Keep animals safe and happy this Guy Fawkes
With Guy Fawkes fast approaching we’ve teamed up with our friends at Wellington Zoo to ask residents that live close to the Zoo to please be thoughtful and respectful this year around letting fireworks off near the Zoo.
Discharging fireworks near the Zoo can be very frightening for both the Zoo animals and pets around the neighbourhood. Sadly, one of Wellington Zoo's animals died last year which they believe was a result of being severely distressed by fireworks near the Zoo.
Each year SPCA receives dozens of calls relating to fireworks; including animal injuries, frightened animals, missing pets and, occasionally, abuse of animals. We encourage people to attend controlled public fireworks displays rather than using fireworks at home and ask those planning firework displays on their properties to consider speaking to their neighbours, or leaving a note in their letterbox, so that those with pets and other animals can prepare accordingly.
For the welfare of all animals, we wholeheartedly support Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons in her calls for a 2km firework exclusion zone near Wellington Zoo. Under the Wellington City Council Public Places Bylaw it is already an offence to “discharge a firework in a public place” and this includes the Town Belt and Melrose Park which backs onto the Zoo. This year there will be extra security around the Zoo on Guy Fawkes night, however, you can help us even further by respecting this bylaw and encouraging your neighbours to do the same.
Together with Wellington Zoo we want to thank all of you for your support during this time!
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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0% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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0% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
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.
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
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