SHOTGUNS
Just a word of warning to other retired people who live on small lifestyle blocks , who are new to this lifestyle and like me didn't know what l have learnt the painful way.
I would hate anyone else to go through the fear and suffering l have ,and are enduring, because they simply don't know what activities are permitted where we live !
Last week , my neighbours used shot guns almost next to my boundary with no warning.
Don't be scared ( like I was ) when I tripped, fell , dislocated my shoulder and fractured it .
It is just a neighbour exercising their right to shoot near you even though you are initially scared shitless.
Police advise this is perfectly legal despite proximity. I had no idea whatsoever this type of activity could occur or l wouldn't have been so scared. Buying lifestyle blocks does not come with this warning. Perhaps it should !
I should clarify I am used to the occasional air rifle nearby shooting rabbits but these guns were on a whole different level.
Harrisons Garden Centre always advise me when they are shooting rabbits so l thought it was law. But it is in fact them just being courteous and considerate. Shooters are not obliged to advise activity , it depends how considerate they are.
So don't be like me ! Don't freak out when you hear loud gun shots closeby. I am telling you so no one else gets a fright and hurts themselves as badly as I did. Particularly when there is no help available due to public holidays.
Photo shows SOME of my injuries , so it is obvious I am not exaggerating.
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.