Apocalypse now?
About 4 pm this afternoon it happened. My wife standing outside the window pointing a finger up at the sky. I got out of my chair and asked: what? Are you going for a helicopter ride, or is there one rabbit in the garden? Look at the sun she said. And after twisting my neck trying to get a glimpse from the living room window I went outside … and what I saw was a tiny red circle in the sky. No fear of 'don't look directly at the sun. Dark red.
I went for my afternoon swim and through the windows I could see the sky … clouds with swirls of yellow, ochre, pink, brown even. And the light was yellow. So yellow we only realized when we turned the inside light on in the shower and saw the contrast.
By now it's 6 pm. 2 and ¾ hours until the sun is due to set, and it's dark in the house. The light outside is an eery orange.
I read yesterday in the paper that according to the former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot on Israeli radio, it's all lies by 'the climate cult' conspirators. He who abolished subsidies for solar energy installations in Australia.
Well it just got here. It looks a bit like the apocalypse might be happening some time tonight – fortunately there's about 2000 km separating us from where it's actually happening. The entire sky (medium cloudy) has now turned a dark orange. Seriously dark. And it's still 2:20 hours to sunset.
Who needs to watch post apocalyptic movies, when all you need to do is look out of the window?
It's horrible. Terrifying, and pitiful when thinking about the people at 'ground zero'.
Spring gardening tips
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.
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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% Yes
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14.7% No
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1.3% 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.