Poll: Should The Southerner passenger rail service be reinstated?
The Southerner passenger train will be resurrected if The Opportunities Party (TOP) wins a seat at the general election, its leader says.
TOP’s transport policy, released on Wednesday, pledges support for a five year trial of The Southerner, the passenger rail service between Christchurch and Invercargill which ended in 2002.
TOP leader and Ilam candidate Raf Manji said the trial would operate between Christchurch and Dunedin, stopping in towns like Timaru and Ashburton along the way.
Depending on demand, it could operate five to seven days a week and do two or three return journeys a day. TOP has estimated the cost at $100 million, based on the costings of the Hamilton to Auckland train service, Te Huia.
What do you think? Should the service be reinstated? Read reporter Sinead Gill's full story here (subscription required) and let us know what you think in the comments below.
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85.9% Yes
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10.7% No
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3.4% I'm not sure/something else (tell us in the comments)
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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59.6% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% 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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