Extreme fire danger in Otago
Fire and Emergency New Zealand have warned that fire danger is very high in large parts of the Otago region over Easter due to high winds and the dry fuels and soil in the region.
These conditions have led to new fire restrictions across the Otago Region from 12pm on Thursday 1 April until 12pm Tuesday 6 April.
What you need to know:
- All fire permits have been suspended in Coastal Zone Dunedin, Clutha including Catlins, Waitaki, Central Zone and Lakes.
- In the Otago Central Zone, open air fires have been prohibited as well as no roadside mowing, no cultivation, no fireworks or pyrotechnic displays and no explosives to be set off. This includes Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Naseby, Ranfurly, Kurow, Otematata, Omarama and Middlemarch.
Central Otago Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer Bobby Lamont asks anyone who has had a burn in the last seven days to check that these are completely out.
"The strong winds have the potential to reignite any old burn sites so people should check they are fully extinguished. Dig right down into the site, pour water over it and check with the back of your hand there is no heat."
For full details, check out the Fire and Emergency New Zealand site here.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64% Yes
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33.7% No
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2.3% Other - I'll share below
Become an SPCA Foster Hero!
Kitten season has arrived, and over the next six months, over 8,000 cats and kittens will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these babies the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today! It's not just cats and kittens - we are also urgently seeking foster homes for dogs and small animals.
Fostering saves lives and helps these tiny babies grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults, ready for adoption. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!
Sign up today and save a life!
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.