Cyclone Gabrielle Update - Get Ready
Auckland Emergency Management are working closely with MetService New Zealand and tracking Cyclone Gabrielle, which is due to start impacting the upper North Island from Sunday.
We encourage our Tāmaki Makaurau whānau to use this time to get prepared.
With potential for heavy rain and strong winds, surface flooding and slips are possible and strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures.
How to get prepared:
1. Stay up to date with the latest weather warnings from MetService: www.metservice.com...
2. Make a household plan that includes your pets, in case you need to evacuate.
3. Have a grab bag with essential items ready to go.
4. Be prepared for possible power outages and check emergency supplies. In a storm you could be stuck at home for up to three days.
5. Clear debris and leaves from drains and gutters to help prevent surface flooding.
6. Secure items like wheelie bins, trampolines, outdoor furniture, boats and trailers. Bring items inside or tie items down that could move in strong winds.
7. Check on your friends, whānau, neighbours and anyone who might need your help, especially those who have already been affected by recent flooding.
Follow Auckland Emergency Management on Facebook or Twitter or visit their website by clicking on 'Read More' to stay updated as this weather system progresses and receive further advice.
For preparedness advice in different languages visit: getready.govt.nz...
Kia kaha Tāmaki Makaurau.
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.
Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori.
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.
- Auckland commuters should expect traffic disruption in vicinity of both sides of the Harbour Bridge.
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."
Police have shared that they will respond accordingly to any issues that may arise along the route.
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