Things you need to know before you borrow $$...
Hey neighbours, are you thinking of borrowing money by taking out a loan?
Before you do - there's a few things you really need to know about. Take a minute and read the tips below to ensure you're asking the right questions and getting the best loan for you.
1. Shop around! Interest rates, fees and terms must be made available to you by the lender. Make sure you compare details and make an informed decision about what loan is best for you.
2. Choose a lender. Did you know that when you borrow money to buy something, you don’t have to borrow from the same person who is selling the goods?
3. Understand. Whoever is loaning you the money must ask questions to make sure you can afford the loan. They also need to help you understand the key terms of the loan.
4. Be prepared. You'll need to provide your lender with information to show that you can afford to repay the loan. This might include proof of income and expenses so make sure you have it ready.
Don't get on Auntie's bad side and do your research! You can find more information here.
Your friends at Neighbourly
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
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.
Will these roadworks affect you?
Don’t expect a quick trip between Cambridge and Tamahere for much of this year, because major roadworks are starting.
Asphalt works on that section of Waikato Expressway will run from March through to late 2026, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says. Motorists are warned to plan for significant delays.
“Unfortunately the pavement, particularly in the slow lanes, has deteriorated faster than expected,” NZTA’s Roger Brady said.
Will these roadworks affect you? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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