Random Acts of Kindness – August 1st to 31st 💖
All it takes is a kind gesture to change someone’s day. From paying it forward in line at a cafe to giving flowers to a friend ‘just because’ - this month we’re encouraging our members and supporters to make New Zealand a better place one random act of kindness at a time.
The options for doing so are endless! Being kind doesn’t have to cost a thing, after all a smile is free. For those who want to go the extra mile, here’s some other ideas: Buy extra kai at the grocery store to donate to a food pantry, help someone with a broken down car or flat tire, bring treats into work for colleagues, send an encouraging text to someone who needs it, let a car into the traffic ahead of you, take a gift over to new neighbours and introduce yourself, write positive messages in chalk on sidewalks around your neighbourhood, or surprise loved ones with a visit.
This month also coincides with World Humanitarian Day on August 19th and Random Acts of Kindness Day (New Zealand) which is on September 1st.
Let us know how you’re spreading kindness in your community by tagging us in your posts + using the following hashtag so we can see what you get up to:
#NSNZrandomactsofkindness
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.
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
Get Up, Get Involved, and Get Colourful!
It’s that time again when Taranaki gets ready to sparkle — paintbrushes in hand, music in the air, and creativity bursting from every corner! Get Up Fest is back from March 2nd to 9th, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most vibrant events on our calendar.
This isn’t your average art show. Get Up Festival is a celebration of community and creativity that transforms New Plymouth into a living, breathing gallery. Across venues in the CBD and at East End, artists will be painting murals each day on walls, bridges, and buildings — turning our city into a giant open-air canvas. There’ll be live music, a graffiti battle, an exhibition, and even a public “give it a go” 30-metre wall, where everyone’s encouraged to pick up a brush or a can and add their mark.
Now, as you can imagine, a festival like this doesn’t just happen on its own — it takes a great team of volunteers to help make it all flow smoothly. That’s where you come in!
We’re calling for volunteers from March 6th to 9th to join the team and be part of the action. There are plenty of roles to choose from — some public-facing (like greeting visitors, or helping at events), and others behind-the-scenes (assisting artists, helping with setup and logistics, or making sure the spaces look welcoming and tidy).
If you enjoy working alongside creative people, some roles even involve supporting the artists directly — helping them get set up, fetching supplies, or just being that friendly, steady hand as their masterpieces unfold. It’s an incredible chance to see the artistic process up close and feel part of something truly inspiring.
And here’s a bonus: if you’re looking to build your CV or gain experience in event management or public art projects, this is a fantastic opportunity. You’ll be part of a fun, supportive team, learn heaps along the way, and help deliver something that will live on in our city long after the paint dries.
If you’ve volunteered at WOMAD New Zealand before or love being part of lively community events, this one’s right up your alley — colourful, hands-on, and bursting with good energy. You’ll need to be able to transport yourself to venues, but trust me, the experience will be more than worth it.
Volunteering is what brings these kinds of events to life — and helps our city shine. So, if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and be part of a dynamic, creative, and joy-filled week, come join us and help deliver this incredible outdoor art experience.
Let’s get up, get involved, and help paint the town — literally!
To register your interest or find out more, contact:
Volunteering New Plymouth
Wendy at admin@vnp.nz phone 06 758 8986 or text 022 571 4228 and join this amazing event.
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