1834 days ago

Red-billed gull/tarāpunga - our most common small gull

Louise from Woburn

The red-billed gull/tarāpunga will be a familiar sight to anyone from Petone or those who walk the lower reaches of the Hutt River. When they are young the legs and beak are darker and they are often confused with our rare black-billed gull. Unfortunately, the numbers of these native gulls have been declining rapidly since the mid-90s, in some places by as much as 50%. We are managing to turn this around though with recent predator control in some areas seeing their numbers stabilising or slightly increasing. The one here on the rock at the estuary is quite young, you can see his bill is transitioning to the characteristic reddy colour. I call the other photo on the wall at Petone Beach "glitch in the matrix".

More messages from your neighbours
13 hours 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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1 day 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”? 🥝
  • 40.4% Yes
    40.4% Complete
  • 34.1% Maybe?
    34.1% Complete
  • 25.5% No
    25.5% Complete
458 votes
3 days ago

Womans Refuge

Jane from Naenae

Hi neighbours,Xmas is fast approaching an this year i decided to get behind an Donate this years gifting to Womans Refuge.My daughter an I have both experienced the safety an goodness they do,time to pay it forward.We have already donated 2big washing baskets of brand new toys an now doing xmas food boxes.The giving Hearts of all who donated thru out 2025,May your Xmas be bright an Merry an Thank you all.Up until this coming Thursday the Pataka will still be open if you wish to donate food to Womens Refuge.Unwanted gifts are also being gifted.Again Neighbours.Thank you all so much an catch up 2026.