Eye on Nature EcoFest
Hosted by the Beautification Trust, this month-long free festival is packed with events and activities for South Auckland whānau to connect with the environment.
Engage with nature, learn how to be more sustainable and get inspired to take the small steps that make a big difference for our future.
Check out the full programme at www.beautification.org.nz....
Experience engaging workshops, educational displays and a fun-filled activity trail for all ages at the Auckland Botanic Gardens. Plus, check out our online workshops, webinars and activities that you and your whānau can enjoy from home.
Eye on Nature EcoFest is made possible by a huge range of community organisations, groups, businesses and individuals sharing their skills, knowledge and passion for the environment.
This year, our Eye on Nature EcoFest theme is Incredible Kai. Not only does kai (food) nourish us and keep our bodies healthy, but our relationship with kai also affects the health of the planet. Food security and sustainability are becoming increasingly important on our collective journey to a greener future.
All aspects of Eye on Nature EcoFest adhere to the government’s COVID-19 red light settings. To keep our community safe, My Vaccine Pass and face masks are required for all in-person workshops.
Eye on Nature EcoFest is hosted by the Beautification Trust and supported by Auckland Council, Auckland Botanic Gardens, Howick Local Board, Papakura Local Board, Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, Franklin Local Board, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, Manurewa Local Board and our amazing partners and sponsors from around New Zealand.
For more information, please contact the Beautification Trust on (09) 269 4080 or admin@beautification.org.nz.
Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape Rēinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hīkoi is due to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge about 9.30am on Wednesday. Two northbound lanes will be closed at some point before the crossing, and remain closed during it.
- NZTA shared at 8:50am Wednesday:
'Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed shortly, with two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge expected to close from approx 9.30am this morning. Allow extra time for likely delays through this area.'
- The hīkoi is expected to go across the Harbour Bridge, in a controlled fashion before marching through parts of the CBD towards Okahu Bay.
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori. Stuff reporter Steve Kilgallon was at Stafford Park on the north side of the Harbour Bridge at 8.30am Wednesday and shared:
"I just walked through Stafford Park, where there’s about 400-500 people quietly assembled and more arriving; and about 20 police standing over near the motorway off ramp. Lot of Tino Rangatira flags in evidence, local streets very busy with parked cars."
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.
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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85.1% Yes
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13.4% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below