Inclusive Communities – July 1st to 31st 🤝
This month we’re celebrating the diverse array of people who call New Zealand home. Regardless of our different faiths, abilities, cultures, nationalities, ages, orientations and even genders - we want to make sure that our communities are safe and welcoming for all.
There’s many ways to take part! From hosting a multicultural potluck where each attendee brings a dish from a country of their choice to coordinating a fundraiser that benefits refugees or our elderly there are thousands of ways big and small to make our households, neighbourhoods, schools and businesses even more inclusive. It could even be as simple as learning from a neighbour how to say ‘hello’ in their native language or ensuring local footpaths are accessible!
Don’t forget this month also coincides with Women’s Refugee Awareness Month and International Day of Friendship on July 30th - a United Nations day that promotes the role that friendship plays in promoting peace in many cultures.
Want to share your thoughts? Let us know how you’re making your community more inclusive this month by tagging us in your posts + using the following hashtag so we can see what you get up to:
#NSNZinclusivecommunities
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Animal Abuser
🚨 URGENT WARNING TO ALL LOST & FOUND / PET REHOMING PAGES 🚨 and people rehoming pets or reporting lost animals.
ZHENYA THORNTON SMITH, Pukekohe
It has come to our attention that a long-term, repeat animal abuser is still actively obtaining animals through Facebook groups.
The type of animal does not matter — birds, livestock, dogs, small pets — anything he can access.
He monitors rehoming pages. He approaches people offering “help.” He presents as reasonable. He will say the right things.
Do not give this person any animals under any circumstances.
If you are an admin of a lost & found page, a community group, or a pet rehoming group:
• Please stay vigilant
• Check profiles carefully
• Share this warning across your networks
Animals have already paid the price for people not knowing.
We cannot rely on authorities to protect them. That leaves us.
If you are unsure about someone requesting an animal, reach out privately before proceeding.
Let’s close the loopholes. Let’s protect the vulnerable.
Do not give this person any animals under any circumstances.
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.
Loading…
