Introducing our AMI Community Grant Finalists
This is our second to last daily showcase of two of our AMI Community Grant finalists, sharing a bit more about the great work that they're doing in Kiwi communities. You can help support these organisations by voting for them to win their share of $20,000.
Volunteering Canterbury
Volunteering Canterbury has been supporting volunteering for over 25 years in Canterbury. Increasingly we find ourselves going to the community to talk about volunteering; encouraging people to volunteer within their neighbourhoods. With people moving as a result of the quakes in 2010/2011, and the newcomers to the city for the rebuild, volunteering is providing excellent opportunities to make connections. We are seeking assistance for two tablets and a marquee so that we more readily attend community events and show people, on the spot, how to get involved with volunteering. VOTE NOW!
The House of Grace
The House of Grace is a home for pregnant teens and young mothers. Young mums are built up to be confident mothers, capable of raising children within healthy family environments. We help young women continue their education, overcome personal challenges and break free from issues that may be holding them back. As a non-profit and non-government funded organisation, we rely on donations. Funds will go towards furnishings for the home, new couches and updated bedding. We desire to make the home a beautiful, safe and peaceful environment for young mums who may not have experienced this before. VOTE NOW!
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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