Friday Feathered Friend
Words and picture by Louise Thomas.
"I love birding – some days are just filled with hope and potential. I set out in the rain hoping to maybe see a few kākā/brown parrots or maybe snap a few tui on the right angle, possibly come across some rotund kererū for comedic relief. But some days are blessed with a little extra and the unexpected. Today I came across an unbanded pair of kākāriki/red-crowned parakeets (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae) fossicking in the undergrowth, then feeding in the trees – blissfully unaware they are relicts of better times. Hopefully proof-positive they are spreading in Wellington and the Hutt Valley. Wellington Botanic Gardens."
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Staying home over the break?
The long weekend is the perfect time to make your place safer for an earthquake with these steps:
• Find out where you can turn off your water and gas mains
• Check your chimney for any signs of wear and tear, or damage
• Check your home's foundations are secured
• Move heavy items that are up high to safer, lower down locations.
• Secure tall and heavy furniture and appliances
These simple actions can keep your whānau safer in case of a big shake, so tick them off and make the most of your break.
Bob Francis Wins Senior New Zealander Of The Year
Seven-term Mayor of Masterton, Bob Francis CNZM QSO MBE JP, has been named the 2024 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
Affectionately dubbed ‘Mr Wairarapa’, Bob has served his community in multiple areas, including health services, commercial development, the arts, aviation, homelessness, conservation and sports.
Bob’s award signifies the sixth time Ryman Healthcare has supported this category of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, which provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Kiwi seniors who continue to make positive contributions towards the future of Aotearoa.
Click read more for the full article.