Watch out for this pretty flower
Green thumbs are being asked to watch out for a beautiful but toxic flower that could be growing in their backyards.
What you need to know:
- Every part of the plant is poisonous, and can cause gastroenteritis, thirst, paralysis, blindness, and heart and kidney failure.
- This plant is hardy and normal pest control efforts are often not enough to eradicate.
- The cape tulip, growing up to 90cm high with one strap-like leaf, was introduced to Aotearoa in the 1940s, the Ministry for Primary Industries’ manager for pest management John Sanson said. “Cape tulips, like many of these invasive weeds, are really attractive ornamental species ...but they escape over people’s backyard fences and into pasture, as these things often do,”
- It was classified as a noxious plant in the late 1970s after they were discovered to cause harm to livestock and humans, even killing animals when too much as ingested.
- The salmon-pink flowers bloom for about two days a year between June and December, and have previously been an ornamental species for keen gardeners.
Sanson urged people who believed they had the weed growing on their property to leave it untouched and contact Biosecurity New New Zealand’s Exotic Pest and Disease on 0800 80 99 66.
Once a site was confirmed, manual removal or chemical treatment would start.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 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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9.8% Yes! New Year, New Me
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21.8% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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68.4% Nah - not for me
Today’s Mind-Bender is the Last of the Year! Can You Guess It Before Everyone Else? 🌟🎁🌲
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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Keep safe and happy in Hawke’s Bay these holidays
As holiday-makers enjoy their time in the sunny Hawke’s Bay, Police have advice for both locals and visitors about how to ensure we head into 2026 on a high note.
Inspector Lincoln Sycamore, Hawke’s Bay Area Commander, says he wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable New Year in our region.
“We welcome you if you’re in Hawke’s Bay to enjoy the weather, food, and everything else our area has to offer. Respect each other, don’t overindulge and make good decisions. Don’t be ‘that person’ who ruins it for everyone.”
🔵 Staff deployed across Hawke’s Bay, to beaches, events and more
“Keep yourselves safe and look after each other,” says Inspector Sycamore.
There will be a strong Police presence in traditional holiday hotspots across our region, including our beautiful beaches.
We all have a responsibility to ensure our friends and loved ones are safe this summer, so keep an eye out and report any concerns you have.”
🔵 Visible presence on Hawke’s Bay roads: If you can’t follow road rules, expect to see red and blue in your rear-view.
Inspector Sycamore says officers will continue to be out on our roads, targeting unsafe drivers.
“Alcohol continues to be a factor in a number of crashes across the region, and we will continue to set up checkpoints and breath test drivers,” he says.
"Wear your seatbelt, don’t drink and drive, stay off your phone and make sure you’re rested."
🔵 When you’re shopping, we’ll be watching
As you flash your cash at the holiday sales, Police beat teams will be conducting routine patrols through retail areas right into the New Year.
Inspector Sycamore says officers will be checking in with local store workers and members of the community.
If you feel unsafe or have concerns about dangerous, illegal or suspicious behaviour, call Police on 111.
For non-urgent concerns you can call 105 or visit www.police.govt.nz... and report the incident online.
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