Hundreds support tenant who had her vege garden destroyed by her landlord
Zhang Wang’s vegetable garden destroyed on Monday when her landlord, Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust (ŌCHT), removed it without warning.
It said neighbours had raised concerns about the size of the garden and access to a washing line.
Wang had lovingly tended the garden at her Addington social housing unit for the past 10 years. She grew 14 kinds of vegetables and 13 varieties of rare Chinese herbs. One small patch of Chinese radish remains.
ŌCHT has “unreservedly apologised” for not telling Wang it planned to bring the digger in on Monday, but it stands by its decision to turn the garden into grass.
However, on Wednesday, ŌCHT tenancy operations manager Martin Pearce said the trust wanted to make things right and raised beds would be installed at the end of this week.
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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