Environment Canterbury's 8.9 per cent total rates rise in draft plan
It's not as "grim" as it sounds, Environment Canterbury (ECan) says about its proposed 8.9 per cent total rates rise for the 2019-20 year.
On Thursday afternoon the ECan council approved its draft annual plan, which, after consultation and changes, has to be adopted by July 1.
If the proposed rise goes ahead unchanged, that will amount to another $25 a year on the rates bill for the owners of a $570,000 property in Christchurch, an extra $152 a year on a $5.1 million rural property in the Waimakariri district and about $13 a year on a $250,000 house in Waimate.
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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85.6% Yes
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13.2% No
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1.1% 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.
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.