Locals five and under can now swim for free
Taupo District children aged five and under now get free entry to the AC Baths, Turtle Pools and Mangakino pools.
The decision to offer free entry to locals five and under was made during deliberations on the council's draft Long-term Plan in May. The free entry came into effect on July 1 and includes one adult actively supervising the child in the water. Mayor David Trewavas said the Council had heard the message from various submitters that some children were not developing swimming skills as well as they should be. "They told us this was due to the cost of entry to the pools, particularly for families, and free entry would let more parents get their young ones familiar with being in the water," he said.
Read more here -
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.