Finance:.   NZ dollar eased again over the week & remains a very weak currency.   Brent Crude are falling as the oil tankers leave the gulf. The current price is $72.49/barrel & we should see some further drops in fuel prices at the pumps.

Wool:  The wool prices continue to firm with optimism in the coarse wools.

Beef, Sheep & Venison schedules: The meat schedules remain strong.  All meat schedules remain firm as demand continues to grow for red meats internationally.

Dairy Prices.  The Pulse Auction is indicating a further easing in prices for the upcoming g/DT auction.  The weakening dollar will continue to underpin the current dairy prices as the dairy prices ease.

I have seen a lot of thin cows as I have driven around the countryside over the last 2-weeks.  It is difficult to put the condition on in the short time before spring calving starts.  Maize silage and other high carbohydrate feeds will help and a multi-mineral injection can assist.  The cow condition at calving will affect the cows ability to produce through the season.

Quote: “‎There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”

Need Help. If at any time you just want to talk & need someone to talk to, just call - Male Support Services (Waikato) 0800-677-289,  or Rural Support Trust 0800-787-245.  Crisis TXT – HELP (4357).  A shared problem can be a problem solved!!

Jim’s Weekly Rant:

This is the first time in many years that the “farming gods” have all been smiling at the same time and remember it is partly due to our very weak dollar!!.  Wool is at sustainable levels, beef prices are continuing to rise and sheep meat demand is increasing while dairy prices remain firm.  All farming activities are considered to be profitable, which is great news for the farmers and the rural economy.  Around 85% of all of New Zealand’s export wealth is generated by the rural sector so the profits from agriculture become important for everyone, especially for the government heading into the general election.  With good returns there becomes an obligation on the farmer to act carefully and with caution.  The next month or two is a time to do some real planning and reset your wants, needs and objectives so you don’t get to the end of the few golden years and wonder what happened to the profits.  Some of the major considerations must include debt reduction, updating old or obsolete plant and equipment, off farm investments, and internal restructuring to facilitate succession planning. The creation of some new property titles might be a prudent investment to help future proof the capital. There are temptations to buy the better beach-house or new motor vehicles, or even build that dream home on the farm that might overcapitalize the farm and make a sale or transfer to a family member impossible or even invest in some of the “wearables” that are fashionable. It is important to have a formal business meeting to discuss the plan and ensure everyone is on board. If it involves the family, have them attend the meeting.   Keep some minutes and write down the plans and proposals so they become understood and embedded in the minds of all involved in the business.  It might be prudent to have an independent person chair the meeting to ensure all involved in the business have an equal opportunity to input ideas and enter into the discussion.  With the average age of farmers increasing, I am of the opinion that reviewing the succession plan should also be a priority at this time and that might involve the whole family with equity and fairness being paramount.  Wills should also be reviewed and if there are to be disproportionate distributions, a document with a list of wishes should be discussed and attached to the will.  The changes that might occur in the business over the “golden” period will impact on many parts of the business and if the planning is done well the whole family can benefit.  The transferring of property into new entities or titles must comply with the law and if the property is sold within the “Bight-line” period there will be tax to pay.   If there is no planning, the profits will soon be squandered and everyone left wondering when times get tough again, because they will!!! Please don’t ask Chloe Swarbrick to do your budgets as her attempt at budgeting has been woeful.  And just remember that money and its distribution is the cause of many family and business bust-ups, but communication discussion and involvement can keep assets intact and families together. 

Wellington is a unique and challenging rental market. With its character-filled older housing stock, distinct local climate, and strict compliance rules, managing a capital city investment requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. For landlords, making the wrong choice can be incredibly costly.

Our latest guide breaks down exactly what Wellington property owners should look for when selecting a property manager—and how to spot the red flags before you sign.

• Master Local Market Dynamics: Understand the unique factors shaping Wellington rentals right now, from public sector shifts and changing tenant pools to suburb-specific rental trends.
• Lock In Compliance Peace of Mind: Learn why 100% adherence to Healthy Homes Standards is non-negotiable under current law, and how to verify that your property manager has foolproof systems to protect you from heavy fines.
• Demand Reporting Transparency: Discover what a high-quality, honest inspection report should look like, ensuring you get real insights and photos rather than vague, automated updates.
• Unpack the True Cost of Fees: Find out how to look past a basic headline management percentage to get a fully transparent, itemised breakdown, preventing unexpected add-ons down the line.

Ready to confidently choose a property manager who truly understands Wellington’s unique property landscape?

Read the full guide here: How to Choose a Property Management Company in Wellington

When the winter chill sets in, keeping your home warm shouldn’t mean watching your power bills skyrocket. Whether you own your home or manage a rental property, choosing the right combination of heating, insulation, and daily habits makes all the difference to your comfort, health, and running costs.

Our latest article breaks down the most effective strategies to trap the heat and keep the cold out this season.

• Choose the Right Heating: Compare the efficiency of heat pumps, wood pellet burners, and standard electric heaters to find the best match for your space and budget.
• Master the Thermostat: Discover the optimal temperature range recommended by EECA to strike the perfect balance between a cozy home and lower energy costs.
• Stop Sneaky Draughts: Learn simple, practical ways to use curtains, draught excluders, and soft furnishings to lock in the heat you’ve already paid for.
• Manage Moisture Efficiently: Understand why quick, daily ventilation is actually a secret weapon for keeping your home warmer and healthier all winter long.

Ready to create a healthier, more energy-efficient environment without breaking the bank?

Read the full article here: Energy-Efficient Ways to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter

Winter in Auckland might be mild, but the damp conditions and cooler temperatures bring unique challenges for landlords. Ensuring your rental property is warm, dry, and well-maintained isn't just about keeping tenants happy—it’s about safeguarding your asset and meeting year-round legal requirements.

Our latest guide breaks down the essential steps every Auckland landlord should take before the cold weather sets in.

• Understand Year-Round Compliance: Learn why the Healthy Homes Standards aren’t seasonal and what you need to check—from heating and insulation to ventilation and draught stopping—to stay fully compliant.
• Beat the Winter Rush: Discover why timing is everything when scheduling essential maintenance like heat pump servicing and gutter clearing, and how booking early saves you time and money.
• Tackle the Biggest Risks: Identify the primary causes of winter moisture and condensation, and find out how proactive maintenance prevents costly mould remediation down the track.
• Conduct Smart Winter Inspections: Get a practical checklist of what to look for during your seasonal property walkthroughs, from checking exterior seals to verifying working smoke alarms.

Want to ensure your investment property is fully protected and performing at its best this winter?

Read the full article here: How to Prepare Your Auckland Rental Property for Winter

With the 1 July 2025 deadline now firmly in the rearview mirror, full compliance with New Zealand’s Healthy Homes Standards is no longer a goal—it’s the legal baseline for every private rental property. Among these rules, ventilation plays a massive role in protecting both your investment and your tenants' well-being.

Our latest guide breaks down what you need to look out for to ensure your rental property remains on the right side of the law.

• Know the Rules: Discover the strict legal benchmarks for habitable rooms, including the exact openable window ratios required to meet compliance.
• Target Moisture Hotspots: Learn why standard recirculating rangehoods fall short and how kitchen and bathroom extractor fans must be specifically ducted to prevent costly moisture and mould damage.
• Balance the Responsibility: Understand how a dry, healthy home relies on a shared approach, from the structural fixtures landlords must legally provide, to the daily habits tenants can adopt to keep condensation at bay.
• Protect Your Investment: See how staying proactive on ventilation requirements shields you from steep Tenancy Tribunal fines while preserving the long-term value of your property.

Ready to ensure your rental meets the standard and breathes easy?

Read the full article here: Rental Property Ventilation: Healthy Homes Guide

Choosing the right property management team is one of the most critical decisions an Auckland landlord can make. With shifting compliance requirements, changing rental dynamics, and varying service models, you need a partner who protects your asset while maximising its potential.

Our comprehensive 2026 guide breaks down the essential criteria every investor should prioritise when vetting a property manager.

• Ask the Hard Questions: Learn how to look past surface-level promises and evaluate the operational realities that matter, from daily workflows to emergency backup cover.
• Master Compliance: Discover why up-to-the-minute expertise on Healthy Homes Standards and the Residential Tenancies Act is non-negotiable for safeguarding your investment.
• Demand Transparency: Find out how real-time landlord portals and proactive reporting save you stress and keep you fully informed without having to chase for answers.
• Leverage Local Knowledge: Understand why deep, suburb-level experience across Auckland’s unique market cycles is the ultimate competitive advantage for local landlords.

Ready to cut through the noise and find a management partner you can truly rely on?

Read the full 2026 guide here: How to Choose a Property Management Company in Auckland

When choosing a property management company in Auckland, landlords usually find themselves torn between two choices: an established company with large teams and structured systems, or a smaller boutique operator offering a highly personal approach.

While both have their merits, they are built differently, operate differently, and carry vastly different structural risks. Our latest article breaks down what each operator genuinely does well, where they fall short, and the critical questions you should ask before locking yourself into a 12-month contract.

• Spot the Vulnerabilities: Understand why relying on a single boutique operator creates a "single point of failure" if they get sick, take leave, or suddenly exit the business.
• Compare the True Costs: Discover how a larger company’s buying power translates to lower maintenance costs and vetted contractor networks, whereas smaller operators often lack that leverage.
• Evaluate the Infrastructure: Learn how institutional stability, dedicated compliance processes, and 24/7 tech portals protect your asset during crises (like the 2023 Auckland floods) when independent operators get overwhelmed.
• Identify Your Match: Find out which type of landlord you are and whether your specific portfolio demands a highly flexible, informal setup or the structural protection of an experienced, scaled team.

Before making a decision that could impact your rental income and asset security, make sure you know exactly what happens behind the scenes when things go wrong.

Read the full article here: Large vs Boutique Property Management Companies in Auckland

Taking up the World’s Most Violent sport at 58… BAD Idea?

So as 2025 ended I was looking to change my focus for my hobby and also my holidays.

Let me explain.

In years gone by I found that the typical fly-and-flop holidays were OK, but a little boring and insular. You could be  by the resort pool, sipping on your cold beer, but you could be anywhere in the world. No cultural interaction with that country.

I wanted something more integrated with the country I was visiting. So, a few years ago I decided to do cycle tours, where you cycle from one resort to another, immersing yourself in country away from the tourist traps. My first cycling holiday was Bangkok to Phuket, around 1,000km over 10 days. I saw the real Thailand, met the real locals, and of course ate the real Thai food.

While I was in Phuket, I visited the famous Bangtao Gym and was impressed by how large-scale, professional and friendly it was. By comparison it would match or better any gym in New Zealand. It was full of tourists from all around the world doing the sports tourism holiday.

I thought it would be super cool to do a holiday training Muay Thai sometime. Muay Thai  if you didn’t know, is considered one of the most violent martial arts — it is called the art of eight limbs. Which is a polite way of saying you have boxing and kicking, but with the addition of elbows and knees. Just YouTube some of the professional fights to get a taste.  Nasty!

Not the sort of thing a 58-year-old typically takes up.

So late in 2025, inspired by a younger friend who had done exactly this, I decided to start training for a Muay Thai holiday in Thailand in 2026.

I asked my friend — who had spent 8 weeks training in Phuket — which gym he would recommend in Auckland. I was imagining the gym I would find would have expert Thai instructors from Thailand. Who better to teach you than a Thai expert who has been immersed in the art since childhood?

He recommended 789 Muay Thai in Mount Roskill. After a quick Google search, I found it was run by two guys — Stephen Lyons an American from the Mid-West in the USA, and Taras Barbashin from Russia. I went back to my mate and asked was he sure this was the best one? He said yup — in fact he said it was the best one in Auckland. I figured he should know; After all he had spent two months training Muay Thai in Phuket.

So, I popped in to meet Taras, the Russian guy. I explained that I would start training with his club in December 2025 with the plan of knowing the basics by September 2026 for my holiday.

So, at 58, while I was fit for distance exercise, I soon found out that Muay Thai is shorter, more intense exercise -- and it requires a flexibility that at 58 I simply didn’t have.

The first month was spent just trying to get my head around the basics, getting my fitness to a level where I could handle the hour sessions, and slowly making myself more flexible.

As it turns out, both Taras and Stephen are highly experienced Muay Thai instructors and genuinely excellent coaches. In fact, both have trained extensively in Muay Thai and other martial arts.

 So, we were at ground zero at the beginning of 2026. In cycling terms, I had my training wheels on — a complete beginner.

I started with the group classes at 789. As is typical in these classes, there is a wide range of skill levels. I found this a little challenging as I was more often than not paired with someone with far more experience or someone with even less skills than myself.

Just by chance, around this time 789 employed another trainer called Bahar — a young Thai guy, a professional instructor from Thailand. In fact, he’s been learning the art since the age of 8. But more importantly he is a gifted teacher of the art. This meant he was able to meet me at my level and help me upskill.

I ordered a banana punching bag for home, ditched the group classes in favour of home workouts, and combined this with one-on-one PT sessions with Bahar.

The goal is to be at a basic skill and fitness level for my holiday and spend a block of time focused on getting to the next level.

So, the plan is to head to Bangkok and train for one day at the famous PK Saenchai gym, then travel to Pattaya and train at one of the Muay Thai gyms there. In fact, some of the gyms are 5 minutes’ walk to Pattaya’s famous beaches, allowing for a holiday experience when not training.

789 Muay Thai has been very helpful in getting me up to speed on the basics, and patient with me as a beginner. Stephen encourages a friendly atmosphere in the club with a real sense of community.

The remarkable thing about Muay Thai in Thailand, is that even professional champions are expected to be humble and modest.  The instructors at 789 reflect this attitude with their club being welcoming and friendly but still offering top notch training.

So, was it a bad idea to train Muay Thai at 58? Maybe, let’s see how the Thailand training goes.

by Owen Stobart

Not quite ready to bungy jump? SkyRide might be exactly what you're looking for.

If you've always wanted the thrill of an adrenaline adventure but aren't ready to take the leap, SkyRide offers the perfect introduction. Suspended 192 metres above Auckland, you'll experience incredible views before an exciting descent down the Sky Tower.

Why SkyRide is worth trying:

• Thrilling Without the Leap: Experience the excitement of speed and height without a traditional bungy jump.
• Perfect for Everyone: Great for first-time adventurers, families, groups, or anyone building confidence before trying bigger thrills.
• Ride Together: Choose a solo or tandem ride and share the experience with a friend.

Whether you're easing into adventure or simply looking for a unique way to see Auckland, SkyRide delivers an unforgettable experience.

Read the full guide here: Auckland's Newest Ride: Everything You Need to Know About the SkyRide.

Youngman Richardson is pleased to announce the addition of Ammann ABG pavers to its product range, bringing a globally recognised line of premium asphalt paving equipment to the New Zealand construction, roading and infrastructure sectors.

With a strong reputation for continuous technical innovation, Ammann Group has expanded its advanced range of asphalt pavers, which are now available through Youngman Richardson. The range includes tracked and wheeled models designed to support a wide variety of paving applications, from compact urban projects through to large-scale highway surfacing.

The new range strengthens Youngman Richardson’s existing partnership with Ammann and complements its current selection of Ammann Heavy Compaction equipment, including trench rollers, single drum rollers, articulated drum rollers and tandem rollers.

According to Youngman Richardson, the addition of Ammann ABG pavers gives New Zealand contractors access to proven European paving technology supported by local knowledge, service and product expertise.

“These pavers are a strong addition to our construction equipment offering and provide contractors with reliable options for a wide range of asphalt paving projects,” says Phil Fairfield, Youngman Richardson’s Sales and Marketing Director.

“Ammann is already a respected name in compaction equipment, and the ABG paver range allows us to offer customers more complete support across the paving process, from laying through to compaction.”

The Ammann ABG range includes several machine classes to suit different project requirements. Mini class pavers are designed for small paving widths, footpaths, repair work and compact urban environments where manoeuvrability is important. City class pavers are suited to urban roadwork, narrow streets and small to medium-sized projects, offering compact design with strong production capability.

For larger commercial, residential and infrastructure projects, multi class and highway class pavers provide greater working widths and higher output. These machines are designed for contractors who require consistent, high-quality paving across demanding applications and larger job sites.

A key part of the new range is the Ammann eABG 4820 electric-drive paver. The electric model was selected to support sustainability targets while still delivering strong performance for daily paving operations. According to Ammann, the electric paver can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared with diesel alternatives, while also helping reduce noise and odour on site.

The ABG pavers feature advanced screed technology developed to support paving quality, productivity and operator efficiency. Features such as fast warm-up times, hydraulically controlled end gates and quick-coupling systems help reduce setup time and improve day-to-day operation. Ammann’s double tamper technology is also designed to deliver a higher degree of compaction and strong paving density outcomes.

Youngman Richardson says the arrival of the ABG paver range reflects its ongoing commitment to providing New Zealand contractors with quality equipment from trusted international brands.

Based in Switzerland, Ammann has been family-owned since 1869 and is recognised globally for developing advanced, sustainable machinery for the roadbuilding and construction industries.

To learn more about Ammann ABG pavers, contact Youngman Richardson or visit www.yrco.co.nz for information on products, services and brands nationwide.

About Youngman Richardson

Youngman Richardson is a New Zealand owned and operated supplier of construction, agricultural and industrial equipment. Since 1981, the company has supported New Zealand businesses with equipment sales, parts and service from leading international brands. Youngman Richardson has built a strong reputation for quality, service and industry knowledge, and continues to support contractors across the country with reliable equipment solutions.

In Queenstown, winter conditions might surprise you. Most days go ahead even with snow or rain. The main thing that matters is wind, not temperature.

What to expect:

• Jumps usually run in most winter weather
• Wind is the key safety factor
• Snow, rain, and crisp alpine air are all part of the experience
• Adrenaline takes over once you step onto the platform

What to wear:

• Thermal layers
• Warm, comfortable clothing
• Secure closed-toe shoes (Crocs are not a good idea)

Winter bungy is less about handling the cold and more about being prepared for it.

Read the full article for winter bungy tips and what to wear.

For over 32 years, Paulette Coombes worked as a registered nurse, supporting people through some of life's most vulnerable moments. It's an experience that taught her something many wellness practitioners only learn in theory: real change rarely starts in the body. It starts in the mind.

Today, as a Certified Life Mastery Consultant and founder of EleVate Beyond, Hamilton-based Paulette helps people identify the subconscious blocks quietly running their lives, the ones shaping their health, relationships, confidence, finances, and sense of purpose without them even realising it. Her work bridges that clinical insight with deep personal development, empowering people to move beyond self-doubt and anxiety into clarity, confidence, and aligned action.

"Our goals and dreams are often born out of the challenges we face," says Paulette.

According to her, two feelings tend to signal that growth is calling: longing and discontent. Rather than something to suppress, she sees them as intuitive messengers pulling us towards growth.

This is where mindset work intersects with wellness in a meaningful way. So often, we treat symptoms, stress, fatigue, low motivation, strained relationships, without ever asking what belief or pattern is driving them. Paulette's approach digs beneath the surface, helping people uncover what's really holding them back, then equips them with practical tools to move forward.

"You are capable of far more than you know, despite your circumstances, situation or conditions," she reminds her clients, and it's a philosophy reflected throughout her work, whether through one-on-one coaching, group programmes, or her live workshops.

For Paulette, the goal is always the same: helping people move from simply surviving to genuinely thriving. That means shifting from a place of lack to one of gratitude and self-awareness, and replacing hopelessness with renewed motivation and direction. For some, it also means reconnecting with parts of themselves, their culture, their relationships, their sense of identity, that they believed they'd lost along the way.

It's not about quick fixes. It's about reconnecting with who you truly are and building, with intention and courage, the life you actually want, in your health, your relationships, and your sense of purpose.

For anyone who has sensed there's something more waiting for them, but hasn't known how to reach it, Paulette's work offers a place to start.

Contact Paulette Coombes

021 222 9114 

paulette@elevatebeyond.co.nz

https://elevatebeyond.co.nz/

Contact MediaPA

027 458 7724

phillip@mediapa.co.nz