Mass Anti Masking
Had the displeasure of catching the 1.30pm Hutt Valley train from Wellington last Tuesday and got caught up with the train's carriages being swamped and completely over-run with anti vaxxers and other assorted antis. Usually this train would be almost empty.
I would estimate that less than 15 % of all the passengers were wearing a mask when masking on public transport is compulsory unless one has some kind of health exemption and on normal days everyone on public transport I see wears a mask.
Wearing a mask to help combat spreading and getting covid is world wide at various levels and there is going to be a rejuvenation of mask wearing in many countries that have laxed in this regard because of the huge upsurge of Covid spread. Yet we have all these hundreds of agitating Hutt Valley commutors blatantly disregarding the possible outcome of being maskless in confined spaces.
I must say I felt very unsafe.
The railways must bear some responsibility. The ticket collectors are overwhelmed and thus say nothing but the train should never have left the Wellington railway station with the horde of unmasked people. There is a railways communication system on all trains and at all times at the main station.
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.