Matt Brown

Hi-vis bedecked winery staff swapped the plonk for planting as part of an
international spotlight on biodiversity.

Pernod Ricard Winemakers staff stretched their green thumbs on Thursday,
planting native plants along vineyard waterways to break up the grape
monoculture and, hopefully, help bring native birds back to Blenheim.

Part of a global initiative called Responsib’ALL Day, New Zealand sustainability
manager Tracey Marshall says the 200 local Pernod Ricard Winemakers staff joined
nearly 19,000 colleagues around the world for the tenth annual event, focusing
on nature and biodiversity.

Pernod Ricard Winemakers planting natives around waterways on their Brancott
Road vineyard yesterday. Photo: Matt Brown.“One of the aspects with growing
grapes is a lack of biodiversity, grapes are a monoculture,” Tracey says.

“It’s a common practice for us to plant beneficial cover crops amongst the
vines, but every part of our land that doesn’t have headlands, or buildings, or
grapes, we’re going to plant it in natives.

“This isn’t a one off.”

She says all the winery and viticulture staff, after a warmup and a stretch, got
to planting the nearly 5000 natives around the waterways of their Fairhall
vineyards.

The annual Responsib’ALL Day focuses on different aspects of the environment and
community each year. The Pernod Ricard Winemakers team helped the Marlborough
RSA Burleigh Memorial Olive Grove team harvest their olives a few years back.
Last year, the annual event was unfortunately cancelled by Covid.

This year, the focus is on the environment and sustainability.

The new plantings will link the existing native oases, meticulously planned out
by their on-staff conservationist, Nic Dann.

“We’re focusing on waterways,” Tracey says.

“Improving the quality of the tributaries will improve the quality of the Taylor
River.”

Pernod Ricard Winemakers New Zealand sustainability manager Tracey Marshall.
Photo: Matt Brown.Flaxes and grasses, kahikatea, ngaio, and other natives are
being planted, depending on their ideal environment.

“We’ve stopped today to improve, grow and restore biodiversity,” Tracey says.

“It’s not the only time we’re planting, we’re systematically working through
enhancing the place every season.

“We’ve got a planting plan for what goes where.”

Tracey says the new plantings will provide a habitat for birds and insects, and
link the Tui to Town plantings.

“It’s providing habitats for birds and insects.”

And it’s working, she says.

“For the first time in 20 years, I’ve heard bellbird and seen Tui in Blenheim.”

She says she’s proud to be part of a company that thinks forward to the future –
the company has a sustainability roadmap that goes through to 2030.

“It’s really neat to know that all our colleagues around the world are doing a
similar thing to us today.

“It’s a fantastic day that we have.”

Wine company’s push for biodiversity

Sara Hollyman

For Lenny Payne, the thing he enjoys most about his job is getting out of the
workshop and heading to farms across the Top of the South to put his trade to
use.

Lenny has just completed his Level 4 motorcycle engineer qualification, joining
nine other qualified mechanics at Filco Farm and Sport.

For Lenny the journey wasn’t easy, two lockdowns and a switch from paper-based
to electronic learning meant he was fielding curveballs from different angles as
well as simply ‘being a young fellah’, but last month he crossed the line and
completed his qualification.

“It feels really good to get it done, it was a bit of a struggle, as all things
are as a young fellah, but got it done,” Lenny says.

Determination and a supportive work environment helped see him along the road to
becoming qualified.

Filco Farm and Sport owner Dave Filer says seeing young guys coming through and
completing a qualification in a hands-on trade is something that’s increasingly
rare. He says they have always put a big focus on training.

“These guys are the future of the industry, and the industry relies on young
people getting qualifications to give service to our customers, and without
service we are nothing,” Dave says.

As part of the Filco team Lenny covers a huge area as part of their off-site
servicing. He travels anywhere between Springs Junction and Reefton through to
Kaikoura.

Dave says going to farms in remote areas are what’s kept Filco running for 35
years.

“We’ve got some customers that I started with in 1987 that we are now into
fourth generation of family, which is incredible.”

Lenny was just five years old when he started tagging along to the local A&P
shows with his dad Rod, who has been a member of the Filco mechanic team for 21
years.
Hanging around the Filco trade displays, motorcycles were arguably in Lenny’s
blood.

“He always said he was going to come and work here and so to see him qualify
now, it’s a privilege really,” Dave says.

MITO training advisor Paul Booth says Lenny’s achievement is something to be
proud of.

“He’s done really well, he’s done a lot of work.”

Lenny wants to spend the immediate future getting some more knowledge under his
belt before seeing where the trade takes him.

Young people future of the industry

Staff reporter

Fiona Bryan is a senior firefighter at the Moutere Volunteer Fire Brigade, while
her day job is as National Executive Director of the Empowerment Trust.

Fiona says she had always been interested in fire-fighting so one evening in
2012 she popped down to her local fire station on a training night to check it
out.

Now Fiona’s children leap out of bed when the siren sounds and have her keys and
shoes ready for a quick response, while the community pitches in when Fiona is
at a fire by collecting her children from school and helping out however they
can.

Several things started Fiona on this journey. She wanted to challenge herself,
help her community and be a positive example to her children, which she has
achieved in more ways than she could have imagined.

The role and training puts you outside of your comfort zone Fiona says. She
laughs when she remembers the brigade chief’s encouragement that “all you have
to do is open the station doors and start the truck up” when she questioned if
she was up to the challenge

“I thought I was confident and capable, the job and training pushed me
physically and mentally but the benefits have been enormous to my life outside
FENZ and have helped me believe in myself.” Fiona says, “the job can be very
confronting.”

But support from family, the fire crews and formal support from FENZ helps
massively, there is always someone shoulder tapping you to check you’re okay.”

The first fire she attended was when the Moutere community centre was ablaze. “I
remember looking at it once the fire was out and couldn’t believe I had done it,
it was surreal”.

Fiona describes herself as being naturally calm under pressure. She is also
drawn to helping with people’s recovery after an incident.

“I have a passion for supporting people through difficult times, this can be
challenging but rewarding, it’s important as a community to link people together
and access support agencies.”

Darren Crawford, FENZ senior advisor community readiness & recovery says, the
support people receive immediately after an incident can really help them on
their path to recovery.

“It can be a long journey back to some form of normality for people affected by
traumatic events, but early support can make a significant difference and
communities seem to invariably step up and help in positive and generous ways.”

Fire and Emergency has a focus on supporting communities to reduce fires and
keep people safe from fire and Fiona says volunteer brigades give lots of
opportunities for their members to be involved in these activities.

“Not everyone wants to ride fire trucks but there are many important roles like
making Home Fire Safety visits and brigades will welcome the help.

“It’s been a real privilege to be able to help when people are in distress. If
you are considering helping your community by supporting your local fire
brigade, just do it!”

Fiona says she has never regretted calling into the station on that training
night ten years ago.

Volunteering with your local fire brigade is a great way to contribute to your
community and become part of a team. Fire and Emergency New Zealand is a diverse
and inclusive organisation.

At Moutere, a third of the brigade are women.

There are multiple other ways to volunteer without becoming an operational
firefighter.

Medical First Responders volunteer only for medical emergencies, Brigade Support
volunteers help run the brigade by completing administrative tasks without
having to be on the frontlines.

Operational support roles can be a good option for people wanting to be at the
incidents supporting firefighters by keeping the public and brigades safe.

If you are interested in volunteering with your local brigade click here
[https://fireandemergency.nz/volunteering/becoming-part-of-a-brigade/] to learn
more.

Everyday hero

Paul Millen is the project manager of the New Zealand Drylands Forest Initiative
and recipient of the New Zealand Institute of Forestry ‘Forester of the Year
2021 Award’.

The Drylands Forestry Initiative won the Supreme Environmental Award at The
Cawthron Environmental Awards in Marlborough in 2017. He recently spoke at the
forestry Field Day at The Throne, saying that the success of the NZDI was built
on relationships formed.

“Throughout the project these relationships have thrived with landowners from
Northland to Canterbury, with the Marlborough Research Centre, the University of
Canterbury, Proseed NZ and many more individuals.”

The aim is to establish a sustainable multi regional hardwood producing
business, based on the planting of eucalypts.

Since its inception in 2003, NZDI has invested over $10 million dollars in
research and planting, with the goal to produce 20,000 tonnes of timber per
annum to sustain a medium-scale timber mill at Kaituna.

This would create 200 jobs and add $85 million to the NZ gross domestic product.
He estimates that 3000 to 5000 hectares would be enough to sustain production,
but planting would have to take place each year to maintain consistency of
supply.

The plantation at The Throne contains over fourteen thousand trees. Since 2003,
seed has been collected from around New Zealand and Australia aiming to select
for genetic improvement along the way.

The ability to have a good growth rate with a single straight trunk and
resistance to pests and diseases is paramount.

Core testing is also being carried out. 

“Initially we would grow five trees to produce one good one, now it is the other
way round. We are now growing trees that are at eight metres within two years
and 100mm in diameter. The genetic improvements are enormous.”

Unlike pine trees, eucalypts will recover from a fire, and the fire risk is not
higher than a pine forest. They have the ability to coppice from the tree stump,
and are ideal for slopes susceptible to erosion.

By Andrew Ritchie

Success built on relationships

Nelson Marlborough Fish & Game staff observed an all-time record salmon spawning
count within the main spring fed spawning area utilised by salmon within the
Wairau Catchment in early May this year.

Past counts have ranged from 80-237 adult salmon utilising this area which
provides spawning habitat for at least half of the total catchment salmon run
for the Wairau River. This year saw the highest count more than double to 524
adult salmon.

Marlborough based Fish & Game Field Officer Vaughan Lynn noted that the record
count was one of the highlights of his year at Fish & Game, and very satisfying
to see the fishery in such good shape.

The high spawning count was also in line with the positive salmon fishing
reports within the Wairau this year, although the seasonal fishing opportunity
was shortened somewhat by high February flows in the Wairau.

This high count was not mirrored in the Clarence counts which were about average
this year based on past records, although some South Island East Coast salmon
fisheries were reported to have had some of the best salmon fishing for the last
decade and like the Wairau count this year, spawning counts were reported to be
high in many of them.

It is considered that favourable sea conditions with plenty of krill about for
the last year or two years (possibly influenced by how far up the cold Southland
current reaches each summer) may have helped to really boost both the average
size and number of returning salmon this season, which is great news after
nearly a decade of poor failing salmon runs all along the East Coast.

Any ‘would be salmon anglers’ wishing to try their luck on these silver
torpedo’s next summer, are encouraged to go into the appropriate retail stores
for advice on the right gear/technique for salmon fishing, plus source their
Local Area fishing licence, or a day licence (also available on line from the
Fish & Game website).

Bumper salmon season

The search is on for 100 volunteer beekeepers to join a new Biosecurity New
Zealand surveillance project, looking out for a future bee threat– the small
hive beetle.

Biosecurity New Zealand Deputy-Director General Stuart Anderson says the project
is the latest of 14 targeted biosecurity surveillance programmes run around New
Zealand.

“These programmes are all designed to give the earliest possible detection of
exotic pest and disease incursions, so we have the best chance of future
eradication or effective management.

“Our programmes include surveillance for high-risk pests, of high-risk
locations, and vulnerable groups of plants and animals – on land and in water.

“Like the small hive beetle project, some programmes are targeted to specific
species not known to be present in the country, like spongy moth and saltmarsh
mosquitoes,” Mr Anderson says

“Some of our programmes have been running for many years and have enabled us to
run successful  eradications.

The National Invasive Ant Surveillance programme (NIAS) for example is nearly 20
years old. The estimated impact of an ant invasion to New Zealand is $318
million per annum, early detection is key to supporting eradication. 

Last year, 32 NIAS traps detected exotic ants leading to seven incursions being
eradicated.

The new small hive beetle project is another example of a project based on
biosecurity threat priorities.

While small hive beetle isn’t known to be present in New Zealand, its proximity
to our country means it’s a threat worth being prepared for.

This new project is unique in that it calls on volunteer beekeepers from the
community to maintain traps in one of their hives. The exotic beetle traps are
primarily checked by the volunteer, with the Biosecurity New Zealand
surveillance team offering support. If they come across any suspect organisms
during their routine checks, they will report these right away.

Beekeepers interested in joining the small hive beetle surveillance programme
should visit Small Hive Beetle Surveillance Project.

Stuart Anderson says Biosecurity New Zealand’s routine surveillance programmes
play a key role in our strong biosecurity system.

“As well as looking out for potential new invaders, the programmes can also tell
us if a pest or disease that is established in Aotearoa is changing or moving.

“And the programmes also serve the vital function of enabling New Zealand to
assure our trade partners that our exports are safe. By using rigorous and
reliable science, we can prove our primary sector goods will not carry pests or
diseases to their shores.”

More information on our surveillance programmes can be found at Surveillance
Programmes for Pests and Diseases.

For more information please call the MPI media phone 029 894 0328 or email: 
BiosecurityNZ_media@mpi.govt.nz.

New beehive surveillance project supports biosecurity

Murray McClintock, owner of Glazebrook Station, was asked to speak on carbon
trading at the Field Day at The Throne. 

He said the focus of the trading programme was to reward activities that
sequester carbon and was established in 2008.

“We all pay for the system by using fossil fuels and companies may buy credits
from companies sequestering carbon to offset their activities in a voluntary
market. For example Fonterra uses 1 million tonnes of coal in the drying process
in their milk powder plants. The credits bought will be surrendered back to the
Crown to offset the greenhouse gases produced. Credits may be generated from
forests both indigenous and exotic.”

To qualify, MPI must be satisfied that there was no forest there before 1990.
The vegetation must be capable of reaching a height of 5 metres at maturity and
have the potential for a 30% canopy cover, credits are paid annually. 

In the case of indigenous forest a case can be built if the block has been
actively farmed by clearing or burning on a regular basis in previous years. A
price of $400 to $800/ha may be paid on regenerating bush. 

The amount of credits paid is averaged throughout the growth of the forest and
the current price paid is $75/tonne. Over the life of the pine forest this could
amount to $20,000 to $30,000Ha.

The downside of the scheme is the credits have to be repaid when the trees are
harvested if the block is not to be replanted. A block can be registered for the
scheme if the area is 1 Ha or more. For blocks up to 100Ha the average carbon
produced can be calculated using region specific tables for pine forests.

For areas over 100Ha a field management  approach must be used to calculate
carbon sequestration. In the case of fire destroying the trees, payments will be
stopped until the replacement trees reach the same age as the fire damaged
trees. Conflict has arisen from investors acquiring livestock farms and planting
them in exotic species permanently for carbon sequestration. 

Prices paid for the land have exceeded the amount a commercial livestock farmer
can afford to pay, resulting in the loss of employment in rural communities and
depopulation of the area.

Legislation is being proposed to ban permanent pine forests and investment by
foreign investors. It’s hoped effective legislation comes into force before more
damage is done to the rural heartland. 

The rules and regulations governing carbon credits are complicated, it may be
helpful to obtain expert advice before embarking on such an enterprise.

By Andrew Ritchie

Carbon credits unravelled

Renwick’s Woodbourne Tavern saw an influx of utes, redbands, mullets and
trophies this afternoon at their annual Queen’s Birthday hunt.

Keen hunters from across the region battled for supremacy at the Woody Pig &
Deer Hunt 2022.

And a strong showing through the age groups saw a bevy of prizes handed out not
only for hefty quarry, but for the first time, magnificent mullets.

Boys discuss the intricacies of stalking prey at the Woodbourne Tavern's annual
hunt. Photo: Matt Brown.Publican Rowan Ingpen says it is great to see everybody
out and about.

“It’s a fantastic day out for the whole family.”

He says he is happy the weather held out for the annual event.

“Everybody’s enjoying themselves – mixing and mingling. And the kids are loving
it.”

Father and son team Toby Clay-Davis and Eddie Davis, with their three dogs,
stuck a boar on Saturday morning.

The beast, weighing in at around 40kg, is a fairly common good-sized pig in
Marlborough, Eddie says.

“They average is around 40 to 50 kilos,” Toby explains.

“If you get something worthy of weighing, you turn up [to the competition].”

But the pig didn’t go down without a fight, Eddie nursing a few aches and one of
the dogs needing a couple of stitches.

“I’m pretty sore, but yeah – it was a good battle,” Eddie says.

Toby Clay-Davis and Eddie Davis with their weekend's catch. Photo: Matt Brown.
Woody Pig Hunt veteran Blue Blick says the best part of the competition is how
it brings the community together.

“You see all your friends you don’t see very often. It brings the families
together too,” he says.

Blue has helped run the kids side of the hunt about a decade.

“It’s something to put back into the community.”

He says the rabbit, hare and possum section has another benefit, besides ridding
the countryside of pests.

Publican Rowan Ingpen and MC Chris Lippiatt address a strong crowd participants
at this year's hunt. Photo: Matt Brown.The Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust
receive all the carcasses, so they don’t go to waste.

Ten-year-old Richie McRae entered the teen goat section, with his 18.88kg goat
and the mullet competition.

He says he has been growing his mullet since the start of last year.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Results:
Kids Section

Possum

1st          Alexis Martin 4.60

2nd        Matilda Ingpen 4.50

3rd         Flynn Smart 4.40

3rd=       Wiremu Clay 4.40

Rabbit

1st          Sophia Peak 2.10

2nd        Ameika Graham 1.90

3rd         Evy Boyce 1.30

Hare

1st          Sophia Peak 3.70

2nd=      Braxley Grinter 3.6

2nd=      Harland Adams 3.6

Teen Goat

1st          Paige Town 44.4

2nd        Sienna Martin 37.6

3rd         Chase McWirter 33.0

Average               25.4kg

Gus Wickham 25.0kg

Teen Pig

1st          Maia Watson 64kg

2nd        Finn Mckenzie 62.5kg

3rd         Hunter Stanton & Chase McWhirter 61.0kg

Average- 41.82

Saphera Best 42kg

Pig

1st          Daniel Lawrence 68kg

2nd        Joshua Patterson 66.5kg

3rd         Jayden Holdaway 65.5kg

Average               45.6kg

Eli Keeps 45.4

Best Tusks Jayden Holdaway

Deer

1st          Jeremy Everson 121kg

2nd        Jarod Bryant 108.5kg

3rd         Allister Grinter 105kg

Average 75.39

Tied:

Jett Winkler 76.5kg

Taylor Cleall 76.5kg

Best Head Jeremy Everson

Medals and mullets: Woody’s annual hunt draws a keen crowd

Contributor

By Andrew Ritchie

The Marlborough Landscape Group organised a hugely successful field day at David
and Sue Dillon's property at The Throne in the Waihopai Valley in late April.

The Marlborough Landscape Group advises Council on how to enhance and protect
the landscape of Marlborough.

Members include local business, forestry, farming, winegrowers and environmental
groups.

Group Co-ordinator Bev Doole said the group's aim was to connect industry and
Council and encourage thinking about landscapes and trees.

She highlighted the tree planting in the Taylor Reserve in Blenheim as an
example of the influence of the organisation.

Introducing the property David Dillon talked about how his grandfather planted
an avenue of eucalypts alongside the Waihopai road in 1900.

Now an impressive plantation of substantial trees, their survival has been
fought for over the years with various landowners and electric lines companies
threatening to cut them down.

David's father Tim Dillon spent the war years in the western desert of North
Africa and came home with an increased appreciation of the need for shelter and
of the shade provided by trees, as well as the need for a reliable water supply.
To that end he built a large dam to supply the property with reticulated water
and planted many shelter belts on the property.

The diverse nature of the plantations on The Throne must be seen to be believed.

The first plantation passed on the tour contained hybrid oaks thought to be bred
from some of the stock brought into the country by the early settlers and noted
for their upright growth pattern, examples of which can be seen in Hagley Park
in Christchurch.

A totara plantation has been established and, although less than four-years-old,
these trees have already reached two metres in height.

Mike Aviss, responsible for the sustainable management of native vegetation at
council, told visitors that the totara used to be a dominant species in the
region and that they are capable of living for 1000 years. However, they could
be harvested in 80 years.

They provide a great deal of fruit for the native birds who would bring in seeds
of other species in the future which would produce food all the year round.

The totara has a massive root system and will sequester a lot of carbon as one
grows.

In the wetter parts of the plantation kahikatea have been established. These
trees are virtually extinct in the lowlands but Marlborough District Council
have been carrying out a seed collection programme from local trees that have
adapted to the environment of the area.

Forestry expert Paul Millen said, “it is necessary to be wealthy to be green, as
plants cost approximately $3 each.”

If planted at two-metre spacing and 2500 stems/ha this would work out at
$7500/ha with an additional $2 per plant for spot spraying.

Mike Aviss highlighted the Significant Natural Area programme overseen by the
Council.

His job is to work with landowners to identify and look after indigenous areas
of which there are 750 sites in Marlborough so far.

One such site of northern pink tree broom survives on The Throne and has
survived grazing and fire protected by a bluffy outcrop. There are only a few
hundred of these trees surviving in Marlborough.

The SNA fund matches dollar for dollar with the landowner the costs involved in
protecting such areas, giving our native bird species a chance of survival.

The other way of protecting such areas is to set up a QEII Trust which will
permanently secure the area by covenanting the land.

The Field Day continued with a visit to a pine plantation which was being
harvested by mechanical means.

Forester Aaron Robinson pointed out the desirability of having a flat area to
gather the logs nearby and proximity of a road helps to reduce cost at harvest
time.

The final stop of the day was a eucalypt plantation where fourteen thousand
trees have been established as part of the New Zealand Drylands Forests
Initiative where forester Paul Millen explained the reasons behind the project.

A thoroughly informative day was had by all who left inspired by the diverse
range of plantings and the foresight of the Dillon family spanning several
generations.

Tree enthusiasts gather at The Throne

The search is on for 100 volunteer beekeepers to join a new Biosecurity New
Zealand surveillance project, looking out for future bee threat– the small hive
beetle.

Biosecurity New Zealand deputy-director general Stuart Anderson says the project
is the latest of 14 targeted biosecurity surveillance programmes run around New
Zealand.

“These programmes are all designed to give the earliest possible detection of
exotic pest and disease incursions, so we have the best chance of future
eradication or effective management,” Stuart says.

The programmes include surveillance for high-risk pests, of high-risk locations,
and vulnerable groups of plants and animals both on land and in water.

“Like the small hive beetle project, some programmes are targeted to specific
species not known to be present in the country, like spongy moth and saltmarsh
mosquitoes,” he says.

“Stuart says some programmes have enabled successful eradications.

The National Invasive Ant Surveillance programme (NIAS) for example is nearly 20
years old. The estimated impact of an ant invasion to New Zealand is $318
million per annum, early detection is key to supporting eradication. Last year,
32 NIAS traps detected exotic ants leading to seven incursions being eradicated.

The new small hive beetle project is another example of a project based on
biosecurity threat priorities. While small hive beetle isn’t known to be present
in New Zealand, its proximity to our country means it’s a threat worth being
prepared for.

This new project is unique in that it calls on volunteer beekeepers from the
community to maintain traps in one of their hives. The exotic beetle traps are
primarily checked by the volunteer, with the Biosecurity New Zealand
surveillance team offering support. If they come across any suspect organisms
during their routine checks, they will report these right away.

Beekeepers interested in joining the small hive beetle surveillance programme
should visit Small hive beetle surveillance project
[https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/how-to-find-report-and-prevent-pests-and-diseases/bee-biosecurity/small-hive-beetle-surveillance-project/]
.

Stuart says Biosecurity New Zealand’s routine surveillance programmes play a key
role in a strong biosecurity system.

“As well as looking out for potential new invaders, the programmes can also tell
us if a pest or disease that is established in Aotearoa is changing or moving.

“And the programmes also serve the vital function of enabling New Zealand to
assure our trade partners that our exports are safe. By using rigorous and
reliable science, we can prove our primary sector goods will not carry pests or
diseases to their shores.”

More information on our surveillance programmes can be found at 
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity

Beehive surveillance project supports biosecurity

Duck hunting season officially opened last week with perfect weather and reports
of success.

Kaituna resident Graeme Rodger and his six-month old Labrador Pete, managed to
bag more than a dozen ducks during the opening weekend of game bird hunting
season.

The warm wet summer had contributed to increased duck numbers in parts of the
country, increasing the chances of success for hunters looking to harvest wild,
free-range birds for the dinner table.

Fish & Game New Zealand says the weather in the region was perfect for opening
weekend which allowed “a moderate number of ducks” to be harvested.

Around the county, Fish & Game Rangers were out in force checking licences and
seeing how opening day had gone for hunters.

Compliance among hunters in Nelson Marlborough was high with only two hunting
offenses detected.

The season for Nelson-Marlborough began on 7 May and will run through to 31
July.

Eight mallards and grey ducks are allowed to be bagged daily while ten paradise
shelducks can be bagged across Nelson Marlborough, except for the Tasman/Golden
Bay area in which 15 shelducks can be harvested.

Federated Farmers Vice-President and health and safety spokesperson Karen
Williams says many farmers and other landowners are willing to have hunters on
their properties but that access is a privilege.

"You should seek their prior permission and follow any instructions," Karen
said.

"Vehicles, firearms, and water remain the key risks to duck hunters and mixed
with a surge of adrenaline can be deadly."

For sheep farmers, sheep measles is a big concern. Visiting hunters must dose
dogs for worms at least 48 hours before going on to farmland.

Remember too, the Arms Act has changed. Although some landowners are exempt from
needing a duck shooting licence, for those who are not, getting caught without a
licence or using lead shot will now most likely mean a loss of your firearms
licence.

There are also new rules for transporting firearms on the road, Karen said.

"There is a general exemption from the transportation requirements for farmers
working, actively hunting or undertaking pest control on their own farm, but you
are required to meet the new requirements if shooting elsewhere for the weekend
and so are the recreational hunters travelling out to shoot at your place."

When transported on the road firearms need to be inoperable, out of sight and
away from any ammunition. If you can’t easily dismantle the firearm and store a
vital piece somewhere else, a trigger lock (which could include your bike lock)
or putting it in a locked gun box will meet the requirements. Ammo should be
locked in the glovebox, if possible, but for big bulky boxes of shotgun
ammunition out of sight and away from the firearm will meet the requirements.

Duck Hunting season off to flying start

By Tony Orman

The Kaikoura Collie Dog Trial Club will celebrate 125 years of age this April.
It’s a grand age and one to be proud of says James Calder, current president.

“We’re very old,” he smiles. “Probably one of the oldest in New Zealand.”

The celebrations will tend to be low key with a dinner and a get-together a
focal point.

Although early records were lost in a fire, an article in the “Kaikoura Star’ of
1929, puts the inaugural meeting of the club 33 years earlier about 1896. Maggie
Campbell, secretary in 1996 compiled a booklet to mark the centenary.

“So it seems in 1896 with a cool wind coming off the Seaward Kaikouras, the
first sheep eyed the first dog in the first event,” she says.

The first events were probably organised under the stewardship of T Adair and H
Collyns with Angus Kennedy as secretary. The first trials likely took place at
the Little Ludstone paddocks of the clubs first patron William Smith.

Interesting things pop up in the remaining records. In 1900 the rules stated
“That protests must be accompanied by a deposit of a one pound note, this sum to
be forfeited if protest proves frivolous.”

One pound was a considerable sum of money in those days and the thought  of
losing a pound would have made any disgruntled trialist have second thoughts.

In 1952 the club decided to hold a woman’s heading event which created much
interest and a good number of entries. The winner was Mrs J G Latter with Mrs J
W Laugensen second and Mrs. H D Crampton third.

There have been some fine man and dog combinations over the years. Around 1900
Harry Little and Maudie were among top winners. C Clemett and Jack, F W Brougham
in the 1930s and 1940s with Toss and Sam featured among winners and J J Smith
won many provincial championships with dogs Cloud and Tiger. It was said Cloud
was arguably the best dog in the huntaway class in New Zealand.

In 1959 eleven year old Johnnie Smith, on of the renowned J J Smith, gained a
third placing with his father’s dog Jill. Johnnie was indeed very young but the
nod for the youngest was probably Ben Pickering just ten years of age, when he
first competed in the 1990s. The club built it’s first club room complete with
cookshop and bar, in 1976 in Ludstone Road.

President James Calder says the success of the club over 125 years is testimony
to the strong support from farmers in holding regular well attended trials and
several sponsors.

“In particular Tux have been wonderful as a major sponsor both locally and
nationally,” he says.

Kaikoura Collie Dog Trial Club to celebrate 125 Years

Tony Orman

The need for labour in the rural sector is being overlooked by the Labour
Government according to Kaikoura MP Stuart Smith.

“In Marlborough the viticulture sector is struggling through grape vintage
without the necessary skilled winery staff as well as less Recognised Seasonal
Employer workers that could be here to assist,” he said.

The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme came into effect in April 2007.
The policy allows the horticulture and viticulture industries to recruit workers
from overseas for seasonal work when there are not enough New Zealand workers.

There is an administrative limit or cap on the number of RSE places that can be
taken up in any one year. This cap was set at 5,000 places in 2007, but the
success of RSE has led to increased demand from employers and the cap has risen
to 16,000 for 2021/22.

Marlborough Federated Farmer dairy section chairman Evan White said the answer
as to whether there is a shortage short answer is brief.

“Yes. We are all struggling to find suitably qualified people to fill vacancies
on dairy farms. Anybody that wants to work has the upper hand in both choice of
jobs and rate of pay,” he replied.

“Other sectors are struggling too,” explained Evan White. “For example, there
are the agricultural contractors we employ, who can't find experienced tractor
drivers and most freight companies that we work with are struggling to find
truck drivers. We are all working harder and longer hours but honestly it is a
recipe for disaster.”

He found it difficult to comprehend why the current Government seems to want to
bring the country to it's knees while hard working Kiwi farmers watch potential
production and profit's that benefit all go down the drain.

“I am convinced that the majority of farmers are working not only for their own
interests but for the greater good. We just need the Government to listen and
understand rather than just pretending to be onboard.”

Stuart Smith said the shortage of dairy workers is impacting on the sector as it
is throughout New Zealand.

“And yet disc jockeys can come and go as they please,” he said referring to the
recent case where British “DJ” Dimension entered New Zealand.

Disc Jockeys OK

“This Government does not understand what really matters in New Zealand; they
have a student politician’s view on the world, unfortunately DJ’s won’t milk the
cows or make the wine, skilled staff are willing and available to do the work,
all they need is a visa.”

Between June 18, 2020 and December 8, 2021, 564 workers in the entertainment and
arts sector have had requests for border exceptions approved. In the light of
entertainment personalities being allowed farmers say they are “being
short-changed by the Labour government yet again.”

The National Party has taken up the cudgels on behalf of farmers.

Labour needs to explain why it is severely restricting the number of dairy farm
workers allowed into the country for no apparent reason.

National’s Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford and Agriculture spokesperson
Barbara Kuriger say, last year the dairy sector requested border exceptions for
1500 international dairy workers that were urgently needed for this year’s
calving season but the Government granted only 300, meaning the sector will be
short staffed and overworked for yet another season.

Critical

Barbara Kuriger says hardworking farmers have helped to keep the rest of the
economy afloat, but are being ignored by a Government that does not care about
the rural sector.

“With border restrictions loosening, there’s simply no rationale for continuing
to turn down border exceptions for agriculture workers who are critical to our
economy,” she said.

“Farmers are suffering from significant stress and mental health issues.
Needlessly forcing them to go through yet another season critically understaffed
is only going to make this problem worse.”

Labour talks big about kindness and mental health, yet fail to deliver critical
workers to dairying - an essential industry said Barbara Kuriger.

Government accused of failing to address agriculture labour shortage

Barbara Stuart

Daniel White was raised on a dairy farm on the north bank of the Wairau River.

From a young age the end goal has always been to go dairy farming and work
towards farming his own property.

When he left school the first farming position he took on, as an
eighteen-year-old, was working for Kenny Kyle at Canvastown as a lower order
worker.

While he was working there here quickly learned the ropes.

Kenny sold that property and Daniel stayed on working for the new owners for a
season, but it wasn’t long before he was back working for Kenny on the Havelock
farm.

During the four years he worked there he quickly rose to a fifty, fifty share
milker over the last two seasons.

“Kenny helped me,” Daniel says.  “It set me on the next part of my career plan.”

Little did he know the next few years would be a real challenge.

At the start of the 2018 season Daniel took on the lease of a dairy farm in the
Matiri Valley near Murchison milking three hundred cross bred cows.

The farm hasn’t been without its trials though, including the access road
alongside the Matiri River slumping to expose a dangerous, long drop down to the
river below, forcing him to dump milk into his effluent pond as the road was too
dangerous for the milk tanker to access.

Not one to let problems get on top of him Daniel kept farming, keeping his eye
on the end goal.

This season his three hundred cows have produced, 117,000kg of milk solids.

During this time his life was not all bad he met his partner Jess and together
they have a newborn son who they have named Archie.

In his spare time Daniel is a keen pig hunter and enjoys relaxing with Jess,
Archie and step-children Lukah and Izabella.

Farming career always a goal

Andrew Ritchie

Huge ongoing costs and no certainty have farmers in the Keneperu Sounds
operating on a knife edge because of the lack of road access. 

Mike Richards who has a mussel farm in Waitaria Bay has been able to use the
road with a light vehicle using a Resident’s Only Pass since the road opened,
following the catastrophic floods in July.

The Council issued a new code recently which allows bach owners and holiday
makers to use the road without a pass providing they only have a light vehicle. 

Mike’s concern, as a regular road user is that little progress appears to be
being made to restore the road to pre July’s conditions. 

The Hopkinson family farm 1000 hectares in the Sounds at Titirangi. 

Emma Hopkinson says the ongoing extra financial costs caused by the inability of
trucks to access the farming community is crippling. 

All trucks have to utilise Johnsons Barges to service the farms. 

Emma says a round trip costs approximately $7000 and if the barge has to wait
for a return load waiting time costs $250/hour. 

She praises the Sounds community who have pulled forces to plan the logistics of
each trip. 

A slipway has been constructed at Fish Bay which is in a central position to
accommodate the majority of users in the area. 

Haulier Gareth Parkes has served the community well during the road closure,
coordinating loads and often has to stay overnight in the sounds to avoid the
waiting time charges for the barge. 

Emma says that the extra costs due to the lack of road access is difficult to
explain to bankers and accountants when the books are not balancing. 

She says that a neighbour estimated it has already cost an additional $100,000
in transport costs to date and no end is in sight. 

A spokesperson for Marlborough Roads said there was no indication of when normal
road access would be available but it looks as though it will be a “considerable
amount of time.” 

“The repairs are extremely complex and there is a lot of damage underneath the
road.” 

The worst affected area is a 19km stretch around Portage. 

Currently the road has reopened for six wheeler trucks, under twelve tonnes and
no longer than eight metres.

Permits can be applied for vehicles exceeding these specifications from
Marlborough Roads. 

Kim Weatherhead is the Office and Logistics Manager for Johnsons Barges at
Havelock. 

She says they have been very busy since the floods of July, moving 40 to 50 cars
per day initially. 

Since October they have barged over 13,000 sheep,1000 cattle,500 bales of
wool,40 truck and trailer loads, tonnes of fertiliser and stock feed. 

Initially there was a Mayoral relief fund set up, which enabled transport to be
provided at a very reduced cost. 

Since then the Council have combined with MPI to provide some funding. 

The decision was made to spread the funding over an extended period rather than
provide free services that would mean the money disappearing quite quickly. 

However the road repairs are not going to be fixed quickly so Council is
attempting to access more government funding to cover an extended period. 

Dean Heiford who manages community support services at Marlborough District
Council told Kim Weatherhead that the Sounds community may be concerned that
repairs are not happening quickly enough, but that they aim to have an improved
access road on completion rather than one that has just been patched up. 

Kim praised the community for coming together, thanking the Leslie brothers for
clearing some of the massive slips and stock agents and Parkes haulage for
making the logistics easier to manage. 

The increase in fuel costs have made costs unpredictable but the company have
been pleased to help the community as best they can.

Sounds farmers need certainty

Anna-Marie Barnes

The Marlborough wine region continues to thrive and deliver high volumes of
premium quality fruit in the face of a challenging season.

Growers and vintners have faced pressure for the entire season, not only from
the Covid-19 pandemic but also because of the current La Niña climate patterns.

This placed the industry under significant stress for the entire growing season,
starting with the Delta outbreak in early spring, then Omicron arriving close on
its heels over the busy summer pre-harvest period and into harvest itself.

Marlborough Grape Growers Cooperative chairperson and grower director Ben
McLauchlan says the extra layer of complexity presented by Covid-19 has  had an
impact on those who work in the industry.

“Our own vineyard only has a small area that is hand harvested and this was
completed by a team of RSE workers – the remainder of the crop has been machine
harvested by a Kiwi crew”.

Ben emphasises the importance of teamwork and that it’s the hard work of the
vineyard crews on the ground which has ensured the environmental impacts of the
season have been overcome, resulting in quality fruit at harvest.

Provision of additional labour through contracted harvest companies has made
successful completion of the harvest possible.

“The people make such a difference,” Ben says.

“Getting our export wine to market is also difficult as the supply chain faces
its own global challenges – but our reputation for quality and the strength of
the New Zealand brand wraps around and the consumer demand for our product is
still high.”

Ben says the Marlborough Grape Growers Cooperative is fortunate to have strong
business relationships with its wineries and it is these professional
connections that leave the group in a very positive position going forward.

He believes the industry will now take a collective breath inwards and reflect
on how this momentum can be maintained, but he says it is clear that working
together is critical and grower groups like the Marlborough cooperative are at
the forefront.

As a third generation landowner the longevity of Ben’s business and passing the
property on to the next generation is of utmost importance.

“Keeping this sustainable and emphasising the consumer experience is critical”.

Over in Nelson-Tasman, winemaker Chris Seifried of Seifried Estate in Appleby
echoes this sentiment.

“We do feel that we’ve walked a tightrope – and survived.

“We were quite nervous earlier in the season, especially with the rain in
February causing issues with botrytis in the vineyard.  We are very pleased with
the season overall, with varieties such as chardonnay performing exceptionally
well.

“The warm late summer temperatures played their part, extending right into March
and April, where we were still harvesting in temperatures of 26 degrees.”

With Covid-19 meaning fewer international workers on the scene, Chris says
Seifried Estate has relied more heavily on a smaller crew of local workers this
season.

Many of the vineyard team moved on to working in the winery once picking had
finished and this has resulted in people upskilling or even working in a
completely new area.

Chris says workers enjoyed the change of scenery and are looking forward to
repeating the experience next season.

He says they had to ask the question, “how can we do this with a smaller staff?

“In hindsight it has worked really well, thanks to our wonderful locals.”

Testing times challenge vintage, but people power pulls through

NZDA
Marlborough Branch



The Marlborough Branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) has
seen increased membership and participation in club events such as club nights
and hunts in the past 12 months.

This is really reassuring and shows that there are a lot of people in our
community who take their sport seriously, or are in the process of discovering
the hunting community.

To support this, the club has made a real effort to canvas new members and
provide connections with our experienced members.

This has included taking new members hunting and providing advice on locations
and considerations such as wind management and animal behaviour.

We encourage anyone who may be considering learning to hunt, or who is new to
the area, to come along to one of our club nights or informal after-work
catch-ups and make themselves known.

We are very keen to support our newer members and see them succeed on their
hunting journey.

An example of our club as a valuable community organisation has been taking
members new to the club or new to the area out under guidance on a local hunt.
This has introduced people to the many considerations of hunting including
conservation, animal behaviour, clothing, safe firearms handling, and field
dressing animals. It helps build confidence early and set the foundations for
newer hunters to move forward on their own or with newfound hunting mates in the
club.

Marlborough NZDA values maintaining sustainable local hunting for recreational
hunters while balancing conservation objectives.

This is supported by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of
Conservation and being part of a Molesworth TB eradication advisory group.

We have a club night coming up at 7:00pm 17 March at Clubs of Marlborough, RSA
room which will also double as a short AGM.

Information about upcoming events are posted on Facebook @MarlboroughNZDA or you
can contact us via email marlborough@nzda.org.nz

Deer stalker association sees numbers boost

Paula Hulburt

When pioneering Marlborough forester Andrew Wiltshire first began growing pine
trees, he had no idea his work would one day take him to Sweden.

Pinoli Ltd is a name well known to many Marlburians, a name that proudly
accompanies every bag, a testament to the knowledge and foresight of its owners.

Now, more than 17,000km away in the breath-taking cold of a Swedish winter,
co-owner Andrew and wife Barb, are meant to be celebrating his induction into
The Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry.

While COVID-19 has just delayed a celebratory dinner to be graced by the King of
Sweden Carl XVI, Andy, as he prefers to be called, is nonetheless excited about
the honour.

He is only the second Kiwi to have been commended in this manner.

“It’s probably a rather obscure organization for many in NZ but for me
personally, I consider it a real honour to be nominated and inducted.

The Pinoli pine plantations in Marlborough: Photo: Supplied.“I like the mission
of the Academy as it places emphasis on both the advancement of science and
research as well as practical experience.

“In a highly polarized world, that seems like an important combination to me…”

One of just 25 international inductees to the Academy, the former forester
considers the honour a fitting one. There are, he explains, great affinities
between the Swedish forestry sector and his own motivations and beliefs.

But it is the team back in Marlborough that Andy credits with getting the
company where it is today from smaller beginnings back when it began in 1997.

“I’m most proud of our team. Our general manager, Lee Paterson and Sales Manager
Zoe Thompson have been with us from the start nearly 25 years ago, and our
business manager, Stu Harris and two newest team members Josh Patterson and Max
Law all work together to solve problems and make things happen.

‘Most of all my wife Barb who is my fellow Director and owner of the business
and who keeps me from doing anything too crazy!

“Our pine nut plantations are now prized assets, and they are nice to look at
and work in, but it's the team of people driving the business that move the
enterprise forward every day, every month, every year.

“Their energy, skill, commitment and sense of humour make me very happy and very
proud.

Stretching out over 500 hectares, the Mediterranean Stone pine tree plantation
makes itself known as its heady scent is carried on the Marlborough breeze.

Its cones are plentiful and pine nuts are not only supplied domestically to many
food stores within NZ, but additional kernels also go to Australia and to
Europe.

As demand increases, new plantations are being developed, Andy says. While
somewhat reluctant to admit it, the global pandemic has been a boost for the
business.

“It's almost embarrassing to say this, but the pandemic has been good for
business. Demand for our product seems to rise when people are unable to eat out
at restaurants and we assume this is in some way due to seeking out some special
ingredients to enhance their meals at home.

“We are still expanding. We have planted more trees almost every year since our
start in 1998 and plan to plant more in 2022.

“We’d like to take this from its current scale to a larger industry that is more
meaningful in economic terms, regionally and even nationally. Our factory has
capacity to process more pine nuts and we think our European Stone Pine forests
are a great land use for drier parts of Marlborough and actually for other
regions in Canterbury, Otago and Hawkes Bay.”

For Andy, the lure of the seemingly humble pine nut is not difficult to explain.
He is happy to enthuse about its many virtues, not least taste.

But it was the challenge of growing a pine nut forest and then producing nuts
that first attracted Andy to plant.

“Knowing few others had successfully grown pine nut forests and even fewer had
completed the cycle to producing pine nuts just made the challenge of doing it
in NZ extra special.

“Pine nuts are such an interesting food source on so many levels. Extremely
nutritious, delicious to eat (to most people), something a little special among
nuts due to their high price, an ancient food essentially unchanged by
domestication since palaeolithic times, from drought tolerant, long-lived and
rather beautiful trees.”

Andrew Wiltshire outside the main KSLA headquarters in Stockholm. Photo:
Supplied.Apart from some herbicides to control the grass, no chemicals are used
anywhere within the pine forests or factory. Instead, the power of the sun, the
wind, clean water and healthy soils are used to their best advantage.

This is a particular source of pride for the owners.

“We have always loved the fact that apart from some herbicides to control the
grass when trees are planted, we use no chemicals of any kind on our forests, or
in our factory. Just sun, wind, rainfall and healthy soils and clean water and
some heat and electricity in the factory.

“The forests do not spread as wildlings, use no irrigation water, and provide
shade and shelter for livestock.”

There has always been an environmental consideration in the business, with plans
afoot to build on their already enviable green credentials. While the team at
Pinoli know what they want to achieve, they are also very clear about what they
don’t want to do.

“From its beginnings when we read stories of (a different species of) pine nuts
being unsustainably harvested from clear-cut forests in China, to concerns about
insect pests in Mediterranean Europe and warfare and deforestation in
Afghanistan where yet another species of edible pine nut trees grow…

“We have plans to become a truly circular economy company with net output of
renewable energy, net sequestration of carbon (already achieved) and supply of
wood, biomass, and of course our prized pine kernels, explains Andy.

The multi-award winning business has certainly found its niche, not just in New
Zealand but on the wider world stage.

It is Andy’s international experience in growing several tree species on five
continents and developing forests that are also food producing resources which
saw him succeed as an Academy applicant.

“A long-time friend and colleague e-mailed to ask if I would accept a nomination
back in 2019 and I had little hesitation in confirming I would stand.”

“I was inducted as an International Fellow in January 2021. I am one of 25
international fellows until age 65, but the membership is for life - the limited
number of positions is refilled with younger people as existing fellows pass
that age.”

Hoping to return to New Zealand later this month, Andy and Barb have plans to
return to Sweden later in the year when the eagerly awaited dinner will
hopefully take place.

While it was disappointingly postponed, the trip has given both Andy and Barb a
chance to discover more about the Swedish forestry industry.

But it is their customers that make it all worth it at the end of the day, Andy
says.

“Our customers inspire me to keep building and planning for future growth of the
investment. We just featured in a re-run of the Country Calendar episode on our
business last weekend, and once again, the feedback from customers has been
plentiful - and energizing.

“New Zealanders, and also Australians keep on letting us know how much they
appreciate our fresh locally grown kernels, and our retail partners have also
been wonderful to work with and incredibly loyal since we began selling pine
nuts in 2009.

“I feel very lucky in my career, my businesses and friends and family and we
have lots more to do to keeping planting trees and growing environmentally sound
investments.”

Academy honour for Marlborough forester

Jenny Nicholson


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When it comes to fruit and vegetables, New Zealanders want a bargain.

Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Nadine Tunley says if New Zealanders
want ready access to locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables, they must be
prepared to pay more for them.

“I know that the cost of just about everything is increasing it is a worrying
situation for all industries and consumers,” Nadine says. “But let’s not have a
double standard around healthy, fresh fruit and vegetables.”

She says growers shouldn’t have to shoulder the latest cost increases from
higher wages, compliance and distribution costs.

Stats New Zealand figures out last week show one of the highest annual price
increases in a decade.

The annual increase of 4.5 per cent between December 2020 and December 2021 was
the highest since the 4.7 per cent increase in September 2011.

Tomatoes are partially responsible for the increase, almost doubling in price
over the year.

A local fruit exporter says difficulties exporting tomatoes led to a glut in the
New Zealand market last year. While resulting low prices may have seemed
favourable to the public, they have contributed to less crops being planted.
This in turn has led to a steep rise in the price of tomatoes from $3.33 in
December 2020 to $6.61 in December 2021.

Farmshop 185 owner Gavin Williams says rare disease pressure in some North
Island crops has also reduced availability of tomatoes. This has meant South
Island crops have been sent north rather than the crops going north to south
which is more usual.

“The good news is that although they are still in short supply, we will have
some pick your own ones available after Waitangi Day for a good price.”

Gavin says with less avocados being exported this year, local supply is
plentiful. Because avocados are a long-term crop, he doesn’t think reduced
exports will mean a reduction in growers as seen with tomatoes.

Overall fruit and vegetables rose 2.6 per cent in December compared to the
previous month. This was driven by higher prices for potatoes, onions and apples
but offset by lower prices for nectarines, courgettes and cucumbers.

Gavin says it has been a good season with crops well established and the recent
sunny days giving fruit flavour. Although melons were initially in short supply,
this week has seen that supply come on resulting in good prices and flavour.

Connings produce manager James Watene-Davis says supply and quality of all stone
fruit has been better than the last few years.

“Cherries, apricots, nectarines and peaches are all doing well.”

He says the price of cucumbers has been consistently low this year.

“There hasn’t been anything out of the ordinary,” James says. “We are seeing the
usual sales trends.”

Tomatoes lead price hike in fruit and vegetables

Country Motoring with Ken Strungnell


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sales of new vehicles have soared into the stratosphere, well almost, as last
year just over 165,000 new cars found a home away from the dealer’s yard. 

That’s up from 141,000 in 2020 already a record up from 129,00 in 2019. Not so
long ago we only bought 87,000-90,000 new autos a year and the car companies
claimed they were in the doldrums. 

Add to that the Japanese imports and used cars sold of around 380,000 annually,
proves we like to buy and upgrade our vehicles. But stubbornly our average age
of the fleet is still over 13 years old. 

That means old technology lack of safety features in turn leading to low 3-4
star ANCAP safety ratings. So our Christmas road toll while an aberration
compared to the previous year is not surprising.

What is of real concern to motoring bodies like the AA, is this Government’s
predilection to being safe from disease and paying out many more benefits while
ignoring the parlous state of many of our roads? 

Worse still is the lack of foresight in cancelling much needed upgrades or new
roading projects in favour of cycle lanes or a bridge thankfully now cancelled
over the Auckland harbour for cyclists. Cancelled but not without costs incurred
to date of a conservative $51 million, with nothing to show for it.

I drove the picturesque Blenheim to Nelson road recently, finding a trip I used
to really enjoy has become a frustrating slalom of ever-changing speed limits. 

60km/hr to 80 km/hr seem to be the norm, without the open road speed beckoning
at all. Trucks and many cars are actually more economical at closer to 100km/hr,
than restricted to 60 where most don’t even reach the top ratio or two in their
gearboxes.

With more strategic spending on this route and many others, instead of 10,000
new bureaucrats on absurd salaries inhabiting the ever burgeoning Public Service
in Wellington, how much nicer and safer to drive our roads would become.

We have more cars on our roads today and particularly over the holidays, as we
are restricted to internal travel only, on a roading network designed in most of
the urban and SH routes for just over half the number of vehicles.

OK I started off with the question about buying a ‘new’ car. In reality the new
I was referring to was new to you.

I get many requests for advice on which car to buy from people all over the
country. I often get asked to speak to groups about the best to buy vehicles and
of course write for several publications and media outlets. 

Recently I found many more contacts asking about used vehicles. After 25 years
as a motoring journalist I’ve amassed a huge database of information about the
‘latest’ new car. Those same cars now inhabit the used market.

Sadly I have little information on used Japanese imports as the spec level
engines, transmission, suspension and interior seldom match NZ new models.

For the rural sector the most often requested is a large car, with a good tow
rating, economical, seats 5 or up to 7 with plenty of boot space. 

Safety is also a major requirement as are interior niceties like sat nav,
reverse camera, leather seats and ease of parking.

The other key concern is cost, or the cheaper the better!.

Well, late model Holden’s and Fords around 5-7 years old meet most of the needs
and can be had for less than $30,000. The hardest to accommodate is towing as
most of that is now done by utes or big 4WD SUV’s and none of them come within
the cost and age parameters.

Two vehicles stand out  and as a bonus are available with all wheel drive AWD. 

The short lived Holden Adventurer, though long in the tooth perhaps, in 6
cylinder petrol form(a powerful V8 was an option) is a great choice with good
ground clearance and a very good long distance tourer.

However the last of them was sold in 2013 as the new model and last of the true
Commodores, the VF was launched without the Adventurer.

The Ford Territory on the other hand, launched with a 4 litre straight six
petrol motor in 2004 and relaunched with the same petrol engine as an option to
a 2.7 litre V6 turbo diesel was launched in 2011 and sold until 2017.

Remarkably the Titanium version, seven seat, AWD or 2WD, diesel can be had for
as little as $15,000 with over 200,000 kms clocked, or for around $30k there is
a good selection of under 100,000 km models. There are TX and TS lower spec
models also at even sharper asking prices.

They are all able to tow 2.7 tonnes braked with 175mm of ground clearance and an
11.4m turning circle. The Titanium comes with 7 leather seats in the [drivers
electric with 3 memory positions] and privacy glass in the rear windows and
tailgate with a split opening facility. A full compliment of 7 airbags [driver’s
knee included] and electric power steer, EPS, trailer sway control and traction
control add to its value. 

The 18 year old design is still a very good looking vehicle with sat nav and a
clear rear view camera, AM/FM Bluetooth streaming and phone connection plus USB
charging and connectivity along with cool air to the 2nd row seats also with
either USB or 12 volt plug and 60/40 split fold flat seats. 

What might still surprise is the Titanium’s 10 inch fold down DVD screen player
with twin cordless headphones. Ideal if you still have ankle biters AND DVDs.
I’m told they can be set up to use a USB stick too.

Most users report high 7s through to high 8s l/100km fuel burn and service
intervals of 15,000 km. The well sorted chassis and engine that’s been used
extensively by Ford when it had its PAG [Premium Auto Group] group, Jaguar Land
Rover and Range Rover marques in its stable suits the Territory. Delivering
140kW/440Nm power, makes it still very competitive in today’s market. Until you
drive one the creamy smoothness of the V6, compared to the 4 cylinder, makes it
very difficult to pick it’s a diesel and as a bonus it’s quicker than its petrol
sibling.

Ford got it right with the Territory, so if you are looking for a large used
vehicle that’s easy on the go juice, yet quick, quite and spacious, with 5 Star
ANCAP safety, it’s my current answer to the question

I’m currently driving the latest Nissan Navara in ST and STX variants and next
up is the new Subaru Forester, so look forward to normal transmission being
resumed next month in this column.

So, you want to buy a car?

By Anna Bensemann
Baseline Group Marlborough senior planner


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For almost as long as there has been land ownership in New Zealand there has
been the ability to subdivide land to create smaller parcels and increase the
number of properties able to be bought and sold. 

One fundamental shift in the process of subdivision is the management of rural
land parcels through planning process to protect the integrity of the rural
zone.

Development pressures on land to create lifestyle blocks have fragmented our
most fertile rural land. This creates pressure on local authorities to limit the
ability of land to be developed to protect a food resource and the economic
viability of the land. 

Prior to the Resource Management Act (RMA), historical planning controls
required applicants to demonstrate smaller land parcels had an economic value
and would therefore remain productive. Subdivision was often achieved with good
intentions of small scale farming activities however, once subdivided, was often
never fully utilised for the economic use outlined in the planning applications.

A shift in thinking under the RMA was to ensure minimum allotment sizes
restricted the ease which land could be developed and placed greater emphasis on
demonstrating land could sustain a dwelling for water supply and wastewater,
protect freshwater or coastal marine values, and would not lead to a cumulative
fragmentation effects (loss of productivity etc) on the rural land resource.

These minimum allotment sizes are the smallest land parcel for which councils
must grant subdivision resource consents. They allow for certainty of the likely
scale of development in the rural zone. The use of the minimum allotment size
rule can be described as a blunt tool as it does not consider the unique
features of each site.

Each local authority decides the minimum allotment size for their area, and
these can vary significantly between different councils. For example, in Tasman
there are two rural zones which allow for the subdivision of allotments to
either 50 ha or 12 ha. In Marlborough, the minimums are 20 ha or 8 ha, and in
Nelson the minimums are 15 ha or 3 ha. Naturally, smaller allotments tend to be
allowed closer to the main centres allowing for greater densities close to
markets and transport hubs.

In contrast the rural zones in Grey District have a 1 ha minimum, in Westland
District 0.5 ha as a discretionary activity (not as of right) and in Buller
District there is no minimum at all with allotments determined by the market.

Every subdivision of land, including boundary adjustments, requires a
subdivision resource consent. While minimum allotment sizes are in place to
ensure the integrity of the rural zone, there are circumstances where
subdividing to smaller than the minimum allotment size can be achieved. Minimum
allotment sizes can vary with little consideration of the environment of the
subdivision. A planning consultant can guide you through these circumstances to
allow you to make the most of your subdivision.

Subdividing rural land in your district

By Andrew Ritchie


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Matt Webb says he goes to his work every day with an enduring passion.

He and his wife Cherie began the business of agricultural machinery sales and
servicing called CM Mechanical six years ago, from a workshop on the outskirts
of Renwick.

They specialise in viticultural equipment and are the sole importer of Clemens
vineyard machinery.

Matt describes their company as a small boutique business providing solutions
for their customer’s needs. In the six years since they established they now
employ 14 people and are training apprentices through their workshop.

Eighty five percent of their viticultural customers live amongst the 28,000
hectares of grapes grown around Marlborough. They have a very special
relationship with the German, family owned Clemens manufacturer, having hosted
members of the family in New Zealand during their visits. Matt values the
relationship with the company which now employs 200 workers saying that it is
much easier than dealing with a large multinational.

“New Zealand is such a minute part of the world market that lines built by large
companies for this country can be discontinued at short notice.”

Covid and supply problems have presented importing difficulties for CM
Mechanical. When product used to arrive within three months of the order being
placed it now takes up to 12 months for delivery. This is due to New Zealand
containers being offloaded in Malaysia and having to wait for a ship to New
Zealand. Then some NZ ports are bypassed so the container for the South Island
may be offloaded in Tauranga.

Matt said they were caught out by this process and had to truck machinery to
Blenheim at a cost of over $8000 last year. Since quotes had been supplied and
accepted the company had to bear the cost. For this reason Matt says customers
must develop forward planning and order 12 months in advance or they run the
risk of missing out. Despite the challenges the Webbs have never regretted
branching out and indulging in their passion.

An enduring passion

By Tony Orman


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Farmers are under-valued in New Zealand, National Party leader Chris Luxon told
a packed public meeting at Blenheim’s Clubs of Marlborough in mid-January.

“There has been too much vilifying of farmers that amounts to demonisation,” he
said.

"I don’t think this Government cares about farmers and the rural communities. I
don’t think they appreciate them, I think they’ve undervalued them. Farmers are
not villains. The reality is, 80 per cent of our exports come from farming. This
Government is raining rules, regulations and costs down on the farming
industry.”

Chris Luxon reiterated the vital role agriculture played comprising 80 per cent
of exports which flowed through to every New Zealander. Pointing to the audience
of over 300 strong, he said that agriculture earned $9000 per year for every
person.

Agriculture is the backbone of New Zealand’s exports, provides jobs and is a
major function for service towns like Blenheim, he said.

"Having lived all around the world and I can tell you New Zealand is without a
doubt the best country on planet Earth, there is no doubt about it. We have huge
challenges ahead of us, but we have huge opportunities."

While farming and agriculture did produce large amounts of carbon emissions,
Chris Luxon said New Zealand farmers were efficient and compared to other
countries were efficient in keeping emissions at a minimum. New Zealand is a
world-leader in environmentally-friendly farming and if herd sizes here were
reduced, they would simply be moved to other countries whose practices were
worse for the environment.

National is opposed to the Three Waters Reform package of the Labour-led
government. In some regions water infrastructure has been neglected and he cited
Wellington as a prime example. On the other hand, areas such as Marlborough had
managed water infrastructure well. The Three Waters Reform would therefore
result in Marlborough subsidising Wellington’s upgrading of water
infrastructure.

“Kiwis are making it clear they don’t support Labour’s centralisation and
control agenda. The Government’s model of four water entities would strip
control from communities and erode local democracy, putting ratepayer
accountability at arm’s length.”

New Zealanders won’t accept the brazen theft of water assets they had paid for
decades to own.

“Every New Zealander deserves clean, safe water. But Labour’s deeply flawed
entity model is not the way to get there,” he said.

“The Government looks set to ram through their plan at any cost – including
making the reforms compulsory for councils, if that’s what it takes,’ said Chris
Luxon.

Chris Luxon was critical of the failure of the education system to educate
youngsters. Truancy is a major problem and there were poor outcomes in
mathematics, reading and science.

Questioned on Treaty of Waitangi issues, Chris Luxon said there was no room for
division based on ethnicity. National wanted to be an inclusive New Zealand
regardless of ethnic background.

Chris Luxon: Government is 'Demonising' Farmers

By Andrew Ritchie


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This season has presented grape growers with plenty of new and unfamiliar
challenges says the owner of the viticultural contracting company Practical
Vineyard Solutions, Brian Wells.

“After the unusually wet spring vines have produced an enormous amount of
foliage which has presented a few problems. Because of the shortage of vineyard
workers they have been unable to cope with wire lifting in a timely fashion.
Some vines have had only one or two lifts.”

Anyone who has ever lifted vineyard foliage with wires knows that the longer it
is left the heavier the job. Brian has seen up to four workers per bay lifting
wires onto the top clip. The excess foliage has meant that leaf trimming has
been a very slow operation so exacerbating the problem.

Vine health has been largely excellent with the usual problem of keeping powdery
mildew at bay. Brian says this can be achieved by using effective chemistry, a
maximum of 10 day intervals and travelling slowly, and hopefully neighbours
following the same practices. Regular leaf and petiole tests are essential to
monitor vine health and he has found regular applications of seaweed fertiliser
a means of keeping the leaves shiny and healthy.

Pests can be kept at bay by providing an abundance of alternative and attractive
food between the rows as an alternative to the vine canopy. Mealy bug
particularly prefer to be on the ground amongst clover plants. The supply of
chemicals has been a problem this season.

Blair Mclean of PPG Wrightson says some lines have run out, but in most cases
alternative products have been found. Previously the company has ordered product
three months in advance but now it is necessary to place orders six months ahead
of delivery.

He is encouraging winery managers to order well in advance of their usual
delivery time to guarantee supply. Shortage of supply of product can be put down
to some Chinese factories being shut down due to Covid amongst the workers. The
cost of chemicals has increased with each shipment and Blair puts this down to
the shortage of containers and price gouging by some of the manufacturers.

On the positive side prices for sauvignon blanc are being quoted in excess of
$2800/tonne for this season and yields are projected to be well ahead of last
year, so overcoming all the challenges of the year will not be in vain.

A new season new challenges for viticulturists

Nigel Billings
Senior Policy Advisor 


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Government’s efforts to centralize council drinking water, stormwater, and
wastewater assets into four regional entities has caused much alarm, with the
common view being that it is a form of state-sanctioned robbery. 

While this reform began as an opt-in or opt-out proposition the recent move to
make it compulsory has certainly bought the Government a fight with their local
counterparts.

For rural communities there is concern and anger that, while private schemes
will not be taken, those that are run by councils – often with ownership
disputed between councils and scheme committees – will be. 

The prospect of dealing with a major regional water entity remote from local
communities and knowledge is not at all appetizing. Federated Farmers have made
clear our strong opposition to this.

Separate to this, but a key part of the reforms relates to the regulation of
water supplies with a new water regulator, Taumata Arowai, replacing the
Ministry of Health. 

This did not attract much opposition, but the new regulatory framework in the
form of the Water Services Act 2021 certainly did. Under the Act anyone who
supplies drinking water to another dwelling (not if they supply just their own
dwelling) will be required to register as a water supplier. 

Federated Farmers advocated long and hard to get suppliers to less than 50
people exempted, but in the end our efforts mainly resulted in time frame
extensions: for registration of small suppliers from one to four years, and
compliance from five to seven. 

Also of some merit is that compliance for small suppliers will be to an
“acceptable solution” that will not require source to tap treatment, rather
treatment at the endpoint of supply to a dwelling. Acceptable solutions will be
consulted early in the 2022 year.

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