Scientist queries testing of Westport's dead rats by mystery lab
Locals and Department of Conservation staff picked up almost 700 rats as well as dead Westland petrels, weka, octopus, starfish, a goat, crabs, crayfish and skate fish after they washed up on Westport's North Beach in November.
Testing by Maanaki Whenua Landcare Research found no residue of 1080. Flora and Fauna of Aotearoa and Clean Green New Zealand Trust said it had some of the dead wildlife tested at an unnamed lab and found they had been poisoned by 1080.
Belinda Cridge, from University of Otago's Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, said she had read both reports and had several questions around the processes used in the trust's testing and questioned its final results. She said she could not support the positive results without a detailed description of all the methods and controls used.
Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️💥❔
What has a head but no brain?
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!
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Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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40.4% Yes
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34.3% Maybe?
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25.3% No
Suellen's Sweet Christmas Tradition
The festive season is the perfect excuse to indulge your sweet tooth and to bring something truly special to the Christmas table. For Suellen’s family, that showstopper is Croquembouche !
An impressive tower of cream puffs bound together with delicate spun sugar, this classic dessert is a favourite at weddings across France and Italy and a much-loved Christmas tradition at home.
Click read more for the full recipe.
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