Journalist and author Lisette Reymer to speak at Eastwoodhill Arboretum fundraiser
The event, on September 10 at Midway Surf Rescue Community Hub, runs from 5.30pm to 8pm.
It's being organised by
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NZ Herald
8 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Journalist and author Lisette Reymer to speak at Eastwoodhill Arboretum fundraiser
Kiwi journalist, former Newshub war correspondent and author Lisette Reymer is bringing tales from the battle zone to Gisborne to help raise funds for the Eastwoodhill Arboretum. The event, on September 10 at Midway Surf Rescue Community Hub, runs from 5.30pm to 8pm. It's being organised by
Scoop
2 days ago
- Scoop
Sunflowers Set To Bloom In Kindergartens Across The Nation
Thousands of sunflower seeds are ready to be sown and inspire a passion for gardening in young Kiwi kids through the Daltons 2025 Sunflowers in Kindergartens Project, which officially kicks off today. Now in its ninth season, the project provides participating kindergartens with everything they need to grow their own giant sunflowers. Along the way, children explore plant lifecycles, practise measuring and recording growth, and enjoy watching their plants flourish – from tiny seed to towering bloom. This year, 11,504 children from 238 kindergartens and learning centres are taking part across 11 regional Kindergarten Associations. Each kindergarten will join in the fun and a bit of friendly competition to see who can grow the tallest and widest sunflowers in their region. 'Gardening is more than just growing plants, it's about fostering a love of nature, learning patience, responsibility, collaboration and other important life skills,' says Daltons General Manager, Colin Parker. 'The project is a fun, hands-on way for children to learn these values while growing something beautiful to enjoy together.' "Kindy kids will be able to take their gardening skills home and inspire their families to grow their own produce. In today's economy, it's a good idea to grow some high-yielding crops at home to help ease the weekly food bill,' Parker adds. Throughout the project teachers receive support via regular newsletters filled with gardening tips, resources, and fun sunflower activities that can easily align with Te Whāriki, Aotearoa New Zealand's Early Childhood Curriculum. Daltons brings the project to life with the help of three proud partners. Kings Seeds generously supply the wonderful Sunflower Skyscraper seeds - the tallest plant ever grown in the project reached an impressive 3.41 metres (that's taller than a basketball hoop!). Each winner's prize pack includes a store voucher from The Warehouse and a handy GARDENA Comfort Hand Trowel, alongside a range of Daltons products. The project runs through to Wednesday 10 December 2025, when the blooms will be celebrated, winners announced, and prizes awarded. For more information on this or to follow along the sunflower journey, visit or visit the Sunflower Project Facebook page. Additional information about the 2025 Sunflowers in Kindergartens Project • The Daltons Sunflowers in Kindergartens Project is only running in 11 Kindergarten Associations in selected regions of New Zealand. The participating associations include, Auckland Kindergarten Association, Central Kids Kindergartens (Central North Island), Kidsfirst Kindergartens (Christchurch), Dunedin Kindergartens Incorporated, Inspired Kindergartens and Home-Based Education (Tauranga), Kindergarten Taranaki, Marlborough Kindergarten Association, Nelson Tasman Kindergartens Association, Northland Kindergarten Association, Waikato Kindergarten Association, Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens (Wellington). • A free starter pack is sent to each participating kindergarten and includes everything the children need to grow and learn about sunflowers, including a measuring tape, an instruction booklet with growing guides, peat pots, seed raising and potting mix, and the key ingredient, Kings Seeds Skyscraper Sunflowers seeds. • Teachers are supported throughout the project with regular newsletters full of sunflower information along with learning sheets, how-to-videos, and fun activities to integrate into the learning curriculum and share with their kindy kids. Daltons tips for youngsters to grow giant sunflowers at home Plants begin as a seed and in order to grow, the seed must first germinate. Germination is what happens to a seed that has been dormant (asleep) and with enough warmth and water it will sprout (grow). Follow our guide on how to sow your own sunflower seed so it can begin its journey and grow into a giant sunflower. It needs warmth, sunshine, and water, a little tender loving care! What you will need: • Daltons Premium Seed Mix • Kings Seeds – Skyscraper Sunflower seeds • Small pot e.g: yoghurt container etc (just make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom) • Small shovel • Water spray bottle • Plastic dish or ice cream container to hold your pots in • Gloves • Adult to help Step 1: Take your small pot and fill it (almost to the top) with Daltons Premium Seed Mix. Step 2: Sow your sunflower seed into the soil about 1-1.5cm deep - no more than twice the diameter of the seed. (Seeds sown too deeply will not germinate). Step 3: Add a little more soil on top and water lightly. Be sure to water regularly for even germination and growth - but don't overwater as it can rot the seeds. Step 4: Place your seed pots into an ice cream or yoghurt container so they do not leak water. Find a nice warm, sunny windowsill indoors. It's very important to keep the temperature even so they germinate well. When will your seedling be ready to plant outside? When seedlings sprout, a set of leaves form first that look almost like a four-leaf clover. A few days later, a third single leaf will emerge that does not look like the first ones. This is called the first true leaf. Your seedling will be big enough to plant outdoors (weather dependent) once it has sprouted its second set of true leaves – it should be about 10-15cm tall. Planting your seedling Choose a spot in the garden that gets plenty of sun throughout the day and is sheltered from the wind. Find a strong, sturdy stake that is tall enough to support your seedling plant as it grows. Stake the seedling when planting it so you don't disturb the plant's roots later on. Gently tie the plant to the stake with soft ties like recycled pantyhose.
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- NZ Herald
NZ Top Dog Awards 2025: 20-year-old retired farm dog Fudge from Westport a finalist
'She's still got that sparkle in her eye.' McFadyen said Fudge used to visit the rest home next door to her farm. 'When the farmer retired, Fudge moved into the rest home.' She said Fudge liked to check on all the residents in the morning and help to pick up the day stay residents. 'Fudge also encourages the residents to go walking outside,' she said. 'She keeps an eye on the care staff. She always introduces herself to new residents and makes them feel at home. 'Everyone is always pleased to see her.' Although Fudge was 20, McFadyen said she could still 'act like a goofball'. 'Occasionally, she manages pest control. She chooses to do it!' McFadyen said Fudge sometimes helped families interact with each other, and residents always brightened up and smiled when she walked in. 'She helps make the place feel like home.' Meanwhile, Boss the German Shepherd from Invercargill is also in the running for the title. Boss is New Zealand's only canine trained specifically to detect flammable substances. He can detect up to nine different flammable liquids, such as petrol, diesel, and methylated spirits, which are commonly used to accelerate the development of fires. Boss works in confined spaces and wears protective boots to safeguard his paws in hazardous environments. Boss, the German Shepherd from Invercargill, is up for Top Dog with a Job. He works daily alongside his handler as an accelerant detection dog, supporting a team of forensic fire investigators. He has completed training to help protect native birds in sensitive areas like Stewart Island. Owner Murray Milne-Maresca said Boss was committed to his job but also enjoyed his downtime. 'He's a hard worker with a nose that never stops — when he's not on the job, he loves chasing a ball and swimming in the river." Kiwis love their dogs at work New research from Frog Recruitment found that 62% of New Zealand dog owners say they would be willing to take a 5% pay cut if it meant bringing their dog to work. The 2025 poll of 1065 workers also revealed that, in a tougher economic climate, many workplaces have scaled back dog-friendly perks, with some employees admitting they'd rather have dogs in the office than free snacks, such as communal fruit bowls. Shannon Barlow, managing director of Frog Recruitment, said the results highlighted the special bond between Kiwis and their dogs who accompany them to work. 'Dogs make a tangible difference to workplace culture,' Barlow said. 'They help people relax, connect, and focus — things that are invaluable in any team." NZ Top Dog Awards Frog Recruitment's NZ Top Dog Awards shine a spotlight on dogs who bring joy, support, and wellbeing to Kiwi workplaces and communities. The awards are split into three categories: Top Office Dog, Top Dog with a Job, and People's Choice. Dogs from all over New Zealand are nominated, and the top 20 finalists are selected nationally, with one overall winner chosen per category. After eight weeks of nominations, the 2025 NZ Top Dog South Island finalists have been named across three categories. Winners of all three categories will be announced at the NZ Top Dog Awards ceremony on August 28, at 12.30 pm, streaming live on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, X, and Instagram. NZ Top Dog South Island 2025 finalists Top Office Dog BB the flat-coated retriever – St John Therapy Dog (Rangiora, Christchurch). Coco the French bulldog – a therapy dog that works in a primary school and Waikiri Hospital (Mosgiel, Dunedin). Izzy the Staffordshire bull terrier – Cassidy-Davies Electrical (Riccarton, Christchurch). Speights the Australian shepherd – MBIE (Burwood, Christchurch). Reggie the golden retriever – NZ Police Southern Emergency Communications & Dispatch (Christchurch). Top Dog with a Job Boss the German shepherd – TripleM Investigations Ltd (Gladstone, Invercargill). Koozer the Huntaway – Airpark Canterbury Ltd (Harewood, Christchurch). Molly the huntaway / Staffy cross – Keystone Building Ltd (Tasman, Nelson). Oakley the Staffy cross greyhound, whippet and bull mastiff – Donaldson Landscape & Earthworks (Richmond, Nelson). Fudge the Parsons terrier - a retired farm dog and now companion at O'Connor Memorial Home in Westport.
