Sealed surfaces around houses
I commented after the floods in the North Island and excess water arriving on properties from everywhere, that I would ask the council what rules and controls we had in place to stop people covering their property and so not having any land for water to soak into, so overloading other properties and/or the stormwater systems that are planned around a smaller unsealed surface.
There is a restriction when 1st building a house and maybe if you apply for a new building on that land, here is the response
"In the District Plan, there are no impervious surface rules. However, landscaping, maximum building coverage and setback rules indirectly can control the amount of impervious surface on a site. These rules vary across different zonings too.
Where a resource consent is required, most are monitored to check developments are in accordance with the plans. For example that the landscaping is in place. This is usually a one-off check once the development is completed.
There is no ongoing monitoring unless Council are made aware of an issue (e.g. through a complaint)."
Given that so many properties are converting to rental properties and/or people maybe do not have the time for gardening, I have noticed more and more 'sealing' more of the land.
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.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Calling All Puzzle Masters! Can You Solve This?
When John was six years old he hammered a nail into his favorite tree to mark his height.
Ten years later at age sixteen, John returned to see how much higher the nail was.
If the tree grew by five centimetres each year, how much higher would the nail be?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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