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from the

EDITOR

ONCE BURNT, TWICE SHY!

Helen Perry, Editor

Waitakere Resvr

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spraying was carried out in the deck. I wasn’t going to risk another morning of makeup mayhem. On the other hand, alarming incident aside, Greytown fired my appetite for wine tasting, boutique shopping, dining out and generally exploring this beautiful part of New Zealand – more on that at another time! In the meantime, it’s time for readers to grab a cuppa, put up your feet for a hour and just enjoy this month’s Rural Living with its focus on local people, farming and lifestyle news, home and garden, recipes and more. Enjoy!

exit the shower in a timely and dignified manner. Fortunately, the drill was over before it began….the source had been found! But, then, the bombshell. The alarm had been triggered in an upstairs apartment and it appeared to be ours! “But, I haven’t even made a cup of tea,” I protested. “I’ve just been doing my hair and makeup.” “Did you use spray?” asked the manager. “Off course.” “Well, that’s it then, you must have been right under the smoke detector and the mist from your hairspray has set off the alarm.” Needless to say, I was flabbergasted. I’d never heard of such a thing but there it was. I was the ‘alarmist’. Thankfully, however, man about the house was able to complete his shower with no embarrassment and the problem was solved. For the next couple of days, all hair

t’s one thing to be part of a hotel fire drill and quite another to learn you were the culprit who set off the alarm. Yes, Greytown (Wairarapa region), for all its charm, presented one small hitch during my recent stay at the lovely White Swan Hotel in the heart of the village. Husband was in the shower but I was done in that department so was busy softening the lines on this mature face – isn’t age-defying foundation a marvellous thing – and giving my hair a flick of the comb and a whisper of spray to hold all in place. That’s when the fire alarm sounded! “For goodness sake,” I thought. “Who has a fire drill at 8am, just when guests are rising and man about the house is stark naked with no intention of cutting short his refreshing morning ritual of hands, shoulders, feet and toes followed by a shave?” Dashing downstairs, along with other guests, I explained there was no way a man on his ablutions mission could

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WELCHS OF ‘GANGLAND’: Sam Welch has been at the cutting edge of his chosen profession for many years now. Along with his wife, Emily, he has competed in competitive shearing while also running a talented shearing gang from the couple’s Waikaretu property. Recently, Rural Living caught up with Sam and Emily (featured on this issue’s cover) who had more than just one yarn to spin. To read our interview, see pages Photo Wayne Martin 10-11.

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To enter the draw for any of these competitions visit ruralliving.co.nz and enter this month's code – RLMAR5832. One entry per person/email address; entries close March 31, 2021. Winner notified by phone or email.

WIN! A CHILDREN’S BOOK PACK Keen to turn over a new leaf? Although 2020 wasn’t exactly a year to ‘write home about’, many top children’s books were written and published. Featuring a range of titles suited to young readers, we have a book pack to give away to one lucky reader.

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WIN! BALANCEME SLEEP PROGRAMME Suffering from sleepless nights and disturbed rest? Regardless of the reason Nutra-Life’s BalanceME 30 Day Programme may see you right. We have one prize pack up for grabs. It includes a 60-capsule bottle of NutraLife’s Magnesium Sleep+ (combining Magnesium amino acid chelate with herbal extracts – passionflower, lemon balm, schisandra and hops), an eye mask, access to the BalanceME online portal and a copy of the BalanceME programme. The programme addresses what we eat, how we move, and how we approach sleep – just register online to gain access to the full content. The activation code is in the booklet inside the pack and once put in motion your 30 days begin automatically although lifetime access to all programme content will be granted once your 30 days have finished. This could be your chance to put zest in your step again. 6 — Rural Living — February-March 2021

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Too busy to get organised? Let Zip Top do the work for you! From dishes, cups and bags, to a baby range made especially for little hands, these reusable containers stand up, stay open and zip shut for convenient use. Made from food grade 100% platinum silicone, Zip Top offers a tip top variety of storage solutions. To help one of our lucky readers establish their own set, we have a prize pack (valued at just under $100) up for grabs. This prize features a grey dish (large) and a frost dish (medium).

WIN! YATES TOP 50 EDIBLE PLANTS FOR POTS Keeping edible plants alive long enough to eat their bounty before they bite the dust isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Thankfully, gardening guru, Angie Thomas has complied a treasure trove of information designed to help make sure we enjoy the fruits of our labour. Perfect for apartment dwellers but also useful for gardeners who like to dabble in a little ‘pot luck’, this book is a handy guide to growing everything from lush leafy greens to tangy citrus, crunchy carrots and vine-ripened tomatoes. Angie Thomas: Yates Top 50 Edible Plants for Pots – and how not to kill them! | RRP $39.99 | HarperCollins www.ruralliving.co.nz

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PLEASE NOTE: information regarding times & dates of these events was correct at the time this issue went to print. However, due to the pandemic, events may be postponed or cancelled. In some cases, tickets may be limited or social distancing measures employed as appropriate. Readers are advised to check events online for updates. Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival

■ COUNTRY CALENDAR Franklin Rural Showcase & Ribbon Day February 20 & 21, Pukekohe Showgrounds, 58 Station Road, Pukekohe From Young Farmer of the Year (Northern regionals) and fencing competitions to a celebration of all things equine, the Franklin A&P Society is playing host to a showcase of rural events. Visit www. pukekoheshowgrounds.co.nz or www. facebook.com/pukekoheshowgrounds.

■ EXPOS & FESTIVALS

Splore Festival

via www.bpwfranklin.org.nz or www. facebook.com/BPWFranklinNZ.

other entertainers during a family-friendly feast for the senses. See www.splore.net.

Pukekohe Stamp Club Open Day March 6, 10am-3pm, Reid Anderson Hall, St Andrews Anglican Church, 43 Queen Street, Pukekohe Hidden treasures could well be revealed during this open day. Thanks to expert appraisals, visitors may discover that their old stamps are worth much more than their face value. See www. pukekohestampclub.weebly.com.

Tutus on Tour March 11, from 6.30pm, Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Rd, Manukau The Royal New Zealand Ballet is hitting the road in order to hit the stage during a national tour. A showcase performance, Tutus on Tour sees some of New Zealand’s best dancers perform some of ballet’s most renowned pieces. See www.rnzb.org.nz.

■ ARTS

■ MUSIC & DANCE

The Auckland Home Show February 24-28, ASB Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Epsom Paint it, paper it, build it, restore it, however you intend to DIY, this show is on hand to help. From product demonstrations to seminars and more, The Auckland Home Show is built on sound foundations of expert advice. See www.aucklandhomeshow.co.nz. International Women’s Day — Celebration & Buffet Lunch March 6, from 10am, Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club, 78 Nelson Street With key speakers including Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nanaia Mahuta, this event (organised by Business & Professional Women, Franklin) expects to prove inspirational to women of all ages. For tickets or more information, contact BPW

Nordic Fire February 25, from 8pm, Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall, Queen St, Auckland City Soar to stunning Scandinavia, the land of Odin and Thor, dwarves and giants, during this concert by Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. From start until ‘Finnish’, the orchestra is expected to be fired up! See www.apo.co.nz/whats-on for details.

Homespun Now – March 13, Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe As our last issue was finalised, Rural Living was yet to hear about this exhibition but there’s still time to enjoy it. Featuring work by Clevedon’s Katie Blundell and other locals, this exhibition is focused on the joys and trials of working from home. See www.facebook.com/FranklinArtsCentre.

Splore February 26-28, from 8am, Tapapakanga Regional Park, Deerys Rd, Orere Many music festival veterans are ‘ex-Splorers’ and will likely attest that this three-day event is one not to be missed. Once again, rural Orere will host a wide range of musicians – including Kiwi country classic duo, the Topp Twins – and

Auckland Art Fair February 24-28, The Cloud, 89 Quay Street, Auckland City Art sits at the heart of Auckland during this celebration of creativity. From painting and sculpture to writing and more, mediums of all manners are explored. More information (including a full programme of events) is accessible via artfair.co.nz.

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Community Calendar

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TUAKAU 09 237 8310 | www.barfoot.co.nz/tuakau

004

Tutus on Tour

Photo Stephen A’Court

Auckland Arts Festival

Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival February 20-28, Hamilton Gardens, Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton Set in the picturesque and intriguing surrounds of Hamilton Gardens, this festival showcases the work of a wide range of artists. Visit www.hgaf.co.nz. Auckland Arts Festival March 4-21, times and locations vary, Auckland From theatre to dance, music, cabaret and more, this annual festival showcases the Super City’s creativity in many forms. A local highlight My Name is Moana (March 11, Hawkins Theatre, Papakura) sees legendary Kiwi singer/songwriter, Moana Maniapoto and other special guests in a tribute to Aotearoa and its peoples’ relationship with the sea. Visit www.aaf.co.nz.

■ SPORT, FITNESS & RACING The BMW NZ Polo Open February 21, from 11am, Auckland Polo Club, 102 Clevedon – Kawakawa Bay Rd, Clevedon The sport of kings (quite literally!) is coming to Clevedon. The 44th NZ Polo Open sees a sport enjoyed by royals (and more down-to-earth competitors too) compete, alongside Fashion on the Field and followed by an after party, during which fancy footwork will also be applauded. For further information on this great event, visit nzpoloopen.com.

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Auckland Cup Week

Round the Bays February 28, start times vary, from Quay St (beside Spark Arena), Auckland City Those looking to take part in Auckland’s iconic Round the Bays best get their skates on or, more appropriately, their running shoes and, in some cases, costumes. As its name suggests, the course for this fun run winds its way around the city’s waterfront, finishing at St Heliers Bay. It features classes suited to everyone from youngsters to serious runners. www.roundthebays.co.nz.

Auckland Cup Week March 6 (Vodafone Derby Day) and March 13 (Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day), Ellerslie Racecourse, 100 Ascot Avenue, Remuera Including two marquee events on the racing calendar, Auckland Cup Week sees our ‘city of sails’ resonate to the sound of hoof beats. In addition to the on-track action, visitors can expect a feast of fashion and more. Visit www.ellerslie.co.nz/ auckland-cup-week.

Barfoot & Thompson People’s Triathlon Series - Race 3 February 28, from 8am, Maraetai Beach, Maraetai, Auckland The penultimate event in a four race series – although competitors needn’t have taken part in the first two to enter – this event sees the series return to Maraetai Beach before wrapping up at Mission Bay on March 28. With triathlon and duathlon events and a variety of race classes, the series is suited to people of varying ages and levels of ability. See www.peoplestri.co.nz.

Maraetai Half Marathon March 14, 6-11am, from Te Puru Park, Beachlands, Auckland While some may take in the picturesque scenery of the Pohutukawa Coast at an amble, others will be going for gold. With courses ranging from a 2km ‘Kid’s Dash’ to the main event, a half marathon, various options are available to suit runners and walkers of all ages and levels of ability. See www.maraetaihalfmarathon.co.nz.

■ FAMILY FUN

America’s Cup – America’s Cup Match series March 6-21, Auckland waterfront Following on from the World Series and the PRADA Cup, this event sees the best of the rest take on Emirates Team New Zealand for the Auld Mug. For more information visit www.aucklandnz.com/36th-americas-cup/ about.

Beachlands & Maraetai Trolley Derby March 7, 10am-4pm, Omana Regional Park, 2 Omana Beach Rd, Maraetai Driven by rising racing stars (aged six and up), the vehicles in this derby will have all involved in a spin! In addition to races, this event features entertainment and more. See www.rotarytrolleyderby.co.nz.

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Macrae Higgie Rural Living — February-March 2021Bates —9

11/02/2021 3:53:16 PM

SHAVING TIME –

shear it again, Sam! There are no golden fleeces. And yet, as one local couple regularly proves, some shearers are good as gold. JON RAWLINSON explains.

tories don’t always need to begin at the beginning (or near enough) but it makes sense to do so in the case of two-time Golden Shears semifinalist, Sam Welch. “We weren’t allowed to shear when we were kids but my brothers and I found a book about it by Godfrey Bowen,” the Waikaretu local recalls. “When the rest of the family was in bed, we’d sneak off to the woolshed. About week later, my dad noticed there were shorn sheep running around in our paddock; soon after that, he showed us how to shear properly.” Nephew of record-breaking shearer, Walter Welch, Sam grew up on a farm near Dannevirke. “Uncle Wattie was a shearing instructor and if something’s in your bloodline I suppose you want to see if it carries through.” Sam began shearing professionally, then competitively; he met Emily (nee Woodward) at a shearing competition in 2004; her parents (Philip and Anne Woodward) own and operate Nikau Cave & Café. Until recently, the Welchs were co-owners of Coopworth sheep stud, but their primary focus these days is the shearing business, Clayton-Greene & Welch Shearing, in partnership with Tony Clayton-Greene. “It just made sense that we’d end up settling here,” says Sam. “We now have about 200 ewes and about 1000 lambs per year as well as about 40 head of cattle. In addition to our own sheep, our gangs are shearing more than 300,000 sheep in a year across some 75 farms.” As a sport, shearing is further from being tiddlywinks than rugby ever was; it’s backbreaking work. Sam has competition wins and a couple of records to his credit. “When I set the two stand ewe record [with Stacey Te Huia in 2018] I felt like

10 — Rural Living — February-March 2021

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I left behind a piece of me I can never get back, that’s how hard it was. I lost all the fingernails off one hand and a bunch of toenails. I felt like a marathon runner who’d just crossed the finishing line and crashed into the ropes.” The same skills are required whether shearing professionally or for sport but the standards expected in competition set the gold standard. The best shearers are those who try to improve every day rather than simply go to work and tick off a tally, Sam believes. “Competitive shearing has to be perfectly clean. There are a lot of nerves involved in competition but they help. I sheared a sheep as part of an exhibition for Prince Charles years ago – that was nerve-wracking! – but competition helps you perform despite the pressure. “With shed shearing, the least we’d still expect would be a silver level. The sheep need to look good in the paddock, the farmer happy and you need to be able to drive out the gates knowing you’ve done the best job you could.” Organisers try to ensure a level playing field in competition but every sheep is different and aspects such as weather can have a huge impact. “On a hot day, shearing is like running a hot knife through butter because their grease runs; on a cold one, it’s more like a cold knife through cheese,” Sam explains. “If you’re pushing the hand piece you’re pulling at the wool and sheep will react badly to that for good reason.” Although Sam continues to be a hands-on boss, he has (for the most part) hung up his hand piece when it comes to competition. “It’s [due to] injuries, definitely injuries! I had hip surgery after a horse rolled over on me in 2015 and knee surgery more recently. The knee injury was [originally]

from rugby but, a couple of years ago, the damn heading dog ran into me while I was hanging out the washing!” he laughs. “Shearing didn’t cause these but it has aggravated them.” Injury also hampered his brother, Richard. “He smashed his wrist and couldn’t hold onto the hand piece for years but he came back to set the eight-hour, five stand lamb record with us in 2013. That was cool because he was a big part of my inspiration to learn to shear in the first place.” Sam still takes part in exhibitions from time to time – the Welchs organise the Counties Shears competition at the Pukekohe A&P Show. And, he is passing on his advice to the next generation. “I’m mentoring some younger guys, including Kaleb Foote, who set a three stand world record in 2019 and we helped Pauline Bolay break the eight hour lamb record the same year,” he says. “Aside from that, we also have a young crew talking about going for some kind of attempt in the near future.” Unsurprisingly, at least one piece of advice Sam offers originates with a legend of the sport, a 16 time Golden Shears winner: “David Fagan said ‘you don’t have to shear rough to be fast’ and he was dead right.” While shearing contests can be fast and furious and record attempts require marathon efforts, in both respects the smallest of details can make a huge difference, adds Emily (an accomplished competitive shearer in her own right). “From footwork to body position or just ways to increase hand speed can make all the difference,” she says. “Because, when you’re not cutting wool, you’re wasting time.” www.ruralliving.co.nz

11/02/2021 3:53:17 PM

GIVE A GIRL A STAND! Emily Welch runs a successful shearing business, but there was a time when few people would even give a girl a stand. “When we were younger, it was hard for us to find a stand for Emily,” says her husband, Sam Welch. “But then we met a contractor who knew Emily’s dad quite well so it went from there.” Emily adds: “He wanted Sam, a fast shearer, so that’s how it really worked!” she laughs. Rural Living first featured Emily after she set the Women’s World 9 Hour Lamb Shearing record with 648 lambs in 2007 – a record which held until January this year. Emily also claimed the Women’s Golden Shears title in 2019. “I’d competed in invitation events before then,” she says. “But after [acclaimed documentary] She Shears came out in 2018, we wrote to organisers saying it was about time Golden Shears and the NZ Shearing Championships had official women’s events; they appear to have listened.” Emily was unable to defend her Golden Shears title last year but she did manage a very credible third. “It was the absolute worst final I’ve ever been in! I’ve never shorn such a difficult sheep. It kicked so much I think it had grass staggers [caused by low levels of magnesium] which makes them jittery under pressure. It was very frustrating as I was really starting to get into it and hit my straps.” All going well, and despite growing competition in women’s shearing, Emily is optimistic she can reclaim her title at the 2021 Golden Shears in early March. www.ruralliving.co.nz

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YARN YARNS & BALE TALES

Sam & Emily Welch

Photo Wayne Martin

“When I set the two stand ewe record [with Stacey Te Huia in 2018] I felt like I left behind a piece of me I can never get back, that’s how hard it was. I lost all the fingernails off one hand and a bunch of toenails. I felt like a marathon runner who’d just crossed the finishing line and crashed into the ropes,” says Sam.

A limited number of border exemptions should offer some relief to short-handed shearers. However, shearing contractor, Sam Welch, says there has been an upside to travel restrictions for his business at least. “We have heard about the shortage but haven’t felt the impact. We actually had the best winter crew ever because our Kiwi shearers didn’t go overseas,” he says. Co-owners of Clayton-Greene & Welch Shearing, Sam and his wife, Emily, say they had all the practiced hands they needed, and a good thing too – shearing is an essential part of maintaining animal welfare. “These days, shearing is mostly about maintaining animal health and the wool is more a byproduct. They used to select Romney rams for the quality of their wool, now it’s more about meat. But if the quality of wool is lost [through selective breeding] because farmers chase the meat rather than the wool line, we won’t be able to turn the clock back again.” With ‘sustainability’ becoming a growing concern, Emily and Sam appear cautiously optimistic that wool could experience a resurgence in popularity, particularly with regards to floor coverings. “I hope wool makes a comeback,” Emily says. “People are becoming more aware about where their food comes from and, maybe, about what goes into making synthetic carpets too – it takes a lot of nutrients from the soil and a massive amount of processing to turn corn into carpet.” And, yet, whichever way the market goes, it seems as though this rural couple will do what good farming folk have always done: adapt. “You have to keep your chin up and carry on,” says Sam. “As [shearing legend] Ivan Bowen used to say: ‘it’s not wool that’s down, it’s just the price of wool that’s down.’”

Rural Living — February-March 2021 — 11

11/02/2021 3:53:18 PM

TIME TO

move on! Brian Neben publishes Rural Living and was a lifestyle farmer for many years

COUNTRY LAD

s I sit down to write I’m thinking that February 2021 feels a bit like February 2020 – hot, dry, little effective rain and many a farmer – and his stock – suffering! It seems water restrictions are already being enforced and, undoubtedly, rural residents on tank supply will be calling for a top up from water tankers in the coming weeks unless we miraculously receive some big rain. I am also feeling a touch of nostalgia for those very happy years spent on our lifestyle block in Runciman Road where each day brought me into contact with the land – stock, my harness racing brood mare, egg collecting and generally doing all those jobs required to keep such a place in good order.

12 — Rural Living — February-March 2021

RLFebMarch 2021.indd 12

There are days when I really miss it but I am aware that as age catches up, heart and mind may be willing yet the body has slowed. Subsequently, as I settle ever more comfortably into urban living, I find there is less and less for me to write about when it comes to country matters. Therefore, I’ve decided that this will be my last ‘Country Lad’ column in Rural Living – I’ll just be a reader like so many other loyal Franklin folk. I’ll take a keen interest in the comings and goings of others and rural friends will, no doubt, keep me in touch with district happenings. However, from time to time, throughout the year, I will touch base with readers to update them on how life is going in this part of the woods, or, rather, the beachfront, and I’m sure I’ll still want to comment on those issues which affect Franklin and surrounds. In the meantime, here’s a small spread of photos which I’ve used in various columns and which depict a country life well lived and appreciated. www.ruralliving.co.nz

11/02/2021 3:53:23 PM

l l i k s s i h g n i p Stam ION

ETIT ON COMP ver, but before this l will be ducking for co

rapher ason most waterfow , Marlborough photog Come the hunting se ts lle bu g in dg do is d) (picture full flight. stunning shoveler duck g image of our bird in in az am an ot sh r’s te Matt Win

raised for its beauty and for revealing the often-hidden underside of the bird, this image subsequently won the 2021 Game bird habitat stamp photo competition and will now adorn the 2021 Game bird hunting licence as the Game bird habitat stamp. It is the second consecutive year Matt Winter has won the competition. Each year, hunters pay $4 from every Game bird hunting licence for the stamp which goes to the New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust which uses the funds

for nationwide wetland enhancement projects, particularly appropriate at a time when New Zealand wetlands need help.

Last year the Trust allocated funds for 11 wetland projects and Trust chairperson, Andy Tannock says hunters around New Zealand have been supporters of wetlands for years. “The Game bird habitat stamp allows us [the Trust] to put funds directly into projects which will have the best bang for the hunter’s bucks. Our projects have yielded spectacular results like the Takitakitoa wetland near Dunedin, the Para wetland near Picton, and dozens of other projects which provide habitat to all our wetland species not just game birds.”

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLFebMarch 2021.indd 13

Rural Living — February-March 2021 — 13

11/02/2021 3:53:26 PM

WITH

Over

THE GATE

Joseph Skelton ROYAL NZ BALLET

Principal dancer with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Joseph Skelton has performed in many countries of the world but he grew up in the heart of horticultural Pukekohe better known for potatoes and onions than for pirouetting ballerinas. Rural Living talked to Joseph, ‘over the barre’ about his career. You’ve been a member of the RNZB for since 2011 and last year you were made principal dancer but your first dance steps were taken here in Pukekohe. What was the first ballet school you attended and who was your first teacher? Draper Academy of Dance and my first teacher was Heida Yarr. Do you still have family ties to the Pukekohe area? Yes, my family still lives there. When did you know you wanted to make ballet your career and, once determined to take that journey, where did it take you in terms of training? I can’t remember a specific time when I decided I wanted to make it my career, I just never stopped. I ended up doing my full-time training in London and Birmingham leaving New Zealand when I was only 16. I was lucky enough to get a scholarship to the Royal Ballet School, and later trained at Elmhurst School for Dance in Birmingham. They’re both prestigious schools and very competitive. Fortunately, when I auditioned I was a bit naïve; I just showed up, got stuck in and did my thing without really thinking too much about it. It wasn’t until later that I really realised how tough it is to get such places. After several years abroard you returned to NZ and joined the RNZB, why was that? 14 — Rural Living — February-March 2021

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I learnt and achieved a lot overseas but I always wanted to live in New Zealand and dance for this company.

care of my feet as the female dancers given that they spend their days in pointe shoes.

Rural Living understands your wife Katherine is also a member of the company; how did you meet and do you dance together often or even at all? We met at a dance competition when we were 16 and stayed in touch. When I joined the company, she had already been here a year – that was more than 10 years ago! And, yes, sometimes we get to dance together.

What roles are you dancing in upcoming RNZB seasons, particularly in the Tutus on Tour production being performed in Hamilton on March 9 & 10 and at Manukau on March 11? Then where to? I have several roles in Tutus on Tour but I’m not exactly sure, just yet, what roles I’ll be dacing in the next production – Giselle, in May and June – as casting hasn’t been confirmed. We will, though, be touring nationally.

Do your individual artistic temperaments ever clash; how difficult is it for you both to live and dance together? We don’t clash, overly, and get on well at work and home. Living and working together is what we are used to and it works well because we understand what each other is going through. How do you stay in shape – is rehearsing enough or do you work out and, in particular, how do you keep your feet in good shape? Fitness wise, rehearsing can be enough, but it depends on the production. Sometimes I want to go to the gym if I need to work on cardio, whereas, for productions in which there is more lifting, it’s usually necessary to do more weights. Being a guy, I don’t need to take as much

How important is it for there to be chemistry or a connection between lead dancers? It’s important to understand your partner and how they work and dance, but acting is a big part of our job. Is there a lot of rivalry? There’s not too much rivalry within the company. It’s important to remember that even though it’s an individual job, to a degree, you are working as a part of a company [a team if you like] to produce the best result for the audience. You have danced in a multitude of ballets, have you a favourite and is there a role you have never danced but would like to? Over the years I’ve danced a lot of www.ruralliving.co.nz

11/02/2021 3:53:27 PM

Joseph Skelton

different roles. Three of my favourites would have to be Albrecht in Giselle, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, and dancing in William Forsythe’s Artifact II. In terms of future roles, I enjoy the challenge of whatever roles I’m cast by our artistic director, Patricia Barker. Are there ever times when you want to escape from dancing and, regardless, what do you do to relax or get away from dance altogether? Sometimes the job can be challenging and you want a break, physically or mentally. It is a full-time job, and we are dancing for the majority of the week, so down time is pretty necessary. I enjoy going surfing if time permits. I learnt as a teenager, initially, on Karioitahi beach – it is fantastic. The best secret spot is Castaways’ above the beach. You can dine in style and watch the sunset through flax bushes on the edge of the cliff. It is a particularly special place to Katherine and I as we have lovely www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLFebMarch 2021.indd 15

memories of our honeymoon spent there. Surfing can be perilous – how risky is it in terms of an injury and have you ever suffered bad injury either through surfing or another accident? Not through surfing but the worst injury I’ve had was in my third year of training. I was hit by a bus while skateboarding and wrecked my leg so it took a lot of training and recovery to come back from that. The doctors said that I’d be walking with a limp for the rest of my life and would probably never dance again. I thought ‘we’ll see about that!’ I just took it step by step, concentrating on the rehab.” Ballet may be your career but do you enjoy other forms of dance – boogeying the night away at a club, rock ‘n’ roll or, perhaps, ballroom? Ballet is my career, so outside of work I tend to do things that are different to dancing – like surfing! Dance movies such as Billy Elliott or even, Footloose – love ‘em or hate ’em? I don’t hate dance movies, but they’re not my go-to.

What is the hardest thing about being a ballet dancer and what is the best? A hard thing is the gruelling physicality. However, it is a rewarding career and getting to travel around New Zealand for your job is pretty awesome. How long do you think you can keep on dancing professionally? Not sure how long I will be dancing; time will tell! If you could be Minister of Arts, Culture & Heritage for a day what would be the first thing you would do and why? I’m not sure what I would do broadly, but having a free-to-air arts channel on TV would be good (as they do in other countries), and could bring in new audiences. It could showcase more New Zealand talent as well. If you could grow any plant – tree, vegetable or flower and raise any animal what would they be? I’d say I would probably have to get a dog, as my wife really wants one! If you could ask any three people to dinner who would they be and why? Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Neil Young – I’m a big fan so it would be a long and interesting night. Photo supplied2021 / Ross— Brown Rural Living — February-March 15

11/02/2021 4:31:58 PM

Bee disease

NOSE NEWS IS GOOD NEWS

Pete Gifford

American Foulbrood (AFB) may sound like something one might catch at a Trump rally but it could be much more serious. Fortunately, dogged Kiwis are on hand to help keep in check this disease, which could otherwise prove disastrous for our honey industry. “There’s almost a million beehives registered in New Zealand but we’re only physically inspecting around 4000 a year,” Jason Prior, owner of DownUnder Honey, says. “Unless we get some new tools, such as dogs to rapidly find the disease it gets more and more expensive to find that last

five percent of foulbrood out there.” DownUnder Honey is working in partnership with The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), K9 Search Medical Detection Training Centre and Massey University researchers to produce a ‘scent picture’ of the disease in the lab’. All going

well, dogs could then be trained to sniff out signs of the disease. “If successful, we’d be the first country in the world to use dogs to detect AFB.” Steve Penno from MPI adds. “Being able to detect the disease early would reduce lost production and the need to destroy hives.”

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11/02/2021 3:53:28 PM

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TICK TROUBLE? Dr Melissa Sim DVM provides advice on how to deal with ticks on horses.

ticks attach to the skin. These may become inflamed and infected. They also can make some horses itch which may lead to other traumatic injuries. Manual removal of ticks is not sufficient treatment as it can leave parts of the parasite behind and this carries a risk of infection.

TREATMENT OPTIONS:

t’s tick time of year and we are receiving a lot of requests from our equine clients about how to deal with these pesky little critters. During their life cycle, ticks alternate between living on the ground and on host animals. They tend to be worse where long grass is present as the tick uses the stems as a loading ramp onto the host animal. On horses, the most common bite sites are the groin, along the lower belly, chest and face. Fortunately, in NZ the tick species does not pose a risk of other nasty diseases and we do not see big enough infestations on horses to cause anaemia from blood sucking. However, as well as being unsightly, ticks can also irritate horses with some getting large swellings around where the

n Permoxin insecticidal spray or rinse — This needs to be applied once a week and requires re-application following washing or if your horse/pony/donkey has been rained on. Can be applied more frequently if needed. n Frontline — is an off-label option. Please call to discuss its use with your veterinary provider.

PREVENTION OPTIONS: n Python ‘tick tags’ – these need to be applied to three to four sites; on headcollar, rug, mane, and/or tail. If you have tried the treatment and prevention options for ticks, and are still having problems, DO NOT USE cattle and deer products on horses/ponies/donkeys without veterinary advice as they may cause side effects. Call your vet if you see swellings and irritation from tick bites as there are several treatment options available.

CHECKLIST Are your stock protected from facial eczema? Use Face-Guard capsules in January and March. n Internal parasites – have a good worm control strategy in place for young stock with less immunity. Sheep, goats and alpacas need a

drenching programme for barber’s pole. n Ticks – treat when these are visible or if they are rubbing or have large areas of hair loss. n Ryegrass staggers – can occur late November to end of April.

Animals appear uncoordinated and may fall down if startled. There are some toxin binders and supplements available to reduce symptoms. Most will recover within 1-2 weeks when moved from affected pasture.

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RLFebMarch 2021.indd 17

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Rural Living — February-March 2021 — 17

11/02/2021 3:53:30 PM

Duo table talents Keen local golfers Mark Godso and Uenuku Hawira might not make the cut for a major tournament (yet) but when it comes to converting timber to tables HELEN PERRY discovered they’re a cut above the rest.

ine years ago Mark Godso spotted an opportunity to turn some idle timber into something practical, even

special. “It [the wood] belonged to my boss and I asked to buy it but didn’t think it would happen. Then I got a call from him saying I had 20 minutes to get down to his shed with a trailer and take the lot before he changed his mind. “I grabbed some cash and a trailer, and was there is a flash. Once loaded, I handed him the money but he handed it back; well, actually, he flung it into my van and said he didn’t want a bean.” That was the start of a journey which last year took a fresh turn when Mark (more commonly called Munky) teamed up with Te Kohanga sculptor, carver and tattooist, Uenuku Hawira (Nuks) . But, first things first. Mark is the son of golf pro, Kaye Maxwell owner of Eat, Play, Stay golf retreat in Ramarama. His initial thought was to use the timber to spruce up the clubhouse deck and add some elements of interest. So, he made some outdoor tables and bench seats. 18 — Rural Living — February-March 2021

RLFebMarch 2021.indd 18

“I didn’t really have a plan but I liked what I had done and carried on. I made a few more for family and friends, then started getting a few orders. Three years down the track, at the suggestion of a mate, I started experimenting with resin coatings and insets of paua.” Mark’s efforts attracted plenty of interest and some sales but it wasn’t until a chance meeting with Nuks, and the realisation that this new mate possessed a range of artistic gifts, that wider possibilities emerged. Nuks’ creativity – with chainsaw and chisel – would bring finesse to the end work while Mark’s ability with router and resin addressed the flip side of the tabletop. “As we went down the path of producing more elaborate tables and seats, we soon realised why there was little competition – it’s hard work, very hard,” Mark laughs. But there’s no lack of skill when it comes to their efforts. Mark, who now has nine years of working with timber and six years with resin finishes, was already cementing a profitable import/

export resin business and starting to get recognition for his own brand of woodwork. However, Nuks brought in an added element which has lifted each piece to a new level and has also given him a fresh outlet for his creative instincts. He considers his artistic passage to have truly begun when he was about 17. “I was always good at art but hadn’t really planned to pursue it after leaving school until I headed to Uni in Otago where I studied design and Maori. Eventually, returning to his roots near Tuakau, Nuks took on a variety of jobs to support his family and to allow him to pursue art in various forms including sculpture and tattooing. “I started with ponga carving and had a stall at the Howick markets and various others for a number of years. But I was always keen to do more with other products; sculpture, in particular, is a big part of what I’m intent on developing. As he chats, it’s clear Nuks is a man with a passion for his work, and for his Maori roots, although as he talks he remains understated, warm, casual. www.ruralliving.co.nz

11/02/2021 3:53:31 PM

“We can see a niche market and believe there are unlimited opportunities to create items which are sustainably produced, are durable and individual.”

Mark and Nuks.

with a wide range of timber – macrocarpa, swamp kauri, matai, walnut and more but not pine. If a particular timber requires MPI certification, they say the client usually organises this. “Mostly, we work in tandem,” Mark explains. “I sand and prep the timber then Nuks goes to work with the chainsaw usually cutting out and removing the design from the slab, He then works with a chisel on the finer detail, then the carving is replaced as I do the resin work.” First tables mostly went to the likes of fishing clubs and other sports or society clubrooms. Now as each bespoke piece is finished, sometimes enhanced with concealed LED lighting, it is usually destined for the upper end of the residential market – homeowners seeking something unique for outdoor entertaining. “We can see a niche market and believe

Photos Wayne Martin

there are unlimited opportunities to create items which are sustainably produced, are durable and individual,” Nuks says. “At the same time it allows us time for other work – Mark’s role as a greenkeeper at Maxwell’s and running his resin business and for me to still pursue other art forms.” “Of course, we make time for golf, too,” chips in Mark, once a highly competitive player. “We both love the game and maybe that’s something else we’ll do a bit more seriously in the future. In the meantime, we are just setting out on this new journey, picking up commissions and going beyond just tables; super sized wall art is something we’re already exploring.’ With their laid back attitude and easy going manner some might label Mark and Nuks as ‘hard case’ but in their words – “Yeah…nah. Really, we’re just following our passion in the outdoor environment where we are both at home. That makes us lucky.” Rural Living — February-March 2021 — 19

www.ruralliving.co.nz

Carved – Art & Resin – table top designs.

Photo Wayne Martin

The new commercial venture with Mark is one thing, but other works denote him as a carver with a strong presence in Aotearoa. In fact, last year his imposing entry into the Lake House Arts Wood Sculpture Symposium in Takapuna saw him win the Becroft Ultimate Prize. But, like everything, he downplays his success and talk turns to other creative outlets. “When it comes to tattooing, I began about 10 years ago and I’m self-taught. I did poke work for about eight years before starting with a needle two years ago. Gradually my work has become more and more detailed but it remains secondary to the carving/sculpture work.” A natural creative, Nuks’ designs are never worked out with pen and paper and heaven forbid that he use a computerassisted programme. “It’s just in my head; with the tables, I pick up the chainsaw and go where it takes me. Sometimes I have an idea but the woodgrain may dictate something different.” The ‘boys’ have named their new company Carved – Art & Resin and work

RLFebMarch 2021.indd 19

11/02/2021 3:53:35 PM

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

HAPPY

WINNERS It’s always lovely to receive an email or phone call from happy er readers and, in this case, the fath the won who er, Pott eigh of Kayl 8-10 years old section of Rural Living’s Christmas colouring competition, sent in a photograph of his daughter surrounded by items from her prize bag. He told Rural Living, Kayleigh loved art and was showing talent. We thought so, too. Thanks Potter family for the photograph – we are glad to share. But wait, just as we were going to print we received another photograph showing Pukekawa twins, Tyler and Cassie Plaisier holding their highly commended prizes – both expressed delight that their artistry had been acknowleged.

Cassie and Tyler Plaisier.

Kayleigh Potter.

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11/02/2021 3:53:37 PM

ROAD SAFETY –

the tractor factor

hen Kiwis hit the open road, being stuck behind ‘slowpokes’ may test our patience, but when it comes to ‘cowpokes’, we most definitely need to make allowances. During harvest, more agricultural vehicles are on the move than usual, especially along country roads – otherwise known as ‘the scenic route’ among urbanites.

“Farmers are asking other drivers to show a bit of patience and common sense,” Karen Williams from Federated Farmers reminds us. “[Their vehicles] are bulky and of necessity – and by law – move at lower speeds than other motorists.” Federated Farmers is also urging the operators of farm vehicles to keep traffic flows in mind and act accordingly.

MORE SUPPORT FOR ‘LUMBER REGIONS’

“If a tractor or harvester does pull over to the edge of the road, take your opportunity to pass if you can do so safely,” Ms Williams adds. “Most of them will be moving no faster than 30-40kph or so, so it’s not essential to have the same several hundred metres of clear road ahead needed when overtaking much faster moving vehicles.”

CLIMATE CHANGE – FARMERS KEEN ON GREEN?

Buying NZ made, many a Kiwi went native at Christmas through a scheme designed to preserve and bolster our natural environment. With a new record of more than 60,000 native trees purchased (as virtual presents) in December, Trees That Count is now busier than ever ensuring these gifts keep on giving for generations to come. “We know 2020 was a challenging year for many of us, so we’re really thrilled to have seen so much support for New Zealand’s big backyard,” the organisation’s CEO, Adele Fitzpatrick, confirms. “We’re very grateful to generous New Zealanders for helping our native forests have an even bigger positive impact on the climate through their donations.” As a result of the recent growth spurt in donated trees, Trees That Count is set to support more than 700 planting projects, up from 560 in 2016-20. “Gifting native trees isn’t limited globally, and also isn’t just for Christmas time, so we fundraise year-round,” Adele adds. “We’re excited to see native trees become the gift of choice for many more Kiwis this year, as we celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new births, and just to say thanks.”

Farmers may be on the frontlines of climate change but, as a new report (from the Climate Change Commission) indicates, all hands will need to be on deck, Andrew Hoggard from Federated Farmers asserts. “The pressure has been on farmers for a long time to do their bit, and its staying on. Now we all need to step up and accept the use of more high-tech solutions,” he says. “The report talks about pushing harder to get solutions from science and technology, and farmers are totally about that too.” Mr Hoggard referenced existing initiatives involving farmers and regarding aspects such as livestock efficiency, planting native trees and protecting forests. “We are going to need every Kiwi to join [the] conversation,” he adds. “Kiwis will need to get on board with this.”

For more information about this initiative, visit www.treesthatcount.co.nz.

More information about the report is accessible via www.climatecommission.govt.nz.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Rural Living — February-March 2021 — 21

11/02/2021 3:53:39 PM

KARAKA MILLION

sun shines on Leith “I One of New Zealand’s richest races did not disappoint either spectators or competitors as Aegon (NZ) became the first horse in history to win both the Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and $1m Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m).

Photo Trish Dunell

lion.

) wins at Karaka Mil aka Million – Aegon (NZ

Kar

t’s a great event,” winning jockey, Leith Innes says, “There’s nothing better than winning on a horse like this. He’s very special. The turn of foot he showed in the straight was incredible... he really fought in those last 50 metres.” Held at Ellerslie Racecourse in late January, the Karaka Million regularly features horses sold during New Zealand Bloodstock’s annual yearling sales series. Purchased from

Waikato Stud for just $150,000 in 2019, Aegon has made every post a winner, finishing first in each of his four starts. “Aegon is a very good horse, and horses like him make trainers look good. It’s special to be racing a horse like this with such great people. It’s a dream,” co-trainer, Murray Forsman says. “Leith is a big-race rider and did a brilliant job; it’s a great result.” For full race results and further information visit nzb.co.nz.

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PAPAKURA PUMPED UP,

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n addition to raising water rates and reminding us all to take shorter showers, Auckland Mayor, Phil Goff, (effectively) turned on the taps at the new Papakura Water Treatment Plant earlier this month. “This project will increase the resilience of Auckland’s water supply, boosting Auckland’s capacity up to 12 million litres a day,” Mr Goff said. The project is part of Watercare’s overall drought response strategy. “With increasingly dry summers in recent years and the impact of climate change, this investment is critical to ensuring the resilience and reliability of Auckland’s water supply,” Mr Goff added. “It’s one of several significant upgrades to Auckland’s water infrastructure as www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLFebMarch 2021.indd 23

part of our $224 million investment programme to increase water supply for Aucklanders.” Although a temporary measure, the plant is now treating water from the Otuwairoa/Hays Creek Dam, which has been out of service for the past 15 years; a permanent treatment plant is expected to replace it by the end of this year. “We have worked with a number of suppliers, consultants and contractors during the past six months, all of whom have done a great job and worked at pace for us,” Watercare head of operations excellence, Priyan Perera, added. “Our pipeline team has worked very hard and coordinated with our water treatment plant team to achieve this incredible outcome.”

WILL REFORMS SAVE OUR SOIL?

Kiwis should not have to make a Sophie’s Choice between a roof over our heads or food in our bellies, Horticulture NZ contends. “Deloitte estimated consumers could face price increases as high as 58 percent by 2043 if vegetable production does not increase,” HortNZ’s Mike Chapman warns. “If we keep letting highly productive land be swallowed up for houses, then health and the country’s economy will be the poorer for it.” Mr Chapman’s comments follow government plans to repeal and replace the Resource Management Act (RMA). “While it’s great the Government is trying to improve housing by making land more available through [reforms], New Zealanders who will live in those houses will also want fresh vegetables and fruit at appropriate prices,” Mr Chapman says. “Let’s ensure we grow vegetables and fruit as well as houses near our main centres, particularly as we have an abundance of less productive land that could be used for housing.” The reform of the RMA is intended to help ensure an adequate supply of affordable housing while also protecting water quality and adapting to climate change, Minister for the Environment, David Parker, explains. “Housing problems are a complex mix of demand, costs, financing, capacity and supply and there is no silver bullet,” he says. “This reform will help by improving [planning] for housing and urban development. This includes better coordination of future infrastructure with land use, development and urban growth.” Rural Living — February-March 2021 — 23

11/02/2021 3:53:42 PM

Fund for farmers

TO PROTECT AND CONSERVE

rogressive efforts can take shape from ‘conservative’ initiatives, New Zealand’s Conservation Minister believes. “We know many farmers value, and are active in, managing biodiversity on their farms, and the Jobs for Nature fund provides the opportunity to support groups of landowners to expand biodiversity projects while also providing jobs,” Kiri Allan says. “This is not only a big win for biodiversity on private and public land, it is also a big win for local communities and their postCovid economic revival.” By boosting Jobs for Nature funding and making it accessible to conservation groups and landowners, the Minister expects more than 400 new jobs will be created in areas ranging from ecology and pest control to fencing and more. Jobs for Nature now includes an $18 million dedicated Private Land Biodiversity Fund and a $16 million Community Conservation fund for community-led conservation projects. More information is available via www.doc.govt.nz.

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11/02/2021 3:53:43 PM

BLOODSTOCK

e n i l n o t o h s n ru

orses need not run at a gallop to set hearts racing, as the National Yearling Sales Series at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Karaka Sales Centre proved once again. “Going into this [year’s series] we were certainly navigating unchartered territories and it was amazing how our buyers stepped up,” Andrew Seabrook from NZB says. “There was that air of confidence, not just in the local economy but the domestic racing scene in general.” Over the course of five days (from late January until early February), 647 yearlings

thin on the ground this year with New Zealand’s border closed, the hammer ran hot in cyberspace. “Online bidding was massive, as well as all the work that the New Zealandbased trainers and agents did on the ground; it was great to see their support and willingness to help us out,” Mr Seabrook adds, “The big winner in this whole digital online space is New Zealand. We’re the most remote country in the bloodstock world and I think going forward we will benefit more than any other country and it’s exciting.” For full sales results visit www.nzb.co.nz.

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Rural Living — February-March 2021 — 25

11/02/2021 3:53:44 PM

Rabbits, waspsU, ESTS

AND UNEXPECTED SUMMER G By Ditch Keeling, Coastal Pest Solutions

elcome back folks although, I have already caught up with far too many of you since December – bunnies across Auckland are really rampant this summer! For us, rabbits and now wasps have dominated 2021 so far. Rabbits, yeah well, it was always going to be a big season for them, but wasps have only recently started to really boom and Maddame Ex (Janet) has been flat out hitting up to a half dozen nests most days, or rather, nights! She actually took a call at 10.30pm Sunday from a family which could hear buzzing in the lounge wall. The husband put his hand on the wall (presumably some kind of psychic ability) and it went straight through – wasps everywhere! Out of PJs and into her wasp suit, Janet was on the job in no time and dealt with it. She recovered a nest holding around 30,000 wasps. It turned out they had been entering under the eaves of the roof, and had eaten so much of the internal plaster board that there was only the paint left! Wasp nests in house walls, new-season underground nests and wasps dominating water sources, such as pools and water features, are all daily calls at present. Remember, anything established now will be extremely active through till at least May so, if you find a nest get it attended to immediately. Last season we dealt with a series of monster German (Vespula germanica)

wasp nests around Whitford and Brookby; all were nearly two metres tall and home to some 80,000 wasps each. Nests like that have the potential to kill stock, horses and people, not to mention that they spread, and add to, the overall problem. Do not tolerate wasps! Now, back to the bunnies. Rabbits do really well when its dry, so they’ve been rampant in Auckland for the past three years! Breeding is presently full on and the number of new young which are out and about every 50 days is quite incredible. I’m seeing lots of the same problem – well established burrows which allow numbers to continue to increase unchecked. The first, and most important part of rabbit control is to deal with these promptly. That is, fumigate and destroy the burrows, remove rubbish piles and/

or anything else they are using as cover. Without cover, they cannot succeed in multiplying effectively. If the bulk of your rabbits are coming from next door, it’s worth having a chat to the neighbours and sharing the work and costs with them; the bigger the area treated, the better and longer lasting the effect will be. I often treat two to five, 10 acre blocks in just one visit providing great control with just a portion of the cost to each property; it makes sense for everyone. So, don’t hesitate to drop us a line anytime to talk through pest problems. I know many of you are really struggling with ever increasing numbers of rabbits and, now, those pesky wasps. That’s it from me for now – bunnies and wasps, the story of my life! Catch you all next month.

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26 — Rural Living — February-March 2021

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11/02/2021 3:53:45 PM

P U S ’ T A H W

. . . ’C .O D H T I W

Damien O’Connor

Offering many a prescription, a certain ‘D.O’C’ is at the forefront of ensuring the backbone of New Zealand’s economy does not offer Opposition MPs a bone to pick, as recent reports from the offices of our Minister of Trade and Export Growth (as well as Agriculture, Biosecurity, Rural Communities and more) suggest.

BREAKING (INTO) CHINA MARKET? Getting more Kiwi produce into China’s shops has been on the political agenda of late. As Minister for Trade and Export Growth, Damien O’Connor recently announced an upgrade to New Zealand’s free trade agreement with China. “This upgraded agreement comes at a time of considerable global economic disruption due to Covid-19 [and] part of the Trade Recovery Strategy,” he said following a ‘virtual signing ceremony’ in late January. “China is one of New Zealand’s most important relationships. Signing this agreement builds on the significant benefits both countries have enjoyed.” Exporters in the dairy, seafood, forestry and other primary sectors are among those to benefit from improved market

access, Mr O’Connor confirmed. China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner, with two-way trade exceeding $32 billion per annum. “New Zealand’s existing free trade agreement with China has been very successful, but China’s free trade agreements and our business practices have evolved since it was signed over a decade ago,” Mr O’Connor added. “This is why we entered into upgrade negotiations: to ensure our agreement is modern and deepens our relationship further, and that New Zealand’s exporters have the best possible access to the China market.”

UK OK TO JOIN CPTPP? D.O’C (as Trade and Export Growth Minister) welcomed the United Kingdom’s

intention to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on January 31. “We believe the CPTPP can provide leadership in our region and beyond to drive post-Covid economic and trade recovery,” Mr O’Connor said. “New Zealand has always supported the expansion of the CPTPP by those willing to meet the agreement’s [criteria], so we warmly welcome the news that the UK intends to take the formal step to start this process.” The CPTPP seeks to reduce trade barriers among its 11 member nations, including New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Japan and Singapore. Should the UK become a member, Kiwi exporters (especially in the primary sectors) should benefit from improved market access to one of the world’s largest economies.

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Rural Living — February-March 2021 — 27

11/02/2021 3:53:46 PM

Plum Meadows

Jane and David.

A few minutes from the Waikato Expressway is a hidden gem where a slower pace of life has endured for several generations. With some parts dating back to the 1880s, Plum Meadows is at the heart of the Waerenga Valley in more ways than one as ANGELA KEMP discovered.

Photos Wayne Martin

MAKES FOR SWEET MEMORIES

here is a remarkable, and old, black and white photograph hanging in the barn at Plum Meadows showing a row of handsome draft horses at their 1920’s sale from that very same building. Their owner was Willie Carter, grandfather of Plum Meadows current owner/manager, Jane McIntyre. In his heyday Willie ran six teams of Clydesdales (numbering more than 20 horses) to help build many of the roads on the Hauraki Plains around Kaihere. He also kept a team of horses in a paddock closer to Te Kauwhata to grade the roads around there too. Today, the historic barn bears witness to another form of ‘getting hitched’ entirely – it is a popular boutique wedding venue. On taking over the farm from her father 35 years ago, Jane and husband David converted it from a dairy farm and a bull beef unit into a stone fruit orchard. They now grow some 11 varieties of plums as 28 — Rural Living — February-March 2021

RLFebMarch 2021.indd 28

well as peaches and peacharines. Jane also continued to work as a successful landscape designer (she’s an Ellerslie Garden Show medal winner) and housed her studio in the old barn “The barn is the oldest building on the property dating from 1880s when the original owner used it for his racehorses,” she says. “A large part of it fell into disrepair and the family were just deciding what to do

with it – pull it down or repair it – when our daughters announced they would like to get married in the barn within a few months of each other. Then and there, its future was decided”. It was a win-win situation: not only was the barn saved and the weddings a huge success but Jane found herself on the cusp of a new career which encapsulated all the things she loved. “I love gardening, good food and talking; launching Plum Meadows as a wedding and functions venue enabled me to do everything,” she says. Two years on, the business is thriving both as a wedding venue and a destination for other events. Its spectacular gardens have been created with input from Jane’s grandparents, her parents, husband David and fellow landscape planner and friend, Brian Saunders. They attract garden and tour groups from across the region. “We feel so lucky to be living in this beautiful and peaceful part of the www.ruralliving.co.nz

11/02/2021 3:53:49 PM

Photos Wayne Martin

Waikato,” Jane says. “Five generations of our family have lived and worked here, each family contributing to what our place is today. “Willie had extensive veggie, flower and shrub gardens around the house and when we moved here we expanded the garden extensively.” Visits to gardens in Spain, Morocco, France and National Trust gardens in the United Kingdom influenced many of Jane’s decisions as to how she wanted to garden and share Plum Meadows with others. Her vision was achieved with Brian’s help – a series of garden rooms with box, green beech and hornbeam hedging, a ‘Mop Top’ walk, a 30 metre pergola with roses attached and various other structures are now scattered throughout the garden. The oldest rambling rose has stems as thick as your arm and there’s a crab apple tree Jane climbed as a child and from www.ruralliving.co.nz

RLFebMarch 2021.indd 29

which she makes crab apple jelly today. Non horticultural delights include classical urns, a large water feature which looks as if it has been there since the 1800s and barbed wire globes shipped up from Tekapo. A garden shed has been built in the style of a worker’s cottage which existed in years gone by and a long pergola, more a loggia, provides shade with a dense cover of grapes in the walled vegetable garden. Visitors enthuse at the abundance of old favourites such as lilacs, japonicas, magnolias, maples and highly scented violets which lend year-round colour and interest. A nod to the Croatian side of Jane’s ancestry is represented by seven Mediterranean cypress trees which tower around the garden adding further to its overall elegance. “The garden is about an acre and a half and I feel like I’m its caretaker. I think my grandparents would be very proud of the

way each generation has put its mark on it.” Furthermore, the events side of Plum Meadows seems to meld seamlessly with the farming operation; indeed they’ve become mutually beneficial. While most fruit harvested goes off to markets in Auckland, last year Jane started inviting the public to orchard sales. “Starting on January 20 we set up a stall in the Carter Road carpark on Wednesdays from 9am – 2pm and I also run a small complementary café,” says Jane. “On the Monday, two days prior, we post on social media what we will have available and what will be on the menu. I try and use what we grow as well as our Plum Meadows homemade preserves and chutneys.”

Too tempting to miss, I’m sure so, if keen to learn more see the Plum Meadows website or Facebook page. Rural Living — February-March 2021 — 29

11/02/2021 3:53:53 PM

PUSS IN BED

booted

Reay Neben is the publisher of Rural Living

t’s February already and time is going so fast. I must say with the heat, we haven’t been doing that much but we do regularly meet up with our Karaka friends for a weekend lunch. The Red Shed is still our favourite and not only because Brian loves the kitchen’s lambs fry and bacon but because we love the atmosphere; it is so attractive and always busy which just adds to the ambience. On the other hand, I am sad to see that St Margaret’s land on Dykes Road is up for sale. For many years that was the only place we could go for lunch, the beautiful gardens, originally developed by Bev Gazzard, always a pleasure. In the early days, the café was really tiny with some gazeboes to sit under but the gardens were amazing. As an avid gardener, I followed their progress and that of the venue. The thought of those beautiful grounds making way for houses is just so sad. Before Christmas, Brian and I bought a new bed; well overdue, I might add! We decided to buy the model which, with the push of a button, could be raised at either end. We also had the choice of a split or one-piece lift.

The Viaduct view from our

balcony at The Sebel.

For safety, I decided that one remote and one lift would be enough for us and it’s proved so good especially with that little raising of the legs, when reading in bed – wonderful. Until the other night, that is, when I was woken by Brian asking me what the devil was I doing? Our legs were sticking straight up in the air! It really was funny and as I searched for the remote there was Billy the cat with his foot firmly on the button. Somewhere in his little head I am sure he knew what he was up to, watching two pairs of legs rising high. I wrestled the remote away from him and put our legs back in the correct position and went back to sleep. I never thought we would have those sorts of issues with a new bed but you live and learn – I have now hidden the remote under my pillow, away from the cat. This last weekend was our wedding anniversary. We were married two days after Brian’s birthday so this year I decided we would celebrate the wedding anniversary and made a booking to stay at The Viaduct on the Saturday night of

Waitangi weekend. We stayed at The Sebel where our balcony looked out over the boats and nearby restaurants. What a buzzing place it was with vessels returning from a day out watching the Americas Cup yachts doing their stuff. While there was no racing, the yachts were still out sailing and the crowds on supporter boats, as well as around The Viaduct, were certainly enjoying themselves. We dined out at a packed restaurant but it was exciting to be part of such a vibrant, fun scene – how different the city to our usual quiet life. I must say, having an apartment in that part of The Viaduct must be very loud at night especially at the weekends. While we were there, the noise was unbelievable and still going at four in the morning. However, the highlight of our one night stay was getting up at our leisure and heading off for breakfast. There were still lots of people around but no more parties; actually, I don’t think most revellers even saw Sunday! But, now, it’s back to the everyday – catch you next month!

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22 Queen St, Pukekohe 30 — Rural Living — February-March 2021

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*Conditions Apply

www.kevenscurtains.co.nz

Ph: 09 2389326 www.ruralliving.co.nz

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kids

BOOKS SYD, THE MUSTER PONY

DUGGIE THE BUGGY

A DRAGON IN A WAGON

Kelly Wilson’s popular Showtym Adventures series races to an exciting conclusion with Syd, the Muster Pony, best suited to readers aged 7-10 years. When Amanda, Kelly and Vicki go on a road trip to find their dream ponies, a certain equine named Syd soon proves that dreams may be free but they do not come easy.

His racing days may be in his rear-vision mirror but Duggie is not done yet! In this charming book by radio host, Sam Wallace, children will be introduced to a new character who, along with his old friend, Ronnie the Rocket, has his headlights fixed on some ‘out of this world’ adventures.

It’s doubtful babies and toddlers (aged 0-3 years) will become bored of this board book! From one of New Zealand’s most respected children’s authors (of Hairy Maclary and Friends fame) comes another classic in the making about a little girl with big dreams of an even bigger pet.

Sam Wallace & Shaun Yeo (illustrator): Duggie the Buggy | RRP $19.99 | Scholastic NZ

Lynley Dodd: A Dragon in a Wagon | RRP $15.99 | Puffin MR

THE NINE LIVES OF KITTY K

A WEDDING IN THE COUNTRY

UNFINISHED

Kitty Kirk (1855–1930) was no shrinking violet. One of the toughest women in New Zealand history, she lived through turbulent times in Otago’s goldfields’ era. In this historical novel, Margaret Mills shares the story of an indomitable woman facing tragedy, fame and infamy in equal measure. To some, she was a harlot, to others a heroine, but either way, ‘Kitty K’ was remarkable.

Following the presumption that a way to a man’s heart really is through his stomach, Lizzie is set to learn how to cook from her aunt. But, as this story is set in the swinging sixties, even the best planned recipe for a splendid wedding in the country may not turn out as expected. A heart-warming novel by a bestselling author, this book is sure to appeal to those dreaming of the perfect someone – as well as of imperfect ones too!

Kelly Wilson: Syd, the Muster Pony | RRP $16.99 | Puffin

books

A MIXED BAG

Margaret Mills: The Nine Lives of Kitty K – The Unsung Heroine of the Goldfields | RRP $34.95 | Mary Egan Publishing www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Katie Fforde: A Wedding in the Country | RRP $37 | Century

Actor, singer, film producer, beauty queen, UNICEF ambassador and women’s rights activist, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is not known to do anything by halves! From her childhood in India and growing up in the USA to her rise to stardom, this memoir tells a story of the triumphs and disasters of a bold and rebellious woman determined to make her mark on the world.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas: Unfinished | RRP $40 | Michael Joseph Rural Living — February-March 2021 — 31

11/02/2021 3:53:56 PM

REVOLUTIONARY

HEALING TREATMENT Natasha Harris from Alberts Hair Salon knows how to HEAL YOUR HAIR.

“The more damaged your hair, the more dramatic the results.”

ince Alberts conception in October 1997, it has always been our mission to provide our guests with the very best in salon service – haircare, colour and treatments. As such Natasha is delighted to add K18 to Alberts arsenal of treatments, a revolutionary breakthrough in biosciences which has been 10 years in the making. K18Peptide™ is clinically proven to reverse damage in just four minutes, restoring even the most damaged and compromised hair, bringing it back from a stressed state. K18 actually heals hair from the inside out. This revolutionary treatment repairs broken Keratin chains – the K18 molecule reconnects the damaged Keratin chains which are are the building blocks of hair.

Homespun garden medicines! Natural remedies for common ailments have been around for centuries, many gleaned from the garden. However, in bygone days, many a herbalist was accused of witchcraft, found guilty and sentenced to death for dabbling into elixirs and potions. Today, a more enlightened human race (at least in these parts of the world) is likely to revel in the natural ‘cures’ nurtured by nature.

K18 REPAIRS, RESTORES, STRENGTHENS, SOFTENS, SMOOTHES and PROVIDES BOUNCE – creating hair like new with lasting results that don’t wash away.

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For enquiries and bookings contact: Alberts Hair Salon Shop 2/23 Hall St, Pukekohe Ph: 09 238 7576 Shop online at: www.alberts.co.nz JU1518

32 — Rural Living — February-March 2021

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

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hile many homespun cures, might not stand up to strict medical scrutiny, a goodly number of people set store

by them. For example, lemons mixed with honey have long been acknowledged for helping to relieve coughs and colds – add a dash of whisky and the effect can be quite rejuvenating! However, if a cold has gone to the chest then try a mixture of vinegar, honey and brown sugar heated together; for further effect add cloves or garlic. If a hangover is more likely to have added the ‘ache’ to ‘head’ then red hot chillies will turn on the heat, encouraging the body to release its own natural painkillers, endomorphines. Try blending three chillies with 500 mls of tomato juice and a dash of soy sauce – it should knock that headache for six or, it could make it infinitely worse! When toothpaste is scarce, salt is well known as a cleaning alternative but a sweeter solution is strawberries, said to help prevent tooth discoloration and leave the mouth feeling fresh. Just squash strawberries through the tooth area and

oxidants and vitamins, this super food can apparently help relieve a ‘wee’ problem – urinary tract infections. Containing a substance, which stops bacteria from clinging to the cells which line the urinary tract and bladder, cranberries, it’s said to prevent cells from multiplying. So, maybe, blend a handful in the food processor with a little water to bring to liquid consistency. Stir well and drink three times a day. There are many other remedies derived from the garden where people, throughout time, have discovered not only sources of sustenance and physical wellbeing but a place where they feel mentally restored after a day’s digging and planting or from enjoying quiet time surrounded by flowers.

leave for five minutes then rinse with a weak solution of bicarbonate of soda. Rubbing the teeth with sage leaves or chewing lemon rind may also help whiten teeth. There is no greater fiend than toothache but oil of cloves is a devilish remedy achieved by rubbing aching teeth with a blend of clove oil and a pinch of powdered pepper. If eyes feel heavy and tired, relief could lie in placing the pulp of baked apples over them for one hour. An alternative, perhaps, to cucumber slices? On the other hand, those suffering from chillblains could warm to a sprinkling of cayenne pepper in their socks. Much has been said about the curative qualities of cranberries. High in anti-

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urch, Councillor Jacqui Ch aihi iwi) Wihiria Mark (Ngaati Tan untdown and Jatinder Chahal (Co . er) nag ma re sto o ken Pō

ONION EXPORT

GAINS MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

here shouldn’t be a need to shed a tear for lost income by many onion growers following a strong start to the export season. James Kuperus from Onions New Zealand says amongst all the Covid turmoil and the weather, it’s great to report that exports to Indonesia are underway, two months earlier than last year. “Prices reflect the additional costs of growing and exporting during a pandemic” he says. Beginning with shipments of almost 80 tonnes of onions in mid January, total exports are expected to be (about) 175,000 tonnes in 2021. NZ onions are exported to 45 countries. Last year, the industry was worth $145 million. Although growers planted an estimated six percent less onions than last year due to ‘uncertainty created by Covid’, the growing season has been favourable, Mr Kuperus adds. “There’s been adequate rainfall and the quality is very good. While water was short, there was frequent rain during the growing season [and] yield is up so perhaps the season will be only about three percent down on last.”

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DOORS OPEN ON NEW

COUNTDOWN

rocery shopping south side of the Bombay Hills is now as easy as pie from a supermarket bakery! Finally, Countdown’s Pokeno store has opened saving locals a trip to the likes of nearby Pukekohe or Tuakau to do the weekly shop. Situated in the heart of the rapidly growing community, the new 3000sqm supermarket, with drive-thru pick up lane for online orders and new Scan & Go technology, is a big step up from the originally planned, smaller store. What’s more it has created 75 jobs for the area. Countdown’s acting general manager (property), Matt Grainger, says the grocery chain had plans to bring a supermarket to Pokeno for a number of years. “And, rightfully, the council and community asked us to consider a bigger, full-service store to meet the growing demand. We think Countdown Pokeno will be a valuable asset which will support the local community of Pokeno and the wider North Waikato region.” Opened by Waikato District Councillor, Jacqui Church, in mid-February, she said she saw the store as a key foundation business which will bring even more businesses to Pokeno. “[I see it], supporting and complementing the excellent reputation of our existing business community, providing local jobs, offering opportunities for youth employment, and enhancing local economic development. It’s a very exciting day for Pokeno.” The store will be open from 7am to 10pm every day. www.ruralliving.co.nz

11/02/2021 3:54:01 PM

i iwi) tdown

The Acacia Cove Lifestyle Acacia Cove is a country-style village situated on the beautiful Wattle Downs Peninsula. For those who appreciate the tranquility of an estuary setting Acacia Cove has it all, as well as its own restaurant, heated indoor pool, library, bowling green and gym. Whether you choose to live in a villa or one of our luxurious apartments, you’ll have the security of a 24 hour, fully monitored emergency call system built in. If you’re aged 60 or over, value your independence but want greater security, come and have a look at the superb properties we have to offer.

• Best Ageing Programme at the 2017 Ageing Asia Eldercare Awards • Finalist in the Facility of the Year Independent Seniors Living Category Wattle Farm Road, Wattle Downs, Auckland (09) 268 8522

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www.acaciacovevillage.co.nz bruce@acaciacove.co.nz A right to occupy dwelling at Acacia Cove Village is unsecured.

New Zealand New Zealand owned andowned operated. and ope www.ruralliving.co.nz

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A good source of vitamins and fibre, blueberries are also rich in antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds. Helping to promote good eyesight, urinary tract health and brain function, they have become very much a part of the Kiwi table although the following recipe is all about providing a family sweet treat.

Blueberry thrill! mer fruits not only taste It’s blueberry season and these delicious sum plenty of healthy benefits. good they are a nutritional powerhouse with

BLUEBERRY CRUMBLE CAKE With its juicy blueberries and crunchy topping, this crumble cake is perfect for company or for breakfast! Crumble: ◆ 1/2 cup rolled oats ◆ 1/2 cup brown sugar ◆ 1/3 cup all-purpose flour ◆ 1/4 cup melted butter Cake: ◆ 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour ◆ 1/2 cup white sugar ◆ 1/2 tbsp baking powder ◆ Pinch of salt ◆ 1/2 cup melted butter ◆ 1/2 cup brown sugar ◆ 2 eggs ◆ 1 tsp vanilla extract ◆ 2/3 cup milk ◆ 1-1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries 36 — Rural Living — February-March 2021

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Preheat oven to 175C. Line a 9-inch square cake pan with baking paper. In a medium bowl, combine the dry crumble ingredients and then add the butter. Mix and set aside. In another bowl, combine flour, white sugar, baking powder and salt. In a third bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Gradually mix in the vanilla, eggs and milk until smooth. Add a third of the flour mixture at a time, gradually combining the ingredients until you have a uniform batter. Add the blueberries and stir. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and top with the crumble. Bake for about one hour, or until a tooth pick

inserted in the middle of the cake comes out dry. Serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whip cream or a little crème fraiche. Serves 10.

www.ruralliving.co.nz

11/02/2021 3:54:04 PM

FOR MORE TEMPTING RECIPES VISIT WWW. THETATTOOEDBUTCHER.COM

KOREAN

BBQ chicken So long as the fair weather lasts, there’s nothing quite like a good, old fashioned barbecue. And, thanks to this recipe (by Pukekohe Pak’nSave’s butchery manager James Smith) we need not be resigned to serving only cremated snarlers and desiccated burgers!

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

◆ 1kg chicken drumsticks ◆ 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar ◆ 1 tsp garlic ◆ 1 tsp ginger ◆ 2 tbsp sesame oil ◆ 1 tbsp sriracha sauce ◆ 1/4 cup Taylor Pass Borage Honey (or similar) ◆ 1/4 cup soy sauce ◆ 1 tbsp sesame seeds ◆ Small handful of chopped parsley

Cook chicken for 10-15 mins directly over coals. Combine all other ingredients (except sesame seeds and chopped parsley) in a pot and heat for 10 minutes, stirring well, then let it simmer. Place chicken into a dish and smother it in the sauce mix. Cook for a further 20 minutes at 180 degrees C. Serve with sesame seeds and chopped parsley sprinkled on top.

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PETUNIAS -

C f t t t g g

summer stunner US gardening guru, the late Eleanor Perenyi once said petunias were as hopelessly impractical as a chiffon ball dress. But, modern day gardeners would probably say nothing could be further from the truth.

olour-fanatic gardeners love today’s prolific and vibrant petunias, in particular the bubblegum variety or supertunias as they’re sometimes referred to. This popular flower provides an explosion of colour and offers diverse options as to where to plant them: flower beds, containers, or hanging baskets. Bubblegum petunias are very robust and grow in a mounded, cascading habit with medium-sized, trumpet-shaped blooms which, as their name suggests, often come in bubblegum pink with dark purplish-pink veins. The beauty of these gorgeous flowers is that they bloom, and bloom and bloom. In fact, two such plants in the garden of Rural Living editor, Helen Perry, blossomed virtually all of 2020 (a bright note in a precarious year), only dying off slightly (not completely) in the winter months. It is this long blooming season, generally spring through to autumn and their low maintenance qualities, which adds to their popularity. However, petunias started out as a simple, somewhat dull plant when discovered in the 19th century. They’ve come a long way since then thanks to botanists having bred many wonderful (and hardy) varieties in an abundance of shades.

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Look for striped, starred, multi-toned or plain, brazen reds, hot pinks and moody purples, even cool blues or yellow and, of course, snowy white. Big or dainty, spreading or tumbling, chunky or upright, expect them all to provide an amazing smorgasbord of vigorous, long flowering blooms. Comprising up to 40 different species, the petunia belongs to the Solanaceae family; other plants within this family include tobacco, tomatoes, potatoes, and chilli peppers. They are both heat and drought tolerant and don’t require any deadheading due to their self-cleaning ability. Soil needs are basic: they only require average soil which is well-draining. When planting, partial to full sun is best. Plants should receive up to 6 hours of full sun each day but do water your petunias daily during the hot summer months. If they are in containers or hanging baskets, they’ll need to be watered more frequently. Petunias are heavy feeders, so don’t slack in the fertiliser department! A slowrelease formula will best help all petunias including bubblegum varieties. Fertilise every two weeks for the best performance. This way you’ll enjoy bright blooms for months and months! However, because petunias don’t lack in the ‘wow’ department do think beyond

the back garden when planting. Lining walkways and driveways with multiple shades – remember to add in white petunias to emphasise the blanket of colour – will make a stunning entrance to your home. In addition, containers and hanging baskets around the deck, pool, patio or as a table centrepiece, will produce a veritable Garden of Eden and, if you have stone pillars marking your entrance, place a container full of bubblegum petunias atop – as they grow, the blooms will begin to tumble down the side of the container. Of course, the bubblegum’ series falls into the ‘supersized’ category, reaching 40-60cm tall and covering at least 60cm in diameter. They are truly perennial and can last for about three years in pots or planted in the garden. They will take a light frost, although in colder climates they’re best in tubs to survive the winter. It was the ‘Colourwave’ petunias which are said to have started the petunia revolution when they romped onto the scene in the mid nineties, flowering continuously for six to nine months. They are still a top choice among gardeners internationally and keep on getting better. Whichever you choose – include mix and match – an almost year-round, brilliant display will surely have everyone smiling. www.ruralliving.co.nz

11/02/2021 3:54:06 PM

M m m L m

P p r e t

F i a u

P o f p i i i

A a c t o

L a

COUNTRYSIDEBegins THE

with Jo-Ann Day-Townsend

THE TENANCY ACT HAS CHANGED!

rom 11 February 2021, multiple changes to tenancy legislation will take effect. The changes will cover:

Security of rental tenure – Landlords will not be able to end a periodic tenancy without cause by providing 90 days’ notice. New termination grounds will be available to landlords under a periodic tenancy and the required notice periods will change. Changes for fixed-term tenancies – All fixed-term tenancy agreements will convert to periodic tenancies at the end of the fixed term unless the parties agree otherwise, the tenant gives a 28-day notice, or the landlord gives notice in accordance with the termination grounds for periodic tenancies. Making minor changes – Tenants can ask to make changes to the property and landlords must not decline if the change is minor. Landlords must respond to a tenant’s request to make a change within 21 days. Prohibitions on rental bidding – Rental properties cannot be advertised without a rental price listed, and landlords cannot invite or encourage tenants to bid on the rental (pay more than the advertised rent amount). Fibre broadband – Tenants can request to install fibre broadband, and landlords must agree if it can be installed at no cost to them, unless specific exemptions apply. Privacy and access to justice – A suppression order can remove names and identifying details from published Tenancy Tribunal decisions if a party who has applied for a suppression order is wholly or substantially successful, or if this is in the interests of the parties and the public interest. Assignment of tenancies – All requests to assign a tenancy must be considered. Landlords cannot decline unreasonably. If a residential tenancy agreement prohibits assignment, it is of no effect. Landlord records – Not providing a tenancy agreement in writing will be an unlawful act and landlords will need to retain and provide new types of information.

Enforcement measures being strengthened – The Regulator (the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) will have new measures to take action against parties who are not meeting their obligations. Changes to Tenancy Tribunal jurisdiction – The Tenancy Tribunal can hear cases and make awards up to $100,000 up from $50,000.

FOR SALE with JO-ANN

Phase 3 – law changes take effect by 11 August 2021 Tenancies can be terminated if family violence or landlord assault has occurred. The below provisions must come into effect by 11 August 2021, but may come in earlier if the Government agrees (using an Order in Council): Family violence: tenants experiencing family violence will be able to terminate a tenancy without financial penalty. Physical assault: a landlord will be able to issue a 14-day notice to terminate the tenancy if the tenant has assaulted the landlord, the owner, a member of their family, or the landlord’s agent, and the Police have laid a charge against the tenant in respect of the assault. Although most of the changes will apply to existing tenancies, there are some exceptions to be aware of for tenancies granted before the main commencement date of 11 February 2021: Assignments – while the new law provides that tenancy agreements cannot prohibit the assignment of a tenancy, this rule does not apply to tenancy agreements granted before the law comes into effect. Termination of fixed-term tenancies – for all fixed-term tenancies granted before the main commencement date, the old rules for ending tenancies apply. The new rules for terminating fixed-term tenancies will only apply to fixed-term tenancies granted after the main commencement date. A tenancy is granted when it is agreed, which is likely to be before the tenancy start date e.g., if a fixed-term agreement was granted in 2020 and ends in November 2021, the tenancy can be terminated at the expiry of the fixed-term without the landlord providing a specific reason and by the tenant providing just 21 days’ notice. Thinking of buying or selling a rental and want to know more give Jo-Ann a call you will be in safe hands.

Pukekohe, 1 Rifle Range Road • 5 bedrooms • 4+ garages

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• Rural views

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

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Rural Living — February-March 2021 — 39

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0800 TOWNSEND or 021 1696 056 jo-ann.day-townsend@harcourts.co.nz www.joanndaytownsend.co.nz

11/02/2021 3:54:07 PM

THE LATEST ON REAL ESTATE

DEMAND HIGH,

STOCK LOW

By Darren Szaszy, Barfoot & Thompson, Pukekohe

he Auckland property market ended the year with the strongest December sales numbers and prices on record, and with early indications that the New Year break would not dampen sales momentum – the market was set to make a strong return in January. In December Barfoot & Thompson sold 1,479 properties at an average price of $1,092,518 and at the median value of $1,005,000. We had our strongest December sales ever, and the sixth straight month in which we sold more than 1000 homes in a month. Only once before have we sold more than 1000 homes in a December, and that was in 2014 when the market was building

towards the peak of the last price cycle. In fact, for the past five years our sales numbers in December have averaged less than half those of December 2020’s sales. In December we also listed 868 properties for sale, the highest number of new listings in a December for a decade. However, with sales numbers being so high at month’s end we had only a total of 2938 homes on our books; the lowest number in five years. The entire market has started the year desperately short of properties for sale, Low interest rates and short supply, will keep the pressure on prices and they will likely keep heading north for now. For the first time, more than half of all homes (54 percent or 801 homes) sold for more than $1 million and, of these, 133 homes, or 9 percent of sales, hit more than $2 million. The year-on-year median

price increase is $80,075 or 9.5 percent. Lifestyle and rural property sales also finished the year on a high note with 86 properties being sold in December for a combined value of $136 million. This is the highest month’s trading for our lifestyle and rural sector in terms of number of properties sold and prices obtained. Volumes throughout the Auckland region eased 21.7% with Rodney district (top price $6m) dominating Franklin (top price $5.2m), the median price being $1,310,000 If you are thinking of selling now is a great time; call Darren for a no obligation appraisal – 021 676 004

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40 — Rural Living — February-March 2021

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www.ruralliving.co.nz

11/02/2021 3:54:09 PM

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