Aranui, Christchurch

1020 days ago

VALENTINES AT RECROSS

Maree Brogan from Red Cross Shop Woolston

Redcross Woolston on Ferry Rd have got lots of gift ideas for your valentine. Stop in and have a look.
Mon - Fri 9-5. Sat 10-4. Sun 10-3 we’re right by Dominos.

1035 days ago

Covid-19: Older, vulnerable Kiwis urged to ‘hunker down’ when Omicron cases peak

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From reporter Cate Broughton:
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Older and vulnerable people are being encouraged to “hunker down” in their homes during the peak of the Omicron virus, by some health experts – but others say this isn’t necessary.

New Zealand epidemiologist Professor Tony … View more
From reporter Cate Broughton:
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Older and vulnerable people are being encouraged to “hunker down” in their homes during the peak of the Omicron virus, by some health experts – but others say this isn’t necessary.

New Zealand epidemiologist Professor Tony Blakely is based at Melbourne University and says he encouraged his nearly 80-year-old parents – who live in Rotorua – to stay at home when Omicron cases climb and the virus becomes endemic.

However, Cancer Society medical director Kate Gregory said there was not enough evidence to support giving this advice to cancer patients.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed there was community transmission of the Omicron variant in New Zealand.

The Ministry of Health on Monday reported confirmed Omicron cases in the Nelson-Tasman region, Auckland and Palmerston North.

Blakely said he talked to his parents about continuing their usual activities while using a N95 mask, but “hunkering down” when cases climbed.

“You probably do that for another 10 days until case numbers start to go up in Rotorua, and then you really hunker down. So that’s what we’ve talked about.”

Blakely said “the maths of an epidemic” meant up to half of the population was likely to get infected with Omicron.

“The trick is to make sure the people who get infected are the young ones. So you accept that. You accept there will be hospitalisations associated with that.

But to minimise the hospitalisations, the mortality and morbidity – a bit like trench warfare – you send over the young ones, and you hunker down the oldies and those with co-morbidities.”

Blakely said his parents, who are double vaccinated and have had their booster, had already decided to stay at home when cases climbed.

But he said it was hard to say how long this period should last.

New Zealand’s traffic light setting of red – the highest level of restrictions under the traffic light system –would help to slow the spread of Omicron, and protect essential services from being overwhelmed, but this would also mean the peak of the virus would last longer, Blakely said.

“Here’s the deep irony, the better New Zealanders are at flattening the curve, the longer the hunker down will be.”

Blakely acknowledged prolonged periods of isolation for the elderly and vulnerable could have significant mental health impacts.

In Australia, Omicron has taken a huge toll on the aged-care sector with hundreds of outbreaks in aged care homes. But some families have said the lockdowns were overly cautious and too hard on the elderly residents, most of whom were fully vaccinated.

Wellington GP and Royal New Zealand College of General Practice (RNZCGPs) medical director Bryan Betty said the Australian experience of Omicron showed it could peak for as long as four to six weeks.

Betty said most people – including fit older people – would experience a mild to moderate illness, if infected.

“However, the caveat on this is ... we know the biggest risk factor for a poorer outcome from Covid is age, the elderly population in particular are vulnerable to a poorer outcome with Covid.”

Betty said it would be good for older people to consider staying home, with some support from friends and family, “as the case numbers rise” in the community.

Cancer Society medical director Kate Gregory said there was not enough evidence to date to support advising patients to stay home, but this could change “if we see much higher numbers”.

“If, in a week’s time we are seeing thousands and thousands of cases we may be advising people differently. I think the reassuring thing we’ve seen is that Omicron doesn’t seem to cause such severe disease and we know the vaccine provides very good protection.”

Gregory said for cancer patients the best defence is to be vaccinated and for the people in their households to be vaccinated.”

She said in her experience a “vast majority” of cancer patients had received two doses of Covid-19 vaccine, many with a third primary dose.

“It’s a frightening time, and especially for those who are more vulnerable.

"I think as long as people have the vaccine, wear the mask, do the hand-washing and get tested promptly, I think that’s probably fine. At the moment, that’s the advice we’re giving our patients.”

1021 days ago

Seniors Newsletter

Office for Seniors

Our February Seniors newsletter is out now. In this issue we announce our Age friendly fund successful recipients, shine a light on the those nominated for the New Years Honours for Services to Seniors and much more. Check it out here: mailchi.mp...

1021 days ago

Poll: You be the (photographic) judge!

Ashleigh from Neighbourly.co.nz

Kia ora Aotearoa. Stuff has just finished their annual Summer Snaps competition and we’re thrilled to announce that you'll be the judge of the People and Communities photograph category.

The entries in this category have been shortlisted and we now have five brilliantly captured … View more
Kia ora Aotearoa. Stuff has just finished their annual Summer Snaps competition and we’re thrilled to announce that you'll be the judge of the People and Communities photograph category.

The entries in this category have been shortlisted and we now have five brilliantly captured photographs to battle it out. There's a camera up for grabs for our talented photographers, and it's up to you to choose who takes the crown...and the Canon EOS!

Cast your vote in the poll below before 12pm, 11 February.

You be the (photographic) judge!
  • 53.5% Finalist 1: Full Moon
    53.5% Complete
  • 14.8% Finalist 2: Girl's Camp
    14.8% Complete
  • 11.4% Finalist 3: First Ride in a Steam Train
    11.4% Complete
  • 16.2% Finalist 4: Grandparents at Sunset
    16.2% Complete
  • 1.9% Finalist 5: Brass Band
    1.9% Complete
  • 2.1% Finalist 6: Street Walk
    2.1% Complete
1268 votes
1022 days ago

Hot dry summer raised wildfire risk awareness

Climate Insights

Peri-urban areas can be described as the landscape interface between town and country or the rural-urban transition zone where urban and rural areas mix.

The probability of wildfire is driven by the amount and dryness of fuel, ambient weather and ignitions. Dry weather exacerbates wildfire risk… View more
Peri-urban areas can be described as the landscape interface between town and country or the rural-urban transition zone where urban and rural areas mix.

The probability of wildfire is driven by the amount and dryness of fuel, ambient weather and ignitions. Dry weather exacerbates wildfire risk in this zone and could significantly impact your property! With one of New Zealand’s hottest and driest summers, discover your property’s fire risk and what you can do to reduce it.

We can produce personalised reports for any house on the planet!

Click here to get your property report: https://property-climate-risk-report.co.nz/
Know more

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1027 days ago

Covid Vaccine hidden costs...

Marcos from Wainoni

NZ Government Paid US$25.50, Israel was reported to have spent US$23.50 per dose. The United States and the European Union both spent less than US$20 per dose for the initial rollout but are now paying around US$24.
NZ Government refuse to inform the cost but the prices that numerous other … View more
NZ Government Paid US$25.50, Israel was reported to have spent US$23.50 per dose. The United States and the European Union both spent less than US$20 per dose for the initial rollout but are now paying around US$24.
NZ Government refuse to inform the cost but the prices that numerous other countries paid for their vaccines are publicly available and there is no evidence that these countries experienced any retribution as a result of the release.

www.msn.com...

1023 days ago

Addictive Eaters Anonymous

The Team from Addictive Eaters Anonymous - Christchurch

A Life Beyond Food and Addiction

I don’t remember being obsessed with food when I was very young, the way I was to become. I remember starting to eat at any opportunity I could get. I would arrive home early at meal times to check what was in the pans. Saturday afternoons were spent baking, … View more
A Life Beyond Food and Addiction

I don’t remember being obsessed with food when I was very young, the way I was to become. I remember starting to eat at any opportunity I could get. I would arrive home early at meal times to check what was in the pans. Saturday afternoons were spent baking, while my friends were out shopping. I went on to develop a love for raw cake batter and butter icing and I would make it up when I was desperate for food. Once I started getting money, I would buy sweets and secretly eat them. Meal times were awful, I never felt fulfilled.

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1023 days ago

Treat yourself or someone you care about this Valentines Day

Stuff

Purchase a six month subscription to the Sunday Star-Times for $102 and get a free $100 Interflora e-voucher. Terms and conditions apply. Subscribe Now

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1038 days ago

TRAMPOLINE - 'IN' MY LOUNGE' !

Carolyn Faye from Linwood

For Xmas , (new) neighbors bought their children a trampoline which they placed near the border fence only a metre from our lounge/living space kitchen. A great gift for children, but a nightmare for us. Their section is not huge so anywhere on that section would be noisy. Children's … View moreFor Xmas , (new) neighbors bought their children a trampoline which they placed near the border fence only a metre from our lounge/living space kitchen. A great gift for children, but a nightmare for us. Their section is not huge so anywhere on that section would be noisy. Children's noises are one thing but noisy play equipment is another. Our home is no longer a place of Peace and Rest, with the continual 'bounce' , 'bounce' any time , morning, noon, evening. Even when quiet, one is in a state of anxiety not knowing when the next bounce will continue again. Myself and friends and boarder are mainly elderly so are more acutely in need of rest and quiet. Any ideas would be appreciated.

1025 days ago

Garage Sale Moving house 122 Bordesley Street, Phillipstown

Daniel from Phillipstown

Garage Sale. Lot's of Stuff. Kitchen utensils and appliances, furniture, bed, garden tools, plants, Lawn mower, 18 Chooks lay every second day, Chicken tractors, chook house, garage items, plants, pots, old stuff, collectors items, Shindaiwa and echo trimmers for parts, men's and womens … View moreGarage Sale. Lot's of Stuff. Kitchen utensils and appliances, furniture, bed, garden tools, plants, Lawn mower, 18 Chooks lay every second day, Chicken tractors, chook house, garage items, plants, pots, old stuff, collectors items, Shindaiwa and echo trimmers for parts, men's and womens clothes shoes, kids shoes, books, chainsaw and much more we will list soon, Pics coming. 122 Bordesley Street in Philipstown corner of Harrow and Bordesley Street From 7am Saturday 12th February. Moving home, lots more Stuff must sell make an offer.

Negotiable

1025 days ago

WAITANGI WEEKEND HOURS

Maree Brogan from Red Cross Shop Woolston

Redcross Woolston are open Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 10-3
We are CLOSED Monday 7th for Waitangi Day.
We are open again Tuesday 8th 9-5.
Have a good weekend everyone. 😊

1026 days ago

Coming on four years of chlorinating our waters

James from Parklands - Marshlands

Can you believe it has been four years since council decided as a precaution to chlorinate our water while they do the project of raising the well heads around Christchurch? The project is done, yet the chlorinating of our water hasn't.

Have you noticed your health suffering over the years… View more
Can you believe it has been four years since council decided as a precaution to chlorinate our water while they do the project of raising the well heads around Christchurch? The project is done, yet the chlorinating of our water hasn't.

Have you noticed your health suffering over the years since they started chlorinating the water?

> Itchy and dry skin,
> watery eyes in the morning,
> some time sharp milky yellow shards and other times acidic eye sleep,
> dehydration headaches even though you have drunk plenty of water,
> problems with stomach digestion, stomach pains, and soft stool,
> either new onset asthma or stronger more frequent asthma,
> feel like you are drinking pool water or just step out of a pool,

Well, then you likely are suffering from sensitivity now due to the chlorine and chloramine that has been added to our water supply. The argument that has been used around the world is that chlorine kills bad bacteria in water. The reality is it kills all bacteria, good, bad, it is indiscriminate and ingesting the water means you are damaging the good bacteria in your gut. The long term consequences can be mental fogginess, allergic reactions to things that used to not both you, skin problems, and a raft of other long term health problems.

I am the canary in a coal mine since I have a VP shunt which means my spinal fluid is drained and replenished from the water I drink every couple days, this means when I drink the chlorinated water, wash my hands, take a shower (which is effectively drinking 8-10 glasses of water), it results in a slow chemical burn in my brain (think bad rope burn, but over every inch of your head). It may affect me worse, but I am only one voice and I am sure these other symptoms are being felt throughout Christchurch.

The Ministry of Health has gotten out of the drinking water regulation game this last year and transferred it to Taumata Arowai. This has given us an opportunity to get our voices heard and to discuss what we want and expect in our drinking water. If you have noticed an effect, had to get a water filtration/purification system, or simply not want to keep on adding chemicals to our drinking water for generations to come, now is the time to let our voices be heard.

Click on the Public Comment link for hinekorako.taumataarowai.govt.nz...

To express your issues and concerns.

1028 days ago

Is Hokitika the friendliest town in NZ?

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi everyone,
Hokitika has been named the most welcoming town in NZ in Booking.com's 10th annual Traveller Review Awards.
Would be keen to hear from those who live there or who have visited whether they think the town really is exceptionally friendly. What makes it a welcoming place, or … View more
Hi everyone,
Hokitika has been named the most welcoming town in NZ in Booking.com's 10th annual Traveller Review Awards.
Would be keen to hear from those who live there or who have visited whether they think the town really is exceptionally friendly. What makes it a welcoming place, or otherwise? Were there any cafes, restaurants, shops or other places you received a particularly warm welcome?
Lake Tekapo and Oamaru came in second and third place respectively, followed by Cambridge, Picton, Invercargill, Martinborough, Kerikeri and Palmerston North. Would also love to hear from you if you have thoughts on these places. Please include 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you don't want it to appear in a travel article.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts?

P
1028 days ago

Bookkeeping Services

Pip from Shirley

Do you need help with your accounts and administration work?
With over 20 year’s experience with accounts payable, receivable, wages, GST etc, let me do your day to day admin.
No business to small.

If I can be of assistance please email me
accounts@mbarry.co.nz

1028 days ago

Welcome to the year of the Tiger!

The Team from NZ Compare

The Tiger represents bravery and strength, so this Lunar New Year, we’d like to offer you the chance to WIN 1 of 3 $50 Prezzy Cards, to spend at your local café, takeaway or restaurant!

Our locals have been doing it tough but remaining resilient, brave and strong through the last year. … View more
The Tiger represents bravery and strength, so this Lunar New Year, we’d like to offer you the chance to WIN 1 of 3 $50 Prezzy Cards, to spend at your local café, takeaway or restaurant!

Our locals have been doing it tough but remaining resilient, brave and strong through the last year. Let's go show them some love Neighbours!

Click 'read more' below to head over to the NZ Compare Facebook page and leave a comment on our Lunar Post telling us what awesome local you'd support if you won.

We hope this Chinese New Year will be filled with happiness, prosperity, and many precious moments with your loved ones.

Entries close midnight 8th February 2022.

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