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From reporter Hamish McNeilly:
In a rubbish bin at a small Dunedin playground was a very big problem.
Inside the bin were hundreds of large monarch caterpillars. A few were able to crawl out before they were spotted.
Nat Russell said she was called to the Hocken St playground, in the … View moreFrom reporter Hamish McNeilly:
In a rubbish bin at a small Dunedin playground was a very big problem.
Inside the bin were hundreds of large monarch caterpillars. A few were able to crawl out before they were spotted.
Nat Russell said she was called to the Hocken St playground, in the suburb of Kenmure, after her sister’s children spotted the escapees.
The monarch enthusiast helped collect some of the caterpillars and then put a plea on social media to rehome them to anyone who had swan plants – a type of milkweed – where the butterflies like to lay their eggs.
She estimated there were “a good few hundred caterpillars” inside the bin.
People came from all over Dunedin to rehome the caterpillars.
“A few died, but almost all were rescued,” Russell said.
The caterpillars were large and entering their final moult, where they find a sheltered site, produce a tightly woven silk mat, and hang downwards until they become butterflies.
“The majority of them were only a few days off becoming monarchs.”
It appeared the caterpillars were dumped along with a container of food scraps, which was tied up in a jersey.
Jacqui Knight, who founded the Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust almost two decades ago, said it was the first case of mass monarch caterpillar dumping she had heard of in New Zealand.
“I presume they had run out of food and [whoever had them] didn’t know what to do with them.”
While it was “wonderful” they were rescued, it was a shame they were dumped in the first place, she said.
A shortage of swan plants was often an issue for those with very hungry caterpillars, which could eat 2700 times their birth weight in just over a fortnight.
To counter that problem, Knight recommended people with an excess of either caterpillars or swan plants join the Monarchmatchmaker group on Facebook to “share the love”.
“It is a bit like Tinder, but for butterflies.”
Part of the issue was that some nurseries had stopped selling swan plants because some had been sprayed with pesticides.
Instead, people wanting to attract monarchs were encouraged to grow swan plants earlier in the season and let them get to full size in their garden.
Having monarchs, considered a native in New Zealand, helped show children the various stages of an insect’s life cycle and “feeds their curiosity”, Knight said.
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
ZZ Top bass guitarist Elwood Francis delighted fans with an unscheduled stop at a Queenstown music shop this week.
Francis and band frontman Billy Gibbons are in Queenstown to perform at the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert on Saturday.
Maya Music store… View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
ZZ Top bass guitarist Elwood Francis delighted fans with an unscheduled stop at a Queenstown music shop this week.
Francis and band frontman Billy Gibbons are in Queenstown to perform at the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert on Saturday.
Maya Music store owner Deo Bohn, himself a keen guitar and bass player, was surprised to see the distinctive rocker walk into his store early in the week.
“He just walked in the door with a roadie. They were looking at some instruments,” he said.
He had a chat with Francis, who shared some photos of the band’s concert in Taupō from the weekend, and grabbed a few photos.
Francis and Gibbons had stopped in a record store in Taupō and Bohn hoped Gibbons would call by his Queenstown store also.
Bohn had brought his copy of ZZ Top’s First Album into the store, just in case he could get it signed by Gibbons.
Gibbons has been with the band – famous for beards, hot rods and spinning guitars – since it formed in 1969.
Francis, previously the band’s guitar technician and famous in his own right for performing with a 17-string guitar, stepped into his role after the death of original band member Dusty Hill in 2021.
Queenstown man Andrew Wesney was having a guitar lesson when Francis called into the store.
“I was pretty stoked to see him and get to meet him in person. It was cool,” he said.
Bohn said it was not unusual for visiting musicians to call into the store, which was near Queenstown’s airport.
Some Kiwi artists such as The Black Seeds and Kora would book practice space at the shop before a gig.
“You never know who’s going to walk in the door in Queenstown,” he said.
Musicians Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo have also been in Queenstown during the week, posting a photo overlooking Lake Wakatipu, towards Cecil Peak, on their Facebook page on Monday.
Mora Wines and Artisan Kitchen posted a photo of the pair having lunch there on Thursday.
The Greenstone Summer Concert returned this year after being cancelled due to the difficulties of bringing in international artists under Covid-19 border restrictions last year.
ZZ Top is headlining the show, along with 90s grunge legends Stone Temple Pilots, four times Grammy Award winners Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, and Aussie rockers The Angels.
They performed at Taupō on Saturday but the Whitianga Summer Concert scheduled for Sunday was cancelled due to weather conditions.
About 15,000 people are expected at Saturday’s Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert in Queenstown, which starts with Wānaka band Powder Chutes at 11.30am.
Organisers said it was forecast to be a warm and sunny summer’s day, so people should stay hydrated and use sunscreen.
Pop in and buy some goods, to support the Red Cross during these unfortunate natural disaster events. From the flooding in Auckland to the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey. Every little bit counts, thank-you.
Swap food for a FREE Resene testpot with Hunger for Colour!
Simply bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). We'll donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.
By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help… View moreSwap food for a FREE Resene testpot with Hunger for Colour!
Simply bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). We'll donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.
By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help those in need.
The newest addition to the NZ Compare suite of comparison brands has landed - Mobile Compare is the home of Kiwi Mobile Plans. A one stop shop for Neighbours everywhere!
Start 2023 right! Forget overspending and getting stuck with a plan that offers too much or too little.
Whether you’re … View moreThe newest addition to the NZ Compare suite of comparison brands has landed - Mobile Compare is the home of Kiwi Mobile Plans. A one stop shop for Neighbours everywhere!
Start 2023 right! Forget overspending and getting stuck with a plan that offers too much or too little.
Whether you’re after unlimited minutes and calling, endless data or flexible payment options to fit your budget, Mobile Compare has it all from your favourite providers. Plus, the website is super easy to use — you’ll find a fantastic deal in no time! Check it out today!
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Dunedin residents are being urged to reduce water, or face possible compulsory restrictions.
Water levels were dropping throughout Dunedin’s catchment areas and residents were asked to voluntarily conserve water, Dunedin City Council Three Waters group manager David Ward said.
… View moreDunedin residents are being urged to reduce water, or face possible compulsory restrictions.
Water levels were dropping throughout Dunedin’s catchment areas and residents were asked to voluntarily conserve water, Dunedin City Council Three Waters group manager David Ward said.
“Dunedin’s reservoir levels are dropping, demand is increasing, and no significant rain is forecast for the next week. With the warm, dry summer we’re now experiencing, we need to work together to make sure we’re not using more water than necessary.”
Water use has steadily increased in Dunedin since the start of the year. On Sunday it hit 58 million litres per day. Demand is normally about 42 million litres per day.
While the restrictions were voluntary at this stage, the council would have to consider compulsory restrictions in places like Mosgiel if the current rate of demand continued.
“We’re asking people to use water wisely and achieve some simple savings that quickly add up across our area,” Ward said.
That included residents using a watering can or hand-held hose to water their garden or lawn, rather than a sprinkler. Ward also recommended watering only in the evening and early morning, when less water was lost due to evaporation.
Cars and boats could also be washed in the evening, while ponds and private swimming pools should be filled with a hand-held hose in the evening, and private fountains turned off.
More tips on conserving water can be found at www.dcc.govt.nz...
With rising inflation, the pressure is piling on councils this year to tighten their budgets to keep rates payments down for households across the country.
Overall, do you feel that your council and community board does a good job for your area?
If you don't wish for your replies to be … View moreWith rising inflation, the pressure is piling on councils this year to tighten their budgets to keep rates payments down for households across the country.
Overall, do you feel that your council and community board does a good job for your area?
If you don't wish for your replies to be used in the We Say You Say column, include NFP in your comment.
Our February issue of our Seniors Newsletter is out now. In this issue we're keeping you in the know how on copper withdrawal and how that may affect you, plus lots more.
Courage doesn’t always come easily. Some are naturally born with confidence, while others may need an extra boost. We help young learners build confidence in themselves and their ability to succeed in and out of school. Our fun and engaging maths and English tuition is personalised to each … View moreCourage doesn’t always come easily. Some are naturally born with confidence, while others may need an extra boost. We help young learners build confidence in themselves and their ability to succeed in and out of school. Our fun and engaging maths and English tuition is personalised to each child’s learning style and needs.
Learn more about NumberWorks’nWords maths and English tutoring.
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, subscribe to NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, or TV Guide online at Mags4Gifts and receive an iconic box of Guylian Belgian seashells.
Simply enter the promo code ‘VALENTINES’ at the checkout to redeem this great offer. Valid until 11:59pm 14 February … View moreTo celebrate Valentine’s Day, subscribe to NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, or TV Guide online at Mags4Gifts and receive an iconic box of Guylian Belgian seashells.
Simply enter the promo code ‘VALENTINES’ at the checkout to redeem this great offer. Valid until 11:59pm 14 February 2023, white stocks last. For full terms and conditions click here.
The team at Mags4Gifts.
Following the summer holiday pause on roadworks, resealing is set to resume on sections of SH6 in the Kawarau Gorge and at the SH6-Jack Hanley Drive intersection.
The work by Aspiring Highways is part of the biggest nationwide summer works programmes ever undertaken by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport … View moreFollowing the summer holiday pause on roadworks, resealing is set to resume on sections of SH6 in the Kawarau Gorge and at the SH6-Jack Hanley Drive intersection.
The work by Aspiring Highways is part of the biggest nationwide summer works programmes ever undertaken by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Because of the large volume of daytime traffic on SH6, work will be done at night with rolling closures, Waka Kotahi maintenance contract manager Peter Standring said.
“The road will open at least hourly for a contractor vehicle to pilot waiting drivers through the site. This will keep construction crews and road users safe and lessen damage to the new seal.”
All sealing work needs fine, warm weather, with the dates below subject to these conditions:
- SH6 Kawarau Gorge from Victoria Flats Bridge to east of Pearson Road:
Sunday, February 12, and Monday, February 13, 9pm to 5am
- SH6 Kawarau Gorge from Crown Range intersection to Bungy Bridge:
Tuesday, February 14, and Wednesday, February 15, 9pm to 5am
- SH6 intersection with Jack Hanley Drive, Jack’s Point:
Thursday, February 16, 9pm to 5am
“This work is necessary to improve the surface on these sections of highway, and ultimately makes our roads safer for people,” Standring said.
“We understand resealing can be noisy, our team will be doing all we can to get this job done as quickly as possible to minimise the impact of this work on households and businesses.”
Speed restrictions will be in place after the work is completed to enable the seal to fully set.
All too often, our older community are found at home alone, suffering, physically hurt and unable to help themselves. If you’re living alone and would like some extra support, get to know your neighbours, reassure them that you're okay with them checking in on you, and together make a plan … View moreAll too often, our older community are found at home alone, suffering, physically hurt and unable to help themselves. If you’re living alone and would like some extra support, get to know your neighbours, reassure them that you're okay with them checking in on you, and together make a plan and talk through what warning signs to look out for should something be wrong. It could just save your life.
For more information, and tips to help you make a plan go to thehelloproject.nz
Needless to say, it's been a horrible week for a lot of us with the scary weather and all it's brought with it. If you're doing it tough, here's something which might help.
Stuff's podcast Stuff Explained has been talking with Hummingly's Jolie Wills, a … View moreNeedless to say, it's been a horrible week for a lot of us with the scary weather and all it's brought with it. If you're doing it tough, here's something which might help.
Stuff's podcast Stuff Explained has been talking with Hummingly's Jolie Wills, a psycho-social expert in disaster and disruption. In this short podcast interview, Jolie shares her expert advice on what you, or the people you want to support, may need right now.
Whether you're currently involved, or you want to help others, it's worth a quick listen!
Hello we are open tomorrow 10-3pm and back on Tuesday after Waitangi Day. Thank you
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