Tornado Update - 11 April
Kia ora Kāpiti,
We are on site this morning with Wellington Fire and Emergency in Paraparaumu following a tornado that has impacted the area.
Here’s what you need to know:
• FENZ is managing this incident and is working to address immediate damage, with support from Council in the clean-up.
• Two properties in Aorangi Road have suffered significant damage and others in the area are also affected.
• Council is working to get in touch with affected residents and supporting them by organising temporary accommodation and any other welfare assistance they may need.
• There has been some damage to trees in localised parts of Paraparaumu and we have contractors onsite to remove them from roads and public property.
• Our priority is ensuring our roads are open and safe to use.
• The Council Emergency Operations Centre has not been activated but staff are continuing to monitor the situation and support for those badly affected.
• Power is out to Nikau Valley and parts of the area around Aorangi Road. Power companies are working to re-establish it as soon as possible.
• Trees are down but we can’t clear them until the areas are made safe from fallen power lines.
• Road access is down to one lane only.
• We ask the public to avoid the area
What to do if your house has been damaged:
• If you have incurred any damage, contact your insurance company.
• If you have damage to your roof call that is presenting an immediate or potential risk to yourself or neighbours, call FENZ for assistance.
• Call 111 in an emergency.
Tornados are weather events that are hard to plan for - it is hard to pick where the greatest risk might be and almost impossible to predict where a tornado might appear.
Here are some good tips that will help to keep you safe:
• If you see a tornado, seek shelter immediately.
• If you’re inside, stay away from doors and windows, and stay downstairs if you’re in a multi-storey building.
• For added protection, get under something sturdy, cover your body with a blanket or mattress and protect your head with your hands.
• If you’re outside, lay flat in a gully, ditch or low spot on the ground and protect your head with an object or your arms.
• If you’re in a car, pull over and shelter in a low spot (not under or near the car).
Stay safe, Kāpiti and call us on 0800 486 486 if you see anything that needs our attention.
Photo: Megan Jones
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.
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