That Wānaka Tree is joined by Wānaka Shark
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
That Wānaka Tree is world famous but the shark swimming around it may elevate it to new social media heights.
No-one knows where the shark, or to be precise the shark’s fin, came from and local social media posts have divided opinion in the small town.
Posting on Facebook on Monday, Joanne Young said April Fools was over and the stationary fin spoiled the lake's beauty.
“Can it be removed?” she asked.
But Jess B Clark called for the “weed tree” to be removed instead, while Kieran Kaiwai suggested someone jump in and tackle the shark.
Others suggested it would need Department of Conservation and Otago Regional Council involvement involving a lengthy report and an 80% rates rise.
Tony Vial suspected it might be the work of a random Sharks supporter, before adding his own “Go the Warriors”.
Todd Jeremy Owen said he had seen the fin in other spots, including Lake Hawea.
"That Taniwha is way older than that weedy willow,” he said.
Tracy Sarah Jones looked forward to seeing the next 20 million lonely tree shots accompanied by the great shark fin.
While Amanda Waldo had another ominous warning for regular lake users.
"If the duck itch doesn’t get you...” she wrote.
For now, the big questions are unanswered. Will the shark remain? And will it ruin the perfect shot of #thatwanakatree?
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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34.9% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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26.4% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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34% I prefer calling the clinic
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4.7% I didn’t know online booking was available
A reminder this hunting season
As thousands of hunters are making their plans for autumn – the Roar – recreational firearms groups are urging hunters to always be 100% sure of their targets.
Te Tari Pureke - Firearms Safety Authority NZ, which chairs the Recreational Firearms Users Group, has begun a public information campaign reminding hunters everywhere of Rule #4 of the Firearms Safety Code: to identify their target beyond all doubt.
Director Communities and Corporate, Mike McIlraith, says there is an estimated 50,000-60,000 New Zealanders involved in big game animal hunting each year, and the Roar is the key event for many hunters each year.
“The Roar is a fantastic time of year for hunters to get out into the hills after a trophy animal but hunting safely and making sure everyone gets home in one piece, still must be the most important goal of every trip,” says Mike McIlraith.
“The consequences of not fully identifying your target beyond all doubt can be catastrophic. Our message to hunters is a really simple one: If you are not sure, then don’t shoot.”
Mike McIlraith says while hunting fatalities are thankfully rare, research has shown that misidentification of the target is the largest firearms related risk to New Zealand deer hunters, and 80% of the time this involves members of the same hunting group.
The Authority says hunters should not feel pressured to take a shot: “Instead, hunters should take the time to analyse their target, wait and see if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how many points does its antlers have? Identifying your target means never firing at sound, shape, colour or movement alone.”
Mike McIlraith says good hunters will slow down, and run through some simple mental checks:
- Can I see the whole animal, or could this be another hunter?
- Where are my hunting companions – could this be them or someone else?
- How much of the animal can you see, if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how - many points does its antlers have?
“Taking a little extra time to identify your target and check the firing zone is the key to safer hunting. No meat or no trophy is better than no mate,” he says.
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.4% Inside!
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23.6% On top!
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