Conserve water where you can
Northlanders and visitors to the region are being urged to conserve water as a dry summer continues.
Northland Regional Council Chair Geoff Crawford says parts of the Far North and Kaipara Districts have been under water restrictions since late last year and the region has only got drier since then.
"That - coupled with an influx of the tens of thousands of visitors we’re expecting over Northland-Auckland Anniversary weekend and Waitangi week - all puts pressure on our water supplies."
Chair Crawford says the regional council, which monitors river flows, groundwater and manages resource consents to take water, is urging everyone to play their part and do what they can to conserve water.
"Water shortages affect everyone - albeit in different ways - with farmers and water tank users needing to pay to top up their supplies. That water has to come from somewhere."
"Rainfall is the key to it all...we've been hoping for it and while some areas have had some rainfall in recent weeks and some further rain is predicted in the coming week, unfortunately it has not fallen across the whole region and has not been enough to top up our rivers."
While the region waits for rain, Chair Crawford urges people to use water sensibly and notify any leaks to their local district council.
He says Bewaterwise.org.nz has some useful water saving tips.
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% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% No, individuals should take responsibility
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15% ... It is complicated
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.
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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