48
www.ruralliving.co.nz Rural Living — May - June 2015 — 1 May/June 2015 RURAL | FASHION | BEAUTY | FOOD | GARDEN | HOME | MOTORING | TRAVEL an eye for ag art wear pages 8-9 avocados slice of americano pages 6-7 retirement how to play it pages 28-31 TAKE ME – I’M FREE! www.ruralliving.co.nz

Rural Living May-June 2015

  • Upload
    times

  • View
    232

  • Download
    3

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

 

Citation preview

  • www.ruralliving.co.nz Rural Living May - June 2015 1

    May/June 2015

    RURAL | FAShION | BeAUTY | FOOD | GARDeN | hOMe | MOTORING | TRAVeL

    an eye for

    ag artwearpages 8-9

    avocadosslice of americano

    pages 6-7retirementhow to play it pages 28-31

    TAKE

    ME IM

    FREE!

    www.ruralliving.co.nz

  • 2 Rural Living May - June 2015 www.ruralliving.co.nzRural Living May/June 2013 25

    sALes

    Pukekohe SaleyardEvery Saturday except holiday weekends, A&P Showgrounds, Station Rd, Pukekohe10.30am pigs, sheep, calves 12pm cattle

    Tuakau SaleyardEvery Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, Tuakau Saleyards RdMon sheep 10.30am, feeder calves 11am, dairy 12pmWed prime cattle 11.30amThurs store cattle 12pm

    mUsic & theAtre

    Best Musicals of All TimeJune 11, 11am-1pm, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Drive, Papakura While some shows may carry enigmatic titles as well as a tune or two, sometimes what you see is what you get, which is precisely what organisers of The Best Musicals of All Time expect to prove! Featuring showstoppers from the genres golden age to the modern day, this event is expected (ironically enough) to ensure the show will go on! See daytimeconcerts.co.nz for details.

    The Celtic FlyersJune 19, 7.30pm-11pm, Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club, 4 Victoria Avenue, WaiukuWhile many a high fl yer in rock n roll may have discovered pride comes before a fall, Irish rovers seem to roll on forever! And thats certainly true of this band set to pay a Flyer-ing visit to one of our (not so dirty) old towns! Playing original

    music and contemporary interpretations of traditional Irish and Celtic songs, The Celtic Flyers will (to be sure, to be sure) delight. Contact the club for details waiukucossie.co.nz.

    Sleeping Beauty on Ice June 24-28, times vary, The Civic, Corner Queen & Wellesley Streets, Auckland CityWe all know the story: a lazy young broad who acts like a princess lounges around waiting for a man to turn up so she can get busy changing him into a prince. However, its never been told quite like this before! Featuring some of the worlds most talented skaters and the music of Tchaikovsky, this classic love story is being billed as an ice extravaganza. Although set in 19th century Russia, the show has a modern interpretation with lavish costumes and special effects. And, while organisers say its suited for people aged 3-103, we think 104-year-olds should love it too! So... get your skates on; tickets are limited.

    eXPos & toUrs

    New Zealand National Agricultural FieldaysJune 10-13, Mystery Creek Events Centre, Mystery Creek Road, HamiltonWhy is it when people say heres a man who needs no introduction... they then proceed to introduce him? While this is a question liable to remain a mystery, whats not a mystery is why thousands fl ock to Mystery Creek for Fieldays. Why is this you may well ask. Well, in the

    words of a certain Rural Living team members partner, if you dont know, Im not going to tell you! Instead, see pages 12-13 for details of whats in store, or visit fi eldays.co.nz.

    Baby Market DayJune 20, 9am-1pm, Pukekohe Town Hall, Corner Massey Avenue and Edinburgh Street, PukekoheSooner or later we all have to grow up. But even when little Johnny or Jenny has set aside some of their childish things, items from toys to strollers, prams, cots and more can still be useful. Providing the perfect opportunity to buy or sell baby gear (as well as maternity wear) entry to Baby Market Day is free of charge.

    Simunovich Olive Estate Annual Harvest Tour & LunchJune 21, Simunovich Olive Estate, 49 Main Road, BombayExtending the olive branch is always a peaceful experience at the Simunovich Olive Estate in Bombay. However, during its annual harvest tour, there will be olives a plenty, not to

    mention more extra virgins than one could shake a branch at! Beginning with a tour of the olive grove and processing factory, the day includes tastings of extra virgin olive oil accompanied by freshly baked bread and concludes with a two-course rustic lunch from Bracu Restaurant. Contact the estate via simuolive.co.nz.

    Waikato Wedding ExpoJune 28, 9.30am-4pm, Hamilton Gardens, Cobham Drive, SH1, HamiltonAs some women may know, it can be tough dragging a man from proposal to wedding day, particularly if hes liable to kick and scream down the aisle! However, its worth the journey to Hamiltons Wedding Expo to ensure, on the big day, everything comes together without a hitch well, hopefully there will be one! Showcasing everything from wedding cars to cakes, gowns, venues, fl orists and more, this Expo will give the doomed (we mean, the groom!) plenty of practice at saying yes, dear. See weddingexpo.net.nz for details.

    JUNe

    Brought to you by members of Franklins

    Largest Rural/Lifestyle Sales Team

    Craig Ashby 021 998 605

    Stephanie Alderlieste 027 246 7911

    David Powell027 485 9321

    Hunter Utatao 027 482 2488

    Sue McCardle027 527 0094

    Scott McElhinney 027 210 8887

    Katrina Riedel 021 170 2970

    Trudy Boyce 021 898 483

    Kevin Lim027 497 8223

    Graeme Willson 021 770 733

    Community CalendarPUKEKOHE BRANCH68 King St, PO Box 147, Pukekohe

    bus. 09 238 7019 | fax. 09 238 7018www.barfoot.co.nz

    Fieldays

  • www.ruralliving.co.nz Rural Living May - June 2015 3Rural Living May/June 2013 43Rural Living May/June 2013 21

    Brought to you by members of Franklins

    Largest Rural/Lifestyle Sales Team

    Craig Ashby 021 998 605

    Stephanie Alderlieste 027 246 7911

    David Powell027 485 9321

    Hunter Utatao 027 482 2488

    Sue McCardle027 527 0094

    Scott McElhinney 027 210 8887

    Katrina Riedel 021 170 2970

    Trudy Boyce 021 898 483

    Kevin Lim027 497 8223

    Graeme Willson 021 770 733

    Community CalendarPUKEKOHE BRANCH68 King St, PO Box 147, Pukekohe

    bus. 09 238 7019 | fax. 09 238 7018www.barfoot.co.nz

    Brought to you by members of Franklins

    Largest Rural/Lifestyle Sales Team

    Craig Ashby 021 998 605

    Stephanie Alderlieste 027 246 7911

    David Powell027 485 9321

    Hunter Utatao 027 482 2488

    Sue McCardle027 527 0094

    Scott McElhinney 027 210 8887

    Katrina Riedel 021 170 2970

    Trudy Boyce 021 898 483

    Kevin Lim027 497 8223

    Graeme Willson 021 770 733

    Fitness & sPort

    FIFA U-20 World Cup Hamilton matchesMay 30 - June 14, times vary, Waikato Stadium, Seddon Road, HamiltonIts often said that its a long road to the football world cup. However, its not such a long ride down the motorway to see soccer stars of tomorrow in Hamil-tron, city of the future! With eight matches scheduled, Waikato Stadium is expected to shine during this celebration of the worlds most beautiful game. See fi fa.com/u20worldcup for details.

    Loaded Tough Guy and Gal Challenge June 12, Christian Youth Camp, 148 Waingaro Road, NgaruawahiaWhen the going gets tough, the tough get going; and this month theyll be going to Ngaruawahia! Designed for fi tness and fun, the Loaded Tough Guy and Gal Challenge series (events throughout the North Island) offers the chance to get down and dirty with loads of mud and demanding courses. And, while this event is open only to those aged 13+, the EnviroWaste Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge the following day (June 13) offers many of the same thrills, scaled to suit littler legs. Are you tough enough?

    Weekend Bootcamp ExperienceJune 27, 6am-10pm, Castaways Resort, 685 Karioitahi Road, Karioitahi BeachWhile some goodie two shoes out there may ensure they have all the regular exercise they need, many of us require a boot up the backside now and then!

    Fortunately, thanks to personal trainer Joe Lewis, a boot or two is at hand during Castaways Weekend Bootcamp Experience. Designed for people of all fi tness levels, the weekend includes everything some of us (present company included!) will need to kick-start a new, healthier lifestyle. More information at castaways.co.nz.

    Hot Laps Car Racing for CharityJune 7, 10am-4pm, Hampton Downs Motor Sport Park, Hampton Downs Road, Te KauwhataIts hotting up at Hampton Downs! Perfect for those who spell F-A-S-T with the letters B-M-W, this event will put petrol heads on the right track to fun during hot laps with the BMW Racing Team. Whats more, proceeds will go right round to Rotary-sponsored charities, Cure Kids and Life Education Trust. See hamptondowns.com for more information.

    AUcKLAnd FestivAL oF PhotogrAPhY

    Take a Moment with Us Now until June 20, Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Avenue, PukekoheA multimedia exhibition designed to introduce visitors to the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, Take a Moment with Us explores the dreams, the loneliness, the talents and the sadness portrayed through photos and videos. When visiting, also check out The Foyer Project, in the Community Gallery, which features a collage of images of people in the Pukekohe area who have caught the eye of contributing artists.

    Walkabout/PlayaboutMay 30-June 12, Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Avenue, PukekoheRetracing her experiences living in an Aboriginal Community in Australias Northern Territory, Onewhero artist Emma Walter shows still waters (and pictures) do run deep! With this photo documentary, Emma captures an intriguing world with her lens. Whats more, this talented singer/songwriter, spoken word poet and photographer will also sing at the opening of the exhibition!

    Lay of the LandNow until June 13, weekdays 9am-5pm, Saturdays 10am-2pm, Papakura Art Gallery, Averill Street, PapakuraComprising a range of works from contemporary New Zealand artists, Lay of the Land focuses on urban expansion and transformation of Auckland.

    A snapshot (or many) of our city, this thought-provoking exhibition offers insight into its burgeoning and irreversible sprawl.

    These are just some examples of Auckland Festival of Photography exhibitions taking place throughout greater Auckland. See photographyfestival.org.nz for a full schedule.

    mArKets

    Pukekohe MarketEvery Saturday, 8am-12pm, Massey St, Pukekohe

    Pokeno MarketEvery Sunday, 9am-4pm,main street, Pokeno

    Crafty Cows Market PokenoSecond Sunday of each month, 10am-1pm, Pokeno Town Hall

    Awhitu Country MarketLast Sunday of each month, 10am-2pm, Matakawau Hall, Awhitu Rd, Awhitu Peninsula

    Clevedon Village MarketEvery Sunday, 9am-2pm, Clevedon Community Centre, 1 Papakura-Clevedon Rd, Clevedon

    Clevedon Farmers MarketEvery Sunday, 8.30am-12pm, Clevedon Showgrounds, Monument Rd, Clevedon

    Pine Harbour Fresh MarketEvery Saturday, 8am-12pm,Pine Harbour Marina, Jack Lachlan Dr, Beachlands

    Alfriston Country MarketFirst Saturday of each month except January, 9am-12pm,Alfriston Community Hall, Mill Road, AlfristonWalkabout/Playabout by Emma Walter

  • 4 Rural Living May - June 2015 www.ruralliving.co.nz

    From the editor...Flip-flopping temperatures and no real winter to date have fostered many a head cold and, like others, I too suc-cumbed for a day or two. But that wasnt the only unwel-come visitor at our house.

    A week or so back I woke from dozing in front of the TV to hear scrabbling in the back bedroom. Thinking it was the cat, I went to let her out only to find the window wide open.

    Initially I thought son had left it open but on closer inspection, I saw the wood was splintered and the catch, broken. Struggling to close it, I heard further scrambling as the prowler ducked away.

    What really amazed me was the brazenness of the attempt. It was 10.30pm and there were lights on, however, husband was asleep in an adjacent bed-room to the intrusion attempt.

    Goodness knows what would have happened had I actu-ally confronted the intruder. Perhaps he would have fainted with the shock of seeing me in all my nightly glory!

    Anyway, the next day the window was repaired and safety catches installed throughout the house.

    Ive always had great faith in Kiwis, so this type of thing

    really disappoints. Generally, I consider our land to be a safe place to live but increasingly I see a decline in integrity and a failure to respect the property of others.

    But, as is often the way, some good always comes out of bad. On this occasion a follow-up visit from the Police, turned up a pleasant surprise. Though attached to Counties Manukau Police, the attending officer came from Glenbrook where he and his family live on sev-eral acres of land.

    I was absolutely chuffed and we ended up chatting about the pros of living in our gorgeous Franklin district. A former Hawkes Bay lad, he told me on moving north hed checked out Aucklands eastern suburbs but having come from land, the confines of a small section didnt appeal.

    Well, heres hoping hes a Rural Living reader Im sure a few laughs over Bumpkin Banter will be a welcome relief after a day of policing!

    And, with that, readers will be pleased to read Brian Nebens good news on new road signage placed on several deceptive country corners in his area although the not so good news is the number of

    reported car conversions and burglaries in Pukekohe of late time to spur the formation of Neighbourhood Watch groups where they are lacking.

    Locals can also take advan-tage of the Police SNAP website, an initiative to help prevent property offending and which makes it harder for criminals to sell stolen goods.

    Its easy to enter and main-tain details and serial num-bers of important possessions on SNAP www.snap.org.nz which can then be accessed at any time. If items are sto-len, these asset details can be instantly retrieved then for-warded to the Police or insur-ance companies.

    Should the police recover stolen property and can match them to details in hand, they can then ascertain the material is stolen. Whats more theres a good chance you may see your goods again. Now how good is that?

    Cheers

    Helen PerryEditor

    covershot

    GROW, GROW AVO!When it comes to growing superfoods, if the Mexicans can, so can you!

    This month, Rural Living catches up with a Glenbrook pear on Trask with their dreams of growing avocados (Persea Americana).

    We also take a closer look at this versatile fruit, originally from Central America, which has become as at home in Franklin as spuds and onions.

    See pages 6-7 to read more.

    rUrAL

    PAge 8-9Over the Gate with Ag Art Wear judge, Robyn Brooks

    PAge 10Brians Diary voicing country road concerns pays off

    PAge 11Georgia sure can handle the competition. And thats no bull!

    PAge 12-13Fieldays revealing the mystery

    PAge 14Town and country not always an easy mix

    inside

    PAge 17Bumpkin Banter anecdotes and photos from readers

    PAge 20-21Thriving Dutchmans Buckland business

    [email protected]: Helen Perry DDI 09 271 8036

    Email: [email protected]:

    Kate Ockelford-Green DDI 09 271 8090 Email: [email protected] Boe DDI 09 271 8091

    Email: [email protected] Director: Clare McGillivray

    DDI 09 271 8067, Fax: 09 271 8071 Email: [email protected]

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

    [email protected] Publisher: Brian Neben

    Level 1, The Lane, Botany Town Centre, Chapel Road, Auckland

    PO Box 259-243, Botany, Auckland 2163 Ph: 09 271 8080, Fax: 09 271 8099

    DISCLAIMER: Articles published in Rural Living do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or editor. All material is provided as a general information service only. Times House Publishing Ltd does not assume or accept any responsibility for, and shall not be liable for, the accuracy or appropriate application of any information in this magazine. All the material in this magazine has the protection of international copyright. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Times House Publishing Ltd.

    A PublicAtion of times House PublisHing ltd

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

    Living

    PAge 25Reays Diary perspective from a city lass

    PAge 26-27Helene Henare scope for landscapes

    PAge 28-31Exploring fresh fields for retirement

    PAge 34The knitty-gritty of possum biz

    PAge 42Digger Dans planting tips

    PAge 43-44Backing Outback

    Marinated fish salad page 36

  • www.ruralliving.co.nz Rural Living May - June 2015 5

    Easy.From this point, till the day you move in, we are here to make things easy. Whether choosing from one of our plans, or creating something a little different, visit our website to discover the easiest way to get the home you want.

    Select from over 60 plans or modify one to suit your needs. You can choose to manage the build yourself with an A1 Kit Home, or take it a step further and have us take care of it for you.

    Call A1homes or visit our website to start building your home today.

    Your big plans made easy.Contact: Tony Smith t: 09 238 1000 m: 021 880 380 e: [email protected]

    Showhome: 8 Kilbryde Crescent, Pokeno

    Open: Tues to Fri 10am - 3pm Sat 12pm - 3pm

    Easy.From this point, till the day you move in, we are here to make things easy. Whether choosing from one of our plans, or creating something a little different, visit our website to discover the easiest way to get the home you want.

    Select from over 60 plans or modify one to suit your needs. You can choose to manage the build yourself with an A1 Kit Home, or take it a step further and have us take care of it for you.

    Call A1homes or visit our website to start building your home today.

    Your big plans made easy.Contact: Tony Smith t: 09 238 1000 m: 021 880 380 e: [email protected]

    Showhome: 8 Kilbryde Crescent, Pokeno

    Open: Tues to Fri 10am - 3pm Sat 12pm - 3pm

    Easy.From this point, till the day you move in, we are here to make things easy. Whether choosing from one of our plans, or creating something a little different, visit our website to discover the easiest way to get the home you want.

    Select from over 60 plans or modify one to suit your needs. You can choose to manage the build yourself with an A1 Kit Home, or take it a step further and have us take care of it for you.

    Call A1homes or visit our website to start building your home today.

    Your big plans made easy.Contact: Tony Smith t: 09 238 1000 m: 021 880 380 e: [email protected]

    Showhome: 8 Kilbryde Crescent, Pokeno

    Open: Tues to Fri 10am - 3pm Sat 12pm - 3pm

    Easy.From this point, till the day you move in, we are here to make things easy. Whether choosing from one of our plans, or creating something a little different, visit our website to discover the easiest way to get the home you want.

    Select from over 60 plans or modify one to suit your needs. You can choose to manage the build yourself with an A1 Kit Home, or take it a step further and have us take care of it for you.

    Call A1homes or visit our website to start building your home today.

    Your big plans made easy.Contact: Tony Smith t: 09 238 1000 m: 021 880 380 e: [email protected]

    Showhome: 8 Kilbryde Crescent, Pokeno

    Open: Tues to Fri 10am - 3pm Sat 12pm - 3pm

    53551-V4

    Contact: Mareet Carleyt: 09 238 1000 m: 027 245 6857e: [email protected]

    Showhome:8 Kilbryde Crescent, Pokeno

    Open:Tues to Fri 10am - 3pm | Sat 12pm - 3pm

    Easy.From this point, till the day you move in, we are here to make things easy. Whether choosing from one of our plans, or creating something a little different, visit our website to discover the easiest way to get the home you want.

    Select from over 60 plans or modify one to suit your needs. You can choose to manage the build yourself with an A1 Kit Home, or take it a step further and have us take care of it for you.

    Call A1homes or visit our website to start building your home today.

    Your big plans made easy.Contact: Tony Smith t: 09 238 1000 m: 021 880 380 e: [email protected]

    Showhome: 8 Kilbryde Crescent, Pokeno

    Open: Tues to Fri 10am - 3pm Sat 12pm - 3pm

  • 6 Rural Living May - June 2015 www.ruralliving.co.nz

    RURAL

    When Glenbrook couple, Bill and Ann Trask, bought an established avocado orchard 10 years ago it seems they, like a good few others around the country, recognised the ver-satility and potential of this nutritious fruit which would, if it could, be a vegetable on occasion.

    At the time the couple were living in Howick and for four years they were very much weekend bachers until they finally moved, lock, stock and barrel, to Franklin six years ago to take on full-time country life.

    Now, with their house updated and the garden sorted, their sheltered 10 acres have become a haven. The avocado orchard takes up eight acres, leaving just two paddocks for fattening a couple of cattle.

    However, because avocado leaves are toxic to livestock, the Trasks agree that a good mower is essential for keeping grass between the rows of trees under control.

    Raised in the King Country on the family farm at Oparau, Ann says country life is second nature for her. But despite being Wairoa-born, Bill has been a city boy most of his life.

    Whats more he is still jug-gling his city-based water pro-tection/sealant business with running the orchard. However, like most escapees to Franklin, he enjoys travelling into the city less and less.

    Im looking forward to the day when I dont have to com-mute especially as I enjoy the routines of orchard work.

    And, as Bill walks me around the orchard, it is soon very clear that avocados are far from being a plant and walk away option.

    Having planted predomi-nantly the premium variety, Hass, Bill says these bear heavy crops of creamy, textured fruit; Reed and Zutana varieties are dotted through as pollinators.

    The original plantings are now 20 years old so we are refreshing the orchard on two fronts. We are heavily pruning the high-producing, mature trees, and replanting some areas with fresh trees on new, disease- resistant rootstock.

    The new trees are mostly Hass, on Zutana, Lattice, or Dusa rootstock, with the Zutana variety planted in every row as pollinators. When irrigated, fertilised and mulched, Bill says they grow rapidly.

    We are lucky we can source Envirofert compost, locally made at Tuakau, he adds. Quality compost makes a big difference.

    With good shelter belts essen-tial to protect lush new growth from coastal winds, these, too, are being refreshed.

    Bill is planting with Karo/Pittosporum Crassifolium to replace the original Leylandii hedges which are ageing, and, like so many Franklin hedges, are also succumbing to fungal infection.

    He says the mature avocado trees respond surprisingly well to drastic pruning, producing new vigorous, bushy growth which soon bears heavy crops of fruit.

    The time and effort put into pre-planting preparation has proved to be greatly beneficial to the long-term vigour of the trees. However, the soil here is not perfect and we have to improve the drainage by raising the planting beds.

    That said, the soil at each planting site is worked thor-oughly with soil-conditioning compost, pumice, and extra topsoil being dug in. Each tree is also surrounded by shelter

    Ancient fruitAvocados, once maligned as a high-fat food, are now in the league of the super-foods, containing health-giving ingredients lycopene and beta-carotene as well as mono-unsaturated fats. Though a native of Mexico and Central America they grow well in New Zealand. Contributor ANNA McNAUGHTON spoke to local orchardists about this popular fruit.

    Avocados have become a kitchen favourite in this coun-try fabulous in salads, sushi and smoothies, spread on sandwiches, made into dips and even in cheesecakes.

    And, over the centuries it has been given several names its original ahuacate, butter fruit, the apple of winter and perhaps, most famously, alligator pear.

    Apart from a similarity in shape, and its slightly crocodil-ian skins the avocado has noth-ing to do with pears. It is from

    the laurel family and is native to Central and South America.

    When explorers first saw avocado trees, with their black-ish hanging fruit, they were told the local name was ahuacatl, which is more or less what much of the world still calls them.

    What most didnt realise at that time was that ahuacatl was a South American native word for testicle, which the avocado vaguely resembles. The word was also difficult for the English explorers to pronounce.

    While accounts of the origin of the alligator pear name differ, most stories are similar with one being that the name came about through the English distortion of the Mexican word aguacate which became avogado then lead to the misunderstanding of alligator pear.

    Today, there are various avo-cado varieties grown in this country. Two of the most popu-lar are Hass and Fuerte. The harvesting season for Hass is about December to April and

    for Fuerte from about July to November. Two other varie-ties, Hopkins and Reed, are har-vested from February through autumn even to June.

    The top growing regions are in the Bay of Plenty and the far north. Franklin has 30 thriving orchards but there are some challenging factors such as high winds, and some of the soil types. Ideally, the avocado (persea Americana) thrives in warm, sunny, sheltered sites, with rich, free-draining soils.

    ALLigAtor PeAr APPLe oF winterBill and Ann Trask

  • www.ruralliving.co.nz Rural Living May - June 2015 753318-v2

    cloth for the first two years; this is essential for protection from wind and frost.

    Importantly, the mulch works on two fronts suppress-ing weeds and also encouraging a healthy mat of fibrous feeder roots, close to the surface.

    The main threat to trees is the fungal infection, Phytophlera which can cause total collapse of trees; the use of resistant root-stocks is the main protection.

    In addition, regular injec-tions of a commercially-pro-duced fungicide large trees require 12 to 15 jabs around the trunk is also recommended although its a time-consuming insurance policy!

    Bill also checks trees regularly for insect infestations, thrips and leaf roller and, when flowering peaks in August and September, he brings in beehives to ensure good pollination.

    Fruiting is often biennial, although, uniquely, our climate enables healthy trees to bear new fruit and mature fruit at the same time, he says.

    With great camaraderie amongst growers, Bill and Anna say information is read-ily shared, which adds to the enjoyment of fruit growing. Sharing this sought-after fruit with family and friends and hav-ing a great supply for the home kitchen are added pluses.

    Country life, they agree, has its peace and quiet but it has also delivered them with a new interest which has proved prof-itable in more ways than one.

    comPAnion FrUit sees growing oPPortUnitiesWith avocado orchards pro-ducing ripe fruit between October and April, the season fits around the pruning and harvesting of kiwifruit.

    At Glenbrook, Dave French grows avocados and kiwifruit. He also coordinates the local harvesting team, with most of the 30 local orchardists sending their fruit to Kari Pak at Katikati, to be marketed by Avoco.

    Avoco is the result of a merger between Primor Produce, and Southern Produce, with the new company succeeding in getting better outcomes for growers.

    Odd sized fruit or fruit with blemishes, are processed for quality oils; the top graded fruit is sought-after in Australia, as well as the USA, Japan, and Singapore. New markets are being developed in Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and Taiwan.

    The market for fruit locally and internationally is outpac-ing supply, says Dave. This is giving growers every confidence to invest in their orchards.

    Research funding, sup-ported by the Primary Growth Partnership, has been allocated to identify best practice for avocado growing. Participating growers and scientists are col-lating facts and figures.

    There is a huge variation in production, between orchards, says Dave. Identifying man-agement techniques, soils and microclimates which consist-ently obtain better results, will be of huge value to the whole avocado growing business.

    RURAL

  • 8 Rural Living May - June 2015 www.ruralliving.co.nz

    What do you think makes Ag Art Wear such a popular attraction and have you judged before?

    It adds an extra component and goes to show you dont have to just love tractors to be part of Fieldays! I know a lot of stu-dents enter; its a great way to be creative outside of school or work.

    I try and have a look most years and Ive judged at Ag Art Wear a few times before, so Im hoping there are some new materials being used this year!

    The competition comprises three categories (Designer Traditional, Avant Garde and Classroom Couture). What will you and your fellow judge [sculptor Adrian Worsley] be looking for from entrants?

    It will depend on what the brief is for each category, but origi-nality is always a huge factor across the board.

    I have looked up Adrians work and was blown away by it; its amazing! He is obviously very talented and creative and Im sure his sculptural eye will offer a completely different view on the garments than my fashion eye.

    Do you think judging Ag Art Wear will add to your creden-tials in the fashion world?

    Im not sure if it will benefit me in that way, but I really enjoy doing things outside the shop but still to do with fashion. I like

    being involved in the commu-nity and in encouraging young designers.

    Considering your rural roots, these days are you more fashionista than farmer, and since your family moved to Cambridge in 2000, do you still live on the land?

    Im definitely more a fashioni-sta these days, but I do miss liv-ing on a farm! We had over 1000 acres in Onewhero and mum and dad were there for 20 years. Being raised on a farm provided such an amazing childhood and I wouldnt change it for any-thing.

    My family now has 76 acres in Cambridge with horses and cattle, but I live in town with my dog, Wilson, and partner Ben. I really miss living in the country but at least Cambridge isnt such a big town and its a gorgeous place to live.

    You were a competitive show-jumper. Were you a member of any local clubs, what level did you achieve and do you still find time to ride? Do you have horses?

    We originally moved to Cambridge as it was really cen-tral for show jumping. Mark, Kit (my two brothers) and I would travel all over the North Island competing at the top level. Sadly, I dont have time to ride anymore and I really miss it, but at least I can jump on my brothers polo ponies now and then for a quick fix!

    with

    robyn BrooksThe GATe

    over

    While former All Black Robin Brooke may have been a legend on the paddock, Onewheros own Robyn Brooks is equally at home with the catwalk or the sheep run. Set to judge the upcoming Ag Art Wear competition at Fieldays (June 10-13) the founder of fashion label, Ooby Ryn, spoke to Rural Living Over the Gate.

    RURAL

    Shaun Chisnall is owner/operator of Timberline Contracting, who specialise in the safe, controlled topping/felling of trees. Often shelterbelts are removed when they get too big, as there wasnt an alternative, but now you can still have the advantage of having shelter, but at a manageable height. Timberline Contractings specialty is those shelter belts that have been left too long and are now too big for shelterbelt trimmers to handle. Controlled removal along driveways, boundaries and close to buildings are a big part of Shauns work.

    Shelterbelt Topping Shelterbelt Removal Difficult & confined space tree removalVisit our website to view a video of our services

    Locally owned and operated

    A smarter-safer approach to your growing problem!

    For an obligation-free quote, call Shaun on 027 354 5475or for more information www.timberlinecontracting.co.nz 53849

    HELP USHELP NATURE

    With so many of New Zealands unique native animals, plants and habitats at risk we need your support to give nature a greater voice.

    Forest & Bird are an independent not-for-profi t organisation. We have been protecting New Zealand natural environment on land and in the sea, since 1923. As the governor general said in 2009, It is diffi cult to imagine New Zealand without the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society.

    Become a Natures voice member and you will receive complimentary membership of Forest & Bird, and with your additional support you will be helping us protect and restore our environment, ensuring that there will always be a natural environment for you and your children.

    For the price of a couple of coffees each week, you can help Forest & Bird protect and restore of New Zealands unique wildlife and wild places.

    Help us help nature at www.forestandbird.org.nz/joinus

    Photo: David Hallett

    HELP USHELP NATURE

    With so many of New Zealands unique native animals, plants and habitats at risk we need your support to give nature a greater voice.

    Forest & Bird are an independent not-for-profi t organisation. We have been protecting New Zealand natural environment on land and in the sea, since 1923. As the governor general said in 2009, It is diffi cult to imagine New Zealand without the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society.

    Become a Natures voice member and you will receive complimentary membership of Forest & Bird, and with your additional support you will be helping us protect and restore our environment, ensuring that there will always be a natural environment for you and your children.

    For the price of a couple of coffees each week, you can help Forest & Bird protect and restore of New Zealands unique wildlife and wild places.

    Help us help nature at www.forestandbird.org.nz/joinus

    Photo: David Hallett

    HELP USHELP NATURE

    With so many of New Zealands unique native animals, plants and habitats at risk we need your support to give nature a greater voice.

    Forest & Bird are an independent not-for-profi t organisation. We have been protecting New Zealand natural environment on land and in the sea, since 1923. As the governor general said in 2009, It is diffi cult to imagine New Zealand without the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society.

    Become a Natures voice member and you will receive complimentary membership of Forest & Bird, and with your additional support you will be helping us protect and restore our environment, ensuring that there will always be a natural environment for you and your children.

    For the price of a couple of coffees each week, you can help Forest & Bird protect and restore of New Zealands unique wildlife and wild places.

    Help us help nature at www.forestandbird.org.nz/joinus

    Photo: David Hallett

  • www.ruralliving.co.nz Rural Living May - June 2015 9

    What did you study at the University of Waikato and how did it help you establish yourself in the fashion indus-try?

    I first studied nursing, but I couldnt handle the blood, or any smells, so I lasted only a year! It helped me realise Im definitely the creative type. I switched to media arts and although I did finish, afterwards I followed my real passion, for fashion. Thats when I started Ooby Ryn.

    I used to make all my own clothes while I was at uni try-ing to decide what I was going to do when I left. It should have been obvious to me that I was meant to be doing fashion, but sometimes it takes a while to realise that you can actually do something you love as a job and not just a hobby.

    You were Verge Breakthrough Designer at Air New Zealand Fashion Week in 2006. How did it feel to win and what acco-lades have you won since?

    It was an amazing opportunity and a real privilege to be men-tored by Neil Brabant and Ian Webster of Verge clothing. Since then I havent looked back; from opening a store in Cambridge in late 2006, to hav-

    ing our lines stocked in bou-tiques all around New Zealand.

    We have won several Waipa Business Awards, the Top Shop Start Up Business Award at the Waikato Top Shop Awards in 2007, and since 2009 weve won numerous Fashion in the Field competitions too.

    Is it tough running a fashion label from a rural town and to what do you owe your suc-cess?

    Its been hard being based in Cambridge rather than in the main city centres, but I wouldnt want to move. I enjoy being away from the city, maybe thats what inspires me!

    Having said that, I have a PR agent in Auckland, Lily & Louis. They have been a great help and, because Im not based in Auckland, they take care of all the media aspects of Ooby Ryn.

    Oh, and my mum has been the best! I definitely couldnt have done any of this without her and Dad!

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

    I would love a mango farm! I love it and eat it like its going out of fashion. Its great in smoothies, salads or as a snack.

    If you could design outfits for

    the Queen, what and why?

    The Queen? Wow, that would be fantastic! I guess something very classic and elegant with a stylish fur to keep her warm.

    If you could invite any fashion designers to dinner (living or dead) who and why?

    I would probably invite inter-national designers, Alexander McQueen and Roberto Cavalli. These guys have made it big time. Id probably be speechless at the dinner table but it would be amazing just to hear about their design aesthetic and how they have made it on an interna-tional scale.

    RURAL

    Licensed REAA 2008

    M. 021 955 141 A/h. 09 232 0000 Papakura Branch 09 298 8029

    R10

    114-

    v2

    Robyn Brooks

  • 10 Rural Living May - June 2015 www.ruralliving.co.nzR100050-V8

    You love them like family... we feed them like family

    DRURY - 222 Great South Road Ph 294 7266

    KARAKA - 681 Karaka Road Ph 294 7831 www.animalstuff.co.nz

    Opening hours: Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5.30pm Sat 9am - 2pm

    At Animal Stuff were part of the family too and were passionate about helping you make the right food choice for your animals.

    So visit our friendly and knowledgeable team in store and see the best quality and largest range of animal feed in Franklin County.

    CALF FEED DAIRY FEED HORSE FEED POULTRY FEED

    TAKANINI - 192 Aireld Road Ph 299 9786

    RFEB15

    R100050-V12

    Wow, doesnt time go quickly? Its only three weeks until the shortest day of the year and were also heading for the half way mark of 2015.

    Its been a busy time for me just keeping my property ship-shape. My annual task of clearing the leaf fall from our London plane trees is a massive job which I mention every year.

    Unfortunately, we usually have to burn a lot of the leaves as our compost bins, which are huge, can only hold so many leaves.

    Some time ago, I did mention I had burnt a lot of leaves then I had a few email complaints thrown at me re-polluting the air together with some other minor details.

    I did contact one of the com-plainants and issued an invi-tation to come and pick up as many leaves as wanted for their compost. Guess what? No one arrived!

    Its just two months since I wrote about our drought con-ditions and the tiny amount of water in our ponds. They were about 1.5 metres below normal.

    At the moment they are over-

    fl owing and looking like the great ponds they normally are. And the ducks the ones that have survived the shooters are making normal landings, too.

    Even my six hens have not enjoyed this time of the year as we went for a week or two with-out getting any eggs. However, it was most pleasing to go down this morning at feeding time and see a nice, big, newly-laid egg waiting. Hope this is a sign

    of a new laying cycle. Unfortunately, Im fi nding

    grass-growing has slowed con-siderably over the past couple of weeks which has meant I have started to feed out my hay. Thankfully, a great spring made it a super hay season.

    One task I havent done is to fertilise my paddocks which should have been done early in autumn. I think this is affecting my grass growth now. So, I will certainly make amends come spring to keep things thriving.

    In one of my columns last year, I made some observations regarding several bad corners on the road where we live. Soon

    after these were published I received a visit from councils traffi c authority and we chatted about my comments.

    Several weeks later, highly visible refl ective arrows were installed on those corners, so drivers now have no reason to misjudge the corner angles. I think those responsible for the improvements have done a splendid job and it will certainly keep our road safer and, hope-fully, accident-free.

    Finally, and somewhat unfor-tunately, the Chiefs have had to play the referee as well as opposing teams of late! Go the Chiefs!

    shorter days PLentY oF JoBsBrian Neben

    publishes Rural Living and

    is also an avid lifestyle farmer

    COUNTRY LAD

    RURAL

    Brian checks out pond levels and is hopeful his chickens, left, are back in laying mode.

  • www.ruralliving.co.nz Rural Living May - June 2015 11

    To ace the competition at a national event, it will take more than a cow (or two) from Tuakau; itll take an Outrageous effort from a bull-ish young local.

    After recently securing the title of Northern Districts Senior Beef Handler (with the help of her Belgian Blue bull, Outrageous Bodacious), Georgia Whitworth has been busy pre-paring to compete for a national title and the chance to represent New Zealand in Australia.

    When she learnt of her win by email, Georgia says she liter-ally jumped for joy.

    [The winner] was supposed to be announced at the last event in Kumeu, but I didnt actually find out until about a month afterwards.

    I was pretty sure I had it, but there was another girl (Amber Doggett) who was close on

    points, so the wait was quite tense, she says.

    When I found out Id won, I was so excited that I was run-ning around the house jumping! Going to nationals is a bit scary; Im confident but nervous at the same time.

    Despite being the young-est competitor in the Northern Districts region, age has proved no barrier for Georgia (13) dur-ing a competition which has pitted her against handlers up to 20 years of age.

    I was about 11 when I began competing, but this was my first season in the senior category. I was up against people up to the age of 20 this time; it was pretty scary. It was great to win, but theres a lot of work to do now, she adds.

    From now until Labour Weekend when Georgia and Bodi will head to the Hawkes

    Bay A&P Show to represent Northern Districts theres some hard graft in store.

    I have to raise about $2500. Ive been doing it little by little with some sponsorship and Ill be selling a horse too, Georgia says.

    Every little bit helps, adds proud mum and assistant han-dler, Marie, Georgia has been very busy with fundraising. Its not just about transport for her and Bodi, its also to house and feed them for a week as well.

    While the competition is a one-day event, Georgia will also participate in a young judges course at the show.

    Shes quite committed; I run a relief milking business and Georgias been up early in the mornings to help milk and raise a bit of money. Shes really stepped up to the plate!

    When asked if Georgia has

    what it takes to win and per-haps go on to represent New Zealand at the Sydney Royal Easter Show next year, Marie answers simply with a quick and definite Yes!

    She has the knowledge and the ability; shell just need to be confident when she walks into that ring.

    Good answer! adds Georgia, grinning.

    Until then, the Whitworths will be hoping that, come Labour Weekend, nothing can beat sweet Georgia and her blues!

    To read more about Georgia and her Belgian Blue breeding programme (known as Tru Blu), see Rural Livings July-August 2013 issue at ruralliving.co.nz. Any assistance with sponsor-ship is welcome simply email Marie at [email protected].

    nationals on georgiAs mindWhile Auckland rugby fans may be well used to seeing the Blues lose, one particular blue from Tuakau has enjoyed quite a winning run, as JON RAWLINSON explains.

    Georgia Whitworth with her Belgian Blue bull, Outrageous Bodacious. Photo Wayne Martin

  • 12 Rural Living May - June 2015 www.ruralliving.co.nz

    PROFARMRURAL & LIFESTYLE

    18 Elliott Street, PapakuraPhone (09) 298 7767

    8.00am - 5pm Mon - Fri8.30am - 2.30pm Sat

    Cnr Madill & George Street, TuakauPhone (09) 236 8228

    8.00am - 5pm Mon - Fri8.30am - 12 noon Sat ALL PRICES GST INCLUSIVEValid until 31-05-15

    OUTBACK OILSKINVEST

    Retail $110.50

    SPECIAL$89.95

    40KG WORKING DOGSTATION BISCUITS

    Retail $99.00

    SPECIAL$87.00

    5 PIECE FLEECE PACKCOMPANION Retail $119.50SPECIAL $79.00

    TECHNIFLEECECOMPANION T-SHIRTRetail $37.80SPECIAL $19.95 ea

    OUTBACK OILSKINSHORT SLEEVED VEST

    Retail $119.00SPECIAL$99.95

    PERMANENT WIRESTRAINERS

    Retail $3.42 each

    SPECIAL$2.49each

    20LTR UNIVERSALTRACTOR OIL

    Retail $157.00

    SPECIAL$137.00

    OUTBACKOILSKINRIDINGCOATRetail $188.00

    SPECIAL$159.95

    PROFARMRURAL & LIFESTYLE

    18 Elliott Street, PapakuraPhone (09) 298 7767

    8.00am - 5pm Mon - Fri8.30am - 2.30pm Sat

    Cnr Madill & George Street, TuakauPhone (09) 236 8228

    8.00am - 5pm Mon - Fri8.30am - 12 noon Sat ALL PRICES GST INCLUSIVEValid until 31-05-15

    OUTBACK OILSKINVEST

    Retail $110.50

    SPECIAL$89.95

    40KG WORKING DOGSTATION BISCUITS

    Retail $99.00

    SPECIAL$87.00

    5 PIECE FLEECE PACKCOMPANION Retail $119.50SPECIAL $79.00

    TECHNIFLEECECOMPANION T-SHIRTRetail $37.80SPECIAL $19.95 ea

    OUTBACK OILSKINSHORT SLEEVED VEST

    Retail $119.00SPECIAL$99.95

    PERMANENT WIRESTRAINERS

    Retail $3.42 each

    SPECIAL$2.49each

    20LTR UNIVERSALTRACTOR OIL

    Retail $157.00

    SPECIAL$137.00

    OUTBACKOILSKINRIDINGCOATRetail $188.00

    SPECIAL$159.95 PROFARMRURAL & LIFESTYLE

    18 Elliott Street, PapakuraPhone (09) 298 7767

    8.00am - 5pm Mon - Fri8.30am - 2.30pm Sat

    Cnr Madill & George Street, TuakauPhone (09) 236 8228

    8.00am - 5pm Mon - Fri8.30am - 12 noon Sat ALL PRICES GST INCLUSIVEValid until 31-05-15

    OUTBACK OILSKINVEST

    Retail $110.50

    SPECIAL$89.95

    40KG WORKING DOGSTATION BISCUITS

    Retail $99.00

    SPECIAL$87.00

    5 PIECE FLEECE PACKCOMPANION Retail $119.50SPECIAL $79.00

    TECHNIFLEECECOMPANION T-SHIRTRetail $37.80SPECIAL $19.95 ea

    OUTBACK OILSKINSHORT SLEEVED VEST

    Retail $119.00SPECIAL$99.95

    PERMANENT WIRESTRAINERS

    Retail $3.42 each

    SPECIAL$2.49each

    20LTR UNIVERSALTRACTOR OIL

    Retail $157.00

    SPECIAL$137.00

    OUTBACKOILSKINRIDINGCOATRetail $188.00

    SPECIAL$159.95

    KAT3887

    PROFARMRURAL & LIFESTYLE

    18 Elliott Street, PapakuraPhone (09) 298 7767

    8.00am - 5pm Mon - Fri8.30am - 2.30pm Sat

    Cnr Madill & George Street, TuakauPhone (09) 236 8228

    8.00am - 5pm Mon - Fri8.30am - 12 noon Sat ALL PRICES GST INCLUSIVEValid until 31-05-15

    OUTBACK OILSKINVEST

    Retail $110.50

    SPECIAL$89.95

    40KG WORKING DOGSTATION BISCUITS

    Retail $99.00

    SPECIAL$87.00

    5 PIECE FLEECE PACKCOMPANION Retail $119.50SPECIAL $79.00

    TECHNIFLEECECOMPANION T-SHIRTRetail $37.80SPECIAL $19.95 ea

    OUTBACK OILSKINSHORT SLEEVED VEST

    Retail $119.00SPECIAL$99.95

    PERMANENT WIRESTRAINERS

    Retail $3.42 each

    SPECIAL$2.49each

    20LTR UNIVERSALTRACTOR OIL

    Retail $157.00

    SPECIAL$137.00

    OUTBACKOILSKINRIDINGCOATRetail $188.00

    SPECIAL$159.95 Manufacturers and suppliers of the

    Original N.Z. made Stockfeeder.

    [email protected] 0800 104 404 www.stockfeeders.co.nz

    Round, Oval and Rectangular feeders, plus Feed Fence lengths available for Cattle, Deer and Sheep.

    Simplify big bale feeding

    Stop wasting hay & silage

    Easy to assemble, fill & move

    100% N.Z. made

    Delivery in 7 Days

    KAT3895

    With New Zealands largest agribusiness expo again set to impress crowds at Mystery Creek in Hamilton, this month we take a closer look at just some of our favourite attrac-tions.

    While Fieldays is a Mecca for farmers, theres plenty there for lifestylers and even town-ies too. In addition to products (with many adaptable for the smaller scale property), ideas are in abundance as experts on everything from chicken coops to hunting and fishing flock together.

    And, dont forget to bring an appetite and a thirst for enter-tainment! With food stalls and demonstrations galore, Fieldays has plenty to tickle the taste buds and the funny bones.

    innovAtion centreA popular attraction, the

    Innovation Centre showcases the work of crafty Kiwis at

    the cutting edge (and from the grassroots) of agricultural technology. With prizes on the line, the centre is sure to have visitors uttering those oft-heard words, Now, why didnt I think of that?!

    Launching many a product onto the market, Innovations success stories include that of the Kindling Cracker, by Ayla Hutchinson see page 26 of Rural Livings Feb-Mar 2014 issue to read more.

    Kiwis Best KitchenWhats cooking in Fieldays

    kitchen? Designed to show-case quality food and bever-ages, Kiwis Best Kitchen brings together a rich menu of culinary products and demonstrations.

    This year, visitors will sample tips from Masterchef NZs 2010 winner, Brett McGregor, as well as duo Karena and Kasey Bird who swooped down to claim the Masterchef title last year.

    Fieldays is near again!

    Storage Solutions

    Buy at the Home Show

    For blokes with sheds, families with laundries, farmers with tools, tradespeople with gear

    and gardeners with shovels

    Where Tools Hang Out

    R20163-V2

    RURAL

  • www.ruralliving.co.nz Rural Living May - June 2015 13

    And, if that wasnt enough top-ping off this three star line-up is Michael Van de Elzen, of Food Truck and Family Recipes fame.

    Kiwis Best Kitchen is located in the busy Rural Living area. Its definitely worth a visit by crafty cooks... or even just enter-prising eaters for that matter!

    no.8 wire nAtionAL Art AwArd

    Some would say a beautifully constructed fence is enough to constitute a work of art and, in many ways, theyd be right! Because ingenuity has always been an essential tool for rural life, Fieldays celebrates No.8 wire thinking in quite a literal way with its No.8 Wire National Art Award. Using this material, each year artists create some amazing pieces with thousands of dollars in prizes up for grabs.

    From June 5-29 Finalists art-works are on display not too far from Mystery Creek at ArtsPost Galleries & Shop, 120 Victoria Street, Hamilton.

    rUrAL BAcheLor oF the YeAr

    To the Rural Living team, see-ing strapping farm boys dain-tily serving high tea is a feature of Fieldays not to be missed! Oh and theyll undertake some more blokey, farming-related challenges too, of course. Keep an eye out for details of when and where these challenges take place across the Mystery Creek site.

    Unfortunately, Franklin boys will not be amongst the eight

    finalists competing for the Rural Bachelor title and the golden gumboot. We think this is sim-ply because Franklin ladies love our lads so much that all the best ones have already been snapped up!

    Ag Art weArLifestylers may dress to

    impress at times, however wed get some strange looks from the neighbours (let alone the cows) if we were to be seen out in the paddock donning this garb! And yet, the garments showcased during the Ag Art Wear com-petition are always an attrac-tion as creativity takes the fore. Challenging artists to create garments from materials found

    on the farm, this competition culminates in a spectacular cat-walk production. So expect the unconventional and you wont be disappointed!

    See pages 8-9 to read our interview with Onewhero-raised designer and Ag Art Wear judge, Robyn Brooks.

    new ZeALAnd nAtionAL Fencing chAmPionshiP

    Although their lives may not be on the line, many of the par-ticipants in this event make a living from lining rural proper-ties. Seeing New Zealands top fencers battle it out during the parry and thrust of fierce com-petition is quite the experience.

    And keep an eye out for former

    world fencing champion, Nick Liefting from Bombay. As this is expected to be his last event, were cheering Liefting to be lifting the title by events end. Nick will no doubt be easily identified if wearing his famous pink stubbies!

    trActor PULLThe wait is almost over before

    the weight really does go on! Forget city boys and their dear little cars, this is how country kids race, and during the Tractor Pull youll experience more grunt and noise than could be expected at Hampton Downs.

    See fieldays.co.nz for more infor-mation and a full programme.

    Local fencer Nick Liefting at New Zealand Rural Games earlier this year.

  • 14 Rural Living May - June 2015 www.ruralliving.co.nz

    RURAL

    By Neil Dent, partner, Gi ord Devine

    The popularity of life-style and farm park type subdivisions is ever increasing as city dwellers look to the fresh air and open spaces of country living.

    There is, however, the possibil-ity of a clash between a city dwell-ers desire for a peaceful existence in the countryside and a farmers need to continue to farm their land as always.

    The thought of moving to the country brings visions of the rural idyll.

    Sometimes, however, its not until the city dweller actually lives in the country that they real-ise that its not as peaceful as they thought and they may have to cope with:

    Birdscarers, wind machines and low-fl ying helicopters at 4am

    Stock movements at any time of the day (or night), weekends included

    Truck movements both stock, milk and other carting such as hay

    Insecticide and herbicide spraying, seven days a week

    Armies of pickers turning up Dust

    LocAL AUthoritY consent notice:

    As a condition of a subdivi-sion consent in rural areas for lifestyle-type developments, local authorities will often impose a requirement that a no objection consent notice is registered on a title to a property.

    This notifi es a purchaser that the property is in a rural area and the property owner will not object

    to normal rural activi-ties taking place.

    Where a local author-ity doesnt impose this consent notice (or even when they do), its pru-dent for rural subdivid-ers to register a specifi c covenant on the title

    forbidding a purchaser or future owner of the property objecting to the rural activities carried out on the adjacent land.

    This type of covenant can have more practical force than the council consent notice as its a direct covenant between land-owners.

    testing the cAse:Its also important to ensure that

    the balance of your farm property is protected in its use of access-ways, water and other services.

    An example is the case[1] where a farmer subdivided off a farm cottage and sold the cottage as a lifestyle block, reserving to itself a right-of-way (RoW) for the main farm.

    The RoW was much wider than a standard RoW because it was the principal access to the farms woolshed and cattle yards and there was room for mobs of cattle and sheep to be held and assem-bled and for stock trucks to turn.

    There was a formed track going through the RoW, but the RoW itself was signifi cantly wider and of a different shape than the track.

    A subsequent purchaser of the lifestyle cottage objected to the use of the RoW by the farm and went to court for an order that the RoW, notwithstanding its legally surveyed width, should be limited to the formed track and that there should be no access to and egress

    from the track other than at the beginning and end of it.

    The stock movements across the full RoW and comings and goings of trucks were causing annoyance to the lifestyler who saw the RoW as a simple right of access only.

    The court had little hesitation in fi nding the farmer had the abso-lute right to use the full surveyed width of the RoW for stock move-ment and assembly, and to access it where preferred.

    The terms of the easement of the RoW were the usual terms applied in RoW easements under the Property Law Act.

    So while in this case the farmer was successful, the court did note that the lifestyle cottage purchaser simply didnt appreciate why the RoW was specifi cally designed and created.

    The case shows that if youre thinking of subdividing and cre-ating lifestyle blocks, you need to consider carefully what rights your farm needs to retain.

    In this case it was access, but it could just as easily have been rights to water, or the right to spray, create dust, or any number of activities that might seem the norm to a lifetime farmer, but which a city dweller may never have encountered before.

    Careful thought needs to be given to the wording of easements and land covenants to protect your right to farm and also alert a purchaser to what living in the country actually means.

    Neil Dent is a partner in Hastings law fi rm, Gifford Devine. This article was fi rst published in the Summer 2014 edition of Rural eSpeaking, the client e-newsletter of NZ LAW member fi rms. Gifford Devine is a member of NZ LAW.

    town and country not ALwAYs A good miX

  • www.ruralliving.co.nz Rural Living May - June 2015 15

    Agrecovery is expecting a new promotion will help kick start more into joining its war on rural rubbish.

    The organisation is giving away a Suzuki DR200 Trojan farm bike, valued at almost $6000, says Agrecovery Foundation chair and Matamata dairy farmer, Adrienne Wilcock.

    To enter the draw, partici-pants need to take containers to an Agrecovery collection site before the end of June see agrecovery.co.nz for details.

    In year one we collected 32,850kg and now we expect to reach 230,000kg, taking us well past one million kg overall, Adrienne says. Its a significant milestone for sustainability in

    the primary sector, so were cel-ebrating with this giveaway!

    Laid end to end, 1 million kg of containers would stretch approximately 325km, or the length of New Zealands second longest river, the Clutha.

    The Agrecovery container programme, which started in 2007, offers farmers and grow-ers free recycling of plastic con-tainers from collection points nationwide.

    Farmers and growers have avoided using the equivalent of 8,500 cubic metres of farm dumps, or unnecessarily pollut-ing the air and land by burning the plastic, Mrs Wilcox adds.

    For details see www.agrecov-ery.co.nz.

    rUrAL re-cYcLing tAKes new tUrn

    RURAL

    Agrecovery is giving away a Suzuki DR200 Trojan farm bike with Kick start your winter clean up promotion.

    As winter advances farmers and lifestylers especially newbies to rural living are reminded that this is a high-risk period for vehicle and machinery-related injuries.

    WorkSafe Agriculture man-ager Al McCone says the tail end of autumn sees lots of clean-up activity and farmers doing jobs that have been put off just as conditions get worse.

    The weather is getting colder and wetter while farmers get to tasks that they dont do fre-quently. Its a timely reminder for farmers to think about the risks associated with those

    changes, with more jobs as the days get shorter, McCone says.

    While quad-bikes are com-monly associated with farm vehicle incidents, tractors and other machinery are also involved in a large number of injuries and deaths.

    The stark fact is that nearly four out of five work-related deaths in agriculture happen as a result of machine or vehicle-related incidents, Mr McCone says.

    A total of 10,000 people suffered vehicle/machinery-related injuries on farms in the last six years this resulted in

    ACC claims of $60 million. Incidents can range from

    slips and falls to serious injury or loss of life, for instance, crushing when a tractor rolls, being struck by a mobile plant or front loaders, or being caught in equipment such as an uncov-ered power take-off shaft.

    Before beginning any job, Mr McCone says stop and consider what needs to be watched for and how to complete the job safely no matter how often you have done it before.

    Injuries often happen when people are doing routine tasks they have done many times,

    especially when they are under time pressure.

    That last job in the afternoon could turn out to be the last job ever. Farmers make important farming decisions every day the amount of fertiliser to use, choice of bull, where to move stock.

    The decisions involving which vehicle to use, the time you need to allocate to a task, or how to involve the kids are even more important. They are the ones that cost lives.For more information on staying safe on your farm, go to www.saferfarms.org.nz

    risky time for farmers

    Phone 0800 456 789 [email protected] www.ruralliving.co.nz

    Be in our next issue booking deadline June 15

    Got something to say?Tell us what is happening we want to know what you think...

    what you like... what you want to see in Rural Living

  • 16 Rural Living May - June 2015 www.ruralliving.co.nz

    RURAL

    Growing a better batch of bar-ley was a Joy to behold; in fact, it was a downright Darling experience for a Kiwi couple recently.

    Producing 13.8 tonnes per hectare, Warren and Joy Darling from Timaru surpassed the Guinness World Record of 12.2 tonnes, held since 1989 by Scottish grower, Stockton Park.

    Its only just started to sink in, Warren says. Its strange to realise that we are the best in the world at this, but Im relieved and proud of our effort!

    We used a lot of Bayer prod-ucts [which helped] control diseases that could otherwise affect the crop; it was great to have that science to draw on.

    Dr Holger Detje Bayer New Zealand managing director is delighted with the role his com-pany played, providing seed treatment and a weed and dis-ease control programme.

    We are particularly pleased that [our] crop protection solu-tions safeguarded the Darlings magnificent barley crop. When suppliers of specialised inputs collaborate with skilled farm-ers like Warren and Joy, very healthy crops with excellent yields are the result, he says.

    The realisation of the record

    shows New Zealand farmers are among the best in the world [and it helps] ensure we will be successful in producing healthy and sufficient food for people worldwide.

    To read more about bar-ley grown locally, see page 14 of Rural Livings Feb-March 2015 issue, www.ruralliving.co.nz.

    with the grAin...Barley is primarily used as

    livestock feed, in beer and whis-key as well as in breads, soups, biscuits and porridge.

    One of the most widely culti- vated cereal crops in the world alongside wheat, maize and rice it is the highest in fibre of all the whole grains.

    Thanks largely to climate, barley yields in NZ are amongst the highest in the world.

    Barley is from the grass family and is thought to be the worlds oldest cultivated grain. It has been found in settlements dating back 23,000 years.

    Gladiators believed barley increased strength and stamina.

    Edward II standardised the inch as being equal to three grains of barley, dry and round, placed end to end lengthwise. The foot, the yard, the mile and all other English measurements followed on.

    Kiwi duo BeAt BArLeY record

    David Weith (Bayer Regional Sales Manager); Colin Dunstan (Bayer Seed Treatment Specialist); Joy Darling; Warren Darling; Holger Detje (Bayer Head of CropScience). Photo supplied

    By the time Dear John read his letter she was gone. However, after decades in Pukekohe, its clear John Deere is here to stay!

    And yet, AGrowQuip will soon set out from its Pukekohe home to take its John Deere show on the road during Fieldays (June 10-13).

    Fieldays offers a great oppor-tunity for farmers, lifestylers and country people in general to network, says AGrowQuip sales rep, Ben Peneamena.

    But its more than that; it really does allow us to put our best foot forward and showcase what we and John Deere offer.

    Despite its reputation as a brand for the big boys, Ben says a major reason AGrowQuip spe-cialises in John Deere is because it provides for the lifestyle mar-ket, too.

    Lifestylers often have the same tasks to complete, just on a smaller scale. Thankfully, John Deere has always catered for them with everything from ride-on mowers through to

    harvesters. If we didnt think they could serve our locals, we wouldnt stock their gear!

    Ben says one little Deere which is bound to turn heads at Fieldays is the 4105 compact utility tractor.

    With 68-inch wheel bases, these little beauties are smaller in size so are particularly suited to lifestylers. But because they boast 40.5 horse power engines and can be fitted with a wide range of attachments, theyre big on performance and can effectively do the work of a whole fleet of larger machines.

    Ben is also expecting John Deeres 550 Gator utility vehi-cle to be snapped up.

    Theres been a lot in the news about quad bike accidents, but what other way is there to access all parts of the farm? Well, that was the thinking that led to the Gator. Designed spe-cifically so safety wont take a back seat, thanks to a host of features, Gators can take on most jobs suited to quad bikes.

    As a special Fieldays offer, the

    John Deere 4105 can be driven away for only $8990 + GST plus two more same payments, one in 12 months and the other in 24 months with 0% interest. The 550 Gators can be driven away from only $14,990 + GST.

    Details of these and more offers are available on our web-site, by calling us, or simply by stopping by, adds Ben.

    AGrowQuip will showcase its wares at Fieldays stand M51-57.

    Ben and the AGrowQuipteam will be on hand to answer ques-tions.

    When youre investing in a working vehicle, theres no sub-stitute for one-to-one advice. And, of course, we have the expertise to assist with parts and specialist servicing too.AGrowQuipComrie Place, PukekohePh (09) 237 0043www.agrowquip.co.nz

    PUKeKohes deere heArt

  • www.ruralliving.co.nz Rural Living May - June 2015 17

    Check out our prices this Winter!

    CALF MEAL A 16% protein textured calf meal.

    $22.30 for 25kg

    CALF PRO PLUS20.5% protein meal containing Bovatec.

    $24.40 for 25kg

    CALF PLUS

    $22.90 for 25kg

    16% protein. Contains Bovatec for control of coccidiosis and improved live weight gain.

    PROUDLY MAKING

    STOCKFOOD SINCE 1957

    Do not allow dogs and horses access to feeds containing Bovatec. Prices subject to change.

    53840-V18

    Kiwi duo BeAt BArLeY record Bumpkin BanterAnother month of Bumpkin Banter comical anecdotes, cute photographs and other bits and bobs sent in by our readers. Keep sending us your briefs, trivia and photos of country life email to [email protected].

    gAme LAss gets her mAnBrowsing through a scrap-book recently I came across a photo of a visitor. Her pretty face brought back a memory I thought Id share with read-ers.

    When daughter made the big OE a few years back we had another young lass to stay and she was quite something.

    My husband was frequently heard to mutter trollop under his breath while I preferred to think of her as just flirtatious although I must admit she did like the guys I noticed she has a habit of draping herself seduc-tively over my son whenever possible.

    Of course, mostly she was quite harmless, extremely even tempered and hardly made a peep, we couldnt have hoped for a better guest.

    But there was another side to this young madam. When the prey was really to her liking there came that steely glint in her eye and she was relentless in the chase, not giving up until she got what she wanted.

    Give her a chance and shell have those claws into you as

    quick as a flash, I warned our son who didnt seem in the least perturbed.

    Then one day it came to a head. It must have been 1am or later when I heard a dreadful squealing. I leapt from the bed raced to the window and there was our sassy young miss with that butter wouldnt melt in my mouth look paw-ing some poor innocent.

    I was furious. Not only was my sleep dis-turbed but she refused to come in or even look my way as I tried hissing discreetly to, get inside this minute!

    But it would never have done to wake the neighbours so, resolving to give her a good tell-ing off in the morning, I shut the window and went back to bed.

    Come 7am, I peeped through the curtains and blow me down, there she was calmly sitting and watching her petrified victim hiding motionless behind the drainpipe.

    Peering closely I could see our lip smacking puss (yes, puss for real) seemingly set on

    catching what appeared to be a little brown mouse.

    I sent hubby to the rescue but a gentle poke revealed no dainty mouse. It was a teenage rat and it didnt want to make the acquaintance of our house guest.

    Thanks to hubby this unwanted intruder was quickly dispatched with a shovel and our young madam, who was most put out, flounced off in a sulk, which lasted until dinner time.

    Flirt she may have been but, thank goodness, she was also a great ratter. From then on

    she continued to bring in more house guests crickets, moths, cicadas, geckos and, sadly, a bird or two.

    Now if youre wondering where this is going, its easy with the cold, wet weather starting to make itself known, so are the seasonal invaders.

    Just like we humans, mice and rats are inclined to head for warmer places during win-ter and where better than in the ceiling, potting shed (watch your seeds), barn, cupboard or drawer? And getting rid of them can be no mean feat unless you are handy with a trap and know how to safely lay bait.

    So, Im just reminding folk to take another look at Ditch Keelings column last month, www.ruralliving.co.nz page 21.

    On the other hand you could opt to find a puss like ours. Yes, having made herself quite at home she is now ours and no longer a guest and you wouldnt find a better mouser although these days she is starting to slow.

    Helen Perry, editor

    RURAL

  • 18 Rural Living May - June 2015 www.ruralliving.co.nz

    Despite being phased out decades ago, harmful, banned pesticides could be deterio-rating in quiet rural corners, warns Jason Richards of waste disposal company, 3R Group.

    Several tonnes of persist-ent organic pollutants (POPs) could still be on farms across New Zealand, with people unaware of what they are, how to safely dispose of them, or being unwilling to pay for com-mercial disposal, he says.

    Potential for harm is high, particularly as much of the original packaging is now dete-riorating. Theyve been linked to cardiovascular disease, can-cer, obesity and diabetes, and exposure during pregnancy has been linked to develop-mental defects, so theyre not products you want sitting round in your farm shed!

    Once used worldwide, par-ticularly in insecticide and

    sheep dip products, POPs were phased out and ultimately banned in 2004 due to such negative effects on human health, as well as harm to the environment, he adds.

    To help uncover POPs, 3R Group has initiated The Great DDT Muster. The programme offers free collection and safe disposal of products contain-ing such substances as DDT, Lindane, Aldrin, Dieldrin, and

    Chlordane. While the names of some products may be familiar, others are less well known.

    Farmers may recognise brands including Youngs Sheep Dip, Coopers Louse Powder, or Cleanso, but if in doubt, they can check the website [thegreatDDTmuster.co.nz] for a more comprehen-sive list and an image gallery to help them recognise these

    banned pesticides.

    ddt mUster - toP oF PoPs

    Lindane, Dieldrin and Coopers Powder are among chemicals being weeded out by The Great DDT Muster. Photo courtesy JBL Environmental Ltd

    An agricultural technology company from the Waikato has been hailed by the chief in South America recently.

    At the opening of a dairy dem-onstration farm in Colombia, Colombian president, Juan Manuel Santos, gave his seal of approval to the project, says Dairy Solutionzs chief execu-tive, Derek Fairweather.

    Having President Santos officially open our farm was a huge honour. Its a great endorsement for the Kiwis and Colombians working on the farm and others back here in New Zealand who have played a part in this unique project.

    Developed over the past 18 months by Dairy Solutionz, the farm was funded by Corpoica a Colombian research institute and the Colombian Government. It will draw on NZ design and technology.

    President Santos welcomes the initiative; he believes it will improve the lives of millions.

    New Zealanders are per-haps the most efficient produc-ers of milk in the world, and we are working with them to get the necessary knowledge,

    technology and good practices for our farmers and milk pro-ducers to become more effi-cient at a global level, he says.

    What we are doing will have a great impact [on] the whole country, especially in our rural and dairy farming

    communities.Located in an area with a

    similar climate to the Waikato, the farm is expected to be a boon for Kiwi businesses, through exports and by devel-oping a market for technology amongst Colombian farmers.

    FAirweAther For FArm

    Dairy me! With a bootiful per-formance, former Onewhero rugby player and contract milker, James Foote, won the prestigious Farm Manager of the Year award at the 2015 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards recently.

    James claimed the win in his fourth year of dairy farming and first with Russell and Ces Evans on their Miranda farm. Providing more than a match for the competition, he also secured the Fonterra Farm Source Farm Management Award.

    Head judge, Richard Jones, says Jamess sporting skills (he also played for Tasman in the ITM Cup) seemed to have been beneficial on the farm.

    The life skills and disciplines he has from his previous career as a rugby player have given James a great grounding in dairy farming, says Richard.

    Hes farming a really hard and challenging property, but has done a lot of repairs and maintenance to get things to an operational state and his management systems are very good.

    Way to win one for the home team, James!

    Other major winners at the awards include: Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year Justin and Melissa Slattery, and Dairy Trainee of the Year James Davidson, both winners from the Canterbury region.

    RURAL

    Foote UP on Udders

    James Foote, Farm Manager of the Year. Photo supplied

    rot-not? good ewes For FArmers While Wal may have counted the cost of footrot on his flats, future farmers could well draw benefits from new genetic research.

    Researchers on the FeetFirst project are close to developing a test to help breed out footrot a bac-terial disease which carries an estimated cost to New Zealands fine wool sector of up to $10m per year.

    John Brakenridge from The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) says the initiative run in partner-ship with the Ministry for Primary Industries is mak-

    ing progress. Footrot is one of the biggest barriers to producing fine wool. It also limits the expansion of fine wool breeds beyond the high country because wetter, warmer conditions are more conducive to infection, he says.

    However, the answer will be a simple and effec-tive genetic test that farmers can use to combat footrot through selective breeding.

    More than 3500 DNA sam-ples have been tested so far, with further tests planned over the next two breeding seasons.

  • www.ruralliving.co.nz Rural Living May - June 2015 19

    MANUFACTURED BY REHARVEST TIMBER PRODUCTS, 41A HUNUA RD, PAPAKURA.PHONE (09) 299 3999 FAX (09) 298 2988 (OFFICE) OR (0274) 988 126

    WEB ADDRESS: www.reharvest.co.nz EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] FOR MORE INFORMATION

    We have already supplied over 100 private arenas with Cushionride in the shor t time its been on the market.

    A quality performance

    equestrian surface.A favourite with

    Auckland Manukau Dressage Group

    CUSHIONRIDE retains no moisture, and due to its excellent drainage qualities it provides a very secure footing, allowing horses to travel over it, not through it.

    CUSHIONRIDE a quality woodfibre product which guarantees an exceptional, virtually dust-free surface, reliable in all weather conditions.

    EQUESTRIAN SURFACING

    R100068

    HORSE ARENA SURFACINGMade exclusively by

    REHARVEST TIMBER PRODUCTS LTD

    Although some may think glo-bal warming to be a load of bull, herd improvement com-pany, CRV Ambreed, is set to Flip-Flop on the issue.

    Genetic strategist, Phil Beatson, says the organisation has widened the focus of its tropical dairy genetics scheme to develop breeds suited to warmer climates, including a bull named Flip-Flop.

    A number of Northland farm-ers have already begun using crossbreeding to build heat

    and parasite resistance in their herds.

    If used in the sub-tropical regions of New Zealand, a proportion of sahiwal and gyr genetics across friesian and jersey cows could help combat warmer temperatures resulting from climate change, he says.

    Sahiwal is a popular dairy breed in Central and South America, Asia and Africa, while gyr are common in Brazil.

    Animals such as Flip-Flop (18% sahiwal, 50% jersey and

    32% Friesian) are expected to sire cows with higher heat tol-erance and tick resistance, com-bined with the benefi ts of New Zealands grazing genetics.

    Results show that, in Northland, 34 percent sahiwal,

    66 percent Friesian cows in a once-a-day system produced up to 1kg of milk solids per day for the fi rst 100 days of lactation. 20 percent sahiwal cows produced up to 1.3kg milk solids in the same system, Mr Beatson says.

    RURAL

    Bull market hotting up

    While it remains to be seen if a new breakthrough will cut the mustard, Groser thoughts sug-gest it may stop sheep and cat-tle from cutting the cheese!

    The breakthrough relates to the development of methane inhibitors which could help cut livestock greenhouse gas emis-sions by 30-90 percent, Climate Change Issues Minister, Tim Groser, says.

    Livestock methane is New Zealands single largest green-house gas emissions source, making up 35 percent of our total emissions in 2013.

    This is why the Government is investing around $10m annually in research for new

    agricultural mitigation tech-nologies.

    The new fi ndings offer the potential to funda-mentally change New Zealands emissions foot-print in the long-term.

    They could also pro-vide a technology with substantial value for tack-ling global agricultural emissions as well.

    Until now, other than reducing stock numbers, there has been no other option for reducing such emissions, he adds.

    Being able to produce food sustainably is critical to the New Zealand economy and in

    feeding a growing global popu-lation. We are now seeing the Governments commitment to research begin to bear fruit.

    However, more work is

    needed to develop a safe, com-mercially-viable solution.

    The substances developed are non-toxic, but research-

    ers now need to establish if they are effective over the long-term without

    adverse side-ef-fects on animals, and ensur-ing food safety. This process could take at least fi ve years, but we are on the right track.

    To address the wider issue of harmful emissions and their affect on climate change, rep-resentatives from around the world will meet in Paris in December.

    FLAtULence FiX FrUitFUL, groser sAYs

    Flip-Flop key to new breed of cattle. Photo supplied

  • 20 Rural Living May - June 2015 www.ruralliving.co.nz

    ShedBoss supplies premiumqualityShedBoss has the strongesthold down force on the marketShedBoss has certifi ed engineeringShedBoss drawings and plansShedBoss roofs are fully traffi cableThe famous "Morinda" Glove sectionShedBoss contractors are fully trainedShedBoss NZ outlets are local family owned businesses

    Sheds Awnings Carports Workshops Barns Commercial Industrial RuralP: 09 296 8688 W: www.shedboss.co.nz

    R60111

    Engineering Supplies & Service Bearings & Seals Steel Sales FASTENINGS all types Chains & Sprockets Galvanised & High Tensile Chain Wire Rope V-Belts TOOLS Manufacture of replacement machine parts

    143-145 Manukau Rd, Pukekohe Ph 09 238 3281Fax 09 238 6019 Email [email protected]

    143-145 Manukau Rd, Pukekohe Ph 09 238 3281Since 1957

    53848-v2

    RURAL

    When it comes to horticul-ture, it pays to keep ones cool. With so many factors influ-encing the success or failure of any crop, a steady hand and measured approach can make all the difference.

    Since establishing Exception Ltd which produces the House of Taste brand cucumbers in 2000, Arie van der Houwen has been required to demonstrate both.

    From time to time there are setbacks, but thats the case with any business, he says.

    A mechanical failure could cost a crop, if an irrigation sys-tem is not working properly, for example. So there is an element of risk. Experience allows more control over what happens and it certainly helps, but you can never control the market!

    Originally from the town of s-Gravenzande (near The Hague) Arie first visited New Zealand during his OE in the 1980s. Although taken with the country, it wasnt until the late 1990s that he decided to make New Zealand his home.

    I liked the free space; its not as densely populated as the Netherlands. I moved here for the lifestyle but also because of business opportunities and the climate.

    Following on from four gen-erations of his family who have worked the land in their home country, the conditions were ripe for Arie to follow on with their horticultural tradition.

    I began working with my

    father in the family business in the Netherlands. But most members of my family have been involved in business in a wider sense, not just horticul-ture. I was always interested in starting my own company; for me, it was that simple.

    However, he says past expe-rience only carried him so far.

    I developed a set of dis-ciplines, which are really important in life, and gathered knowledge in terms of growing crops, but plants need diverse conditions and techniques to thrive, so Ive needed to learn along the way as well.

    Also, Id immigrated to a country with a different climate and, quite importantly, a dif-ferent market, so I had to learn how to establish myself here too.

    After a stint working for a company growing tomatoes, Arie turned his hand to cucum-bers, which he had grown pre-viously in his homeland.

    The decision to focus on cucumbers really was a busi-ness one. I took it over as a going concern and as the pre-vious owner had already been growing cucumbers, the glass-houses here were more suited to growing these than any other crop, he says.

    His decision to establish roots in Franklin, has yielded rich rewards too.

    The region is good for grow-ing. Its not too far away from a natural gas supply, which we use for heating, and the exhaust

    When Arie van der Houwen first visited New Zealand, he never expected that one day he would become a Kiwi. However, years on, the diligent Dutchman has not only made a home here, but has developed a successful, growing business in Buckland, as he explains to JON RAWLINSON.

    vine time for cucumbersthriving LocALLY

    The award winning wastewater treatment and disposal system from Biolytix is the most energy efcient on-site secondary wastewater system on the market. The Biolytix uses a simple but efcient process in which Tiger Worms break down solids and contaminants in the waste. The highly treated wastewater is then reused to irrigate your lawns and gardens.

    Approved installers Plumbcraft in Takanini can offer a complete turn-key solution to your wastewater problem including a wastewater report for Council, and the supply and installation of a Biolytix wastewater system all for a single competitive price.

    WWW.BIOLYTIX.COM

    Contact PlumbcraftTODAY on 09 296 7070for a free quote.

    Do you need a Septic Tank or Wastewater Treatment System?

    R100166-v2

  • www.ruralliving.co.nz Rural Living May - June 2015 21

    gases can be used for CO2 enrichment; this allows for a higher yield because plants love CO2. Also, for business reasons, I didnt want to be too far from Auckland.

    While he says the success of the business comes down to a combination of experience, hard work, good climate and even a little luck, teamwork is important.

    His wife, Vivienne Fraser-van de Houwen, plays a significant role, with her marketing skills. Help also comes from non-human quarters 20 Suffolk sheep make a great lawnmower crew.

    With 21,000 square metres of modern and high-tech glass-houses housing an abundance of telegraph and mini cucumbers to manage, Arie is not one to avoid rolling up his sleeves.

    We have a good team here [roughly 10 permanent plus sea-sonal workers and contractors], but I have to be hands-on so I can cover whenever someone has their time off, he says.

    Everyone has their tasks and I need to be able to do them all, so I have to be more of an all-rounder than a specialist. Thats the only way we can prosper and still have time to enjoy the fantastic lifestyle this region has to offer.

    While the Queen of England may indulge her palate with a cucumber sandwich or two at Buck house, the Kiwi king of cucs (Bucklands own Arie van der Houwen) says there is more than one way to skin a cucumber!

    In fact, these tasty and healthy treats can be prepared in a variety of ways. Classic cucumber sand-wiches with salmon or ham and cream cheese, the hum-ble cucumber sandwich is the perfect addition to a high tea. Crusts should be removed and the sandwiches cut into wide, finger-shaped pieces. Lettuce, tomato, cheese or any other fillings can be added for addi-tional flavour. Sushi and sashimi Cucumbers are perfect partners for fish, with each enhanc-ing the flavour of the other. They can be cubed finely and included with tomato and cap-sicum or sprinkled on a sashimi platter. Canapes (hors doeuvres) Light and tasty, cucumbers can help cleanse and refresh the palate. Slice cucumbers into rounds and use these as a healthy base for various,

    sophisticated top-pings such as smoked salmon, prawn, cherry tomato, dill or chopped red capsicum. A dash of s e a f o o d sauce or cream cheese spread onto the base can also help turn a quick snack into a delightful dish. Tzatziki this Greek sauce is often served with meat dishes or used as a dip. Featuring Greek yoghurt, mixed with finely-chopped cucumber, garlic, salt, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, mint or dill, it is delightfully refreshing. Raita this is another simple dip in which cucumber stars. Usually enjoyed with Indian cuisine and naan bread, Raita is made with yoghurt, cucumber, cumin, chilli powder and cori-ander. Flavoured water although this is a very simple suggestion, nothing beats a cool glass of water flavoured with cucumber on a hot day. To prepare, simply use a vegetable peeler to slice a

    long strip of cucum-ber lengthways and place in a large jug

    or carafe of iced water. For an extra twist, add sprigs of fresh, washed

    mint and lemon slices.

    Vegetable juice any number of veg-

    etables can be