GET OUT OF PETONE
A bad sign is when it seems obvious that insurance companies are going to raise their premiums for property insurance beyond the affordability of the average homeowner or retailer - and even suspend insurance cover.
So this is what is forecasted for a large majority of the Lower Hutt sea side, low-lying suburb of Petone as well as areas heading towards Eastborne.
The issue is climate change which is now well embedded and will see a rising sea and excessive rainfall during year upon year.
As well there is the sinking of the land to contend with.
And there is little that the local authority or the residents of the affected areas can do to barricade against the real prospect of submerging properties within the next 15 years rain-wise and 30 years sea-wise.
Jackson Street with its huge retail presence including around 80 eateries and housing beyond Jackson Street in both directions will be swept away or uninhabitable and all either uninsurable or unaffordability of being insured.
I have friends who help design the only new residential home in Jackson Street in maybe 60 years. And their flash two storey modern home of some 3 years will be mainly useless against the torrent of flooding.
I spent all my teenage years living in Petone, played rugby for Petone and later was for a time connected with the Petone Athletic Club and worked in Petone for two different companies. But my advice is for those living there right now is to get out and live somewhere less likely to be severely waterlogged. You can sell at the market price right now to many silly or naive people unaware or unperturbed by what the future has in store.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.7% Second half of November
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43.6% 1st December
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17.5% A week before Christmas
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33.1% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
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.