A thank you from DOC
On behalf of the Department of Conservation (DOC), I would like to thank all those who came together in an effort to refloat the pilot whales which stranded at Colville Bay earlier this month.
The stranding, which took place over two days and nights between October 17 and 19, demonstrated the great community spirit of the northern Coromandel, with local community members first on the scene in an immediate response which largely contributed to the successful re-floating of the pod that evening.
I would particularly like to thank Hauraki iwi, Dave Hamon, members of the Colville community and the area’s rural fire brigade, Colville Sailing Academy, MEG, Project Jonah, WRC Harbour Master, Massey University, James Drainage and the Mahamudra Centre for Universal Unity for their collective efforts during the stranding.
Marine mammal strandings are difficult and emotional events. People have a strong connection to these animals, and whales in particular. Pilot whales are notorious for multiple strandings, and with both tide and time against our efforts it was a remarkable achievement to save the majority of this pod.
I am continually humbled by the passion, commitment and dedication shown by those who support these efforts. The events that unfolded over course of the stranding became a superb demonstration of co-operation, and a commitment to conservation of wildlife.
Thank you all.
Nick Kelly
Coromandel District Operations Manager
Department of Conservation
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
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: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.7% Second half of November
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43.9% 1st December
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17.7% A week before Christmas
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32.6% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below