LOCAL COUNCILS IN THE DEEP END
The plight with deteriorating tap water and sewerage pipes in the Wellington region and the costs passed on in local taxes to ratepayers is a timely situation for local councils to be forced to reconsider what they are suppose to provide their residents.
In Upper Hutt, the council has gone ahead a forked out millions to upgrade its public swimming pool. The council seems bent on doing something similar to its central library.
I would say that rather than do this or even develop an elaborate swimming pool in the first instant, the UH Council should adhere to being providers of the basics to its residents - clean tap water, sewerage disposal, street lighting, pavements, roading and keeping its parks and reserves in order.
Of all these things mentioned as the basics - there is a falling and a failure in Upper Hutt, and this (apart from parks and reserves) is also occurring in Wellington, Porirua and Lower Hutt.
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.