"My dog wouldn't..."
Dear dog owner, I am a member of a small group of volunteers, ‘Friends of Kaitawa Reserve’, who help the Council look after the Reserve; weed-busting, planting and general maintenance.
When I see a dog running free, I politely introduce myself to the owner and point out that there is a good reason that there are signs at every entrance stating that dogs must be kept on a leash. The good reason is that the bush is dotted with poison bait stations and if their dog finds and eats a dead poisoned mouse, rat or stoat, that will be Fido’s last meal. About half of the owners immediately leash their dog and the rest say, “Thanks, but that’s OK – my dog wouldn’t.”
With respect, unless you are keeping visual contact 100% of the time and your dog is highly trained to instantly obey voice commands no matter the distraction and temptation, like a police dog*, then you are speaking on behalf of your animal erroneously. Every dog, whatever the breed and no matter how small, is genetically 99% wolf. All canines share the powerful instinct to hunt but they also are natural scavengers [see ‘Island of the Sea Wolves’ on Netflix – the typical wolf diet is mice and scavenged meat] and their sense of smell is up to 1,000,000 more powerful than ours [Google it]
So, again with respect, the likelihood is that your dog would. So please keep your loved pet on a leash when in the Reserve. Thank you.
*Q] What’s got four legs and an arm?
A] A police dog
Woof, Mike
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.4% Yes
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46.6% No
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Make the holidays easier this year!
We’ve pulled together a few clever Christmas hacks thanks to Ryman resident, Sullen - simple ideas to save time and stress so you can enjoy more of the festive fun.
A few favourites:
- Hang tree lights vertically for an even glow
- Use reusable gift bags for quick, eco-friendly wrapping
- Prep food ahead to keep Christmas Day relaxed
Click read more for the full list of tips.
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