Posts by Stuff
2601 days ago

Is your paddling pool legal?

Sarah Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Many people setting up paddling pools for their children this summer will be breaking the law - are you one of them?

Any pool, fixed or portable, deeper than 400mm is now subject to safety provisions under the Building Act, meaning there a quite a few rules you probably aren't even aware of.

For example, do you have a 1.2-metre fixed childproof fence with a self-closing gate opening outwards?

What are your thoughts on paddling pool safety? If faced with an inspection, would your pool set-up pass? Do you think all these rules are essential? What are your tips for setting up a paddling pool safely?
To read more about how to keep your kids safe in and around pools, click here.
(Please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/ comments used on Stuff)

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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