Maungaraki, Lower Hutt

1510 days ago

Sewn with love

Gemma Elizabeth from Hutt Valley District Health Board

Kathryn Van Woerkom provides support for patients and their relatives as a hospital chaplain.

Recently, she has also been very busy sewing hundreds of reusable masks.
All the masks have been sewn from fabrics generously donated from Kathryn's friends, family and work colleagues.

"Many… View more
Kathryn Van Woerkom provides support for patients and their relatives as a hospital chaplain.

Recently, she has also been very busy sewing hundreds of reusable masks.
All the masks have been sewn from fabrics generously donated from Kathryn's friends, family and work colleagues.

"Many of the masks made have been gifted to churches and community groups—they then donate them to people in need," said Kathryn.

Kathryn also had many staff enquiring to buy her masks. After receiving numerous requests, she decided to sell them to staff as a fundraiser for the hospital's Dignity Trolley.

The Dignity Trolley is for patients, who are at the end of their life—and for their families—who are by their bedside.

The trolley is laden with fine china, speciality tea and coffee, and homemade baking.

Liz McCloat, an administrator in the Medical Ward, help created the Dignity Trolley.

"We know the trolley makes a huge difference during the end-stages of a patient's life," said Liz.

"The trolley helps bring some comfort to the families and friends during a very hard time."

So far Kathryn has made nearly 450 masks. Many of them have been given away to those in need, and close to 200 of them have been sold to staff and their families.

"We started selling a few on our ward but it quickly grew," said Kathryn.

"It was amazing to see all the staff and their families supporting this important service."

1507 days ago

More windy weather coming

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

It has been a windy few weeks and the Met Service is predicting that it is not over yet.

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1507 days ago

Dignity Trolley

Gemma Elizabeth from Hutt Valley District Health Board

"We were gifted the Dignity Trolley during our father's final days.

We were so grateful, on the night he was admitted, for the love and care taken to set up the trolley.

On Monday morning the hospital chaplain, Kathryn, refreshed the trolley for us. This gave us time to grieve when he … View more
"We were gifted the Dignity Trolley during our father's final days.

We were so grateful, on the night he was admitted, for the love and care taken to set up the trolley.

On Monday morning the hospital chaplain, Kathryn, refreshed the trolley for us. This gave us time to grieve when he passed away that afternoon.

We will always be grateful for the thoughtfulness that has gone into this trolley. Thank you so much." – Chrissy


What is the Dignity Trolley?

The Dignity Trolley is for patients, who are at the end of their life—and for their families—who are by their bedside.
The trolley is laden with fine china, speciality tea and coffee, and homemade baking.

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1507 days ago

Level 1

Gemma Elizabeth from Hutt Valley District Health Board

As we move to level 1 at 11:59 tonight, all visiting restrictions will be lifted across Hutt Valley and Capital & Coast DHBs.
From 22 September we will be returning to normal general visiting hours. Read more about visiting hours here: www.huttvalleydhb.org.nz...

We will be winding up … View more
As we move to level 1 at 11:59 tonight, all visiting restrictions will be lifted across Hutt Valley and Capital & Coast DHBs.
From 22 September we will be returning to normal general visiting hours. Read more about visiting hours here: www.huttvalleydhb.org.nz...

We will be winding up entrance screening at our hospitals tomorrow, but you will still be screened if you visit tomorrow. Thank you for helping us make the entry process as quick and painless as possible and being patient with our screening teams.

You are still encouraged to record your own movements for contact tracing purposes.

Please stay home if you are unwell. If you are feeling unwell and have COVID-like symptoms, please call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or your GP.

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1507 days ago

Riverbank Market gets the green light

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Great news Lower Hutt residents. The move to level one means the Riverbank Market will go ahead this Saturday.

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1507 days ago

Masks no longer compulsory for commuters

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Following the Government’s alert level 1 announcement Metlink has confirmed that face coverings will not be mandatory on board bus, ferry and train services from Tuesday September 22 2020. While some passengers may continue to wear face coverings out of personal preference, the focus for all … View moreFollowing the Government’s alert level 1 announcement Metlink has confirmed that face coverings will not be mandatory on board bus, ferry and train services from Tuesday September 22 2020. While some passengers may continue to wear face coverings out of personal preference, the focus for all passengers should now be on personal hygiene measures and tracking journeys. Metlink is encouraging all passengers to log their travel, using the Government’s COVID-19 tracing app for contact tracing purposes. For further updates check out the Metlink website metlink.org.nz/covid-19

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1507 days ago

Re: Yamaha P125B Digital Piano 88keys Keyboard

Emily from Woodridge

Hi. Just putting it out there to see if anyone's interested. Selling for $1,200.00. New $1,295.00. Mine I bought only a few months ago, hardly played & in mint condition. It's weighted piano keys, it's sounds & plays stunningly, got extra rhythms & voices etc.

Negotiable

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1507 days ago

Why Wool is Cool

Robert Anderson from

• The fleece of sheep has been used to make human clothing since the Stone Age.
• Wool flourishes where there is rain and sunshine. These two elements sustain the grassy fields that sheep graze on. Shearers shave off the wool every year before the weather gets too hot. Wool is the ultimate … View more
• The fleece of sheep has been used to make human clothing since the Stone Age.
• Wool flourishes where there is rain and sunshine. These two elements sustain the grassy fields that sheep graze on. Shearers shave off the wool every year before the weather gets too hot. Wool is the ultimate renewable fibre.
• Wool from about 61 sheep extend all the way from the earth to the moon.
• Wool may be made from mixtures of hair from sheep, alpaca, llama, camel, cashmere, mohair, angora, vicuna, yak, guanaco, beaver or otter. No animals are harmed in the harvesting of wool.
• Wool is flame-resistant. It will not melt and stick to your skin like synthetic fibres. Instead, wool will usually smoulder and extinguish itself when the source of the flame has been removed. The fibre of choice for casinos and airlines.
• The fastest recorded time to shear a sheep is 39.31 seconds by Hilton Barrett of Australia.
• Wool is composed of same protein that makes up the outer protective layer of your skin.
• Have you ever wondered why your wool socks withstand foot stench longer than cotton or synthetic socks? Wool is naturally mildew and mould resistant because it is a natural moisture repellent, MEANING LESS STINK. Wool also reduces dust mite activity (they do not like wool!).
• Over its lifetime, a sheep’s fleece will absorb approximately 30Kg of carbon dioxide.
• Renewable, recyclable, and naturally biodegradable; choosing wool minimizes the amount of waste that sits in landfills. Wool biodegrades in weeks to less than 1 year depending on environmental conditions. This is due to its high nitrogen content.
• Wool products can last for 15 to 20 years (or more)
• Wool can absorb indoor contaminants, including formaldehyde, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide and locks them away in the fibre core. It is naturally soil and stain resistant, attracts less dirt and dust due to anti-static properties and requires less cleaning than synthetic fabrics.
• Wool fibres have a crimped texture so when it’s packed more tightly together lots of tiny pockets of air form. This structure means that it can absorb and release wick away moisture, allowing your skin to breathe so you feel fresh as a daisy.
• Due to its crimped structure, wool is naturally elastic, and so wool garments have the ability to stretch to your shape but can then return to their original state. It is also resistant to tearing and requires less processing to make it useable.
• Wool’s high nitrogen and water content makes it naturally flame resistant. Wool does not ignite easily and will self-extinguish. Should wool burn it does not melt while burning. Wool produces less smoke and toxic fumes during combustion than synthetic fibres, making it a far safer choice.

1507 days ago

Meet Tineke

Gemma Elizabeth from Hutt Valley District Health Board

Tineke is a nurse and clinical coordinator at Regional Public Health. Her role is currently based at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).

"I have worked with some of the most vulnerable members in our communities," said Tineke. "I understand how poverty can … View more
Tineke is a nurse and clinical coordinator at Regional Public Health. Her role is currently based at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).

"I have worked with some of the most vulnerable members in our communities," said Tineke. "I understand how poverty can impact on the health of whānau, and I am very aware of the health disparities that exist."

Tineke will be leading the Nursing and Phlebotomy ESR team in the WellKiwis Study over the next three years. The study aims to help find a more effective and longer-lasting flu vaccination.

“We hope to contribute our research towards the development of a universal flu vaccine. We want a vaccine that is accessible to all, especially those most in need."

The study follow participants and their children for seven years.

"We get to know the families quite well during those years. If any of our families are in need, we can help by referring them to local community support services."

Tineke's team also work closely with local Māori and Pacific providers. The providers help her team make sure that all populations are engaged in the study.

"It is really important for us to make sure we have a strong cohort. We need to represent all our communities."

1509 days ago

Poll: Do you support a by-law banning junk mail?

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Wellington City is proposing a by-law banning unaddressed or advertising mail being put in letter boxes marked "no circulars" or '"no junk mail".
The by-law is part of a waste management plan to reduce the amount of material going in to landfills.

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Do you support a by-law banning junk mail?
  • 74.5% Yes
    74.5% Complete
  • 25.5% No
    25.5% Complete
717 votes
1507 days ago

Pioneering retirement for a trailblazing generation

There is a new generation of New Zealander, seeking a new way to live in retirement. They are living their lives with passion and purpose, striving to push further, to create better, to go beyond the ordinary.

A new generation of Kiwis are not retiring from life; they’re finding a new way to … View more
There is a new generation of New Zealander, seeking a new way to live in retirement. They are living their lives with passion and purpose, striving to push further, to create better, to go beyond the ordinary.

A new generation of Kiwis are not retiring from life; they’re finding a new way to live. One with flexibility, certainty, and the ability to dial care up and down as you need it.
Learn more

1509 days ago

Poll: Do you support the council providing wheelie bins?

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

A move to modernise rubbish collection in Hutt City or a backward step to create a monopoly and force local firms out of business?

Those are the conflicting views of a council decision to introduce a new waste collection and kerbside recycling system. Opponents claim that council-supplied … View more
A move to modernise rubbish collection in Hutt City or a backward step to create a monopoly and force local firms out of business?

Those are the conflicting views of a council decision to introduce a new waste collection and kerbside recycling system. Opponents claim that council-supplied wheelie bins will create a monopoly and force a number of firms that supply bins to close down, with a loss of local jobs.

Tell us what you think. If you do not not want your comments used in a story please put NFP (Not For Publication).

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Do you support the council providing wheelie bins?
  • 47.1% Yes
    47.1% Complete
  • 46.6% No
    46.6% Complete
  • 6.3% Not sure
    6.3% Complete
189 votes
1514 days ago

It is time to count Kererū

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

It’s time for the Great Kererū Count 2020. Kererū Discovery is calling on all Kiwis to get out and count kererū.

Kererū only live in Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether you love their classic white singlets, their whooping wingbeats, or their awesome air shows, kererū are as Kiwi as kiwi.

This … View more
It’s time for the Great Kererū Count 2020. Kererū Discovery is calling on all Kiwis to get out and count kererū.

Kererū only live in Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether you love their classic white singlets, their whooping wingbeats, or their awesome air shows, kererū are as Kiwi as kiwi.

This year the annual Great Kererū Count 2020 runs from 18-27 September.

As well as being real characters of the bush, kererū are also known as the gardeners of the sky –spreading precious seeds of forest giants such as tawa, miro and hinau. Tony Stoddard of Kererū Discovery, who coordinates the count, says kererū can pop anywhere

“At this time of the year kererū will be flocking to trees like willow and tree lucerne. These trees are kererū-magnets as the birds come out of their winter-feeding grounds and prepare for the breeding season by feeding on the nitrogen-rich leaves.”

“In urban areas, kōwhai are another important food source for kererū, and you will often see or hear angry tui defending their trees from hungry kererū.”

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1508 days ago

Spring time - Ducklings

Louise from Woburn

It's hard to go for a walk at the moment without falling over baby things. Here's a new mallard duckling (Anas platyrhynchos) - one of a group of 10 with a busy mother duck in the Riddiford Gardens, Lower Hutt.

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1508 days ago

Free wool carpet

Sarah from Boulcott

Next weekend we are pulling up the light green, woollen carpet throughout our house.

This is approx 20 years old so is worn, but would be great for a project or for on the garden.

If you would like some please message me and I will keep aside the amount required.

Collection is from … View more
Next weekend we are pulling up the light green, woollen carpet throughout our house.

This is approx 20 years old so is worn, but would be great for a project or for on the garden.

If you would like some please message me and I will keep aside the amount required.

Collection is from Boulcott, Lower Hutt and it must be collected next weekend (from the afternoon of Sat 26 Sept).

Many thanks
Sarah

Free

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