Everything you need to know about the latest fruit fly discovery
Hey neighbours,
Ōtara is in a fruit and vegetable lockdown after a facialis fruit fly was found.
It's the first time this particular fruit fly - which is native to Tonga - has been found in New Zealand, and it could be devastating to crops.
How has the fruit fly discovery affected you? Are you worried about purchasing local fruit and veges from the area? Will you still go to the Ōtara markets this weekend?
To find out how to spot the facialis fruit fly, and what to do if you see one, click here.
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Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.
We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.
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83.3% Same!
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16.7% Would have liked to try something different
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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42% Yes
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33.3% Maybe?
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24.7% No
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
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