Russell Forest news is brought to you by the team at Whangārei Leader
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
The Cancer Society’s Domain Lodge, continues to offer free accommodation for Northland cancer patients travelling to Auckland. Giving patients easy access to treatment, is an essential service, and remains open. There is restricted access to the building in order to protect cancer patients who … View moreThe Cancer Society’s Domain Lodge, continues to offer free accommodation for Northland cancer patients travelling to Auckland. Giving patients easy access to treatment, is an essential service, and remains open. There is restricted access to the building in order to protect cancer patients who are staying and ensure everyone remains in a ‘bubble’.
Comments from Dr Chris Jackson, Cancer Society Medical Director and Oncologist:
Cancer hasn’t stopped for COVID-19, but the way in which people seek and receive care for cancer has changed a lot since the level 4 lockdown.
Despite the changes in service delivery, the Cancer Control Agency has been very clear that people with a high suspicion of cancer, or people with cancer who require immediate treatment, should still receive those tests and treatments.
The level 4 lockdown has been an unprecedented event. It happened with unparalleled speed, and resulted in some non-life threatening hospital work being immediately deferred.
Since that time the Cancer Control Agency (working with DHBs and clinicians) has been working through what can and can’t be done during the stages of lockdown. More and more hospital work is now available.
Patients up and down the country have been affected by these disruptions and have been incredibly understanding and patient while this work has been done.
People who have symptoms or signs of cancer, or who are concerned that their existing cancer is worsening during the level 4 and then level 3 lockdown should still be able to access healthcare. People should contact their own GP in the first instance, or if they have an assigned cancer specialist, talk with them. While some appointments may be done by telephone or videoconference, essential scans and treatments should still be going ahead. Some treatments that heavily suppress the immune system may be deferred if it is in people’s best interests to have the treatments delayed due to the risks of COVID-19. These will be discussed with patients individually.
Despite losing significant funding due to cancellation of major fundraising events, the Cancer Society has redesigned its services to support people remotely throughout the lockdown, the cancer society nurses are still available to talk to.
The Cancer Society remains here to help with a fully staffed 0800 cancer information line (0800 226 237) that people can call and discuss any concerns or questions they may have.
Far North District Council ratepayers facing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing drought may be able to defer paying their rates for up to six months.
The Council adopted the rates relief measure at its 9 April meeting in recognition of the financial hardship… View moreFar North District Council ratepayers facing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing drought may be able to defer paying their rates for up to six months.
The Council adopted the rates relief measure at its 9 April meeting in recognition of the financial hardship many rural, residential and commercial ratepayers are facing as a result of the pandemic and the nation’s response to it. It is effective immediately and is intended to provide relief to ratepayers who will receive 2019/20 fourth instalment rate invoices next week.
Mayor John Carter says the offer is an interim measure until the pandemic’s full impact on the economy is known. “We know many of our residents are struggling financially, because they have lost their job or their incomes have been reduced.”
Those applying for the assistance will need to meet simple criteria to demonstrate financial hardship. This includes loss of income, qualification for the Government’s pandemic support package or qualification for a mortgage holiday from a bank. “We want to help ratepayers through this unprecedented event. If the pandemic means you are struggling to make ends meet, contact us and we will see how we can assist, either by deferring rates bills or by referring you to other government assistance options.”
Mayor Carter says Council staff are also busy exploring central government funding options to help get the district’s economy back on track as quickly as possible after the lockdown. “We have prepared a number of large and small infrastructure proposals we believe will create jobs and stimulate the economy.”
Planning is also well-advanced on how the Council will restart non-essential services once pandemic restrictions are relaxed. “We will be guided by central government and health experts, but we are acutely aware of the leadership role the Council plays in our economy. We will be working hard to make the transition safe and seamless.”
"Extreme" drought conditions in Northland are being called the worst for decades and have left farms with no stock food, and some with no water for stock. The coronavirus lockdown is also adding to the stress. Is the drought impacting you? How?
Have a read - and when we are able to travel - take a trip and wander around the Whangarei Quarry Gardens. Autumn is one of the best seasons to see a garden and it's environs - Enjoy!
Have a read - and when we are able to travel - take a trip and wander around Quarry Gardens. Autumn is one of the best seasons to see a garden and it's environs - Enjoy!
Hi Neighbours!
The Office for Seniors is working hard to keep you informed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our most recent COVID-19 special edition Newsletter includes phone numbers for all regional civil defence teams, they can help you if you are struggling to access your supermarket … View moreHi Neighbours!
The Office for Seniors is working hard to keep you informed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our most recent COVID-19 special edition Newsletter includes phone numbers for all regional civil defence teams, they can help you if you are struggling to access your supermarket essentials.
It also includes details on COVID-19 related scams and what to look out for to stay safe.
Read the newsletter here: bit.ly...
Missing your haircut, your morning coffee or dinner out? We've set up a site where you can support your local small business by buying a voucher now for a service you will get in the future - give these small businesses the money they need now to keep the lights on while they have the doors … View moreMissing your haircut, your morning coffee or dinner out? We've set up a site where you can support your local small business by buying a voucher now for a service you will get in the future - give these small businesses the money they need now to keep the lights on while they have the doors shut. Lots of great places to support across the Northland area here...
sosbusiness.nz...
Hone Harawira, who is leading Tai Tokerau Border Control checkpoints in the Far North, took a 600km round-trip to Auckland - including stopping for a meal at his sister's house - to learn more about Covid-19 tests and personal protective equipment, and get medical supplies. He says this was … View moreHone Harawira, who is leading Tai Tokerau Border Control checkpoints in the Far North, took a 600km round-trip to Auckland - including stopping for a meal at his sister's house - to learn more about Covid-19 tests and personal protective equipment, and get medical supplies. He says this was essential travel, with the checkpoints keeping people safe. This comes as Northland has 26 cases of coronavirus. What do you think about the travel? And what are your thoughts on the checkpoints in general?
The end is in sight for the coronavirus lockdown. But, while we move out of this crisis, there are some things that perhaps shouldn't go back to normal. What do you think we should continue or carry on not doing after the lockdown?
Tauraroa Area School student Violet Blomfiled decided to shave off her waist-long locks in lockdown to raise money for Cancer Society Auckland Northland and honour the memory of a favourite teacher. What do you think of Violet's efforts? Would you do the same?
Hone Harawira, who is leading Tai Tokerau Border Control checkpoints in the Far North, took a 600km round-trip to Auckland - including stopping for a meal at his sister's house - to learn more about Covid-19 tests and personal protective equipment, and get medical supplies. He says this was … View moreHone Harawira, who is leading Tai Tokerau Border Control checkpoints in the Far North, took a 600km round-trip to Auckland - including stopping for a meal at his sister's house - to learn more about Covid-19 tests and personal protective equipment, and get medical supplies. He says this was essential travel, with the checkpoints keeping people safe. This comes as Northland has 26 cases of coronavirus. What do you think about the travel? And what are your thoughts on the checkpoints in general?
You might be using more wet wipes to keep your home clean, but it’s very important not to flush them afterwards.
They block up the pipes, which then need fixing immediately. When workers have to leave home to fix blocked pipes, they’re at risk of COVID-19. That puts everyone else in their … View moreYou might be using more wet wipes to keep your home clean, but it’s very important not to flush them afterwards.
They block up the pipes, which then need fixing immediately. When workers have to leave home to fix blocked pipes, they’re at risk of COVID-19. That puts everyone else in their bubble at risk as well.
Do your bit for workers and their whānau, and put your wet wipes in the bin.
Hi there Neighbours!
With numerous gigs, concerts and festivals postponed or cancelled as a result of the level 4 response, we want you to dance the lockdown away with the new Neighbourly Spotify Playlist! Make your suggestions in the comments below - recommend anything you like on there, as … View moreHi there Neighbours!
With numerous gigs, concerts and festivals postponed or cancelled as a result of the level 4 response, we want you to dance the lockdown away with the new Neighbourly Spotify Playlist! Make your suggestions in the comments below - recommend anything you like on there, as well as tunes you think your Neighbours will enjoy. Chuck in some taste-breakers, one-hit wonders or some good old Kiwi classics - it really doesn’t matter. So if you’re running out of ideas on things to do, why not a dance party?
Just remember: keep it PG, refrain from putting any songs in the mix that may cause offence to your Neighbours. You can find the playlist here.
Happy raving NZ!
During this lockdown period, although Dr. Moss will not be conducting clinics for face-to-face consults, she will be available for phone and skype consults and will be processing results and letters so will email you with those. If you want an appointment for a phone consult please phone the clinic… View moreDuring this lockdown period, although Dr. Moss will not be conducting clinics for face-to-face consults, she will be available for phone and skype consults and will be processing results and letters so will email you with those. If you want an appointment for a phone consult please phone the clinic number and the receptionist who is manning the phone from home will book you in.
Southern Cross has stated that they will cover telehealth consults but if you are with another insurance company then you will need to check with them whether they will also cover them. The cost will be on the same basis as ordinary consults. The phone number is 09 459 1739 and the skype name is the email address river.women@xtra.co.nz
An example of the world's rarest tree will be just one of the internationally unique features of the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangarei. The building designed is taking shape on Whangārei's waterfront and, although work has stopped due to the coronavirus lockdown, the project is set… View moreAn example of the world's rarest tree will be just one of the internationally unique features of the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangarei. The building designed is taking shape on Whangārei's waterfront and, although work has stopped due to the coronavirus lockdown, the project is set to open around mid-2021. What do you think? Are you excited about the project? Will you visit it when it is open?
© Neighbourly 2024
Loading…
