951 days ago

Ep 3 ORBS: (Enlarge photo for better view)

Paul from Levin

Ep 3: ORBS
My uploads yesterday and the day before described the location and disastrous outcome of the 1824 failed attempt by a coalition of Maori tribes to take Kapiti Island back from Te Rauparaha's control, and referred to the heavy death toll which resulted and the connection with Okupe Lagoon.

I was walking along a path near Okupe Lagoon intending to climb to the North West side of the Island. Something about where the path became a tunnel through a dense population of Kanuka, made me stop and take photographs. When I returned home and downloaded the images to my computer, I was puzzled and surprised by strange lights in some of the images. Camera technology could not explain the lights. It was a very grey overcast sky and no artificial light source present. I had no alternative explanation. At the time I did not know about Te Rauparaha's presence on the island nor about the failed attempt to regain control.

I searched the web for possible explanation of such mysterious lights and found they were not so rare in photography and were called "orbs'. Then, as luck would have it, about a week later RNZ broadcast a documentary covering the activities and purposes of Te Rauparaha in the lower North Island and further South. Which brings me to one of the photographs.

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More messages from your neighbours
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”? 🥝
  • 42.9% Yes
    42.9% Complete
  • 31% Maybe?
    31% Complete
  • 26.1% No
    26.1% Complete
394 votes
22 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

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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2 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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