1495 days ago

Fire restrictions now in place for Waikato District

The Neighbourly Team

As of the 10th of January, a permit will be required to light an open fire. This new restriction covers all areas within Hamilton City, Waikato, Hauraki, Matamata Piako, Waipa, Otorohanga and Waitomo.

District Manager of Fire and Emergency NZ, Daryl Trim, has shared that this change from open to restricted has come after the recent dry spell, where very little rain has fallen over the last three weeks.

While some open-air fires such as campfires, bonfires and land management fires will require a permit, holiday-makers and locals can still undertake a range of activities that include fire.

"If it does require one, the website can take you through a few easy steps to get permitted for the activity" Daryl Trim says.

Here's what you need to know:
- Open-air fires will need permits in the areas of Hamilton City, Waikato, Hauraki, Matamata Piako, Waipa, Otorohanga and Waitomo.
- Some activities such as hangi, umu and gas-fired barbecues are still permitted.

To get information on whether your planned activity requires a permit, head to www.checkitsalright.nz......

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More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Poll: What do you think should happen with Chateau Tongariro?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

The Government has refused to commit to saving the Chateau Tongariro Hotel, leaving demolition, decommissioning or private restoration all on the table despite strong community pressure to preserve the iconic building.

In a formal response to a petition led by Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton, ministers acknowledged the Chateau’s cultural and economic significance but said no changes to current policy or legislation were warranted Chateau Petition response.

What do you think should happen with Chateau Tongariro? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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What do you think should happen with Chateau Tongariro?
  • 5% Demolish it
    5% Complete
  • 0% Decommission it
    0% Complete
  • 95% A private operator should restore it
    95% Complete
  • 0% Other - explain in the comments
    0% Complete
20 votes
4 days ago

Tamahere home in dentist case was once centre of accountant’s fraud

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

It’s been a feature in a recent Hamilton District Court trial , but a Tamahere mansion already has an complicated history.

The property in Woodcock Rd - notable for having a hydroslide in the back yard - the scene of now-disproved alleged sexual offending by Hamilton dentist Rahul Gautam - made headlines more than 15 years ago, when it was a focus in the case of accountant Gary Soffe.

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1 day ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 60.4% Yes, supporting people is important!
    60.4% Complete
  • 24.4% No, individuals should take responsibility
    24.4% Complete
  • 15.2% ... It is complicated
    15.2% Complete
336 votes