Posts by Waikato Local
320 days ago

Day of Democracy: Consultation conundrum for Thames Coromandel

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

In an ongoing series, the Waikato Times visits a council meeting and casts an irreverent eye over small town democracy in action - today it’s Thames Coromandel District.

Ratepayers and residents of the Thames Coromandel could soon become victims of consultation overload after their council decided to push two more proposals out for public perusal.

The meeting got off to a slow but intense start when a recent Thames Community Board decision about a new swimming pool complex was discussed, with councillors Rekha Giri-Percival and John Grant questioning why future funding options were not addressed by the board before being put to council.

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More messages from your neighbours
10 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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3 hours 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?
  • 0% I already have.
    0% Complete
  • 100% Yes.
    100% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
1 vote