Latest news with #driveway
RNZ News
3 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
'Incalculable misery': Child's death in driveway part of a tragic trend, says coroner
Terase Wylie died in October 2023 after her neighbour reversed over her. File photo. Photo: 123RF The deaths of children in driveways is "all too common" in this country, says a coroner, after a 6-year-old in Waikato was run over by the reversing car of a neighbour. Coroner Ian Telford has found Terase Wylie died from blunt trauma to the head, and ruled it an accident. At about midday on 3 October 2023, Terase was playing on her electric scooter outside her Tuakau home. At the same time, a neighbour was reversing her car down the driveway. At the bottom, she hit and reversed over Terase, who went under the left rear wheel of the car. Terase's mother Narissa "ran to the vehicle, yelling loudly and banging on the passenger window" and "in what appears to have been a state of panic, [the neighbour] drove forward, unwittingly running over Terase a second time". An attending paramedic confirmed the death at the scene a short time later. The driver of the car pleaded guilty to a charge of careless or inconsiderate use of a vehicle causing death at the Pukekohe District Court in November last year. She was disqualified from driving for 10 months, ordered to undertake 175 hours of community work, and to pay $4000 in reparation to Terase's family. In his finding, Telford wrote: "Sadly, these deaths - and the incalculable misery they cause - are all too common in New Zealand, which has one of the highest child driveway death rates in the world. "While I do not wish to add to the suffering of those affected, is incumbent upon me to consider what lessons can be learned from this devastating, yet preventable, tragedy." He expanded on existing advice from Starship Children's Hospital, "based on their first-hand experience of working with children who have been injured or killed in driveway incidents". "By - quite literally - looking out for each other, we can prevent deaths on our driveways, along with the suffering they cause within our communities."
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
I transformed my driveway with a lick of paint after being quoted £10k- trolls say it's ‘ruined' but I have no regrets
AFTER being quoted almost £10,000 to transform her driveway, a DIY whizz decided to take matters into her own hands. Kirsty Gore wanted to give old driveway a new lease of life two years ago, but didn't fancy breaking the bank to make it happen. 2 2 But since there was nothing really wrong with the existing drive, she knew she could save some serious cash by giving it a little facelift. "The thing was, that the actual paving was in good condition but did need a good clean as it does every year," she told followers on Instagram. Rather than ripping it up, Kirsty saved her hard earned cash and researched to see what else could be done. It turns out there was a coloured sealant "specifically for this kind of thing." She opted for a grey colour to fit the existing aesthetics of the home, but there are other colours available too. A bit of elbow grease, and three coats later the job was basically done. In fact, the whole thing took under two days to do - that included half a day pressure washing the existing drive to make sure it was completely clean and then dry. Altogether, the DIY project cost just £300, a whole lot cheaper than an entire new patio would've cost. When she first showed off the project trolls were convinced it wouldn't hold up, but two years later and she's proved them all wrong. She explained that a few chips have come away for the first time, but that's down to her pressure washing it every year to keep debris and moss at bay. I transformed my council house hallway for under £60 - the old laminate has vanished but critics say it 'looks cheap' For those chips, she has a spare tin to hand to help it look as good as new. "So it's since cost me £50 to top up in the 2 yrs I've had it. May be different for you as the size of your driveway may differ," she explained in the caption of her viral follow-up video. After showing off the before and after, fellow DIY fans were amazed by the difference the sealant made. One wrote: "It does look fabulous a great job." "Looks so good! I need to sort out my drive asap," a second agreed. And a third chimed in: "This is such a good idea!! I just jet washed mine last year - who knew what a dirty job that is! Clothes ruined and I was covered in dirt! Satisfying when done though." "Hard to believe this is two years ago! It turned out so good," another wrote. 10 DIY hacks for under £1 each These simple and affordable DIY hacks can help you get creative while saving money Homemade Air Freshener: Mix baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Place it in a small jar with a perforated lid to keep your home smelling fresh. Upcycled Tin Can Planters: Clean and paint empty tin cans to use as stylish planters for herbs or small plants. Custom Phone Stand: Use a sturdy piece of cardboard or an old plastic credit card to create a custom phone stand. Decorate it with washi tape or paint. DIY Lip Scrub: Combine sugar and a bit of honey or coconut oil to make a natural lip scrub. Store in a small container. Personalised Bookmarks: Use old greeting cards or decorative paper to create unique bookmarks. Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon for a finishing touch. Decorative Mason Jars: Paint or decoupage old mason jars to use as decorative vases, storage containers, or candle holders. Easy Cable Organiser: Use empty toilet paper rolls to organize cables and cords. Decorate the rolls with colorful paper or tape. Magnetic Spice Jars: Attach small magnets to the lids of small jars and stick them to a metal board or fridge for easy-access spice storage. Handmade Coasters: Cut out squares from old corkboard or felt and decorate them with paint or fabric to create custom coasters. Natural All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. Use it to clean surfaces around your home.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Couple's plans for their forever home in tatters after local council refused to cut down a single native tree for this absurd reason
A West Australian couple's plans for their dream home have been derailed after their local council refused to cut down a native tree over fears of 'reputational damage'. The couple, from the Perth suburb of Alfred Cove, applied to the City of Melville to remove a Queensland Box tree so they could build a new driveway. The homeowners have already spent $80,000 in preparation for previously-approved plans but can no longer move forward with their rebuild. At its May meeting, Melville Council voted to reject the request, despite the tree standing directly in the way of the proposed driveway. 'City Officers have determined the tree to be in good health and fair condition with a full canopy of foliage,' the council stated in a report. The mature tree was given a visual amenity valuation of $29,288, with officials citing its contribution to the streetscape as a key reason for preserving it. However, the council's reasoning extended beyond the single native tree, focusing instead on the broader implications of its removal. 'A Council decision to remove a healthy tree may result in community opposition and reputational damage,' the report stated. 'This may set a future precedent requesting the removal of healthy trees.' The couple said they were 'devastated' by the council's decision, especially after they offered to plant two mature trees to replace the boxwood tree. 'We have completely lost faith in the council's decision-making,' the man, who asked not to be named, told PerthNow. 'The councillors speaking against the tree weren't even informed. 'They were focused on the tree removal, not the total project, or that this was going to be our forever home to retire and age in.' The vote to decline the application to remove the tree passed narrowly, with six councillors voting in favour and five voting against. Despite acknowledging that the tree's removal would cost the city only around $1,000, council officers recommended keeping it. They argued that removing verge trees could undermine the City of Melville's environmental goals, including its urban forest strategy. 'Verges are one of the key locations outside of parks and bushland areas where the City can protect and expand the urban forest cover,' the report stated. In 2019, another WA local council, the City of Stirling, debated whether to phase out planting new Queensland Box trees, citing safety concerns. The council noted that Queensland Box trees regularly drop hard seed pods onto footpaths and private properties, creating tripping hazards. The town of Claremont has already stopped planting Queensland Box trees altogether and now recommends alternative species be used when one is removed.
News.com.au
29-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
The driveway could be your home's ultimate selling point that you're overlooking
As interest rates begin to fall, many homeowners are rushing to put their properties on the market. However, there's one often-overlooked feature that could make or break your sale. While it may seem like nothing more than a road to your garage, your driveway can actually have a significant impact on the first impression homebuyers have on your property, according to Realtor. And first impressions mean a lot! Your driveway could actually sell your house faster A thoughtfully designed and well-maintained driveway can make a huge impact on a homebuyers perception of a home – and even how quickly it sells. 'Buyers make snap judgments on a home the moment they pull up to it, and the driveway is one of the first things they see,' says real estate expert Daniel Blake. A driveway made of interlocking stoke pavers or decorative stamped concrete, for example, instantly adds luxury and craftsmanship. The condition of a driveway can also be a deal maker or breaker. Cracks, oil stains and weeds growing through the pavement may all give the impression of neglect. 'I've shown buyers beautiful homes where they hesitated because the driveway looked like it needed to be replaced,' Blake notes. 'Conversely, a freshly sealed, asphalt driveway or a newly power-washed paver surface says the home has been well taken care of and often translates to peace of mind for the buyer.' Lastly, functionality matters. For example, a driveway that connects to a two-or three-car garage – especially with a side entry – adds value and visual appeal. 'Buyers with children usually look for driveways that allow for safe play areas. And families with dogs love when the driveway provides easy access to a fenced backyard,' says Blake. Some homes even have a gated driveway, which adds an extra layer of privacy and security – a huge selling point for high-end buyers. Types of driveways and their benefits Driveways are not created equal, and each one has its own unique advantages. Some examples of driveways on residential properties include: Straight A straight driveway is the most traditional style and works well for home with narrower lots. It's typically found in planned suburban communities or starter neighbourhoods. 'Simple, cheap, and easy to shovel,' says real estate agent Andrew Fortune. Curved A cured driveway wads a nice visual element and is often seen in custom homes or Craftsman, Tudor or French country-style homes, where the architectural character is complemented by the soft bend of the driveway. 'A curved design also increases privacy and provides a more dynamic approach to the front entry, which many buyer appreciate,' Blake explains. Circular Circular driveways are great for estates or older homes with charm with many buyers looking for a driveway that means they don't have to back out of one. Horseshoe While they're similar to circular driveways, horseshoe driveways are a better option for those who want extra parking space. 'A horseshoe driveway is good for homes with lots of visitors because it has two entry and exit points,' Fortune points out. Y-Shaped Y-shaped driveways are less common but are often found in homes built on irregularly shaped or sloped lots, especially in rural or wooded areas. 'They offer flexibility for turning vehicles around or separating access points – like one branch leading to a garage, or the other to a worship or quest quarters,' says Blake. S-Shaped An S-shaped driveway has a very elegant, estatelike feel. This style is poplar in Mediterranean plantation or upscale modern farmhouse-style homes. 'it creates a scene of grandeur that sticks out in buyers' mind,' explains Blake. Semicircle Semicircle driveways are a good compromise for medium-sized lots and often pair well with ranch-style or single-storey homes. They're more common in older neighbourhoods. 'Semicircle driveways give a classic look and allow for smooth exits,' says Fortune. Double A double driveway, which is wide enough to park two cars side-by-side, is becoming a standard expectation for many buyers today. It adds flexibility for homeowners who may have multiple vehicles, boats, motorcycles or even a home-based business that requires extra parking.
The Guardian
26-05-2025
- The Guardian
A hard hat, a hi-vis jacket and a stepladder: my very scientific suitcase stress test
A suitcase dies not with a crash, but with a soft, tremulous thud. I learned this first-hand as I dropped luggage repeatedly from a stepladder on my driveway, all in the name of our best suitcases group test. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. The Filter team and its writers think carefully about how to test each type of product before we embark on a review. Suitcases are often marketed (but seldom rated) on their toughness, so we decided to add drop-testing to our approach, along with conventional criteria, such as internal organisation and finish. Anyone can tell you why they think a suitcase is nice, but we wanted to see how well each option might endure. And so, one fair May morning, I put on my best baggage handler cosplay (hi-vis vest; gloves; boots; possibly ill-chosen hard hat) and wheeled eight fabulous suitcases on to my driveway. They looked unsuspecting in a line against the garden wall. Photographer Christian Hopewell and I discussed the plan over coffee. I would pack each suitcase with baggage (my laundry!), before carrying it up a stepladder and dropping it three times – on to its top, front and side. We'd assess the damage to each suitcase after the third drop. I took an impish delight in the testing. Moving each case to the appointed angle required some elaborate flicks of the wrist, especially as my arm grew tired from hauling the luggage and holding it aloft. The suitcases thudded to the ground, sometimes sustaining scuffs, scratches and even cracks, but usually holding up impressively. A few passersby peered quizzically at the yellow-vested man and his deteriorating collection of luggage (in fact, one of those passersby ended up rehoming a suitcase that was too damaged for resale – the rest were donated to the charity Cat Action Trust 1977). My driveway had become a suitcase-testing runway. Even though it gave ultra-hardy luggage like the Away and Horizn Studios a chance to excel, drop-testing suitcases might seem like overkill. If you travel by train, sea or road, it's unlikely that your case will ever fall from such a great height (and that's one of several motivations to choose these eco-friendlier modes of transport when you can). However, the reality is that bad things do happen to good suitcases – notably when they're used as hold luggage during air travel. While researching for this article, I was shocked to learn how hard baggage handlers are required to work. One airport worker interviewed by the Guardian said that the average baggage handler has to load about 150 bags within 40 minutes, several times a shift. It would only be human to handle some of those heavy suitcases roughly, or even drop them. I should point out that some of my favourite suitcases, pre-drop testing (such as the It Legion and Antler Icon), sustained more damage than others when dropped. If you travel infrequently or avoid air travel, you might not need a super-tough case. You could pick one with a softer finish and a lower price instead – just don't drop it from a ladder. The best camping mattresses and sleeping mats for every type of adventure, tested From stick-on tiles to bookshelves: nine easy ways to update your rental home on a budget Mid-strength drinks are having a moment. Here are 10 of the best lower-ABV beverages 'They should be tracked down and reported': the best (and worst) supermarket hummus tasted and rated by Honey & Co The best eye creams: 10 favourites for banishing bags, puffiness and fine lines – tested Many new parents struggle to stick to any kind of routine, let alone keep up their outdoorsy pre-baby lifestyles. However, some bits of kit can genuinely help get your kids outdoors. Paddy Maddison (who has a two-year-old) spoke to parents to get their recommendations, which range from a £12 puddle suit to get them playing in the rain to a decent backpack for hiking and an electric cargo bike simply for dragging a reluctant toddler uphill. Monica HorridgeDeputy editor, the Filter Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Since we first published our roundup of the best coffee machines, our resident expert, Sasha Muller, hasn't stopped testing new machines to make sure we're giving the best recommendations. His latest edit includes a manual espresso machine for just £89.99 (no, that's not a typo). Calling all teachers: as the end of the school year approaches, what's the best gift you've ever received from a pupil or parent, one that went beyond wine or chocolates? And parents of school kids, what's the best present you've ever bought a much-loved teacher, one that might have brought a tear to their eye? Let us know by replying to this newsletter or emailing us at thefilter@
