Watering restricted to handheld hoses
Garden watering in Masterton is now limited to handheld hoses, following a sustained period of dry weather and falling levels in the Waingawa River, the source of Masterton’s drinking water.
Sprinklers cannot be used.
The river has now fallen below a flow rate of 1,300 litres a second, the trigger for the watering restriction level to move to use of handheld hoses only.
Handheld hoses can be used at any time, but Masterton District Council Manager Assets and Operations David Hopman urged residents to continue to limit unnecessary use of water.
“Water conservation measures do make a real difference to the health of the river.
“We appreciate that water restrictions make life difficult for gardeners, but they are not unexpected. We have been fortunate this summer, with a very late start to restrictions, but the lack of recent rain means the river level is now low.”
A total watering ban will be imposed if the flow in the Waingawa River falls below 1,100 litres per second.
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.
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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84.4% Yes
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14.1% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
Little Jewels Exhibition & Silent Auction this Friday at Aratoi
Enjoy a night surrounded by artworks in this year's Provincial Insurance Broker's Little Jewels exhibition opening night. Works are sold via Silent Auction, with works starting at $150.
Works have been donated by well known artists including Iwen Wong, Kathy Bartlett, Gabby O'Connor, Jane Sinclair, Rob McLeod, Richard Reddaway and many others. All work is anonymous!
Tickets: $10 per person. Some doors sales available on the night, but limited numbers apply.
This Friday 15 November, 5:30pm - 7:30pm at