MPI staff for their commitment and hard work... and assure them there will be no reduction in staff as a result of these changes.”

While reorganisation comes with an estimated $6.8 million price tag, Mr O’Connor says: “This is a prudent and cost-effective change that can be managed with existing monies.’’

Where, oh where, has your dinner been?

‘If you want it you better put a track on it’, that’s the message from our Minister for

Agriculture and Biosecurity.

Fines of up to $10,000 can be issued for non-compliance under the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) Act – intended to ensure farm animals are traced from birth to slaughter or live export – Mr O’Connor warned recently.

“Overall, compliance with the system is good for animals passing through sale yards and going to slaughter, however big improvement is needed in other areas,” he said. “[We] will take a tougher approach on non-compliance to... ensure improved traceability of animals.”

According to data, most animal movements to sale yards and meat processors are recorded within the required 48 hours after they are completed, but Mr O’Connor believes

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[in the South Island] has shown that, where farmers have complied with the requirements, tracing animals has been quick and accurate... those who haven’t have made this a lot more difficult.

“With outbreaks like this, speed of response is vital to containment, so it’s more important than ever that farmers and industry use [the NAIT] system.”

Branching out

Damien O’Connor at the cutting edge of agriculture.

Photo supplied

some movements are not recorded at all.

Disease outbreaks are easier to contain if procedures are followed, he said.

“The recent Mycoplasma bovis response

If a kauri falls in our forests you can bet our Damien will make a sound! Recently, the Minister for Biosecurity announced measures will be taken to strengthen the Kauri Dieback Programme.

“We have asked for a National Pest Management Plan (NPMP) in light of the continued spread of this disease, which has the potential to take kauri to the brink of extinction,” he said.

“An NPMP shows how serious we are about protecting kauri. It is by far the strongest piece of regulation available and will ensure mandatory hygiene practices, consistent regulations that apply nationally, stronger governance and access to funding.”

Under the programme, other measures can also be introduced as needed.

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To ensure more money grows from our grassroots, Mr O’Connor recently welcomed the launch of a new pilot programme to the Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF), which supports communityled projects in building productivity.

“The SFF Tere pilot [shows] we can take the SFF even further by enabling the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to increase investment in smaller projects.”

SFF Tere will begin ASAP, according to Mr O’Connor... MP. “Four Tere projects, representing $271,000 in investment, will get under way in the new calendar year.”

Tere translates as swift or fast. The first projects cover farm biosecurity, the economic impact of pests, alternatives to clear-felling radiata pine and the treatment of bobby calves.

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Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 17

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FArM MAnAGeMenT PlAnS

A new (uncertain) dawn By neil dent, partner, gifford devine lawyers, Hastings

o

ne of the hot issues of the 2017 election was raising the water standards in our rivers and lakes. Regional authorities are the bodies that are charged with implementing the Government’s water standards policy.

All regional authorities have implemented, or are in the process of implementing, plan changes that are designed to enable them to achieve the minimum water standards set by government.

reduce leaching into waterway One of the aims of these plan changes is to reduce the amount of nitrogen and/ or phosphorous leaching from farms into waterways.

The main tool to achieve this is the ‘farm management plan’ which is, generally speaking, a plan for each individual farm as to how that farm can be operated so that its nutrient leaching is kept at a particular rate.

A typical farm management plan will have several elements but will almost certainly involve a ‘nutrient budget’ which will look at the nutrients that are introduced to the farm, either naturally or by intervention.

It will also examine how those nutrients then either leave the farm by way of a finished product, such as a crop, or as milk, or as a cattle beast, or whether they leave by way of leaching through the soil into rivers and lakes.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

In essence, a farm management plan summarises environmental risks that have been identified on a property and how those risks will be managed in order to comply with the legal requirements of each regional plan.

Farmers will already be actively engaged in this process or, where plan changes haven’t yet been finalised, they will at least be aware of what is happening in their region.

By necessity, the plans are regional as there are a number of factors that will be different in each region and which will impact upon the environmental risks that farming might give rise to. Obvious regional differences are the type of soils, the climate, intensity of farming and so on.

Plans should now form part of the due diligence process One of the interesting by-products of this process is that farm management plans will now become a very important part of the due diligence process when buying a farm.

Historically, farm due diligence was based around past production and the methods applied to that particular farm.

Probably little due diligence was carried out (or needed) in relation to the regional plan as it related to the area in which the farm was situated.

From now on, for those considering buying a farm, it will be critical to understand not only the regional plan’s rules, but also to obtain a copy and understand the particular farm management plan in relation to that farm.

Historic farming and production information will still be vital. Equally as important, however, will be for buyers to have an understanding of the use to which the farm might be put in the future and what restrictions might be in place, or changes to farming practices, that might need to happen.

Some of those restrictions or requirements of a particular farm management plan may not only impact upon the cost to the farming operation, but also on the intensity of the farming that could be carried out. Both of these would affect the farm’s bottom line.

Imperative to understand regional rules The other matter to take into account is that the farm management plan system, and the rules that each regional authority have either adopted or will be adopting, are all relatively new. No one knows the extent to which they will work.

Science and farming methods are continually evolving. What isn’t likely to change, however, is the prominence of the environment as one of the major political issues of our time.

For that reason, it’s imperative that farmers properly understand their regional authority’s rules around the environment and the particular farm management plans relating to their area or an area in which they propose to purchase. ◆ This article was first published in the Summer 2017-18 edition of Rural eSpeaking, the farm-focused e-newsletter for clients of NZ LAW member firms.

Gifford Devine is a member of NZ LAW.

Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 19

Get off the grass!

Comical anecdotes, cute photographs and other bits and bobs sent in by our readers. Keep sending us your briefs, trivia and photos of country life – email to info@ruralliving.co.nz.

A ‘ruff’ review?

We’ve long thought the ideal way to enjoy Rural Living magazine is with a little ‘coco’ on the side. However, one reader has taken this a bit too literally and, as a result, her pet pooch (Coco) has been bored to sleep, it seems!

So, apologies to Coco if we didn’t deliver tales sufficient to set her tail to wagging; then again, it could just be that she was simply dog-gone tired after extending a warm welcome to the postie.

Weighing in on light-hearted sign!

Prior to Christmas a reader wrote to Rural Living about Versatile Homes’ roadside sign featuring sayings and quotes that brought a smile to her face…and to ours!

Well, as businesses started to close down for the festive break a Rural Living team member driving past that now famous sandwich board noted that it wished its customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

It wasn’t until she returned home later in the day that she read the other side and had a good laugh.

It read: Christmas calories don’t count!

“Oh, goody,” she said. “I’m going to take Versatile at its word but I’ll have something to say if I get on the scales mid January and find I’ve gained a kilo or two.”

So, watch out Versatile team and be prepared to make a run for it!

Say hello to my little friend!

What’s new pussycat? Well, in the home of one reader it was a new doorstop, in the shape of a little black cat.

Unfortunately, said reader’s other feline obviously didn’t get the memo because, early next morning he (the reader) was awakened by a rather one-sided altercation of near catastrophic proportions!

However, after puffing herself up and hissing away for a few minutes without reaction, the real, live moggie eventually realised two things: first, the new addition wasn’t the kind to back down but, secondly, it was not trying to make a play to become the household’s new Top Cat either.

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20 — Rural Living — January/February 2018

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Pest control –

forewarned is for-notified

By Ditch Keeling, Coastal Pest Solutions

M

ost people I’ve come across are animal lovers. Whether it be pets, stock or wildlife so much of what we do is about creating a better habitat just for them. That is not to say we don’t take umbrage at dozens of rabbits destroying our paddocks or 1500 Paradise shell ducks scoffing our grass and fouling our water troughs.

For landowners who find themselves with a pest problem there is much to learn as animal control, in any form, can easily become a contentious issue and care must be taken to ensure the right thing is done in the right way and for the right reasons.

A case in point, I did a middle of the night operation on Canada geese in a fairly public place last week. Close to 70 birds were shot and the client was extremely happy with the results but the next morning social media fired up with feedback from a local resident.

The resident posted that: “some cowards came in last night and began randomly shooting all the birds near the pond, ducks, oyster catchers, everything!

They then lit a big fire and camped out on the golf course”.

This statement was far from the facts of my well-planned, police-notified and successful operation; nothing but Canada geese were shot and there was no fire or camping from my end.

The complainant was obviously so upset about the operation it seems she saw fit to bolster her complaint. Sadly, this is not a

first for me; there are a lot of passionate people out there and unless they are aware of all of the details they will often assume the very worst.

The lesson for me lies in the importance of notification. This person was probably a neighbour to the site and one that was not made aware of the culling operation. I’m pretty sure that had I found and notified her prior to the event, her comments may have been more informed and restrained.

In all fairness, I think most people would be a bit nervous having any form of shooting occurring nearby if not made aware in advance. I certainly see people visibly relax about the issue when I introduce myself and explain, for example, what is happening with the rabbits next door that night and that their pet cat is perfectly safe.

Whatever pest issues you have, talk to your neighbours and also to the council and local DOC office. You may find your neighbours have the same problem and you can share the costs of rectifying it.

And, even if they don’t have a

problem and are opposed to what you are doing on moral or sympathetic grounds, you have at least notified them of your intentions and they won’t be waking in the middle of the night assuming that some coward is randomly killing all the local wildlife.

All pest issues can be managed safely but getting the control just right is not the only priority. Complaints about pest control harm people’s perception of the issue and in the longer term we risk losing valuable methods for no reason other than some people don’t like the sound of it.

Pest control is really important in New Zealand; we should cherish our ability to deal with pest issues practically, and we should protect that ability by ensuring everyone knows what’s happening, why, by whom and when. That’s not too much to ask and had I fully practised this last week I would have avoided being the social media villain of the day.

Appealing animal looks can distort our perception of their pest status.

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Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 21

There’s something

about Mary From singing along to The Wiggles to dreaming about performing at the Met, young Franklin soprano Mary Laing is a diva in training. She spoke to ANGELA KEMP.

W

hen she’s not visiting the family farm in Pukekawa, working as a beauty consultant or studying for a music degree, you’ll find Mary Laing practising her German. It’s a wonder she has any time for her passion for singing opera but those readers lucky enough to catch her recent debut will realise she has a voice to be reckoned with.

Mary, 21, is studying for a Bachelor of Music majoring in classical voice at the University of Auckland and has just completed her third year.

She’s going on to do honours in the next academic year and has her hopes set on continuing her studies, namely a Masters, overseas, most likely Germany for which she is learning German in anticipation.

Other institutions in her sights are the Royal School of Music in London and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Her singing talent was picked up by her mother when Mary was aged four and could sing all the words to The Wiggles.

“She [mum] says I could remember it all perfectly and keep in tune. I don’t remember it much but apparently I loved to sing when I was a child.”

When she was seven her mum and grandmother enrolled her in the Pukekohe choir, Majors and Minors, under the leadership of Lynda McDowall.

“When I was eight I started singing solos and just kept going and going,” Mary says.

“Lynda was a marvellous stepping stone for me and got me through Grades 1-3. She solidified my love of opera and set me on my path.”

But it was under the tuition of Clevedonbased soprano, Gina Sanders that Mary’s talent really started to blossom.

“I used to visit her for singing lessons every week for about eight years before I started university and she deserves the credit for how far I’ve come.”

Mary attended ACG Strathallen School where she won its talent competition two years in a row.

“I decided to try and be a pop singer because nobody liked opera. The night

22 — Rural Living — January/February 2018

Mary Laing – in concert.

Photo supplied

before the contest all the ACG schools in Auckland came together for a combined concert and my music teacher had me do some opera. The girl organising the talent quest heard me and asked if I would do it for the talent quest heat.

“For a long time I wasn’t very proud of being an opera singer and it took me a really long time to come out of my shell, especially at a school.

“Anyway, I still did a pop song with my friend as planned but at the end I did opera, too. When I finally had the guts to do it at school everyone was really supportive and I got through on the opera.

“I was in Year 11, aged 15 and it was my first ever time singing opera in front of the school. It was very nerve-wracking.”

Mary sang, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again from Phantom of the Opera. “It has a very special meaning for me as I sang it at my grandfather’s funeral when I was about 13.”

While at school Mary was a member of

the NZ Secondary Students’ Choir which went on tour to South Africa. She is often booked to sing at weddings and funerals and takes up as many choral opportunities as she can.

Her debut as a solo soprano at the Franklin Community Choir’s Christmas concert at St Andrew’s Church in Pukekohe in December was highly acclaimed and she’s looking forward to further guest appearances with Auckland choirs during the coming year.

As any opera enthusiast will know, a voice is like fine wine and improves with age so Mary is at the start of a long career.

“Your voice is always maturing so my voice probably won’t mature until I’m around 30. Then my voice will have reached the stage where it’s going to stay.

“You don’t see it as much in women as you do in men but obviously our voice goes through changes. From about 15 to 16 my voice went through change and matured into what it is now. Every year it changes more and more and I know it’s going to be a big voice – it already is!”

Leading up to a major performance Mary is careful of what she eats. She cuts out dairy products completely as they make her throat phlegmy and can affect her vocal chords. Three days out she switches to a fruit and veggie diet and on the day of a performance she doesn’t eat anything but she does drink pineapple juice and a lot of water.

However, she says voice preparation is only part of what it takes to be an opera singer.

“People ask me how I get up on stage and sing in front of people. It takes a lot of mental work. For example, if I pick a piece in German I have to remember the German text along with its meaning and how I am going to perform it, how it goes with the music and how everything fits together.”

Mary says her dream is to sing at the Met Opera in New York and see her name in lights. And, there’s something about Mary which makes me think she could just do exactly that. www.ruralliving.co.nz

From about 15 to 16 my voice went through change and matured into what it is now.

Every year it changes more and more and I know it’s going to be a big voice – it already is!”

❝

Photo Wayne Martin

Buying or Selling?

M. 021 955 141 I E. c.cooper@barfoot.co.nz I Papakura 09 298 8029 www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Cherry Cooper - Rural, Equestrian & Lifestyle Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 23

Win!

To enter the draw for any of these competitions visit ruralliving.co.nz and enter this month's code – RLFEB9932. One entry per person/email address; entries close February 28, 2018. Winner notified by phone or email.

WIn! yates Zero tougH PrIZe Packs A friend with weeds is a friend who needs Yates!

Although Yates may offer many products for more sensitive souls, Zero Tough is not for the faint of heart. Able to tackle some of the hardiest of garden nasties – including gorse, blackberry, ivy, onion weed and more – this heavy hitter gets right down to the root of the problem.

What’s more, it features a water-soluble vanishing blue highlighter so you won’t waste its impressive killing power. Thanks to our mates at Yates, we have TWO prize packs up for grabs – valued at approximately $60, each includes a 3 litre read-to-use spray and a handy 750ml trigger pack.

WIn! skInVItals clotH mask Pack Age catches up with most of us but new, two-step, cloth mask treatments from Skinvitals come with an intensive peptide punch, the active serum containing a blend of five peptides and five collagen boosters to help promote skin elasticity and hydration retention. Covering all skin types, the six cloth masks include: Control (for skin with enlarged pores, excess sebum and blemishes); Glow (for working wonders on dull, lacklustre skin tones); Light (to renew skin clarity where there are dark spots and sun damage); Quench (to deliver a hydration hit); Firm (perfect for fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity) and Detox (to combat skin congestion, dullness or fatigue). Skinvitals Cloth Mask Treatments (4-pack RRP $39.99; single mask RRP $12.99) are available from selected Life Pharmacy stores but we have a six-pack up for grabs.

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WIn! a BumPer good HealtH PrIZe Pack After indulging throughout summer, it’s time to focus a little more on Good Health. So, to help one wise reader (who may or may not be wealthy) become just a little healthier, we have a prize pack of Good Health products up for grabs. Featuring a bottle of Synetrim Slim, Turmeric Extra Strength and a trio of Viralex products, this pack includes supplements galore. What’s more, it also includes a lunch box and drink bottle all in a Good Health tote bag.

24 — Rural Living — January/February 2018

If you dig a glass or two, it’s time you met Doug! In this book, Douglas Renall takes readers on a virtual tour of 100 of our nation’s finest wineries. Loaded with stunning photography, as well as regional maps, iconic Wineries also covers such aspects as history, cellar door atmosphere, quality of wine, awards won, and critic ratings. ◆ Douglas Renall: 100 Great New Zealand Wineries | RRP $59.99 | David Bateman Ltd

Making up is never hard when you have Wet n Wild products in your cosmetic bag and, now, Rural Living has a great Wet n Wild prize pack to give away. It includes two velvety, long-lasting MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lip Colours (RRP $11.99 each) – Nudist Peach and Nice to Fuchsia – plus a Photo Focus Foundation (RRP $12.99) – Soft Ivory – just one of seven hues intended to provide skin with a photo-ready complexion. The winner will also receive a Wet n Wild contouring palette (Dulce de Leche), an illuminating palette (Catwalk pink) and a SPF bronzer. Wet n Wild products are exclusively available through Farmers stores.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Summer loving Fun times C’mon guys, stop looking – you know I’m the winner! Yeah, right!

Reay Neben is a Franklin resident and publisher of Rural Living.

CITY LASS

W

ell, 2017 is done and dusted and looking back it was quite a year. I must say I am not sorry it is over and we are now embarking on 2018.

The fabulous weather made my holiday break really enjoyable and, as it was too hot to do a lot, I managed to read a lot of books – great!

We had our first Christmas in our new house and also our first New Year’s eve; we enjoyed both but, for the first year, we did not have one daughter and her husband with us as they are now living in Dubai, so that was strange.

Our annual petanque tournament was held as usual and this year it was Brian who won the cup. Yes, we actually have a cup which is presented to the winner.

Very serious. Not sure how Brian won but on the day he was the best of a pretty bad bunch.

Christmas Day was a long one for us old people with the family arriving at 11am but it was 11pm before eight of those staying finally decided it was time to go to bed. It has always been our tradition to have the Christmas lunch at our place and it sure is a fun day.

My real holiday started on Boxing Day when all the family left and it was just Brian and I. Day after day of just being at home was a real luxury for me. I could start a

small job and know that there would be tomorrow to finish it.

Since we have been in this new property I haven’t had a long period of time to be just at home and I must say I did really enjoy the luxury of not getting into my car.

Our Pukekohe daughter, who is planning to sell her house, is also thinking of moving to Thames so one day we headed down there to take a look. Trafficwise it was not the best timing as this was the day weather experts were telling people to leave the Coromandel to avoid an on-coming storm.

Luckily, it wasn’t all that bad driving down and we arrived in Thames at lunch time. I haven’t been down there for years and I was blown away by how busy it was.

There were a number of really trendy eating places but best of all were the fabulous old buildings, many of which are being repurposed but are keeping all the old character.

There were no shiny stainless steel and glass buildings to be seen; the history of the town just oozed. I really liked the town and the houses were fabulous.

We spoke to a few people and it seems that Thames is now on a property boom as Aucklanders look to escape the city and see what they can buy in Thames for a reasonable price compared to city prices and even those here in Franklin.

And, so it is, the year has really begun and on a wonderfully ‘fine’ note. Let’s hope the golden weather continues.

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Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 25

LEAVE A GIFT TO NATURE Bequests can be made to “Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand Inc”. For more information on how to make bequest Bequests can abe made contact: to “Royal Forest

Leave a gift to nature. and Bird Protection Society of New Fundraising Manager, Zealand Inc”. For more information on Forest & Bird how to make aPO bequest contact: Box 631, Fundraising Manager, Forest & Bird Wellington PO Box 631, Wellington Freephone: 0800 200 064 Freephone: 0800 200 064

hair redesign Natasha Harris of Alberts Hair Salon talks about welcoming in the new year with a new look.

S

o over 2017? Why not welcome the new year with a new look including a fresh hair colour?

But don’t think about making the move on a whim.

The Prep – Before changing your colour, have a consultation with your stylist to discuss any prep steps. This will give both stylist and client a chance to make a plan, discuss any concerns, maintenance or products required at home and to discuss a quote. At Alberts we don’t charge for consultation appointments.

The Why – We’ve all been there – turned the curling iron a little to high, ran the blow-dryer over a section one too many times without a heat protectant or decided to try out a boxdye at home – whatever the cause of the hair damage, there are ways to help fix it.

Get a healthy trim. Everyone should have a regular trim even if shooting for Rapunzel status. If damage is due to environmental effects and excess heat, most likely it is concentrated at hair ends – split ends, that is. So, get the trim, it will help your hair grow longer, faster.

Get a professional treatment. Still can’t get over the thought of trimming your hair? We get it. Opt for scheduling yourself a professional conditioning treatment. At Alberts we have a plethora of conditioning treatments up our sleeve; book one if you’re completely against trimming length.

If eager to change your colour, don’t settle for any run-ofthe-mill shade. 2018 is all about multi-dimensional colour.

Check our top shades.

www.forestandbird.org.nz

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26 — Rural Living — January/February 2018

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dental warrant of fitness

Experiencing the outdoorS

By Yvonne Vannoort, The Dentist

R

egular servicing is a given if cars are to perform properly and avoid costly or inconvenient breakdowns.

Teeth need regular attention too if they are to remain in good order, do their job well and go the distance.

Early intervention, as the result of regular dental checks, means small problems are unlikely to become big and, sometimes, painful problems.

A dental WOF looks for decayed and/or cracked teeth or fillings. All areas of the mouth and the gums are also examined with the dentist also checking out jaw joints, wisdom teeth, signs of cancer, bite and medications that affect teeth, diet and nutrition.

X-rays show what’s happening in the bone around the teeth and, now, 3D X-rays show more detail than in the past.

Decayed teeth can often be sorted with a simple filling, however, over time, the tooth may need to be extracted or have a root canal (if you want to keep the tooth in place). The earlier we can help the better.

It’s reasonable to think teeth with cracks in the fillings would be sore; some are, some aren’t!

Those that aren’t sore will often have decay under and around the broken part of the filling which is no longer sealing the tooth. These can reach the point of toothache before one realises something is wrong. Unfortunately, at that point the tooth usually needs removing.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss so this needs to be identified and treated as early as possible.

Apart from causing smelly breath, gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, strokes and low birth weight babies.

That’s because gums act as a barrier and when they are infected and inflamed, bacteria enters the blood stream via the compromised barrier.

The monitoring system we find most beneficial for people, is a six-monthly visit to one of our very gentle hygienists, together with a yearly check by one of our dentists supported by twoyearly X-rays.

Prevention is certainly better than cure and overall health depends on it so, don’t wait too long.

You should love visiting

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166 King St, Pukekohe | info@thedentistpukekohe.co.nz | Ph 09 238 4619

www.the-dentist-pukekohe.co.nz

www.ruralliving.co.nz

By Janine Kirkham, Suits & Gumboots Country Daycare

I

n this modern age with its prevalence of screens and devices we often hear professionals warning against letting children spend too much time sitting entranced by some form of technology. Kids are encouraged to be more active, to enjoy the fresh air and do some exercise.

There are many documented benefits of allowing children to spend as much time outdoors as they can. Studies show children who spend time outside are more active and have a resulting lower risk of childhood obesity and heart disease.

There is less risk of becoming short sighted as more time spent in sunlight helps the eyes to function better! And, of course, there’s good old Vitamin D… necessary for our body’s immune system to function well.

Apart from health benefits, a lot of attention is also being paid internationally to the learning potential of the natural environment. Whereas we once confined learning to a classroom, now, in countries all over the world, children are getting outside into nature and learning a huge range of skills in a very different atmosphere.

For some children, learning in a conventional setting poses all sorts of issues, and many teachers are finding that these ‘bush kindys’ or ‘nature schools’ are providing a chance to learn in a way they never have before.

Children who are allowed to explore nature have been shown to have increased brain development, better memory and improved concentration. There have also been dramatic improvements in children with autism, ADHD and other learning disorders.

Developing a connection with nature as a child is likely to lead to an increased awareness of the environment as an adult and a willingness to care and protect it.

Suits and Gumboots daycare centres are introducing this type of nature learning programme for our children as we see there are many benefits for this generation of learners.

As a parent, try taking your children for a walk through your local park and note the trees growing there! If feeling more adventurous try a local bush reserve or walk along a beach to study shells. It will help connect your youngsters to the environment and help build their brains!

Suits & Gumboots Country Daycare 12 Helenslee Rd, Pokeno.

46 Waerenga Rd, Te Kauwhata Phone 0800 464656 www.suitsandgumboots.co.nz Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 27

Orange and Kumara Salad Yummy, Easy, Quick What’s on Matt’s menu? Find out thanks to this cookbook.

Featuring more than 100 recipes designed especially for busy people to whip up at the end of a long day, Yummy, Easy, Quick purports to show us how to become best friends with our freezers and buddies through our pantries.

By using ingredients that most of us would have as standard in our kitchens, MasterChef judge, Matt Preston, appears dedicated to making dinner a whole lot easier to prepare. ◆◆Matt Preston: Yummy, Easy, Quick | RRP $39.99 | Macmillan Publishers

Wine match – Mission Estate Riesling

O

range you glad we said kumara? At first thought, they may seem to make strange table mates but, as this recipe proves, oranges and kumara are a match made in heaven... or at Mission Estate at least!

Ingredients: ◆◆3 kumara peeled ◆◆1 orange and zest ◆◆1 tsp cumin seeds ◆◆1 cup natural Greek yoghurt ◆◆1/4 cup sliced toasted almonds ◆◆8 pieces sliced pickled jalapenos

◆◆1 tsp olive oil ◆◆1 lime ◆◆handful of mixed salad leaves

Method: Set oven to 180°C. Peel and chop kumara and lay on a baking tray. Drizzle kumara with olive oil, cumin seeds and orange zest. Bake for 30 minutes until tender.

Zest the lime into yoghurt and season slightly. Toast almonds in fry pan until light brown.

Arrange kumara on serving platter drizzle with yoghurt, almonds and jalapenos. Finish with salad leaves.

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28 — Rural Living — January/February 2018

CR0099

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Cookies & Cream Dream In our January issue we shared a recipe for Asian Slaw from Chelsea Winter’s latest book, Eat. This month, it’s time for another helping as we learn that dreams really are free!

Prep: 30 mins plus 4+ hours setting time Makes about 20 pieces

INGREDIENTS Base ◆◆ 350g chocolate cookies (a chocolate cookie preferably with choc chips in it) ◆◆100g butter, softened ◆◆1/2 cup rolled oats ◆◆3 tbsp cocoa or cacao powder ◆◆1 tsp pure vanilla extract or paste ◆◆Pinch salt Cookies & cream filling ◆◆ 200g butter, cubed ◆◆ 250g cream cheese ◆◆ 125g good-quality white chocolate, chopped ◆◆3 tbsp cream ◆◆2 &1/2 cups icing sugar ◆◆1 tbsp cornflour ◆◆1 tsp pure vanilla extract or paste ◆◆1/4 tsp salt ◆◆3/4 cup finely chopped dark chocolate ◆◆Chocolate topping ◆◆ 150g good-quality dark chocolate (at least 50% cocoa solids), chopped ◆◆1 tbsp olive oil

METHOD This slice is a little bit outrageous – I think it’s the equivalent of the Snickalicious Slice from Scrumptious, actually. Which means

Country Cafe

it’s going to be a popular one because you guys are just so naughty. It’s creamy and sweet, as it should be — so you need only little slices.

Remove butter and cream cheese for the filling from fridge about 30 minutes before you start so they can come to room temperature. If rushed for time, you can microwave each separately on a low heat for 20 seconds or so.

Line base and sides of a 20cm x 20cm slice tin with baking paper.

Crumble cookies into a food processor and add butter, rolled oats, cocoa or cacao, vanilla and salt. Process to a very fine crumb, then tip into prepared tin and press firmly into an even layer.

Put chopped white chocolate and cream in a ceramic or glass mixing bowl and microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Microwave for another 30 seconds if needed. Set aside.

Beat butter in a large mixing bowl on medium speed for a couple of minutes until pale and fluffy. Add cream cheese and beat again until well combined. Sift in icing sugar and cornflour, add vanilla and salt and beat until smooth.

Scrape melted chocolate and cream into cream cheese mixture and stir or beat on a low speed until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as you go.

Fold chopped dark chocolate through mixture until combined. Scrape mixture on

suNday maRkEts

Photo supplied / Tam West

top of base, smooth with a spatula or back of a warmed spoon, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Add icing after base has firmed up in the fridge for at least an hour. Microwave chocolate in the same way you did for the filling. Stir in oil and spread on top of filling with the back of a spoon. Refrigerate again until set.

Slice into pieces when it’s well chilled, then keep slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It will soften in warm weather if it’s out of the fridge.

Recipe courtesy of Chelsea Winter and Penguin Random House • Chelsea Winter: Eat | RRP $50 | Random House NZ

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Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 29

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es, I know! It’s still summer, the barbecue is working overtime, we have tan lines and we’re still savouring the feeling of sand between our toes. However, now is the perfect time to put plans in place to ensure you and your family enjoy a wonderful, warm home this winter.

A warm, dry house assists with keeping everyone in the home healthy during the colder months. But, if your home is of an older era, and has not been updated with today’s modern insulation, you’re likely to experience a chilly winter, regardless of any heating installed.

So, step one is to tackle that insulation problem with an insulation solution. This may involve insulation for underfloor, ceilings or walls, or all three elements.

Removing excess moisture is another critical aspect of a healthy home plan. Ineffective window seals, small leaks, and poor extraction of bathroom and kitchen steam are just a few of the moisture issues many homeowners face.

Excess moisture can create a breeding ground for mould and dust mites. This can negatively affect your health and that of your family and can contribute to, or exacerbate, respiratory problems.

Once those two key elements are sorted, it’s time to consider what heating solutions will work best for your home. This includes heating systems, as well as appropriate furnishings.

Taking steps to ensure your home is warm and dry also provides the opportunity to update colour schemes This winter I want my and make those changes you might have home to feel: been considering; it’s a chance to bring ✔ Warm renovation dreams to reality. ✔ Dry So, grab your notepad and a pen, and ✔ Healthy make a list of what you want your home ✔ Comfortable to feel like this winter, then give us a call ✔ Appealing and let’s talk about how to bring your ✔ Light vision to life.

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30 — Rural Living — January/February 2018

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prices Firm, sales reduced lvr volumes doWn restrictions –WHat does It mean for you?

By david Powell, Barfoot & thompson, Pukekohe

By Philippa farmer, canopy

a

t time of writing the REINZ figures had not been released so I used the Barfoot & Thompson sales figures covering Auckland and Northland regions.

The average price of sales continued to rise a little with +2.9% increase over November and 2.9% over 12 months earlier. The volume of sales, however, has fallen and this will be the interesting figure to watch over the future months.

Some commentators are saying it is now more of a buyers’ market; if listing numbers do lift and sales volumes decrease this will reinforce the power of buyers. However, it is known that Auckland is still short of 40,000+ homes and this demand should continue to keep house prices stable.

For Barfoot & Thompson, the listing volume for December 2017 was light, 26% down on same time last year and 70% down on November’s 2017 listing volumes.

Month-end, available stock for B&T fell 14% from November levels but was 27% above December 2016. The open home numbers for those who started back early January showed reasonable interest from genuine buyers. Watch this space!

summary of PrIce and Volume trends December november Previous December 2017 2017 3 months 2016 Average price

$939,871

$913,224

B&T Sales

674

757

682

721

B&T New Listings

571

1955

1701

776

4160

4838

4373

3270

B&T Month End Available Stock

$917,331 $913,709

Source of statistics – B&T Press release 8//1/2018

noTe: Just as Rural Living was about to go to print new figures from the Real Estate Institute came in. Of particular significance was the following: Auckland’s median house price increased 1.8% in December to $870,000 up from $855,000 compared to December 2016. Record increases in many regions saw Waikato up 11.7% year-on-year to $525,000 (a $35,000 increase since November 17 and a $55,000 increase since December 16).

l

ate last year, the Reserve Bank announced some changes to LVR requirements. As from January 1, 2018, most mainstream banks have incorporated these changes into their lending criteria, and I would expect the rest to follow suit.

So, what do the changes mean? ◆ Investment properties: the maximum LVR for investment properties has been increased to 65% (from 60%). For a property purchase of $500,000, you would now require a deposit of $175,000, as opposed to $200,000 under the old rules.

Previously, banks were not able to make any exemptions to the LVR requirement (except in the case of new builds), but under the new rules they are able approve 5% of their lending for highLVR loans (over 65%). ◆ owner occupied properties: The LVR for owner occupied properties remains unchanged at 80%. However, banks are now able to approve more applications with LVR’s over 80%.

High-LVR loans can make up no more than 15% (up from 10% previously) of a bank’s total new lending in this category. ◆ new builds: Loans to people building a new residence are exempt. The borrower must either commit to the purchase at an early stage of construction, or be buying the residence (within six months of completion) from the developer. The exemption applies for both owner-occupiers and residential property investors. The LVR rules do not prescribe the size of a deposit for new residences; however individual lenders will have their own criteria around this. ◆ non-bank lenders: these are exempt from the Reserve Bank restrictions, and are another option for buyers with less than the minimum deposit available. Generally speaking you will pay a higher interest rate with these lenders, and they are more of a short term solution.

Lending criteria is constantly changing and it can be hard to keep up! Aside from the Reserve Bank rules, each bank has its own lending criteria and this can vary a lot between lenders.

This is when a Mortgage Adviser becomes invaluable. Get in touch today to see how we can help you achieve your property goals in 2018.

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www.canopygroup.co.nz www.facebook.com/karakafinance Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 31

don’t be stupid

By Kylie Bosanac, Nick Bosanac Builders Limited

Bring the outside in First Windows & Doors have a number of solutions from bi-fold through to sliding doors to make the most of your outdoor space.

PH 09 238 8828 franklinfirst.co.nz KAT5305

32 — Rural Living — January/February 2018

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KAT5232-v3

O

n the wall by my desk is a collection of quotes motivating me to be a better version of myself. Some stay for years; others change if I chance upon some genius-level of wisdom or I need fresh inspiration. But my long-time favourites include ‘you can’t fix stupid’ and ‘If you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail.’ In my mind, the two go hand-in-hand. Let me explain: Stupid adjective [stju-pid/stoo-pid] Unwise, showing poor judgment or little intelligence While people aren’t inherently stupid, they sometimes behave stupidly if they refuse to learn, make rash decisions or won’t comprehend the ramifications of their choices. According to the quote, you can’t fix that kind of ‘stupid’ and it often results in frustration, assumptions, unrealistic expectations and disappointing results.

However, I’m not sure my quote is 100% right as part of our role is to educate clients…that’s where the quote about preparation comes into play.

Prepare verb [pri-pair] To make ready for use.

We find that the more our clients understand and become clear about processes, products, choices and expectations, the smoother things go. Stress levels during the build are also lower. This leads to happier clients and overall better results! So, our advice is: Make time to plan each element of your build properly, and get to know how your tradies will make the magic happen!

The planning stages of a build are so important that the MBIE, and others, have produced great resources to help you become ‘un-stupid’ about building!

Firstly, MBIE created a whole website to educate homeowners about planning a successful build. See www.building.govt.nz. There is also a booklet available from council containing all this information.

Secondly, as builders, prior to giving any quote, we are required to provide clients with a copy of the MBIE prescribed checklist to work through in preparation for their build.

Thirdly, Nick and I are passionate about ensuring everyone has a good build experience so we created a build guide full of useful information, handy hints and worksheets to help with build planning and preparation. Just download it from www.bosanacbuilders.co.nz Lastly, we are always here to help answer questions or listen to your ideas and plans for building yourself a piece of Kiwi paradise.

nick@bosanacbuilders.co.nz

www.ruralliving.co.nz

The Countryside Begins with Townsend...

The I have Countryside just been down to drop off myBegins entry form for the with Townsend…

Pukekohe Show (formerly the Franklin Agricultural and Pastoral Show) and it dawned on me that I have so much to do to ensure that my entries meet the deadline for submission!

The Pukekohe Show is one of the biggest events on the Franklin country calendar and is a tradition that dates back to 1886.

My own preparations for the show start almost as the last one ends – but much of that is the bottling and preserving I am doing anyway. The army of organisers and volunteers are equally busy – their aim is to make the show bigger and better than the last.

This year will be my third year competing and the standard of competitors ramps up every year – with the growing population in the region there is always new blood.

There are, as proven by the number of entries that Franklin has, many skilled and talented people with classes which include great vegetables, flowers, crochet, eggs, beer, delicious baking, preserves and photography – so there is something there for everyone.

Jo-Ann Day-Townsend 021 1696 056 jo-ann.day-townsend@harcourts.co.nz www.joanndaytownsend.co.nz BCRE Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

This year I am proud to put my name behind the amazing team of organisers and volunteers at the show and, as such, I am sponsoring the home industry section.

Proudly supporting the Pukekohe Show

Good luck to all competitors

Prizes a plenty

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Patumahoe, 17 Martyn Wright Road

Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 33

KAT5307-v3

Look out for the Harcourts stand at the Pukekohe Show – we will have contests running for all ages.

Beat summer drought in your garden!

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Talk to our friendly Central Landscape Supplies team at Drury about AquaTurf Max for your summer garden.

Open Hours: Monday - Friday: 7am - 5pm, Saturday: 8am - 4pm, Sunday: 9am - 1pm 34 — Rural Living — January/February 2018 www.centrallandscapes.co.nz

www.ruralliving.co.nz Auckland • 09 294 8410 • 141 Great South Rd, Drury, KAT5290-v3

Go ahead Skunk, make my day!

t’s so easy to admire nature’s more seductive creatures – floral temptresses deceptively demure in pink, brazen hussies flaunting bold colours, sweetly perfumed garden debutantes and slender exotics exuding heady fragrances.

There are many lovelies to turn heads and titillate the senses, but what of those botanical ‘plain Janes’ we often overlook?

You could say this of Lysichiton camtschatcensis, a deciduous perennial whose common name of skunk cabbage is unlikely to L. camtschatcensis endear it to gardeners! What’s more, its insignificant, arum-like white blooms don’t immediately leap out as flower of the year.

It’s common name, of course, comes from its not-so-pleasant aroma, but, nevertheless, this deciduous perennial, and its livelier cousin, Lysichiton americanus, can be a boon where soils are damp and boggy or where gardeners are redeveloping marshlands.

For those living close to a boggy river bank or on a property heavy with clay, this plant is sure to be of interest – not least for its smell. This low-lying, ground-hugging plant actually likes wet feet (or near enough) and will tolerate clay soils. As mentioned, it’s great near ponds and streams and, while it needs to be kept moist, it also enjoys sun, or rather, part sun.

Because it spreads easily some consider it to be weed-like so it’s wise to keep it in line. But that said, our not so ‘petit choux’ has proved a blessing where gardeners require a frost-hardy plant.

When placed with appropriate companions, it can put on a very striking display, especially the americanus variety (sometimes called swamp lantern) because of its bright yellow flowers.

Belonging to the arum family or Araceae, it takes its name from the Greek words, lysis, meaning to dissolve and, chiton, meaning armour or tunic – a reference to the armour-like, leaf-like bract called a spathe (loose cloak is another term) which surrounds the fleshy stem or spadix. The spathe is hooded or boat-shaped at the top and withers or dies soon after flowering.

Lysichiton’s flowers are bisexual (male and female parts). After fertilisation, the green fruits become embedded in the spadix; each fruit usually has two seeds but may have up to four.

The leaves of these two species are slightly different. The L. americanus has broader, relatively green leaves with a glossy surface, whereas the L. camtschatsensis has smaller, narrower leaves with a more pointed base. The grey/green upper surface is duller than that of its relation. ◆◆Plant Strengths: Pretty blossom; tolerates wet soil and heavy clay. ◆◆Plant Weaknesses: Will not tolerate exposed, cold or very hot, sunny locations. ◆◆Design & Plant Use: Summer flowering herbaceous plant ideal for border planting especially near ponds, streams or water features. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Central’s Tips FeB 2018 It’s getting hot so make sure your garden and fruit trees are getting enough water. Now is also the time to start preparing your autumn garden, plant beets, carrots and parsnips and manage those pesky caterpillars!

In the Veggie Patch • Look for holes in the foliage of tomato plants – green looper caterpillars breed very quickly in the heat. Use an organic spray or Derris Dust to prevent them ruining your tomatoes

• Get ready for autumn vegetables – directly sow beetroot, carrots and parsnip now

• Keep the water on your fruit trees – from citrus to apples, pears and plums, they need plenty of moisture. Same for the fruit developing on feijoas, passionfruit and tamarillos

• Turn the compost heap and keep it moist - dry compost doesn’t break down well.

The rest of the Garden • Cutting back the tired foliage of flowering shrubs such as hebes, lavenders and daisies encourages fresh new growth. A liquid feed and they’re away again

• But solid evergreen growth on hedges and topiaries should be left - hot sun can burn the exposed foliage.

Lawns • Spend a few relaxing hours on your lawn with a fork, trowel or daisy grubber, digging out entrenched weeds – an organic means of lawn weed control.

Start preparing for Autumn vegetables So w be et ro ot s, ca rro ts an d pa rs ni ps .

KAT5290A-v3

skunk cabbage I

Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 35

The hot rods will roar into life for the flag drop drag racing exhibitions.

Get down to the

Round Up

I

The first two Rebel Round Up festivals were held at Rotorua. With the move to Pukekohe, promoter Now Events is confident it’ll be bigger and better.

Rebel Round Up has something to appeal to everyone, and is very much a family orientated weekend.

A vintage market in the main grandstand plus additional outdoor sites will have everything from rockabilly cupcakes to vintage clothing. You’ll find retro furniture and homewares, vintage collectables, art, tin signs, model cars, men’s and women’s

vintage and retro clothing, shoes, handbags, makeup and jewellery.

Pin ups and traditional hot rods go together like Donald Trump and Twitter (in a manner of speaking!) which is why Rebel Round Up is running two – yes two – pin up beauty pageants.

Ten girls have been pre-selected to compete for Miss Rebel Round Up 2018

KAT5608

t’s time to rev up, put your foot down and head to Pukekohe Park Raceway when the Rebel Round Up nostalgia festival bursts into life over the weekend of February 17 and 18 – it’s all about hot rods, live music, retro fashion and vintage markets!

“Rebel Round Up is unlike any other show that’s been held in New Zealand, and it will have so much going on you’ll need a holiday to recover,” agree co-promoters and Franklin residents, Brett Forlong and Richard Graham. “We’re bringing nostalgia back, and it’s going to be huge!”

The festival will feature two car shows: the Classic Cover Insurance Primer Nationals dedicated to traditional hot rods and customs built in a style reminiscent of the 1930s to 1960s; and the ‘NZ Petrolhead 20th Anniversary Hot Rod and Classic Car Display’, celebrating 20 years of NZ Petrolhead magazine. The latter will showcase 100 stunning pre-1980 American, Australian, European and British origin vehicles.

36 — Rural Living — January/February 2018

www.ruralliving.co.nz

From left: be sure to lookout for Hamilton’s Monique Sweet, Reigning Miss Viva Las Vegas; Enjoying last year’s Rebel Round Up in Rotorua – Miss Lizzy Leadfoot, Grace Velocette, and Miss B Haven; Larry Barnett’s Ford Model A coupe will be on display at The Classic Cover Insurance Primer Nationals.

Photos supplied

honours while the second contest is Miss Rockabilly NZ, with entries (18-years-old and over) taken on the Sunday morning.

Twenty contestants will vie for the Miss Rockabilly NZ trophy – “They’ll be dressed to impress,

and it’s all about attitude,” says promoter Jess Caulfield. “Miss Monique Sweet, reigning Miss Viva Las Vegas, will be taking part in the weekend’s festivities.”

Rebel Round Up’s full-on schedule includes flag drop drag racing exhibitions; a historic racing cars race meeting on the Saturday; retro caravans; vintage aircraft, live music; a panhead hot rod themed bar;

Big tick for small X

tattoo and pinstripe art, and awesome giveaways for entrants and the public alike.

A full timetable, vehicle show entry and general admission ticket pre-sale can be found at www.rebelroundup.co.nz, or tickets can be purchased at the gate over the weekend. Pack up the family, round up a bunch of friends and head to Pukekohe Park Raceway. It’s going to be epic!

The sixth model in the BMW X family, the firstever BMW X2, will launch in March 2018.

Like its bigger brothers, the BMW X4 and X6, the BMW X2 makes a distinctive impression.

The car’s exterior design combines the lowslung proportions of a coupé with the robust core of a BMW X model.

There are two variants: the sDrive18i petrol that produces 100kW of power and 220Nm of torque, and a range topping sDrive20i with 141kW and 280Nm. Both are front-wheel drive, and have a new generation seven-speed, double clutch, Steptronic transmission.

Each comes highly specified, with the xDrive20i adding a M Sport exterior, interior and suspension package.

X2 sDrive18i retails for $60,900, while the sDrive20i is $70,900.

Fully factory trained technicians State-of-the-art workshop facilities and equipment New Holden and Nissan Vehicles Access to over 300 used cars Onsite finance and insurance

EBBETT

MARQUE OF EXCELLENCE

PHONE 0800 405 050

Cnr Edinburgh & Tobin Sts • Pukekohe E: ross@ebbett.co.nz • www.ebbett.co.nz KAT5220

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 37

directory ����������������������������������������������������������������������� l 20 tonne diggers

Home and Away supply all cleaning products and equipment.

l 5.5 tonne digger l Tip trucks

& trailers l D65 Bulldozer & scoop l Low loader l Grader l Excavations l Dams

CURTAINS

KAT5295

Closed Public Holidays Ph (09) 23 52 769 6a Court St

WAIUKU

– Regular home and office cleaning – Show homes – Moving in and out cleans – Builder renovations or clean ups – Rental home cleaning – Window cleans – Gift vouchers for special occasions

Contact Deb 021 772 957 Email deb@homeandaway.co.nz

Makers of curtains, drapes, roman blinds plus suppliers of roller, venetian and timber blinds!

All orders over $1000 receive

10% OFF

l Tree Removal l Drainage l Roading

l Stopbanks

l Building sites l Demolition

l Horse arenas l Metal/sand/

slag supplied

l General cartage

Experienced Operator 28 years+

Call the girls at Rainbow Curtains for quality and affordable prices Ph / Fax: 09 298 9002 Email: sandywilson@xtra.co.nz www.rainbowcurtains.co.nz

Craig Nicholson KAT5304

Open 7 Days

Home and Away's services include:

KAT5319

PUKEKOHE

LEAVE YOUR HOME IN OUR HANDS...

Closed Public Holidays Ph (09) 23 92 964 Shop 2 / 33 Edinburg St (Next to Pizza Hut)

Earthmoving & General Cartage

Ph/Fax: 09 238 4047 or 021 987402 600 Buckland Rd, RD2, Pukekohe

KAT5289

Open 7 Days

MADSEN LAWRIE CONSULTANTS LTD

LAND SURVEYORS

KAT5223-v3

14 Hall St PO Box 177, Pukekohe Tel 09 238 6369 Fax 09 238 2448

Check out our new website www.totalbuild.co.nz

TILES Wall & Floor Tiles

on elliot

Visit to discover a huge range of stylish, quality tiles

pROpERTy & TITLE INvESTIgATION fARM pLANS & AERIAL phOTOgRAphS RESOURCE MANAgEMENT AppLICATIONS bUILDINg SET OUTS

WALKERS

PEST CONTROL • Insects and rodents • Domestic and commercial • Consultancy work

YOU NAME IT – WE’LL KILL IT!

Mosiac Tiles

Woodgrain Tiles

LAND SUbDIvISION

URbAN & RURAL LAND DEvELOpMENT

29b Elliot Street, Papakura • www. tilesonelliot.co.nz Phone 09 214 6044 • email sales@tilesonelliot.co.nz Open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 8am-1pm

Controlling your pests since 1988 Mobile 0274 789 857 Main Highway, Paerata BC0190

KAT5311

TUAKAU QUALITY MEATS

DESIGNS FOR YOUR DREAMS • 10 Year Guarantee • Complete Project Management • Design Service, Renovations • 50+ Designs • Green Homes • Finance Assistance • Award Winning We offer a high level of workmanship and expertise Building in Franklin from North Waikato to City Fringe Ph Grant 0274 780047 info@totalbuild.co.nz www.totalbuild.co.nz KAT5346

KAT5316

Contact

David Lawrie Dan Madsen www.madsen-lawrie.co.nz Email: office@madsen-lawrie.co.nz

ed

Family owned & operat

• Retail meat and home kill specialists

FIND YOUR BEST FRIEND AT THE

Auckland SPCA, 50 Westney Rd, Mangere.

Ph: 09 256 7300.

Visit our website at www.spca.org.nz

• Good old fashioned, courteous service

09 236 8732 23 GEORGE ST, TUAKAU

00687

38 — Rural Living — January/February 2018

www.ruralliving.co.nz

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FOR ALL YOUR WATER NEEDS • Service of all farm, industrial, agricultural irrigation and domestic pumps • Bore pump design, installation and supplies • Drainage supplies • Water tanks – Agent for RX and Aqua • Deep well pump sales and service • Water filter systems – Design and install • Bulk sand and cement • Pool pump sales and service – chemical supply • Full range of galvanised, alkathene & pvc pipes and fittings

For the best advice and friendly service IN TWO GREAT LOCATIONS

PROFARM RURAL & LIFESTYLE

• GROUND SPREADING • LIME • FERTILISER • UREA • LS100 (50/50 Fowl Manure & Lime Mix)

14 Constable Rd, Waiuku Ph 09 235 8268 KAT5297

KAT5303

18 Elliot St, Papakura.

Ph 09 298 7767.

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 8.30am-2.30pm Cnr Madill & George St, Tuakau.

Ph 09 236 8228.

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 8.30am-12noon

COUNTIES BULK SPREADERS

CALL IN AND SEE US

24-Hour Callout Service

Ph Brenton (09) 236 3639 or 0274 921 916

• Pump & Well Services • Plumbing – Drainage – Concrete Supplies

KAT5322

Call us for all your farming supply needs

directory

Grant Escott FENCING

CONTRACTOR

• Decks • Post Driving • Retaining Walls • Rural & Residential Fencing

0800 SUCKA1

Free quotes – Competitive rates

40 CROSBIE ROAD, PUKEKOHE

SEPTIC TANK ANd

027 236 8753 • 09 236 8753 grant.kylie@xtra.co.nz

0800 782 521

Alan Wilson Plumbing 235 9066

KAT5317

KAT5217

PH 09 237 0050

Or:

Certified Plumbers and Drainlayers

KAT5287

• Bore Pump Sales & Servicing • Water Pump Sales & Servicing • Water Purification • Water Tanks • Water Testing • Electrical • Filters

WARREN ARNET LTD

GREASE TRAP CLEANING SST SERVICES

MR CLIP LTD Totally mobile shearing service.

Bombays to Kaiwaka.

EARTHMOVING CONTRACTORS • 4-20 Ton Diggers • Tip Trucks & Trailers • Farm Drainage and Races • Horse Arenas • Driveway Remetaling • Roading • Dams • Building Sites • Subdivisions • Free Quotes

From One Animal Upwards

MORE THAN 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

21E Ryan Pl, Manukau

Phone Warren 0274 434 778 or 09 238 5567

5 mins from Rainbows End

p: 09 294 7611

KAT5226

e: sstseptictanks@gmail.com John: 0274 923 669 Robbie: 0274 967 430

EXPERIENCED NZ WOOL BOARD • CERTIFIED SHEARERS

Ph 0274-853-234 Mr.Clip.Ltd@gmail.com

warren.arnet@xtra.co.nz

Sheep, Goats, Alpacas, Llamas

KAT5208

KAT5296

“Kill” Ferrets, Possum, Rats and Rabbits “Dead” Two sizes, standard and mini available

Possum/Rat/Rabbit bait stations • Specifically developed to protect bait from rain and prevent blockages which can occur in other bait stations. Waterproof.

• The preferred bait station used by professional pest control agencies.

• Large bait station is ideal for baiting rabbits.

Also available rodent bait stations, block baits, Timms traps, rodent snap traps

Ferret/Stoat trap covers/Fenn traps • Specifically designed to cover MK 4 or MK 6 Fenn (kill) traps • Narrow entrance guides the ferret/stoat over centre of trigger plate

• Stockproof • Available in single or double models • MK 4, great rat trap ex UK

PHILPROOF www.ruralliving.co.nz

Bait Station Mini

Timms

Target Species Possum

Target Species Possum

Large Bait Station

Rodent Bait Station

1

Target Species Rabbits & Possum Target Species Mice & Rats Double Trap Cover

Target Species Stoat/Ferret

2 6

T-Rex Snap Trap Target Species Mice & Rats

Phone/Fax (07) 859 2943 • Mobile (021) 270 5896 Email philproof@gmail.com • www.philproof.co.nz

KAT5443

Philproof bait feeders are the answer

3 5

4 KAT5229

Rural Living — January/February 2018 — 39

www.ruralliving.co.nz

KAT5286-v3

40 — Rural Living — January/February 2018