Did you know that the council can plant trees in people's berms?
I recently had an interesting talk with the council and thought I'd share what I learned here.
In front of my house there is a grass berm which currently does not have any plants on it - aside from grass. I wanted to plant a tree there, so I called up the council asking if I'd need to apply for some sort of a planting permission.
And you know what?
Turns out, the council can plant a tree there for me! They said, basically, that each year they plant a number of trees around the city - some to replace old and sick trees, others to create "new" spots for trees. And so, when I called them up asking if I'd be allowed to plant a tree in my berm, they simply said that they'll note down my address, have a look at my berm on their next round of maintenance checks and if they think the berm is wide enough for a tree to go there, they'd simply include my berm in their next tree planting programme!
And I was, like, whoa. This is so cool :)
Thank you, Invercargill.
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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60% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... 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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