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Toa Manu - Garden Bird Survey
The Department of Conservation is calling for volunteer bird counters for the annual New Zealand Garden Bird Survey to help families explore the outdoors and connect to our natural environment. By taking part in the survey, young bird spotters can also earn a Toa Manu/Bird Surveyor Toyota Kiwi Guardians medal.
Toyota Kiwi Guardians was set up as a partnership between the Department of Conservation and Toyota New Zealand with a shared vision to connect children, and their whanau, with nature. Department of Conservation Visitor Centre Ranger Wendy Hillerich says, “Research has shown that children can establish lifelong connections to nature if they actively engage in it between the ages of six to ten. Toyota Kiwi Guardians’ aim is for young people to have ownership of our land, to feel part of it and want to care for it in the future.” “Toyota Kiwi Guardians is about getting outside, having lots of fun, earning cool rewards and going on epic family adventures!”
The annual survey, run by Landcare Research, began in 2007 and since then volunteers have counted over one million garden birds. The survey shows where there is an increase or decline in some of our bird populations. “Bird populations tell us a lot about the health of the environment we live in. We should be listening”.
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🧩 Crack the Code: Today’s Riddle Challenge! 🤔
I’m a three-digit number; my tens digit is five more than my ones, and my hundreds digit is eight less than my tens—what am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
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.
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Show us your creative backyard build
We hope you've been enjoying the Neighbourly Backyard Awards so far, we know we have!
It is time for our last award. And the category is....Most creative backyard build
It could be a planter box, an outdoor table or even a backyard bar. We just want to see the sanctuary you've created in your backyard.
So share a photo, or two, in a comment below of your creation or backyard set up a to be in to win a $100 Mitre10 voucher. Winner will be announced next Monday 🛝🪴🛖
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Poll: Do you have a pet at home?
Neighbourly members LOVE their pets, whether it's a smoochy cat, a trusty pup or even a feathered friend.
We'd like to know how many of you who see this post actually have a pet at home. Let us know in the poll below!
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73.7% Yes - I have a pet / multiple pets
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7.7% Not currently, but one day!
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18.6% Nope, I live in a pet-free home