Starlings
Starlings are quite beautiful when you look at them closely, especially when the light catches their dark iridescent plumage and white "stars". They have a murmuration most evenings somewhere along the river, often up by the Ewen Bridge. Although common in New Zealand, their numbers have sadly halved in the last thirty years in their native Europe where they form an important part of the ecosystem, such as controlling insects like grass grub. I snapped this guy last Friday when the weather was not so good, but he still caught a few rays of light in the top of a pōhutukawa. The other picture is from earlier in the year when a group of young starlings (you can tell they are young by the brown heads) were wheeling around over the Hikoikoi Reserve.
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.
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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91.3% Yes
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8.2% No
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0.5% Other - I'll share below!
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