We’re starting to see the wintery side of Northland again. Personally, in my household, wemake sure our gutters are clean, the trees are trimmed back, and thegrape vines pruned. Keeping warm and dry is a mission for all of us, and every time I leave the house I try to dress warmly and take a few Vitamin Cs.

What Winter Means For Whangarei

This time of year brings many issues, and just like when it was my time on the Whangarei District Council, the biggest issues were slips and stormwater overflows. During autumn, the Council should be cleaning the gutters around the city, making sure the drains are cleared and making sure trees are not overhanging the road. If this isn’t done, Whangarei faces roads blocked with trees, overflowing stormwater pipes and plenty of land slips.

Typically, Whangarei’s business and commerce slows down in the middle of the year. People don’t come out to the shops, they stay at home more; people will venture out for hot food, but that’s about it. The Saturday markets have fewer stalls, mainly due to less produce, and people eat inside, so the cafes and restaurants get fewer visits. This city’s been on a mission to attract more tourists for a long time now. Obviously that’s harder in winter. Even our many sunny days are shortened abruptly, and Northland nights get pretty chilly.

Wet Windows

In this Condensation Nation, home-heating’s important. Over the past five years, I’ve had new insulation installed under the floor and above the ceiling, and I’ve changed the curtains. These actions have dried out the house and kept the heat. We’ve also blocked the chimneys as these have typically sent heat up rather than out. A big cost of this was taken care of by Healthy Homes North funding provided by the overnment. Don’t forget the funding is there to help you. - See more Details