Walk around the Wainuiomata Coast line
A couple of weeks back my husband and I decided to take on a trek around a bit of Fitzroy Bay and out to the seal colony at Turakirae Heads. It blows like the clappers around there, but if you can catch it on a good day the tracks are well formed and flat. Ironically, we saw more seals behind various rocks near the car park on Coast Road than out at the seal colony where they are quite spread out and not so easily viewed (you'll see what I mean when you get there). From a naturalist's point of view the coast is very rewarding. I observed my first New Zealand pipit and managed to get a couple of pics. I haven't logged it yet on iNaturalist, but it will be the first recording of one for Lower Hutt.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.3% Yes
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22.4% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Begonia house to be demolished at botanic gardens
It's outrageous that the Wellington City Council are going to demolish the Begonia house at the Botanic gardens. This is an asset. One would have thought the green faction of the council would have supported fixing it. It's strange no one has questioned the price required to fix it. Cycle ways more important than begonia house i think not