Author: NZ Business Connect

By Sharon Dean

A recession is looming closer and taking farmers’ profits with it. In addition, farmers continually face rising costs, inflationary pressures, regulatory obligations and increasing demands for sustainably produced food –  the inflation genie is out of the bottle, and it could be challenging to get it back in. As a result, farmers are tightening the purse strings; however, maintaining good soil health during a recession will increase a farm’s long-term profitability.

New Zealand’s farming practices have long depended on grass and livestock that eat grass. It has been the economic backbone of the agricultural industry pre the European settlement era and a well-established reputation for being the best at converting pasture to protein as milk and meat. However, there are still areas for improvement in this process. Studies have shown that New Zealand farmers have the smallest carbon footprint when producing milk and meat compared to other countries.

During a recession, it’s crucial to comprehend the significance of soil health.

A farm’s profitability begins in the soil; therefore, ensuring a farm’s profitability must start with prioritising the soil quality. Farmers benefit from regular soil testing and monitoring to better understand soil conditions. There are sixteen essential elements required for optimal pasture and animal health. However, it’s possible to spend unnecessary money on factors that are not needed.

Factors to consider:

• Soil temperature at 10cm is a good indicator. A drop down to 5 – 6 degrees C stunts growth.
• Falling below 25% of soil moisture content slows growth.
• The pH (acidity) level and 13 key elements are required for plant growth.

Phosphate is a key element for plant growth. Any phosphate applied needs to stay in the soil and not runoff as particulate P or leach into subsoils. Much of the loss is related to the soil type, climate, Anion storage capacity, and overuse of soluble forms of P.

Mitigating P losses:

• < 40% ASC greater potential to lose P from soil
• Apply little bit often
• Important to use right product
• Apply slow-release P & S products
• Combo of water soluble/slow-release P & S is best because of high nutrient levels. Animals excrete 66% of what they eat.
• MAF’s recommendation is for soil pH to be between 5.8 and 6.0 based on the dry matter production.  The ideal pH is around 6.2 – 6.4 if you consider quality of feed, more clover growth, greater earth worms (which aerate the soil), more calcium in the diet, and phosphate less tightly held by the soil.

Proper fertilisation is crucial for enhancing water quality and maximising nutrient use efficiency. On the other hand, incorrect application of fertilisers can harm the quality of grass and crops and eventually animals, resulting in decreased profitability, emphasising the importance of obtaining the correct independent soil advice.

Maintenance fertiliser refers to the nutrients needed to balance the nutrients removed from the farm through meat, wool, milk, crops, and silage with the nutrients remaining in the soil.

Several factors, including soil type, topography, stocking rate, future land use, crops, and rainfall, impact the requirements for maintenance fertiliser.

Different farming operations and production areas on a farm have varying maintenance requirements. Nonetheless, when applying fertiliser, it is vital to aim for soil fertility levels no higher than the recommended nutrient range for optimum plant growth, known as agronomic optimum.

In autumn, it is crucial to understand how specific nutrients react in the soil to reduce the risk of nutrient loss. For example, when applying phosphate, avoid high-risk months (April-October),and defer application if rainfall is likely to cause runoff within seven days.

When testing the soil it is imperative to avoid dung and urine hotspot patches that can skew readings because of high nutrient levels. Animals excrete 66% of what they eat.

The soil can yield lush and nourishing pasture by ensuring a proper equilibrium, resulting in happy animals and contented farmers.

Dr Gordon Rajendram is a New Zealand Independent Soil Scientist specialising in Soil Fertility, Agronomy & Farm Environmental Consultancy.

Gordon Rajendram

9 Kakanui Avenue, Hillcrest, Hamilton 3216

P: 021 466 077

E: rajendram@xtra.co.nz

Web site: https://gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz/

‘ Bringing science to the farm.’

Phillip Quay

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

P: 0274 587 724

www.mediapa.co.nz

facebook.com/mediapa

Growing up in Curacao, Wilma Jennings from Wilma J Design is renowned for her
progressive artwork and colour.

Her passion originates from the Caribbean and New Zealand. “The colours, architecture and
spirit of my birth island still influences my work, along with the beautiful flora and fauna of
my home country, New Zealand”.

Moving to New Zealand, Wilma created artwork for walls, furniture, handbags, shoes, and
clothing. With 50 years of experience, Wilma has transpired her love of art over time into
inspiring pottery pieces.

“I’ve always migrated to being creative, exercising that part of my brain that thinks in
pictures”, says Wilma Jennings.

Wilma Jennings was influenced in her pottery journey by well-known potters Yvonne Rust,
Len Castle, and lesser-known potter Margaret Radford. As a result, she has always been
mindful of quality, ensuring form, materials, and finishes are ‘fit for design and purpose’.

Wilma creates exclusive limited edition artwork. Prototypes are analysed by:

• difficulty factor
• efficiency to duplicate
• processes to duplicat
• marketing and
• barriers.

Shifting her focus to teaching pottery, including in the classrooms where she has previously
taught pottery to specific age groups of around 30 children, Wilma also provides themed
workshops for people to develop their artistic talents.

” I am passionate about teaching people and taking them on a guided path that will lead to a
skill”.

Wilma emphasises that design is a skill that will grow from working with clay by leaning on
the medium, seeing what it does and using that discovery as design.

“When a design idea doesn’t result in what was expected, don’t necessarily discard it. The
original is still there, so think and develop the unexpected result – this will create the next
design”, Wilma explains.
With her dominant medium being clay, Wilma feels her creative space constantly sits at a
crossroads between functional form, home decoration and art.

Each piece is designed passionately and holistically, aligning with Wilma J Design’s ethos –
“we’re drawn to colours and shapes that make our hearts sing”.

WILMA J DESIGN

website: www.wilmajdesign.co.nz 
Facebook: Wilma J Design
Email: wilma@wilmajdesign.co.nz
Mobile: 021 103265

PHILLIP QUAY
phillip@mediapa.co.nz
P: 0274 587 724
www.mediapa.co.nz
facebook.com/mediapa

Author: Sharon Dean

Since 2000, Smartway Security Systems Ltd has been providing tailor-made security solutions for
customers.
Smartway is a highly experienced security systems company in New Zealand, with a team that has
over 70 years of combined experience in Alarm Systems, Access Control, and CCTV.
An early adopter of CCTV installations, Smartway has over 20 years of experience in all types of
security systems.

Smartway Security specialises in providing Alarms and Access Control Systems, CCTV, Data &
WiFi services for various properties, including residential, rural, farming, and commercial premises.
“Our clients come from a wide range of industries, such as Shopping Malls, Complexes, Multi-Level
Car Parks, Warehouses, Farms, Apartment Blocks, Shops, Offices, Schools, Hospitals, Retirement
Villages, Medical Centers, and thousands of private homes”.

Ensuring the safety of your business, home, and family is of utmost importance. However, many
overlook the benefits of installing a security alarm system.

Smartway Security has an extensive portfolio of over 4500 clients based predominantly in the
Waikato and Auckland regions; however, they also cover nationwide.

Since its inception, Smartway Security has installed over 6000 CCTV systems.
“We have even been involved in the Auckland Ring Road Motorway Tunnel Construction process
with our CCTV Camera Systems and Fibre Connections.”

Roger Bull highlighted their successful business accomplishments, which include installing CCTV in
over 100 Bridgestone Tyres / Tony’s Tyre branches and managing all aspects of Electronic Security
and Surveillance at Butterfly Creek’s animal enclosures.

“We have also installed many solutions for Rural Farms and Lifestyle properties, says Roger.

Owner, Roger Bull, says, “Treating everyone with respect, providing excellent customer service and
maintaining good communication with staff and customers are essential business values”.
Smartway is proud to receive most of its business through word-of-mouth referrals and existing
clients, a testament to its position as an industry leader in security solutions.
Roger Bull stated that their company is incorporating new services to offer customers the latest and
innovative technology.

“Experience the Difference – because the Difference is Experience”.

Smartway Security Systems Limited
www.facebook.com/smartwayNZ
www.smartway.co.nz
support@smartway.co.nz
P: 0800 936 363

Phillip Quay
phillip@mediapa.co.nz
www.mediapa.co.nz
www.facebook.com/mediapa
P: 0274 587 724

Author: UK Correspondent

Starting a successful fashion business and making it successful is a dream most people want to put into reality, but just a few people decide to do it. The fashion industry is very dynamic, and the fashion business can be challenging for most people. However, if you input perseverance and hard work into it, your fashion business will bring profit and be a soul-satisfying thing.

Every successful fashion entrepreneur should possess specific qualities to start a fashion business. For example, a good fashion sense is a huge plus; acquired knowledge about apparel making and being good under pressure are essential. Another thing a fashion entrepreneur should also possess is the ability to foresee future fashion trends and good communication skills. Finally, challenges and calculated risks are something everyone in the fashion industry must go through.

Every fashion entrepreneur should have all the qualities mentioned, but the road to success will require a bit more effort. Unfortunately, the line between being an entrepreneur and being successful is skinny. 

Features of a Successful Fashion Entrepreneur

A great fashion entrepreneur can be someone who not only possesses the knowledge and skills needed to start a fashion business but also needs to have the motivation and ambition to make that business a success. Creativity and innovation are the two features that are important for the approach to fashion design, along with being good at creating relationships with future customers.

Someone we can call a promising fashion entrepreneur can work under pressure and not be overwhelmed by thinking about failure. It’s important to simply have a clear vision of the direction their business is supposed to be going and also have the ability for self-motivation. Networking with people is also one of the essential things when talking about the fashion industry and achieving success.

Technological Expertise should constantly be improved

Technology is here to change everything and stay. Thus, you can’t run away from it while trying to achieve your aim of having your own fashion business. Learn what it takes to create incredible designs and have satisfied customers. Also, keep up with the latest fashion trends, which will help you better understand what your customer wants.

One of the latest fashion trends is having customers be part of the creative design process, creating clothes that suit their unique and original tastes. This can be done using platforms and software that can help produce made-to-order clothing. They are used for custom-made dresses to satisfy customers’ preferences.

Understanding the market

One of the most important things for a fashion entrepreneur is understanding the market inside out. A fashion entrepreneur should research what the target audiences like and prefer and what are some of the latest fashion trends. This information should be kept up to date for the business’s relevancy and profit. Understanding the market deeply, current and future trends, and what the competition is like, along with facing any challenges, will help keep the business ahead of others in the market.

Fashion entrepreneur and a strong network

If you have the right team and good connections, things will be much easier for a fashion entrepreneur. The fashion industry today is completely saturated,  so if you have a good network of people around. You or even a strong connection with other apparel companies, vendors, and clients can help the fashion brand be one step ahead of the competition. In addition, when there is a good connection with people in the media, it can be beneficial for the fashion brand to have a strong marketing strategy to increase sales. A successful fashion entrepreneur can be called someone who can work their way around different people and create connections while being friendly and charismatic. 

Development of Communication Skills

A fashion designer does not need to be vocal or talkative while working on the designs. However, remaining introverted or reserved later on while aspiring to become a fashion entrepreneur is not an option. Communication, sales and marketing skills need to be very high to ensure you work on increasing your network, clients, and vendors. The essential thing is to be outgoing and cheerful to win people’s attention and follow the basic steps to start your own fashion business.

Always keep in mind that fashion represents a people-oriented business. For that reason, the more you aspire to communicate, the more you will be able to connect with people and have a very successful fashion entrepreneur.

Understanding of Business, Taking Risks, and Decision-Making Skills

Running your own fashion business does not always have to be as comfortable and convenient as being an employee of another fashion company. As an employee, you don’t need to worry about many things except for your salary and employee benefits. But, as a business owner, you will need to look after many things, take risks, and decide what things would work for your fashion business and what are not the best solutions.

The path to becoming a fashion entrepreneur will not be easy, and operating it won’t always have a straightforward direction. But the right approach, positivity, confidence, and the ability to do business would help take the right road toward success.

One man’s misadventure is another man’s opportunity to step up.

Wayne Cooney your go-to insurance broker in Cambridge has a great team behind him to make your life as stress-free as possible. He loves to work with people all over the country, so don’t worry, you won’t miss out on his services if you live at the bottom of the South Island. Whether you are a professional or a tradie or a domestic homeowner, Wayne has the cover solution for you. With no call centre and an energetic attitude, you will be very pleased with the way your claims and plans are dealt with.

Why should you work with an insurance broker like Wayne?

“Very easy to work with and approachable. Listened to our needs and provided a favourable price.” – Ruth and Lance

Quick and efficient but looking at the best quality policies for your needs, Wayne will bring his all to the table. One benefit of an insurance broker is that they have a vast knowledge of the cover plans that are out there. They can ensure you are not paying above and beyond what you need. Finding the best insurance coverage for yourself or your business can be hard and complicated. Who wants to spend hours scrolling through the web and wading through all the different plans you could possibly have, whilst trying to compare them at the same time? Wayne Cooney knows where to find all the best policies and plans to suit your coverage style requirements.

What about policy renewals? Who else tends to forget when the next payment is due? Well, there is no need to worry when you are dealing with your go-to broker, Wayne. He will contact you well in advance of your next renewal date.

“As a mortgage advisor, I have found Wayne to be completely professional and trustworthy in all my dealings with him.” – Gavin

Why not use an insurance broker like Wayne Cooney?

Care and integrity epitomise Wayne’s work, on his client’s behalf. He strongly believes in bringing his values to work and enjoys building strong relationships with his clients.

Contact Wayne Cooney

Cooney.wayne@gmail.com

021 347 640

facebook.com/waynecooneyinsurancebroker

Contact Phillip Quay

Phillip@mediapa.co.nz

027 458 7724

www.nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

facebook.com/nzbusinessconnect

The most economical forage for animals is good nutritious pasture which includes good energy, protein that is digestible and has fibre in it. The cost to produce pasture can cost between 2 – 6 cents per kilo of dry matter.

In order to achieve the above, you need to have adequate nutrients in the soil.

Farm’s profitability starts in the soil and getting this right will, without doubt, lead to great pasture and better soil health, i.e., it is aerated, it holds onto the nutrients, whatever is applied doesn’t leach and the right forage types. Having a variety of species of forage is beneficial i.e., grass, clover, herbs etc.

The importance of independent soil management and fertiliser advice is crucial rather than just someone trying to sell a product. There appears to be major conflicts of interest in this area. Large savings can be made if the advice is correct.

The 16 elements are required for pasture and animal health. In some cases, excess money is spent on elements that are not necessary and hence the importance of independent advice.

Soil management is an expert area and one which can lead to better profits.

Sampling is one of the crucial aspects of soil management. Soil is important at the start and pastures grown on this are essential for farm profitability.  New Zealand is the best at converting pasture to milk and protein (meat) but there are still ways this can be improved.

New Zealand farmers have the lowest carbon footprint to produce meat and milk

Published research shows that NZ farmer’s carbon footprint to produce meat and milk is the lowest compared to other countries.

In the dairy sector, the emissions to produce 1 litre of milk have been estimated to be 0.9 kg CO2 when compared to the global average of 2.4 kg CO2 per litre of milk. In the NZ dairy sector, PKE was the main supplementary feed type used on farms. PKE though has the highest carbon footprint of any brought-in supplementary feeds.

NZ’s carbon footprint to produce beef is one of the lowest with ~9 kgCO2e/kg LW and NZ’s carbon footprint to produce sheep is the lowest at ~6 kgCO2e/kg LW.  This is due to the NZ lower cost pasture grazed-based systems. Compare this to say in many parts of the world where pasture or crops are cut and carried and fed in a shed system.

Studies have shown for humans to have a balanced diet a component of milk and meat is required.

A lot is going on below the ground (leaching) so this has to be prevented and lead to greater profits.

Accurate testing is essential to ensure more efficient ways of nutrient uptake. There must be nothing limiting this process in the soil. Whatever is applied you must make sure the soil can hold onto this and that it is not leached.

Having a whole lot of fertiliser on top is only part of the process. Having knowledge of what is going on underneath the ground is critical to profitability.

Contact Gordon:

Email: rajendram@xtra.co.nz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gordon-Rajendram-Soil-Scientist-830978353759572/

Contact MediaPa
phillip@mediapa.co.nz
P: 0274 587 724
www.mediapa.co.nz
facebook.com/mediapa

The Taranaki region is a tourism hotspot and attraction destination. New Plymouth-
based digital billboard company MAD Media run national campaigns across their
highly viewed digital billboards showcasing the bucket-list destination.

Mount Taranaki
Famous for its dormant stratovolcano, Mount Taranaki, also commonly known as
Mount Egmont, is a destination playground just waiting for you to explore its many
notable attractions. 
Mount Taranaki provides a stunning backdrop to New Plymouth and reminds outdoor
enthusiasts of various hiking trails in the area. Standing at 2518 m high, Mount
Taranaki is more complex and dangerous than it appears-dust off those hiking boots
but attempt the walking track in good conditions. Get exploring!

Festival of Lights
The iconic Pukekura Park is famous for the TSB Festival of Lights from Christmas
until mid-January. Festival of the Lights is a world-class event attracting visitors from
around New Zealand and worldwide.

Escape to the Puzzle Room
Escapinator New Plymouth is Taranaki’s number one escape room experience.
Can you unlock the clues to escape the Train Escape, Zombie Lab, or Buccaneer
Bounty Room?
Choose to accept the challenge, and your team has 60 minutes of adrenaline-fuelled
code cracking, solving puzzles and finding clues to make your escape.
Based in the heart of New Plymouth’s CBD, Escapinator is a 5-minute walk from the
Downtown multi-storey carpark.

For the animal lover
Pouakai Zoo, nestled beneath Mount Taranaki, is home to various animals, including
tigers, capuchin monkeys, meerkats, kune kune pigs, and alpacas. 

Historic walk, anyone?
Take a historical walk through the central city as an experienced guide takes you
back to the early settlers’ arrival in New Plymouth in 1841.
A fascinating way to learn about the city’s history, its development and how time has
evolved, making it the attraction it is today.

Art is in the eye of the beholder.
The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is New Zealand’s museum of contemporary art and
the global home of Len Lye’s art and ideas. 
You can experience innovative and provocative work by the world’s leading
contemporary artists.
Exhibitions change every four months, accompanied by a programme of talks, tours,
art-making workshops, and a regularly changed selection of works from the Len Lye
Foundation Collection and Archive. 

Outdoor spaces 
The district boasts 110 parks and reserves encompassing 1200 hectares and over
50 playgrounds to let the kids burn off some energy.

Contact MAD Media NZ
mad.nz
P: 0800 2 GO MAD

Contact Phillip Quay
phillip@mediapa.co.nz
P: 0274 587 724
www.mediapa.co.nz
facebook.com/mediapa

by Sharon Dean

Multiple award-winning Artisan Cheese entrepreneurs Kelvin and Cathy Haigh from The Cheese
Barn, a family-run business in Matatoki, have won prestigious awards for their organic cheese brands since 1998.
“The Cheese Awards we enter every year. We won the Champion Cheese Award for our Cumin Seed Gouda in 2018”, said the Haighs.
Kelvin Haigh is a cheese maker and has worked in the Dairy Industry his entire life. Wife Cathy manages the cheese side of the business and has a background in Sales, Marketing and Administration.

With over 20 years of experience in the Hospitality sector, Penny Riley complements the business, helping to run the seven-day-a-week cafe.
The Haigh’s believe in keeping things as simple and natural as possible. They obtain their milk from a Certified Organic local family.

“The farm takes pride in providing a safe product for their customers and the environment.” Say
Kelvin and Cathy Haigh.

Kelvin and Cathy are makers of BioGro Certified Products, including: 

• organic cheeses and
• yoghurts

The organic products are:

• unhomogenised
• gluten-free
• GMO-free
• have no artificial additives
• contain no antibiotics or growth hormones and have no chemical sprays.

Organic Quark is just one of the unique, organic products Kelvin and Cathy Haigh produce. Quark is a soft, spreadable cheese with a creamy texture similar to cottage cheese – it is made using a traditional Dutch recipe. Quark is high in protein and can give your diet a nutritional boost. 

Organic Gouda
A traditional Dutch cheese, creamy and golden and melts in your mouth. Use on cheeseboards and cooking as it will melt well and can be used in any dish to give a smooth, creamy texture and great flavour.

Organic Camembert
Organic Camembert is made from organic whole milk, starters, cultures, and salt. This cheese is
slowly matured in a humid environment and ripens from the outside in.

Organic Kefir Yoghurt
A naturally healthy probiotic and unsweetened pourable yoghurt. Great on your breakfast cereal, in a smoothie or as a drinking yoghurt. Add to curry to give a creamy texture.

Organic Sour Cream
Thick and creamy. Made with no artificial additives, chemicals or sprays, antibiotics or growth
hormones and no added thickeners or preservatives. Unhomogenised, gluten-free and paleo-friendly. Organic Sour Cream can be added to scones made with Lemonade, cream, and SR Flour.

There are many health benefits to eating organic food.
Organic Food contains more:

• vitamins,
• minerals
• enzymes,
• and micronutrients than conventionally raised food.

The Cheese Barn Café is open 7 Days and is BYO only.
“We provide a unique destination for families to enjoy great coffee and food and our cheese in a
peaceful rural setting”, says Kelvin and Cathy.

Satisfy your tastebuds and enjoy the ‘Farmers Favourite’ Pizza, Smoked Fish with Potato Top Pie, or Cheese Platters.

The Cheese Barn Matatoki….Makers of fine Artisan Cheeses

The Cheese Barn
4 Wainui Road
Matatoki
P: 07 868 1284
info@thecheesebarn.co.nz
https://thecheesebarn.co.nz

Phillip Quay
phillip@mediapa.co.nz
P: 0274 587 724
www.mediapa.co.nz
facebook.com/mediapa