Lucky find of whale ambergris may spark beach treasure hunt
A golf ball-sized lump found by a Dunedin woman on Aramoana Beach earlier this year will be examined at Otago Museum this week to confirm if it is ambergris.
Ambergris is a wax-like substance secreted in sperm whale intestines. It protects the whale's stomach from its abrasive diet of beaked squid. It has been used for centuries in expensive perfumes, as it traps aroma on the skin for long periods.
Its relative rarity also means it can attract hefty prices – more than $10,000 a kilogram. Read more here.
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.5% Yes
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8.1% No
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0.5% Other - I'll share below!
Lest we forget...
On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.
Revamp an open wardrobe
Cut visual clutter and give tired shelves new life with doors and colourful Resene paint.