Matchmaking for monarch butterflies!
Are you looking for monarch caterpillars or is it more food for starving monarch caterpillars that you’re looking for?
This year, thanks to the Monarch Butterfly NZ Trust, monarch butterflies have their very own matchmaking agency.
“There are always pockets around the country where there are healthy swan plants which female monarchs haven’t found,” said Jacqui Knight from the MBNZT. “And there are other people who find their swan plants are stripped by the hungry caterpillars. Now, thanks to web-based technology, there’s a site where people can list their details and hopefully be introduced to someone who can come to their aid.”
The site has only been created but already there are people from all corners of the country networking to lift monarch numbers before the end of the summer.
“As well as other predators, over recent years we’ve seen a huge increase in the numbers of paper wasps. Many people now raise their caterpillars under cover to protect them,” said Jacqui. So it can be disappointing if you run out of food… or you have plenty of food and no monarchs laying.”
You can use either one of these sites to get help:
www.facebook.com... or www.monarch.org.nz...
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
-
58.9% Yes, supporting people is important!
-
26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
-
14.8% ... It is complicated
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
Loading…
