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From reporter Sinead Gill:
After two years of low influenza cases, Dunedin may be a growing hotspot.
The city had 44 of the 46 cases picked up by the national influenza monitor last week – double what the monitor picked up nationwide in 2020 and 2021 combined.
Parents are asking if they … View moreFrom reporter Sinead Gill:
After two years of low influenza cases, Dunedin may be a growing hotspot.
The city had 44 of the 46 cases picked up by the national influenza monitor last week – double what the monitor picked up nationwide in 2020 and 2021 combined.
Parents are asking if they should bring their university-aged children home to care for them, while others are claiming sick students who test negative for Covid-19 aren’t staying home.
Dr Samantha Murton, president of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, said two years of Covid-19 had changed the way people think about flus, and had caught them off guard.
“There is a certain level of thinking Covid is the monster we’re trying to avoid, and anything else must be milder than Covid.
“The flu can still be nasty for some people. In winter, our hospitals fill up with flu cases.
“They hit like a train. Someone with influenza will usually say something like, ‘I woke up at 3am and suddenly I was sick’. They could have a high fever and a bad cough.”
Despite flu typically having a quick onset, Murton said people were generally infectious when they were experiencing symptoms, between the first two to five days.
People with Covid-19 were more likely to feel fatigue, gastric symptoms and a sore throat, she said.
“Like any virus, it spreads very easily ... the key is to rest, you’ll recover quicker.”
Murton said it was possible people could experience worse flu symptoms than they had before the Covid-19 pandemic, but it was because the immune system had to compensate for not being exposed to illness for a number of years in a row.
Having a support network was important while recovering from a cold, Murton said, but she didn't recommend parents collecting their children from university, as it could spread the flu and young people were likely to recover within a few days.
A University of Otago spokesperson confirmed there were cases of flu among staff and students, but could not comment on the severity.
The Institute of Environmental Science and Research runs a multidisciplinary monitor of influenza and the reporting of influenza-like symptoms to agencies like Heathline.
In the week ending May 8, 46 Influenza A cases were reported, all in the South Island.
The Southern District Health Board was approached for comment.
The flu season typically runs from May to October, and in an ordinary year kills an average of 500 New Zealanders.
In New South Wales, spiralling cases of influenza credited to the post-Covid opening of borders were being described as a “significant flu epidemic”.
The Government ordered 600,000 more flu jabs than usual in preparation for the 2022 flu season. Health Minister Andrew Little expected an increase in flu cases, particularly with the borders opening.
A flu jab has been available in New Zealand since April 1.
People 65 years and over, Māori and Pacific peoples aged 55 years and over, all pregnant people, and other vulnerable groups were eligible for a free one.
Others who aren't covered by an employer-funded programme could expect to pay between $25 and $45.
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Queenstown median house prices have dipped below $1 million for the first time in 18 months.
Real Estate Institute figures for April show a 22.1% decrease from the same month last year, from $1.22m to $950,000 for the tourist town.
The last time it dipped below $1m… View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Queenstown median house prices have dipped below $1 million for the first time in 18 months.
Real Estate Institute figures for April show a 22.1% decrease from the same month last year, from $1.22m to $950,000 for the tourist town.
The last time it dipped below $1m was in August 2020, and the median price has regularly been in seven figures since 2018.
There was an even larger drop in Wānaka, where the median price dropped 43.3% to $635,000, largely due to sales of townhouses at the Riverside Residence development.
Of the 58 sales in Wānaka this April, 24 were townhouse purchases from Riverside Residence between $400,000 and $700,000, according to a report from the institute.
The median price excluding these sales would have been $1.115m.
There are 62 units within Riverside Residence, many of which are sold for short-term accommodation only.
Real Estate Institute Otago/Southland spokesperson Liz Nidd said the market across the country had been affected by Covid-19 and recent school holidays.
“There is a rationalisation of the market happening, but it’s too early to panic,” she said.
The report says owner-occupiers were the most active buyers in the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes regions, although finance was challenging for many purchasers.
First home buyers in the region were scarce due to tightened lending conditions, loan to value ratios and rising interest rates.
“Anecdotally, unless first home buyers have support from the bank of mum and dad, they tend to be priced out of all but the outer suburbs,” Nidd said.
The 25 apartments are among the first of up to 4000 Housing Minister Megan Woods hopes will go through the $400m Progressive Home Ownership scheme.
Queenstown Community Housing Trust executive officer Julie Scott said even with the drop in sales prices, homes in the region remained far out of reach for low and middle income households.
“This makes absolutely no difference,” she said.
The trust has almost 800 households on its waiting list.
The institute’s report says investors had also stepped back from the market due to new tax legislation, despite rents increasing.
A lack of rental properties was making it difficult for prospective tenants.
Nationally, house sales nationwide tumbled by 29.3% between March and April, highlighting the ongoing slowdown of the market, the institute said.
Its latest figures showed there were just 4860 sales around the country in April. That was down 35.2% from the 7497 sales at the same time last year.
In Queenstown, sales decreased by 10.9%.
Agents said “fear of missing out” was replaced with a “fear of overpaying”.
“With fewer buyers in the market, there is less competition, not as much urgency and vendors have become more realistic in their expectations.”
Agents were hopeful that the Central Otago/Lakes region might see some more overseas buyers now that borders are open but are also aware that some Kiwis will leave New Zealand after two years of Covid-19.
Create your own triple compost bin and stain in Resene Waterborne Woodsman. Use the handy compartments for fresh scraps, decomposing material and usable compost.
Find out how to create your own.
NZ Compare is the home of easy and free to use comparison sites. We’re passionate about helping Kiwis compare what’s out there, so we wanted to introduce you to a new member of our brand family – PriceMe!
PriceMe is NZ's largest comparison-shopping site, sounds fun right?! Whether … View moreNZ Compare is the home of easy and free to use comparison sites. We’re passionate about helping Kiwis compare what’s out there, so we wanted to introduce you to a new member of our brand family – PriceMe!
PriceMe is NZ's largest comparison-shopping site, sounds fun right?! Whether you're buying electronics, appliances, smartphones or watches, hair straighteners or any other everyday household or office product – find the best prices on PriceMe.
Make it your first stop, not an afterthought Neighbours!
Plus, you don’t need to leave the house! Shopping made simple, just how we like it.
First time house hunting can be a bit depressing. Homes in your price range are often run down, miles from a main centre, or cramped and featureless.
But what if your first home didn’t have to be a characterless box miles from the centre of town? What if it could be filled with history and … View moreFirst time house hunting can be a bit depressing. Homes in your price range are often run down, miles from a main centre, or cramped and featureless.
But what if your first home didn’t have to be a characterless box miles from the centre of town? What if it could be filled with history and quirky architectural detail, and just seconds from the CBD?
Three apartments at 81 Moray Place, Dunedin, tick a few key first time buyer boxes: They’re a five-minute walk from the Octagon, and have more character than ten villas combined - all for less than $540,000.
Continue reading here.
Business is tough and finding the right broadband plan or provider can be just as rough, so let's make it a little easier.
We want you to focus on achieving your strategy, not going from site to site, call to call to get a good deal! So we've launched Business Compare - a simple, free … View moreBusiness is tough and finding the right broadband plan or provider can be just as rough, so let's make it a little easier.
We want you to focus on achieving your strategy, not going from site to site, call to call to get a good deal! So we've launched Business Compare - a simple, free to use website that will help you compare NZ broadband retailers that supply businesses just like yours!
NZ Compare is here to help Kiwi businesses find the right plan, the right provider, the right fit. Go visit Business Compare now!
During challenging times, our habits and hard work can make or break us. Taking time to focus on our health and wellbeing help us build and maintain resilience. Here are 3 ingredients that we follow at NumberWorks'nWords, to achieve resilience!
Happy Mother's Day from the team at NumberWorks'nWords!
Today we honour mothers of all sorts - step mums, adoptive mums, birth mums, mothers of many, mothers of one, and every mother in between.
This modern, stylish planter finished in Resene is a great option to show off a statement plant. Find out how to create your own.
From lingerie to coats, jewellery and scarves, we have many options for gifting this Mother’s Day 💐
We are incredibly proud to launch Short Notice is a new initiative designed to connect neighbours with a little spare time on their hands with local businesses that need a bit of extra help!
It's very simple; using the new Short Notice community hub, share a little about yourself, your … View moreWe are incredibly proud to launch Short Notice is a new initiative designed to connect neighbours with a little spare time on their hands with local businesses that need a bit of extra help!
It's very simple; using the new Short Notice community hub, share a little about yourself, your availability and how you'd like to help.
If you're a business owner sign up for a FREE Premium Business listing to get access to Short Notice and let your community know what help you need.
Together, let's help keep small businesses busy!
Grab yourself a delicious Barista Made Coffee for only $4 at McCafé.
McCafé, simply good coffee.
Available for a limited time.
Taking small steps and setting smaller goals has the power to reduce distractions, clear our path to success, and increase motivation and productivity. It is important to focus on the small steps to reach our end goal, as each step propels us closer.
Speak to our team today about how we can help … View moreTaking small steps and setting smaller goals has the power to reduce distractions, clear our path to success, and increase motivation and productivity. It is important to focus on the small steps to reach our end goal, as each step propels us closer.
Speak to our team today about how we can help your child take the next step with their learning.
Congratulations to Robert Fenwick, owner of Fenwicks Pharmacy in Canterbury, the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.
Robert has been recognised for his ongoing service and support for the community through tough times. Fenwicks pharmacy remained open throughout the lockdown with friendly greetings,… View moreCongratulations to Robert Fenwick, owner of Fenwicks Pharmacy in Canterbury, the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.
Robert has been recognised for his ongoing service and support for the community through tough times. Fenwicks pharmacy remained open throughout the lockdown with friendly greetings, conversations and smiles!
Congratulations to all the finalists and thank you for nominating your favourite local business. We'd like to acknowledge the official winner of the public voting poll, Josh Coe, owner of Page 42 cafe. Unfortunately, Josh has decided to close his business after 3.5 years and we wish him all the best.
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