Congratulations to Finn Anderson-Budd – winner of Eastbourne Unplugged 2025!
At just Year 7 at Muritai, Finn’s original rap Fair Shot cut through with honesty, rhythm, and heart. It’s bold, real, and says what a lot of people feel but don’t always say — and that’s exactly what great songwriting does.
The judges were blown away by the creativity and passion across all entries this year. After collating thousands of likes, comments, and messages from the community, Fair Shot rose to the top — proving that age is no barrier when you’ve got something to say.
As part of his win, Finn has chosen to donate $200 to KidsCan, continuing the Eastbourne Unplugged tradition of giving back to the community. The remaining $300 goes directly to Finn as the winner — well deserved!
Well done, Finn — you’ve made Eastbourne proud!
MEGA Issue #8 – October
Finally, some movement on the political front — Tory, Barry, and Guppy are gone, replaced by Little, Laban, and Zee. The fossils are flushed, but the pipes still leak and the turnout’s still tragic. Fresh faces, same sludge — that’s Wellington local government for you.
Meanwhile, Live Nation keeps tightening its grip on NZ’s live music scene — one company booking the acts, owning the venues, selling the tickets, and milking the profits. It’s not live entertainment anymore; it’s corporate captivity.
In Eastbourne, The Herald changes hands — a reminder that local journalism only survives if locals back it. Advertise, contribute, or lose it.
And real estate? Four agencies fighting over a handful of listings in a village that barely needs one. The signs are everywhere — literally. Time to bury the billboards and sell some common sense.
Visit www.mega.kiwi.nz...
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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59.8% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.8% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... 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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