Who did this?
My Kowhai tree is showing the usual signs of an annual visitor with the tips of the tree void of leaves.
The visitor is the native Kowhai Moth Caterpillar, and it has been known to completely strip a Kowhai tree of all its foliage. Unless the tree is very young, in most cases there is little long-term damage to the tree. Nature is pretty awesome and the tree will soon produce masses of fresh new growth, but it might be a little unsightly for a few weeks.
Sometimes I will give the tree a good shake, and the little critters will just fall off and give the tree a reprieve. You can use neem oil if it’s proving to be a major problem, but don’t worry too much, Kowhai trees and the caterpillars have been living together for many years.
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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9.6% Yes! New Year, New Me
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21.2% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.2% Nah - not for me
Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.
We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.
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85.3% Same!
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14.7% Would have liked to try something different
Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!
Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?
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78.8% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
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21.2% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
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