Maidstone Park's new $2m turf torn up by hoons
The Upper Hutt City Council is looking for answers after the new $2m sports turf at Maidstone park was vandalised over the weekend.
Police say they received a report that the grounds had been damaged sometime between Friday night and Sunday morning.
Images of the park show wheel marks from a vehicle criss-crossing a significant portion of the new sand -based turf.
Mayor Wayne Guppy says the turf had only been in used for the last six weeks following an 18 month upgrade which was part of the first stage of the Maidstone Park Sports Hub project. Funding for the second stage of the development has been fast-tracked by a $12m injection from the central government's shovel ready funding which will allow for the building of new clubrooms and other infrastructure at the site.
"Someone knows what happened out there. People who do this sort of thing can't help but boast about it, so we are asking anyone who knows anything about it to come forward."
A police spokeswoman said the incident was awaiting to be signed to an investigating officer.
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.
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)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
84% Yes
-
14.7% No
-
1.3% Other - I'll share below
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.