đ˘Faults in the 'new' R.A.T.s testing systemđ˘
So, round and round we go, where it stops, nobody knows.
And boy with this new testing system, ain't that the damn truth?
So, the public shouted long and hard for this system and now weâve got it.
Yes the positives are instant results (sort of) and no more long queues to get tested or long(ish) waits for the results from the PCR testing â yippee!!
Sadly, the negatives are outnumbering the positives in this race.
đ¸First. Who the heck can afford to keep on buying the test kits, especially if you are required to do it weekly or in this round of the virus, almost daily?
Why should we be paying for them with this economic disaster happening all around us?
The lower income families sure as heck canât afford this and do they keep on going down to the testing station for free tests and if so, when will they be cut off?
How do they get to the testing station with the price of petrol now, in fact how can any of us afford to drive down there now?
đ¸Second. Itâs now out in Tik-Tok land on how to cheat the system using these tests, especially for those little darlings who want a few days off school
đ¸Third. Who is going to monitor that the person who needs to be tested is actually taking the test? Whatâs to stop them from asking one of their âpositiveâ mates to do the test for them?
đ¸Forth. Once youâve done the test, you are required to record your results on the âMy Covid Record Healthâ site or via phone. Hereâs where itâs become an honesty box scenario now, thus easy to cheat, lie or not even record the result.
All you need to do is click on âReport a Test Resultâ once youâve logged in. Click who you are reporting the result for i.e. Myself or Someone else, add mobile number and then click positive or negative. THATâS IT!!!
And these are just four faults. The list is longer.
So tell me how can that be monitored properly to avoid all these discrepancies?
How can they prove that you took the test?
How can we be sure that all of these thousands of positive results are in fact accurate?
Is someone selling their ânegativeâ nasal cavities for those wanting a negative result?
Do I trust this new testing system? NO!!!
When PCR testing was the option, I knew that the super hard working people in the labs and the testers themselves, were over worked and overwhelmed by the large numbers; but this new testing system has more faults than we could even begin to dream about.
I know the PCR system is an uncomfortable one, long queues etc⌠but I trust that test 100% more than these R.A.T.s.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldnât be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and MÄori.
HÄŤkoi mĹ te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape RÄinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, WhangÄrei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hÄŤkoi is due to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge about 9.30am on Wednesday. Two northbound lanes will be closed at some point before the crossing, and remain closed during it.
- NZTA shared at 8:50am Wednesday:
'Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed shortly, with two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge expected to close from approx 9.30am this morning. Allow extra time for likely delays through this area.'
- The hÄŤkoi is expected to go across the Harbour Bridge, in a controlled fashion before marching through parts of the CBD towards Okahu Bay.
- Auckland commuters should expect traffic disruption in vicinity of both sides of the Harbour Bridge.
Stuff reporter Steve Kilgallon was at Stafford Park on the north side of the Harbour Bridge at 8.30am Wednesday and shared:
"I just walked through Stafford Park, where thereâs about 400-500 people quietly assembled and more arriving; and about 20 police standing over near the motorway off ramp. Lot of Tino Rangatira flags in evidence, local streets very busy with parked cars."
Police have shared that they will respond accordingly to any issues that may arise along the route.