Severe weather on East Coast
A state of emergency has been declared for locations on the East Coast. Check out this morning's breaking news from Stuff.co.nz.
- Severe flooding hits the Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru Bay areas of Tairāwhiti.
- Two contractors are trapped near Anaura Bay, and a rescue operation is underway.
- Tairāwhiti Civil Defence has ordered the evacuation of residents in the Mangatuna area north of Gisborne.
- The Hikuwai River reached 12.8 metres after 3am, a level higher than in flooding in 2020.
- State Highway 35 from Gisborne to Ōpōtiki, is closed because of flooding, slips and washouts.
- Power is out for around 755 customers in the Tokomaru Bay area.
- There are multiple slips in Tolaga Bay Gorge, with flooding across the road making it suitable only for four-wheel drives.
- Gisborne Civil Defence manager Ben Green told RNZ the rainfall overnight was almost "biblical".
- At least seven households have been evacuated.
- Rainfall is still heavy and there is more to come across the region, potentially another 150mm today.
- Parts of Bay of Plenty could also expect more than 200mm of rain to fall today.
For further information on the evolving situation, click here.
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
Tactile texture
Welcome texture into your room by using leftover Resene Anaglypta wallpaper to accentuate furniture and décor items. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
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