Friday Feathered Friend
This week we introduce a new photographer, Roger Smith, to Friday Feathered Friend. He recently spotted a sooty tern in the Waikanae Estuary, where he is a regular photographer.
“I had taken a walk along the sandspit to have a look at the white-fronted tern flock there - not expecting to see any interesting birds - and I was stunned to see this lovely brown bird amongst them again...With the sun right behind me, I crawled very slowly holding my camera in front of my face until, after about 20 metres of inching over hot sand, I got within a few metres of it. It wasn't aware of my presence, so I just lay there and took over 100 shots before backing away.”
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.1% Yes
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15.2% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
New World Khandallah parking warning and appeal to nearby business owners
For very valid reasons (local commuters abuse) the New World has allowed the draconian Smartcomply company to police their carpark on their behalf.
Smartcomply will hit you with an $85 'fine' if you stay one second beyond the 60 minutes allowed.
Can I appeal to all nearby business's (especially eateries) to display a clearly visible "ARE YOU PARKED IN THE NEW WORD CARPARK' notice so customers can be warned about the possibility of an unpleasant post dining experience surprise.
A local eatery, and New World itself, could lose future custom due Smartcomply's excessive actions, as is likely our case.
Indeed I would urge any business local to a Smartcomply operation to implement a "ARE YOU PARKED IN ..........." notice if they wanted to avoid a lose in trade.
Here is the link to their Terms and Conditions that all entrants to a carpark under their control are expected to notice and read.
smartcomply.co.nz...
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.