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: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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30.2% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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69.8% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Wellington’s identity is built on its cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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46.4% I avoid spending money on coffee
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44.1% I still indulge at my local cafe
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9.5% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
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