rural living february-march 2014

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From the editor...An action-packed February has seen locals heading every which way – the Franklin A&P Show, the Botanic Gardens in Manurewa for Elvis in the Park, Auckland city for the Lantern Festival, Hamilton Gardens for the annual arts festival, Eden Park for the Rugby League Nines plus var-ious festivals and concerts all over the region.

Did that leave any time for work on the land? Maybe and maybe not. I’m sure some people are running behind on jobs that must be done before autumn. And, of course, windy, hot weather which has dried out gardens and pasture, will be posing problems too.

However, on a day out of town I managed to call in on Raglan permaculture gar-deners Rick Thorpe and Liz Stanaway who featured in the December/January edition of Rural Living.

What a pleasure to see their gardens thriving against a

backdrop of huge sunflow-ers which I was told will feed the chickens come winter. I couldn’t help but notice the abundance of fruit – tamarillos and passionfruit among others – waiting to ripen plus many stone fruit trees laden with produce.

I really appreciated the large Golden Queen peach picked just for me – sweet, juicy and full of flavour it made me real-ise what we often miss when buying from supermarkets.

While down that way I also visited the Bridal Veil Falls in the Waireinga Scenic Reserve – I wouldn’t want to climb back up those stairs from the base too many times!

But, really, the falls, and sur-rounding scenery, are a must to see. For the not so fit, it’s an easy walk to the top of the falls and the outlook from there, just lovely.

Afterwards we drove on to Ruapuke Beach and looped back to Raglan along Whaanga

Road (which later becomes Wainui Road) through the Te Toto Gorge Reserve. We so enjoyed the spectacular coastal views but not so much the metal road which was in need of grading in parts.

However, if you have never gone that way, try it some time; our land is much too beautiful not to see and appreciate.

Well, after all my rambling, I’ll leave you to read this month’s Rural Living.

Have a few laughs too – there’s a bit of humour throughout and, please, do keep sending in your anec-dotes of life on the land or in the town.

Cheers

Helen PerryEditor

covershot

Fruit and veggies feature promi-nently throughout this month’s edition of Rural Living. From publisher Reay Neben’s garden bounty through to cider-making, giant size vegetables, the results of a fruit and veggie eating sur-vey and several other articles focusing on various aspects of horticulture, we are reminded that this is a time for harvest-ing summer fruits and looking ahead to winter stores. Even the competitions page embraces this theme with a giveaway of cookbook, Union Jax, by Jax Hamilton, which explores the markets of London resulting in a number of recipes that make the most of fresh produce.

rUrAL

PAge 6Rampant rams on the loose

PAge 8Brian’s Diary – a country lad’s perspective

PAge 9Over the gate with the new president of National Fieldays, Warwick Roberts

PAge 14-15Protecting sand dunes from erosion

PAge 17Going for it hammer and nail

PAge 19Janet Keeling out and about at the Franklin A&P Show

PAge 22-23Age no barrier to harness racing grandmother

PAge 25Action packed polocrosse

inside

Nostalgia dominates the 2014 Resene range of wallpapers, page 46-47

Living

PAge 29Artist draws inspiration from local surrounds

PAge 30-35Planning a wedding? Check out this month’s Bride Guide for helpful hints

PAge 37Reay’s Diary – trugging along

PAge 38-39Turning apples into cider – a tasty hobby

PAge 45Collaboration of Clevedon artists

PAge 53New Mazda 3 set to launch

PAge 57Cyclist conquers 800km ride

[email protected]: Helen Perry DDI 09 271 8036

Email: [email protected]

Sales: Kate Ockelford-Green DDI 09 271 8090


Gina McNeill DDI 09 271 8020 Email: [email protected]

Caroline Boe DDI 09 271 8091 Email: [email protected]

Art Director: Clare McGillivray DDI 09 271 8067, Fax: 09 271 8071


Manager: Karla Wairau DDI 09 271 8083, Fax: 09 271 8099

[email protected]

Publisher: Brian Neben

50 Stonedon Dr, East Tamaki, AKLD PO Box 259-243, Botany, Auckland 2163

Ph: 09 271 8080, Fax: 09 271 8099DISCLAIMER: 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 newspaper. All the material in this newspaper has the protection of international copyright. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Times House Publishing Ltd.

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freephone: 0800 456 789 www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living — February - March 2014 — 5

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RURAL��

Rampant rabbits, rabid rams, belligerent bulls, terrifying turkeys, not to mention horses gone haywire...not what you expect when you’re living the lifestyle block dream.

But when you’re surrounded by animals who don’t necessar-ily share that dream, let alone speak the same language, things can go wrong in the blink of an eye.

Most farm kids manage to survive close encounters with livestock. The odd bump, bruise and broken bone serve as a rough reminder to be careful around several hundred kilos on four legs.

Not that the lesson necessar-ily sticks, though. Years ago I was persuaded by a friend who was keen on knitting to pur-chase a sheep. He would make an excellent lawnmower, she reckoned, and she would spin his fleece and make me a jersey.

We duly purchased a black lamb, named Glen after the Australian rugby player Glen Ella. The driveway seemed a suitable place to domicile him and he seemed happy enough tethered there.

It took a long time for Glen to grow his jersey-in-waiting, and in the meantime we forgot the little matter of applying a rub-ber ring to his nether parts.

It wasn’t until visitors started complaining about the large sheep charging at their vehi-cles, that we realised Glen was no longer cute.

Clearly he didn’t realise he was a sheep; in his woolly brain he was a reincarnated toro from a Spanish corrida.

Released into a paddock, Glen felt free to charge whoever came near. Nevertheless, it was still hard to swallow the concept of a vicious sheep...until one day when I decided his paddock was

needed for others.

It was a steep learn-ing curve. As I held the gate open for Glen to exit, he suddenly broke into a gallop, heading straight for me. Still not quite believing what I was seeing, in a moment of brain fade I thought I could hold him off with the heavy steel gate...It didn’t work.

Glen rammed the gate into me, knocking me flying. Struggling to my feet, blood streaming from my nose, I realised Glen was coming in for the kill, head lowered.

The phrase ‘the faster it goes, the bigger the mess’ sprang viv-idly to mind as he catapulted toward me.

Nobody has ever hurdled a barbed wire fence as swiftly as I did in my escape. Enraged, Glen charged up and down the race, attacking fence posts.

There’s only one thing to do with a mad sheep. I called my neighbour, who brought his rifle and turned Glen into instant dog tucker. And I never did get that jersey!

Single rams should always be viewed with suspicion. Jo’s father bought some cattle at a sale, and with them arrived a lone ram.

When Jo went to take her pony out of the paddock, the ram followed – at speed. Jo turned and ran for her life – lit-erally, as it turned out.

Sprinting up the race, Jo

could almost feel the ram’s breath at her heels. She man-aged to reach the house, slam-ming the ranchslider behind her – but the ram didn’t stop. In a shower of glass, he burst into the living room.

Fortunately Jo, home alone at the time, managed to barricade herself behind a solid kitchen door and summon help.

Unlikely as it seems, sheep cause hundreds of injuries to humans every year, sometimes fatal. Cattle cause far more, but that’s somehow easier to accept from something the size of a small car.

Bulls are well known for being both unpredictable and amazingly fast when provoked, but cows also are not always to be trusted, particularly when newly calved.

The sweetest natured nurse cow can turn into a hormonally driven termagant when protect-ing her calf.

ACC really loves horses for

the many and varied ways peo-ple can get hurt by them, but to be fair, it’s usually not the horse’s fault.

Lack of care, being in a rush or forgetting to let the horse know where you are, are fre-quent causes of injury to riders or handlers.

Sometimes, though, things happen with animals that genu-inely can’t be foreseen. Like the cute little lop rabbit so devoted to his young owner, Sherilyn, that he would fearlessly attack anyone coming near her – even the dog.

“He would chase people off his territory, and if they weren’t quick enough he’d bite, and draw blood,” Sherilyn says.

And being ‘out for a duck’ took on a new meaning for Sherilyn’s grandmother when she broke a hip tripping over one.

With animals, expect the unexpected. Or as my old mum used to say, “they’re an accident waiting to happen!”

Animals behaving badly: rAm rAids And killer rAbbitsIn recalling a few close encounters with not-so-friendly livestock, seasoned lifestyler, Rebecca GloveR, confesses to feeling a bit sheepish.

It took a solid wooden door to stop a rampant ram.

Rural Living — February - March 2014 — 753318-v2

All workplaces can be hazard-ous and the farm is no excep-tion. In fact, recent ACC figures show that working with animals can definitely have a down side.

Last year more than 6,000 claims were made nationwide as the result of injuries caused from dealing with livestock with Franklin district record-ing a total of 98 injuries.

Jeanette Maxwell from Federated Farmers says vigi-lance is crucial when dealing with livestock.

“The farm is a multi-haz-ard environment and as such should be treated this way.

“There are hazards in most work places it’s just that in farming we have animals and they can be very unpredict-able, especially at certain times of the year such as in spring, during mating and yarding.”

Professional farmers may encounter risk on a larger scale, however small block holders should also take care.

“Farmers work with animals every day and they need to be very aware of them and the environment they are working in,” Ms Maxwell says.

“One of the most important factors is the human factor.

“It’s essential to have or get appropriate training, good ani-mal husbandry practices, know

your stock, and make sure that farmers get plenty of breaks, eat well and rest, especially during pressure times.

“Mental wellbeing is criti-cal to the accident rate coming down.”

While ACC figures confirm Franklin’s 98 injury claims, there were also 23 claims in Papakura and 183 in the Waikato during 2013.

Throughout New Zealand, cattle were involved in the highest number of claims (2262), followed by sheep (1612) and horses (1285), although the particular types of animals involved varied from region to region.

Stephanie Melville from ACC says that while stock-handling is one of the most common causes of farm-related injuries – along with accidents involv-ing farm vehicles, such as trac-tors and quad bikes – it should not be assumed that animals pose any greater risk.

“The number of farm-based livestock out there is consider-ably higher than the number of ATVs, tractors or pieces of farm machinery, for example.

“Therefore, the number of livestock-related injuries is proportional, and the figures do not necessarily indicate any greater danger to farmers from livestock.”

Livestock danger – counting the cost

drones on farmsPilotless drones may conjure up visions of military manoeu-vres but it seems farming could be the new frontier for robots.

Drone technology’s role in sustainable management of NZ farms was examined at Massey University for the 27th Annual Fertiliser and Lime Research Centre Workshop in February as Rural Living went to print.

More than 250 delegates, including farmers, scientists, rural industry professionals and policy makers, focused on nutri-ent management for farm, catch-ment and community.

Massey University Professor in precision agriculture Ian Yule said remote sensing through drones would play a big role in the future challenge to balance environmental sustainability with higher food production.

“The drones will help increase productivity by providing more accurate information about when and where fertiliser and nutrients are needed. This will help sustainability by preventing unnecessary run-off into rivers.”

Also up for discussion were ways to make the primary indus-tries’ response to government’s new growth agenda comple-mentary with the need for con-tinual improvement in on-farm environmental practice.

Centre director Professor Mike Hedley said we’ll be look-ing at the hardest question for New Zealand – how do we earn a first-world crust from primary industries, while protecting and improving the quality of our nat-ural land and water resources?

Livestock can and do cause serious injury to people, often at the most unexpected times.

��RURAL


Once again I am starting my diary with comment on the weather. Last month we were waiting on rain but, unfortu-nately, it never arrived.

Now, the parched land and near dry ponds remind me very much of last year’s drought con-ditions from which it took ages to recover. Well, we can’t con-trol the weather so we just have to get on with it.

When shifting my dozen sheep to a roadside paddock one recent morning I came across a regular occurrence on our road – rubbish, obviously thrown from passing cars, strewn along our boundary. This lot consisted of a beer can, an empty bottle of bourbon mix and an assortment of food wrappers.

In the nearly 20 years we have lived here things haven’t improved; people just keep throwing things out. I wish I could be on hand to write down the registration plate number of an offender then I would cer-tainly report the incident. And it’s not just our road.

About two weeks back I was driving along Tuimata Rd when I came across a load of old tyres

dumped on the side of the berm. I took a photo and I guess some-one else did likewise and proba-bly sent it to the right authority because the pile was removed two or three days later – shame on those responsible for this type of dumping.

Now to a cat tale! We have had a stray cat loitering around the house for the past two or three weeks. He is obviously domesticated and could have been dumped. Otherwise he is one very lost puss.

We don’t see much of him during the day but we have found our cat’s bowls, which are in the kitchen, licked clean each morning. We fi gured puss was entering through the cat door at night to feed – our cat

never licks his bowl clean!Sometime after his appear-

ance we found a note in the letter box with an encircled pic-ture of a cat missing from a fam-ily living about three kilometres away. At last, I thought, this poor old cat can be returned to its owners. I phoned them and a very nice, concerned lady rushed down to collect him.

We hunted all around the house but couldn’t fi nd him so I said I’d let her know when we sighted him again. However, when Reay arrived home later in the day, she took one look at the photo and said this wasn’t the same cat as that hiding on our property! We then had the sad task of phoning the family with the bad news.

The happy ending came two days later when the family found their cat and although it wasn’t so well, it is now recov-ering.

On the other hand, if any-one is missing a cat they could phone Rural Living as we might just have him here.

In a busy month, I attended the Australasian Classic Yearling Sales last week and although clearance rates were down, the average price was up. I thought there were some lovely looking horses in the mix with some great bargains for buyers.

I also spoke to Geoff Small who was there in a buying mood. He is training Will Desire, our last year’s naming competition horse which he is getting ready for the harness racing track.

Geoff said Will Desire was going really well and we are looking forward to his continu-ing progress with, hopefully, lots of wins once he’s racing.

Last week our colt, Willedu was weaned from Willowbrook and though it was sad for the mare, he needed to go his own way and, hopefully, will star in next year’s sales.

To fi nish, I was amazed at the number of people who came up to me at the sales and congrat-ulated me on my column and who also thought that Willedu was such a great name – many thanks to you all.

And, with that, see you next month,

Brian

Rubbish raises ireBrian Neben

publishes Rural Living and

is also an avid lifestyle farmer

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NEW ZEALAND’S INFRASTRUCTURE & INDUSTRIAL SERVICES SPECIALISTSNEW ZEALAND’S INFRASTRUCTURE & INDUSTRIAL SERVICES SPECIALISTS

INTERGROUP


How important is Fieldays to New Zealand’s rural indus-tries?

Fieldays provides a centre where farmers, exporters, scientists, financiers, and the public, can get together to view, compare and discuss the latest ideas for increased productivity. I believe it’s the national window on Rural New Zealand.

How has Fieldays been received by the international agribusiness community?

The organisation was started to allow businesses to connect with the farming industry and for town to connect with coun-try. International businesses are no different.

They have a vested interest in displaying and selling their wares to New Zealanders as well as buying the latest technology that we have invented here.

How has Fieldays changed since you were involved with fencing at the first event at Te Rapa?

In the early days, it was all hands to the pump, with limited budget and small staff. Today, we’re for-tunate to have specialised staff, but volunteers are still crucial to the success of Fieldays.

What’s your favourite event or competition?

Innovation is still my favourite. This part of a farm operation – where ideas are used to over-come problems, or reduce labour input – is, and I believe always will be, the power that places New Zealand’s farmers ahead of their counterparts around the world.

We encourage innovative thinking, and this provides incentive for more diverse ideas amongst those who attend Fieldays.

What was Lloyd Downing [former Fieldays president] like to work with and are you looking forward to working with Peter Nation [new vice president]?

Lloyd Downing is a one-off spe-cial! Nobody can repeat what he did. His ability to call on the right person to sort a problem is unique.

Peter has special qualities which will be very useful as we proceed in 2014. His back-ground is just what is needed for the good of the Society. We will certainly be working closely together.

What initiatives can we expect from Fieldays?

Fieldays is coming of age, in terms of business development.

It has always been a complex animal to run because there are many diverse parts to it.

Now, the picture is becom-ing clearer as we work with the components individually, while still including them as part of the whole.

Fieldays has always had the philosophy of improving its image and performance; these are steps towards achieving that aim.

How do you think the role of president will impact on your personal life?

I sold my farm at the end of 2001 as my wife was struggling with health problems. However, this has enabled me to spend time working for the Society without feeling guilty or having divided loyalties.

Did you always want to grow up to be a cowboy?

I guess I was destined to be a ‘cow’ boy by growing up on a dairy farm!

My year at Flock House [former agricultural and farm training school in Bulls] gave me insight into the alternatives to raising sheep and cattle – I learnt to shear, and enjoyed the challenge of getting wool from a sheep’s back!

Dairy farming has certainly changed over the years, how-ever, so I wonder if I made the choice today, whether I would take the same path.

If you could grow any crop or raise any animal, what and why?

I always thought it would be nice to breed stud beef cattle. Probably Herefords, because of their colouring; they appear so in touch with their surroundings.

I grew potatoes in the early years and discovered that crop-ping is never easy. The certainty of a dairy cheque was preferable to the market floor for me!

If you could exchange yarns around the table with any three people, living or dead, who and why?

That’s a tough question! One would still be my father, who has passed on. Having researched my ancestry, I also believe my great grandfather, Charles Boyce – who was an early pioneer in Cambridge – would be a good choice; I’m sure he could give me a few lessons!

Of people living today, I would choose the newest of our volunteers. Hopefully they have the vision that we are trying to instil into the Fieldays Society.

Fieldays 2014 will run from ■June 11-14; visit fieldays.co.nz for more information.

With Warwick Robertsthe gateOver

Elected president of NZ National Fieldays Society late last year, Warwick Roberts is chomping at the bit to ensure the iconic event goes from strength to strength. A member of the society for 13 years, Warwick has walked the road from sharemilker to farm owner and been involved with Fieldays since fencing at the very first event.

��RURAL

Warwick Roberts


Bumpkin BanterAnother month of Bumpkin Banter – 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 [email protected].

Last month, we met a garden gnome whose ‘noose’ was well and truly cooked. We’ve since received a number of emails from readers about whether gnomes should have a home in Kiwi gardens, including this little ditty from KEA FOX. He writes:

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, I’m not sure, but let me tell you a tale that might help readers settle their thoughts either way.

Last winter when the garden was in the state of quiet dor-mancy, peering through the condensation on the window from my fi replace rest, I spot-ted an unusual addition to my garden. On closer inspection I

found a strange house had been built and a dweller was dwelling within!

Rather than provoke any hostilities from the unknown

opportunist I decided, from then on, to keep a wide berth.

As the weather warmed and my outside activity increased, I had a sense that I was being watched. As I considered my sanity late one night in bed I also heard a sound as though some far off neighbour was hammer-ing and digging.

When I awoke the next morn-ing I noticed there had been fur-ther developments around the strange dwelling and that my dweller had now been joined by other dwellers when I saw a number of new faces which peeked and stared at me as I approached.

Now, I’m not one to be afraid

of creepy crawlies or unex-plained phonemes, and these industrious little fellows have my respect for their labours, but when they smile as I pass, I sense a glint in their eyes. I can’t quite tell whether it’s simple cheeki-ness, or murderous intent!

Either way, they stay. So, if any others wish to evict their unwanted tenants, please con-tact me, because they may as well join my band of (seemingly) happy garden dwellers.

I have attached pictures to prove that my tale is not long in veil or short in truth!

MAKE YOURSELF AT GNOME

By Liz Clark

Although many may not real-ise, disused dunnies are actu-ally the perfect habitat for opportunistic, nocturnal, furry creatures. You see, pos-sums, if they can, will occupy any old convenience at their convenience in a fl ash!

One morning, my mother found her old dunny-come-potting-shed had an unwel-come occupant. Sitting above the door was a possum. When mother asked it – in English, she doesn’t speak possum too well – what business it had in her lav’, it failed to answer and, instead, coldly glared back.

Following a ‘possum in privy needs urgent attention’ mes-sage, I employed our mentally challenged dog to assist in a forced eviction. However, no notice was required because, when we arrived, the pot-room-squatter seemed to have vacated the premises.

After poking and prodding amongst the jumble of garden-ing junk we discovered said possum was still there. He was obviously having a bad fur day.

With fur standing on end, as if he’d had a midnight rendezvous with an electric fence, the hiss-ing creature sent pots fl ying and tools tumbling in his wake as he made a bid for an exit stage left.

Unfortunately, that was a

poor choice as (for once), the dog had a sane moment. One fl ying leap and it was over!

Our daffy dog was left happily puffi ng alongside a deceased marsupial who was caught short of freedom.

After treating the dog to a biscuit, I returned to my cold coffee, and mother was left with her liberated dunny-come-potting-shed.

RURAL _______________________________________________________________________________

NO VACANCY!

SO MUCH FOR ROMANCE!Valentine’s Day dawned and I wandered into the kitchen for an early morning cuppa. Looking out the window I gasped with delight and joyously thought, “romance is not dead” (even at my age). Our pretty lawn, encircled by shrubs was strewn from one end to the other with white petals. Utterly entranced, I completely ignored my attire and rushed outside to whirl around, girl-like, in my floaty nightgown whilst thinking warm thoughts about the man in my life. But what a disappointment! All those dew-kissed petals turned out to be small chunks of last week’s bread rolls and my day was not so ‘rosy’ after all! – Love Struck


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��RURAL

By Dr Ilyse Jennens, BVSc (Dist) Franklin Vets

Facial eczema is a liver disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats and alpacas.

It is caused by toxins produced by fungal spores in the pasture. These spores tend to be highest in numbers from January to May in warm, moist weather with lots of dead matter on pasture.

When eaten, these spores release a toxin which damages the liver and bile system preventing the removal of toxins from the blood.

These toxins react with sunlight in the un-pigmented white skin in cattle and the areas not covered by fleece in sheep.

Dark coloured animals do not show signs of peeling skin, but can still suffer serious liver damage with loss of appetite, weight loss and illthrift.

There is no treatment once clinical signs of the disease occur, so it is important to prevent the damage before it happens by dosing animals with zinc. Several different treatment

options exist and they vary in price and effectiveness.

Check specific dosing on product packaging or talk to your veterinarian for product specific advice.

In small block situations and on dry stock units administering oral zinc capsules (Faceguard or Time capsules) often provides the most reliable method of supplementation.

In dry stock, levels of water consumption may be too low to

guarantee levels of zinc intake for reliable protection with zinc added to water.

Zinc boluses last 4-6 weeks in cattle and 5-6 weeks in sheep, meaning two boluses are often needed to cover animals for the season. Zinc boluses should not be used in alpacas.

Spore levels on pasture will vary season to season, property to property. Extensive monitoring is carried out across the region and are available

online www.franklinvets.co.nz. Barbers Pole (Haemonchus ■

contortus) is a blood-sucking parasite found in the stomach of sheep.

Large numbers of the worm quickly deplete the blood supply, especially in lambs, causing them to become pale and weak. Deaths can occur.

In ideal conditions the worms can complete a life cycle in just 10-14 days and sheep can quickly become re-infected between drenches.

For this reason, during the Barbers Pole season (typically February to April), we recommend using a product with specific and persistent activity against Barber’s Pole such as Genesis Ultra®.

Flystrike causes sheep to be ■restless and itchy followed by wool discolouration and loss and even death in severe cases.

Prevention is much better than cure and involves avoiding dags by tailing, crutching and good worm control, shearing prior to summer followed by regular treatment with protective sprays over summer.

Taking precautionsVet Talkwith Franklin Vets

Dr Ilyse Jennens


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RURAL _______________________________________________________________________________

This summer may not have seen the big dry of last year, nevertheless, low rainfall, and a fair bit of wind has helped dry out the land and some pas-tures are looking very brown at present.

While it is diffi cult to realise autumn is virtually upon us it really is time to take a serious look at what feed you have for your livestock and where it’s coming from over autumn and into winter.

An end-of-season tidy up of pastures is timely while the weather holds, especially where grasses have gone long, dead and straggly, and where weeds such as Californian thistles have taken hold.

Thistles are real drought sur-vivors with their massive root stores. Weeds can be easily weakened by cutting off their food supply – stems and leaves, otherwise they just manufac-ture food to feed the roots to be bigger and better next season.

If weeds have reached the fl owering/seeding stage it will be too late for easy action which means even more weeds next year. Instead, you’ll probably have to spend a bit on chemical weed killers or spend time dig-ging them out.

Also, take care when feeding out silage, especially in big, dif-fi cult to handle bales. Silage laid out in large lumps will burn the pasture, leaving bare patches for weeds to grow.

Don’t lay out more silage than stock can eat at any one time.

Hay doesn’t cause this prob-lem, though it may leave behind weed seeds if they were present. So before you buy hay – check what’s in it.

Ensure all silage bales are well protected from stock, rats and inquisitive birds. And, even the tiniest hole will let in enough air for mould to grow over a large area and that’s money wasted.

Now’s the time to do a feed budget so you know exactly how you are placed for winter feed, and if you need to get rid of some stock. If you are not sure how to do this, then get some help.

Before autumn rain sets in check that hay storage is water-proof – leaking shed roofs and spouts fi lled with leaves can let in water which will rot hay. Remember, never feed mouldy hay to stock.

If you think your pasture may need renewing get some inde-pendent advice as this job can

be expensive. Of course, there’s always a lot of seed (called hard seed) in the pasture which accumulates over the years. It will eventually germinate, but there’s no guarantee what you may end up with or if weeds will get a head start on the long dormant grass and clover seeds.

It could be a good idea to have a soil test done this month to see what fertiliser is needed but be wary of products that show lit-tle information.

Talk to local farmers on the same soil type and check what they use. Their advice could be invaluable. When spread-ing fertiliser take care to avoid areas near drains, dams, creeks or wetlands.

It’s also a good time to do some tree pruning to feed to stock. Poplars and willows are rich in minerals. But be careful – stock relish prunings, espe-cially when wilted and thrown over the fence from the garden.

Do a check for plants that can be poisonous to stock – many can be. Keep an eye on Rural Living’s regular Weed Report and check sites such as Environmental Waikato which offers a wealth of pest and weed information.

Finally, when it comes to livestock talk to your veteri-narian about checks needed at this time of the year and talk to experienced farmers about getting rid of any livestock that will not earn its keep – it can be very expensive to feed and pay out for the care on animals that will provide no return unless, of course, they are family pets and you are not looking for return.

However, such animals will still need to be kept in prime health and vet checks should not be dispensed with other-wise longer term problems could emerge. Indeed, living the lifestyle dream brings with it many responsibilities!

On the farm this month

Wind and low rainfall have taken their toll on local pastures.

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Agapanthus (agapanthus praecox) is a glorious sight at this time of year with its many purple, blue or white fl ow-ers brightening up gardens and roadsides but this South African native, has acclima-tised just a little too well.

Agapanthus forms dense clumps, which will crowd out other plants especially native species.

The seeds are readily wind-blown or carried by water so seedlings will quickly colonise drains and roadsides.

They spread and survive well because they are so hardy, tolerating hot and cold, wet and dry, wind and salt and poor soils too.

They can even survive heavy damage and sea immersion so not an easy plant to get rid of.

Big plants with their exten-

sive roots are tough to dig out (you may need an axe) and the glossy leaves resist many sprays.

The most effective herbicide treatment is a combination

of glyphosate (Roundup) and Metsulfuron (Escort) with a penetrant.

Auckland Council has declared agapanthus a ‘sur-veillance pest plant’ so those who enjoy its blooms can either purchase infertile culti-vars from reputable nurseries or carefully remove the seed heads while the seeds are still green. Then, either rot them down or burn them.

Seedlings or larger plants dug up should also be burnt as they will readily re-sprout if left to rot. If stumps are left, respray or paint them with weed killer.

However, do think ahead before planting on coastal or damp sites.

If agapanthus is re-classifi ed for total control, it will be a big job to clear it.

AXING agapanthusREPORT

WeedMPI ON FLYAn infamous Aussie pest may have fl own away home if recent reports from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) prove correct.

Following the discovery of a single, male Queensland fruit fl y in a Whangarei surveillance trap last month, the ministry conducted trapping, fruit sam-pling and testing. Results have confi rmed no further sign of the unwelcome visitor.

Andrew Coleman from MPI says New Zealand’s fruit fl y-free status remains intact. “There is no longer any need for residents in the area to be restricted in their movements of produce.”

While restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegeta-bles have been lifted, Andrew says MPI will continue its sur-veillance programme, leaving an additional 33 traps in high-risk locations.

He asks the public to con-tact MPI’s Pests and Diseases Hotline – 0800 80 99 66 – should insects or larvae be dis-covered in fruit.

________________________________________________________________________________RURAL


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Sand dunes…just another area where vehicles and people can recreate, yes? Well, no, actu-ally.

The area where the high tide connects with the land is an important, lively zone. When cared for it helps to protect land from erosion. Subsequently, the adapted plants and animals which make up this ecosystem deserve that care.

However, human habitation has taken a toll on these plant communities and, now, native sand-binding plants, which pro-vide great service on the fore dunes, have to be re-established in many coastal areas.

Spinifex, a mint-green grass-like member of the Poa family, is the strongest grower, sending out long runners which effec-tively latch on to moving sand.

Pingao, or golden sedge, makes a great contrast. It is deep green, drying out to a glowing orange colour – an important weaving plant for Maori.

Beach care groups are re- establishing these two major species, either growing their own seedlings which requires fiddly, fine work, or obtaining plants in bulk from native plant nurseries.

Planting is done during win-ter, with slow release nitrogen fertilisers assisting with good survival and growth rates.

Once established, the dune builds a gentle face, which is more resilient than the steep dunes formed by marram grass. Gradually, other native plants and insects will recolonise the dunes, followed by birds.

Ground nesting birds which favour the fore dune areas – oystercatchers, dotterels and terns – are extremely suscep-tible to introduced mammals such as cats, mustelids, rodents and dogs and therefore need our help to complete their nest-ing cycle.

Two-legged mammals, par-ticularly those driving or riding wheeled vehicles, are hugely destructive of the whole dune structure. In many areas, light fencing and marked foot tracks have been established as well as signage teaching beach visitors about this special environment.

Restoration projects are under way at Karioitahi and Hamilton’s Gap while Port Waikato has recently revitalised its beach care project. Resident, Karen Opie, has become involved with dune restoration through her efforts as a DOC volunteer helping to protect the breeding efforts of a pair of dot-terels.

With the support of local iwi, residents, and beach visitors, lightweight, portable fencing has been used successfully.

In particular, Karen has undertaken the essential preda-tor control routines, which ensure the survival of chicks.

“Port Waikato is a great area for birdlife. With the river, estu-ary, lagoon and ocean all here, up to 60 godwits summer here every year and rarer visitors, such as spoonbills and egrets, often join the more common wading and sea birds, to feed.”

Following a 20 hectares fire last February, Karen has worked with Waikato Council’s Sam Stephens; DOC’s Mike Paviour and local kaumatua, Richard Thompson, to secure funding to restore the dunes.

The first project was a mas-sive clean-up with more than 60 locals showing up to remove three giant bins of hard rubbish.

Ironically, it was the fire burning out pampas and weed plants, that provided access to the rubbish and enabled the clean up to go ahead.

Next came two planting days. The first focused on replenish-ing coastal shrubs and trees on the back dune; the second saw spinifex and pingao reinforced on the erosion-prone fore dune.

A total of 4000 plants were established – a great start to the three-year project, which will be “full steam ahead” with an earlier start to planting come winter.

Loving sand dunesWith the sea shore such an important part of this nation’s recreation, beach care programmes are vitally important to improving sand dune health as ANNA McNAUGHTON explains.


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The Dune Restoration Trust of New Zealand supports these, and other initiatives, with its vision statement: “To see the majority of New Zealand coasts restored sustainably using indig-enous species by 2050”.

The trust publicises the value of dunes, runs workshops, has helped dune care groups estab-lish plant nurseries, offered research scholarships to stu-dents working in the field and produces up-to-date publica-tions to assist with education.

It is also possible for coastal native plants to create a quirky, different beachside garden. Such plants adapt easily and require less watering and fuss than traditional garden plants.

Most of the plants listed here can be obtained from specialist native plant nurseries:

Pingao (Desmoschoenus ■Spiralis) also requires sandy soil; colours up to a vibrant green, for contrast.

Spinifex (Spinifex Sericeus) ■will thrive on a sandy section. There is a very effective spinifex “lawn” on the waterfront of Onetangi Beach.

Remuremu (Selliera ■Radicans), with its small, dense leaves and pretty, tiny white flowers, has been successfully used as a seaside lawn.

Shore Convolvulus ■(Calystegia Soldanella) sports attractive, glossy leaves and candy-striped pink and white flowers; a pretty sand cover.

Ice Plant (Disphyma ■Australe) is more subtle than its South African cousins. Bearing pale pink or white flowers, it deserves to be seen in more sea-side gardens.

Sand coprosma (Coprosma ■Acerosa) is another great coastal ground cover. With small, needle-like leaves, well trimmed it makes a good, dense mat.

Korokio (Corokia ■Cotoneaster) is a small-leaved

corokia, which has pretty yellow flowers, followed by bright red berries. It goes well as a shrub or seaside hedge.

Pohuehue (Muehlenbeckia ■Complexa) is a wiry coastal rambler, which makes a good ground cover or can be trained as an easy-care hedge.

Cottonwood (Ozothamnus ■Leptophylla) will cope with the harshest cliff-top locations. Its small, silvery grey leaves are topped by white flowers in mid-summer. It will stay small and shrubby in exposed areas but needs trimming and shaping in a sheltered environment.

Native Broom (Carmichaelia ■Australis) has an attractive weeping form and gives a late spring display of masses of tiny violet flowers.

Renga Renga Lilies ■(Arthropodium spp.) are won-derfully versatile, thriving in sun or dense shade. They pro-duce attractive flower spikes.

Astelia banksii (wharawhara), ■a great contrast plant with sil-very, flax-like foliage.

Harakeke (Phormium spp.) ■Most flax species will cope with coastal conditions. Colour and size are the main considerations when selecting for your garden.

Coastal Toetoe (Austraderia ■Splendens) makes a large clump, but is well worth finding space for. In summer it produces a profusion of pale gold plumes.

Poor Knights Lily (Xeronema ■Callistemon) is the ultimate tough customer, conditioned to survive by tucking into the rocky outcrops of the Poor Knights Islands. Patience will see the superb red flower spikes produced in late spring, once the plant is well-established.

Native spinach varieties, ■Tetragonia tetragonioides, and Tetragonia Implexicoma, are very much at home beside the seaside providing an easy-care source of edible green leaves.

�� RURAL

Port Waikato

16 — Rural Living — February - March 2014 16 — Rural Living — February - March 2014

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Taumarunui fencers, Bill Brewer and Simon Green hammered home a ‘first’ when they set a world record of 11 minutes and 38 seconds for fastening 30 battens on a nine-wire fence at the inaugural Fairbrother Speed Fencing Challenge earlier this month.

While Franklin didn’t field a team this time round, the competition attracted some 20 competitors who put their skills to the test at the Grasslandz Agricultural Machinery Expo at Eureka near Hamilton.

But where were our local boys? One of the judges, Nick Liefting, from Bombay, himself a local legend in fencing, says without doubt a Franklin team had as much chance of pocket-ing prize money as anyone.

“This competition was a bit different from say, the Golden Pliers or the Silver Spade run at National Fieldays, Mystery Creek. Those events attract the top fencers and the emphasis is definitely on quality.

“For the Fairbrothers con-test, which was a pairs event, we took a different approach to encourage teams to give it a go. The emphasis was really on speed but we still included cri-teria for quality and worked on a demerit system.

“For each nine faults contest-

ants had to add another batten; the winning team added only one batten and the worst team added four battens, so everyone did very well, really.”

Nick says initially there was interest from local fencers but some expressed trepidation about using hammers instead of staple guns.

“However, that really wasn’t a issue. Today just about every-one uses a staple gun on the job so everyone in the competition was in the same boat. It was

more about going back to grass roots fencing so, hopefully, next time round, we see some Franklin guys in the mix.”

The record win netted Brewer and Green $1000. Second-placed, Tim Stafford and Jeff Joines (14m 9s) won $500 while third-placed, Troy Brooky and Cameron Beaven (14m 11s) won $300.

Fourth, fifth and sixth placed teams each took home $100. They were: 4th – Gordon Hansen, Jarrad Nicholson (15m

24s); 5th – Rex Graham, Blair Eade (20m 13s), and 6th – Ben Boys, Thomas Wilson (23m 51s).

Fairbrother Industries sales manager Ken Lawson says the event attracted fencing con-tractors as well as young farm-ers and those who don’t usually enter formal fencing competi-tions.

Nick Liefting shared the judging with another highly experienced fencer and fenc-ing competition judge, Wayne Newdick.

Country boys nail fencing record

Winners, Simon Green and Bill Brewer and right, Bill Brewer turns on the speed. Photos supplied


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A&P show steals the dayThere’s no business like show business and this year‘s Franklin A&P Show was clearly a crowd pleaser with locals turning out in force to catch all the action. Competitors, kids and cow-hands, lifestylers, farmers and townies enjoyed a scorcher of a weekend. Photographer JANET KEELING captured some of the fun.

��RURAL


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Come March 23, The Karaka Historical Society will get back to where it once belonged with this year’s Karaka Vintage Day.

Held in association with VERA (Vintage Engine Restorers Auckland) the event offers a range of attractions for history buffs, steam enthusiasts and the general public alike.

In addition to steam engines, vintage cars, farm machinery and military vehicles, the event – at the Karaka Sports Complex – will feature stalls with books, jewellery, clothes, art works and more.

Visit nzhistoricalsocieties.org.nz/members/karaka for more information.

Commercial production of pure avocado powder at Waikato Innovation Park has received a $28,000 boost thanks to Bio-Resource Processing Alliance.

The grant will help scale up production of the powder for use in cosmetic, nutriceutical and food products.

A government-funded ini-tiative, the BPA helps New Zealand’s biological-based manufacturing businesses gain maximum value from waste and by-products, while reduc-ing environmental impacts from primary production and manu-facturing activities.

In this case, Waikato Innovation Park has the coun-try’s only open access product development spray dryer oper-ated by its Food/Waikato divi-sion.

Last year Food/Waikato started helping Bay of Plenty company, Avocado Oil New Zealand to dry avocado pulp

from blemished or otherwise non-saleable avocados.

The result is a world-first, high value 100 percent pure commercial avocado powder product known as Avopure which is selling successfully in the USA, Japan, China and Australia.

Executive director of Avocado Oil New Zealand, Brian Richardson, says Avopure is the first premium avocado powder available that contains no added fillers or carriers and contains higher levels of potas-sium, fibre and energy.

Now, with support from BPA, Food/Waikato is able to fur-ther improve the drying process with the aim of boosting com-mercial opportunities.

The BPA is funding $15,000 towards research by Massey University scientists and $13,000 towards making modi-fications to the Food/Waikato plant.

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The successful launch of a new Equine Industry Association (EIA), has been met with industry enthusiasm.

Co-managing director of New Zealand Bloodstock, Karaka, Petrea Vela is among those who have welcomed the launch of the association during the recent National Bloodstock Yearling Sales.

She says it aims to be a forum for the wider equine indus-try with information cover-ing financial, legal and basic business management areas, available on websites, through seminars and via networking.

The new association was initiated by three professional women all steeped in differ-ent areas of the equine arena – lawyer and endurance rider, Alice Barker; banker and event rider, Chelsey Hawthorn; and accountant and thoroughbred industry expert, Briar Carr.

Their aim is to make informa-tion and advice readily and eas-ily available to members.

Employment relations will be the first topic covered with a series of publications and checklists to be released on the website over the next three months.

Further down the track, dif-ferent topics will foster better business practice, better mar-keting, better accounting sys-tems and ways to keep track of spending and the importance of putting contracts in place.

”The traditional handshake is all very well-but if things go wrong, there is nothing to stand on,” says Briar Carr.

Alice Barker adds that equine businesses do not receive rel-evant advice because many professionals simply do not understand the issues.

With an estimated 120,000 horses in New Zealand, rac-

ing and sport horses contribute $2.65 billion to the economy, and employ 17000 in the racing industry, with Franklin playing a huge part.

EIA is intended to be inclusive of all facets of the industry where thoroughbred, standardbred and sport horse breeders all face similar chal-lenges.

“This industry is held in the highest regard internationally for its level of talented horse-manship,” says Petrea.

“The challenge is to ensure that those skills are supported by good business practice.”

Local buyers were among the top bidders at the Australasian Classic harness racing yearling sale at Karaka in February.

Patumahoe trainer Geoff Small, who featured in Rural Living last month, paid the sec-ond highest price of $115,000 for the Mach Three-Copper Beach colt, Zadaka. It was one of only two lots that sold for more than $100,000 on the first day of the sales, the only sale day in Auckland.

The other went to Sydney-based owners Emilio and Maria Rosati, who paid a sales-top-ping $130,000 for Bettor Cheer, a Bettors Delight colt from Galleons Supreme, a half-sister to ABC winner, Cheer The Lady. It is expected that the horse will be trained by champion driver and local, Tony Herlihy, who was in at the purchase.

Small, whose Zenola Farm Racing Stables has been home to a number of champions, trained his new colt’s dam, Copperbeach to win the New Zealand Oaks and then her daughter De Lovely to do the same.

Clearly excited about his pur-chase, he said famous racehorse, Somebeachsomewhere, bred on the same cross, was a great champion and was now turning out to be an equally great sire.

“With that, I have high hopes

for this horse.” Then adds, with a laugh, “you don’t spend $115,000 without hope!”

Keen to put together a group of six shares at $25,000 each, Small says on seeing how well the colt had developed in recent weeks he’d had a ‘very good feeling’ about him and had been determined to have him at the stables.

Another local trainer Barry Purdon, paid $75,000 for Platinum Belle, a Bettors Delight filly, sister to his Harness Jewels winner, Five Card Draw.

Local breeder Tony Dickinson, of Alta Dream Lodge, was delighted with the sale of his Bettors Delight colt, Alta Las Vegas from Alta Camilla, for $77,500 and also

Mach Three filly, Alta Valencia out of Samantha Q, for $52,500.

Although the Karaka sale day started slowly, it gained momen-tum before slowing towards the end. There was a feeling the strong Kiwi dollar may have curbed buying by Australian owners with the clearance rate down on last year. However the average price was up.

Locals nab top horses

Alta Las Vegas sold for $77,500 at the sales.

new equine initiative Launched

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We’ve all heard of galloping grandmothers but here in Franklin we have a harness racing grandmother of four!

Sally Yoakley, who recently qualified as a driver for ama-teur tote races, has spent a life-time around horses. She started with ponies as a 12-year-old in England after persuading her parents to let her drop piano and take up riding lessons.

Much later, a working holiday at a New Forest trekking stable gave Sally enough money to buy a New Forest pony foal.

“The foal spent a few weeks grazing our back lawn before paddocking was found!” she laughs.

While the foal was grow-ing, Sally’s parents leased her a riding pony to increase her skills. Eventually, she broke in the foal and only sold her when she headed for New Zealand in 1971.

Here, Sally joined the North Shore Riding Club, where she also supported her son, Darren, through his pony clubbing years.

She was enjoying horse tri-alling when the family had a change of direction, heading south to start dairy farming on the Awhitu Peninsula.

The swift learning curve of

running a busy dairy farm didn’t leave enough time for compet-ing so hacking and supporting the Franklin Adult Riding Club, as well as local pony club rid-ers, kept Sally in the equestrian loop.

In 2008, she and husband, Richard, retired from dairying and moved to Glenbrook and also purchased Graham Crispe Auto Electrical in thriving Pukekohe.

Then, on attending an open day at the Pukekohe Trotting Club, the couple came home with a share in Eres, a filly about to commence her racing career.

Hands-on horse people, Sally and Richard soon realised that a small share wouldn’t be enough; now, their farmlet is home to one broodmare, two young horses and their race horses when they are spelling.

“In addition there’s my riding horse and a ‘mini’ for the grand-children,” Sally says.

The first step towards more hands-on involvement came when both Sally and Richard gained an amateur driver’s licence.

This entailed completing a comprehensive, two-day course covering every aspect of horse handling, transporting, gear-ing-up and driving in a sulky with a good routine taught for each module.

The pair also helped out at Adrienne Matthews’ stables gaining solid experience in basic routines and trackwork mileage.

Finding suitable horses – sen-sible, biddable horses which were broken-in and established in their work but not looking like top racehorses – was the next step.

“One mare, Millview Rachel, known as “magnificent Millie” at home, turned out to be a sur-prise package,” Sally says.

“She ended up winning seven races including a heat in the Caduceus Mile, which gave her the essential “black type” to become a broodmare. She is now in-foal to top international shuttle stallion, Mach 3.

“We had planned to continue

racing Millie but she made it quite clear that she was no longer interested so, she is hap-pily back in the paddock.”

Patumahoe trainer, Ray Derby is currently assisting with the training of the Yoakleys’ horses but Richard, whose driv-ing career was sidelined by an Achilles rupture, has taken out his owner/trainer’s licence and already has second and third placings to his credit.

Typically, the Yoakleys are already giving back to their sport. Richard was not origi-nally a horseman but always supported Sally 100% and he also served as president of the North Shore Riding Club.

Sally has also completed a stint as president of the Franklin Adult Riding Club and is still

Hooked on harness racing

Sally Yoakley – harness racing grandmother. Photo Wayne Martin


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a supportive member and she instructs at Waiuku Pony Club when she can fit it in around the standardbreds.

Both Richard and Sally are now on the organising com-mittee for amateur racing and their company has linked up with Continental Engineering to sponsor the summer series of amateur races.

In the meantime, Sally is find-ing driving great fun. Now, with sufficient drives and wins under her belt she is looking to step-ping up to the next level – ama-teur tote racing.

Having completed the advanced amateur course and qualified, Sally says she is rel-ishing more opportunities in the sulky and says, “it’s full speed ahead!”

When the hammer fell at the 2014 National Yearling Sale early this month, New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB) recorded increases across all key statistics.

Co-managing director of NZB, Petrea Vela, says she is “extremely pleased” to post results in line with last year, with notable gains across the Select and Festival Sales.

“The New Zealand pres-ence has been significant and is a very encouraging sign of renewed confidence. Our strong dollar had some effect on the Australian spend, but that opened the door for local buyers to be more active,” she says.

Although fewer horses were sold than in 2013 and the aggregate dipped slightly to under $70M, the sales saw increases to clearance rate as well as average and median sale prices.

“The clearance rate of 78 percent was very pleasing and represents a six-year high. It reflects the strength we saw in the middle market, in particu-lar increased demand from the New Zealand buying bench, supported by a strong interna-tional line-up as well.”

Lot 73 – sired by Fastnet Rock, out of Katie Lee – topped the earnings list, fetch-ing vendor, Cambridge Stud, $800,000. And Fastnet’s prog-eny fared well in general, 16 of his yearlings sold at an average exceeding $350,000.

“Based on the results of their offspring on the racetrack a sire will often have a run of popularity that sees his year-lings commanding high prices across various sales,” Petrea says.

“Fastnet Rock is certainly a boom sire of the moment and retained his leading sire crown this year. In fact, his 16 lots produced the four highest priced yearlings of the Premier Sale.”

The leading local sire was

Zabeel, with 19 lots sold at an average of just under $200,000. Karaka-based Westbury Stud produced the highest priced yearling from a local stud with Lot 341 purchased for $320,000.

While Waikato Stud was, for the first time, the leading ven-dor by aggregate ($8,873,000), Franklin studs also fared well – Westbury ranked fifth on aggregate ($4,213,500), followed by Haunui Farm ($2,523,500) in eighth place.

Plain sale-ing!� ��RURAL

Sally Yoakley – harness racing grandmother. Photo Wayne Martin

Lot 341 purchased for $320,000 from Westbury Stud was the highest priced yearling from a local stud.


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EquinE HErpEsBy Neil Houston, Veterinary Associates

Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) is a common virus in New Zealand horses. Almost all horses are infected as foals with no signs of illness although the virus can remain latent with reactivation possible in later life.

Infected horses may show no clinical signs of disease, or it can present as respiratory disease of varying severity, abortion, neona-tal foal death and as the very rare neurological form which has been confirmed for the first time in New Zealand on a Waikato Stud Farm.

To date, 13 horses have been affected on the farm; of these, seven have been euthanased. However, the Ministry of Primary Industry (MPI) is confident that the situation on the property is under control and there have been no other reported outbreaks on any other properties.

Symptoms and severity of the neurological form of EHV-1 infec-tion vary between horses, but fever is usually the first sign.

Affected horses may then show some or all of these signs: Inco-ordination, urine incontinence (problems urinating), loss of tail tone (floppy tail), hind limb weak-ness and recumbency (lying down).

Current vaccines do not protect against the neurological form of EHV-1 so to decrease the risk of transmission, suspect cases should be quarantined and a vet contacted immediately.

See www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecuri-ty-animal-welfare/pests-diseases/ehv-1-myeloencephalopathy

sale day successIt wasn’t all horseflesh at the recent NZ Bloodstock National Yearling Sales Series as photographer WAYNE MARTIN discovered. Visitors included buyers, sellers and interested onlookers, many of whom had a stake in the results.


Brothers Jason and Martin White of Hunua will be kick-ing up their heels if they are in the winning team at the Sponsors Classic hosted by Counties Polocrosse Club at Abderry Park, Glenbrook on March 8 and 9.

While waiting to hear if they would be in the same team or opposing teams, the boys admitted it would be a differ-ent experience if they ended up playing against each other.

“Whatever the outcome, we’ll each be doing our utmost for the team we play for and whether one or the other, or both of us, happens to come away with honours, we’ll be thrilled,” says Martin.

The boys have been mem-bers of the Counties Polocrosse Club since it started five years ago. Both have represented New Zealand at under-16 and under-21 level and both played for the NZ under-21 team against the New South Wales team at Otorohanga in February with New Zealand triumphant in both tests.

Now the brothers are look-ing forward to the Sponsors Classic, which is a major fund raiser for the New Zealand World Cup Tour Fund; the next polocrosse world cup being held in South Africa next year.

“The Sponsors Classic hosts the best of New Zealand polo-crosse,” Jason says. “Each team plays under a sponsor’s banner with teams going head to head. Skilled horsemanship, sports-manship and superb horses are key ingredients to winning.”

As always, the eight teams for this year’s event will be made up of New Zealand past and present world cup play-ers, male and female, under-21 representatives and also devel-opment players.

Each team must field at least one under-21 player and one female player with all players being New Zealanders.

Both Martin and Jason are hoping they might make it into the Takanini Feeds-sponsored team which has been a great supporter of the sport and the Counties Polocrosse Club.

A real treat for any sporting enthusiast, in particular, horse lovers, polocrosse is an excep-tionally skilled game and excit-ing to watch but shouldn’t be confused with polo.

Polocrosse is a cross between polo and lacrosse with riders using a netted stick to throw the ball.

The Sponsors Classic prom-ises to be action-packed start-ing on the Saturday with the final being run on the Sunday.

Full catering will be availa-ble at the field and the public is welcome to come by and watch the games.

Brotherly love, brotherly rivalry

course comBats laBour shortage Franklin growers and horticul-tural workers will be interested in a new ‘hands on’ initiative, bringing the classroom into the orchard and helping to combat labour shortages in the horti-culture industry.

The Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) in the Hawkes Bay, Work and Income and local iwi have teamed up with JM Bostock Ltd, to create a course which helps move people off the unemployment benefit and into permanent employment.

The EIT level three, sustain-able fruit production course offers both theory and practi-cal modules and saw its first 14 students graduate in November last year. As a result all gained employment and earlier this month attended a graduation ceremony at the Te Aranga Marae, Flaxmere.

JM Bostock owner, John Bostock, who provides an orchard for the practical side of the course, says the programme is a high quality training scheme that ticks the right boxes for growers with real job prospects at the end for graduates.

“The key is getting trainees into full time employment rather than just seasonal jobs. We help up-skill them, so they can easily apply what they learn to a real job in the orchard.”

EIT horticulture tutor, Erin Simpson says having the orchard facility gives students hands-on experience – a place where class-room theory is brought to life.

“Students start with pruning, pest and disease control, trac-tor driving, orchard machinery usage, irrigation, maintenance, and then thinning, so it’s sequen-tial through the season and means at the end of it all they have the right practical skills to get a job.

“The timing is ideal because when they finish the course in November there are plenty of jobs out there for them.”

Applications are now open for the 2014 industry-focused course with the next 20-week course starting in March.

Competing for New Zealand against NSW recently Jason (top) and Martin (below), show their skills.

��RURAL


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Necessity became the mother of invention last year when a close shave with a tomahawk almost left Ayla’s mother missing a finger.

However, it also proved a eureka moment for a 13-year-old girl from Taranaki.

Ayla Hutchinson (now 14) says she was chatting with her mother when inspiration hit and the axe fell.

“Mum and I were talking about what I was going to do for an upcoming science fair while she was cutting kindling when she nicked her finger with the tomahawk.

“I thought there must be a better way to chop wood for the fire, so I thought about it, did some research and came up with my idea.”

The budding inventor’s sharp thinking lead to the develop-ment of the Kindling Cracker, designed to make chopping wood not only easier but safer too.

Ayla not only secured a win at the science fair, but also a ‘best

use of engineering in a science project’ award from engineer-ing company, ITL.

“My parents had filed a pat-ent for me so I used my prize money to pay them back. I then decided to take it to Fieldays to see what people thought of it,” she says.

Showcased at the Innovations tent at Fieldays at Mystery Creek, last year, the Kindling Cracker won Ayla a further accolade, the title of Grassroots Young Inventor or the Year, as well as pre-orders of her product.

“I was totally amazed and happy; it took quite a while to sink in. It has been so success-ful since then and I can’t believe that I am selling them to people around the world,” she says.

“I haven’t had time for any more inventions yet because I want to focus on school and the Kindling Cracker as well. But who knows? My head is always full of new ideas!”

For a chance to win your own kindling cracker valued at $135 see page 28.

Relying on the Kindling of AylA’s

Leaf miners may soon be con-signed to the underground to push up daisies, should Lincoln University’s Steve Wratten have his way!

The professor of ecology and his team have formed an alliance with Mt Wellington-based com-pany, Snap Fresh Foods, in an effort to turn flowers into weap-ons of microscopic destruction in the war on pests.

He says, by harnessing the power of the flower to lure predatory insects – such as lady-birds and parasitic wasps – the leaf miner’s days will be num-bered and commercial benefits secured. “The aim is to build up a bank of predatory insects prior to growing commercial crops,” he says.

Although leaf miners do not affect yield, they are difficult to control and ‘undermine’ cos-metic attributes of leaves, mak-ing produce less desirable to consumers.

“Strategically placed strips of flower species among cropped areas should provide pollen and nectar for insect predators with a taste for leaf miner and encourage the presence of par-

ticular parasites which live off their larva as well,” says Steve.

Director of Snap Fresh Foods, Ashley Berrysmith, says in addi-tion to cost saving the strategy should enable the company to produce residue-free foods.

“It’s important to try to move towards sustainable, chemical-free production if possible,” he says.

“Our vision is a biodiversity model for pest control but this can only happen by taking a sound, scientific approach.”

The flowering plants cur-rently being evaluated for the project include alyssum, buck-wheat and phacelia, all of which have a proven track record in vineyards.

lincoln’s thinKing –

flower power!

Flower beds attract insect predators with a taste for leaf miners which damage crops as shown above. Photos supplied


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By Ditch Keeling Coastal Pest Solutions Ltd

With 2014 being the Year of the Horse it’s a great oppor-tunity to set people thinking about their horses, stables and the animal pest issues that can impact on them.

Rabbits, rats and mice are the most common complaints around equine properties and both can have serious impacts on the health and wellbeing of horses.

The obvious issue with rab-bits is the high risk of a horse breaking a leg down a rabbit burrow. This happens more fre-quently than people realise and its always a shame to hear of tragic consequences when such risk can be removed so easily.

Rabbits basic living require-ments favour horse and sheep properties as short cropped grass and large flat areas with mixed buildings allow rabbit numbers to increase rapidly. As the population grows, so does the number of exposed burrows and warrens.

Holes like these should never be tolerated in horse paddocks but the common response of simply filling them in does little to reduce the number of rabbits and it quickly becomes an end-less cycle.

Professional rabbit control involves fumigating and per-manently filling all burrows and then following up with qual-ity and quiet night shooting to remove any rabbits that have not been fumigated.

Both are methods with which many people have initial con-cerns but, after 20 years of applying both to horse proper-ties across the country, I have not experienced one problem.

Fumigation and shooting combined seldom takes more than a few hours and when you consider the efficiency of this alongside the ongoing worry and risks attached to doing nothing, it really is something you and your horses deserve.

Rats and mice are common around all farm buildings but stables seem to suffer bigger problems more often.

Lots of yummy horse feed and lovely hay to nest in is attractive to rodents so the general rule is, ‘if you have a stable you will have rats and mice’.

Mice can be extremely destructive but rats are the real worry with serious chewing

damage to gear and a constant risk of significant disease being passed to your horses from rats.

The first step is to secure all feed in quality sealed drums; rats can and will chew into con-tainers so get the best you can.

The next step is to imple-ment a sensible bait station pro-gramme with quality bait and stations.

Once they are in place they will need re-filling only two to three times per year and this is a very small cost compared to even a single visit from the vet.

You and your horses deserve the best so, start this year by removing these risks and spend the rest of it enjoying quality time together in the paddock.

Please feel free to call us any-time for specific pest advice or book us in for a visit.

Happy galloping from the team at Coastal Pest Solutions.

No horsing with pests

Mackenzie Keeling keeps an eye on quarter horse foal by Smart Like Smart.

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WIN! CraCker of a prIze

Here’s a chance to get cracking with a great prize to fuel your fire come winter. The Kindling Cracker, a novel invention for splitting firewood was designed by Taranaki schoolgirl Ayla Hutchinson and featured in the Innovations Den at last year’s National Fieldays at Mystery Creek, Hamilton. It resulted in Ayla being named Grassroots Young Inventor of the Year but, more importantly, the orders have poured in for this little $135 ‘cracker’ which makes splitting wood extremely easy. Enter the draw and also see story page 26.

WIN! UNIoN Jax by Jax HamIltoN

Jax up and she’s back with her latest culinary classic-in-the-making, Union Jax – Back to Blighty: Tastes & Travels around the UK! Since appearing on MasterChef in 2011, Jax has become a regular guest on television, but she’s also had time to cook up a couple of books, including her first work, Jax Cooks in 2012. In Union Jax, she undertakes a whirlwind trip home to Britain, exploring grand old markets, sampling ‘posh nosh’, and catering a garden party with only a frying pan and cake knife to hand. Union Jax – Back to Blighty: Tastes & Travels around the UK, by Jax Hamilton. Published by Bateman Publishing. RRP $39.99.

Win! To enter the draw for any of these competitions visit www.ruralliving.co.nz click on the competitions link then fill in the form. One entry per person/ email address; entries close March 31, 2014. Winner notified by phone or email.

WIN! aUtUmN best sellers from kINgs seeds

Why do summer and spring get all the glory? Even winter receives better press than the not-quite-here-nor-there autumn season! However, with fresh, new and exciting varieties of edibles ready to grow, Barbara Martin from Kings Seeds says the company’s Autumn Best Sellers selection is designed to breathe new life into the autumn garden. “Our selection gives people the opportunity to grow a range of different vegetables throughout the season,” she says. “What’s more, we’ve taken the hassle out of what to grow, because everything in this range has been carefully selected by our team.” Rural Living has prize packs to give away to THREE lucky readers! Valued at $30 each, these packs include a range of autumn seeds.

LIVING��

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We all know that we should eat five servings of fruit and veg a day but often fall shy. However, with the marvellous Yonanas machine getting our five serves is easy and, now, you could win a Yonanas for yourself. Yonanas turns frozen bananas and other frozen fruits into deliciously creamy, low-cost treats that look and taste like ice cream without fat, cholesterol, additives, artificial colours, preservatives or added sugar. Use frozen bananas as a base and add other frozen fruits to the mix. Try peach and blueberry: 2 frozen, over-ripe bananas, 3/4 cup frozen peaches, 1/2 cup frozen blueberries; insert alternating slices of each fruit into the Yonanas and you’re good to go! www.yonanas.co.nz

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away moisture’, resulting in odourless, drier footwear. The good news is Rural Living has one pair of adorable Little Creatures Lady Bird boots, valued at $119.95, to give away. For more info visit www.emuaustralia.com

WIN! $40 voUCHer from Cafe kaos

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From her Patumahoe home, Wendy watches her Walls’ dry. But she’s no house painter, this teacher and award-winning artist produces a range of works inspired by the beauty of her surroundings.

“Much of my work captures the textures and colours of the Manukau Harbour and Waikato River,” she says. “Having been a passionate gardener, I also like to paint the seasons. I primarily paint rural and beach scenes in Patumahoe and at my studio and gallery in Whitianga. Even though I have travelled, I still feel New Zealand has some of the most inspiring scenery in the world.”

Wendy’s passion grew from the pages of a book where she discovered mixed media, an art form where visual arts and other media, such as collage, are combined.

“My mother, an artist herself, gave me a book by Mary Todd Beam for Christmas. It inspired me to learn about mixed media. I then undertook a course in the Blue Mountains of North Carolina. This workshop was a ‘eureka’ moment for me, learning about new products and techniques with acrylic mediums.

“I have since attended other workshops in the USA, under the tutelage of notable mixed media artists such as Robert Burridge, Pat Dews and Gerald Brommer.”

Wendy credits a speech from educationalist, Sir Ken Robinson, as inspiration for her to develop her workshop classes, Give it a Go, designed to encourage others to take up the brush.

“After enjoying this journey through mixed media, I was keen to spread the word and inspire others wanting to change direction,” she says.

“Ken says: ‘Children have been steered benignly away from things they liked such as music and art because they were told they couldn’t

get a job. Our education system has been based on academic activity and what children loved and what they were good at wasn’t valued. Children are educated out of their creative capacities. Creativity should be as important as literacy and we should treat it with the same status.’

“Many of my students from the older age group have gone through this kind of schooling. My goal is to help them do what they love without the fear of failure.”

Wendy is also taking the Give it a Go workshops on the road.

“I travel throughout the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Waikato, Taranaki and other areas,” she says. “I visit established art groups and others, often with no previous art background, in studios and community halls.”

While capturing her environment and assisting others in artistic exploration may serve as her primary motivation, accolades and commercial successes have not been in short supply.

Most recently, Wendy secured a prize in the Franklin Arts Festival for a mixed media painting, When the Well is Dry We Value Water, and the Merit Award in the Cambridge

Society of Arts Exhibition for, Along the Mighty Waikato. And her works will soon take shape on a different canvas when Maudella Fashion House NZ launches its Spring 2014 Sable and Minx label.

“I have created the fabric designs for their clothing range following design trends from New York Fashion week,” Wendy explains. “Transforming artwork into a design for commercial fabric production has been an exciting challenge.”

Until then, this talented artist says she is looking forward to her next exhibition during the Art Escape Coromandel tour – March 1 and 2 and 8 and 9 – when she will open the doors of her Whitianga studio to the public.

Home is where the art isRecently, Rural Living spoke with Joe Walls, chairman and head auctioneer for New Zealand Bloodstock. However, it seems the Walls family has more than just horse talk on offer as JON RAWLINSON discovered.

Top, Wendy Walls with In The Birdcage; from left, Leg Up, On the Hard and Awhitu Peninsula. Photo Wayne Martin

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When the love of your life pops that all important question, “will you marry me?” it isn’t long before bridal plans take over from engagement excitement.

After all the wedding day is the most signifi cant event in a couple’s life.

Of course, in that fi rst delirium of love and exhilaration, nothing seems more wonderful than organising the event but by the time the big day arrives, joy may well have turned to tears on several occasions.

That’s why having a plan, or even a planner, from the very start is a wise move when there is a mountain of issues to think about – wedding and reception venues, dress, shoes, fl owers, celebrant, photographer, attendants (male and female), invitations, transport, entertainment, wedding favours, cake, family confi gurations, speeches, the honeymoon and much more.

Once past the all important purchase of the engagement ring and the announcement to friends and family that there are wedding bells in the air, the real planning begins.

At that point some grooms may make a beeline for the bloke’s shed at the bottom of the garden leaving blushing brides to make all the arrangements.

But not everyone is content to leave the dreaming, the planning, the ordering and the buying to the bride. Not even the bride in some cases. The idea of bringing everything together successfully can be daunting, and for some a wedding planner could be the answer.

In many cases a planner will mean savings on time and costs, no fruitless running around after items that may prove unsuitable and no worrying about whether bookings have been confi rmed, deposits paid or items picked up.

Better still, no panic if an unexpected hitch arises and, importantly, no budget blowouts. But, best of all, a neutral party who can calm family tensions, which are likely to arise from time to time, and ensure everything runs to timetable leaving

bridal couples and their families free to enjoy themselves on the big day.

But whatever one decides the key is to start early and that could be a whole year in advance of the wedding day. So, for couples who have just committed to tying the knot, it’s time to make plans. Hopefully the following pages will set those plans in motion, making the journey easy whilst providing a taste of wedding day bliss.

knotTYING THE Once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life,

love gives us a fairy tale. – Anonymous

THEBride GUIDE


Magic venues a Matter ofChoicesetting a wedding date may seem straight forward but before one can say, ‘here comes the bride’ there’s the not so small question of a wedding venue and reception lounge.

in some cases they may be one and the same and, depending on the setting couples have in mind, their choice may well influence the date.

Questions to ask are what dates are available, what other events are planned or booked around your desired wedding day, how many guests can the venue accommodate, what is the charge and is it inclusive of food and refreshments or are caterers needed, how long will you have the facility for and is there on-site parking?

Popular venues need to be booked well in advance especially if planning to marry on a saturday during summer. if there is another big event planned for that day consider how it might impact on yours.

the type of wedding planned will

usually dictate the style of reception so ask yourself, will the wedding be a lavish, seated affair with set courses and traditional seating arrangements or will it be a mix and mingle celebration with finger food?

While a small, classy restaurant is perfect for an intimate soiree with close friends and family, larger weddings usually require a venue which specialises in wedding functions and can provide everything from a choice of menus and drinks to tableware and wait staff.

Be sure the size of the venue will accommodate your guests (and entertainment plans such as stage or dance floor) but it shouldn’t be oversized either and be clear as to what is covered in the hire fee.

as many venues are set in beautiful grounds, couples may also decide to hold the ceremony close by or even at the venue itself. this arrangement means guests have only one venue to drive to and have no need to move from one location to another.

alternatively, bridal couples could hire a hall or clubrooms or ‘borrow’ a friend’s gorgeous garden.

this will mean organising a catering firm but with plenty to choose from, everything from pre-dinner canapés through to elaborate buffets or casual barbecue style, is available.

if hiring a hall or marquee, you may need to decorate such venues yourself and hire tables and chairs.

if marrying in a church, with the reception venue far away, hiring a bus to shuttle guests to and from the venue will ensure no drink driving, and a fun atmosphere guaranteed!

vineyards have become increasingly popular for ceremonies and receptions but if choosing an outdoor location be sure to have a back-up

plan in case of rain. should the day be wet, many al fresco settings have inadequate covered space for ceremonies. also remember to ask if sun umbrellas are provided should the sun beat down.

finally, an overseas venue can’t be ignored in this modern age. exotic island locations have become hugely popular for weddings with receptions and honeymoons on the same resort site.

consult a travel agent for advice or if you have a particular island destination and resort in mind, contact the management there.

Many Pacific (and asian) resorts have their own wedding planners. such weddings can be a wonderful way to combine wedding and honeymoon and have time with family and friends.

Mention wedding speeches and you’ll hear a variety of reactions including a few groans from the men.

for some reason guys who can talk their heads off about the rugby, cricket or sailing are speechless on their wedding day especially when it comes to confidently acknowledging family, friends and the beautiful bride!

However, wedding speeches don’t need to be stomach-churning events or full of long pauses. follow a few guidelines and apprehension will turn to confidence.

firstly, remember to consider who you are talking about. for the groom it is essential to compliment the bride and perhaps share a few special courtship moments. When acknowledging

parents, focus on the qualities you love best eg dad’s endless patience and understanding, mother’s constant care, father-in-law’s good humour or mother-in-law’s sense of fun.

Have ready two or three funny/romantic/endearing stories about those people you need to mention eg Mum’s always been renowned for her baking but i remember the time…. and remember, real life stories are better than tired jokes.

use notes but resist the urge to write a speech in full. rather, list a few key trigger words to remind you of points to mention.

a ‘skeleton’ speech on a series of small cards will help make delivery sound natural and heartfelt. speak

slowly and look up as much as possible.

Don’t worry if you overlook something. Just retrace your steps and make light of it. the main thing is to have fun – talking to a crowd is no more difficult than talking to a group of friends.

finally, speeches are far less formal and fewer in quantity than in the past. it is no longer necessary to reply to every speech; what once took two or three speeches can often be encompassed in one speech.

also, women no longer defer to the ‘male only’ tradition for speeches. very often both bride and groom will address guests and mothers of the bride are just as likely as their husbands to say a few words.

Being that it is your wedding day the speeches can be as many or as few as you want but those traditional thank-yous should not be dispensed with. remember, everyone will be in the mood to share in your joy and special thoughts so just relax and enjoy.

“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”

– Emily Brontë

talk of tHeTown

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LIVING��

Dreams of a petal-strewn, king-size bed in a secluded Pacific bure or waves lapping at the edge of an over-the-water bungalow may be the perfect honeymoon idyll for some couples. Others may see themselves at a luxurious chateau relaxing in front of an open fire with brandy after a day on the ski slopes.

The reality is, honeymoon destinations are often governed not only by personal desires but by time, budget, weather and distance. This is why the head sometimes has to rule the heart when planning that special time together when first becoming man and wife.

When considering the honeymoon there’s absolutely no point booking a trip to Greece if the time frame is just a few days or the budget will stretch to a week in Queenstown at the most.

And while overseas destinations have become increasingly popular for honeymoon escapes (and weddings too), don’t discount a New Zealand sojourn – this country offers its own beautiful locations. Remember, it’s the honeymoon destination for many overseas couples!

In being practical, firstly think about budget, then how far you want to travel and your time frame before settling on a location.

If seeking a holiday in the tropics, then consider a winter wedding here but if the time frame demands a summer wedding in New Zealand, yet sun and sand is still a priority, then look locally for your honeymoon.

Cyclones and extremely high humidity often make the Pacific Islands unpleasant during our summer. Better

to luxuriate there when our weather cools. Also consider whether you want a secluded honeymoon location or one offering sightseeing, sports, adventure or other leisure activities.

For some folk, a cruise which visits several destinations, and offers plenty of on board entertainment and activities, may be the answer.

Although the Mediterranean or Asia may beckon, shorter cruises leaving from Brisbane, to visit several Australian ports before taking in New Zealand’s scenic coastline, could be the perfect solution.

Of course, these days with many couples having already built a home together, one option to help honeymoon dreams come true is to request a ‘honeymoon donation’ from guests instead of other gifts. This has become perfectly acceptable in recent years and can add the ‘icing to the getaway cake’. Some travel firms will handle such monetary gifts for you.

But whatever you decide, be sure to plan wisely and book early. This way you’ll enjoy the aftermath of the wedding day as much as the event itself.

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6-12 Months

♥ Decide on the type of wedding, number of guests and prepare a budget.

♥ Decide when and where you would like your ceremony and reception to be held, check availability of venues and book.

♥ Choose and book a celebrant or meet with the minister or priest of your chosen church.

♥ Choose a photographer or videographer and book.

♥ Contact the people you would like as your bridal attendants, best man, groomsmen, etc.

♥ Choose a colour scheme or theme for your wedding.

♥ Begin the search for the wedding gown. If you decide to have one made, choose the designer and dressmaker.

♥ Draw up a provisional guest list.

3-5 Months

♥ By now the wedding gown should be organised or purchased, the style of the groom’s suit chosen and booked or purchased.

♥ Best man and groomsmen’s suits, and attendants’ dresses should be organised.

♥ Choose and order invitations, write and send.

♥ Meet with photographer and discuss arrangements, photo preferences, locations.

♥ Decide on accessories for the wedding party. Book florist.

♥ Finalise your guest list.

♥ Choose and order cake.

♥ Book make-up artist and hairdresser.

♥ Choose wedding rings.

♥ Learn wedding dance.

1-2 Months

♥ Have a trial hair and make-up session.

♥ Contact celebrant, minister or priest, check all is in order and arrange rehearsal date with all people concerned.

♥ Final fittings for all bridal party members.

♥ Apply to the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages for a marriage licence. (Valid for three months from issue.)

♥ Check the RSVPs from guests and keep a list of numbers attending. When finalised, consult your caterer.

♥ Order wine and finalise the menu with caterers.

♥ Arrange reception seating plan and place cards.

2 Weeks

♥ Visit your florist to have detailing of bouquets and flowers for church and reception finalised.

♥ Re-confirm all arrangements, eg honeymoon, photographer, car hire, hair and make-up, suits, dresses, flowers, venues, caterers, etc.

♥ Wear in your wedding shoes (bride and groom).

♥ If you’re having a hens’ or stags’ night, do it now – not the night before the wedding!

♥ Confirm with attendants, best man, family or friends, things that need doing after the wedding (eg returning hired clothing, taking care of the bride’s gown, storing wedding gifts, etc) and decide who’s doing what.

1 Week

♥ Don’t panic.

♥ Hold a full rehearsal of the ceremony.

♥ Do a dummy run through the journey at the same time and day of the week as the ceremony to be sure transport and timing is correct. Plan an alternative route in case of delays on the day.

♥ Arrange for any hire items to be collected.

♥ Have a facial, massage, manicure and pedicure.

♥ With the preparation over, you can now relax and enjoy your wedding day!

♥ Those giving speeches should be planning what to say!

CheCk List

Wedding venue

Reception venue

Celebrant

Photographer

Musicians and entertainment

Wedding gown

Caterers

Florist

Transport

Honeymoon destination

Wedding night accommodation

The cake

Rings

Make-up artist

Hairdresser

Groom’s suit

Best man/groomsmen’s suits

Hire equipment (tables, chairs, etc)

Attendants’ dresses

Invitations

PLAnneR

THe

Wedding “There is nothing half so sweet in

life as love’s young dream.”

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My trug runneth over! This summer has been unbelievably good to me in the garden with tomatoes, cucumbers and a variety of peppers fl ourishing. However, I think the recent dry and extreme heat will put an end to this but who’s complaining? I’ve never had such great crops.

Our other gardens are also starting to lose their lushness as the sun bakes the greenery and leaves the ground hard and dry. Brian is complaining that the grass has stopped growing in the paddock and I noticed that the dairy farmer over the road from us is already feeding out.

I know townies love this weather as they have the luxury of an endless supply of water. Pity those whose tanks are running dry. We are having a wedding at home this time next year so I am thinking now how the garden will look for that.

One of our ponds is already down about half a metre. It doesn’t look as it should and the stream feeding it is dry. Careful planning will be needed to ensure everything is right for the 2015 wedding.

What a busy month it has been with all the short weeks, long weekends

and lots of going out. Brian and I had a wedding anniversary on Waitangi Day so with my bridesmaid and her husband we headed into the Wynyard Quarter for something a bit different.

After seeing the news that Lorde was playing at Silo Park we thought we had better investigate what and where it was. We didn’t have a clue; the only thing I remembered was the tank farm down off Halsey Street. Well, I soon discovered that’s exactly where and what Silo Park is.

We walked around and looked at the wonderful boats of the rich and famous and then went off for lunch at a Mediterranean restaurant serving tapas which was superb. After lunch we drove around the waterfront to

St Heliers Bay then up the hill to see what was now happening to the house I grew up in.

After my mum died, not so many years ago, we looked to develop the property ourselves. She was also a gardener and the trees she had planted 50 years earlier had grown massive – rimu, kauri and other natives. After we had had an architect draw up plans council would not allow us to remove any of the native trees.

But how things change. Now, there is not a tree to be seen on the site; the house has gone and a huge development of town houses is being erected. That was enough for me. I will not visit again.

We headed home with a sigh of relief and very glad that we live where we do. I seldom venture into the Viaduct and it will be a long time before I visit again.

When living in St Heliers as a young girl, the thought of not going into the city at least once a week would have been unthinkable. And while its always lovely to come home to the country these days, I have to say Auckland is still a very exciting city.

Well, I have rambled on but, before I go, I must congratulate all the breeders who were successful at the recent Karaka sales.

See you next month,Reay

Garden trugs alongReay Neben is a Franklin resident and publisher of Rural Living.

CITY LASS

Trug’s of luscious vegetables.

________________________________________________________________________________LIVING


53582-v5

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Step 1: Clean equipment

Wash hands, sanitise all surfaces, double-wash apples, and throw away any bad ones. Sterilise equipment that will be in contact with fresh apple juice. I use a stock solution of four Campden tablets per gallon [4.5 litres] of water to soak all parts and buckets for a couple of hours before use.

Step 2: Set up the juicer and strainer

Lay out a clean towel, rinse off the juicer parts, and assemble your whole fruit juicer. Attach the ‘juice containment and delivery adaptor,’ – aka hose! – to the juicer’s spout, and feed it into the straining bag, held within a straining bucket with holes in its base. This assembly sits neatly in the open brewing bucket with a draw-off tap at the bottom.

Set up the brew bucket on a stool or box, high enough that you can fit your demijohn or carboy underneath the tap. Apples go in at one end; clear apple juice comes out at the other. It couldn’t be simpler!

Step 3: Juice and strain

Feed apples into the juicer (I’ve found Breville’s Froojie Fountains to be the best juicers for this process) with a

steady, even pressure on the pusher. The higher the machine’s power rating, the faster you can go.

Whole-fruit juicers are powerful appliances, so adhere to instructions!

When the pulp container fills, discard the pulp. After every 25lbs [11kgs] of fruit, dismantle the machine and clean pulp off the centrifuge stainless steel mesh.

The juicing work is done in a flash, although it takes a while longer for all the juice to strain through. I obtain the last 5% of the expected 65% by weight of juice by wringing out the straining bag; I’m Scottish, you see!

The remaining, very fine pulp left in

the bag, can be used in apple muffins, although it shouldn’t be used in the cider.

Step 4: Shoot the yeast

While the last juice is draining, pitch the yeast into a measuring cup containing fresh, clear apple juice held at room temperature. This will allow the dried yeast to rehydrate and kick-start fermentation. Use a champagne yeast for simplicity and reliability. A 5gm packet is enough to inoculate 5gal [22.5 litres] of juice.

Measure the original gravity (OG) with a hydrometer and write it down. Later, this figure will help to estimate the cider’s alcohol percentage. If the OG is low, top it up with a little white sugar to reach 1.040.

After half an hour, stir the cup to thoroughly disperse the yeast. Pour it into sterilised carboys or demijohns. Fill these nearly to the top with apple juice and apply airlocks on top. Within the hour you should see bubbles coming out through the airlock.

Step 5: Ferment

Keep the fermentation vessel(s) in a warm

place and, after three weeks, crystal clear cider will be ready to be racked and bottled. Check with a hydrometer. The reading should be 1.000 or less. If it’s still high, allow fermentation to continue.

When the hard cider is finished, measure the final gravity and read the alcohol content from an ABV chart or online calculator. For reasonably good storage, 5% ABV is considered the target minimum.

Step 6: Bottle

Siphon cider into recycled, sterilised beer bottles that will take a crown

cap. If you want a still, hard cider, bottle as is. If bubbles are

required, add 1/2 tsp white sugar to a pint bottle [568ml] fill with hard cider, and cap. After a few more weeks, a secondary fermentation should be complete and you’ll have some fizz.

LIVING��

Right, cider up!When DR NEVIN J STEWART developed a quick and easy method for making apple cider – known as Juice and Strain – he never envisioned it would become so popular. However, thanks to the doctor’s prescription, producing homemade cider doesn’t have to be so hard, as he explains with this step-by-step guide.


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Step 7: Enjoy!

Take care when opening; if cider has too much sugar added, it can go off like a fire extinguisher!

When serving, adjust the sweetness to taste by adding sugar syrup. I, however, prefer my cider as dry as it can be.

– Article reproduced with the kind permission of Make magazine, makezine.com; photos by Helen R Stewart.

Although many may prefer to sip on a little cider, one Scotsman from merry old England decided instead to get juiced!

When developing an innovative method for making apple cider at home (see story above), Dr Nevin Stewart says he found Breville juicers were more than up to the challenge.

“While my Juice and Strain method may make cider making easier, it can take its toll on the gear. Fortunately, I discovered Breville had the answer,” he says.

“I’m currently using a Breville Froojie Fountain juicer, the BJE520. I think that it’s tops and ideal for making apple juice by the gallon or any type of juice for that matter.”

Breville Froojie Fountain juicers (RRP $419.95) are available from appliance retailers nationwide; visit breville.co.nz to locate your nearest New Zealand stockist.

What’s more, Rural Living has a Froojie Fountain

up for grabs! Simply visit ruralliving.co.nz and

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AucklAnd men not As fruity As thoughtAucklanders are slightly less likely than other kiwis to eat their greens – and men less so than women – according to a recent 5+ A day survey.

figures show residents of the queen city are slightly less likely to eat the recommended daily five or more servings of fresh fruit and vegetables a day, with only 32 percent making the cut.

5+ A day nutritionist, Bronwen Anderson, says good health – for all kiwis – starts at breakfast.

“overall, it is great to see people enjoying a variety of vegetables at dinnertime and to snack on,” she says, “but the survey also found 45 percent of people had no fruit or vegetables at breakfast. We see this as the perfect opportunity for people to increase their daily intake of fresh produce.

“A good healthy breakfast boosts alertness, concentration and helps maintain healthy body weight.

“fruit and vegetables are packed with micronutrients that play an important role in setting you up for the rest of the day.”

the survey found 36 percent of residents in the lower north island – including Wellington, Wairarapa, taranaki and hawke’s Bay – eat the recommended daily five or more servings of fresh fruit and vegetables. this is slightly higher than other areas of new Zealand.

Women are more likely to reach for an apple or carrot, with 41 percent eating five or more servings of fresh produce a day, compared to 27 percent of men.

overall, the survey found:

• 78% snack on fruit and vegetables• 65% include 2-3 vegetables at

dinner time• 51% are very confident preparing

fresh fruit and vegetables• 45% of kiwis aged more than 15

years, have no fruit or vegetables for breakfast

Might be giants!At harvest time big is not necessarily better when it comes to nutritional value. yet keen gardeners seeking to generate as much bang for their buck as possible can cast a lasting impression, as these photos provided by Rural Living readers show.

essentially, whether growing a good, healthy crop of normal proportions, or thinking big, the principles are much the same. however, here are a few tips to help veggies grow to maximum potential:

• Not all seeds are created equal – careful selection of the right varieties is essential; even tall dwarfs can’t take it to the hoop!

• Down to earth – build the soil with plenty of compost before planting. deep, rich soil will encourage strong roots better able to reach nutrients and water.

• Healthy head start – add slow release fertiliser to the soil when planting; colossal crops need their feed! consider what you are planting and test soil to ensure it has the right balance of nutrients, ph level etc.

• Manage your menu – pumpkins love potassium, cabbages crave nitrogen, so fertilise according to your crop’s tastes.

• Survival of the fattest – allow only the strong to survive. remove smaller veggies so plants focus energies on rearing their best and brightest.

• A place for space – plants will require plenty of room in which

to grow. this will also mean less competition for nutrients and they will be less likely to become stressed or prone to pests and diseases.

• Let’s get vertical – plants such as tomatoes and beans can benefit from better air circulation and be better able to avoid fungal diseases by growing up rather than out. ensure stakes are high for optimum growth.

• Best those pests – check plants for signs of pests or disease daily and

treat as needed. try to avoid using chemicals as these can actually stunt plant growth or make them too reliant on artificial help.

• Don’t pass on water – giant veggies require regular, deep watering.

• Hands off the merchandise – plants (as with children) can become rotten if wrapped in cotton wool. Wherever possible, take the hands-off approach and allow plants to grow to their potential.

Local lads Alex and Josh Cooper have nurtured their garden to produce super-sized veggies that taste good too!

Lay Soh’s silverbeet didn’t need much of a hand to grow this big; bootiful parship, giant courgette and heavyweight tom from Rural Living readers.

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Offering a fresh, seasonal menu made with local produce, the Tuakau Hotel restaurant caters for your dining experience. Be that an intimate table of two, a night out with the family, or a function of up to 100 guests. Special dietary needs? Just ask and our Chefs will create a menu or dish to suit your palate. The team at the award-winning Tuakau Hotel looks forward to serving you soon!

Tuakau Hotel, 1-3 George St, Tuakau. Ph 09 236 [email protected] Open Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat & Sun 8am-9pm or by arrangement for group functions

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R11004

BIG BAY

HOLIDAY PARK

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Located at theend of the scenicAwhitu Peninsula,

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Call Kevin or MaureenDiggers and 6-Wheelers for hire –

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Congratulations toBig Bay Holiday Park

R11005

Holmes Flooring Ltd,1 Mellsop Ave, Waiuku.

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R11

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For a FREEno-obligation quote

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R11

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Congratulations to Big Bay Holiday Park on their 10th Birthday

R11

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As the reality of the 2014 working year sets in, many people could be forgiven for feeling that they need a holiday.

Thankfully, as owners of Big Bay Holiday Park, Ian and Helen Parry say, autumn is a great time to explore the beauty of the Awhitu Peninsula during an escape to the Franklin Riviera!

“The weather is more settled and the fishing is excellent this time of year. People are much more relaxed after Christmas, and Easter is the perfect time for a break.

“What’s more, if visitors mention Rural Living when booking, we’ll offer three nights for the price of two throughout March, just so they can have a little more time to unwind.”

For more than a decade, Ian, his wife, Helen, and their children have made Big Bay their home. Originally from Papakura, they moved to Big Bay in search of an idyllic lifestyle for the family. However, he soon found the good life wasn’t going to be so easy.

“We came out when the place was up

for auction and the next minute we owned a motor camp! We wondered what we had done – because the place was so rundown, my mother even called it heartbreak hotel!”

Rolling up their sleeves, the Parrys set to work revitalising the park. From upgrading cabins and self-contained units, to constructing a takeaway bar, communal kitchen and recreation room, it became a labour of love.

“We’ve found people particularly enjoy cooking their own pizzas in our new pizza ovens; it’s all part of the experience. Parents often comment that, when the children prepare their own pizzas, they’re sure to enjoy them!”

Ian says he thought the camp would offer an easier lifestyle, however it has become a twenty-four-seven

job.“There’s a lot of variety to the work so I have to be a real Kiwi Jack of all trades, but there’s a genuine satisfaction in showing off our piece of paradise to people from all over the world as well.”

Although Big Bay is regularly patronised by visitors from Franklin, Waikato and West Auckland, the family also hosts guests from far and wide.

“We regularly see new faces from around the world and people return year after year. I think it’s the friendly manner of locals and campers, as well as the tranquil atmosphere of the park and the area that keeps them coming back for more.”

And during their stay, Ian says Awhitu has much more to offer guests than just a day at the beach.

“The Manukau Heads Lighthouse – which is one of only two in New Zealand open to the public – has spectacular views. Pollok Co-op showcases artists’ work from the local area and it’s a lovely place to stop for a cup of coffee. And, for those who love to spoil a good walk – as Churchill said – Awhitu Golf Course is ideal.”

While Big Bay may seem like a world away from the rat race, it’s within easy reach.

“We’re around 90 minutes from Queen Street, Auckland and not too much more than 45 minutes from Queen Street, Pukekohe,” Ian says.

“However, our guests often say the drive takes much longer because they simply can’t resist taking their time and enjoying the scenery!”

Big on bay and hospitalityGoing up the country for a getaway? While some may head for the Coromandel or the winterless north, Awhitu offers pristine beaches and splendid scenery, right in our own backyard.

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Clevedon artists, James Wright and Becca Bolscher could not be more different but their love of art is what unites them.

James’ work is hard and steely; Becca’s is soft and pretty. He is an established artist known for public works at the Pukekohe War Memorial and the Auckland Botanic Gardens, and she is an emerging artist.

Together, they will create a sculptural piece that will be featured at the Discovering Form sculpture trail at Fo Guang Shan temple in Botany’s Flat Bush.

It was the rural township and James’ reputation that helped the two artists meet.

“I’ve lived in Clevedon all my life so I knew James lived down the road,” says Becca.

In fact, James recalls a conversation with Becca’s parents at the local post shop telling him about their daughter’s talents “as proud parents do”.

Then, last year, James and his wife, Cheryl, started an art gallery in the Clevedon town centre called Art Industry, which Becca was keen to be a part of.

“Her work came into the shop and I was like ‘wow’! I fell in love with it. From there I wanted to reach out and do something together,” he says.

That opportunity came early this year when James was invited to exhibit at Discovering Form by sculpture trail organiser and Uxbridge curator, Emma Topping.

One of Becca’s pieces at the gallery struck a chord with the well-respected artist of 15 years.

“For me it was about discovering the form of Becca’s work and I wanted to look through it. To me it was a window; I wanted to see more, and take it to another level,” says James.

Becca’s work is based upon the Buddhist mandala, a meditative circle composed of many granules of coloured sand.

She says the location of the sculpture trail was ideal. “I’ve always been drawn to circles and with this exhibition coming up, it was quite fitting as well.”

The former hydroponics farmer says nature inspires most of her work and James agrees, saying it’s hard not to be, living in the picturesque Clevedon valley.

“Nature just resonates here. You’re often so close to the birds and animals so you have a real affiliation with them.”

The 1.9m high sculpture called Whakaruru (Maori for guardian) features a circle within a circle and is made mostly from corten steel, a hardy medium James says is designed for the outdoors.

“Corten steel is made from copper and nickel so it has longevity, and it has a natural patina which looks after itself.”

Contrast is particularly evident in the sculpture. “We’ve taken the softness of the conceptual idea and put it into a hard material to keep it looking feminine,” says James.

The collaboration is a “seed” that will hopefully “blossom” and “open doors” for Becca, a visual arts graduate from the University of

Auckland. “We talked about me being a mentor,” says James, who has no formal art training and qualifications. “But Becca has much more to offer and teach proving you can teach an old dog new tricks!”

As to the outcome of the journey, nobody knows, but the artists are hopeful that new discoveries will be made.

“It’s going to be a journey. We’re making a piece for people to discover, but it’s also going to be a discovery for us. It’s going to be big and bold but, at the same time, quite harmonious.”

The Discovering Form sculpture trail will be held at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Stancombe Rd, Flat Bush, from March 1 until March 16 and is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday from 9am-5pm.

Entry is free and all works are for sale.

A tale of two artistsThey may be an unlikely match but two artists have combined contrasting talents to create something unique for the first time. NATALIE BRITTAN looks at how the creative partnership took shape.

Artists James Wright and Becca Bolscher with their work in progress.


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Digital technology is leaving a paper trail through New Zealand homes but not the sort one might expect.

Resene colour consultant, Sarah Gregory, says wallpaper is now available in an abundance of designs thanks to digital technology with the likes of animal skins, vintage plates and lace stripes just some options available.

And with 2014 looking strong for the wallpaper market, she says designs, styles and colours are varied, with nostalgia being the underlying theme for the season.

“Many of the new wallpapers take their inspiration from past eras – the 30s, 50s, 70s and 80s,” she says. “But there is nothing old-fashioned about the new collections. Modern

colours, some with metallic shimmers, offer a fresh spin on old.

“The big floral patterns, when they first came out, were bright floral against a light background. Now they are more soothing, something you could have on all four walls rather than just the one – and that’s something we are seeing a lot of.”

Texture is a dominant trend this year, Sarah says, with many of the new wallpapers mimicking slate, wood panelling and brick.

“Walls become instantly tactile with prints of soft knits, unvarnished wood and aged plaster from the Resene Essentially Yours collection, while distinctive contours on tactile backgrounds appear in the Feel Good collection.

“There are lots of lovely textures, many with a velvety touch, or a contrast of shiny surfaces with matt areas to give additional dimension to a wall.”

Flock wallpaper also has a new look, with strong contemporary patterns in sophisticated colours emerging,

“No longer just the domain of floral and damask, we’re seeing flock wallpapers with bold geometric patterns and circles in up-to-the-minute colours such as teal, baby blue and pinot noir burgundy,” Sarah says.

A softer approach involves foamed wallpaper inlaid with interlocking rectangles in various sizes and tones of pearl lustre and white – or the same pattern in an elegant matt black.

Anaglypta (paintable) wallpapers remain popular with their heavily embossed patterns exuding an old-fashioned glamour.

“This harks back in part to the 1930s when anaglypta wallpapers, imitating Jacobean plaster ceilings, were popular, as were floral and geometric patterns for bedrooms,” Sarah explains. “These styles are once again

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mimicked in the latest trends. There are even some which look like tin plate that’s really fashionable at the moment.”

She adds that metallic is a hot trend for the upcoming season, with warm gold, brass and copper making a comeback.

“We see copper shine through in stylised flower and leaf designs in the Aurora range, as well as elegant motifs and life-like patterns, such as a leather-look padded cushion design from the Diamonds Are Forever collection.”

Homeowners can also amp up a room’s allure with the Glamour 2014 collection.

“It oozes gold and silver, lilac and grey, mother of pearl and delicate spangle effects. Try a glittery gold fleur-de-lis pattern, an Indian-style motif with glitter overlay or glamorous stripes in various thicknesses and colours, including silver glitter,” Sarah suggests.

“Together with silvery sheens, gold, brass and copper metallic, decadence and instant glamour can be added to a space.”

This year’s retro-inspired themes form a modern melting pot of old and new.

“This whole retro look is being influenced by people wanting to do more themselves. People are making their own chutneys and having their own veggie gardens. The whole retro feel in the home creates this feeling of comfort – of being not ultra-modern but more comfortable with our homes. That seems to go hand in hand.”

• Visit www.resene.co.nz for more information on wallpaper trends and colours.

Far left, amping up rooms’ allure can be achieved with wallpapers from the Caravaggio collection.

Left, wallpapers mimic slate, wood panelling and brick in the Caravaggio collection.


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The staff at Innovative Interiors – Manukau and Franklin branches – were delighted when Karaka residents Graham and Debra Viall came away with the $2000 cash prize from the company’s Christmas promotion which ran throughout November and December last year.

“What a surprise it was!” says Debra. “We were looking at installing new wardrobes for our daughters’ bedrooms and we had accepted a quote from Innovative Interiors just before Christmas.”

That order put the Vialls in the draw to win. The Harcourts Papakura real estate couple are now closer to completing major renovations in their home of more than 20 years.

Incidentally, this is not the first time the Vialls have used leading wardrobe and storage solutions company Innovative Interiors.

“We had already installed a Euroclass wardrobe in our master bedroom, and I can’t wait to use it when the renovations are complete!”

The family is currently staying in one part of the house, while the remodelling of the bedrooms takes place.

Design consultant Paul Duffy says being a part of the Viall’s home renovations has been hugely satisfying; “it’s been awesome to watch the transformation.”

Debra agrees, saying the storage systems have made a difference. “It’s so great to open up the space, and be organised so that we can get rid of some of the clutter!”

She adds that dealing with Innovative Interiors has been a pleasant process. “We’re so grateful for the prize and really love our wardrobes – it’s wonderful.”

Debra and Graham join thousands around the country in voicing their approval of Innovative Interiors.

The company has almost two decades

of experience, a national network in New Zealand and provides a complete service from design through to manufacture and installation. Its designers assess the space, consider everything from height and depth to accessibility and then present a range of suitable options.

Effective storage is a key element of a well-planned and highly functioning living environment. The Innovative Interiors team works closely with architects, builders and home-owners to develop the perfect customised solution for any space or budget.

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Innovative Interiors design and build beautiful, high quality wardrobe and storage concepts.

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The Innovative design team offers a FREE in-home consultation service, complete with no obligation quote.

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Please contact Paul Duffy to arrange a FREE in-home consultation. Alternatively call in to our Mt Wellington showroom to view our range of products.

Big prize winner applauds Innovative Interiors

Innovative Interiors Unit S, 24 Allright Pl, Mt Wellington. Ph 0800 80 30 50. Paul Duffy 09 570 5029 ext 202, Mob 021 606 229. Showroom: Monday-Friday 9am-3pm. www.innovativeinteriors.co.nz

Innovative Interiors design consultant, Paul Duffy, presents Debra Viall with her prize.

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By Kevin Seymour, Harcourts Pukekohe

It’s not only the weather that is scorching. The Franklin property market is pumping. In fact, both the ground and the property supply are in danger of drying up.

We have experienced another exciting month in the Pukekohe market and surrounds.

The upper value residential property maintained, and even boosted, its confidence with the sale by auction of a beautifully-presented, near new, William Andrew Road home prompted by a pre-auction offer.

The lifestyle market is not showing any sign of slowing either with solid interest being shown right throughout the summer season.

Open homes have been well attended and agents busy with

buyer appointments. Some classy properties have been sold in the last week and a prominent landmark listed – keep a watch out in Rural Living over the next month.

From a seller’s point of view the trick is to make sure property is seen as value by the purchasers.

I can’t emphasise enough the use of professional photography in your marketing material. Be careful not to oversell in the text, leave a surprise that will lift the spirits of those looking.

Sell the advantages not just a list of features. Buyers want to know “What’s in it for me?”, “How is it going to better my life?”

The internet has become both our friend and our enemy. Buyers search diligently but if the property is not well presented they will pass it by in favour of something that is perceived

as more attractive. Once bypassed they seldom go back.

Persuading people to actually set foot on a property and feel the emotion is

getting harder so, get it right from the beginning. If you are going to market then MARKET your property.

Building is also back on the agenda and is a viable option. The efficiency of living can be so much better in a new home.

Building codes now call for better insulation, water-tightness, specific materials and plans that mostly make great use of space seldom seen before.

Indoor outdoor flow is important to New Zealanders so make sure this is incorporated in the design.

Enough from me! We know Franklin is a great place to live and so do many from the city.

I am finding more than half of my purchasers are selling up in the city and are looking for space and a better lifestyle. They can have it here.

It’s hot out there...LIVING��

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Eleven years after the first Mazda3 rolled off the assembly line in Hofu, Japan, the third generation of this trendsetting compact has just been launched.

Mazda3’s combination of performance and handling with a cutting-edge exterior and interior design struck a chord with consumers; the first generation sold more than 2.2 million units and collected 99 awards worldwide.

The second generation was unveiled in 2009. With its bolder lines and more distinctive face, it picked up where the original Mazda3 left off.

Another 1.4 million units have been sold to date, and another 37 awards captured.

The all-new Mazda3 promises to be another sensation, this time featuring the full SkyActiv line-up of ultra-efficient lightweight technology and Mazda’s award-winning ‘Kodo’ (soul in motion) design.

Unmistakably Mazda, new Mazda3 features the lower, wider Kodo stance and rear-leaning cabin, with boldly flared fenders and a raked profile rising towards the rear.

A longer wheelbase with smaller front and rear overhangs hints at performance, improves road stability and safety, and creates more space for the occupants.

Mazda claims that advanced craftsmanship results in a new level of build quality, with the minimum gaps possible between body panels and doors that open in a surprisingly natural motion.

New Mazda3 marks the debut of Mazda’s new interior treatment.

Based on two contrasting cabin zones, a snug, purpose-oriented cockpit and a relaxed passenger atmosphere are separate but connected by an asymmetrical centre console and centre stack.

The centre-focused driver’s space includes the Active Driving Display (availability depends on model), one of the first head-up displays in this segment.

This is the first Mazda to bring occupants online, safely and non-stop with Mazda Connect, a new in-vehicle connectivity system, coupled with a new and improved human-machine interface (HMI).

With a larger and more comfortable interior than previously, Mazda3 boasts best-in-class shoulder room.

There will be a choice of engine across the two body styles, depending on specification.

A SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine develops 114kW at 6000rpm and 200Nm of torque at 4000rpm. The sedan achieves 5.7ltr/100km, and 5.8ltr/100 km for the five door hatch.

The SP25 model’s 2.5-litre petrol engine produces a lively 138kW at 5700rpm and 250Nm at 3250rpm.

Both the automatic and manual transmissions are smooth-shifting six-speeds. Stability control, traction control, ABS, EBD, brake assist and six airbags are standard on all models.

The electric, power-assisted steering has been reworked to improve efficiency, with a lower gear ratio that increases agility and required less driver effort.

Mazda3 is lighter yet stiffer than the outgoing car, with suspension geometry and dampers enhanced

to better absorb bumps without detracting from handling.

The front suspension is mounted on a new perimeter frame.

With an increased caster angle and trail, it improves self-aligning torque and high-speed stability.

The positioning of rear suspension links and hardness of the bushings improves the lateral grip of the rear tires. By moving the trailing arm position forward, the dampers can better absorb road influences.

High and ultra-high tensile steels now make up 60 per cent of the body (up from half), and body rigidity has increased by 31 per cent (hatchback) and 28 per cent (sedan).

Mazda3 boasts one of the quietest interiors in its class due to new lightweight sound-absorbing materials that block noise paths into the cabin.

The new Mazda3 range, consisting at launch of 2.0-litre GLX and GLS, and 2.5-litre SP25 and SP25 Limited, is in dealerships now. Pricing starts at $32,795, including three years of free scheduling servicing.

More space, more pace

New Mazda3, available in four-door sedan and five-door hatch variants, is larger, lighter and stronger than the outgoing model.


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Anywhere Ford 123 Sample Road | SAMPLEVILLE | P 01 234 5678 | anywhereford.co.nz

Ranger 4WD XLT Double Cab shown in Aurora Blue, with accessory sports bar. Award presented to Ford by Pieter Wieman, jury chairman, at the Fleet Transport EXPO 12 event, in Dublin, Ireland. November 2012.

ford.co.nzSOUTH AUCKLAND MOTORSTORSManukau | Botany | Pukekohe | 0800 114 443 | southaucklandmotors.co.nz

Ford Ranger has seen by far the greatest year-on-year growth of any of the top five vehicles sold in New Zealand in 2013 – a 75 per cent increase over 2012 sales figures.

Managing director of Ford New Zealand, Corey Holter, attributes the growth to a number of factors, the first being that the Ford Ranger has fundamentally changed just what a ute means to New Zealanders.

“While still classed in the industry as a commercial vehicle, customers have found the Ford Ranger to excel equally on the job-site or at home providing a comfortable, safe vehicle for the family,” said Holter. “It’s great around town, on the farm or heading to the beach with the boat in tow.”

Holter also attributes the success of the Ford Ranger to having better supply in 2013, but he adds that it was still not ideal.

“We had a healthier supply in 2013 to help meet customer demand. That said, there were some variants of Ranger where demand outstripped supply, including our hero model – the Ranger Wildtrak.”

The ability to take the family on holiday after a tough day on the job

has also meant a shift in what New Zealanders look for in a ute.

Safety is now a must, and, with the Ford Ranger, there is no safer ute.

It’s still the only ute in New Zealand’s top five utes to have a 5-Star Euro NCAP and 5-Star ANCAP safety rating

across the entire range, including the most popular variant in the segment – the double cab.

The double cab ute accounts for more than 80 per cent of all sales and the Ford Ranger has a 5-Star safety rating for both 4WD and 2WD versions.

Ranger on a rollLIVING��


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did you know?The first automobile is generally considered to have been invented in 1886, making it just over 125 years old.

And yet cars are among our most primal obsessions.

LIVING��

Just prior to Christmas a pint-sized book arrived on my desk and on discovering it was all about cars, I nearly popped it to one side.

However, with a husband in the industry I thought I’d take a closer look albeit with an ulterior motive – just for once, I might chalk one up on him when it came to quirky facts!

In fact, I think, Total Wheelspin, by Tony Davis has allowed me a little one up (wo)manship.

The media release warned it would provide answers to fascinating questions such as when will flying cars go on sale; do the Greeks and Albanians manufacture cars at all; why are motor racing films never any good; who is Volvoid and what is Menoporsche (women will love that one) and why do people, well men, drive with their arm out the window?

Tony Davis has written about cars for 30 years and is also the author of Total Lemons, a book with which I have more than a few issues, but surprisingly this one appeals to me.

Dedicated to car culture, quizzes, myths and motoring madness, it is packed with laughs as well as bizarre

anecdotes and obscure facts – well, I hope they are facts. I’m not really in a position to know one way or another.

But, this book is very readable; or, rather, very easy to browse and, as the author suggests, it could become addictive; it pretty well has in my house. In fact, everyone has had a turn at poring through its pages except the husband.

He’s not a big fan of Mr Davis, but I caught him having a peek on the sly recently so, he’s definitely weakening. Like any car-mad man, he won’t be able to resist for much longer and then we can have a laugh together. Maybe, your household will too.

• Total Wheelspin by Tony Davis. Publisher Harper Collins. RRP $24.99

Fresh spin on CARsHELEN PERRY is well acquainted with automobile madness – her husband started his career fixing cars, went on to race them and now sells them but when Total Wheelspin by Tony Davis came her way, she wasn’t initially convinced she would like it.


It’s a long way home when you’re riding alone. With only a couple of years in the saddle, Anita James faced a daunting task when some 800km of road lay ahead of her in the recent BDO Wellington to Auckland Cycle Challenge. Fortunately, the Pukekohe local had family and friends to help her along.

“The Challenge is basically New Zealand’s Tour de France but it’s also about raising money for charity and it’s for a wide range of riders,” says Anita, who was well prepared after training on Franklin’s country roads.

The seven-day ride was also a family affair for the James gang, with the cyclist’s brother, Jason, and family friend, Steve Adams from Papakura, also competing.

“A lot of cyclists train here. I think local drivers are more aware of them on the road and you certainly don’t come across as many dimwits in cars as in some parts of Auckland!”

Drawing on local knowledge and his own experience of the Challenge a few years earlier, Anita’s father, Richard James, helped ensure his daughter would be well prepared.

“Dad knows the area very well and had training mapped out,” says Anita. “He intended to ride too and we did most of our training in Franklin because it has a bit of everything in terms of terrain.”

Unfortunately, after a training accident in Huntly, Richard was stopped in his tracks just weeks before the event. “Dad’s wheel was caught between the rail track and the

road at a crossing,” Anita says. “We were slowing down, but still travelling at around 28km. He cracked two ribs, pelvic bone and suffered internal bleeding. After swerving to avoid him, I just bounced off the road with little more than a scratch!

“When we realised the extent of his injuries I knew, no matter what, dad wouldn’t be riding in the Challenge.”

With her father out of commission, Anita wondered if she could handle the epic ride. But, after a few days in hospital, Richard continued to be a vital cog in the James’ team wheel.

“Dad was there every step of the way, cheering us on. His advice on aspects such as recovery was fantastic. In some ways, it was better for me having him as support; he ensured we had everything we needed and my eldest brother, Stacey, was also there maintaining the bikes.”

With her younger brother Jason competing in the elite category,

riding at a quicker pace, Anita was somewhat daunted at the prospect of riding alone but soon found company.

“It was hard the first two days. On the first stage, we rode up the Rimutaka Ranges. The weather was awful, one to two car lengths visibility, low cloud and misty rain; it was tough going! But dad had said if I could get through stage one, I could go all the way, so when I reached the top, I was elated and knew I’d be fine.

“Physically I could do it, but it was mentally challenging too. Riding with others of similar ability helped. We all tried to be positive to help each other and, because I didn’t really know them, I was less inclined to show how tough it really was. In some ways this was better. Had I been riding with dad, I might have said ‘I can’t do it’!”

While strangers became allies on the road, Anita also had the company of family friend, Steve Adams and, after a few days she discovered that another in her group, Shane Brown,

rode with her father during the Challenge years earlier.

Anita undertook the final stage on February 15, from Glen Murray to Pukekohe, with her brother Jason, who had been slowed by a knee injury, joining the group. She finished in the middle of the pack of approximately 200 riders.

“As tired and sore as I was, the final stage was my favourite. I was fizzing because I knew the roads well, how to ride them and just how close to home we were. The feeling when coming down Queen Street and seeing friends and family was amazing.”

Anita’s next goal is a 160km ride around Lake Taupo in November; however she’s unsure if she will participate in next year’s Wellington to Auckland Cycle Challenge.

“When dad’s fit and ready to do it, I’ll go along for the ride,” she says. “There is talk we’ll probably ride next year, but we haven’t decided yet.”

Pukekohe’s James gang rides again! Whether scoring a triple century or cycling from Wellington to Auckland, sport success comes from taking one session at a time and counting off the milestones, as JON RAWLINSON discovered.

Ride of her life – Anita James (top).Left to right; Anita with Richard James, Jason James and Steve Adams.

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Subscribe to Rural LivingRural Living is a stimulating magazine delivered to RD addresses in the Franklin district. It is designed to provide readers with varied rural information, which is both informative and helpful to the lifestyle market, as well as a ‘Living’ section providing for all aspects of living.

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PROFARMRURAL & LIFESTYLE

Call us for all your farming supply needsFor the best advice and

friendly service

IN TWO GREAT LOCATIONS

ANIMAL BURIAL

BURIED ON YOUR LANDHorses ~ Cows ~ Sheep ~ Etc

Phone Richard Logan

Mob 0274 976 058a/h 09 233 4446

www.animalburial.co.nz

5341

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COUNTIES BULK SPREADERS

• GROUND SPREADING• LIME • FERTILISER • UREA

• LS100 (50/50 Foul Manure & Lime Mix)

• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• SAND • FERTILISER • LIME

Boyd (09) 233 44660274 978 685

Brenton (09) 236 36390274 921 916

• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• BULK CARTAGE OF METAL• SAND • FERTILISER • LIME• SAND • FERTILISER • LIME

COUNTIES BULK HAULAGE

53452

MR CLIP LTDTotally mobile

shearing service.Bombays to Kaiwaka.

EXPERIENCED NZ WOOL BOARD • CERTIFIED SHEARERS

Ces & Jan MayallPhone (09) 276-1219 or mobile 0274-853-234

[email protected], Goats, Alpacas, Llamas

53559-v2

From One Animal

Upwards

www.bennettfertilisers.co.nz 50387-v2

CHICKEN MANURE FERTILISER

CHICKEN MANURE FERTILISERCHICKEN MANURE FERTILISER

We also supply:• Lime • Metal • Sand

• Untreated wood shavings

Neil 021 724 327 orGraeme 022 123 4681

Offi ce 09 299 6486

A natural, cost-effective all-year round N.P.K. fertiliser for pasture,

maize crops, market gardensand small blocks.

We supply, cart and spread.


If you want the fencing experts you need to call us for all your post and rail, yard,

electric and conventional fencing.Also retaining walls and general excavation.

NICK LIEFTINGCONTRACTORS

Phone (09) 236 0570, Fax (09) 236 0258, Mobile 0274 941 846

Email [email protected] R

2000

4A

FARMRURALFENCING CONTRACTOR

Pukekohe Barfoot and Thompson, 68 King St.Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Ave.Kevens Department Store, 73 King St.Franklin Vets, 86 Harris St.PapakuraFranklin Vets, 365 Great South Rd.PokenoPokeno Bacon, Great South Rd.Waiuku Franklin Vets, 2 Court St.Mitre 10, 25 Bowen St.

BombayAutobahn.TuakauH.R Fiskens, 295 Tuakau Rd.Tuakau Meats, 23 George St.Field Fresh Fruit & Vege, 3/53 George St.Profarm Tuakau, Cnr Madill Rd and George St.ArdmoreAnimal Stuff, 192 Airfield Rd.KarakaAnimal Stuff, 671 Karaka Rd.

DruryAnimal Stuff, 222 Great South Rd.Drury Butcher, 232a Great South Rd.Town & Country Vets, 257 Great South Rd.HunuaJohn Hill Estate, 144 John Hill Rd.ClevedonClevedon Rural Supplies,13 Papakura-Clevedon Rd,Clevedon VillagePatumahoeThe Butchers Shop Cafe, 4 Patumahoe Rd.

Rural Living is available FREE from selected advertisers and the following locations:Rural Living is

delivered on 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

53407

WALKERSPEST CONTROL• Insects &

rodents• Domestic &

commercial• Consultancy

work

YOU NAME IT – WE’LL KILL IT!Controlling yourpests for 24 years

Phone 238 9885Mobile 0274 789 857Main Highway, Paerata

5340

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8

5424

1-V

3

www.harcourts.co.nz Contributor to realestate.co.nz

36a

We need more property to sell, it’s been a busy timeover the relaxing holiday period!!

Call Kevin NOW for a current market appraisal on your property

0800 345 563

M: 0800 345 563 P: 09 238 4244E: [email protected]

57 King Street, Pukekohe, Auckland 1800www.pukekoheproperty.co.nz

BCRE Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Bombay584 Pinnacle Hill Road – $915,000Great Buying In Bombay• 5 bedroom large home • 4 internal car garaging• 3.392 hectares of land • Minutes from Bombay and the motorway• This property is ideal for those who want it all!

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity.

View www.harcourts.co.nz/PW131017

Glenbrook 1128 Glenbrook RoadRipe For The Picking – Right Now!Be the fi rst occupier of this lovingly renovated villa set on 2.02Ha (5 acres approx). Offering insulated polished timber fl oors, 4 spacious brms, 2 living areas complete with a fi replace each, a new modern tiled bathrm and kitchen including all new appliances. Established gardens create privacy for you to entertain and plenty of space for the kids to play. The land is suitable for all stock or pets and comes with good shedding.

Open Homes: Sundays, Feb 23 & Mar 2 – 12-1pm, Wednesday, Mar 5 – 5-6pm

Auction: March 6 at 5.30pm – In Rooms, 3 O’Shannessey St, Papakura

• 48 Beachlands Road SOLD Auction Campaign• 1832 Miranda Road SOLD Auction Campaign• 226 Muir Road SOLD Auction Campaign• 87A Glenbrook Road SOLD Auction Campaign• 3 Morley Road SOLD• 33 Maioro Road SOLD

Maria DavisP 0800 224 071E [email protected] Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Carola HehewerthP 09 238 4244, mob 0275 973 558E [email protected] Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

AUCTION

rural living february-march 2014

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