Our sweet pea seeds send out, April issue and Get Growing
Dear neighbours and NZ Gardener family,
Our April issue should be with our subscribers now and available in supermarkets and service stations (having been distributed prior to the lockdown restrictions). Whether or not it's on the stands yet is a bit patchy ... but then the incredibly brave and hard-working supermarket staff have quite a bit on their plate right now so I understand if there is a delay! Please, please, please everyone ... don't go out to buy it! Normally of course we love you buying NZ Gardener but right now it's far more important that you stay home and stay safe. (You can buy a copy with your online shopping though! That's safe and I think we are all in the market for something uplifting to read right now).
In this issue we offered to send out sweet pea seeds to any reader who sent us a SSAE. Just to reassure you, we will still send out sweet pea seeds to any reader who is keen to participate. We are just not quite sure when! Ignore the dates in the magazine of when you needed to send the envelope in by - that has been indefinitely extended. But we cannot wait to send you the seed and for those flowers to bloom as by then we will be well through this or even have it behind us. And keep letting us know what you are sowing and growing, send in pictures of your harvest, your flowers or what you are sharing.
We always love hearing from NZ Gardener readers but now when we are all staying apart that connection means more than you can imagine. Stay home, stay safe and stay in touch everyone. For the most updated gardening advice, subscribe to our digital e-zine Get Growing, which will be delivered to your inbox completely free.
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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59.4% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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80.3% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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19.7% No. This would be impossible in practice.
2 x Cooks (Indian Cuisine – Tandoor Cook & Curry Cook)
Location: Milford, Auckland, New Zealand
Employment Type: Permanent, full-time
Hours: Minimum 30 hours per week per position, rostered shifts including evenings, weekends and public holidays
Pay Rate: $25 per hour
We are seeking 2 experienced Cooks specialised in Indian cuisine to join our commercial kitchen. Each position is full-time and permanent.
Position 1: Tandoor Cook
Key Duties
• Operate and manage the tandoor oven during preparation and service
• Prepare naan, roti, paratha and other Indian breads
• Prepare and cook tandoori meats, seafood and vegetarian items
• Prepare marinades, spice blends and yoghurt-based mixtures
• Monitor cooking temperatures and timing to ensure quality and food safety compliance
• Maintain consistency in taste, texture and presentation
• Clean and maintain tandoor equipment and work area
• Assist with stock control and ordering of meat and dry goods
• Follow Food Control Plan and Health & Safety procedures (Refresher training will be provided)
Position 2: Curry Cook
Key Duties
• Prepare, season and cook a range of Indian curries, gravies and rice dishes
• Prepare sauces, spice pastes and base gravies from raw ingredients
• Portion and cook meat, poultry, seafood and vegetarian dishes
• Carry out daily mise en place and production for service
• Monitor portion control and maintain consistency of flavour and presentation
• Ensure proper storage, stock rotation (FIFO) and minimisation of waste
• Maintain cleanliness and food safety compliance in work area
• Support overall kitchen operations during service
General Requirements for Both Positions
• Minimum 4 years’ recent and relevant experience cooking Indian cuisine in a commercial kitchen (experience must align with the specific role applied for), OR
• NZQF Level 4 qualification (or equivalent) in Cookery or Commercial Cookery with substantial Indian cuisine experience
• Strong knowledge of traditional Indian spices and cooking techniques
• Ability to work independently and manage a section during busy service
• Good understanding of food safety and hygiene standards
• Reliable and able to work rostered shifts
How to Apply
Please send your CV and specify which position you are applying for to: anokha140@yahoo.com
Applications close: 6th March 2026
Applicants must be New Zealand citizens/residents or eligible to apply for a work visa.
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