South Waikato District, Tokoroa

214 days ago

Have you got an amazing wood pile?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours, after reading about our search for New Zealand's most impressive and artistic wood piles in the May 2025 issue, Auckland's Anne Stephens Whitcombe sent us this photo that she had snapped while on holiday in Norway. Have you put together a wood pile that's just as … View moreDear neighbours, after reading about our search for New Zealand's most impressive and artistic wood piles in the May 2025 issue, Auckland's Anne Stephens Whitcombe sent us this photo that she had snapped while on holiday in Norway. Have you put together a wood pile that's just as impressive, or even more so? Send us a photo! Email: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. You could be in to win a Fiskars X36 splitting axe L blade and a Fiskars X14 universal axe. We're looking for wood piles of impressive size or of particular space efficiency or even an artistic vision!

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192 days ago

Shaun Stevenson’s time with the Chiefs, through his mother’s eyes

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

It’s been a long journey for star fullback Shaun Stevenson, from meeting Chiefs staff at a petrol station to a potential Super Rugby Pacific title in his final game.

A head clash during the Chiefs’ recent semifinal win nearly got in the way, but he’s since been … View more
It’s been a long journey for star fullback Shaun Stevenson, from meeting Chiefs staff at a petrol station to a potential Super Rugby Pacific title in his final game.

A head clash during the Chiefs’ recent semifinal win nearly got in the way, but he’s since been cleared to join the team as they chase their first championship since 2013.

Have you followed his time with the team?

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192 days ago

Proud to be your Most Trusted Brand

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

For the 11th time, you’ve voted us your Most Trusted Brand and that means the world to us. Because trust this strong doesn’t happen by chance. Ten years? That’s a perfect score. But eleven? That’s off the charts. Whether it’s your first visit or you call a village home, that feeling of … View moreFor the 11th time, you’ve voted us your Most Trusted Brand and that means the world to us. Because trust this strong doesn’t happen by chance. Ten years? That’s a perfect score. But eleven? That’s off the charts. Whether it’s your first visit or you call a village home, that feeling of trust is what sets us apart. Find out more

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193 days ago

Poll: Did you go to Fieldays this year?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Despite relentless rain and squelching mud, Fieldays has bested last year’s numbers.

Over 110,000 made the pilgrimage to Hamilton’s Mystery Creek last week to experience one of the biggest agricultural events in the Southern Hemisphere.

Did you go to Fieldays this year? Tell us your … View more
Despite relentless rain and squelching mud, Fieldays has bested last year’s numbers.

Over 110,000 made the pilgrimage to Hamilton’s Mystery Creek last week to experience one of the biggest agricultural events in the Southern Hemisphere.

Did you go to Fieldays this year? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Did you go to Fieldays this year?
  • 0% Yes
    0% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
0 votes
193 days ago

Do you know anyone using Jetstar’s new Hamilton services?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Jetstar’s new transtasman services into and out of Hamilton got off to a proverbial and literal flying start on Monday as the airline’s A320 aircraft arrived from Sydney to clear, sunny weather.

The flight was greeted by a buzzing and crowded airport, with both inbound and outbound … View more
Jetstar’s new transtasman services into and out of Hamilton got off to a proverbial and literal flying start on Monday as the airline’s A320 aircraft arrived from Sydney to clear, sunny weather.

The flight was greeted by a buzzing and crowded airport, with both inbound and outbound passengers praising the new flights which will be to and from Sydney (four days a week) and the Gold Coast (three days a week).

Do you know anyone using Jetstar’s new Hamilton services? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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201 days ago

Poll: Have you noticed these increased grocery prices?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Stats NZ said food prices have been rising at their fastest rate in more than a year.

Drinking chocolate is now 27% more expensive, coffee is up 17% and 1kg of mince was $2 more expensive this March than it was the same time last year.

Dairy products have also increased astronomically in … View more
Stats NZ said food prices have been rising at their fastest rate in more than a year.

Drinking chocolate is now 27% more expensive, coffee is up 17% and 1kg of mince was $2 more expensive this March than it was the same time last year.

Dairy products have also increased astronomically in price. Milk prices are up by 15.1% in the last year, cheese by 24% and butter has risen up by a shocking 63.6%.

Are you feeling the pinch lately? Share what you've noticed in the comments below and whether it makes you change your shopping habits.

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Have you noticed these increased grocery prices?
  • 98% Yes, my bank balance has noticed
    98% Complete
  • 1.7% No, I haven't noticed
    1.7% Complete
  • 0.3% Other - I'll share below
    0.3% Complete
3363 votes
194 days ago

Waikato District rubbish fee hike sparks uproar

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Waikato District Council’s decision to double the cost of rubbish collection has ignited a storm of backlash, with residents taking to Facebook to voice outrage.

The announcement, made through a Facebook post earlier this week, confirmed that, from July 1, the price of rubbish bag stickers … View more
Waikato District Council’s decision to double the cost of rubbish collection has ignited a storm of backlash, with residents taking to Facebook to voice outrage.

The announcement, made through a Facebook post earlier this week, confirmed that, from July 1, the price of rubbish bag stickers will increase from $1.50 to $3, and wheelie bin tags from $3 to $6.

What do you think about these changes in the Waikato District?

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197 days ago

What do you think of this plan?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

A new $16 million construction and demolition waste recovery facility is now up and running near Huntly, offering large-scale processing capacity aimed at diverting tens of thousands of tonnes of construction waste from landfill each year.

Developed by Kiwi-owned waste services company Green … View more
A new $16 million construction and demolition waste recovery facility is now up and running near Huntly, offering large-scale processing capacity aimed at diverting tens of thousands of tonnes of construction waste from landfill each year.

Developed by Kiwi-owned waste services company Green Gorilla, the Rotowaro facility is powered entirely by certified renewable electricity and has been co-funded with a $4 million grant from the Ministry for the Environment’s Waste Minimisation Fund, a statement from the company said.

What do you think of this plan? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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197 days ago

Fieldays 2025 in photos

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Check out some of our Fieldays pics, one of which features Henry van der Hulst.
He does a daily commute to the event - from Reporoa.

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197 days ago

Poll: Do you know this building at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

A Hamilton school has been given the green light to demolish most of one of its most recognisable buildings, despite concerns about the loss of heritage.

Waikato Diocesan School for Girls applied for resource consent to knock down a large portion of Cherrington House, a nearly 100-year-old, … View more
A Hamilton school has been given the green light to demolish most of one of its most recognisable buildings, despite concerns about the loss of heritage.

Waikato Diocesan School for Girls applied for resource consent to knock down a large portion of Cherrington House, a nearly 100-year-old, earthquake-prone building. The plan is to make a new administration block that will retain the central part of the original western façade, expand the floor area about 20% and reference the original style.

Do you know this building at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls? Tell more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you know this building at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls?
  • 47.8% Yes
    47.8% Complete
  • 52.2% No
    52.2% Complete
23 votes
197 days ago

A Special Winter Gift for NZ Gardener Subscribers!

Mags4Gifts

There’s something magical about winter – slower mornings, steaming mugs, and time to plan your dream garden. So why not cosy up and get inspired by some of the world’s most beautiful green spaces?

Right now, when you subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years, you’ll receive The Joy of … View more
There’s something magical about winter – slower mornings, steaming mugs, and time to plan your dream garden. So why not cosy up and get inspired by some of the world’s most beautiful green spaces?

Right now, when you subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years, you’ll receive The Joy of Exploring Gardens book from Lonely Planet – completely FREE! But hurry, this offer is only available to the first 300 subscribers, so don't miss out!

This beautifully photographed book features 60 of the world's most spectacular gardens, plus 120 inspiring travel ideas to stoke your love of the outdoors – from tranquil Japanese sanctuaries to vibrant desert trails in Arizona.

Subscribe today!

From the team at Mags4Gifts
Find out more

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201 days ago

Did you hear about this apprentice's achievement over the weekend?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Waikato teenager Jack Mathis was just a couple of hammer strokes away from becoming the top building apprentice in the country.

Unfortunately, the young apprentice had to settle for second at the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge national final| held in Hamilton over the… View more
Waikato teenager Jack Mathis was just a couple of hammer strokes away from becoming the top building apprentice in the country.

Unfortunately, the young apprentice had to settle for second at the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge national final| held in Hamilton over the weekend.

Did you hear about Mathis' results?

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199 days ago

South Waikato folks have stepped up to help this family

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

The farmer who found the burnt-out vehicle of Travis Langford has rung the missing man’s mother every day since.

He’s been “an absolute godsend,” Angela Grocott says - an example of the South Waikato community’s help during nearly five months of trying to find her son.

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199 days ago

What would you feed a bunch of farmers?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Whether they’re ordering a “pretty insane” amount of steak or bringing in a mechanical bull, Hamilton venues are preparing for a full-on Fieldays week.

With crowds set to descend upon Mystery Creek from Wednesday until Saturday, bars, pubs and restaurants are gearing up for an influx of … View more
Whether they’re ordering a “pretty insane” amount of steak or bringing in a mechanical bull, Hamilton venues are preparing for a full-on Fieldays week.

With crowds set to descend upon Mystery Creek from Wednesday until Saturday, bars, pubs and restaurants are gearing up for an influx of customers - whether its cockies or the “logistics and sales force” that comes with them.

What would you feed a bunch of farmers? Tell us in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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199 days ago

Poll: Are you a Hamilton Gardens fan?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

There won’t be blood-letting, but everything else about the Medieval apothecary garden coming to Hamilton will be true to history.

It’s still months away from its February 2026 opening, but things are coming together for the latest addition to Hamilton Gardens’ enclosed gardens.

Are you… View more
There won’t be blood-letting, but everything else about the Medieval apothecary garden coming to Hamilton will be true to history.

It’s still months away from its February 2026 opening, but things are coming together for the latest addition to Hamilton Gardens’ enclosed gardens.

Are you a Hamilton Gardens fan?

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Are you a Hamilton Gardens fan?
  • 69.2% Yes
    69.2% Complete
  • 12.8% Sort of
    12.8% Complete
  • 17.9% No
    17.9% Complete
39 votes
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