Local body elections
On the weekend I received my local body voting papers and a booklet full of candidates’ statements. Like many people I don’t know the majority of candidates although I recognise some of the names from the plethora of signage currently displayed.
Also on the weekend I read about Stuff’s project where they contacted every candidate in every council race to ask a series of questions about climate change. Stuff also asked them all for a short position statement on climate change issues. (Found at interactives.stuff.co.nz...)
I was disappointed to discover that some of the candidates in my district have not yet responded, or perhaps have no intention of responding, to the ten questions posed to them. We all have a range of views about climate change and possible council actions. I didn’t agree with some of the responses, including that of the candidate who answered ‘no’ to the first question: “The climate is warming as a direct consequence of human actions.”
But I commend that candidate for having the gumption to be honest to the voters.
To simplify my voting choices I’ve crossed out the names of all the candidates who did not respond to the survey.
The climate change issue is divisive and maybe the candidates who did not respond were worried that expressing a point of view may lose them some votes. Or perhaps they were too busy doing other things, such as putting up more signs asking for our votes. That’s not the type of person I want to be an elected representative of my community.
I would prefer to vote for that candidate who answered ‘no’, than to vote for someone who chooses to keep silent over an important issue.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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52.9% Human-centred experience and communication
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15% Critical thinking
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29.6% Resilience and adaptability
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2.5% Other - I will share below!
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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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.
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