756 days ago

Road safety

Julie Neighbourly Lead from Havelock North

I’ve been driving around the village, especially around the Havelock hills, over the holidays, picking up and dropping off of kids, and noticed a bit of an issue on streets that have no footpaths. Overgrown foliage.
This might not, generally, be a problem, except there is a LOT overgrowth on the roads and footpaths.

As we come into the warmer seasons (hopefully soon), there will be a lot more kids making their own ways to school. Some on bikes, some on scooters, some even on rollerblades/skates or skateboards. And that means a lot more opportunities for kids to get hurt.

If your garden/hedge/foliage is overgrowing the footpaths, kids, and adults, will end up on the roads, which will put them in danger from bikes and cars.

If your garden/hedge/foliage is overgrowing the road that’s going to put them right in the way of traffic, and traffic right in the way of each other.

Please cut your overgrowth back from the footpaths so everyone has room to pass, safely. If your overgrowth is on the road, contact the council, or a professional landscaper, with appropriate permits, to arrange for it to be done. They need to block the lane off on the side it’s being cut back from, and that requires traffic management permits.

We have bigger and bigger vehicles, and the roads are getting narrower and narrower, with overgrowth. We need to take responsibility for our kids safety. All of us, for all of our kids, always.

Ideally, it should have been done during the holidays, but no one’s says anything, so it doesn’t get done when it’s quiet on the roads, and that means disruptions on busy days. But it needs to be done, before disaster strikes.

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3 days ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 64.4% Yes
    64.4% Complete
  • 33.3% No
    33.3% Complete
  • 2.4% Other - I'll share below
    2.4% Complete
2166 votes
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1 day ago

Christmas Pottery Sale - Havelock North

Wendy from Havelock North

Looking for something unique for your Christmas table, as a present or perhaps something to brighten up the garden for when guests arrive? The Pottery at 26 Bennelong Place, Havelock North will hold their Christmas sale on Saturday, December 16 from 9am - 2pm. There's a wide range of good quality, handcrafted goods that you won't find anywhere else. Don't miss this opportunity! Everything on offer from staked flowers and other garden art, tealight houses, vases, plates, bowls, cups, Christmas decorations, right up to some gorgeous wee mice to delight any child. Come along and find something special.

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24 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

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