Contractor mistakenly encases 12 trees in concrete
The job was to fix uneven surfaces on Rotherham Street, in the Christchurch suburb of Riccarton, where several tree roots had created a trip hazard. Instead of smoothing over the peaks and troughs though, contractors encased the 12 trees in concrete right up to the base of their trunks.
Christchurch City Council city streets maintenance manager Mark Pinner said the work was not carried out as expected and would be redone immediately at the contractor's cost.
Growing tree roots had made the footpath uneven, he said, and the contractors were supposed to level the area with concrete while maintaining the health of the trees. Crusher dust will be put down to allow water to get to the tree.
Read the full story here.
Image: Stuff
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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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.
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.