1878 days ago

My garden favourite - goldfinch

Louise from Woburn

Goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis) are one of my favourite garden birds. I can’t quite give a rational reason, but there is something appealing about the way they fly in urgent parabolic arcs and stuff their faces with thistledown. The colouring too seems exotic, like I can feel warm spice-laden winds and hear the clink of tea glasses at the bazaar. Christians believed their red faces were from the blood of Christ as the ‘saviour’ bird sought to pull the thorns from his head. It’s a beautiful and tragic legend about a bird that has obviously endeared itself into human history. What's your favourite wild bird (it can be endemic, native, or introduced)?

I have just four of my large A3-sized 2021 Wild birds of New Zealand calendars left for sale if anyone would like to buy one ($27 picked up from Woburn, Lower Hutt, or plus $9.60 courier), email me on louise@louisethomas.co.nz or message me if you would like one.

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More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: Would you participate in local initiatives aimed at stopping plastic from reaching our oceans?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Volunteers will be scouring the foreshore, riverbanks, and islands for rubbish on Saturday the 13th as part of the Clean Up the Hutt event.

This initiative helps stop plastic from reaching our oceans and makes our waterways cleaner and safer for everyone.

We want to know: Should this be rolled out across all coastal cities in Aotearoa? And more importantly… would you get involved? 💚

Want the details? The Post has you covered.

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Would you participate in local initiatives aimed at stopping plastic from reaching our oceans?
  • 75.3% Yes!
    75.3% Complete
  • 13% Maybe ...
    13% Complete
  • 11.7% No.
    11.7% Complete
77 votes
2 days ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 41.2% Yes
    41.2% Complete
  • 34% Maybe?
    34% Complete
  • 24.8% No
    24.8% Complete
488 votes
1 day ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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