Repulsive stench of new herbicide around Ōpāwaho/Heathcote river
I'm wondering how many others have concerns about the disgusting smell of herbicide regularly sprayed around the track near the Ōpāwaho/Heathcote river? Apparently it is an organic Kiwicare product made from toxic pine needle extract. It has been used as an alternative to Round up, due to its links to bee population decline. It is sprayed monthly, much more frequently than Round Up, so apart from the revolting smell which puts you off walking near the river, I have concerns about the quantity of toxic run off into the river. Furthermore, it is being sprayed liberally around the base of trees. Why is this necessary? Who cares about a few extra weeds where the mowers can't get. I'm not an ecologist, so could someone with more expertise give their perspective? If others in the community are concerned, perhaps we should talk to the media and get an alternative, e.g. weed eaters.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64% Yes
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33.5% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
Free Chromebook with Every Laptop Bundle
For a limited time, we are giving away a quality ruggedized Chromebook with every laptop bundle purchased.
The Chromebook is an Acer C734 valued at $500 and has been built especially rugged to handle those rough and tough times.
Of course, you may not want a Chromebook, in which case you might like the $300 cashback.