Taupō district now smoke and vape free
Taupō is now a smoke and vape free district, under the new Taupō District Council Smokefree Action Plan.
The plan supports the Government’s goal for New Zealand to become a smokefree country by 2025 and covers public places across the district, including the lakefront, that will now be smoke and vape free.
“Encouraging our community to be smoke and vape free helps support the health and wellbeing of our families and whanau,” said councillor John Williamson who holds the environment portfolio alongside councillor John Mack.
“We know the lakefront is an important part of who we are here in Taupō and we really wanted to ensure this was included in the plan and it will also mean we are looking after our lake by reducing litter and butts.
“By creating these smoke and vape free environments across our district we are setting the best example for our children and de-normalising smoking. Evidence shows that doing this reduces the likelihood of smoking later in life,” added councillor John Mack.
“We’re also encouraging any cafes with outdoor dining to come on board and encourage their diners to be smoke and vape free too,” he said.
The areas across the district that are smoke and vape free are:
CBD / Civic Spaces
Reserves and Parks, including lakefront reserves and beaches
Sports Grounds
Outdoor Dining
Events - events on Council property, and funded or supported by Council
Council Buildings
Bus stops and shelters
Social Housing
There will be signage in place where areas are smoke and vape free and while not a by-law, the plan aims to use education and awareness to reduce smoking and vaping.
Pictured (left to right): Environmental Ranger Shannon Hanson, Councillor John Mack, Councillor John Williamson with the signage that is about to be put in place across the district.
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.
It’s Riddle Time! Beat the Neighbourhood with Your Smarts!
Which of the following words don't belong in the group and why?
CORSET, COSTER, SECTOR, ESCORT, COURTS
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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 ⬇️