Extreme fire danger in Otago
Fire and Emergency New Zealand have warned that fire danger is very high in large parts of the Otago region over Easter due to high winds and the dry fuels and soil in the region.
These conditions have led to new fire restrictions across the Otago Region from 12pm on Thursday 1 April until 12pm Tuesday 6 April.
What you need to know:
- All fire permits have been suspended in Coastal Zone Dunedin, Clutha including Catlins, Waitaki, Central Zone and Lakes.
- In the Otago Central Zone, open air fires have been prohibited as well as no roadside mowing, no cultivation, no fireworks or pyrotechnic displays and no explosives to be set off. This includes Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Naseby, Ranfurly, Kurow, Otematata, Omarama and Middlemarch.
Central Otago Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer Bobby Lamont asks anyone who has had a burn in the last seven days to check that these are completely out.
"The strong winds have the potential to reignite any old burn sites so people should check they are fully extinguished. Dig right down into the site, pour water over it and check with the back of your hand there is no heat."
For full details, check out the Fire and Emergency New Zealand site here.
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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82.3% Yes
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15.2% No
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2.5% 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.
Georgina's Rhubarb Crumble
Craving a dessert that makes the most of spring's fresh produce? Look no further than Georgina's signature Rhubarb Crumble.
This delicious treat has become a favourite at Ryman’s Bert Sutcliffe Village, where the sweet and tangy aroma often wafts through the air, tempting neighbours in for a taste. It’s also a hit with Georgina's 13-year-old granddaughter, Brooklyn, who loves serving it warm with gooey custard or a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream.
Click read more for the recipe.