Does Taranaki need a motor racing facility?
I see the Council have decided to again try to stop the boy racers. I agree their activities are undesirable but boys will be boys as the saying goes. You will never get them all to comply but would a Taranaki racing circuit help. Many other areas have them. Taranaki has always had a strong motor racing heritage in terms of facilities but mainly revolved around speedway. The main exception is the North Taranaki Kart Club and its adjoining jet sprint circuit. Lake Rotomanu is also great for limited water activities as is the Tasman Sea. I believe Taranaki has lots of Fat Cats so come on guys and girls. What about a facility like Hampton Downs with a lake in the middle. This would provide for the boy and girl racers plus a water sports facility which has always been lacking. I could see many activities being incorporated in addition to pure motor racing such as a skid pad, rowing, canoe racing, water skiing, swimming to help keep are people active and healthy. What about one of our rich but public spirited farmers giving the community one of their farms - what a great start that would be. Also likely to encourage outside interest/finance. With say 100 acres we would have enough to provide a whole multi-sports facility. The racecourse is always going to be a compromise. We need to start afresh. An added bonus is another potential supply of water. Come on Taranaki - you can do it.
Regards Charles Le Breton
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84% Yes
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14.7% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
Spring gardening tips
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.
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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.