Recycling improving in Ashburton district
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Recycling habits are improving but can still get better in the Ashburton District.
Deputy mayor Liz McMillan said there were still plenty of yellow bins “in bin jail” in Methven, and questioned whether the situation required another round of education for the community as to what could be recycled.
Infrastructure and open spaces group manager Neil McCann said the number of bin confiscations had halved in the district and issues in Methven were a seasonal anomaly.
During the ski season there was a much higher number of bins not collected and removed, he said.
“Ashburton District’s recycling behaviour is currently holding quite steady.”
The council introduced kerbside monitoring in 2020, with numbers showing a gradual improvement.
The current watch list has 211 on a first strike pullback - when a bin is not collected and a tag is placed on the bin to explain why.
Thirty-nine are on a second strike and 74 have had a third strike and been confiscated.
“Having 74 confiscated [indicates] that things are improving as we were closer to 150 at one stage," McCann said.
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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59.6% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... 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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