Mānawatia a Matariki ... Happy Māori New Year!
Tomorrow, we celebrate Matariki, a time for remembrance, celebrating the present and looking to the future. The theme for 2024 is 'Matariki heri kai' and comes from the Māori proverb ‘Matariki whetū heri kai’ meaning ‘Matariki, the bringer of food’. People are encouraged to view Matariki as a time to journey home, spend time with whānau and friends, and enjoy feasting on fresh, locally sourced produce.
The weather is expected to be clear tomorrow morning if you'd like to view the rising of the Matariki star cluster. Matariki (also known as Pleiades), will be visible in the eastern skies just before sunrise. Find the constellation of Orion and the three stars of Orion’s belt (also known as Tautoru), then look left towards the bright red star of Taumatakuku (also known as Aldebaran). Matariki will be just a little further to the left, past Jupiter. The best time for viewing Matariki will be between 5.30-6.45am.
The Saint Johns Butchery store will be CLOSED on Friday, so our team can return to their whānau and loved ones for the day. We'll be open for business as usual on Saturday and Sunday. Our opening hours this long weekend:
Friday ... CLOSED
Saturday ... 8.00am - 6.00pm
Sunday ... 8.30am - 5.00pm
Mānawatia a Matariki ... Happy Māori New Year!
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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