Emergency Operations Centre signs off
After 68 days, our Southern Waikato Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has now been stood down.
The EOC was a joint effort by Taupō District Council, South Waikato District Council, Waipa District Council, Otorohonga District Council, and Waitomo District Council to help support our communities in the wake of COVID-19.
Head of economic development and business transformation John Ridd, who was one of the EOC controllers, said up to 60 Taupo District Council staff were deployed to the Centre, operating out of our Rifle Range Road base, and thanked them and the other members of the community who came together to help.
“In addition to our council and Civil Defence Taupō staff, this was a real community effort, with numerous groups and businesses helping out to deliver over 500 food parcels and house more than 100 people.
“I’d like to thank all the community groups, iwi groups, businesses and organisations we’ve worked with over the last few weeks to help take care of our people.
“And while our EOC is standing down, we’re always here and ready to help – if you need assistance due to COVID-19 then call the helpline on 0800 779 997,” he said.
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.
Step by step for a great cause!
Our amazing Hillary Hikers from Edmund Hillary Village showed their support for Bowel Cancer New Zealand's Move Your Butt campaign this month!
Sporting the bright purple and orange campaign shirts, these wonderful walkers hit the Auckland waterfront and marched from Mission Bay to Kohimarama, raising awareness for bowel cancer and the importance of early detection along the way.
Click read more to read the full story.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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