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: Canterbury is thriving on paper... but are you seeing evidence of Canterbury's improving economy?
As reported in the Press, Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman recently gave a shout-out to our region, calling Canterbury a "stand-out" for how we recover from tough times. With tech firms growing and exporters investing, the business side of things is looking bright!
👉 But we know that "business growth" doesn't always mean the weekly shop gets any cheaper. While the city expands, many families feel like they’re just trying to keep their heads above water.
We want to know: With the business buzz of 2026, do you feel like things are finally looking up for your household, or does it still feel like a climb?
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0% Yes
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0% No
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100% In some areas ...
🧩😏 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?
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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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