City Nature Challenge Now On!
Hey, Christchurch! Let’s show off our unique biodiversity and take on the world in a friendly, global competition! Everyone can contribute, whether you know heaps about biodiversity or are a nature newbie, and no matter where you are in Christchurch.
From April 26–29 we are making observations of as many species as we can from the Christchurch District (including the central city, suburbs, and Banks Peninsula), and upload them to iNaturalist.NZ (inaturalist.nz...). It’s our opportunity to fly the flag for New Zealand as one of the more than 160 cities on all seven continents taking part in the challenge.
Participation is easy and free! Download the iNaturalist app to your mobile device. From April 26-29, use the app to upload photos of organisms to iNaturalist NZ, and our friendly iNaturalist NZ community will help you identify them. It's as simple as that! You can also add observations straight to iNaturalist.NZ on the web if you prefer.
Results will be announced Tuesday, May 7, so be sure to upload your observations by then.
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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13.3% 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.