Duck Season
It had just gone sunrise. Nestled along the steaming banks of the wide canal, six of us crouched in the camouflaged hut known as a 'Mai mai'. Some had already been drinking Port, I could still smell dope and perhaps unbelievably, I was the only one there not dressed up as some kind of paramilitary reject. All of us had shotguns; double barrels, semiautomatic and pump action.
This was to be my first taste of opening season. Decoy mallards bobbed in the canal in front of our position and sporadically, we could hear the honk of phony duck calls carrying to us from neighbouring properties and further down the body of water.
Then they came. A frantic exodus of feathered bodies, desperately seeking sanctuary. We could hear their panic. Harried mercilessly from lake to creek, they banked towards the lures we had placed. Only to be greeted by the barrage of fire we opened upon them. A veritable hail of lead shot poured into them from our little bunker as we fired again and again. Some were struck dead in flight while others were shredded, disintegrated or just blown limb from limb.
The Labrador pups at our feet whined and cowered under the concussion of the rapid shotgun fire. Then it was over, the survivors flying desperately onwards in futile retreat.
The guys whooped and cheered while I think I managed a sickly grin. High five.
Sliding back the corrugated iron hatch to our hut, the Lab's scrambled free and plunged into the water, pushing through the carnage to seek any ducks unlucky enough to have survived our gunfire.
So ended day one of Duck Season, my first and last experience with it.
I was working as a farmer at the time and the life and death of animals was often in my hands. Some of those creatures I loved, some I hated. They had personalities. I had taken those lives before and more than once I experienced a living creature's life blood pour onto my hands, which is something I still find hard to justify. I'm not a vegan or a peacenik and I strive not to be a hypocrite. I've slaughtered, euthanized and hunted. In short, I'm not an innocent.
To me, Duck "hunting" is no such thing. It is a bloodthirsty massacre of terrified creatures. It is inane butchery on a wide scale ...and it's as Kiwi as Lion Red.
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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60% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Flower Pressing Workshop
Step back in time and discover the delicate Victorian art of flower pressing at Howick Historical Village.
Explore the gardens, gather flowers and foliage, and learn how to press and preserve them as keepsakes, just as the Victorians once did. Historical interpreter Ruth Page will guide you through the process and share tips for the best results.
📅 Dates:
• Saturday 21 March
• Saturday 28 March
• Saturday 11 April
• Saturday 18 April
⏰ 1:30–3:30pm
💲 Cost:
$28 (bring your own heavy book)
$42 (flower press included – yours to keep)
🎟 Includes entry to explore the Village (open 10am–4pm)
📩 Bookings essential – places are limited
A relaxing, creative afternoon surrounded by history and gardens — perfect for nature lovers and craft enthusiasts alike
Late Summer Harvest!
Experience a sun-kissed day at Howick Historical Village, celebrating the last of summer's bounty. Explore how the season’s harvest was gathered, preserved, and enjoyed in the 1800s, before the season changed.
The end of summer was a time to enjoy long, warm, dry days but also to prepare before autumn crept in. Pantries were filled as food was preserved, boots were waterproofed, curtains rehung. Honey made by busy bees all summer, was extracted from the hives.
Join us to experience the gentle turning of the seasons, where work and pleasure met, and the closing days of summer were truly cherished! Churn cream into butter or attend a Victorian school lesson. See the blacksmiths and woodturners at work and learn the art of bookbinding. Meet the Village beekeeper in a talk at 2 pm. Taste fresh baking, hot from the coal range in Puhi Nui Homestead and the bread oven. Visit the sweet shop filled with old-fashioned lollies and fudge!
With games, crafts and performances by Morris dancers at 11:00 & 12:00, and the bagpipe band at 12 pm and plenty to entertain all ages, this will be a Live Day not to miss!
Admission: adult $18, student/senior $14, child $10, family $46. Child under 5 years, members & annual pass holders - free entry.
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