218 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: Kākāpō will be getting busy in 2026!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

The kākāpō, our famously lovable but critically endangered land-parrot, are forecast to have a massive breeding season in 2026 - perhaps the biggest on record!

How do we know? Kākāpō only 'get busy' during rimu mast events (where rimu grow heaps of fruit), every 2-4 years. Because we can anticipate rimu mast events, and kākāpō love rimu fruit, we can predict kākāpō breeding activity.

Since there are only 242 kākāpō today, this bumper season is important.

This positive outlook on population numbers is especially exciting since, due to the mahi of conservationists, the kākāpō have completed their first season on the North island (at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari). The booming of the kākāpō has not been heard on the North Island of Aotearoa for over a century!

Read more about Aotearoa's flightless parrot and their nesting plans.

We hope this news brings a smile!

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More messages from your neighbours
22 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

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As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.4% Complete
  • 43.4% I want to be able to choose.
    43.4% Complete
  • 47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
    47.1% Complete
2511 votes
6 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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8 days ago

Longer prescriptions are here

Health NZ

Some people with stable, long-term health conditions may be able to get prescriptions that last up to 12 months.

People with a 12 month prescription will still collect three months’ supply of medicine at a time, from the pharmacy.

Ask your doctor if 12 month prescriptions are right for you.
Find out more

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