We Say, You Say: Swimming Spots
Hi Northland,
Would you be put off by a health warning at your local swimming spot?
Around 100 popular swimming locations across the country have been slapped with health warnings for the summer season this year.
Local councils reported long-term poor water quality due to the presence of algal blooms and high concentrations of sediment in popular swimming spots like Lake Rotorua, Waikanae Beach and Paraparaumu Beach. Some of these sites have had consistently low scoring that local councils have stopped monitoring them and have instead posted long-term warning signs against swimming.
Swimmers that ignore signs risk gastrointestinal illnesses and respiratory diseases from water made hazardous by farm runoff, sewage contamination and high bacteria counts.
Share your thoughts below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments featured in the conversations section of your local paper.
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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13.9% No
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1.5% 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.
Monster Garage Sale
Otaika Valley Community Hall are having a monster garage sale on 30th November. Come grab a bargain