Poll: What do you think about MPI's new dog-on-ute law?
Dogs on the back of a ute, on a dusty rural road: a scene that captures heartland New Zealand. But new MPI animal welfare regulations promise to complicate moving sheepdogs between paddocks, and other farming practices besides, with the threat of a fine from October.
Dogs on the back of a truck, trailer or ute, travelling on a public road, had to be tied up with a leash or rope, if not in a cage or crate. The only exception to the rule was if farm dogs were actively helping to move livestock along public roads, in which case they could jump on and off a vehicle.
People caught breaking that law could be fined up to $900 under new Animal Welfare Regulations from October. Read the ministry's guide to the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations at mpi.govt.nz. Read more here
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26.1% I disagree - Farmers should be able to do what they've done for years
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36.8% I support it - let's keep the dogs safe!
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29.3% Farmers should make their own decisions
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7.8% It can't be monitored
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.3% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.5% I want to be able to choose.
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47.2% Against. I want to deal with people.
Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠
If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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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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