Dumping town slogan review a missed opportunity for Ashburton, councillor says
From local democracy reporter Adam Burns:
Ditching plans for a new town slogan misses the chance for Ashburton to improve its national image, which “is arguably not the best”, a district councillor says.
The district's ridiculed 'Whatever it Takes' slogan was considered for a review for “ongoing relevance” following suggestions put forward by local residents earlier this year.
In response, the Ashburton District Council unanimously agreed that the slogan needed to be discarded, the matter being picked up by national media as a result.
But cost and fear of further derision has seemingly scared most of the elected members off developing a replacement.
At its meeting held via Zoom on Wednesday, the council moved a recommendation to dispense with the use of slogans in its marketing efforts and instead “tell stories about our place, our people and our activities”.
Councillor Carolyn Cameron called the recommendation “negative thinking” and believed it would be a missed opportunity.
“I would be disappointed if we did not endeavour to improve our image nationally, which is arguably not the best,” she said.
“You cannot measure the value of a slogan, a slogan is about the people that live in the district, getting behind a brand and a belief and having pride in their community.”
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
As reported in the Press, the same low-pressure system that lashed the North Island over the weekend is now making its way south, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. It’s a soggy start to the week for many of us.
With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?
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42.9% Yes - we like to be prepared
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46.4% Nah
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10.7% This is on my to-do list!
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.
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