Who's setting off fireworks tonight?! 😄💥
Fireworks are a ton of fun but carry real risks that need to be taken seriously. If you plan on lighting some here's some tips to keep everyone in your community safe and happy.
❌ 1. Never light fireworks in dry or windy conditions.
🔥 2. Only use fireworks in wide open areas, away from flammable items such as trees, grasses, gas tanks, and wood.
💦 3. Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby.
👧 4. Children should never light fireworks themselves and need to be supervised closely at all times.
🧰 5. Keep all unlit fireworks in a secure bag or container away from any source of fire until they are ready to be used.
📞 6. Be considerate and let neighbours know if you're planning to set off fireworks. Aim to finish at a reasonable time.
🐱 7. Keep pets comfortable and secure inside. The loud booms and flashing lights can easily scare them off.
🐮 8. Avoid lighting off fireworks around farm animals and be aware of any newborns or elderly neighbours who may also be affected. If possible, change locations to somewhere that minimises any disturbances.
🌿 9. Be a tidy Kiwi and let's work together to keep New Zealand beautiful! Clean up any any rubbish and leave your spot better than you found it.
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
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.
Will these roadworks affect you?
Don’t expect a quick trip between Cambridge and Tamahere for much of this year, because major roadworks are starting.
Asphalt works on that section of Waikato Expressway will run from March through to late 2026, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says. Motorists are warned to plan for significant delays.
“Unfortunately the pavement, particularly in the slow lanes, has deteriorated faster than expected,” NZTA’s Roger Brady said.
Will these roadworks affect you? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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