Chaffinch - a common garden bird
Chaffinch/pahirini (Fringilla coelebs) are a common backyard bird with the male sporting a rusty-red breast and a steel-grey hood. They love a bit of bird seed and will quite happily feed with the sparrows. Interestingly, during the winter before they pair up for breeding, the males and females separate to hang out in little groups of their own sex - hence the Latin name "coelebs" meaning bachelor. They pair up in September with the male first establishing his territory (in my garden this is one side of the back lawn from the shed to the back deck) and commencing singing to attract his mate. I'm pleased to report that he was successful and his lady love has built a fine little nest in one of the camellias. When the chicks have fledged both parents will look after them and feed them. The pair will stay together until March when they will separate to join their own little same sex groups again. I read in a UK birding report that they usually keep the same partners for life, with the female returning to the same territory in Spring to find her mate. I couldn't find anything one way or another to say it was the same in New Zealand, but I assume it would be.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Wellington’s identity is built on its cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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41% I avoid spending money on coffee
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47.8% I still indulge at my local cafe
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11.2% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
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