Get ready for winter
Even though we are coming into summer now (?), it’s time to get ready for winter.
Seem like a bit of a weird idea? It’s not. If you wait till winter to get ready for winter you won’t be ready when it arrives and you’ll spend a fortune trying to get through.
Huh?
Simple: drains and guttering; yards and gardens; heating.
All of these are cheaper and easier to sort in the warm seasons.
Did you know getting your gutters and drains cleared in the winter months costs more? Why? Because it’s harder. And more dangerous. It’s also more likely to result water incursion in the home. Which can be excruciatingly expensive to rectify, as many can tell you. You’re also more likely to get rats, if you have blocked or damaged drains. If they get under your floors and die, the smell is horrendous, especially in the hot weather.
It’s also easier to deal with overgrown gardens and weedy lawns in summer, than winter. They won’t stop growing in winter, but if you can get into weed control when it’s hot, they’re less likely to be a big problem when it’s not. And cutting back over growth allows for more natural light in the garden and better ground control and production. Just don’t go so hard you have no shade. Same with your lawns. Cut them long to reduce weed incursion and to protect the roots. Short lawns get burnt roots and weeds break through easier. You will spend less on sorting problems if you deal with them before you have no choice.
Fireplaces. Clean and service them. Check the baffles, seals and glass. And get your firewood now.
Did you know it’s up to $200 cheaper in summer. And you have more time to store and dry it for winter.
If you get a mixture of soft and hard woods, I’d highly recommend getting your soft wood from Tumu in Maraekakaho Rd, Hastings. 2 cord delivered (within 25km, further may incur a charge) is currently $385. ($310 with a gold card) and you can pay it off in advance, or pay online, or pay the driver. He carries eftpos. www.tumutimbers.co.nz...
If you aren’t in Hawkes Bay, check with your local timber merchants and pallet makers.
It’s all untreated pine offcuts. And will burn well in winter. Burns even better mixed with hard wood. It’s also cheaper than anywhere else, unless you get it free or at mates rates.
I ordered mine Tuesday afternoon and had it delivered Wednesday morning.
If you collect driftwood, leave it where it can get rained on for at least a year, before you burn it. Check with your local council about the rules around collecting fallen branches from public land and talk to your local council arborists about the wood they cut. It’s usually free. It’s a great way to stock up for the following winters.
Today’s Mind-Bender is the Last of the Year! Can You Guess It Before Everyone Else? 🌟🎁🌲
I dance in the sky with green and gold, a spectacle few are lucky to behold; I’m best seen in the south, a celestial sight—what am I, lighting up the New Zealand night?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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9.8% Yes! New Year, New Me
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21.8% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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68.4% Nah - not for me
Keep safe and happy in Hawke’s Bay these holidays
As holiday-makers enjoy their time in the sunny Hawke’s Bay, Police have advice for both locals and visitors about how to ensure we head into 2026 on a high note.
Inspector Lincoln Sycamore, Hawke’s Bay Area Commander, says he wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable New Year in our region.
“We welcome you if you’re in Hawke’s Bay to enjoy the weather, food, and everything else our area has to offer. Respect each other, don’t overindulge and make good decisions. Don’t be ‘that person’ who ruins it for everyone.”
🔵 Staff deployed across Hawke’s Bay, to beaches, events and more
“Keep yourselves safe and look after each other,” says Inspector Sycamore.
There will be a strong Police presence in traditional holiday hotspots across our region, including our beautiful beaches.
We all have a responsibility to ensure our friends and loved ones are safe this summer, so keep an eye out and report any concerns you have.”
🔵 Visible presence on Hawke’s Bay roads: If you can’t follow road rules, expect to see red and blue in your rear-view.
Inspector Sycamore says officers will continue to be out on our roads, targeting unsafe drivers.
“Alcohol continues to be a factor in a number of crashes across the region, and we will continue to set up checkpoints and breath test drivers,” he says.
"Wear your seatbelt, don’t drink and drive, stay off your phone and make sure you’re rested."
🔵 When you’re shopping, we’ll be watching
As you flash your cash at the holiday sales, Police beat teams will be conducting routine patrols through retail areas right into the New Year.
Inspector Sycamore says officers will be checking in with local store workers and members of the community.
If you feel unsafe or have concerns about dangerous, illegal or suspicious behaviour, call Police on 111.
For non-urgent concerns you can call 105 or visit www.police.govt.nz... and report the incident online.
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