We Say/You Say: Water Conservation
Hi Auckland,
What are your water-saving hacks?
Water restrictions for the city are to remain in place until August, and similar bans on water use may return next summer.
Watercare is set to ask council to remove restrictions on outdoor water use, if rain forecasts, the state of the region’s storage lakes, and a new supply boost all eventuate as hoped.
Watercare said Aucklanders had significantly cut water use, and the biggest supply boost – another 50 million litres a day from the Waikato River – should be available from August.
Presently, Auckland's dams are 51.4 per cent full compared with an average of 76.6, and Auckland's water usage is more than 10 per cent lower than Watercare had estimated.
Share your saving tips below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments used in your local community paper.
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
Tactile texture
Welcome texture into your room by using leftover Resene Anaglypta wallpaper to accentuate furniture and décor items. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.