1420 days ago

Friday Feathered Friend

Reporter Community News

This week we are featuring the kingfisher, with words and a picture from Louise Thomas. They are often hard to spot but are one of the most beautiful birds you will see.

"Sacred kingfishers/kōtare (Todiramphus sanctus) seem special to me. A lightning flash of brilliant blue as they nip down from the power lines over the river or one of the posts they like to perch on to snatch a crab or little fish – the strike operation takes only seconds, barely breaking the water. I’ve almost given up trying to catch one on my camera diving. They are ruthless with their food, smashing in on their post, presumably to kill it, before swallowing it whole. I haven’t seen him for a few months, but I had one who liked to visit the garden off and on. He was a loveable, if badly behaved, guest, throwing up indigestible crab bits and staking out the compost bin where a mouse lives – he used to watch it with such intensity, like he was trying to use his mind meld powers to make the mouse run out. Come to think of it, I haven't seen the mouse for awhile either. Hmmm. Here is a young chap (an immature) with his chest still mottled from Pauatahanui the other day."

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Are quality products on the decline?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Gift-giving looks a lot different these days when you can pick up super-cheap goods made overseas. But do they last?

Do you have any old items like appliances, electronics or clothing that have stood the test of time? Share below!

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Are quality products on the decline?
  • 91.9% Yes
    91.9% Complete
  • 7.2% No
    7.2% Complete
  • 0.9% Other - I'll share below
    0.9% Complete
885 votes
A
7 hours ago

A Very Messy Christmas —get ready for a Christmas show like no other!

Amanda from Roseneath

It’s nearly Christmas Eve, and everything is going wrong in Santa’s workshop! Rudolph’s nose won’t glow, the Naughty and Nice list has gone missing, and the naughty elves are causing chaos. Santa’s constantly called away to fix problems, leaving Mrs. Claus feeling ignored, while the glamorous Christmas Fairy struggles to keep everything on track. With time running out, can Santa and his crew save Christmas before disaster strikes? Packed with laughs, songs, and festive fun, this panto is a holiday treat for all ages!
Little Theatre, Lower Hutt - Dec 21st at 11am & 1pm
Southward Theatre - Dec 22nd at 1pm
Tickets from eventfinda.co.nz

8 hours ago

Kmart duvet recall

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Kmart will be recalling a number of their Anko duvet sets.

What you need to know:
- The recall is involving Christmas-themed duvets: Mrs & Mrs Claus Reversible Queen Size Bed Quilt Cover Set and Christmas Elf Reversible Single Bed Quilt Cover Set
- A recall of the products began in Australia following health concerns from several families.
- One woman said she thought she was having a heart attack after using one of the products which smelt of diesel.
- One customer said she’d purchased the quilt covers and said they smelled like gas. Another mum said hers did not have that smell but claimed her son developed a rash that only went away when he stopped using the product.
- The product is no longer available for purchase on the Kmart website.

Regardless of whether you have experienced an issue, customers who have purchased this item may return the product to store for a refund.

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