What are you growing now?
Dear neighbours,
We're looking for lockdown gardening ideas! With New Zealanders stuck at home everyone is keen to get into their gardens, but they can't get to the shops to buy plants and seeds. So we want to hear from you some suggestions for crops you can start or sow from what you have on hand or useful gardening hacks using just what you have at home already without going to the shops.
It doesn't have to be a big idea - just something like growing spring onions from the base or sprouting avocado seeds to make a houseplant. Send your tips and ideas to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz and we'll publish the best ideas in NZ Gardener.
Make sure you include your full name and address - only your name and the region you live in will be published but if we use your tip we will send you a free copy of the magazine.
Staying home over the break?
The long weekend is the perfect time to make your place safer for an earthquake with these steps:
• Find out where you can turn off your water and gas mains
• Check your chimney for any signs of wear and tear, or damage
• Check your home's foundations are secured
• Move heavy items that are up high to safer, lower down locations.
• Secure tall and heavy furniture and appliances
These simple actions can keep your whānau safer in case of a big shake, so tick them off and make the most of your break.
Bob Francis Wins Senior New Zealander Of The Year
Seven-term Mayor of Masterton, Bob Francis CNZM QSO MBE JP, has been named the 2024 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
Affectionately dubbed ‘Mr Wairarapa’, Bob has served his community in multiple areas, including health services, commercial development, the arts, aviation, homelessness, conservation and sports.
Bob’s award signifies the sixth time Ryman Healthcare has supported this category of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, which provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Kiwi seniors who continue to make positive contributions towards the future of Aotearoa.
Click read more for the full article.
Will a combined Civic and library hub help transform the CBD?
At a city revitalisation summit on Tuesday, the council unveiled a business case for a $90m community hub, library and civic centre. Is it a great idea or should the money be spent elsewhere? (Please mark NFP on any comments not for publication)