Silver travellers and their dollars are propping up the tourism industry
Semi-retired Alexandra lawyer Gordon Rayner is a prime example of the Kiwi “silver” travellers who are propping up the tourism industry.
His overseas itinerary for 2020 was supposed to include a sailing trip to Fiji, watching wildlife in the Australian outback, rafting in Russia and a road trip through the United States.
Instead, the 63-year-old and wife Mary Tritt visited Northland and the Marlborough Sounds, sailed the Hauraki gulf, made eight mountain biking and cycle trail trips, fished on charter boats in the Bay of Islands, and spent $24,000 on a bucket-list cruise to the subantarctic islands.
Have you switched your holiday plans due to the Covid-19 pandemic? Have you visited part of New Zealand you haven't been to before - or for a long time - or are you planning to? Read more about NZ's 'silver' travellers here and tell us about your experiences in the comments below.
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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58.9% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.1% No, individuals should take responsibility
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15% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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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