Update on Birkenhead Pontoon
Below is an update from Council on the pontoon and gangplank that were removed from Hinemoa Park, Birkenhead, last year. This is a disappointing situation that the Local Board is pursuing, but it may be a while before a new pontoon is back up and running. The exact location of the new pontoon is also being investigated.
"Upon discovery that the pontoon was potentially unsafe it was removed and taken to a dry dock facility for an assessment of the damage. Results from the assessment have revealed significant damage to the pontoon to the point where the pontoon is not able to be repaired to a standard that it can be returned to Hinemoa Park.
The decision to invest into a replacement pontoon is not a small one and will need to be considered by the Kaipātiki Local Board as part of the upcoming work programme prioritisation.
The immediate impact of this is that there won’t be a pontoon available for users of the park for the remainder of this summer and possibly further into the foreseeable future.
The assessment also revealed that the specific location of the pontoon likely contributed to the damage and therefore as part of any further investigation into the replacement of the pontoon, the location will need to be a factor for consideration."
Photo credit: "Boaties" website, McLaren Brown Media: www.boaties.co.nz...
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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