Waikato in restricted fire season
A restricted fire season is in place for Waikato with people requiring a fire permit if they wish to light an outdoor fire.
The prohibited fire season came into effect at 8am Wednesday and covers multiple areas in the region.
What you need to know:
- The ban covers the following areas: Waikato, Waipa, Otorohanga, Matamata-Piako, Hauraki, Waitomo, and South Waikato District Council boundaries.
-You must apply for a permit if you are to light an outdoor fire. Go to checkitsalright.nz and follow the instructions.
- Gas and charcoal barbecues are permitted.
- Individuals that operate heavy machinery are advised to exercise caution when out in dry terrain. Fire crews advise to undertake work in cooler temperatures and in minimal wind.
To find out more about outdoor fire safety, please go to Fire and Emergency New Zealand's (FENZ) website by clicking the button below.
Raglan tops unpaid rates bill list in Waikato District
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.
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
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.
Poll: Are you a Te Huia fan?
All three Hamilton MPs appear to be united behind the retention of the Te Huia passenger rail service between Hamilton and Auckland, as well as potentially expanding it to Tauranga.
But whether Hamilton East’s Ryan Hamilton, Hamilton West’s Tama Potaka and soon-to-be Labour list MP Georgie Dansey have the combined power to shunt transport minister Chris Bishop and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon onto their line of thinking remains to be seen.
Are you a Te Huia fan? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
-
80.9% Yes
-
19.1% No
Loading…
