Waikato AgriBusiness News May 2023

The Waikato region’s voice of Agribusiness 

READ ONLINE AT: www.wbn.co.nz/AgriBusinessNews /WaikatoBusinessNews MAY 2023 

Market 

gardener 

winning 

from the 

ground up 

For Waikato organic farmer Brittany 

Stembridge, the key to producing 

the best tasting vegetables with low 

environmental impact is all in the soil. 

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 

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WAIKATO AGRIBUSINESS NEWS, MAY 2023 3 

Market gardener winning from the ground up 

FROM PAGE 1 

Recently winning the 

Organic NZ Emerging Leader of 

the Year award at the Organic 

NZ Awards is validation for 

the hard work she has put into 

making her business Tomtit 

Farm a success. 

“The award recognises 

somebody working in an inspiring 

leadership role in the New 

Zealand organics/kai atua sector 

with under five years’ experience, 

and this year there was 

a particular emphasis on environmental 

protection and leading 

the way to mitigate climate 

change, and build a just society 

in harmony with nature and the 

planet. So that’s what we took 

away this year, which is really 

cool.” 

Being certified organic Brit 

says is all in the health of the 

soil and coming from a background 

of nutrition, she likes 

to think of the soil like a human 

stomach. 

“Our number one goal is to 

have really healthy living soil. 

For example, when a person 

has a diverse variety of foods in 

their diet with lots of different 

colours and different vegetables 

they build and fuel a healthy gut 

microbiome, and this results in 

a healthy person. It’s the same 

with the soil - if you have lots 

of different plants growing on 

the top of the soil, you’re going 

to build more life and diversity 

underneath the soil. So 

essentially we are building a living 

ecosystem in the soil, which 

builds healthy plants above the 

soil.” she says. 

Located in Matangi, just 

ten minutes out of Kirikiriroa, 

Hamilton, Tomtit Farm is the 

veggie patch Brit and her husband 

James created in 2019. 

Having worked in nutrition 

for many years, Brit was keen to 

use her knowledge in a way that 

would have more influence on 

people’s health and wellbeing. 

WE’RE TRYING 

TO BUILD THAT 

REAL COMMUNITY 

AROUND FOOD 

“I had been working in 

health research, and I wanted 

to make an impact at that grassroots 

level with my nutrition.” 

The opportunity to utilise 

a hectare of land on Brit’s parents’ 

lifestyle block was the 

kickstart to their market gardening 

enterprise. 

“We thought - why don’t we 

have a go at growing good quality 

sustainable food. If we can 

get a few people to eat some 

local, healthy food that’s probably 

more than I can ever achieve 

in my whole life by just telling 

people,” she laughs. 

With the good life beckoning, 

the couple upped sticks from 

Auckland, found work in Hamilton 

and began gardening. 

For Brit this meant a part 

time job at Waikato University 

so she could put time into 

developing the garden, while 

James found full time work in 

Agri-banking utilising his financial 

skills in the business. 

“It was quite full on, trying 

to do a job and run a farm at the 

same time. We had to be quite 

smart about the way we set the 

business model 

up.” 

The farm offers 

harvest boxes of 

seasonal vegetables. 

Customers 

can choose to 

order weekly, fortnightly 

or for the 

season with a seasonal 

community 

supported agriculture (CSA) 

subscription. 

“We’ve always run it as a 

subscription base/veggie harvest 

of the week model because 

when we first started it was just 

me and I was still working part 

time. I didn’t have time to go to 

markets on the weekend.” 

Little did they know that 

the Covid pandemic was just 

around the corner when they 

first started and what this would 

mean for online businesses. 

“When Covid hit, it was kind 

of good timing because everybody 

slowed down. We were 

already set up online. It was 

good and bad because we were 

so small and new to growing, 

and we had so much attention 

and not enough food to feed all 

of the families who wanted to 

support us. Not that it’s a bad 

thing. We got our name out 

there and just did our best at 

the time.” 

At the end of 2020, Brit gave 

up her job at the university and 

went full time in the garden. 

“I found it really hard to 

focus on my other job when all 

I wanted to do was be outside in 

the garden. And it’s been really 

awesome working full time in 

the garden every day. I feel very 

lucky to have that opportunity. 

Don’t get me wrong when it’s 

raining and freezing cold, I am 

so envious of everybody inside,” 

she laughs. 

Sticking with the CSA model, 

Tomtit Farms has organically 

grown since Covid put some 

wind in their sails. 

The model is an important 

part of the young farmer’s 

ethos; it’s a way for Brit and 

James to build meaningful relationships 

with their customers 

that go beyond a basic sales’ 

transaction. 

Tomtit Farm customers 

commit to purchasing a season’s 

subscription; where they 

are investing in the farm for the 

upcoming season, and in return 

they receive a share of the harvest 

each week. 

“This is a way the community 

can get behind and support 

their local farmer and 

local food system. Throughout 

the ups and downs of the season 

without any price fluctuations. 

Ensuring the farmer gets 

a fair price for the food they 

grow and allowing the farmer 

to focus on growing good quality 

food for families in their 

community.” 

Building those relationships 

with customers includes more 

than just selling them vegetables, 

Brit also has set up a Facebook 

community page to sell 

seedlings, share gardening tips 

and recipe ideas. 

“We’re trying to build that 

real community around food. 

Building confidence in cooking 

with seasonal vegetables, and 

just thinking outside the box 

and having fun when it comes 

to food.” 

As well as selling organic 

vegetables, herbs, salad greens 

and micro-greens, they also sell 

flowers and hold Pick Your Own 

Flowers’ days which usually run 

from December – May. 

“On our PYO flowers days, 

all you can hear is laughter, people 

enjoy being amongst nature. 

The rows of flowers are nestled 

amongst the vegetables to 

show how everything is grown 

and providing an opportunity 

for people to think about where 

their food comes from.” 

Our team 

DESIGNER 

Kelly Gillespie 

kelly@dpmedia.co.nz 

DESIGNER 

Warren Gilberston 

design@dpmedia.co.nz 

EDITORIAL 

Janine Jackson 

editor@dpmedia.co.nz 

ADVERTISING 

MANAGER 

Joanne Poole 

Ph: (07) 838 1333 

Mob: (021) 507 991 

joanne@dpmedia.co.nz 

Produce is also available 

at their farm fridge at 165c 

Matangi Road at the Front Paddock 

Cafe. 

They also deliver locally to 

Hamilton, Matangi, Tamahere, 

Cambridge and Te Awamutu on 

Tuesdays. 

Check out what the farm has to 

offer at www.tomtitfarm.com. 

PUBLISHER 

Deidre Morris 

Ph: (07) 838 1333 

Mob: 027 228 8442 

deidre@dpmedia.co.nz 

••• 

STUDIO 

Copy/Proofs: 

studio@dpmedia.co.nz 

SUBSCRIPTIONS 

accounts@dpmedia.co.nz 

131 Victoria Street, Hamilton 

Ph: (07) 838 1333 

www.wbn.co.nz 

- 

www.dpmedia.co.nz

4 WAIKATO AGRIBUSINESS NEWS, MAY 2023 

Dreamview turns ‘food collective’ as two 

ventures relocate there 

Two enterprising couples who dreamt 

big for their chocolate and ice creammaking 

endeavours have now taken 

their start-ups to a new level – just 10 

minutes out of Raglan town to a dairy 

farm with a difference. 

By Edith Symes 

That farm is Dreamview, 

owned and operated 

by the Hill family who 

five years ago started bottling 

their own milk, a venture that 

became such a success they’ve 

stopped supplying Fonterra 

altogether. 

Recently they celebrated 

the arrival of the Hills’ new 

purpose-built creamery and 

the two fledgling businesses – 

Raglan Chocolate and Raglan 

Gelato – which now operate 

from their own factories on the 

farm. 

“We wanted to celebrate this 

food collective with everyone 

who has supported us so far,” 

creamery manager Jess Hill 

says. 

About 100 friends, family, 

stockists and tradies turned 

up to see the new creamery, 

Kathy Hill getting 

milk deliveries ready. 

the gelato-making factory now 

housed in the container which 

was the old creamery and the 

new poly-panel steel cabins – 

not unlike flashy shipping containers 

– where chocolate is 

made. 

Along with free tastings 

there was the more serious 

business of finding out just 

how these local sweet treats are 

being created. 

Raglan Chocolate’s Mike 

Renfree demonstrated how 

cacao beans are first made into 

very big blocks of chocolate, 

which are then melted down in 

a tempering machine to become 

small blocks. 

It’s all about the tempering, 

Mike’s partner Simone Downey 

explains, “getting the snap and 

the shine” just right. 

Simone wraps the blocks of 

chocolate, dealing with orders 

and emails along the way, from 

the couple’s home in Raglan, 

which is where the business 

started off five years ago. 

The couple recall being 

“blown away” by the interest 

when they launched their chocolate 

at Raglan’s monthly creative 

market. 

Mike had a background in 

food technology but wanted out 

of the corporate world to do his 

own thing. And now it’s just so 

The Dreamview collab team 

much fun, he says. “Chocolate 

sucked me in!” 

His vision was always to 

make chocolate that’s not only 

good but also ethical. So, the 

beans are sourced from the 

Pacific people – specifically 

from the Solomon Islands, 

Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. 

“It’s an amazing untapped 

resource there,” he says. 

Lars and Hanna Allouard’s 

story is also one of humble 

beginnings for their Raglan 

Gelato. Starting out in the Raglan 

Old School Arts Centre 

kitchen at the end of 2021, this 

German/French couple then 

moved their ice cream-making 

operation late last year to the 

20-foot container which served 

as Dreamview Farm’s first 

creamery. 

“We always came up here for 

our milk anyway,” Lars says. 

A former cabinet-maker, 

Lars reckons making ice cream 

is lots more fun. He decided 

to pursue his long-held dream 

despite also thinking it was a 

crazy idea. 

During the Covid lockdown 

of 2021 he tackled an intensive 

online course through the 

Gelato University near Bologna 

in Italy. The couple now delight 

in “making people happy”, moving 

their gleaming gelato cart 

around town and to festivals. 

For their part the Hill family 

– parents Dave and Bronwyn 

along with adult children 

Jess, Matthew and Kathy – are 

delighted at the collaboration of 

the three businesses now based 

up on the farm. 

The Dreamview team has 

grown to include 11 staff members, 

six refrigerated delivery 

trucks, the new creamery and a 

pasteurisation facility. 

Now with Raglan Chocolate 

and Raglan Gelato on site, it’s a 

dream come true. 

Brandt pitches 

big at Fieldays 

Brandt is going big for 

Fieldays this year with a 

massive line-up of products, 

seminars, recruitment 

drive and a hole-in-one green. 

Taking up the size of a rugby 

field, Brandt is on one of the 

largest Fieldays sites and they 

hope to pack a punch with their 

selection of industry-leading 

brands and extensive range of 

John Deere equipment covering 

agriculture, golf and turf 

and the construction and forestry 

range. 

A proudly customer-driven 

company, Brandt Cambridge 

branch manager Chris Hughes 

says Fieldays is a way to connect 

with customers and provide an 

in-depth look into what’s on 

offer at the dealership. 

“It’s the only time of the 

year when primary industries 

come together and directly 

interact with customers. Normally 

we go to customers’ 

places and they invite us into 

their homes; Fieldays is an 

opportunity for us to host 

them, give them a coffee and 

talk about what they're up to.” 

At the heart of the Fieldays’ 

experience, Chris says, is “good 

people looking after good 

people.” 

“What I love about a Fieldays 

is we get to catch up with 

our customers. It's exciting to 

see all these different primary 

industries coming together, 

customers interacting with our 

site, working with our people, 

our team and for us to provide 

a fantastic service for them.” 

The Brandt Fieldays’ experience 

is not just about showcasing 

their range of products, 

it’s also about delivering an 

informal, interactive encounter 

with all things Brandt. 

From seminars, refreshments 

and finding out what a 

Brandt career might look like 

to a range of merchandise and 

trying your luck at a hole-inone 

green, there’s something 

for everyone. 

IT’S ABOUT 

WORKING 

SMARTER, 

NOT HARDER 

Brandt have bought in a 

range of speakers from within 

its Canadian and Australian 

businesses as well as John 

Deere Australia/New Zealand 

senior leadership team; both 

John Deere agriculture and 

John Deere construction. 

For the customers, this 

provides an opportunity to 

hear about how John Deere 

is supporting New Zealand 

industries with new product 

launches and a dive into 

technology in the agriculture 

and construction spaces. 

John Deere is making leaps 

and bounds in the autonomous 

machine space and this 

will be demonstrated with 

a one-off presentation by 

GUSS, an autonomous 

sprayer focussed on delivering 

automation and 

efficiency into high value 

crops. 

Field operations manager 

Peter Goodwin is 

excited about the Fieldays 

launch of the John Deere 644G 

wheel loader. 

A version of the ‘no frills’ 

machine was launched in the 

US/Canadian market a couple 

of years ago but this is the first 

machine to make its debut in 

the Southern Hemisphere. 

“It's an 18-ton loader that 

has a 40-kilometer an hour 

road speed, but it's priced at 

a market below where we're 

currently offering our John 

Deere loaders.” 

The perfect machine for 

agricultural contractors, quarries, 

sand pits, landscapers and 

forestry, Peter says, the price 

point is very affordable. 

While it may be cheaper, it 

still comes with the full John 

Deere warranty, including JD 

link support. 

“We haven't taken any of 

the smartness out of it and it 

means we save a lot of downtime 

and return trips. It’s 

about working smarter, not 

harder,” he says. 

The technology allows the 

machine to communicate to 

the workshop to ensure the 

correct parts are delivered to 

operators around the country, 

some working in remote 

locations. 

Cabs on the mid-sized 

wheel loaders have been 

designed to provide different 

levels of comfort to operators 

depending on the application. 

Controls are ergonomically 

placed to provide both easy 

access to settings and features, 

while maintaining comfort. 

Peter says the wheel loader’s 

controls are designed with 

operators of all skillsets, making 

it easier to put the loader 

into action. Automatic shifting 

of the transmission occurs on 

the fly to enhance ease of operation. 

In-cab adjustable boom 

height kickout, return to carry, 

and return-to-dig can be easily 

activated from the SSM. 

“With the John Deere 

644G, customers are getting 

the versatility and ruggedness 

in a machine without any 

compromises.” 

The machines can be customised 

with a variety of 

base-level packages including 

options related to locking differentials, 

ride control, seats, 

radio and rear chassis work 

lights. 

Customers can also choose 

among pin-on bucket options 

or Hi-Vis/ISO or JRB style 

couplers, which are compatible 

with Deere K -Series, L-series 

and performance tiering buckets 

and attachments. Owners 

can add high-lift linkage to 

gain an additional 14 inches of 

hinge-pin height over standard 

linkage. 

Optional third and fourth 

function hydraulics allow 

the use of a broad range of 

attachments. 

A working prototype will 

be on display at Fieldays 

and Brandt is taking orders 

in June/July for delivery in 

November/December 2023. 

Check the Brandt 

Fieldays site at M51.

Come visit us at Mystery Creek 

SITE N. M51 

ADVANTAGE : YOU 

Calling advantage can be a game-changer, on the field or in the paddock. So when your season’s on the line 

and you can’t afford a knock on, you need mates that’ve got your back. 

That’s us. We’re Brandt. 

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NZ tour provides 

Mongolian herders with 

life-changing skills 

After three months working in shearing gangs across New 

Zealand, four Mongolian sheep herders returned to their 

homeland with new knowledge and skills that have the 

potential to change their lives and reshape the shearing 

scene in their native country. 

Mongolian herders Ama, Budee, Khanda and Baaska with Share MongMongolian 

herders Ama, Budee, Khanda and Baaska with Mark Barrowcliffe and Paul Brough 

The four Mongolians 

herders - Budee, Baaska, 

Ama and Khanda – 

arrived in New Zealand in early 

January having done all their 

previous shearing using scissors, 

a time-consuming practice 

which limits the number 

of sheep that can be shorn in 

a day to about 30. With their 

trip wrapped up, each of the 

herders is now shearing competently 

using an electronic handpiece 

and all four have achieved 

shearing personal bests of more 

than 250 sheep in a day – a 

feat which has previously only 

been achieved by one other 

Mongolian. 

The visit to New Zealand 

was undertaken as part of the 

Share Mongolia programme – 

an initiative to introduce modern 

shearing techniques and 

equipment into Mongolia that 

took flight following a chance 

encounter between Rabobank 

agribusiness manager Paul 

Brough and local Mongolian 

farmers in 2019. 

“While I was trekking 

through Mongolia in 2019, I 

came across a group of farmers 

who were shearing a herd 

of about 900 using scissors and 

they told me it would take them 

about a month to complete the 

job,” Brough says. 

“This really blew my mind 

given how much quicker this 

Budee demonstrates how to shear with scissors 

can be done with electronic 

equipment, and I thought to 

myself, there must be something 

I can do to help. Once I got 

back to New Zealand, I had a 

few discussions with some work 

colleagues and clients, and we 

looked into running some training 

that would help develop 

Mongolian shearers skills with 

modern equipment.” 

With additional help from 

Zoe Leetch and Enkhnasan 

Chuluunbaatar from Golden 

Bay, and Roy Fraser from 

Colville – who have previously 

lived in Mongolia and provided 

valuable local insights – the 

Share Mongolia initiative was 

established in 2020 and an initial 

idea hatched to run some 

courses with visiting New Zealand 

shearers in Mongolia. 

“These courses first took 

place in 2022 and worked out 

pretty well, and then we figured 

it might also be of benefit to get 

some of the Mongolians over 

this way so they could develop 

new skills and then take these 

back home,” Brough says. 

“With funding support from 

the Rabobank Community 

Fund, we were able to get the 

four herders over here and tee 

them up with work, lodgings 

and shearing gear. And it really 

has been quite phenomenal to 

see how quickly their shearing 

skills have progressed over the 

last few months.” 

While the Mongolians were 

quick to adapt to their new role 

as international shearers, 

Brough says, there were 

some initial challenges given 

the language barrier and the 

significant differences between 

everyday life in New Zealand 

and Mongolia. 

“They come from a region in 

Mongolia that is one of the coldest 

places on earth – dropping 

to temperatures as low as -60 

degrees Celsius in winter – and 

is more than 1000 kilometres 

from the nearest coastline,” he 

says. 

“Prior to the tour, none of 

the group had been on a plane 

or a boat, used modern appliances 

like a dishwasher or 

washing machine and only one 

had ever been in water above 

their knees.” 

“The first few days here 

there was definitely a bit of a 

culture shock. But with the help 

of an interpreter as well as from 

local farmers who gave up their 

time to show them around and 

get them familiar with New Zealand 

woolsheds, they adjusted 

pretty rapidly.” 

During the trip, the Mongolians 

spent time working as part 

of shearing gangs in Piopio, 

Hawkes Bay and Wairoa. 

“The modern shearing gear, 

sheep size and wool quantity 

on the New Zealand sheep were 

very new to these guys, but they 

had great support from their 

fellow shearers and shed hands 

which helped them progress,” 

Brough says. 

“At the weekends they 

entered shearing competitions, 

including the recent New Zealand 

championships in Te Kuiti 

and, towards the last part of the 

tour, they achieved some really 

impressive results. 

“Another highlight of the 

trip was their visit to west 

Otago in early February where 

they participated in Shear 4 A 

Cause – an event run to raise 

money for a host of rural community-focused 

charities. They 

also got to experience a number 

of activities for the first 

time, including riding the luge 

in Rotorua and giving surfing 

a crack at Raglan as part of 

the weekly Surfing for Farmers 

programme.” 

Brough says he was really 

amazed at the Mongolians 

resourcefulness and how 

incredibly focussed on learning 

to shear and making money 

they were. 

“While here, they saved 

every cent they made with two 

giving up smoking when they 

found out the price of our cigarettes 

compared to the price 

they pay at home. They didn’t 

once complain and only one has 

missed a day’s work – due to a 

sprained ankle.” 

“With their families tucked 

up in their Gers (traditional 

Mongolian tent) back home in 

-40-degree temperatures, it was 

pretty clear at times they were 

terribly missing them. But they 

stuck with it, and they’re very 

excited about the opportunities 

their new skills will open for 

them and their loved ones once 

they are back in Mongolia.” 

Mobile shearing trailers 

Brough says the four herders’ 

prospects on their return 

would be greatly enhanced by 

the construction of two mobile 

shearing trailers which are currently 

being built for them in 

Mongolia. 

“The Share Mongolia team 

are currently undertaking a 

fundraising drive to help buy 

shearing equipment for these 

trailers,” he says. 

“We’re hoping to raise 

$8,000 for this equipment, 

and the plan is to set the four 

of them up so they can have 

their own business as travelling 

shearers. 

“Even though the Mongolian 

shearing season is relatively 

short, they should be able 

to work for about 60 days per 

year making $100 a day – significantly 

more than their previous 

best day where they made 

just $15. 

“And, of course, there is 

potential for the farmers to 

further share their skills with 

local farmers so that they 

too can learn to use modern 

equipment.” 

Brough says the Share Mongolia 

programme would continue 

to support Mongolian 

herders and a number of further 

activities were planned for 

the coming months. 

“In June of this year, a team 

of Rabobank clients and staff 

will travel to Mongolia to hold 

eight more shearing courses 

funded by the United Nations, 

the NZ Embassy (Beijing) and 

the Rabobank Community 

Fund.” 

“The goal is to train and 

equip another 120 herders to 

shear using electric machines. 

Other goals are to introduce 

wool sorting and wool presses to 

improve wool quality and transport. 

And we’re also planning a 

trail to test if electric shearing 

machines can be used to shear 

camels in the Gobi desert.” 

Procuta Associates 

Urban + Architecture 

FARM MANAGER’S HOUSE, ROTO-O-RANGI 

Contact us 07 839 6521 

www.pauaarchitects.co.nz

WAIKATO 

WAIKATO 

BUSINESS 

AGRIBUSINESS 

NEWS, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 

NEWS, MAY 2023 

2022 

7 

Sustainability to take centre stage at Fieldays 

A Sustainability Hub is one of the fresh 

new features set to capture attention 

when Fieldays returns to its winter 

dates at Mystery Creek next month. 

Fieldays remains the 

Southern Hemisphere’s 

largest agricultural 

event and the ultimate launch 

platform for cutting-edge 

technology and innovation. 

New Zealand National Fieldays 

Society Chief Executive 

Peter Nation says, “Sustainability 

is a strong focus for the 

Society, and it’s fantastic to be 

collaborating with the Environmental 

Protection Authority 

(EPA) on the Fieldays Sustainability 

Hub” 

“We’ve made a strategic 

decision to use the scale of 

Fieldays to help educate both 

visitors and exhibitors so that 

future generations will benefit 

from improved sustainability 

practices for New Zealand’s 

food and fibre sector.” 

The new hub will feature 

a select number of sustainability-focused 

organisations, 

including Toitū Envirocare, 

Wilderlab and RiverWatch. 

Paula Knaap, General 

Manager Engagement at the 

EPA, says visitors will be able 

to explore sustainable farming 

research and science, urban 

and rural waste management, 

as well as water management 

and renewable energy. 

“Embracing initiatives that 

protect and enhance the environment 

has a range of benefits, 

from longevity of land use 

through to resilience to changing 

climate conditions” says 

Knaap. “Not only that, but 

those who purchase our goods 

– from multi-national companies 

to individual consumers 

– are increasingly demanding 

evidence that they’ve been 

sustainably produced”. 

“We want to support farmers, 

growers, and the consumer 

on their sustainability 

journey. By showcasing 

some of the initiatives underway 

in Aotearoa New Zealand, 

we can help everyone see that 

together we can overcome the 

enormity of the challenges, 

with innovation and collaboration.” 

Alongside the hub, the 

Fieldays Sustainability Trail, 

accessed via the official Fieldays 

App, will lead visitors to 

other Fieldays exhibitors who 

are demonstrating sustainability 

practices, products, 

and initiatives. 

The Fieldays Sustainability 

Hub joins the Fieldays Innovation 

Hub, Fieldays Opportunity 

Grows Here Careers Hub, 

Fieldays Hauora Taiwhenua 

Health & Wellbeing Hub, Fieldays 

Forestry Hub and Fieldays 

Digital Futures, the latter 

two were launched in 2022, as 

key focus areas for visitors to 

explore during Fieldays. 

The new Fieldays Sustainability 

Hub will be located on 

site E38, on the corner of M 

Road and E Street, next to the 

Village Green. 

Fieldays commitment to 

sustainability includes building 

the internationally recognised 

ISO 20121 Sustainable 

Events Standards into its 

management procedures. 

Full details regarding the 

Fieldays Sustainability Hub 

are available at 

www.fieldays.co.nz


Severe weather events show the value 

of New Zealand’s rescue helicopters 

New Zealand’s Rescue Helicopters flew 

dozens of critical missions during and 

after recent storm events across the 

country, helping save lives and offering 

an ongoing lifeline to those trapped by 

floods and slips. 

The heroic efforts of 

chopper crews come 

after another recordbreaking 

year of missions in 

2022. A total of 9,847 rescues 

were carried out across the 

country, including 890 in the 

Waikato-King Country region. 

With Chopper Appeal 

Month having just finsihed, 

Waikato Westpac Rescue 

Helicopter group manager 

Vanessa Richmond says public 

fundraising will ensure rescue 

helicopters are available 

to Kiwi communities during 

future disasters. 

“We sent multiple aircraft 

to support the Hawke’s Bay/ 

Tairāwhiti relief effort in the 

wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, 

including one of the Waikato 

Westpac Rescue Helicopters,” 

she says. 

“We worked tirelessly 

together with local rescue 

crews, to save or help 

as many people as possible 

while working in challenging 

conditions and with limited 

communications. 

“Our crews were involved 

WE LOVE WORKING WITH THE 

CHOPPERS TO MAKE AOTEAROA 

A SAFER, GREATER PLACE 

in rescue missions, transferring 

rescue supplies, medical 

supply drops and bringing 

communications equipment 

into Gisborne that helped 

stranded locals reconnect with 

loved ones. 

“We’re proud to have been 

able to support New Zealanders 

during this incredibly difficult 

time, and are grateful for 

any donations that will allow 

us to continue to help people 

in need.” 

Westpac NZ chief executive 

Catherine McGrath recently 

visited the East Coast and 

Hawke’s Bay to see the extent 

of weather damage and the 

scale of the recovery ahead. 

She’s asking the public to give 

generously to support the rescue 

helicopters’ vital work 

both in those regions and 

around the country. 

“We love working with the 

choppers to make Aotearoa a 

safer, greater place – whether 

it’s during large-scale emergencies 

or helping people who 

get into trouble in their dayto-day 

lives,” McGrath says. 

“Recent events have highlighted 

that a chopper is 

always there for you, no matter 

where you are or what 

you’re doing, and our fundraising 

during the month of 

May really helps to keep them 

flying.” 

“We know there are communities 

struggling to make 

ends meet at the moment, so 

please give only what you can. 

Every dollar will go directly to 

your local chopper and help 

towards keeping them in the 

air.” 

Westpac funds the marketing 

and administration costs 

of the Chopper Appeal and 

distributes all funds raised 

back to donors’ local rescue 

helicopter trust. 

People wishing to make 

a donation or find out 

more information can visit 

www.chopperappeal.co.nz. 

Hot Tips for Successful Farm Succession 

Farming is a way of life, so it can be difficult to imagine handing over the reins, exiting from it altogether or 

selling a particular farming asset. For many, planning for rural farm succession doesn’t come easily, forcing 

you to think about the unexpected and plan ahead for what you want to happen. In this article, Gallie Miles 

rural farm succession experts Sue Garmonsway and Alex McIvor walk you through the rural farm succession 

process and share their top tips on having a robust rural succession plan. 

Consider the ‘what ifs’ 

While you’re busy living your dayto-day 

of life, thinking about the 

unimaginable ‘what if’ scenarios 

of life can be difficult. Working 

through these is key to having a 

robust succession plan. 

“In life, things can go wrong and 

the unexpected can crop up,” says 

Sue. 

“A good succession plan requires 

consideration of all the ‘what 

ifs’ – death, separation, loss of 

capacity, family falling out, new 

in-laws becoming involved.” 

“As part of our succession 

planning discussions, we 

encourage you to have those 

difficult conversations and 

workshop through all the ‘what 

ifs’ so that you can be clear about 

what you want to happen.” 

“I’m like the pessimist in the 

equation. I come up with 

everything bad that could happen 

and derail the outcome they 

want and force people to think 

about those ‘what ifs’. They’re 

all relevant to the succession 

equation.” 

Get everyone in the same room 

Having a good professional team 

surrounding you helps you to map 

out your options and shape your 

plan. 

“Ideally, your lawyer, accountant 

and banker are all together in the 

one room when the plan is being 

discussed and formulated,” says 

Alex. 

“Each professional brings a 

slightly different perspective to 

the debate, which helps you to 

consider all avenues and options.” 

“What I think of as a fantastic 

plan may have disastrous 

tax implications. What your 

accountant thinks will work might 

not be legally robust, and what 

your accountant and lawyer come 

up with, the bank might not 

finance,” adds Sue. 

“It’s really important to have all 

those professionals involved 

at the outset to try to make a 

difficult process easier.” 

Every plan is different 

There is no one size fits all 

solution, or one single approach. 

“It depends on the assets, 

outcomes and personalities 

involved,” says Sue. 

“For the person leaving the farm, 

it’s about ‘how much do I still 

want to earn as a living,’ and for 

the ones coming in, it’s a question 

of ‘what can I afford to pay?’” 

“Managing expectations can be 

hard and everyone’s perspectives 

need to be considered.” 

It’s a commitment in time and 

energy 

Alex says the process takes 

time to get it right, and it’s a 

commitment in both time and 

energy. 

“It takes time and requires 

commitment from all parties,” 

says Alex. 

“Some people take longer to 

get onto the same page or 

come around to a succession 

discussion, and emotions can run 

high at times. Some are happy 

to take risks, and others want to 

mitigate every risk possible and 

don’t care what it costs.” 

Consider all structures 

Good succession requires 

consideration of all of the 

structures available, says Sue. 

“Each situation is different, and a 

company, a trust, or partnership 

may be appropriate,” she says. 

“Trusts add an extra level of 

complexity and were often 

drafted for specific reasons at a 

given moment in time. But they 

are still a useful way to achieve 

succession,” she says. 

“However the farming business is 

Alex and Sue 

being operated, documentation 

also needs careful consideration, 

including Wills, Enduring 

Powers of Attorney, Shareholder 

Agreement and Partnership 

Agreement.” 

At the end of the day, it’s 

about being thorough, seeking 

professional advice and having 

those difficult conversations to 

get everyone on the same page. 

“The biggest thing we can’t 

stress enough is the need for a 

really well documented plan. A 

lawyer is crucial to that,” says 

Alex. 

“When you look at the individual 

farm succession transactions 

in isolation, unless you have 

context, it’s really hard down the 

track to look into the reasons 

behind each decision made. 

Also if someone dies during 

the process, you need a legally 

enforceable document.” 

_ Hamilton/Te Awamutu/Otorohanga _ 

Contact the Gallie Miles team 

to start your succession 

journey. 

Email: sue@gallie.co.nz or 

alex@gallie.co.nz 

Phone 0800 872 0560 

Visit www.galliemiles.co.nz

Wastewater 

recycled 

using Kiwi 

A small family-based company 

know-how 

in Matamata has showcased its 

ability in the overseas market to 

effectively recycle effluent. 

A small family-based company in Matamata 

has showcased Innovations, its ability The in the FORSI overseas effluent recycling 

system 

market 

owner 

to 

Terry 

effectively 

Hawes and 

recycle effluent. 

is broken up into 

FORSI 

his sons Darren and 

Craig, entered the water and 

wastewater FORSI filtration Innovations, industry owner 

in 2010, Terry Hawes after and branching his sons 

from Darren their parent and Craig, company entered 

the water and wastewater filtration 

industry in 2010, after 

AG-WORX (J.S Jobe Ltd). In 

12 years, FORSI has moved 

branching from their parent 

beyond company iron, AG-WORX manganese (J.S and Jobe 

effluent, Ltd). In 12 to years, installing FORSI water has 

recycling moved beyond systems iron, in manganese orchards, 

wineries, and effluent, laundromats to installing and water car 

washes. recycling systems in orchards, 

wineries, A dairy laundromats consultant, and who car 

assists washes. with major dairy 

A dairy consultant, who 

projects around the world, 

assists with major dairy projects 

around the world, was 

was looking for a specialised 

company looking for to deal a specialised with the dairy company 

to in deal a University with the on dairy the 

effluent 

outskirts effluent in of a Hong University Kong. on the 

outskirts After of Hong learning Kong. about 

FORSI’s After unique learning and about custombuilt 

SI’s effluent unique systems and custom-built in place 

FORthroughout 

effluent systems New in Zealand, place 

throughout New Zealand, the 

the consultant approached 

consultant approached FOR- 

FORSI’s Sales Rep Derek Piper 

SI’s Sales Rep Derek Piper and 

and told told him him about about the project. the project. 

This would be FORSI’s 

break into into the overseas the overseas market. 

market. The FORSI effluent recy- 

three end products - clean filtered 

water, dry matter and a 

concentrated cling system liquid is broken – just up what into 

was three required end products in Hong - Kong. clean filtered 

This water, resulting dry matter trifecta and cre-ates 

a sustainable system with 

concentrated liquid – just what 

was required in Hong Kong. 

very little waste. The clean filtereates 

a water sustainable can be system reused with to 

This resulting trifecta cre- 

wash very down little yards waste. or The stored clean to 

spread filtered on water pastures can be during reused dry to 

seasons, wash down the dry yards matter or stored can be to 

composted spread on pastures and the during nutrient dry 

rich seasons, concentrate the dry can matter be spread can be 

on composted pasture at and a low the nutrient rate where rich 

concentrate can be spread on 

it can soak into the soil and 

pasture at a low rate where it 

won’t contaminate water ways. 

can soak into the soil and won’t 

contaminate The system water would ways. meet the 

needs The of system 75 head would of stock meet and the 

filter needs an of estimated 75 head 5000litres of stock and a 

day filter (600litres an estimated an hour). 5000litres a 

day “The (600litres flow an rate hour). was minimal 

“The compared flow rate to was what minimal other 

FORSI compared systems to what manage, other FORSI which 

are 

systems 

around 

manage, 

10,000litres 

which 

an 

are 

around 10,000litres an hour,” 

hour,” said Piper. 

said Piper. 

Managing a lower lower flow flow rate rate 

was one of of the the many many challenges challenges 

as part as of the part Hong of Kong the Hong project, 

which project, gave which the gave FORSI Kong the 

WAIKATO WAIKATO BUSINESS AGRIBUSINESS NEWS, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER NEWS, MAY 2023 2022 

9 

Wastewater Recycled using Kiwi Know-how. 

FORSI’s effluent recycling system installed and 

running at Hong Kong’s City University campus. 

team many opportunities to 

think outside the box. 

To have cows on site, the 

university was required to filter 

the effluent to drinking water 

standards before being released 

into the wastewater network, 

with 32% dry matter. 

The space the FORSI system 

was to be housed in hadn’t 

been built – so the team could 

only work from schematics and 

trust the space wouldn’t change 

FORSI during construction. team many opportunities 

of the to workable think outside space the would box. be 

Every inch 

used To for have not cows one, but on two site, identical 

systems. was required to fil- 

the 

university 

ter “Having the effluent two systems to drinking was a 

water requirement standards to act before as a failsafe. being 

The systems could work independently 

or at the same time.” 

released into the wastewater 

network, with 32% dry matter. 

They also needed to know 

what The the space cows the were FORSI eating, system 

how was often to the be housed yards were in hadn’t being 

been washed built down – so and the the team elements could 

only already work in the from water. schematics All this 

and information trust the provided space wouldn’t the basis 

change for how the during water construction. 

recycling system 

would inch manage of the the workable require- 

Every 

space 

ments 

would 

for the solid 

be used 

matter. 

for not 

Design and construction 

one, but two identical systems. 

of the two systems took over 

two 

“Having 

years to 

two 

complete. 

systems 

Despite 

was a 

requirement two COVID-19 to act as lockdowns a failsafe. 

The and systems other projects could work on the independently 

the system or left at the the same Matamata 

go, 

time.” 

based workshop and flew out to 

Hong Kong by deadline. Piper 

and filtration engineer Kevin 

Bayly followed closely behind 

to oversee the successful twoweek 

installation. 

The system is completely 

automated from New Zealand, 

with an on-site consultant overseeing 

any necessary hands-on 

issues. 

They also needed to know 

what the cows were eating, 

how often the yards were being 

washed down and the elements 

already in the water. All 

this information provided the 

basis for how the water recycling 

system would manage 

the requirements for the solid 

matter. 

Design and construction 

of the two systems took over 

two years to complete. Despite 

two COVID-19 lockdowns 

and other projects on the go, 

the system left the Matamata 

based workshop and flew out 

to Hong Kong by deadline. 

Piper and filtration engineer 

The FORSI System crated up 

Kevin Bayly followed closely 

ready to fly out to Hong Kong. 

behind to oversee the successful 

two-week installation. 

The system is completely 

automated from New Zealand, 

with an on-site consultant 

overseeing any necessary 

hands-on issues. 

“Alarms alert us to any 

“Alarms alert us to any 

problems, which through cameras, 

we can which assess through immedi- 

cam- 

problems, 

eras, ately. we can assess immediately. 

“All our systems have the 

latest “All cutting-edge our systems have technology. 

We cutting-edge never look back technol- 

– we 

the 

latest 

ogy. always We improve never look on back what – we 

always have done. improve We are on using what this we 

have 

system 

done. 

through 

We are 

the 

using 

automated 

this 

settings to try new things, with- 

system through the automated 

settings to try new things, 

without disrupting the process 

– it’s a cool learning opportunity 

for the team.” 

It’s this meeting of the 

minds that keeps Piper coming 

back to work each day. 

“There’s a lot to be said for 

how the FORSI system works,” 

said Piper. “I have been with 

the company for 17 years and 

I am incredibly proud of how 

far we have come and the different 

ways the FORSI system 

has been used. 

“Different industries are 

now coming to us and we 

out disrupting the process – it’s 

are evolving with them. I am 

a cool learning opportunity for 

the really team.” motivated by what we 

are It’s doing. this We meeting can branch of out the 

minds – there’s that always keeps Piper new ways coming of 

back doing to things, work each new day. technology 

is always “There’s being a lot developed. to be said for 

how “You the FORSI never system know works,” what’s 

said around Piper. the “I corner have been and I with am 

the 

excited 

company 

to see 

for 

what’s 

17 years 

next.” 

and I 

am incredibly proud of how far 

Since the success in Hong 

we have come and the different 

ways 

Kong, 

the 

FORSI 

FORSI 

have 

system 

been 

has 

been approached used. to install an effluent 

“Different recycling industries system are for 

now another coming overseas to client, us and at the we 

are other evolving end of the with spectrum them. I with am 

really extremely motivated high flow by rates. what we 

are “This doing. project We can has branch 3000 out 

– 

head 

there’s 

of 

always 

cattle. 

new 

But 

ways 

there’s 

of 

doing things, new technology 

nothing we haven’t been able 

is always being developed. 

to put 

“You 

our 

never 

hand to 

know 

– so 

what’s 

watch 

around this space.” the corner and I am 

excited to see what’s next.” 

Since the success in Hong 

Kong, FORSI have been 

approached to install an effluent 

recycling system for another 

overseas client, at the other end 

of the spectrum with extremely 

high flow rates. 

“This project has 3000 head 

of cattle. But there’s nothing 

we haven’t been able to put our 

hand to – so watch this space.” 

WATER IS AN IMPORTANT RESOURCE! 

IS AN IMPORTANT RESOURCE! 

WATER 

With the quantity & quality of this natural resource getting worse we need to be able to 

re-use this water as best we can. 

The FORSI Filtration system can help farmers and industry alike to produce quality milk, 

healthy animals, quality produce and cut compliance cost from wastewater discharge. 

With over 42 years of combined industry experience, FORSI are specialists 

in customized treatment systems for all types of water quality issues. 

We offer customised solutions for the removal of: 

• Iron, Manganese & Turbidity Removal 

• pH Correction 

• Effluent Management solutions 

• Waste water recycling 

• Car & Truck wash recycling systems 

• Effluent Recycling Systems 

• Irrigation Filtration 

Before & After Filtration – Carwash 

Let’s talk about how we can help make your water, Quality Water. 

SEE YOU AT THE FIELDAYS SITE J16 

14 Waihou street Matamata | 07 880 9479 

sales@forsi.co.nz | www.forsi.co.nz

Waikato Region Ballance 

Farm Environment Awards 2023 

State-of-the-art cropping at Pellows Produce 

Winner of the 2023 

Ballance Farm Environment 

Agri-Nutrients 

Soil Management 

Hill Laboratories Agri-Science 

Award and the Norwood 

Farming Efficiency Award, 

Chris Pellow is the fourth generation 

of his family to farm on 

the Kaipo flats. 

Over the past 20 years, stateof-the-art 

cropping techniques 

have been adopted at this 

Waikato farm to carefully protect 

and enhance its soils while 

maximising production. 

Pellows Produce Ltd has an 

effective area of 146ha, comprised 

of 122ha in continuous 

cropping, about 17ha in pasture 

and 7ha of pine forestry. 

The home farm has been in 

the Pellow family since Chris’s 

great grandfather purchased it 

in 1900, cleared the land and 

developed the farm. His grandfather 

and father continued the 

farm’s evolution – milking cows 

before it was converted to sheep 

and beef. 

Chris returned to the farm in 

1989 and changed tack again by 

growing vegetables for local and 

export markets. Maize grain 

was added to the mix in the late 

1990s and has been the business’s 

mainstay since the early 

2000s. 

Precision technology was 

introduced around 2005 and 

this guides the application of 

fertiliser and chemicals. This 

use of technology combines with 

the soil testing of every paddock 

on a three-year rotation – providing 

excellent data on which 

crops should be planted where. 

Soil is further enhanced via a 

no-tillage approach to all cropping, 

something Chris started 

trailing in the early 2000s. 

This is complemented by direct 

drilling, which reduces soil disturbance 

– maintaining the 

soil’s structure to an impressive 

20cm. 

To ensure the operation is 

sustainable and profitable into 

the future, Chris continually 

evaluates new crops and tailors 

farming techniques based on 

the previous season’s production. 

He has also undertaken 

extensive research – giving 

him a deep knowledge of the 

farm’s environmental footprint, 

including its greenhouse gas 

emissions. 

Miraka a little farm bucking the trends 

Winners of the 2023 

Ballance Farm 

Environment 

NZFET Biodiversity Award 

and Waikato Regional Council 

Water Protection Award, 

Graham and Tess Smith of 

Miraka Farm use tree planting 

to enable diversification. 

Miraka’s diversification 

means it’s a little farm that’s 

bucking the trend. While small, 

its varied revenue streams 

ensure it is sustainable – in 

terms of both profit and nurturing 

the environment. 

Dairying with trees to 

enable diversification is the 

foundation of Graham and Tess 

Smith’s farming approach at 

Miraka, and it is being guided 

by 34 years of knowledge. 

They bought the dairy farm 

in 1988 and the tree planting 

began four years later. In 

1994, they started planting 

Paulownia in paddocks around 

the cows, with the strong, 

light timber a valuable material 

for surfboards, musical 

instruments and fishing lures. 

In 2020, the Te Awamutu 

business registered with the 

Emissions Trading Scheme 

– enabling it to trade carbon 

credits which is complemented 

with forestry consultancy. 

Tess and Graham run 77 

cows across the 28ha dairy 

unit, forestry across 9ha and 

grow Paulownia on 7.2ha. 

Miraka Farm is the 

culmination of years of saving 

and staying true to their vision 

–resulting in a beautiful property 

that has no erosion and 

zero brown water leaving the 

property. 

Graham uses his extensive 

knowledge of tree husbandry 

and earning carbon credits 

to ensure the right trees are 

planted in the right place. They 

are trialing grazeable tree varieties, 

including a tree lucerne – to 

feed the cows through summer. 

Tess and Graham have 

been supporters of the Ballance 

Farm Environment 

Awards since it began, and 

have entered to gain knowledge 

from the judges and to 

share what they have learned 

through their unique – possibly 

world-leading – approach. 

Miraka is Tess’s ancestral 

land which strengthens the 

couple’s connection to it. To 

help ensure Miraka stays in 

the family for future generations, 

Graham’s son Lance will 

return this year to help run the 

farm. 

Stonyford and Harapepe prioritise the environment 


Ballance Farm 

Environment Beef 

+ Lamb New Zealand Livestock 

Farm Award and the Waikato 

River Authority Catchment 

Improvement Award, Megan 

and Phil Weir of Stonyford 

and Harapepe are continuing 

a strong environmental legacy. 

Stonyford and Harapepe 

farms have been in Megan’s 

family since 1953 and she is 

now working with husband 

Phil to continue their sustainable 

development. 

The Weirs bought Harapepe 

in 2017 and leased Stonyford 

in the same year – combining 

them into a 256ha (230ha 

effective) beef and sheep finishing, 

and arable operation. 

Protecting the environment 

is a priority, and the couple is 

grateful to be building on the 

back of the strong environmental 

stewardship of previous 

owners. 

Significant plantings were 

made by Megan’s parents Alan 

and Janet Livingston who 

previously owned Stonyford, 

along with the former owner of 

Harapepe, Guy Livingston. 

Megan and Phil are in their 

first year of not having any 

dairy heifers at the properties. 

They’ve replaced those cattle 

with maize for silage, and Friesian 

bulls to reduce labour and 

gain optimal stocking rates and 

feed production. 

Paddock sizes have been 

significantly reduced, while 

gullies and steeper areas are 

used for sheep grazing or have 

been planted in native trees. 

More than 40,000 native 

plants have been put in over 

the past five years, including 

about 12,000 in 2022. About 

12 per cent of the farm has now 

been retired. 

With a lot of hard work 

and strategic planning, it has 

become easier for the Weirs 

to manage their beautiful 

property creating more time to 

invest with their young family, 

environmental improvements 

and off-farm work. 

As they look to the future, 

they’re focused on diversification 

opportunities including 

horticulture. With a succession 

process now complete, they’re 

committed to setting up a business 

that presents options for 

the next generation. 

For the Weirs, Stonyford 

and Harapepe represent family, 

passion and opportunity. 

They enjoy protecting and 

enhancing the land which they 

refer to as their own piece of 

nature. 

A circular farming system at Wholly Cow 


Ballance Farm 

Environment 

NZFET Innovation Award, 

Tom, Carrie and Luke Andrews 

of Wholly Cow provide a brand 

that is truly reflective of a 

circular farming system. 

Tom and Carrie Andrews, 

together with son Luke, run 

the beef and sheep farm as 

well as an independent micro 

abattoir – all located just east 

of Cambridge. 

The journey to creating 

their abattoir started with 

Wholly Cow’s meat being 

sold at a local farmer’s market 

before the team graduated 

to sales from a retail shop. In 

2016, they bought a butchery 

and the abattoir was built in 

2018. 

Their vision has led to a 

circular farming system that 

provides food security for their 

local community while nurturing 

the land and animals they 

farm. It also helps to protect 

the farm’s bottom line. 

The main driver of their 

business model is an aim to 

protect and improve the land, 

subsequently providing quality 

feed for their animals. 

Those animals then feed them 

and their community, plus 

create fertiliser that provides 

nutrients that go back into the 

land. 

For the past 14 years, the 

Andrews family has been 

refining this system across 

their 182ha hill country property 

that features a loamy, 

clay-pan soil. 

They entered the Ballance 

Farm Environment Awards 

to showcase their approach, 

illustrating that farming can 

be done in a way where each 

part of the process creates a 

positive flow-on effect. 

Inspiration has come from 

what they have created so far 

in their business, and through 

the scope to take on new 

opportunities. 

As they look to the future, 

they see themselves as a constant 

work in progress as they 

continually strive to repurpose 

everything created on the 

farm.

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UNWANTED 

UNWANTED VISITORS 

VISITORS 

Rural properties are fast becoming the 


main target for criminals – especially when 

Rural the majority properties of farms are have fast becoming their own fuel 

Rural the tank main properties to service target their are for fast on-farm criminals becoming vehicles. – the 

main especially target for when criminals the majority – especially of when 

the 

farms 

majority 

have 

of 

their 

farms 

own 

have 

fuel 

their 

tank 

own 

to 

fuel 

Roger Bull, Managing Smartway Security has 

tank to Director service of Smartway their on-farm been operating vehicles. for over 18 

service 

Security 

their 

Services 

on-farm 

said years 

vehicles. 

and their clients and 

“With the even higher prices services range from large 

Roger of fuel now Bull, there Managing has been a International Smartway Security Corporations has 

Roger spike Director in the number Bull, of Smartway Managing of Rural been developed to Farms, operating various Business for methods over & Home 18 of 

Properties Security Director experiencing Services of Smartway said thefts years protecting alarms and that farms their are - clients such also as: monitored, 

Fuel along tank range alert with from systems CCTV large that and 

and 

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of “With also fuel a now the growing even there higher has number prices been a of of International other will Security notify the Products. Corporations farm house They 

spike technology applications that have also installed CCTV 

fuel now in the there number has been of Rural a spike to Farms, when Business someone & is Home in the 

Properties can help prevent experiencing it”. thefts alarms into a that national are chain also of monitored, 

along with CCTV and 

Tyre 

in the number of Rural Properties 

a experiencing growing number thefts from of other mainly fuel 

Stores 

vicinity 

with 

of 

over 

or obtaining 

90 branches 

at the 

from tanks. Luckily there are 

also Security 

tanks. for Health Products. 

In addition and They Safety they 

technology tanks. Luckily applications there are also that a have purposes. can also add a installed module that CCTV sends 

can growing help prevent number it”. of technology into A major a txt national message growth chain area to the of has farmer Tyre been 

applications that can help Stores identified when with the for over hose on-farm 90 is activated branches security as 

WE HAVE HAD A LOT 

prevent it”. 

mainly and 

an 

Smartway 

additional for Health have 

alert. and developed Safety 

various methods of protecting 

OF Smartway SUCCESS Security purposes. 

WITH has been • Our Wireless Gate Beams 

A farms major - growth such as: area has been 

operating for over 18 years and 

identified • are Fuel solar tank for on-farm alert powered systems so 

security that no 

WE their THESE HAVE clients SYSTEMS” 

and HAD services A LOT range 

and Smartway 

local will notify power 

have the is 

developed farm necessary, house 

from large International Corporations 

SUCCESS to Farms, WITH Business farms station vicinity - such in as: of the or obtaining farm house at 

when someone is the 

SAID ROGER, “WHICH 

various these methods report back of protecting to a base 

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Rabobank kicks off new 

series of Financial Skills 

workshops for farmers 

Farmers across New Zealand will soon 

have the chance to develop their 

financial skills – free of charge – at a 

new workshop designed to help them 

take more ownership of their farm 

business finances. 

The new workshop is 

the second module in 

Rabobank’s Financial 

Skills Workshop series 

which launched in mid-2021. 

The latest module focuses on 

helping farmers understand 

key financial numbers for the 

current season and looks at 

how they can plan for, and 

respond to, scenarios where 

cashflow deviates from budget. 

The one-day workshop is facilitated 

by Lawrence Field from 

Rural Field Consultants and is 

open for attendance by clients 

and non-clients of Rabobank. 

Pilots of the new workshop 

took place in Ashburton 

and Balclutha last month and 

further workshops are being 

organised in approximately 

20 other locations across New 

Zealand over the remainder 

of 2023. The next scheduled 

workshop is set to be held in 

Stratford, Taranaki on Tuesday, 

May 23. 

An initiative of Rabobank’s 

Client Councils — groups of 

the bank’s farming clients who 

meet regularly to discuss issues 

and implement initiatives to 

contribute to sustainable rural 

communities — the Rabobank 

Financial Skills Workshop 

series was set up to enhance 

farmers’ financial literacy skills. 

Since mid-2021, more than 475 

Kiwi farmers have attended 

module one workshops in more 

than 25 locations across the 

country. 

Rabobank Upper South 

Island Client Council member 

Steven Bierema said the new 

workshop expanded on the 

information presented in the 

module one workshops which 

focused on reading financial 

statements, key ratios and calculations, 

and what banks are 

looking for when assessing a 

farming business. 

“Given the current environment 

of high product prices, 

high inflation, increasing 

regulation, competing land uses 

and increasing interest rates, 

the demand has been strong 

for a follow-up workshop which 

helps farmers navigate all the 

market volatility,” he said. 

“So we worked alongside 

course facilitator Lawrence 

Field to develop this new module 

which will help farmers to 

better understand how they are 

tracking towards budget, and 

what can be done if things veer 

off track. 

“The workshop also looks at 

the importance of clearly communicating 

modifications to 

the plan for the current season 

with key advisers, and how any 

changes translate into longer 

term business planning.” 

Mr Bierema attended the 

Ashburton event and said the 

workshop content helped highlight 

how regular financial 

monitoring was fundamental to 

the achievement of long-term 

business goals. 

“Many of the farmers who 

attended the recent workshop 

got into farming because they 

enjoy being out on the farm, 

and reviewing financial statements 

is not the type of task 

that spins their wheels,” he 

said. 

“So it was really important 

the course content quickly captured 

their attention and linked 

in to what they want to achieve 

on their farming operation. 

“Fortunately, Lawrence, 

our workshop facilitator, has a 

great capacity to communicate 

with farmers and explain the 

course objectives and key concepts 

in a way they can relate to. 

“It was pretty clear early on 

in the day that all the farmers 

were engaged, and I felt a real 

eagerness among the attendees 

to better understand the 

financial performance of their 

businesses.” 

While farm financial performance 

was impacted by many 

factors outside farmers’ control, 


Mr Bierema, said the workshop 

helped farmers hone in the 

variables they could influence. 

“Outside of non-negotiable 

farm business costs, like staff 

payments and interest costs, 

farmers have significant flexibility 

to adjust many other costs 

within their business, as well as 

significant scope in how these 

costs are funded,” he said. 

“And the workshop helps 

farmers to look closely at the 

levers they can pull to drive a 

favourable result.” 

Ashburton pilot workshop 

participant Liam Alley, who 

manages Willsden dairy farm 

near Dunsandel, said he went 

to the workshop concerned 

other attendees would have 

more financial knowledge than 

him. 

“I was aware several farm 

owners who had a lot more 

experience than me were going 

to be there, and I was a bit worried 

I’d be a bit behind in this 

area,” he said. 

“But I quickly realised that 

everyone on the course was still 

learning as well, and I really got 

a lot out of the day.” 

Liam said he “really rated” 

Lawrence as a facilitator and 

found the examples he provided 

throughout the day very 

relatable. 

“There was heaps of useful 

information, but one of Lawrence’s 

bits of advice that I 

really liked was to be an autumn 

spender, not a winter spender, 

as in the autumn you have a 

much better understanding of 

your farm’s financial position,” 

he said. 

“The workshop gave me a 

much better understanding of 

the importance of being prepared 

for different scenarios 

and I’m definitely keen to 

attend any follow-up financial 

workshops that might take 

place down the track.” 

More information of the 

new Rabobank Financial Skills 

workshop module can be 

found on the Rabobank website 

- Rabobank Client Councils 

| Rabobank New Zealand. 

Attending module one is not a 

pre-requisite for attendance at 

the second module, however 

some understanding of Financial 

Statements and what lenders 

look for is desirable. 

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Young Otago 

sheep and beef 

farmers named 

2023 National 

Ambassadors 

for Sustainable 

Farming and 

Growing 

Steven and Kellie Nichol of Auldamor 

in Otago have been announced as 

the 2023 National Ambassadors for 

Sustainable Farming and Growing 

and recipients of the Gordon 

Stephenson Trophy at the National 

Sustainability Showcase at Te Papa 

Tongarewa in Wellington. 

Steven and Kellie Nichol 

Managed by Grant 

Bezett, Auldamor 

is primarily a sheep 

breeding and finishing operation, 

with additional cattle 

grazing, and carbon and 

production forestry. 

Steven and Kellie are constantly 

evolving their farming 

business though diversification 

and adapting production 

systems, all while considering 

environmental impact. Their 

1,498ha property is located at 

Clarks Junction, Otago. The 

Nichol family has been farming 

in the area since 1871, meaning 

they have a strong connection 

to the land and consider 

improvements and guardianship 

a priority. 

In 2007, the Nichols leased 

976ha from Steven’s parents 

and purchased it outright in 

2010. In 2019, the farming 

operation was extended with an 

additional 522ha neighbouring 

lease block. During their tenure, 

Steven and Kellie have 

COMBINED 

WITH THEIR ON- 

FARM JUDGING 

EXPERIENCE WE 

KNOW THEY CAN 

AND WILL ‘WALK 

THE TALK’ 

continually strived to improve, 

develop, expand and adapt the 

farming business. 

The team runs 4,500 ewes, 

1,500 hoggets and 80 rams, 

and graze an average of 290 

mixed-age beef cows each year. 

Stock performance and profitability 

has been continually 

improved by adapting 

farming systems 

and emphasising 

on-farm measuring 

and monitoring. 

The Nichols have 

focused on improving 

the farm’s subdivision 

and infrastructure, 

with 

several initiatives to 

improve soil health, 

including a no-till 

drilling programme. 

This has led to 

improved pasture resilience, 

better yields, and improved 

stock performance and animal 

health. 

The property’s biodiversity 

has been enhanced through 

the planting of shelterbelts and 

forestry stands, along with significant 

fencing of native shrubland 

and waterways. 

Steven is extensively 

involved with the local community 

catchment group and 

is one of several local farmers 

participating in a greenhouse 

gas mitigation project that is 

primarily focused on reducing 

gross methane emissions. 

Early on in their farming 

journey, Steven realised he 

didn’t need to operate in isolation, 

and gathered a group of 

mentors and industry experts 

to ensure the success of their 

farming operation. The Nichols 

have elected to live off-farm, 

but are close by and keep in 

constant contact with their 

farm manager. This approach 

has helped them develop a 

strong business model and successfully 

achieve a wide range 

of goals. 

The regional judges commended 

the Nichols’ high level 

of knowledge about all aspects 

of their farm, their farming 

business and their guardianship 

of it, noting that – along 

with farm manager Grant 

Bezett – they make a great 

team, with many complementary 

skillsets. 

Chair of the National Judging 

Panel, Dianne Kidd noted 

the exceptionally high calibre 

of Regional Supreme Winners 

this year, with all farms 

and orchards presented to an 

incredibly high standard. 

The judging process for the 

Gordon Stephenson Trophy 

includes on-farm judging as 

well as a panel interview, with 

the trophy recipients displaying 

a combination of an exemplar 

farming operation – from 

a financial, social and environmental 

perspective – and the 

ability to articulate informed 

responses and insightful views 

on a range of pan-sector topics. 

“Steven and Kellie Nichol 

certainly demonstrated that 

they will be excellent Ambassadors 

for the New Zealand Farm 

Environment Trust and are 

worthy recipients of the Gordon 

Stephenson Trophy. They 

articulated clear, intelligent 

and insightful responses to our 

questions demonstrating an 

ability to communicate often 

complex ideas and issues in an 

easy-to-understand manner. 

Combined with their on-farm 

judging experience we know 

they can and will ‘walk the 

talk’,” Kidd said. 

The National Judging Panel 

also commended the Nichols 

for their “passion for farming 

with a holistic approach, 

bringing off-farm skills into the 

business.” 

The National Sustainability 

Showcase event at Te Papa 

Tongarewa celebrated each of 

the ten Ballance Farm Environment 

Awards Regional 

Supreme Winners from across 

the country. Hosted by the New 

Zealand Farm Environment 

Trust, the event is held annually 

as the pinnacle of the BFEA 

programme, and connects primary 

industry representatives 

from across the sector.

Global avocado trade 

expected to grow 

in an increasingly 

competitive market 

Global avocado trade will continue to grow in the next 

few years, but the market will be more competitive, 

forcing operators to be not only more efficient, but also 

increasingly sustainable, according to a new report by 

agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank. 

In the report Global 

Avocado Growth Far 

From Over, Rabobank 

says global avocado production 

expanded by a compound 

annual growth rate (CAGR) of 

about seven per cent during 

the past decade. 

“Attractive prices and 

returns during that period were 

relevant drivers to expanding 

production in key regions,” 

Rabobank Global Strategist – 

Fresh Produce, Cindy van Rijswick 

said. 

The report says production 

in Mexico – which currently 

accounts for 30 per cent of 

global avocado output – grew 

by a compound annual growth 

rate (CAGR) of about six per 

cent during the past decade. In 

Colombia (which accounts for 

12 per cent of current global 

avocado production), Peru 

(nine per cent), and Kenya (six 

per cent), production increased 

by a CAGR of approximately 15 

per cent,12 per cent, and 11 per 

cent respectively over the same 

period. 

On the other hand, the 

US, which was still among the 

world’s largest avocado-producing 

countries in 2012, 

dropped a few places in the 

ranking and is no longer a top 

10 global producer. 

“Increased avocado production 

in countries with complementary 

harvesting seasons 

has allowed year-round 

availability in key markets, 

including the US, the EU, and 

some markets in Asia. While 

production in Mexico extends 

year-round, it reaches a seasonal 

low in June and July, 

when production peaks in the 

US (California) and Peru, providing 

steady supply to the US 

market,” the report says. 

Mexico remains leading 

exporter 

“With exports increasing at an 

average annual growth rate of 

around eight per cent over the 

past decade, Mexico reaffirmed 

its place as the largest avocado-exporting 

country in the 

world, surpassing one million 

metric tons in 2022,” Ms Van 

Rijswick said. 

The report says the primary 

destination for Mexican 

avocado exports is, by far, the 

US market, where product 

versatility and promotional 

campaigns have helped to create 

demand for avocados in 

retail and food service channels. 

Globally, the US remains 

the largest destination market, 

with imports increasing by a 

compound annual growth rate 

of about eight per cent from 

2012 to 2022 

Among the next largest avocado 

exporters, Peru, Spain, 

and Kenya exports expanded 

by a CAGR of 22 per cent, six 

per cent and 15 per cent respectively 

between 2012 and 2022. 

These countries mainly supply 

the European market. 

Behind the US, the largest 

avocado importers between 

2012 and 2020 were the Netherlands, 

Spain and France. 

Over this period, import volumes 

into these countries 

increased by a CAGR of 14 per 

cent, 20 per cent and eight per 

cent respectively. 

Global avocado market 

is worth about USD 18 

billion 

According to the report, the 

global commercial market 

value of fresh avocados is estimated 

to be around USD 18 

Pia Piggott 

billion in 2022. 

“We believe there is room 

for significant growth in several 

markets around the world, 

as per capita consumption is 

highly variable,” Ms Van Rijswick 

said. 

In terms of per capita avocado 

availability (which is 

used as an indicator of consumption), 

Mexico leads, with 

a global record of about nine 

kilograms of fresh avocados 

per person per year, followed 

by Chile with almost eight kilograms. 

Australia and the US 

complete the list of countries 

with over four kilograms per 

capita. 

The report says sustainability 

concerns remain on the 

agenda for avocado producers, 

with water usage the main 

issue. Partly because of this, 

avocado growers have invested 

in advanced irrigation systems 

to improve water efficiency. 

New Zealand 

In 2022, the report says, 

New Zealand export volumes 

dropped 20 per cent, due to a 

combination of sufficient supply 

in Australia, decreased 

demand from destinations in 

Asia, and lower supplies of 

export-quality fruit. 

“Despite the growth in market 

diversification in recent 

years, 2022 brought volatility 

to the global economy, which 

weighed on demand for avocados,” 

Rabobank associate analyst 

Pia Piggott said. 

“Weakening currencies in 

Asia, higher avocado prices, 

and increased reefer container 

rates were not supportive 

for New Zealand avocado 

demand. And we expect some 

of these headwinds to continue 

in 2023.” 

Ms Piggott said New Zealand 

avocado production was 

affected by La Niña, with significant 

wet weather events 

causing waterlogged soil, poor 

pollination and a higher-than 

normal reject rate in 2022. 

“We expect the 2023 season 

to bring lower production, 

followed by a bumper crop 

in 2024. With plenty of production 

growth expected in 

the next few years, rebuilding 

market share in Asia will be a 

priority for securing demand,” 

she said. 

Women’s World Cup 

Football fever hits 

the Waikato 

New Zealand is getting 

ready to co-host to 

the biggest women's 

sporting event in the world. 

The FIFA Women’s World 

Cup Australia-New Zealand 

2023 will be a historic event 

on multiple levels; a first time 

for the Southern Hemisphere, 

the first to be co-hosted by two 

confederations (Asia and Oceania), 

and the first to feature 

32 teams. 

And Hamilton will be in on 

the football action, hosting five 

matches at the Waikato Stadium, 

plus the Zambian team 

will make Kirikiriroa its home 

base. 

The event promises to 

deliver record-breaking crowds 

and long-term participation 

growth in the sport, as well as 

economic spin-off for the host 

nations. 

An independent assessment 

predicted about 13,000 visitors 

to the city, almost 72,000 visitor 

paid nights and an $18 million 

direct visitor expenditure 

to the Waikato. 

To kick off the football 

fever, a Trophy Tour makes its 

way from Hamilton on June 

17 and will travel to Tauranga, 

Rotorua, Taupo and Te Kuiti 

before heading to Dunedin for 

the next leg of the journey. 

From the July 20-23, 

Hamilton will come alive for 

four days of football related 

fun, starting with the opening 

ceremony and continuing 

with educational activities, 

inspirational speakers, live 

streaming of matches, music, 

dance, culture, food, mini 

futsal court and tonnes of fun 

for the kids – all for free. 

The 2019 FIFA Women’s 

World Cup 2019 reached 1.12 

billion viewers across 205 

countries meaning H3 will be 

responsible for showcasing the 

Waikato, not only to the teams, 

visitors and the international 

media, but also to the rest of 

the world. 

Tickets are on sale now for 

the FIFA Women’s World Cup 

Australia-New Zealand with a 

range of affordable options for 

the whole family. 

Find out about events and 

information surrounding the 

FIFA Women's World Cup 

2023 and purchase tickets at 

www.hamiltonhostcity.co.nz.


A partnership 

that helps with 

the heavy lifting 

Murray Grant and Peter Nation 

The New Zealand National Fieldays 

Society has received new CASE IH 

machinery as part of their sponsorship 

relationship with the leading 

manufacturer of agricultural equipment. 

The machinery, which 

includes the Case IH 

Farmall 50B, the Case 

IH Farmall U110, Case IH 

Farmall U110 and the Case IH 

Farmlift 742 Telehandler will 

be used to support the Society’s 

day-to-day operations at 

Mystery Creek Event Centre 

including the maintenance of 

the 114-hectare property. 

“We are thrilled to receive 

this high-tech machinery from 

our premier sponsor CASE 

IH," New Zealand National 

Fieldays Society CEO Peter 

Nation says. "This state-ofthe-art 

equipment will be of 

great assistance to us as we get 

the site ready for exhibitors to 

pack in for Fieldays, as well as 

maintaining our large site on a 

daily basis.” 

The CASE IH tractors 

and telehandler will be used 

to assist the Mystery Creek 

Venue Operations 

team 

with seeding 

and mowing, 

sanding roads, 

flattening surfaces 

as well 

as shifting and 

lifting heavy 

equipment and 

material around the event site. 

"We are proud to support 

Fieldays by providing this 

machinery to help with their 

operations,", CNH Industrial 

commercial business manager 

Murray Grant says. 

“Our equipment is designed 

for peak performance, reliability 

and efficiency, and we 

know these tractors and the 

telehandler will be valuable 

assets to the Society and provide 

invaluable support across 

a range of tasks.” 

The partnership between 

Fieldays and CASE IH is a 

OUR EQUIPMENT IS 

DESIGNED FOR PEAK 

PERFORMANCE, 

RELIABILITY AND 

EFFICIENCY 

natural fit, as both share a 

commitment to innovation 

and excellence in the agricultural 

sector. Fieldays has 

always been an important 

event in the agricultural calendar 

in New Zealand, providing 

a platform for farmers 

and other industry professionals 

to learn about the latest 

agricultural technology 

and innovations. As a leading 

manufacturer of agricultural 

equipment, CASE IH is known 

for its high-quality products 

and innovative technology 

and is committed to helping 

farmers and other industry 

professionals improve their 

productivity and profitability. 

This year both organisations 

are celebrating their 

longevity in the New Zealand 

agricultural landscape, with 

2023 marking the 55th year 

of Fieldays and 100 years for 

Farmall Case IH. 

From ‘waste’ to 

wonderful 

– upcycled 

braziers launch 

nationwide 

Raglan Food Co upped the 

ante in its bid to turn the 

'waste' created in their 

production process into useful 

resources. 

As a certified Toitū Carbon 

Zero (shortly Climate Positive) 

and B-Corp business, Raglan 

Food Co have a strong ethos 

around reuse and recycling. 

In 2022, plant manager 

Dave Stoof came up with 

the creative idea to convert 

empty coconut cream steel 

drums into beautiful braziers, 

incorporating a pōhutukawa 

design as a nod to the abundance 

of the trees, affectionately 

known NZ Xmas trees, 

found around Raglan. 

The resulting brand, 

'Reforged', has created new 

jobs for welders/fabricators to 

join the team, and over time 

they aim to develop more useful 

products that give the drums 

– otherwise destined for scrapmetal 

– a second life. 

The braziers are now available 

to purchase from selected 

Bunnings stores across the 

country. 

Raglan Food Co co-founder 

Tesh Randall was thrilled when 

Bunnings agreed to stock the 

Pōhutukawa Ring Brazier in 

27 Bunnings Warehouse stores 

nationwide. 

“Having their support for 

what we’re trying to do around 

recycling means a lot to us.” 

Bunnings national buyer 

Guy Davies was keen to support 

a local business. 

“It’s a unique product with 

a great story. We’re excited for 

our customers to see the new 

range, made locally and helping 

to reuse waste in an innovative 

way.” 

Added to this, Raglan Food 

Co were recently awarded 

the Outstanding Sustainability 

Award at the Outstanding 

New Zealand Food Producer 

Awards. This is the second time 

receiving this accolade, after 

first collecting it in 2020. 

Sustainability judges Emily 

King and Fiona Stephenson 

recognised that Raglan Food Co 

continues to raise the bar. 

Raglan Food co - Jay Zhou, 

Tesh Randall and Guy Davies 

“It's a leader in its sector 

and a shining light for others 

to follow. What stands out is 

its continuous innovation and 

commitment to community. 

Sustainability has been integrated 

into the way the business 

operates from the start.” 

The judges were particularly 

impressed by the company’s 

social initiatives, which include 

a staff profit share programme, 

staff health and wellbeing fund, 

and a local community fund. 

Raglan Food Co ongoing 

focus on innovation includes 

products as well as other initiatives, 

such as wastewater 

treatment. 

“It is a truly impressive company 

that started small with 

organic coconut yoghurt and 

is now transforming the dairyfree 

sector.”


Gallagher leverages decades of global 

experience to bring NZ-made virtual 

fence to beef farmers 

Gallagher is leveraging decades of 

global agricultural experience to bring 

to beef farmers its New Zealand made 

virtual fencing solution, eShepherd. 

For the last 6 years, Gallagher 

has been partnering 

with New Zealand and 

Australian beef farmers to trial 

eShepherd. The technology has 

proven particularly effective 

in helping farmers improve 

pasture management and 

protect riparian zones, despite 

farming on remote 

and vast landscapes. 

“As margins get 

squeezed, farmers 

are focussed on 

getting the most 

from their pasture 

and growing animals 

faster with less 

inputs,” says Gallagher 

Global Strategy 

& New Ventures 

Manager Sarah 

Adams. 

“For many beef farmers, 

this includes finding ways to 

access remote areas of their 

farms that are difficult to fence 

and utilise pasture that is currently 

being wasted. The way 

they farm also means they 

manage animals with less 

human interaction. 

“Insights from our customer 

research are telling. Farmers 

are crying out for cost-effective 

ways to permanently exclude 

animals from dangerous areas, 

and from waterways and protected 

areas to comply with 

environmental regulations. 

This is a significant challenge 

that virtual fencing can help 

farmers tackle.” 

OUR TEAM ARE 

SOME OF THE 

BEST IN THE 

BUSINESS AND 

WE UNDERSTAND 

FARMING 

New freshwater regulations 

in New Zealand mean that by 

July 2025, all stock must be 

excluded from wetlands and 

waterways. 

“This could potentially cost 

some beef farmers millions of 

dollars in traditional fencing,” 

says Sarah. “With rising fencing 

costs, skills shortages and 

long lead times for fencing 

materials, they are desperately 

looking for alternative solutions 

that can save them time 

and money long term. 

“We have a list of loyal customers 

who have followed our 

eShepherd journey over the 

last few years. They are eager 

to get their hands on this technology 

because they know it 

will be a gamechanger for their 

operation.” 

Gallagher has been in business 

for 85 years and works 

with farmers around the 

world. Sarah says her team 

knows from experience that 

partnering closely with them 

to develop the right solutions 

is crucial. 

“That’s why we have spent 

time in the field trialling eShepherd 

and putting the technology 

and the hardware 

through its paces before bringing 

it to market. It was important 

for us to get farmer feedback 

throughout the process 

and tweak our design to make 

sure we give farmers a solution 

they can rely on. 

“The result is a tried and 

tested New Zealand-made 

virtual fencing solution that 

farmers can be confident will 

improve pasture management, 

help them meet environmental 

regulations and save them 

money on traditional fencing – 

all while achieving sound animal 

welfare outcomes.” 

eShepherd was originally 

developed by virtual fencing 

technology developer Agersens. 

Gallagher first began 

investing in eShepherd in 2016 

before it acquired Agersens in 

2021. 

“Our team are some of 

the best in the business and 

we understand farming. We 

are tapping into Gallagher’s 

decades of experience in developing 

animal management 

solutions for farmers around 

the world to bring eShepherd 

to the market. 

“Gallagher is a global leader 

in agri-tech. We have a responsibility 

to deliver our loyal 

farmer customers a virtual 

fencing solution they can trust 

and have complete confidence 

in. Getting it right takes time, 

commitment and expertise. 

“We are proud to be bringing 

the benefits of this exciting 

new technology to the New 

Zealand beef industry and 

educating them about how virtual 

fencing can help them run 

more profitable and productive 

business.” 

Gallagher is now in the final 

stages of its BETA trials with 

specific beef operations around 

New Zealand and getting ready 

to make this technology available 

for farmers to purchase. 

Farmers interested in learning 

more can register their interest 

www.am.gallagher.com 

Gallagher is also inviting 

farmers to its Fieldays site 

D72 to see eShepherd in action 

and talk to its team of experts 

about the benefits the technology 

could have for their farm 

business.

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Connectivity wins the 

No.8 Wire National 

Art Award 

Artist Ricks Terstappen from Hawke’s 

Bay has won the top prize in this year’s 

Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award for 

his artwork ‘Connectivity’ in the awards 

ceremony held last night at ArtsPost 

Galleries & Shop in Hamilton Kirikiriroa. 

“This work is a powerful 

metaphor for rural 

communities,” 2023 guest 

judge, sculptor Hannah Kidd 

says. “Neighbours can be quite 

some physical distance apart 

but connected in ways that 

support each other. Therefore, 

it’s these connection points 

that give the structure its 

dynamic strength.” 

Reflecting on her experience 

as this year’s judge, Kidd 

says it was amazing to see the 

sculptures in person in the gallery, 

and each of the artworks 

spoke to her. 

“It was a hard decision to 

choose just three winners from 

the finalists. Congratulations 

to you all.” 

This annual competition, 

hosted by Waikato Museum 

and supported by the New 

Zealand National Fieldays 

Society now in its 26th year 

sees artists challenged to transform 

the iconic Kiwi farming 

product, No.8 wire, into art 

and compete for a share of 

nearly $10,000 in prizes. 

Since its inception in 1997, 

this annual open call for artists 

and creatives from across 

Aotearoa has provided a platform 

for reinventing an everyday 

farming product into art. 

The Awards also play a crucial 

role in fostering a stronger 

connection between urban and 

rural communities. 

Newly appointed New Zealand 

National Fieldays Society 

chair Jenni Vernon selected 

‘In Case of Emergency...Break 

Glass’ by Healther Olesen for 

the Chair’s Choice Award. 

Delighted to have the 

opportunity to select this category 

winner for the first time, 

Jenni was impressed to see 

how Heather had fashioned 

such an exquisite piece from 

the product she sees daily 

around her rural property on 

the Raglan Coast. 

“This art competition and 

exhibition really is phenomenal 

and showcases Kiwi ingenuity 

at its finest. The talent of 

these artists, to fashion these 

works from good old No.8 

wire, a staple of New Zealand 

farms, is just incredible,” Vernon 

says. “The society champions 

innovation, as it’s one of 

our strategic pillars and these 

works are so innovative.” 

Second prize was awarded 

to Jeff Thomson and Bev Goodwin 

for their piece ‘Cyclonic’ 

and third place went to John 

McKenzie for ‘641E9372’. 

The finalists' artworks will 

be on display until Sunday 2 

July at ArtsPost, located at 

120 Victoria Street, Hamilton 

Kirikiriroa. Entry to the exhibition 

is free, and all works are 

available for purchase. 

For more information about 

the competition, please visit 

www.waikatomuseum.co.nz/ 

no8wire 

Judge Hannah Kidd 

with No 8 winning entry 

The 2023 Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award finalists are: 

• Dagmar Elliott, Te Awamutu 

• Teuila Fatupaito, Hamilton 

• Helen Fuller, Waiheke Island 

• Tony Gray, Morrinsville 

• Jevon Howe, Pukekohe 

• Asaki Kajima, Hawke's Bay 

• John McKenzie, Te Aroha 

• Jane Mortimer and Dave Sole, Hamilton 

• Heather Olesen, Morrinsville 

• Susan Rhodes, Hamilton 

• Ricks Terstappen, Hawke's Bay (two works) 

• Tira, Kaikohe 

• Jeff Thomson and Bev Goodwin, Helensville 

• Dinah and Mark Walker, Auckland 

• Yasmin Yussof, Canterbury 

• Waikato Creative Stitchers: Josina Ellis, Liz 

Wilson, Sue Truman, Barbara Rosenberg, 

Sue Lynch, Marianne Lock, Katherine Fell 

Class of 2023 

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Return of the Fieldays Forestry Hub, 

set to amaze and inspire visitors 

Following its inaugural success last year, 

the Fieldays Forestry Hub will again 

feature when Fieldays 2023 returns to its 

traditional winter slot, from June 14-17, 

at Mystery Creek in Waikato. 

Like last year, the Fieldays 

Forestry Hub, located at 

site G80, will host about 

twenty sector organisations 

under the theme of ‘Wood our 

low-carbon future’, with staff 

from large companies and 

small not-for-profit agencies 

on hand to provide information 

and answer questions. 

This year a new series of 

forums and talks will enhance 

the learning experience of visitors 

wanting to know more 

about the forestry and wood 

processing sector. 

The Hub will host two 

forums and several ‘hot-topic’ 

talks that will be open to the 

public, with time scheduled for 

questions and answers. 

The two forums, supported 

by NZME, will be fronted by 

The Country radio host Jamie 

Mackay who will moderate 

a debate between a panel of 

speakers. 

The first forum’s topic will 

be, Food and wood – how 

much land does each need? 

This is scheduled for Wednesday 

14 June at 2pm. 

The second forum’s topic 

will be, Are all trees created 

equal? This is scheduled for 

Thursday 15 June at 2pm. 

Other attractions include a 

forestry simulator, so visitors 

can experience what it’s like to 

operate machinery in a forest, 

and a couple of large forestry 

machines to view close-up. 

Forestry Minister Peeni 

Henare has been invited to 

officially launch the Hub for 

2023 on Wednesday 14 June at 

11:00am. 

The hub is a collaboration 

between Fieldays and an advisory 

group comprising Te Uru 

Rākau – New Zealand Forest 

Service, Forest Growers Levy 

Trust, Scion, NZ Forest Owners’ 

Association, Red Stag, NZ 

Farm Forestry Association and 

Future Foresters. 

Hub spokesperson Alex 

Wilson says the sector has 

begun a process of transformation 

in partnership with 

the government with, most 

recently, the launch of a $57 

million Wood Processing 

Grant Fund in April and the 

release of the foundational 

Industry Transformation Plan 

(ITP) last November. 

“The sector can expect more 

information on the ITP projects 

to be released at Fieldays. 

“The wider public can anticipate 

an engaging experience 

on the possibilities of trees 

and wood as the sector helps 

to mitigate climate change and 

addresses the challenges of 

wetter and hotter weather in 

many parts of the country. 

“The forestry and wood processing 

sector is New Zealand’s 

fourth largest primary industry 

exporter and a major contributor 

to regional economies and 

employment. Fieldays gives 

our sector a particular opportunity 

to have conversations 

with rural landowners about 

the opportunities to grow trees 

for timber, protect the land 

and to store carbon.” 

New Zealand Farm Forestry 

Association president Neil Cullen 

says many farming organisations 

agree that an integrated 

tree planting approach 

on-farm is the best way forward 

to address the many environmental 

land use issues. 

“The Farm Forestry Association 

will have a significant 

presence in the Fieldays Forestry 

Hub to explain how its 

members have practically 

implemented this approach, 

and which tree species work 

best and what are the costs and 

returns.” 

New Zealand Forest Owners’ 

Association president 

Grant Dodson says the Forest 

Hub is a valued way the industry 

can communicate directly 

with farmers and the public. 

“We’ll be there to explain 

the truth of some issues, such 

as the many things we are 

doing to reduce forest waste, 

but also just to communicate 

that we have a lot more in common 

with the rest of the primary 

sector than many people 

think.” 

Scion chief executive Dr 

Julian Elder says Scion’s 2030 

Strategy of right tree, right 

place, right purpose is highly 

relevant for rural New Zealand. 

“Our innovations and technologies 

can be applied to 

trees and fibre on farms in new 

ways.” 

Julian Elder says future 

rural landscapes and communities 

would include a mix of 

farming, productive forestry, 

trees and new manufacturing 

and processing activities. 

"All this will play into the 

goal of a circular bioeconomy 

and grow jobs and resilience 

for farmers and rural 

communities.” 

New Zealand National Fieldays 

Society CEO Peter Nation 

says the Fieldays Forestry Hub 

is set to build on last year’s successful 

launch by showcasing 

the latest innovation and technology, 

a commitment to sustainability 

and providing a real 

opportunity for conversation. 

Full details about the Fieldays 

Forestry Hub can be found at 

https://www.fieldays.co.nz/ 

attend-fieldays/explore/ 

forestry.

THE POWER TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT IS 

IN YOUR HANDS. 

SEE CAREERS.WEL.CO.NZ FOR VACANCIES 

WEL WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

eShepherd 

Pushing boundaries in 

livestock farming. 

Remotely track, manage, fence and move your 

livestock. Anytime, anywhere. 

Launching at 

Fieldays site D72 

Scan to see more 

am.gallagher.com

Waikato AgriBusiness News May 2023

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