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."
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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77% Yes
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21.6% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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.