Are you going out on the water to see the Southern Right Whale?
A reminder of the rules around marine mammal encounters from the Department of Conservation:
General
Do not disturb, harass or make loud noises near marine mammals.
Contact should be ceased should marine mammals show any signs of becoming disturbed or alarmed.
Do not feed or throw any rubbish near marine mammals.
Avoid sudden or repeated changes in speed or direction of any vessel or aircraft near a marine mammal.
There should be no more than 3 vessels and/or aircraft within 300 m of any marine mammal.
At sea
Ensure that you travel no faster than idle or ‘no wake’ speed within 300 m of any marine mammal.
Approach whales and dolphins from behind and to the side.
Do not circle them, obstruct their path or cut through any group.
Keep at least 50 m from whales (or 200 m from any large whale mother and calf or calves).
Swimming with whales is not permitted.
You may swim with seals and dolphins but not with dolphin pods with very young calves.
Avoid approaching closer than 20 m to seals and sea lions hauled out on shore.
Idle slowly away. Speed may be gradually increased to out-distance dolphins and should not exceed 10 knots within 300 m of any dolphin.
If you notice a marine mammal being harassed, severely injured or entangled, contact DOC immediately on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) (Or Project Jonah - 0800 4WHALE) .
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.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ 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.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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