Summer Fire Safety
Now we are moving into the summer months it is a good time to think about fire safety in the outdoors.
Already we have attended two grass fires, which highlights that regardless of the recent rain fall vegetation is getting drier and in the case of these fires very easily ignited. The wind also helps with rapid spread.
No fire restrictions are yet in place but do keep an eye on public notices and the "having a fire" web site (havingafire.org.nz). Any restrictions or bans will be published. The web site shows a very accurate map of what restrictions apply in each area and further information about permits and BBQ's etc.
In the urban areas of Whangarei do be aware that a permanent restriction is in place on backyard burns. These are Regional Council restrictions to limit air pollution. Permits can be obtained from the Regional council.
As a rule of thumb; season or no fire season outdoor fires always pose some threat of spread so best to not have them if at all possible.
If you do; please ensue you take proper precautions to ensure it is done safely and under the right conditions.
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
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