Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer.

Breeding kārearea pair discovered

Any story about native birds found breeding successfully is a great one and this one his one focuses on one of my particular favourite birds – the kārearea, New Zealand falcon. Voted Bird of the Year last year, the kārearea is a majestic and fascinating creature and like many native birds has to overcome many challenges to survive.

“It is estimated that there are 5000-8000 native falcons (kārearea) in the country. They are classified as ‘Threatened – Nationally Increasing’. But a 40-day observation of kārearea at Hūnua this summer – commissioned by Auckland Council – led to the discovery of a breeding pair raising two fledglings.

“Auckland Council spokesperson Paul Duffy said it was a significant finding. ‘This study gives us the first clear evidence that kārearea are successfully breeding in the Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui Hūnua Ranges. It also shows that intensive predator management and ground-based trapping are giving this threatened species the chance to make a comeback in the Auckland region.’

Kārearea specialist Chifuyu Horikoshi, who led the field work, said the result was ‘incredibly encouraging. Watching kārearea hunt through native forest is breathtaking; they are exceptionally fast, agile, and intelligent birds truly built for pursuit. Seeing them deliver prey and continue caring for their young shows this habitat is supporting their full breeding cycle.'” (Source: “Kārearea NZ falcon breeding in Auckland’s Hūnua Ranges,” March 17, www.rnz.co.nz).

5 stars – fantastic work led by Auckland Council with great results so far. Total upside

Playing possum at a gift store

This is a lovely story that again shows how surprising our animal pals are. A passenger browsing the shelves at a gift store in Hobart airport (Tasmania) recently encountered something entirely out of place amongst the stuffed kangaroos and dingoes – a real life possum, hanging out and doing its best to blend in.

“A passenger first spotted the possum peering out from among the toy kangaroos, bilbies, dingoes and Tasmanian devils – a growling carnivore that inspired the feisty Warner Bros cartoon character Taz. Liam Bloomfield, the retail manager, said staff and customers were delighted. ‘A passenger reported it to … one of the staff members on shift who couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing,” Bloomfield said.

“‘She then called the [airport] management and said: we’ve got a possum in the store.’ A spokesperson for the airport said the possum had remained calm as it was safely escorted out of the terminal. Bloomfield said the store’s staff have been voting on what to name the marsupial.” (Source: “Possum found nestled in with plush toys at airport gift store in Tasmania,” by Jack Larkin, March 19, www.guardian.co.uk).

5 stars – a wonderful light hearted yarn and a magical surprise – fantastic!

Dads run to feed hungry kids

Next month about 100 fathers, including some well known ex-All Blacks, will run the Christchurch Marathon looking to raise over $100,000 for school kids’ lunches.

“The group will take on the course, looping around the city, next month, supporting the charity Full Bellies. Formed in 2022, Full Bellies is a local charity on a mission to tackle food insecurity in local schools, delivering around 1400 lunches a week to 25 schools across the city. Among the group is ex-All Black Colin Slade, who has enlisted old teammates, Kieran Read and Ryan Crotty. After he stepped away from professional sport, Slade said he was looking for purpose and camaraderie in everyday life.

“What began as a handful of guys has since grown into a 20-to-30-strong group of mates who run the same loop around Hagley Park, pick people up, and drop them off along the way. ‘We all train better when we’re with other people,’ Slade said.

“Full Bellies founder Kate Pauling said raising $100,000 will provide almost 12,000 lunches for children who need them. ‘This is what community looks like in action, and we are so incredibly grateful,’ she said. ‘These guys aren’t just running the Christchurch Marathon, they’re running for children in our community.'” (Source: “Christchurch Marathon: Ex-All Blacks and 100 dads run for Full Bellies charity,” March 18, www.nzherald.co.nz).

5 stars – great work guys and a brilliant way to help the community. Kudos!