World’s ugliest lawn winner says she leaves watering to Mother Nature 👏👏👏👏

I have to say we do that as well, but we do tend to have a wee bit more water than this part of the world. It might have started off as a publkicity stunt, but it is more than that now.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/10/worlds-ugliest-lawn-winner-water-drinking-grass

#WaterConservation #NoGolfCourseInSight #NewZealand

161 years ago, a New Zealand sheep farmer predicted AI doom

https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/01/161-years-ago-a-new-zealand-sheep-farmer-predicted-ai-doom/

KEWL🌀NEWS

#AI #DOOM #NEWZEALAND #SAMUELBUTLER #PRESS

Wellington, New Zealand, is the best capital city in the world for mountain biking https://www.byteseu.com/629966/ #Article #articles #best #bike #BikeBlog #biking #blog #capital #city #Europe #for #in #is #mountain #MountainBike #MountainBiking #mtb #new #NewZealand #News #Singletracks #the #wellington #World #zealand

#Spotted at a recent Country Fete in Aotearoa #NewZealand

Two psychics have been given stalls on either side of a small community hall. One has a customer and is intensely giving a reading. The other is watching on from the other side of the hall, shuffling tarot cards, expression pointedly pensive.

A small human (4) is speaking to the owner of a crochet teddy stall. He is earnestly explaining that their teddies are nice, but his bear is much better because it's his. He then holds out his very well-loved bear to show them.

A man (60s?) is at a table covered in vintage, well-loved Matchbox cars. This is a precious collection and when asked, he says: "I'm sellin' the whole lot." and watches with a smile when a small human is enraptured by a Lamborghini.

A man (50s?) is inspecting a fresh potato stall. A tiny Chihuahua is nestled in a woven bag slung over his shoulder with its head just poking out, sniffing all the smells.

A small human (3?) is standing with a tiny puppy (poodle?) Tiny puppy wants to make friends and is wagging its tail with the power of a miniature turbine, its button eyes shining. Small human wants to make friends by roaring: "I HAVE A PUPPY" at anyone who smiles in her direction.

Any typos spotted in this post were caused by this cat who triggered a cacophony of pspspsps from the audience waiting to see a band last night. This cat did not care for the lure of pspsps. It was a proximity creature (as are the typos) and wished to be adored from afar.

#Spotted on New Year's Eve in a Small City in Aotearoa #newzealand

A man (40s) and a horde of small humans are engaged in a fight-to-the-soggiest water pistol war in a shady garden. There are roars, squeals, cackles and a loud exclamation of: "THAT'S NOT IN THE RULES! MUUUM!"

A soft spoken woman (60s?) is in line for ice cream. Taking a sheet of paper from her bag, she says to her friend: "For 2025, I've written down 5 things to say if people are rude to me. So when it happens, I can take out this sheet and read one to them."
Her friend smiles encouragingly.

Two men (50s?) meet at a coffee cart. They stand silently, side by side, surveying traffic as they drink their coffees. After around 5 minutes, one says: "Cool. Nice seein' ya mate."
The other says: "Likewise."
They walk off in separate directions. Socialized to the max.

A teenager (17?) is navigating the footpath with admirable swagger. He's got the sideways baseball cap. The low-slung jeans. The neatly ironed 2Pac T-shirt and a clank of silver chains. He veers into a toy shop and heads for the board game section. Terraforming Mars is where it's at.

A man (50s?) with his belongings strapped to his back is cycling past a punch of outdoor cafe tables. He sneezes loudly and at least 3 people call out: "Bless You!"
He looks over his shoulder with a grin: "You're welcome!" then cycles off.

All typos spotted in this post are triumphantly and gleefully dancing on the desiccated remains of 2024. (Happy New Year!)

#NewYear have to arrive for the most of us except when you're in #NewZealand and #Australia.

When it comes to #Gaza, the #Palestinians, and the #Israelis, your can start a new year fresh and clean in your mind by being aware that those you support are those in you.

#Spotted on a Boxing Day road trip in Aotearoa #newzealand

A woman (20s?) is hitchhiking on a daisy strewn stretch of road. She's wearing a safari hat, pantaloons and bare feet. A car full of women with packs in the back pulls over. Grinning she gets in.

A busker (20s) in flowing clothes with a bohemian beard is strumming a guitar and singing softly on a public stage in a tiny, empty park. His audience is a solitary seagull, who is standing on one foot and looks suspiciously like a music critic. Busker is totally chill about this.

A small human (5?) sitting in a cafe. All around her adults are talking of meditation retreats and what type of pizza they're going to order. But not small human. She's colouring in a picture of a pony with meticulous detail, completely centered, completely in the zone.

A woman (20s?) with vivid blue hair and an intense air is talking to another (20s?) with Pre-Raphaelite flowing locks and a kind smile. Blue Hair Woman says "We will get coffee and find the light. I HAVE to draw you."

At a spotless public loo a jetlagged American tourist (50s?) leaves a cubicle with her pants still undone. She looks at the waiting queue in horror and says "Oh no. I'm so tired. I thought I was home!" A local says kindly "Don't worry Darl, we've all been there."

Any typos spotted in this post were spontaneously manifested by this weka who understands the power of no. If spotted please marvel from a distance and don't mind the pang of being bird snubbed.

NZ Christmas postal mystery - can you help?

The story thus far:
12 Dec. Book ordered and despatched by regular post from Palmerston North, packed in brown paper.
20 Dec. Book repacked in box at the NZ Post depot in Highbrook (for reasons best known to themselves) and sent on through CourierPost.
23 Dec. Box delivered in Lower Hutt. On being opened it proves to contain not one but two books. On inquiry, bookshop disclaims all knowledge of book #2.

So if you either posted or were expecting by post a Moomin book that has failed to arrive, let me know privately which Moomin book (with any other supporting evidence) and we'll aim to get it where it's supposed to go.

They say the usual "six degrees of separation" are more like two here in NZ, so let's get that network humming!
#NewZealand #NZPost #books #Moomin

#Spotted while cafe writing and roaming in a small city in Aotearoa #newzealand

A small human (3) dressed as a fairy with sparkly pink wings and a tutu socks her big brother (6?) in the ribs for an undetermined provocation. The ref (Mum) calls time out, but Fairy Pugilist is unrepentant.

A man in board shorts is gingerly walking barefoot across a beach carpark on a hot day, wincing and muttering: "Shit. shit. shit. shit." under his breath with each step.
His partner calls from their car: Do you want your jandals? (flip flops)
He replies stoically: Nah. I can take it.

A small human (5?) in a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle T-shirt is treating the footpath as his own personal catwalk. His hands are on his hips. He is serving face. And the walk is everything. He. Is. Fashion.

In a beach car park, a serious man is sitting next to a serious dog in a Suzuki Swift. They are both staring out the window, seeking the optimal parking spot. They will not rest until their job is done.

At a bus stop, a man (40s) with his belonging sitting in a shopping trolley sits next to a smartly dressed woman (60s). She opens a large box of strawberries and offers him one.

Any typos spotted in this post would like to offer an immense amount of gratitude to all the wonderful people who supported them yesterday for their Patreon launch. (Seriously, huge thanks. It meant a LOT. You guys are amazing.) If typos spotted, please don't poke or they'll multiply aggressively.

Success start with a single step 💯👍
Money is our motivation join now and win big Dm📥📥 and ask how to join 💪
https://t.me/george_fixedmatches_tips #unitedstates🇺🇸 #uk #australia #france #ireland🇮🇪 #brazil #newzealand🇳🇿 #golfcoach #norway🇳🇴 #hungary🇭🇺 #denmark🇩🇰 #switzerland🇨🇭 #poland🇵🇱 #sweden🇸🇪 #kuwait🇰🇼 #Belarus #coloradogolf #germany🇩🇪 #scotland🏴 #finland🇫🇮 #potugal🇵🇹 #greece🇬🇷 #israel🇮🇱 #southafrica🇿🇦 #ukraine🇺🇦

#Spotted while cafe writing and roaming in small city Aotearoa #NewZealand

A man (20s) in full 80s romantic goth regalia is strutting down the street in the sunshine, grooving to his own personal soundtrack as he pulls a folding shopping trolley full of vegetables behind him.

A suited man (50s?) has decided to conduct his employee's performance review next to the door of a busy cafe. A nearby table of seniors compete to pull gurning faces at the back of Boss's head. Employee is showing signs of extreme strain as he tries not to laugh.

A woman (50s) is sitting at a corner table by a window. She's quietly and efficiently working on a pile of Christmas cards. Some involve writing on every single blank surface inside and on the back. Some involve a few brisque words with the card being immediately tucked out of sight.

A woman walks past a bookshop with a friend. She groans and laughs as she rubs her tummy: "I think I need an intervention. I've gotta stop eating Christmas cookies! I keep telling myself it's just one more and it's never just one more!"

A woman (60s?) stops another (30s?) in the street. "Excuse me. I just wanted to say I LOVE what you're wearing. I saw you coming and needed to let you know. You look AMAZING." Other Woman looks at her floral red dress, flustered but visibly pleased: "Thank you. I just brought it yesterday."

Any typos spotted in this post are seeking an endless box of Christmas cookies. If spotted, please give cookies and run away quickly.

#Spotted on a Sunday evening beach walk in Aotearoa #NewZealand

A small human (2) has been told that kite flying time is over. It's tea time. As Dad packs up the kite, Small Human does his best cloak (towel) wrapped dying swan performance on the sand at Mum's feet. The drama. Is. Everything.

Two young humans (11?) have drawn a diabolically complicated race track in the sand with sharp curves and spots that require (not so) perilous leaps. They READYSTEADYGO! and launch into action, only to trip over each other on the first bend, laying on their backs, howling with laughter.

An entire family bolts after a beach umbrella that tumbles end over end as it makes a spirited escape towards the dunes. They catch it triumphantly after Dad makes a desperate rugby tackle and saves the day.

Two small humans (7?) are patrolling the beach drawing circles in the sand around every bluebottle they find. There are a lot today and their mission is mighty. Once they draw their circles they write BE CAREFUL in their best neat writing. They've done over twenty so far.

A young human (8?) is creating a mighty driftwood fort around his beach towel, from where he can lurk in his new lair and inform everyone nearby that they MOST DEFINITELY CAN NOT COME IN! His teen sister calmly collects a bucket of water and tips it over the top. Outraged howls ensue.

Any typos spotted in this post are full of fish and chips. If spotted please ignore the dying swan act when you tell them it's time to go home.

Spotted this morning while cafe writing and roaming in small city Aotearoa #NewZealand

A woman (80s?) talking to a man with a sun worn smile. As they chat, he quietly slides his cappuccino across the table so she can dunk her gingerbread man.

A seagull lands on an outdoor table belonging to a fancy breakfast joint. There's leftover sourdough, scone crumbs and other delights. It struts around the table, inspecting each item with imperious squarks, then rejects them in turn. Nearby human diners are incredulous at this gourmet snobbery.

A woman (40s?) in colourful glasses orders a new ginger latte. The barista stops what he's doing and pulls a horrified face. Grinning, she pulls one back. He says blandly: "Don't mind what my face is doing. It just does that sometimes." She laughs and orders a coffee.

A small human (3?) is trying to walk down the entire length of a very long street on her tippy toes. She is fiercely concentrating on this great feat. Who knows what magical powers she'll gain if she's successful?

A woman (70s?) with a posh American accent asks a waiter "How do you make these scones, they're delicious! Mine never turn out so fluffy!" Her husband grins and says "She's never baked a thing in her life but this is her way of saying she loved them." The waiter looks bemused but pleased.

Any typos in this post are lounging after eating a very large helping of spaghetti for dinner. If spotted, please resist the urge to poke them. Their groans will be dramatic.

Spotted on an evening beach walk in small city Aotearoa #newzealand

A small human (2?) toddling at his mum's side. Small human takes one look at the water, rips off his board shorts and bolts for the tideline. He's a tiny streaker shrieking with glee as his laughing mum gives chase.

A large bear of a man rinses sand from his hair and beard at the outdoor shower as 3 weka chicks drink the fresh water pooling at his feet. He's moving with painstaking care so he doesn't scare them away.

A man (40s?) is trying to catch a sheep that's gotten out of it's paddock and onto a busy road. Visibly bracing himself he manages to catch it unharmed in an expert tackle. He pops it back over the fence, watches it run off to join its flock and gives waiting traffic a stoic nod of thanks.

A large family are seated at a picnic area overlooking the surf. They've got plastic champagne glasses, paper plates, a fancy salad bowl and a man (70s?) is sauteing steaks on a small portable barbeque. Kids are running everywhere, adults are laughing. Life is good.

Two women (60s?) sit side by side in colourful deckchairs in front of an immaculately restored yellow VW Kombi. They're quietly talking with their eyes half closed while a tūī sings nearby. The vibe is totally chill.

Any typos spotted in this post are prone to ripping off their punctuation and making a run towards the nearest newly edited novel. If spotted set a trap using an 11 syllable word. Consult a Scrabble master if needed.

Spotted while cafe writing and roaming in small city Aotearoa #newzealand

A woman (80s?) excitedly talking to a friend. "Did I tell you my granddaughter's doing burlesque now? I'm biased but I think she'll be the most wonderful pole vaulter."
Her friend laughs. "Don't you mean pole DANCER?"

A man (20s?) in office clothes with a hoodie over the top. There's a print on it that says "You are more loved than you will ever know." He's ambling along in the sun, eating a pie with all signs of enjoyment, tomato sauce on his fingers.

A waitress in a cafe smiling quietly to herself as she spoons the batter for muffins into a tray. The place is packed, people are talking excitedly but she appears lost in concentration. Muffins are where it's at.

Three men (late teens) strutting along, channeling a 70s rock band. One has majestic Robert Plant hair circa 1970s that shines in the sunlight. There's double denim, there's a black satin shirt with frills. There's enough machismo to fuel an Italian football team. They're going to Kmart.

A small human (2?) waddling through a cafe. He's been given a chocolate chip cookie and he's offering everyone a bite. Numerous strangers are saying "Thank you!" and feigning taking a bite with generous "Num num num" noises. Small human is a benevolent prince in his cookie kingdom. All is well.

Any typos spotted in this post missioning to offer everyone a cookie. If spotted please feign eating one for fear of hurting their feelings. Num num num.

Spotted on an afternoon beach walk on a warm sunny day in Aotearoa #newzealand

A man (50s?) chilling on the sand with his teen son. A kettle is bubbling on a portable gas stove before them. Son is opening some biscuits, dad is popping two teabags into mugs. They grin at passers by.

A woman (30s?) in shorts and a t-shirt getting out of her car, determinedly marching barefoot over prickly grass, boiling dune sand and down into the water without breaking her stride. Once she gets there she wades in waist deep, splashes her face and visibly relaxes. Mission accomplished.

A car full of teens veers (safely) off the road not far from the beach car park. A woman in a bikini gets out and carefully carries a stick insect who's hitched a ride to a safe place on a tree.

Two men (20s?) in board shorts sprinting across the sand into water that's still winter-cold, reaching plum height and shrieking. The profanity is hilariously creative.

Two shirtless men (80s?) in shorts walking side by side, chatting. They've both found driftwood walking sticks and they look like two dignified mages on their day off with grey beards, barrel tums, skinny legs and bare feet.

Any typos spotted in this post are on are trying to justify going to the beach as a way of clearing their brains so they can solve a knotty plot problem in their latest novel. If spotted please give an ice cream.

Spotted at an Agricultural Show in small city Aotearoa #newzealand

A small human (2?) in tiny work boots and no nonsense shorts is standing eye to eye with a very woolly lamb. Both small human and tiny sheep are regarding each other warily. They are not quite sure what all this fuss is about.

A chill young human (9?) riding her very opinionated Arabian pony in an equestrian event. Other young humans are trotting sedately in a circle before a judge, but Opinionated Pony has places to go and things to see and they're on the other side of a field.

A tractor stand has been set up across from a crystal display.
A man (40s) nudges a friend and says with a smirk: "Do you believe in the healing power of crystals, mate?"
The friend shakes his head and says solemnly: "Nah mate. Nah. But I DO believe in the healing power of tractors eh."

A teen patting a rotund donkey's ears. This is exactly where she wants to be. Meanwhile, Donkey is intent on snuffling teen's pockets for any hidden hay bales or giant bags of oats she may have concealed on her person. Just in case.

A small human (2?) in his dad's arms looking in awe at a firetruck with open doors. A fireman offers to give him a tour of the inside and small human looks at his dad in wide-eyed disbelief. This much greatness can't exist in the world, surely?

Any typos spotted in this post are meant to be participating in a dressage event but seem to have gotten lost. If spotted, please direct them towards the judging station.

#america #usa #us #uspol #canada #usnews #worldnews #uk #uknews #europe #ukraine #australia #newzealand #africa #asia #southafrica #latinamerica #gaza

Meet the #corporateControl enabling governments who oppose a UN tax convention: #Australia, #Canada, #Israel, #Japan, #NewZealand, #SouthKorea, the #UK and the #US .https://taxjustice.net/press/world-losing-half-a-trillion-to-tax-abuse-largely-due-to-8-countries-blocking-un-tax-reform-annual-report-finds/

#WealthTax #NoMoreBillionaires #CorporateCapture #cdnpoli #uspol

White #Colonialism settlers want to destroy their #Maori treaty.

Footage from #NewZealand's legislature the other day... (Māori MPs temporarily halt parliament's efforts to reinterpret their founding treaty with a display of the #Haka)

Today: #Māori Warriors Lead Thousands in New Zealand Protest

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2024-11-19/digi-maori-warriors-protest-new-zealand-parliament

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haka

I guess this is probably one of the reasons why in the US they are working so hard to shut up women.
Also these ideas of recolonisation spreading all over are making me sick. #Maori #NewZealand #Decolonising #Equality

🔗https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RbGWviz4O8

#Maoris politicians in #NewZealand can DANCE!

From the FB page:
"Bringing culture back in to the nest of vultures... #HakaTheBeehive"

"Insults and a haka in New Zealand parliament as MPs debate Māori rights bill." https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/14/nz-parliament-maori-rights-bill-mps-debate-haka-new-zealand

Fury in Parliament, MPs booted from House as Treaty Bill passes first reading | Stuff.co.nz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi2VV7qNxq

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10234807341314274&id=1523096101 #Indigenous #indigenousPeople

Spotted on market day in small city Aotearoa #newzealand

Two women (50s?) at a cheese stall.
One says: Remember when fancy entertaining was curried eggs and a prawn cocktail on iceberg lettuce?
The other laughs: And every meal was mutton?!
They shake their heads, smiling as one buys brie.

A small human (2?) being carried on his grandfather's shoulders. He's grasping a half-peeled banana in each fist and is regarding his surroundings with the air of a benevolent monarch. He who has all the bananas rules the world.

A vendor at a chocolate stall explaining the generous sample display to a group of Dutch tourists. She has a flair for the dramatic and spreads her arms wide as she says: The lighter the chocolate, the sweeter and more dangerous!

A woman (20s) taking off her hoodie. She huffs a breath and says: Phwoa, it's gettin' hot now.
Her friend raises a brow and grins: Strippin' in public now? Steady on.

A small human (5) with outstretched arms is being a plane that is circling in front of a waffle truck.
His dad calls: Come on buddy. Keep up.
Small human plane beast doesn't respond. He's got some serious waffle truck strafing to do.
The sound effects are impressive.

Any typos spotted in this post are on an endless quest to find the perfect stinky cheese. If spotted, please do not approach for fear of contracting the dreaded raclette virus, which renders all victims unable to appreciate anything that isn't melted and served with pickled onions.

I noticed with all these #Maori #Haka videos that the carpet and seats of the #NewZealand parliament are green, as are the seats in the UK house of commons.

For obvious reasons, but it's something I noticed.

#Australia #NewZealand and #Canada call on the #ICJ response from #Israel re: #Gaza

https://www.reuters.com/world/leaders-australia-new-zealand-canada-call-immediate-ceasefire-gaza-2024-07-26/

This is how you do democracy!

A #haka by Te Pāti Māori MPs interrupted the first reading of the contentious Treaty Principles Bill today, causing NZ Parliament to be briefly suspended.

Māori MPs of Aotearoa NZ, opposition MPs, and the public in the gallery disrupt the vote on an anti-Māori bill introduced by the right-wing coalition government 🔥🔥 🔥

#NewZealand #TreatyPrinciplesBill #Māori

Spotted on a very sunny market day in small city Aotearoa #newzealand

A man approaching a bakery truck. He muses: I think I'll just stop and get a donut.
His partner laughs: Didn't you just have breakfast?
He nods: Yeah, but first breakfast is just practice. This is SECOND breakfast.

A woman (70s?) in a bright yellow T-shirt at a stand selling mushroom grow bags.
She says to her friend with a wicked grin: I asked about getting one of those and they said the mushrooms grow out of any hole.
Her friend snorts: Any hole eh?
She nods: Any hole.
They burst into booming filthy cackles.

A small human (3?) meeting another small human (4?) in a line for waffles. An instant friendship is struck when one says, "You can't catch me." A game of chasey ensues. They hug each other goodbye when their parents take them in separate directions.

A man in green Doc Martens ordering coffee. When asked where he'll be sitting he looks out the window: You know, I think I'm going to scootle outside.
The barista laughs: What's a scootle?
The man grins: A cute scoot.
They share a smile.

A woman (20s?) in a vivid pink T-shirt walk-dancing through the markets as she listens to whatever is playing in her headphones. People smile as she passes. As she gets to the end of a row of stalls she does a twirl and keeps going.

Any typos spotted in this post are a part of an interpretative dance troupe. If spotted please give a standing ovation, preferably while looking slightly baffled and/or traumatized.

I've just witnessed a completely civil and righteous rage against the machine by an elderly man (80s+) at supermarket self-service checkout here in small city Aotearoa #NewZealand and it was a little bit wonderful.

He'd just finished paying for his groceries when the machine started saying "Please take your items" every 15 seconds or so. At first he just says "I'll do it in my own time thank you," while bagging things up.

The machine keeps telling him to take his items. After around the 5th time, he starts really arguing back:
"I don't have to do what you tell me to do."
"I'll take as long as I need thank you."
"I'll thank you to stop harassing me."

On around the seventh or eighth request that he take his items, he stands back, crosses his arms and says loudly snaps, "No! Not until you be quiet!"

The machine keeps going. The man just stands there, crossed arms, chin stuck out. A standoff is on. Staff come over and ask if they can help and he tells them that if they switch the voice off, he will continue bagging his things and go. If they don't, he's retired and can wait all day.

Machine is turned off/down with sympathy from supermarket staff. Moments later the man leaves the supermarket with the air of someone who's just won a war, expression completely stoic.

Rightwing NZ government accused of ‘war on nature’ as it takes axe to climate policies - https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/30/rightwing-nz-government-accused-of-war-on-nature-as-it-takes-axe-to-climate-policies sad to see how #NZ has gone from a green leader to a green loser... #NewZealand #ClimateCrisis

#AmazingWorld
#NewZealand
"When the water of life rise up, look for the reflection of your inner strength."
~ Laura Fuller
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2336662096457519/permalink/4930526390404397/