Rare duck spotted in Lower Hutt
Lower Hutt wildlife photographer Louise Thomas had the perfect Valentine's Day gift, spotting an extremely rare pāteke (brown teal).
Once widespread throughout New Zealand, pāteke are our rarest native waterfowl.
Thomas spotted the bird in a Lower Hutt park on Valentine's Day.
According to DOC there are between 2000 and 2500 pāteke with the main populations on Great Barrier Island (700), Northland (600), and Coromandel (400).
The rest of the population is on offshore Islands, including Kāpiti and Mana, and sanctuaries like Zealandia.
They are considered at risk of extinction because they only survive in areas that are actively trapped.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84% Yes
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14.7% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
Spring gardening tips
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.
Click read more for more information.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
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