Water extraction for export.
International Springs Ltd is currently renovating the old coca cola factory and what appears to be the entire industrial site in Refreshment Place Trentham.
I have contacted GWRC and UHCC and it appears that there are no current applications to extract water for export. However another source tells me that consent to extract 180 million litres per year has been granted.
Water bottling companies sneak in under the radar so that the public and the councils have no power to stop them as we have seen in Christchurch.
Upper Hutt is the catchment for Wellington water and I think we have a responsibility to ensure that the river and the aquifer are protected.
It's time for some law changes.
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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0% Yes
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0% No
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0% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.1% Yes
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15.1% No
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2.7% 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.