1984 days ago

Blooming traffic chaos

Reporter Community News

The popularity of 300 cherry trees in full bloom near a busy state highway has forced the transport agency to step in over safety concerns.

More than 5000 people visited the Aston Norwood Cafe & Function Centre’s Japanese-inspired garden last weekend causing chaos along the adjacent State Highway 2 in Upper Hutt.
Aston Norwood owner Mark Rammell said the volume of traffic outside his business caused gridlocks throughout the weekend. Punters began parking along the margins of the roadway up to 500 metres away after the facility’s 270 carparks filled up.
NZTA is putting in extra parking and road markings to deal with the influx.

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More messages from your neighbours
7 hours ago

Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
  • 32.1% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
    32.1% Complete
  • 67.9% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
    67.9% Complete
137 votes
5 days ago

Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
  • 45.9% I avoid spending money on coffee
    45.9% Complete
  • 44.7% I still indulge at my local cafe
    44.7% Complete
  • 9.3% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
    9.3% Complete
257 votes
7 days ago

Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!

William Hansby Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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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