A prohibited fire season has been declared in The Central North Island
🔥🚫 A prohibited fire season has been declared in The Central North Island by Pumicelands Rural-Fire And Emergency New Zealand
A prohibited fire season has been declared for Central Lakes, Bay Of Plenty Coast and Pumicelands.
Principal Rural Fire Officer Steve Webb says all fire permits have been suspended.
"A prohibited fire season means no fires are permitted as the fire danger is too high," Steve Webb says. "During a prohibited fire season only gas and charcoal barbeques can be used".
"Hangi are still allowed, but we are asking people planning hangi to contact us first as conditions are becoming very dry and we may want to put additional protection in place."
For Hangi advice contact Fire and Emergency on 07 858 7612
Steve Webb says it is vitally important that people understand the risks. In extreme conditions it only takes a spark to start a devastating wildfire. That spark can come from a piece of equipment such as a lawnmower, or a grinder, welding or a plough.
"To protect your home, keep roofs and gutters clear of dead leaves, debris and pine needles. Move anything that could burn (such as mulch, leaves, firewood piles) away from exterior walls, decks or porches."
If the current conditions persist there may be a requirement to prohibit any activities that may cause fires to start.
ℹ️You can find more information on how you can reduce the risk below
Would you like a free copy of our February 2025 issue?
Kia ora neighbours. We give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine. We're still on the hunt for tomato recipes, so send your family's favourite way to use up your homegrown harvest, to: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. If we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of the mag
Poll: Cast your vote for NZ's Merriest Home 2024
Neighbourly members across the country have been sharing their festive decor to be in to win the title of NZ's Merriest Home. We've narrowed the entries down to six finalists (our toughest feat yet!).
Now it's up to you!
Click on the name of the finalist to see all of their photos before you cast your merry vote!
Nishan Wijesinghe from Te Atatu South - See all photos here
Mark Williams from Tamatea - See all photos here
Linda Clack from Cockle Bay - See all photos here
Luke Murphy from Hornby - See all photos here
Joanne Isles from Hokowhitu - See all photos here
Kirstyn Tait from Wigram - See all photos here
The finalist with the most votes will win the title of NZ's Merriest Home and $200 to go toward more Christmas goodies!
You can also enlarge the images below by clicking on them. Happy voting, neighbours!
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17.3% Nishan Wijesinghe from Te Atatu South
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27.9% Mark Williams from Tamatea
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6.1% Linda Clack from Cockle Bay
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25.9% Luke Murphy from Hornby
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6.9% Joanne Isles from Hokowhitu
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16% Kirstyn Tait from Wigram