Have a DIY white Christmas in your backyard!
Many kids (and adults!) in NZ dream of a white Christmas; they see it snowing on TV and wonder how the portly Santa can possibly deliver their presents while wearing all those wooly clothes!
While there’s nothing that we can do about the temperature, besides cranking up the fan, we have a few DIY ideas about how you can add a touch of Christmas magic to your backyard.
• False Snow
It may never snow here in NZ, when the kids awaken on Christmas day, you can certainly make it look like it has! Make your own easy, false snow with only shaving cream and baking soda.
Simply:
• Empty 2 boxes of baking soda into a bowl,
• Mix a complete 500 ml can of shaving foam, and thoroughly stir.
You could also add white glitter to give the snow some of that early-morning sparkle. If you want more, just adjust the ingredient levels.
Keep the snow in the fridge until you want to use it. That way, when you give it to the kids to make mini-snowmen and snowballs in the backyard, it’ll be cold—just like the real thing! Homemade snow is completely safe and washable with water, so sprinkle some around your trampoline for some extra excitement on Christmas day.
Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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0% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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0% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
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