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Poll: Should fireworks be banned?
Setting off fireworks has become an annual Kiwi backyard tradition, and it’s almost time to break out the sparklers again. However, critics say they’re dangerous and people are injured by them every year. Fans, on the other hand, argue that all fun involves some level of risk, it just needs to be managed safely.
Last year, we saw a 23% drop in the number of fireworks-related injury claims (171 claims across 2017 versus 223 across 2016). What do you think? Should personal fireworks be banned? Click here for advice on how to use fireworks responsibly.
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18.4% Yes - get rid of them altogether
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59.5% No - let's keep professional public displays only
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18.2% No - I think they're great
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3.8% I don't mind either way
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🧩 Crack the Code: Today’s Riddle Challenge! 🤔
I’m a three-digit number; my tens digit is five more than my ones, and my hundreds digit is eight less than my tens—what am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments 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.
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Last call for entries to our Resene Shed of the Year 2025!
Take a look at Paul Bates' "surprisingly roomy" Tardis-inspired shed which took out our 2023 title, and if you reckon your shed is right up there, well, you could be in the running to win a robot lawnmower, Resene vouchers and a subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us why your garden shed is New Zealand's best, and send up to 5 high-quality photos to Resene Shed of the Year 2025, NZ Gardener PO Box 6341, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142. Or email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2025.
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Firearms incident in Hamilton
Police are making enquiries after a firearms incident yesterday morning that has left a man in critical condition.
Emergency services were called to Winstone Ave about 5am after reports of shots heard.
A short time later, a man presented to hospital with an apparent gunshot wound.
He remains there in critical condition.
Police are now working to establish what has occurred and to speak to all those believed to be involved.
Investigators would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who might have information about those involved.
If you can help, please use our 105 service and quote reference number 250216/7665.
You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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