Strategies For Climate Change
KCDC needs to revise its ambulance at the bottom of the cliff approach to climate change. Instead of reminding us what we need to have in a grab bag, timely attention should be given to adaptations to our existing infrastructure to enable it to cope with the severe weather events which are inevitably coming.
Chris Turver has recently recommended that the current Floodplain Management Plan be revised, and I would concur that this should be done. However, the work should not stop there. These management plan exercises are in danger of becoming tick-box exercises and are often consigned to the bottom draw to accumulate dust once they are signed off. Any strategies we use now have to be living documents. Our lives will depend upon it.
We also need to adapt existing infrastructure outside of flood plain areas to cope with extreme runoff. Parks and reserves can be re-designed to capture water in heavy rain events. Roads can be cambered to direct water to outflow areas. Landscaping and public recreation areas need to be made more permeable, to absorb water rather than turn into raging torrents across kilometers of concrete. The Waikanae River needs to have gravel removed as a matter of urgency. This could benefit the community in a number of ways. The gravel can be distributed for permeable paths, communities could have water holes constructed for recreational use.
For those who would like to understand more about these concepts, Mathew Bradbury's recent publication "Water City: Practical Strategies for Climate Change" is a valuable resource. Its available on Amazon. Katherine Ryan also interviewed Mathew on RNZ last week and this is available on the RNZ website. The strategies he advises and the evidence for these is compelling.
We not only need to "build back better", we need better existing structures also. The word is out from gardeners, landscapers and lifestyle block owners alike, that adding mulch and compost to soils absorbs water and slows down water flows. The more we can add to our soils the better. Twig mulch and bark paths are more absorbent than concrete.
The old slash and burn methods of agriculture are no longer appropriate. We should be utilizing forestry slash to provide more permeable surfaces, rather than burning it. These large scale burn offs add a lot more Co2. KCDC could help the Hawkes Bay Council by removing a few truckloads of chipped slash and providing it for local users here. Funding could also be allocated to individuals to improve water capture through tanks, swales and ponds.These strategies are, in my view, more deserving of funding than some of the current decisions that have been made. Storytelling is nice to have, but we don't want to have to tell the stories of how our families did not survive the winter of 2023 flood.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.5% Yes
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22.7% No
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
Kapiti Coast Distilled: A Family and Friends' Foraged Gin
In an exciting development for local spirits enthusiasts, Elsewhere Gin has released a limited edition Kapiti expression that truly captures the essence of our coastal region.
This unique gin, priced at $95 per bottle, is the result of a heartwarming collaboration between Elsewhere Gin and Mark Rose's parents and their friends in Kapiti who embarked on a community foraging adventure, handpicking an array of native botanicals including kohekohe, kauri tips, strawberry guava, horopito, and kawakawa. These locally sourced ingredients were combined with classic gin botanicals, lemon, and rosemary to create a spirit that is both familiar and distinctly Kapiti.
The gin offers a sensory journey through our coastal landscape. It opens with subtle vanilla notes from the kohekohe, followed by the sweetness of strawberry guava. The addition of horopito lends a peppery kick, while kawakawa adds a unique herbal complexity. The finish showcases the zesty lemon and aromatic rosemary that grow abundantly in our region.
"This gin is a love letter to Kapiti," says Rose. "It's not just my creation, but a true community effort. Every sip tells a story of our unique ecosystem, our shared knowledge, and the incredible flavors we have right here in our backyard."
With only a small batch produced, this Kapiti gin is expected to sell out quickly. It's more than just a drink; it's a bottled experience of our local terroir and community spirit, perfect for those who appreciate the finer aspects of craft spirits and the beauty of our coastal home.
Available exclusively through Elsewhere Gin, please contact Michael Anderson for this limited edition gin that offers a rare opportunity to taste the Kapiti coast - and its community - in a glass.
Michael Anderson
021 620 065
Email; michael.anderson@xtra.co.nz
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.
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