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BRIDGE
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HERALD
Thursday, October 3, 2019
PARK
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HERALD
Thursday, October 3, 2019
PARK
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Feilding returns to top cricket
GEORGE HEAGNEY
The newest team in the
Manawatū premier one club
cricket competition are confi-
dent they’re not there just to
make up the numbers.
Feilding Cricket Club has
been promoted to the premier
one competition, which starts
this weekend, after a dominant
run in premier two.
Feilding haven’t been in the
top division for 21 years. Feild-
ing withdrew from premier one
after the 1995-96 season. They
came back for the 1997-98 sum-
mer, but withdrew again
because of a lack of player
numbers.
Club captain and player
Andre Hoggard was confident
they could cut the mustard on
their return.
‘‘We’re there to be competi-
tive. We’re not there to just make
up the numbers,’’ he said. Feilding Cricket Club
‘‘We’ve got the confidence in our- members, from left, Matt Janes,
selves.’’ Catherine Larsen, Flint Rogers,
Previously cricketers Kit Bradley and Andre Hoggard,
with Caleb Janes in front,
wouldn’t stay with Feilding if prepare for the club’s return
they wanted to play premier one to the top division.
cricket, but now there was a DAVID UNWIN/STUFF
reason to stay with the club.
He said the club had won
three of the past four premier
two one-day competitions and
two of the past three twenty20
competitions.
Feilding has been keen to be
promoted for a couple of years players will turn out for one of premier two team. ward to testing themselves at the has recently been resurfaced.
and Hoggard said they had the club’s premier three sides. Premier one captain and next level. They will keep most of the
earned it due to their recent suc- The junior and senior club experienced bowler Kit Bradley ‘‘We’re all excited. Even the side that has been successful
cess. Player numbers had have amalgamated to help build said winning would breed inter- Manawatū rep players, we’re over the past few years.
increased and the club wanted to player pathways. They have five est, so if they could be successful, excited to play against them.’’ The club also has a player in
focus on growing and retaining junior teams. people would want to join the They will play their home the Manawatū women’s team in
players. At senior level, Feilding have club. games at Kowhai Park, where Catherine Larsen.
The club has forged a their top side, as well as two He believed they could hold they have their own grass wicket In the early days of cricket in
relationship with Feilding High premier three teams, with one of their own in premier one and and clubrooms, built about 12 Manawatū, Feilding was the cen-
School and a few high school them to eventually become a said the players were looking for- years ago. The artificial pitch tre of the sport in the region.
1st & 2nd TRIPS Through the magnificent Manawatu gorge past Fonterra’s
dairy plant at Pahiatua, through Masterton, Carterton
BOTH SOLD OUT and Greytown, Featherston then through the famous
Rimutakas and on to Wellington. Returning you will see
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE.... great views of Kapiti, Paraparaumu, Otaki then back to
Due to Public demand we will Palmerston North and Feilding.
run a THIRD TRIP SAT NOV 16th This is not a steam hauled excursion
3rd TRAIN TRIP Departs Feilding 8.20am
Returns Feilding 7.30pm
Feilding – Wellington www.steamrail.nz
Via Wairarapa return Feilding Info Centre And i-site, PN
Paraparaumu – Saturday 16th NOVEMBER
Or Phone 323 5444 WE-8237411AJ2 FEILDING-RANGITĪKEI HERALD, OCTOBER 3, 2019 neighbourly.co.nz
YOUR LOCAL NEWS neighbourly.co.nz/feildingrangitikeiherald
Playcentre closes its doors Your
local
contact
GEORGE HEAGNEY members with diverse jobs so Paul Mitchell
the parents were able to attend. paul.mitchell@stuff.co.nz
A Manawatū playcentre has ‘‘We are also seeing an
closed its doors due to a falling increasing number of fathers, CONTACT US
roll. grandparents, caregivers and REPORTER: Paul Mitchell, 027 405
Sanson Playcentre was down extended whānau attending 2012, paul.mitchell@stuff.co.nz
to just two children and with playcentre with the children.
SALES MANAGER: Lisa Hicks, 027
such tiny numbers there was no ‘‘This provides the adults
433 6380, lisa.hicks@stuff.co.nz
point paying the centre’s staff with support and the children
member. Some days there was develop supportive relationships SALES: Melanie Hughes 027 271
just one child there. with a range of adults.’’ 0043, melanie.hughes@stuff.co.nz
The playcentre held a public The spokeswoman said some Phillipa Gaskin 027 498 1436,
meeting last Thursday for the parents were keen to help at phillipa.gaskin@stuff.co.nz
community to decide whether playcentres to get involved in
ONLINE: neighbourly.co.nz/
the centre will shut. Just six their community and interact
publication/feilding-rangitikeiherald
adults turned up and it was with their children when they
decided to put the centre into a were available. CLASSIFIEDS: 0800 835 323,
two-year recess. Sanson is not the only rural manawatuclassifieds@stuff.co.nz
Pip Brunn, a a centre support playcentre to close recently. (deadline noon Tuesday)
worker and former Central Dis- Āpiti Playcentre closed last year
FAMILY NOTICES: 0800 287 322,
tricts Playcentre Association Jessamyne Duffy, left, Ellen Beattie and daughter Flora Wansbrough, 2, and Kimbolton Playcentre closed
attended the public meeting to discuss the closure. DAVID UNWIN/STUFF familynotices@stuff.co.nz
president, said for the playcentre four years ago. The spokes-
to reopen, enough parents woman said a couple of other WHAT’S ON: feilding.herald@msl.
needed to commit to the centre can leave the child at the centre. training and would need the centres in the area could face co.nz (deadline: 10am Friday)
within two years, or it would Centre president Jen Berquist child numbers to justify running closure, but the national body
close permanently. said she was disappointed it it. was working with them to gain
At playcentres parents stay didn’t get enough support from A Playcentre Aotearoa more community support.
MISSED DELIVERY
Phone 0800 339 000 or go to
and interact with their children, the community. spokeswoman said enrolments There were four ‘‘thriving’’
fixmydelivery.co.nz
rather than leaving them to be ‘‘It is a sad day, but the times fluctuated depending on the playcentres within 15 minutes of
cared for. are changing and sometimes number of children available Sanson, at Rongotea, Halcombe
Brunn said playcentres could parents are both working. It’s and the support of the com- and two in Feilding.
NZ MEDIA COUNCIL
This paper adheres to the principles
be a difficult option because really difficult to keep having a munity. There are 22 playcentres in
of the NZ Media Council. To find
sometimes parents needed to playcentre running because we Term three was traditionally Manawatū, not counting Sanson,
out more or complain visit
return to work so the family had need parents to help do that.’’ a challenging time for attend- with 570 children.
mediacouncil.org.nz
two incomes. Berquist had hoped to get to ance, particularly in rural Every centre has a liaison
‘‘The ability to volunteer as a five children, which was what centres, but it usually picked up person who provided support
whole is diminishing... It’s not the centre needed to remain in term four and the spokes- and resources to help the centres
that parents don’t want to con- viable. woman said interest in to promote themselves.
tribute, it’s they can’t because of She said she might look to playcentres had increased this The Sanson Playcentre
all the other pressures on them.’’ start a play group, but she year. started in 1961 and moved to its
Once a child is 21⁄2 a parent couldn’t commit to doing the Many playcentres had current site in 1977.neighbourly.co.nz OCTOBER 3, 2019, FEILDING-RANGITĪKEI HERALD 3
Water torture continues for neighbours
GEORGE HEAGNEY agencies and the local councils to Regional Council, but no
look at options for a more applications have been lodged
Four years since the problem was durable long-term supply, yet. Templer said the district
discovered, no decision has been including the scheme proposed council was considering how the
made by local or central by Manawatū District Council. contamination might be handled
government on when a new ‘‘Discussions on the options and if health risks would be
water scheme for those affected are ongoing and no decision has reduced if a new water scheme
by contaminated water at yet been made.’’ was installed.
Ōhakea will be built. The Defence Force is still The waiting for a decision
The water and soil at Ōhakea supplying drinking water to wasn’t good enough for Ōhakea
and neighbouring properties is affected houses and has Water Contamination Committee
contaminated with the chemical previously supplied rainwater chairman Andy Russell, who
PFAS, found in firefighting foams tank systems to five houses. farms next door to the base.
used on the Ōhakea airforce base The ministry is overseeing the ‘‘We are extremely frustrated
from the 1980s to about 2002. response to the contamination, and we’ll be writing to the
The contaminated plume, but ‘‘primary responsibility for minister very soon.’’
between 1100 and 1600 hectares, investigating and managing PFAS He said a water scheme would
could remain for more than 125 contamination lies with the get rid of most of the water
years. regional and unitary councils, in problems.
The Manawatū District Council respect of their functions under ‘‘We can’t carry one like this.
last year submitted to Parliament the [Resource Management Act], The uncertainty is awful.’’
plans for a new $12.8 million and with landowners’’. The Ōhakea air base is getting
water scheme, likely piping water Wigley said there was no infrastructure upgrades in the
from a river or a deep bore away conclusive evidence exposure to next decade as part of the
from contaminated sites. chemicals would result in future regeneration of the Defence
A Ministry for the health problems. Force estate and to house four
Environment-led Government A Defence Force spokesman new P-8 Poseidon aircraft.
group has been looking into the directed questions about the Russell said there was going
contamination, but no decision water supply scheme to the to be a lot of spending at the base
has come about when a water ministry and Manawatū District and believed the water scheme
scheme for people in the area will Council, but he said the Defence should be included.
be built. Force would work with the all-of- Horizons science and
The ministry’s director of government group. innovation manager Abby
marine and environmental risk Council chief executive Matthews said the council, which
science, Glenn Wigley, said Richard Templer said the water has already done testing, would
groundwater and bore water scheme had been designed and work with the other organisations
exceeded the interim guidance costed, but was still being and give advice. Next steps will
levels for PFAS in drinking water considered by the Government. be discussed after the election
at about 15 houses at Ōhakea. The council has asked to own next month.
Wigley said the ministry was and operate the scheme for the
working with the New Zealand residents. The scheme will need We say
Defence Force, other Crown resource consents from Horizons Get on with it, page 6
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Park board axes botanist’s healing role
SAM KILMISTER a fully grown tree. Hitchman is
now a nurse and does anti-drug
A botanist who used nature to presentations with the police.
help troubled youth has been Those were the stories that
axed from a popular Manawatū would cease to exist now the
forest after 29 years. park had changed hands, Scott
Gavin Scott, 72, began work- said.
ing at Awahuri Forest Kitchener ‘‘People don’t know how
Park in 1991, but his role has much you influence these
been disestablished by the park’s kids.’’
board and recreational contrac- Scott’s most significant dis-
tors will now maintain the for- covery came last year, when he
est. stumbled across two rare
The Feilding park is one of native pōkākā seedlings, less
the last remaining areas of orig- than 2 centimetres tall, unseen
inal semi-swamp podocarp forest in the forest for 23 years. It was
in Manawatū, and is home to evidence that three decades of
matai, totara, kowhai and an hard work was beginning to
800-year-old kahikatea. It is also show dividends and the forest
home to a range of insects, was once again starting to
skinks and geckos. thrive.
Scott has the option to stay on He’s overseen planting
as a casual educational and visi- programmes, regular school
tor guide, but the details have tours, the construction of a new
not been finalised and it is walkway and a visit from Sir
expected the new role would be Edmund Hillary.
as few as two or three hours each In a statement to Stuff, the
week. park’s chairwoman Jill
A keen botanist, pastor and Darragh said Scott would con-
chaplain of a freezing works, tinue to use seeds from the park
Scott saw an opportunity to res- to grow genetically pure plants.
urrect the park and give redun- ‘‘Gavin has been the face of
dant workers something to do Kitchener Park... He has been
when the meatworks closed in Kitchener Park curator Gavin Scott fell in love with the forest 29 years ago. MURRAY WILSON/STUFF responsible for many success
1991. He put them to work clear- stories not only in the resto-
ing weeds such as tradescantia, aries and men on periodic deten- with those who had a troubled flora and fauna, something he ration and discovery of rare
wandering willy and old man’s tion. background. calls eco-therapy. plants, but also in changing the
beard, which were suffocating He has lost count of the num- ‘‘I was kicked out of school at She would arrive at the park lives of many people who have
the forest and stopping rejuven- ber of teenagers he’s helped into 14. I was a lost cause 45-50 years throwing up and feeling naus- worked in the park under his
ation. training courses or full-time ago, but some people put some eous and then go home and supervision and pastoral care.’’
It was something they could employment. Their success time into me.’’ smoke some more. But after a Darragh said he would
do that had real value, he said. stories meant a lot to him. In 2005, Scott helped Feilding few months she could proudly remain at the park as a guide,
Since then, the 13-hectare plot Scott, who ran away from woman Amy Hitchman kick her identify a kowhai shoot amid the although Scott told Stuff he
has been nursed by an unlikely home as a teenager and joined a methamphetamine addiction by forest clutter, take it to Scott’s hadn’t decided whether he
crew – former addicts, benefici- bike gang, said he could identify immersing her in the park’s plant nursery and nurture it into would take the role.
Feilding Christmas
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Manfield Stadium
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3 Days
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entry $8 adults / under 12 free entry
Going on holiday? Put your newspaper on hold.
Call • North Island 0800 339 000 • South Island 0800 339 100neighbourly.co.nz OCTOBER 3, 2019, FEILDING-RANGITĪKEI HERALD 5
Get vocal to lower rates,
candidates tell voters
SAM KILMISTER Other councils with similar
populations were significantly
Manawatū District Council election cheaper, with Southland District
candidates say Feilding ratepayers Council charging urban ratepayers
must get vocal if they want bigger $1737.
bang for their buck. ‘‘It is essential the community
Urban rates in Manawatū indicates to the council by way of
District are among the highest in submissions, lobbying, or using the
the country – the average public forum what they have an
household contributes $3035 to the appetite for in the way of significant
public purse each year. expenditure,’’ Hadfield said.
However, the average ‘‘I think it’s fair to say that with
household income in the district is increasing pressure from central
just $88,600, below the national Government legislation, managing
average of $104,400, according to rate increases will be challenging in
the council’s 2019 Annual Report. the next few years.’’
Ratepayers often demand more Mayoral candidate Russell
An artist’s impression of the new Mangaweka Bridge, near the historic 115-year-old bridge. MANAWATŪ DISTRICT COUNCIL essential and non-essential services Johnson said rates were $500 too
and at the same time insist on low expensive and the council needed
Historic bridge lives on
rate increases and fewer council to explore alternative revenue
staff, an impossible combination. sources with the assets it had.
Those standing for a seat at the The council must also do
council say the only way for something about the ‘‘massive
ratepayers to ensure their rates are white elephant’’ in the room –
SAM KILMISTER to maintain and make the old half the $800,000 demolition cost. going to good use is to have a say Manfeild Park – and how much it
bridge safe would be too much of Beyond its 50-year lifespan, in how they are spent. contributed to keep the racetrack
A 115-year-old bridge between a burden on ratepayers. But the Jones said there would come a Councillors were left scratching afloat each year.
the Manawatū and Rangitı̄kei bridge’s foundations are more time where the existing bridge their heads earlier this year when a Sitting councillor Hillary
districts that once appeared to be stable than first thought, and it would have to be strengthened. proposal to create safe Humphrey said the community
on its last legs will now stand for will now be kept for pedestrians Mayor Andy Watson said the passageways in the event of an needed to be vocal about what the
another half a century. and cyclists. new bridge was a relief to several earthquake drew fewer than 20 council should and shouldn’t fund.
The single-lane Mangaweka The council had asked the businesses that had been forced submissions from businesses. Some tough decisions awaited
Bridge was set for demolition, community whether the old into lengthy detours due to its Advocacy groups in the town the council over the next three-year
but strong support for the his- bridge should be demolished decreased weight capacity. were scrutinised amid the muted term, with several big projects on
toric overpass means it will now when the new one was built. Heavy vehicles have been voice of the business community, the horizon. ‘‘But we have a debt
be retained alongside a new In a report to the council, unable to use the existing over- with fears their views were not limit to live within too,’’ she said.
$11 million bridge to be built roading manager John Jones pass to get to several stock farms, adequately represented. Sitting councillor Stuart
30 metres downstream. said one of the bridge’s piers was including an asparagus grower Grant Hadfield, who is standing Campbell was satisfied the council’s
The 140-metre bridge was found to be scour prone and and peacherine orchard. in the Feilding ward, said spending was under control, and it
built in 1904. It spans the upper another is likely to be embedded ‘‘There’s a number of busi- continuous rate rises were not had adequately invested in new
Rangitı̄kei River east of State three metres into the papa rock. nesses in the back country that tenable for fixed income workers. significant water and wastewater
Highway 1, near Mangaweka. Repairs will cost $150,000 and require to cross that bridge with Rates in Feilding increased by $64 infrastructure.
Rangitı̄kei District Council maintenance will cost a further a big weight. They are needing over the past 12 months, following a Other candidates did not
had estimated the cost required $478,000 over 50 years – just over vehicles for 40-odd tonnes.’’ 3.9 per cent hike the year before. respond to requests for comment.
• An experienced councillor with an extensive knowledge of
local government
• Capability, commitment & common sense
• Passionate about our people, our district and our on-going
success
• Working hard for rural communities with a proven record of
attendance, community engagement and being available for you.
WE-8466392AD
Authorised by: Alison Short, 1870 Makino Rd, Feilding6 FEILDING-RANGITĪKEI HERALD, OCTOBER 3, 2019 neighbourly.co.nz
Conversations GET IN TOUCH ONLINE
Come on, just
get on with it
The Government should pay to fix Ōhakea’s
water supply, writes Jimmy Ellingham.
OPINION: So often something scheme, no matter which
that seems simple can take an department picks up the bill.
age to get right when Instead, officials in a
Wellington’s involved. government sector group led by
The water supply to the Environment Ministry are
properties surrounding the still working out what to do next
Ōhakea air force base is while the Defence Force supplies
contaminated with chemicals drinking water to affected
found in firefighting foam. houses.
Although there is, apparently, Towards the end of last year,
no acute health risk, the district council chief executive
Manawatū District Council Richard Templer revealed
estimates a plan to pipe Environment Minister David
uncontaminated water to Parker, incredibly, wondered
affected residents will cost $12.8 whether some of the cost should Firefighting foam used at the Ōhakea air force base contaminated neighbouring properties. WARWICK SMITH/STUFF
million. rest with Manawatū ratepayers.
Given the water is ‘‘The minister thought the Force has hardly covered itself happening: ‘‘Discussions on the district council and Horizons
contaminated because Government would be looking in glory in being open about the options are ongoing and no Regional Council urged the
firefighting foam used by the for a contribution from the problem. It knew there was decision has yet been made.’’ Government to take more action,
Defence Force at Ōhakea community, which isn’t cause for concern in 2015, but There is nothing to discuss. residents are still drinking water
contained compounds known as necessarily a view we share,’’ kept this information to itself for Despite Parker’s odd assertions, out of plastic bottles and unable
PFAS, it might seem like the Templer rightly said. more than two years. the Defence Force, unwittingly, to use water from wells.
decision about who should pay More bizarrely, Parker said And nobody else caused the caused this problem and it, or This cannot continue.
for a clean water supply is easy. publicly the problem may be contamination. some other central government A new water supply is
But no. ‘‘no-one’s fault’’, seemingly Meanwhile, the glacial pace department, must fix it. urgently needed, and affected
Chairman of the Ōhakea because nobody knew of the towards taking action continues. Russell, meanwhile, reports residents and Manawatū
Water Contamination firefighting foam’s dangers when As reported by Stuff, the affected residents are becoming ratepayers shouldn’t have to pay
Committee Andy Russell is right it was used, from the 1980s to environment ministry’s Glenn more frustrated. It’s easy to see a cent towards it.
when he says the Government about 2002. Wigley says, in typical why. Central government needs to
should be supplying a new water This is true, but the Defence Wellington speak, about what’s More than 18 months after the stump up and get moving.
There’s
no place likeneighbourly.co.nz OCTOBER 3, 2019, FEILDING-RANGITĪKEI HERALD 7
Conversations GET IN TOUCH ONLINE
It’s not the right time for change
Although I wish Shane Casey all Shane Casey for being able to
the best in his career, standing keep two balls in the air. One HAVE YOUR SAY
for mayor I think is three years ball of being a stay-at-home dad,
The Feilding-Rangitikei Herald
to early for him. the other of a Manawatū
welcomes letters. They should not
His comment: ‘‘The council councillor.
exceed 250 words and must carry a
copped flak over several He has done both of these
genuine name, home address and
proposals put out for tasks adequately for the past six
daytime phone number. Letters
consultation, and the backlash years.
may be edited, abridged or omitted
prompted [the] council to reverse Helen Worboys pointed out it
without explanation. They can be
their decision,’’ is a case in point. takes not 50 but 110 per cent to be
emailed to feilding.herald@msl.co.
The council’s role is to debate a good mayor. As a Manawatū
nz or posted to PO Box 3,
issues and when a decision is voter I would expect no less.
Palmerston North.
reached we do not expect Casey Casey didn’t like the fact
and other councillors to flip flop Worboys indicated some may
because of too much heat from have divided commitments.
the opposition, worried about When it comes to mayor,
their council jobs. adequate needs to make way for
This is democracy at work, excellence.
not happy families. Maybe Casey needs to decide
The past three years have is it time to take care of the serious when she insinuates that
been very positive under mayor family or time to take care of the people can’t do two jobs
Helen Worboys’ leadership, with town. Can there be time for both? successfully and efficiently?
a great chief executive in Kerry Quigley, Feilding People have been doing two
Richard Templer and staff flat Manawatū mayoral candidate Shane Casey objected to Helen Worboys’ jobs for decades. Most of us have
out in a boom time. Let’s give CALLS FOR DIVERSITY comments on working parents. MURRAY WILSON/STUFF had to do two jobs just to meet
them our support for another I am excited to see such a diverse the constant increases in rates
three years. group of people running for the people of different backgrounds focused on our community’s and insurances and other
To Casey, good luck as a Manawatū District Council this to ensure a true representation. future, made up of people who necessary expenditures.
councillor and in three years year. There is a great quote by George are their to serve the people for However, if Worboys is
time, with more experience, the It is heartening to see that Patton: ‘‘If everyone around the the community’s best interests, feeling the pressure and finding
mayor’s chains may be a goal for there are new people willing to table is thinking alike, then not their own. the position of mayor a full-time
you in what is ‘‘a tough but give back to our community as somebody isn’t thinking. We Complaining never makes position, maybe she needs to
rewarding job’’. well as some incumbents looking need people willing to listen to things better. I am proud to see stand down and let someone else
Kerry Gracie, Feilding to continue their work. each other to understand the so many willing to step up. younger and more energetic take
(Abridged) While there will always be other’s point of view, but also to Wendy Carr, Feilding over.
people we do not agree with or challenge them and the status Elections are the time for
FAMILY OR TOWN like, it is important that our quo.’’ TWO JOBS, NO PROBLEM rethinks on all issues.
I would like to congratulate council is made up of a range of I want a council that is Surely Helen Worboys can’t be Celia Geary, Feilding
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LOVE YOUR LAND WE-8500946AM8 FEILDING-RANGITĪKEI HERALD, OCTOBER 3, 2019 neighbourly.co.nz
Conversations GET IN TOUCH ONLINE
Teens lead while elders fail the test
In the recent global protests Students in
for instance, teenagers Wellington take
GORDON organised 2500 events in 163 part in Friday’s
CAMPBELL countries across all seven nationwide
TALKING POLITICS strike to protest
continents.
against climate
In New Zealand’s latest change.
round of school protests last KEVIN STENT/STUFF
OPINION: Besides keeping the Friday, the young organisers
heat on politicians about global staged more than 40 events
warming, the teenage school around the country, while
strikers are making a really networking and gaining
good case for lowering the support from more than 90
voting age to 16. businesses and trade unions.
In the past, one of the main As national co-ordinator
reasons given for not allowing Sophie Hanford memorably put
16-year-olds to vote was that it, this was a day off school, but
they would be too young to not a day off education.
have their own ideas, and Not everyone of course, was
would be merely echoing the rapt. On RNZ, acting Prime
political views of their parents. Minister Winston Peters gave a
That argument seems deeply classic harrumphing-adult
ironic in 2019, given how ably response to the school strike
Swedish 16-year-old Greta concept. wider point is that renewables – in the meantime – farmers change policies consistent with
Thunberg has led a protest No, he didn’t support it. alone cannot resolve the pain remain highly resistant to the Paris Agreement.
movement against the failure Children, in his view, should be the planet is in, and should not substantive measures, such as The noble goal is to reach
of her elders to take effective in school learning their lessons be an excuse for allowing mandatory herd reductions. zero greenhouse gases by 2050,
action on global warming. as fast as they can.Why? business-as-usual to continue. With those sensitivities in but the actions required to do
Rather than denying 16-year- Because that, Peters Nor, Thunberg and her mind, the coalition government so have yet to be formulated.
olds the vote, there’s arguably a maintained, is ‘‘one of the young colleagues maintain, can is putting a lot of eggs in its There will be five-yearly
stronger case for taking it away critical components in lifting corporate leaders and Zero Carbon Bill basket, emission reduction targets and
from anyone over 50, on massively this country‘s politicians continue to kick the although that process is still in a requirement to plan
climate change grounds. productivity’’. can down the road to future its infancy. The as-yet (somehow, sometime) for the
Despite the media focus Clearly, Peters didn’t get generations, in the hope that unchosen members of the impact of rising sea levels.
upon Thunberg, the Thunberg’s memo that ‘‘eternal some eventual scientific fix will Climate Commission will give Frankly, it would take a
remarkable thing about the economic growth’’ is now a ward off disaster. In New final, corporeal form to the Bill very brave person to try and
climate movement she has ‘‘fairytale’’. While renewables Zealand, science is being but essentially, it aims to create justify the currently
inspired is that it is so de- are a practical, preferable and expected to invent a methane- a framework for New Zealand amorphous shape of our Zero
centralised. necessary option, Thunberg’s neutralising silver bullet, while to develop voluntary climate Carbon Bill to Greta Thunberg.
CONVERSATIONS
Bullying – it has to stop right away
OPINION: Bullying of their own staff is rife throughout the police, victims say. A decade ago a Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct, led by Dame Margaret Bazley,
recommended wide changes to the police organisational culture. But the culture hasn’t changed enough, with bullying being described by victims throughout the organisation
in various regions. What’s described is nasty, sexist and designed to mentally abuse people. Victims say the bullying culture is lead by senior staff members who deliberately
make life difficult for those ranked beneath them. Surely this is unacceptable. And if police can’t even treat their own staff with dignity and fairness, how can we trust them to
treat the rest of us, including minority groups in the community, fairly. What should be done once and for all to get police managers to understand they need to change and
uphold higher standards. An MP from each side of the House gives their views.
Inquiry into Police Conduct, led by Dame the person who was either responsible for
In the Margaret Bazley, contained 47
recommendations for Police and In the the abuse, or to a friend of that person,
then the abuse is likely to continue, or
red recommended 10 years of monitoring.
A subsequent report released in 2017, A
blue perhaps worsen.
Bullying is considered a form of
corner Decade of Change 2007-2017 outlined the
steps police have taken over the past 10
corner misconduct, and employers are obliged to
deal with it through the appropriate
Priyanca Radhakrishnan years to successfully implement all 47 of Stuart Smith means. Equally, all workplaces should
List MP, Labour those recommendations to change their Kaikoura MP, National ensure all employees are aware of their
organisational culture over the past 10 rights, and know how to find support if
B B
ullying is not acceptable and years. ullying is never acceptable in any they ask for it.
Police Minister Stuart Nash has This has included work to increase the workplace. No matter the place of Police work in a difficult sector, which
conveyed this to the number of women and people from ethnic employment or the organisation, involves dealing with deeply challenging
Commissioner of Police. minority groups in Police and ensure a perpetrators should be routed out. situations, often on a daily basis. So do
Claims of bullying within police are safe work environment and consolidate The expectation that a workplace many other professions and a common
best addressed by the Commissioner of and improve consistency and culture is positive, safe and supportive means of finding support in these
Police and his executive as operational standardisation of policies. starts at the top. This expectation must be situations is within the team. This could
matters. The Auditor-General found that Police backed up by real and proactive action take the form of a casual chat or social
The commissioner is ultimately is now a fundamentally better within the workplace in order to ensure gathering in the staffroom, or at times
responsible for the wellbeing of his organisation than they were in employees and team members are on the something more official.
employees. 2007. same page on this and any other normal For police and other emergency
Police created a system called Speak It is also worth noting that 80 per cent issues. workers, finding that safe place at work
Up, where employees could report of Police staff surveyed agreed that NZ All New Zealanders, including our and sense of camaraderie that allows them
bullying, harassment and other Code of Police is a great place to work. police, should go to work each day with to talk openly with colleagues about an
Conduct issues. Despite this, work is ongoing to the clear knowledge they are working in a adverse situation they experienced
Following responses that the system improve the culture at Police. safe and inclusive environment that is together is crucial. Not feeling safe to do so
was confusing and inconsistent, Police is No organisation is perfect, and free of bullying and, if there are instances makes the outcome of bullying in the
reviewing Speak Up and is focused on Police has committed to reviewing of bullying, that they can speak to police potentially more damaging.
identifying the issues and making sure it the systems already in place and to look someone about it and that this will be Police, like any other Kiwi employed in
works as intended. into their approach to disciplinary dealt with appropriately. this country, deserve to feel safe at work.
Disciplinary processes and restorative matters. In any workplace, someone should feel If their emotional and physical health and
practice implementation are also being I commend them on their efforts to date safe about making a complaint about safety is compromised in any way by their
reviewed, in conjunction with Victoria and look forward to seeing further bullying or other forms of misconduct peers, their superiors or anyone else, the
University. improvements so all staff feel safe. without fear of repercussion. issue must be addressed firmly,
The 2007 report of the Commission of If they make a complaint and it goes to thoroughly and transparently.neighbourly.co.nz OCTOBER 3, 2019, FEILDING-RANGITĪKEI HERALD 9
TRAIN TRIP Ph: 323 0218 81 Manchester Street, Feilding www.focalpointcinema.co.nz
Mad Hatter Fair On-line Ticket Purchases Now Available At www.focalpointcinema.co.nz
SENIORS MORNINGS
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MAIDEN
(M) 97 mins Documentary/Sport (Contains offensive language)
The story of Tracy Edwards, a 24-year-old cook on charter boats,
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We set off, through
gh Thur 10.40am 1.10pm 8.10pm, Fri 10.40am 1.10pm 5.50pm 8.10pm, Sat 10.40am 1.10pm 5.50pm 8.10pm,
Sun 10.40am 1.10pm 5.50pm 8.10pm, Mon 10.40am 1.10pm 5.50pm 8.10pm,
Tues 10.40am 1.10pm 5.50pm 8.10pm, Wed 10.40am 1.10pm 5.50pm 8.10pm
DOWNTON ABBEY
the scenic Manawatu Gorge (PG) 122 mins Drama (Contains coarse language)
The continuing story of the Crawley family, wealthy owners of a large estate in the English countryside in the early 20th century.
to the Mad Hatter Fair in Woodville Thur 5.50pm, Fri 6pm, Sat 8.30pm, Sun 6pm, Mon 8.30pm, Tues 8.30pm, Wed 6pm
AD ASTRA
(M) 123 mins Adventure/Drama/Mystery (Contains violence, offensive language & content that may disturb)
Astronaut Roy McBride undertakes a mission across an unforgiving solar system to uncover the truth about his missing father
Sunday the 17th November
and his doomed expedition that now, 30 years later, threatens the universe.
Thur 8.30pm, Fri 8.30pm, Sat 6pm, Sun 8.30pm, Mon 6pm, Tues 6pm, Wed 8.30pm
DAN CARTER: A PERFECT 10
Departs FLDG 8.40 am, (PG) 91 mins Documentary (Contains coarse language)
The story of Carter’s remarkable career and his quest to overcome the heartbreak of past tournaments to achieve glory in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Thur 3.20pm, Fri 3.20pm, Sat 3.20pm, Sun 3.20pm, Mon 3.20pm, Tues 3.20pm, Wed 3.20pm
DEPART P.Nth 9.35 am DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD
(PG) 102 mins Adventure/Family
Dora, a teenage explorer, leads her friends on an adventure to save her parents and solve the mystery behind a lost city of gold.
Return P.Nth 4.15pm, FLDG 4.35pm Thur 3.30pm, Fri 1pm, Sat 10.30am, Sun 3.30pm, Mon 1pm, Tues 10.30am, Wed 3.30pm
ABOMINABLE
Prize for best hat (G) 97 mins Animation/Adventure/Comedy
A magical Yeti must return to his family.
Thur 1pm, Fri 3.30pm, Sat 1pm, Sun 10.30am, Mon 3.30pm, Tues 1pm, Wed 10.30am
competition on board. THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE 2
(PG) 97 mins Animation/Adventure/Comedy (Contains coarse language)
The flightless birds and scheming green pigs take their feud to the next level.
Tickets Adult $60pp Fri 10.30am, Sat 3.30pm, Sun 1pm, Tues 3.30pm, Wed 1pm
LADIES NIGHT
RIDE LIKE A GIRL - Starting Thursday 24 October
Hauled by a Diesel Engine (PG) 98 mins Biography/Drama/Sport (Contains coarse language)
The story of Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup.
Ladies Night Advance Screening - Wednesday 16 October. Arrive 7.30pm for a drink & nibbles,
movie 8.20pm. Tickets $28, pre-purchased tickets essential, no door sales.
This is not a steam hauled excursion COMING SOON
HUSTLERS - Starting Thursday 10 October
www.steamrail.nz (R16) 110 mins Comedy/Crime/Drama (Contains drug use, sexual references & offensive language)
Inspired by the viral New York Magazine article, Hustlers follows a crew of savvy former strip club employees
who band together to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients.
Feilding Info Centre And i-site, PN JUDY – One Week Only, Starting Thursday 17 October
(M) 118 mins Biography/Drama/History (Contains drug use & offensive language)
Legendary performer Judy Garland arrives in London in the winter of 1968 to perform a series of sold-out concerts.
Or Phone 323 5444 JOJO RABBIT - Starting Thursday 24 October
(M) 108 mins Comedy/Drama/War (Contains violence & content that may disturb)
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The honey hillsides
Fijians excel at mānuka planting where Kiwis
struggle. Rebecca Black reports on a win-win
for the staff and business.
O
n a beautiful day in by his team.
Mangamahu, in the ‘‘Farmers give us a hard
central North Island, 45 time,’’ Carroll says, ‘‘ ‘You’re just
Fijians are scaling making work for yourself in the
steep hill country farmland, future’. And we might well be.’’
planting mānuka seedlings. Along with planting and
The sun is hot but the earth scrub cutting, the company also
underfoot is still holding the carries out pruning, thinning
moisture necessary for the and forest management.
seedlings to survive. Carroll has about 50 staff,
This is the end of the planting most of whom are Fijian. Thirty-
season, which this year started eight of those Fijian workers
early, in May, and stretched out came out this year and another
to accommodate the size of the seven highly-skilled Fijians live
task at hand. in Whanganui on work visas
The mānuka seedlings that need renewing yearly.
planted at the 900-hectare ‘‘They are my key people,’’
property in the Whangaehu Carroll says. The planting work
River valley, inland from is not hard but to train someone Patrick Carroll’s company provides housing, meals and utilities for its
Whanganui, belong to a cultivar on chainsaw use costs thousands employees, who are required to join a union. MURRAY WILSON/STUFF
developed for its high-quality and is a one-on-one process.
UMF production. Rounding out the numbers are employee. But the Fijians are returns to Fiji.
After decades of cutting scrub six New Zealanders. consistently good. ‘‘It’s a very, very hard job,’’ he
for farmers, the irony of being This season, Carroll applied The company has been says, ‘‘but I just love it.’’
contracted to plant mānuka is for 40 essential skills visas for employing Fijians since 1976 and Carroll says his workers have
not lost on Patrick Carroll, Fijian workers. The process took some of the current workers are to join the union as a condition
owner of Blinkhorne & Carroll. six months and two people third-generation employees. of employment and other
‘‘It’s kind of like a fireman missed out, based on medical Vilimone Betakula has been migrant workers would be better
going to school with a box of checks. working for Carroll since 2003. protected from exploitation if
matches saying, ‘here kids, take The quality of work he gets He says he enjoys training new they were also required to join The average wage his
these home, see what you can from his team makes the process workers and the job conditions unions. workers earn in Fiji is about $3
do’.’’ worthwhile. are good. He pays planters $22 for every an hour, Carroll says, and the
Blinkhorne & Carroll is the He says that on average, out This year, his 18-year-old son, box of 100 trees they plant; concept of holiday pay and sick
country’s biggest scrub-cutting of every 10 New Zealand workers Kurly Lighithmana, has joined workers plant between 10 and 13 leave is new to them.
company and Carroll wonders if he employs, one will be worth him on a six-month contract. boxes a day. He provides ‘‘So you come here and you’re
the very plants they are putting keeping on. Out of 30, he might Lighithmana says he’s housing, meals and utilities for sticking a thousand dollars a
in might one day need taking out get one very promising working hard to save before he his employees. week clear in your back pocket,
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Blinkhorne & Carroll has been employing Fijians since 1976. Some of the staff
are third-generation employees.
of work and the One Billion over 2 million trees, and already
Trees plan has resulted in more has 800ha on the plans for next
requests, but Carroll is selective season, of which 650ha will be in
about the jobs he accepts. mānuka.
‘‘We haven’t done any work ‘‘We potentially have 40 per
for anyone that is just carbon cent more work next year,’’
credits. I don’t believe in it Carroll says.
enough to just take out a whole But they can’t satisfy the
lot of productive farm land.’’ demand for planting without
The mānuka planting makes more Fijian workers.
sense, Carroll says. With One Billion Trees being
‘‘This here I understand, even planted, Carroll says finding
as a scrub cutter. I can see the workers is only going to get more
‘‘It’s a very, very and that’s a fortune.’’ building halls, churches and value in it as a medicinal difficult.
The Fijian workers are schools which they are now product, I believe in it so ‘‘Forest thinning is going to
hard job, but I just putting 30 per cent of their wages going to update. therefore I’ll do it.’’ be the next big labour shortage
love it.’’ towards building projects in So far they have saved $60,000. Like pine, the mānuka is in New Zealand.
their villages, in a programme ‘‘If we get to, say, $75,000 in the planted 3m apart, amounting to ‘‘Someone’s got to get in there
Kurly Lighithmana, above
organised by Carroll. bank, that’s going to be a lot of 1275 trees per hectare. eventually and cut two-thirds of
The company carried out a building,’’ Carroll says. The company has planted them out, and you can’t get those
similar scheme in the 1980s, The company has no shortage about 2000ha this season, just people easily.’’
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KiwiSaver lessons
from Super Fund
GOLDEN RULES:
ROB
STOCK ■ Work out your investment
MONEY MATTERS strategy
■ Look through market ‘‘noise’’
■ Get the best out of KiwiSaver
OPINION: KiwiSavers could
learn some lessons from the
Government-owned NZ Super pressure forces it, the KiwiSaver
Fund. scheme providers will also
The NZ Super Fund is a emulate the NZ Super Fund in
$43.8 billion pool of money actively working to reduce the
invested by the grandiosely carbon footprints of their funds.
named Guardians of New But setting aside the lesson in
Zealand Superannuation. ethical, climate-aware investing
The money is wealth set aside (which the Guardians insist has
to help pay the national bill for resulted in higher returns) the
NZ Super for an ageing NZ Super Fund has a very
population, and it has delivered deliberate and well-researched
good investment returns (within investment strategy.
its constraints of not taking Everybody who invests needs
‘‘undue risk’’), and it’s been a one of those. There are a lot of us KiwiSavers, and we all have lessons we need to learn to be successful.
super moral leader. In trying to define how they
It was the NZ Super Fund that should invest, the Guardians NZ Super Fund is invested suggests company shares and CALL TO ACTION
formed an international club of looked at where their advantages passively, keeping fees as low as other growth assets provide that, Got a question for Rob or an issue
fund managers to press lay. They called these their possible, and mirroring the so they are its main focus. you want him to tackle? Contact
Facebook and its social media ilk ‘‘endowments’’. They also markets. Every KiwiSaver should Rob by going online to Neighbourly
to stop hosting hate, violence and identified where they had no KiwiSavers should decide think similarly as most don’t and type the name of our
murder on their platforms after advantages. whether the active, or passive need their money for several newspaper into the search bar.
the shootings in Christchurch on They decided they were onto path is for them. Both options decades. For many that means Click our name and select Contact
March 15. a hiding to nothing looking for are available in KiwiSaver. growth funds, not conservative, from the menu bar and ‘‘message
KiwiSaver fund managers, skilled fund managers who could Another endowment is the NZ or even balanced funds. our reporter’’ from the drop-down
who have nearly $60b of our consistently beat the markets, Super Fund’s long-term time The great thing about this is menu.
money invested, have tagged except in New Zealand. horizon. once a KiwiSaver has set their
along in the footsteps of the NZ The Guardians concluded As its money is not needed for 20- or 30-year investment course,
Super Fund on that, just as they that active managers, except in decades, the Guardians can look they can be like the Guardians
did on excluding tobacco and New Zealand’s tiny market, were through market booms and the and stop worrying about all the Just like ordinary
controversial weapons like hard to identify with confidence, busts, and simply decide which ups and downs of the market, at KiwiSavers, the Guardians do
cluster bombs and landmines so why waste money on active are the assets that are likely to least until they start getting not have the ability to predict
from their main funds. fund management fees? produce the best return over its closer to the time they need the short-term market movements,
One day, when public For its overseas money, the long, long time horizon. History money. so they don’t bother even trying.
Pets Space
GETTING TO THE BOTTOM OF THAT ANNOYING ITCH…
Helen Sheard, Totally Vets
Skin conditions can be frustrating for everyone involved and • Improve the skin barrier. Healthy skin is more resistant to Don’t shampoo your pet before the consult – we want to see the
once they have become chronic they can take a lot of infection and allergens than inflamed skin. Moisturising products skin at its worst. Most importantly remember that there is no quick
unravelling to get to the underlying cause.Year-round and omega 3 supplements can help, though not all omega 3 fix. Allergies cannot be cured, only managed, and the
environmental allergies can be indistinguishable from food supplements are created equal. Dogs and cats are not very good management plan is likely to change as your pet ages.
allergies, recurrent ear infections and skin infections can be due at converting plant oils (eg flax seed oil) to EPA and DHA, which
If you are interested in our dermatology consultation, contact the
to underlying allergies, and bacterial and yeast infections can are the omega 3 fatty acids most important in skin. Fish oils
team at Totally Vets Feilding on 06 323 6161.
complicate an itch due to allergies. already contain EPA and DHA and are of much
At Totally Vets Feilding we offer dermatology consultations to get more use to our pets.
to the bottom of your pet’s itch.The steps we take include an in- We often hear how multiple diets have been
depth history, combings and skin scrapings to rule out external tried for an itchy pet, with little or no
parasites, cytology to rule out infection, and treatment trials and improvement. A diet trial is only of benefit
long-term management plans. when it is fed as a SOLE diet for at least 8
weeks.That is, only that diet and water should
Once mites and infections are ruled out, a food trial might be
be given to your pet. No treats, scraps,
recommended if history suggests a food allergy. If an
supplements or flavoured medications.
environmental allergy seems more likely, a long-term treatment
The ideal hypoallergenic diet should contain
plan is developed. For the management of environmental allergies
no protein that your pet has ever been
there are two main options: manage the symptoms without
exposed to before. It takes repeated exposure
knowing exactly which allergens are causing the problem; or,
to develop an allergy, so if they haven’t eaten
identify the allergens with intradermal skin tests or blood tests,
it before, they won’t be allergic to it. Most
and start desensitisation injections.The latter can seem costly but
food-allergic dogs are allergic to a meat
when compared to multiple vet visits for allergy flare-ups, it may protein, so going ‘grain-free’ isn’t necessarily
not be that much different in the long run. the answer either. A diet trial is hard work but
Management of the symptoms is often multifactorial and aims to: can be very rewarding!
• Reduce the itch and inflammation in the skin. Drugs such as When preparing for your pet’s dermatology
prednisone, Apoquel and Cytopoint are good options here. consult think about the history of your pet’s
• Reduce allergen load on the skin. Regular bathing during the skin problem: when it started – how old your
worst allergy times helps by physically removing allergens from pet was, what time of year the problems
the skin. started, and what it looked like. Are there any
• Manage secondary bacterial or yeast skin infections. other health concerns? Does your pet feel the
This may involve oral medications, medicated shampoos, cold, or seem to drink a lot of water? Are faeces
lotions or ear drops. normal in consistency and number?
WE-8301473AJYou can also read
