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Matahuru Hall Rainbow BallMatahuru Hall Rainbow BallMatahuru Hall Rainbow BallMatahuru Hall Rainbow BallMatahuru Hall Rainbow BallSaturday 16thSaturday 16thSaturday 16thSaturday 16thSaturday 16th AugustAugustAugustAugustAugust

TTTTTruck drivers asked to helpruck drivers asked to helpruck drivers asked to helpruck drivers asked to helpruck drivers asked to helpkeep Huntly quietkeep Huntly quietkeep Huntly quietkeep Huntly quietkeep Huntly quiet

Visitors could be forgiven for thinking we’re a village with anidentity crisis, in more ways than one. Firstly, yes, we did havean extra ‘a’ in the WDC noticeboard regarding the water andwaste water works going on in Travers and Te Kauwhata Roads.We’re onto it, so hopefully no longer masquerading as TeKauwahata.

And we’re becoming cone central. Whilst they are indicatingon going work (the expressway) and water and roading work (TKRd), they are also an indicator of the amount of money beingspent in and around the village. A quick glance at how our ratesare spent by WDC show that, in 2013-14, 38% was spent onroads, 16% each on parks and on water supply and 10% onlibraries. Our annual and long term plan time is when we ask youto tell us how you want your money spent, and we welcomeyour feedback.

Looking further afield, you will have noted the mushroomingof houses in Pokeno. This fast-growing area is outstrippingexisting development and more sections are being created andopened up. The council is working with the local communitythere on a market square and plan for the town.

And houses are springing up here in Te Kauwhata as well,despite there being almost 10% of existing homes currently forsale. Consent has been granted and work is starting on stage oneof a development in Travers Rd, and Blunt Rd and RibbonwoodPlace earthworks are underway. It is interesting to note thepotential difference in styles, with the Blunt Rd subdivision anextension of that consented several years ago, whilst the TraversRd one aligns with guidelines set down by the EnvironmentCourt.

With comings and goings, I note the closure of the massageretreat behind the Aparangi Shop at the lower end of town, (tobecome a mobile operation) and the opening of a dressmaking andseamstress shop at the top of town next to the Fire Station.

And finally, can I please remind you of the 0800 492 452number at the Council for any queries, complaints or requests forservice (from road repairs to broken water lines, roaming dogsand litter). The quickest way for you to get action, as the eyesand ears of the community, is to ring the Customer Service teamon that number. You don’t need to ask for a specific departmentwithin the council; the team is the first point of call and willallocate jobs from there. Remember to get a lodgement numberthough, so you can track your job. (Or even better, do it online).Comments or questions? Jan Sedgwick, 021 804749 orjan.sedgwick@waidc.govt.nz

Truck drivers are being urged to keep the noise down by not usingtheir engine brakes when travelling through Huntly.

The NZ Transport Agency have installed a ‘no engine brakingplease’ sign for vehicles entering Huntly from the north, following anumber of noise complaints from the community and guests stayingat a local hotel.

The Transport Agency’s Highway Manager Kaye Clark said thatwhile State Highway 1 (SH1) through Huntly is a critical link for themovement of freight in the upper North Island, it is also a residentialarea.

“We are asking truck drivers to respect the community’s requestto reduce vehicle noise when travelling through their town” she said.“The Transport Agency is focused on ensuring road freight ismoved as safely and efficiently as possible and this includesappropriately managing engine braking noise to avoid disturbance toresidents.”

The new sign is one of many the Transport Agency haveinstalled to address noise issues from engine braking in urban areasacross the Waikato.

Mrs Clark asked that freight industry groups pass the messageon to their members.

“We know that in most cases it’s only a small minority of truckdrivers that use engine brakes inappropriately and we’re asking themto please consider the communities they’re driving through,”Mrs Clark said.

Saturday 16th August will be a colourful night at the annual ball inthe Matahuru Hall. Those who enjoy old time dancing are invited tothe Rainbow Ball, joining with others from Waikato and SouthAuckland for the Maxina, Monte Carlo and other dances.

M.C. Mike Kelly will again ensure everyone can join in bywalking people through any unfamiliar dances. The Remnants Bandwill provide music with their usual enthusiasm and skill. Ticketscost only $25 per person, which includes a welcome Mull wine anda delicious supper.

Any profit will assist the Hall Refurbishment Fund.

For tickets or information, please contactFor tickets or information, please contactFor tickets or information, please contactFor tickets or information, please contactFor tickets or information, please contactHelen McAlpine on 07 826 7654.Helen McAlpine on 07 826 7654.Helen McAlpine on 07 826 7654.Helen McAlpine on 07 826 7654.Helen McAlpine on 07 826 7654.

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I don’t know about you, but I didn’t get as excited about the latest Commonwealth Games as I did afew years ago. I’m not sure what all the fuss is about anymore. Back in the day these events, alongwith the Olympics, came around only every other year or so. Now, these athletes are competing inhalf a dozen or more events every year. World championships this, world championships that, a bitof overkill don’t you think. And where does all the money come from?Who is paying these athletes to jaunt all over the world? They are amateurs aren’t they? Another

aspect that gets my goat, is all the new sports that get included. What happened to the good olddays of swimming, gymnastics and field events? Now we get rugby, netball, flower arranging and allmanner of ‘don’t they have their own world championship event?’ sports.

Are we that desperate or politically correct that we have to include everything and everyone?Are these supposedly special events even relevant anymore? I say not. Not whilst all the otherevents are being held anyway.

And whilst on the subject of sport, have you seen how much money some of these guys earn?Rugby, Soccer, Golf and others.

These sports generate obscene amounts of salary and prize money. Perhaps the term sportshould be dropped, they are now professions so call them what they really are, ‘jobs’. Professionalathletes earn more than top corporate executives, and most Hollywood actors. And then once theyhave earned all that money, and have no way of spending it, then what do they do with it? Same asthe top Hollywood actors who earn tens of millions per movie, just what are they going to spend iton? They have enough shoes, shirts, houses, cars etc. so now what? It just sits in the bank orinvestments and grows. Totally useless.

I get phone calls, hear ads on the radio, I see ads on the TV all about how $1 per week can changethe life of a poor family somewhere in the world. The unneeded pay from one top athlete orHollywood actor would sort that out pretty quick. The needless amounts spent on building newstadiums for the Commonwealth Games or Olympics could probably sort it out too. Fresh water,clean streets, food, and medical problems all having a good head start. As long as the local politiciansdon’t get their dirty hands on it first.

What is more important, sports or people? Perhaps it is something we need to think about.Perhaps it is something we should suggest to our politicians that we should be thinking about.Till next time.

What is more

important,

sports or

people?

A TRAINED

DOG IS AN

ENJOYABLE

DOG

You’ve made the decisions - to get a puppy; the activities it will do and the family members who willlook after it. Now where will you go to choose this puppy - to a breeder; to a rescue centre? At theseplaces try a few tests to see the puppy’s reactions.

First, walk up to the litter of puppies, do not speak and note their reactions. Now talk happily tothe pups and note those reactions. Good reactions would be to see the puppies responding infriendly, happy, alert, confident ways.Test again. Toss a plastic bottle into the pen so that it lands three metres away. Observe the pupsfor five minutes. Good reactions would be for the pups to notice the bottle quickly, investigate withconfidence or bark at the object. Investigating cautiously would be okay too.

Next test. Have the breeder remove the plastic bottle and toss in a bone (one too big to eat).Observe for approximately five minutes. Good reactions would be for the pup to grab the bone andfend off the others; grab the bone and run away from litter mates; run over and bark at the pup thathas the bone.

Now chose a pup or two and do some individual tests with each pup away from its litter mates.Start by placing a pup down in a new area; watch its reaction. Do not speak or touch the pup for twoor three minutes. Good reactions would be to see the pup investigate these new surroundings,confidently or cautiously. Sitting quietly and happily is also good.Next test. Walk away from the pup about three metres, observe the pup for a few moments then callit. A good reaction here would be for the pup to follow happily with head and tail up. Should you getthis reaction, praise and pat it.

Test again. Pick the puppy up, lie it on its back.Good reactions would be for the puppy to initiallystruggle then accept and relax. The pup may also notmind and just relax.

Roll a ball. Good reactions would be for the pup tochase the ball and bring it back to you; chase, pick itup and run off with it; or just chase the ball.Place a few pieces of food in a very short straight line.Good reactions would be for the pup to put its noseto the ground and find each piece of food. Anothergood reaction would be for the pup to search aroundusing its nose though it may not find the track.

Test also the pup’s possessiveness by giving it abone, then taking it back. Good reactions would be forthe pup to give up the bone but want it back; give upbone and back away.

Finding a pup with good reactions will meanstarting with a well-rounded pup able to adapt tomost pet activities.With your pup chosen, the next step is to have yourhome set up to welcome this new family member.A TRAINED DOG IS AN ENJOYABLE DOGAt the NZ Kennel Club Grounds,743 Clevedon Road, Ardmore, Auckland.Event: Championship Breed Show (indoors)Golden Retriever ClubDay: Saturday, 9 August 2014

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Flower GardenerFlower GardenerFlower GardenerFlower GardenerFlower Gardener’’’’’s Diary - Julys Diary - Julys Diary - Julys Diary - Julys Diary - JulyMid winter showcases a number of flowering shrubs that offerrespite from the cold. Many fragrant flowers like Daphne,viburnum, winter sweet and witch hazel are in bloom this month.Plant up baskets, tubs and window boxes with winter colour tobrighten up the garden, use instant flowering plants (garden centrescall these potted colour), these plants are great value.Get your seed catalogues and order new seasons flower seeds now,ready for spring planting.Flowering now and ready for pickingWinter sweet, witch hazel, camellias, viburnum, wallflowers, winterroses - hellebores, dianthus, leucadendrons, violets, Daphne, iberis,snapdragons, kowhai, flowering kale, japonica.

VVVVVegetable Gardeneregetable Gardeneregetable Gardeneregetable Gardeneregetable Gardener’’’’’s Diary - Julys Diary - Julys Diary - Julys Diary - Julys Diary - JulyIn warmer areas of the country, the first lots of vegetable seeds canbe started under glass, but not outside yet as the soil is probablystill too cold and damp. In cooler areas grow a few leafy green cropssuch as spinach, silverbeet or kale in pots and containers close tothe kitchen.Damp soils and cold temperatures are bad for mildew and damping-off problems, so in cooler parts of the country wait another monthor two until conditions improve before sowing. Its time to sharpenand clean all your garden tools ready for use in spring. Stock up ongarden essentials like fertilisers, slug & snail baitl, string, stakes,seed trays and seed raising mix in preparation for seed sowing andtransplanting.

Seeds to SowSeeds to SowSeeds to SowSeeds to SowSeeds to SowPoppies, lupins, sweet peas, wildflowers, calendula.In warm areas petunias and impatiens can be sown too.

Planting nowPlanting nowPlanting nowPlanting nowPlanting nowRoses, Daphne, lily of the valley, forget-me-nots - annual beddinglike calendula, polyanthus, flowering kale, poppies, primula, violas,pansies, snapdragons, sweet William and alyssum..

FertilisenowMix in a layer of sheep pellets to spring flower beds and allow tosettle in for a month or so prior to planting.Apply bulb food to bulbs you already have in the garden.

Check yourCheck yourCheck yourCheck yourCheck your..............................Asparagus - lift and divide overcrowded asparagus beds and plantout new crowns.Broad beans - stake or support plants as they grow.Potatoes - now is the time to start sprouting new season seedpotatoes ready for planting in August or September. Always choosecertified seed potatoes, as these are specifically selected to thrivein the home garden and guaranteed to be free of viruses and peststhat affect potatoes. Prepare potato beds ready for planting bydigging over the soil to a depth of 30cm. Next, add plenty ofcompost or sheep pellets. Blend in potato food to soil prior toplanting.Herbs - hardy herbs such as thyme, rosemary and bay tree can beplanted in winter.

SowSowSowSowSowMesclun, mizuna, rocket, silverbeet, spinach, coriander.

PlantBeetroot, broccoli, cabbages, cauliflowers, celery, garlic, kale,mizuna, shallots, silverbeet, spinach, coriander, parsley, rosemary,sage, thyme.

FertiliseFertiliseFertiliseFertiliseFertiliseMix in a good quality vegetable fertilizer into garden beds prior toplanting garlic and shallots. Mix potato fertiliser into garden bedsbefore planting seed potatoes.

ProtectProtectProtectProtectProtectPut slug & snail control bait around to stop these pests munchingon your plants.

HarvestHarvestHarvestHarvestHarvestBeetroot, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, celery, horseradish, kale,leeks, winter lettuces, mizuna, parsnips, yams.

Apply a side dressing of slow release fertilizer to pots and planters.

Protect against Slugs and SnailsProtect against Slugs and SnailsProtect against Slugs and SnailsProtect against Slugs and SnailsProtect against Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snails are the main problem, they will eat through tendershoots and leaves of newly planted flowers.Put slug and snail bait down to control these pests, or get out afterrain at night or early morning to catch them outsde ready forstamping on!

Jobs for this monthJobs for this monthJobs for this monthJobs for this monthJobs for this monthPrune and then spray your roses with your favourite spray to sortout insects and diseases.Take away all prunings and foliage from under the plants.Keep on top of weeds to prevent major problems with them inspring. Remove weeds from empty garden beds as soon as anythingappears.Add a thick layer of mulch, this will help suppress weeds.

The song competition is only a few weeks away on Saturday 9th August so make sure you enter byAugust 7th at our normal Muso night at Huntly RSA. Time to get those songs sorted and polished,for a chance to record at Porch Recording studio in Hamilton! There’s strong local interest this yearfrom Muso Club members, should be a great day!

Remember there’s 4 divisions this year, more in prizes ($2,500 in recording & prizes) and less inentry fees..only $50 per band, $20 solo, $40 duo, and only $10 per member in the U18 division.

Everyone who enters will take home a prize of some kind. Find all the details at our website-

HUNTLHUNTLHUNTLHUNTLHUNTLYYYYY ORIGINALORIGINALORIGINALORIGINALORIGINAL SONG CONTESTSONG CONTESTSONG CONTESTSONG CONTESTSONG CONTEST 20142014201420142014

www.hmc-songcomp.comThe raffle for our August Muso

night is a 61 note keyboard andstand from SoMusic valued ataround $170, see attached flyer.This is currently on display inAllenmara’s Computers onHuntly’s Main St, so check it out!Tickets are now on sale at $5 ea or3 for $10, and it will be drawn onAugust 7th at the Muso night. Themajor raffle at our Song Competi-tion will likely be a laptopcomputer supplied by AllenmaraComputers, more details soon.

July’s acoustic guitar & bagraffle was won by Sebastian Allen,bass player for Situation Vacant,and was well received... the bandhas also done well in Waikato’sSmokefree Rockquest by gettingthrough the first heat easily to theregional final, but had to miss thatperformance as Casey was on aHamilton Boys High trip toRarotonga.

Their 3 song EP recorded at thePorch with help from their 2013Song Comp winnings is also nearlycompleted.

Catch youCatch youCatch youCatch youCatch youininininin August!August!August!August!August!

Michael LMichael LMichael LMichael LMichael Lynchynchynchynchynch027 621 4207027 621 4207027 621 4207027 621 4207027 621 4207

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TheTheTheTheThe WWWWWest Coast Beer Boycottest Coast Beer Boycottest Coast Beer Boycottest Coast Beer Boycottest Coast Beer BoycottTalk to any “Coaster” and they will admit that the West Coast hasa lot of pubs, more than other regions anyway. After all, hard workrequires a hard drink and miners there were no exception in the mid20th Century. In 1947 Greymouth had 21 pubs! But it wasn’t allbecause miners enjoyed their beer. The West Coast was anextremely isolated place at the time creating close-knit communitieswho worked, lived and socialised together. Miners were even morecohesive, uniting together on nearly every issue. This was solidifiedwhen the First Labour Government made trade unionism compul-sory.

Tight communities and isolation led to Coasters doing thingsdifferently than the rest of New Zealand. For example, it wasn’tsacrilegious to play league if you were also a rugby player. Downthere they played rugby on Saturdays and league on Sundays.Coasters also ignored the six o’clock swill and drank beer onSundays after league, even though both practices were illegal. They

did things their own way, together as one, and nothing illustratesthis better than the beer boycott.

It was in October 1947 that publicans enforced an increase of aten-ounce glass of beer from sixpence to sevenpence ($1.60 to$1.85 today). It had been sevenpence everywhere else in NewZealand since 1942 but it took five years to reach the Coast. Inorder to avoid competition between pubs the Licensed Victuallers’Association (LVA), supported by the breweries, mandated that allpubs would increase the price collectively. Miners and otherworkers were outraged at the increase and refused to drink atsevenpenny pubs. Paddy Keating’s Central Hotel in Greymouth,supplied by Speight’s Brewery in Dunedin, was the only exceptionand became the most popular pub in town for being the only placeto sell sixpence beers. Miners spilled out onto the streets and extrabarman had to be called in to meet the high demand.

On 16 October 1947 a bushman at a Kumara sawmill walked offthe job because he refused to work with a man who was seendrinking at a sevenpenny pub. The mill had to close temporarily.This attitude spread among miners and was supported by the WestCoast Trades Council. It was an embarrassing issue for the LabourParty at the time who largely ignored the issue but supportedforming Workingmen’s Clubs. The first was opened in Brunner on21 December 1947. Another was formed in Greymouth whenminers joined two houses together and operated the club illegallywithout a license for a year until the government finally conceded.Pubs began to lose money and one by one they told the LVA thatthey were reducing their prices from 7d to 6d. The LVA concededand allowed pubs to decide on the price of beer. Thus, February1948 marked the end of the boycott and the beginning of theWorkingmen’s Clubs era on the West Coast.

The beer boycott just goes to show how working as one canpressure a situation to change. It also highlights the collectivecommunities that grow in mining areas and the power that unionscan have over other unions. Ironically, the miners later boycottedPaddy Keating’s Central Hotel, the one pub that supportedsixpence beers during the boycott, because he had scabbed on hismates in the Licensed Victuallers’Association!Thank you to Fred Rix for sharing this story.By Michael Burrow.If you have memories, photographs or objects you would like toshare for the future, we would love to hear from youon 07 828 8128.Come and visit theCome and visit theCome and visit theCome and visit theCome and visit the WWWWWaikato Coalfields Museumaikato Coalfields Museumaikato Coalfields Museumaikato Coalfields Museumaikato Coalfields Museum

FREE ENTRFREE ENTRFREE ENTRFREE ENTRFREE ENTRY!Y!Y!Y!Y!26 Harlock Place, Huntly26 Harlock Place, Huntly26 Harlock Place, Huntly26 Harlock Place, Huntly26 Harlock Place, Huntly.....

Open 10.00am - 4.00pm dailyOpen 10.00am - 4.00pm dailyOpen 10.00am - 4.00pm dailyOpen 10.00am - 4.00pm dailyOpen 10.00am - 4.00pm daily

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Funding approved for Huntly section of Waikato ExpresswayThe NZ Transport Agency Board has approved $458million in funding for the design and construc-tion of the Huntly section of the Waikato Expressway.

The Waikato Expressway is one of the seven state highways, called the Roads of NationalSignificance, identified by the Government as essential to New Zealand’s economic prosperity.The Transport Agency is charged with delivering this programme of state highway improvementswithin the next 10 years.

Transport Agency Waikato Bay of Plenty regional director Harry Wilson said the funding approvalmeant construction of the 15.5km section would start in September 2015, allowing the TransportAgency to remain on track to complete the full length of the Waikato Expressway by 2019.

“This is great news, not just for the Waikato but for all of New Zealand,” he said.“The Waikato Expressway will cut travel times between Auckland and Tirau by 35 minutes, decreasethe number of deaths and serious injuries from crashes, increase highway capacity and make a majorcontribution to our country’s economic growth.”

The Huntly section of the Waikato Expressway will start approximately 1.3km north of FisherRoad and will pass through the Taupiri Range, east of Huntly.

Once complete, it will connect the Ohinewai section of the Waikato Expressway, in the north, tothe Ngaruawahia section, which opened in late 2013.

A total of nine bridges and two intersections will be constructed as part of the project, which alsoincludes the second half of the Gordonton Road interchange.

“This section of the Waikato Expressway will reduce traffic congestion in the townships of Huntlyand Taupiri and improve safety, particularly near the urupa (cemetery) on Taupiri Mountain,” MrWilson said.

The Transport Agency is currently finalising the consenting process for the project. Tenders closein December and the contract will be awarded in April 2015.

Construction is expected to start in September 2015.More information about the project can be found at: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/huntly/index.html Huntly section quick facts:

15.5km longEstimated cost $470 millionExpected construction start date: September 2015Completion date: 2019

ST JOHN IS NEW ZEALAND’SST JOHN IS NEW ZEALAND’SST JOHN IS NEW ZEALAND’SST JOHN IS NEW ZEALAND’SST JOHN IS NEW ZEALAND’SMOST TRUSTED CHARITYMOST TRUSTED CHARITYMOST TRUSTED CHARITYMOST TRUSTED CHARITYMOST TRUSTED CHARITY

St John is proud to announce it has been voted the Most Trusted Charity in the highly competitive andrespected Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brands Awards.In a double endorsement, paramedics also came second in the Most Trusted Professions category of theannual awards, judged by New Zealanders.“We are very humbled to receive such strong recognition of the vital emergency and community work ourpeople perform by the very public we serve,” says Peter Bradley, St John Chief Executive.“Not only do Kiwis place a high value on how we care for them in the community but they trust St Johnto use public contributions wisely to help treat and benefit them - a trust we never take for granted.”St John provides emergency ambulance services to 90% of the country and is the largest primaryhealthcare provider in New Zealand.It helps build resilient communities and supports people living independently for longer with serviceslike Caring Caller, Health Shuttles, monitored medical alarms, first aid training and an extensive youthprogramme.“Our ambulance officers treat and transport more than 415,000 patients a year and are in the uniqueposition of going into people’s homes and places of work to help them at times of great need so to haveearned the public’s trust and confidence in how we operate is fantastic,” says Mr Bradley.

Choose your Challenge this DafChoose your Challenge this DafChoose your Challenge this DafChoose your Challenge this DafChoose your Challenge this Daffodil Dayfodil Dayfodil Dayfodil Dayfodil DayCancer is the biggest challenge many New Zealanders will face intheir lifetime. This August the Waikato/Bay of Plenty CancerSociety is challenging the local community to face their ownchallenge to raise money for the Cancer Society and give hope topeople affected by cancer and their families.

The first of August marks the beginning of the Cancer Society’slargest fundraising and awareness event, Daffodil Day, and thebeginning of a month long ‘Choose your Challenge’ campaign,culminating in a national street collection on Daffodil Day, Friday29th August. “Every day 60 New Zealanders will receive adiagnosis of cancer. By the end of August 1860 people will benewly diagnosed and tackling this challenge head on,” says CancerSociety spokesperson Rachael Mounsey. “This August, you cangive hope to these people by facing your own challenge.“Challengescan be anything from ticking off forgotten New Year resolutionssuch as skydiving to having a radical change in hairstyle - you couldget a pixie cut or dye it yellow - to running a kilometre for every $5raised or having a yellow bake off with family and friends.” Rachaelsays the only limit here is your imagination. “The great thing aboutChoose your Challenge is there is a challenge out there for everyoneso the whole community can get involved.”

Of course, the Cancer Society has not forgotten what DaffodilDay means for the one in three New Zealanders affected by cancer.“Daffodil Day is about hope,” says Rachael. “The daffodils brightyellow blooms that appear as one of the first flowers of spring,symbolises hope and a promise of happier times.” The Daffodil isused by a number of cancer organisations all over the world and inNew Zealand, Daffodil Day is one of our most iconic andrecognisable campaigns.

“The best thing about Daffodil Day is that the money raisedstays in the region in which it was donated so it helps people in thelocal community. This is vitally important to the Cancer Societyand we make sure every dollar counts by using volunteers to driveour annual appeal,” says Rachael.

The Cancer Society is a charitable organisation which receives nodirect government funding and relies on the generosity of NewZealanders to operate.“Funds raised through Daffodil Day enable the Cancer Society toprovide supportive care for cancer patients, their whanau, carersand friends, fund vital cancer research and provide the public withinformation on ways they can reduce their risk of cancer throughliving a smokefree, SunSmart, healthy lifestyle.”Three ways you can give hope this Daffodil Day;

1. Choose your challenge and raise money for theCancer Society - visit www.challenge.daffodilday.org.nz for ideas.2. Donate to the Cancer Society - at the street collections on Friday29th August, online at www.daffodilday.org.nz, text ‘daffodil’ to305 or visit any ANZ branch.3. Volunteer to assist with Daffodil Day in your local area.

Contact us onContact us onContact us onContact us onContact us on0800 22 77 440800 22 77 440800 22 77 440800 22 77 440800 22 77 44

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Delicious Caramel Chicken ThighsDelicious Caramel Chicken ThighsDelicious Caramel Chicken ThighsDelicious Caramel Chicken ThighsDelicious Caramel Chicken Thighs(Mekong style)(Mekong style)(Mekong style)(Mekong style)(Mekong style)

This is a wonderful recipe, rich and full of flavour but not too spicyServes 4Ingredients4 Tegel skinless chicken thigh cutlets2 tbsp cooking oil2 tbsp fish sauce1 medium onion, sliced3 cloves garlic, sliced1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper1/4 cup light soy sauce2 tbsp palm sugar, grated (or brown sugar)1/4 - 1/2 cup waterJuice from 1 lime and Lime wedges to garnish

Plunket encourages KiwisPlunket encourages KiwisPlunket encourages KiwisPlunket encourages KiwisPlunket encourages Kiwisto stay healthy with freeto stay healthy with freeto stay healthy with freeto stay healthy with freeto stay healthy with free

winter flu vaccinewinter flu vaccinewinter flu vaccinewinter flu vaccinewinter flu vaccineNew Zealand’s largest provider of services to support the well-being of children under five is encouraging New Zealanders atgreatest risk of catching influenza to get immunized this winter, andprotect themselves from the illness for free.

The government yesterday announced the free winter flu vaccineprogramme will be extended to the end of August as winter flu casesare rising and have yet to peak.

The vaccination is free to those at greatest risk of seriousinfluenza complications, including those over the age of 65,pregnant women, people with on-going health conditions such asasthma, and children under five years who have been hospitalizedfor a respiratory illness.

“This is a chance for New Zealanders who have yet to beimmunized to protect themselves from a serious illness”, saysPlunket clinical advisor Allison Jamieson. “Influenza kills around400 New Zealanders, directly or indirectly, each year - so it’s notsomething we should take lightly”.

“We strongly advise expectant mums to get the free vaccination.Babies under 6 months old are too young to be immunised so iftheir mums are vaccinated they can pass protection on to theirbaby.

“A lot of changes occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy.Changes to lung function, changes to immunity and increased heartoutput and oxygen consumption place pregnant woman atparticularly high risk of severe complications. Pregnant womenwith other medical conditions are at even greater risk of severeinfluenza-related illness”.

The government is reporting that A-H1N1 appears to be themost common strain of influenza which affects adults and youngchildren more severely than other strains. The winter flu vaccinecovers the A-H1N1 strain.

The vaccine was due to be funded until 31 July and is nowavailable until the end of August.People who are not eligible for the free vaccine can purchase it fromtheir general practitioner or selected pharmacies.For more information visit www.fightflu.co.nz orwww.health.govt.nz or call 0800 IMMUNE 0800 466 863.

MethodPlace the chicken in a bowl with the oil, fish sauce, onion, garlic andpepper. Toss to combine.Heat large frying pan over medium high heat. Add chicken pieces andbrown. Add soy sauce. Cover pan, reduce the heat to low and cookfor 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Increase the heat to med-high,add palm sugar, water and lime juice. Cook uncovered for 3 - 4minutes, or until the sauce is rich and syrupy and chicken is cookedthrough. Garnish with lime wedges and coriander, and serve.

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HAMILHAMILHAMILHAMILHAMILTTTTTON ZOO’S SUMAON ZOO’S SUMAON ZOO’S SUMAON ZOO’S SUMAON ZOO’S SUMATRANTRANTRANTRANTRAN TIGERSTIGERSTIGERSTIGERSTIGERSON FRIENDLON FRIENDLON FRIENDLON FRIENDLON FRIENDLYYYYY TERMSTERMSTERMSTERMSTERMS

Oz and Sali, Hamilton Zoo’s two Sumatran tigers, are getting toknow each other a little better.

The two adult big cats have been getting to know each other intheir enclosure over the last few months, after a “tiger swap” withAuckland Zoo last year. The swap saw Oz trade places with Jaka,Hamilton Zoo’s previous male Sumatran tiger.

Hamilton Zoo Director Stephen Standley says the relationshipbetween Sali (aged 6) and Oz (aged 9) has been developing overrecent weeks, and signs were good so they were introduced whenshe came into season late last week.

Mr Standley said the process to introduce the tigers had beendelicate: “We were never entirely sure how the two animals wouldinteract.”

“What our keepers are seeing is very encouraging,” MrStandley says. “The animals seem to be getting on well togetherand developing a good relationship.”

Mr Standley said it was too early to say for sure if the two

tigers would breed successfully, but the long-term intention is tocontribute cubs to the WAZA (World Association of Zoos &Aquaria) Sumatran Tiger Global Species Management Plan.

“Little tigers are the end goal and we now have to wait to see ifthe interaction between Oz and Sali is successful. This would bevery exciting for Hamilton Zoo, our visitors, and the speciesmanagement plan,” Mr Standley says.

There are now fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers remaining in thewild and they are classified as “Critically Endangered” in the IUCNRed List.

Hamilton Zoo is owned and operated by Hamilton City Counciland has a focus on inspiring conservation action. It is home to over600 native and exotic animals and boasts the largest free-flightaviary in New Zealand dedicated to native birds and plants.

Open every day, except Christmas Dayfrom 9am-5pm Visit www.hamiltonzoo.co.nz.

Cutting EdgeCutting EdgeCutting EdgeCutting EdgeCutting Edge TTTTTextilesextilesextilesextilesextiles

In May they were guest exhibitors for the second time at Calling AllQuilts, Waikato Quilt Guild’s biennial exhibition.

On the 4th Saturday of every month, a bubbly group of artists andcrafters get together to learn a technique, share ideas, and fostercreativity.

The member’s skills range from novice to experienced artists.And they are looking for more members.The class, in the Ngaruawahia Memorial Hall, starts at 9.30am andfinishes about 3pm.“We push the boundaries of creating art and our own skill base, toproduce inspiring, exciting art. We mainly use a variety of fabric andsurface techniques. We also explore other media’s eg paper, paint,yarn, jewellery etc. If it’s creative, we try it.” Says organiser,Margherita Allan.

Some of the techniques they have done are: Sew n cut, felt, handstitching, beads, journals, discharging, design and abstract art.

Using these ideas members then make what they want, either aswall art, 3D or utilitarian (eg bag or journal)

There is a free monthly email newsletter (e-members) or a yearlysubscription of $15 from July (Full members, with lots of privi-leges). Classes are open to everyone, members $5 and others $15.

In June the group received funding from Waikato DistrictCouncil Creative Communities Scheme and for the first time arerunning workshops. The Encaustic Wax workshop in August isalready fully booked and bookings for the September Shibori Silkworkshop will soon be open. Be in quick as there is already lots ofinterest. Margherita can be contacted at Ph 07 824 7638

jmrallan@xtra.co.nz

RSA thanksRSA thanksRSA thanksRSA thanksRSA thanksNew ZealandNew ZealandNew ZealandNew ZealandNew Zealand

for $1.7m collectedfor $1.7m collectedfor $1.7m collectedfor $1.7m collectedfor $1.7m collectedduring Poppyduring Poppyduring Poppyduring Poppyduring Poppy AppealAppealAppealAppealAppeal

The RSA today announced that over $1.7 million was donated to the 2014 Poppy Appeal for thesupport of veterans, ex-service men and women and their families in need.RSA Chief Executive, David Moger, says that while stormy conditions across the country duringthe Poppy Day street collection on 17 April may have dampened donations, the warm spirit ofdonors and collectors shows that the men and women who served New Zealand have not beenforgotten.“We’re deeply grateful for the generous support of poppy collectors, donors, the New ZealandDefence Force and our national partners, including Z Energy and ANZ. Because of their help,we’re able to assist veterans in need with funds for healthcare, a hand around the home, transportto the doctors, practical care, and so much more,” says Moger.Poppy Day is one of New Zealand’s oldest street appeals but Moger says that’s not stoppingthe RSA from taking advantage of new approaches and technologies to grow donations for theRSA’s support services.“The way Kiwis engage with and champion the causes they support has changed since the firstPoppy Day was held in 1922,” Moger says.“This year we started exploring mobile and online giving to provide easy ways to support ourveterans now and in the future. We also launched an RSANational Facebook page - an excitingdevelopment for an organisation formed in the age of the telegram.”On Anzac Day next year, New Zealand will commemorate 100 years since the Gallipoli landings,and in 2016 the RSA will celebrate its own centenary. RSA National President, Don McIver, saysthat today the RSA’s role is as important as ever.“The RSA supports New Zealand’s service men and women across the generations. From thesoldier who served in WWII, to Defence Force personnel spending their first Christmas awayfrom home while deployed overseas, we stand behind them all,” explains McIver.All poppies distributed through the 2015 Poppy Appeal will be New Zealand made, afterChristchurch RSA was announced as the RSA’s official poppy supplier in June this year. McIversays that the public reaction to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Christchurch RSA put in a strong tender which allows more of the funds donated for eachpoppy to reach the veterans who need it most,” says McIver.

Speaking from Christchurch, RSA National Vice President, Barry Clark, says “As a Kiwi, aCantabrian and a veteran, it’ll be a proud moment when I march alongside my comrades on thecentenary of Gallipoli, wearing a poppy made in Christchurch.”

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SUPER CLINICOur next clinic is on Friday 1st August - make an appointment atthe DISC.LUNCHEON CLUBHeld in the St Margaret’s Church Hall once a month.

The next one is on Friday 8th August, a chance to meet withothers - to have a good hot meal & dessert. We also run a raffle -the meal being $8.00 and $2.00 for a raffle ticket. Contact theDISC to be placed on the list.PLUNKET CLINICClinics are held fortnightly and the next clinic being Tuesday 12thAugust & Tuesday 26th August- contact Donna on 828 7280 foran appointment.FROZEN MEALSThese are available in roast meals and cost $8.00. We have hadgood reports back on these meals so if you don’t feel up tocooking tonight, call into the DISC and purchase tonight’s meal.RWNZ TRANSPORTAvailable for people who do not have transport or don’t drive orfamily members are not available to transport you to your hospitalappointments .Please offer a donation to the driver - this would begreatly appreciated.Contact the DISC and make your booking.WHEELCHAIRS/CRUTCHES/CARSEATSThese are available for a two week period. You need to contact theDISC to check if available and we will take your contact detailsand make a booking for the period required.

We are here for YOU Ph: 826 4303

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I heard on the TV that smelling flatulencecan help prevent cancer! Being a caring,supportive kind of bloke I’d hate to thinkof the Missus getting cancer, so thought Iwould help her a little by ‘wafting theblankets’. I have no idea whether thescience of flatulence verses cancer works,but they should have also told us of thepossible side effects of said treatment! Ifound it to be extremely dangerous - not forthe patient, but the poor caring sod thatadministered the treatment in the first

lovely snapper of around the old 5lb mark glided into viewthrough the murky water. I actually thought it was a biggersnapper just by the way it fought, but upon landing it I discoveredit was one of the fattest snapper I have ever seen, just about roundin proportions. The fitness of the fish and in shallow water, reallygave me a workout - Loved it!

To cut a long story short, I got very little maintenance done, afair bit of fishing in - and my limit easily! I spent the night at thisone spot, and stopped throwing fish back at 9.30pm to get somedinner and sleep - it was hard to stop as I was getting some verygood fish.

I awoke at first light to a deathly quiet, overcast and foggymorning - absolutely stunning! Rather than using a fresh bait, Iopted for the soft bait (lure) rig as it was allot lighter and wouldprovide some real sport. My first cast was right into the rocks bythe island. After just one turn of the handle my lure was savagelygrabbed and snapper number one for the day was on - about all of20 seconds into fishing! I had to stop catching fish for a bit, as thekettle had been screaming for ages and I was worried it would rundry. Having a coffee and taking in my surroundings at that time ofthe morning is just magic. That was when I noticed who myneighbours for the night had been. The ‘Spirit of New Zealand’sailing ship was anchored just off the point, and as it was dawn,they had all of the youngsters on board ‘swimming’ around the

place. The Missus went into a sort of frenzy, beating me about thehead with a woman’s magazine while chanting a string of abusiveswear words! As far as I’m concerned if she gets cancer she can sniffher own farts from now on!Speaking of bad wind, we certainly have had more than our fair sharelately! After the last particularly nasty storm we had, I happened toget the weekend off, so shot up to Coromandel by myself, to checkthe boat and do a little maintenance on it. Naturally the rods gotchucked in as well - just in case! It was a bit of a mission just to getto Coromandel, as the road was barely passable in several places dueto slips. But I made it, and as I wound my way down the hill intoCoromandel, I noticed how dirty the water looked. The usuallybeautiful harbour more resembled the colour of a puddle than theocean, and as I got closer, the logs and rubbish floating about in itwere very evident.

I had to navigate around all sorts of rubbish in the dinghy just toreach the boat on it’s mooring, but was relieved to find no damageand a dry boat when I boarded. The bay around from where my boatis, lost at least 2 boats to the storm (one broke the mooring andwashed up on the rocks, and another sank on the mooring), duemainly to the wind direction of the storm - luckily mine was moresheltered. The water was very calm now, so the urge to take the boatfor a spin naturally took over and before long I was dodging logs inthe big boat as I headed for the nearest island - just to charge up thebatteries I told myself !

The weather was surprisingly nice, compared to the previous fewdays, and really the only signs of havoc was in the water itself. Ianchored the boat very close to the island in about 5 metres of water.It was glassy calm here so I could chuck a stray line out (no sinker)and get stuck into some maintenance jobs I had lined up. I didn’texpect much on the fishing front, as the water was so dirty. I thoughtmy only real chance would be when the tide turned and clean waterflushed into the harbour. - WRONG !! I had no sooner put the rod inthe holder and turned away, when it bent over and line melted off thereel at an alarming rate! I grabbed the rod, clicked it into gear andlifted the rod sharply to strike. Momentarily the rod buckled overand then the line went slack. A few choice swear words echoedaround the hills as I realized I had just struck way too early on whatwas a very nice fish. If you strike the big cunning fish early, they feelthe weight coming on and spit out the bait, along with your hook!

I put a fresh bait on my line and cast back into the murky water,now with a bit more enthusiasm. This time I didn’t even have chanceto rest my rod. The line was picked up even before it touched thebottom, and this time I let the fish run with it. The line slowed to ahalt, which is normal for a good snapper, as they hit the pilchard baitside on (usually in the gut area to kill it quickly), and then spin itaround to scale and swallow the bait head first to avoid the spinessticking in their throat. The line then tightened again and startedmoving off slowly. I let it run for a little bit and then put the brakeson and lifted the rod at the same time. Then line tightened, the rodbent and the drag hummed - music to a fishos ear, I was hooked up!After a spirited fight (they always fight harder in shallow water) a

boat! A quick check on the depth sounder showed the water was14 deg - not for me! - and that would also explain all thescreaming and yahooing going on back at the ship!I originally went to check for boat damage after a storm, andended up having one of the bestfishing days for ages! - all in waterthat probably shouldn’t hold anyfish! “It is an ill wind that blows nogood” - so the saying goes. Which, inthis case is probably true for fishing,but the Missus may disagree in otherareas !

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Production of all-new Mazda2Production of all-new Mazda2Production of all-new Mazda2Production of all-new Mazda2Production of all-new Mazda2Begins at Hofu PlantBegins at Hofu PlantBegins at Hofu PlantBegins at Hofu PlantBegins at Hofu Plant

Reduce winter nitrogen lossReduce winter nitrogen lossReduce winter nitrogen lossReduce winter nitrogen lossReduce winter nitrogen loss By BalaBy BalaBy BalaBy BalaBy Bala TTTTTikkisettyikkisettyikkisettyikkisettyikkisetty

Winter is a time when farmers should take special care to protectboth profits and the environment from the effects of increasednitrogen leaching at this time of year.Applications of nitrogen fertilisers in winter are generally leasteffective for promoting grass growth.That’s because slow growth of pasture and drainage fromincreased seasonal rainfall can result in nitrate leaching directlyfrom fertiliser before plants can take it up. The nitrogen can thenmake its way to waterways where it can stimulate nuisance algalgrowth.

At the same time, the risk of nitrogen leaching from animalurine patches is much higher in winter.So what can farmers do to help counter these impacts?Some of the research on mitigating nitrogen losses has focussed ongrowing pasture with more rooting depth for better take up ofnitrates. Other ideas include reducing the amount of time animalsspend on pasture and feeding high sugar grasses for reducing theamount of nitrogen excreted by grazing animals.It is also a good idea for farmers to get clear advice about the risks

involved with winter nitrogen applications.Nutrient budgeting using computer models such as Overseer,combined with feed budgeting, enables farmers to understandwhether they are using too much or too little fertiliser. From there,they can reduce their impact on the environment by working out apragmatic nutrient management plan.

To help make judgments on what’s the right amount of fertiliserto use, it’s important to understand the term “response rate”.This refers to the amount of pasture grown in terms of kilogramsof dry matter per hectare per kilogram of nitrogen (N) applied.For example, when 20kg N/ha is applied and an additional 200kgDM/ha of pasture is grown the response rate is 10kg DM/kg Napplied. The response is dependent on several factors such as soiltemperature, plant growth, soil moisture, the deficiency ofavailable nitrogen in the soil and the rate of nitrogen applied perapplication.

Timing of nitrogen fertiliser application is paramount. It isgood to apply nitrogenous fertiliser when the pasture cover isbetween 1,500 to 1,800 kg DM/ha. This ensures that there issufficient leaf area for photosynthesis leading to good pasturegrowth.The profitability of applying nitrogen is dependent on theutilisation of the extra feed. Therefore, nitrogen needs to bestrategically applied to fill genuine feed deficits.

The best response to N fertiliser occurs on fast growingpasture, when other factors such as moisture and soil temperatureare not limiting growth. Response rate variation also depends onthe season and on nitrogen application rate.

In winter, at the same application rate, responses are lower andslower than other times of the year. The response rate also declineswhen the application rate (single dose) is higher than 40 kg N/ha.Also, nitrogen fertiliser reduces nitrogen fixation by clover byabout one kg N/ha/year for every three kg nitrogen fertiliserapplied. In addition, clover content will be further reduced ifnitrogen boosted pastures shade the clover. This effect is seenduring spring.

“Nitrogen conversion efficiency” for any farm is another factorto bear in mind. It is calculated from the total nitrogen in productleaving the farm (such as milk or meat) divided by the totalnitrogen inputs into a farm and is expressed in percentage. A dairyfarm with a figure of around 40 per cent is probably doing fine interms of nitrogen conversion efficiency.Bala Tikkisetty is a sustainable agriculture coordinator at WaikatoRegional Council. Contact him atbala.tikkisetty@waikatoregion.govt.nz or 0800 800 401.

- Global launches starting from Japan this autumn -

All-new Mazda2 (Demio - Japanese spec shown)

Mazda Motor Corporation today unveiled the greatly anticipatedall-new Mazda2. Production of the model, which has been fullyredesigned for the first time in seven years, has begun at Mazda’sHofu Plant No. 1 in Yamaguchi, Japan.

Following the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3, the all-newMazda2 is the fourth in Mazda’s line-up of next-generation modelswhich adopt the full range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY andKODO-Soul of Motion design.

The all-new Mazda2 will be rolled out in global markets startingfrom Japan this autumn and is expected to go on sale in NewZealand at the end of the year.

Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director, Mazda New Zealandsays that after seven years of strong performance from the currentMazda2 there is certainly a high level of anticipation for the all-new Mazda2.

“The current model has proven to be an absolute star here inNew Zealand and we expect that this new generation model willset the bar very high for the small compact market in New Zealand- it is an outstanding vehicle.”

The all-new Mazda2 brings a level of functionality and added-values exceeding the expectations for a car of this class by evolvingthe concepts and technologies cultivated through the developmentof earlier next-generation products, and condensing them in acompact body. The KODO design imparts a presence unrivalledin the class.

“It is undeniably stunning to see in the metal, and when peopleget behind the wheel they will be blown away by its performance,”says Clearwater.

Developed based on the same engineering concepts as those inlarger next-generation models, new SKYACTIV engines, transmis-

sions, body, and chassis, allow the all-new Mazda2 to provide bothoutstanding safety and eco-performance, and the brand’s trademarkdriving pleasure. The model also features a wide range of cutting-edge technologies such as the Mazda Connect* next-generation carconnectivity system, and a wide range of i-ACTIVSENSE advancedsafety features that aid the driver in recognizing and responding tohazards.

The all-new Mazda Demio - only available in Japan will beequipped with the SKYACTIV-D 1.5, a new small-displacementclean diesel engine that offers excellent fuel economy and eco-performance while delivering torque comparable to a 2.5-liter petrolengine. Along with next-generation high-efficiency direct injectionpetrol engines, the SKYACTIV-G 1.5 and SKYACTIV-G 1.3. TheMazda2 powertrain line-up for the NZ market is still underconsideration.

With total sales of over 2.4 million units, the Mazda2 is one ofMazda’s core products. Starting with the launch of the original in1996, the Mazda2 has brought new value to the subcompact segmentevery time it has been fully redesigned. With this fourth generationMazda2, Mazda again offers customers around the world a newinterpretation of the compact car.

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