Electrically driven observing chair.
I have been an Amateur Astronomer for almost 70 years but am now downsizing as am getting a bit old for some of my gear. This chair was built about 4 years ago and is designed so that you can sweep the entire sky with powerful binoculars while sitting in comfort. It runs from a normal mains outlet to supply power and used a linear drive unit from a bed to elevate the chair and the motor from a roller door to give the Azimuth drive. You have a small switch box with up/off down and left/off/ right position to steer your view around the sky. The picture shows my 20X 80 binoculars but the chair will have some 25x70 units as I wish to keep the biggest ones. It lives under my carport and can easily be wheeled out on any flat area for observing. It would be ideal for meteor/comet or satellite observation as every time I have used it I have seen dozens. Since the photo was taken the power supply has been updated and made much safer. Can be seen in Helensville.
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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80.5% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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19.5% No. This would be impossible in practice.
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.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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54.3% Human-centred experience and communication
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13.8% Critical thinking
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29.3% Resilience and adaptability
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2.6% Other - I will share below!
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