Auckland pest plague inbound for spring
New Zealand has just had an abnormally warm winter - usually a time where weak pests get killed off. Mild conditions mean they survived, and their numbers are increasing every day. Rats are going to be one of the main pests - especially in Auckland. They're capable of producing litters of up to 10 offspring every eight weeks under favourable conditions.
This can have a "massive impact" on our native fauna and flora. Rats are a threat for our native birds, insects, geckos and plants - including species like the yellow head and orange-fronted parakeet. And just like rodents, wasps and other creepy crawlies also like warmer weather. These hungry pests can cause chaos to our food supply as they chew on crops and friendly insects and spoil stored food products.
Image and story credit: Newshub
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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84.6% Yes
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14% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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.
Sunday 1.Dec. Basin City Big Band at Flames Hotel Onerahi 2-4.30 pm
Northern Jazz Society invites to an afternoon at Flames Hotel with the Basin City Big Band, vocals Jasmin Fisher-Johnson, Estevez Gilliespie, Peter Minson and Ellen-Rose Calvert. General Admission, cash only $15,