"Covid-19 coronavirus: Experts give Halloween the trick-or-treat of approval."

"Halloween has been given the all-clear by Covid-19 experts, however, trick-or-treaters are being urged to wash their hands often and keep a record of where they go.

Professor David Hayman, of Massey University, said it might pay to let children know ahead of Halloween if they're unwell they won't be able to participate.

He says parents should keep track of which houses children visit for trick-or-treating and to wash their hands regularly.

Mt Eden resident Liz McCarthy-Edwards is elated Halloween can go ahead.

'On our street, Burnley Tce in Mt Eden, we have hundreds of kids and they're like locusts. It creates a wonderful community vibe on our street.'

The Ministry of Health has no issues with Halloween this year either, however, director of public health Dr Caroline McElnay would like people to take a precautionary approach towards celebrations.

'Additionally, if people are not comfortable with people coming on to their property, they should also put a sign out,' McElnay said.

University of Otago epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker said he sees nothing wrong with people celebrating Halloween at alert level 1.

'Everybody has been in their bubbles, this is a chance to get out and reconnect with people.' "

Full article here, folks: tinyurl.com...

🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃

More messages from your neighbours

2 hours ago

Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.

A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/

Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.

• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.

• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.

• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.

Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.

Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.

14 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.