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......
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.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
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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!
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