Covid Level 4 Poem
Covid Level 4 - Poem by Adrian Mee
In Covid Level 4 lock down
We’re told we’re not to roam
So stop that galivanting around
And stay the heck at home
We’re trying to stop a virus
Nasty to its core
So just turn on the telly
And shut the flaming door
If the day is sunny
Feel free to have a stroll
Take someone from your bubble
As you do your dawn patrol
You can even greet a stranger
If you stay eight feet apart
If they encroach upon your 2 metres
Just drop a silent fart
Unless you’re an essential worker
Healthcare, supermarket, or truck driver
Then stay inside, safe and warm
Ensure you are a survivor
Have a walk, a run, a bike
Take your flaming pick
If you stray outside your bubble
You’ll confirm that you are thick
You should stay close to home
Don’t head into the hills
For, hunting, fishing, tramping
Aren’t the way to get your thrills
Don’t put other’s lives at risk
By heading out on the water
Stay on land, close to home
You know you really oughta
You can head to the supermarket
But please just be smart
No mountainous piles of bog roll
Spilling from your cart
If we all observe the rules
We’ll support our healthcare workers
So stay at home and do your bit
We’ve got no time for shirkers
Travellers back from overseas
Are questioned at the border
Off they go to MIQ
Quarantine is now the order
Australia, UK and USA
Are struggling in their fight
Now is the time to think of others
And get this battle right
Leaders of other countries
Trump, Johnson and ScoMo
Had struggled with decisions
Clearly reacted far too slow
Ashley Bloomfield and Jacinda
Have been our leaders in this fight
The underlying message
Just do this, we’ll be alright
So please do this for each other
Don’t break the lock down rules
We’re all in this together
We’ve got no time for fools
House fire causing road closures
Pages Road is closed this afternoon from Breezes Road, this is due to a house that has caught fire in the area.
Coastal Ward Community Board member, Alex Hewison, shared the closure on a local Facebook page.
Fire and Emergency are at the scene but further details have not been shared at this stage.
Avoid the area where possible.
Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89% Yes, it's fair
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10.1% No, it's unreasonable
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0.9% Other - I'll share below
Have your say on Canterbury’s public transport
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Canterbury residents are being encouraged to have their say on public transport in the region.
Environment Canterbury has released its draft public transport plan and is seeking submissions.
The draft plan outlines a vision for public transport in the region and notes key priorities such as improving the environment, growing patronage, accessibility, innovation and technology, and affordability.
‘‘Public transport takes many forms with communities across our region,’’ councillor Peter Scott said.
‘‘With limited funding available, we need to make sure we make the best decisions to deliver a public transport network that is integrated with urban development, innovative and meets the needs of new and existing customers.
‘‘Effective public transport is the lifeline that connects us to work, school, recreation and our friends and family, so it is important we get this right.’’
The Canterbury’s population is growing and by 2050, it is projected 700,000 people will be living in Greater Christchurch.
The draft plan covers public transport for the region, which includes the Metro service (Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri), MyWay by Metro in Timaru, Total Mobility and Community Vehicle Trusts.
It was developed in partnership with local councils and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Environment Canterbury has been planning to step up its public transport efforts by increasing the frequency of existing services and introducing mass rapid transport in Greater Christchurch.
But these plans have been stalled by a lack of public transport funding in the Government’s 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme.
A proposal to allow people to travel with domestic pets is also included in the draft plan.
Having pets on buses has been successfully trial in other parts of New Zealand, councillor Joe Davies said.
‘‘We’re keen to understand what controls are needed for our bus users in Greater Christchurch and Timaru to be comfortable with pets on public transport.
It is proposed to allow adult passengers to bring a single pet on board, as long it is in an approved carrier at off-peak times, weekdays between 9am and 3pm or after 6pm, and during weekends.
Another proposal would loosen those restrictions in future to allow for leashed and muzzled dogs and increasing the limit to two pets per passenger.
‘‘We want to gauge how people feel about these proposals. Now is the time to have your say,’’ Davies said.
Submissions close on Thursday, October 24.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.