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1150 days ago

Penguin couple defy odds to reach 24-year anniversary

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Central Leader

A penguin couple at Kelly Tarlton’s aquarium are only year off their silver anniversary, a rare feat as penguins don’t always mate for life

Buster and 99 have nested together for 24 years, and reared 19 babies in that time.

Their eldest Goofy will turn 24 this year.

Penguin keeper said Kristen Buckley said after 24 years together the pair have their nesting routine down pat.

“We are so happy to see Buster & 99 coupling up for yet another nesting season this year – as they are our longest-standing couple in the Gentoo Penguin colony,” she said.

“Year after year we see them sharing the nest building and egg incubating responsibilities like the seasoned parents they are!”

Buckley said it is crucial that penguins make sure they are with good partner.

“Unlike other birds where one parent can raise a whole clutch of eggs by themselves, both penguin parents need to work together to successfully raise their chicks,” she said.

“They can't afford to have a partner that isn't very good at catching food or finding nesting material because this means that their chicks are very unlikely to make it to adulthood.”

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More messages from your neighbours
19 hours ago

It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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3 days ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.

This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 84.7% Yes
    84.7% Complete
  • 13.9% No
    13.9% Complete
  • 1.4% Other - I'll share below
    1.4% Complete
1585 votes
3 hours ago

Christmas gifts for underprivileged teenagers

Denise Hunter from St Stephens Ponsonby

We at St Stephens in Ponsonby collect christmas gifts for underprivileged (brand new- not secondhand). If you would like to help by donating gifts please either ring Denise on 0272866374 or drop off on a Friday morning between 10am & 12 midday, or Sunday morning between 9.30am -11.30am.

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