A thank you from DOC
On behalf of the Department of Conservation (DOC), I would like to thank all those who came together in an effort to refloat the pilot whales which stranded at Colville Bay earlier this month.
The stranding, which took place over two days and nights between October 17 and 19, demonstrated the great community spirit of the northern Coromandel, with local community members first on the scene in an immediate response which largely contributed to the successful re-floating of the pod that evening.
I would particularly like to thank Hauraki iwi, Dave Hamon, members of the Colville community and the area’s rural fire brigade, Colville Sailing Academy, MEG, Project Jonah, WRC Harbour Master, Massey University, James Drainage and the Mahamudra Centre for Universal Unity for their collective efforts during the stranding.
Marine mammal strandings are difficult and emotional events. People have a strong connection to these animals, and whales in particular. Pilot whales are notorious for multiple strandings, and with both tide and time against our efforts it was a remarkable achievement to save the majority of this pod.
I am continually humbled by the passion, commitment and dedication shown by those who support these efforts. The events that unfolded over course of the stranding became a superb demonstration of co-operation, and a commitment to conservation of wildlife.
Thank you all.
Nick Kelly
Coromandel District Operations Manager
Department of Conservation
Getting Started with Genealogy
If you’d like to know more about how to research your family tree and its history, GETTING STARTED with YOUR FAMILY TREE with NZ Society of Genealogists Thames Branch and Thames Museum te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga is for you. We’re looking forward to getting you started.
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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40.3% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.8% No, I enjoy it
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
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