Fire restrictions now in place for Waikato District
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......
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)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
84.6% Yes
-
13.9% No
-
1.5% Other - I'll share below
What would you do if it was your job to fix Hamilton's CBD?
More alcohol restrictions, more lighting, busking rule changes and a whole lot of lobbying - these are some ways Hamilton leaders want to sort out the CBD.
Crime and anti-social behaviour in the area has been in the spotlight after recent news of a man defecating in the street near a city pub and another who flipped tables out the back of a bar after being found scrounging cigarette butts and asked to leave.
What would you do if it was your job to fix Hamilton's CBD? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).