946 days ago

Could you be a 'tradie for a day'?

The Forever Project

Are you a retired tradie? Can you help the younger generation?

The Mangere-based Ara Education Charitable Trust is inviting volunteers to share skills and knowledge on a one-off, or an ongoing, basis. Retired tradespeople could help by working with the students, says John Vazey, senior health, safety and wellbeing business partner at Auckland Airport.

Students are working on a number of projects, including the Forever House, transforming it from a derelict house into a sustainable low-cost home to be returned to the community. Volunteers will work alongside AECT tutors and the students in classroom and hands-on projects.

Do you want to pass on some of your skills and knowledge? Get in touch with the team by emailing editor@foreverproject.co.nz
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More messages from your neighbours
20 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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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18 hours ago

Animal Abuser

Lois from Red Beach

🚨 URGENT WARNING TO ALL LOST & FOUND / PET REHOMING PAGES 🚨 and people rehoming pets or reporting lost animals.

It has come to our attention that a long-term, repeat animal abuser is still actively obtaining animals through Facebook groups.

The type of animal does not matter — birds, livestock, dogs, small pets — anything he can access.

He monitors rehoming pages. He approaches people offering “help.” He presents as reasonable. He will say the right things.

Do not give this person any animals under any circumstances.

If you are an admin of a lost & found page, a community group, or a pet rehoming group:

• Please stay vigilant
• Check profiles carefully
• Share this warning across your networks

Animals have already paid the price for people not knowing.
If you are unsure about someone requesting an animal, ask rescue groups to help.

1 day 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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