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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Proposed temporar y fisheries closure in the Hauraki Gulf
Under section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996, Ngāti Manuhiri have requested a two-year temporar y fisheries closure to the take of all invertebrate and seaweed species from the Rodney, Hibiscus Coast and East Coast Bays coastline, and some Hauraki Gulf islands
The requested closure is for two years.
A copy of the request and a map of the proposed area are available on the Ministr y for Primar y Industries website (www.mpi.gov t.nz/consultations), or by contacting Fisheries New Zealand at the below address or FMSubmissions@mpi.gov t.nz
The proposed area is described by Ngāti Manuhiri as spanning “the east coast of Auckland, including the Hauraki Gulf islands, within the boundaries of the Rodney and Hibiscus Bays Local Boards The closure would apply from the intertidal zone down to 1 metre below chart datum ”
Under section 186A(7)(a), Fisheries New Zealand invites written submissions in response to the request from persons who have an interest in the species concerned or in the effects of fishing in the area concerned.
Further information about temporar y closures is available on the MPI website (www.mpi.gov t.nz/fishing-aquaculture).
Submissions can be made up to 5pm on Friday, 28 November 2025 You can email your submission to FMSubmissions@mpi.gov t.nz
While we prefer email you can post your submission to: Spatial Allocations
Fisheries Management
Fisheries New Zealand
PO Box 2526 Wellington 6140.
Submissions are public information
Note that all, part, or a summar y of your submission may be published on the MPI website
Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA
If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.
A new era begins
by Grant McCallum, MP For Northland
The Government’s funding of $187 million to further develop the Northland Expressway has immense significance for the region.
Construction of the expressway’s first stage is set to commence in 2026, with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) consulting local property owners from late 2025 to mid-2026.
The expressway is expected to significantly boost the Northland economy through better connectivity with the rest of New Zealand and provide safer and more resilient transport links. It also provides a much-needed alternative to the Brynderwyn Hills route, which is frequently closed due to slips.
The government funding enables the NZTA to seek statutory consents and designations for the alternative route. The designation phase will finalise this status and enable the agency to move forward with purchasing affected properties.
The ultimate aim is to reduce fatalities and severe injuries on State Highway 1
by 66%. Benefit-cost analysis shows the $15.3–$18.3 billion project will deliver $1.40 in benefits for every dollar spent, which is good news for Northlanders and taxpayers. Tolls are expected to support construction and maintenance funding. Since my property west of the Brynderwyns was ruled out as a route due to land movements after Cyclone Gabrielle, I want to reiterate that I have not been involved in any decisions about the path. My focus remains firmly on the best outcome for Northland.
This mammoth project will improve Northland’s economy, consequently create employment opportunities for the locals and make the region a safe place to live and work.
It is the beginning of a more connected, resilient and prosperous Northland — the beginning of a new era for our region.
by Andy Bryenton
Methane targets look to 2050
Alongside carbon dioxide emissions, the biggest gas referenced in government efforts to manage New Zealand’s agricultural climate impact is methane.
A vigorous debate on methane, its role in global warming, and the impact of methane coming from the nation’s livestock has been ongoing for several terms of successive governments. Recently, the coalition set a benchmark for methane emissions reduction. Following cabinet approval, a target of methane emissions 14 to 24 per cent below 2017 levels has been indicated.
The coalition is calling the decision science-based and practical, and it’s based on an independent Methane Science Review commissioned in 2024.
“We’ve accepted a range of advice and worked closely with industry to agree on a practical target that protects food production, whilst substantially reducing New Zealand’s farm emissions. Today, we’re delivering a practical, fair pathway that recognises New Zealand agriculture efficiency, protects jobs and production, and upholds our climate commitments,” said Agriculture and Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford spoke out on the proposed targets, saying that their scientific grounding is a better result than the idealistic measures that could have been used. However, the farming advocacy group also spoke up for lower targets in the past. It’s their opinion the 14 to 24 per cent drop is achievable by 2050, and Kiwi farms are on track to hit it.
The target comes with caveats that could help make it an easier sell to a rural sector that is far from unanimous on climate change mitigation measures. There will be a legislated review in 2040, seeking to align New Zealand’s biogenic methane target with any new science forthcoming in the interim, and to look at the parallel progress of our trading partners. Additionally, there will be no tax on agricultural methane emission. The coalition states this kind of tax risks farm shutdowns, which could drive production, profits and employment offshore. The focus of the government’s push to slash methane emissions centres on research and technology. There’s already a $400 million investment slated to speed up the development of methane-reducing tools and tech. These include innovations like EcoPond, designed to cut effluent pond methane emissions by 90 per cent.
“It will be up to each farmer, processor and company to decide how best to meet their own commitments, using the tools and innovations that fit their business,”
said parliamentarian Simon Watts. “Our approach is clear: technology and partnership, not taxes, will deliver the reductions that we need. By investing in new tools and giving farmers practical support, we can cut emissions without cutting production or profitability.”
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• I’m passionate
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Methane emissions targets have been set for 2050, with no tax and a technological approach as part of an ambitious programme
Massey skills to boost Northland production
by Paul Campbell
National planning in New Zealand underlines that the future of work in the food and fibre sector will become increasingly specialised in the light of increasingly sophisticated technologies, a growing market in Asia and future issues on food safety, biosecurity, sustainability and animal welfare.
Jobs in the sector are becoming more specialised and the Ministry of Primary Industries says it’s an exciting time to work in food and fibre and this is evident in the signing of a new partnership between Northland Inc and Massey University set to strengthen education, research and innovation opportunities across the district’s food and fibre sector.
A Heads of Agreement was signed between Northland Inc board chair Suzanne Duncan and Massey University
vice-chancellor Professor Jan Thomas. It signals a shared commitment to build a future where tertiary education, research and regional development work hand in hand to uplift people, communities and industries across the region.
Ms Duncan says the agreement represents an important step in unlocking the full potential of the region’s food and fibre sector. “We know that the future of food and fibre in Northland depends on the people who grow, study and innovate here. Having Massey University working
alongside our communities and industry partners, in our region, on our whenua, will build capability and confidence from the ground up.
“This partnership is about action: getting teaching and research happening locally, connecting students to opportunities, and building pathways that mean our young people don’t have to leave Northland to access world-class learning and leadership.”
She says the shared purpose is clear. Primary industries such as
pastoral farming, horticulture, fishing and aquaculture, and forestry remain the economic backbone of the region, contributing more than $1.4 billion to Northland’s GNP each year and accounting for 68% of the value of Northland’s exports.
Despite the significance to the region, the supporting systems for education, training and research have not always kept pace, leaving untapped potential across the region. Many of Northland’s young people leave the region to study, and
At the agreement signing were (from left) Northland Inc’s Vaughan Cooper, Piripi Moore, Massey University’s Paora Ammunson, Suzanne Duncan, MP for Northland Grant McCallum, Massey University’s Professor Jan Thomas, Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper, Massey University’s Ray Geor, and Northland Inc CEO Paul Linton
Animal welfare is increasingly important in enhancing food production regimes
businesses often need to look elsewhere for research support or technical expertise. The Waka Hourua partnership aims to change that, by building a strong, enduring Massey University presence in Northland and co-developing programmes that reflect local needs and aspirations.
The agreement establishes a platform for collaboration between the university, Northland Inc, iwi, local schools and industry. It sets out shared priorities that include:
• Supporting secondary schools to deliver quality learning in agriculture, horticulture, food technology and environmental management
• Co-developing tertiary pathways from level one to three training through to advanced qualifications and degrees
• Growing regional research partnerships, including with Northland Agricultural Research Farm (NARF), the Kaipara Moana Restoration project, Ngāwhā Innovation and Enterprise Park, and iwi-led initiatives in food and fibre
• Exploring the development of microcredentials and short courses that respond directly to local workforce needs
• Working toward a physical Massey presence within the planned Whangārei Knowledge Hub, ideally by mid-2026, including the appointment of two roles based in Northland Massey University vice-chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says the partnership reflects a natural alignment between Massey’s expertise and Northland’s ambitions.
“Our university’s roots are in agriculture, horticulture and applied food technology. We’re deeply committed to supporting
regional Aotearoa New Zealand. Working with Northland Inc, iwi, schools and industry partners, provides an opportunity to co-design education and research that reflects the unique strengths and aspirations of Te Tai Tokerau.
“Massey’s core mission has always been about creating enduring impact for learners, for communities, and for the land. As the leading distance education provider in New Zealand, we want to see more of our students studying in the regions, more research projects embedded in local contexts, and more collaboration that connects knowledge with practice. The Waka Hourua agreement provides the foundation for that in Northland.”
The first phase of the partnership begins in early 2026, with the appointment of two roles based in Northland. One role will focus on building local research and student engagement, promoting regional study opportunities and postgraduate training pathways, and connecting learners with funding and industry partners.
The second will focus on long-term Māori partnership development, ensuring the collaboration upholds tikanga and delivers meaningful outcomes for communities across the region.
Work is already underway to scope Massey’s involvement in the Whangārei Knowledge Hub, a proposed centre for innovation and education, and to codevelop regionally-focussed programmes in horticulture and agriculture. This includes exploring existing and new microcredentials and professional development pathways at Massey, tailored to the
needs of Northland’s farmers, growers and educators.
The Waka Hourua partnership will be guided by shared principles and values that reflect both organisations’ commitment to leadership, sustainability, inclusion and community. “By bringing Massey’s expertise into our region and
aligning it with local priorities, we’re creating opportunities that stay here, in our schools, on our farms, in our communities. This is about Te Tai Tokerau standing strong in its own right, growing talent, innovation and research capability that reflect who we are and where we’re heading.”
D O N A T E T O D A Y
Cropping increasingly adds to land utilisation, and Massey innovation can improve land use
Ocean gardens path to marine farms
by Paul Campbell
A government initiative this year, means a smoother pathway for the country’s aquaculture industry, and a resource consent for three Northland projects to expand marine farming in the region.
With a target of realising $3 billion in annual aquaculture production in the next decade, regulation was cut with the passing of a bill that protects marine farmers from costly consent reviews, with Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones leading the change.
“The government is doing its part by providing a regulatory environment where this kind of growth is possible,” Mr Jones says. An immediate result has been that
resource consent has been granted for three experimental Northland ‘ocean gardens’ that will be used for research that ultimately aims to repopulate local fish and seafood stocks.
Applicants NgātiWai Ki Whangaruru Whenua Topu Trust, Kaingahoa Marae and the Otetao Reti Marae applied as a group to the Northland Regional Council for each to use one hectare of marine space to undertake non-commercial, marae-based aquaculture activities.
The council processed the non-notified applications for the initiatives dubbed ‘māra moana’ together and consents were granted last month for a term of 35 years.
One of these is proposed for Whapukapirau Bay in the outer Bay of Islands and is associated with the Kaingahoa Marae, another is proposed for Bland Bay, associated with Ngātiwai Ki Whangaruru Whenua Topu Trust, while a third at Kauri Point, in the Whangaruru
Harbour, is associated with the Otetao Reti Marae.
The aquaculture structures initially proposed are similar to conventional mussel farming backbone lines that will be secured in place with two-tonne concrete mooring blocks. The backbones will have two surface lines separated by mussel buoys at regular intervals.
“These backbone longlines will act as a base structure to attach and support cultivation ropes and various equipment
Mussels are an export earner
Oysters for local and overseas sales
for research and spat collecting, and grow out of species, which may include various gastropod, bivalve crustacean and seaweed species.”
Each area will be progressively established by respective marae, with the ultimate aim of improving traditional customary seafood provision for marae and developing methods for repopulating local fish and seafood stocks.
In its consent decision the council said the māra moana were within areas mapped in its Proposed Regional Plan maps as ‘Aquaculture Exclusion Areas’ and ‘Significant Ecological Areas’. However, the council says the PRP provides a rule for marae-based aquaculture in significant and development areas. It says the adverse effects on the environment of the māra moana had been determined to be no more than minor.
The proposed māra moana in Bland Bay and Kauri Bay are not located within an area identified in PRP maps as having either outstanding natural character or high natural character values. The māra moana in Whapukapirau Bay is located within an area mapped in the PRP as having high natural character.
The council says due to the small area to be occupied by the structures and the limited number of lines likely to be established, the effects on visual amenity and natural character at each location is likely to be low.
The māra moana structures and layout have also been specifically designed to be as open, passive and subsurface as possible to allow currents and waves to pass through.
The stocking densities of any species will not be high enough to have a more
than minor impact on the quantity of nutrients and plankton consumed, and the quantity of waste generated will be low. Routine inspections will help ensure marine mammals are not caught in structures.
The council noted structures had the potential to act as a vector for marine pests. To ensure that these risks are minimised a Biosecurity Risk Management Plan has also been required as a condition of consent.
“The applicant has advised that the vessels will be launched and retrieved from the beach, and regularly inspected and cleaned. All equipment related to the farm, including spat devices or buoys to be deployed or retrieved from the farm will be transported by a local vessel.”
The council says Ngātiwai Trust Board, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine and Ngāti Kuta each had an iwi/hapū environmental management plan relevant to the locations of this activity.
“These plans have been taken into account during the processing of the application, and the granting of this consent is not considered to be contrary to the objectives and policies contained within these plans.”
Their potential undue effects on commercial, recreational and customary fishing had also been separately considered by the Ministry for Primary Industries, which had not amended the areas or conditions imposed by the council.
The Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill, passed last month, restricts the ability of councils to use
section 128 of the Resource Management Act to review conditions of coastal permits until September 2030.
“Our marine farmers should be using their time, energy and funds to innovate and grow, rather than engaging in tick-box exercises with overzealous regulators,” Mr Jones says.
The change follows another last year that extended coastal permits for marine farms by 20 years and introduced a new process for councils to review marine farm consent conditions when absolutely necessary, while reducing the impact of reviews on marine farmers.
“These changes are allowing marine farmers to focus on growing their operations, hiring more Kiwis and bringing in more export dollars, rather than dealing with endless red tape and costs stemming from an inefficient permitting process,”
Mr Jones says.
Bream Bay research is an industry mainstay
Walking the country mile
by Amy Fifita
Walking is good for fitness, mental health and reducing stress, but for Kayla Huggins, it is about bringing light to suffering communities affected by suicide.
“Iam Kayla. A mother. A recovering addict. A staunch advocate for the vulnerable. I am someone who finds strength and community in her faith in God, and someone who wants to raise awareness around suicide through hīkoi,” said Kayla.
“Jesus saved my life from suicide, selfharm, addiction, and domestic violence. When all I could see was darkness, He brought light. When all I could feel was pain, He gave me peace.
“When all I could see was death, He gave me hope. Through my faith in God, I found healing, purpose, and strength. He lifted me out of the depths and reminded me that my life matters. That I matter.”
With 37 suspected suicides in Northland between 2024 and 2025 already, at least 37 families’ lives have been changed forever. For Kayla, her idea of change isn’t loss, but hope, and she has walked it in more ways than one.
“I was addicted to meth, marijuana and cigarettes for 20 years. I was associating with gangs and dealing meth, and I was using everything to numb the pain from being in domestically violent relationships for over 20 years.
heart to the Lord, and now I am three years clean.”
Leaving behind a life of hurt and addiction, Kayla has become an advocate for those who have experienced loss and heartache. After overcoming the troubles of her past, Kayla, Karl Holland, Sonny Johnson, and Mikie Sanft started Faith Walks to raise awareness for people affected by mental health issues.
“When I lost my children and my husband walked out, I hit rock bottom, and I turned to prostitution to get my meth. Hitting rock bottom, I realised I was going to end up in the grave, or give my heart to Jesus. I gave my
“Suicide has touched nearly every whānau in Northland. Whether through
Milking machine testing, Westfalia and Milfos parts and servicing from Helensville to the Cape!
Call Garry Wilson on 021 569 661 or email gea.midnorth@gmail.com
Follow in Claud Switzer’s footsteps almost 70 years after this generous bequest in 1954. You, too, can leave your mark in the form of a legacy that helps us continue his good work beyond your lifetime. Your gesture of kindness and generosity means a great deal to the people we care for and will help ensure our service remains accessible to families in the Far North for years to come.
Talk to us about how your name and legacy might live on (as a memorial tribute in our beautiful Switzer gardens/grounds).
From a life once full of darkness, Kayla Huggins is leading the way by fostering hope and love in the community
After losing a friend to suicide, Kayla and others walked from Kaiwaka to Wellsford to raise awareness and bring hope to those around them
the loss of a loved one or supporting someone who’s struggling, the pain is real and widespread. We walk to raise awareness of how severe suicide is in our communities, and to break the silence and stigma that surrounds it.
“We walk because we’ve lost too many. These hīkoi are about standing beside those who are struggling, and showing that hope is alive in our communities. It’s about connection — bringing whānau together to kōrero, to heal and to remind each other that no one walks alone.
“Our first awareness walk was over 80 kilometres from Kaikohe to Whangārei. I remember how tough it was mentally during that walk. I battled thoughts of giving up, wondering if it was all worth it.
“Then I realised that is what it must feel, like for our friends and whānau who are battling suicidal thoughts. That internal struggle, that feeling of isolation,
that questioning of whether to keep going — it’s real.
“It’s why we need to walk together, to remind each other that there is always someone willing to walk beside you.
We walk through the pain. Through the grief, the shock, the disbelief, the anger and the helplessness because our loved ones felt pain, grief, loneliness, sadness and hopelessness.”
The most recent awareness walk was in September for her friend Jesse HepiNepia from Kaiwaka to Wellsford.
“We were holding signs up, saying you are not alone, and every car was beeping and waving. People came out of their homes to approach us in gratitude for what we were doing, and how suicide had impacted them — it brought them hope.
“To those in a low place, you are not alone, and so many people are out here willing and able to help.”
Having experienced an abusive relationship while farming, Kayla knows the struggle of feeling isolated in a rural setting.
“Farming can be a closed-off community. The work doesn’t stop. It just keeps going, and with the financial issues, I understand the stress and heaviness that comes from farming.
“You can be very isolated out there. I encourage farmers to reach out and take time to breathe and see that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
To support the cause, contact Kayla by searching Faith Walks The Healing Hīkoi or Kayla Huggins on Facebook or calling 021 405 506.
“It is not just about raising awareness. It’s about walking in that light and showing others that healing is possible, that hope is real, and that no matter how far gone you feel, there is a way back.”
Kayla attended an outreach (front left) with her friends Megan, Gwen, Della, Sierra and George (rear) in Opononi
Kayla continues to shine the light, and be an advocate for the vulnerable and the lost in our communities
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New commercial director appointed
RAGT New Zealand, a growing force in high-performance forage and crop genetics, has announced a pivotal leadership transition, appointing James White as its new commercial director.
White, who has been instrumental in the company’s evolution, will now spearhead the New Zealand business, focussing on using genetic innovation to meet the evolving demands of Kiwi farming.
His elevation to commercial director is a strategic move, signalling RAGT’s increased commitment to delivering profitable, sustainable solutions for New Zealand farmers. With 19 years of experience in the business, White’s clear future vision is directly aligned with RAGT Group’s global strategy, which prioritises research and development to address complex agronomic challenges.
This amplified focus is crucial as the sector navigates increasing pressure from environmental regulation and the persistent need for feed security and higher on-farm productivity.
“I am delighted to have accepted the role of commercial director and am truly excited about the opportunities ahead for RAGT. The formidable strength of this business comes from our dedicated team and our exceptional genetics, which are powerfully supported by the wider RAGT Group,” said White.
“Together, we will build on this foundation for real success, continuing to deliver cutting-edge cultivars that ensure farm resilience and profitability. I look forward to further establishing RAGT as one of the leading genetics providers for New Zealand.”
RAGT New Zealand’s focus on innovative genetics and seed technologies, such as market leading perennial grasses and revolutionary novel endophyte, is set to
be a key pillar of White’s leadership. His mandate is to translate this cutting-edge global research into immediate, practical and highly-effective commercial solutions for local conditions, ensuring RAGT is known as a go-to partner for New Zealand’s progressive and productive farmers.
Commenting on the announcement, Simon Howell, Western Europe and Australasia business director for RAGT Group, stated, “James is the right person to lead RAGT New Zealand into its next phase of growth.”
This appointment follows the successful tenure of Bruce Garrett, who successfully led the business through its significant transition from Seed Force to a fully-fledged RAGT subsidiary. RAGT Group acknowledges Bruce for building a strong foundation and positioning the company as a key player in the New Zealand seed industry.
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Understanding severe osteoarthritis (Part
one)
by John Arts
I regularly am contacted by people with severe osteoarthritis, usually in knees, hips and hands.
The question is whether anything other than pain relief or surgery can help. In most cases nutritional therapy can help. I have a client with severe knee osteoarthritis. He gets noticeable relief enabling him to continue his physical lifestyle that was becoming increasingly difficult.
Severe osteoarthritis is characterised by significant deterioration of cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of bones. This usually results in bones rubbing directly against each other. This leads to pain, swelling, stiffness and a reduction in joint mobility. People can often feel a grating sensation as the joint moves.
Severe osteoarthritis requires a wider range of supplements at higher doses. Changing to an anti-inflammatory diet will increase chances of results. Before we commence, we need to ensure compatibility of higher dose supplements with prescription medicines, especially blood thinners.
The key supplements we need are, in order of importance, chondroitin, curcumin (from turmeric), omega-3 fish oil and glucosamine. If medications, age and
circumstances allow, we start with a very intensive period, usually for 12 weeks. This involves daily doses of chondroitin 1,600mg, 100% water soluble (pepperfree) curcumin 1,200mg, EPA from fish oils 1,000mg, and glucosamine 1,600mg. This involves three different supplements.
Chondroitin sulphate can make a significant difference to joint function. The main benefits come from supporting healthy cartilage secreting cells (chondrocytes) and reducing joint inflammation. I have seen excellent results from this approach. The benefits can be anything from, like my client, noticeable improvements in comfort and mobility through to people cancelling planned surgery. There is only a relatively small group who have no benefits. The key is to work to a personalised plan with regular reviews.
John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his newsletter at abundant.co.nz.
What is Bettaflex?
• Bettaflex is a joint support formula to promote healthy joint cartilage function
• Bettaflex has 400mg (per capsule) of high-grade avian chondroitin, 400mg of glucosamine and 100mg of BioSolve® bioavailable Curcumin (from turmeric).
• Try Bettaflex for 3 months and see for yourself.
How can Bettaflex help?
• Chondroitin and glucosamine are building blocks of cartilage.
• Supplementation with correct levels can support healthy cartilage function and cartilage repair processes.
• New BioSolve® bioavailable curcumin helps joint function while gentle on the stomach.
• Research indicates that chondroitin is highly effective at 800mg daily.
John Arts comments:
“My latest Bettaflex formula includes BioSolve® bioavailable curcumin for faster results. The normal dose is 2 capsules daily but I recommend an initial higher dose for 1-3 bottles to saturate joint tissue.”
James White and Simon Howell
THE PEOPLE BEHIND KMR … THE NILSSON FAMILY
Like so many growers, the Nilsson family recognise the importance of looking after their biggest investment – the environment and the land.
They have embraced the opportunity presented by Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) and have recently had 30,000 natives planted on their 285-hectare Dargaville kūmara and dairy unit.
Josh Nilsson says he and his parents - Grant and Tracey - found out about KMR through Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Following a highly successful pilot in early 2025, HortNZ and KMR are continuing their collaboration through into 2026.
“While the initial collaboration focused on supporting kūmara growers in Northland who had been adversely affected by the 2023 cyclones, this new collaboration includes both Northland and Auckland growers, and has broadened to also include tree crops, berries and leafy greens” says KMR Pou Tātaki Justine Daw.
HortNZ and KMR are now inviting expressions of interest from GAP-compliant levy-paying growers in the Kaipara Moana catchment across both Auckland and Northland regions. Through the collaboration, participating growers will be supported with fencing, native planting and wetland protection.
So far, the Nilssons have completed 1.2km of fencing and planted a 600-metre stretch of drainage - which borders their main kūmara growing area - a small nearby paddock with mud springs and existing mānuka, plus a substantial area of wetland which alone comprises the vast majority of the entire four hectares of land planted in natives.
The wetland itself is home to a healthy population of the rare matuku-hūrepo (bittern) and there is also plenty more birdsong around the farm thanks to kererū, tui and more.
Josh says they have always enjoyed having the native birds around and are looking forward to the population growing as their new habitat flourishes now it is fenced off from grazing.
Species planted so far include a classic revegetation mix of mānuka, purei, pukio, tī kōuka, harakeke, kahikatea, raupō, alongside akeake, tōtara, karo and taupata and a mixture of shrubs.
“It’s nice having these pockets of natives in the ground and it has got us thinking about what other areas of the farm could benefit from more planting,” says Josh.
“If the land is not being used to its potential it makes sense to put in natives. As they grow, these plants will provide more shade for the water in summer and keep it cool - we don’t have big flow creeks on the property and the water can heat up fast.”
The Nilssons are trying to adapt to a relatively new management regime of foliage buffers and bio-control plantings for their longstanding kūmara cropping operation. They are keen to do more native planting and form crop foliage
buffers along waterways and drains that ultimately feed into the Mangatara Stream and then on to the Kaihū River.
Importantly, the native planting also supports drain stabilisation to help reduce erosion along stream and drain banks, as well as possible floodplain erosion in areas with recent alluvial soils, such as Kaipara clay and clay loam.
Creating drainage planting strips, similar to riparian planting margins, is a key method for controlling sediment in horticultural landscapes. This approach aligns with KMR’s goals by intercepting runoff, stabilising soils, and reducing sediment loss at its source.
The native plantings help slow and disperse runoff, allowing sediment to settle before it reaches waterways, thus preventing further harm to freshwater and estuarine ecosystems.
The benefits of using diverse native species for drain riparian margins planting go beyond erosion control.
Justine acknowledges that the Nilssons are an example for other growers.
“Native buffers create habitats for birds and insects that help control kūmara pests as part of an integrated management plan. They also offer shade and wind protection for crops, workers, and livestock, contributing to a more resilient and productive environment,” she says.
Josh adds: “The shaded areas also inhibit the growth of invasive weeds, reducing the need for herbicides and longterm maintenance efforts on farm. I’d encourage other growers to reach out to local regional representative for the Upper North Island, Arjune Dahya (arjune.dahya@hortnz.co.nz), or directly to KMR and give it a go.”
Dargaville farmers Josh Nilsson - and his parents Grant and Tracey - have partnered with Kaipara Moana Remediation and Horticulture New Zealand to help the environment.
Grant McCallum MP for Northland
Avoca’s Agricultural Lime (AgLime) and Limestone are manufactured at our three lime quarries at Rarewa (Whangarei), Pokapu (Bay of Islands), and Port Albert (Wellsford). Both are also available at bulk stores in Dargaville and Te Kauwhata (Waikato). From all of these locations, we’re well placed to deliver Agricultural Lime products Northland and Waikato wide. Avoca also provide soil fertility testing and consulting as well as lime and fertiliser products and custom mixes.
NORTHLAND LIME
10
reasons to apply lime to your soils:
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2
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Increases nutrient availability; raising soil pH with lime to ~6.3-6.5 releases and balances soil nutrients for plant uptake, maximising return on your fertiliser spend.
Improves pasture yield. Trials have shown pasture production increases up to 68% and corresponding live weight gains.
Reduces need for N-fertiliser; lime stimulates N-fixation by legumes, and N-release from organic matter into plant available forms.
Improves P availability through a ‘phosphate sparing effect’ - trials in Northland showed 50-60kg more P available consistent over 3 years after applying 5t/ha of lime to a pH 5.8 soil. Optimal P availability occurs when soils are limed to pH 6.3-6.5.
Improves pasture palatability allowing for more even grazing of pasture and better pasture utilisation. 5
6
7
Increases soil biological activity and diversity; key to nutrient availability, good soil structure & porosity, and ultimately pasture/crop yield.
Increases resilience to droughts, floods, and runoff/erosion, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and greater root penetration for pasture/crop growth by flocculating (loosening) your soil to improve soil structure and porosity.
Increases water holding capacity in the dry and water drainage in the wet. Lime drives down magnesium in ‘tight, high Mg’ soils such as estuarine soils found in the Hauraki Plains. 8
9
Reduces elemental toxicities evident at low pH levels, e.g. Al, preventing subsoil acidification and improving root growth, root development, and reduces P-fixation.
Provides calcium which is essential for both plant and animal growth and health. 10
Lime releases nutrients
Avoca managing director Bryce Manderson believes it is time for farmers and lifestyle block owners to rethink how they manage soil health and fertility by applying lime to release nutrients.
The sooner they understand the benefits of putting on lime, the sooner they can work towards improving productivity.
“There needs to be a realisation around the importance of soil acidity and without getting pH levels to 6.2–6.3 by applying lime, full nutrient release is unachievable — that’s why lime is becoming increasingly critical to farming,” says Manderson.
The Northland-founded company has expanded to become a leading provider of lime and fertiliser mixes in Northland, South Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, and Manderson says many landowners underestimate the benefits of lime.
“It increases availability of important plant nutrients: phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium and trace elements like boron and molybdenum,” says Manderson.
The major nutrients (Ca, Mg, N, P, S, K, and Na) as well as the trace elements, Mo and B, are most available in near neutral soils, whilst other trace elements (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) are more available in acidic soils.
“Of course, rainfall and plant-soil chemical interactions naturally increase soil acidity. On top of that, landowners are responsible for acidification through abundant use of fertilisers on our agricultural land.
“All of these factors steer our soil pH levels below the optimum required for maximum nutrient availability. Applying
lime will increase the pH of your soils, creating conditions for greater nutrient availability, and therefore increased productivity.”
Manderson says it is worth remembering that sulphur is required by plants in similar amounts to phosphorus. Liming not only increases soil pH to that which is optimal for sulphur availability, but in doing so, increases microbial activity allowing for the mineralisation of OM-S (the major proportion of sulphur in most soils), making it plant available.
Lime itself — calcium carbonate — provides calcium to soil and plants. Calcium ensures efficient plant uptake of water and nutrients, carbohydrate storage in plant leaves, nodulation and nitrogen fixation in legumes, and encourages earthworm activity.
With fertiliser prices at an all-time high, Manderson says it makes sense for farmers to ‘sweeten’ their soil by boosting pH levels through applying lime.
“Lime maximises returns from money spent on fertiliser, reduces soil acidity and significantly increases availability of important plant nutrients, a key benefit of liming.
“I liken lime to being like a multi-powered superhero; because it fosters optimum availability of all other nutrients, so it provides great bang for your buck. You only have to talk to farmers who have a regular liming programme to understand the benefits.”
Manderson says if soils are too acidic or too alkaline, nutrients sitting in soil that already existed there or have been added via fertilisers and other soil amendments over the years will not be available to plants.
“So, it’s important to maintain a pH of 6.2–6.3 to optimise the availability of all these nutrients.”
• Round Silage • Round & Conventional Hay
• Fertiliser Spreading • Mulching • Ripping • Power Harrowing • Air Seeding • Drilling • Muck Spreading • Grass and Bale Sales
Contact Aaron Wright for all your Agricultural contracting requirements.
021 077 0820
More Than a Village
– An Award-Winning Lifestyle
2025 NZs Best Awards: Finalist – Best Med/ Large Retirement Village Nor th Island Hopper Living: Winner – National Multi-Village Excellence Award
At The Anchorage, you’ll find the wide-open spaces, fresh sea breezes, and easygoing lifestyle you’ve always loved plus a vibrant community to call home Our spacious Waterfront Villas are waiting for you.
It’s time to live your best life !
Call Linda today to find out how you can make your next move your best move. We’d love to show you around and have a chat over a cuppa!
Linda Jonas | 021 337 217
Brand-new luxur y villas
Warm inviting community for over 60s
Capital Gains offer to protect your investment
Pet friendly
Eight prestigious accolades
Hopper Living is celebrating an extraordinary achievement after securing an impressive eight awards at the 2025 NZ’s Best Awards for Retirement Villages and Aged Care facilities, recognising excellence nationwide.
Each of the Hopper Living villages, as well as the hospital have won an award — a huge endorsement for the Hopper Group.
“The voices of New Zealand seniors and their families have spoken. These awards aren’t decided in the boardroom – they’re based on the lived experiences of residents and families,” said Seniors New Zealand general manager Tania Ryan. “That’s what makes them so meaningful.”
Hopper Living’s outstanding results highlight its commitment to quality, care and community across each one of its four villages and hospital.
Hopper Living Award Highlights:
Hopper Living: Winner — Multi-Village Excellence Award
Country Club Huapai: Winner — Best Med/Large Retirement Village North Island
The Moorings, Whitianga: Winner — Best Small Retirement Village North Island
Maygrove Village Orewa: Winner — Enduring Excellence Award; Winner — Best Outstanding/Responsive Management Award; Finalist — Best Med/Large Retirement Village North Island
Maygrove Care (Hospital): Finalist — Best Med/Large Aged Care North Island
The Anchorage: Finalist — Best Med/ Large Retirement Village North Island
“This recognition reflects the passion, professionalism, and care our teams bring to residents and families every day,” says Hopper Living general manager Ruth Scandrett. “These awards are based on real experiences and reviews, making them incredibly meaningful to us.”
Hopper Living’s continued recognition underscores its position as one of New Zealand’s leading providers of retirement and aged care services. For more information about Hopper Living and its award-winning facilities, visit hopperliving.co.nz.
Glenbrook Romneys
Adrian and Jenny Savannah from Glenbrook Romneys are based north of Auckland, and their environment provides many challenges for themselves and other sheep farmers in the north.
With facial eczema and high worm challenges being issues for many farmers in this region, these ARDG members have been creating solutions for farmers by breeding for the best FE tolerance and exceptional Worm FEC genetics along with the key maternal traits farmers need. With high lambing percentages and survival rates, these breeders are in the top percentages across many traits for maternal breeds.
As members of FE Gold, Glenbrook Romneys has been breeding for FE tolerance since 1979, and tested at 0.7 in 2025, with exceptional results. Now into their 22nd year of selecting for worm resistance, Glenbrook is also a member of Worm Fec Gold. Both accolades require strict criteria to be met every year.
Glenbrook Romneys is a member of the well-known breeding group, Advanced Romney Designer Genetics (ARDG). Formed in 1968, ARDG along with the help from the dedicated scientists involved along the way, have been at the forefront
of genetic research for FE tolerance and selecting for key traits whilst insisting on high performance, low input, along with structural integrity and soundness. The introduction of external breeders’ genetics has been important for maintaining connections to the national flock and their own genetic diversity.
FE is an often-overlooked problem but a big issue for New Zealand farmers, affecting lambing percentages, growth rates and longevity. Research also shows that facial eczema increases susceptibility to parasites. Parasite resistance is becoming so much more important, says Jenny.
“Farmers are drenching but the drench might not be working, yet most farmers are not checking efficacy and don’t realise. Many farmers routinely drench but they may not necessarily need to, adding to drench resistance. Genetics really is the only longterm sustainable option farmers have.”
The team at Glenbrook Romneys is keen to chat, just get in touch.
•
• Only NZ
• World Leaders in FE Tolerance: FE Gold Accredited
• 42 Years of Testing FE Tolerance: Rams Tested at 0 7 in 2025
• Worm FEC Gold Accredited: Worm FEC Testing for 22 years
• High production Romneys
The Hopper Living team accepting their haul of awards
by Andy Bryenton
A new mayor for Whangārei
Whangārei is in the spotlight following a closely-fought mayoral campaign that saw Vince Cocurullo narrowly defeated by twoterm councillor and dairy farmer Ken Couper.
Mr Couper battled it out on policy, with a call to drive down rates increases and ‘get a fair share from Wellington’, as the Local Waters Done Well saga unfolds.
His stance on a generous rebate for Gold Card holders resonated not just with those who are eligible for pensions, but also for those who have compassion for those on fixed incomes facing rising costs despite being homeowners, sometimes even mortgage-free.
From an environmental perspective, Mr Couper has come out very strongly against sand mining in Bream Bay, a practice spurring major protests and launching a movement of grassroots opposition that mirrors the one that finally saw sand mining off the Mangawhai and Pākiri coasts denied in court.
Whangārei, a large municipality, will be led for the next triennium by a man
from a strong farming background. The Whangārei council’s district incorporates a swathe of farmland, and the city is a major hub for the rural sector.
Mr Couper’s council will be made up of 13 elected members. Matthew Yovich won in Bream Bay on the ACT party’s local ticket, with David Baldwin joining him as an independent for that ward. Scott McKenzie and Stephen Martin represent the Hikurangi-Coastal ward, while Simon Reid takes the single seat for Mangakahia-Maungatapere.
The Whangārei District Māori ward will be represented by Deb Harding and Phoenix Ruka, while Tangiwai Baker secured the seat for Whangārei Heads.
The large Whangārei Urban ward has five seats at the council table; they have gone to Marie Olsen, Brad Flower, Nicholas Connop, Paul Yovich and Crichton Christie.
by Andy Bryenton
The gift of two-wheeled fun
There are few presents found under the Christmas tree, which bring out more joy than a new bike; the
a new motorbike.
Getting your youngsters into motocross and off-road riding early, means that they have a whole lifetime of trail riding and sporting fun to look forward to. It’s a way to let the kids enjoy the outdoors in a way that has nothing to do with screens and virtual reality, and for many parents, it’s an introduction to a favourite pastime the family can enjoy together.
Getting a grounding in the basics of how to ride safely, and with skill, is a good way to develop lifelong habits on two wheels, and launch a riding career that might lead anywhere. It could pave the way for podium finishes on the track, but it could equally become a core skill for a future job working on the land. It could become the catalyst for confidence that launches a road bike riding passion, with the mobility, fuel economy, commuting ease and adventurous touring it brings. Everyone starts somewhere, and
Safety is, of course, paramount, and the PW50 delivers some smart features for mums and dads keen to see their children thrive and develop their riding abilities. With a super-low seat height, light weight that’s easy to balance, and automatic two-stroke 50cc engine, this is the bike that started thousands of riding journeys. There’s no chain to tangle with, because the PW50 has a shaft drive setup, and parents can set a maximum speed for learners using an adjustable throttle. When it’s time to move up to a bigger bike, such as the Yamaha TT-R50 or its 110cc cousin, then there’s good news about the PW50 and its legendary reliability. Your kids might outgrow little boots and gloves, but there will always be someone else keen to buy a pre-loved peewee-sized learner bike for their upand-coming track star in training.
which ones to deliver. After all, it’s pretty certain that any youngster unwrapping their first motorbike is going to want to take it for a spin as soon as possible.
future champions start with bikes like the classic PW50, still the little learner’s best friend after all these years.
If you’re looking at putting a little motorcycle under the tree for Christmas, remember that safety is about the complete package. You might want to get those gloves, boots, clothes and a goodquality helmet sorted, so Santa knows
Looking for a way to get your whole family on two wheels? Little learner bikes like the PW50 are still the place to begin
by Liz Clark
No railway — no coal
Below the streets of Te Kamo, in Whangārei, runs a honeycombed network of
of industry nationwide.
Mining in the area had been underway since 1864, and with the discovery of coal on the Meldrum farm, the wellknown Kamo Colliery went on to produce tonnes of black gold well into the mid20th century.
Harrison’s Mine, formerly located in the area where Whau Valley Road and Kamo Road meet, wasn’t so well known.
The seam was first discovered by coalmining specialist Thomas Pearson Moody on the farm of Samuel Hoey. Not having the capital to invest in exploiting the resource, Moody approached well-known Whangārei merchant James Harrison in 1908 to finance the venture. Harrison agreed and put up the capital. In 1909, Harrison purchased a mining plant at
auction that had been used in the Kathleen Crown Freehold mining property for £650. Coal boring had started in the same year, with an area of 600 acres taken up in leases across the intended extraction area.
A winding plant, poppet legs, pulleys and other equipment were purchased in March 1910. The mine was already in the process of production in 1910 when the Whangārei Coal Mining Company was formed by Harrison in the same year.
However, James Harrison had a logistical problem where transporting the coal was concerned. It was all done by horse and dray, and down to the nearby railway station to be loaded into the chutes. Nearby, the mine was a former siding that had been dismantled in the 1890s, and work had been undertaken until August 1910, when, due to a miscommunication with the Railways Department, reconstruction ceased.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, all work at Harrison’s Mine came to a halt,
Department in 1910
putting 50 employees out of work, and no coal was being produced from the seam. For a week, no progress was made, then finally, the Railways Department agreed to proceed with finishing the work on the siding so Mr Harrison could get his men back to work and coal to the wharf. James Harrison later sold the mine to the British Standard Portland Cement Company in 1926; he passed away in 1928. The mine was closed permanently in 1931.
Fifty coal miners were out of work for a week after a dispute with the Railways
EDUCATION
Take off into your dream career
Ever dreamed of working as a flight attendant, at Disney, or even Camp America? Your dream career could start right here in New Zealand, with the International Travel College (ITC).
Since 1996, ITC has been helping passionate individuals break into the exciting worlds of airlines, travel and tourism. With strong industry connections, ITC ensures graduates are armed with the most current, practical skills to thrive in their careers, whether in the skies, behind the scenes or on the front line of tourism.
With campuses in Auckland City, Botany (South Auckland), Whangārei, and the option to study from home, ITC offers flexibility to suit your lifestyle. Courses range from 20 weeks to 2 years, are NZQA-accredited and globally recognised.
Why choose this path? Tourism is New Zealand’s second-largest export earner, with international visitors contributing a staggering $11.7 billion to our economy in the year to September 2024. The industry supports over 317,000 jobs, employing one in nine Kiwis. There’s never been a better time to get involved.
Career options are vast and global. From flight operations and cabin crew, to airport customer service, travel media, hospitality and even destination management — an ITC qualification opens doors in New Zealand and around the world.
Enrolling is simple: submit an application, attend an information session, and you’re on your way. Not quite ready? Book a FREE information session and chat with
ITC’s friendly team about the best option for you. The tourism and aviation industries are calling. Are you ready to answer? Call 0800 868 747 or visit itc.co.nz to start your journey today.
Your dream job isn’t just a dream — it starts with ITC.
Fostering excellence at Lupton House
Whether your daughter is currently a student or an incoming pupil at Whangārei Girls’ High School, Lupton House offers a supportive and structured environment where learners are empowered to strive for excellence in their education and community.
By choosing to board at Lupton House, you’re assisting your daughter to fully embrace the benefits of the school’s educational and communal offerings. Our boarding facility provides a caring and supportive environment where students are encouraged to excel academically and participate fully in the school’s sporting, cultural and social life.
We actively promote leadership and manaakitanga, guided by our dedicated team of staff, prefects and head boarders. Year 9–11 residents are accommodated in comfortable dormitory-style rooms, while Year 12–13 residents enjoy the independence of single rooms.
The house is fully catered and centrally located, providing essential dining and recreation spaces, as well as easy access to many sports and extracurricular activities.
With compulsory study times each evening, boarders have every opportunity to excel in their schooling. While there are many advantages to boarding, the most impactful benefits are the strong sense of community, the wonderful friendships formed, and the brilliant support the boarders consistently give to one another.
Lupton House was purpose-built as a boarding hostel, and has been a home away from home for many young women since the 1940s.
Students return home to their families during the school holidays and for one designated weekend each term. Additionally, students are welcome to go home on other weekends; this flexibility is decided by the boarders and their families.
For more information or to express your interest in boarding at Lupton House, please contact Kelly Cameron at headofboarding@wghs.school.nz.
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- Email to register: j.richardson@rmcnz.co.nz
- A.I. in Education Course also available - Just $99 plus gst per person / 1 hour course! - Online anytime for groups or join us: Wed 19 Nov or Tue 9 Dec 2pm (online) Presented by Blake Richardson B.Ed.,MEdLd. Personalised 1 to 1 coaching options can also be arranged W: www.rmcs.site
Lupton House is a place where leadership is encouraged under the guidance of staff, prefects and head boarders
EDUCATION
Learning journeys for everyone
Introducing new and existing courses, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa can open up any student’s mind, providing programmes for artists to business.
A tertiary education provider offering Te Reo programmes from level one to level seven or higher, the majority of courses are feefree, with fees applied for higher education. Immersed in learning and community, there are courses for everyone.
“Other than that, we offer courses like Māori art, education, business, hauora, social services, tikanga and trades. There is a course for everyone, suiting people who work or for those who would like to learn something new,” said TWoA spokesperson Josh Lim.
“We have some new courses here in the north. Te Tohu Reo Rumaki, a level five Te Reo programme, Toi Paematua — Diploma in Māori and Indigenous Art, Whakairo level five and Raranga, and Diploma in Rongoā.
“I love the community that has been cultivated for people learning. It is a community-based learning environment, so everyone is always welcome and included, and our kaiako are very supportive.
“Our kaiako are approachable. So if life gets busy, there will always be understanding for your situation. They are very flexible.
“It is comforting that our community grows with each other, and many of them have made great friends in their education journey, learning through us.”
With eight campuses from Kaitāia to Invercargill, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has three Northland campuses. Find them in Kaikohe at 78 Broadway, Kaitāia at 24–26 Matthews Avenue, and Whangārei at 12 Murdoch Crescent, Raumanga. To discover more about the courses and to begin your learning journey, visit twoa.ac.nz.
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is a welcoming space of learning for all walks of life
by Andy Bryenton
Christmas Preparation
The Yuletide countdown is on
He’s stealthy for all of his legendary girth, that old Saint Nicholas.
Just when you think there’s a long time to go until it’s time to stuff the turkey and light the tree, there he is, appearing at the edge of sight like some kind of Yuletide ninja. This makes sense when you learn that the real, historical Saint Nick was a fighting, furious pirate-duelling action man in his younger days. He likely learned a thing or two about stealth when sneaking up on nautical crooks.
However, his change of career from swashbuckling cleric to kindly old toymaker has made him the harbinger of
Back 2 Wood Trading Ltd
a mild coronary, each year at about this time, for millions.
The US holds the title for the least appropriate time to dust off the carols and hang up the stockings in stores. Costco, biggest of the big-box retailers in the States, has been witnessed as getting festive in September.
As a general rule, Halloween decor goes away before Santa comes out in most US locations. Cultural misunderstandings and holiday mix-ups have seen at least one ambitious Chinese manufacturer
Breeders of Quality Dorpers & White Dorpers. Commercial rams for sale. Mixed aged rams. Includes genetics imported from Australia. Australian imported frozen semen available on request.
mistakenly create jolly, red-and-white hatted toy zombies, mummies and vampires. They sold out in record time to hipsters who ‘appreciated them ironically’, so expect more this year.
There are those of course who consider it to only truly be the festive season when they first hear Snoopy’s Christmas played. This is a perfect bellwether for Kiwi shoppers, as this is one of the few nations where the song about the cartoon beagle and the Red Baron is utterly canonical. However, it can lead to confusion if, by sheer bad luck, you make it through to December 24 without hearing the telltale song of marching drums and ‘merry Christmas my friend’ in a terrible fakeGerman accent.
The first signs of Santa in stores acts sort of like the first blooming buds after wintertime did, for ancient druids. It’s a signal that frantic activity is going to be needed to prepare for the change of seasons. While those olden-day wizards had to head to the forest to cut mistletoe with a sickle, we can grab a plastic facsimile from almost any retailer. However, there’s more to do before
Christmas and its attendant feasts, visitations, gift-giving and holidays than just deck the halls.
Make a plan — indeed, make a list and check it twice — to get ahead of the season now. Your wallet, kids, relatives and your future self will all thank you for recognising the signs of an imminent Yuletide, and taking steps to run it smoothly.
Have you seen this man? If you have, it’s time to make a plan for a stress-free festive season now
Ode from a water tank
by The Rural Laureate
Summer’s coming along with the holidays, so we thought we’d share this classic, and a reminder to take care of your trusty old tanks before the weather turns blazing hot.
I am the unsung hero of the Kiwi countryside;
In concrete, plastic, and in iron, you’ll find me nationwide Sworn at when I’m empty, but forgotten when I’m brimming
Without my help there’d be no homebrew, bubble baths or swimming.
If I’m kept from cracking up, or rust, I’m good and watertight
I’ll hold more litres than the local pub on Friday night
And while you humans quench your thirst with milkshakes from a straw I’m prone to gulp down 50,000 litres from the bore.
They say I have a belly; well — I’m usually quite round
The farmer slaps my side to hear my level from the sound
Or looks up, where a floating orange ball provides the proof
That, through the winter’s storms I’ve drunk the rain right off the roof.
Now, on that little note, I have some grumbles and some mutters
About the leaves and bird poop, which come swirling down the gutters
Not to mention mice, and things less nice, you wouldn’t want to drink
It’s up to ME to keep that kind of stink out of your sink!
To help me out, I’ve usually got a filter keeping guard,
So go on, switch it out, you’ll find it’s really not too hard.
And please, guys, keep my lid on - it’s really quite a panic
When a possum gets inside and goes the way of the Titanic.
Sometimes there’ll come a season when I give all that I’ve got
It’s usually a summer — one that’s extra-blazing hot
The level gets quite low, and that’s the perfect time for cleaning
A healthy scrub inside and out; you fellers get my meaning.
Then it’s time to call my trusty friend, the local water tanker
The driver never hears me, but I gurgle as I thank her
And I keep that water cool despite the sunshine on my top
When you could fry an egg up there, or get your corn to pop.
When visitors and rellies call, there’s limits to my powers
I wasn’t made to give the whole clan never-ending showers
And if your auntie needs to soak for hours to feel pretty
Inform her gently she can do that — back home in the city.
See, aside from all of this, a water tank has got it made
My life is cool and comfortable, cats lounging in my shade
I can gossip with the garage, ask the shed ‘bout each machine.
And I know to never, EVER ask the long-drop what it’s seen!
From our quarry to your farm From our quarry to your farm
With our cost effective agricultural lime it will help you balance the books as well as the soil. Balanced soil calcium promotes root and leaf development, increases yield by reducing soil acidity and increasing calcium availability, improves microbial activity and enhances the uptake of other nutrients. Also ask for PARKER LIMEROC at your local Farmlands store for your next application! Call 09 431 2407 or 027 935 3540 or send an email to trevor@parkerlime.co.nz
your
by Amy Fifita
A dive into iconic rural memories
Delving into icons, memories and history, Te Radar and Ruth narrate a fun and informative look at what it is like to live rurally in their book, Kiwi Country: Rural New Zealand in 100 objects.
Meatsafes, herringbone milk sheds, and maybe former prime minister Robert Muldoon’s taxidermied lamb, all items that come
to mind when thinking about iconic New Zealand farming. With memories and icons of rural New Zealand, Te Radar and Ruth Spencer have collated 100 items prominent in country living from homesteads to the gravel road.
Andrew Lumsden, also known as Te Radar, himself an icon, comes from a rural background. From pig shed treasure hunter to television personality, and being a fun-loving MC at FMG’s Young Farmer of the Year contest, Te Radar has always had a farming background.
Despite leaving the milking shed when he was 20 years old, Te Radar went on to study law at the University of Otago before pursuing theatre studies, where he earned the moniker Radar. Now in his 50s, he is married to co-author Ruth Spencer.
Growing up in Christchurch, Ruth is a freelance writer, and has a background in performing arts and music. Although raised in an urban hub, she spent time at a sheep station in Marlborough. It is there, where she drew a lot of memories and inspiration for the new book.
Husband and wife team Te Radar and Ruth Spencer collaborated to write Kiwi Country: Rural New Zealand in 100 objects
Exploring origins and farm life, Kiwi Country: Rural New Zealand in 100 objects, brings items to life with their stories, from the classic Red Band gumboot to no-longerused trinkets perhaps found in the pig shed.
‘Whenever my father was partway through a project, he’d often stop, stand up, look at the piece of machinery he was repairing or building, and simply say, “Pig shed.” We’d fossick about among horseshoes, harnesses, old ploughs, various cylinders, coils of wire, pumps, lengths of pipe, taps, boxes of bolts, axles and shovels.’
With illustrations penned by Joseph Carrington, such as a longdrop outside toilet or an old farmhouse, readers can appreciate the nostalgia from a farmyard childhood. The book could have its readership reminiscing about their own childhood, curious about what items they’ve held dear to their hearts.
book Kiwi Country: Rural New Zealand in 100 objects is
While modern adults often reach for their phones, the book highlights technology, once part of the furniture, in almost every cowshed. Rural New
Zealand hasn’t forgotten the transistor radio. Back in 1946, Kaitāia dairy farmer Mr Brent took out an extension cord, and connected it to his radio, an action that became embedded in rural history and still is today. ‘It wouldn’t be the
cowshed without something playing in the background … The advent of transistor technology made radios portable and accessible but farmers were installing heavy, cabinet-sized valve radios into their cowsheds as soon as they were available.’
There are even stories from modern times. When nature becomes wild and affects the land, farmers soldier on, as with the 2019 floods in the South Island — how were farmers meant to get their bull semen straws during breeding season?
‘What you need is a Cessna full of chilly bins — and that’s exactly what farmers in the South Island got in 2019, after severe flooding put the breeding season at risk … You might not be able to get a pizza delivered in the country but you can always rely on the Semen Express.’
The background of objects’ stories, snippets of history and retelling of childhood memories shows even though the book is about things, it’s about what is behind them that counts. It is about remembering the good times, Kiwi ingenuity and valuing the past.
Kiwi Country: Rural New Zealand in 100 objects can give readers a laugh, a history lesson, fond memories and much more. A book that celebrates our farmers in fun, amusing and informative ways, there are items to strike anyone’s fancy. Recently launched, the book is on the shelves for eager readers wanting a fun read.
The book tells the story of many items in a humorous way from Red Bands to hooded Swandries and corrugated verandahs
Old-fashioned quality stays sharp
Andrew Hudson is known as ‘Huddy’ to his mates, and as Dr Hud to a huge number of happy customers around the mid-north.
He’s the homekill specialist who has provided paddock to plate service for farmers and lifestylers for 25 years, from Otaika to Dairy Flats to Ruawai and all the places in between. His eight-strong team is looking to a sustainable and tasty future in the industry.
Andrew was brought up on a small farm, and he says he’s been turning sheep into memorable dinners since the age of 12. He started out just for the family but soon entered a butchery apprenticeship with Bruce Stubbs at Mahurangi Butchery, Snells Beach. Learning a foundation in the trade at this oldschool retail butchery, he moved on to learn more, working with Peter Stevenson at Farmer Jones Wholesale Meats, Mount Maunganui.
Life then took a different turn. Andrew operated a bread run in the mid-north for a time, but he couldn’t help but hear the
demand from locals for a better, higherquality homekill service. He took up the tools 25 years ago, and set to satisfying people’s need for honest, reliable quality butchering, as an MPI-registered homekill and recreational catch service provider.
Down the decades there’s been a lot of livestock brought to people’s freezers, barbecues and plates. Andrew puts a fair estimate at 20,000 cattle beasts, 35,000 sheep, 4,000 pigs and a whopping one million kilograms of sausages, all prepared with pride and skill. In the process he’s worn out four mincers, two bandsaws, four sausage machines and 10 staff. He says a big “thank you” to them all.
“I thought to myself back then: how hard can it be?” Andrew says. “I built a small butchery at Kaipara Flats with my wife and we operated there for 14 years.”
Expansion came through demand, and demand came through building a solid, honest reputation for what Andrew considers the most important part of his business; looking after the meat, with the traditional care and attention of a traditional butcher.
“We are paid by the kilogram to process meat and small goods, not to add extra additives like soy protein to increase water uptake,” he says. Andrew notes that his customers can see and taste the difference
DR HUD’S
Killing & Processing
Right now, homekill is more popular than ever. That means your local homekill artisan Dr Hud is in hot demand, and when people make the call he’s ready to book them in.
Customers are visited in groups based on where they live, to cut down on mileage costs. The kill itself is done humanely, instantaneous and stressfree. Then Andrew and his guys skin and prep the beast, then weigh, tag and number the carcass with paperwork done. Once back at the factory, the carcasses are hung on the bone, another old-fashioned butcher’s
practice which delivers tender tastier results. What gets weighed in gets weighed back out, and customers can expect approximately a 65 per cent yield in delicious cuts and small goods. A form online allows the customer to select their preferred cuts.
“We’re changing our licensing with the dream of being able to have the general public buy animals direct from the farmer or us, then be processed by us the traditional way (slaughtered under inspection),” says Andrew.
Compared to your weekly grocery spend on meat this will be more cost effective, tastier and healthier too. Food miles will be reduced, and it will allow people to eat local, supporting their local farmers from purchase to plate.
“It’s the same core business, with scale, and the ability to sell to the general public whole carcasses,” says Andrew. “At the same time it’s about affordable meat for those who need it.”
Dr Hud’s is a family business, and those future plans involve Andrew’s kids as well; he’s in this for the long haul.
“My son is just about to complete his butchery apprenticeship and has been working in the truck since he was 12, and my daughter is a qualified meat inspector.
“We’re planning on being involved in the local meat industry for years to come. I have seen the ‘cowboys’ come and go, but I believe a professional service and top quality will always be in demand. We are not a retail shop.”
It’s an industry which depends on integrity and professionalism. Andrew makes sure everything he does is to the highest standard of safety and quality, setting an example for others.
“Over the years we have led the way,” he says. “And everyone copies us now. It’s funny, but it’s true.”
or other fillers.
Dr Hud’s current facility was once an export eel factory, but it’s been repurposed for premium butchery during the past 11 years. The latest phase of this rebuild involves a cooldown room, which precedes the chiller room, that will increase the ageing time and stabilise the temperature for hanging meat. That means a boost in flavour and quality, even above the usual great results people have come to enjoy. It’s part of the philosophy of looking after the meat in the best way possible.
With massive thanks to all of his customers, to his family and his team, ‘Dr Hud’ is looking towards a bright future and a pathway toward more locals enjoying the top-quality produce of our world-class farms. His big message — watch this space! ... and a HUGE Thank You to all those who helped with the rebuild –ABCBuilders Ltd, Campbell Registered Architect, Wiley Geotechnical, Drinnan Contractors, Mc Massive Concrete, Mohan Concrete Cutting, Warkworth Engineering, MatherBlock laying, Matakana Roof & Cladding, A1 Grade Mechanical & Engineering, No Limits Electrical, Curtis Eaves Plumbing & Mark Smith Refrigeration Ltd.
Dr Hud’s
Killing & Processing
BOOK YOUR BEAST IN FOR XMAS
• Electrical stimulation for accelerated rigor mortis — improving the PH levels & aging process on the bone.
• Offal & Hide disposal by arrangement (extra fee).
• All beasts weighed on-site — Meat returned & weighed back.
• All beasts vac packed & hung on the bone minimum of 7 days.
• Operating for 25 years.
• We know our job well.
• No Retail — Home-kill Only
Andrew ‘Huddy’ Hudson has a long history in quality butchery, and a vision for a future between their premium product, unlike massproduced meat that is often inflated with water
by Andy Bryenton
Brynderwyn shutdowns return
The tough decision has been made to fully close the Brynderwyn hills section of State Highway One again for repairs,
weekends of work planned in November.
Roading authorities have to take advantage of the better spring weather to finish off repairs and paving begun last year, when then-incumbent Minister of Transport Simeon Brown visited the site. The November dates, which will see the road completely closed from November 13 to 16, and then again from November 20 to 23, are designed to make the repairs happen before the holiday break.
Paving in spring means the team can take advantage of drier, warmer conditions, while condensing the work into two four-day super weekends avoids extending disruption over multiple months.
“The New Zealand Transport Agency, Waka Kotahi (NZTA), appreciates that SH1 over the Brynderwyn Hills is a crucial connection for Northland. While there’s no perfect time for a closure, the selected dates and approach has been carefully considered to balance the impact on the community while ensuring we can do an efficient and quality job,” says NZTA Northland system manager Steve Matene.
“The decision to fully close the road has been made with freight and the community in mind. If we’d chosen to use stop-go traffic management, the works would’ve taken 12 to 14 weeks. Compare that to a full closure, which allows work to
be completed in six to eight days. NZTA contractors will have crews working 24-4 during the closures and are putting 75 per cent of their Auckland and Northland paving crews on this as a top priority to complete these works as efficiently and quickly as possible,”
Mr Matene said.
During the works, the road will be completely closed, and leading up to them, there will be night works with stop-go single-laning for two weeks; expect nighttime delays from late October. When the works are underway, the Cove Road bypass for light vehicles will be back in effect, with the Paparoa-Oakleigh bypass for trucks up to medium weight, and a heavy transport detour to Dargaville and around to Whangārei.
While the shutdowns are frustrating for many, completing the works quickly opens up the region to summer tourism with less delays.
“Strong, reliable roading links with Auckland and the rest of the country are essential for our region’s growth, helping visitors reach us with ease, and supporting the smooth flow of goods and services that drive our economy,” said Northland Inc’s Paul Linton.
BY PROFESSIONALS IN YOUR COMMUNITY NOT “EXPERTS” ONLINE
Simeon Brown kicked off the Brynderwyn repair project when he was Minister of Transport; in the interim, a new motorway bypassing the troubled hill road has been announced
Stiga ride-on mowers — a legacy
by Matthew Chapman
In the late 1980s, Castelgarden ride-on mowers made their debut in New Zealand, led by the flagship Twincut TC/102 model, a 40” cut rear-catcher mower that quickly became a benchmark for performance and reliability.
In 2000, Castelgarden joined forces with Stiga, Alpina, Mountfield and Atco to form Global Garden Products, which later evolved into the Stiga Group in 2017, with a renewed focus on the premium Stiga brand.
Chainsaw and Outdoor Power Ltd acquired the New Zealand distribution rights for Castelgarden and today proudly serves as the sole distributor of Stiga in New Zealand. Stiga stands for high quality, innovation, safety and ease of use, and is recognised as the leading European manufacturer of lawnmowers.
Headquartered in Italy, with manufacturing plants in Italy, Slovakia and China, the Stiga Group sells over 1 million machines annually across 87 countries worldwide.
With more than 15 years representing the Stiga brand, and over 40 years of industry experience, Chainsaw & Outdoor Power offers unmatched support, including a comprehensive parts inventory valued at over $500,000, and a nationwide dealer network.
In the Northland district alone, six qualified stocking dealers are available to meet all your sales and servicing needs.
of varied track at the Tangiterōria trail ride, braving jumps, mud and steep hills along the way
by Andy Bryenton
Kubota’s Osaka surprise
Kubota machinery corporation president Yuichi Kitao has reason to be proud of his company’s latest offering: a fully autonomous
sized hydrogen fuel cell-powered tractor, which broke cover at the Hydrogen Energy Park event in Osaka late last month.
Kubota claimed the unveiling of the big orange and black machine to be a world first, fusing cuttingedge technologies together in a way that could prove to be a look into farming’s future. Hydrogen fuel cells have been touted as a transport revolution for decades, but have come to fruition in recent years as efficiency improves. Artificial Intelligence is the buzz term of the era, and making a tractor combining both is a powerful statement.
Kubota’s fuel cell machine has the stated aim of saving both operator time, labour and the planet’s ecosystem. The only output from the fuel cell process is water, and despite this the Kubota has an output equivalent to a 100-horsepower diesel. While it’s not a monster of the open fields, the fuel cell tractor is still a utility-sized 4.3 metres long, and was put through its paces in a controlled environment utilising equipment like a power harrow.
The new Kubota can be fuelled like an internal-combustion tractor, with two large hydrogen tanks on board giving it added range, and no recharge downtime. However, the fuel cell system on board turns the hydrogen fuel into electricity, meaning that all the advantages of an EV tractor are still there, such as quiet
running and no exhaust. There are two electric motors on board, as in many EV tractors; one to drive the wheels and one to drive implements.
This kind of hydrogen efficiency has been showcased before on other vehicles, including Toyota’s road-going Mirai passenger car. What sets Kubota’s Osaka
offering ahead of the pack is that it parlays this long runtime and quiet efficiency into an AI advantage.
The big benefit of AI autonomy in agriculture is that many tasks out on the farm are repetitive and timeconsuming. An AI tractor can knock out this kind of row-by-row work in large chunks, but if it’s electrically powered, issues arise with recharge intervals. These have admittedly become longer and longer as batteries get better, but hydrogen checkmates the whole problem.
While Kubota has equipped its fuel cell tractor with a suite of sensors and the computer brains to take on farming tasks alone and dodge obstacles, there’s also the option to remotely pick up and put down control of the machine remotely, either through a simulator rig anywhere that the Internet reaches, or through a closerange controller, like that used for a radiocontrolled car.
Autonomous and hydrogen-fuelled, the latest Kubota tractor is a vision of the future of farming
by Andy Bryenton
Motorcycles built for the mud and harsh terrain are a farming tool without
might fear to tread.
The history of how the ubiquitous Kiwi farm bike came to exist at all goes right back to the earliest days of motorcycling, and takes in almost every other purpose for a two-wheeler except agriculture along the way.
along English country lanes and tracks too small or muddy for big machines. Enfield kept building the flea for civilians until 1953.
It was a Kiwi, Cyril John Callender, who created the first farm bike, the Mountain Goat. Callender’s goat was made for farmers from day one, and took inspiration from those warfighting bikes of the past; it was light, had knobbly tyres and was geared for torque. Sir Edmund Hillary famously rode one in Nepal in the 1960s, gaining the attention of Suzuki in Japan, and another big name in the Far East, too.
Decades later, the second world war spurred off-road bike design and set the stage for post-war sporting development.
Royal Enfield’s ‘flying flea’, the WD/RE, was designed to be parachuted to scout
The tale begins with a young German engineer called Siegfried Bettmann, who moved to England in 1885, just as his fellow countryman Mr Benz was inventing internal combustion. Siegfried had no idea what was brewing back in Germany, but he did see a market for well-built bicycles as the sport took off in late-Victorian times. He founded the Triumph Cycle Company, and those who know motorbikes know how that played out. By the end of the first world war, in which Siegfried staunchly supported his adopted Britain, Triumph was the biggest bike maker in the nation. It was during the war years that Mr Bettmann developed a bike for the muddy and dangerous battlefields of Europe. Light, nimble and with better suspension and a toughened frame, his first off-road bikes were primitive, but a step in the right direction.
troops and commandos in the field, and it looked like a modern off-road motorcycle, unlike the tiny welbike, which preceded it. The little knobbly-tyred, 125cc bikes could go where big WLA Harleys, another allied wartime bike, could not, and after the conflict ended riders used them to blast
Enter Soichiro Honda, who was looking for new innovations to boost his own growing motorcycle company. His smaller bikes were already being used on unpaved roads and in the countryside, but the introduction of the Elsinore in 1973 changed the game. Honda redefined off-road bikes with this two-stroke machine, setting the frame for both motocross racers and farming bikes for years to come.
$169,900+GST*
Kiwi farmers can lay claim to the first true agricultural bike — the Mountain Goat of the 1960s
Northern Rural Marketplace
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NORTHERN FARMING CLASSIFIEDS
ATV MATS from $89 — Come in & see us at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Ph 0800 963 636. www.atvtyres.co.nz.
ATV SAFETY HELMETS — from $119 accessories from $15. The law has changed! Have you got yours? Come & see us at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Ph 0800 963 636. www.atvtyres.co.nz. Subject to availability.
NEW YAMAHA FARM ATVs — 5.9% interest & 3 year warranty. Only at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi — phone 0800 963 636 & Yamaha MC Whangarei. Ph 09 438 0804.
FARMING & LIFESTYLE
LAWN SEED/PASTURE SEED/FENCING Reels and Standards from Northland Seed, Okara Drive, Whangarei. Phone 09 438 0884.
FENCING
FENCING, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus… call Jeff 027 476 5458.
SEED POTATOES / GARLIC, New Seasons, FERTILISER – Organic Blood & Bone, Citrus, General plus more from Northland Seed, Okara Drive, Whangarei. Phone 09 438 0884.
LIVESTOCK
FREE-FLOW FROZEN DOG CHUNKS / MINCE. DOG / PUPPY BISCUITS — no artificial colour or preservatives, CHICKEN FEED / BIRD SEED / RAT BAIT from Northland Seed, Okara Drive, Whangarei. Phone 09 438 0884.
LUCERNE CHAFF plus more HORSE FEED, CALF REARERS get your Milk Powder and Meal from Northland Seed, Okara Drive, Whangarei. Phone 09 438 0884.
