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 NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.5% Yes
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14.3% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
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What is it that when given one, you’ll have either two or none?
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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.