Nettle me this! Know your regional pests
Although nettle can make a nice tea on occasion, the perennial nettle (Urtica diocia) that our pest plants team deal with can form dense patches that compete with other native species for space and light. Livestock also don’t like it which reduces the area available for grazing. Not to mention it stings! (Which is not a reason for controlling it of course but we are happy about that).
The upright herb can grow up to 1.5 metres tall and has leaves that are heart shaped and toothed, covered in hairs that may sting. It’s often found in older gardens, forest margins, pasture, streams and river banks.
Our pest plants team are mostly finding it around rivers and streams in the Wairarapa, but have also found it in areas which are grazed by livestock. So, if you think you’ve seen perennial nettle, the team wants to know. They’ll control it for free! Contact pest.plants@gw.govt.nz.
Read more about perennial nettle and what you can do about it here: www.gwrc.govt.nz...
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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59.2% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.6% No, individuals should take responsibility
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15.2% ... 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.
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?
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