There is plenty of debate about climate change and often we struggle to identify how we can make a difference, but there are tangible ways we can have an impact. Biodiversity has the power to mitigate the progress of climate change and conversely it is...... Read More

If you look up into the night sky during the Christmas period, you will see something rare – a special Christmas star. To be fair, it is not really a star, but rather what astronomers call “a conjunction of planets”. This is when two...... Read More

 There are no single solutions to mitigate against the unprecedented phenomena of climate change but a healthy soil that sequesters carbon, stores water, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions is of great importance. Composting not only supercharges...... Read More

It seems that almost daily we are advised through the news media of weather-related disasters occurring with what seems increasing frequency. They have included drought-linked bush fires, hurricanes, tornados, and floods – often recorded as larger...... Read More

Something I love about volunteering with TOSSI is finding myself in the back and beyond of Tāwharanui Peninsula – exploring hideaways within the open sanctuary that most visitors miss. A recent tour hosted by Auckland Council park rangers and experienced...... Read More

During the lockdown earlier this year there were a lot more birds around – or so it was said. But how can we really know how the wildlife in our suburbs is doing? And what does “more birds” actually mean? More sparrows and doves may...... Read More

The last couple of weeks have been a time of mixed emotions for the Hibiscus Coastguard Unit. Over the last month the Unit have had the largest number of crew in recent years moving through the Coastguard training programme and achieve operational status....... Read More

November is the month of the planets. Seven of them making an appearance this month. Venus will be the brightest of them all, but Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will all be visible to the naked eye and Uranus and Neptune visible with binoculars. Saturn...... Read More

When we moved into our new home at Arkles Bay in 2015, I did not realise that our section was already occupied by another family. A pair of kōtare (sacred kingfishers) occupied a hole in a rather nasty Phoenix palm in our garden and every summer since...... Read More

A glorious Labour Weekend was forecast. Our plan was to spend the night at Vivian Bay on Kawau in our 12-metre yacht and then head to Great Barrier Island on Saturday morning to join the other Sandspit Yacht Club boats. However, seeing the Coastal Classic...... Read More