Matthew Salmons, our man in Sewlyn
Matthew Salmons is standing in for Helena O'Neill who is off to feather her nest with a new baby. You can contact Matt through email: matthew.salmons@fairfaxmedia.co.nz or on 027 204 9742.
Here's a little bit about our newest reporter:
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in North Canterbury, in Waikuku Beach. I've moved around a bit since then, living in Argentina, Christchurch, outback Australia and now back in central Christchurch. It's nice to be home again. My wife and I moved back to New Zealand from Australia at the start of last year.
How long have you been working in newspapers?
Before getting into journalism I was working in the mines. I was a blast furnace operator in a lead mine, so it's a bit of a change. I landed my first job writing for the Northern Outlook last year while I was still studying at Ara so I'm still pretty new. I'm looking forward to discovering the stories and people of a new area now.
What do you do outside of work?
For the most part I'm a bit of a geek, video games, board games and such, but I took up dragon boating last year after doing a story on a crew in Waimakariri. That's become a bit of a passion and I'm training with a New Zealand men's team heading to China later this year to compete in the Worlds, which is really exciting.
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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13.4% No
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1.2% 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.