Check that your car still starts.
At our auto electrical company we see a lot of "battery drain" issues especially with modern cars and Japanese imports that may have added electronics like GPS tracking etc, that slowly drain the battery. With normal daily driving the alternator has time to charge the battery each day so it doesn't cause issues but with our cars sitting in the garage for several days now is a good time to go out and see if it starts ok, before you need it in a hurry. After starting it let it idle for 5 minutes to recover what you have drained out of it from the start. If it starts slower than normal leave it idling for 15-20 minutes to charge the battery a bit more.
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 banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.4% Yes
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22.3% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?
The frustration of seeing a detour sign partway through your journey on the main highways possibly the new way forward when it comes to roadworks.
One of the latest areas to have a section of the road blocked off is State Highway 1 between Putāruru to Tokoroa as part of a massive renewal project that extends down to Waiouru.
Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?