3 Thursday Rapere 4 Friday Ramere The Sky Tower opens in Auckland, 1997. It is the highest structure in the Southern Hemisphere and twelfthtallest in the world at the time. A banner is hung from the historic pine on Auckland’s One Tree Hill to protest native forest logging by government logger Timberlands on the West Coast, 1998. Conservation group Native Forest Action were highlighting that the council spent much time and money protecting an 80 year old exotic tree whilst thousands of 500+ year old native rimu trees were felled each year. Stewart Nimmo
AUGUST 5 Saturday Rahoroi 6 Sunday Ratapu Judge Silvia Cartwright releases a damning report on cervical cancer treatment at Auckland’s National Women’s Hospital, 1988. The NZ Geographic Board decides to drop the name Mount Egmont in favour of Mount Taranaki, 1985. Jack Lovelock wins New Zealand’s first track and field Olympic Gold medal in the 1,500m in Berlin, 1936. He won a scholarship to study medicine at Otago, and a Rhodes scholarship to Oxford but died at 39 falling in front of a subway train in New York. His death remains surrounded by mystery.
Stewart Nimmo
7 Monday Rahina 8 Tuesday Ratu 9 Wednesday Raapa AUGUST Comedian Billy T. James dies at 42, 1991. William Taitoko to his family, he’s one of the best known contributors to New Zealand entertainment in his lifetime and won Entertainer of the Decade in 1985. Dunedin suburb Abbotsford is hit by one of New Zealand’s worst urban landslides, 1979. Despite cracks in the hill and houses, the sudden slipping of 1m / minute surprised everyone. 76 homes were destroyed, leaving a 75m split in the hillside. John Blundell, 89 of Kawakawa Bay is awarded, ‘Commended – individual’ at Auckland Regional Council’s Sustainable Environment Awards, 2007, for a lifetime of caring for the environment. We *heart* John! Royd Kennedy becomes a national hero staying under a blazing, oil–laden tanker to comfort Shirley Young who was pinned underneath it for 75 minutes, 1990.
10 Thursday Rapere 11 Friday Ramere The National Film Unit turns 21 this day in 1962, yarrrdie. The Aramoana sails for the first time, our first ‘roll-on-roll-off’ ferry, 1962. Item 21 mini Michael Lowe
AUGUST 12 Saturday Rahoroi 13 Sunday Ratapu John Walker’s world record mile, 3 minutes 49.4 seconds, 1975. Meals on Wheels begins from Wellington Hospital, 1951. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you d di , ub pt poe ve nlli wel re of gr et how you made them feel. – Maya Angelou
LATE BLOOMER media on canvas 41cm x 61cm Kathy Ready
14 Monday Rahina 15 Tuesday Ratu 16 Wednesday Raapa AUGUST Thirty newly arrived English immigrants set sail for England, bitterly disillusioned with life in New Zealand, 1947. Former New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange dies at 63, 2005. A popular Labour leader who governed through a tumultuous split with the US, standing his ground against nuclear policy, and battled France over the Rainbow Warrior sinking. New Zealand celebrates victory over Japan in WWII and the war’s end, 1945. CORSO, the Council of Organisations for Relief Services Overseas, is formed, 1944. It is an umbrella organisation for postwar aid work.
17 Thursday Rapere 18 Friday Ramere French and German settlers land at Akaroa, 1840. Jean-Francois Langlois buys Banks Peninsula from local Maori for 6,000 francs, six pairs of trousers, twelve hats, two pairs of shoes, two shirts, one overcoat, one cloak and a pistol. Nicholas Willis wins bronze in the men’s 1500 metres, Olympics with a time of 3:34.16 minutes, 2008. Trivia: New Zealand has won more Olympic gold medals, per capita, than any other country. Significance Breathing in, the air of the ancient ones, lungs fill with wonder and the fragrance of millennia of sunrises, sunsets over eternal rock, water, sky. Breathing out, deflated, reminded of my nothingness, formed as I am of rock, water, sky but neither as useful, nor as significant. Who am I to be here, nourished by wonder? And the rock looks at me, sideways. And the water listens, smiling. And the air swaddles me tight, And they whisper in perfect harmony “Who are you, not to?” Dr Bridget Doran
AUGUST 19 Saturday Rahoroi 20 Sunday Ratapu DC3 passenger aircraft, the main national domestic flight providers, are ceased, 1970. One is now a tearoom in Mangaweka. The Meteorological Service is established, with Dr Charles Knight appointed as the first Director, 1861. Huia | Flox
Tamaki Makaurau from Tiritiri Matangi Island Amanda Rogers
21 Monday Rahina 22 Tuesday Ratu 23 Wednesday Raapa AUGUST The Weekly News, one of NZ’s favourite magazines, ceases publication, 1971. Poet, novelist and journalist Robin Hyde dies in London, 1939. Born Iris Wilkinson, she was one of New Zealand’s finest inter-war era writers. Best known for her novels Passport to Hell, Nor the years condemn and the autobiographical The godwits fly, she considered herself primarily as a poet. The National Youth Choirs’ first concert, in Upper Hutt, 1979.
24 Thursday Rapere 25 Friday Ramere New Zealand’s worst tornado sweeps through Hamilton and Frankton, killing 3 people and damaging hundreds of buildings, 1948. Burt Munro, 67, of Invercargill sets the World Record for Flying One Mile Class S – A 1000cc, Munro Special Indian 183.586 (295.453km/h), Bonneville, 1967. When new his 1920s Indian top speed was 55mph! EGG SALAD 6 free-range eggs 1 stick celery, finely sliced ½ red capsicum, finely sliced 1 tsp chopped chives 1 tsp toasted coriander seeds Black pepper ⅓ cup mayonnaise 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce Pinch salt Pinch paprika 4 lettuce cups to serve Boil the eggs for 8 minutes. Refresh under cold water. Peel and cut each egg into 8 pieces. Place into a bowl with the celery, capsicum, chives, coriander seeds and a pinch of black pepper. Mix the mayonnaise with the Worcestershire sauce, salt and paprika then gently fold through the egg mixture. Spoon into lettuce cups and garnish with a few extra chives and black pepper. Wendy Morgan
AUGUST 26 Saturday Rahoroi 27 Sunday Ratapu Legendary All Black full back George Nepia dies in Ruatoria, 1986. One of New Zealand’s most celebrated and gifted authors, Janet Frame, is born in Dunedin, 1924. After an incorrect diagnosis of schizophrenia she received electroconvulsive therapy, halted when she won a major literary award. Jane Campion made Frame’s three-volume autobiography (each won book of the year) into an award-winning film of the same name, An Angel at my Table.
Rhythm of the Night 120 h x 150 w Ilya Volykhine
28 Monday Rahina 29 Tuesday Ratu 30 Wednesday Raapa AUGUST Saint Paul by New Zealand pop star Shane enters the pop charts, 1968. Ernest Rutherford is born in Nelson, 1871. Most famously, he went on to split the atom, but his other discoveries enabled such technologies as smoke-detectors and wireless telegraphy. Leader of the Labour Party since 1965 and Prime Minister from late 1972, ‘Big Norm’ Kirk dies suddenly at the age of 51. He is the fifth New Zealand PM to die in office. Must be a stressful job!
31 Thursday Rapere 1 Friday Ramere SEPTEMBER This day in 1987, New Zealander Lorraine Cohen is sentenced to be hung for trafficking heroin by a Malaysian judge. After over 11 years in jail she and her son Aaron were finally pardoned and released in 1996. Researchers at Harvard University publish research showing a link between frequent anger and age-related deterioration in lung function. The research suggests that negative emotions can change biological processes and disturb the immune system as well as cause chronic inflammation, 2006. My Journey towards becoming Plant Powered When Carl Lewis bound his way to nine Olympic gold medals no one would have guessed he was running on fruit salad. Whether for philosophical reasons, environmental concerns, or better health, more Kiwi’s are choosing a plant powered diet, to help them enjoy better, more productive lives. As the science rolls in and public perception shifts, the idea of munching down on a big bowl of plant food seems increasingly appealing to many carnivorous salad doubters. Many people find it surprising to learn that it’s possible to achieve amazing physical endurance and muscle strength relying on the humble plant world for nutrition. In my work as a physiotherapist and endurance coach I’m often asked for my opinion on the role of diet in health, growth, stamina and recovery. This article is about my personal journey from carnivore into veganism. Changing the way I ate was the first step, and the platform for me to start my wellness journey. The journey towards eating more plants started about eight years ago. It was a dark time, as any runner who has suffered a significant injury will relate. (continued over page...) Brad Dixon is a sports physio, coach, and wellness evangelist based at EVERFIT Physio & Coaching. His passion is promoting enhancing daily habits that nudge people towards potential and save the planet. The power is in our daily habits! www.everfit.co.nz
2 Saturday Rahoroi 3 Sunday Ratapu The NZ government declares war on Germany, 1939. The first turn–style rotary milking machine begins operation (invented by Taranaki man Merv Hicks), 1969. A magnitude 7.1 earthquake strikes about 30km west of Christchurch at 4.35am, leaving extensive damage in the city, 2010. Soon after leaving Nelson the newly built brig Delaware hits bad weather and is wrecked on rocks between Graham’s Pt and Pepin Is., 1863. The area is now known as Delaware Bay. SEPTEMBER
I’d planned to run the Kepler trail, an epic boy’s trip in the deep South. Then suddenly I tore a meniscus, my dream was smashed. My surgeon (also a running buddy) informed me that I shouldn’t run for at least six months, and that my running future would have to be “managed”. Beyond glum, I felt deep grief. I’d miss the Kepler, AND I was banned from running for months, possibly never reaching my running potential! After a period of mourning, I got bored with my own miserable behaviour and decided to take a more pro-active approach to recovery. At the time my uncle Murray was battling bowel cancer and was delving into the mysterious world of plant-based whole-food eating. Murray had started a blog to encourage friends and family to consider changing their diets and lifestyles. One of his best blog entries really hit home, “The cards are stacked firmly against prevention – who wants to be advised to change the lifestyle and eating habits of a lifetime… you may think you could never in a million years cut down or cut out sugar, processed foods - particularly processed meats, dairy products, excess alcohol, fast foods, and replace it with a diet of fresh fruit and vege -particularly green leafy veges, berries, nuts, green tea , and smoothies…” I had to cringe while reading this, recalling all the big breakfasts, steak and chip dinners and other crap I’d eaten over the years. A light-bulb went on. I felt a strong desire to change, and treat my body with the respect it deserved. How could I complain about my then 38-year-old body letting me down when I’d not fuelled it well? I couldn’t run, so threw myself into cycling and swimming, and sought more information on plant-based nutrition. Much of Murray’s blog seemed to make good sense and even better science. I was intrigued and being naturally inquisitive I began conducting my own personal study. Around this time I discovered the vegan ultra athlete and author Rich Roll and his plant-based, whole-food approach to eating. His amazing journey to improved health formed the final incentive in my decision to change my diet. Initially I just ate a lot more vegetables and fruit and cut down meat to once a week. I began eliminating more processed meats like sausages and bacon, and replaced my artificial biscuit and chip snacks with nuts, seeds and fruit. Over the next 10 weeks, with less training than usual, I lost 12kg in bodyweight, gained energy, had less muscle soreness after exercise, and experienced a newly improved clarity in thinking. This experience inspired me tweak my eating even further, reducing then eliminating dairy. Six years on from my injury, I now love a new way of eating. You could call it a “wholefood plant-based diet”, but it’s not a branded fad diet, it’s a great way of life, and flexible way to eat. I now relish plant-based natural foods and enjoy mainly vegan at home and sometimes vegetarian when out. I was once a doublemeat kind of guy, my favourite meals had at least two types of meat, yet I can truly say that I’m eating exactly what I feel like without any sense of missing out. I don’t ever crave meat. If someone had told me eight years ago that I’d be choosing a vegan burger over an angus beef burger I’d have laughed… and then ordered an angus beef burger. The biggest surprise is that I love what I’m eating, my weight is low and stable and I feel more energetic and creative than ever before. Even this ex-double-meat carnivore has to admit, these facts are hard to dispute. And did I mention, I’m running again? Yes, my change in nutrition and weight loss allowed me to build up running again, now with minimal ongoing knee symptoms, and I’ve run four marathons, including three sub three hour efforts - my best since my mid20’s, and I’ve discovered trail running which is beautiful. As I glide into my late-forties I find myself living a more outwardlooking, gratitude-focussed life, and I largely attribute a simple change in diet. But don’t take my word for it. I’ve saved these last lines for Albert Einstein, arguably one of the smartest people in history to have the final say, “Nothing will benefit human health or increase the chances for survival on earth as the evolution to a vegetarian diet”. Brad Dixon | www.everfit.co.nz (...from previous page)
4 Monday Rahina 5 Tuesday Ratu 6 Wednesday Raapa SEPTEMBER James Schubet Stirton begins playing the piano at the Theatre Royal (now the TSB Showplace) and doesn’t stop for 74 hours and 12 minutes – a record, 1910. Te Ua Haumene has a vision of the archangel Gabriel telling him that God promises to restore the birthright of the Maori people in New Zealand, 1862. Te Ua preaches the word of God and establishes the Pai Marire religion. New Zealand citizenship is introduced, 1948. Taputeranga Reserve opens on Wellington’s south coast, 2007. It extends 2.3km out to sea and covers 3.3km of coastline over Owhiro, Island and Houghton Bays.
7 Thursday Rapere 8 Friday Ramere Broadcaster Brian Edwards brings about the end of the Post Office’s first industrial action, 1970. Changes to the government bill about the disposal of Motonui effluent ensures that the fishing grounds of the Te Atiawa in Waitara will be safe from pollution, 1983. Joe Harrison
SEPTEMBER 9 Saturday Rahoroi 10 Sunday Ratapu The art exhibition Te Maori opens at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, 1984. Charles Kingsford Smith and crew fly across the Tasman Sea in 14 & a half hours, 1928. Native Animals of New Zealand Acrylic, Ink on Canvas Available at: fishmob.co.nz Pia Davie | @piadavieart
11 Monday Rahina 12 Tuesday Ratu 13 Wednesday Raapa SEPTEMBER The inaugural Bledisloe Cup match between Australia and New Zealand is played at Eden Park, Auckland, 1931. Elizabeth McCombs becomes New Zealand’s first female MP, 1933. The New Zealand Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society takes possession of a 37–acre reserve on Twilight Road, Manakau, bequethed in the will of Mr H. Alexander, and named the Ngaheretuku Reserve, 1951.
14 Thursday Rapere 15 Friday Ramere According to the NZ Student Association, student debt reaches $8 billion on this day, 2005. Oops, bad idea? Fred Flutey and Myrtle Sangster, creators of the ultimate kiwiana ‘Paua House’ in Bluff are married on this day in Invercargill, 1928. Police raid the Auckland Medical Aid Centre, commonly known as the Remuera abortion clinic, acting on complaints, 1974. For Indi This one cries, she has holes in her eyes. This one spits. You have to put them in cold water to see what happens to them. Layer after landfill layer, peel away the plastic til you find your very own teeny tiny big-headed, small-bodied LOL Surprise doll inside the pink egg. Read out the clue: this one says Break A Leg! I know ‘cos I cheated. I love my girl. There are no boy ones. by Annabel Wilson Ode to LOL Surprise Dolls
16 Saturday Rahoroi 17 Sunday Ratapu Ettie Rout, writer, social campaigner, non-conformist (and non-corset-wearer) dies in Rarotonga, 1936. In 1915, she set up the NZ Volunteer Sisterhood to work overseas amongst the troops. Appalled by rates and effects of venereal disease, she rigorously promoted safe sex to military authorities and soldiers. All stories about her were banned from the Kiwi press. Not until many years after her death were her efforts acknowledged. Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana, founder and leader of the Ratana movement, dies, 1939. Paringa River, Te Wahipounamu Amanda Rogers SEPTEMBER
18 Monday Rahina 19 Tuesday Ratu 20 Wednesday Raapa SEPTEMBER Kate Sheppard’s campaigning leads to legislation being passed to allow women to vote. We are the first country in the world to do so, 1893. Sir Keith Holyoake becomes Prime Minister for the first time, 1957. A law is passed lowering the voting age from twenty to eighteen, 1974.
21 Thursday Rapere 22 Friday Ramere Peter Snell wins gold in the 800m and Murray Halberg follows up 30 minutes later to win the 5000m, completing a remarkable track double in Rome's Olympic Stadium, 1960. Bro’Town New Zealand’s first adult animated series, screens for the first time, 2004. One of New Zealand's “most acclaimed literary figures” and “... literary hero for kiwi kids”, Margaret Mahy passes away in Christchurch, 2012. Te Heuheu Tukino gifts to the people of Aotearoa the three sacred mountaintops of Tongariro, Ngaruhoe and Ruapehu allowing people access and usage, but also the responsibility to care for and protect this sacred land. Later, this land becomes New Zealand’s first national park, 1887. BB Queen of Sparrows Esther Remnant nesterprints.co.nz
SEPTEMBER 23 Saturday Rahoroi 24 Sunday Ratapu New Zealand’s first telephone exchange opens in Christchurch. It was a ‘manual’ exchange and had 27 subscribers, 1881. The first recorded planting of grapevines in New Zealand takes place at Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands, 1819. What can YOU do to help our Monarchs survive? In New Zealand, Monarch butterflies are under threat from climate change, loss of habitat (the place where they live) and introduced pests, such as wasps. There are several things you can do to help monarchs survive: Reduce or eliminate pesticide use in your garden. Especially insecticides are also fatal for the insects we want to have in our gardens (such as Monarchs). Weed mats or ground cover plants are often very effective to reduce weeds and provide food for other insects. Plant Swan Plants (milk weed) in your garden. You can buy small plants for as little as $3 at hardware stores. And make sure no wasps eat your eggs! Reduce your carbon footprint because climate change impacts the places monarchs will breed. Bike instead of drive if possible, and your health will thank you, too.
Day 1-5: I can feel it – today is the day I will hatch! It’s been getting rather tight in my egg after 5 days growing inside, I can’t wait to spread my wings and fly away…. Day 6-18: Well, that was a disappointment. I thought I’d turn into a beautiful, majestic Monarch butterfly when, no, I’m a teeny tiny caterpillar. So small, you’ll have to train your human eyes to find me on what will be my home for the next 10-12 days. Did you know this plant I’ve chosen to hatch and live on is, ‘milkweed’ (or, Swan Plant or Asclepias). I LOVE eating it - in fact I won’t eat anything else during the most wonderous phases of my life. Speaking of food… my tummy is grumbling, and I am sooo hungry…I might just see what this leave tastes like… oooh, divine. I might have another one. And another. Oooh over there, mmm, that leaf looks delicious. While munching, let me tell you more about my host plant. It not only helps me survive the early stages of my life but also during my later ones. It has white liquid in it which is toxic to humans and some animals. But not for me, and that’s my super weapon. Because I eat so much of it, the toxins in the plant build up in me and make me poisonous as well. How amazing is this? So any predator (like birds) that try to munch me, learn their lesson quickly and will only try and bite me once. Isn’t mother nature clever? Well, I think I must have grown. My old ‘skin’ seemed to have run out of space. Luckily, I have a bigger, better fitting one underneath. Did you know that as I eat and continue to grow, I go through this process (also called instar) five times? And every time I grow larger and stronger and hungrier! I can mow through up to 20 leaves during my growing phase. Day 19-20 (and five instar later…) Ooh I am so full! Maybe I shouldn’t have eaten that 21st leaf! And I am so happy! All I want to do, is curl up and hang off a branch and let my body do its thing. I feel like head down may be best, with my behind attached to a piece of silk to a branch which holds me tight. Some people say I look like a ‘J’ dangling of a branch like that. I feel quite vulnerable in this stage, turning all green doesn’t seem to help. I might just hold very still so that whatever is growing around my body can form uninterruptedly. I have never felt so different. I can feel wings on my back, but they are still squashed up within my Chrysalis (the case that surrounds me now). Did you know that Chrysalis is the Greek word for gold? Scientists gave my green cover this name because of the gold dots and band around my case. Day 21 – 34: I think today is the day I will re-emerge and span my wings to fly away. How do I get out of this cocoon that is around me? If I push against it, it might break…Ah, that’s better. Now I have space to spread my wings to allow them to dry. It takes up to 4 hours for my wings to dry before I can fly to freeeeedom. Day 35 – 77: Phew – not sure if I would call this freedom? I have been court shipping so many ladies, I need a rest. While you might think that male and female butterflies look alike, an easy way to tell us apart is from the two black dots on my wings which make me a gentleman. For the next two to six weeks, I will be busy pollinating flowers which will help sustain the trees and flowers in your gardens and forests. I am, of course, also looking for the perfect partner. Our 300- 400 eggs will be the most beautiful in the hood! Please help us make sure that they all survive! And when you find an egg, take it home along with two or three branches of milkweed, place them in a vase and watch the egg grow! By now, you will totally have this egg growing business down to a fine art. Excerpts from a Monarch’s life For my mum Evelyn who adores both, kiwi diary and Monarchs By Kati Doehring
25 Monday Rahina 26 Tuesday Ratu South Canterbury Anniversary Day SEPTEMBER 27 Wednesday Raapa New Zealand moves from a colony to a dominion, 1907. An Order in Council is passed under the Sea Fisheries Act legally protecting the dolphin Pelorus Jack from death, 1888. Jack was thought to be the first individual sea creature in world history to be protected by an act of State. (It was later discovered that Jack was actually a Jill!) William Sutch charged with spying for the Russians, 1974. Income tax begins in NZ, 1891.
28 Thursday Rapere 29 Friday Ramere The survivors of the missing yacht Rose– Noelle, are washed ashore on Great Barrier Island after nearly four months at sea, 1989. At their annual conference in 1955, dentists call for water fluoridation in NZ to protect our toofy pegs! mother and child oceangazing Steph Watts I felt the effects of my day, and I felt it as missing my groove, so I thought of just how I might play this, and knew that I needed to move, so I biked myself down to the river, and soaked up some fresh open air, while I captured a cloud dance, a sliver, of the dusk orchestration up there. I let the soft water float past, and I let the cicadas sing loud, just a moment, a pause in my day, at last, to feel what i know that I must. So next time I am down in the mire, and I sense a dark spiralling mood, I will go find some wild, some sky, yes, to breathe back my right attitude. Orchestration Poem: Dr Bridget Doran
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 30 Saturday Rahoroi 1 Sunday Ratapu Stewart Nimmo nimmophoto.co.nz
Breathing in soil health. Excerpt from, For the Love of Soil by Nicole Masters What exactly is soil health? Most established agricultural labs define a healthy soil, as one which provides maximum yields; and they have decades of tests calibrated to yield to back this up. Sadly, this model of testing has proved inadequate for what producers, and society, require. Another definition considers soil health as the absence of pests or diseases, which is an impoverished view to hold indeed. Any definition of soil health must include profitability as well as crop quality. Definitions around soil health must consider, too, reductions in greenhouse gases emissions, buffers to toxins and resilience to climatic pressures. Healthy soils have functional water, carbon, decomposition and mineral cycles. These soils are vibrant and alive with full structural integrity, able to withstand heat, dry, floods and rebound quickly after disturbance. The USDA defines a healthy soil as: “the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals and humans.” That this definition attributes the soil as living is a massive step forward in understanding. Particularly when you consider that most soil schools base their teachings on theories from mid-19th century scientist Justus von Liebig. Liebig is considered by many, “the father of Chemical Agriculture”. His theory was that all a crop required to grow was the big three elements: nitrogen, phosphate and potassium, aka NPK. He outright dismissed humus as having any role in plant growth. Liebig also put forth the “law on the minimum”; that a deficiency of any nutrient is the weak link in a chain, reducing uptake of other minerals. There are rumours that he came to regret his findings and later recanted, realising the intrinsic value of organic matter. However, by this time, a juggernaut of chemical companies were committed to ensuring their money train would not be derailed. The main limitation to production, apart from the sun, is AIR. Good airflow will ensure anaerobic digestion is avoided. Without oxygen, the anaerobic bacteria move in, releasing volatile organic compounds (VOC) as they feed. Like a seedy drug den on the wrong side of town, these bacteria start to push their fermented and pickled by-products which include alcohols, methane, carboxylic acids, esters, ketones, sulphides, terpenes and other organic acids. Your nose will tell you when many of these microbes are at work, as they release ‘farty’, rotten egg (sulphur) and ammonia smells (nitrogen), as well as carbon dioxide and methane (more carbon). These smells are a good indicator that you’re losing your valuable nutrients, carbon and beneficial microbes. The foul stench of hydrogen sulfide produced in waterlogged conditions, leads to a variety of chemical reactions which produce metal sulfides. These include the insoluble manganese, which leave black flecks in soil and the ferrous sulphides which create the dark black of brown sludge in wetlands. As the waters recede, metals, such as iron sulfides, react and become iron oxides, literally rust, giving soil, distinct orange rusty mottles. If soils are anaerobic for longer periods of time, they give rise to the gleyed soils, with their blue and grey mottles. Some VOC are visible to the naked eye. In days gone by, shallow burial sites gave rise to stories of ghosts wafting through cemeteries due to the release of the bioluminescent gas, phosphine (PH3).
As a result, we learnt to bury our dead deeper. One of the organisms you’ll often see in compost, appears like a white ash layer. Look closely, however and you’ll see it resembles fine hyphal threads. These belong to a group of long-chain bacteria, called actinobacteria. You’ve possibly had an intimate relationship with these bacteria, as they produce 80% of the different types of medical antibiotics; take streptomyces, they make streptomycin. It’s these organisms that contribute to the distinct smell of soil and compost, called ‘geosmin.’ Geosmin literally translates as the “odour of the earth.” When geosmin is combined with the other molecules emitted from plants and rocks, the scent is called ‘petrichor.’ A word taken from the Greek ‘petra’ for "stone" and ‘ichor’ the substance flowing in the veins of the gods. It’s what gives beetroot its taste and what creates the smell after a shower of rain meets the road on a hot Summer’s day. You’re smelling the actinobacteria celebrate, by throwing their spores into the air. Even the most nose-blind city dweller is tuned to sense geosmin, at 5 parts per trillion. To put this into context, I’ll let Dr Hank Campbell, President of the American Council on Science and Health, describe it to you; “a shark can smell blood at one part per million. That means human noses are 200,000X more sensitive to geosmin…than a shark is to blood.” Why are we so geared to smell it, scientists have no idea. Perhaps we can smell geosmin, as we know it’s so good for us; actinobacteria have been linked to reductions in stress and PTSD in humans. Or maybe we can smell it so vividly, as it’s there to remind us about where we all came from. We are, after all, more bacterial in our DNA, than human. Another important bacterium involved in decomposing organic matter, Mycobacterium vaccae, is being proposed as a potential PTSD vaccine for first responders and active military. It’s astounding to consider, that these examples represent just a few stars in a galaxy of potentially billions of soil organisms that we are yet to comprehend. "We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." ~ Aldo Leopold Nicole Masters is an agro-ecologist, educator, soils coach, and systems thinker, committed to finding win-win solutions for landscapes and landmanagers. Her book ‘For the love of soil’ is available at: www.integritysoils.co.nz. Nicole also features in the documentary: www.towhichwebelong.com.
1 Sunday Ratapu OCTOBER GST is introduced as consumption tax, 1986. Erika Husselmann | erikahusselmann.art The Valley
Stewart Nimmo | nimmophoto.co.nz 7 Weeks of Lockdown
OCTOBER 2 Monday Rahina 3 Tuesday Ratu 4 Wednesday Raapa The keeper of the East Cape lighthouse works his last day before the lighthouse becomes automatic, 1985. TANZA (To Assist NZ Artists), NZ’s first homegrown record company, records its première song, ‘Blue Smoke’, 1948. It topped the hit parades for six weeks, selling over 20,000 copies, establishing the success of Kiwi–recorded music. Dave Dobbyn’s Slice of Heaven hits No. 1 in the charts, staying there for 8 weeks, 1986. Jandals become an official name, and the footwear become a symbol of kiwi beach culture, 1957.
5 Thursday Rapere 6 Friday Ramere Anoushka Szybowski Hair Pair The Endeavour’s Nicholas Young is the first person to sight NZ, earning himself a gallon of rum, 1769. A.J. Hackett leaps off the Sky Tower, breaking the world record for the highest bungee jump off a building, 1998. His fall ended just 12m above the concrete pavement before rebounding.
7 Saturday Rahoroi 8 Sunday Ratapu OCTOBER Graham Steinle shoots dead three policemen and seriously wounds two others on the West Coast, 1941. Sleeping Dogs, a film described as the cornerstone of the New Zealand film industry, opens, 1977. Ian Brackenbury Channell is proclaimed Wizard of New Zealand by the Prime Minister, Mike Moore, 1990.
Anoushka Szybowski Glimpses of a small Town
9 Monday Rahina 10 Tuesday Ratu 11 Wednesday Ratu OCTOBER Susan Devoy wins her 4th world squash title, 1992. The legislation which enables the Waitangi Tribunal is enacted, 1975. The ‘six o’clock swill’ ends when Kiwis vote to extend pub closing time til 10pm, 1967.
12 Thursday Rapere 13 Friday Ramere Dame Whina Cooper ‘the Mother of the Nation’ leads around 5,000 marchers into Parliament grounds to present a memorial of rights from 200 Maori elders and a petition supporting the hikoi signed by 60,000 people to the Prime Minister, Bill Rowling, 1975. Colleen Eason North Beach Lines The Union Company glamour liner Niagara arrives in Auckland, with 100 crew and a large number of passengers stricken with virilent influenza.
14 Saturday Rahoroi 15 Sunday Ratapu North-Otago farmer Frank Bell makes the first transglobal radio transmission, calling London from his shed,1924. Heavenly Creatures premieres, 1994. The iconic Edmonds Factory is demolished, 1990. OCTOBER
Sunday Night Baked Beans Wendy Morgan Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil ½ onion, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 400g tin chopped tomatoes 200g haricot or borlotti beans, soaked over-night in cold water 1 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp paprika 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 2 cups beef or vegetable stock 1 tsp chipotle in adobo, chopped 1 tsp dried oregano Salt Method Heat oil in a casserole dish, add the onion and garlic with a pinch of salt and cook until tender. Drain the beans and rinse under cold water. Add to the casserole dish along with all of the other ingredients, a little salt to season. Cook covered at 170˚C for 3 hours until beans are tender. Check the stock levels and seasoning for salt after every hour. You may need to add a little more stock or water if it evaporates too much. YOUR SPRING MINDFULNESS MOMENT How are you feeling this week? As the seasons change and you notice the change in the air, it’s important to take a moment for yourself, to reflect and take a breath. Joni Angeli-Gordon created these beautiful mindfulness videos. Find a comfortable place to sit, put the video on and close your eyes and let Joni’s voice guide you. WATCH/LISTEN TO: Ocean by scanning the QR code.
Ingredients Base ½ C sunflower seeds soaked for 8 hours or overnight ½ C oats ½ C desiccated coconut ¾ C dates 1 Tbsp coconut oil melted 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 tsp sea salt Filling 2½ c cashews soaked ½ c water 1 lemon juice and flesh 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ tsp sea salt 1 /3 C brown rice syrup coconut nectar or other sweetener ½ C coconut oil melted ½ C cacao butter melted 2 C blueberries 4 tsp beetroot powder To Top 1 c fresh berries + edible flowers if desired Sesame seeds Cashew Macadamia Chia Cream is also a delicious choice Servings: 12 Prep Time: 30 minutes Makes one 20 cm (7.5 inch) cake. Takes 30 mins (+ 4 hours set). Blueberry and Beetroot Cheesecake Buffy Ellen (Begoodorganics.com)
Method Base To make the base, blend sunflower seeds, oats and desiccated coconut in a food processor until well chopped but still with some chunky texture. Add dates one by one while the motor is still running. Then add remaining base ingredients and blend until well combined. Pour the mixture into a 20cm spring form cake tin, with the base lined with baking paper. Press the base mix down with a spatula until firm and flat. Place in the freezer to firm. Filling Blend all the filling ingredients, except coconut oil, cacao butter, blueberries and beetroot, in blender until completely smooth, scraping down the inside of the food processor a few times to remove lumps. The mixture should be completely smooth like a thick cream. On a low setting, slowly pour in three quarters of the coconut oil and cacao butter, and put aside the remaining liquid for the blueberry layer. Pour half of the cream mixture into a bowl, and set aside. Then, add the blueberries and the rest of the coconut oil and cacao butter to the remaining cream mixture in the blender, and process until well combined. Remove base from freezer and, using half of the plain cream mixture set aside, spread evenly on top of the base. Return to the freezer until the cream layer is firm. Repeat this step with half of the blueberry mixture and then again with the remaining cream layer once the blueberry has set. Add the beetroot powder to the remaining blueberry mixture and process until well combined. Add this final layer to the cake once the second cream layer has set. Place in the freezer overnight and then in the morning remove from the tin and place in the fridge. I like to slice and serve this around half an hour after removing from the freezer to maintain a lovely firm texture, like an Italian semifreddo. You can also slice the cake and return to the freezer in individual slices to remove from the freezer as you need. Serve with fresh berries (or whatever fruit you like) and some coconut yoghurt. Recipe Notes If you have aspringform cake tinlike me you only need to line the base for this cake. If you have a silicon tin you don’t need to line it at all. If however you have a regular tin that’s not springform, you’ll need to line the base and sides so you can remove the cake – lining with cling form wrap in this instance works best. Please though if you do choose to use cling wrap, source a biodegradable version – it’s not my favourite kitchen product and I try to minimise wherever possible! By addingin the coconut oil and the cacao butterwhile the blender is on a low setting ensures that they wont get a chance to solidify. This creates the smooth and creamy texture of the filling. I’ve used blueberries here however the recipeworks brilliantlywith other berries such as raspberries or boysenberries. It would also be delicious made with Black Dorris plums! I used fresh, organic berries, however, frozen berries can be great for the filling too. To make this recipe gluten free, simplyreplace the oats with another ¼ c of sunflower seeds and desiccated coconut. Alternatively, you could replace the oats with dehydrated buckwheat. Both these options will also make it paleo. If you have nut allergies, you can make this cake entirely nut free by replacing the cashews with these amazingwatermelon seedshere. If you’re a nut-free gal/guy, you need these watermelon seeds in your life! Amazing almostcashewy goodness all in the form of a seed. www.begoodorganics.com ~ Buffy Ellen
16 Monday Rahina 17 Tuesday Ratu 18 Wednesday Raapa NZ’s stock exchange plummets and $10 billion is wiped off the value of the local market, 1987. Recommended reading: The Future of Money, By Bernard Laitaer. Eleanor Catton's novel, 'The Luminaries' wins the Man Booker Prize, 2013. At 28, she is the youngest author ever to win. Parliament is invaded by people protesting against the new Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill, 1977. President Lyndon Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird, arrive at Ohakea airfield at the start of a whirlwind visit to NZ, 1966. He was the first United States President to visit this country. Nicknamed LBJ and unpopular for his ongoing War of Attrition on Vietnam, protestors soon start chanting, “Hey hey, LBJ, how many kids did you kill today?” OCTOBER
