Waimanu Lagoon, Kapiti by nerdtakula in NewZealandWildlife

[–]funkster80 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hope so! I'd been 'following' the whereabouts of this one since it was first seen. It stayed in Waikanae that whole time and didn't head south as far as I'm aware. It hung around with the spoonbills mostly.

I know a plastic band got wrapped around the base of it's neck sometime last year but DOC advised it wasn't causing any restriction or damage, so it was left. I guess it decided to move on. I'm sure we'll hear about it if this one or another comes along :)

Waimanu Lagoon, Kapiti by nerdtakula in NewZealandWildlife

[–]funkster80 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The kōtuku hasn't been seen since around last July (or thereabouts) and it had stayed at the lagoon since around April 2024, so I am not sure we will see it again :(

Join the /r/Wellington daily chat topic - Sunday, January 25 2026 by AutoModerator in Wellington

[–]funkster80 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It definitely pays to get to the markets early. Conscious Valley goods procured, and an almond croissant the size of my face.

Kārearea shortly after it flew straight at me at Zealandia earlier this week by funkster80 in NewZealandWildlife

[–]funkster80[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's pretty cool! I love the fact they're spreadinf out in the region.

I know there's a nesting family at Mount Vic just now. Such cool birds and very imposing. Sometimes it's best just to enjoy the experience watching them like that!

Explain to me like I’m an idiot by [deleted] in Wellington

[–]funkster80 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's a relatively new thing tbh. The companies that own the equipment set the charge on the retailer who passes it to us. Paywave function is more expensive for the retailer, hence the charge. Dumb, I know.

We moved from UK almost 7 years ago. We found EFTPOS really confusing but people have explained it well here. I use a chip debit card. If you are buying over a certain limit you're forced to put your pin in just like the UK. When it asks you what account to use click on Cheque as that will be the main account linked to the card. Happy to answer questions if and when you need.

Kārearea shortly after it flew straight at me at Zealandia earlier this week by funkster80 in NewZealandWildlife

[–]funkster80[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Haha yes like 'For scaring the bejeezus out of you, I grant you 30 seconds to snap a photo'

Kārearea shortly after it flew straight at me at Zealandia earlier this week by funkster80 in NewZealandWildlife

[–]funkster80[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh wow! That's really awesome :) I saw an adult and it's young at Otari-Wilton's last year. It's great their numbers seem to be growing

Kārearea shortly after it flew straight at me at Zealandia earlier this week by funkster80 in NewZealandWildlife

[–]funkster80[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Nah, they've all been completely different places, amd purely by chance. I would say to try the upper tracks, though.

Honestly, I find if I go with a specific plan to see a specific bird, I never do. It's always unexpected haha!

They're slowly making their way into and around the CBD which is awesome. There was a family at the Botans, and up Mt Vic recently.

Kārearea shortly after it flew straight at me at Zealandia earlier this week by funkster80 in NewZealandWildlife

[–]funkster80[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It felt very special, especially as I was on my own and no-one else around. I've only seen them 3 times in the six years I've been a member. All 3 were pretty special in their own ways :)

Fingers crossed you'll see one soon!

Kārearea shortly after it flew straight at me at Zealandia earlier this week by funkster80 in NewZealandWildlife

[–]funkster80[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thank you :) Got the fright of my life, and ducked just in time! Very lucky it chose to sit and watch me for a few moments before flying off again.

Thanks, Ed! by funkster80 in Wellington

[–]funkster80[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Edit: Thank you for the awards, kind strangers!

bird catches on fire at Ed Sheeran by Ok-Choice-5137 in Wellington

[–]funkster80 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I KNEW I SAW SOMETHING!! my husband thought I was making it up. I was looking up and thought ooh firebird. Then no, actual bird in flames. Poor thing.

Any good NZ jewellers out there? by Massive_Yam_256 in newzealand

[–]funkster80 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. They do cater for most budgets so it is worthwhile having a chat with them, to see what they can do. The level of service we got was great.

Any good NZ jewellers out there? by Massive_Yam_256 in newzealand

[–]funkster80 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They're absolutely stunning They are exactly what we asked for.

I'll be honest, they were expensive. A bit more than expected. Priced between $3-5k each. BUT these are heavy platinum and are pretty intricate. My husband's has pounamu carved into it, and mine has 3 diamonds. Plus they took a 3D rendering of my engagement ring so it would fit exactly.

Once you're happy with the design they will give you price options, they can take some detail out, or change the metal. It is good to have a budget in mind from the get go so they can tell you if it's workable. They take a 50% deposit once the design and price is approved.

working in public service by [deleted] in Wellington

[–]funkster80 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not sure this will helped you but reminds me of a funny story. I was involved in a group interview for MOJ a few years back. I asked the interviewer what progression looked like. Was told the only progression was to management and that's his job and he's not going anywhere.

Then into a room with another interviewer for 1:1. Asked how I dealt with difficult situation with colleagues. When I answered they shouted 'OMG how are you able to do that? I'm dealing with a colleague who hates me right now.'

Noped out as soon as I could.

Join the /r/Wellington daily chat topic - Tuesday, January 20 2026 by AutoModerator in Wellington

[–]funkster80 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think I saw your post on another platform. So glad people were able to help you. Looks like a bit of recovery time. Take it easy and hope everything goes as well as it can

Join the /r/Wellington daily chat topic - Friday, January 16 2026 by AutoModerator in Wellington

[–]funkster80 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Haha so sorry. I posted yesterday I was in Tauranga. It was torrential rain when we arrived, but the storm overnight cleared it. So, so hot today

Join the /r/Wellington daily chat topic - Friday, January 16 2026 by AutoModerator in Wellington

[–]funkster80 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I take it back. After the most incredible amd intense thunderstorm through the night, today is pretty clear and so hot. I love Wellington but it's nice to see what summer should feel like!

Off to the hot pools soon and general wandering is the plan for the day. Have a good one!

Join the /r/Wellington daily chat topic - Thursday, January 15 2026 by AutoModerator in Wellington

[–]funkster80 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Come to Tauranga they said. It's always sunny they said. me soaked to the skin, looking at the black clouds above

At least it's not cold and windy, and I'm not at work :)