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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.
From reporter Cate Broughton:
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Older and vulnerable people are being encouraged to “hunker down” in their homes during the peak of the Omicron virus, by some health experts – but others say this isn’t necessary.
New Zealand epidemiologist Professor Tony … View moreFrom reporter Cate Broughton:
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Older and vulnerable people are being encouraged to “hunker down” in their homes during the peak of the Omicron virus, by some health experts – but others say this isn’t necessary.
New Zealand epidemiologist Professor Tony Blakely is based at Melbourne University and says he encouraged his nearly 80-year-old parents – who live in Rotorua – to stay at home when Omicron cases climb and the virus becomes endemic.
However, Cancer Society medical director Kate Gregory said there was not enough evidence to support giving this advice to cancer patients.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed there was community transmission of the Omicron variant in New Zealand.
The Ministry of Health on Monday reported confirmed Omicron cases in the Nelson-Tasman region, Auckland and Palmerston North.
Blakely said he talked to his parents about continuing their usual activities while using a N95 mask, but “hunkering down” when cases climbed.
“You probably do that for another 10 days until case numbers start to go up in Rotorua, and then you really hunker down. So that’s what we’ve talked about.”
Blakely said “the maths of an epidemic” meant up to half of the population was likely to get infected with Omicron.
“The trick is to make sure the people who get infected are the young ones. So you accept that. You accept there will be hospitalisations associated with that.
But to minimise the hospitalisations, the mortality and morbidity – a bit like trench warfare – you send over the young ones, and you hunker down the oldies and those with co-morbidities.”
Blakely said his parents, who are double vaccinated and have had their booster, had already decided to stay at home when cases climbed.
But he said it was hard to say how long this period should last.
New Zealand’s traffic light setting of red – the highest level of restrictions under the traffic light system –would help to slow the spread of Omicron, and protect essential services from being overwhelmed, but this would also mean the peak of the virus would last longer, Blakely said.
“Here’s the deep irony, the better New Zealanders are at flattening the curve, the longer the hunker down will be.”
Blakely acknowledged prolonged periods of isolation for the elderly and vulnerable could have significant mental health impacts.
In Australia, Omicron has taken a huge toll on the aged-care sector with hundreds of outbreaks in aged care homes. But some families have said the lockdowns were overly cautious and too hard on the elderly residents, most of whom were fully vaccinated.
Wellington GP and Royal New Zealand College of General Practice (RNZCGPs) medical director Bryan Betty said the Australian experience of Omicron showed it could peak for as long as four to six weeks.
Betty said most people – including fit older people – would experience a mild to moderate illness, if infected.
“However, the caveat on this is ... we know the biggest risk factor for a poorer outcome from Covid is age, the elderly population in particular are vulnerable to a poorer outcome with Covid.”
Betty said it would be good for older people to consider staying home, with some support from friends and family, “as the case numbers rise” in the community.
Cancer Society medical director Kate Gregory said there was not enough evidence to date to support advising patients to stay home, but this could change “if we see much higher numbers”.
“If, in a week’s time we are seeing thousands and thousands of cases we may be advising people differently. I think the reassuring thing we’ve seen is that Omicron doesn’t seem to cause such severe disease and we know the vaccine provides very good protection.”
Gregory said for cancer patients the best defence is to be vaccinated and for the people in their households to be vaccinated.”
She said in her experience a “vast majority” of cancer patients had received two doses of Covid-19 vaccine, many with a third primary dose.
“It’s a frightening time, and especially for those who are more vulnerable.
"I think as long as people have the vaccine, wear the mask, do the hand-washing and get tested promptly, I think that’s probably fine. At the moment, that’s the advice we’re giving our patients.”
Our February Seniors newsletter is out now. In this issue we announce our Age friendly fund successful recipients, shine a light on the those nominated for the New Years Honours for Services to Seniors and much more. Check it out here: mailchi.mp...
Kia ora Aotearoa. Stuff has just finished their annual Summer Snaps competition and we’re thrilled to announce that you'll be the judge of the People and Communities photograph category.
The entries in this category have been shortlisted and we now have five brilliantly captured … View moreKia ora Aotearoa. Stuff has just finished their annual Summer Snaps competition and we’re thrilled to announce that you'll be the judge of the People and Communities photograph category.
The entries in this category have been shortlisted and we now have five brilliantly captured photographs to battle it out. There's a camera up for grabs for our talented photographers, and it's up to you to choose who takes the crown...and the Canon EOS!
Cast your vote in the poll below before 12pm, 11 February.
Peri-urban areas can be described as the landscape interface between town and country or the rural-urban transition zone where urban and rural areas mix.
The probability of wildfire is driven by the amount and dryness of fuel, ambient weather and ignitions. Dry weather exacerbates wildfire risk… View morePeri-urban areas can be described as the landscape interface between town and country or the rural-urban transition zone where urban and rural areas mix.
The probability of wildfire is driven by the amount and dryness of fuel, ambient weather and ignitions. Dry weather exacerbates wildfire risk in this zone and could significantly impact your property! With one of New Zealand’s hottest and driest summers, discover your property’s fire risk and what you can do to reduce it.
We can produce personalised reports for any house on the planet!
Click here to get your property report: https://property-climate-risk-report.co.nz/
Purchase a six month subscription to the Sunday Star-Times for $102 and get a free $100 Interflora e-voucher. Terms and conditions apply.
This easy DIY project finished in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Pickled Bluewood provides a roosting and resting site for a rare and threatened native bat.
Find out how to create your own.
Hi everyone,
Hokitika has been named the most welcoming town in NZ in Booking.com's 10th annual Traveller Review Awards.
Would be keen to hear from those who live there or who have visited whether they think the town really is exceptionally friendly. What makes it a welcoming place, or … View moreHi everyone,
Hokitika has been named the most welcoming town in NZ in Booking.com's 10th annual Traveller Review Awards.
Would be keen to hear from those who live there or who have visited whether they think the town really is exceptionally friendly. What makes it a welcoming place, or otherwise? Were there any cafes, restaurants, shops or other places you received a particularly warm welcome?
Lake Tekapo and Oamaru came in second and third place respectively, followed by Cambridge, Picton, Invercargill, Martinborough, Kerikeri and Palmerston North. Would also love to hear from you if you have thoughts on these places. Please include 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you don't want it to appear in a travel article.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts?
The Tiger represents bravery and strength, so this Lunar New Year, we’d like to offer you the chance to WIN 1 of 3 $50 Prezzy Cards, to spend at your local café, takeaway or restaurant!
Our locals have been doing it tough but remaining resilient, brave and strong through the last year. … View moreThe Tiger represents bravery and strength, so this Lunar New Year, we’d like to offer you the chance to WIN 1 of 3 $50 Prezzy Cards, to spend at your local café, takeaway or restaurant!
Our locals have been doing it tough but remaining resilient, brave and strong through the last year. Let's go show them some love Neighbours!
Click 'read more' below to head over to the NZ Compare Facebook page and leave a comment on our Lunar Post telling us what awesome local you'd support if you won.
We hope this Chinese New Year will be filled with happiness, prosperity, and many precious moments with your loved ones.
Entries close midnight 8th February 2022.
Perch this frame over a garden bed, and drape it with shade cloth, frost cloth or mesh, depending on the season. Paint to suit with Resene.
Find out how to create your own.
Want to grow your business this year? Well now you can!
For a limited time only we're offering you the chance to grab a Neighbourly Premium Business Listing for HALF PRICE!
Neighbourly Premium enables you to grow a strong presence in your community, connecting you with thousands of … View moreWant to grow your business this year? Well now you can!
For a limited time only we're offering you the chance to grab a Neighbourly Premium Business Listing for HALF PRICE!
Neighbourly Premium enables you to grow a strong presence in your community, connecting you with thousands of locals.. Instantly!
Find friendly neighbours who need your services, showcase what makes you stand out from the rest and connect with people who want to ‘shop local’.
So what are you waiting for? Set your business up for a successful year ahead with Neighbourly Premium.
ts and cs apply.
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are 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 … View moreOnce again, Resene and NZ Gardener are 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.
I need to replace it. It is 50cm tall and 46cm wide and is mounted with 4 5mm bolts.
Any questions call Peter on 021 114 5090
Hi Neighbours,
Download your Property Climate Risk Report today and receive a 20% discount! Simply insert this code SUMMER22 at checkout and find out how climate resilient your property is today.
The peak property buying and selling season is here and after the record-breaking warmth of … View moreHi Neighbours,
Download your Property Climate Risk Report today and receive a 20% discount! Simply insert this code SUMMER22 at checkout and find out how climate resilient your property is today.
The peak property buying and selling season is here and after the record-breaking warmth of 2021, it is time to consider how our climate could impact your home.
Let's plan together to keep your home cooler, drier and more liveable.
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