Another estuary bird - the pied stilt/poaka
Pied stilts/ poaka (Himantopus himantopus) are another bird sometimes seen at the Hutt Estuary and sometimes there is a pair up the river by the Ewen Bridge. They are not here in huge numbers compared to some other places, and are usually spotted in ones, twos, and once I saw three. I find pied stilts/ poaka (Himantopus himantopus) just a touch ridiculous – like Montgomery Burns wearing a tuxedo and plague mask whilst walking badly on circus stilts. Their knees turn in unexpected directions making them look inherently unstable. Sometimes they stand on one leg just to show off, trying to convince the casual observer that they really have it together.
I also just want to let everyone know that my 2021 calendars are completely sold out. A big thank you to everyone who purchased one. I'll do it again next year for 2022 and make sure I get a few more printed next time.
Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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30.8% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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69.2% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
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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45.7% I avoid spending money on coffee
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44.6% I still indulge at my local cafe
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9.7% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
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