Flooding destroys hopes for boost in North Canterbury black-billed gull population
Heavy rain and flooding has ended the nesting season for a new colony of the world's most threatened gull in North Canterbury.
About 2500 black-billed gulls, the largest colony seen on the Ashley/Rakahiuri River for nearly two decades, had been nesting in the middle of the braided river just below the State Highway 1 bridge.
Rivercare Group chairman Nick Ledgard says more flooding last weekend proved too much for the colony. The water level became high enough to wash over all of the birds' nests and eggs. Not one gull remained at the site the following day.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
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Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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14% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below