"Know your wetlands"
World Wetlands Day on February 2 is being promoted as a great opportunity for Kiwis to get to know their local wetlands – often described as “the kidneys of the country”.
Wetlands filter, absorb and transform water contaminants, particularly run-off and shallow groundwater from farms, and help reduce the amount of undesirable elements reaching streams, rivers and lakes. However, over 90 per cent of the country's wetlands have been drained in the past 200 years, with North Island regions most affected.
“Wetland areas are also good at capturing carbon, it's a nature-based solution to climate change that is even more effective than tree planting. All up, wetlands have a disproportionately high benefit compared to other ecosystems.
“But New Zealand's wetlands need restoration and looking after; we urge councils to beef up their efforts to support and promote the great work being done by landowners and increase funding for restoration projects.”
www.nzherald.co.nz...
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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68.3% Yes
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29.2% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
Riddle Me That: Ready to Test Your Wits?
If the prisoner tells a lie, he'll be hanged;
if he tells the truth, he'll be beheaded.
What can he say to save himself?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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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.
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.