Friday Feathered Friend
This week's featured bird is the oystercatcher, courtesy of Simon Woolf.
"Pretty rapt to see a clutch of oystercatcher, chicks and their parents, on Wellington's coast tonight. The adult birds were back from last year, and have three young ones in tow.
The adult bird had just caught a worm and the competition was on, as to which bird would get a feed. The bird at the back is the runt, and was also the chick that was attacked by gulls.
It was also the chick that was not in any way defended by the parent birds, while the other two birds were well cared for. You certainly know which chick is the runt, when it runs only metres away from you, after being chased by a gull, and neither of the parent birds felt the inclination to attack me!
Life is cruel for a baby oystercatcher, however if you are the runt of the clutch, life is really hard!"
Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? π»π¨π
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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0% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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0% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
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.
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.
π‘οΈ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and youβre unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:ββ
β Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codesββ
β Never need to know your full credit card number β especially the CVC
β Never ask you to download software or remotely access your deviceββ
β 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.
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