Poll: What do you think about MPI's new dog-on-ute law?
Dogs on the back of a ute, on a dusty rural road: a scene that captures heartland New Zealand. But new MPI animal welfare regulations promise to complicate moving sheepdogs between paddocks, and other farming practices besides, with the threat of a fine from October.
Dogs on the back of a truck, trailer or ute, travelling on a public road, had to be tied up with a leash or rope, if not in a cage or crate. The only exception to the rule was if farm dogs were actively helping to move livestock along public roads, in which case they could jump on and off a vehicle.
People caught breaking that law could be fined up to $900 under new Animal Welfare Regulations from October. Read the ministry's guide to the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations at mpi.govt.nz. Read more here
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26.1% I disagree - Farmers should be able to do what they've done for years
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36.8% I support it - let's keep the dogs safe!
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29.3% Farmers should make their own decisions
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7.8% It can't be monitored
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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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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59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.1% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
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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