Topflite

24/06/2024

Today we honour not just an amazing individual, but a selfless woman who goes above and beyond for others. Sharni has been a valuable part of our team for a decade now, and we are truly grateful for her positive and cheerful presence 🤩 💕 Learn more about the exceptional Sharni here: https://buff.ly/4cf1IGF

23/06/2024

Ruud Kleinpaste, aka The Bugman, is a fan of our Cake Feeder! He talks to Jack Tame about how to keep garden birds happy in winter, and how feeding waxeyes in particular can help with garden pest control come spring.

https://buff.ly/3VxAwMa

20/06/2024

From the hopping hoiho of Curio Bay in the deep south to the takahē and tuatara of Tiritiri Matangi Island off the coast of northern Auckland, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to see our native birds and coastal creatures in the wild.

Looking for holiday or weekend activities for the whole family to enjoy? Venturing into nature brings many benefits for children and adults alike.

19/06/2024

We are very honoured to be sponsoring a teen to attend a Life Skills weekend workshop in Oamaru next month (20-21st July). We've all been there and navigating teenage years can be a hard road! If you know of a teen who would be interested in some personal growth check it out 💫 👉 https://buff.ly/3VKAx0D

"What stuck with me? How to work well with people I don't know. For example, when I am buddied up with someone I don't know for a school activity I feel much more confident. A keener interest in money, particularly saving and I'm about to start investing as I have a part time job now. I definitely s...

18/06/2024

Our NEW & improved Nectar Feeder is here in time for winter! ❄️
Safe for both our feathery friends and the industrious bees.
New Zealand's bird species, known for their eccentricity and bright hues, are mainly nectarivores. With this in mind, we have designed a Nectar Feeder that caters to the specific needs of NZ's native birds, while also being effortless to clean and refill.

17/06/2024

Getting preened and ready for the National bird show in the Bay of Plenty next month! 🦜😆

Skylar arrives early for national bird show

15/06/2024

We’re proud to introduce the latest recipient of Topflite’s SOAR Initiative funding, which will be put to good use with the purchase of lifesaving, bird-specific endotracheal (ET) tubes.

Since opening its doors in Christchurch in 2014, the South Island Wildlife Hospital has become increasingly busy, receiving injured and ailing wildlife from around the region. Most of their patients are brought in by members of the public, and can range from albatross, petrels and dotterels, to kererū and owls, as well as several species of penguin.

Topflite is proud to support organisations that help New Zealand's nature soar ahead. The latest recipient of funding is the South Island Wildlife Hospital.

13/06/2024

It’s time to let those bird photography skills shine! 🤩📸

Entries are now open for the Kiwi Gardener Bird Photo Competition, so it’s time to brave the cold and get snapping! Simply take a photo of a bird and email your high-resolution file to [email protected] by 30 June 2024 ‒ include the subject line Bird Photo Competition 2024 ‒ or post your image to Facebook or Instagram with the tag Join photographers across the country on the lookout for the perfect image - like this gorgeous prize-winning photo by Karen Crozier from last year's competition - and be in to win a pair of Nikon Prostaff P7 8x42 binoculars, courtesy of Photogear, a Topflite bird feeding pack and a Bennetto Natural Foods Co. chocolate hamper. Good luck!

10/06/2024

How close is your local wildlife?

We're pretty lucky here in Ōamaru to have so many taonga species on our doorstep. And we mean that literally - kororā/blue penguins have been known to nest under our houses sometimes! There's also hoihō/yellow eyed penguins and seals around at Bushy Bush Reserve.

But there lots of other great options for spotting wildlife around New Zealand too. Check out our favourites, from south to north.

Looking for holiday or weekend activities for the whole family to enjoy? Venturing into nature brings many benefits for children and adults alike.

08/06/2024

A Shortland Street-style plot set in the Greenstone Valley, but with a happy ending 😮‍💨

A female takahē kicked out of her home by a bolshy newcomer has made an epic hīkoi in search of a fresh start.

07/06/2024

Most gardens look messy at this time of year as annual vegetables die off, summer blooms finish and leaves fall. The good news is your clean up can be collected to create rich compost that will make your spring patch sing.

There are a few ways to approach an autumn compost pile, depending on whether you are using an existing system or want to create a new pile. Here are some top tips.

Most gardens look messy at this time of year as summer blooms finish and leaves fall. This clean up can be collected to create rich compost for your patch!

06/06/2024

Help birds beat the ‘brrrrrr’ this winter! Combining the sweetness of berries with a buggy protein boost, this limited edition flavour will help fluff those winter feathers.

As trees shed their leaves, and flowers and fruit fall away, our garden birds require a helping hand to get through the cooler months. Keeping warm and travelling further for a feed means expending energy. That makes our fat-rich cakes, truffles and coconuts a coveted backyard offering.

Help birds beat the ‘brrrrrr’ this winter with the sweetness of berries and a protein hit of dried insects. This flavour is sure to fluff some feathers!

05/06/2024

It started in Spain in the 16th century and arrived in the United States in the 19th, with New Zealand’s first recorded planting in 1890. Since then billions of trees have been planted. But did you get out planting this Arbor Day? If not, then why not?

It started in Spain in the 16th century and arrived in the United States in the 19th, with New Zealand’s first recorded planting in 1890. Since then billions of trees have been planted. But did you get out planting this last Arbor Day? If not, then why not? Every New Zealand bird lover is by defau...

30/05/2024

We need nature to balance our increasingly digital worlds. The connection to nature is one of the reasons chicken-keeping is so fabulous, reckons Dr Andrea Graves. "Keeping chickens is a perfect foil, providing a foot in both camps: a slice of rural idyll in the backyard and the perks of urban life outside the front door." - From What Your Chickens Want You To Know

29/05/2024

❤️ Are you aware of the amazing qualities of our Sprout Jars? These are not just enjoyed by Aviary birds, but also by Wild birds who relish this sprouty delicacy. What's more, the jar is a treasure in itself as it can be utilized repeatedly over time.
A wonderful gift for a loved one too ♥
Shop here ➡️ https://buff.ly/4bttejk

28/05/2024

Earlier this year we asked A Little Bird readers and the Topflite team which highly deserving conservation group would get their vote for our next round of Soar Initiative funding. Whakatipu Wildlife Trust was a standout for all of us.

Please allow us to introduce the wonderful work we'll be supporting for the next phase of the Soar Initiative. 💚 🙌

The first recipient of Topflite's SOAR Initiative is the Whakatipu Wildlife Trust, an umbrella predator trapping group in Queenstown Lakes District.

26/05/2024

The Kiwi Gardener photo competition is now open! 🤩

The Kiwi Gardener Bird Photo Competition for 2024 is now open for entries! Enjoy being in nature while you look out for the perfect photo op to win a range of amazing prizes, including a pair of Nikon binoculars courtesy of Photogear, bird feeding goodies for your garden from Topflite, and a chocolate hamper from Bennetto.

📷 Be inspired by Deborah Owen's dramatic winning photo from our 2023 Bird Photo Competition.

Enter now with the tag (or email [email protected]). Good luck!

23/05/2024

This is a great time to keep on top of Vitamin D levels in your birds 🧐

20/05/2024

Whether you’re looking to add an element of education to your commute, or just want to make folding the washing slightly less tedious, nature podcasts can be a salve for the mind.

Informative, soothing, or a mixture of both, these nature podcasts are well worth a listen. Picked for New Zealand nature lovers by Topflite.

19/05/2024

We love a good news story like this! It goes to show that predator exclusion and trapping really helps our native birds, especially the little fellas like this one.

We're proud to support our local trapping line in Ōamaru as well as the efforts of Whakatipu Wildlife Trust over in Queenstown Lakes.

A bird species rarely seen in the capital is believed to still be lingering around after being spotted in a Wellington suburb.

18/05/2024

As bird lovers, we care deeply about the health of Aotearoa’s birdlife. Ensuring all our products are as healthy as possible for our feathered friends comes down to the raw materials.

The weather is getting cooler so here is a timely reminder on what to feed different species of birds in your garden...

Native birds feed on nectar, fruit, insects and Energy Food, while introduced species like finches and sparrows feed on seed. Here's what to put in the feeder.

17/05/2024

Oh what a problem to have!

The protected birds have populated an island sanctuary in Northland so well that they are running out of food.

12/05/2024

😊💚🙌

08/05/2024

We are excited to introduce an enticing new Limited Edition Range. Our Bug & Berry Energy goodies are super-charged with real berries and dehydrated insects, and they're made right here in Oamaru.
Let’s not beat around the bush – because the birds certainly won’t after they spot this tasty new range. Follow the link to SHOP 👇

https://shop.topflite.co.nz/pages/seasonal-release-energy-food-range

02/05/2024

Friends and family of the nation's bird lovers: we've got you. 👇

Here are six ideas to tweet the bird lover in your life with the perfect gift, from bird feeders, to art prints and beautiful calendars of New Zealand birds.

24/04/2024

Buying flowers for the house or office is a great way to treat yourself or liven up the place – but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Why not gather a bunch together from what’s in the garden or neighbourhood? You might find that even ‘weeds’ have their place 💐 Here are some of our tips on arranging garden flowers: https://buff.ly/3SX79lb

23/04/2024

If you're looking for a quick and easy activity to break the cycle of screens over the school holidays, we love this Pinecone Ruru idea from Rachel Clare's book Play Wild.

Author: Rachel Clare Publisher: Bateman Books Aotearoa’s native owl is a watchful guardian of the night. Make your own ruru out of a pinecone and seed pods. If you can’t find eucalyptus seed pods for the eyes, go foraging for another type of round seed pod or use small stones. Read an extract

18/04/2024

Tis the season for "the peoples' fruit" as Kate Evans describes it in her recent book Feijoa: A Story of Obsession & Belonging. It's a fascinating read for anyone who's wondered how the heck a zingy South American fruit became a national icon here in New Zealand 🤔

As the feijoas start to fall and bags begin appearing on the doorstep, here are some delicious things you can make with them.

What do you do with feijoas?

Topflite's favourite feijoa recipes for NZ’s most prolific backyard fruit, from feijoa muffins and feijoa fizz to savoury options like feijoa kasundi.

17/04/2024

We love a good news story! Especially when it's from our friends, and past Soar Initiative recipients, the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. All the very best to the happy (and now healthy) couple Bert and Big Bird. 💞

In a story of hardship, recovery and maybe even a little romance, Bert and Big Bird have returned to the sea. Each year startled and starved...