Our Mayor wants to lock away the PIF fund so it cannot be used for the purpose it was saved - do you agree?
I too originally thought it was a good back-up and we were promised zero rates but then it exceeded NPDC debt by a considerable margin. Fact is however $250 million in early 2000's would now be 10x that so the longer we keep it the less it is worth. Appreciate it has off-set some rates but right through this whole period rates have continued to rise at an alarming rate and there is no sign of this trend reversing. By all means put aside say 100 million but the majority should be used to fix our broken pipes. In hindsight while ratepayers thought this was surplus money it was money that should have been spent on infrastructure at the time. The NPDC does not always know best but they like to blame the ratepayers. There are so many ways that this money can be spent to the lasting benefit of our community. Many of these were included in submissions to the NPDC 10 year LPT but so far have been ignored.
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.
Click read more for more information.
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.