Friday Feathered Friend
This week we are featuring the kingfisher, with words and a picture from Louise Thomas. They are often hard to spot but are one of the most beautiful birds you will see.
"Sacred kingfishers/kōtare (Todiramphus sanctus) seem special to me. A lightning flash of brilliant blue as they nip down from the power lines over the river or one of the posts they like to perch on to snatch a crab or little fish – the strike operation takes only seconds, barely breaking the water. I’ve almost given up trying to catch one on my camera diving. They are ruthless with their food, smashing in on their post, presumably to kill it, before swallowing it whole. I haven’t seen him for a few months, but I had one who liked to visit the garden off and on. He was a loveable, if badly behaved, guest, throwing up indigestible crab bits and staking out the compost bin where a mouse lives – he used to watch it with such intensity, like he was trying to use his mind meld powers to make the mouse run out. Come to think of it, I haven't seen the mouse for awhile either. Hmmm. Here is a young chap (an immature) with his chest still mottled from Pauatahanui the other day."
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
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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0% Yes
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0% Maybe?
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0% No
Appeal for information following bar stabbing: Wellington
Police are investigating a stabbing at an Allen Street bar in Wellington in the early hours of Saturday morning.
At around 1:30am on Saturday, Police were called to the Ace of Spades bar following reports a man had been stabbed.
The stabbing allegedly occurred during an altercation involving a small number of patrons.
The victim was stabbed in the abdomen and sustained serious injuries.
Bar security staff separated the parties and provided immediate aid to the victim.
He remains in hospital in a stable condition.
Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the altercation at 1:30am on Saturday 13 December, as well as anybody may have video footage of the incident.
Additionally, we’d like to speak with anyone who has information regarding those involved in this altercation.
If you are able to assist, please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online, and reference file number 251213/4525.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73.1% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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15.6% Hmm, maybe?
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11.3% Yes!
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