Friday Feathered Friend
Our Friday Feathered Friend for Christmas Day is this beautiful tīeke, photographed by Louise Thomas.
"Just back from a week-long birding trip to Whanganui, New Plymouth, and Mt Ruapehu. We took the opportunity to visit Bushy Park, the predator-fenced sanctuary in Whanganui. We had got out of the car and were reading the signs for the tracks and types of birds. In my normal over exuberant fashion I said to my husband and adult kids that I would die happy if I saw a saddleback. We were five metres into the first track when four of them flew up the path chasing each other and almost took my head off.
My daughter asked if I'd like to end myself now, or wait a bit in case I saw some other cool birds. I was a bit upset at first as I thought they might be the only saddlebacks I would see and I didn't get a photo. Turns out there are quite a few there. I will definitely be visiting again. Saddleback/tīeke (Philesturnus rufusater)."
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
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.
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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41.5% Yes
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33.6% Maybe?
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24.9% No
Some Choice News!
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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