Know Your Nasties! - Quick info on regional pests
Boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera) is a pretty, unassuming plant that can quickly replace the native species that are growing around it. Originally from South Africa it now threatens coastal areas where it can suppress the growth of native species.
Producing up to 50,000 seeds a year boneseed can quickly get out of control which is why our pest plants team try and contain it and in some coastal areas they control it. This sometimes means using unorthodox methods to remove the plants.
In Ngawi our team do annual work to remove the little yellow nasties either by hand pulling or cutting and treating via helicopter. They’ve been doing it since 2013 and it takes two helicopters to get the job done! Talk about cool work stories.
So, if you think you’ve seen boneseed, particularly in a coastal area of the Wairarapa, let the handy pest plants team know and they’ll come and have a look. Email them at pest.plants@gw.govt.nz
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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76.9% Yes
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22.2% No
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0.9% 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.
Think You’ve Got the Answer? Today’s Riddle Says ‘Prove It’!
If eleven plus two equals one, what does nine plus five equal?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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