Auckland Council's new ways to deal with dogs
Auckland Council is using DNA testing of dogs, employing "barking advisers" and giving staff body cameras to combat nuisance dogs. The council's annual animal management report shows a 4% reduction in dog attacks and an 18% reduction in roaming dogs over the past financial year.
This followed new council initiatives including creating a team of barking advisors, giving animal management officers body cameras and using DNA analysis to resolve dog attack cases. With the DNA testing, animal management could scientifically link a dog to an attack. The unit is the first in New Zealand to use this technology.
The bark advisers team was created to deal with nuisance barking complaints, of which there were 7149 in the past year. According to the report, the new approach has seen a 13.5 per cent reduction in barking complaints, and fewer repeat calls to noisy dogs.
Read the full story here.
Image: Stuff
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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26.4% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.7% ... 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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