Vanessa gonerilla gonerilla

The New Zealand red admiral. This one led me on a frantic chase, teasing me by settling close by, then veering away as I raised my camera. I would race off after it, only to see it circle back in the opposite direction. But eventually it stopped for a breather, and I was ready.

The threatened severe gale so far has been an ordinary gusty nor'wester, though the lines on the weather map look like a thumbprint. I hope that it is no worse in other parts of Inland Canterbury.