Pet owners warned over calicivirus rabbit cull in Christchurch red zone
Calicivirus will be released in the Christchurch red zone to cull the fast-growing wild rabbit population, prompting a warning for pet rabbit owners to vaccinate their animals.
A jump in the number of rabbits counted on the Crown-owned land since last year has led to the pest control measure. Calicivirus K5, a Korean variant of the virus introduced in other parts of New Zealand last year, will be used.
The virus will be released through crushed carrot drops beginning in four weeks' time, starting with uncontaminated carrots so the rabbits get used to them.
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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84.8% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.