Why no swimming at Beach Haven
Beach Haven has had a black mark against it on the SafeSwim website for some time now. This means that there is a very high risk of illness if you enter the water at Hilders Park/Larkings Landing Reserve. Please do not swim and do not let children or dogs swim. Please don't jump off the wharf.
I've followed this up with Watercare and can confirm that:
* The water is being regularly tested and is finding unsafe levels of bacteria at the beach.
* Watercare believe that it is likley to be from a major slip at the end of Kia Ora Road, where broken pipes are leaching wastewater into the stream at Rangatira Reserve. This is then flowing to the sea. Due to the scale of the slip, WaterCare have not been able to access the site to install a temporary solution, but expect to be able to do so after 20 March.
I'm also following up with Healthy Waters (stormwater dept) to see whether residents have been notified where the affected stream runs through private property.
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
Poll: Would you commute by public transport if it was free?
Using your car is convenient, except for finding parking.
Cycling lets you leave anytime, but you might arrive soaked.
So, neighbours, if public transport had the perk of being free, would it be your main way to commute?
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67.5% Yes
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29.2% No
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3.3% Other - I'll share below
Bird house
It’s easy to create your own colourful bird house from an old wooden box and some Resene testpots. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.