A prohibited fire season has been declared in The Central North Island
🔥🚫 A prohibited fire season has been declared in The Central North Island by Pumicelands Rural-Fire And Emergency New Zealand
A prohibited fire season has been declared for Central Lakes, Bay Of Plenty Coast and Pumicelands.
Principal Rural Fire Officer Steve Webb says all fire permits have been suspended.
"A prohibited fire season means no fires are permitted as the fire danger is too high," Steve Webb says. "During a prohibited fire season only gas and charcoal barbeques can be used".
"Hangi are still allowed, but we are asking people planning hangi to contact us first as conditions are becoming very dry and we may want to put additional protection in place."
For Hangi advice contact Fire and Emergency on 07 858 7612
Steve Webb says it is vitally important that people understand the risks. In extreme conditions it only takes a spark to start a devastating wildfire. That spark can come from a piece of equipment such as a lawnmower, or a grinder, welding or a plough.
"To protect your home, keep roofs and gutters clear of dead leaves, debris and pine needles. Move anything that could burn (such as mulch, leaves, firewood piles) away from exterior walls, decks or porches."
If the current conditions persist there may be a requirement to prohibit any activities that may cause fires to start.
ℹ️You can find more information on how you can reduce the risk below
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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85.6% Yes
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13.3% No
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
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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.
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