Backyard Awards: Best Loved Lawn winner
Mark Elliott from Shirley in Christchurch has won the category of Best Loved Lawn for his lush green masterpiece. Congratulations, Mark!
We spoke with his about his process to keep his lawn beautiful and there may be some blades of advice for your own backyard.
Mark has a huge backyard so during Covid times, he decided to renovate the lawn and garden just for something to do. It’s turned into a passion.
His lawn is 100% rye grass - sourced from Prebble Seeds Turf World who supply many golf courses around New Zealand. In the summer he mows it every 2-3 days, sometimes daily, and waters the lawn with a deep soak of about an hour at a time, 2-3 times a week. He uses a granular slow release lawn fertiliser and other liquid fertilisers also.
Mark shares:
'I would say the secret to getting a good lawn is consistent mowing - at least twice a week. Maybe buy a bulk bag of slow release lawn fertiliser from a wholesaler. Keep the grass longer and just take the very top off the blade when you mow. It promotes growth, thickens it up and will really help with stopping weeds - oh, and water. Expect a water bill if you want a good lawn.'
The first photo below shows the 'Before' shot, 4 years ago. Give Mark a Like on this post if you think his lawn is pretty top notch!
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
Looking for a local Travel Agent
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Planning a holiday in 2026, and need some advise, suggestions, recommendations or any information travel related? Give me a call and we can chat. No obligations.
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Look forward to hearing from you.
1 SLEEP TO GO HAMILTON
1 more sleep to go!!!!!!!!!! 🥰🥳🥳🥳
Elliott Park, Nawton Hamilton is the place to be tomorrow for the 11th year of the Annual Extravaganza in the Park Christmas Market 2025 We hope you can join us in this magical day.
What to Expect:
Live Music & a wide range of Entertainment
Pony Rides and Facepainting
Kids Market Stall Zone, Interactive stalls
Over 140 other Market Stalls
The Slush Truck
Delicious Food & Local Vendors from Hangi, Maori Kai and much more.....
Christmas Mini Photography Sessions - Capture your family in a photo from a great christmas gift this year.
Dont miss our special appearance from Santa stopping in from the North Pole to celebrate with us.
A great community vibe and day out
Extravaganza in the Park 2025
📍Where: Elliott Park, Hyde Ave Nawton Hamilton
📅 When: Sat 6th Dec 2025
⏰ 9am-2pm
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