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570 days ago

Fire detecting tech installed in Darfield's McHughs Forest Park

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

New cutting-edge technology to help detect fires has been installed in McHughs Forest Park near Darfield.

The three new fire sensor poles use a combination of thermal imaging, 360° cameras, and air quality technology to monitor environmental conditions and will notify emergency services if any sign of fire is detected, the Selwyn District Council says.

The data will also be made live to the public through the council’s partnership with technology innovator Attentis.

The app can be used to monitor real-time conditions in the forest, its walking trails and the popular fairy doors walk. A QR code is located on signage at McHughs Forest Park and will be shared through the Selwyn council’s website.

The council said the project involved strong collaboration with the Christchurch City Council, which is trialing the same technology in Bottle Lake Forest.

“Having real-time, 24-hour monitoring in place ready to alert emergency services is extremely important, but it’s also a great example of how we can embrace technology to help people explore and enjoy the district, safely," Selwyn mayor Sam Broughton said.

The success of the partnership, which also involves Sparks, depends on the critical collaboration with Fire and Emergency New Zealand, which is interested to learn how such technology can help reduce fires and their consequences.

The sensors are self-powered and use a combination of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technology — a system of interrelated computers and machines that can transfer data across a network without needing people-to-people or people-to-computer interaction.

More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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.

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5 days ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 85.5% Yes
    85.5% Complete
  • 13.3% No
    13.3% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
2045 votes
1 day ago

Railing planters

The Team from Resene ColorShop Lichfield Street

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.

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