Kayakers prove useful for search and rescue
Two fictional missing kayakers had local first responders out in force at Waimarama Beach on Sunday.
The kayakers were at the centre of a joint training exercise for Police, Coastguard and the Hawke’s Bay Surf Life Saving (SLS) Emergency Call-out squad.
Constable Andrew Walker said the annual training exercise gives our teams the opportunity to improve and practice our operating procedures and gives new crew members a chance to work on their skills in a realistic emergency situation.
An incident management team made up of Police Search and Rescue, Coastguard and SLS members ran the search.
A further 25 personnel from the SLS Emergency Call-out squad and Coastguard were on the water around Waimarama in five inflatable rescue boats and the Coastguard rigid hull inflatable Celia Knowles.
Constable Walker said it was the perfect time to remind people of the basic rules they should follow.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be home.
- Check the marine weather forecast
- Take two waterproof ways to call for help
- Wear your lifejacket
- Avoid alcohol
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.
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