Friday Feathered Friend
A nice yarn and photo by Louise Thomas.
"I don’t mind admitting I cried a little when I saw my first kākā in the wild in Wellington. It was some years ago now, but at the time it seemed incredible to me that this bird I’d only ever seen in photos or in captivity was marauding about my home turf.
The experience was a little overwhelming – not for them mind you, they just carried on ripping the bark from a tree and looking at me from time to time with vague interest. Now of course we grumble about how destructive they are - but hey, it’s a parrot – it’s what they do.
Also, I’m pretty sure our native trees and shrubs have evolved with this guy, so can no doubt cope with having a few blossoms ripped off or bark stripped.
If I had a built-in can-opener I’d be tempted to try it out on a few things too. Kākā/brown parrot (Nestor meridionalis), Wellington Botanic Garden today. As an aside, the tulips are blooming and looking magnificent there at the moment if you get the chance."
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.3% Yes
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15% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
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.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️