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.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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81.9% Yes
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15.3% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
Think You’ve Got the Answer? Today’s Riddle Says ‘Prove It’!
If eleven plus two equals one, what does nine plus five equal?
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.
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What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
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.