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5:30 pm, May 18th, 2022 - 63 comments
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https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/467381/drought-in-auckland-s-rural-south-pushing-up-food-prices-growers-say
I have a large tank to collect rainwater installed in the mid 90s drought and use it to water vege patches in an Auckland suburban backyard. You just need at least four hours sunlight, loose soil in the garden or in pots and some lime and fertilizer, which is expensive now so I'm toying with the idea of foraging dung, seaweed and the remains of filleted fish for liquid manure.
Foraging for fertiliser is fun!
I'm collecting at the sink – nothing escapes down the drain here: coffee "swill", saucepan "wash", spoiled milk, carrot peelings, avocado skins; whatever we don't eat becomes food for our plants. As well, I'm collecting leaves from the house-spoutings, ash from the wood-fire, even beard-sheddings from my brush (ewww!) to go back into the soil and close the loop – no more losses to the waste-stations and settling-ponds of the town for me!
Cool we too, a kitchen bin a week into slow composting and a month or so ago into the apare so the big one can finish maturing and be spread. I find it good as a soil loosener but strangely infertile – maybe the nitrates get used up by bugs doing the composting – that's where the liquid manure should help I'm guessing. Darling Old lady next door sadly now deceased swore by it.
Growing veggies in Auckland is impossible without vast caches of insecticide, nitrogen, and round the clock inspection.
Then there's cats, snails, black birds, wind and hail.
Bringing a crop to harvest in suburban back yard Auckland costs more in time and money than it is worth, even for someone who sort of knows what they are doing.
Not my experience so far and I've been doing it for years. No insecticides, if white butterfly caterpillars appear you can glean them, aphids wipe off with your fingers and snails discover where they spend the day and throw them well away from your vegetable plants and move whatever they were hiding under. You can put out beer in a saucer to attract and drown them too, but I prefer to find and throw them. Slugs are a worse pest IMO. Blackbirds and cats will stay away if you cover the young plants with mesh. Agree about wind – best if you can provide shelter or pick the best sheltered spot for the vege patch – it's all about knowing your backyard over time and planting accordingly. It seldom hails here and it has never destroyed plants in my garden. It's cheap as if you save seeds and as for time – time spent gardening is never wasted, it adds pleasure to your life and that makes you happier and more relaxed, improving your relationships with others.
All good suggestions but either expensive, or not workable in a tenancy, so what do low income renters do?
They buy McDonalds, that's what.
Pots work great for renters. You can't live off them (or not unless you have a heck of a lot), but easily enough to keep you in salad greens and herbs (both of which are expensive at the supermarket).
If you're flash, you can get one of the fancy vegepods – but a simple planter box with a cover (net curtain over a frame will do) is going to give you much the same results.
Let one lettuce go to seed, and you'll have more than enough to save for the next round. Local community gardens (and yes, they do exist in Auckland) will often gift seeds to those who ask.
With a little more space, add a potato sack – (try a coffee sack from the local coffee shop) with seed potatoes (supermarket sprouting ones will do), and top up with earth as they grow. Should give you a bushel or so of spuds to help the food budget along.
Gardening doesn't have to be full-on, boots-and-all Good Life. You can just do a bit within the capacity of your site, budget and time.
Don't tell me how to do pots which you can't live off. I've done it.
We are to work 50+ hours a week. 56 more is for sleep. The remaining 56, including a full 48 hour weekend, is for travel, homework, sport, eating, washing, shopping, walking, reading, helping neighbours, helping family, helping friends, fighting, crying, self preservation.
And you want us to grow our own food as well? Sounds like musings of the privileged.
As you're not interested in solutions – I'll stop wasting my time.
Go on spending at McDonalds.
You are wasting your time because the idea low income earners have the time, resources, land, and security to grow their own food in urban and suburban New Zealand is a cosy fantasy dreamt up by someone who has all those things.
It must be nice…
That's basically a single salad for some of us. We don't all have the caloric requirements of sparrows unfortunately.
Muttonbird, have found one major friend gardening I did not have in Auckland, skinks. These guys are great insects eaters, I can grow winter crops up here in Northland really well. As they have smashed the moths and butterflies population.
I have a run away pea crop which is just great. Not to mention my broc, swedes, and beans.
Have a worm farm, very handy to get plants happy food they love.
Now just need to work out how to grow my Basil and Coriander over winter – thinking inside under lights.
😎
I saw recently that the council freed up regulations to allow people to install rainwater tanks in Auckland without needing consent (if the tank is connected to indoor plumbing it still needs consent).
We were discussing how to save grey water this evening after reading the market garden article. That would be a good source of water for the garden. I'm wondering about hand pumping it from the drain rather than fitting new plumbing, but probably won't because we don't need it that desperately at the moment – might put in another roof water tank though.
more storage is wise. I used to run a hose out the laundry door to the garden (hand that the machine has a pump). Some care about where it goes and using a benign laundry powder.
It seems so sad to me that this Government seems unable to reach the people with the knowledge of the huge amount that they have achieved. Jacinda lists those achievements in Q Time in the House but it seems that what happens in the House stays in the House. This leaves the field to the misinformation of Opposition inanities and half truths. Endlessly.
What can we/they do about it?
The government needs to stop being so cautious and speak up loud and strong. Tell it like it is. If their opponents are telling lies call them liars – not in the debating chamber of course because they're not allowed to use the word "liar". But they can use it elsewhere. My sense, right or wrong, is that they are scared of the media.
Keep making the case differentiating against National.
And as Anne says demonstrating their impact over 5 years.
Not much. The lived experience of New Zealanders right now is the highest inflation in 30 years, the imminent prospect of rising mortgage costs, rising gang tensions and gun crime, and record high petrol prices. Amongst others. Whether or not you believe the government can influence these things is irrelevant, the voters are getting grumpy.
I agree gypsy. Most wavering and/or uncommitted voters have EXTREMEY short memories, and every opposition plays on that.
That's what you would think, if you read the papers, watched TV talking heads and radio talkback. Who think it is their job to get National elected.
Meanwhile, in the real world;
Crime has dropped. School leavers are getting trades training and apprenticeships, We have one of the best covid responses to date. Local workers are getting jobs and even, pay rises. Small businesses, apart from the few that solely relied on tourism, are doing well. The town is "buzzing. It looks like the education for residency and cheap labour scam may end. AGW solutions are, finally, being taken seriously, instead of National's "kicking them down the road.
Covid's effects on tourism, mortgage rates, supply chains and prices are worldwide and not solvable by our Government, any more than they could wave a magic wand and stop covid forever.
The points I referred to ARE the real world for most people. The 'real world' is also victims of Kainga Ora tenants, people living with mental health, and towns that are 'buzzing' with "violence, drugs and vandalism".
Perceptions of some.
In the "real world" crime is down 65%, , and many more are employed.
Apprenticeships and training are now available, which in the recent past were sadly lacking.
In the real world, the people we helped with mental health issues. who have been ignored in the past, are getting better services.
Outside your talk back radio bubble, for many, especially the poorest, things have improved since we ousted National.
Not fast enough but heading in the right direction.
"In the real world, the people we helped with mental health issues. who have been ignored in the past, are getting better services."
No, they aren't.
"In the "real world" crime is down 65%"
No it isn't.
Total crimes UP 20% in the year to March 2022.
Violent crimes UP 4%.
Property crimes UP 23%.
Crime has been trending down for a while.
A recent spike doesn't make you correct.
In the 2019 calendar year (immediately pre lockdowns):
Total crimes UP 9%.
Violent crimes UP 5%.
Property crimes UP 9%.
In the 2018 year, all crimes were up 32%.
This ‘recent spike’ is hitting hard, and has been (with the exception of lockdown years) since at least 2018. Where did you get the idea crime was down 65%?
Is youth crime really a growing problem and what can be done about it? | Stuff.co.nz
https://theconversation.com/despite-claims-nzs-policing-is-too-woke-crime-rates-are-largely-static-and-even-declining-156103
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/homicides-in-2021-covid-blamed-for-spike-in-auckland-despite-national-decrease/6YUVMHOTQDFM7PYQSBCJOVDFOQ/
https://www.newsroom.co.nz/ideasroom/auckland-crime-spree-may-be-a-moral-panic
The first link – where you get the 65% from – is about YOUTH crime only.
The second link says nothing about a 65% decline, or for that matter about ANY decline, rather they state that the "evidence presented above does not suggest a massive increase in offending."
The third link is only about homicides.
The fourth link states this "The feeling of increased crime may not be wholly imagined. Crime was up slightly compared to previous years, starting from October 2020 and stretching to Auckland’s lockdown and violent crime was up significantly over the same period" Did you mean to post that?
The police data is absolutely clear. Crime is not 'down by 65%'. Crime is up, and significantly so.
So is population. Rates are down. As the links show.
"So is population. Rates are down. As the links show."
Good. So you agree your statement "In the "real world" crime is down 65%" was a fabrication.
Now, to your newest claim.
Which of the links you provided refer to rates of crime per capita?
And which refer to a reduction in crime per capita of 65%?
My claim is crime rates have been trending down.
Yours is they are trending up.
I've shown that crime rates are trending down.
Especially with young people.
Your perception of "spiralling up" crime rates, apart from a covid spike is false.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/homicides-in-2021-covid-blamed-for-spike-in-auckland-despite-national-decrease/6YUVMHOTQDFM7PYQSBCJOVDFOQ/
A 65% decrease in youth crime, shows that the perception of a crime wave, of ever more out of control youth, is even more false.
"My claim is crime rates have been trending down."
No, your claim was "Crime has dropped" and "In the "real world" crime is down 65%". Both claims are demonstrably false from the NZ Police data series.
"I've shown that crime rates are trending down."
Every piece of data shows crime levels are UP. If you're now arguing about a per capita figure, at least stump up evidence.
Some of us don’t like to blow our own trumpet or that of the Government and rather give constructive criticism or otherwise when it is abundantly clear that there’s plenty of room for improvement. Perhaps that’s a characteristic trait of Lefties? However, and against my nature, here’s one of Ardern’s lists of proud achievements from QT in the House:
https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/HansS_20220406_050520000/1-question-no-1-prime-minister [6 April 2022]
those are the 'pro's'…here are the..'cons'
Make no mistake food and shelter affect everything…mental health,education,etc,etc..
'
Basic needs=food,shelter…how's the Govt doing on those two?
Food….investigating Supermarket duopoly…!
Huge increase in food banks helping feed the poor.
Food price inflation for basic products that NZ produces in abundance are eye watering.
Vegetables,meat,dairy,fish…you need to be a landlord these days to afford…them.
Shelter…
23,000+ living in motels
Highest house prices in the world.
Highest rents in the…world.
Tinkering by a Govt overweight in landlords,while the present and long term consequences of this crisis are basically ignored.
Only a National Govt could do…worse.
IIRC, there are just of 100,000 landlords in NZ, so about 98% of Kiwis can’t afford vegetables, meat, dairy, fish, etc?
Didn’t know that NZ had the most expensive houses and the highest rents in the world but I believe every word you say without question.
Didn’t know either that 23,000+ are living in motels, but I take your word for it even though it seems to disagree with this: https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/02/18/exclusive-record-365-million-spent-on-emergency-housing/. But you know best, of course.
As I said, there’s plenty of room for improvement.
…'Labour's housing spokesman Phil Twyford said this research shows we have "the worst level of homelessness in the world".
'Housing crisis: More than 4,000 NZ children living in motels | RNZ
Oh dear I know you believe everything I say..
Of course I believe there are only 100,000 landlords in NZ…that's not many votes in the big ..picture..
sigh
Why is it so hard to get any decent and reliable information here from some commenters? It seems that some prefer to wave their hands and talk out of their arse and that’s how we end up with the spread of mis- and disinformation and an infodemic.
Anyway, the latest numbers on adults and children in emergency housing: https://www.msd.govt.nz/documents/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/statistics/housing/monthly-housing-update/2022/monthly-housing-update-april-2022.pdf
Nowhere near that mythical “23,000+ living in motels” BS
My apologies.
My figures were reported total homeless numbers.I accept many of them are not in motels.
As you are a stickler for accuracy can you provide evidence of your assertion…i.e there are 100,000 landlords in NZ.?cheers.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/real-estate/124320645/nearly-80-per-cent-of-landlords-own-just-one-property-data-shows
[8 seconds by Google]
'Why is it so hard to get any decent and reliable information here from some commenters? It seems that some prefer to wave their hands and talk out of their arse and that’s how we end up with the spread of mis- and disinformation and an infodemic.'
I can give you $100 ,if you give me….$120.33 …wiseguy.
So, you comment here to show off your weak reading comprehension skills. It shows.
Highest real house price growth in the world (after covid ld) 4x world average 2x australia.
IMF report 13/5/2022 (page 11)
https://www.imf.org/-/media/Files/Publications/CR/2022/English/1NZLEA2022001.ashx
Thanks. House price growth in % ≠ house prices in $
Not much when the media is determined to bring the Governnment down.
How do you publish it?
Ok, clearly this white guy isn't going to last long in politics.
Perhaps Rimmer might have a word in Luxon’s ear to never bring up the French Revolution again…
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018842472/tauranga-act-candidate-explains-off-with-it-statement-on-anne-tolley
What has Luxon's skin colour got anything to do with the price of fish?
Apart from revealing what you hold in your heart.
It's thing in Tauranga.
Maori for Maori not welcome.
Please lets not post that photo unless it's an emergency.
Anyone noted the irony of a "Financial Fraud Investigator" standing for National?
Well, he'll be needed to work out how Robbo Hood is using his new '' debt measure protocols.'' I think I heard Robbo say it's more reflective of NZs economy. So, the old measure projected to be 40% something of GDP…is now 19% if I remember correctly.
Yeah…
In line with other countries we compare with.
None that with "Robbos new measure" US debt has dropped to just, 101% of GDP.
Absolutely nothing…Luxon's appeal is shine and polish…with..Mr Sheen.
Luxon not only lacks charisma, he is a fool.
He chose to bring up cost of living as a stick to beat Labour – and they are vulnerable on it. But not as vulnerable as National, whose long years of misrule are characterized by burgeoning living costs and a sneering disregard for consequences.
It is difficult for NZ governments to secure 4th & 5th terms, but Luxon may make it inevitable.
Who is this Luxton you speak of? Jo Luxton? She's been around a while, she'll last.
Cameron Luxton.
It's in the link, idiot.
UK inflation moving to apocalyptic levels,as energy crisis impacts food costs.
https://twitter.com/BloombergUK/status/1526807273347207169?cxt=HHwWgsC-hYbIp7AqAAAA
https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/bulletins/consumerpriceinflation/april2022
here we have budget tomorrow,CPI next week and OCR statement with an almost surely 1/2 % rise to dampen animal instincts.
Knock it out of the park tomorrow Grant.
Lets hope this is the 'transformational budget'…
Egyptian Shehab Ali poses with a 2k year old Roman era portrait of an Egyptian.
https://twitter.com/n_aydarouss/status/1525950538411659264
edit: the natgeo article
https://archive.ph/9q1cl
Grant's Breakfast pre budget talk with Business was respectful. There was even a joke about Max Key from the floor.
Grant should be P.M .
He is more than a match for lightweights like Luxon and Seymour.
Did anyone watch QT this afternoon – specifically Question 10 from Simeon Brown to the Minister of Transport.
Wood as sharp as ever but watch carefully the way looks daggers at that little twit, starting after the supplementary just after 5:25mins, and totally skewers him with his answer. I applauded that, as did the Labour-Green side of the house.
https://ondemand.parliament.nz/parliament-tv-on-demand/?itemId=225413