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A review into the Dunedin City Council’s handling of a lead water issue in three Otago townships has been made public.
The “do not drink” notice for Waikouaiti, Karitane and Hawksbury Village was lifted in July after residents were caught up in a lead scare six months prior.
Residents were … View moreA review into the Dunedin City Council’s handling of a lead water issue in three Otago townships has been made public.
The “do not drink” notice for Waikouaiti, Karitane and Hawksbury Village was lifted in July after residents were caught up in a lead scare six months prior.
Residents were unable to use their tap water after elevated levels of lead were found in the water supply, operated by the council.
It was later revealed that there was no widespread lead contamination in the council’s drinking water network, but the elevated levels were likely caused by leaching from privately-owned pipes and fittings.
A report by independent reviewer Ross Tanner, which was released on Wednesday night, will be discussed at the Dunedin City Council next week.
The review identified problems with the council’s initial escalation and notification procedures, including a staff member going on leave before the elevated lead level reading was emailed to their inbox. It meant the council did not know about the reading for some time.
The report noted senior council management, including the chief executive, were blindsided as a major health response unfolded.
Their handling of the situation was compounded by an RNZ interview in which a senior manager incorrectly stated the elevated lead readings were four times the acceptable level, but this was later corrected to 40 times.
“Concern was expressed by the mayor, chief executive, and councillors to whom I spoke that as a consequence of this interview and the mistaken reference, the council had effectively ‘lost control of the (communications) narrative’ and never regained it,” Tanner wrote.
Dunedin mayor Aaron Hawkins said the council had acknowledged, and worked to rectify, areas of concern identified in the review.
Three of the five recommendations had already been implemented, and work on the other two was continuing.
“We accept the presence of elevated lead levels should have been escalated sooner, which would have allowed us to have this very serious conversation with our community sooner, as they deserved.
“This delay caused avoidable angst for our communities and I apologise on behalf of council that this happened.”
The welfare response from council staff, community board representatives and public health authorities was praised in the review.
That included providing temporary safe water tanks and free vegetables to residents in affected communities.
🥊 The start of chapter 16 in Will Smith's audiobook "Will" captured my attention immediately. And what a delight it is to learn more about the great Mohammad Ali. I knew he was a boxer. To hear Will's commentary of how he refused to fight in the Vietnam war & his reasons … View more🥊 The start of chapter 16 in Will Smith's audiobook "Will" captured my attention immediately. And what a delight it is to learn more about the great Mohammad Ali. I knew he was a boxer. To hear Will's commentary of how he refused to fight in the Vietnam war & his reasons for that - WOW. Instant admiration & respect for the guy.
✨ Leading into Will sharing meeting Ali he changes pace, slows down & shares the below. Time stood still. Have any of you read "Will"? What was a stand-out part of the story for you? We'd love to hear - www.DreamBigNewZealand.co.nz...
In this summer edition, find inspiration from conscious living leaders like artist David Trubridge who takes inspiration from nature and the founders of Naturebox, Blair and Ollie who want to help Kiwis sustainably grow food. We meet Ryman residents Ross and Eleanor who love to explore Aotearoa … View moreIn this summer edition, find inspiration from conscious living leaders like artist David Trubridge who takes inspiration from nature and the founders of Naturebox, Blair and Ollie who want to help Kiwis sustainably grow food. We meet Ryman residents Ross and Eleanor who love to explore Aotearoa whenever they can.
Stuff's Oval Office delivers all of the rugby action - from on and off the field - straight to inboxes around NZ.
Our sports reporters keep you up to date with the biggest rugby news, match highlights and stories that you might have missed.
Sign up (it's free!) here.
Dear neighbours,
Last year, Greytown magician Paul Bates' Tardis-inspired shed was declared the Shed of the Year. This year, Resene and NZ Gardener are once again on the hunt for the country's best shed! Send in the photos and stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage … View moreDear neighbours,
Last year, Greytown magician Paul Bates' Tardis-inspired shed was declared the Shed of the Year. This year, Resene and NZ Gardener are once again on the hunt for the country's best shed! Send in the photos and stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds. The Resene Shed of the Year 2022 winners will receive prizes worth more than $2200. Just tell us in writing why your garden shed is New Zealand's best, and send up to five high-quality photos. Email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close Feb 27, 2022.
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for kūmara recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before February 27, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown … View moreDear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for kūmara recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before February 27, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown Recipes.
Today is a day that celebrates love, yes, but it’s also Library Lovers Day on February 14, dedicated to book lovers' across the globe.
It's a day to remember that our libraries are a place where we can get lost in a story, find an adventure we are seeking in a book, discover more about… View moreToday is a day that celebrates love, yes, but it’s also Library Lovers Day on February 14, dedicated to book lovers' across the globe.
It's a day to remember that our libraries are a place where we can get lost in a story, find an adventure we are seeking in a book, discover more about an issue we feel passionate about, or learn something new!
The Government has appointed Carolyn Cooper as the inaugural Aged Care Commissioner, to lead much needed systematic change in the sector, Minister for Seniors and Associate Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today.
It's not too late to grab these sensational plants for your green-fingered, houseplant-loving Valentine. Here's a quick guide to the hottest indoor plants for that special person in your life.
Happy Valentines Day from the team at NZ Compare!
Take the time today to enjoy the love that surrounds you. Pass it onto your friends, family, pets, maybe even a neighbour! Brighten someone's day.
Don't forget to show yourself some love too!
We all love a cheeky grin and a wave from our local grocer, or a toot from the delivery driver, or a coffee order that’s ready before we arrive. And especially over the last year, it’s been the small businesses in our communities that have almost made things seem ‘normal’.
… View moreWe all love a cheeky grin and a wave from our local grocer, or a toot from the delivery driver, or a coffee order that’s ready before we arrive. And especially over the last year, it’s been the small businesses in our communities that have almost made things seem ‘normal’.
Give your favourite local business owner the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
Bring 2 cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for 1 Resene testpot (60-80ml).
Resene will then donate all the food brought in to The Salvation Army local foodbanks.
By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help those in need. When you bring in 2 cans of … View moreBring 2 cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for 1 Resene testpot (60-80ml).
Resene will then donate all the food brought in to The Salvation Army local foodbanks.
By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help those in need. When you bring in 2 cans of food you'll save on your testpot purchase (save up to $5.90 on an 80ml testpot) while also helping provide disadvantaged Kiwis with food parcels when they need them most.
So start gathering up those cans and bring them into your local Resene owned ColorShop.
Less is best – plastic that is. So what better way to help the environment than to create your own fun, reusable calico shopping bag? Paint your own with Resene testpots.
Find out how to create your own.
We’ve all spent a lot of time at home last year, so many of us are in the same boat when it comes to our high power bills! GULP!
More Kiwis are now working from home, if that's you then it's time to check if you’re on the right power plan. SWITCH, SAVE and SMILE this Summer!
… View moreWe’ve all spent a lot of time at home last year, so many of us are in the same boat when it comes to our high power bills! GULP!
More Kiwis are now working from home, if that's you then it's time to check if you’re on the right power plan. SWITCH, SAVE and SMILE this Summer!
Compare with our help and find the right power plan for your household! It’s easy as!
Visit Power Compare to get yourself a better deal. Our service is free, we’re Kiwis helping Kiwis compare what’s out there across Power, Broadband and Money.
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