Road Safety Week gets into gear
The high number of people killed or seriously injured on New Zealand’s roads in April is a sad reminder of the importance of the need for safe behaviours when driving.
“Road safety has been a sharp focus for Council over the past two years and we’ve set our targets to reduce serious injuries on our roads by at least 40 per cent by 2030, and have a zero death rate by then,” says Porirua Mayor Anita Baker.
To help raise awareness of what we can do to make our roads safer, Council will be running a range of road safety activities in the CBD during Road Safety Week from 9–13 May, from 9am to 4pm daily. During this week there will be several informative displays, clinics and events in Cobham Court to work towards safer roads for our drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. A car that was involved in a fatal crash on Paekākāriki Hill in 2009 will be on display, preserved in its mangled final state with the original beer bottles still inside. “I attended to this crash where a combination of alcohol, drugs and speed led to the death of one person and the serious injury of two others,” says Mike George, Porirua City Council Road Safety Co-ordinator. “The survivors were very lucky to be alive and are still on ACC, making this one of the most expensive ACC claims in history.”
Another chilling display in Cobham Court from Monday to Wednesday next week will be the Decepta concept car – you might have seen this in a recent road safety commercial on TV showing a car that looks normal from the outside but is mangled on the inside, demonstrating the damage a car with a 1 star rating can sustain. “If you’re not sure about your current car’s safety rating or you want safety advice for a new car, come over and have a chat to our team, we’ll gladly check out your car and help out,” George says. There will also be free car seat clinics available for the whole week to help parents with car seat safety checks.
These clinics usually only take place on the second Wednesday of each month at Mungavin Hall between 1–3pm. “Park in the Cobham Court area and then ask our team to check your car seat. We’re here to correct any issues and make sure your kids are safe and secure in your vehicle,” George says
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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76.3% Yes
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22.3% No
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1.3% 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.
Art and Craft Market at Kai Tahi - 10 till 3 EVERY SUNDAY!
Hi neighbours
The new Porirua Community Art and Craft market at Kai Tahi in Porirua is now running EVERY Sunday. It's all indoors, and there's over 30 stalls each week.
Opens at 10am and closes 3pm, so you can also grab lunch at the many international food court options. Bring the kids, and your dog on a lead is welcome too!
Parking at the back (on harbour edge) is free - just stay clear of the Staff Only parks.