1000 days ago

That Wānaka Tree is joined by Wānaka Shark

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

That Wānaka Tree is world famous but the shark swimming around it may elevate it to new social media heights.

No-one knows where the shark, or to be precise the shark’s fin, came from and local social media posts have divided opinion in the small town.

Posting on Facebook on Monday, Joanne Young said April Fools was over and the stationary fin spoiled the lake's beauty.

“Can it be removed?” she asked.

But Jess B Clark called for the “weed tree” to be removed instead, while Kieran Kaiwai suggested someone jump in and tackle the shark.

Others suggested it would need Department of Conservation and Otago Regional Council involvement involving a lengthy report and an 80% rates rise.

Tony Vial suspected it might be the work of a random Sharks supporter, before adding his own “Go the Warriors”.

Todd Jeremy Owen said he had seen the fin in other spots, including Lake Hawea.

"That Taniwha is way older than that weedy willow,” he said.

Tracy Sarah Jones looked forward to seeing the next 20 million lonely tree shots accompanied by the great shark fin.

While Amanda Waldo had another ominous warning for regular lake users.

"If the duck itch doesn’t get you...” she wrote.

For now, the big questions are unanswered. Will the shark remain? And will it ruin the perfect shot of #thatwanakatree?

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More messages from your neighbours
2 hours ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

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Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 0% Yes! New Year, New Me
    0% Complete
  • 33.3% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    33.3% Complete
  • 66.7% Nah - not for me
    66.7% Complete
3 votes
7 days ago

Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!

Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?

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Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
  • 78.7% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
    78.7% Complete
  • 21.3% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
    21.3% Complete
1224 votes
5 days ago

Today’s Mind-Bender is the Last of the Year! Can You Guess It Before Everyone Else? 🌟🎁🌲

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I dance in the sky with green and gold, a spectacle few are lucky to behold; I’m best seen in the south, a celestial sight—what am I, lighting up the New Zealand night?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

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