Friday Feathered Friend: Bush robin/toutouwai
Photographer Louise Thomas made a visit to Bushy Park, prior to lockdown. Now that we are all at home, please feel free to post a picture of the birds you have in your garden.
"Bush robins/toutouwai (Petroica longipes) have an open heart, they roam tramping tracks without fear because it doesn’t occur to them to be afraid. They have no armour on their personalities. If they were humans they would help you change your tyre and laugh about the experience.
They will stand on your shoes if you sit too long. And rummage inquiringly while you unpack your pack. I read once that the open-hearted will inherit the Earth. I hope it’s true – that it is better to be possibly hurt than hardened. But the open-hearted are often preyed upon by the ambitious. It might be why the robin is at risk and declining – he’s just a little too trusting of those that would eat him. Bushy Park, July 2021."
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.
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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85.5% Yes
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13.3% No
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Food Recall: Equal brand European Dark Chocolate
A specific batch of Equal brand European Dark Chocolate is being recalled due to the presence of an undeclared allergen (milk).
People with a milk allergy or intolerance should not consume this product. If you are not allergic or intolerant to milk, this recall does not affect you.
READ MORE: www.mpi.govt.nz...