Nationwide protests
Nationwide protests are taking place today (Thursday) having been organised by Te Pāti Māori and other connected to Toitū Te Tiriti movement.
There is likely to be some traffic disruptions so Waka Kotahi are closely monitoring the situation. Below are the locations of these gatherings across the country.
Northland:
Whangārei, Farmer’s car park, 9am.
Kaitāia, Commerce St, 9am.
Auckland:
West Auckland, BP Hobsonville, 6.30am.
South Auckland, Z Petrol station, 6.30am.
North Auckland, Palmers Albany Garden Centre, 6.30am.
Central Auckland, Aotea Square, 11am.
Waikato:
Hamilton, Kirikiriroa Marae, 7.30am.
Matamata, Matamata Woolworths, 6.45am.
Te Puaha, Weraroa Marae, 8.30am.
Hauraki, Victoria Park, 12pm.
Waiariki:
Tauranga, Whareroa Reserve, 8am.
Whakatāne, SH30, 7.30am.
Ōpōtiki, Waioweka bridge, 7am.
Taupō, Lake Terrace, 8am.
Tūrangi, Tūrangi town centre, 9am.
Rotorua, Lake Rd intersection, Old Taupō Rd, Fenton St and Sala St, 7am.
Ikaroa-Rāwhiti:
Tūranganui a Kiwa, Heipipi Park, 7am.
Hastings, Hastings Clock Tower, 7am.
Wairarapa, Masterton Town Hall, 12pm.
Te Tai Hauāuru:
Hāwera, Hāwera Netball Courts, 10.30am.
Palmerston North, Te Marae o Hine, 7.15am.
Tokoroa, Leith Place, 8am.
Wellington:
A hīkoi to Parliament 12pm.
South Island:
Christchurch, Bridge of Remembrance, 11am.
Nelson, Church steps, 12.30pm.
Dunedin, Queens Gardens, 12pm.
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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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Wild weather in the Waikato
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!
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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