Almost had me there!: April Fools Day and the risk of fake news

Scrolling through social media today has left several people scratching their heads in confusion and shock, as April Fools Day jokes trickle in.

It began when the University of Waikato found the fossilised remains of a previously unknown dinosaur species: the Waikatoraptor Aquaticus, believed to walk the earth 85 million years ago. 

Then suddenly, Tasman District Council joked Moturoa Rabbit Island was sold to new owners as part of a regional fundraising scheme (and thankfully the rabbits themselves would not be included), but residents were asked to remove all picnic items, horses, bikes and emotional attachments.

Rotorua got on board, with the Council’s aquatic compliance coordinator Finn Waters saying all locally owned goldfish had to now be formally registered. The process requires a payment of one shiny seashell and a passport‑sized photo.

The public announcements came in droves - KFC launched a new carrot line and Marlborough unveiled a waterway roundabout to help with vessel movement efficiency.

Jetstar launched a new reclined seating plan to end the airplane debate, only they would be angled forward. But worry not, New World now has self driving trolleys!

Hamilton Airport introduced Emotional Support Sheep as a new wellbeing initiative and even mega-company Dyson joked about releasing an entire line of products for pets.

But controversy struck, when Nelson’s Mayor and Deputy were found by local media tampering with government equipment by shining a torch into the heliograph to boost the region’s sunshine hours.

People were able to make light of tougher situations too, often focusing on the rising costs of petrol and diesel. 

Greytown’s Volunteer Fire Brigade joined in, going public with its plans to monitor the local council’s installation of two large 50,000 litre fuel bladders. The two entities hoped to help the Wairarapa district overcome the struggles of fuel shortages. 

However Timaru’s trade service provider, the Todd Mudie Group, decided to take matters into its own hands, doing a complete overhaul and turning it into TMG Fuel, selling diesel starting from $1.39.

April Fools Day serves as both a moment to break away from the seriousness of everyday life, but also provides an important reminder to check the source and the facts before believing things online. Or maybe even the date.