Avian Flu - the risk.
I used to work for a very large local poultry company, we delivered day-old chicks to Canterbury contract farms for them to grow the birds until they were the correct size to be collected and taken to the processing plant. Biosecurity, on these farms where usually intense, and clothing footwear masks, wheel spray at the gate, etc were compulsory.
The sheds/barns were audited for cleanliness and ensure pest control measures were in place. Perfect.
One day, along came FREE RANGE chicken. If you are thinking how do we keep the same biosecurity control over chickens that run in and out of the sheds/barns and can bring in all the bugs that overalls, masks and boots were stopping? If you weren't thinking that, let's take Avian Flu as the obvious example of why perhaps you should.
On any one farm, some sheds might be free-range while the others only metres away, still had to follow the original biosecurity procedures, as they were shed/barn raised.
I aired my concern and was told, it was best not to push it too hard. TUT TUT
If people want to eat FREE RANGE chicken, there is a risk that the whole poultry industry might suffer.
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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