Chilly Bins / Ice Boxes / Fish Boxes with Lids - TAKEN
TAKEN - Polystyrene cooler boxes. Ideal for protecting temperature-sensitive items during travel/moving or heading out to bach. 9 for collection, Kohimarama. contact letsplay@kohibowls.org
RE-PURPOSE OR RE-USE
Bringing on seeds – put seedlings in a pot inside and put a sheet of glass on top, creating a ready-made glass house that never loses its stable temperature.
Planters for the garden.
A window box that keeps plants warm through winter, so you can have vegetables all year.
Bringing on leeks and carrots. If they are planted in deep soil in the box, they will grow straight and tall, looking for the sunlight.
A good selection of mixed herbs will fit in one box. Grow on a kitchen window, you need never miss out on fresh herbs
Grow mushrooms in the box (mushroom-growing kits are easily found online).
Use a box to bring chilled and frozen food back from the shops.
Take on a picnic to keep food at the right temperature (cold or hot).
Take cold or hot meals to relatives.
Store kids’ toys, e.g. building bricks, without all the clattering noise of getting them out of a plastic box.
Use as packing boxes for small special valuables when you move house.
Store dry pet food in them – with the lid on, the smell won’t get out.
Use in a car to store used nappies on a journey, until you can dispose of them properly (the boxes are smell-proof as well as heat-proof).
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)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
85.1% Yes
-
13.4% No
-
1.5% Other - I'll share below