Friday Feathered Friend
Our Friday Feathered Friend for Christmas Day is this beautiful tīeke, photographed by Louise Thomas.
"Just back from a week-long birding trip to Whanganui, New Plymouth, and Mt Ruapehu. We took the opportunity to visit Bushy Park, the predator-fenced sanctuary in Whanganui. We had got out of the car and were reading the signs for the tracks and types of birds. In my normal over exuberant fashion I said to my husband and adult kids that I would die happy if I saw a saddleback. We were five metres into the first track when four of them flew up the path chasing each other and almost took my head off.
My daughter asked if I'd like to end myself now, or wait a bit in case I saw some other cool birds. I was a bit upset at first as I thought they might be the only saddlebacks I would see and I didn't get a photo. Turns out there are quite a few there. I will definitely be visiting again. Saddleback/tīeke (Philesturnus rufusater)."
Tutoring Available!
Kia Ora!
I am a College student offering personalised and patient tutoring for students who want to build confidence, improve their skills, or need help with internals and externals in 2026.
Subjects offered:
- English - Years 6 to 11, inc. NCEA Level 1 English and NCEA Literacy/Reading Co-requisite (CAA) help
- Maths - Years 6 to 11, inc. NCEA Level 1 Mathematics and NCEA Numeracy Co-requisite (CAA) help
- Digital Technologies - Years 9 to 12, inc. NCEA Level 1 and 2 Digital Technologies
- Physics - Years 7 to 11, inc. NCEA Level 1 Physics
About me:
- Over 1 year of experience
- Strong subject knowledge
- Supportive and encouraging learning style
Session details:
- First session FREE (trial)
- Flexible times
- Online or in-person (Johnsonville Library)
- PM me for rates
Perfect for anyone looking for:
- Homework, assessment, and exam help
- Personalised lessons based on students' needs
- Confidence building
- Mid-year and end-of-year progress reports
- Honest feedback about how the student is doing
Contact:
Ph: 0225238786
Email: aya.es.khallaf@gmail.com
Feel free to message me to book or ask questions!
References available.
The Summer Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand
Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Summer Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!
Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to WIN 1 of 5 Ooni Karu 2 Portable Pizza Oven bundles, valued at $1024! Each bundle includes: an Ooni Karu 2 Multi-Fuel Portable Pizza Oven, Ooni Karu 2 Carry Cover, Ooni 12" Perforated Peel, Ooni Digital Infrared Thermometer and an Ooni Cookbook: Cooking with Ooni. The more answers you enter correctly, the higher your chance of winning. For more information and to submit your answers, click here
The Team at Stuff
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.1% Yes! New Year, New Me
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19.5% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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70.4% Nah - not for me
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