Royal visit to Rotorua - what you need to know
Rotorua's Government Gardens is the place to be if you want to catch a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The walkabout is scheduled to take place between 3.30pm to 4pm along Queen's Drive. People are being advised to arrive well in advance and to be prepared for any weather.
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is also providing a free park and ride service, enabling people to park at the Rotorua Racecourse on Fenton St, with buses taking them to the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre in the central city.
The Park and Ride car park will be open from 9am and the buses will be running at regular intervals between midday and 5pm.
Road closures:
Queens Dr from archway to roundabout, 6pm 30 Oct to 5pm 31 Oct
Queens Dr from roundabout to EEC carpark, 8am to 5pm 31 Oct
Oruawhata Dr from Memorial Dr roundabout to Museum/Blue Baths cnr 8am to 5pm 31 Oct
Arawa St from Fenton St roundabout to Hinemaru St, 30min before event to 30min after event passing
Hinemaru St from Arawa St to Pukuatua St, 6am to 5pm 31 Oct
Hinemaru St from Pukaki St to Arawa St, 30min before event to 30min after event passing
*Please note the times of road closures could change.
Don't:
Don't bring chairs
Don't bring alcohol – the Government Gardens has a liquor ban
Don't bring your dog
Don't bring your drone – there is a no-fly zone over the Government Gardens and this includes drones
More information here!
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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58.9% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.1% No, individuals should take responsibility
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15% ... 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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