Playing safely in urban streams
As we approach the school holidays and children head outdoors exploring our beautiful parks and streams we’d like to remind you how to play safely in urban streams.
The water quality of our streams can be variable.
Stormwater run-off and other contaminants can affect the water quality of our urban streams.
While there are actions being taken by council and interest groups to improve the water quality in our streams, the water can contain ‘bugs’ that can make people sick. To keep people safe it’s important to follow the tips below.
Here are some tips on enjoying our streams safely:
- Children should always be supervised when playing in or around water.
- Always avoid contact with streams during heavy rain and for 48 hours after it stops raining.
- Never drink stream water.
- Always wash your hands after coming into contact with stream water and before eating.
- Keep stream water out of your eyes, ears, mouth, or any open sores. If your children are too young to understand these precautions please avoid contact with streams.
- Wading and exploring is ok, but the water in streams is not suitable for swimming. To check out the best places for swimming in our region see www.gw.govt.nz...
How you can help:
- Report cracked or leaking pipes (and if you spot a leak on your own property organise for a plumber to check the pipes as soon as possible).
- Make sure rubbish is not left near streams including picking up dog poo.
- Only rain should go down the drain - empty detergents and paintbrush residue onto the lawn, or tip down the sink, not into drains leading to stormwater.
- Wash cars on the lawn, or at an approved carwash.
- Use non-toxic pesticides and fertilisers on your gardens.
- Reduce run-off by using porous landscaping, such as bark chips or lawn.
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Hīkoi to parliament
Traffic heading into Wellington City has eased, however motorists should continue to expect significant delays in the city.
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti has reached Waitangi Park, with Police reporting no issues from this morning’s movements.
Another group of about 2000 people from the Hutt Valley began arriving at the Wellington Railway Station at around 8:30am.
The hīkoi is expected to begin their walk to Parliament along the Golden Mile (Courtenay Place, Manners Street, Willis Street and Lambton Quay) at 9am.
Ryman’s Walk in Wednesdays
Ryman villages across the country are open every Wednesday in November.
Experience the Ryman lifestyle and learn about our living options, tour our showhomes and discover the wonderful amenities on offer.
Click to find out more information.
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