Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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?

Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

• Yes, supporting people is important!
• No, individuals should take responsibility
• ... It is complicated

Vote View Results

• 59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
  59.5% Complete
• 26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
  26.2% Complete
• 14.4% ... It is complicated
  14.4% Complete

1120 votes

Wild weather in the Waikato

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Waikato really copped it over the weekend, with wild weather leaving a hefty clean-up bill that may run into the millions.

While things are looking calmer in the days ahead, there are still plenty of slips and flooded roads across the district — so if you’re heading out, take it easy and stay alert.

We want to know: How did you and your whānau get on over the weekend?

Want to see what recovery will look like from here? The Waikato Times has the latest.

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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.