Queen’s Birthday advice for South Island drivers
The NZ Transport Agency is encouraging people in the South Island who are heading away for the long weekend, to plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
The Transport Agency has set up a traffic hot spot map, showing the areas which are the traditional long weekend congestion points, as well as predicted peak times.
Important tips from NZTA:
- Bear in mind localised events and winter conditions
- Allow extra time as weather and road conditions can change in a relatively short period of time at this time of year
- Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving and stocked with food, water and blankets in case of any delays.
- Central Otago drivers: The Brass Monkey Rally, Idaburn Dam, Oturehua: Please take care whether you are in a car or on a motorbike with many more motorcyclists using the highways leading to and from Idaburn Dam this long weekend.
Check the latest weather conditions and warnings here:
- Keep updated with - Metservice's weather updates.
- Motorists can get real-time information from 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)
- Follow traffic updates at the NZTA website.
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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85.5% Yes
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13.3% No
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1.1% 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.