Countdown to Manawatu Art Expo
Just 13 days to go until Manawatū Art Expo begins at Palmerston North Conference and Function Centre. To count down to Manawatū Art Expo, we’re sharing the story of some of the artists exhibiting at this year’s event.
In our second Artist A Day post, we introduce you to Gill Allen. Working from her studio in the Horowhenua, Gill’s creative practice focuses on semi-abstracted landscapes and still life compositions. Her paintings are a mix of landscapes and flowers, drawn and painted in both full colour as well as black and white.
Gill considers soft pastel her main medium but says she also loves “dark line, inks”. She explains that her mark-making and drawing style emulate the movement and life found in nature and the natural landscape that surrounds her. This is a style she first began developing at art school - where she fell in love with the linear work of Vincent Van Gogh - but one she has developed and refined throughput her career.
Gill holds a BFA from Otago Art School, as well as a City and Guilds qualification in Further Education Adult Education. As well as seeing Gill’s work at this year’s Manawatū Art Expo, you can explore her art at gillallen.co.nz or follow her on Facebook @gillallenNZArtist.
To see more Artist a Day Posts, and to stay in the know about all things Manawatū Art Expo, make sure you 'Like' Feilding and District Art Society on Facebook.
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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60.1% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... 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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