Alpine Fault quake risk higher than experts thought
New research reveals the chances of the South Island’s Alpine Fault generating a damaging earthquake in the next 50 years are much higher than previously thought.
New research led by Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington senior lecturer Dr Jamie Howarth shows the probability of that earthquake occurring before 2068 is about 75 per cent.
Until now, it had been thought to be about 30 per cent, based on sequences of sediment deposited adjacent to the Alpine Fault in northern Fiordland.
Are you prepared for 'the big one'? Tell us more in the comments below.
West Coast swim spot testing clear of E-coli
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The latest testing at a popular Westport swimming beach appear to show an all clear for E coli.
Earlier samples over summer had flagged contamination from cattle, according to a report to the West Coast Regional Council.
The test site in question, Marrs Beach on the south side of the Buller River has been a focus for the regional council for years however it has had difficulty tracing the sources of e-coli contamination.
Martins Creek enters the river near Marrs Beach and council has formed a catchment group to try and address contamination issues with landholders in the catchment.
Water quality sampling results provided alongside a report to the council's Resource Management Committee gives an overview of results for November 2023 to March 2024.
In the main, the majority of 20 sites tested through summer were in the 'very low risk' category for swimmers.
However beaches around Westport periodically blipped through summer.
Marrs Beach had two flags, in mid-November and mid-January, where testing found the water was of 'moderate to high risk' to swimmers due to E.coli exceedances (between 550 and 280 per 100ml).
Shingle Beach on the opposite side of the Buller River had three moderate to high risk flags: one in mid-December and two through the middle of January.
Other exceedance of water quality standards across the region included one moderate to high risk flag each in mid-January at the popular Taylorville swimming hole in the Grey River, and at Nelson Creek; at Westport North Beach (mid-December) and Punakaiki River (mid-January).
The council undertakes weekly contact recreation water quality sampling at the swimming spots from the end of October to late March.
The report to this week's Resource Management Committee said the last sampling period from February 19 to March 20 did not flag any exceedance despite "significant rainfall" preceding sampling in some locations.
Escherichia coli (E coli) is a bacteria commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms. Some E.coli strain can cause serious food poisoning.
Turn downsizing stress into strength
Downsizing can open the door to a new stage of your life that is rich in opportunity. However, it can be a daunting prospect. If you are embarking on a new chapter of life, the thought of shedding familiar possessions can feel even more stressful. This can be true even if the life changes are a good thing, such as a move to somewhere you will love to live.
Once you understand why you have this feeling, you can reframe it as creating a new environment that will support your present life while reminding you of your best experiences.
Click read more for the full article.
Minimalist Design in Apartment Living
Ryman’s Charles Upham Retirement Village resident Di is a former fashion designer, artist and self-confessed shoe hoarder who travels, still paints and has stamped her eclectic minimalist style on her apartment.
She gives us her top 3 design tips on how she’s turned her space into a beautiful home.
Loading…
