New guardian watches over miners City Rail Link Mt Eden
A new guardian will watch over workers preparing to mine the first 50 metres of tunnel at Mt Eden for the City Rail Link.
In the spirit of mining tradition, a statue of St Barbara, the patron saint of miners, was blessed in a dawn ceremony and placed in a shrine near the tunnel entrance.
Ceremonies like this have been repeated worldwide for centuries wherever people go to work underground, said Francois Dudouit, project director for City Rail Link's Link Alliance.
"St Barbara is their guardian and her presence gives assurance that they will be safe below ground."
A statue of St Barbara also watches over workers building the Karangahape underground station.
The saint was an early convert to Christianity who was discovered hiding underground and killed by her pagan father.
Work will start shortly mining the first 50 metres of tunnel at Mt Eden to accommodate the project’s Tunnel Boring Machine.
The machine will excavate the tunnel up to the new Aotea underground station in central Auckland.
Aucklanders will get the chance to see the Tunnel Boring Machine at a public open day being held at Mt Eden early next month.
More details will be announced in mid-November.
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% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% No, individuals should take responsibility
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15% ... It is complicated
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.
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?
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