Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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?

Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

• Yes, supporting people is important!
• No, individuals should take responsibility
• ... It is complicated

Vote View Results

• 59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
  59.3% Complete
• 26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
  26.2% Complete
• 14.5% ... It is complicated
  14.5% Complete

1107 votes

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.

Pet Sitting Available

Courtney from Mayfair

Hello Everyone

Thank you for looking at my profile. 
I am a local mum who is mature, reliable, responsible, and hardworking. I have a 6 year-old, our pet cats are called Ruby and Iggy. I work as a Teacher Aide when I'm not pet-sitting. 
I have been pet-sitting since December of 2022, I love animals. I am motivated to provide a friendly and genuine service for my customers and build positive relationships between clients of the human kind and the four-legged kind :D. 
I am patient and caring, eager to work with all animals and breeds, and willing to walk animals in their normal environments. My skills include attention to detail, orderly and organised. 
I live in Hastings but am willing to travel locally. 
Pay rates for one animal (additional animals can be discussed)


Services:
 One home visit per day NZD $20


Two home visits per day NZD $25


The duties I can offer are:
*Home visits (while you are away)

*Feed, water, and walk animals according to schedule and feeding times.

*Can mix food, liquid formulas, medications, etc. according to the instructions.

*Happy to groom pets if needed. 

*Happy to clean animal's habitats

*Keep a safe environment for the pets in my care.

*Report to owners on how your beloved pets are doing.

*Examine and observe animals to detect illness, disease or injury signs. 
Please feel free to contact me and ask questions or queries.
I look forward to hearing from you.


DOG WALKING AVAILABLE WITH PET SITTING.

Need a pet sitter? Check out my profile on Pawshake: www.pawshake.co.nz...