High risk of wildfires
Fire and Emergency NZ are asking residents in Manawatu-Whanganui to check on historic fires within the past month and ensure these are fully extinguished.
Community Risk Manager Kerry O’Keefe shares that several large wildfires have started recently due to strong winds reigniting old fires.
To check these historic fires, residents are asked to dig it up, pour water over it and use the back of your hand to check there is no heat left.
"Check the fire danger and weather forecast. If there is high or extreme fire danger, or it’s hot and windy - please don’t light a fire. In these conditions, it’s too risky that your fire could spread and get out of control," Kerry says.
"Let’s all do our part to prevent a wildfire, and keep our firefighters from attending an avoidable callout."
Before lighting any further fires in the Manawatu-Whanganui area, check the conditions by heading to www.checkitsalright.nz...
A reminder this hunting season
As thousands of hunters are making their plans for autumn – the Roar – recreational firearms groups are urging hunters to always be 100% sure of their targets.
Te Tari Pureke - Firearms Safety Authority NZ, which chairs the Recreational Firearms Users Group, has begun a public information campaign reminding hunters everywhere of Rule #4 of the Firearms Safety Code: to identify their target beyond all doubt.
Director Communities and Corporate, Mike McIlraith, says there is an estimated 50,000-60,000 New Zealanders involved in big game animal hunting each year, and the Roar is the key event for many hunters each year.
“The Roar is a fantastic time of year for hunters to get out into the hills after a trophy animal but hunting safely and making sure everyone gets home in one piece, still must be the most important goal of every trip,” says Mike McIlraith.
“The consequences of not fully identifying your target beyond all doubt can be catastrophic. Our message to hunters is a really simple one: If you are not sure, then don’t shoot.”
Mike McIlraith says while hunting fatalities are thankfully rare, research has shown that misidentification of the target is the largest firearms related risk to New Zealand deer hunters, and 80% of the time this involves members of the same hunting group.
The Authority says hunters should not feel pressured to take a shot: “Instead, hunters should take the time to analyse their target, wait and see if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how many points does its antlers have? Identifying your target means never firing at sound, shape, colour or movement alone.”
Mike McIlraith says good hunters will slow down, and run through some simple mental checks:
- Can I see the whole animal, or could this be another hunter?
- Where are my hunting companions – could this be them or someone else?
- How much of the animal can you see, if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how - many points does its antlers have?
“Taking a little extra time to identify your target and check the firing zone is the key to safer hunting. No meat or no trophy is better than no mate,” he says.
Builder/Handyperson
Hi Neighbourly Community.
We would like reccomendations for a Builder/Handyperson who is Palmerston North based please.
We need a conservatory floor replaced, soakers installed on weatherboards and other odd jobs please. We do not need lawnmowing/tree trimming or gardening thankyou.
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.5% Inside!
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23.5% On top!
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