Friday Feathered Friend
Words and picture by Louise Thomas.
"I love birding – some days are just filled with hope and potential. I set out in the rain hoping to maybe see a few kākā/brown parrots or maybe snap a few tui on the right angle, possibly come across some rotund kererū for comedic relief. But some days are blessed with a little extra and the unexpected. Today I came across an unbanded pair of kākāriki/red-crowned parakeets (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae) fossicking in the undergrowth, then feeding in the trees – blissfully unaware they are relicts of better times. Hopefully proof-positive they are spreading in Wellington and the Hutt Valley. Wellington Botanic Gardens."
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
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.
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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77% Yes
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21.6% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below