Final judge announcement
The final judge in our line up is Blanche Head.
Blanche has had more than 40 years in education. She is currently teaching at Haeata Community Campus, leading the transition into school for new entrants. She was previously the head teacher at Bromley Kindergarten and has always worked closely with the community.
Safety and accessibility for all children are two of the key features Blanche will be looking for when judging this year's Playhouse Challenge.
"The playhouse has to be something that children are drawn to - a place where they want to be. It should encourage exploration and promote wonderment - a space for them to invent their own ideas. It would be nice to see elements that nurture creativity including different textures and materials, tactile play equipment, spaces that catch light in different ways for example,” Blanche says.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.6% Yes
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13.3% No
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.