Introducing our AMI Community Grant Finalists
This is the 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.
Under the Stars - Homeless in Tauranga
We are a Charitable Trust feeding the homeless and needy. We supply hygiene necessities, blankets, and clothing for those in need. We are also fortunate to have a hairdresser occasionally on site who gives her services for free. Recently we have begun to hold a drop in afternoon every second Thursday, giving people the opportunity to have a light lunch and a chance to chat. We are hoping to develop this afternoon more by offering a variety of creative arts. The volunteers that commit time and energy towards our meals do so mostly out of their own funds.
VOTE NOW!
Proposed youth centre for Keith Street Wanganui central district
I propose the opening and running of a youth centre based in Keith street or Wanganui cbd. The benefits of having a youth centre in the community will bring together the younger and older generations, so we can learn from each others mistakes and experiences to enhance each other’s lives. We have a mixture of people from different cultures in our society in such a small radius that sometimes we forget about those who really are struggling with life, and they are the most vulnerable people in our society. I want to change that for the better, and help those people that are struggling to survive on the basic benefit or wages. 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).
Loading…
