Fire restrictions now in place for Waikato District
As of the 10th of January, a permit will be required to light an open fire. This new restriction covers all areas within Hamilton City, Waikato, Hauraki, Matamata Piako, Waipa, Otorohanga and Waitomo.
District Manager of Fire and Emergency NZ, Daryl Trim, has shared that this change from open to restricted has come after the recent dry spell, where very little rain has fallen over the last three weeks.
While some open-air fires such as campfires, bonfires and land management fires will require a permit, holiday-makers and locals can still undertake a range of activities that include fire.
"If it does require one, the website can take you through a few easy steps to get permitted for the activity" Daryl Trim says.
Here's what you need to know:
- Open-air fires will need permits in the areas of Hamilton City, Waikato, Hauraki, Matamata Piako, Waipa, Otorohanga and Waitomo.
- Some activities such as hangi, umu and gas-fired barbecues are still permitted.
To get information on whether your planned activity requires a permit, head to www.checkitsalright.nz......
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!
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53.5% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.6% Critical thinking
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29.3% Resilience and adaptability
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2.5% Other - I will share below!
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.
Poll: Are you a Te Huia fan?
All three Hamilton MPs appear to be united behind the retention of the Te Huia passenger rail service between Hamilton and Auckland, as well as potentially expanding it to Tauranga.
But whether Hamilton East’s Ryan Hamilton, Hamilton West’s Tama Potaka and soon-to-be Labour list MP Georgie Dansey have the combined power to shunt transport minister Chris Bishop and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon onto their line of thinking remains to be seen.
Are you a Te Huia fan? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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81.4% Yes
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18.6% No
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