Libraries popularity grows in new yearly stats
New stats show Whangārei libraries are thriving community hubs! 📔
Library Manager Paula Urlich says it’s really encouraging to see the use of libraries continuing to increase. “In the past, people thought that libraries would become obsolete with the rise of eBooks. In fact, we’re finding the opposite; people still want to read physical books and the borrowing of physical books is increasing at a faster rate than that of eBooks.”
The average number of items borrowed per month, over the past year is 66,000 and average monthly visitors to the libraries is 32,000. This is an increase from the previous year, which saw an average of 63,000 items borrowed per month and 31,000 average monthly visitors.
📸 Picture: Library staff are still buzzing from the Night Café Whangārei at the Central Library during the Love it Here Festival. Performances, tutorials, tours, board games and writing competitions generated a warm, inviting atmosphere where visitors could hang out and ‘just be’.
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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59.6% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.9% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... 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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