View all Posts from Akina
2171 days ago

Monarch butterflies

Tony from Akina

Hi. I'm wondering if other members have noticed a dramatic decline in the number of monarch butterflies?


A friend living in the Akina area has several swan plants which this time last year were being ravenously devoured by caterpillars. This year, however, the meter-tall plants are virtually untouched. I have not noticed any monarchs in my own nearby garden. This afternoon I spoke to an assistant at a local garden centre who mentioned a similar absence of monarchs in her garden in Havelock North.


If other people have observed a similar decline I would be interested in any theories as to a possible cause. I see very few wasps - certainly no more than last year. The surrounding vegetation does not appear to have changed. Certainly we have had an unusual spell of wet weather, but I am still not seeing the butterflies on our relatively few sunny days. As far as I know, I live several kilometers away from any commercial crop spraying (my understanding is that orchardists are using fewer toxic sprays each year, not more).


Any thoughts appreciated.

More messages from your neighbours
4 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?
  • 85.2% Yes
    85.2% Complete
  • 13.5% No
    13.5% Complete
  • 1.2% Other - I'll share below
    1.2% Complete
1772 votes
3 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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5 days ago

Mitre 10 Park Hawke's Bay survey

Communications from Hastings District Council

A short Mitre 10 Park Hawke's Bay survey is open for people who don’t currently use the park. Your input, added to info from park users, will help shape a new master plan being prepared by the sports park management team that will (amongst other things) make the park more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for all. Let them know what you think!
Topics include:
🏀 Awareness: Are you aware of the activities offered?
🏉 Perception: Do you feel the park is for everyone?
🏏 Access: Are there barriers keeping you from visiting?
🗓️ Survey closes 5pm, Sunday 1 December, 2024.

Take a few minutes to share your thoughts here:
www.myvoicemychoice.co.nz...

Hastings District Council is proud to support the development of a Mitre 10 Park master plan.
#HawkesBay #HaveYourSay #Mitre10SportsPark

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