Fire ban lifted, but please delay non-essential burning
• The Total Fire Ban has been lifted. All the Waikato region is now in Open Fire Season except for the Thames/Coromandel district which in in a Restricted Fire Season.
• The Open Fire Season now in place means that you can light fires in the open as long as they are safe and will not get out of control.
• However, Fire & Emergency NZ (Waikato) asks that you delay lighting non-essential fires until after we reach Level 2 of the current lockdown. This will avoid putting staff and volunteers at unnecessary risk of Covid-19 infection.
• If your fire will be large and may attract public attention with consequent 111 calls, please first inform the Fire Communication Centre ph. 09 486 7948 to reduce unnecessary Fire Brigade callouts.
• The Thames Coromandel District has been moved to a Restricted Fire Season, meaning that Fire Permits are required there before lighting outdoor fires.
• For more information, contact Paul Shaw, Principal Rural Fire Officer – Waikato Rural ph.: 027 284 8636 paul.shaw@fireandemergency.nz
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.6% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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.
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