Meet our new reporter :)
Pukekohe, believe it or not, is a town I had always envisioned settling down in - and now that I'm straight out of my Wintec journalism degree, I get to work here.
After finally getting my study life over with, I am stoked to be starting my working career at the Franklin County News.
I was born Emelyn McHardy, but feel free to call me Em if I ever give you a call.
I grew up in Papua New Guinea, and after travelling back and forth to New Zealand a few times, I lived there a total of seven years.
But I will always think of little Paeroa as my home town.
I'd probably best describe myself as a "20-year-old nana" - while my friends may enjoy hitting the town, and staying up until 3am, I much prefer an early night at home, watching some Youtube or American Horror Story.
People ask me why I chose journalism. For me journalism means I'll never stop learning, I'll never have the same day twice and I'll always be experiencing something new.
I look forward to my new experiences with Franklin County News and can't wait to meet the community.
Give me a call on 237 0404, 027 886 3942, or email me emelyn.mchardy@fairfaxmedia.co.nz.
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
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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80.4% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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19.6% No. This would be impossible in practice.
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
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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