Opening next week at Feilding Art Centre!
On July 21, Auckland-based artist Sam Hickson unveils Mechanical Art: an exhibition of new works inspired by the machinery many of us take for granted.
Mechanical Art explores the idea that mechanical objects are integral fixtures in our lives, but that we don’t often realise our dependence on them until they break down. Using his background as a portrait artist, Sam lends a sense of humanity and dynamism to his inanimate subjects, encouraging us to consider the relationship between human and machine.
Sam Hickson is an oil painter from Auckland with a diploma in fine arts from Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design. He works as a volunteer at Upstairs Gallery in Lopdell Precinct arts centre, Titirangi where his paintings have also been exhibited in group and solo shows.
In lieu of a formal opening event, Sam will be holding a ‘meet and greet’ at Feilding Art Centre on Thursday July 21 between 10am and 4pm. Come down and meet the artist behind these fantastic works before he heads back to Auckland!
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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59.9% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.8% 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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