Message from Sandra Hazlehurst to stay safe
Wear a mask during while buying groceries, exercising or receiving healthcare, and practice social distancing.
These are just few of many messages conveyed by the Hastings District Council after New Zealand suddenly plunged into Alert Level 4 at 11.59pm on Tuesday night.
The council’s essential services were still operating during lock-down, but other restrictions and closures were in place in line with Ministry of Health guidelines.
Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said council was well-prepared for any shift in alert levels, and ready to respond to keep people safe.
“Although it’s disappointing to be back in this situation again, all of our teams are working hard to keep essential services operating and help our community get through this,” she said.
All council facilities were shut, including public toilets, public drinking water fountains and chlorine-removed taps.
Kerbside waste collections were still running as normal, but the transfer stations and rural recycling stations were closed, except for essential workers.
All playgrounds were closed, but parks and reserves remained open for people to walk and exercise in, but they were asked to follow the advice to wear masks, stay two metres apart, remain at home if they feel unwell, and not take part in any activities that could result in injury requiring emergency help.
Council’s Lyndon Road customer service centre was closed to the public, but the team will be responding to enquiries.
The Animal Control Centre was also closed to the public and officers, only responding to call-outs where there was a “threat to public safety or livestock”.
“The best thing we can all do right now is stick to the health advice which is keeping us safe.
“Once again, we need to look out for each other, be kind and keep to the government guidelines to stay safe and do what we can together so we can get back to normal as soon as possible,” Hazlehurst said.
The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council said the GoBay bus services had moved to a Saturday timetable, with the addition of the regular routes.
Council said GoBay services would be available for essential service workers, and for communities to access supermarkets, pharmacies and health facilities in accordance with Government directions.
Face coverings were mandatory on all public transport services, with council asking travellers to bring their own mask and put it on before boarding.
Fares would remain in place across the region, but cash handling will be removed.
*For any further information please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the council website www.hastingsdc.govt.nz... or call customer service on 871 5000.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Pet Sitting Available
Hello Everyone
Thank you for looking at my profile.
I am a local mum who is mature, reliable, responsible, and hardworking. I have a 6 year-old, our pet cats are called Ruby and Iggy. I work as a Teacher Aide when I'm not pet-sitting.
I have been pet-sitting since December of 2022, I love animals. I am motivated to provide a friendly and genuine service for my customers and build positive relationships between clients of the human kind and the four-legged kind :D.
I am patient and caring, eager to work with all animals and breeds, and willing to walk animals in their normal environments. My skills include attention to detail, orderly and organised.
I live in Hastings but am willing to travel locally.
Pay rates for one animal (additional animals can be discussed)
Services:
One home visit per day NZD $20
Two home visits per day NZD $25
The duties I can offer are:
*Home visits (while you are away)
*Feed, water, and walk animals according to schedule and feeding times.
*Can mix food, liquid formulas, medications, etc. according to the instructions.
*Happy to groom pets if needed.
*Happy to clean animal's habitats
*Keep a safe environment for the pets in my care.
*Report to owners on how your beloved pets are doing.
*Examine and observe animals to detect illness, disease or injury signs.
Please feel free to contact me and ask questions or queries.
I look forward to hearing from you.
DOG WALKING AVAILABLE WITH PET SITTING.
Need a pet sitter? Check out my profile on Pawshake: www.pawshake.co.nz...
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