Rural Living-SOUTH Covid-19 Lockdown Flipbook 11-05-2020

Unite against Covid-19

www.timesmedia.co.nz updating you on the latest Covid-19 local developments

bringing you

ruralliving.co.nz

rural living magazine

southmagazine.co.nz

south magazine

MAGAZINES BACK IN PRINT LATE MAY Monday, May 11, 2020 | Phone 09 271 8000

LATEST NEWS

The return to alert level 3 has seen a rush for takeaways however, the demand for high quality restaurant meals has also attracted a keen audience so HELEN PERRY spoke to Jamie Logan from Logan’s Event Catering & Logan’s Eats, about the response to his new weekly meals delivery and pick up business.

Restaurants

ON KNIFE EDGE…

With some 200 meals ordered in the first week of alert level 3, Logan’s Eats based in the heart of Pukekohe, wasn’t eaten out of house and home but it was certainly a case of all hands to the kitchen.

Photo Wayne Martin

BUT STILL AT YOUR SERVICE

Six chefs, including Jamie, and two extra assistants, have been responsible for turning out a changing weekly menu with both a contactless delivery and meal pickup available. Turn to page 2.

Central Landscapes Drury is providing contactless deliveries during Level 3.

09 294 8410

www.centrallandscapes.co.nz

KAT7068

Click here to arrange a delivery.

LOCKDOWN fails to cook Jamie’s goose With all take-out meals using top quality produce but priced at only $20 each for mains, $10 for desserts $10 for children’s meals, there’s virtually no profit but Jamie Logan says he is determined to keep meals affordable and simple to put together.

Continued from page 1 The belief that locals were hanging out for restaurant-style meals just as much as they were for those from fast food chains proved to be true.

In fact, the likes of Moroccan slow cooked lamb and roast scotch fillet of beef, served with handmade Yorkshire pudding, vegetables, scallop potatoes, horseradish cream and a rich jus, have been snatched up.

“The thing is, we have to do something,” Jamie says. “I’m desperately trying to hang on to my staff and ensure they have money going in their bank but, undeniably, its touch and go. I’ve lost the best part of $300K - $400K of business since this all began.”

In fact the Covid-19 outbreak couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Pukekohe local. He had just added a new contract to his business with the Franklin Club (Pukekohe) and spent time and money setting up his arm of Franklins (the club’s restaurant). Furthermore, he had also recently taken over The Boatshed Restaurant at Bucklands Beach Yacht Club in east Auckland.

“Being early days at both meant we weren’t really into profit and then we had to shut up shop,” Jamie says.

“My mainstream income from events, weddings and corporate catering also come to a halt, yet there’s still been rent to pay, wages, and all those sundry expenses. I have great staff and I want to help them as much as possible but it’s tough. I’m doing everything possible not to lose them or the business.”

Across the country there has been a call to ‘support local’ and in the

Franklin area many residents are responding to that call.

However, Jamie says he recognises that personal hardship may mean people won’t have the money to spend on eating out, therefore who knows when things will actually go back to normality.

ABOVE: A roast sirloin meal packed first into separate foil containers and delivered in a carry bag. An online video shows customers how to plate so it resembles that same meal as plated

by Jamie Logan on our cover shot.

“Restaurants will have to rely on custom from those in a good financial position and I guess we’re all hoping they will come out and support us otherwise there might not be much left to support down the track.”

So, why wouldn’t we want to? asks the team at Rural Living and SOUTH magazines.

Checking out the menu options it’s hard not to yearn for that dining out experience especially when foodies can expect dishes such as lamb shanks and colcannon in a tomato ragu; crispy chicken parmigiana with garlic and rosemary roast potatoes or slow cooked pork belly with scalloped potatoes, crackling and rhubarb and apple jam or many other delicious dishes to choose from each week.

Pick up and delivery is three days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday due to the food being made fresh daily and the shelf life is 48 hours if refrigerated.

And, while the prepared food comes in oven-ready foil containers, a short, live video on Jamie’s Facebook page shows how to heat and plate those meals just like a chef.

“Amazingly, deliveries have gone out as far as Waiuku, Glenbrook, Half

2 – RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

Moon Bay and Clarks Beach. It’s all contactless too – we deliver to the doorstep and text the customer as we arrive; pretty effortless, really,” Jamie confirms.

With everyone waiting on alert level 2, Jamie is among the many café owners and restaurateurs hoping they might be back to everyday business soon, but he admits that has challenges, too.

“Social distancing poses problems – separating a group of say six or eight who regularly dine together will be a test. Re-opening venues also means spacing tables with fewer people admitted. But Kiwis are a resilient and innovative lot so we’re sure to make it work. At the end of the day our livelihoods are at stake.”

Despite the challenges that have been faced since the outbreak of Covid-19 Jamie applauds New Zealand for the way everyone has largely come together: “there have been positives to come from this unimaginable situation, community spirit is alive and well, I hope we can all take something positive away from this as we move forward and navigate our next steps”. www.loganseats.co.nz

FROM THE EDITOR

SHUT DOWN ILLEGAL – REALLY? processes, should it prove otherwise, I am convinced it will have been accidental and done in the best interests of the nation.

Writing ahead of an expected announcement as to when alert level 2 might come into effect, I was hugely excited by the prospect of returning to normal life, or rather semi-normal life.

The idea that more will return to work, and the majority of businesses will be open to the public, bodes well for the future recovery of our economy and for the overall wellbeing of us all.

However, I was dismayed at the High Court being asked to rule on whether lockdown level 4 and 3 have been illegal and whether the Director-General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, has exceeded his powers.

While there may be an argument as to whether the restrictions and enforcement have been legal under the legislation used, I can’t help but think ‘here’s more time and money going to waste vilifying a man (and the Government) who has done everything possible to prevent a catastrophic health disaster in New Zealand.’

I have the highest respect for the High Court, and understand the need for proper legal processes to be adhered to, but is this the time? Can’t it wait?

While I have little personal doubt that the Government and Dr Bloomfield thought they were acting within those

When time was of the essence, surely every New Zealander would have wanted action and fast. We’ve seen how quickly the Covid-19 virus can decimate one rest home; just imagine if it had entered even half of the country’s retirement villages. What would our death toll have looked like? How many of us would have lost loved ones?

I cannot imagine what red tape he might have encountered, or how obscure the legislation to proceed quickly might have been, but when vital decisions were urgently needed I, for one, would have wanted both Dr Bloomfield and the Government to have acted exactly as they did.

I hope this man is fully vindicated. In the meantime, I’m concentrating on contributing to the welfare of New Zealand and not on whether the Government has been dictatorial.

When I heard about the court action I couldn’t help but think of Sir Winston Churchill’s huge popularity during the Second World War – the populace couldn’t get enough of him; he was lauded for his leadership and a victorious outcome to the conflict.

I am committed to shopping local, supporting NZ-made and I’m desperate to travel internally so I can, in some small way, assist our tourism industry.

There is much to do to recover from Covid-19 which goes far beyond a court case which may hinder progress.

Having succeeded in completing the almost superhuman task he had undertaken in 1940, he was suddenly seen as redundant and lost the 1945 election which was expected to be a landslide for the Conservatives.

P.S. Good news – this is our last digital flipbook. Rural Living will be back in print at the end of the month. SOUTH will be out early June. Yippee!

While, there is no way after his super human task that Dr Bloomfield could be seen as redundant when Covid-19 is eliminated – if it ever is – to be asking now if he has done the right thing legally seems absurd to me.

Helen Perry, Editor

Essential Services POULTRY

PEST CONTROL

GOOD GRIEF For a goodbye to remember let Grahams take care of your family

We stock a range of Feed & Treats, Tonic & Health Supplements, Pest & Parasite Control, Feeders & Drinkers, Comfort Chick Heating Plates, & much more!

WALKERS

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

Tues, Wed & Thurs 12-3pm

All other orders, email Chookyardnz@ gmail.com Contact us to plan ahead, or for Contact us to plan ahead, or guidance for guidance and support with all funeral arrangements and supportCall: with all funeral arrangements 09 236 8919 (24 hours)

Shop Hours: Tues to Fri 12pm-6pm Saturdays 10am-5pm

www.grahamsfunerals.co.nz

YOU NAME IT – WE’LL KILL IT! Controlling your pests since 1988

Contact us to plan ahead, or for guidance and support with all funeral arrangements Mobile

KAT7064

Tuakau (|09 Pukekohe ) 236| Waiuku Call: 8919 (24 hours)

0274 789 857 2trmn8@gmail.com www.grahamsfunerals.co.nz Main Highway, Paerata Email Call: (09) 236 8919 (24 hours)

JU1551

CLICK & COLLECT

REMEMBRANCE

www.grahamsfunerals.co.nzTuakau | Pukekohe | Waiuku KAT6214-V2

Tuakau | Pukekohe | Waiuku

RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 3

New look practice

TESTS GPS The Covid-19 lockdown has demanded medical practices across the country take extraordinary precautions in regards to consultations. Pukekohe Family Health Centre has had the added responsibility of housing a Covid-19 testing station. HELEN PERRY reports.

“It certainly hasn’t been business as usual during the past six weeks.” That might be called an understatement from Simon O’Shaughnessy, CEO of Pukekohe Family Health Centre. But his measured words, when quizzed about pressures on the practice these past weeks, indicates he’s not a man to dramatise a situation.

Instead, he simply says coming quickly up to speed ahead of the alert level 4 was “something off a burden.”

“Primary care had to move at extraordinary speed as the lockdown came into effect. We had to shift to phone and online virtual consultations in a matter of days; it wasn’t really enough time to put everything in place and be operating to at least 70 percent ‘virtual’ as indicated by the Royal College,” he says, ’but we did it’.

“Initially, we had serious concerns about people walking in exhibiting symptoms of the virus, but not necessarily aware it was anything more than something such as strep throat and all while our safety measures were being set up to protect people.”

However, Simon confirms government guidelines were addressed quickly with the practice undergoing a seismic shift in the way it diagnoses and treats patients.

(from left) at Pukekohe Family Health Centre Full prepared and waiting for patients Harris na Tree and lyn New rin Sweeney, Mer nurses, Alexandra Zemanova, Edel

the West Street centre. “However, this operates as a separate entity,’ Simon explains. “We just house the station and some of our staff assist with testing.”

prevalent in the future, Simon says physical consultation and examinations cannot be done away with although the load on GPs may be eased.

But that hasn’t meant the practice has been less busy than usual. While many patient concerns, including the likes of prescription renewals, can be dealt with via online consultations, Simon says it is not feasible to use only the phone or video conferencing to diagnose an illness or problem.

In the meantime, he says Pukekohe Family Health Care has been busier than ever because of the extra precautions being taken and also with the demand for flu vaccinations strongly up on last year.

“Some have had symptoms which looked like Covid-19 but they didn’t test positive.”

“Working the way we have means being extra vigilant that we don’t miss something. You can’t examine a lump or necessarily discern a broken limb over the phone so, naturally, patients still come in for consultations. What’s more, our team is fully outfitted with personal protection equipment (PPE) which we have had on hand since the outset of the lockdown.”

And, for many locals, it was a relief to see a Covid-19 testing station set up at

While virtual medical consultations are likely to become normalised and more

Despite level four lockdown meaning most consultations did not involve physical interaction with a patient, Simon says people who were (and are) very sick still came into the surgery.

4 – RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK 4 – RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

“To date we have been busy with government funded vaccinations for those over 65 or whose medical condition requires it. Non-funded vaccinations are just beginning and we expect to see another surge.

“With people in lockdown and alert level 4 coming early in the year, we are actually hoping for a more controlled flu season. The stronger reminders on hygiene and personal care, of course, help stop transmission of virus’ in general – let’s hope that’s a benefit to us all, but please still get vaccinated!”

LOCKDOWN

‘BEACHES’ If there’s one place where Jacqui Church is happy to be locked down it’s at her Port Waikato home, close to nature and just strides from the beach.

they also need assurances as to where the next weeks will take them.”

Awaroa ki Tuakau Ward Councillor for Waikato District Council, Jacqui says her bubble contains husband, Colin and adult daughter, Gaia with all three still having their ‘noses hard to the grindstone’ while they work remotely just a stone’s throw from the water.

While Jacqui keeps on top of council duties, daughter Gaia works far from her Wellington office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

However, Colin, who has only one kidney donated by Jacqui five years ago, is immune compromised so he keeps an eye on his coffee and food distribution business from a distance.

“We couldn’t be in a more idyllic rural location” Jacqui says, “Port Waikato has only about 350 permanent residents so there’s never much traffic about and right now everything is exceptionally quiet except for the sounds of nature.

“Being so close to beach means walks along the foreshore are especially appreciated – they are so refreshing as my days are still full on, in fact, busier than ever with council and local responsibilities.”

Face to face council meetings via Zoom and phone or email communication with other councillors is standard but Jacqui’s work isn’t only about the paperwork or decision making.

“My day might also involve organising welfare assistance or just lending a listening ear from time to time. Some people require an intermediary to help with requests for assistance and

Photo Wayne Martin

Jacqui Jacqui Church

“We’re a busy bubble but containment at Port Waikato suits us all,” Jacqui says. “Our small, rural community is very supportive of each other and although everyone understands the seriousness of Covid-19, knowing we are far removed from busy urban centres is a relief for many. The remoteness of Port Waikato gives it a special magic.”

Although Jacqui says lockdown has not been a major difficulty, she is looking forward to alert level 2 when she may be able to move further afield as work requires.

“I’m especially keen to see work recommence on our Franklin and Waikato North Trails Forum, a community-led initiative in partnership with territorial authorities including the NZ Walking Access Commission, Waikato District Council, and the Waikato Regional

Council, supported by the Franklin Local Board (Auckland Council).”

The project fosters a shared vision and strategy for public accessways across the region and, as Jacqui explains, these will cater for a variety of purposes including recreation, tourism and commuting via the likes of walking, cycling and horse-riding.

“We also want to see the Te Awa Cycleways, as an iconic river asset, head northwards to connect into our networks as well as the Auckland commuter and recreational trail networks. This will showcase some of our beautiful rural scenery, unknown to many people.

“Our vision is that eventually many small townships, such as Pokeno to Tuakau, Tuakau to Pukekohe, will be connected by these accessible trails.

I’m excited about the project will take us and keen to see us working again on this innovative scheme.”

Of course, there are many other issues to deal with says Jacqui.

“Namely our local (and national) economy – there’s a lot of work to do and I’m eager to start the rebuilding process.”

RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 5

Puzzle Page Cryptic Puzzle ACROSS

NO. 7957

2

3

4

5

6

7

DOWN

1. Implement the order to go ahead with the removal?

(5,3).

2. Love to see off, but you don’t allow it (4).

3. Bear out that you cheat at business (7).

4. Raised, there’s an audible groan (5).

5. Volunteer to stop inside with the wrongdoer (8).

6. Restore order (4).

11. Fails to catch the insects or the pigeons (8).

13. Deduced, as one had got into the red (8).

14. Again have your suspicions about the defence (7).

17. At midnight, appear in the darkness (5).

19. Send word back (4).

21. Carry on there and drop her off (4).

Sudoku

NO. 009

7. Didn’t return at all (4,2,6).

8. Decide not to take part when they shout “Go!” (3,3).

9. For yanks, say “vacations” (6).

10. There are many volunteers to hold the money (7).

12. Love to make a fuss about (5).

15. The way one put on weight (5).

16. Be told to tell others it’s mere gossip (7).

18. Remember to sack diplomatically (6).

20. The choice of work, it hinged on (6).

22. Drink a bit (4,2,6).

1

9

8

10

11

12

13

14 15

16 17

18

19

20

21

22

Quick Puzzle ACROSS

DOWN

7.

8.

9.

10.

12.

15.

16.

18.

20.

22.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

11.

13.

14.

17.

19.

21.

Highbrow (12) Fix (6) Pass (6) Use up (7) Thrust (5) Prick (5) Dirty (7) Dog (6) Incorporate (6) Flower (5-7)

NO. 7957

Concern (8) Material (4) Canadian province (7) Sharp (5) On time (8) Colour (4) Famous painter (8) Protector (8) Cherubic (7) Declare (5) Too (4) Daring (4)

WE’RE BACK! WE’RE STAYING IN

TOUCH! 6 – RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

As readers know, the Covid-19 lockdown isn’t stopping the team from Rural Living and SOUTH magazines from communicating with you all. Our weekly digital flipbook is aimed at keeping you informed and entertained.

Once again we bring you a mix of essential services, news, fashion, beauty, kids fun, boredom beaters and more. Check in with us again next Monday – we’re sending to Franklin... with love! And please subscribe at www.ruralliving.co.nz and www.southmagazine.co.nz

RURAL

news

FARMERS FEED NEED – IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

We may be living in uncertain times but there’s one thing of which farmers can be sure... winter is coming!

And yet, due to Covid-19 restrictions, farmers face an unexpected challenge as they seek to feed their stock now, and people later, Matt Ward from Beef + Lamb advises. “[The restrictions are] putting added pressure on already stretched feed resources,” he says. “I urge farmers to be proactive about putting together a feed budget, identifying shortfalls and adopting strategies such as body condition scoring, using ram harnesses, applying nitrogen and off-farm grazing that will protect the performance of breeding stock next spring.”

Dairy farmers are facing a similar challenge, Sharon Morrell from DairyNZ adds.

“Many farms will have more stock than they’d planned [and] MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) monitoring shows there is low availability of feed to purchase across the board. So, getting ahead of any future issues is crucial – now is the time for farmers to assess scenarios and act.”

Calculating the volume of additional feed required should be a first step.

“Feed budgeting is as important as financial budgeting right now,” Ms Morrell says. “A feed budget will confirm the balance between feed supply and demand, and help farmers evaluate different scenarios through until calving.”

ALBINO SHARK...

DO,DO,DO,DO,DO,DO

The ocean depths may be home to many mysterious creatures but a dive of a more terrestrial nature has landed quite the catch. As a recently published paper printed in the Journal of Fish Biology reveals, the ‘devil’ really is in the detail.

“I hadn’t seen an albino shark before, it was unique,” Dr Brittany Finucci says of a specimen she discovered at Auckland War Memorial Museum. “Sharks are normally dark in colour, so it stood out. After looking over the animal, there was no indication that the animal had any pigment.”

Caught in the Wairarapa in 1984, this albino shark had remained, unstudied, until it caught Dr Finucci’s eye.

Despite being christened with the rather sinister name of albino Lucifer’s dogfish (Etmopterus Lucifer), this diminutive creature is no great white; the smallest shark species in New Zealand, it grows to just 50cm in length.

Although Lucifer’s dogfish live throughout the western Pacific Ocean (living at depths up to 1000 metres below the surface), Dr Finucci’s find is thought to be the only albino of its type ever discovered.

“I couldn’t find anything that reported albinism in the lanternshark family, Etmopteridae, so it was a new record,” she says. We can’t say for certain how many sharks are albino because the deepsea is so understudied, but it is a rare occurrence.”

More is accessible via dairynz.co.nz or beeflambnz.com.

When New Zealand needs us…

We need you You can help The Salvation Army provide budgeting advice, food parcels, advocacy and social support services that are needed by hundreds of Kiwis every day.

Please donate today salvationarmy.org.nz PR0510

RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 7

driving recovery

A tractor in a bubble is about as effective as a ship in a bottle but, thanks to Norwood Pukekohe, even under lockdown local farmers have been getting the tools they need to keep the primary industries on a roll.

“Even at alert level 4, we’ve been able to support essential businesses, such as farmers and growers, with machinery and parts,” dealership manager, Andrew Jameson, says. “MPI [Ministry for Primary Industries] has been checking up on us to make sure we’ve only been attending to essential work, but we’re all about doing the right thing, as the Government requires.”

Ensuring farm machinery is in full working order and supplying parts has been a priority for Norwood; new equipment has been sold throughout the lockdown only when essential.

However, the needs of lifestylers have, more than often, needed to take a backseat.

“Lifestyle farms aren’t essential operations but, when animal welfare has been at stake, we have been able

to help them. Most have been pretty good, understanding as to why certain work isn’t critical.”

a result, that would be devastating; we’re doing everything we can to keep people safe.”

Under level 3, Andrew’s team has been able to address a growing backlog of work. However, he confirms the business continues to maintain strict social distancing practices.

Norwood’s technicians have been working at their Pukekohe workshop and on site when required, but team members have (and will continue to) work remotely where possible.

“We had quite a few enquiries for nonessential work during the lockdown so getting through those will take time, but we’re well capable of servicing these needs,” he says. “We still have only half our [entire] tech’ team rostered on at any one time; if that isn’t sufficient we have plans to divide the workshop in two so we can have everyone working at the same time.

“I was in Australia before the lockdown.

I was meant to come out of selfisolation (of two weeks) the Friday after New Zealand went to alert level 4, so I have been in my bubble for quite a while,” Andrew says.

“If there was a case of Covid-19 and everyone had to go into isolation as

8 – RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

“I was at home for all except one day [under the lockdown], but I’ve been busier than if I was going in every day – I’ve been able to work remotely but the co-ordination of everything has been a lot harder to manage than in person.”

Photo Wayne Martin

Photo Wayne Martin

Andrew Jameson

NORWOOD

RURAL

news FARMING ‘KIT DAIRYNZ’S PRIMARY’ GOALS

To ensure city children appreciate the importance of New Zealand’s rural roots, DairyNZ has teamed up with School Kit to include dairy farming in their studies as they learn from home.

“Farming is part of our DNA and the school kits provide a great opportunity for children to learn where their food comes from, the nutritional benefits of dairy and the wonderful lifestyle farming offers,” Dr David Burger from DairyNZ says. “Principals and teachers tell us very few of these children will have been on a dairy farm, so this will make for fun and engaging learning.”

The Farming Kit has been distributed to approximately 3000 families with children aged five to seven.

Alternatively, it can be downloaded via the DairyNZ Schools section at www.dairynz.co.nz/about-us/ education. A teachers’ guide and support materials are also available.

“It is hands-on and designed to get children actively involved in challenges, while learning about dairy farming,” Dr Burger adds.

“We hope they will find it an enjoyable way to learn about an important sector which is in a fortunate position to be making a positive difference as an essential service during Covid-19. And, who knows – we may inspire some children to be future farmers.”

KAURI DIEBACK MUSHROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT?

Some giants of New Zealand’s forests could be saved should findings from a recent study bear fruit, or fungi, to be precise.

The study (titled: Soil microbial diversity in adjacent forest systems) found that soil in pine forests neighbouring kauri forests lacked certain fungi and bacteria known to be beneficial to the health of the iconic New Zealand natives.

“We have just 7500 ha of original kauri forest left and it exists as fragments, surrounded by 60,000 ha of plantation forests and regenerating kauri forest,” Dr Amanda Black from Canterbury’s Bio-Protection Research Centre says. “We need to understand what part this plays in the spread of kauri dieback.”

Co-author of the study, Alexa Byers, says this connection [between fungi and kauri] could prove an important step towards saving kauri from dieback.

“Understanding the ecological impacts of these changes to the soil microbial communities surrounding remaining kauri fragments is important to protect the long-term health [of kauri],” she adds.

The full study is accessible via visit bioprotection.org.nz.

RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 9

RURAL

news

RURAL BROADBAND – ON THE AGENDA, ON THE WIRE

City dwellers might be as at home online as in the real world but those beyond the reach of high speed broadband may have been left (somewhat) off the grid, particularly during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Fortunately, a recent release of government funding is expected to be the spark that ensures rural people and, importantly, businesses are not left out in the cold.

“The vast majority living in towns and cities have absolutely no idea how bad internet access still is in some parts of the country,” Andrew Hoggard from Federated Farmers says.

“There is a strong link between rural productivity and internet connectivity. If [the Government is] looking for a shovel-ready project, this would be a good one. The shovels are already in the ground!”

HOW THE LEVY RATES A reduction in the Biosecurity Response Levy (M. bovis) indicates that, as New Zealand faces the fallout from one disease, efforts to eradicate another appear to be making headway.

“There’s no question that M. bovis has had a huge impact on our sector, particularly for some individuals and families,” Jim van der Poel from DairyNZ says. “Latest data from the 10-year programme gives us confidence that we are making progress in our objective of eradicating the disease from New Zealand.”

Reduced from 2.9 cents to 2.4 cents per kilogram of milksolids, the levy is designed to help the dairy sector contribute to eradication efforts. The reduction comes into effect on June 1.

“Since September 2019, $43.5 million has been collected

by DairyNZ and paid to MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries),” Mr van der Poel confirms. “We are continuing to work on farmers’ behalf to ensure that all programme expenditure provides value for money.”

In addition, negotiations are underway regarding a separate DairyNZ milksolids levy investing in dairy sector research, development, advocacy and expertise. Farmers are advised to contact DairyNZ, via www.dairynz.co.nz, for more information.

10 – RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

In late April, the Government announced plans to upgrade and expand rural communications networks.

“It is good the Government is looking for ways to continue to grow rural businesses with better technology, especially given the post-Covid-19 world so, hopefully, this is just the start of a thoughtful approach to building rural business and community resilience,” Mr Hoggard says.

An increase in internet use during the recent lockdown proves rural connectivity is more important than ever, Kris Faafoi (Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media) confirms.

“New investment brings broadband services to rural households which are currently without access to the internet... Investing in our rural network capacity is an investment in people living in rural areas. It means even more will reap the benefits of connectivity at a time when they need it most.”

In addition to rural businesses, rural children will also benefit, Infrastructure Minister, Shane Jones, adds. “[We are] prioritising the upgrade of mobile towers in rural areas where there are high numbers of school-age children living in households that cannot access the internet,” he says.

“This will provide [them] with access to the digital connectivity programme, which supports distance learning. It means students, particularly those in low-income rural households, can continue with their schooling in exactly the same way as those in urban areas.”

FISKEN forges on Life under lockdown may have been tough for many a local business unable to open but it was no picnic for those deemed essential either. Although John Fisken (from Buckland-based HR Fisken & Sons) says changes to how his business has been required to operate have taken their toll.

Morse] who’s a former UK policeman and Royal Marine has been helping me on the gate. There hasn’t been any major trouble but so it’s nice to have a guy with his skills, just in case.”

“We’ve still been able to supply pretty much everything we did before the lockdown under alert level 4 and it’s pretty much the same under level 3 but people are capable of doing things they usually wouldn’t when they’re panicked.

You get to see how humanity acts under stressful situations and sometimes the results are unpleasant.

Fortunately, people have been adapting.”

HR Fisken & Sons was able to provide animal feed throughout the lockdown with customers required to order and pay in advance. Even though the alert level has since been lowered, John urges those in need of supplies to consult the company’s website (hrfisken. co.nz) and stick to the rules.

Some of Glen’s skills haven’t been needed but John says his negotiation abilities have proved invaluable. And, yet, the performance of another of John’s ‘buddies’ has been subpar to say the least.

“Buddy’s been bloody useless; all he’s been doing is reading the paper!” John says, deadpan. “One day, I found him facedown near the gate surrounded by cans.

But, he has been to rehab and back on duty since ANZAC Day.”

Photo Wayne Martin

John Fisken

“Mostly, customers have been pretty good but some haven’t turned up at their [assigned] pickup times, or in vehicles which don’t match the licence plate details they gave us; that throws everything out,” he explains. “We had some people who didn’t book a time swear and shout but that’s probably only happened with about eight from at least a couple of thousand customers.”

As a diabetic, John is immunecompromised but he says the importance of providing an essential service has kept him busy and his gates open. Aside from a few of his team members, who are also immunecompromised, John’s staff has risen to the occasion, he confirms.

“They’ve all been really good, absolute tops. In addition, a friend of mine [Glen

All going well, Buddy (a teddy bear), John, and the rest of his team can further reduce restrictions once the alert level is lowered again but a return to ‘business as usual’ could still be some time off.

“We’ll still have social distancing measures in place, but the shop will be open and we won’t have to go through all this palaver with people calling first.

The impact [of the lockdown] will be tough, however. I think some people will need to get rid of their animals, especially if they lose their jobs, so I am expecting sales to be down in the future; we’ll just have to deal with that as best we can.”

RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 11

STIR-FRIED GROPER WITH MUSHROOMS AND GINGER

Trust Penguin to know its fish! Published by Penguin NZ in the New Zealand Seafood Cookbook, this recipe also comes courtesy of Auckland Seafood School and Seafood NZ. Serves four Cooking time: 40 mins

INGREDIENTS • 60mls rice bran oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 8cm knob ginger piece, peeled and thinly sliced • 6 shiitake mushrooms, sliced • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce • 80mls fish stock

• 720g groper fillets (hapuku) • 2 tsp fish sauce • 1 tsp sugar • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper • 1 red chilli, deseeded and thinly sliced • 1 spring onion, sliced • 1 handful coriander leaves • 1/2 red capsicum, sliced

METHOD Place a wok or saute pan over a medium heat and add oil.

When oil is hot, add garlic, ginger and mushrooms and stir-fry for a couple of minutes. Add hoisin sauce and fish stock and bring the mixture to the boil.

Add fish pieces and simmer uncovered for two-three minutes or until sauce thickens a little. Season with fish sauce, sugar and black pepper. Simmer for another three-four minutes or until fish is cooked. Lastly, add sliced red chilli.

Transfer stir-fry to a serving plate. Garnish with spring onion, coriander and red capsicum and serve on a bed of steamed rice.

For more recipes visit seafood.co.nz

FRIDGE-RAID frittata Melissa Hemsley’s mouth-watering cookbook, Eat Green is packed with easy recipes ideal for families whether they are in lockdown or planning a stockpile of dishes for future entertaining. Here’s one which makes use of what’s in the fridge.

Serves four Takes 20 minutes The beauty of a frittata is that anything goes – really, it does! In this case, broccoli is the star, but let whatever is in your fridge take the lead. Always aim for some green as it’s often the green veg that most of us could do with more of.

Not only is a vegetable frittata an easy and delicious way to start the day, but in this case you eat the whole broccoli in all its glory – stems and stalks – and, even better, everything happens in the same pan.

If you have cooked broccoli ready to go, then skip step 1 and save time. And, if you know you’ll be back to rushing out the door before long, bake it in a 12hole muffin tray at fan 170°C/Gas mark 5 for 10–15 minutes for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack.

INGREDIENTS • 1 large head of broccoli, florets evenly chopped and stem finely chopped

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced • 2 tbsp butter • 10 eggs • 2 large handfuls of grated cheese (I use mature cheddar or you could use crumbled feta or goat’s cheese) • Sea salt and black pepper Optional Extras • A handful of chopped fresh basil, parsley, chives or celery leaves • Chilli flakes, to taste • 2 handfuls of wild garlic, chopped (when in season)

METHOD Grab a medium-sized, deep-sided frying pan and steam the broccoli for 3 minutes in about 4 tablespoons of water, lid on, until almost tender and just turned bright green. Drain any excess liquid (though the broccoli will probably absorb it all) and set the broccoli aside.

Pop the pan back on the heat and gently fry the red onion rings and garlic in the butter for a few minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk the eggs together in a bowl, add salt, pepper and the cheese, plus any of the herbs, chilli flakes or wild garlic, if using.

Preheat the grill to high. Add the broccoli back to the pan to coat in the garlic butter, then pour in the egg mix, stirring so that the broccoli and onions are distributed evenly. Let the bottom and sides cook and start to set over a medium heat for about 5 minutes.

Pop the frittata under the grill for a further 5 minutes until golden on top and just cooked through (give the pan a wobble to check), then slide it onto a chopping board or plate. Cool for 10 minutes and slice up into quarters.

Extracted from Eat Green by Melissa Hemsley, published by Random House UK, RRP $50.00. Copyright © Melissa Hemsley 2020. Photography © Philippa Langley 2020

RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 13

Q&A from

ALPHIE SADSAD NATIONAL ARTISTRY LEAD, FOR SEPHORA AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND

With the nation having been in lockdown for weeks, there’s been time to spend on a good skin regime as well as to experiment with new products and, perhaps, take a look at what’s in the makeup bag.

Here Alphie Sadsad from Sephora shares his expertise and advice to help keep skin in tip top condition.

Should skin be given a break from makeup?

Yes, taking a break allows the skin to restore its natural moisture level without having layers of makeup clogging it. It also allows the skin to expel any makeup residue that has been left behind.

Is lockdown a good time to establish a solid skincare routine?

With people still in lockdown, some will be noticing skin reactions such as under or overproduction of sebum, which is typically caused by lower sun exposure.

Skin may also be more irritated, grey and suffering a few unexpected breakouts.

When establishing or changing a skincare routine, sometimes you have to play the long game to gain results. New textures and products can also make your skin break out, but usually this is simply a “purge” to ride out in pursuit of better skin. Depending on your skin type, start with a hydrating cleaner, either an oil or cream/gel textures.

Is SPF still important at home?

SPF is so important even at home as we have UVA and UVB coming through our windows. Use either a moisturiser which

has SPF such as ALPHA-H Essential Skin Perfecting Moisturiser SPF15 or Protection Plus Daily SPF50.

What about nails and brow care while at home?

For nails, my advice is to use a glycolic acid daily on your cuticles/feet/heels to eat away those dead skin cells. Use a fine nail file to maintain shape, but file in one direction rather than in a sawing action. Use face oil or a cuticle oil on your nail beds at night. Rub in hand cream to prevent dryness. With your brows, tweeze ONLY stray hair and avoid touching your brow shape. This will prevent brows from becoming too thin from over plucking.

How can people maintain a feeling of luxury at home?

Dim the lights and light a candle, play your favourite easy listening playlist, slip on a comfy robe and exercise your beautiful skin care ritual. Use warm wash cloths to remove your face mask at the end - just like they do at a day spa!

Can YouTube and Instagram makeup tutorials help?

14 – RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

On scrolling through Instagram l think the makeup and skin guru community has stepped up its game with live tutorials teaching self-care at home. It is empowering for people to learn how to use skincare and apply makeup so easily. I know some of my followers are too scared to ask a professional but now they can order online and teach themselves.

With more time at home are people getting more creative and experimenting with new make-up looks?

Yes, and this is the perfect time to do so. Why not put aside your favourite bronze or neutral eye shadows. Try something you have seen and admired on someone else, perhaps a new, bold colour. Have fun experimenting!

What at-home beauty routines can we do to increase our positivity?

Baths are a great way to unwind and release negative energy. Also apply your favourite hair mask and face mask. Drink your favourite NZ wine and play some chilled music Relax!

BEAUTY BUYS

lockdown perfect

BRING BACK THAT GLOW

SERUM WINS AT BEST OF NATURAL AWARDS

WAKE REFRESHED

Saturday Skin Bright Potion Probiotic Power Serum boosts the look of a healthy complexion, much needed in these pandemic times. Prebiotics help to activate the full power of the probiotic infusion, while niacinamide helps to improve the texture and tone of your skin.

Seabuckthorn fruit extract adds extra nourishment, leaving your complexion with a natural glow. In all, this is sumptuous serum is designed to give new life to dull skin. Available online at www.sephora.nz (RRP$83).

A Dual-Blend Repairing Serum with Rose Essential Oils by Lemon & Beaker won ‘Best Serum’ at the recent Best of Natural Awards. Recognised for using the highest quality ingredients and for maintaining ethical and environmental standards, it also met the criteria for creativity, ingenuity and sustainability. Lemon & Beaker’s DualBlend Repairing Serum is made in New Zealand with locally sourced ingredients and has been crafted with a unique blend of ingredients to restore elasticity, boost moisture, brighten skin tone, and reduce pigmentation. Suitable for all skin types, the serum provides antioxidant benefits while soothing and restoring the skin. Lemon & Beaker Dual-Blend Repairing Serum with Rose Essential Oils (30ml RRP $52), available from selected pharmacies nationwide.

Working remotely? Attack your video conference calls with confidence and no dark under-eye circles!

NIVEA’s advanced Q10 Plus C Anti-Wrinkle + Energy Skin Sleep Cream combines two powerful antioxidants - Q10 and highly effective, pure Vitamin C. Wake up looking well rested, with an energised and smoother looking complexion. NIVEA Q10PlusC Anti-Wrinkle + Energy Skin Sleep Cream (RRP $23.99) available from supermarkets which are, of course, open for business.

RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 15

GOOD BOOKS

a mixed bag

COLIN MCCAHON – IS THIS THE PROMISED LAND? VOL 2 (1960-1987)

STOP SURVIVING START FIGHTING

QUEEN BEE

LOVE FRANKIE – COMING OUT, GROWING UP, FALLING IN LOVE

Among the most wellknown of New Zealand’s artists (for very good reasons!), Colin McCahon challenged the way we see our country and our world.

The second volume of Peter Simpson’s twopart exploration of this extraordinary painter focuses on Colin’s life and life’s work from 1960 until his death in 1987.

When people decide there is nothing to hold onto, most often there is no coming back.

However, when Jazz Thornton first attempted to take her own life, it was just the beginning of an inspiring (although most challenging) story. During this gritty hard-hitting, thoughtprovoking memoir, readers will gain a meaningful insight into what grappling with mental illness really can look like and what it takes to fight for our lives.

Gorgeous and wealthy, Stella is the uncontested Queen Bee of the neighbourhood. But, could skeletons in her fiancé’s closet threaten to expose her perfect world to be merely a well-crafted, glitzy veneer? Although her new tenant, Laura, seems to be a threat at first, she could well prove to be the perfect ally as this intriguing novel unfolds.

Written for teenagers, this book celebrates diversity. Nearly 14, Frankie faces all the ordinary ups and downs but a seriously ill mother, bullies to deal with and developing feelings for her friend Sally, all pose extra challenges. Stressing the importance that we must always be ourselves – that is, once we discover who we actually are - Love Frankie proves that love really is the glue which holds us all together.

Peter Simpson: Colin McCahon – Is this the Promised Land? Vol 2 (1960-1987) RRP $79.99 Auckland University Press

Jazz Thornton: Stop Surviving Start Fighting RRP $38 Pengui

Jane Fallon: Queen Bee RRP $37 Michael Joseph

Jacqueline Wilson: Love Frankie – coming out, growing up, falling in love RRP $30 Doubleday Childrens

16 – RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK

MAKE A STATEMENT

bigger than fashion It’s time to get ‘shirty’ over cancer with fashion retailer Witchery, which has just launched its annual White Shirt campaign to raise funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

Hinging on the importance of medical research and the vital development of an early ovarian cancer detection test to be readily available and accessible as a pap test or mammogram, the campaign runs throughout May. “More than 50% of the community incorrectly believes a pap test diagnoses ovarian cancer. This has ultimately led to ovarian cancer being the leading cause of death of all gynaecological cancers. We

must find an early detection to save lives,” says Lucinda Nolan CEO of OCRF. With early stages of ovarian cancer having no obvious symptoms, more than 70% of women diagnosed are already in the advanced stages of the disease. Of these women, 75-80% will not survive more than five years.

The White Shirt campaign is aimed of ultimately preventing

ovarian cancer taking the lives of women, and, to date, Witchery has contributed more than $13 million to the OCRF which is focused on finding that early detection test.

The Witchery White Cotton Shirt is now available for purchase online via witchery.co.nz and for every White Shirt sold up until Sunday, May 31, 100% of the gross proceeds will again go to the OCRF.

RURAL LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK – 17

BAGS PACKED and ready to go In many homes, the Covid-19 lockdown has been made all the more bearable by the presence, and often the antics, of pets. In fact, SPCA adoptions have been in big demand across the country which has meant the welfare of many abandoned animals is now in good stead. Today, we feature a selection from both the SPCA centres in Mangere, Auckland and in Hamilton. While we expect most will have been snapped up quickly, they are soon replaced by new arrivals. Therefore, should one of these lovables take your fancy, but has already found a home, there are sure to be more looking for love.

On the other hand, if adopting a pet is just not practical then why not show your support for the organisation by making a donation?

To learn more just visit the website or to donate go to: www.spca.nz/donatetoanimals

Maisie, Hamilton

Maisie and Oscar, Hamilton Oscar, Hamilton

Moon, Auckland

Willow, Auckland

Momo, Auckland

Bantam Buddies, Auckland

Allen, Auckland

BUBBLE

BOREDOM BEATERS

S L L I K S G N I T C A R U TEST YO Charades is an old game but remains as popular as ever among families and at parties. While gatherings may be off the social menu for now, families can still enjoy the challenge of solving acting puzzles.

Start by planning a theme – book titles, animals, fairytales, famous people, movies, well known places, sports, celebrities even food and a whole lot more.

First, players should write down ideas for each category; brainstorm with younger children to help them choose some easier words or categories.

Young children need charades that are easy to act out – too hard and they will become disinterested and give up. However, older teenagers and adults can tackle more challenging subjects.

There are basic rules to help. For example, if the word or phrase is a book, put your hands together and unfold them like opening a book.

To indicate a person, stand with your hands on your hips; for a song, pretend to sing; for a movie, turn your hand in the air as if operating an old fashioned camera and for a TV show use your fingers to draw a rectangle in the air.

Place finger and thumb together to indicate a small words such as ‘the’ or ‘a’; move them apart for a long word and touch your ear to indicate the word sounds like another easier to act out word.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS QUICK PUZZLE NO. 7957 - SOLUTIONS Across - 7, Intellectual. 8, Settle. 9, Ticket.

10, Deplete. 12, Lunge. 15, Sting. 16, Unclean.

18, Basset. 20, Embody. 22, Sweet-william.

Down - 1, Interest. 2, Felt. 3, Alberta. 4, Acute.

5, Punctual. 6, Blue. 11, Landseer.

13, Guardian. 14, Angelic. 17, State. 19, Also.

21, Bold.

Play individually or in teams if you are a large family.

Remember you cannot speak – you must mime actions which represent your word, phrase or subject.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7957 - SOLUTIONS Across - 7, Made no profit. 8, Cry off. 9, Wrests (rests). 10, C-offers. 12, Ado-re. 15, St-one.

16, Hear-say. 18, Recall. 20, Op-ti-on. 22, Half of bitter.

Down - 1, Carry out. 2, (Lo)Ve-to. 3, Con-firm.

4, Grown (groan). 5, Off-end-er. 6, Stet.

11, F-ant-ails. 13, Re-as-one-d. 14, Re-doubt.

17, (ni)G(ht)-loom. 19, Echo. 21, To-t(her)e.

Once you get the hang of it, this game will provide loads of fun and laughter.

RURAL

RURAL LIVING/SOUTH LIVING/SOUTH COVID-19 COVID-19 LOCKDOWN LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK FLIPBOOK –– 25 19

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW OUR AREA? Last chance to test your knowledge and win a beautiful coffee table book, New Zealand Greatscapes from the David Kerr photographic collection of New Zealand scenery.

Enter online before May 31, 2020 at www.ruralliving.co.nz and tell us where these landmarks and places of interest are located in and around Franklin – Port Waikato to the Awhitu Peninsula and places inbetween. Answers will be published in both Rural Living and SOUTH magazines in June.

16 – TIMES MEDIA COVID-19 LOCKDOWN FLIPBOOK