RHODODENDRON LAWNS - VICTORY FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAMILTON
NEW ZEALAND - HAMILTON - THE PEOPLE PUSHING BACK, VICTORY FOR DEMOCRACY
A swell of love for a lawn space has pushed back a decision on Hamilton Gardens redevelopments.
Plans to move a car park onto the site of the Rhododendron Lawn riled many gardens lovers, and concerned users such as the Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival.
Hamilton City Council's idea was to create space for more themed gardens, a better entry point for the gardens and to ease traffic congestion on busy days.
But, after a groundswell of support for keeping the lawn where it is, city councillors have handed off the decision to the next council - to be elected in October.
There was a packed public gallery in council chambers on Thursday afternoon, when councillors were due to say yes, no, or not now to the plan.
Councillor Mark Bunting suggested delaying the decision so the community could have more time to have a say, and councillors voted 8-4 in support.
Earlier, they'd heard about concerns from Creative Waikato and the Hamilton Garden Arts Festival Trust, and that a later decision would simply slow down the start of the work.
Council would also have to talk to a potential sponsor to see if that would affect their interest in the project.
Those who voted against putting off the decision were Crs Ryan Hamilton, Garry Mallett, Rob Pascoe, and Leo Tooman.
Cr Paula Southgate had put in apologies for the meeting.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
-
52.7% Human-centred experience and communication
-
14.8% Critical thinking
-
29.5% Resilience and adaptability
-
3% Other - I will share below!
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
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!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
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.
Loading…
