Air Patrol Training
Members of the Northland Coastguard Air Patrol, based at Bay of Islands Airport, Kerikeri, conducted an air/sea exercise with the Whangaroa Coastguard Unit on Sunday morning. Having been given an area of probability, the aircraft flew a creeping line ahead type search pattern, i.e. up and down parallel lines on a North and South heading, 1/4 km. apart, whilst slowly working towards the West, and successfully located a small training "target" previously dropped in the ocean off Stephenson Island, and then locating and directing the Whangaroa Coastguard Rescue vessel back to the spot to "rescue" the target. This is the core business of the Air Patrol, being able to cover a large area of the ocean when the exact location of a missing vessel, or one in distress ,is unknown.
Recreational sailors are encouraged to join Coastguard New Zealand, and are then offered a free service in the form of a monitored Trip Report, e.g. radio to Coastguard your departure point, destination, total persons on board, and estimated time of return, so that if you don't call back and advise of your safe return on schedule, search and rescue organisations can start to look for you much more quickly than if your friends and relatives "eventually" realise that you have not returned.
Never say never, Murphy is always with us ! Safety is no accident.
If you feel that you can help this cause, contact the Air Patrol, volunteers are always welcomed.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.9% Yes
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21.6% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.1% Yes
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15.2% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
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