Mystery Trip to Upper Hutt
A senior couple paid Air NZ $1500 for a mystery trip. The trip turned out to be the southern city of Invercargill. I would have been slightly annoyed that it wasn't for instance, Queenstown, but i am sure I would have found something that allowed me to have a pleasant time in a city I have never actually been to - and I have been to Queenstown several times.
So the couple complained and got their money back.
What if the couple had found themselves in the city of Upper Hutt and were told that the rules of the mystery trip was that they could not travel to anywhere else but Upper Hutt? Could they have had a great time in a "great" city?
Well they could visit Staglands which is a kind of rugged farmland zoo, they would have to go to Expressions because this place is compulsory viewing. Oh, yes, it might be happiness if their trip coincides with a race day at Trentham, but olay, we now have this craft beer tour and I believe that one of the four craft beer establishments we currently have, now has food available. They could take a walk around Trentham Memorial Park if they are dog fanciers. If the couple are looking for fine dining or a four-five star accommodation then they are probably stretching their luck though Wallaceville House is the best we can offer. And we do have some cafes who give you real Wellington quality coffee. And when its open there is the Devonshire tea barn in Te Marua where their scones are so good that it's a compulsive stop for circuit cyclists.
Is Upper Hutt a better city to visit than Invercargill? Tim Shadbolt would say no.
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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