Robyn
@kakaruwai.bsky.social
She/her. Technician @ Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, formerly @ Plant & Food, MSc Graduate from University of Canterbury. Loves birds and bugs & all the animals
My indoor cat approves of her new catflap (to an enclosed patio area). I never knew these temporary, removeable, renter friendly pet doors existed til this year. They just slot into your sliding door, and saved me ~$800 vs cutting one into double-glazing. #cat #indoorcat #bunnings #catio
November 26, 2025 at 8:41 PM
My indoor cat approves of her new catflap (to an enclosed patio area). I never knew these temporary, removeable, renter friendly pet doors existed til this year. They just slot into your sliding door, and saved me ~$800 vs cutting one into double-glazing. #cat #indoorcat #bunnings #catio
I just received a pile of geometric sticker scene activity books after hearing about them on a podcast. So cute. And I got frog stickers. I do love random cute whimsical things. Can't wait to drink wine and do the stickers books with my bff.
Yes to all but I already have a pile of colouring books and pencils I never use. I had been considering getting nice acrylic or alcohol markers that don't leave streaks.
Kind of linking up to yesterday's question for #SecretSantaAoNZ are you a puzzles, or activity book kind of relaxer?
November 26, 2025 at 8:33 PM
I just received a pile of geometric sticker scene activity books after hearing about them on a podcast. So cute. And I got frog stickers. I do love random cute whimsical things. Can't wait to drink wine and do the stickers books with my bff.
NZ is well overdue for cat ownership laws too. Isn't it embarrassing when Australia is ahead of us in something?
And to critics who argue that trapping, neutering, and releasing feral cats is better than culling them, Bailey has a blunt response: "They're killing our native birds and not shagging them."
That’s quoted from a good article this morning by Farah Hancock on #rnz, on NZ’s big problem with feral […]
That’s quoted from a good article this morning by Farah Hancock on #rnz, on NZ’s big problem with feral […]
Original post on mastodon.nz
mastodon.nz
November 26, 2025 at 8:29 PM
NZ is well overdue for cat ownership laws too. Isn't it embarrassing when Australia is ahead of us in something?
I love this style art, and yay for kowhai moth making an appearance! They are currently appearing on my tree, ready for harvest to rear at work next year
An elementary manual of New Zealand entomology; London, West, Newman & Co., 1892. (source: http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/8547651) #nature #illustration #art
November 25, 2025 at 8:02 AM
I love this style art, and yay for kowhai moth making an appearance! They are currently appearing on my tree, ready for harvest to rear at work next year
Yes to all but I already have a pile of colouring books and pencils I never use. I had been considering getting nice acrylic or alcohol markers that don't leave streaks.
Kind of linking up to yesterday's question for #SecretSantaAoNZ are you a puzzles, or activity book kind of relaxer?
November 25, 2025 at 2:52 AM
Yes to all but I already have a pile of colouring books and pencils I never use. I had been considering getting nice acrylic or alcohol markers that don't leave streaks.
I love chocolate and lollies and fudge and chips and junk food! Wheat doesn't like me. I like coffee & alcohol. To be honest, I'd be grossed out to get home made food from a stranger sorry.
Time for another question #SecretSantaAoNZ
What are your favourite foods? Least favourite? What can't you eat? What are your go to foods FOR MORALE?
Quote or reply with your answers.
What are your favourite foods? Least favourite? What can't you eat? What are your go to foods FOR MORALE?
Quote or reply with your answers.
November 24, 2025 at 7:20 AM
I love chocolate and lollies and fudge and chips and junk food! Wheat doesn't like me. I like coffee & alcohol. To be honest, I'd be grossed out to get home made food from a stranger sorry.
Currently loving K-Pop Demon Hunters! I like TV, movies & reading and music but I'm kinda fussy. Fave genre = post apocalyptic.
A new question for today #SecretSantaAoNZ
This one might require a few replies to answer, at least for me.
This one might require a few replies to answer, at least for me.
November 24, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Currently loving K-Pop Demon Hunters! I like TV, movies & reading and music but I'm kinda fussy. Fave genre = post apocalyptic.
Yup, a gamer! I love Pokemon Go & other mobile games. Like puzzles, crossword, word games, board games. I have a laptop & Steam & a Switch. Something cute and pokemony could be a good idea....
Another day, another chance to learn more about you #SecretSantaAoNZ
November 24, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Yup, a gamer! I love Pokemon Go & other mobile games. Like puzzles, crossword, word games, board games. I have a laptop & Steam & a Switch. Something cute and pokemony could be a good idea....
No jewellery or makeup but I like a nice smelling skincare or candle item.
Going to move this question for #SecretSantaAoNZ forward a few days since it's come up.
What jewellery do you wear? Necklaces? Bracelets? Clip-ons or pierced earrings? Rings? Anklets? Arm bands? Gold? Silver? Pewter? Copper? Or plastic like Hoggle?
What jewellery do you wear? Necklaces? Bracelets? Clip-ons or pierced earrings? Rings? Anklets? Arm bands? Gold? Silver? Pewter? Copper? Or plastic like Hoggle?
November 23, 2025 at 11:04 AM
No jewellery or makeup but I like a nice smelling skincare or candle item.
Blue! Green!
Today's question for #SecretSantaAoNZ
Especially great for all the crafting Santas we're blessed with when they're sleuthing.
Especially great for all the crafting Santas we're blessed with when they're sleuthing.
November 23, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Blue! Green!
I'm addicted to Pokemon go. I attempt to do easy crafts eg kitsets. I like computer games and board games and jigsaws and crosswords. I have house plants and pet frogs.
New question #SecretSantaAoNZ
Remember, sign-ups close today.
Remember, sign-ups close today.
November 23, 2025 at 11:01 AM
I'm addicted to Pokemon go. I attempt to do easy crafts eg kitsets. I like computer games and board games and jigsaws and crosswords. I have house plants and pet frogs.
Oooohh love a fun sock. Size 8-9 ish
Another question for #SecretSantaAoNZ
While you're here, what about the size of your head for hats, hands for gloves, clothing size for anything else you might like.
While you're here, what about the size of your head for hats, hands for gloves, clothing size for anything else you might like.
November 23, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Oooohh love a fun sock. Size 8-9 ish
I love weird animals like frogs, bugs, lizards, crabs. Cat person for sure.
A new question for #SecretSantaAoNZ
Are you a cat or dog person? Pandas? Hippos? Dolphins?Dragons? Chimera? Nessie?
Are you a cat or dog person? Pandas? Hippos? Dolphins?Dragons? Chimera? Nessie?
November 23, 2025 at 10:57 AM
I love weird animals like frogs, bugs, lizards, crabs. Cat person for sure.
Not really, but wheat doesn't agree with me. White chocolate is neither white nor chocolate but it is disgusting. Love actual chocolate and lollies.
Today's #SecretSantaAoNZ question is a pretty important one.
Make sure you add the hashtag to your replies so it's easily searchable for your Santa. We wouldn't want them to miss it.
Make sure you add the hashtag to your replies so it's easily searchable for your Santa. We wouldn't want them to miss it.
November 23, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Not really, but wheat doesn't agree with me. White chocolate is neither white nor chocolate but it is disgusting. Love actual chocolate and lollies.
I have a spoilt cat. She doesn't like toys much, but treats are all good. If you have a pet, I recommend these cooling beds (come in all sizes) from PetStock, it is her fave possession ever
November 14, 2025 at 8:49 AM
I have a spoilt cat. She doesn't like toys much, but treats are all good. If you have a pet, I recommend these cooling beds (come in all sizes) from PetStock, it is her fave possession ever
I haven't done a SecretSanta in a while, and I haven't posted in a while oops.
The story you are about to see has been told before. A lot. And now we are going to tell it again. But different.
This time, we're bringing Mastodon in for the fun.
Sign-ups open on November 10th.
Check out secretsanta.nz for more information
This time, we're bringing Mastodon in for the fun.
Sign-ups open on November 10th.
Check out secretsanta.nz for more information
November 14, 2025 at 8:45 AM
I haven't done a SecretSanta in a while, and I haven't posted in a while oops.
I am delighted that the babies grew so fast I thought that they died (they were pupating in the soil) and today emerged as the first adult purple loosestrife beetles ever in New Zealand! We will work towards gaining final permission to release them in Spring/Summer #biocontrol #weeds #entomology
August 21, 2025 at 6:41 AM
I am delighted that the babies grew so fast I thought that they died (they were pupating in the soil) and today emerged as the first adult purple loosestrife beetles ever in New Zealand! We will work towards gaining final permission to release them in Spring/Summer #biocontrol #weeds #entomology
My purple loosestrife #beetle eggs arrived but they look more like takoyaki or profiteroles. Bet you can't tell them apart. #biocontrol #entomology #weedcontrol
August 1, 2025 at 10:25 AM
My purple loosestrife #beetle eggs arrived but they look more like takoyaki or profiteroles. Bet you can't tell them apart. #biocontrol #entomology #weedcontrol
I am too excited to concentrate on work or sleep, because the #biocontrol #beetles for this invasive plant arrive in NZ for the first time tomorrow. I can't wait to meet & work with them. #entomology
New EPA Approvals
Exciting news! We have five new release approvals from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
www.landcareresearch.co.nz
July 31, 2025 at 7:26 AM
I am too excited to concentrate on work or sleep, because the #biocontrol #beetles for this invasive plant arrive in NZ for the first time tomorrow. I can't wait to meet & work with them. #entomology
Reposted by Robyn
Storing data in a bird.
https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/storage/yes-you-can-store-data-on-a-bird-enthusiast-converts-png-to-bird-shaped-waveform-teaches-young-starling-to-recall-file-at-up-to-2mb-s
https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/storage/yes-you-can-store-data-on-a-bird-enthusiast-converts-png-to-bird-shaped-waveform-teaches-young-starling-to-recall-file-at-up-to-2mb-s
Yes, you can store data on a bird — enthusiast converts PNG to bird-shaped waveform, teaches young starling to recall file at up to 2MB/s
A music and science lover has demonstrated the capacity of birds to store and retrieve digital image data.
www.tomshardware.com
July 29, 2025 at 2:55 AM
Reposted by Robyn
Posts about urban biking in Dutch cities are routinely replied to with something like “well, they have the big advantage of being relatively flat.”
The Dutch also have the big advantage of not constantly making excuses about why they can’t make clearly smarter decisions.
The Dutch also have the big advantage of not constantly making excuses about why they can’t make clearly smarter decisions.
July 16, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Posts about urban biking in Dutch cities are routinely replied to with something like “well, they have the big advantage of being relatively flat.”
The Dutch also have the big advantage of not constantly making excuses about why they can’t make clearly smarter decisions.
The Dutch also have the big advantage of not constantly making excuses about why they can’t make clearly smarter decisions.
Reposted by Robyn
💯 this and this from @peterkdearden.bsky.social: "If you don’t want to spend millions of dollars managing the last of a species- don’t destroy their habitat for a quick buck."
Yes. Money is being spent on snails. These are unique, remarkable and of huge scientific importance. If we hadn’t destroyed their environment we wouldn’t have to spend the money. And yes Genomics Aotearoa is doing genetic analyses to support effective management.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
DOC spends hundreds of thousands to care for snails after mining destroys home
But an OIA reveals hundreds of thousands of dollars has been spent to do so.
www.rnz.co.nz
June 15, 2025 at 9:09 PM
💯 this and this from @peterkdearden.bsky.social: "If you don’t want to spend millions of dollars managing the last of a species- don’t destroy their habitat for a quick buck."
Spending my morning contributing to science and submitting every thing I can find in my yard #CityNatureChallenge #iNaturalist
April 25, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Spending my morning contributing to science and submitting every thing I can find in my yard #CityNatureChallenge #iNaturalist
Lacebugs also eating me out of house and home, luckily they're off to Vanuatu again next month. Look at them twerking! www.landcareresearch.co.nz/news/vanuatu... #entomology #insects #bugs #biocontrol #invasivespecies
March 24, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Lacebugs also eating me out of house and home, luckily they're off to Vanuatu again next month. Look at them twerking! www.landcareresearch.co.nz/news/vanuatu... #entomology #insects #bugs #biocontrol #invasivespecies
Air potato beetle larvae eating me out of house and home. Great natural enemies to fight this tropical weed. Off to Niue again soon! www.landcareresearch.co.nz/publications...
March 24, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Air potato beetle larvae eating me out of house and home. Great natural enemies to fight this tropical weed. Off to Niue again soon! www.landcareresearch.co.nz/publications...