Huge sanctuary proposed for hills behind Wainuiomata
The Bird of the Year could be coming to the Hutt Valley.
The Greater Wellington Regional Council is considering a proposal that would fence-off 3350 hectares of native bush behind Wainuiomata to create a “threatened species sanctuary”.
According to a report that will go to a council committee on Thursday, the land in question, known as the Wainuiomata Water Catchment area, is one of the few places that meet the “very rare conditions” needed to support breeding kākāpō, including mature rimu trees.
The fenced area, home to the most pristine, ancient native forest in the lower North Island, would also support the recovery of other threatened species, including rowi kiwi, kōkako, and tīeke.
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!
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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