Meet our new reporter - JAKE MCKEE CAGNEY :)
I've always thought this area was one of the most beautiful areas of New Zealand. I've recently returned from a couple of months backpacking Mexico and South America and exploring what these districts have to offer was something foreigners raved about again and again as their best memories of New Zealand.
I'd have to agree. That's is part of what attracted me to come out to Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel districts as a reporter. Hailing from Wellington, I've grown up with a mixed semi-rural and city life, having lived out in a small village on the Kapiti Coast but going to school in the capital. I also had a three-year stint as a Scarfie whilst I gained my Bachelor's degree in Politics and Communication and another year back in Wellington for post graduate study. The eastern coast beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula are a familiar stomping ground for me. I have spent many weekends, over many summers, driving up to the Coromandel to compete in Surf Life Saving competitions - something I've been passionate about for most of my life. I am by no means a local here - but I am excited to discover the area a lot more. And I could not be happier to be in the Hauraki Herald office for my first job out of Journalism School. To discover this area on a local level is going to be a cool adventure. I look forward to heading out around the area and sharing your stories.
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.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are 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 ⬇️
Calling All Puzzle Masters! Can You Solve This?
When John was six years old he hammered a nail into his favorite tree to mark his height.
Ten years later at age sixteen, John returned to see how much higher the nail was.
If the tree grew by five centimetres each year, how much higher would the nail be?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.