Anthropologist. traveller, tree planter, author, photographer. My articles/photos on world #travel #history #nature #storytelling on my website below.

New Zealand of Aotearoa
Joined January 2011
It's #thicktrunktuesday on 8 September 2026, the 26th anniversary of The Five Acre Forest. In celebration we've reprinted an NZ edition of #TheFiveAcreForest If any Kiwis want a PB copy, please email via the secure CONTACT page on my website. Pic: the first-planted Kauri.
#TheFiveAcreForest. A personal tale of tree planting that tells the deep-time story of a sand country landscape. "I now feel the oneness with our planet like never before." (Reader) Details: trishnicholsonswordsinthetre… eBook sold everywhere for all devices for the cost of a latte 🙃
3
13
2
48
1,321
Great work: "the first test unit for Ukraine’s future sovereign satellite communication network."
🛰🇩🇰🇺🇦 The Ukrainian company Himera, in collaboration with the Danish firm GomSpace, has launched the Obria Nano satellite into orbit—the first test unit for Ukraine’s future sovereign satellite communication network. The launch took place on October 1, 2026, as part of the SpaceX Transporter-18 mission. The satellite is currently undergoing testing and operating according to the planned program.   #liganet
1
4
101
Best to know and be prepared...
Europe’s security is being tested now, not on the day Russian troops cross a NATO border. Moscow is rebuilding its forces while running a hybrid campaign across the continent. Danish intelligence expects that campaign to intensify and warns that the risk of limited attacks on NATO states, though low, is rising. Ukraine’s resilience is part of Europe’s defense. Supporting it is an investment in Europe’s own security. An in-depth analysis of the threat Russia poses to Europe beyond tanks and missiles: armyinform.com.ua/en/2026/10…
34
Today's green: a sight of spring. 🙃
2
29
338
They desperately need evacuation to safety but not this way. This gives russia thousands of civilian hostages as bargaining chips. Or they may never return.
Residents of Oleshky who want to evacuate to Ukrainian-controlled territory will first be taken to Crimea or russia, according to the Financial Times. President Zelenskyy previously warned that russia would try to arrange evacuation routes so that Ukrainians ultimately end up on russian territory. The occupying forces could then exploit this for propaganda, portraying the evacuation of Ukrainians as a voluntary decision to move to russia.
2
2
81
Ukrainian President Zelensky explains how he gave Washington three ways to end Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries. 1. An energy truce with Moscow, wherein Russia no longer strikes Ukraine's energy infrastructure. 2. Enable Starlink access over Russian ballistic missile launch sites. The White House said Musk refuses. 3. Supply Ukraine with Patriot interceptor missiles. The United States agreed to none of them, and restricted Starlink.
13
146
8
360
9,484
"So the real question is: are American interests being sacrificed for Russia-linked business interests?" I think we all can see the answer to that.
🚨🇺🇸 This may become one of the biggest political and corruption scandals in American history – directly connected to the Kremlin. According to The New York Times, a $25 billion Alaska gas project discussed in U.S.-Russia talks had alleged secret Russian financing and involved people connected to Trump’s circle. But if you look at the behavior of the White House from this perspective, the questions become even bigger. Intelligence support for Ukraine was disrupted, NATO and EU allies were attacked rhetorically, Putin was praised, and Starshield restrictions complicated Ukrainian operations. 🇺🇦 And if Musk is so concerned about Russian soldiers, there is a very simple solution: they can stay home in Russia and live. The moment they cross Ukraine’s internationally recognized border, Ukraine has every right to defend itself. So the real question is: are American interests being sacrificed for Russia-linked business interests? Share to spread the truth, tell me what you think in the comments, and subscribe to demonstrate your solidarity with Ukraine. 🔥💙💛 #StandWithUkraine #RussiaIsCollapsing #MakeRussiaSmallAgain #Ukraine
5
231
"This isn't about countries, this is the Trump family, Musk and Putin against global democracy."
More scenes from Kyiv overnight where Russians once again poured ballistic missiles onto the city, targeting university dormitories, killing people, injuring many, all in partnership with the White House that refuses to deliver air defenses that Europe paid for. This isn't about countries, this is the Trump family, Musk and Putin against global democracy.
4
265
Dr Trish Nicholson retweeted
Russia carried out a horrific ballistic missile strike on Kyiv overnight. Targets included a dormitory, a medical facility, residential buildings, the metro, a bridge and a gas station. This is pure state-sponsored terrorism. At least ten other regions of Ukraine also came under attack, with strikes mostly targeting energy infrastructure. People have been killed and injured across the country. Helping Russia break its international isolation while it refuses to stop its war is unacceptable. Putin is a murderer with blood on his hands. His place is in the dock in The Hague, not at international events.
46
303
19
679
24,954
This is wrong, a plan cooked up behind the scenes by trump and putin. It hasn't happened yet. They should just clear a road and let them leave. In occupied territories, saying you prefer Ukraine gets you tortured and shot.
Residents of Oleshky who want to evacuate to Ukrainian-controlled territory will first be taken to Crimea or russia, according to the Financial Times. President Zelenskyy previously warned that russia would try to arrange evacuation routes so that Ukrainians ultimately end up on russian territory. The occupying forces could then exploit this for propaganda, portraying the evacuation of Ukrainians as a voluntary decision to move to russia.
1
3
94
Dr Trish Nicholson retweeted
The word is a weapon! We continue to fight for the freedom of Ukraine; we continue to speak the truth. Truth possesses one unsurpassed quality: it does not fade with time—it will make itself heard even centuries later—though right now, it is extremely difficult for it to compete with tons of purchased Muscovite lies! Glory to #Ukraine! Thank you for being here, friends!🫶
22
132
7
334
2,307
Goodnight my friends 🙃Take care of each other.
1
2
30
305
"Helping Ukraine as it fights for its independence and against Russian occupation is not just the right thing to do; it’s also the pragmatic thing to do."
I highly recommend reading this article by Michael @McFaul. The former U.S. Ambassador to Russia makes a point I fully agree with: "Helping Ukraine as it fights for its independence and against Russian occupation is not just the right thing to do; it’s also the pragmatic thing to do. Let’s be realistic. Putin is not going to abandon his autocratic partners in China, Iran, and North Korea just because Trump offers him concessions. That is a naïve reading of Putin. He sees the United States as his enemy, no matter how many gifts he gets from Trump. By trying to appease Putin, Trump is also weakening America’s relationships with our democratic allies and partners in Europe. In this new era of great power competition with China and Russia, our democratic allies are America’s greatest comparative advantage. Together, the free world has far greater economic power and military strength than autocracies, and our democratic values and ideals have significantly more global appeal than those of autocracies. But Trump’s embrace of Putin and his abandonment of Ukraine are weakening these ties."
1
4
130
Dr Trish Nicholson retweeted
North Korea has moved artillery toward the border with South Korea in a provocative move. The armour carries the slogan “Annihilate the U.S. imperialist aggressors.” But worry not! Trump has a very good relationship with Kim. Very friendly.
BIG: North Korea has placed 122mm self-propelled howitzers in the open on the Kaepung County coast, about 1.5 km from South Korea’s Aegibong Observatory in Gimpo, with their barrels pointed south. The armour carries the slogan “Annihilate the U.S. imperialist aggressors.” North Korean soldiers nearby were seen drilling with red flags, and armoured vehicles and fence-building work were also observed. North Korea normally hides its artillery on reverse slopes or in bunkers. South Korean analysts say putting it in plain view is a deliberate show of force rather than a normal tactical deployment.
42
309
7
1,646
19,842
Rain? Yeah, nah. The forecast has reduced to 3mm but we won't get even that. See the dark, rainless area around that sticky-outy bit of land...we are at the base of it. The rain skirts around us - topography 😒 #weather @WeatherWatchNZ
3
1
15
278
Windy greetings on #thicktrunktuesday from one of our many Pohutukawa in #TheFiveAcreFoest. All those tan 'tendrils' are aerial roots making the most of humidity 🙃
2
3
33
370
Not a true 'pano' of course, but plenty of landscape in a river valley in Mongolia. #DailyPictureTheme - 'pano' (panorama)
Monday, 26th October Today's Daily Picture Theme is 'Pano' with our friends @PanoPhotos. Reply or RT with your own photo. Tomorrow's theme will be 'Autumn Magic' #DailyPictureTheme The Seven Sisters stone circle at Blarney Castle
2
2
25
349
Last week in Ukraine: 1,600 guided aerial bombs 48 missiles 2,300 attack drones
This past week alone, Russia has launched around 1,600 guided aerial bombs, 48 missiles of various types, including ballistic missiles, and nearly 2,300 attack drones against Ukraine. Unfortunately, almost every day, these brutal strikes leave people killed and injured. In the evening, Russian strikes on the Dnipro region killed four people. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Another 22 people were injured, including an 11-year-old girl. In Vinnytsia, a Russian drone struck a high-rise apartment building. Six people were injured. In Kharkiv, the Russians first struck a home improvement hypermarket and then carried out a cynical double-tap strike on the emergency services that arrived at the scene. First responders were injured. There were also strikes overnight on a thermal power plant, substations, coal mines, grain storage facilities, shopping malls, and a postal logistics hub. Damage has been reported in nine regions. This is how Russia responds to diplomacy and deisolation. And it is very important that support for those who protect lives not diminish alongside the negotiation process. We need to unblock the deliveries of Patriot interceptors already approved by European countries. We need to continue supporting Ukrainian combat aviation to defend against jet-powered “shaheds.” Every such defense package, especially ahead of winter, helps save lives. I thank all partners who provide this kind of support. @ZelenskyyUa
2
3
5
215
Dr Trish Nicholson retweeted
🫣 This is where we are now: Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, is calling on the President of the United States to assassinate President Zelenskyy. Medvedev posted: “The drug-addled Kiev loudmouth has taken a major grudge against Trump and is being downright disrespectful to him at every turn. So why, exactly, should the occupant of the Oval Office have any reason to like the twitchy little bloodsucker? Surely, it’s because he has: 1. Publicly backed senile Joe Biden, loud and clear, every step of the way. 2. Refused to hand Trump actual dirt on his election rival during the previous presidential campaign. 3. Pestered Trump like a fat green fly, rudely demanding money and weapons to keep the war against Russia going. 4. Manipulated European leaders, working day in and day out to turn them against Trump and his team. 5. Repeatedly told Trump and his aides to get lost whenever they floated proposals for negotiating an end to the conflict. 6. Given the American president the finger by refusing to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries, brushing aside Trump’s arguments that these strikes were affecting global fuel prices and the US economy just weeks before the election. 7. Through his reckless behavior, brought the United States and NATO to the brink of a global nuclear confrontation with Russia. 8. Shamelessly lined his own pockets with American taxpayer money, along with his cronies like the fugitive Mindich and the quietly sidelined Yermak — the same money that old Biden had so generously funneled to Kiev to keep the war going. And he kept dipping into the pot under Trump, too, taking whatever was left. 9. Cozied up to the Mexican drug cartels that Trump despises. These cartels sent their fighters to former Ukraine for training in drone warfare and paid the Kiev addict with money made from selling illegal drugs in the United States. 10. Instead of taking Washington’s position into account, resorted to blackmail, spinning horror stories about the consequences of Ukraine’s defeat for the entire West. In short, the Kiev scumbag regularly spits straight in the face of the US president, ignoring his demands and turning influential Americans (and not-so-influential Europeans) against him. To this festering green parasite, the president of the United States is a nobody. Which doesn’t stop him and his entire Nazi gang from repeatedly fleecing the Americans for enormous sums of money. So much for “he may be a son of a bitch, but he’s our son of a bitch.” What is Trump supposed to do with this one? American history itself offers a solution. All he has to do is summon the secretary of war and the CIA director and tell them to take care of this “unfortunate little problem.” After all, the man does far more damage to Trump’s real interests than all the fallout from Trump’s imaginary grievances against Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran combined. The how, where, and by what means are irrelevant.”
211
402
51
1,003
32,387
Some good news....
In Serbia, @avucic has conceded defeat. The Students’ List has won an absolute majority in the elections. Celebrations have begun in the streets across Serbia. Sound familiar?
1
6
238