Christchurch terror attacks: What you need to know
A terror attack in Christchurch on Friday has left 49 people dead and dozens seriously injured. Here's the latest you need to know about how this is affecting the city.
UPDATE Tuesday 4.20pm:
**Most sport to go ahead
**
Most sport and planned events will be going ahead as usual this weekend.
People should check their regional sports organisation’s website for any draw updates. People should be aware there may still be some cordons in place so allow plenty to time to get to your game.
Primary school sports that usually take place on South Hagley Park on Friday afternoon maybe cancelled if road cordons are not lifted prior. Schools will be advised directly by Primary School Sports about cancellation.
Secondary school sports that usually take place on South Hagley Park on Wednesday afternoon will be transferred to North Hagley Park.
People may notice an increased police presence at events and places linked to Friday’s tragedy. They are there to provide reassurance to the public.
UPDATE Tuesday 2.30pm:
**Victim Support fund raises over $6m
**
Victim Support has now received over $6 million through its online Givealittle campaign, launched in support of victims affected by Friday’s shootings in Christchurch.
"This is an unprecedented fundraising response to an unprecedented tragedy in New Zealand and we thank everybody who has donated,” said Victim Support Chief Executive Kevin Tso.
"The amount we have raised is overwhelming and reflects the tragedy’s widespread ripple effect and the human desire to help others in need. New Zealand and the world are in mourning.”
UPDATE Tuesday 2.05pm:
**Beware of scammers seeking donations
**
Vodafone, Spark, Vocus and 2degrees are warning all customers to be cautious of scammers looking to take advantage of Kiwi generosity and benefit from the Christchurch terror attack through fraudulent donations.
There have been multiple incidents of fake donation websites, social media requests, phishing emails, calls, txts and door-to-door solicitations. To ensure donations make it to the intended victims, please take the advice of CERT NZ, the government agency that oversees cybersecurity, and donate directly on registered charity or bank websites, rather than using links in emails or on social media.UPDATE Tuesday 10am:
A Remember Those Who Lost Their Lives 15-3-19 vigil will be held in North Hagley Park on Sunday night between 5 and 7pm.
Christchurch City Council is helping the organisers of this event by offering assistance with traffic management, security, portaloos, lighting and signage.
UPDATE Tuesday 7.25am:
Road closures still in place
The road closures put in place after Friday's terror attack remain in place this morning. Be prepared for delays when travelling in and around the city. The key areas to expect some delays when travelling around are:
- Linwood/Eastgate
- Deans Avenue
- Hospital Corner
**Support and help**
Donations are being accepted for The Christchurch Foundation's Our People, Our City Fund at most banks or by bank transfer to the following bank account: The Christchurch Foundation 15-3976-0091104-80.
The foundation will work with Muslim communities to distribute the fund.
Anyone wanting to offer practical assistance to those affected by Friday’s tragedy can call the Council Contact Centre on 941-8999 (or 0800 800 169) or email info@ccc.govt.nz. Staff will record all offers of assistance and forward them to the appropriate agencies.
People needing mental well-being support or advice can call or text 1737 anytime day or night to talk to a trained counsellor.
ACC is offering financial support to those who have been injured or have lost a loved one in Friday's mosque shootings. You can find details on how to access ACC's financial support on their website.
UPDATE Monday 5.15pm:
Traffic is heavy along Rolleston Avenue as many people visit the site by the Botanic Gardens where people are leaving flowers, and messages of support for the Muslim community.
Aldwins Road is also experiencing more traffic and motorists need to be prepared for delays.
Meanwhile, Ruru Road is currently closed between Hay Street and Maces Road.
UPDATE Monday 4.20pm
Community gathering planned
A community-driven event is planned for North Hagley Park this Saturday. The Christchurch March for Love is planned for 10am. Organised by Christchurch students, the march aims to bring people together to show their love in a time of great adversity.
If you plan to attend this event, please check the Facebook page for updates.
Poll: Should employees be able to work from home?
At the post-Cabinet press conference, the National Party asserted they want public sector staff to return to the office. This has opened a conversation about other sectors in New Zealand who have adopted working from home (WFH).
Where possible, do you think employees should be able to work from home? Vote below and share your thoughts in the comments.
-
72% Yes
-
25% No
-
3% 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.
Riddle me this: Neighbourly edition!
What type of cheese is made backwards?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Loading…
