1909 days ago

South Auckland gym helps Heart Foundation

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

A South Auckland women's gym is backing the Heart Foundation this month.

Members of the Smash Fit gym will attempt to row 100 kilometres over eight hours to raise funds to buy a defibrillator for the Papakura community.

They will give the balance of the proceeds to the Heart Foundation.

The women were inspired by Mark Taylor who rowed for eight hours earlier this month, raising $95000 for the Heart Foundation.

Taylor has a neurological disorder affecting his mobility, vision and health.

His wife and one of his daughters are members of the gym.

“We think Mark is incredibly inspirational here at SMASH FIT - and we were hugely honoured when he asked us to help him reach his fundraising target of 100,000 dollars," said Smash Fit owner Emma Dunn.

Mark will be rowing alongside the gym members for some of the event and heart health is something close to home for the Kiwi.

“My family and friends have been impacted by heart disease and the health of our heart is something that we all need to take more seriously," Taylor said.

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1 day ago

Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟

While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.

We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?

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Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
  • 80.4% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
    80.4% Complete
  • 19.6% No. This would be impossible in practice.
    19.6% Complete
56 votes
6 days ago

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?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.3% Complete
  • 26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
    26.2% Complete
  • 14.5% ... It is complicated
    14.5% Complete
1107 votes
13 days ago

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.

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