West Coast mineral sand mine rejected partly over fears for Westland petrel colony
From reporter Joanne Naish:
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Residents of a West Coast community are relieved an application for a sand mine has been declined.
They were concerned the proposed mine at Barrytown would have destroyed a wildlife hotspot and significantly increased heavy traffic on a spectacular scenic drive.
The West Coast Regional Council and the Grey District Council decided last week to decline the proposal to mine 5000 tonnes of heavy mineral concentrate from 115 hectares of private farmland every week. The land is on the Coast Road tourist drive (State Highway 6), between Greymouth and Punakaiki.
The applicant has 15 days to lodge an appeal to the Environment Court. Read more here.
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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83% Yes
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14.4% No
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2.6% 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.
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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4.6% Second half of November
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43.4% 1st December
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17.7% A week before Christmas
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33.3% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below