Hunker down, Auckland!
MetService have issued a strong wind warning and heavy rain watch for Auckland. Already ferries have been cancelled, there are power outages and drivers are being cautioned about driving in these conditions. From 3pm, a severe thunderstorm watch is in place, as well as a strong wind watch until 8pm on Friday night.
Here's what you need to know:
- All Pine Harbour ferry services have now been cancelled until further notice, due to weather conditions. The 7am, 8am & 9am Pine Harbour to Auckland services will be replaced by Bus.
- Areas of North Auckland around Te Arai are without power as of 6.20am on Friday. Some areas near the Auckland border have had power cuts since at least 3am on Friday.
- Drivers heading over the Auckland Harbour Bridge advised by Waka Kotahi NZTA to watch out for strong gusts and wind. Commuters should drive to the conditions, look out for full bridge closures, and stay within their lane while travelling across the bridge. High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists should avoid the Harbour Bridge and use the Western Ring Route on State Highways 16 and 18.
Keep up to date with weather warnings on the MetService website and be cautious if travelling this Auckland Anniversary weekend.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
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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4.7% Second half of November
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43.6% 1st December
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17.5% A week before Christmas
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33.1% Whenever you wish
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1.1% 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.