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"I was in Cambodia for work. It was a very hot night, and I literally swept my hand down my body and said out loud, ‘Oh, it's so hot!’ And I felt this lump, It felt like half the size of a golf ball. I thought, I'm not going to be too worried about it, but I emailed my doctor and… View more"I was in Cambodia for work. It was a very hot night, and I literally swept my hand down my body and said out loud, ‘Oh, it's so hot!’ And I felt this lump, It felt like half the size of a golf ball. I thought, I'm not going to be too worried about it, but I emailed my doctor and made an appointment.
They've said all along you're very lucky you caught it early.
I guess there's some people who go through this sort of thing who are not information seekers. But I'm like, ‘tell me everything!’. My oncologist, at our first meeting, said, ‘our job is to take your body to the very edge to kill the cancer. We take you to the edge, knowing that once we stop, the systems that we are affecting will recover.’ So it is scary stuff.
I just asked questions all the time. I'm a pretty cynical person, but I'm so impressed with the quality of care. I was told when I was first diagnosed, you're in the best city in New Zealand for breast cancer care. When you go in for your chemo you are given a nurse for the day, and she looks after you. They're super resilient these women I mean, obviously they have to be.
When I was heading into chemotherapy, I think the vision I had was that it would be a very quiet, somber place. Oh, no! It's like, hi!, hi! Hi! it's bustly, people are laughing. I actually come away from my chemotherapy sessions feeling quite uplifted because the talk's very lively, and there's just this feeling of caring and concern.
I'm at the pointy end of the treatment now, and although I'm only having treatment every three weeks, the drugs that I'm having now are very heavy duty. I'm just holding my head above water with work.
I continue to turn up with full makeup, I'll put earrings on. And my eyebrows, which I draw on fastidiously every morning and sometimes I end up with like Groucho Marx and sometimes I end up looking like Twiggy. It just depends on my mood. People say to me, oh, gosh, she's looking so well. That helps me too because it's a bit of normality in a very abnormal situation.
Perspective is really important. Getting your head out of what might happen, and bringing yourself back to the present is really important. Counseling helps, right? Breast Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Society both fund counselling.
At the beginning, I was trying to be upbeat about it all the time. I'm not now. I acknowledge when I have down days, those are the days when my sister rushes around and gives me a foot massage.
Actually, for the last week, I felt really afraid of dying. Most of the time, I'm not, because I have faith. So it’s just like, I’ve got this job to do this year, which is an absolute shit job. But it will come to an end.
Boy, have I developed as a person and I'll continue to develop right to the end of this journey, whatever that looks like. Because it just forever changes you. Physically and mentally and emotionally. Spiritually. I've got people praying for me all over the world, and I believe that has made a difference."
- Kate
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org...
For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the charming coastal town of Mangawhai, worth almost $1.4 million dollars.
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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Recruiting medical professions into rural areas remains a challenge, says a North Canterbury mayor.
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand has made good progress in recruiting staff, but Hurunui mayor Marie Black says rural areas are … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Recruiting medical professions into rural areas remains a challenge, says a North Canterbury mayor.
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand has made good progress in recruiting staff, but Hurunui mayor Marie Black says rural areas are missing out.
Training more health professionals is a priority in Budget 2024, with $22 million set aside for doctor training.
‘‘That will take us from an intake of 589 this year to an intake of 614 from next year,’’ Reti said.
‘‘We are also progressing a cost benefit analysis for a proposed third medical school through Waikato University, which will focus on primary and rural care.’’
While overseas-trained medical professionals make a valuable contribution, Reti said training young New Zealanders was more sustainable in the long term.
‘‘Health workforce shortages are a problem in every country around the world.
‘‘That is why it is so important we invest in training doctors and other health professionals here in New Zealand.’’
In the year to December 2023, Health NZ recruited more than 200 full-time equivalent senior doctors, 2500 nurses, nearly 100 midwives, and more than 230 scientific and technical staff.
There were still shortages in mental health, critical care and midwifery, Reti said.
While it was reassuring to know progress has been made in recruitment, Black said there was little evidence of it in ‘‘primary health provision in country areas’’.
The Hurunui district has been doing its bit to encourage health students to consider working in rural areas, she said.
Third year Otago Medical School students have been visiting the district each August for several years.
The initiative has been running for 10 years, with the students visiting medical centres, St John, District Nurses, police, the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust and a local preschool.
‘‘If we can grow our own people that is the best solution,’’ Black said.
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said he was pleased the Government was addressing workforce shortages.
A new medical centre was being planned in Rangiora to offer urgent and after hours medical care, but it would need more medical professionals, he said.
‘‘I am pleased with the Government’s announcement that funding will be allocated to ensure we are training more doctors and health care professionals here in New Zealand.
‘‘This will help to alleviate doctor shortages particularly in the regions and rural communities.’’
The Kaikōura district faced similar challenges, and its over 65 population was expected to increase to one-third over the next 30 years.
Takahanga Marae has hosted tertiary health students from around Aotearoa in recent years for a three-day Noho Marae visit.
The initiative was a partnership between Te Tai o Marokura, a Maori health and social service provider in Kaikōura, and Hauora Taiwhenua/Rural Health Network’s careers programme.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
When it’s cold outside, there's nothing quite like being inside the cosy warmth of a kitchen infused with the aroma of spices. But did you know that beyond their aromatic allure, these spices harbour a treasure trove of health benefits?
From the fiery kick of chilli to the sweet warmth of… View moreWhen it’s cold outside, there's nothing quite like being inside the cosy warmth of a kitchen infused with the aroma of spices. But did you know that beyond their aromatic allure, these spices harbour a treasure trove of health benefits?
From the fiery kick of chilli to the sweet warmth of cinnamon, each spice brings not only flavour but also a host of nutrients and healing properties to our winter dishes. So, whether you're sipping on mulled wine, indulging in gingerbread, or savouring a hearty stew, every bite promises to not just please your palate but also contribute to your overall wellbeing.
Click read more for the full story.
Could Amberley be the next North Canterbury town to build a bypass?
While the Woodend Bypass looks set to finally be built after decades of planning, residents have suggested a heavy vehicle bypass should be included in the Hurunui District Council’s south ward spatial plan.
State Highway 1… View moreCould Amberley be the next North Canterbury town to build a bypass?
While the Woodend Bypass looks set to finally be built after decades of planning, residents have suggested a heavy vehicle bypass should be included in the Hurunui District Council’s south ward spatial plan.
State Highway 1 cuts through the towns of Woodend and Amberley, north of Christchurch.
The council received 41 submissions during its recent consultation, with several suggesting solutions to address safety concerns on Carters Rd, as the town continues to grow.
One submitter called on the council to ‘‘push the Government to start planning’’ a bypass and to ‘‘start drawing some lines on a map to show options of where this could be located’’.
Another submitter wanted a pedestrian overbridge on Carters Rd and suggested the council seek out ‘‘philanthropic investors’’.
With housing growth planned for east Amberley, a second primary school was proposed to alleviate safety concerns for children crossing Carters Rd to get to Amberley School.
There were mixed views on whether the council should apply to Environment Canterbury for public transport provision.
Several submitters supported the idea, while some wanted the beach communities included and others questioned whether it was necessary.
South Ward Committee chairperson Jo Hassall said there have been a variety of views expressed on the subject of a bypass.
“I know a couple of people have said ‘why isn’t it on the table?’
“But others have said ‘why would you, because it would take traffic away from the businesses’.”
Hassall said she was unsure a bus service would be financially viable.
“It would need to be available when people need it, otherwise it wouldn’t be viable.
“There is already a community bus service which is available and it is great for older people who don’t drive.”
She said people moved to places like Leithfield and the beach communities for the lifestyle and they were used to driving themselves to Rangiora and Christchurch, with many commuting to work.
In a report to last week’s South Ward Committee meeting, the council’s planning team leader, Nicola Kirby, said staff had liaised with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi , which advised an Amberley bypass was ‘‘not a current priority’’.
But a resource consent was granted earlier this year for a truck stop at the Grays Rd/State Highway 1 intersection.
‘‘If this development occurs it may have implications for heavy vehicle movements which will need to be further considered,’’ she said.
The council had proposed zoning land next to Grays Rd in west Amberley for industrial use.
But residents raised concerns about the noise, outlook and the impact on property values.
Staff were now considering land between Lawcocks and Grays roads, to the west of the Kowai River north branch, Kirby said.
It could be our wonderful staff. Our vibrant communities. Our amazing amenities. Or just the peace of mind that our fixed base weekly fee* brings. There are so many reasons to choose the Ryman lifestyle. We’d love to add one more reason to your list — until 31 July 2024 if you sign up for one … View moreIt could be our wonderful staff. Our vibrant communities. Our amazing amenities. Or just the peace of mind that our fixed base weekly fee* brings. There are so many reasons to choose the Ryman lifestyle. We’d love to add one more reason to your list — until 31 July 2024 if you sign up for one of our new home offers at Ernest Rutherford Village, you’ll get a $15,000 credit on settlement*. There’s truly never been a better time to choose Ryman.
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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Bringing some healthcare decisions back into communities will help plug the gap in local accountability, say two North Canterbury mayors.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui mayor Marie said they were pleased Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand was … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Bringing some healthcare decisions back into communities will help plug the gap in local accountability, say two North Canterbury mayors.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui mayor Marie said they were pleased Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand was considering local solutions for healthcare, but wanted to know more details on the plans.
In a major shakeup of the health system in 2021, locally-elected district health boards were scrapped and replaced with the centralised Te Whatu Ora.
However, in an interview with RNZ in February, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti indicated some health decision-making would return to the regions.
Responding to questions from Local Democracy Reporter, Reti said he expected to receive advice from the Ministry of Health soon.
This included future operating and funding models for primary and community care.
‘‘Community involvement in health service planning, with local solutions to local health challenges will remain essential to the delivery of health services,’’ he said.
‘‘These local groups should be involved in the design and delivery of services, so the healthcare focuses on the needs of, and is effective for, the community.’’
Local primary health organisations (PHOs), such was the Waitaha Canterbury PHO, played a key role in supporting their local communities and were providing input into Health NZ’s primary care development programme, he said.
The Government has also signalled Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards will play a key role in supporting high-quality community-led health care.
Gordon said since the demise of the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) there were gaps in ‘‘local accountability’’.
He is the council’s representative and deputy chairperson of the Waitaha Canterbury PHO board.
‘‘I have found since the centralsation of healthcare it has been a struggle to find local accountability. Even a local contact or authority to speak to.
This must be addressed.
Having a local voice close to the issues is vital.’’
The lack of a local board chairperson meant concerns would often be raised directly with the health minister, Gordon said.
‘‘The important thing for me is the patient and ensuring they are cared for and their needs are met, and if we have an issue, where do we go to get answers?’’
Black said retaining a local voice in healthcare was crucial, particularly for rural districts.
‘‘The important thing is we retain what we have and if we can increase health provision, that is where I would be lending my support.’’
She said the Hurunui District Health Services Group had been making good progress working with the former CDHB.
But this work had been on the backburner since the board was dissolved, ‘‘so whether there is the energy to reconsider this, I don’t know’’.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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As the weather cools and cosy evenings become the norm, there’s nothing better than cranking up the heat and treating yourself to heartwarming comfort food. If you're craving a winter recipe that'll warm you from the inside out, look no further than Brent's irresistible slow-cooked… View moreAs the weather cools and cosy evenings become the norm, there’s nothing better than cranking up the heat and treating yourself to heartwarming comfort food. If you're craving a winter recipe that'll warm you from the inside out, look no further than Brent's irresistible slow-cooked pulled pork. Its smoky, aromatic scent often wafts from Brent’s apartment at Ryman’s Kevin Hickman Village, tempting taste buds and stirring appetites. With its tender meat and velvety sauce, this dish is every bit as delicious as it sounds – you’ll be reaching for seconds, thirds, and maybe even fourths!
Click read more for the full recipe.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s three mayors are backing calls for a four-year council term.
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has established an electoral reform group to consider changes to increase voter participation and implement four-year terms.
It will… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s three mayors are backing calls for a four-year council term.
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has established an electoral reform group to consider changes to increase voter participation and implement four-year terms.
It will be led by Nelson mayor Nick Smith, a former government minister.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said his council supported moving from a three to a four-year term.
‘‘It is not the biggest priority, but it would certainly make a difference.
‘‘It has been long advocated for and the Future for Local Government Review panel recommended it.’’
He said elections were costly and by holding them less often, councils would have more time to implement their work programmes.
Long-term plans would also likely be moved to four-yearly, instead of every three years, which would take the pressure of council staff, he said.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she also supported four-year terms.
‘‘I never really agreed with it for a long time, but now I see the value, because it is costly to have elections and I think the volume of work and outcomes over a four-year term would be greater.’’
She said councillor remuneration would need to be considered, as four years would be a major commitment for councillors juggling other employment.
‘‘I first came in as a councillor working part-time for Plunket and I was able to juggle work around meetings.
‘‘But you’ve got to be able to do that, so it places some pressures on councillors.’’
Kaikōura mayor Craig Mackle said four-year terms were needed for central Government, but he also supported local government making the change.
LGNZ president Sam Broughton said a four-year term would ‘‘double the amount of usable time’’ for councils.
He said the first year after an election was spent getting systems in place and for new councillors learning their roles, while the second year was spent working work on long-term plans.
‘‘And then the following January you start thinking about the next election.’’
Broughton said indications were the Government was considering having a referendum on four-year terms, which would likely include changing central government terms as well.
‘‘It is unusual around the world to have a three-year term.
‘‘Most countries have a four-year or even a five-year term.’’
The electoral reform group will focus on increasing voter turnout, transitioning to four-year terms, considering the ways people can vote, who should administer local elections and how they are best run.
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said the Government was preparing a Bill on four-year terms, but a final decision would be subject to a binding referendum.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
A phone scam is re-emerging with cold calling swindlers claiming to be Police officers.
New Zealand Police are advising the public to be vigilant, after a handful of reports have been made in recent days. Unfortunately, at least two elderly Aucklanders have been conned out of tens of thousands … View moreA phone scam is re-emerging with cold calling swindlers claiming to be Police officers.
New Zealand Police are advising the public to be vigilant, after a handful of reports have been made in recent days. Unfortunately, at least two elderly Aucklanders have been conned out of tens of thousands of dollars.
Waitematā CIB’s Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting says scammers are cold calling, mainly on landlines, and claim to be a Police officer.“They will also provide a fake ID or badge number to make their call seem legitimate,” he says.“This person will carry on and provide a reason for their call: either they are investigating fake bank notes, or that your credit card has been cloned.
“As part of this scam, they will ask you to withdraw money from a nearby bank to be collected or ask you to provide further financial or banking information to aid their investigation.”
Be aware: this is a scam call.
Police are investigating two reports this week, in south Auckland and the North Shore, where two people have fallen victim to the scam. “Both victims withdrew cash from a bank and handed this over to someone who arrived at their door to collect it under the fake cover story,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says.“These victims have had their good-will and trust trodden on by these scammers.”
Investigation staff have ensured there is support available for the victims. Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says: “Scammers have no ethics whatsoever and will take any opportunity to try and con you.“These scams take many forms, and the offenders trick people under a variety of guises or storylines.”
There are occasions where legitimate Police officers will contact people as part of their duties, he says.
Police are asking the community to be aware and take the opportunity to spread the word amongst friends and family members. “We are particularly keen to ensure elder family members are aware of what is happening,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says. “If anyone receives a call of this nature, hang up.
“If you have had the unfortunate position of being a victim to this scam and have not reported this, we encourage you to report this to Police.”
Please remember:
- Police will never call to ask you for bank details, pin numbers or passwords
- Police do not offer prize money
- Police will not ask you to go to a bank to withdraw money
- If you receive a call out of the blue of a similar nature: challenge the caller to identify themselves, ask for their details.
- Hang up, contact 105 to verify the ID and request the officer to contact you
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Central Government funding to assist with flood resilience has been welcomed by Environment Canterbury.
The regional council has received cash from the new regional infrastructure fund as part of Budget 2024.
Environment Canterbury acting chairperson… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Central Government funding to assist with flood resilience has been welcomed by Environment Canterbury.
The regional council has received cash from the new regional infrastructure fund as part of Budget 2024.
Environment Canterbury acting chairperson Craig Pauling said the new co-funding arrangement ‘‘is a great start’’.
‘‘Co-investment is something we’ve been pushing for a long time, along with the rest of Te Uru Kahika – Regional and Unitary Councils Aotearoa.
‘‘Flooding is the country’s most common natural hazard, and urgent action is needed to ensure our communities are resilient"
The country’s regional councils have been advocating for central Government support for river resilience projects for several years.
It led to the 'Before the Deluge' report, which was released just before Cyclone Gabrielle struck parts of the North Island last year.
Pauling said Environment Canterbury identified seven priorities for the region, which were put forward in the report.
‘‘We will continue to work with the Government to progress projects to help safeguard lives, property and vital infrastructure across Waitaha, as well as help us with overall river resilience including biodiversity and biosecurity outcomes.
‘‘I am looking forward to keeping the conversations with the Government going and getting these initial pieces of work started.’’
Included in the initial funding round will be upgrades to critical and aged flood management infrastructure across the region to make it more resilient to the changing climate.
Further work on the Rangitata flood resilient programme and projects in South Canterbury will also be funded.
The Government is still working through the amount of support which will be offered to each project.
River resilience was a major focus in the consultation for Environment Canterbury's latest long-term plan.
About three-quarters of submitters supported the council increasing its spending on flood protection, and pest and weed control.
The council is proposing to invest $25 million a year, over the next 10 years, to boost flood protection.
It also plans to introduce a district-wide rate for river resilience in Selwyn, and is considering similar options for the Ashley Rakahuri River and rivers in South Canterbury.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Simply visit your local Resene owned ColorShop, choose your favourite green testpots and for each one you buy Resene will donate $1 to the New Zealand Trees That Count programme.
Offer applies to all Resene green 60 mL testpots (excludes metallic and wood stains) purchased by retail customers … View moreSimply visit your local Resene owned ColorShop, choose your favourite green testpots and for each one you buy Resene will donate $1 to the New Zealand Trees That Count programme.
Offer applies to all Resene green 60 mL testpots (excludes metallic and wood stains) purchased by retail customers between 1-30 June 2024 at Resene owned ColorShops.
Trees That Count are an environmental charity on a mission to plant millions more native trees throughout New Zealand. Trees That Count runs the country’s only marketplace which provides a place for anyone to fund or gift native trees. This support is matched with planters throughout the country who are restoring, and growing, precious wildlife corridors or pockets of native forest, turning small projects into mighty ones.
To find your nearest Resene ColorShop, click here.
For more information on Trees That Count, visit us.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Volunteers are ‘‘truly our heroes’’, say North Canterbury’s mayors.
As they look ahead to National Volunteer Week next week, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui mayor Marie Black have given a shout-out to those who give up countless hours… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Volunteers are ‘‘truly our heroes’’, say North Canterbury’s mayors.
As they look ahead to National Volunteer Week next week, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui mayor Marie Black have given a shout-out to those who give up countless hours to serve their communities.
Gordon said some organisations have been serving their communities for 150 years or more.
The Rangiora Volunteer Fire Brigade celebrated its 150th anniversary at Queen’s Birthday Weekend, while its Kaiapoi counterpart marked 150 years in 2020.
Both urban and rural fire brigades in North Canterbury relied entirely on volunteers.
‘‘They just do an amazing job. They attend much more than fires, they attend medical emergencies and are first responders,’’ Gordon said.
‘‘They are truly our heroes.’’
It was estimated volunteers contributed more than one million volunteer hours to the Waimakariri district.
‘‘We just couldn’t do what we do without it,’’ Gordon said.
Black said her district was ‘‘full of amazing people’’.
Firefighters left farms and businesses at a moment’s notice to respond to callouts.
The Hurunui Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade has responded to 40 call-outs in the last five months.
‘‘It is so important to acknowledge our volunteers and what they contribute,’’ Black said.
‘‘We have so many committees, sports clubs, church groups and emergency service volunteers.
‘‘It is a real value add to our district.’’
Like firefighters, St John and Civil Defence volunteers responded to call outs ‘‘at a drop of a hat’’, Black said.
Organisations like the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust supported people in a time of need.
National Volunteer Week runs from June 16 to 22, with the theme of Whiria Te Tangata – Weave the people together.
The Big Shout-out campaign, to celebrate volunteers, was also running throughout the month of June.
---------------------------------------------------------
Photo one: Hurunui mayor Marie Black, right, pictured with deputy mayor Vince Daly, says volunteers add value to the district. (By David Hill/LDR)
Photo two: Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon (right), pictured with deputy mayor Neville Atkinson, says volunteers contribute more than one million volunteer hours to the district.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Big news in our community!
Ryman has been voted New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand in Aged Care & Retirement Villages for the 10th time! So we want to say Thank You Aotearoa, for your continued trust and support. Together, we’ll continue building vibrant communities where everyone can … View moreBig news in our community!
Ryman has been voted New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand in Aged Care & Retirement Villages for the 10th time! So we want to say Thank You Aotearoa, for your continued trust and support. Together, we’ll continue building vibrant communities where everyone can thrive.
Here’s to 10 more years of trust and excellence!
Click read more for more information.
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