Community Meeting: A visit with British High Commissioner Iona Thomas OBE
Friday 16 August 1pm-2pm
In this session, the High Commissioner will highlight the importance of further strengthening the longstanding links and friendships between our two countries. What would you like to ask about trade, business, education, tourism, travel, or our future on the world stage? No Bridgerton questions, please! fb.me...
Iona Thomas OBE
Her Excellency Ms Iona Thomas OBE was appointed the
British High Commissioner to New Zealand and Governor
of the Pitcairn Islands in August 2022. Before commencing
her role in Wellington, Iona was Political Counsellor at
the British High Commission in Islamabad where she was
responsible for domestic and regional politics, counter
terrorism and justice and home affairs. Prior to this she
held the post of Additional Deputy Director for the
Middle East and North Africa at the then Foreign and
Commonwealth Office in London. She served as Deputy Head
of Mission in Tripoli from 2015 to 2017 and was responsible
for re-establishing the UK’s permanent presence in Libya,
for which she was awarded an OBE. From 2012-2015
she was Spokesperson at the UK Mission to the United
Nations in New York. Iona has also served in Afghanastan,
New York, and Pakistan.
Venue: St Heliers Church and Community Centre, 100 St Heliers Bay Road, St Heliers
maps.app.goo.gl... (link for venue)
Questions and rsvp to mptamaki@parliament 09 574 1345
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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59.8% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.9% 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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