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Ali Campbell, 12, enjoys walking along Orewa Beach with her pet goat, Quinn.
With the significant increase in Group W meningococcal disease in Northland the public are urged to boost their knowledge of the meningococcal disease to ensure those with possible symptoms seek swift medical attention.
“This MenW strain is associated with high mortality rates and can affect … View moreWith the significant increase in Group W meningococcal disease in Northland the public are urged to boost their knowledge of the meningococcal disease to ensure those with possible symptoms seek swift medical attention.
“This MenW strain is associated with high mortality rates and can affect all age groups.
Northland has been the worst affected, with seven cases so far this year, sadly including three deaths,” said Medical Officer of Health Dr José M Ortega.
“It can be difficult to diagnose because it can look like other illnesses. It spreads through close intimate contact with other people. Those who live and sleep in the same house as someone with Meningococcal disease are most at risk.”
“The key message is "if your child or family member is sick take them to the doctor".
Meningococcal disease can progress very quickly and may initially appear as a flu-like illness.
If you notice any of the symptoms or have any other concerns, contact your doctor without delay – or call Healthline free on 0800 611 116 at any hour of the day or night, even if you have already been seen by a health professional.
GPs and emergency departments nationwide have been asked to boost their vigilance for people seeking medical help with possible symptoms of meningococcal disease. This week, the Ministry of Health has warned all GPs and emergency departments about concerns over the rising numbers of cases in New … View moreGPs and emergency departments nationwide have been asked to boost their vigilance for people seeking medical help with possible symptoms of meningococcal disease. This week, the Ministry of Health has warned all GPs and emergency departments about concerns over the rising numbers of cases in New Zealand and the need to give antibiotics without delay if the potentially-fatal disease was suspected. Read more
It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease because it can develop very quickly. It can be treated with antibiotics, but early treatment is very important. Learn about the symptoms here
Last Friday, WDC accepted a revised policy that will see more public spaces in the district become smoke-free. This will include public spaces in the city centre by the end of 2019 and all public spaces owned by WDC by May 2020. All beaches will be promoted as smoke-free by 2020. The policy … View moreLast Friday, WDC accepted a revised policy that will see more public spaces in the district become smoke-free. This will include public spaces in the city centre by the end of 2019 and all public spaces owned by WDC by May 2020. All beaches will be promoted as smoke-free by 2020. The policy includes vape -free. The policy is not aimed at punishing people that smoke just asking them not to smoke in particular areas.
What do you think? If you do not wish your comments to be used in print please put NFP after your comment.
Hello again! Sam and Cissy here, your Neighbours Day Aotearoa coordinators. It's been an amazing couple of weeks, as we gear up for our Neighbours of New Zealand Road Trip. Thank you so much to everyone who dropped us a line, sent a message, or commented on facebook - we so appreciate it! We … View moreHello again! Sam and Cissy here, your Neighbours Day Aotearoa coordinators. It's been an amazing couple of weeks, as we gear up for our Neighbours of New Zealand Road Trip. Thank you so much to everyone who dropped us a line, sent a message, or commented on facebook - we so appreciate it! We were absolutely inundated with offers - and we're SO SORRY if we've missed anyone, or haven't gotten back to you - please get in touch again - email me - sam@neighboursday.org.nz.
Road Trip Itinerary - neighboursday.org.nz...
We're hitting the road in the lead up to our 10th celebration of Neighbours Day Aotearoa. As we drive across the country we’ll be running workshops and reaching out to meet people who are working to create great neighbourhoods across New Zealand. These interactive workshops are for anyone planning a Neighbours Day Event, or supporting other people.
Come along, share ideas, and get the support you need to put on a great Neighbours Day Aotearoa event!
Check out our Road Trip page for a list of our confirmed destinations and scheduled workshops, be sure to check back soon as we confirm further workshops. Also! Don't forget to follow us on Facebook to follow our facebook live updates as we hit the road!
Start your engines! www.youtube.com...
Hi neighbours,
Is it time to ban the private sale of fireworks in favour of public displays only? Or is Guy Fawkes just a bit of flammable fun?
Would you like to see tighter restrictions on fireworks or are you a sparkler fiend who sees no problem with celebrating safely at home?
We want to know… View moreHi neighbours,
Is it time to ban the private sale of fireworks in favour of public displays only? Or is Guy Fawkes just a bit of flammable fun?
Would you like to see tighter restrictions on fireworks or are you a sparkler fiend who sees no problem with celebrating safely at home?
We want to know your opinion on the debate. To share your views in Stuff Nation, click here.
New Zealanders are embracing the reusable bag ahead of a plastic bag ban, but they could be carrying something else around – bacteria.
ACT leader David Seymour says 20 people could die each year using reusable bags.
"It's coming up to summer and people will be in a hot car with … View moreNew Zealanders are embracing the reusable bag ahead of a plastic bag ban, but they could be carrying something else around – bacteria.
ACT leader David Seymour says 20 people could die each year using reusable bags.
"It's coming up to summer and people will be in a hot car with their chicken in a canvas bag ... and suddenly, you've got a real serious case for poor food hygiene."
Food safety expert Steve Flint said it was a valid concern. Read more here
Vector is urging Aucklanders to be sensible and safe with private Guy Fawkes fireworks displays tonight, and to keep their use of fireworks well clear of power lines to avoid the risk to public safety, power outages, and damage to electrical infrastructure.
Hi neighbours. For many years, a flock of turkeys has lived on the grass beside the Northern Motorway near Silverdale.
Have you had a near miss with a turkey while driving? Have you hit or swerved to miss one? Have you witnessed an accident caused by a turkey? Let us know in the comments or email … View moreHi neighbours. For many years, a flock of turkeys has lived on the grass beside the Northern Motorway near Silverdale.
Have you had a near miss with a turkey while driving? Have you hit or swerved to miss one? Have you witnessed an accident caused by a turkey? Let us know in the comments or email caroline.williams@stuff.co.nz with your stories.
[Please put 'NFP' if your comments are not for print.]
The Circle in Manly has a reputation for putting on a good night for Halloween.
Hi neighbours! Make the perfect pet bed for your furry friend that works with your décor. It's easy to make a handmade rope basket using touches of your favourite Resene colours with Resene testpots. Choose colours to suit your room’s colour scheme and match with your furry best friend! … View moreHi neighbours! Make the perfect pet bed for your furry friend that works with your décor. It's easy to make a handmade rope basket using touches of your favourite Resene colours with Resene testpots. Choose colours to suit your room’s colour scheme and match with your furry best friend! Make the most of your weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how to create this quick and easy project yourself.
Hey Northland!
Subway® is celebrating World Sandwich Day today and we're helping feed the hungry in our community! Last year, we donated over 90,000 meals to KiwiHarvest. With your help, we can feed even more this year. So, join the Subway® Live Feed and head to your local participating … View moreHey Northland!
Subway® is celebrating World Sandwich Day today and we're helping feed the hungry in our community! Last year, we donated over 90,000 meals to KiwiHarvest. With your help, we can feed even more this year. So, join the Subway® Live Feed and head to your local participating Subway® in Northland. Buy a Sub. Get one FREE. AND Subway® will donate a meal to charity. Because everyone deserves a good feed.
Hey neighbours,
The royal tour is underway, and the Duke and Duchess will be covering quite a bit of ground across the country in the next few days.
Are you planning to line up and see Harry and Meghan? Perhaps you already spotted them during their first couple of outings in Wellington, or … View moreHey neighbours,
The royal tour is underway, and the Duke and Duchess will be covering quite a bit of ground across the country in the next few days.
Are you planning to line up and see Harry and Meghan? Perhaps you already spotted them during their first couple of outings in Wellington, or even managed to have a chat?
To find out when and where you need to be to have the best chance of seeing Harry and Meghan, click here for our detailed tour breakdown.
For the latest on the royals' visit, click here.
Share your thoughts on the royal tour and your plans for meeting our special visitors in the replies below. (Please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/ comments used on Stuff)
Creating safer communities means ensuring that no one lives in fear of harm on the streets or in their own home.
For the month of November, we want to raise awareness for all forms including family harm, elder and child abuse, sexual assault, gang violence, and more.
Perhaps sign-up to … View moreCreating safer communities means ensuring that no one lives in fear of harm on the streets or in their own home.
For the month of November, we want to raise awareness for all forms including family harm, elder and child abuse, sexual assault, gang violence, and more.
Perhaps sign-up to volunteer at a women’s refuge this month or work with the Police in your area to host an info night on how to identify elder abuse in your community.
Share your photos and experiences with us on social media or send us an email so we can see what you got up to!
#NSNZviolenceawareness
Waitematā North area commander Bruce O'Brien said that although Rodney Police will not be celebrating Halloween, there will be Police staff out in the community to ensure everyone remains safe.
O'Brien recommends that all children are accompanied by an adult for Halloween.
He said … View moreWaitematā North area commander Bruce O'Brien said that although Rodney Police will not be celebrating Halloween, there will be Police staff out in the community to ensure everyone remains safe.
O'Brien recommends that all children are accompanied by an adult for Halloween.
He said those who are trick-or-treating should remember to respect people's property and those who chose not to celebrate.
Police request that imitation weapons are not used as they can scare some members of the community.
"Police just want everyone to have a fun and safe night."
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