Friday Feathered Friend
Simon Woolf visited the South Island over Christmas and he took this beautiful picture of a kotuku.
"Back in the 1970's I got to know National Forest Service Photographer John Johns. John was a phenomenal photographer, who was both technically and creatively brilliant. John was a true gentleman. He shared his knowledge freely too.
One of his many amazing photos was a Kotuku in flight, however his photo was very different to other Kotuku photos I had seen. It was the white bird against a white sky, and in Black and White. It was a beautiful piece of art and showed The Kotuku, our White Herons features so precisely.
John Johns along with Geoff Moon would be our greatest ever wildlife bird photographers. They largely worked with film, creating images in a darkroom, and shooting with manual lenses, They respected their environment immensely.
This Kotuku photo, taken yesterday, is a tribute to John, and what he taught me all those years ago. I was very fortunate to have John and Geoff, who both passed away some years ago now, as friends and mentors".
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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76.9% Yes
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22.2% No
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0.9% Other - I'll share below
Kapiti Coast Distilled: A Family and Friends' Foraged Gin
In an exciting development for local spirits enthusiasts, Elsewhere Gin has released a limited edition Kapiti expression that truly captures the essence of our coastal region.
This unique gin, priced at $95 per bottle, is the result of a heartwarming collaboration between Elsewhere Gin and Mark Rose's parents and their friends in Kapiti who embarked on a community foraging adventure, handpicking an array of native botanicals including kohekohe, kauri tips, strawberry guava, horopito, and kawakawa. These locally sourced ingredients were combined with classic gin botanicals, lemon, and rosemary to create a spirit that is both familiar and distinctly Kapiti.
The gin offers a sensory journey through our coastal landscape. It opens with subtle vanilla notes from the kohekohe, followed by the sweetness of strawberry guava. The addition of horopito lends a peppery kick, while kawakawa adds a unique herbal complexity. The finish showcases the zesty lemon and aromatic rosemary that grow abundantly in our region.
"This gin is a love letter to Kapiti," says Rose. "It's not just my creation, but a true community effort. Every sip tells a story of our unique ecosystem, our shared knowledge, and the incredible flavors we have right here in our backyard."
With only a small batch produced, this Kapiti gin is expected to sell out quickly. It's more than just a drink; it's a bottled experience of our local terroir and community spirit, perfect for those who appreciate the finer aspects of craft spirits and the beauty of our coastal home.
Available exclusively through Elsewhere Gin, please contact Michael Anderson for this limited edition gin that offers a rare opportunity to taste the Kapiti coast - and its community - in a glass.
Michael Anderson
021 620 065
Email; michael.anderson@xtra.co.nz