Hastings digger driver Pearl Jury reckons girls can do anything
Pearl Jury made history in 2018 by becoming the first woman to achieve her Civil Trade Certificate in New Zealand.
Right now, she is working on Hastings District Council’s new Te Pōhue water treatment site. That project is part of the council’s Hastings Drinking Water Strategy, which includes upgrading all small community water supplies across the district.
The list of projects that Jury has worked on across Hawke’s Bay and beyond is impressive – she and her digger have helped build airstrips, dams, subdivisions, the Hastings-Napier expressway, and the region’s newest major road, Te Ara Kahikatea.
Her advice to young women who love being outdoors and are deciding on their career options is to think about heavy machinery operation.
“It is fantastic; I love every minute of it. There’s something special about driving over or looking at projects you’ve been involved in and feeling a real level of satisfaction.”
Spring gardening tips
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.
Click read more for more information.
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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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
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.