Wairarapa has all the good oil
Wairarapa Olive Oil makers have dominated the annual NZ Extra Virgin Olive Oil Awards, winning four of five major awards.
Some 128 oils were judged much like wine or beer; poured into glasses – blue, to prevent bias based on colour – sipped, and scored by six judges during lockdown.
Judging took place remotely due to Covid-19. Judges were sent tiny bottles of each oil, which they warmed on an electric heat pad to 34 degrees Celsius, and then sipped, sucking air through their teeth to enhance the flavour.
Best in Show went to Olive Black Extra Virgin Olive Oil, an intense blend with green grass, pine, and floral notes.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.1% Yes
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15.2% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
Moe mai rā, Nicholas.
We're sad to announce the passing of Nicholas Boyack, our Hutt Valley reporter who has long written for The Dominion Post, The Hutt News and Upper Hutt Leader.
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.