OPINION: Why I ditched the city girl life for a country cottage
Done with sky-high Wellington rent, Olivia Caldwell moved to rural Otago.
In her new location, Caldwell has privacy on her very own front porch, has sheep and deer in the paddock in front of her and a short walk up the back the farm takes her to an incredible picnic spot, overlooking Lake Wānaka.
Her Wellington flat was shared with two blokes and scented with a mix of Ecoya candles, incense and mould. She wasn't sad to leave it behind.
Read Olivia's full essay here.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.4% 1st December
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17.6% A week before Christmas
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33.3% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.9% Yes
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14.4% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.