Wastewater overflows - Hutt River
For the next 48 hours, due to wastewater overflows, we advise no recreational water activities such as Swimming, Kayaking or Canoeing in two locations along the Hutt River (south of Melling bridge and Silverstream).
On Thursday 5 July a small wastewater leak occurred near Melling Train Station, which led to an overflow of wastewater into the stormwater network, resulting in wastewater entering into the Hutt River.
Because of heavy rain over the weekend we were unable to repair the leak immediately. In order to carry out the repair, the wastewater had to be diverted to the Silverstream wastewater storage tank.
This tank was already full due to the heavy rain over the weekend, resulting in wastewater overflowing from the storage tank for a short period of time this morning into the Hutt River at Silverstream.
Repairs have been carried out at Melling today, and there have been no further overflows into the Hutt River at this location. Wastewater is no longer being to diverted to Silverstream, and the wastewater overflow has stopped.
If you have been in contact with the Hutt River, at either location, during the time of the wastewater overflows, please contact your doctor or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if you become unwell.
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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84.8% Yes
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13.8% No
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1.4% 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.