Friday Feathered Friend
Louise Thomas has provided this weeks Friday Feathered Friend.
"Nature abhors a vacuum. The old adage has seen the white-fronted terns/tara (Sterna striata) move onto the Petone Wharf as a convenient perching spot for hawking (terning?) for fish. Such sleek birds, they turn on a dime, their brilliant white feathers catching the sun as they dive like professionals into the briny.
The old wharf, stretching almost 400m out into harbour, was closed (although a few foolhardy humans ignore the signs and climb the fence) in January for six weeks (hah!) for “urgent” repairs after the earthquakes over the New Year caused it to slump a bit in the middle. To be fair, the piles are infested with marine worms turning the ancient trunks into so much Swiss cheese and the bolts holding it all together are rustier than my first car, so it wouldn’t have taken much. Having seen a cross-section of a pile, I’m surprised it hasn’t collapsed before now. I am looking forward to it reopening though, I miss being able to walk so far out into the harbour – it’s where all the good stuff happens."
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.
Art Trail
We had a total 0f 508 visitors for the Kapiti Art Trail--such a pleasure meeting everyone and sharing our interest in the Arts and Crafts of the Kapiti Coast. Looking forward to some summer activity here at the gallery. We will let you know about upcoming events.
Food Recall: Mrs Rogers brand Spice Products
Rogers Distribution Ltd is recalling specific batches of its Mrs Rogers brand Naturals Butter Chicken, Curry Powder and Garam Masala due to presence of an undeclared allergen (gluten). People with a gluten allergy or intolerance should not consume this product. If you are not allergic or intolerant to gluten, this recall does not affect you.
READ MORE: www.mpi.govt.nz...