Rural West Whangarei, Maungakaramea

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1688 days ago

Poll: What lessons have we learned from the coronavirus lockdown?

Denise Piper Reporter from Whangārei Leader

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 for the benefit of society, even if they can. What do you think we should continue not doing after the lockdown?

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What lessons have we learned from the coronavirus lockdown?
  • 38.8% More working from home/less traffic
    38.8% Complete
  • 40.3% More staying local and supporting local businesses
    40.3% Complete
  • 14.9% More volunteer efforts and community spirit
    14.9% Complete
  • 6% Other (please explain in comments below)
    6% Complete
67 votes
1683 days ago

First-home buyers - new or pre-loved?

Colleen Hawkes Reporter from Homed

As a first-home buyer it pays to weigh up your options to see whether buying new or buying 'character' is best for you.

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1682 days ago

Four $3000 NRC scholarship winners named

Alison Shrigley Reporter from Whangārei Leader

The Northland Regional Council has named the four winners of its inaugural ‘Tū i teora Scholarship’ programme; Courtney Sanson, Katherine (Katarina) Tautuhi, Huia Webby and Zane Williams.

The council’s Deputy Chair Justin Blaikie says the scholarships aim to support students studying or … View more
The Northland Regional Council has named the four winners of its inaugural ‘Tū i teora Scholarship’ programme; Courtney Sanson, Katherine (Katarina) Tautuhi, Huia Webby and Zane Williams.

The council’s Deputy Chair Justin Blaikie says the scholarships aim to support students studying or training in areas that align with council’s focus and mission of ‘working together to create a healthy environment, strong economy and resilient communities’.

They also aim to build Māori capacity within Te Taitokerau and provide opportunities for further education, with two earmarked for Māori who whakapapa (share a genealogical connection) to Te Taitokerau.”

Councillor Blaikie says while the scholarships were an existing initiative and applications had closed before central government introduced its Covid-19 pandemic response, they would hopefully be of even more practical value to recipients given the impact the pandemic was having on tertiary studies.

The application official period for the scholarships ended in mid-February, with 72 applications, three-quarters of which were from Māori who whakapapa to Te Taitokerau.

Over recent weeks – including as the country moved into Level Four lockdown – those applications had been reviewed by a four-strong selection panel* which had met remotely earlier this month (subs: April) to carry out judging.

*(Selection panel members were Te Tai Tokerau Māori and Council (TTMAC) Working Party representative Georgina Connelly (of Te Uri O Hau Settlement Trust) and regional council staff Lorna Douglas (Eastern Coast Land Manager), Cathy Erstich (Community Engagement Manager) and Auriole Ruka (Maori Engagement Manager).

Councillor Blaikie says the panel was unanimous in its selection of the four winners, who represent a diverse range of backgrounds and career study paths.

“The winners have now been informed and regional councillors have been briefed on their success. My fellow councillors and I congratulate them and acknowledge the very important role they – and indeed all those who applied or are engaged in tertiary studies – will have to play in our region’s collective future.”

Winners (alphabetically by surname) are:
Courtney Sanson; from Tautoro, near Kaikohe (Ngapuhi/Te Rarawa).
Has a Bachelor of Science (Earth Sciences) going on to Master of
Environmental Sciences (Waikato University) focusing on water quality

 Katherine (Katarina) Tautuhi; from Kaipara (Te Uri o Hau/Ngati Porou/Te Rarawa). Katarina has a Bachelor of Mātauranga Māori with a focus on environmental issues within Tai Tokerau. Currently studying towards a Masters of Indigenous Studies at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi with a focus on Māori worldview of Te Ao Tūroa, the environment

 Huia Webby; from Whangarei (2018 Whangarei Girls High graduate).
Studying Bachelor of Science majoring in marine (Wellington University) - entering second year of studies.

 Zane Williams; from Whangarei (2017 Kamo High graduate).
Studying for Bachelor of AgriCommerce (Massey University)

Further information on the winners – and the scholarships themselves – will be available shortly from the council’s website: www.nrc.govt.nz.........

Caption for ‘Huia Webby Copyright: Victoria University of Wellington - 20190900’
A supplied, pre-pandemic lockdown image of one of the four Tū i te ora Scholarship winners Huia Webby. (Photocredit: Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) Image Service

Caption for ‘Justin Blaikie (P) - 20191029’
Deputy Chair Justin Blaikie…Northlanders continuing their tertiary studies – despite the current pandemic response – will have an important role to play in future and the inaugural ‘Tū i te ora Scholarship’ winners especially so.

1683 days ago

Please share an ANZAC story with us Northland...

RSA

Dear Northland - ANZAC Day will look a little different for us this year - however there are many ways for you to acknowledge the incredible men and women who have served our communities and given their lives for our country.

We invite you to share a memory or photo to commemorate this special … View more
Dear Northland - ANZAC Day will look a little different for us this year - however there are many ways for you to acknowledge the incredible men and women who have served our communities and given their lives for our country.

We invite you to share a memory or photo to commemorate this special day on Neighbourly below. It could be a story of a member in your family who served - or perhaps the way you and your family celebrate ANZAC Day each year. (It might even be a photo of your freshly baked can't be-beaten ANZAC cookies).

We also invite you to take part in Stand at Dawn and join us at 6:00 am on Saturday 25 April. Stand at your letterbox, at the front door, in your lounge rooms, balconies, in your driveway. Wherever you are in the world, stand with us and take a moment to remember our fallen – but please stay within your ‘bubble’.

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1682 days ago

A note from Noel Leeming

Noel Leeming

We’ve been privileged to help Kiwis get the essentials needed to work, study, and stay connected. It’s led to huge demand and some orders are taking longer to deliver. We’d really like to apologise to the customers who’ve experienced these delays.

To help get it sorted faster we’ve … View more
We’ve been privileged to help Kiwis get the essentials needed to work, study, and stay connected. It’s led to huge demand and some orders are taking longer to deliver. We’d really like to apologise to the customers who’ve experienced these delays.

To help get it sorted faster we’ve quadrupled our Customer Care team, and expanded our order fulfilment network so we can get thousands more orders delivered each day. Plus our remote Tech Solutions service will be free until May 11 to lend customers a hand with technology advice or setting up.

Thanks for your patience, everyone. We’re getting there.
Find out more

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1682 days ago

Awanuiārangi COVID-19 Update!

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi

Whangarei Campus

Tēnā koutou katoa. Given the circumstances regarding COVID-19, teaching and delivery of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi programmes will differ from normal over the coming weeks or months.

We will keep staff, students and our wider community updated on this as best we can.… View more
Whangarei Campus

Tēnā koutou katoa. Given the circumstances regarding COVID-19, teaching and delivery of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi programmes will differ from normal over the coming weeks or months.

We will keep staff, students and our wider community updated on this as best we can.

We urge students to please stay enrolled. Studylink payments of allowances and loans will continue as normal.

Follow our facebook page and visit our COVID-19 webpage to keep updated. We appreciate your patience.

Ngā manaakitanga, keep safe.
Learn more

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1683 days ago

We're keen to hear about your health care

Kelly Dennett Reporter from Sunday Star Times

The Sunday Star-Times is looking to speak to a patient who has recently had some experience of the health system - either receiving treatment in a hospital or clinic or at an ED - and would be willing to talk about their experience, and how it could have been made better, either by shorter wait … View moreThe Sunday Star-Times is looking to speak to a patient who has recently had some experience of the health system - either receiving treatment in a hospital or clinic or at an ED - and would be willing to talk about their experience, and how it could have been made better, either by shorter wait times, better communication or level of care. We'd need you to be happy to be identified and photographed (from a distance). If you think you can help, please email senior journalist Andrea Vance on andrea.vance@stuff.co.nz.

1689 days ago

Single mum's tiny house lockdown

Colleen Hawkes Reporter from Homed

Following on from yesterday's tiny house story, here's single mum Shaye sharing her experience in isolation

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1690 days ago

All eyes on the tiny house

Colleen Hawkes Reporter from Homed

Tiny house builders have had a surge in interest during the lockdown, some from families that are 'herding'

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1684 days ago

Stick to your bubble, not your couch - join Red Cross Virtual Tour

Red Cross Communications from Red Cross - Whangarei Service Centre

During COVID-19 lockdowns overseas, we've seen someone run a half marathon on a tiny balcony and the distance of Everest up and down a staircase. What will we see next in New Zealand!?

We are an active country and we like to get outdoors in our beautiful landscapes. But we know that right now… View more
During COVID-19 lockdowns overseas, we've seen someone run a half marathon on a tiny balcony and the distance of Everest up and down a staircase. What will we see next in New Zealand!?

We are an active country and we like to get outdoors in our beautiful landscapes. But we know that right now we must #stayhomesavelives. Here is a way that you can still keep active in your own home, and still enjoy the beautiful scenery that we have here in Aotearoa! ? #RedCrossVirtualTour

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1685 days ago

CANCER doesn't STOP for Covid-19

Alison Shrigley Reporter from Whangārei Leader

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.

1686 days ago

Huffy

Peter from Kamo

Stuff tells us that a couple of [redacted] blokes are suing the PM over the lockdown. We're in danger of losing democracy! {eye roll}
Apparently they have too much time on their hands, and too much money to spend on lawyers.

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1687 days ago

How are your pets handling lockdown? Share your photos below!

Neighbourly.co.nz

This is Lulu from Mount Eden in Auckland, who has gone from having almost no-one home at the same time to having seven flatmates home almost all the time and this is how she feels about it...

Who are your bubble pets? Share your photos of your pets in the comments below - whether it’s helping … View more
This is Lulu from Mount Eden in Auckland, who has gone from having almost no-one home at the same time to having seven flatmates home almost all the time and this is how she feels about it...

Who are your bubble pets? Share your photos of your pets in the comments below - whether it’s helping you work from home, on a local neighbourhood walk getting some exercise, or any cute, fun, and funny photos!

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1687 days ago

Tauraroa Rd, Maungakaramea electricity outage

Alison Shrigley Reporter from Whangārei Leader

9am to 3pm, Monday, April 20
Northpower will carry out a planned electricity outage on Tauraroa Rd, in Maungakaramea from 9am and 3pm on Monday, April 20, to carry out essential work on the Northpower electricity network.

Around 170 people will be without power during this time.

Northpower asks … View more
9am to 3pm, Monday, April 20
Northpower will carry out a planned electricity outage on Tauraroa Rd, in Maungakaramea from 9am and 3pm on Monday, April 20, to carry out essential work on the Northpower electricity network.

Around 170 people will be without power during this time.

Northpower asks that people stay well clear of crews and follow Covid-19 self-distancing rules.

You can keep an eye on planned shutdowns at northpower.com

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1687 days ago

Is the drought still impacting you?

Denise Piper Reporter from Whangārei Leader

"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?

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