Heavy rain moving north, widespread flooding, highways closed
A woman has died trying to cross floodwaters as torrential rain caused slips, submerged roads, flooded homes and destroyed a bridge on the West Coast.
A state of emergency was declared for the Westland district on Tuesday evening after a day of torrential rain that destroyed the bridge across the Waiho River near Franz Josef on State Highway 6.
West Coast mayor Bruce Smith said Hokitika's stormwater system "couldn't cope" with a particularly large downpour about 2am. Two homes were flooded, along with several streets.
"To get all the rivers from Haast to Hokitika all in flood at the same time, I've never known that."
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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85.1% Yes
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13.4% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
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What is it that when given one, you’ll have either two or none?
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