The kererū has been named Bird of The Year
New Zealand's native wood pigeon, the kererū, or kūkūpa as it is known in Northland, has swooped in to claim the Bird of the Year competition. Amassing 5833 votes in the annual competition run by conservation group Forest & Bird, the kererū, kūkūpa, or wood pigeon, as it is variously known, finished well ahead of the second-placed kākāpō on 3772 votes. It's the first time the kūkūpa has taken top spot. A team led by Green Party MP Chlöe Swarbrick campaigned for the kererū to win by highlighting its prodigious appetite and size. The Bird of the Year is run to raise awareness about New Zealand's unique native birds and the threats they face.
Volunteers needed at Whangārei Rest Home Olympics
Volunteers are needed to help at the Whangārei Rest Home Olympics. Our local retirement villages and rest homes are having a fun sporting day for their residents on November 1. Volunteers are needed to help set up and pack down the tables and move heavy equipment. In between times volunteers can cheer on the participants and will be provided with morning tea and lunch. Volunteers don't have to stay for the whole day - they can help out at just the beginning or the end. Set up would be 8.30am and pack down at 2pm at ASB Stadium, Kensington. If you are interested, contact Whangārei District Council community development adviser Claire Wilson on (09) 430 4200, text 021 547 412 or claire.wilson@wdc.govt.nz
Eric Rush to speak at The Blast
