2157 days ago

Finding our Alert Level 4 routine

New Zealand Government

This week sees us all getting used to living at Alert Level 4. For this to work, we must all stick to the plan.

Stay home. It WILL save lives.
Let’s all remember why we are taking such extreme measures.
Staying home won’t always be easy. But the evidence tells us this is the best way to save the lives of other New Zealanders.

Finding our routines
It will take some time to build up new daily routines. That’s to be expected. We all need to be gentle with ourselves, and accept that things could be difficult for a while as we learn to adjust.

Looking after ourselves and others
Don’t forget to take time to look after yourself, and also to check-in on others. Asking someone how they are feeling is a good way to connect and show that you care.

We all need to stick to the plan
For this to work, and the effort we are all making to be worth it, we all need to stick to the plan, all the time. No exceptions.

Don’t move around
The virus is spread by us. So we all need to avoid moving around as much as possible. If you do go out for exercise or to get essential supplies, stay local. This is incredibly important. Don’t move between different areas.

Thank you for doing your bit
A massive thank you to everyone for working so hard to slow the spread of COVID-19. Together, we can and will save lives.

GOT QUESTIONS?
If you need help knowing what to do, visit covid19.govt.nz.
Read more now

Image
More messages from your neighbours
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.

Image
6 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.

Image
4 hours ago

Raglan tops unpaid rates bill list in Waikato District

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

More than $1.3 million in unpaid rates is owed to Waikato District Council by just 10 property owners — including one Raglan ratepayer who owes nearly a quarter of a million dollars.

An Official Information Act response reveals the council’s worst rates arrears, with a single Raglan property topping the list at $234,017.07 outstanding.

Image