A Story of the Avon River
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful river running through the neighbourhood of Burwood/Avondale. It was a well-kept area until one day there was a terrible earthquake. Then everything stopped. The grass on the banks got longer and longer and people could not enjoy walking there. The grass got so long a request to have it cut was sent to the Council, who sent someone to cut it. A neighbour seeing the result took it upon himself to tidy the area himself so that people could again enjoy the area. The community appreciated what he did and a local organisation bought him a new lawnmower to make his work easier. One day after a number of years the Council sent some people to build a stopbank. After a few weeks of work, they left, leaving a pile of dusty soil with sides too steep to mow with a lawnmower (if they had planted any grass) resulting in a magnificent display of weeds.
The neighbour became disheartened and very disappointed. How is he to fix it so that it looks again like a Garden City we live in instead of an abandoned allotment?
Any ideas on how to make this sad story have a happy ending?
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77.1% Yes
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21.3% No
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1.5% 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.
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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82.1% Yes
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15.1% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below