2152 days ago

Centre for Civil Defence response in northern Waikato

The Team Reporter from Hamilton Press

Northern Waikato now has an emergency centre to help with wellbeing during the coronavirus pandemic.
Hamilton City Council and Waikato District Council joined forces to operate a North Waikato Combined Emergency Operations Centre.

Staffers are already helping with community welfare needs, identifying at-risk people, and working with government agencies and local support agencies, a statement said.

"The creation of these combined centres is one way we can fine-tune our response to ensure that most resources can be directed to those who are vulnerable and in need, as efficiently as possible," said Merv Balloch, one of four shift controllers.

"Between the two councils we are sharing operations, logistics, communication, intelligence and planning functions, as well as setting up separate welfare teams for each Council area ... There's a lot to be done, but the combined approach is another step on the way to getting through this difficult time."

More messages from your neighbours
34 minutes ago

Poll: Would you help your kids out with buying a home?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

OPINION: Over the past year, I’ve had the same conversation with many Waikato families again and again.

A child has found a house. The market feels like it’s moving. There’s pressure to act quickly. And before anyone has really had time to think it through, parents are being asked to step in with cash, guarantees, or equity from their own home.

Would you help your kids out with buying a home? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Would you help your kids out with buying a home?
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7 hours ago

Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!

William Hansby Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.

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19 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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.

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