Toa Manu - Garden Bird Survey
The Department of Conservation is calling for volunteer bird counters for the annual New Zealand Garden Bird Survey to help families explore the outdoors and connect to our natural environment. By taking part in the survey, young bird spotters can also earn a Toa Manu/Bird Surveyor Toyota Kiwi Guardians medal.
Toyota Kiwi Guardians was set up as a partnership between the Department of Conservation and Toyota New Zealand with a shared vision to connect children, and their whanau, with nature. Department of Conservation Visitor Centre Ranger Wendy Hillerich says, “Research has shown that children can establish lifelong connections to nature if they actively engage in it between the ages of six to ten. Toyota Kiwi Guardians’ aim is for young people to have ownership of our land, to feel part of it and want to care for it in the future.” “Toyota Kiwi Guardians is about getting outside, having lots of fun, earning cool rewards and going on epic family adventures!”
The annual survey, run by Landcare Research, began in 2007 and since then volunteers have counted over one million garden birds. The survey shows where there is an increase or decline in some of our bird populations. “Bird populations tell us a lot about the health of the environment we live in. We should be listening”.
Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠
If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?
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Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.6% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.3% I want to be able to choose.
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47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
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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