Kākāpō crowned winner of Bird of the Year 2020
The kākāpō has been crowned Bird of the Year in an election that featured a delayed start, alliances, and voter fraud.
This is the flightless parrot’s second win, also taking the title in 2008.
Throughout the two-week voting period, the Antipodean Albatross topped the leaderboard with the most number one votes.
But the kākāpō, the original “okay boomer” for the male’s deep booming call, bounded into the lead with most votes overall once the preferential voting system was applied.
Top 10
Kākāpō, Toroa/Antipodean Albatross, Kakaruia/Black Robin,Kārearea/New Zealand Falcon, Kererū, Pohowera/Banded Dotterel, Kākā, Ruru/Morepork, Whio/Blue Duck, Pīwakawaka/Fantail.
The yellow and black hihi, the only bird to mate face-to-face, won the endorsement of Adult Toy Megastore, and that of the Deputy Prime Minister, The Wellington City Council, the Wellington Phoenix football team, and the Central Pulse netball team.
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?
There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.
Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?
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43% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
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56.4% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
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0.6% Other - I'll share below
Steady As You Go Falls Prevention Class for Seniors
We are taking calls of interest for our popular city venue SAYGO class on Thursday at 10am.
Call Ann on 04 499 6646 for more information.