High risk of wildfires
Fire and Emergency NZ are asking residents in Manawatu-Whanganui to check on historic fires within the past month and ensure these are fully extinguished.
Community Risk Manager Kerry O’Keefe shares that several large wildfires have started recently due to strong winds reigniting old fires.
To check these historic fires, residents are asked to dig it up, pour water over it and use the back of your hand to check there is no heat left.
"Check the fire danger and weather forecast. If there is high or extreme fire danger, or it’s hot and windy - please don’t light a fire. In these conditions, it’s too risky that your fire could spread and get out of control," Kerry says.
"Let’s all do our part to prevent a wildfire, and keep our firefighters from attending an avoidable callout."
Before lighting any further fires in the Manawatu-Whanganui area, check the conditions by heading to www.checkitsalright.nz...
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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84.5% Yes
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14.1% No
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1.5% 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.