White-fronted terns/tara - sometimes seen on Petone Beach
White-fronted terns/tara (Sterna striata) are not a particularly common sight on Petone Beach, but you can see them en masse a few times a year. They are fairly noisy energetic birds, as many seabirds are. They have a distinctive black cap, which is more pronounced during breeding season among the adults, younger birds are more mottled with quite pronounced striations on their backs. Despite living in a crowd, they like to keep the same partners from one season to the next. The male courts his mate by bringing her little fish gifts - it is actually very lovely to see. These shots were taken down the far Western end on the beach, past the dog exercise area, the second one is a juvenile asking Mum for food.
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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32.1% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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67.9% 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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45.9% I avoid spending money on coffee
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44.7% I still indulge at my local cafe
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9.3% 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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