Road safety
I have just driven to Napier and back, in horizontal rain, and almost not seen all the cars with no headlights on, on the roads.
On days like today, where visibility is next to nothing, at times, and the road is a slick as snot (and it is), do not rely on auto headlights. They only come on when it’s dark, and it’s not. Heavy rain and fog do not activate your headlights, and you, and everyone else, need them.
Whether you do or don’t have auto headlights, seriously, if you need wipers you NEED headlights.
You may say “But I can see perfectly!” A: no, you really can’t. And B: no one can see you. Che k your mirrors if you don’t believe me. How well can you see the traffic behind you with no headlights, or coming towards you? Not very, eh?!
Do you want to get where you are going, at all, and ensure everyone else on the road does too, use your noodle and your headlights.
Also, gently pump your brakes before you need to stop. Wet brakes (water and road grime) don’t always function properly. And tyres don’t have the best traction on wet road surfaces.
And, please, please, slow down.
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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84.4% Yes
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14.1% 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.
Suspicious fire - Hastings
Hawke’s Bay Police are investigating after a suspicious fire at a residential property in Hastings overnight.
Emergency services were called to the vacant house on Lowe Street at around 3am today. Initial enquiries suggest people were seen running away from the house a short time before.
Police would like to hear from any Lowe Street residents who may have CCTV footage which would assist our enquiries.
We’d also like to hear from anyone who heard or saw something which might be relevant, who has not yet spoken to us.
If you can help, please update us online now or call 105. Please use the reference number 241114/5217.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.