An urgent message from Fire and Emergency New Zealand
A total fire ban is in place for Whangārei and Kaipara effective from 8am Thursday 24 December.
This means open air fires are not permitted across the Whangārei and Kaipara districts and all fire permits have been suspended.
The ban on private use of fireworks also remains in place in the Karikari peninsula and Ahipara township.
The Far North remains in a restricted fire season but fire permits are still suspended in the area until further notice due to the weather conditions.
Go to www.checkitsalright.nz... for more information.
"It’s very important people follow the fire ban and don’t light any outside fires or let off fireworks," says Principal Rural Fire Officer Myles Taylor.
"It’s too risky. In the current hot and dry conditions a stray ember or firework could easily start a fire which would quickly spread."
"It’s still very dry in the Far North but we are expecting some rain to come through the area over the next few days," says Myles Taylor.
"We will continue to monitor the conditions and fire danger level. Fire permits will be reinstated when it’s safe to do so and when there is less risk of a fire getting out of control.
"We need the people of Northland, and those planning a holiday in Northland, to do their part to prevent a wildfire this summer."
Go to www.checkitsalright.nz... for more tips on how you can reduce the risk of fire this summer.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.6% Yes
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22.1% No
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1.4% 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.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.1% Yes
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15.2% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below