Etiquette of free stuff.
When somebody offers you something for free and you want the item them the obligation is on YOU to collect it as soon as possible. DO NOT make appointments to collect and then not bother to turn up, or be hours late, because the giver has probably then made provision to be home at that time. And don't make times weeks out to collect.
You are not doing the giver a service by offering to take something, rather he is going out of his way to GIVE you something (plus helping the environment a little by recycling).
The giver also has a life and doesn't want to be p....d around after going out of his/her way to actually give you something for free. It is grossly bad manners and selfish to stuff the giver around. This is so prevalent that I will think twice next time about giving something away and rather chuck it in the bin.
I note that when somebody is buying something they are more likely to front up at agreed times. Just because it is free does not mean you now have no obligations. Now I understand that s..t happens and sometimes you cannot make it and in this case you need to let the giver know at your earliest convenience.
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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84.5% Yes
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14.1% No
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1.5% 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.