1180 days ago

Ōtaki truck fire being treated as suspicious

Reporter Community News

A truck fire that damaged air conditioning units on their way to help in Wellington Hospital’s Covid-19 battle is being treated as suspicious.
The fire broke out shortly before midnight on Sunday in a truck parked on State Highway 1 in Ōtaki.
Ōtaki Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Ian King confirmed the fire was being treated as suspicious.
The truck driver had parked up about 7pm and checked into a motel. The fire did not start until almost five hours later.
It is understood the units would have allowed the hospital to have more negative pressure rooms – in which the air pressure is lowered, meaning the virus is less likely to escape into the wider hospital.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Kapiti Coast Distilled: A Family and Friends' Foraged Gin

Jocelyn from Waikanae

In an exciting development for local spirits enthusiasts, Elsewhere Gin has released a limited edition Kapiti expression that truly captures the essence of our coastal region.

This unique gin, priced at $95 per bottle, is the result of a heartwarming collaboration between Elsewhere Gin and Mark Rose's parents and their friends in Kapiti who embarked on a community foraging adventure, handpicking an array of native botanicals including kohekohe, kauri tips, strawberry guava, horopito, and kawakawa. These locally sourced ingredients were combined with classic gin botanicals, lemon, and rosemary to create a spirit that is both familiar and distinctly Kapiti.

The gin offers a sensory journey through our coastal landscape. It opens with subtle vanilla notes from the kohekohe, followed by the sweetness of strawberry guava. The addition of horopito lends a peppery kick, while kawakawa adds a unique herbal complexity. The finish showcases the zesty lemon and aromatic rosemary that grow abundantly in our region.

"This gin is a love letter to Kapiti," says Rose. "It's not just my creation, but a true community effort. Every sip tells a story of our unique ecosystem, our shared knowledge, and the incredible flavors we have right here in our backyard."

With only a small batch produced, this Kapiti gin is expected to sell out quickly. It's more than just a drink; it's a bottled experience of our local terroir and community spirit, perfect for those who appreciate the finer aspects of craft spirits and the beauty of our coastal home.

Available exclusively through Elsewhere Gin, please contact Michael Anderson for this limited edition gin that offers a rare opportunity to taste the Kapiti coast - and its community - in a glass.

Michael Anderson
021 620 065
Email; michael.anderson@xtra.co.nz

Image
5 hours ago

Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.

This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.

Do you think this ban is reasonable?

Image
Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
  • 79% Yes
    79% Complete
  • 19.9% No
    19.9% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
276 votes
16 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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.

Image