Nikau Valley, Paraparaumu

1139 days ago

Take extra care

Marie from Waikanae

This from this mornings Bulletin, is of interest. The actual reported cases are lagging indicators and it can be simmering in communities for about 2 weeks before any cases are reported.

Ongoing mysteries of the delta outbreak
Once a footnote in daily health updates, the number of cases … View more
This from this mornings Bulletin, is of interest. The actual reported cases are lagging indicators and it can be simmering in communities for about 2 weeks before any cases are reported.

Ongoing mysteries of the delta outbreak
Once a footnote in daily health updates, the number of cases that can't be linked to the greater outbreak has grown worryingly in recent weeks

The mystery count is rising rapidly. One of the numbers that underlines the scale of the delta outbreak and the challenge faced by contact tracers is the number of “unlinked cases” reported daily. Cases that scrutiny and contact tracing simply can’t link back to the greater outbreak. When the chains of transmission are well known and the tentacles of cases can be linked, the number of unlinked cases should head back to zero over time. Instead, it’s soaring.

Just over a month ago, the ministry of health began reporting how many cases remained a mystery across the previous fortnight. When Auckland was in level four lockdown, the number was hovering around a dozen per day. The number increased and dipped as new unlinked cases were detected and older ones were solved. However since the move to level three, the number of mystery cases has shot up. As of yesterday, the tally sits at 140 over the past fortnight.

What does this mean for the delta outbreak? Dr. Dianne Sika-Paotonu, an immunologist from the University of Otago, spoke with The Bulletin about what the mystery cases mean:

"Each of these cases represent potential transmission chains that are unknown and are potentially indicative of delta continuing to spread in our community. These mystery cases could have been passing on the virus and infecting people in the community without their knowledge. We continue to see these appear despite the higher restrictions,” she said.

That likely means that there’s a gap between the number of people with Covid-19 in New Zealand and the number of cases reported every day. Each mystery case could speak to a larger unknown chain of transmission.

“We may have reached the point where people are too afraid to come forward to get tested and that might mean the number being reported at 1pm doesn't truly reflect the precise number of cases out in our communities,” Sika-Paotonu added.

It’s already impacted contact tracing. Stuff reports that the ministry of health has stopped tracking sub-clusters in the outbreak because the growing number of mystery cases has made it unwieldy. There were more than 30 sub-clusters when the count stopped, and nearly half were no longer linked. According to the ministry, the focus has shifted from trying to create epidemiological links and simply identifying, testing and isolating close contacts.

Mystery cases are also at the centre of Waikato’s lockdown. While Northland is headed back to level two, parts of Waikato will remain in level three and face more restrictions than Auckland until at least the end of the week. While newly reported cases are “broadly linked” in the area, the prime minister said yesterday, an ongoing drip of mystery cases in Waikato has raised concerns. That’s the issue with unlinked cases: if they remain a mystery after a few days, they might indicate that you don’t know as much about an outbreak as you’d like.

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1139 days ago

Playhouse Raffle

Bill from Paraparaumu Beach

The Kapiti Pakeke Lions Club are running their usual playhouse raffle with a closing date of 12 February 2022. First prize is the playhouse, second prize a 30 minute scenic flight and third prize is a Kitchen Wiz. Go to kapitipakekelions.org.nz... to purchase your tickets online.
All proceeds go … View more
The Kapiti Pakeke Lions Club are running their usual playhouse raffle with a closing date of 12 February 2022. First prize is the playhouse, second prize a 30 minute scenic flight and third prize is a Kitchen Wiz. Go to kapitipakekelions.org.nz... to purchase your tickets online.
All proceeds go to local charities including the Life Flight Trust.

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1139 days ago

Here's a cool idea for communicating with your neighbours without technology or breaching alert level rules...

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

Each household gets 3 pieces of coloured paper that can be displayed in a window or on a door that others can easily see.

- Green is for I'm OK

- Yellow is for needing help or a check-in

- Red is for an emergency

This is a safe and simple way let others know how you're doing while … View more
Each household gets 3 pieces of coloured paper that can be displayed in a window or on a door that others can easily see.

- Green is for I'm OK

- Yellow is for needing help or a check-in

- Red is for an emergency

This is a safe and simple way let others know how you're doing while also looking out for others in your community.

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1139 days ago

Council Meetings this week

The Team from Kāpiti Coast District Council

Mōrena Kāpiti, Tune in today, Wednesday and Thursday for the livestream of our Council meetings. 🎥

Tuesday, 9am–4pm – Public hearing of the 2021 Representation Review

Wednesday 20 October

⏰ 9am–12 midday – Public hearing of the 2021 Representation Review

⏰1.30–4pm – … View more
Mōrena Kāpiti, Tune in today, Wednesday and Thursday for the livestream of our Council meetings. 🎥

Tuesday, 9am–4pm – Public hearing of the 2021 Representation Review

Wednesday 20 October

⏰ 9am–12 midday – Public hearing of the 2021 Representation Review

⏰1.30–4pm – Workshop – Representation Review

Thursday 21 October, 9.30am – Strategy & Operations Committee Meeting.

If you wish to participate in public speaking time at Thursday's meeting, you'll need to email democracy.services@kapiticoast.govt.nz by 12 midday, Wednesday 20 October (the day before the meeting).

Watch the livestream at www.kapiticoast.govt.nz...

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1141 days ago

SPCA Pet of the Day: Meet Marge

Reporter Community News

Meet Marge, who was once a stray.

"I am a very talkative girl who is always up for a chat with my special human. I have a lot to say, especially when you pat me! I'm also very affectionate, with a particular affinity for head butts, pats, and being picked up. Being slow and steady in … View more
Meet Marge, who was once a stray.

"I am a very talkative girl who is always up for a chat with my special human. I have a lot to say, especially when you pat me! I'm also very affectionate, with a particular affinity for head butts, pats, and being picked up. Being slow and steady in your interactions with me is really important, as I can get nervous and unsettled when approached too quickly or intensely.
I'm not your typical lap cat during the day, but at night I want nothing more than to be by your side, whether that's sleeping on you or near you. I love bean bags, and temptation treats (in moderation of course!). I'm not always down to play, but when I'm in the mood, I love ping pong balls and stringy toys!
I'm looking for a quiet home with indoor/outdoor access, and that gives me space and independence when I need it. I would prefer a home without other animals or children as my mood can sometimes change quickly if I feel threatened or am unsure of my surroundings."

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1140 days ago

THE MAHARA PLACE MARKET IS ON TODAY

Gary from Waikanae

Come on down to the Mahara Place Market by the new library in Waikanae. 9.30am - Midday. Veges, Plants, Local Honey, Avo's, Crafts, Upcycled/Recycled, The Rawleigh's Man, Books and lots lots more. See you there :-)

1140 days ago

Happy National Gardening Week! 👩‍🌾🍅

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

This year Kiwis are being encouraged to grow-an-extra-row to share with neighbours, community pantries, food banks and other local food donation agencies.

Backyard and communal edible gardens not only provide healthy, sustainable and tasty kai, they also create greater food resiliency within our … View more
This year Kiwis are being encouraged to grow-an-extra-row to share with neighbours, community pantries, food banks and other local food donation agencies.

Backyard and communal edible gardens not only provide healthy, sustainable and tasty kai, they also create greater food resiliency within our hapori.

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1142 days ago

Invasive Bamboo

Chris from Paraparaumu Beach

Hi Neighbours,


Can anyone please advise who I should contact at Kapiti District Council on removal of Invasive Running Bamboo in the esplanade reserve (Paraparaumu Beach area)?


Thanks

1143 days ago

Friday Feathered Friend

Reporter Community News

Words and picture by Louise Thomas.

"I love birding – some days are just filled with hope and potential. I set out in the rain hoping to maybe see a few kākā/brown parrots or maybe snap a few tui on the right angle, possibly come across some rotund kererū for comedic relief. But some … View more
Words and picture by Louise Thomas.

"I love birding – some days are just filled with hope and potential. I set out in the rain hoping to maybe see a few kākā/brown parrots or maybe snap a few tui on the right angle, possibly come across some rotund kererū for comedic relief. But some days are blessed with a little extra and the unexpected. Today I came across an unbanded pair of kākāriki/red-crowned parakeets (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae) fossicking in the undergrowth, then feeding in the trees – blissfully unaware they are relicts of better times. Hopefully proof-positive they are spreading in Wellington and the Hutt Valley. Wellington Botanic Gardens."

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1141 days ago

How important is sustainability to you?

NowNext

Take the survey and be in to WIN a share of $2,500 worth of prizes - including a luxury escape in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand’s food and wine country – where a sustainable weekend away tastes absolutely delicious!

Plus, each entry will also go in the draw to win 1 of 5 $100 gift vouchersView more
Take the survey and be in to WIN a share of $2,500 worth of prizes - including a luxury escape in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand’s food and wine country – where a sustainable weekend away tastes absolutely delicious!

Plus, each entry will also go in the draw to win 1 of 5 $100 gift vouchers from the Restaurant Association of New Zealand.
Find out more

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1141 days ago

Looking for a job?

Competenz

Looking for a job and keen to get qualified? Our job board has new opportunities being listed regularly across our 37 sectors!

And good news, we have an exciting new function available – our CV builder. Now, anyone looking for an apprenticeship or job opportunity through Competenz can use our … View more
Looking for a job and keen to get qualified? Our job board has new opportunities being listed regularly across our 37 sectors!

And good news, we have an exciting new function available – our CV builder. Now, anyone looking for an apprenticeship or job opportunity through Competenz can use our CV Builder tool to create a professional CV with the right information to get the attention of employers.

Check out our CV builder here. Or keep an eye on our Job Board for new opportunities!
Check out our Job Board

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1141 days ago

Cat Sitting

Natasha from Waikanae

I am a Pet Sitter with over 20 years experience. I have looked after many different pets ranging from dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, fish and chickens. I provide feeding and care for your loved pets in their own home twice a day. Please contact Natasha

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1141 days ago

Large beanbag inner and beans

Keith from Waikanae Beach

Large beanbag with beans in. No outside cover (puppy ruined it but inside is still in very good condition.

Price: $30

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1141 days ago

Single bed and sprung mattress

Aleka from Raumati South

Good single bed still available. Sprung mattress is optional, although also very usable. Pick up in Raumati South. Call 022 019 7957.

Free

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1141 days ago

Pathrider DX10 Mobility Scooter

Neil from Paraparaumu Beach

Pathrider DX 10 mobility scooter. Hardly used . Excellent condition as new

Price: $2,500

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