Fire warning for Hawke's Bay
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is asking Hawke’s Bay residents to hold off lighting fires and to check any historic burn sites are completely out with high winds expected over the weekend.
"Please don’t light fires when strong winds are forecast," says Fire and Emergency Principal Rural Fire Officer Trevor Mitchell.
"The winds can cause a fire to more easily spread and get out of control."
"Anyone who has lit a fire should also double check it is fully extinguished so the winds don’t reignite it," Trevor Mitchell says.
"Dig right down into the site, open it up and put some water on it to make sure it is absolutely out."
Trevor Mitchell says people need to be extra careful as we go into a windy period of the year, especially with unusually dry weather.
"We’ve had half the usual rainfall we’d expect over winter in the Hawke’s Bay and there’s still a lot of dry materials around from last summer - meaning there is more fuel for a fire to burn," he says.
"Check the weather forecasts and take the necessary precautions to prevent a fire getting out of control."
"If you need any advice, get in touch with the Hawke's Bay Area Office on 06 835 2114 or go to www.checkitsalright.nz.... You can find information on that website about how to reduce the risk of fire."
"If you're concerned about a fire, call 111."
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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82.9% Yes
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14.3% No
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2.8% Other - I'll share below
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.4% 1st December
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17.6% A week before Christmas
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33.2% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.