A newly installed spa pool at the top of the Papamoa Hills is quickly becoming a popular stop for those who may want to watch a sunrise or sunset over Easter from the picturesque spot.
Located outside, the pool is regularly filled with fresh water, and provides an opportunity to enjoy a soak after a walk up to the trig station from the car park on Poplar Lane.
'It's just a beautiful spot to relax in, and what an incredible view,” says Justin Casey Howells.
The summit is 224 metres above sea level and offers sweeping panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty coastline. The main walking track leads through pine forest, native bush and open grassland, and showcases the terracing on several pa sites and breath-taking views.
For those who find they succumb easily to mosquitos around dusk while out in the open air, mosquito bites can be avoided by listening to electronic music - specifically dubstep, even more specifically by US artist Skrillex, according to a new study. Sound is "crucial for reproduction, survival, and population maintenance of many animals," says a team of international scientists, who subjected adult mosquitoes to the music to see if it would repel them.
Chocolate which becomes more popular at Easter is on the minds of the team at 11th Ave McDonalds which is due to reopen today just in time for the Easter weekend. The fast food franchise is bringing out a chocolate bun and patty to satisfy all the chocolate lovers out there.
Dog owners are now able to get drones to do walkies for them. The devices, designed by Doggy Doo Doos and Donts, will also be able to pick up and bin any doggy doo doo. The Drone Dog Walker has a microphone and camera, allowing the owner to talk to their dog as the drone walks it. The drone can freeze-dry the dog's business, and pop it into a bag before disposing of it. However the availability of the drones may be delayed, not due to shipping lane blockages, but to some mishaps with the prototypes. There have been reports that an overly excited Shih Tzu was seen hovering over Papamoa Beach, with its owner desperately trying to avoid projectiles.
Speaking of drones, the US military is recruiting sea creatures to help track enemy activity. Scientists want to employ their sensory abilities to pick up signals that might be missed by conventional technology. For example, it is thought the "booms" made by territorial fish known as goliath groupers could provide information about approaching drones or submarines.
And in other news this week, the cabinet is looking at reviving legislation to prohibit April Fool jokes, for fear they would spark panic-buying. An 1892 statute states that the issuing of false and laughable reports is strictly prohibited and punishable by the splitting of an offender's ribs.
-April fools!