Poll: What do you think about MPI's new dog-on-ute law?
Dogs on the back of a ute, on a dusty rural road: a scene that captures heartland New Zealand. But new MPI animal welfare regulations promise to complicate moving sheepdogs between paddocks, and other farming practices besides, with the threat of a fine from October.
Dogs on the back of a truck, trailer or ute, travelling on a public road, had to be tied up with a leash or rope, if not in a cage or crate. The only exception to the rule was if farm dogs were actively helping to move livestock along public roads, in which case they could jump on and off a vehicle.
People caught breaking that law could be fined up to $900 under new Animal Welfare Regulations from October. Read the ministry's guide to the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations at mpi.govt.nz. Read more here
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26.1% I disagree - Farmers should be able to do what they've done for years
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36.8% I support it - let's keep the dogs safe!
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29.3% Farmers should make their own decisions
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7.8% It can't be monitored
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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85.5% Yes
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13.4% No
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1.1% 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.