Rural Living May June 2016

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ruralliving.co.nz

May/June 2016

Heart Of The District Vine time in Pokeno

Showcasing Your Business It’s a matter of trust

On The Beat Brian’s banging the drums

Goff’s off and running RURAL | FASHION | BEAUTY | FOOD | GARDEN | HOME MOTORING Rural| Living — April-May 2016 — 1

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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 That Bloody Woman

JUne ■ THEATRE the great gatsby June 2, 11am-1pm, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Dr, Papakura America has produced many a talented writer, but few the measure of great Scott.

Since F. Scott Fitzgerald rattled out his engaging novel, set amidst the roaring 20s of Gershwin and Berlin, there may have been many incarnations of The Great Gatsby. However, despite the efforts of Redford to DiCaprio, this is one tale that can’t be upstaged by a camera. Best seen on stage, this elegant and intriguing drama of love, class and money is coming soon to Hawkins. See daytimeconcerts.co.nz. that Bloody Woman June 9-26, times vary, SkyCity Theatre, 78 Victoria St West, Auckland City “With a title like this, we’d better be more specific,” said a certain Rural Living writer before making good his escape from the office! Based on Kate Sheppard’s fight for women’s right to vote, this play explores how one ‘bloody woman’, in particular, changed the world. Billed as a ‘kick-ass punk rock opera’ this production seems certain to show the struggles of suffragettes in a strange new light. See atc. co.nz for further information. seussical June 16 - July 2, Harrington Theatre, 2 Harrington Ave, Pukekohe The doctor is in, or at least he will be soon when Pukekohe Performing Arts presents this youth theatre production. Will the Cat in the Hat come back? Will Horton remember who’s on first? Will green eggs and ham be on the menu? All could be revealed during this musical inspired by the work of iconic children’s author, Dr Seuss.

See pukekoheperformingarts.org.nz.

Craig

Trudy

Brendon

021 998 605

021 898 703

027 238 6660

2 — Rural Living — May-June 2016 Moore Ashby Boyce

Faulty towers June 25, 7.30pm-12am, Red Shed Palazzo, 64 Jesmond Rd, Karaka Fancy some farty (or warty) towels, flay Otters, fatty owls, flowery twats, or watery fowls? If so, you’re in luck as all these are on the menu at Red Shed Palazzo!

Basil, Sybil and Manuel will serve up the laughter during this classic tribute to the iconic TV show, Fawlty Tours. Will things go wrong? Well, they’re bound to be at least a little Faulty (or Fawlty) at least! For details, see redshedpalazzo.co.nz/dinnertheatre.

■ MUSIC open orchestra June 11, from 2pm, Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Rd, Manukau Offering an opportunity to experience life behind the music, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) is inviting visitors to walk through as musicians play classic movie scores as a conclusion to this free concert. Conducted by rising star, Ray Chan, and featuring songs by NZ Music Awards winner, Mark Vanilau, Open Orchestra provides a rare behind-thescenes experience. Visit apo.co.nz. leo & lulu June 26, from 7pm, The Civic, Cnr Queen and Wellesley St, Auckland City On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me... a Leo Sayer CD. Since then, this world famous falsetto has seldom failed to make me feel like dancing – ironically or otherwise. So, what more reason would one need to head to the Civic this month? Well, how about if we said there will be a Lulu too! Two British pop legends for the price of one seems like a deal bound to Put a Little Love in your Heart. Tickets via ticketmaster.co.nz.

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Stephanie

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■ EXPOS & FESTIVALS new Zealand national agricultural Fieldays June 15-18, Mystery Creek Events Centre, 125 Mystery Creek Rd, Hamilton From food stalls to tractor pulls, timber sports to agribusiness innovations, and Ag Art Wear to cooking demonstrations, Fieldays offers a plethora of shows, products activities and exhibitors covering our country way of life. See fieldays.co.nz.

Ceilidh (scottish evening) June 18, 7pm-12am, Karaka War Memorial Hall, Cnr Linwood and Blackbridge Rds, Karaka Great ‘Scot’, what an event! As bagpipes take centre stage in Karaka, Scottish eyes will be smiling, while those of English origin are more likely to run away to ‘think again’. From pipe bands and highland dancing to (another scary, yet strangely delicious) prospect, haggis, this event is sure to offer a ‘wail’ of a time. See papakurapipeband.co.nz; tickets limited.

Waikato Wedding expo June 26, 9.30am-3.30pm, Hamilton Gardens Pavilion, Hungerford Cres, Hamilton Marriage in the air? Then it’s time to head for Hamilton and all the fun of the Waikato Wedding Expo. From extravagant affairs to intimate gatherings, this expo is expected to offer everything necessary to ensure that special day goes to plan. See weddingexpo.net.nz.

Hadley

Pierce

027 480 2741

Angeline

Graeme

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www.ruralliving.co.nz Hurring Willson

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

■ FAMILY FUN Beach and dunes Clean up May 28, from 9.45am, Port Waikato Community Hall, Maunsell Rd, Port Waikato To keep one of our region’s most beautiful spots looking ‘beachy-clean’, Beachcare Port Waikato is doing its bit. To pitch in, register at the Port Waikato Community Hall at 9.45am. Be sure to bring gloves, sturdy footwear and suitable clothing.

A sausage sizzle will follow. For details (please note that this event may be postponed depending on weather) see facebook/portwaiktobeachcare. annual Mid-Winter Plunge June 12, from 10am, Public Boat Ramp, Maraetai Beach Calling all polar bears! It’s time to turn a cold shoulder, or two, to winter woollies and show we’re made of sterner stuff during the Annual Mid-Winter Plunge at Maraetai. So, take a dip, take a bow and dive into this chilling experience.

■ SPORT & FITNESS ellerslie’s Irish raceday May 28, from 10.15am, Ellerslie Racecourse, 80 Ascot Ave, Remuera At the risk of offending the entire Irish nation, there’s something a little Irish about running an Irish Raceday in May, rather than March. Then again, surely a little Irish luck can never go amiss at the races. Complete with Irish food and beverages (including stews, pies, Guinness, Baileys and whiskey) in abundance, performances by Irish band, McSweeneys, and even children’s entertainment, this event will leave those who miss out, green with envy! Oh, there’s some racing on too, including the Great Northern Foal Stakes.

More details at ellerslie.co.nz.

9am-12.30pm, Barry Curtis Park, 163 Chapel Rd, Flat Bush A triathlon unlike any other, this runscooter-obstacle event will see Year 4-8 students tackle a challenging course which winds its way through Barry Curtis Park. For full details and to register (as an individual or team) see bsgevents.co.nz.

Park sport June 7-30, (Tuesdays & Thursdays) 3.30-4.30pm, Sunkist Reserve, McShane Reserve, Pukekohe Because good sorts love sports, these events are designed specifically for children and families to enjoy. Featuring everything from cricket, volleyball, soccer, and ripper tag, to a wide variety of games – depending on the wishes of children on the day – these events offer more than just a taste of safe, sporting fun. See the events page at clmnz.co.nz for details. See the events page at clmnz.co.nz for details.

Country Calendar: Producers talk June 18, 10.30-11.30am, Waikato Museum, 1 Grantham St, Hamilton As NZ’s longest running TV show, Country Calendar has long spoken to the heartland of our nation. During this event, audiences will hear more from behind the scenes from producer and director, Julian O’Brien, and the show’s associate producer and new narrator, Dan Henry. For details, see waikatomuseum.co.nz, and to be in to WIN copies of Country Calendar’s 50th anniversary DVD set, see page 36.

■ MARKETS Pukekohe Market Every Saturday, 8am-12pm, Massey Street, Pukekohe Pokeno Market Every Sunday, 8am-2pm, main street, Pokeno

■ LIFESTYLE a night with Michael Van de elzen May 26, LaValla Estate, 131 Dominion Rd, Tuakau Back the truck up, did you say Michael Van de Elzen is coming to Tuakau? It’s true!

The celebrity chef of The Foodtruck fame will regale audiences at the LaValla Estate with clever cuisine ideas and healthy food philosophies during this fundraiser Park Sport

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 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

Manukau Kids scooter duathlon June 6 (Queen’s Birthday weekend),

David Kevin Scott Katrina www.ruralliving.co.nz Powell Lim McElhinney Riedel 027 485 9321 027 4987 8223 027 210 8887 021 170 2970

for Franklin Silver Lining Trust. More information at pukekohe.org.nz/events.

Hunter

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Vicky

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Ian

Simon

Chris

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027 226 5503 Sales Manager

Rural LivingMacrae — May-June 2016 —3 Croft Hirini

CoVershot

From the editor...

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GETTING OUR PHIL OF LOCAL POLITICS Come October, the Super City will have a new mayor. In this issue, we reveal that there is more to mayoral candidate, former Labour leader and Mount Roskill MP, Phil Goff.

As a Clevedon lifestyler, this leather-jacketed biker appears to be as at home down on the farm as he is in the high-rises of power. To hear more about this man who would be mayor, see Photo Wayne Martin pages 10-11.

A PUBLICATION OF TIMES HOUSE PUBLISHING LTD

Freephone: 0800 456 789 www.ruralliving.co.nz info@ruralliving.co.nz Editor: Helen Perry DDI 09 271 8036 Email: editor@ruralliving.co.nz

Sales: Kate Ockelford-Green DDI 09 271 8090 Email: kate@ruralliving.co.nz Bev Drake DDI 09 271 8092 Email: @ruralliving.co.nz Art Director: Clare McGillivray DDI 09 271 8067, Fax: 09 271 8071 Email: 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, Fax: 09 271 8099 DISCLAIMER: Articles published in Rural Living do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or editor. All material is provided as a general information service only. Times House Publishing Ltd does not assume or accept any responsibility for, and shall not be liable for, the accuracy or appropriate application of any information in this magazine. All the material 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.

4 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

inally, the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development has joined other agencies calling for urgent revision of Auckland’s unitary plan so the city’s burgeoning transport problems can be addressed; something Rural Living has been urging for some time.

I’ve always said it seemed madness to build thousands of new homes in our Franklin district when there are insufficient roads and inefficient transport links to serve new residents – established residents already know the difficulties too well.

Commuters using the Southern Motorway to access the city experience daily holdups especially between Manukau and Drury and this has worsened since construction of an extra lane between Takanini and Manurewa started.

While welcome, one extra lane, when all is said and done, won’t solve congestion especially when those new subdivisions start popping up. And, unless an equal number of lanes results right through, we’ll continue to see congestion due to ‘merge-mania’.

Calls for electrification of rail between Pukekohe and Papakura have been resisted, seemingly because of cost. This seems shortsighted considering how many more families are likely to make Franklin home. Improved rail could help ease the congestion.

While I agree that park and rides and better public transport would help, I believe the way Auckland city lies often makes these unwieldy.

I hear people questioning the practicality of changing between cars, buses and trains (with questions around efficient connections ) and also complaining of ineffective servicing of some routes. So, who can blame them when they say they just want to get in their car and go to work?

And talking of work, wouldn’t it be wise if more businesses were based outside of Auckland or even on the fringe, as was once foreseen, when satellite areas such as Manukau and Henderson were first developed? This would cut down commuters heading for the CBD. Some years ago, there was a drive for manufacturers to set up in small towns. This worked for a time – I seem to recall Paeroa doing okay. But then, these companies gradually left after deciding it was uneconomic.

However, I can’t help think that freighting out of locations such as Hamilton or Huntly, both on State Hwy 1, would be practical. I know, when attending the opening of Vogel’s glutenfree bread factory at Huntly, a spokesperson praised the ease with which their delivery trucks could move north and south.

Despite a range of suggestions, including investing in leading-edge, intelligent traffic management systems – I wonder if that means more on-ramp traffic lights, such as those that work so inefficiently at a number of entrances to the motorway – there are no easy answers.

All I know is that improved infrastructure to cope with the increase in housing and subsequently commuter needs will continue to be a major headache for Auckland Transport planners and that motorists look likely to be stuck in queues and traffic jams for some time yet. It may not be a long ‘road’ to hoe, but one day, just maybe, time will be on our side.

Helen Perry, Editor

inside PAGE 37 Reay’s diary – musings from a city lass

PAGE 2-3 Community calender sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson Pukekohe

PAGE 38-39 Jane Thorne – turning skills to new art

PAGE 6-7 Italian style wines from Pokeno vines PAGE 8 Brian’s Diary PAGE 10-11 Over the Gate – Oh, my Goff – made to be mayor?

PAGE 17-19 Cometh the Fieldays, cometh the bachelor boy!

PAGE 42-43 Brian Neben faces the music Ginger fudge from Alison and Simon Holst – see page 46

PAGE 21-35 Showcasing your business – it’s a matter of trust PAGE 36 Win! What’s in the bag?

PAGE 47 What’s in Wendy Majoor’s handbag?

PAGE 50-51 Motoring – Toyota’s new version Hilux better in every respect www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 5

Surgeon’s skills transplanted It’s difficult to decide which is the more remarkable: that Pokeno boasts an award-winning vineyard or that it’s wine is made by a pioneering heart surgeon.

ANGELA KEMP reports.

O

verlooking the vast Yashili infant milk formula factory in the burgeoning north Waikato settlement of Pokeno lies Hitchen Road Vineyard.

It is home to Ken and Tricia Graham, who share their 40 hectare piece of paradise with some 80 Poll Dorsets, around 50 head of cattle and rows of carefully tended grapevines from which they make their acclaimed wine.

Nearly 30 years ago Ken, together with Clive Robinson, made history when they performed the first heart transplant in New Zealand at Green Lane Hospital.

It signalled a new era in treatment options available to patients suffering from terminal heart failure.

Then in 1994, Ken and Tricia established Hitchen Road Vineyard to provide Ken with a passionate interest for ‘life after surgery’.

The grapes are planted over two hectares devoted to chardonnay, pinotage, malbec and a trio of Italian varieties – sangiovese, dolcetto and montepulciano.

The wines are much vaunted by wine writer, Michael Cooper, who has described them as ‘skilfully crafted, highly enjoyable wines priced so sharply that the quality must often be underestimated’.

Hitchen Road wines have won both silver and bronze medals in the annual Romeo Bragatto Conference and feature

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regularly in Cooper’s annual buyer’s guide to New Zealand wines.

One of the couple’s main reasons for establishing the vineyard in Pokeno was its proximity to Auckland, essential while Ken was still working and on call.

Tricia spent a year looking for somewhere within half an hour’s drive of Green Lane Hospital before finding the Hitchen Road block with its beautiful views over the north Waikato.

Those views now include the Yashili factory but it’s not something that bothers them.

“There’s no noise, no smell, it’s something we just accept.”

All the wines are hand-crafted on site from grapes that are grown on the property. The only process that takes place off site is bottling.

The Graham’s grow three Italian reds, two of which are regular performers and one, sangiovese, which Ken says is more temperamental.

“It’s late cropping, it’s bunches are tight, making it prone to rot, and we haven’t had a lot of good luck with it.

But we haven’t given up yet. The other two do very well here and we get a very good crop and some nice wine.”

The couple chose to plant Italian varieties to give Hitchen Road a point of difference from the industry’s main producers.

“These traditionally late ripening grapes ripen well for us. Perhaps it is just that Pokeno is the Italy of the South.

“We did have different varieties to start with that weren’t doing too well but pinotage has been a very reliable performer.”

Aged 79 and 77 respectively, Ken and Tricia take care of the vineyard

Ken and Tricia Graham – producing award-winning wines.

themselves apart from employing pickers at cropping time from late March through to April. A former chemistry teacher, Tricia is responsible for the ‘lab work’.

On a good year they can produce 600 cases but this year they will struggle to make 200 thanks to a cold spring and following rains which has resulted in a ‘miserable crop’.

“If the grapes aren’t good we don’t use them because we don’t want to make bad wine.”

The Graham’s have acquired equipment such as a crusher/ de-stemmer, press, and fermenting vats from various sources and buy in new oak barrels at $1000 a piece.

The wine is bottled in Henderson and then returns to a cold store in Waiuku prior to being couriered to customers across the country.

Most of it is sold over the internet through the label’s website, through

Photo supplied

occasional cellar door sales and at the winery’s annual open weekend and art exhibition. Locally, it is stocked at the Tuakau Hotel bottle shop.

The couple said people should take up wine growing only if they have a real passion for it. “It’s not something to take on if you want to make money. If you can cover your costs you are doing reasonably well.”

But right now, Ken and Tricia are preparing for their annual European cycling holiday during which they spend two months touring, something they took up eight years ago when Tricia was 70. “We’ve done some fantastic journeys, from London to Lisbon, Paris to Budapest and over the Dolamites to Venice.”

In July they will head to Switzerland to ride from Zurich to Madrid but not before Ken has finished pruning the vines and seen the early arrival of the farm’s lambs.

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Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 7

Ups and downs

Of rUral living

Brian Neben publishes Rural Living and is also an avid lifestyle farmer

COUNTRY LAD

a

s I sit here writing this month’s column in the most perfect autumn weather, it’s hard to believe it’s the middle of May. As I mentioned last month, I was waiting for the leaves to start falling from our London plane trees and now the wait is over!

Leaves have been dropping for the past two weeks and we have raked up at least 40 trailer loads. Over the past two years we have had drought-like conditions which saw our trees start shedding leaves as early as January.

This meant we were raking them up on a weekly basis for a long time in order to keep the driveway neat and tidy – I hate mess! Anyway, another week should see an end to this year’s leaf fall and raking which, all up, has been a relatively quick three-week exercise.

However, May has not been a great month on our property as so many things have broken or gone wrong. About two months ago I mentioned that my quad bike had taken off down the hill, smashed through a gate and through one or two fences. Well, the same thing just happened with my ride-on mower. The handbrake failed and it ran away from me. Although damage to the fence was only minor,

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the mower would not start again and it is presently at the Stihl Shop in Drury, where hopefully it is being repaired.

What would we do without or regular backup people and maintenance professionals. The Stihl Shop team hasn’t let me down yet so, with a bit of luck, I’ll be out mowing again pretty soon.

Next, we had a power outage which meant we couldn’t open our electronic gates. We have a special key which allows us to open them manually but after a frantic search for it we then couldn’t remember how it worked so we had to wait for a very able serviceman from Trilect Automation to come and get things going.

But, that wasn’t the end of the gate saga.

The keypad also suffered from the outage and wouldn’t work. This had to be totally

replaced but at last that’s back to normal although we also had difficulty with the broadband, computer and phones. Best thing, though, NO EMAILS for a week! To top it all off the Chiefs lost and our hens are on a go-slow.

Now to brighter things – the weather people are predicting a warm winter which will keep the grass growing and the gardens looking lovely. Our animals also seem to love this mild weather and all is great on the horse front, too but I’ll bring you up to date on them next month.

To finish, I would like to thank all those people who have approached me with complimentary remarks about Rural Living.

Most of them have been unknown to me so it’s particularly nice to hear from them.

Keep on coming on, and – Go the Chiefs!

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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 little bird told me....

L ittle boys with few toys at hand will likely prove a handful even for their parents but when one grandfather was left with two young grandsons for a day – and no kiddie equipment – he came up with what might be called a ‘half baked’ idea.

“We’re going to make bird food,” he declared a day or two out. Then he went shopping. And back he came with unsalted peanut butter, 450g dripping, packet of dried fruit, packet of pumpkin seeds, raisins, molasses, breadcrumbs, bag of wild bird seed, plastic netting and a number of accessories such as string and staples.

The next step was to find the tui food book – packed with recipes for feeding native and other birds. Next step was to make three or four mesh feeders to hang in the trees and also to gather some small sticks. A couple of hours later all was ready.

Next day, as grandmother headed for work, grandsons arrived full of excitement about the make and bake operation.

Before long the trio were apparently hard at work mixing and moulding this with that; coating the sticks with molasses then rolling in seed or breadcrumbs; melting the dripping, adding the fruit and so on, the three-year-old, wildly enthusiastic; the six year old, perhaps a tad

Patience is a virtue and some birds need plenty of it when waiting for their winter breakfast, the homemade kind that is!

too interested in slipping the ipad into the pile of ‘essential’ equipment.

But, he was no match for a wily grandfather who said no gaming for the birds! And, so, it was all hands to the stove,

then up the ladder to hang the mesh-filled containers and to delicately balance sticky sticks covered in molasses and seeds amongst the tree branches.

It proved an exacting day. Little fingers were, indeed, kept occupied but ‘Grampsy’ was left exhausted. And, if ‘Nanny’ thought she had dodged the feeding of the five thousand...birds, she was in for a surprise.

“What happened to my kitchen!” she cried. “Don’t ask” he replied.

To give grandfather his due he’d made a fair job of cleaning up the greasy, slippery dripping that seemed to coat ever surface, including the floor which was also littered with stray seeds, globules of peanut butter and fruit, a spattering of breadcrumbs and more.

Now the moral to this story is: if early birds miss the worms, they will still get fed albeit it late in the day.

On the other hand, while feeding the birds is admirable, if your 30 minutes of pleasure is at the expense of two days preparation and several hours of mess and muddle, capped by utter exhaustion, then turn to Rural Living’s WIN page where our friends at Creative Woodcraft have put up a great prize for bird lovers – two bird feeders plus wild bird seed valued at just over $100.

No mess, no distress and the birds as happy as Larry; Grampsy, too.

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Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 9

Over

the gate

With mayoral candidate

Phil Goff

Good golly, Goff’s running for office again! As former leader of the opposition and Clevedon lifestyler, Phil Goff, prepares to make his play for the Auckland mayoralty, Rural Living posed a few questions to him... Over the Gate.

What were your principle reasons for entering the mayoralty race?

I’m a born and bred Aucklander and I love the city as it’s a great place to live. With the Super City there is a real opportunity to make a difference for the better.

After working in Parliament for a long time, I know how central government functions and how to make it responsive to Auckland’s needs. There are huge challenges ahead, but I relish that sort of challenge and the chance to build a better Auckland.

Do you expect (considering your rural connections) you’ll fetch the favour of rural voters in particular?

I have an advantage in understanding the issues and concerns of the countryside.

When I was up in Warkworth recently, members of the Northern Action Group, wanting to break away from Auckland City, complained that Auckland Council wouldn’t know anything about being on tank water and using septic tanks. I explained that’s been my situation for the past 25 years!

What animals do you raise; do you grow your own crops?

We run white-face steers and Romney sheep and a huntaway-beardie cross dog called Belle who’s supposed to be a sheep dog! We have always had a small vegetable garden and run about an acre of gardens around the house. Mary is a keen gardener and calls me in as a labourer when I’m at home.

How involved are you on the farm?

Is farm work cleansing for the soul compared to politics?

I like to work on the farm for recreation and exercise. I try to keep rabbits and possums under control, help with drenching and docking. I enjoy fencing and maintaining the property, while Mary is the expert at delivering the lambs.

10 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

After working in my electorate of Mt Roskill and at parliament for six days in the week, it’s good to get out on the farm working in my jeans, tee shirt and gumboots. When I was Trade and Foreign Minister I would come home from the crowded cities of Asia, or the Middle East, wander out and lie in the green paddocks, breathing in the fresh air while looking up at the clear sky and thank God I lived in New Zealand!

How about Mary? How busy is she kept with farm work, particularly when you’re away?

Mary works part of the week as school secretary at Hunua Primary School but really carries the responsibility for day-today management of the farm. She loves gardening. Born in the Waikato and raised in Mangere, she now enjoys working in a rural school and living in the countryside.

If elected Mayor, will you commute from Clevedon to the city? If so, do you intend to ride the rails, get on your bike or join the throng on the Southern Motorway?

I will commute, which has its challenges.

My number one hate is road congestion in Auckland, when I can waste hours of my day stuck in traffic. My kids, who work as an electrician, refrigeration engineer and for an industry training organisation, all have to travel each day around the city.

They all complain about the time wasted in traffic and gridlock. According to experts, congestion costs the city up to $3 billion a year in lost productivity.

Public transport, unfortunately, isn’t an option for rural dwellers. I use a motorbike if I need to avoid being caught in congestion. I try to avoid peak hour travel and by working late avoid the evening traffic snarl.

How can you succeed with Auckland where (perhaps) Len Brown failed?

The power of the mayor is the power to persuade, and the mayor’s power is greater

when he or she has a united Auckland behind them when advocating for the city to central government. If you can’t unite the city, and if government senses that you don’t have a strong mandate, you are restricted in what you can achieve.

The skills I would need to exercise as mayor are those I have acquired after years of work as an MP and a minister: in building and managing a team to problem solve and to be a strong advocate for the people.

How would you sum up Len Brown’s tenure, and could John Palino make a good mayor or should he stick to the restaurant biz?

I think his [Mr Brown’s] first term was successful but he was hobbled by the problems he had in the second. [in regards to Mr Palino] that’s for the public to decide. My campaign is about what I stand for and have to offer. I’m not about to run a campaign based on criticising my opponents.

Much like John Key, you came from humble beginnings. Is this where the comparison ends, or are there any other major characteristics you two share?

We both made our own way in life but were helped by family members who didn’t have the opportunities we enjoyed.

We both benefited from the opportunities provided by the public education system Labour built up. We both work long hours.

However, I think I remember better where I came from and feel stronger about wanting everybody to have the same chance to do well in life. I grew up fighting for causes and values I believed strongly in, such as opposing apartheid and the nuclear arms race. I wanted to challenge injustice and I still have a passion for creating a better and fairer world.

I understand your children (Kristopher, Sara, and Kieran) attended Papakura High School. Why didn’t you send them to private schools? www.ruralliving.co.nz

I went to Papatoetoe High School and received the best education I could have benefited from. I’ve always advocated sending your kids to the local school, so I practiced what I preached.

Any ambitions to return to parliament, or perhaps (as with Helen Clark) pursue a diplomatic role, or is local body politics liable to be your focus from now on?

No. My focus is now on Auckland and the challenges that it presents. I’m not looking beyond that.

When you do finally retire, will it be to your Clevedon home or further afield?

I’ve given no thought at all to retirement.

I find the challenge of public service stimulating and have the energy, good health and commitment to keep working long hours. I love living where we are and have no intentions of moving from there.

If you could be Mayor of Auckland for only one day, what would you do first and why?

The challenges we face are long term and won’t be resolved in a day, a year or the term of a single council. The biggest challenge will be to remedy our transport congestion. After that, the second biggest will be to work to make housing more affordable for new home buyers to restore the Kiwi dream of owning your own home.

If you could grow any crop or raise any animal (real or imagined) what and why?

I grew up with horses and would have one now if I had the time to look after one; having a motorbike is easier, you just lock it in the barn and it doesn’t need much attention! I’d also like to have chooks so we could have fresh eggs, but Mary says ‘no’, not if she’s the one that has to look after them!

If you could invite any three politicians (living or dead) to dinner, who and why?

Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and Michael Joseph Savage. They were all political leaders who were selfless and served their countries with courage, principle and determination. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 11 Photo Wayne Martin

Tryst secret taken to grave Journalists are accustomed to dealing with grave matters but when ANGELA KEMP started looking into restoration plans for a century old tombstone she didn’t expect to be literally standing in the Pokeno cemetery pondering a well kept secret.

O

ne of the district’s hidden gems is the charming Grade II listed St Mary on the Hill Anglican Church in Pokeno.

It is a couple of kilometres away from the main area of settlement today being on the eastern side of the motorway. But its location on Avon Road was at the heart of the area’s early farming community.

Today it shares services with St Peter’s in Bombay but had its five minutes of fame when it was used for a recent TV commercial featuring the All Blacks as guests at a fictional wedding.

It was built through the generosity of one of Pokeno’s early benefactors, Miss Harriet Johnston, who immigrated from England in 1892 aged 63 to live with another British settler, the much younger Francis Pyne.

Francis was just 26 when he welcomed the spinster to the 700- acre farm and homestead he had purchased two years earlier and where they were both to see out their days.

Although Francis took a bride in 1894 he continued to live with Miss Johnston.

The Pyne’s had one daughter, Marion, and further intrigue about the nature of their relationship has been fuelled by Marion’s middle name being Johnston.

Whatever the connection between Harriet and Francis was, there is no doubt they were two of Pokeno’s most generous benefactors whose legacy survives to this day.

And, now, the role they had in shaping the settlement is being officially recognised with the restoration of the grave they share in Pokeno Cemetery.

The grave is in a poor state of repair with the cross obelisk on a dangerous lean.

Although it is made of quality granite the grave was never built with proper footings when it was erected in 1916 and is sliding down the hillside.

Thanks to a grant from Waikato District Council and the generosity of former local monumental mason, Paul Harris, the restoration is set to go ahead this year which marks the centenary of Harriet’s death.

Local historians have long pondered on the connection between the elderly spinster and Francis Pyne but the general concensus is that Harriet was

12 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

Above: The crumbling grave of Harriet Johnston and Francis Pyne. Below: St Mary on the Hill.

his benefactor, and that it was she who provided the funds for the land purchase.

Mary on the Hill Anglican worship has been held in the Pokeno district since the early 1860s. Initially, worship was held at the Queen’s Redoubt where a small wooden church was built but this burnt down in 1867.

Following that, services were held in a number of locations, including the local school, a practice that continued for the remainder of the century.

After Francis Pyne married Bertha, Harriet provided funding for several projects including donating the $600 cost of rebuilding Pokeno community hall. She also keenly supported the tennis club.

As the district grew in population the need for a permanent church became apparent and, again, Harriet Johnston stepped up to the mark.

In 1899 she donated eight acres from the farm to the Anglican Diocese of Auckland on which to build a church and vicarage.

Diocesan architect, Edward Bartley, drew up plans for the new St Mary’s. The result has been described as a miniature masterpiece of Gothic revival.

It cost $690 to build, paid for by Harriet, who also donated a peal of three bells supplied by the same foundry that made Big Ben. She also agreed to pay $50 towards the cost of the vicar’s stipend during her lifetime.

On her death in 1916, her estate passed to Francis. He died in 1926 at the age of 59 and was buried in the same plot as Harriet.

His daughter, Marion died two years later, aged 32, without marrying, and his widow, Bertha died in 1954 in Tauranga.

There are no other descendants.

Francis was also well known in the district having served as chairman of the Pokeno Roads Board for several years.

At the completion of the restoration there will be a public unveiling and blessing of the monument.

This will be followed by a gathering at Pokeno Hall where an outline of the lives of Harriet Johnston and Francis Pyne will be given. www.ruralliving.co.nz

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

Where there’s a Wilcox, there’s a Winner!

W

ith three quarters of finalists in the recent NZ Young Vegetable Grower competition springing from our own backyard, the prospect of Pukekohe producing back-to-back winners appeared highly likely.

And, a local-lockout was realised in late April when AS Wilcox & Sons’ technical advisor, Andrew Hutchinson, claimed the title. He follows on from his co-worker, Hamish Gates, who was pick of the bunch last year.

“Winning the competition was really unexpected and this year’s competition had some of the best young growers I’ve met,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to competing at

Andrew Hutchinson

the national final and will be stepping up my preparation over the next few months.”

Andrew competed against fellow finalists Amrik Singh (Purewal Growers, Pukekohe), Daniel Fong (Perfect Produce, Pukekohe) and Lincoln Roper (Roper & Son, Christchurch).

Receiving a prize pack including a professional development tour to Australia and $1,500 cash, Andrew will go on to compete for the national 2016 Young Grower of the Year title in July.

Should he prove successful then, he will then compete against winners from a range of other horticultural sectors for the prestigious Young Horticulturalist of the Year accolades later this year.

all’s fare With riCh aWards Wickes-ever way the judges vote, the cream is liable to rise to the top when Jo Elwin, Ray McVinnie, Jeff Scott and Nici Wickes proclaim who’s tops in taste during the 2016 New Zealand Food Awards.

Run in association with Massey University, the awards see food and beverage manufacturers, primary food producers, service providers and ingredient suppliers compete for a place at the industry’s top table, Massey University vice-chancellor, Steve Maharey, says.

“The awards celebrate the best in New Zealand for food and beverage production manufacturing, nutrition, enterprise and food safety. It is an opportunity for companies to generate recognition for their brands in an industry that makes up New Zealand’s largest export earner.”

Entries close July 15; see foodawards.co.nz for details.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

anOther fish tO fly – CaUght at airpOrt

a

passenger arriving at Auckland Airport recently has avoided being slapped with a fine, which is most certainly better than a slap across the face with a wet fish!

Arriving from Vietnam, the man rightly declared that he was in possession of a “wet fish”, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) manager, David Sims, says.

“The traveller’s English wasn’t very fluent and we initially thought he was carrying frozen or dried fish... it was a surprise when he pulled out the plastic bags!”

MPI seized five live Siamese fighting fish, which have since been humanely euthanised.

“We’re pleased the passenger knew to declare the fish. They came from an unknown source so may have been carrying diseases that could devastate local freshwater fish populations,” Mr Sims adds.

“It appears the message is getting through to international air passengers that they need to declare any biosecurity risk items when they arrive.”

While this interception is unusual, it’s not the first time MPI staff have seized live fish at the airport. In 2013, an air passenger was prosecuted after attempting to smuggle live tropical fish in his trouser pockets.

Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 15

Lead shot sparks fiery debate W ith duck hunters aiming for a successful season, animal rights’ activists have taken a pot shot at the sport.

Hans Kriek from SAFE argues that a legal ‘loophole’ regarding use of lead shot – allowed only in smaller gauge shotguns – is leading to unnecessary suffering.

He says not only will approximately one million birds be killed and maimed, but many are being slowly poisoned after ingesting lead shot mistaken for grit.

“The massacre has been going on for many years despite plenty of evidence of the suffering it causes. The nature of shotgun shooting means many birds are not killed outright [and] die a lingering death,” he says.

“Many hunters have switched to lighter guns to avoid the [lead shot] ban.

Government [should] close this loophole so hunters can no longer poison our environment. Given the carnage already caused, banning all lead shot is the least they can do to lessen the damage to our wildlife and environment.”

However, this argument seems to have gone down like a lead pellet with others.

While Don Rood from Fish & Game supports the existing ban on lead shot, he disputes Mr Kreik’s implication that its use is in any way widespread.

“SAFE’s claims that ‘many hunters’ are switching to smaller gauges to use lead shot is inaccurate. There is no evidence showing a mass migration of hunters away from 12 gauge shotguns [and] hunters don’t consider smaller gauges to be as effective.”

The number using smaller gauges (such as 16, 20 and .410) is tiny – around 5-8% of licence holders – and largely restricted

Hunters also under the gun While the SAFE-ty of birds is being debated, humans too could fall victim during the hunting season.

The importance of gun safety was highlighted soon after the season began earlier this month with three accidents reported within the first few hours.

Don Rood from Fish & Game maintains that although serious duck hunting accidents are rare, they can and do happen.

to beginners as they [the guns]are lighter, fire less shot and deliver a less forceful recoil, Mr Rood adds.

“Lead ammunition remains legal for other hunting and pest control, but Fish & Game began phasing out of lead shot

“We urge hunters and those close to them to think carefully about handling firearms. No duck is worth ignoring the basic gun safety rules.

We don’t want to be seen as trying to drum too many regulations into people, but our fervent wish is that all hunters end up safely back with their families at the end of the day,” he says.

For comprehensive gun safety advice, see fishandgame.org.nz.

around the turn of the century with a voluntary ban, and introduced a full ban in 2005,” he says.

“We strictly enforce this and prosecute anyone using lead shot in 12 gauge shotguns to hunt waterfowl.”

ProUDly MaKiNG stoCKFooD siNCe 1957

Wintertime Deals!

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llayer Mash

Prices subject to change.

Wheat

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$24.20 for25kg

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

Se e St us a an t d Fie No ld 23 ays

W

hile some members of his family may beg to differ, it’s looking like Franklin’s best Foote will be put forward at Fieldays (June 15-18).

Kaleb Foote (21) of Glen Murray is set to contest the coveted Golden Gumboot in the popular Rural Bachelor of the Year competition.

Although the Intermediate NZ shearing champion says shearing is his number one skill, followed by tractor driving and sheep and beef handling, at Rural Living we think he should have no trouble handling the ladies either!

When asked to describe his perfect date, Kaleb says he doesn’t see himself as “Joe romantic” and is just looking for a few laughs and flowing conversation.

Kaleb and co will undertake a range of challenges – from fencing and log-splitting to speed dating – as Fieldays aims to sort the men from the boys.

Other ‘must-see’ Fieldays attractions include: ◆ National Fencing Championships: in fencing, real men don’t wear masks! This competition will go down to the wire as our finest fencers battle for the Golden Pliers and Silver Spades ◆ Tractor Pull 2016: the weight of expectation hangs in the air as big boy’s toys are pushed to their limits ◆ Innovations: featuring No.8 wire thinking at its finest with inventions ranging from large scale creations designed for vast farming operations, to tricky gadgets for lifestylers ◆ Ag Art Wear: combining many farm materials with fashion, designers’ garments are given their turn on the catwalk ◆ Kiwi’s Best Kitchen: a fine feast awaits foodies as the secrets of master chefs – including Michael Van de Elzen and Chelsea Winter – are revealed For more information, see fieldays.co.nz. And, remember that the early bird is seldom stuck in traffic!

02258-v2

SICK AND TIRED OF THE MESS? KEEP EVERYTHING IN ORDER SEE YOU AT MYSTERY CREEK!

The family!

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Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 17

Hansen a strong,

reliable Kiwi invention

freigh yard dealer’s

SERIES 2 ROCK SPIKE INCLUDES

• 4 Bank Valve hydraulic top link and angle adjustment • Rock Spike kitset incudes 90mm Spike & Rock Spike cap • 4.25m 150uc beam • 270 kg hammer • Adjustable legs

SPECIAL PRICE

$ 14,800+GST

RRP $17,340 +GST

KINGHITTER TT

INCLUDES

• 4.25m (150UC) Beam • 270kg Hammer • 6 Bank Valve • Hydraulic Hinge • 250mm Mast Shift • 900mm Side Shift

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$ 23,850+GST

LA

POSTDRIVER SPECIALS

ND

more than 2000 products has ensured a loyal customer following, through the generations.

Hansen Products continues to design, manufacture and distribute pipe fittings and valves of the highest quality and has built a worldwide reputation for quality.

“Bert’s thinking was, ‘keep it simple and do it right first time’; this still rings true today,” says Steve. “The Hansen company philosophy is ‘providing best installed value for our customers’. Our products are not only well priced but we believe ‘install them once - install them right’ and you will get the results you are expecting.

“If you’re not happy then call us 0800 H2O FIX (0800 426 349) and we will come to you as we are proud of our backup support and aftercare service.”

N

E FRt E to local

Superflo Trough Valve

EW

ZE

A

IN

range in plastic. Bert and Dawn’s focus was on what farmers wanted. Their policy was to eliminate existing problems farmers had with other products.

This meant rigorous testing, but with no fancy test labs they had Kiwi farmers test the products. Those that passed the ‘farmer test’ were given the thumbs up and were then released for sale.

Since then Hansen has released many new products which have all come from farmer’s feedback, but the company sticks to Bert and Dawn’s original principles.

“Hansen understands farmers can experience problems daily,” Steve says.

“Our dedicated water system specialist team visits clients on-farm to test water systems, help solve any problems and will suggest which products would be better suited to individual applications.”

Of course, the company, still based in Whangarei, has evolved since the 1950’s. The winning formula applied to

MA DE

T

he Hansen story started in the 1950’s. Bert and Dawn Hansen were building their family home in Whangarei when entrepreneurial Bert couldn’t find a reliable toilet valve so he invented one!

This set the couple on a new course – the beginning of Hansen Products which, today, exports to 18 countries.

After that first invention, Bert developed a range of high performance, cost efficient valves and fittings, which are still sold into rural markets around the world.

“This little New Zealand, family-owned business was initially operated from Bert and Dawn’s garage where all the machining, assembling and packaging was carried out. They worked long hours to keep up with demand,” says today’s company director, Steve Sharpe.

By the early 1970’s the Hansen’s realised that plastic was the way of the future and they redeveloped the original

RANCHER DELUXE ON TERMINATOR BASE RANCHER DELUXE INCLUDES

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$ 13,750+GST RRP $15,325 +GS

T

INCLUDES

• 4m 180UB Mast • 3 Bank Valve • Top Link Ram & Angle Adjustment • 227kg Hammer • Adjustable Legs

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RRP $8,650 +GST

$ 7,990+GST

See your agent for a full price list. NO TRADE INS on this offer.

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Kinghitter Specials_HalfPgHorzntl_RuralLiving_May 2016.indd 1

www.ruralliving.co.nz 16/05/16 2:02 pm

Water System Problems?

O8OO H2O FIX

Come See Us at

Mystery Creek

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A Hansen Water System Specialist will come to you Scan for more info or visit www.hansenproducts.co.nz/wss.html

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Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 19

Proudly Kiwi Owned and Operated Since 1958

Rabbit Control

is fast, efficient and achievable

Good for the Goose…

I

By Ditch Keeling, Coastal Pest Solutions

Coastal Pest Solutions are working in your community – trapping, shooting, poisoning and dog work.

Non toxic rabbit control is available.

• Possums • Rabbits & Hares • Ferrets, Stoats & Weasels • Rats & Mice • Feral Cats • Goats • Pigs • Deer • Pest Bird Control • Wasps

Protect your land and environment from all animal pests, call us today!

Coastal Pest Solutions Wild Animal Control & Biosecurity Services 18 Years’ Professional Experience

Tel: 09 536 6020 Mob: 027 393 2125 Email: info@coastalpestsolutions.co.nz

www.coastalpestsolutions.co.nz 11655

WALKERS

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

YOU NAME IT – WE’LL KILL IT! Controlling your pests since 1988 Phone 238 9885 Mobile 0274 789 857 Main Highway, Paerata 02055-v2

answered the door rather wearily and said: “I thought I told you to go and ask all the local farmers?”

“Yeah, well, I’ve been to every farm from here to Bombay and they’ve all told me to come and see you,” he replied.

I let him in and put the jug on.

Goose, (formerly known as Liam) had made several approaches over a couple of years wanting to learn about the professional side of pest control and I had been working hard to send him on his way.

Great kid, but just one of many people that get in touch with me claiming an undying love for shooting stuff.

Now, to be fair, I had needed help for a long time (everyone tells me I’m VERY hard to get hold of) but one experience with a mature trainee had left me pretty dubious about my ability to pick the right candidate. It was entirely my own fault, all the signs were there from the beginning but still it took me six months to realise the guy simply could not shoot. Doh! With all this in mind I started talking with the lanky kid in stubbies and red-bands sitting awkwardly in front of me. He had left school and gone straight to farming school and, like me, something about the schooling system had not clicked with Goose. He couldn’t wait to get out in a paddock and work some stock.

Not many kids grow up that way anymore so he certainly had me a little interested. I made all sorts of promises about teaching him what I could in our spare time, Never did keep that promise.

Eighteen months ago he was back, still in stubbies, a LOT taller and still keen as mustard. I was sweating over how to get a big possum op done at the time, so I tried getting him out of there pronto.

“Um, actually, would you like some work experience trapping possums?” I asked in

a moment of genius. The look in his eyes answered me and our journey began.

Goose has been full-time with me since that very day and it has been one heck of a journey; Watching this young guy’s skills progress from possum trapper and poisoner, to rabbit fumigator has been hugely rewarding.

His skills now as a contract shooter are second to none (except mine, of course!) and I am so very proud of what he delivers.

Having 100% confidence that someone can safely deliver the results in such a challenging field takes a lot of training. Goose did six months observing my shooting before I even let him pick up a gun, an approach that has obviously worked really well.

Many of you would have met Goose by now so you’ll know what I mean about the sideways glances at the young bloke telling you he’s about to shoot your back paddocks!

To all of you that have had Goose work on your land, thank you. By doing this you have invested in a young guy’s future and in the next generation of real professional shooters. We look forward to seeing y’all soon.

RATS & MICE

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

. . .

E D INSI As our region booms it pays to turn over a new leaf and investigate what leading local businesses are doing to stay up with the play.

See inside for inspiring better business stories.

BLOOM BEAUTIFUL! Skin care and personal pampering is this team’s forté.

You too can blossom at Bloom Beauty where relaxation and rejuvenation is a priority.

JUST THE TONIC! Karaka residents are in for a healthy dose of medicines plus a whole lot more when the doors to the new Unichem Karaka Pharmacy in Hingaia Road open. Just what the doctor ordered!

CLEAN SWEEP! When you’re clean out of puff, who do you call for all those commercial grade products to keep your premises in sparkling condition? Counties Cleaning Supplies of course! www.ruralliving.co.nz

It’s a Matter of Trust

At your service across Franklin W

elcome to another Franklin Business Showcase – the ideal opportunity for local businesses, and those beyond our border, to tell readers of the great opportunities available to them across a wide range of retail, commercial and professional services.

Many company owners are also local residents, some residing in Franklin for a number of years, even generations. These are people who believe passionately in the services and goods they provide and say they genuinely want to ensure Franklin people receive the best in every way possible.

In this issue, we feature everything from the new Karaka Unichem Pharmacy, the Laser Eye Clinic in Pukekohe and Counties Cleaning Supplies through to fabulous Szimpla Restaurant in the Auckland Airport precinct, Rainbow Curtains, gazebos from Living Outdoor and Cairnscorp, the experts in awnings and canvas products

So why traipse to the city or go miles in every direction looking for the right company to meet your needs when there is every likelihood you’ll find it here, on your own doorstep, among professionals who believe they empathise best with local requirements?

Readers will find a cavalcade of useful information ranging from ways to improve their homes inside and out to personal needs and fulfilment – dressing in style, keeping fit, buying a car and so much more.

What’s more there is even a deal to be had with some businesses posting specials.

Close at hand so they are easy to access, Franklin businesses cover virtually every requirement. All readers need do, is pick up the phone and call them or, alternatively, log on to individual websites where they can see a full update of team members, services and goods offered plus buying opportunities such as shopping carts, special deals and other information.

Everyone from rural residents through to townspeople can benefit from learning more about companies that believe they bring the very best service to the area and which pride themselves on their integrity and the fact that they the offer quality products and well know the region’s demographic and needs.

But, first, take a look through the Showcase, read the stories behind many able businesses, see if the service you require is here and if you don’t need it today, file away the magazine for day when you do need it – Franklin is home to some of the best!

Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 21

Milkwel Dairy Cow Feeds • Get some balance in your dairy herd diet • Reduce cow health problems • Improve conception rates • Achieve higher milk yields

Talk to us about a dairy cow feed to suit your herd

Dairy Dollar Watcher Meal

Get some quality into a budget feed now, to help reduce cow health problems.

TYPICAL ANALYSIS DM% ME C Protein C Fat Fibre

87.4 11.58 13.10 0.21 0.17

Contains ingredients selected from: PKE, maize, hominy, wheat broll, limeflour, molasses.

Dairy Winter Energy Meal A balanced early season formulation to provide cows with high levels of protein and energy in the colder months.

TYPICAL ANALYSIS DM% ME C Protein C Fat Fibre

88.23 12.99 15.67 0.13 0.39

Contains ingredients selected from: maize, hominy, wheat broll, cottonseed meal, megalac, limeflour, molasses, MgO, soyabean hulls.

Enquire about our prices ex mill on meal or pellets, bulk feed and bagged lots

Are you rearing calves?

Become a Milkwel customer and pick up a FREE 20kg bag of Milkwel Calf Candy Starter or Calf Candy Grower!

Call in at Tuakau Grain Feed Mill, 104 Bollard Rd, Tuakau (near the saleyards) Limit one bag per customer

Quality performance calf feed.

High in protein, high in energy.

A coating of molasses makes it highly palatable.

Calves love it, see them grow!

email: sales@milkwel.co.nz 22 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

Ph 09 236 9624 www.ruralliving.co.nz

02024

Goes with the grain!

I

f there’s one company locals can truly call, “amaizing” it’s A&A Welch Ltd, a long-time local business which has been part of the Tuakau district for more than 60 years.

Originally located in Harrisville and associated with poultry farming, egg production, meat poultry, and feeds for poultry farms, A&A Welch Ltd (incorporated in 1954) now operates three separate businesses, all based on maize or corn, and all at its Bollard Road site, purchased in 1989.

The founding Welch family have lived and worked in area for a number of generations, building up a sound Kiwi business, which is still proudly 100% New Zealand-owned and operated by Denis and Christine Welch.

When the present site was purchased it was already home to a small grain drying and storage business. Over the years more and more maize has been grown in Northland and in the Waikato which meant the demand for maize drying and silo storage just kept increasing. As a result the company bought more silos. Some were relocated from another feed mill in the lower North Island while others were purchased new from Spain, assembled and added to the complex.

Today Tuakau Grain – one of the three identities that come under A&A Welch Ltd – is one of New Zealand’s largest, privatelyowned maize-drying and storage facilities, capable of storing around 22,000 tonnes of maize in silos. Each year, maize is harvested on farms from March to June then trucked in bulk to the Tuakau mill, where it is dried and stored ready for use.

A second identity, Corn Products Ltd is a specialist food grade milling facility operating under strict food hygiene conditions. Here, special varieties of maize or corn are milled into various food grade

ingredients such as cornflour, semolina and polenta, then sold for use in baked food products. Various particular grades of milled corn are sold to food manufacturers and can end up in cornflakes, breakfast cereals, snack bars, corn chips and tortilla cases. No part of the milled maize or corn is wasted.

Another business, again on the same site but in a separate building, is Milkwel Dairy Feeds Ltd. While the humans receive the cornflour and the corn pieces in one form or another, dairy animals get the portion that is high in protein and high in energy. At Milkwel Dairy Feeds, the process of extracting the cornflour leaves behind the corn seed husk and seed germ of the corn which makes a highly nutritious animal feed called hominy.

Dairy cow meal and calf feed pellets have been developed by blending maize hominy with other ingredients that can come from barley, cottonseed meal, wheat broll, limeflour, molasses, soya-bean meal, salt, vitamins and minerals. These ingredients are used to make a range of bagged and bulk, high quality dairy feeds which are all manufactured to FeedSafeNZ standards.

So, whether it’s your breakfast cereal or the kids enjoying Mexican tortillas or dairy cows and calves feeding on meal or pellets, there is a good chance the corn-based ingredients spent some time at the Tuakau Grain Mill – a company that has thrived on hard graft and best practices.

104 Bollard Road, Tuakau. Phone 09 236 9624 Email sales@milkwel.co.nz, www.tuakaugrain.co.nz www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 23

Tim, Colleen, Graham, Bruce, Gill, Lois, Layne.

Counting on a Counties clean S

pring might be the traditional time to dust off that cleaning gear; however, as winter closes in, Layne Shepherd from Counties Cleaning Supplies (CCS) advises now is as good a time as any.

“Coming home in the dark and grumbling about all those projects we never managed over spring and summer is no fun, and plans to sort out the outdoors are often stalled by poor weather.

So, before winter sets in properly, it’s a great time to polish off such tasks.”

Locally born and bred, the Pukekohe family has owned and operated CCS for more than 20 years. Supplying commercial-grade cleaning consumables and equipment, the company provides everything needed to keep Franklin (and beyond) looking spick and span. But it’s not just professionals who have seen how clean Counties can get.

“Businesses and community organisations trust our equipment and products to get the job done quickly and effectively. However, as time is always in short supply for homeowners, members of the general public also order from us direct,” Layne explains.

“Over the years, we’ve tried out a wide range of products and equipment to ensure our customers won’t need to deal in trial and error – they trust us to provide the best on the market and that’s just what we deliver!”

To Layne and team, clean green is par for the course.

“Green products may be kinder on the environment but they certainly take no prisoners when it comes to cleaning! Wherever possible (which it mostly is), we source genuine green-certified products.”

While CCS can assist with many household cleaning tasks, commitment to commercial customers has seen the business grow in leaps and bounds.

“For schools, sports clubs and businesses of all sorts, we provide tailor-made cleaning solutions. Such organisations simply can’t leave good cleaning practices to chance; it can easily hit them in the pocket if they do!

“From janitorial supplies, washroom consumables, vacuums, scrubbers, sweepers and carpet extraction machines, to free chemical and product training, we make it our business to keep their businesses looking their best. Our systems and product approach also sets us apart, as we’re focused on providing the most suitable products to help customers get the job done.”

And, service doesn’t stop there; CCS offers free delivery for orders valued at $100 or more.

“Of course, this benefits our commercial customers more so than householders. Having said that, lifestylers often place orders to this value and even higher; our products are worth their weight in gold when it comes to many cleaning tasks down on the farm.”

We are suppliers to a wide range of businesses, local communities, schools, local government and the general public.

We are the industry experts in domestic, commercial and industrial products and equipment. With over 65 years of industry experience amongst the team – we know what we’re talking about.

Clean ◊ Educate ◊ Innovate 6 NELSON STREET, PUKEKOHE • PHONE 0800 737 849 • www.countiescleaning.co.nz 02249

24 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

www.ruralliving.co.nz

the ultimate garden feature

M

ost Kiwis are as at home in the garden as they are indoors – decks, courtyards, gazebos and man caves are an extended part of the home, ensuring outdoor living is available almost all year round. And that’s where Living Outdoors comes into play.

With more than 25 years experience working to help clients achieve their vision, Living Outdoors is committed to producing long-lasting, quality products that can be a focal point of the garden. Whether it’s a gazebo, spa chalet or shed, Living Outdoors provides quality products built from treated, premium-grade timber and top rate fittings to ensure durability.

Services provided: Living Outdoors offers consultation, manufacturing, delivery and installation. The company also offers painting /staining of products and for those who wish to assemble a gazebo, spa chalet or shed themselves, step-by-step assembly instructions are catered to individual products.

Working with you: Living Outdoors is set apart from other manufacturers by their products being custom-made and they work closely with clients to achieve what they want. Design options are endless!

A word from Allan… At Living Outdoors Ltd we believe that your gazebo/spa chalet is an investment. It must look and feel great as well as being strong enough to last a lifetime. It is my belief that customer satisfaction is paramount. In looking for a gazebo manufacturer it is important to look for three key factors: ■ Design – Does it look good? Is it balanced?

■ Durability – Will it still look good in 10 years time? How long will it last?

■ Flexibility – Can I get what I want or do I have to settle for what they want?

Testimonial … Thank you so much for your assistance and quality to have a 4.0m Octagonal Gazebo designed and installed. The quality of the product and your team are an obvious indication of your professionalism and business.” – Luke Harley, General Manager, Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel Contact me on 0800 GAZEBO or info@gazebo.co.nz today to discuss your Living Outdoors needs.

cairnScorp – the canvaS & pvc people

C

airnscorp ‘sailed’ into local business more than 100 years ago and have been successfully ‘canvassing’ the area ever since.

Providing quality products and services to Franklin and Auckland homeowners, businesses, growers, and transport operators, the company specialises in awnings and shade sails.

However, Cairnscorp also puts an emphasis on year round comfort in the home and thus manufactures exterior screens that keep out the wind and the rain but do not obstruct the light or view. These can be conveniently rolled away or zipped up when not required. The easy to use Ziptrak system – available in clear PVC or mesh – has proved popular for its effectiveness and great pricing.

Company director, Julie Madden says screens are a great way to add value and living space to a deck, pool or patio area. “If you need a canopy, we manufacture those too including a heavy duty model particularly suited to high wind areas.”

Custom-made shade sails, which provide UV protection and shelter, are available in a range of colours with high quality stainless steel fittings for home, school or kindergartens. Cairnscorp also offers a removal and cleaning service to take sails down before winter so they are protected from high winds and mould. “We then reinstall them in spring,” says Ms Madden.

Cairnscorp is also a local supplier of high quality, Shade 7 European umbrellas as seen in décor magazines. Call into the showroom at 33 Nelson St, Pukekohe to see samples and colour swatches. And, those seeking sturdy outdoor storage for hay, vehicles or the like, should call in at the showroom and talk about Shelter Station covers. These are portable and available in a range of sizes.

In addition, Cairnscorp manufactures cricket pitch covers, protection pads, truck curtains, machinery covers and ute covers – in fact, almost anything made from PVC or canvas. Services include domestic repairs for bags, jackets, covers, new zips and componentry, tent repairs – bring these in now and avoid the summer rush!

Confirm your Ziptrack Screens before 30 June, 2016, mention this advert and go in the draw to win an Electric Outdoor Heater

WE CAN COVER IT!

• Close in your deck or pergola • We do canopies too!

12695

Entry into this draw cannot be used with any other promotion

www.ruralliving.co.nz

0800 75 76 77

The Canvas and PVC People

www.cairnscorp.co.nz 12359

Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 25

Small business, big on service!

I

t’s a blooming miracle! Plantarama tucked away at the back of Drury is the answer to every garden lover’s prayer. This twoacre nursery is bursting with plants, pots and yard art for every corner of the garden.

And best of all many of the plants, from shrubs to large trees, are well established, competitively priced, large specimens.

Owner Peter Bolam, whose 45 years as a nurseryman and gardener makes him a mine of information when it comes to plants and garden design, is renowned for stocking many hard to find plants. For example, check out the Bonsai collection and when it comes to trees, there’s a mammoth selection – stone fruit, citrus, deciduous, evergreen, exotics, natives, palms and more. “Camellias are in demand right now, citrus too, but this is not a nursery that thinks seasonally,” says Peter. “We try to meet year round demand.”

Catering for sub tropical gardens, dryscapes and those who prefer loads of colour, Peter also provides garden accessories – his selection of pots is vast. They come in various sizes, shapes and colours from cobalt blues and shimmering greens through to purples, chocolate, terracotta and ebony. Gardeners will also find all sorts of ceramics and sculptures, imported by Peter himself so not usually found elsewhere – cats, and frogs, Buddha and dogs, dwarves, horses and many others.

Peter’s the kind of old fashioned nurseryman who loves to share his knowledge – many a novice gardener has trusted his helpful ideas and guidance to give them the right garden result. “It’s small businesses like ours that provide personalised one-to-one service and are prepared to go the extra distance for customers,” Peter says. “We don’t treat them like numbers but we also rely on locals to support us.

“Without their patronage, unique services such as Plantarama would disappear so, I really encourage gardeners, new homeowners and residents overhauling gardens to call in and see what we offer.

Our staff will do everything possible to meet their particular needs.”

Handy to the Southern Motorway’s Drury off ramp, Plantarama is on Great South Rd heading towards Papakura – just drive through Drury village continue for a kilometre or two and you’ll find it on the right. But be prepared to spend some time wandering this expansive garden centre which falls outside the norm.

Decorators on a roll A

lthough a solid finish is usually the last task Mike Watson attends to, he is well aware that it’s the first thing many notice. “Hard work can be wasted if those finishing touches aren’t completed with care and attention,” the Pukekohe Decorators and Door Finishers director says. “Dream homes can become nightmares simply due to a little shoddy painting work.”

Fortunately, this crafty plasterer and painter is on hand to provide picture perfect finishing touches on residential and commercial premises throughout Franklin, greater Auckland and northern Waikato. “We’ll focus on all those small, yet crucial, details so our customers won’t have to. From seamless finishes in painting and plastering, to wallpaper hanging, we’ve been providing quality workmanship and first class customer service since 2004,” he says.

Beginning with free, no-obligation quotes, the Pukekohe Decorators and Door Finishers team provides a comprehensive service, covering furniture and flooring when working then removing all waste materials at job’s end. “We also carry complete liability insurance and strictly adhere to OSH guidelines, so customers can rest assured work will be of the highest of standard and conducted in a safe environment.”

Mike and team can undertake virtually any painting project imaginable. “Thanks to our experience, we can assist with almost any type of painting work. Give us a call, and check out our website to see how first class finishes begin!”

Pukekohe Decorators & Door Finishers Ltd

Two-acre treasure trove of ceramic pots, trees and shrubs, garden ornaments and supplies 524 Great South Road, Drury Phone 09 298 1494 Open 7 days

✔ Specialist garden centre with everything you need in one place ✔ 2 acres of land offers you a huge range of garden products ✔ Get the right advice from experts in garden and landscaping 12747

26 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

Homes/Commercial – Roof Painting Kitchen Spray Painting – Stopping Wallpapering – Airless Spraying Doors – Pools

12509

Painting and Decorating

103c Manukau Road, Pukekohe P. 09 238 1163 E.WATSONS5@IHUG.CO.NZ W. WWW.DOORFINISHERS.CO.NZ www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rochelle, Tracey, Rebecca, Raewyn and Sandy.

Curtain gold at end of Rainbow!

I

f eyes are the windows to the soul, curtains are the windows to the home so it’s important they work perfectly with your decor and lifestyle. Sandy Wilson, from Rainbow Curtains has an uncanny eye for finesse and after a lifetime dealing with interiors, curtain fabrics and colour, she is expert at transforming windows, making them part of your decor statement yet providing the outlook or privacy required.

Together with her team – colour consultant (and daughter) Rochelle Olsen, who has 20 years industry experience and Raewyn Whittam and Tracey Vos, who are the workroom wizards – Sandy has built a reputation for professionalism and creativity. Clients trust her to not only make beautiful curtains and blinds but to help them with their choices including the type of window treatments that would best suit their rooms.

Whether it’s installing a simple roller blind or carrying out a full window makeover, the Rainbow Curtains team has the skills needed for the job plus a showroom brimming with curtain ‘gold’ – the latest fabrics and styles. “Window treatments don’t just visually change the look of a room they can transform the feel or mood,” Rochelle says.

“And, because there are so many exciting window treatments on today’s market, there’s every opportunity to achieve exactly the look you want. However, it’s important to make the right choice.

look larger; they create a subtle ambience and are easy on the eyes.

On the other hand, if the room is large and you would like it to appear cosier, use darker furnishing colours. As well as drawing in the room they will help create a rich and formal ambience.”

Rochelle says correct positioning is also important. “It’s all about location, location, location and although placement of windows can’t always be changed, proper positioning of drapes can make a difference to the overall effect. “If a room has a low ceiling, create an illusion of height by installing curtain track near the ceiling and allow drapes to fall from full height. Where windows are narrow, extend curtain tracks beyond both sides of the frame so that the curtains stack off the window. This will maximise sunlight and make the most of views.”

Sandy and her team specialise in all types of curtains including pinch or French pleating, box or inverted pleats, and also popular Roman blinds.

Rainbow Curtains provides a FREE measure and quote and offers 10% discount on all orders of $1000 or more.

Call today or visit the showroom where the array of fabric options is sure to excite!

“For example, light and pastel colours can make a small room

CURTAINS Fantastic opportunity to invest in top quality fabrics at clearance prices. While stocks last.

Call the girls at Rainbow Curtains for quality and affordable prices Ph/Fax: 09 298 9002 • Email: rainbowcurtains@yahoo.com

www.rainbowcurtains.co.nz www.ruralliving.co.nz

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

Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 27

Keep warm this winter Replace your old joinery with thermally efficient windows that minimise heat loss.

PH 09 238 8828 franklinfirst.co.nz

28 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

www.ruralliving.co.nz 11866

Franklin business a clear success I

t’s clear that Franklin has become a favourite destination for Aucklanders in search of affordable homes. And few have witnessed this more clearly than Robert Brown, owner of Franklin Aluminium.

“When we began trading a little over a year ago, we knew there was a surge in demand for top quality windows and doors in the Franklin region but demand has been beyond anything we expected!” he says. “Fortunately, thanks to an experienced team and the backing of the national First Windows & Doors network, we’ve been able to rise to the occasion.”

Franklin Aluminium may be a relatively new business, but Robert is certainly not new to the industry. Drawing on more than 30 years’ experience, he and his team present their wares at the company’s modern showrooms at 27 Adams Drive, Pukekohe. From sliding and French doors, to sliding, awning and bi-folding windows, to name just a few, the showrooms feature a comprehensive range, with stylish hardware, surface finishes and colours all on offer.

“It can be tough – particularly for people who don’t work in the building industry – to get a solid idea of how our windows and doors will look when in place. That’s why we’ve developed our showroom, which features a wide range of options complete with hands-on displays. By giving people the chance to view products first hand – rather than just out of a catalogue – we’re able to provide one-to-one service, ensuring our customers benefit from our expertise from consultation right through to installation.”

While homeowners are made welcome at Franklin Aluminium’s showroom, industry professionals can also be seen passing through its doors. “There’s a very simple reason why busy builders – including

www.ruralliving.co.nz

such professionals as Jennian Homes Franklin – have come to rely on us; it’s because we have everything they need at prices which won’t break the budget,” Robert says.

With a wide range of products from which to choose, deciding how to frame your outlook on life may seem daunting. However, that’s where Robert and team come in.

“Joinery is the most dominant feature of a home’s exterior and is the most effective way to alter or enhance the look, feel and style of architecture. The first step is working out which products are the right fit for a particular build, budget and lifestyle,” Robert explains.

“For example, the Metro Series and APL Architectural Series are ideal for bold, large format applications, whereas First Residential is perfectly designed for mainstream use. In addition, high thermal efficiency choices utilising the ThermalHEART system need to be considered.”

As the wintery weather begins in earnest, Robert predicts ThermalHEART will draw particular interest. “While colder weather may encourage homeowners to explore this option, ThermalHeart really is designed for year-round comfort as it helps ensure homes are warmer in winter but also cooler during the summer months.”

Because this system is at the centre of each profile in the First Residential ThermalHeart and Metro ThermalHEART series, its benefits can be felt across an extensive variety of standard and customised window and door options. “With today’s cutting edge options, we have options for every situation,” says Robert. “For those renovating or building the range of choices is amazing so, check out our showroom and talk to our team. Be FIRST to talk windows and doors with us!”

Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 29

Abercrombie engraving – all set to impress

W

hile some may only experience the rapture of triumph once in a while, others are lucky (and skilled) enough to partake of victor’s spoils more often. However, few are ever in the winner’s circle as often as Janet Laing.

“Playing our part in many of life’s most glorious moments and having our handiwork in pride of place in homes and sports clubs is wonderful,” the Abercrombie Engraving (AE) director says. “From trophies – such as Auckland club rugby’s famous Gallagher Shield, and the world famous Louis Vuitton Cup – to pewter mugs for the world’s best dad, our work has become a part of so many people’s most special moments.”

Utilising traditional methods and the latest in laser and computerised engraving – whichever is most suitable – Janet and her experienced team can engrave inscriptions on almost any item imaginable. And, after so many years perfecting her craft, Janet – a qualified jeweller – can also offer creative proposals too.

“More often than not, our customers know what they want to say, but a little help can go a long way. We’re more than happy to suggest text to ensure their first impressions create lasting impressions!”

Developed as a home-based business in 2002, AE has grown rapidly due to a combination of skill and creative flair, Janet explains.

“Much like many of our customers, we’re certainly no strangers to success. Whether you’re looking to personalise a special gift for a loved one or celebrate triumphs in the sporting arena, visit us online at abercrombieengraving.co.nz, or drop by for a visit and you’ll see why!”

Michael Guy and Tony Easteal.

Good Guys to open in NEW Karaka complex

M

ichael is a healthy Guy, but those afflicted by seasonal maladies should visit the Papakura and Karaka pharmacies owned by Michael Guy and business partner Tony Easteal.

“As autumn fades, there are lots of illnesses out there,” Michael says.

“Fortunately, for nearly 50 years we’ve been offering medications and expert advice.”

While Michael and Tony have been dispensing prescriptions and advice from their Roselands Shopping Centre location in Papakura, both are looking forward to the imminent opening of a second pharmacy, next to the Summerset Retirement Village on Hingaia Road, Karaka.

Founded by Michael’s parents, Murray and Pamela Guy, in 1968, Guys Pharmacy has developed a reputation for one-to-one service.

With help from the Unichem group, customers can expect even more, including great deals with their Living Rewards loyalty card.

“While we’re committed to providing friendly, hands-on assistance, with the support of the wider Unichem network, we also offer top products at competitive prices. Our goal is to help people feel better; that’s what Mum and Dad were passionate about and why they founded our business in the first place.”

While prescription and over the counter medicines are available, the pharmacies also provide vaccinations and health checks as well as a wide range of vitamins, supplements and beauty products.

“Unichem Karaka Pharmacy is due to open on June 7,” Michael confirms. “The team would love to see you, and don’t forget your Living Rewards card!

Engraving

4 Hamlet Pl, Pukekohe Ph 09 238 4343 abercrombieengraving.co.nz

Abercrombie

Quality products, professional service • Badges & Cups • Engraving • Laser Engraving • Medals & Ribbons • Resin Trophies • Signs & Labels • Sports Trophies • Sublimation Printing 12802

6th Generation

Engravers and jewellers

30 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

Your new, friendly local pharmacy – opening soon at 71 Hingaia Road, Karaka care+advice

retail@karakapharmacy.co.nz 12577

www.ruralliving.co.nz

the szimpla-st solution for any celebration

S

zimpla Gastrobar has become the go-to place for airport precinct workers to relax, eat and socialise. Just minutes from the domestic and international terminals – next to the Ibis Hotel – it also attracts airport visitors as well as regulars from outer suburbs.

Whatever the occasion it’s retro ambience demands a visit.

For couples seeking a luxuriant garden setting for a small, casual wedding there’s nothing simpler – or more lush – than Szimpla. This upbeat, retro bar and restaurant near Auckland Airport features its own tropical paradise and the beauty of its verdant garden conservatory is that it’s covered so, no worries should the rain come down!

The perfect venue for smaller weddings and celebrations such as wedding anniversaries, the big five-O (or six-O) and other festivities, Szimpla’s ‘secret garden’ is a vibrant environment of anthuriums, cordylines and bromeliads accentuated by the cool greens of a living wall and other mass plantings. A tranquil oasis, it is complemented by the cleverly designed gastrobar and restaurant, which has won plaudits for its retro design with 70’s interior.

The beauty of this venue is that, with two versatile areas, functions can be kept separate from the restaurant although if patrons need more room than the spacious conservatory offers, then talk to owner Tash Borland who will always try to accommodate those special requirements.

And, coming from a family with a long history of hospitality – her uncle was founder and owner of the former Cock & Bull tavern chain – she is the queen of making things happen and happen in

style. “Since we opened some four years ago Szimpla seems to have won the hearts of the local airport community but we are also amazed at how far diners come to experience our unique ambience. We have many regulars from all over Auckland but also from out of town – regular business flyers, for example.”

Without a doubt, Szimpla is the place to kick back after a busy working day any time of the week, month or year and it’s and great venue for a meal or a relaxed social drink when dropping friends off or picking them up from either domestic or international flights.

What a welcome to Auckland – just imagine a cold beer, or perhaps a rosé, in hand, a platter of house-smoked salmon bruschetta with caperberries, avocado and lemon aioli or perhaps Szimpla’s famous retro fish and chips wrapped Kiwi-style in paper but served with pizzazz. Also known for its craft beers from around New Zealand and fine entertainment, Szimpla Gastro Bar is szimply the best on Auckland’s flight path. Go check it out!

2 Leonard Isitt Drive, Auckland Airport. Ph 215 1220.

Open 7 days 10am-late. info@szimpla.co.nz www.szimpla.co.nz

See clearly no matter what the forecast CONTACT US TODAY ON 00800 SEE (733) 2020 TO BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION IN PUKEKOHE. Laser Eye Centre in Pukekohe is the only clinic to offer Presbyond Laser Blended Vision in the central North Island. We can set you free from your glasses and fix your eyes. No more battling fogged up lenses, just enjoy all that winter brings.

Contact us today.

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Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 31

great winter cover up

W

hat could be bed-er than snuggling up in a warm bed and hibernating our way through winter? Richard Kealey, manager of Pukekohe Beds R Us, is a particular fan of such an idea. “With longer nights, there’s even more excuse to pull up those covers and enjoy the comfort and security of our own beds,” he says. “But before we can rest easy, it’s important to make sure our beds are in the best shape they can be, by replacing those tired old pillows, throws and bedding, purchasing a new mattress, or even an entire new bed.”

However, when Richard says Beds R Us provides Franklin’s largest range of Sleepyhead beds, he also knows it’s not so easy to find a combination which, rather than being too hard or too soft, is just right. “You could say Goldilocks was ahead of her time!” he laughs. “It used to be that all beds and mattresses were more or less the same. These days, though, there are so many options available that making the right choice can be daunting.”

From left, Carol Johnston, Lorraine Reid and Helen Matthews.

Thankfully, Richard and team are on hand to offer expert advice. “From mattresses designed to stop ‘roll together’, to those which perfectly mould to our own body shapes; from luxurious Californian King beds, to singles ideal for the kids, our experienced team helps customers choose which beds or mattresses suit their needs and lifestyles.”

Dress in Magazine style!

W

omen who want to look fabulous know a great outfit is essential and Magazine Designer Clothing offers a beautiful range of clothing for sizes 10-26.

While the extensive Manukau Road showroom may be locally operated, Richard adds that the Beds R Us nationwide network provides invaluable support. “As part of the largest independent bedding group in New Zealand, our superior buying power means we pass savings on to our customers, meaning better bedding value every time!”

Predominately New Zealand-made, including the store’s own label “Magazine”, the range offers classy, casual daywear and lifestyle clothing through to special occasion wear catering especially for mother of the bride and groom and guests. Exquisite accessories, including jewellery, fascinators, handbags and evening bags complete the outfit – evey woman will be delighted!

Magazine creates a warm, creative and nurturing environment, with professional assistance from their expert stylists who aim to make shopping at Magazine both fun and empowering. The fascinating styles, fabrics and colours of the clothes are enhanced by beautiful accessories and are offered in sizes ranging from 10-26.

Magazine takes pride in providing an environment where women of all ages, shapes and sizes feel welcome. The company’s stylists possess extraordinary styling ability, masses of creativity and fashion flair and are there to help clients look their best. Whether you are looking for a working wardrobe, casual wear or an outfit for a very special occasion, you will be sure to find it there.

To find out more, call 09 239 2696 or visit your local shop at 74 King Street, Pukekohe. Alternatively, check out the website on www.magazineclothing.co.nz or the facebook page.

Bed R Us manager Richard Kealey and Sharon Coley, sales.

A MASSIVE RANGE OF BEDS

*Offer valid 02/05/16 to 29/05/16 or while stocks last.

Excludes Dream Prices and clearance stock. Q Card and Latitude Financial Services criteria, fees, terms & conditions apply.

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PUKEKOHE BEDS R US 132 Manukau Road, Phone 09 238 1190

Size 10 - s 26

74 King Street, Pukekohe Phone 09 239 2696

12799

32 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Your local experts in skincare A

s one of New Zealand’s most innovative and progressive skin care and beauty clinics, the multi-award winning Bloom Beauty Boutique offers its clients a secluded sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of a busy world.

Offering sumptuous pamper packages, specialised skin treatment programmes, exquisite facials, massage, pedicures and manicures, this really is the perfect place to relax, restore and rejuvenate. Professional staff know how to ease away stress and tension and to help promote a renewed sense of calm.

Bloom Beauty also recommends and uses salon exclusive product brands such as Aspect and Cosmedix skincare while expertly trained staff can advise customers on treatments designed specifically for their individual skin requirements. They can also assist with providing the very best home care products on the market ensuring ongoing maintenance continues at home.

Utilising the latest in IPL equipment for hair removal and also for skin and pigment rejuvenation, reducing the appearance of fine lines, redness and more, Bloom Beauty staff are local experts in this field helping clients retain a youthful appearance.

Catering for men and women of all ages the team is committed to service excellence, providing an extensive range of beauty and skin care needs from waxing and massage to vitamin-enriched, antioxidant facials and instant tanning too – if you have a winter holiday in the sun planned, then be sure to have a golden glow already in place.

With skin-drying winter winds and chill on its way, its important to keep skin hydrated, soft and able to stand up to seasonal rigours. Open Tuesday to Saturday this is the perfect opportunity to either treat yourself to some well earned time out or surprise someone special with a beautiful gift voucher.

Pick N’ Mix

Choose any 2 treatments for $90 • full body spray-tan • hydrating express facial • brazilian wax • express manicure • express pedicure • eye trio (lash/brow tint & brow shape) • 30 minute relaxing massage

Offer is available for a limited time only.

Call us now to book!

FREEPHONE

0800 BLOOM 6 (256 666) 12861-v2

After all you deserve it and they’ll love you for it!

A VERY SPECIAL OFFER! Hair Removal Plus+ IPL Hair Removal – Now is the time to act for a HAIR FREE body next summer. FREE CONSULTATION! For a limited time book and pay for 3 IPL Hair Removal treatments and receive your 4th treatment free!

FOR THE MEN! BOOK AND PAY FOR: • x3 Back or Chest full front IPL sessions & receive 4th session FREE!

Normally $1600 – PAY $1200 – SAVE $40 Normally $800 – PAY $600 – SAVE $200 Normally $720 – PAY $540 – SAVE $180 Normally $1000 – PAY $750 – SAVE $250 Normally $360 – PAY $270 – SAVE $90 Normally $320 – PAY $240 – SAVE $80 Normally $1600 – PAY $1200 – SAVE $400

ASK US HOW YOU CAN BE HAIR FREE NOW! 128 Hingaia Road, Karaka, Auckland | 0800 BLOOM6 (256 666) | info@bloombeauty.co.nz | www.bloombeauty.co.nz www.ruralliving.co.nz

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BOOK AND PAY FOR: • x3 Full Leg IPL sessions & receive 4th session FREE! • x3 Half Leg IPL sessions (below the knee) & receive 4th session FREE! • x3 Bikini Line IPL sessions & receive 4th session FREE! • x3 Brazilian IPL sessions & receive 4th session FREE! • x3 Underarm IPL sessions & receive 4th session FREE! • x3 Lip or Chin IPL sessions & receive 4th session FREE!

Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 33

Ankle boots – high-heeled to flat – are a must this winter.

Check out fabulous animal prints – zebra, leopard, crocodile and lizard – in dressy courts through to casual boots.

Choose pointed or rounded toes while heels come in every shape – stiletto, block or platform, thick treads or classic – the choice is yours.

So come and visit the friendly team at 81 King Street in Pukekohe or visit Halliwell-Eyecatcher Shoe Outlet at 216 Great South Road, Papakura

81 King Street

www.halliwellshoes.co.nz 34 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

www.ruralliving.co.nz 12414

81 King Street

www.ruralliving.co.nz

www.halliwellshoes.co.nz Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 35 12414

Win!

To enter the draw for any of these competitions visit ruralliving.co.nz, click on the competitions link then fill in the form. One entry per person/email address; entries close June 30, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email.

Win! Burt Munro: the lost intervieWs

Win! a Go healthy iMMune systeM PacK Because winter ailments can take their toll, GO-getters know that a little boost for the immune system won’t go amiss.

Thankfully, GO Healthy offers a triple threat of supplements (GO Healthy GO Immune Protect and GO Healthy GO Vir-Defence) which are specially formulated to support the immune system and aid recovery and also a bottle of GO Multi Everyday. Better still Rural Living has a prize pack valued at almost $85, featuring one bottle of each product, up for grabs.

Catching up with the man who built the world’s fastest Indian is no mean feat, however thanks to the intrepid Neill Birss, it was possible to capture the ‘racy’ story of Burt Munro. While those who’ve seen the 2005 film, The World’s Fastest Indian (that has to be most of us!) might think we know all there is to know about this No.8 wired motorcycling legend, there’s more tale to tell. In this book, Neill shares more from his original interviews which inspired the film. Neill Birss: ◆ Burt Munro – The Lost Interviews | RRP $35 | Double Day / Penguin NZ

Win! country calendar 50th anniversary dvds On March 6, 1966, an iconic piece of Kiwi TV sprang to life; more than half a century later, Country Calendar remains a popular showcase of rural New Zealand.

To celebrate our longest-running programme, TVNZ has released a three-disc collectors’ compilation – including many stories never before released on DVD. Each disc also includes special features and many of those notorious spoofs. To order a copy, see shop.tvnz. co.nz; Rural Living has THREE sets up for grabs.

Win! a creative Woodcraft Bird feeder PriZe PacK As winter closes in, finding food can be particularly difficult for our feathered friends. However, Creative Woodcraft can help thanks to its extensive range beautifully handcrafted bird feeders. What’s more, we have a prize pack up for grabs. Valued at more than $100, this pack features: a tui bottle feeder, fly through hanging wild bird feeder, bird ring feeder and a 500g bag of wild bird seed. For details regarding these products, see creativewoodcraft.co.nz.

Win! By nature Beauty PacK Looking beautiful naturally became easier than ever when By Nature products became available at The Warehouse and Countdown supermarkets and now one lucky Rural Living reader has a chance to help keep skin looking fresh and healthy with this lovely By Nature three piece beauty prize containing – Purifying Facial Cleanser (255g RRP: $7.99), Bee Venom Face Crème (60ml RRP: $14.99), Nourishing & Refining Face Mask (5x 25g pack RRP: $9.99). Note: by nature Bee Venom Face Crème is not recommended for those with a bee allergy.

36 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

Win! neW Best foods Mayonnaise Quartet Flavour addicts seeking bite can be in to win four new tasty mayonnaise flavours from Best Foods – Mayonnaise with a touch of Garlic, Mayonnaise with a spark of Chilli, Mayonnaise with a pinch of Mustard and Mayonnaise with a zing of Lemon. Using its Lite Mayonnaise as the base, Best Foods has added rapeseed oil, garlic oil, chilli paste, mustard seeds and lemon juice to give meals that special something! Best Foods Flavoured Mayonnaise range (RRP $5.49 each) is available at supermarkets nationwide but Rural Living is giving away a four pack to one lucky reader. www.ruralliving.co.nz

Reflections of a baby-booMer Reay Neben is a Franklin resident and publisher of Rural Living.

CITY LASS

I

t seems like just last week I wrote my column so the old adage that times flies the older you get really seems to be a reality. On that note, I thought that as I am about to celebrate yet another significant birthday, I would look back over my life journey so far.

I believe my generation was the best. I am a baby boomer born after the Second World War but my sister, who was nine years older, was from a completely different generation.

Of course, as a teenager, I still went to the local dances but rock and roll was on its way out and the twist was well on its way in. I remember a group of friends and I we went to see a movie that showed how to do the twist; we practiced for hours in each other’s sitting rooms to make sure we would be popular at the Saturday dance.

These dances were run by mostly the churches and held in the church halls.

These days, I am thrilled to see that high schools are still having balls with both girls and boys dressing up in their finery. We did this every Saturday night. There’s nothing like dressing up!

I was also lucky enough to travel and live in London in the late sixties and early seventies. What a fabulous place to be; to experience the change and the power among the young. I never quite became a hippie but it was really hard not to be

Berlin Wall at the Potsdamer Platz 1975 looking southeastwards into Stresemannstraße. Inset, sign at Checkpoint Charlie.

Photo Edward Valachovic/Scapler

influenced by them. Freedom! I had a mini (car) and had flowers painted all over it.

We went everywhere in this car which we bought for 150 pounds.

How times have changed. We travelled all over Europe, North Africa and parts of the Middle East which would be more difficult to visit today. Yet, the only time I was frightened was entering East Germany.

Seeing soldiers with machine guns pointing guns at us was not good but the worst was going through check point Charlie into East Berlin where many guns were aimed in our direction.

It is hard to believe that a wall divided a city and country and we were there. I well remember staying near the wall in West Berlin at a camping ground and I was in the shower when I heard a woman speaking to her little daughter, I ran out of the shower and asked ‘where are you from?’ ‘Napier,’ was the reply. Hearing an English-speaking Kiwi accent was wonderful.

When travelling today, technology makes it so easy to communicate with those back home but at that time we had to book overseas phone calls and, of course, reverse the charge as it was so expensive. Alternatively, we would make cassette recordings and send them home.

Mum would send food parcels and I remember one Christmas sitting in a tent in Fez, Morocco, eating tinned chicken made in the USA (sent by Mum) and a vegemite sandwich.

We lived overseas for nearly three years and while my own children have all lived overseas for much longer, in my day we were the exception rather than the rule.

However, as with our children, there was a time to come home and we came home to a very conservative New Zealand in 1972 and there started my next big adventure in life – running a newspaper business which has now spanned some 44 years, but that’s another story.

Buying or Selling?

Is it time to change your piece of dirt?

Let me help, with 30 years experience and a huge local and overseas database, we can move mountains!

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

Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 37

Every bug has this Thorne

obsessed with colour Natasha Harris from Alberts Hair Salon, Pukekohe brings you the latest in hair trends.

Whether it is your hair or nails we have you covered

P

ainting my nails (fingers and toes) is one of my alltime favourite pastimes. It’s very rare that you’ll ever see me out and about not wearing some neon or glittering, vibrant shade of nail polish.

Luckily, for us the compassionate budding nail artists at Alberts Hair Salon are now stockists of butter LONDON, cruelty free, nail lacquer.

This luxe colour palette of highly pigmented, glossy and chip-resistant nail polishes is highly sought after internationally. Butter LONDON is dedicated to bringing you high-fashion colour without compromise, so no formaldehyde, toluene or DBP are used in any of their nail product formulas.

Their nail lacquers are loaded with vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, E, C and Pro B5 to promote strong, healthy nails. Sophisticated enough for the most posh dressing table, butter LONDON is the go-to brand for highfashion beauty. It’s colour without compromise.

Here are some of the reasons that we love butter LONDON: ◆◆ Long-wear up to 10 days ◆◆ Shock-absorbing, chip-resistant ◆◆ Salon colour coverage ◆◆ Gel-like cushion and superior shine ◆◆ Fade-resistant colour ◆◆Smoothes and strengthens ◆◆Prevents breakage and peeling ◆◆Visibly brighter, more radiant nails ◆◆ No formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, or xylene Exclusively available at Alberts Hair Salon.

Van Gogh painted sunflowers, Constable, the English countryside and Picasso, well, who knows what he painted! But one Waiuku artist in particular prefers the beauty of the basest of nature’s offerings, as JON RAWLINSON explains.

I

Shop 2/23 Hall St, Pukekohe | 09 238 75 76 | www.alberts.co.nz 01513

38 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

t’s a bug’s life for artist, Jane Thorne. More appreciative than most people of diminutive creatures, this creative painter and illustrator (and new Waiuku resident) says she is committed to thinking small.

“I’m fascinated by insects because they’re essential to the world, yet often literally overlooked. Like insects, my paintings have evolved, but they’re not really about evolution.

I just love [Charles] Darwin’s obsession with collecting, which has become my obsession, collecting images of bugs and painting them over and over again,” she explains.

Over the years, Jane has become accustomed to creepy-crawlies, however, that hasn’t always been the case. “Real bugs actually used to freak me out, but these days I harbour a slightly more serene approach when I discover one where I don’t want it to be. Also, when working with children, I’ve always needed to put on a brave face, even though there may have been times when I was breaking out in a sweat when putting a (not so) little spider safely outside the classroom!” she laughs.

While insects are not her only subject matter – Jane also paints machinery and other everyday things that are important, but also tend to go largely unnoticed – they live large in her extensive portfolio.

“I like to be accurate in my depictions, and love learning what my bugs are and where they come from, particularly more exotic kinds found in museums. There you see insects from all around the world, with loads of brilliant colours and strange shapes,” she says.

Despite diversifying her portfolio of late, ‘the bug lady’ still holds a special fondness for all creatures small.

“I can’t believe it myself, but yes! Even after 16 years of painting insects I’m still obsessed www.ruralliving.co.nz

with their beauty and intrigue. There certainly are some excellent examples in the Franklin countryside. I saw my first live huhu beetle which was a bit scary, but fascinating at the same time, and the moths here are huge! I think I’m right in my element now.”

Originally from Mangere Bridge, Jane moved to Waiuku late last year, quickly immersing herself in the local art scene.

Since joining workshops with Jo Pearson and photographer, Aliah Jan, she has even been invited to hold workshops of her own in the near future.

Despite some knowledge of the district, dating back to childhood holidays on the Awhitu peninsula, Jane found the area to be not quite as she expected.

“I was familiar with Waiuku and I just never pictured myself living here, amongst all the meat-eating, rugby-playing farmers, but I discovered how wrong I was! It’s such a welcoming town that I can’t help but be inspired by the people. I love the tranquillity of rural surroundings, and starting the day without the usual mad rush to avoid traffic and getting to work on time, is so refreshing.”

With the exception of a recent exhibition in France, bugs have taken a backseat of late as Jane has been sharpening her skills (and pencils) with another artistic medium – illustrating children’s books.

“There’s been a fairly steady stream of www.ruralliving.co.nz

work lately. While I still feel I’m trying to find my own style, I’m influenced subtly by such illustrators as Quentin Blake, John Tenniel (Alice in Wonderland) and, more recently, Gus Gordon.

“I find the more I do, the broader my skills become and I often try out new ideas in my paintings. Another great thing about illustrating is that it’s on a small scale and I can bring my pencils and paper with me on trips to the beach, waiting rooms, etcetera and scribble down ideas wherever I happen to be.”

Works to date include: ZR [Zee] Southcombe’s Caretaker of Imagination trilogy, and Spiny Sebastian Starfish by Marion Day. “Working with Zee has been such a pleasure! I’m so impressed by her ability to tell stories with such imagination and flair, and I love the freedom she gives me to create my own characters from her descriptions,” she says.

“I actually found Marion’s book to be more challenging due to the distance between us – she’s based in the Marlborough region. However, we soon overcame that and I enjoyed the chance to be more scientifically accurate with my imagery. I’ve learnt a lot about underwater life. Did you know there are seahorses in the Marlborough Sounds? Utterly adorable; that alone makes me want to visit, and maybe I’ll bump into Spiny while I’m there!”

Sebastian is a well-travelled starfish indeed! While out searching for his breakfast an adventure befalls this inquisitive echinoderm, one which few back home on his reef will believe.

The first in a series of picture books by award-winning author Marion Day and illustrated by Jane Thorne, this book is sure to have young readers well and truly hooked!

Rural Living has a copy of this book (signed by Marion) to give away. To enter, see the competitions page at ruralliving. co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close June 30, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email. ◆◆Marion Day & Jane Thorne: Spiny Sebastian Starfish | RRP $25.95 | AM Publishing New Zealand

Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 39

Photo Wayne Martin

Jane Thorne

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issing teeth? There’s no need to any longer when the All Dentures team is on the case! While some may be able to keep their teeth in tip top condition, others are not so lucky.

Fortunately, clinical dental technician, Dr Marc Adams, and the team from All Dentures (in Pukekohe and Papatoetoe) are on hand to ensure smiles can last a lifetime.

“Years ago, dentures could be cumbersome and uncomfortable, but we’ve come a long way since then,” he says. “These days, by drawing on the best techniques and equipment modern technology can offer, at All Dentures we can tailor-make top quality dentures to suit.”

From full or partial dentures to repairs, relines and even mouth guards,

Marc’s highly trained team can ‘make it, fit it and fix it.’

“From initial consultation to dental work – undertaken by dentists and oral surgeons – we provide a comprehensive service, offering the highest level of care during every step of treatment,” Marc explains.

“We’re committed to making quality dentures that are comfortable and functional for our patients so they can get back to sinking their teeth into life!”

To take that first step to a brighter smile, contact Marc and team at either of their two clinics. “Simply give us a call and we’ll take it from there,” says Marc, “Our clinical dental technicians offer full dental laboratory services and no dentist appointments or referrals are required.”

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Levet won’t leaf it alone!

R

ural Contractors NZ (RCNZ) president, Steve Levet, is rallying contractors to help stamp out the invasive weed, velvetleaf, as Federated Farmers warns of fresh contamination of fodder beet seed.

“Contractors need to be conscious of the potential of spreading velvetleaf when moving between properties, or between areas of the same property, and take responsibility for managing these risks,” Mr Levet says. “[We] need to pull together to protect our agricultural sector from its spread. I want to remind rural contractors to stay vigilant and keep up sound biosecurity practices.”

Velvetleaf seeds can be spread by vehicles, machinery or stock.

Mr Levet’s efforts follow new Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) restrictions designed to stop the pest plant at New Zealand borders, as previously reported in Rural Living.

Recently, Federated Farmers biosecurity spokesperson, Guy Wigley, confirmed that a fourth line of fodder beet seed has been contaminated and velvetleaf has been

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He urges farmers who have planted fodder beet seed this season to check crops for its presence.

“Farmers need to look very carefully at their feed source moving forward and carry out due diligence when looking at where to source their seed for the coming season,” Mr Wigley adds.

“The horrendous cost of this incursion continues to mount – we need to take

appropriate measures to contain and potentially reduce the geographical spread.”

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) advises the contaminated lines of fodder beet seed are: Kyros 128, Bangor 126, Bangor 079 and Feldherr 16UB131.

For more information regarding velvetleaf, see mpi.govt.nz/alerts; to report outbreaks of velvetleaf, contact MPI’s Pests and Diseases hotline: 0800 80 99 66.

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n reality, Jack Frost should be lurking around our gardens pretty soon but autumn’s mild weather meant he was still nowhere to be seen as June neared, heralding the start of winter. And that’s been good news for gardeners.

Many a property abounds with autumn leaves but don’t despair, just pop them into your ‘brown’ compost along with sawdust, straw, shredded newspapers, wood ash, prunings, coffee grounds, egg shells, tea leaves and more.

On the other hand, many gardeners will be busy fostering ‘green’ compost from grass clippings, veggie scraps, manure and the like. Try to keep all compost material smallish – big pieces take a while to break down.

But whatever your compost be sure to avoid adding clippings treated with pesticide, diseased plants or weeds that carry seed heads. Keep compost aerated by turning (or tumbling) regularly and a little water, from time to time, – operative word being, little – will help too.

If your compost bin has been in the shade for summer consider moving it to a sunny patch for winter where warm sunshine will help the composting process – good compost will help improve soil quality, give ailing plants a boost and even act as a protective mulch.

Because we all know the cold and rain is likely to come soon, make use of these finer days to prepare for planting roses, pop in a few polyanthus for colour and remember to plant both asparagus and rhubarb – can’t you just smell that rhubarb crumble?

Continue to sow cabbages, spinach, broad beans, onion, and cress. This is also a good time to transplant deciduous trees and shrubs and to plant new deciduous fruit trees but be sure to stake trees using a loose tie to allow trunk movement.

While we might expect some bleak weather soon, garden can still give pleasure as camellia varieties and hellebores (winter roses) come into their own.

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Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 41

Living to the beat of his own rhythm Brian Neben has spent a lifetime in newspapers and the publishing game but his other passion, aside from his love of family and harness racehorses, has been music, as PJ TAYLOR explains.

D

rummers are a steady, dependable lot, always on time and machine-like in their precision – much like a roaring printing press. They make others around them sound good as they provide the necessary energy and texture in the musical engine room.

I worked for Brian for a decade and admire him for what he’s achieved in business, notably in community papers, the Howick and Pakuranga Times and Botany and Ormiston Times and as publisher of Rural Living. I know him as a gentleman of the newspaper trade.

One thing we share is a history of playing drums in all sorts of bands. Come a Friday, Brian would often swing by my office and recall stories from his music past.

Names of people he’d met and played with would flow – Howard Morrison and the Morrison Quartet, Ricky May, Lew Pryme, Dinah Lee, Lou and Simon, and Ray Columbus and The Invaders – performers of a past generation; the foundation and benchmark of all NZ professional entertainment that has followed.

Brian’s generation was pioneering with a great sense of fun. Anything could be achieved. I listened intently to his story because music education includes understanding what has gone before. And, when you’re a drummer, there are endless tales of all the colourful characters which had to be kept in line to keep the show on the road.

Brian’s music story, especially the beginning, is of an age almost forgotten, yet needs to be remembered for its innocence, enjoyment and simplicity.

42 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

It was the mid-1950s, a charming era when the New Zealand way of life was a lot less complicated. There was no constant stream of technology-driven information – no tweets, flashes, online chat, texts, even television.

The 1950s was a modest, genuine time when true-blue Kiwi cultural traits were first fully developed. The week’s highlight for communities up and down this land was the Saturday night dance – everyone from the locality turned out, young and old.

“That’s where I was happiest, on a drum stool beating skins and cymbals with sticks and brushes, surrounded by musicians on an assortment of instruments,” Brian says.

“There was little amplification and we were usually dressed in suits, shirts, ties and shiny shoes. We had Brylcreem slicked hair and Old Spice after shave filled the air!”

Before moving to Morrinsville, Brian grew up in Tuakau and attended Pukekohe High School where his appreciation of music was encouraged. “I started to learn the cornet. With all its scales, I was never good at it, but I liked it. And, I really liked the music of the brass bands,” he says.

“Most of the good musicians I’ve known came from brass band backgrounds where the tempo had to be just right.”

Brian bought his first set of drums, a second-hand British Premier kit, from a “very good and encouraging” bass player, Derek Alexander, who was a fellow printer.

I was then asked by a mate, pianist Rex Lyngard, if we would all form a trio.”

Brian taught himself to play drums – no easy feat – getting lessons later on for technique. But he had “the guts of it”

well enough to play the dances and 21st birthday parties of that mid-1950s period.

“The dances, and there were plenty of variations and tempos – the maxina, beluga, two-steps, three-steps, quicksteps, foxtrots, waltzes – we played them all in those early days.”

An enjoyable stint in a swing jazz big band followed but because of the constant changes in styles and tempos, Brian joined a group called, The Rockettes, which played a lot more rock n’ roll. This meant playing at dances across the Waikato every Saturday night with his then hometown, Morrinsville, providing the highlight.

“Morrinsville was the biggest because 800 people could fit into the dance hall,” he recalls.

It’s hard to imagine in this aeon of mass media, saturation channels and platforms, that the only place where young music fans could hear the hit parade was Thursday nights on National Radio, with the late, great broadcaster, Selwyn Toogood, presenting a half-hour show of the country’s Top 10 songs.

“The show was the source of a lot of our material for the dance hall sets. One of us would record the radio show then relay chord structures, lyrics and rhythms to the band. There was at least one new song each week.

“Gradually, the overall style moved from jazz to pop and, in those days, everyone used to have a social ball. We’d be playing three to four nights a week. I used to make more money from the band than from my job.”

Brian remembers that period fondly, working with fine musos such as guitarist www.ruralliving.co.nz

Brian Neben

Don Witanga, saxophonist, Neville Downey and Alan Jones all at a time when the enthusiastic commotion for Johnny Devlin was sweeping the land.

He says for the last two years of the decade, the country’s youth became more and more excited by the rock n’ roll power of Devlin and his band, The Devils.

“I liked Johnny. He used to do Elvis Presley’s material such as Lloyd Price’s, Lawdy Miss Clawdy, but I preferred Johnny’s versions.”

Then there was the time Brian’s band entered a talent quest organised by the original music trailblazer, Johnny Cooper, the legendary Maori Cowboy. It was a big-deal competition and they won. With a wry smile, Brian wonders what happened to the half of the first prize cash they were promised!

“Johnny was a bit like Dennis Marsh. He held auditions all around the Waikato and www.ruralliving.co.nz

Photo Wayne Martin

“Gradually, the overall style moved from jazz to pop and, in those days, everyone used to have a social ball.

We’d be playing three to four nights a week. I used to make more money from the band than from my job.”

we made the final. One year, [opera diva, Dame] Malvina Major won playing piano accordion. She was very young.”

Then there was a glorious seaside summer when the band was signed to entertain the holidaying masses.

Destination: The Soundshell, Mount Maunganui. “There was a different show and schedule each night; the stars and their material rearranged for freshness,” Brian says.

And, that’s where he saw the late, great Sir Howard Morrison, up close. Howard was the King of Aotearoa at the time, and Brian was backing him.

“Howard was very professional.

He would insist on rehearsing every afternoon.

“He didn’t like doing any show unrehearsed. On one occasion, we backed Dinah Lee – Miss Do the Bluebeat – and Maria Dallas of Tumbling Down

fame got her break care of a gig she did with us. Maria sang with us on numerous occasions and one night when there were talent scouts in the audience she managed to get permission to sing. Within two weeks she was signed up and recording in Wellington. In those days, that was the type of opportunity that existed. You could be discovered.”

Later in his musical career, Brian joined pianist, Geoff Case, saxophonists Neville Downey and Dick Pentecost, and bassist, Wayne Wright, to form his favourite group, Sign of the Times. They scored plenty of bookings and Geoff knew exactly how to get audiences moving.

“He’d say, ‘well, if you’re not getting up to dance, I might as well go home’. Right up until he died (and I might not have spoken to Geoff for six months), I’d pick up the phone and – ‘have you heard the one about…’ He had a great array of jokes, nice voice and lovely piano. Everything was going for him.”

And Sign of the Times could play, qualifying as Waikato regional winners in a variety contest that held its national final at Epsom Showgrounds. “Finalists went on to the Easter Show where Barry Holland was the compere. They brought in colour television in 1974 for the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, and this was the first live colour telecast from the Easter Show.”

Brian’s music story could go on for another two pages, that’s how it is when you catch up with a musician with many gigs under the belt.

Tales, he tells, with humour and great use of muso lingo. For example, he recalls the band would always stop the van on the side of the road and enjoy a well-earned crate on the way home in the middle of the night.

Then there was the time escaped criminal, George (the) Wilder (Colonial boy) was on the run. Brian and the guys had to stop and wait at a police roadblock on the fog-bound Hauraki Plains, after the Thames Nurses’ Ball, as the boys in blue tracked good ole George.

These are but a snapshot in a life full of achievement and enriching diversity.

Brian like many of us, might not be playing anymore, but he still has great memories of the many times he rocked those joints!

Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 43

Out & About

Post • THE •

with

online.thepost.nz Web: thepost.nz

Your Post, delivered to the North Pole!

Wright’s Jewellers in Pukekohe held a Pandora evening on Thursday, May 5 to celebrate Mother’s Day. It was an opportunity to treat their customers with snacks, goodie bags and a chance to win something glitzy. The evening ran until 6 pm with spot prizes given away.

Andrew Bayly, MP for Hunua popped by our new office before his trip to the North Pole. Picking up a copy of the Post, he snapped a few pictures of his trip and The Post at North Pole.

it was about the show...

Above and Below: Waiuku Lollipops celebrated ANZAC commemorations on April 15 by visiting the cenotaph and paying their respects. Student, Reid Yorke, was also able to place his family’s cross on the cenotaph.

it was about dressing up...

it was about having fun...

Andy Baker excited after Peggy Bourne, Possums mum cuts the ceremonial ribbon unveiling the new plaque.

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44 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Jacky Ha-Ha

C

racking wise isn’t always the wisest course of action – something certain Rural Living writers should know by now! And that’s a lesson Jacky Ha-Ha would do well to learn during her time at middle school.

In this book, prolific author, James Patterson, presents a hilarious new heroine, a 12-year-old class clown who uses humour as a distraction from much more serious matters in life.

But, if Jacky goes too far, she might just find that the joke is on her! ◆◆ James Patterson: Jacky Ha-Ha | RRP $19.99 | Young Arrow/ Penguin Random House

Win! Rural Living has a copy of Jacky Ha-Ha up for grabs.

To be in to win, simply complete the form on the competitions tab at ruralliving.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close June 30, 2016.

Winner notified by phone or email.

My Grandpa is a Dinosaur There was a time when most of us thought anyone over 30 was a dinosaur and grandparents were positively ancient! But Wanda’s grandpa really is a dinosaur, so why hasn’t anyone else noticed?

With sly humour lurking in every illustration, My Grandpa Is a Dinosaur is a picture book for children who notice things that escape the attention of many others with humour to be appreciated by readers of all ages.

Humorously told by Richard Fairgray and illustrated by Terry Jones – it seems it takes a Python to spot a reptile! – this tale makes for excellent bedtime reading. However, don’t try to explain to the little ones who and what Monty Python was or they really will think you’re a dinosaur! ◆◆Richard Fairgray and Terry Jones: My Grandpa Is a Dinosaur | RRP $40 | Double Day / Penguin Random House www.ruralliving.co.nz

RL may-june 2016.indd 45

Win! Rural Living has one copy to give away. To be in to win a copy of this monster of a book, complete the form online at ruralliving. co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close June 30, 2016. Winner notified by phone or email.

Getting down and dirty!

By Janine Kirkham, Suits & Gumboots Country Daycare

I

n New Zealand we are very fortunate to have unlimited access to the outdoors. This is a very special part of our culture and not something that children from many other countries are always allowed to enjoy.

During a New Zealand summer, we encourage our children to enjoy vast amounts of outdoor time exploring sun, sand and water. But, as the warm weather departs and the rainy days become more frequent, it is tempting to keep little ones inside and to stay dry and warm.

However, there is so much learning that can be had from venturing outside on a wet day. Playing in the mud and puddles can be a huge sensory experience that teaches our children a great deal about their world.

Playing in mud connects children with nature, and helps develop their fine motor skills as they squish and squidge the mud through their fingers and toes. Research has even shown that playing in the dirt/mud can make your child smarter! There are certain chemicals released in our brains that improve brain function when playing in dirt.

Try wrapping up warm, with raincoats and gumboots, then go exploring; stomp in puddles, make mud pies or use toy cars to make roads and tracks in the mud. Even if the rain is pouring down, go out and have some fun, then come in and dry off! Make it fun with a hot chocolate and a marshmallow!

Even babies can be dressed warmly with over pants and will enjoy some time exploring mud or dirt! Some may find its way into their mouths as they explore the texture and taste of this strange substance, but try not to panic… doctors tell us that dirt helps our immune system, and builds valuable antibodies.

So, the next time you see rain on the horizon, celebrate this as a fantastic time to have some fun with your child. Dig out the raincoats and gumboots and go have some fun in the great outdoors!

Suits & Gumboots Country Daycare 12 Helenslee Rd, Pokeno.

46 Waerenga Rd, Te Kauwhata Phone 0800 464656 www.suitsandgumboots.co.nz Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 45

20/05/2016 4:21:58 p.m.

Holst lot of cooking going on H

olst on, readers, here comes another culinary classic from the kitchens of Alison and Simon Holst! The latest addition to the Everyday Easy series, Sweet Treats features recipes for dishes which have graced the tables of generations of the Holst family.

While some treats are delightfully decadent, other fruitand-nut based goodies are designed to be ‘guilt-free.’

From birdseed bars and cherry truffles, to home-made chocolates, with this book in hand, any Kiwi cook is liable to conjure up their own just desserts!

To give readers a taste of treats to come, try this recipe.

Ginger Fudge Ingredients For 40–60 pieces: ◆◆2 cups sugar ◆◆1/2 cup milk ◆◆50g butter ◆◆1/2-1 tsp ground ginger ◆◆1 Tbsp golden syrup ◆◆1/2 tsp vanilla essence ◆◆2-4 Tbsp chopped walnuts

Win! copies of sweet treats

Method

Rural Living has FIVE copies of this book to give away. To be in to win, see the competitions tab at ruralliving.co.nz. One entry per person/email address; entries close June 30, 2016. Winners notified by phone or email. ◆◆Simon & Alison Holst: Sweet Treats – for those special occasions | RRP $15.99 | Hyndman Publishing

Measure the sugar, milk and butter into a medium-sized pot.

Add the ginger and the golden syrup.

Heat, without stirring, over a medium heat until the mixture boils.

Continue to boil gently, stirring

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– Recipe reproduced from Everyday Easy Sweet Treats by Simon & Alison Holst

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frequently to prevent the mixture catching on the bottom, until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage or 118°C if you are using a confectionery thermometer.

Remove from the heat and leave to stand until the pot is cool enough to touch, then add the vanilla and chopped nuts.

Beat with a rubber scraper or wooden spoon until the fudge shows signs of thickening.

Before it sets firm, spoon into a lightly buttered or non-stick sprayed 20-23cm square tin and swirl the top with a knife. When firm, cut into squares.

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What’s IN this

M

‘hen’s’ handbag?

ost folk try not Wendy Majoor to count their chickens before they hatch but Wendy Majoor from Chooks ‘n’ Things has a pretty good idea how many chicks she can expect from each batch of fertile eggs.

That’s because Wendy’s been breeding heritage poultry for many years and so far the sky hasn’t fallen in on her business.

A North Waikato/Franklin resident for more than three decades, Wendy and her husband first settled at Paparata and later moved to Pukekawa before settling on 15 acres on the outskirts of Pukekohe 14 years ago. heritage poultry are good layers and also “I’ve been breeding poultry for most of good eating but we don’t say that too loud that time but sold my original business around here!” some years ago. Then, nine months Of course, between the various aspects ago, on the back of frequent enquiries of the business, including planning for for chickens – and because I like them some exciting changes, which she hopes – I started Chooks ‘n’ Things, breeding will come to fruition shortly, and importing heritage poultry such as Gold Laced and breeding Arabian horses – “not much Wyandotte, Silver Laced Wyandotte, time for that now” – Wendy is like a lot of Barred Plymouth Rocks, Blue Black Splash women. She copes with a myriad of jobs and Buff Orpingtons, Barnevelders and all at the same time and that’s why she Speckled Sussex. wouldn’t be without her handbag.

“These are available as either fertile

eggs or day-old chicks and I also supply So we asked her, “What’s in your handbag everything needed to raise them – chicken – Wendy?” feed, health products, poultry feeders, Well pretty much everything your average incubators, brooders and brooding woman has – kitchen sink/monkey supplies. wrench/baling twine/nail file/industrial size “Since starting up in earnest, I’ve been pack of tissues! Seriously isn’t that pretty amazed at the interest; in fact, I sell about standard for a handbag? OK, seriously half my chicks to townies who want to my wallet, lip balm, industrial size pack of have a few hens for laying or for pets; tissues, emery board, several pens and a some even make the table. That’s because small notebook for those things I don’t put the owners know that whatever they on my phone and of course MY PHONE! feed their hens has integrity and because

Do you have a favourite style or colour?

Oh, yes, I like colourful everything! And one that fits snugly on my shoulder so my hands are free for whatever may come.

Do you prefer a small or large handbag?

Definitely large – you can’t have a kitchen sink in a clutch purse can you.

What items are likely to be found in your handbag at any one time (and/or at any special time) – normal or otherwise?

Tissues (see below re drooly Photo Wayne Martin dogs), lip balm (in case of a dry lip emergency), pens (several), antihistamines for sudden onset of sneezing... oh, and lots more!

What can’t you leave home without having in your bag?

Lip balm (I loathe dry lips) tissues (nearly always have my drooly dogs with me – bull mastiffs and a Boston terrier) and my PHONE! What’s in there that you don’t really need?

Well, nothing really – you never know when you might need some baling twine or a monkey wrench but I try not to carry the kitchen sink around as it weighs me down.

What’s the most embarrassing thing to fall out of your bag?

There’s nothing embarrassing about a used dog drool tissue falling out of your handbag, is there?

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property storm I guarantee it!

By David Powell, Barfoot & Thompson, Pukekohe

By Kylie Bosanac, Nick Bosanac Builders Limited

A

combination of a lack of supply plus high demand, fuelled by low mortgage interest rates and low bank deposit rates, is contributing to a property storm across most NZ regions.

Having started in Auckland it is now spreading with all regions showing increased sales volume over that of April 2015. The exception is Auckland with volume only 1.7% above that of April 2015 compared to the rest of NZ, up 28% led by Waikato/BoP, 32% above the same month last year. The national medium house price rose 7.7% with Waikato/BoP showing the strongest price growth of 19.1% and Auckland 12.8% over same time last year.

Auctions remain popular, making up 21.2% of all sales; that is 18% growth over the April 2015. It seems the hotter the market the more likely it is auctions will be used as a selling format.

A main driver in price is the quantity of properties available.

Wellington has the fewest level of properties for sale with just 7.7 weeks of supply followed by Auckland at 11.6 weeks. Overall the number of properties available has dropped 35% across NZ. Rural sales have caused most of the growth in the Auckland region with Rodney 24% and outer Auckland (Franklin +) with 21% growth in sales. The same can be said for centres such as Rotorua, Eastern BoP and Gisborne, all with growth over 60%.

The supply and demand will eventually catch up and the market will once again change. No one knows when.

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Ni Hao! We recently returned from a business trip to northern China where we had the BEST FOOD EVER. Fantastic hospitality too.

Since then I’ve reflected on the honesty and integrity displayed by our host in his personal and business dealings. Can these values really still exist today – business deals honoured on just a handshake? Up there, they did.

Bring back that world! I like to think that there are still lots of good people here in New Zealand. Don’t get me wrong, but we all know sometimes things don’t go to plan; people aren’t who they purport to be, or don’t do what they say they will or for reasons, beyond their control, can’t honour their commitments.

What then? Our latest poll looked at building guarantees. Is it worth paying for one and how will it protect me? Or should I just sign the waiver and save the money?

Products all carry some kind of manufacturer’s warranty and the building code has checks and balances to ensure homes are constructed of quality materials. Builders themselves (LBP’s) must personally guarantee their workmanship for 10 years. Other tradesmen must be registered and make guarantees too plus there is insurance to cover the build itself. So that’s enough cover? Right?

I would argue, wrong. The purpose of a guarantee is to plug a hole that exists between these areas so if reparations are need, you are protected. No one can be truly sure their business will be around for the next 10 years. If something goes wrong, and the business isn’t around, you won’t be able to seek reparation.

The guarantee will step in and protect your deposit if something happens to your builder. Guarantees provide surety that if after trying to resolve things, your builder can’t fulfil his obligations, you will be able to finish your build and cover any extra costs that may result. It also covers correction of defects in workmanship, materials and structure for up to 10 years.

Generally, guarantees work out at about .5% of the build cost. So, for a $400k build, expect to pay about $2k for peace of mind and protecting your biggest investment. We think it’s worth it.

Our next poll is a bit more fun. It’s a design challenge: You have one area of your home where you can go crazy! Tell us which room and what you would do! Better still, find us some pictures!

We have a GIFT VOUCHER UP FOR GRABS to get your dream started! Respond at: www.facebook.com/nickbosanacbuilder/ or call NOW to talk shop about your build queries: 09 236 8413.

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48 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

Bring us your plans, or let us design you something unique.

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S M 0 OO ,50 D R 99 BE $4 2 OM FR ON 16 TI 20 UC ST TR GU NS AU CO NS GI BE

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Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 49 12875

Left; SR5 manual has a 905kg payload; the wellside is 5125mm long by 1540mm wide, however some width is lost due to the intruding wheel tubs.

Centre; Multi-media and phone controls are located on the steering wheel. The touch screen can sometimes be hard to see due to reflections.

Right: Pick new Hilux by the integrated bumper, headlights and grille. Ground clearance has increased, up to 286mm for some variants.

A new old dog in town

By Alistair Davidson

Japanese pick-up, odds-on they’ll say ‘Hilux’ and there’s a good reason for that.

Apart from pesky Ranger knocking it of its perch last year, Hilux has been number one pretty much forever. And the amazing thing is that in light commercial sales last year it was nipping at brand-new Ranger’s heels with a vehicle that was 10 years old!

That’s right, Hilux was three years past the typical seven-year model life, which speaks volumes for how capable this Kiwi icon was.

The good news for Hilux fans (and there’s a lot of them) is the 2016 version is, without exception, better in every respect.

Toyota NZ offered Rural Living a number of Hilux utes to evaluate. Logic says that this magazine should opt for a cab/chassis workhorse, but where’s the fun in that?

We’ll have a high-spec 4WD SR5 double cab manual, thank you very much.

And why not? Many lifestyle property owners are ditching their SUVs in favour of the more practical and multi-tasking pick-up.

I

n case you missed the news flash, Kiwis are now buying more new utes than any other new vehicle. To the end of April this year, the perennial Toyota Corolla was the top selling passenger car with 1446 units finding new homes, be it private, lease or rental.

However, the days of Corolla being the number one vehicle overall (passenger and light commercial combined) are long gone.

According to the Motor Vehicle Association, Ford Ranger took that honour with 2410 registrations. That’s almost 1000 more than Corolla.

Ranger was also number one for full year 2015 both in light commercial and total new vehicle sales.

Yes indeedy, Ranger is a force to be reckoned with but it’s not alone (or should that be ‘lone’?). There’s a new old dog in town: Toyota’s all-new Hilux.

When you ask anyone to name a

New

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01492-v2

We’re local builders using NZ companies to build for the rural Kiwi just like you...

50 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

Bung a canopy on the back and you have a wagon with a dry and secure cargo area, with decent towing and load carrying capacities.

Add in real 4WD ability and decent ground clearance, and the argument for Hilux and its ilk is even stronger.

New Hilux boasts a stronger chassis and stiffer body, yet ride quality is significantly more car-like than the outgoing model.

It’s not quite at SUV level, particularly when unloaded, but comfort is such that occupants won’t feel beat up after a lengthy road trip.

Road holding is surprisingly good, helped by an improved stability control system. Which explains why, when I’m briskly navigating the rural roads around home, I often have an imposing Hilux grille filling my review mirror.

Towing and load carrying ability is improved, and there’s up to 20 per cent more wheel articulation. A rear differential lock is now standard on 4WD models.

SR5’s 2.8-litre diesel is a refined, flexible

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Towing capacity is up to 3500kgs depending on the model.

powerplant. Smaller than the old 3.0, it produces more torque: 420Nm between 1400 and 2600rpm (with the manual transmission).

That figure is about where most of the competition sits, give or take a handful on newton-metres; Hilux certainly isn’t a rocketship, but the engine’s smoothness and flexibility is what impresses. It’s quiet too.

Rural Living’s six-speed manual boasts well spaced ratios, easy accurate shifts and a clutch action that’s more exercycle then leg press.

Inside, the good news continues.

Modern cabin architecture is dominated by a ‘floating’ seven-inch touch screen.

The plastics manage to feel both classy and

Photos Alistair Davidson

durable, and fit and finish is impressive.

There was no problem finding the right driving position thanks to seat height adjustment and the height and reach adjustable steering column.

Cabin space is good, and rear seat leg room is big enough that you won’t need a crowbar to get full-size adults in and out.

Standard features across the range include air conditioning, Bluetooth and audio, and cruise control. The SR5 tested here gets keyless smart entry and pushbutton start, climate air, and satellite navigation.

This is one big truck (the load area is longer and wider than previously) and it feels like it, on and off road. This translates to excellent visibility in traffic, as well as

providing a bit of a ‘mine’s bigger than yours’ ego boost.

Hilux has a five star ANCAP safety rating due to reversing cameras on all models fitted with a wellside; seven air bags; vehicle stability and traction control; antilock brakes with brake assist; electronic brakeforce distribution; and trailer sway control.

This eighth generation Hilux doesn’t bring anything revolutionary to the crowded light pick-up market, and in some areas, such as towing capacity and engine output, it’s a whisker behind some of its competitors.

What makes Hilux so compelling is the sum of all its parts: it does everything well and absolutely nothing badly, and just as importantly is great fun to drive.

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 51

Right ‘Hon’, Guy! Covering meat-ings over markets, passing motions and more, the Rural Living team reports on reports from our Guy at MPI, albeit with our tongues firmly fixed in our cheeks on occasion!

Red China signs red meat deal

Guy motions sustainable?

As part of a double hail Mary play, Nathan Guy secured a halal dairy deal recently. He says the signing of a new Halal Arrangement will see an increase in exports of red meat to China.

“This is a major step forward for New Zealand’s halal meat producers, and it marks the first time China has recognised another county’s halal regulatory and certification systems,” he says. “The arrangement will provide a competitive advantage in China for our red meat producers.”

Halal is an Arabic word translating as ‘permissible’; it is used to identify meat produced in line with Islamic law.

In addition, Mr Guy also signed a new Agricultural Growth Partnership (AGP) with China’s Minister of Agriculture, Han Changfu.

He says both signings will reinforce an already positive relationship.

“This AGP is a public-private partnership that utilises ‘NZ Inc’ expertise in research and training to work on co-operation activities in areas such as agricultural policy exchange, dairy farmer training, livestock technology, animal health and disease control.

“It aims to foster stronger relationships between New Zealand and China’s agricultural sectors through coordinated, strategic cooperation.”

Fresh funds have been fielded by our Guy at MPI in efforts to grow sustainable farming practices. The latest round of the Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) saw Mr Guy earmark $6.9 million to 25 projects.

“Over the past 16 years the SFF has invested more than $125 million in projects benefiting New Zealand’s primary industries,” he announced. “These are grass-roots projects that help farmers, growers and foresters to tackle problems and develop new opportunities. They are driven by local stakeholders and will make a real difference to regional communities.”

Projects set to benefit from new funding include six in the horticulture and dairy industries, three in arable farming sectors, one in forestry and two each in meat and fibre.

Milk of Ministry Kindness Recognition from Mr Guy that dairy farmers are “doing it tough” was expressed in April during a dairy forum near Morrinsville.

While it seems Guy’s eyes were set on silver linings, his speech also showed awareness of storm clouds overhead for dairy farmers.

“While the medium to long-term outlook for the [dairy] sector remains

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strong, our dairy farmers are doing it tough this season. Low global prices are having a real impact on cashflows and farmers are rightly focusing on their business decisions and on-farm costs,” he said.

“There is a wide range of advice and guidance for farmers out there from both government and the wider industry.”

Mr Guy outlined initiatives including: $800,000 towards the MPI Farming Systems Change programme, investment into the dairy Primary Growth Partnership, approximately $3m in farmer wellness and wellbeing programmes, and $1.5 million into the SMASH (Smaller Milk and Supply Herds) initiative. Whether this will be enough to assist the ailing industry, however, or merely a drop in the bucket remains to be seen.

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52 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

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Rural Living is available FREE from selected advertisers and the following locations: Pukekohe RD1 Pukekohe, 239 Manukau Rd. Cafe Kaos, 44 Edinburgh St. Barfoot and Thompson, 68 King St. Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Ave. Franklin Vets, 86 Harris St. Papakura Franklin Vets, 365 Great South Rd. Pokeno Pokeno Bacon, Great South Rd. Waiuku Franklin Vets, 2 Court St.

54 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

Mitre 10, 25 Bowen St. Bombay Autobahn, State Highway 1.

Tuakau Tuakau Meats, 23 George St. Tuakau Pharmacy, 51 George St. H.R Fiskens, 295 Tuakau Rd. Field Fresh Fruit & Vege, 3/53 George St. Profarm Tuakau, Cnr Madill Rd and George St. Ardmore Animal Stuff, 192 Airfield Rd.

Karaka Animal Stuff, 671 Karaka Rd. Drury Animal Stuff, 222 Great South Rd. Drury Butcher, 232a Great South Rd. Town & Country Vets, 257 Great South Rd. Patumahoe The Butchers Shop Cafe, 4 Patumahoe Rd.

Rural Living is delivered in the first week of each month. Copies will go quickly so be quick to collect yours from any of the following outlets.

An electronic version is also available at ruralliving.co.nz

Clevedon Clevedon Dairy, 14 Main Rd, Clevedon Village Clevedon Rural Supplies, 13 Papakura-Clevedon Rd, Clevedon Village Te Kauwhata Te Kauwhata Pharmacy, 14 Main Rd.

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Office 09 238 6276 or 0800 428 2583 • Andrew Hopping 027 287 3892 Rural Living — May-June 2016 — 55

56 — Rural Living — May-June 2016

www.ruralliving.co.nz 02231-v4