Fire ban lifted, but please delay non-essential burning
• The Total Fire Ban has been lifted. All the Waikato region is now in Open Fire Season except for the Thames/Coromandel district which in in a Restricted Fire Season.
• The Open Fire Season now in place means that you can light fires in the open as long as they are safe and will not get out of control.
• However, Fire & Emergency NZ (Waikato) asks that you delay lighting non-essential fires until after we reach Level 2 of the current lockdown. This will avoid putting staff and volunteers at unnecessary risk of Covid-19 infection.
• If your fire will be large and may attract public attention with consequent 111 calls, please first inform the Fire Communication Centre ph. 09 486 7948 to reduce unnecessary Fire Brigade callouts.
• The Thames Coromandel District has been moved to a Restricted Fire Season, meaning that Fire Permits are required there before lighting outdoor fires.
• For more information, contact Paul Shaw, Principal Rural Fire Officer – Waikato Rural ph.: 027 284 8636 paul.shaw@fireandemergency.nz
Wild weather in the Waikato
The Waikato really copped it over the weekend, with wild weather leaving a hefty clean-up bill that may run into the millions.
While things are looking calmer in the days ahead, there are still plenty of slips and flooded roads across the district — so if you’re heading out, take it easy and stay alert.
We want to know: How did you and your whānau get on over the weekend?
Want to see what recovery will look like from here? The Waikato Times has the latest.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Ready to make the most of retirement?
From hobbies to adventures, there’s so much to enjoy!
- Explore new hobbies like gardening or painting
- Stay active with walking groups or cycling trails
- Learn something new with online courses or local classes
- Give back through volunteering or mentoring
Read the full article and take our fun quiz to find out which activities suit your personality best below!
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