Got a Nice Neighbour?
We’re looking for the nicest neighbours in town, and Pam Driver of Burswood has shared her lovely neighbours, David and Lara Hurst, saying they “are just wonderful”.
This year, Pam had a missing cat, which was quite out of character. Driver let the Hursts know, and they joined the search, successfully locating him in the gap between the ceiling and roof of their neighbour’s house.
Pam said “They rescued him and brought him home to me... complete with some scratches! I hate to think what would have happened had he not been found”.
Pam nominated the Hursts to let them know she is thankful for them: “It’s so good to know I have such caring neighbours who have my back. Thank you neighbours!”
Nominate someone in your hood, and your special neighbour could feature on Stuff and Neighbourly as an inspiration to us all (plus there are prizes to be won!).
Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape Rēinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hīkoi is due to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge about 9.30am on Wednesday. Two northbound lanes will be closed at some point before the crossing, and remain closed during it.
- NZTA shared at 8:50am Wednesday:
'Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed shortly, with two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge expected to close from approx 9.30am this morning. Allow extra time for likely delays through this area.'
- The hīkoi is expected to go across the Harbour Bridge, in a controlled fashion before marching through parts of the CBD towards Okahu Bay.
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori. Stuff reporter Steve Kilgallon was at Stafford Park on the north side of the Harbour Bridge at 8.30am Wednesday and shared:
"I just walked through Stafford Park, where there’s about 400-500 people quietly assembled and more arriving; and about 20 police standing over near the motorway off ramp. Lot of Tino Rangatira flags in evidence, local streets very busy with parked cars."
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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85.1% Yes
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13.4% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below