rural living december 2012

YOUR RURAL LIFESTYLE MONTHLY HANDBOOK – VOL. 7, ISSUE 11, DECEMBER 2012

www.rurall iving.co.nz

The team at Rural Living wishes you all a joyous

Christmas, prosperous New Year and safe holidays

season’s greetings

117645

HAVE A

DOGGONE CHRISTMAS

2 — Rural Living — December 2012

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Rural Living — December 2012 — 3

53311-V3

By Rebecca Glover

Looking for something to do over the holidays, without straying too far afield? Well, here’s a way to work off some of that Christmas cheer – and unlike most things Christmassy, it won’t cost any-thing.

A new hidden treasure has been opened in the heart of Franklin, where even long time residents can now explore uncharted territory.

Patumahoe people have pooled resources to build Te Ara O Whangamaire, a walkway com-bining bush, farmland and coun-try roads. It is perfect for either a short two kilometre circuit or a more robust workout of seven kilo-metres.

Initiated by Whakaupoko Landcare, the track is a result of the whole local community pitch-ing in under the guidance of much loved local man, David Pufflett, who sadly died just three weeks before the walkway was officially opened.

David, known as ‘Puff’, has been commemorated by a carved wooden seat near the start of the track at Clive Howe Reserve in Patumahoe. From the seat there’s an expansive view across farm-land and the Whangamaire Stream towards Henry’s Bush, to where the track makes its way.

For those choosing the short loop to Henry’s Bush and back, the sight of ‘Puff’s Hill’ emblazoned on the seat takes on a whole new meaning for walkers panting up the testing zigzag track!

From the Clive Howe end it’s all downhill through a patch of bush which includes a rediscovered ‘sacred spring’ now landscaped with rocks manhandled down the hill by Patumahoe School pupils.

Then it’s over a stile and across the farms of the Gavin and Colgan families. Here a word of warning – choose your footwear well. While the resident cattle may be benign, what they leave behind is not!

To the left of the track, the stream has benefited from native plantings along its banks.

Follow the orange markers up the slope towards a massive mac-rocarpa tree, many of its roots exposed.

Quite probably it shaded an old walk-through cowshed in the early days of last century; now only a few remnants of concrete foundations remain.

The walkway now exits on to Hunters Road, but to the left is a track through Henry’s Bush, where the sound of a waterfall invites investigation.

Through the trees, predomi-nantly taraire, curling their roots around the huge collection of mas-sive volcanic boulders, the stream tumbles into a spectacular water-fall. A nikau grove flourishes at the bottom of the gully.

Back out on Hunters Road, the route curves back towards Patumahoe offering panoramic views of what makes Franklin tick – dairy farms, cultivated fields of constantly changing horticultural crops, and, of course, lifestyle blocks. Hunters Road is a peace-ful, undulating walk with very lit-tle traffic.

Not so Woodhouse Road, where the track emerges, but from there it’s only a short stretch to Patumahoe village where the weary walker can refresh with ice cream or a beer, and food from a surpris-ingly large range of eateries.

Te Ara O Whangamaire is a credit to locals and a great reason to visit Patumahoe.

Up and over, the new track turns every which way.

Walk in ‘stile’Left, the rediscovered ‘sacred spring’ and right, Puff’s Hill takes on another meaning for the ascent. Photos Rebecca Glover

It’s well known that former All Black Sir

John Kirwan has suffered from depres-

sion; now he just has the Blues! And, if

a New Zealand Growers’ Association is

successful in its efforts, more Kiwis will

feel ‘blue’ too – ‘berry’ much so, in fact.

After recently announcing plans to

increase the popularity of blueberries

in New Zealand, the Blueberries NZ

Association expects to see a 10% rise

in domestic consumption by the end of

2014.

With some claiming berries can also

alleviate the symptoms of depression,

even if JK’s Blues lose next year, fans

will find it easier to swallow; provided

they get the ‘blues’ instead!

And it seems it will take a Peach to

boost the berry! President of the associ-

ation, Dan Peach, says that overseas the

superfood has enjoyed a more favour-

able reputation.

“In places like America, they’re so com-

monplace even McDonald’s sells pack-

ets of fresh blueberries,” says Mr Peach,

adding that New Zealand’s exports to

international markets are worth $16.9

million, while domestic sales have been

less than half that at $7.1 million.

“However, New Zealanders are con-

suming more blueberries than ever and

we see this trend continuing.”

Dan says, to achieve the target, blue-

berry growers have adopted innovative

strategies, including the development of

new, true blue products such as blue-

berry wine.

Growers will also work with govern-

ment agencies to produce varieties

more suited to Kiwi growing conditions

with a longer shelf life, and the extension

of the growing season into May.

As a superfood, blueberries feature

some remarkable properties, says Dan.

“Blueberries have four times the anti-

oxidants of apples or bananas, so even a

handful each day can deliver real health

benefits.”

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Editor: Helen Perry DDI 09 271 8036, Fax: 09 271 8099 Email: [email protected]

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Publisher: Brian Neben

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Telephone: 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 newspaper. All the material in this newspaper has the protection of international copyright. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Times House Publishing Ltd.

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Ph: 0800 456 789 Ph: 09 271 8080 www.ruralliving.co.nz

Beef + Lamb New Zealand is weighing in behind the Agrecovery rural recycling pro-gramme encouraging more farm-ers to recycle farm plastics.

Beef + Lamb general manager farm, Richard Wakelin says New Zealand’s clean-green image and reputation is at stake every day.

“The goalposts are continually shifting, with consumers increas-ingly concerned about animal wel-

fare and how goods are produced.” With this in mind, Mr Wakelin

says Beef + Lamb New Zealand is right behind Agrecovery because it’s a perfect fit with good manage-ment practices that support sus-tainable farming systems.

“Keeping the farm tidy and oper-ating to its full potential includes careful and considered disposal of contaminated materials and haz-ardous substances.

“Simply put this is good manage-ment practice to support sustain-able farms for future generations and it can also contribute to posi-tive market drivers.”

Mr Wakelin says a move to best environmental practice on farms, as well as on orchards and vine-yards is a must given that it’s com-monly accepted by most exporters that New Zealand’s point of differ-ence in world markets is its brand

value based on sound environmen-tal practices, rather than price or volume.

Good agricultural and horticul-tural practices such as recycling plastic waste, backed up by audit-able reports of recycling activity which Agrecovery can provide, are simple steps proving the 100% Pure brand is not green washing but a fact farmers and growers can dem-onstrate, one property at a time.

Thumbs up for recycling efforts

With Christmas fast-approaching, many house-

holders will, no doubt, be sticking with traditionally

decorated trees to celebrate the festive occasion.

However, country folk who aspire to higher

‘climbs’ could consider something a little different,

such as this egg-cellent design for festive foliage

(left) or (right) a really moo-ving experience!

These two rural-inspired trees featured at

the recent Christmas Wonderful display of 150

decorated Christmas trees held at the Rawene

Community Centre in Birkenhead on Auckland’s

North Shore.

Unbelievably beautiful and highly original, every

tree had a significant title.

Some made visitors laugh, some brought on a

touch of nostalgia, all prompted gasps of astonish-

ment at the cleverness and creativity of the volun-

teer team, which lavishly encapsulated the essence

of tree sponsors.

While there were countless innovative themes,

these two honouring the rural section, definitely

raised more than a few smiles.

good Trees on earTh

All in a flap: this tree had visitors cock o’ hoop with egg-citement!

A higher cow-er: there’s much a-moo about something with this tree


53318

It’s that time again, when brib-ery, corruption and outright bul-lying are brought to bear on the vulnerable.

The season of goodwill is renowned as a subterfuge for extracting favours and indulgences which during the rest of the year may be lightly brushed aside.

Parents are particularly subject to charm offensives from their off-spring right now, so when young daughter pleads for the millionth time, “can I have a pony?” both sides might reasonably concede that this is an appropriate time to yield.

Gift wrapping a pony isn’t easy, and it’s more likely to eat the Christmas tree than stand meekly underneath. Shopping for the per-fect pony is no doddle either, but that’s just the beginning of a life-time of equine shopping.

There’s just so much stuff horses could do with, from the basics of saddle, bridle, halter, grooming gear, cover – better make all of those plural – to all the multitude of goodies that hapless owners are persuaded their Neddy really, really needs.

There’s no escaping it; there are shops and websites devoted to parting the equine-affl icted from their money.

Then there are all the essential services needed to keep Dobbin in the manner to which he rapidly becomes accustomed. Vets, farri-ers, dentists, nutritionists, whis-perers, chiropractors, masseurs, trainers – the list is never ending.

Expansion is frighteningly easy. There’s the new, more powerful

vehicle to tow the new bigger, bet-ter fl oat to all the competitions for which entry fees have to be paid and which all have their own (dif-ferent) dress codes for both horse and rider.

Sport and exercise are good, we’re told, but horses are good at getting injured and the

treatment often involves extensive periods of rest.

How’s the enthusias-tic equestrian, all fi red up and only halfway through the season, to manage? The answer is obvious......just as

you need a spare pair

of Jimmy Choos, a spare horse is essential.

None of the gear you had for the fi rst horse will fi t the new one, of course, so it’s back to the shops again....

This is the life you have to look forward to, oh innocent parents of horse-mad kids. Some naïve people regard horse owners as rich and privileged – ha!

Having a pony means you never have to wonder what to spend your money on, and any spare time you thought you had will be used up chauffering steed and jockey to shows, pony club, trainers or help-ing them get ready for all these things. Then there’s the constant worry of accidents....ACC loves horse riders.

It’s not all bad though. While it may be hard to entice horsey kids in for regular meals, having a pony means a parent doesn’t have to worry about them running wild on the street.

Christmas and birthday presents are never a problem (horse stuff always acceptable).

What’s more, riding being over-whelmingly a female pursuit, the pony prophylactic effect kicks in making teenage pregnancies virtu-ally unheard of.

However, this advantage could be lost if teenage boys cotton on to the fact that where there’s horses, there’s girls.

If this all sounds too hard, par-ents can always join in too........after all, there is that spare horse sitting in the paddock.

Well, wasn’t that why you bought that lifestyle block anyway?

Think twice about indulging your child’s heart’s desire.

All I want for Christmas is........ MORE MILK IN THE CAN?

It’s okay to have a cow, man! This is the

consensus following an announcement

from Kate Wilkinson, food safety minis-

ter.

Kate has opened the gate on raw milk

sales, suggesting the amount that can be

purchased is likely to increase.

While the current Food Act allows the

purchase of up to fi ve litres of raw milk

at the farm gate, many people are calling

for change following consultation carried

out by the Ministry for Primary Industries

(MPI), which attracted nearly 1700 sub-

missions.

“Most submitters not only want farm

gate sales to continue, but for the maxi-

mum amount to be increased, and for

raw milk sales to also be available off the

farm,” says Kate.

The MPI will now undertake further

policy work, including scientifi c risk

analysis. Aspects such as daily farm gate

limit increases, managing raw milk sales

beyond farms, daily distribution limits

for farmers and ensuring consumers are

informed about risks associated with raw

milk will be investigated further.

“Once this advice has been received,

the Ministry for Primary Industries will

undertake further consultation.

“This will inform the fi nal decisions and

the development of new regulations,”

Kate says.

Farmers are also expected to become

exempt from having risk management

programmes for farm gate sales, and will

instead need to adhere to animal health

and hygiene requirements.

TRADESCANTIA – NO LONGER MADE IN THE SHADE?Last month Rural Living examined

Tradescantia, a major plant pest. New

initiatives have shed further light on the

problem, with solutions on the way for

dealing with this shade-loving character.

Following the trial of a biological con-

trol agent, Auckland Council Biosecurity

Offi cer, Nick Waipara, says the pest could

soon be ‘beet’.

The tradescantia leaf beetle (Noelema

Ogloblini), was released by Landcare

Research in North Island trial sites dur-

ing 2011.

The small 4-5mm, bronze beetle – a

native of Brazil and Argentina – chews

holes in tradescantia leaves, and its larvae

feed vigorously, weakening the plants.

While it is harmful to tradescantia, it

is unlikely to attack non-target species,

says Nick.

An application has also been made

to trial a fungal disease of tradescantia-

Kordyana which causes yellowing and

weakening of leaves, however trials are

still some way off.

IN BRIEF

REBECCA GLOVER issues a warning to parents considering Christmas pleas for a pony under the tree.


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Summer is fi nally here but the hay’s not cut yet – just another job that needs doing and Christmas is almost on us!

But that’s the least of our prob-lems. It’s the ducks that have been causing us the most concern.

We discovered one nesting near the house and using our swimming pool for midnight swims – her own little piece of paradise which we had to act on fast. We boarded up the entrance to the pool and what a fuss she made. This temperamen-tal mother was not pleased.

Two weeks ago the ducklings hatched and with no pool to access, mother duck marched them down to our pond where the rest of the ducks are quite at home but sadly, only two ducklings have survived.

We believe the others were prey to pukeko, eels and hawks. With our ducks now very large and, really too many for our pond, we have decided to relocate them to another property over the next two weeks. We are sure they will

appreciate a bigger swimming hole than ours! With our hens starting to go clucky we have also been kept busy isolating them for a few days. Hopefully they will be able to free range again soon.

And, of course, we have had our thinking caps on looking over entries in our naming competition for the new colt.

We didn’t have nearly as many as we had when naming Elsudoku. At that time the My Fair Lady con-

nection with Eliza Doolittle made picking a name fairly easy although in the end Elsudoko didn’t exactly fi t the mould.

This time we have had just over 20 entries for the Willowbrook–Real Desire colt which is, perhaps a diffi cult combination for naming. However, most entries were very clever and showed lots of thought. One entry was Get Real but this name has already been registered.

The winning name – subject to

us getting it registered is, WILL DESIRE, which we felt was most appropriate. The name was sub-mitted by Trish O’Callaghan who wins a dinner for two with a suit-able date to be arranged. So it’s a big thanks to Trish for coming up with a winner. Let’s hope it’s a good omen for the future.

With this the last issue of the year, it’s a Merry Christmas to you all and safe holidays too.

See you in the New Year.

Willowbrook with her son who will hopefully take the name of Will Desire.

Brian Neben

publishes

Rural Living and

is also an avid

lifestyle

farmer

COUNTRY LAD

Horsing around with new name

Christmas is here and, like every year, I am surprised how quickly it has come around.

Every year, some three months out, we start talking about how Christmas is only this many weeks away and we must prepare. Yet, here I am, surprised, once again, at how those last few weeks have raced by. I guess some things never change.

Shopping… there are so many fabulous things in our local shops. Patumahoe now has a selection of gift shops as does Tuakau. Of course, there are amazing choices in Pukekohe too and also the lovely cafe and gift shop, Canvas, at Bombay.

Talking of cafés, Brian and I have been out a few times this month for lunch. What wonderful choices we have.

Last month we decided to visit a few gardens in the Waiuku Hospice Garden Ramble.

Unfortunately, we headed out from Drury in fi ne weather on the Saturday and by the time we arrived at the fi rst garden on our list, the heavens had opened and the wind was wild.

Consequently, a change of heart – leave the gardens until the fol-lowing day. Then, heading back towards Drury I spotted a sign I had seen many times, pointing to a café two kilometres off the main road.

What better time to sit and have a leisurely lunch? So, we turned down the road, drove the short dis-tance and came across Calendula Cafe. What a lovely spot even on the most horrid of days. We have since been back to enjoy the setting, the

outdoors and the good food. Last month my daughter Emma was in the throes of selling her house in order to buy in Pukekohe. So, while her open homes were on, she also joined our lunch expeditions.

One day we lunched at Petals and Pots cafe and I must say we enjoyed the best fi sh and chips I have had for a long time.

The Monarch in Pukekohe for whitebait fritters, nearby Cafe Kaos for great food and a laugh and the Butcher Shop in Patumahoe

for always great food have all been taste-tested and not found wanting.

Friday morning after Pilates I always grab a coffee and biscotti from Columbus and if Brian is home on a Friday I head up to Albert’s Kitchen to take home something scrummy. I didn’t realise just how much prepared food I buy.

Looking back over the year it has been a strange one for us. We have had a wonderful holiday but then our dear 18-year-old cat died.

We waited eight months until we felt we could have another pet and now, Billy has certainly fi lled our lives – hopefully he will eventually become normal! Not that anything belonging to us is ever normal.

Brian went on a health campaign with the guidance of local nutri-tionist Ginny McArthur and lost more than 10 kilos.

I have kept up my Pilates and I must say the girls at Core Pilates are wonderful. They certainly keep me up to the mark.

Driving around with Emma, looking at houses for sale, I can-not believe how fast homes are going up and new areas are being developed. Not only in Puke but in Tuakau, Waiuku, Patumahoe and Karaka.

I read that there are 55,000 new homes to be built between Drury, Karaka and Pukekohe, not sure what will happen to us lifestylers – I guess it’s wait and see!

But for now, Merry Christmas and see you all in the New Year.


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Life all go as Christmas nearsReay Neben is a

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and publisher of

Rural Living.

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It’s nearly two years since fire swept through the Waiuku Forest, the devastation not quickly forgotten.

In light of that incident, which was fortunately con-tained and after which forest regenerated relatively quickly, a newly published, in-depth history of rural fire-fighting in New Zealand should be hot summer reading for locals.

Published by Canterbury University Press, Fire in the Hills – A History of Rural Fire-fighting in New Zealand, by Wellington editor Helen Beaglehole, blazes a trail through a previously unex-plored aspect of our nation’s past.

The first account of how New Zealand came to have a rural fire-fighting network, it offers fascinating insights into the origins, scale and effect of the vast burn-offs by both Maori and European settlers.

It also examines the Forest Service’s response to wild fires and the huge public educa-tion regime that, among other moves, sought to stop indis-criminate burning. It also looks at the major role some 3000 volunteers and part-timers now play in fighting rural fires around the country.

“The book is about an impor-tant but previously neglected aspect of New Zealand’s his-tory,” says Ms Beaglehole. “Readers will learn about the

terrible fires that devas-tated the coun-try as both Maori, and p a r t i c u l a r l y , European set-tlers wrested a livelihood from the land.

“They will also develop an understanding of the European settler mentality; the increasingly vocal argu-ments against the destruction of a valuable resource and the way these factors shaped the way New Zealand deals with rural fires.”

Ms Beaglehole adds that critical to the story are tech-nical developments that have moved rural fire-fighters from the ‘shovel and bucket’ brigade to today’s teams whose train-ing, equipment and knowledge of fire behaviour mean that controlling or extinguishing a fire is no longer a matter of rain or wind change.

Today, fire brigades are gen-erally first on the spot to attack any small, accessible vegeta-tion. This was not always the case.

In one fascinating chapter Ms Beaglehole surveys fire bri-gade history at a national, not brigade, level, illuminating the past perilous state of most New Zealand brigades and explain-

ing why, until the 1970s, they could do little to help with rural fires.

The author has based her richly illus-trated book on extensive r e s e a r c h into histori-cal records and on

i n t e r v i e w s with those who have fought fires and who continue to bat-tle wild fires today.

Fire in the Hills: A History ■■

of Rural Fire-fighting in New Zealand by Helen Beaglehole. Published by Canterbury University Press. RRP NZ$50

GiveawayThis book makes for fascinat-ing reading and would make a great gift for history lovers.

But if it doesn’t make its way into your Santa sack then there’s good news for local readers. Rural Living has one copy of Fire in the Hills: A History of Rural Fire-fighting in New Zealand to give away after festivities are over.

To enter our New Year draw simply visit www.ruralliving.co.nz then click on the compe-titions link and fill in the form. One entry per person; entries close January 11, 2013. Winner notified by phone or email.

Blazing a trail through fire-fighting history

The Waiuku Forest fire of New Year’s Day 2011.


Ciao BellaKITCHEN AND STORE

Discover the very best country farein a delightful rural location.

53157

Ivana and the team wish you a Merry ChristmasPre-order your beautiful

Christmas Hams, Cake, Turkeys & Strawberries (before the rush)

Sit back and enjoy freshly roasted coffeeor shop for fresh market produce,

local wines or European specialty goods.

We are open for breakfast and lunchdaily from 9am.

439 Clevedon-Papakura Road, Clevedon. Phone 292 9229.

CanvasCafe & Gift

ShopBombay

OPEN 7 DAYS

143 Bombay Rd • Ph 09 236 0168(the old dairy, up the hill, by the school!)

hot coffee ~ cake ~ tea ~ treats

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Explore our fabulous gift shop.We are open till Christmas Eve.

Closed between Christmas and New Year.

5277

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Calendula Café and Gardens

Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am-4pmClosed over Christmas from December 24, 2012 until January 4, 2013

We have gone back to baking fresh food daily, so come and relax in our beautiful country setting, enjoy the friendly staff andrelax in the gardens with a cup of our new Bach Espresso Coffee.

Come and visit us at 12 Collie Road,Glenbrook. Phone (09) 235 3324.

Calendula Café and GardensCalendula Café and Gardens

52595

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in therural Living

dining pages.Ph 09 271 8000

dining

Some folk hit the kitchen only when rustling up some quick grub for the family is unavoid-able. However, for others, cook-ing good food is almost a religious experience.

And, when it comes to good food, Lesley Christiansen-Yule and Hamish McRae literally wrote the book – The New Zealand Cook’s Bible, that is!

What’s more, it is well named. Some cook books assume readers know all the techniques required to prepare and cook a first class meal. However, as Lesley and Hamish explain, many children haven’t learned to cook alongside family so basics are not always being passed down through the generations.

The New Zealand Cook’s Bible – Classic Recipes & Step-by-step Techniques, outlines virtually every-thing novice chefs need to know about cooking. From setting up a kitchen, selecting the right knife, basic preparations and cookery techniques, to how to fillet a fish, the best method for roasting beef, safety and storage, and meal plan-ning, this book covers all bases.

It features more than 500 easy-to-follow recipes for delicious dishes and Christmas seems the perfect time to teach the chief cook and bottle washer in your house-hold a thing or two about food. A gift like this won’t go unappreci-ated.

WIN A COPY OF NZ COOK’S BIBLE!We know The New Zealand Cook’s Bible would make an excellent Christmas present for cooking novices and veterans alike.

However, just in case Hubby or the Wife doesn’t take the hint...thanks to the good folk at Penguin Rural Living has a copy to

give away to one lucky reader who will have something to look for-ward to in the New Year!

To enter the draw, simply visit www.ruralliving.co.nz then click on the competi-tions link and fill in the form.

One entry per per-son; entries close January 11, 2013. Winner notified by phone or email.

The New Zealand ■■

Cook’s Bible by Lesley Christ iansen-Yule and Hamish McRae. Published by Penguin Books. RRP: $75.00

A book for cooks or non-cooks!How can you eat your meat if you

don’t have any vegetables?

Often it’s the big bird that

scoops the glory, taking pride

of place in the festive spread.

But, thanks to the ‘stir-ling’ work

of chef and food author, Lesley

Christiansen-Yule, veggies can be

top of the table this Christmas.

While roasting vegetables may

be a simple undertaking, with a

few tips, blackened carrots and

spoiled spuds will be a thing of

the past thanks to this recipe from

the New Zealand Cook’s Bible.

ROASt VEgEtABLESMakes 4-6 portions

3 potatoes80ml (1/3 cup) oil1/3 cup salt3 stems rosemary1 golden kumara4-6 parsnips

450g pumpkin6 shallots8 cloves garlicpepper

Wash, peel and rewash the

potatoes, then cut them into

even-sized pieces, allowing 2-3

pieces per portion.

Heat the oil in a roasting pan.

Add potatoes, season with salt

and toss to coat with oil. Add a

rosemary stem. Place into a hot

oven at 220 degrees C. Roast

potatoes for 15-20 minutes

(depending on size) before add-

ing the other vegetables (these

will take less time to cook).

Prepare kumara and parsnip

as for potato, although smaller

parsnips may be left whole. Peel

pumpkin, remove seeds and cut

into portions. Leave shallots and

garlic unpeeled.

Add the remaining vegeta-

bles to the pan, toss well to coat

with oil, adding more if neces-

sary. Next, sprinkle with a good

amount of salt, season with pep-

per and add the remaining rose-

mary. Return to the oven for

30-45 minutes.

Turn the vegetables during

cooking to achieve even colour-

ing. Remove from the pan when

cooked and drain vegetables on

paper towels before serving.

CHRISTMAS CLASSIC ‘YULE’ ENJOY!


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christmas

The animals were actually happy to ‘get into this place’ during the recent Waiuku Santa Parade. Following a story book theme, the

parade wound through local streets and received a rousing reception from onlookers of many species.

Story book tails told

Face cats – kiddy kittens ‘paws’ for thought.

Angels on horseback: Mounted police – Lorraine Borrell on Chief and Laura Swann on Smoke – lead the parade.

Rudolph the red nosed racecar: Chris Dear Panelbeaters’ float depicts a horse in ‘drag’ cruising Queen Street.

Goat in a boat from Dr Seuss.


53169-V2

Everything a woman wants for Christmas is at

Change of Address

52 Edinburgh Street, PukekohePh 09 238 3933

www.christmasdisplay.co.nz

121568-v2

Entry $2

Waiuku ChristmasDisplay

Waiuku War Memorial Town Hall1st to 24th December

OPEN: Thurs, Fri 12pm-8pmSat & Sun 10am-8pm

Last week before Christmas open every day 10am-8pm

Good morning Rural Franklin

BEDS R US PUKEKOHE132 Manukau Road, PukekohePh: 09 238 1190

5366

0

christmas

‘Father Christmas’ himself – aka Waiuku’s Jim Sneddon – is back on the job ensuring all the trap-pings and joy of the season are ‘alive’ and well in Franklin dis-trict.

Once again the Waiuku War Memorial Town Hall is home to a breath-taking display of all things Christmas from fairy lights to a line-up of Santas who do every-thing from the traditional happy wave to disco and rock ‘n’ roll with a whole lot more to boot!

An electrician by trade and a collector – of Santas – by acci-dent – Jim and wife Phyllis have spent decades building their Santa Claus collection which has snow-balled into an animated display now famous across the region and beyond.

Initially, collecting cheap and cheerful Santas, interest stepped up a level when Jim discovered a ‘snoring’ Santa in Canada.

“You touched him, his stomach

came up and down, and he looked quite real.”

That’s when things started get-ting out of hand and these days the collection is so enormous it fills the Waiuku Town Hall. But it’s not all about the cute or the cuddly – there are more than a few risqué Santas who never fail to raise a laugh and perhaps a few blushes too.

While it definitely has its lighter side, this magical display also takes visitors on a delightful journey through the history of Christmas and incorporates some rare collect-ables from Coca Cola and Disney including a festive plane-load of Disney’s most famous characters and a fully operational ski-lift.

Jim says it was Coca Cola who first trademarked Father Christmas in a red suit – “before that, he wore green.”

The Sneddon’s display also includes model trains, circling planes, glistening ornaments, a talking Christmas tree and festive

house ornaments that glow. It has taken hours of work to

assemble the display and also requires hundreds of batteries to keep it going with Jim’s ‘sparkie’ skills a key to ensuring it remains a ‘moving’ experience.

With so many decorations, Jim and Phyllis say it’s hard to pick a

favourite but they are very fond of the animated Santa who tells the story of Christmas. With a push of a button, he comes to life.

And the Sneddons never fail to be thrilled by the joy and delight of visitors who visit the display – “A lot of people say it never feels like Christmas until they come here.”

This year Santa’s Wonderland can be seen at the Waiuku War Memorial Town Hall up until Monday, December 24. Now that it is the last week before Christmas, the display will open daily, 10am-8pm.

What’s more on Sunday, December 23, visitors can also park at the Glenbrook Railway and take the GVR steam train to Waiuku then walk the short distance to the town hall for the display before taking the train back to Glenbrook afterwards (train fare is over and above the $2 display entry charge).

For more information visit www.christmasdisplay.co.nz

Santa’s Wonderland back in town


All products are of NZ standard

East Tamaki Branch • 212B Burswood Dr, East Tamaki • Ph 273 8128Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 10am-3pm • Email: [email protected]

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Some of the comments Timberline Contracting hear regularly:• Lack of sun – “The trees have grown too big and I’m losing light/production.”• “Shaun has got the tree on the ground quicker than I could get my ladder up, let

alone get the chainsaw going!” And it is all done in the safety of the machine cab.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 wasn’t an alternative, but now you can still have the advantage of having shelter, but at a manageable height. Timberline Contracting’s 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 Shaun’s 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

53853

FAMILY OWNED

Cover you can trustAwesome Awnings®Awesome Awnings

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AWESOME AWNINGS | Call Rose 820 0664Email: [email protected] | Website: www.awesomeawnings.co.nz

53867-V3

KITSETS

AVAILABLE

53878-V2

You can be in to win any of these fabulous prizes plus loads more, simply by going to www.garden-nz.co.nz and clicking on the competitions link to enter.

■ Win! A Tui summer vegetable growing pack – While summer brings many goodies in the garden, it can leave more than a few gardeners high and dry! However, Tui has products to ensure plants survive and thrive even during the hottest months of the year. The prize pack includes 2.5 litres of Debco SaturAid and 1 litre of Seasol seaweed concentrate to give away.

■ Win! A fl oral stationery gift pack – With the New Year almost here it’s time to remember that in 2013 it’s important to move onwards and upwards, even while remaining stationery! Thanks to New Holland, Garden-NZ has a gift pack to give away. Prize includes a small, clothbound 2013 diary, note card box and a 2013 desktop calendar.

■ Win! A Sneeboer Ladies’ Fork from Gubba – A good fork is always appreciated, particularly when it has a reputation for quality. Featuring a stainless steel head and comfortable FSC certifi ed ash or cherry hardwood handle, the Ladies’ Fork is the latest in a long line of products from a trusted company. Garden-NZ has one fork, valued at $166, to give away to a lucky reader.

BE IN TO WIN

garden-nz.co.nz

– While summer

and thrive even during the hottest months of

enhance your home

The Christmas tree is up, the lights are twinkling and the smell of baking fills the home. Now all that is needed is a space in the garden to relax in and enjoy sum-mer, especially after a hard day’s work.

And there’s nothing like a wooden playhouse, or even a tree house to amuse the kids during the school holidays – leaving more time for parents too!

With the help of outdoor enhancement specialist, Sanders Premier, ordinary gardens come alive with stylish living solutions that entertain and look great at the same time.

Regular features in hundreds of homes, Sanders Premier’s garden sheds, decks, pergolas, gazebos and carports are but some of the many ingenious designs this long-stand-ing company is known for.

For more than 30 years the company has carved a name for itself in the landscaping industry by designing and building a com-prehensive range of products that have changed lifestyles and added value to many Kiwi homes.

Under the leadership of manag-ing director Matt Pike, the Sanders Premier team strives to deliver a personalised service that is second to none.

Customers never cease to be amazed by the world of options the Sanders team can create, especially

when it comes to the incredibly versatile garden shed.

The friendly and professional team have perfected the art of making garden sheds that can be used for a range of functions such as bloke’s shed, backyard office, summer playhouse, art studio, music room, sleep-out, workshop, or storage space.

These timber sheds not only look good, but are long-lasting. With a solid colour steel or timber roof, shed walls are board and batten as well as lined with a waterproof PE

building fabric for extra durability.Available in kitset form, these

sturdy structures are easy to assemble but customers can enlist the help of the willing and expe-rienced Sanders Premier team for a smooth, hassle-free installation process.

Another specialty of this wood specialist is its custom-made deck-ing solutions. Sanders Premier can transform any ordinary deck with additions such as seats or cover-ings that help achieve the right bal-ance of sun and shade.

The decks are hand-nailed by the expert builders and their work-manship is like no other.

Fencing is another area of exper-tise for this multi-tasking com-pany. If the Christmas lights are bringing to attention worn and tat-tered fences, perhaps it’s time for a new one.

“New fencing can make a world of difference to a property,” Matt says. “We can work with clients to come up with a contemporary and attractive timber or colour steel corrugated iron fence.”

Available in a wide range of attractive colours, the baby cor-rugated iron panels add con-temporary appeal to an existing property.

More importantly, there’s no need to scurry around looking for a reliable builder or carpenter to install these fence panels. Sanders manufactures and installs them, seeing the project through from start to finish.

There are virtually no bounda-ries with what Sanders Premier can do to transform the home into one worthy of the festive season. So, contact the timber experts or visit the website for ideas on how to add contemporary outdoor touches.Sanders Premier55 Porana Road, GlenfieldFree Phone: 0800 12 22 32Phone 444 9455www.sanderspremier.co.nz

Showcase summer outdoor living Stylish – Sanders Premier can create a world of timber enhancements. Top, garden shed. Below, decking and fencing and garden planters.


46a Sir William Ave, East TamakiPh 09 274 0658

Fax 272 2519 • [email protected]

www.broadys.co.nzOpen Monday-Friday and by appointment at weekends

53663

WOOD FIRED OUTDOOR PIZZA OVENS

Alfresco ChristmasPizzeria 600Oven

$1799

Broady’sGarden

Oven

$2630

Pizzeria 900Oven

$2995

All prices include GST

118965-v2

ACCREDITED BUILDING CONSENT AUTHORITY

Buildingor Buyingor Selling?

• Residential, Commercial & Industrial Plan

Approvaland Compliance

Inspection Services

• Pre-purchase Inspection Reports

• Building Advice

• Unauthorised Building Resolution

Ph 272 2269Fax 272 2270


Unit 23/2 Bishop Dunn Place,Botany South,Auckland 2013

PO Box 217 012,Botany Junction 2164

www.compassbuilding.co.nz

enhance your home

In these days of smaller city sec-tions, landscaping often takes the form of ground covers, shrubs and nothing too tall.

The land chop means there’s little room for tree sprees in new subdivisions and avid tree huggers could find themselves barking up the wrong tree(s), when it comes to considering a floral umbrella or shady giant for the backyard.

However, some folk are fortunate to live on lifestyle blocks with room to plant an oak or liquidambar, a pohutukawa or a beech.

The hardest thing about planting big trees is in the choosing – just how big should one go, suitability of soil type, and whether deciduous or evergreen is preferred.

When it comes to the latter many people think evergreen is best – leaves on the tree all year round! But many novice gardeners fail to realise the evergreen is ever-fall-ing. Unlike deciduous trees which drop their leaves over a few, short autumn weeks, then remain bare until spring, evergreens trend to drop and replenish year round.

However, with a wealth of won-derful trees to choose from, some gardeners prefer flowering trees.

And what a choice there is! In particular, magnolias (family: mag-noliaceao) are a stunning flowering tree which can provide spectacular floral umbrellas on properties with space to place bigger trees or on

smaller sections which can accom-modate dwarf varieties.

There are well over 150 species of both evergreen and deciduous spe-cies which have their roots in Asia and the Americas and are so old that fossilised findings suggest they were there before the honey bee.

It is the tree’s big solitary blooms that are truly beguiling – take your pick from white, cream, pink, mauve, yellow and even blood red.

While magnolias can grow to be extremely large, there are dwarf varieties such as Little Gem, a vari-ety of Magnolia floribunda, suit-able for city gardens. In general, it grows to about five metres but, with circumspect pruning, it can be kept compact and shapely.

This little beauty likes the sun thrives in rich, well drained soil with regular watering and mulching. It flowers in spring but will often bear blooms through summer.

Magnolia campbelli on the other hand can grow to 20 metres, and while it can be grown in various soil types much prefers well drained loamy (medium) soil conditions rich in organic matter.

Plant young, dormant trees in a warm, sunny position with some shelter as magnolias dislike dry winds and can be frost-tender.

If starting with seed it will be many years before these large trees flower (up to 20 years) but if planted as a young tree, the shorter waiting time will be worth it.

While there are so many beauti-ful magnolia varieties with blooms that take different shapes, one of the most striking must be Magnolia Black Tulip, a hybrid developed by New Zealander, Mark Jury.

The Jury family property and gardens, Tikorangi, north of New Plymouth are worth visiting being open from August to March each year. They are home to a wonderful array of plants, flower shrubs and trees. Mark and father, Felix, are

renowned for their development of camellia, rhododenron and magnolia hybrids.

Magnolia Black Tulip with its rich red-black blooms that look like tulips, is one to covet. Fairly wind-hardy this deciduous tree grows to around 3.5 metres.

As with all magnolias an annual application of well rotted com-post plus leaf mulch, will keep this beauty and other magnolias happy. They can be subject to bacterial leaf spot which can be controlled with a winter application of copper spray.

All up, if looking for a large tree, which will provide shade, beauty and shelter, then the magnolia is one to consider. Its beauty increases with age – trees of say 40 years old, will put on a floral display that is difficult to challenge for glamour.

With a magnolia in the garden homowners will always have the pleasure of saying ‘let’s go sit under the trees’.

Who’s barking up the right tree?

Mark Jury’s Magnolia Black Tulip puts on a fine display. Photos supplied


HC Kitson Agricultural Contractor

Contact Harold Kitson09 23 52 715,

mob 0274 964 523

All ground work including undersowingMAIZE — Planting and HarvestingSILAGE — Grass - Pit & Wrapped

HAY — Cut, Rake, Bale(conventional, square and round)

Truck and Digger HireDrainage, Farm Roads, Site Works

Sand and Metal Supplies

HAY FOR SALE

51162-V2

Ph Neil for a quote:021 794 148 anytime, A/H 09 232 8540

DAVIS TANKS• For all your concrete tank requirements.• We build 3000 – 8000 gallon water tanks.

Water tank repair and recondition specialistConcrete Tanks Tried & True

Water - Septic - Retention - Specialty Tanks

52985

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

For a free quote please contact 0800 TREEWORK (0800 87 33 96)Take a look at what we do at www.treescape.co.nz

Call Chris Sheffield direct on 0276 108 540

• Free quote on all aspects of Vegetation Management

• Anywhere in the country

INCLUDES:

Tree felling/chipping

Forest to pasture conversion

Shelter belt removal

Transplanting

Mulch sales/delivery

Woodlot purchase/logging

Consultancy

Mulching/stump grinding

VegetationManagement

52548

Grant Escott FENCINGCONTRACTOR

• Decks• Post Driving• Retaining Walls• Rural & Residential Fencing

027 236 8753 • 09 236 [email protected]

Free quotes – Competitive rates

52031

summer maintenance

Rural living may seem idyllic but with every lifestyle, no matter how attractive, there comes maintenance respon-sibilities.

Many seemingly straight-forward jobs are not without risk, especially on rural prop-erties, and while no one wants to dampen the holiday mood it has to be said a serious acci-dent on a lifestyle block can have life-changing repercus-sions.

Lifestylers or weekend farmers may not be depend-ent on farm income, but an accident on ‘the farm’ can dev-astate regular jobs and fam-ily life. So, taking precautions around equipment, some of which might be unfamiliar, goes without saying.

And when buying tools or machinery it is also impor-tant to ask whether training is needed. Many accidents are a result of poor knowl-edge and little experience so seek instructions, training and advice with all new purchases.

Risks to the lifestyle farmer include:

Chainsaws: ■■ These can be extremely dangerous despite having many safety features. Operators need instruc-tion, especially if tree work is involved. Have chainsaws

regularly checked and main-tained. Use correct protective equipment – the recommended safety goggles, gloves, helmet, chaps and earmuffs.

If a task seems too big to personally handle, it probably is – employ an expert who, in the long run, will most often save time, money and possibly an accident.

Tractors: ■■ If handled incor-rectly, nasty accidents can occur but when buying a life-style block ask yourself, “do I need a tractor, and if so, what size?”

Too often newbie lifestylers look for the ‘biggest and the best’ when that is not neces-sarily what they need at all.

Talk to the experts, talk about the jobs that need trac-

tor assistance and what is best for your property. Also remember that even the most experienced commercial farm-ers have accidents.

Avoid steep slopes as trac-tors are easy to roll or tip back-wards. Drive cautiously and never push the limits of your driving skill. Tractors should have a roll over frame.

Where a seatbelt is fitted, use it! Implements should be guarded as should the power take off shaft (PTO). Remember to stop, apply the brake and switch off the power before clearing any blockages or adjusting implements.

ATVs (All Terrain ■■

Vehicles): ATVs are deceptive, they appear simple to drive but new users need training to

Safely on the job...

Ask the tractor experts before buying.


COUNTIES BULK SPREADERS

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Boyd (09) 233 44660274 978 685

Brenton (09) 236 36390274 921 916

COUNTIES BULK HAULAGE

35478

52

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MIKE JULIANFreephone (0508) RURAL H20

(0508) 787 254Mike mobile 021 765 629

Water Tank Cleaning (While full or empty)Tank Repairs & Maintenance

Water Deliveries ~ Swimming Pools Filled

How safe is the water you are collecting?

The Marley Rain Harvesting systems comprises of a number of unique and cost-effective components that are designed to work with the Marley uPVC range of spouting and downpipes to help make tank water as clean as possible. However, it is advisable to have your tank analysed regularly to check its potability. When collecting potable water Marley recommends you seek advice from a registered tradesperson.

14 Constable Road, Waiuku. Phone 09 235 8268.– Pump & Well Services – Plumbing – Drainage – Concrete Supplies

41256

53875

35 years working with Hinuera Stone.

We offer a full supply and lay service,

plus additional services:

• Stone cleaning • Sealing and grinding

• Restoration work

Steve O’ConnorMob 0274 965 466 ~~• Ph 09 294 7325www.hinuerastone.co.nz

HINUERAS T O N E

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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

53856

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

Since 1957

Wayne WrightAgricultural Contractors

Owner/operator

Haylage• Big squares and round bales wrapped

Hay• Round bales • Conventionals• Big or medium squares• Mowing, conditioning and rowing• Selling of hay• Buying of standing grass

Cartage availableAlso: All types of fencing, stockyards,

post & rail, etc.Post rammer available.

Phone 294 6100or 0274 798 169

53167

• Bore Pump Sales & Servicing

• Water Pump Sales & Servicing

• Water Purification

• Water Tanks

• Water Testing

• Electrical

PH 09 238 320640 CROSBIE ROAD, PUKEKOHE

4022

6-V

2

summer maintenance

handle them properly – New Zealand accident statistics for ATVs are not something to be proud of.

Inexperienced drivers should avoid steep slopes as these vehicles are easy to roll. Watch for obstacles and for children nearby.

Don’t let children under 15 years old drive an ATV no mat-ter how tempted.

In a roll or accident they will, in every likelihood not have the strength or the know-how to perhaps avoid or extract themselves from an accident situation.

Even closely supervised young people can have acci-dents. Wear a helmet, gog-gles, gloves and appropriate footwear. Drive carefully and

slowly at all times. Don’t carry passengers and avoid over-loading trailers attached to the back.

Livestock:■■ If buying live-stock be aware, for example, that newly purchased cattle or horses may have had little con-tact with people or vehicles.

They may be scared and jumpy. Livestock in this con-dition can cause a very serious incident. Find out about the background of any livestock purchased.

Think about hygiene as some animals can carry diseases that affect humans.

When entering a paddock with large numbers of animals, such as horses, don’t assume everything will be fine.

Animals jostling for food

or which receive a fright and panic can trample people in the paddock with them. Always put safety first.

Rotary Mowers:■■ Often used for keeping large areas of grass or pasture neatly trimmed, rotary mowers can throw stones in all directions at dangerous speeds.

When using such equipment ensure no-one is playing or working nearby. Children are especially vulnerable, so make sure they are kept well away from any mowing.

Power Lines: ■■ Learn where the power lines are that cross your property. Don’t work near them with any tractor, sprayer, irrigator or other equipment that could cause an electric shock risk.

Take care when alone in the paddock with large livestock.


118990

The Shoe Gallery

2/239 Burswood Dr,East Tamaki.Ph 272 2697.

Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm; Sat 9.30am-4pm

Importer’s Shoe Clearance Store

Men’s and Women’s quality fashion and casual footwear at unbelievable prices

★ Wide variety★ Great prices★ End of lines★ Some samples available

MANCHESTERFACTORY OUTLET

Sheets • Towels • Pillows • Cushions• Tablecloths • Bedspreads • Foam Mattresses

• Tea Towels • Blankets • Shower Curtains... and lots lots lots lots MORE!

Ph 573 614425 Bowden Road, Mt Wellington

www.queenb.co.nzOpen Mon-Fri 9.30am - 4pm. Open every Sat until 22 Dec 10am - 2pm

Closed from 23 Dec until 7 Jan 2013

ARTHUR BROWN PL

SOUTH EASTERN HIGHWAYCARBINE RD BOWDEN RD

1189

92

FactoryMeat & Deli Shop

Christmas HamsBBQ Meat PacksExport Quality

@ Bargain Prices

22 Ra Ora DriveEast TamakiPh 274 4160

118993

Advertise in our next

Factory Shops feature

Ph 09 271 8000

www.ruralliving.co.nz121479-v2

Factory Shops and Outlet

Stores

The SPCA has been swift to condemn the newly released 2012 Code of Welfare for layer hens which will see current battery cages totally replaced with colony cages by 2022.

Robyn Kippenberger, SPCA National Chief Executive, says the 200cm2 additional area provided per hen in colony cages (over battery cages) is no improvement at all.

“A cage, is a cage, is a cage,” she says. “These layer hens still cannot express their natu-ral behaviour.

“Hens have to vie for restricted space in inadequate nest boxes and the scratch pad for 60 birds is so small it is just pathetic. The perches are just centimetres off the cage floor and the birds cannot dust bathe for the entirety of their lives.”

Ms Kippenberger says bat-tery cages give a layer hen approximately the same space as an A4 piece of paper to live on their entire life and the col-ony cages allow only an addi-

tional 200cm² per hen. However, Primary Industries

Minister David Carter says the larger cage system meets the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act.

Under the new Code of Welfare, no new battery cages can be installed by egg pro-ducers from December 7 this year and a staged phase out of existing cages will begin. By 2022 all battery cages will be prohibited.

“Scientific evidence and strong public opinions have made it clear that change is necessary. We need an alter-native to battery cages,” Mr Carter says.

But the SPCA believes New Zealanders will not be happy with the Government’s deci-sion.

“We pride ourselves on being a humane farming nation and the New Zealand free-range egg industry is steadily grow-ing by 1% each year proving that consumers will pay more to free birds living in cages,” says Ms Kippenberger.

She adds that the decision to phase out battery cages over the next 10 years and demand-ing new cages, while farmers are still paying off existing mortgages, means caged hens will still be seen in the industry for decades to come.

SPCA National Blue Tick Manager, Juliette Banks, invites farmers to get rid of their cages and convert to a barn style of farming.

“This is a high welfare envi-ronment where the hens can exhibit their natural behav-iour,” she says. “New Zealand consumers will vote with their wallets as we have seen in Europe and there will be a diminishing market for caged bird eggs. Farmers who have invested in expensive colony cages will be left selling an inferior product in a market demanding better and better welfare.”

The SPCA Blue Tick is an independent accreditation scheme run by the SPCA which is actively getting animals out of cages.

There’s no waning in the pop-ularity of lifestyle blocks.

A strong spring finish to nationwide farm and large block acreage sales saw life-style property sales up a mas-sive 24.1% in the three months to November 2012 compared to the same time last year.

What’s more the median price is up by $25,000 – a healthy 5.6 percent – com-pared to the three months to November 2011.

The upswing in lifestyle property demand equates to an extra 294 sales with 1516 sales recorded in the three months to November 2012 compared to 1222 sales in the three months to November 2011.

With sales in November the strongest since November 2007, 12 regions recorded sales increases compared to October with Auckland recording the largest increase – up by 30 sales.

Only two regions recorded a drop in sales and they were West Coast, down by six, and Bay of Plenty, down by one.

The national median price for lifestyle blocks improved

by $14,750, rising from $460,250 for the three months to October, 2012, to $475,000 for the three months to November, 2012.

Properties have sold more quickly too. In the three months to the end of October it took on average, 71 days to sell a lifestyle property whereas this dropped to 63 days for the three months to the end of November.

Compared to the three months ended November 2011, the number of days to sell improved by 27 days from 90 days to 63 days.

Commenting on the lifestyle

property market, REINZ Rural Market spokesman, Brian Peacocke said the lifestyle market had seen a healthy increase in sales volume in November, with strong activ-ity in Auckland and increasing activity in Waikato driven par-tially by buyer enquiry from Auckland and Australia.

“The Nelson and Marlborough regions have also seen a healthy increase in listings, and the Canterbury market remains strong,” Mr Peacocke says.

“The overall tone for the lifestyle market appears solid and reasonably optimistic.”

LifestyLe Land saLes erupt

New cages fall a-fowlBattery cages will be phased out over the next 10 years but new colony cages fail to please SPCA.


Rabbit Control

is fast, efficient and achievable

Coastal Pest Solutions are working in your community – trapping,

shooting, poisoning and dog work. Non toxic rabbit control is available.

Protect your land and environment from all animal

pests, call us today!

www.coastalpestsolutions.co.nz

Coastal Pest SolutionsWild Animal Control

& Biosecurity Services

18 Years’ Professional Experience

Tel: 09 536 6020Mob: 027 393 2125


31563-V5

Ph 09 278 6789 | www.interclean.co.nz

SEPTIC TANK CLEANING SPECIAL30% OFF Tanks need cleaning every 3 years

MENTION THIS AD TO GET THIS SPECIAL DEALStandard Size (up to 4050 litres)

TANK CLEAN – $395+GST (with lid exposure) AUCKLAND AREA ONLY

Interclean Liquid Waste DisposalA Division of Interclean Industrial Services — NZ’s Leading Industrial Service Specialists

5247

9

WALKERSPEST CONTROL• Insects & rodents• Domestic & commercial• Consultancy work

YOU NAME IT – WE’LL KILL IT!Controlling your pests for 18 years

Phone 238 9885Mobile 0274 789 857Main Highway, Paerata

32654-v2

TRAPINATOR –A revolutionary possum trap, a new design as a

result of 2 years consultation with DOC.A better, more effective, light weight and easy

to use trap, that anyone can set.For use wherever possums are present - and it is toxin free. From the manufacturers of the DOC

series 100, 200 & 250 traps.Meets Nawac humane standards.

To place your order or to request more information email: [email protected] or ph: 09 579 4089

52814

pest control

Rural residents may well ask who or what is Trapinator? The name has been around for some years but it is more than a brand.

With more than 100,000 traps in the bush, Trapinator is a major pest control mechanism protecting kiwi and other native birds.

The traps are designed and approved to Nawac standard, a New Zealand humane kill stand-ard.

Designed by Phil Waddington in association with the Department of Conservation, these DoC Series traps actually consist of three traps specifically designed to kill rats, stoats, hedgehogs and ferrets.

They have also been approved in England and are currently under use in Hawaii to kill mongoose.

New Zealand is overrun with pests so the latest Trapinator Possum Trap, is a welcome tool.

Initially designed by Phil, with assistance from Darren Peters rep-resenting DoC and Ross Mitchell, representing the manufacturer, the Trapinator Possum Trap is light-weight and easy to use.

Ross says construction was an important element of the design with the traps needing to be dura-ble and structurally sound.

“Ease of use was also important. Once in position, all one has to do is push a lever forward and the trap is set.”

Because some traps are a bit

scary when it comes to use by the uninitiated, the designers were keen to make this possum trap simple to use and not in the least bit intimidating.

All the traps are ‘safe bait’

designed, so operators aren’t han-dling any nasty chemical com-pounds either.

So Ross suggests those wanting a safe, easy to use trap to rid their property of pests, should think

Trapinator. To learn more about these effective traps call into the Mt Wellington office (7A Carmont Place) and ask for instructions at the counter or email [email protected].

Trapped – and it’s so easy too!

Ross Mitchell with examples of the Trapinator.

n a marsupial (a marsupial

is an animal that carries

its young in a pouch)

n has sharp claws – good

for climbing trees

n has a thick bushy tail

n is nocturnal (is active dur-

ing the night)

n can see well in the dark

n has big ears – all the bet-

ter for hearing other pos-

sums during the night

n doesn’t like living in cold,

damp places

n likes to live in weather-

proof nests – sheds and

barns, sheltered trees,

hollow logs, holes in

banks

n has a keen sense of smell

– very useful when look-

ing for food

n feeds mainly on leaves

but known to take buds/

flowers, fruits, ferns, bark,

native birds and eggs

n fur coveted for its warmth

and softness – ideal for

apparel

Possum


53101

CD

1508

18

DOES YOUR ROOF LEAK?Leak diagnosis, repairs and maintenance.

ALL ROOF TYPES20 years’ experience

CALL MARK BAKER 0800 767 626

ROOFING

CLAS S I F I ED S

Luxury Portable BathroomsSimple to set up, pleasure to use.For all ocassions where a portable toilet just won’t do!Ideal for:• garden weddings• extra guests• family occasions

www.bathroomsforhire.co.nz • 027 282 5856

RE

1888

91

FOR HIRE

OPEN 7 DAYS

Shop 2, 33 Edinburgh St(next to Pizza Hut) Pukekohe

Phone 09 239 2964

Monday-Friday 7am-6pmSaturday 8am-6pmSunday 9am-5pm

CLOSED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

RE188578

LAUNDROMAT

SPECIALISEDCOATINGS

� Airless Spraying � Roof Painting � Exterior PaintingTextured Ceilings

� Re-sprayed � Removed and PaintedIndustrial and Epoxy Coatings, Floor Coatings etc

Bruce Cameron 0274 988 412acrafl [email protected]

CD

185024

PAINTERS & DECORATORS

SPOUTING REPLACEMENTS AND NEW HOUSES

Manufacturer and installer of internal & external gutter systems.

Celebrating 37 years in business

Ph: 267 3030 Fax: 267 7709Email: [email protected] Website: www.taylorfascia.co.nz

Taylor Internal Colour Steel Taylor External Colour Steel

CD

159229

SPOUTING AND ROOFING

AG157024

Ph/Fax: 09 238 4047 or 021 987402600 Buckland Rd, RD2, Pukekohe

Experienced Operator 24 years

Craig NicholsonEarthmoving & General Cartage

� 20 tonne diggers� 4.5 tonne digger� Tip trucks & trailers� D8 Bulldozer & scoop� Low loader� Grader� Excava� ons� Dams� Tree Removal

� Drainage� Roading� Stopbanks� Building sites� Demoli� on� Horse arenas� Metal/sand/slag

supplied� General cartage

TRADE SERVICES

HOUSE WASHINGSoft Washing • All Exterior Washing

FREE QUOTES • Ph Bob Wilson:

09 277 9089 • 021 977 344email [email protected]

CD182211

WATERBLASTING

Concrete Pipes used2.40 x 1350 Dia (7) $600 ono2.57 x 730 Dia (1) $300 ono2.53 x 680 Dia (1) $250 ono

Concrete Barriers3m L x 850 H x 150 T (12) $120 ono

Landscaping Rocks numerous sizes $60 ton

Crushed Concrete $15m2

RE189731

PETERSONS ROAD CLEANFILL

For Sale

Ph: 021 3666 29

FOR SALE

Ph Neil for a quote: 021 794 148 anytime, A/H 09 232 8540Ph N il f t 021 794 148 ti A/H 09 232 8540

DAVIS TANKS• For all your concrete tank requirements.• We build 3000 – 8000 gallon water tanks.

Water tank repair and recondition specialistConcrete Tanks Tried & True

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLYWater - Septic - Retention - Specialty Tanks

JH137538

WATER

CHICKEN MANURE FERTILISER

www.bennettfertilisers.co.nz

A natural, cost-effective all-year round

N.P.K. fertiliser for pasture, maize crops,

market gardens & small blocks. We supply, cart

& spread

We also supply:• Lime • Metal

• Sand

Neil 021 724 327 orBruce 021 270 6828Offi ce 09 299 64 86

JH168747-v2

FERTILISER

MR CLIP LTDTotally mobile shearing service.

Bombays to Kaiwaka.From One Animal Upwards

EXPERIENCED NZ WOOL BOARDCERTIFIED SHEARERS (MACHINE & BLADE)

Ces & Jan MayallPh w/w (09) 425-7104or Ak (09) 276-1219

or mobile 0274-853-234

Sheep, Goats, Alpacas, Llamas AG147338

TRADE SERVICES

Check out our website

www.ruralliving.

co.nz

Updated every issue

Check out our websitewww.ruralliving.co.nz

Updated every issue

To advertise in our Classifi eds, give us a call: 271 8055

Email: classifi [email protected]

Utilise this space to advertise your

Trade or Service

Please call: 271 8055 or email: classifi [email protected]


53658


121632

rural living december 2012

Documents

henrys bush

patch of bush

testing zigzag track

whangamaire stream

walkway combining bush

patumahoe people

stream tumbles

new meaning