Severe thunderstorm watch - valid until 9pm Friday
The combination of another warm humid day and light winds are expected to produce thunderstorms about many parts of the North Island this afternoon and evening.
Between about 1pm and 9pm today, a few of the thunderstorms could be severe about inland North Island areas from Northland to Whanganui, Taihape and Hawkes Bay (including Auckland), and also affecting coastal parts of Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.
These thunderstorms are expected to produce localised downpours of 25-40 mm/hr (or more), hail 20mm diameter (or larger), and maybe wind gusts of 60-80km/hr.
Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.
Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
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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84.5% Yes
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14.1% No
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1.5% 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.