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.
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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