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There's a total fire ban on around the Waikato. The little rain we’ve had has evaporated and the ground, grass and bush are still tinder dry.
So how come a few people are ignoring the ban and burning hedge clippings, tree stumps or general clean-up rubbish? That's something that … View moreThere's a total fire ban on around the Waikato. The little rain we’ve had has evaporated and the ground, grass and bush are still tinder dry.
So how come a few people are ignoring the ban and burning hedge clippings, tree stumps or general clean-up rubbish? That's something that puzzles Paul Shaw, Principal Rural Fire Officer for the Waikato.
"The fire risk is extreme for most of the region, so when someone decides to burn off a heap of rubbish they are highly likely to set their surroundings alight,” he says.
“A lifestyle block owner in the Northern Waikato recently lit a fire that started off small but spread quickly and got out of control. Two Brigades has to turn out to what was an unnecessary, deliberately lit fire during the Total Fire Ban.”
Even a fire that appears safe can still cause unnecessary call-outs and serious logistical problems for the Fire Service.
“When members of the public see smoke they call 111, and we are obliged to send fire appliances and staff to investigate. Not only does that divert us from real emergencies it means that our staff and volunteers have to leave their safe Covid-19 ‘bubbles’ and risk a virus infection,” says Paul.
“We are doing our best to look after our personnel during the pandemic. We have stood down all over 70s, and many others have stood themselves down because they or members of their close families having underlying health issues. This has reduced the number of people we have available to respond.”
Paul emphasises that Fire and Emergency NZ will always be there to look after communities but right now they are asking the public to minimise the risk by not lighting any fires.
“We can’t afford to have our limited resources put in unnecessary danger because of fires lit by thoughtless people,” he says.
For further information contact Paul Shaw on 027 284 8636 or paul.shaw@fireandemergency.nz
● Wash your hands.
● Use cough and sneeze etiquette.
● Respect self-isolation.
These are only some of the ways that you can keep yourself and your Neighbours safe!
We are looking for seniors 65+ to take part in a short questionnaire to help us improve our website. The questions will take no longer than 3 minutes to complete and no personal information is required. The winner of a $50 Prezzy Card will be drawn at random on 27 April and contacted directly.
… View moreWe are looking for seniors 65+ to take part in a short questionnaire to help us improve our website. The questions will take no longer than 3 minutes to complete and no personal information is required. The winner of a $50 Prezzy Card will be drawn at random on 27 April and contacted directly.
Visit www.readerstours.co.nz and spend a few minutes browsing our website. Think about the pages you would visit and the information you would like to see in order to book your next adventure! When you are ready, click here to complete our questionnaire.
Thank you, your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Ts&Cs apply.
We are so happy to be welcoming an incredible new partner to Neighbourly - joining our long-term friends AMI, Resene and Ryman Healthcare.
Pet Direct are the new kids on the pet block and know the industry inside-out; they have over 350 dog years of animal experience within their team. Most … View moreWe are so happy to be welcoming an incredible new partner to Neighbourly - joining our long-term friends AMI, Resene and Ryman Healthcare.
Pet Direct are the new kids on the pet block and know the industry inside-out; they have over 350 dog years of animal experience within their team. Most importantly right now, they're still delivering all your essential items during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The Pet Direct team do things differently; firstly they ALL have pets of their own. They also personally hand-pick every product they stock; they have over 5,000 items that have been tried and tested (but mostly eaten). They ship daily, from their Auckland-based warehouse, straight to your doorstep (with free delivery over $29), and offer a best price guarantee.
Neighbours - our pets remain a constant source of love and comfort during unsettling times. So show them (and the team at Pet Direct) how special they are. To say thanks for the support (and for being a good neighbour during this tough time), they're offering you 10% off their already awesome prices. Just use the code NEIGHBOURLY10 at checkout.
Dear neighbours and NZ Gardener family,
Our April issue should be with our subscribers now and available in supermarkets and service stations (having been distributed prior to the lockdown restrictions). Whether or not it's on the stands yet is a bit patchy ... but then the incredibly brave… View moreDear neighbours and NZ Gardener family,
Our April issue should be with our subscribers now and available in supermarkets and service stations (having been distributed prior to the lockdown restrictions). Whether or not it's on the stands yet is a bit patchy ... but then the incredibly brave and hard-working supermarket staff have quite a bit on their plate right now so I understand if there is a delay! Please, please, please everyone ... don't go out to buy it! Normally of course we love you buying NZ Gardener but right now it's far more important that you stay home and stay safe. (You can buy a copy with your online shopping though! That's safe and I think we are all in the market for something uplifting to read right now).
In this issue we offered to send out sweet pea seeds to any reader who sent us a SSAE. Just to reassure you, we will still send out sweet pea seeds to any reader who is keen to participate. We are just not quite sure when! Ignore the dates in the magazine of when you needed to send the envelope in by - that has been indefinitely extended. But we cannot wait to send you the seed and for those flowers to bloom as by then we will be well through this or even have it behind us. And keep letting us know what you are sowing and growing, send in pictures of your harvest, your flowers or what you are sharing.
We always love hearing from NZ Gardener readers but now when we are all staying apart that connection means more than you can imagine. Stay home, stay safe and stay in touch everyone. For the most updated gardening advice, subscribe to our digital e-zine Get Growing, which will be delivered to your inbox completely free.
Lets all keep the police in England in our minds and hearts as they struggle trying to protect their fellow human beings; they have been abused physically and verbally and now have to contend with being spit at, deliberately.
I pray that they keep safe and continue to do their job at this trying … View moreLets all keep the police in England in our minds and hearts as they struggle trying to protect their fellow human beings; they have been abused physically and verbally and now have to contend with being spit at, deliberately.
I pray that they keep safe and continue to do their job at this trying time
The effect of misinformation, myths and gossip can be stopped in its tracks if we all use official news sources. Myths can often be difficult to spot, so we encourage you to only use official news sources at this time https://covid19.govt.nz/.
hoping all shops that are supposed to be closed are unlike the one at five crossroads who thinks he is a supermarket and is not
Hi Neighbours,
The police are urging those with concerns or problems with their neighbours through the lockdown to report them using the 105 number.
The call comes after five people were arrested after a recent neighbourhood brawl in Hamilton street which involved a large group of people, with one … View moreHi Neighbours,
The police are urging those with concerns or problems with their neighbours through the lockdown to report them using the 105 number.
The call comes after five people were arrested after a recent neighbourhood brawl in Hamilton street which involved a large group of people, with one showing symptoms of coronavirus.
A knife, shovel, hockey stick and baseball bat were reported to have been used in the fight.
Hi all,
Just to let you know that my husband went to Garden Fresh at Grey Street half an hour ago. He is surprised at how much it costs. We won't be going back there for a while.
Playing games online isn’t just for the grandkids, we have a whole list of free game websites to keep you entertained; crosswords, jigsaw puzzles and sudoku to name a few.
Dear concerned citizen,
It’s important that we all try and shop safely as we unite against COVID-19.
Here’s a few things we should all now do, that will help slow the spread of the virus:
• send one person from your household to do the whole shop
• be aware that stores will limit … View moreDear concerned citizen,
It’s important that we all try and shop safely as we unite against COVID-19.
Here’s a few things we should all now do, that will help slow the spread of the virus:
• send one person from your household to do the whole shop
• be aware that stores will limit numbers to help you keep 2 metres away from others
• be kind to essential workers, and others you’re sharing the shop with
• come with a list so you can get in and out as quickly as possible
• only touch what you want to buy
• if you like, take a soapy towel in a small container to wipe down trolley or basket handles etc
• keep 2 metres away from others, including staff. They need to keep safe too!
• use payWave if you can, not cash
• bag groceries away from others if you can
• take out produce when you get home, and wash first in soapy water to protect against the virus, then rinse to remove any soap residue wipe down packaged goods with a soapy clean towel, then dry
• wash your hands before and after you shop.
Can I bring people in my household with me to buy essential supplies?
You should dedicate one person per household to be the shopper. This is the safest way to get essential supplies, as it reduces the number of people who are out, and helps stop the virus from spreading.
Leaving online shopping to those who need it most
• If you are healthy, or aged under 70, you should go to the supermarket to do your shopping. This leaves online delivery slots free for those that need them most.
• If you’re a parent on your own with children or over 70, move to online shopping if available. This is important for the safety of your children and others – especially essential service providers.
• If that’s not possible, reach out to nearby friends, family or neighbours who can assist you with the shopping and get it to your doorstep. Your local community may also be able to assist, or you can contact your local store – some are putting special systems in place to help.
Thank you
If we all do our bit we’ll get through this. Thank you for working together and staying home. We can, and must stick with it.
While your Four Square-ing, here’s four simple rules for shopping during Level 4.
1. Be prepared so you know what you need
2. Choose your household shopper who’ll pop into Four Square alone.
3. Stay a safe distance from your fellow Four Square-ers and … View moreWhile your Four Square-ing, here’s four simple rules for shopping during Level 4.
1. Be prepared so you know what you need
2. Choose your household shopper who’ll pop into Four Square alone.
3. Stay a safe distance from your fellow Four Square-ers and staff
4. Use contactless payment where possible
Hey neighbours, are you seeing and hearing a lot more of your neighbours during the lockdown? Has it helped you get to know them better - from an acceptable social distance - or is the noise of everyone being home together all the time getting to you?
Now more than ever it's up to all of us … View moreHey neighbours, are you seeing and hearing a lot more of your neighbours during the lockdown? Has it helped you get to know them better - from an acceptable social distance - or is the noise of everyone being home together all the time getting to you?
Now more than ever it's up to all of us to try not to annoy our neighbours, and to be more tolerant ourselves, so here are some easy ways to do just that.
And if you're wondering what makes a good neighbour and what makes a bad one, check out the 12 most annoying neighbour types. How many have you lived next to?
Grow seeds or cuttings during the cooler months with this easy-to-make cold frame painted in Resene Lustacryl.
Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene.
Find out how to create your own.
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