Taumata Arawai
I sent the following email to Taumata Arowai, the new water protection agency. It proposes to increase the allowable amounts of 17 toxic substances in drinking water and there will be no restriction at all on the amount of nitrate in water.
Dear Teara Atawai,
I understand that the Government’s new water protection agency - Taumata Arowai - is proposing to increase the allowable limits of 17 toxic and poisonous substances in drinking water and that there will be no limit at all for the amount of nitrates in drinking water.
I am dismayed and deeply disappointed that a New Zealand government would consider any relaxation of drinking water standards. I have considerable knowledge regarding the cumulative and long-term effects on a population of toxic chemicals and elements in water. I lived for years in Japan during the 1960s and repeatedly in later decades as well. From 1969, for 34 years I lectured on Japanese history and current affairs at a New Zealand university. Environmental pollution and solutions were very important issues then as now but we should learn from past mistakes. That our government would allow industry, agriculture and city populations even greater freedom to pollute is for me anyway, beyond belief.
Yours faithfully,
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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84.5% Yes
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14.1% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
Food Recall: Classic Taste brand Fennel Powder
Auckland Fruit Market Ltd is recalling a specific batch of its Classic Taste brand Fennel Powder due to the presence of an undeclared allergen (gluten).
People with a gluten allergy or intolerance should not consume this product. If you are not allergic or intolerant to gluten, this recall does not affect you.
READ MORE: www.mpi.govt.nz...
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.
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