Changes Ahead For Council
The Waste Minimisation Act (2008) requires Councils in NZ to have a plan to divert waste from landfill, with stated outcomes. Despite this, the amount of waste going to landfill in NZ is high. We are the tenth worst producers of waste in the world, at an average of 3.6 kg per person, per day. Given that we produce around 300 gms of waste every two to three weeks at our house, there are obviously people producing a lot more than 3 kg.
Shortly, the Government will announce an amendment to the Act which sets targets for diversion of waste which Councils must meet. Fines will be imposed for those councils that do not meet their targets. Given the lip service that KCDC pays to waste minimisation and its preference for closing recycling centres, its highly likely that KCDC will fail to meet these targets. As well, their attitude toward paying such fines or legal fees is remarkably cavalier. They seem to see it as part of the job description. I cant say I'm comfortable with my carefully budgeted rates, that I send to KCDC every fortnight, being used to pay fines because they cannot take waste minimisation seriously. They are neither sincere or genuine in their concerns regarding management of waste, greenhouse gases and climate change.
Want to hear more? Come along to the public meeting on Sunday at 3.00 pm at the Waikanae Beach Community Hall, Rauparaha St Waikanae Beach, just down from Longbeach. We'd love to see you there.
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.
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