Water restrictions
Currently Wellington, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt and Porirua are under level one water restrictions. Wellington residents are now being urged to store an emergency water supply over the holiday period as the capital could face the possibility of severe water restrictions.
What you need to know:
- Sprinklers can only be used every second day at this stage in level one restrictions.
- Wremo recommends households have an emergency supply of at least 20L of water per person, per day for seven days (140L per person). Wellington residents can buy 200L water tanks from their local councils for a discounted rate.
- Wellington Water is preparing with emergency agencies for level four restrictions, which would ban all outdoor water use and reduce indoor water use by up to 50%.
Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (Wremo) regional manager Jeremy Holmes said storing water should be a priority over the Christmas and New Year period.
"You can store water by cleaning and re-using plastic bottles, using larger water containers from hardware stores or installing a 200 litre household emergency water tank available through your local council."
He understood finding space in apartments could be a challenge, so he encouraged people to get creative and take measures such as storing containers behind the couch, under beds or in the back of cupboards.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77.3% Yes
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21.8% No
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0.9% Other - I'll share below
Kapiti Coast Distilled: A Family and Friends' Foraged Gin
In an exciting development for local spirits enthusiasts, Elsewhere Gin has released a limited edition Kapiti expression that truly captures the essence of our coastal region.
This unique gin, priced at $95 per bottle, is the result of a heartwarming collaboration between Elsewhere Gin and Mark Rose's parents and their friends in Kapiti who embarked on a community foraging adventure, handpicking an array of native botanicals including kohekohe, kauri tips, strawberry guava, horopito, and kawakawa. These locally sourced ingredients were combined with classic gin botanicals, lemon, and rosemary to create a spirit that is both familiar and distinctly Kapiti.
The gin offers a sensory journey through our coastal landscape. It opens with subtle vanilla notes from the kohekohe, followed by the sweetness of strawberry guava. The addition of horopito lends a peppery kick, while kawakawa adds a unique herbal complexity. The finish showcases the zesty lemon and aromatic rosemary that grow abundantly in our region.
"This gin is a love letter to Kapiti," says Rose. "It's not just my creation, but a true community effort. Every sip tells a story of our unique ecosystem, our shared knowledge, and the incredible flavors we have right here in our backyard."
With only a small batch produced, this Kapiti gin is expected to sell out quickly. It's more than just a drink; it's a bottled experience of our local terroir and community spirit, perfect for those who appreciate the finer aspects of craft spirits and the beauty of our coastal home.
Available exclusively through Elsewhere Gin, please contact Michael Anderson for this limited edition gin that offers a rare opportunity to taste the Kapiti coast - and its community - in a glass.
Michael Anderson
021 620 065
Email; michael.anderson@xtra.co.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.