Take A Step Today For World Refugee Day 👟💛
Around the world, communities, schools, businesses, groups and people from all walks of life are taking big and small steps in solidarity with refugees. This World Refugee Day, we challenge everyone in New Zealand to join together and take a step to make a difference.
You can take part in the #StepWithRefugees campaign, where participants will collectively walk, run and cycle 1 billion miles - the distance refugees cover each year to reach safety, by adding your steps here: stepwithrefugees.org...
Another option is to volunteer with the New Zealand Red Cross as a Refugee Support Volunteer. Volunteers help families start again, while teaching them about New Zealand culture and connecting them with people from the community.
For anyone based in the Wairarapa, Masterton Neighbourhood Support has a programme called 'WeConnect' that matches new residents from diverse backgrounds including refugees to a local buddy. If you're interested in volunteering or supporting the programme in other ways you can email Masterton Neighbourhood Support Area Coordinator, Cathy Cameron, at: cathy@connectingcommunities.org.nz
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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80.4% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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19.6% No. This would be impossible in practice.
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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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
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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