389 days ago

Conserve water where you can

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Northlanders and visitors to the region are being urged to conserve water as a dry summer continues.

Northland Regional Council Chair Geoff Crawford says parts of the Far North and Kaipara Districts have been under water restrictions since late last year and the region has only got drier since then.
"That - coupled with an influx of the tens of thousands of visitors we’re expecting over Northland-Auckland Anniversary weekend and Waitangi week - all puts pressure on our water supplies."

Chair Crawford says the regional council, which monitors river flows, groundwater and manages resource consents to take water, is urging everyone to play their part and do what they can to conserve water.
"Water shortages affect everyone - albeit in different ways - with farmers and water tank users needing to pay to top up their supplies. That water has to come from somewhere."
"Rainfall is the key to it all...we've been hoping for it and while some areas have had some rainfall in recent weeks and some further rain is predicted in the coming week, unfortunately it has not fallen across the whole region and has not been enough to top up our rivers."

While the region waits for rain, Chair Crawford urges people to use water sensibly and notify any leaks to their local district council.

He says Bewaterwise.org.nz has some useful water saving tips.

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More messages from your neighbours
23 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

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As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.5% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.5% Complete
  • 43.4% I want to be able to choose.
    43.4% Complete
  • 47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
    47.1% Complete
2523 votes
6 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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7 days ago

Pay no weekly fee until 2028*

Jane Mander Retirement Village

When you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village by 28 February 2026, you won't pay your weekly fee until 2028*. And because life at Ryman means no home upkeep, you'll have more time for the things you love.

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