Which electoral system should we use?
This year we're holding a poll on our election system, alongside the local body elections.
At the moment Hutt City Council and its community boards use First Past the Post (FPP), which means voters place a tick beside the candidate(s) they want to vote for. The candidate who receives the most votes is elected.
The other option is to switch to Single Transferable Vote (STV), which means voters rank their candidates in order of preference and the candidate(s) with the most overall support win. STV is currently used by Greater Wellington Regional Council, among others.
Check out DIA's website for more information on the two options.
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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1.1% 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.