977 days ago

That Wānaka Tree is joined by Wānaka Shark

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

That Wānaka Tree is world famous but the shark swimming around it may elevate it to new social media heights.

No-one knows where the shark, or to be precise the shark’s fin, came from and local social media posts have divided opinion in the small town.

Posting on Facebook on Monday, Joanne Young said April Fools was over and the stationary fin spoiled the lake's beauty.

“Can it be removed?” she asked.

But Jess B Clark called for the “weed tree” to be removed instead, while Kieran Kaiwai suggested someone jump in and tackle the shark.

Others suggested it would need Department of Conservation and Otago Regional Council involvement involving a lengthy report and an 80% rates rise.

Tony Vial suspected it might be the work of a random Sharks supporter, before adding his own “Go the Warriors”.

Todd Jeremy Owen said he had seen the fin in other spots, including Lake Hawea.

"That Taniwha is way older than that weedy willow,” he said.

Tracy Sarah Jones looked forward to seeing the next 20 million lonely tree shots accompanied by the great shark fin.

While Amanda Waldo had another ominous warning for regular lake users.

"If the duck itch doesn’t get you...” she wrote.

For now, the big questions are unanswered. Will the shark remain? And will it ruin the perfect shot of #thatwanakatree?

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More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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17 days ago

Think you can spot a scam from a mile away?

The Team from Netsafe

You might be surprised. Scammers are getting slicker, sneakier, and a whole lot more convincing, and they’re targeting everyone from students to grandparents.

Before you brush it off with “I’d never fall for that,” give your scam radar a quick tune-up! Test yourself with Netsafe’s fun new Scam Spotting Quiz or try our online module for even more skill-building.

Scams can catch anyone — even the careful ones.
Keep your wits (and your wallet) about you!

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12 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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