Reporter Natalie Polley is back from maternity leave!
Well hey there guys, I'm back from maternity leave!
On January 3, I gave birth to my first child - Jack.
It's been such an incredible experience watching my helpless newborn baby grow into a chubby little six-month-old who is already trying to talk. (He'll probably be a chatterbox like his mum).
But all good things must come to end, and so here I am back at my desk and it's already feeling a bit like I never left.
The cliches about time speeding by when you have a child are true.
I'm pretty excited to get back into work mode. I'd missed the hilarious office banter and adult conversations.
As any stay-at-home parent knows, sometimes it can get a little bit hard without that mental stimulation.
Maternity leave definitely confirmed to me that I love my job - I love interacting with people, I love writing and I love our team here at Franklin County News.
I can't wait to hear from the Franklin community again!
- Nats :)
Thames Branch NZ Society of Genealogists
Our genealogy adventures begin with us and what we know. Learn how to take the research journey back in time with like-minded people. Come along to the Thames Branch NZ Society of Genealogists monthly meeting, every 3rd Wednesday of the month. All welcome.
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% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% No, individuals should take responsibility
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15% ... 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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