Water restrictions
Currently Wellington, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt and Porirua are under level one water restrictions. Wellington residents are now being urged to store an emergency water supply over the holiday period as the capital could face the possibility of severe water restrictions.
What you need to know:
- Sprinklers can only be used every second day at this stage in level one restrictions.
- Wremo recommends households have an emergency supply of at least 20L of water per person, per day for seven days (140L per person). Wellington residents can buy 200L water tanks from their local councils for a discounted rate.
- Wellington Water is preparing with emergency agencies for level four restrictions, which would ban all outdoor water use and reduce indoor water use by up to 50%.
Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (Wremo) regional manager Jeremy Holmes said storing water should be a priority over the Christmas and New Year period.
"You can store water by cleaning and re-using plastic bottles, using larger water containers from hardware stores or installing a 200 litre household emergency water tank available through your local council."
He understood finding space in apartments could be a challenge, so he encouraged people to get creative and take measures such as storing containers behind the couch, under beds or in the back of cupboards.
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.
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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84.8% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.