We’re now at Alert Level 4. Stay home. Save lives.
Dear concerned citizen,
We must now all stay home. Because that’s how we’ll stop the virus.
Level 4 measures will likely be in place for a number of weeks.
Don’t worry. During that time you will still be able to access all the essentials you need, including medicine, food, and other home supplies.
ALL THE TIME, NO EXCEPTIONS
It’s incredibly important that we all follow the Level 4 plan, all the time. No exceptions. Because doing so will save lives.
A CHALLENGE FOR EVERYONE
We realise these are big changes. But these are challenging times.
If we don't all stay home, the whole country will need Level 4 restrictions for longer.
SUPPORT OUR EMERGENCY SERVICE PEOPLE
We owe it to the essential services. Our nurses, doctors and everyone else on the frontline. They’re working tirelessly to save lives. We should all do everything in our power to help them do this.
Thank you to each and every person, for doing their bit.
While you’re staying at home:
STAY CONNECTED
• Don’t let physical distance stop you staying connected. Keep in touch with people using video calls, phone calls, chat and texting.
• If you know people who are living alone, vulnerable, or separated from their loved ones, regularly check-in with them.
STAY WELL
• Continue to practice good hygiene – wash your hands with soap. Then dry.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Regularly clean surfaces in your home with disinfectant.
• Keep up regular physical exercise, and get some fresh air when possible. It’s good so long as this is solitary, or only with those you live with.
REACH OUT
If you need advice, support or help, try reaching out to friends, family, whānau or workmates.
WE'RE UPDATING INFORMATION CONSTANTLY
For all the latest advice, including answers to your health and financial questions, go to Covid19.govt.nz.
And remember: what you do now, will help protect all of us.
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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