Posts by Waikato Times
313 days ago

Have you been to Waitomo recently?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

One of the region’s premier tourist locations is shaking off its long Covid hangover as a new caving experience opens near Waitomo promising local jobs, and a boost to visitor numbers after the pandemic decimated local businesses.

Co-owner and founder of The Waitomo Experience, John Heskett said pre-Covid there were more than five black water rafting operators working in the caves beneath Waitomo, but that number dropped down to just one.

Have you been to Waitomo recently? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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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