Are we heading for another Leaky Homes debacle???
I see we have had an unqualified person signing off on100's of Council Plans (in the North Island I think). I hope this does not lead to more leaky homes or unsafe structures. I wonder if this is a sign of frustration with local authorities. I have heard of 2 recent cases in New Plymouth where Council staff have not bothered to check plans submitted before calling for a property inspection. They have been found lacking and had to accept they did not bother to check first. All the more serious as home owner's/builder's have often spent big money to get the likes of architects to complete design work. Appears to be part of a plan to keep Council to legislated time frame as each time they reject the countdown can start again. When you consider the costs that keep getting heaped on ratepayers you would think we would at least get a good service.
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.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.5% 1st December
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17.5% A week before Christmas
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33.3% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below