Open homes reveal Belfast’s Kapuatohe heritage
Local residents have stepped back in time, making the most of a rare opportunity to visit the historic Kapuatohe Dwelling and neighbouring cottage in Belfast.
The former local schoolmaster’s house and the workman’s cottage have both undergone extensive repairs and strengthening work following the 2010-11 earthquakes. Both the dwelling and cottage’s chimneys have been strengthened and repaired and cracking on the inside walls fixed.
In the cottage, the kitchen floor has been re-levelled and new vinyl and kitchen joinery installed.
They will soon become private residences, prompting a special “open home” for local residents at Kapuatohe Reserve.
Early principal Henry Wilson was the first to live in the schoolmaster’s house with his family. The building continued to house school staff until 1972.
English architect Thomas Cane, who designed the Gothic Revival-style timber house, was also responsible for the Timeball Station in Lyttelton.
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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82.5% Yes
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14.7% No
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2.8% Other - I'll share below
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
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.