1274 days ago

Friday Feathered Friend

Reporter Community News

Words and picture by Louise Thomas.

"I used to avoid posting photos where I had accidentally captured a nictitating membrane - I thought they looked like weird sausage-skin sideways eyelids. Then I read that they are amazing built-in bird goggles, so the bird can blink and still see, or even shutter their eyes in extreme conditions to protect their eyes while flying or diving. Apparently we used to have them too - the pink blob in the inner corner of our eyes is a vestigial membrane. I suppose we evolved out of needing them - still they might have been handy the other day when I was trying to take photos on the beach during a gale. Pūkeko/purple swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus) at Waimanu Lagoon."

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More messages from your neighbours
9 minutes ago

Wellington’s weird and wonderful trivia from 2025

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

📰 The Post has rounded up some of Wellington’s weird and wonderful trivia from 2025 – from the most popular dog names to the books you couldn’t put down at local libraries.

✨ Our question for you: In a year that’s felt a bit taxing, what weird, wonderful, or just plain fun things have brightened your 2025?

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9 minutes ago

Get painting and wallpapering - Sale now on at Resene ColorShops!

Resene

For a limited time only save the GST value on Resene premium paints, wood stains, wallpaper and decorating accessories at Resene ColorShops. Find out more

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3 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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