Welcome to Biketober!
Biketober (a fusion of bike + October), is a month-long celebration of cycling in Christchurch. We’re bringing together all things bike-related this spring, for anyone interested in cycling. You might be a commuter, cycling family, sports cyclist, or someone who’d just like to meet others who enjoy being out and about by bike.
Over 50 events and activities are planned, including social bike rides, go-by-bike breakfasts, a pedal-powered cinema, bike maintenance workshops, a cargo bike rally, and more. Many events are organised by the amazing volunteer groups we have in town. Some happen anyway, some of them are Biketober ‘specials’ and others are bigger events that we’re linking up with, like Avon Otakaro’s family event ‘Meet in the Middle’, BECA Heritage week and New Zealand’s first ever Bike Expo.
The NZ Bike Expo at the Air Force Museum at Wigram on 28-29 October is a consumer show with a community heart. It’s for everyone interested in bicycles, from sports cyclists to recreational riders, kids, commuters, cycle tourers, and those interested in e-bikes. If you’re looking to buy a new bicycle or bike-related gear, keen to try out e-bikes, planning an adventure or holiday on cycle trails or want to enter an event, the Expo will get you on your journey. See nzbikeexpo.nz.
During the month, make sure you also pick up your Biketober passport! The Biketober passport will take you to 16 bike-friendly venues throughout October along the new major cycleways. Hand your stamped passport in at the NZ Bike Expo, your final destination, where there’s a chance to win some fabulous prizes.
More details about Biketober, including a full programme of events, can be found at www.biketober.nz.... Or look us up on Facebook and Twitter at @biketoberchch.
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: 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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85.2% Yes
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13.5% No
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1.2% Other - I'll share below
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.