Stowaway mouse snared by biosecurity dog
A stowaway mouse has prompted a warning for people to check their gear carefully before visiting Auckland's Hauraki Gulf.
The caution follows capture of the creature which was hoping to spend a relaxing weekend on an island in the gulf.
The mouse was spotted darting out of a passenger's bag and scurrying onto a pest-free warranted vessel.
“This is a timely reminder of why bio-security practices are so important and why we ask passengers and boaties to check their gear carefully before heading out onto the gulf,” said Hauraki Gulf bio-security manager Liz Brooks.
“Most of the gulf islands are pest free and home to a wide range of rare and endangered birds. The “check, clean, close” message is a serious one and there to help protect those native birds.’
The mouse remained at large for three days, eluding all attempts of capture before Auckland Council's bio-security team called in Rosie the rodent detection dog.
She uncovered a chewed glove in the passenger's bag where the mouse had been living.
Rosie soon tracked down the mouse's hiding place, traps were set and the stowaway was caught.
"We were lucky the mouse was spotted before it had the opportunity to get onshore on one of the many pest-free islands," said dog handler Kerryn Johnson.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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0% Yes
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0% No
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0% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.1% Yes
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15.1% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
Auckland’s Angels appeal gets helping hand from Auckland Council
🎄✨ Christmas is just around the corner, and we're proud to support the Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai Auckland’s Angels appeal to help those in need this festive season! 🪽
🎁 Have unwrapped gifts or food donations at home? Drop them off at our libraries or pools and leisure recreation centres between 2–19 December.