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Never heard of the Puteketeke or Crested Grebe until fast talking, fact amassing comedian, John Oliver of the American network, spluttered about the grebe a couple of weeks ago.
It is a kind of duck and not seen in the North Island for ages and only a 1000 survive in the bowels of the South … View moreNever heard of the Puteketeke or Crested Grebe until fast talking, fact amassing comedian, John Oliver of the American network, spluttered about the grebe a couple of weeks ago.
It is a kind of duck and not seen in the North Island for ages and only a 1000 survive in the bowels of the South Island.
Oliver has done me a favour. The annual NZ Bird of the Year is a bit of a farce and so when it came to the NZ Bird of the Century which promised to be equally farcical, along comes Oliver, whom I have a great admiration for, and dug the knife deeper into farcical.
Every year we are virtually told by NZ Forest and Bird whom to vote for in Bird of the Year or at best given a list of maybe three birds and advised who could be favoured. The idea is to spread it around the dozens and dozens of birds that grace our lands. So it is a joke this annual public voting. It is just a publicity stunt.
And who can forget that two years ago Forest & Bird promoted a non- bird for the Bird of the Year and of course sheep-like voters complied and the animal ( a bat) won.
Be that it may, we were told to select who we like as NZ Bird of the Century but to really go for the North Island Brown Kiwi.
In steps Oliver and proclaims on his televised weekly show that the Puteketeke nestled in Australia, NZ and in some other Pacific islands should be honoured with the title and not the little Brown Kiwi.
The Kiwi is reserved, rather dour, colourless, quiet and a night-time-only prowler. The Crested Grebe is the opposite. Colourful, quirky, well adorned and can make a splash.
Oliver's choice and his organisation's promotional costs won out by a landslide - over 290,000 votes to the 12,000 allotted to the NI Brown Kiwi.
if you have never before heard of John Oliver you have now. Thank you John. NZ Forest & Bird just might feel compelled to change the way they promote animals that live in NZ in future.
Snap up a subscription to NZ’s best selling weekly entertainment magazine - the perfect gift for the TV enthusiast in your life. Each week, receive the latest entertainment, competitions, puzzles and an extensive listing guide. You’ll never miss out on the best of TV with a home-delivered … View moreSnap up a subscription to NZ’s best selling weekly entertainment magazine - the perfect gift for the TV enthusiast in your life. Each week, receive the latest entertainment, competitions, puzzles and an extensive listing guide. You’ll never miss out on the best of TV with a home-delivered subscription to The TV Guide.
This Christmas, gift or purchase a 1-year TV Guide subscription for only $99, saving you $67!
The team at The TV Guide
Had a trip to Hastings by car via State HIghway 1 and the Saddle Road crossover to Sate Highway 2 and the only potentially dangerous incident during the trip were the ominous several same model "gang" vans parked in the CBD area of Hastings with some of the members gathering around.
… View moreHad a trip to Hastings by car via State HIghway 1 and the Saddle Road crossover to Sate Highway 2 and the only potentially dangerous incident during the trip were the ominous several same model "gang" vans parked in the CBD area of Hastings with some of the members gathering around.
The patches will soon be off so promises the new Government which will only make it a little harder for the public at large to identify a potential issue.
Hope these better driving habits are a good omen for the December-February holiday period in NZ.
Is this a sign of prosperity in Hastings: may have chosen only the best in the city but on a Thursday evening, a large Thai restaurant was all but booked out and on Friday mid morning, a large art deco cafe was similarly filled including with a leisurely relaxed young policeman.
A little later, I couldn't get a cop to pop over to a service station to investigate some issue. But the very next day they sent me a text asking how satisfied I was with their response.
Metal framed futon, wooden arms. Works well, converts to a bed easily. Size: 200
mm long, 100mm wide (as sofa), 80mm high. Comes with 3 washable covers for mattress (2 black, 1 white). From a smoke free house but not pet free.
Buyer will need to collect.
What an incredible Black Friday it's been! We received a whopping 460 responses from all you savvy shoppers who shared your best deals for a chance to WIN a $200 Prezzy Card!
Now, the moment you've been waiting for – did you strike gold as the lucky winner? Find out right here: … View moreWhat an incredible Black Friday it's been! We received a whopping 460 responses from all you savvy shoppers who shared your best deals for a chance to WIN a $200 Prezzy Card!
Now, the moment you've been waiting for – did you strike gold as the lucky winner? Find out right here: www.nzcompare.com...
Didn't score the big win this time? No worries! Follow NZ Compare to stay in the loop about future competitions, deals, and shopping tips! We're here to brighten up your budget. CLICK below to explore more.
This week's Nice Neighbours are Matt, Amelie and Jireh Rudich of Papakura. They were nominated by Yolanda Schuller.
On Yolanda's birthday, her husband had a major heart attack. They had an entire day planned, but then life threw a spanner into the works.
Yolanda asked Amelie to feed… View moreThis week's Nice Neighbours are Matt, Amelie and Jireh Rudich of Papakura. They were nominated by Yolanda Schuller.
On Yolanda's birthday, her husband had a major heart attack. They had an entire day planned, but then life threw a spanner into the works.
Yolanda asked Amelie to feed her cat, Koda, but Amelie's family went over and above. They cooked dinners two nights in a row and sent yummy treats during the tough time.
“I was really touched by their love, prayers and generosity. They are amazing. I couldn’t wish for better neighbours,” said Yolanda.
Nominate a Nice Neighbour you know, and they could be recognized on Stuff (and you both win a prize!).
With Christmas Box, your $40 donation turns into $70 worth of everyday essential food and treats to help those who need it most across Aotearoa this Christmas.
100% of donations go to not only feeding a family but will also provide much-needed hope.
Donate $40 today and bring hope to the … View moreWith Christmas Box, your $40 donation turns into $70 worth of everyday essential food and treats to help those who need it most across Aotearoa this Christmas.
100% of donations go to not only feeding a family but will also provide much-needed hope.
Donate $40 today and bring hope to the table.
Do you love op shops and connecting with your local community? One of our member organisations is looking for volunteers to join their suburban Thrift and Gift store in Brooklyn. They are a not-for-profit store where the profits are donated quarterly to organisations in the local community. For … View moreDo you love op shops and connecting with your local community? One of our member organisations is looking for volunteers to join their suburban Thrift and Gift store in Brooklyn. They are a not-for-profit store where the profits are donated quarterly to organisations in the local community. For this role, you will need a friendly nature and confidence in handling interactions and sales with customers. You will need to be prepared to pitch in to keep the shop tidy and you will be in charge of opening and closing the store, overseeing the floor throughout the shift and processing sales. Training will be provided! For more information, and to register your interest, please see our website at:
shorturl.at...
Want high visibility of Wellington Region State Highway Roadworks?
We carry out regular maintenance of the state highway network to connect the Wellington region.
To stay up to date on what’s happening in your area and plan ahead, sign up for email alerts
Both men's and women's senior Phoenix professional football teams from Wellington whose training base is at the Heretaunga sports institute, won their matches today at Auckland's Mt Smart. And both defeated teams at or near the top of their A-League competitions prior to today.
… View moreBoth men's and women's senior Phoenix professional football teams from Wellington whose training base is at the Heretaunga sports institute, won their matches today at Auckland's Mt Smart. And both defeated teams at or near the top of their A-League competitions prior to today.
This would have been unheard of in the last two seasons when our women's team was formed and the men had been struggling prior to that of the 2022-23 season.
It is as if the imminent formation of Auckland-based teams to rival the Phoenix club as NZ's representatives in the Australian leagues, is a spur to go so much better this season than ever before. I think the women Phoenix had not won as many games in the league in both past seasons combined as this season which is only in its sixth round.
Meanwhile Phoenix men have never done as well as early as in this season's comp since it was formed 15 years or so ago.
No longer are these teams regarded as walk-overs and they have gained the respect of the Australians including their referees who largely though not completely now treat Phoenix evenhandedly.
The coaching has a lot to do with the new found success of both Phoenix teams - as well as the world class facilities in Upper Hutt. Something by the way that the Auckland Black Knights football teams will lack.
I was at the Tuki Cafe at the sports institute last Friday and this little gem of a cafe is just another reason for the plaudits given to this amenity.
Funny enough, a few weeks ago I had a brief conversation with former economist whizz Gareth Morgan. One of the owners of the Phoenix club, Morgan has some excellent ideas about cats in restricting their opportunities to kill birds. Morgan also wanted Phoenix to loosen its defensive shackles and play an entertaining, attacking style all those years ago. Happy to say that Morgan's ambitions for Phoenix and its supporters came to fruition and these days they play crowd pleasing, goal scoring football.
We've finally got news of the government for the next three years. Are you feeling confident that this coalition can improve Aotearoa?
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Hundreds of Christmas-ready pets were shared last year - and we're keen to see them again!
Whether it's your cat tangled in tinsel or your pooch by a pile of pressies, share a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card.
All pets are welcome … View moreHundreds of Christmas-ready pets were shared last year - and we're keen to see them again!
Whether it's your cat tangled in tinsel or your pooch by a pile of pressies, share a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t have a pet, that’s fine; we’d love to see festive snaps from around your neighbourhood too.
This is one of Neighbourly member's favourite campaigns so get involved and show your neighbours how adorable your Christmas pet is! Enter now.
Competition closes 21 December 2023 - winners announced early 2024!
From rehabilitation after a hospital stay, to a little extra support, whether it’s for a few nights or a few weeks - respite care provides temporary care in a range of circumstances.
Ryman’s respite care is offered at resthome-level and, in most villages, hospital and specialist dementia … View moreFrom rehabilitation after a hospital stay, to a little extra support, whether it’s for a few nights or a few weeks - respite care provides temporary care in a range of circumstances.
Ryman’s respite care is offered at resthome-level and, in most villages, hospital and specialist dementia care. We also offer respite care in the comfort of an assisted-living apartment.
We’ve been providing industry-leading care for over 35 years, it's what we do best.
Want high visibility of Wellington Region State Highway Roadworks?
We carry out regular maintenance of the state highway network to connect the Wellington region.
To stay up to date on what’s happening in your area and plan ahead, sign up for email alerts
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