Mayor's safety funding flip-flop
After promising to support increased funding for a Courtenay Place safety initiative, Wellington Mayor Andy Foster did a U-turn when costs went up by $15,000.
The funding was for Take 10, a group that helps drunk people stay out of trouble.
On Sunday, Foster told Stuff he supported providing funding. On Wednesday, however, he voted against it.
He said the proposed cost had risen by $15,000 to $95,000 and he was no longer prepared to support it.
His no vote was not enough to stop the funding, which the majority of councillors supported.
Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons, who chaired the grants committee, voted in favour of the increased funding.
“The extension of Take 10 to Friday nights is one step towards reducing alcohol-related harm and violence on Courtenay Place,” she said.
Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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31.2% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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68.8% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Wellington’s identity is built on its cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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46.4% I avoid spending money on coffee
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44.1% I still indulge at my local cafe
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9.5% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
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