'Soft and slumping' Ashburton bridge closed on SH1 after extreme wet weather
Flood-hit Ashburton Bridge on SH1 has now closed and there is currently no alternate route south with other road options also closed.
Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown said the water in the Ashburton River had got into the piles of the bridge, causing a subsidence in the piles.
“The bridge has dropped and you can visually see one section of the bridge is dropped about four to six inches."
Engineers would assess the bridge to see what was required to fix it.
The bridge closure had divided the town into town and cut off part of the South Island. Staff were working hard to open one route by Tuesday night to get south of Ashburton.
Spring gardening tips
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.
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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% Yes
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14.7% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
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.