Another estuary bird - the pied stilt/poaka
Pied stilts/ poaka (Himantopus himantopus) are another bird sometimes seen at the Hutt Estuary and sometimes there is a pair up the river by the Ewen Bridge. They are not here in huge numbers compared to some other places, and are usually spotted in ones, twos, and once I saw three. I find pied stilts/ poaka (Himantopus himantopus) just a touch ridiculous – like Montgomery Burns wearing a tuxedo and plague mask whilst walking badly on circus stilts. Their knees turn in unexpected directions making them look inherently unstable. Sometimes they stand on one leg just to show off, trying to convince the casual observer that they really have it together.
I also just want to let everyone know that my 2021 calendars are completely sold out. A big thank you to everyone who purchased one. I'll do it again next year for 2022 and make sure I get a few more printed next time.
Share your most delicious (but affordable!) go-to meal...
Winter is knocking at the door and the cost of living has already made itself at home. So let's help each other out by sharing your meal ideas that don't break the bank.
Comment below with your go-to meals that are delicious and affordable.
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And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...
A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.
The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.
The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!
Do you know the answer?
Which letter is a line?
*Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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