Road Safety Week
It's Road Safety Week and this year's focus is on seat belts and distractions, with the theme 'Belt on, phone off – make it a habit'.
A large number of motorists are still using their mobile phones while driving, despite many safety messages and penalties for drivers surrounding their use.
This goes hand-in-hand with distractions, which can be anything that draws a driver's attention off the road.
"We're trying really hard to get the message across this year to keep your eyes and mind on the road at all times" says Dianna Harrison, road safety coordinator for Taupo District Council.
"Thirty per cent of all fatal crashes involve people failing to wear a seatbelt. There's no excuse for not taking two seconds to make it click."
Look out for road safety messages this week in local newspapers, on the radio and social media, while Taupo District Council staff at our Taupo customer service centre and library are wearing road safety week T-shirts to raise awareness.
And we don't have to rely on one week of the year to educate ourselves - resources are always available on-line from brake.org.nz.
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% Yes
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14.7% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
Spring gardening tips
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.
Click read more for more information.
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.