Westport air testing not sinister
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Air monitoring in Westport by the West Coast Regional Council is simply to gather data and there is nothing sinister behind it, staff say.
A planning and science report to the Resource Management Committee this week said a survey of airborne particulates was now under way in Westport, with about 15 devices deployed around the township.
"Strong winds and vandalism have created minor disruptions, which has been overcome thus far," the report said.
"There are no compliance considerations with this spatial survey for individual households or councils under the National Environmental Standard for Air Quality."
The survey results would help the council to determine whether further monitoring was required, and where.
Monitoring of nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide was also under way in both Westport and Reefton.
"These substances can be generated by a range of combustion processes," staff said.
Cr Laura Coll-McLaughlin, of Westport, said there had been comment on social media about the air quality project in Westport.
There was some "mixed community sentiment" about it and also suspicion there were "some ulterior motives".
However, she said it was positive the council was gaining baseline data.
Acting planning and science manager Rachel Vaughan said the council was required to monitor air quality.
Air quality monitoring would require a bigger body of work in future, while allowing for a transition in what local people could use keep their homes warm and dry, she said.
Reefton, which sits in an inland basin with typically still weather, has had ongoing air quality monitoring by the regional council for a number of years.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.5% 1st December
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17.5% A week before Christmas
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33.3% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
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