In a week where senseless wars and a tragic plane crash dominated the headlines worldwide, it took a little more effort to come up with stories from Down Under to brighten your day.
In fact, even in New Zealand, there was little to cheer about, so this week’s Weekly Whirl is a little on the short side, I’m afraid.
Thank goodness the Department of Conservation saved the day (or rather, the week) for 2000 giant snails held captive in fridges near Westport.
The first story tells you more about this bizarre and brilliant project.
Snail Welfare: DOC’s $400K Slow-Moving Investment
15 June 2025
Since 2006, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has been babysitting almost 2000 Powelliphanta augusta—giant native snails evicted from their hilltop home after mining rolled in like a bulldozer.
The snails now live in a temperature-controlled room in Hokitika, and the DOC (in other words, the taxpayer) is footing the bill.
The original miner, Solid Energy, went bust in 2015, but the snails remain, and so does the cost.
Over the past four years, DOC has shelled out over $411,000 to keep them alive and slowly restore their former habitat.
Critics have called it a waste of money, but DOC insists it’s on par with efforts to save other endangered stars like the kākāpō.
The aim is to eventually return the snails to the wild once their patched-up hillside home is ready. But with some snails reaching their 30s and moving at, well, a snail’s pace, it’s a long game.
Still, DOC says it’s all worth it to save a unique species, one fridge at a time.
Read the full story at DOC spends $400,000 to care for snails after mining destroys home.
Turtles, Wallabies and Weeds: New Pest Rules for the Bay of Plenty🐢
20 June 2025
Looks like it’s better to be a giant snail than a turtle or wallaby in New Zealand.
Bay of Plenty officials have updated the region’s pest management plan aimed at protecting local ecosystems, and residents with pet turtles now face stricter rules.
As part of a freshly updated Regional Pest Management Plan, all introduced freshwater turtles, including the cute red-eared slider, have been officially added to the pest list.
Pet turtles can stay, but owners have to house them securely to prevent them from starting families in local ponds. There is already evidence that they can harm native species and degrade water quality in the wild. It turns out the region’s warm geothermal soil and mild climate offer the perfect breeding ground.
The decision follows growing concern over sightings of abandoned and even breeding turtles in Bay of Plenty waterways. Experts point to climate change and the region’s warm soils as increasing the risk of turtles establishing wild populations.
The updated plan also broadens the pest list to include all wallaby species in New Zealand after new sightings around Rotorua.
Other key additions include:
- Exotic caulerpa (a fast-spreading marine weed)
- Corbicula clams (freshwater invaders)
- Several conifer species, which are now banned from new plantings to protect biodiversity.
The council says the focus, especially for turtles, will be on education and encouraging responsible ownership, but they will act on wild sightings as needed.
Read the full story at New rules for Bay of Plenty turtle owners in revised pest management plan.
Bikes on Buses: Harbour Bridge Trial Launches in Auckland
17 June 2025
Coming from Europe, I always wondered why Auckland Transport didn’t allow bikes on buses. I’ve seen plenty of tourists being denied access because their bikes were not allowed on.
But cyclists in Auckland will soon have a new way to cross the Harbour Bridge, as a year-long trial allows bikes on select NX1 buses from July.
Auckland Transport (AT) is fitting 15 double-decker buses—about a third of the NX1 fleet—with internal bike racks, making it easier for people to combine cycling with public transport. This follows a smaller pilot run in November last year, testing two types of internal racks.
The trial will improve connectivity across the city by giving cyclists a reliable, accessible option to cross the bridge.
Buses with bike racks will be clearly marked with a green cyclist icon, and passengers can check the AT app to see which services have racks available.
With bikes already allowed on trains, this trial is a significant step towards a more integrated and flexible transport network.
If successful, it could pave the way for broader rollout across Auckland’s bus services.
Full story at Bikes on buses over Auckland Harbour Bridge to be trialled.
Belle of the Ball: One Woman’s Mission to Make School Balls More Inclusive
19 June 2025
The school ball marks the end of high school and it is an important event in young Kiwis’ lives. However, every year, some high school graduates have to give the annual tradition a miss because they can’t afford the outfit.
This is even more of an issue now that the cost of living is hurting many families. For that reason, one good samaritan has decided to do something about it in her community.
When Belle Ward missed out on her own school ball over a decade ago because of the cost, she made herself a quiet promise: if she ever could, she’d make sure others didn’t have to miss out too.
Belle of the Ball
Now, at 33, and the owner of a second-hand store in Waipukurau, she’s doing just that. Through her initiative Belle of the Ball, she’s helping local high school students find the perfect outfit for their school ball, completely free of charge.
From donated dresses and suits to shoes and jewellery, Belle’s shop has been transformed into a treasure trove of ball attire in all shapes, sizes and styles.
Her simple motto: ‘If they like it and it fits, then they take it.’
The response from the community has been incredible. Donations have poured in, mothers and daughters have come in to try on dresses together, and students have walked out beaming, outfit in hand.
In a time when everything feels more expensive, this initiative is a reminder of just how generous everyday Kiwis can be.
You may also want to read my blog post on volunteering in New Zealand, New Zealand: A Nation Of Selfless Givers.
Belle saw a need, remembered her own experience, and opened her doors and heart to help others shine.
And the best part? She’s just getting started.
Plans are already in motion to make Belle of the Ball even bigger next year, with other small businesses jumping in to offer their services, too.
It’s a small-town story with a big message: kindness never goes out of style.