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Queen’s Birthday advice for South Island drivers
The NZ Transport Agency is encouraging people in the South Island who are heading away for the long weekend, to plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
The Transport Agency has set up a traffic hot spot map, showing the areas which are the traditional long weekend congestion points, as well as predicted peak times.
Important tips from NZTA:
- Bear in mind localised events and winter conditions
- Allow extra time as weather and road conditions can change in a relatively short period of time at this time of year
- Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving and stocked with food, water and blankets in case of any delays.
- Central Otago drivers: The Brass Monkey Rally, Idaburn Dam, Oturehua: Please take care whether you are in a car or on a motorbike with many more motorcyclists using the highways leading to and from Idaburn Dam this long weekend.
Check the latest weather conditions and warnings here:
- Keep updated with - Metservice's weather updates.
- Motorists can get real-time information from 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)
- Follow traffic updates at the NZTA website.
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Have your shopping habits changed?
Nelson retailers say sales have hit a worrying low, prompting them to cut staff numbers and tighten their belts. A street stall vendor told council that as well as the cost of living crisis, shopping patterns had changed, with more people making purchases online from places like Temu. Do you still head into town to buy essentials? Or are you hitting the internet?
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Best medical alarms
Do you feel less steady on your feet than you used to be, or perhaps have already experienced a fall or seizure? If so, a medical alarm can help you regain your independence and confidence.
If you have a medical emergency or fall, just press the button on your personal medical alarm and speak to an operator through the built-in speaker. If you can’t speak, an ambulance will be dispatched immediately.
There are a number of different medical alarm options available in New Zealand, so you will be able to find one that suits your needs.
Click read more for the full article.
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Update your Covid protection
It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free and recommended for you and many others as long as you haven’t had the vaccine, or Covid, in the last 6 months.
To book your vaccination, go to BookMyVaccine.nz or talk to your healthcare provider.
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