Disgruntled farmer wasting thousands of litres of water in protest at charges
Rangiora farmer Rodney Back is upset at being charged for water that he's not using.
In fact, no-one is using the water – the charges relate to empty sections he subdivided a few years back.
The Waimakariri District Council says it doesn't matter how much water is being used, or whether it's used at all, Beck has to pay a fixed charge.
As a protest, Beck turned on each water supply last week, allowing an estimated 10,000 litres of drinking water a day to run down the drain.
The 78-year-old North Canterbury farmer said he was a firm believer in user pays, but objected to paying for something no-one was using, and planned to leave the taps on until the council intervened.
Read reporter Keiller MacDuff's full report here (subscription required).
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
As reported in the Press, the same low-pressure system that lashed the North Island over the weekend is now making its way south, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. It’s a soggy start to the week for many of us.
With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?
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42.9% Yes - we like to be prepared
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46.4% Nah
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10.7% This is on my to-do list!
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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