Bay of Islands news is brought to you by the team at The Bay Chronicle
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
NorthTec and TANZ eCampus are launching a fees-free online learning initiative, to help
Northlanders upskill or reskill if they have been impacted by the current Covid-19 pandemic.
NorthTec and TANZ eCampus are already partners delivering fully online learning for students to study in their own … View moreNorthTec and TANZ eCampus are launching a fees-free online learning initiative, to help
Northlanders upskill or reskill if they have been impacted by the current Covid-19 pandemic.
NorthTec and TANZ eCampus are already partners delivering fully online learning for students to study in their own home and at their own pace.
Unfortunately, unemployment is predicted to rise sharply as the country deals with the uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic, with difficult times ahead for many people who might find themselves needing to upskill or learn new skills to support a move into different industries and jobs.
To support people and employers in our region, NorthTec is building further on the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) ‘Fees Free’ options, to ensure we can offer fees-free learning to all people in our region.
The initiative is aimed at helping people upskill or learn new skills in order to help the region’s economy recover from the effects of the pandemic.
Learners can also access Chromebook devices from NorthTec to help them study from home.
To benefit from the fees-free initiative, learners need to enrol by 18 May.
NorthTec Chief Executive, Wayne Jackson, said: “We recognise that this is a very difficult time for many people, and that there will be job losses across the region. While people are unable to work, and forced to stay home during the lockdown, this initiative will help them retrain through quality education with no fees attached.
“TANZ eCampus is a fully online platform and is staffed by trained and experienced tutors who support learners throughout their studies. It’s a great way to study if you are unable to leave home, and with no fees it will be a really productive way for people to use their time while the country is in this unprecedented situation.”
The NorthTec eCampus portfolio of programmes can be found at
www.northtec.ac.nz...... , along with details on how to enquire and apply.
In association with this initiative, NorthTec has also secured Chromebooks that can be used to support students who do not have a device to study from home. Learners who require a Chromebook will be given details when they enrol.
NorthTec can provide details of a range of data support schemes that are available to support learning if required; again, details can be provided to students at the point of enrolment.
NorthTec and TANZ eCampus are launching a fees-free online learning initiative, to help
Northlanders upskill or reskill if they have been impacted by the current Covid-19 pandemic.
NorthTec and TANZ eCampus are already partners delivering fully online learning for students to study in their own … View moreNorthTec and TANZ eCampus are launching a fees-free online learning initiative, to help
Northlanders upskill or reskill if they have been impacted by the current Covid-19 pandemic.
NorthTec and TANZ eCampus are already partners delivering fully online learning for students to study in their own home and at their own pace.
Unfortunately, unemployment is predicted to rise sharply as the country deals with the uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic, with difficult times ahead for many people who might find themselves needing to upskill or learn new skills to support a move into different industries and jobs.
To support people and employers in our region, NorthTec is building further on the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) ‘Fees Free’ options, to ensure we can offer fees-free learning to all people in our region.
The initiative is aimed at helping people upskill or learn new skills in order to help the region’s economy recover from the effects of the pandemic.
Learners can also access Chromebook devices from NorthTec to help them study from home.
To benefit from the fees-free initiative, learners need to enrol by 18 May.
NorthTec Chief Executive, Wayne Jackson, said: “We recognise that this is a very difficult time for many people, and that there will be job losses across the region. While people are unable to work, and forced to stay home during the lockdown, this initiative will help them retrain through quality education with no fees attached.
“TANZ eCampus is a fully online platform and is staffed by trained and experienced tutors who support learners throughout their studies. It’s a great way to study if you are unable to leave home, and with no fees it will be a really productive way for people to use their time while the country is in this unprecedented situation.”
The NorthTec eCampus portfolio of programmes can be found at
www.northtec.ac.nz... , along with details on how to enquire and apply.
In association with this initiative, NorthTec has also secured Chromebooks that can be used to support students who do not have a device to study from home. Learners who require a Chromebook will be given details when they enrol.
NorthTec can provide details of a range of data support schemes that are available to support learning if required; again, details can be provided to students at the point of enrolment.
Northland District Health Board (DHB) and NorthTec staff are working closely together to develop a potential workforce for Northland which incorporates nursing tutors and students to support the healthcare frontline, if required.
NorthTec Bachelor of Nursing Coordinator, Jeanette Briscoe, says … View moreNorthland District Health Board (DHB) and NorthTec staff are working closely together to develop a potential workforce for Northland which incorporates nursing tutors and students to support the healthcare frontline, if required.
NorthTec Bachelor of Nursing Coordinator, Jeanette Briscoe, says several tutors are ready to work in hospitals and in the community to help with patient care if healthcare services in Northland become overwhelmed.
“We really want to support our clinical colleagues during this incredibly tough time. Ultimately, all of us came into the nursing profession to care for people in need,” says Jeanette. “I have been liaising with the Northland DHB Director of Nursing around their emergency planning, organised access to online DHB orientation courses for NorthTec staff to work through, and we have all completed health screening. This means that if the situation deteriorates in Northland, we are prepared to help on the frontline.”
Many third-year nursing students have had their clinical placements cancelled and put on hold while New Zealand is at pandemic Alert Level 4. However, many students still want to help, says Jeanette. “Our students are putting their names forward to be Health Care Assistants for the Northland DHB, to support the call for more staff in the event that the situation in Northland worsens.”
Nursing tutor, Michael McGivern, is one of those who has put his hand up to help if needed. He says that it was important to remember that firstly he is a nurse and have an obligation to assist people when they are unwell.
“During this pandemic, those people who are affected require a high level of support, guidance and direct nursing care. Nurses are trained to provide a high level of holistic care and to address people’s needs regardless of the nature of the problem. It is essential that nurses and other members of the healthcare teams pull together and support each other in order to safely get through this difficult time.”
Kathleen Burson became a NorthTec nursing tutor only five weeks ago, she says, “Working at Northland DHB is like being part of one big nursing family and if the need arose that is where I would want to be, supporting my nursing family to care for the people of Northland.”
Dr Bev Mackay, Nursing Pathway Manager, says this pandemic coincides with the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, which highlights the importance of the nursing and the healthcare profession during this time.
She says: “Worldwide, nurses are showing resilience and sacrifice while helping to fight COVID-19 at the frontline of the pandemic. This is the significance of choosing nursing as a career option, you can really make a difference in times like this. This is why our nursing tutors and students have chosen their career path – to help those in need. We are proud of our students and tutors who are prepared and ready to fight COVID-19 together, if required
I just wanted to update everyone as to what is happening with the next copy of your favourite magazine. With the current restrictions we aren’t able to print or distribute at the moment, but we are working hard on a fantastic May issue for you and it will be on sale as soon as the restrictions … View moreI just wanted to update everyone as to what is happening with the next copy of your favourite magazine. With the current restrictions we aren’t able to print or distribute at the moment, but we are working hard on a fantastic May issue for you and it will be on sale as soon as the restrictions ease! I am hearing from so many readers right now about how their gardens have never been more important to them than they are now, so I want to ensure you get your NZ Gardener, packed with beautiful pictures, expert advice, inspiration and information as quickly as possible, so you can enjoy your own garden even more. Meanwhile, when you do your next shop, we’d love it if you could pick up a copy of the April issue which is on sale now (you can add a copy to your online shop too). As you’ve probably heard on the news it is a tough time for magazines right now, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of our regular readers and (especially!) our subscribers. If you are in a position to subscribe, or share your own love of plants and gardening by buying a subscription as a gift for someone else, then we’d be incredibly grateful: mags4gifts.co.nz.... Stay safe and enjoy the extra time in your garden everyone! Jo
Northland’s leaders and police are urging would-be holidaymakers not to travel to – or within – Northland for what would have been their traditional Easter break. Police say they will be out in force, to ensure people are sticking to the coronavirus lockdown rules. The Northland Mayoral Forum… View moreNorthland’s leaders and police are urging would-be holidaymakers not to travel to – or within – Northland for what would have been their traditional Easter break. Police say they will be out in force, to ensure people are sticking to the coronavirus lockdown rules. The Northland Mayoral Forum says extra visitors will not only increase the potential of Covid-19 transmission, it will also put pressure on Northland's drinking water resources and healthcare.
If you are looking for fun things to do this Easter, there are plenty of fun things to do at home.
ShieldsUp is a volunteer driven initiative of over 500 Kiwis, 3D printing, manufacturing and distributing face shields to our medical and emergency heroes across the country facing Covid-19 head on.
Within two weeks, we have delivered over 5,000 face shields, but we are still hearing the calls … View moreShieldsUp is a volunteer driven initiative of over 500 Kiwis, 3D printing, manufacturing and distributing face shields to our medical and emergency heroes across the country facing Covid-19 head on.
Within two weeks, we have delivered over 5,000 face shields, but we are still hearing the calls of many. As the government and DHB’s publicly assure us that all necessary equipment is readily accessible, the demand for our face shields continues to grow daily, with requests for 30,000 shields.
If you would like to help us help them, sign up to volunteer at shieldsup.org.nz, or make a donation to ensure we can continue to produce and distribute our shields to protect our frontline heroes.
ShieldsUp, offering protection to Kiwi’s against COVID-19.
Recreate a classic game in an unconventional format using Resene testpots to paint your own dominoes. Smooth rocks, like those found on the beach or in a river bed, work best for this project.
Take the kids out to search for ones that lay flat and are generally round or oblong in shape. If you … View moreRecreate a classic game in an unconventional format using Resene testpots to paint your own dominoes. Smooth rocks, like those found on the beach or in a river bed, work best for this project.
Take the kids out to search for ones that lay flat and are generally round or oblong in shape. If you don’t live near water, you should be able to get some from your local garden supply store.
Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene.
Find out how to create your own rock domino set.
Hi neighbours! SOS Business was set up to help local businesses in your community. It means you can buy gift cards from your favourite cafés, restaurants and service providers and then redeem them when they re-open after lockdown.
You can play a special part helping small businesses stay … View moreHi neighbours! SOS Business was set up to help local businesses in your community. It means you can buy gift cards from your favourite cafés, restaurants and service providers and then redeem them when they re-open after lockdown.
You can play a special part helping small businesses stay afloat during this time. Spread the word to your friends and family so that we can help as many local businesses as we can.
Thanks for being a great neighbour by being a lifeline for businesses in your community.
PS - in case you were wondering, due to the success of SOS Café, and the number of other service businesses now on the Platform, the team have rebranded to SOS Business – Save Our Small Business!
We know some of you are facing threatening and potentially harmful times at home right now. Police will be there for you if you call us.
If you are in immediate danger and can’t call 111, leave your house and get out of harm’s way. Get to a safe distance and then ask a neighbour over a fence, … View moreWe know some of you are facing threatening and potentially harmful times at home right now. Police will be there for you if you call us.
If you are in immediate danger and can’t call 111, leave your house and get out of harm’s way. Get to a safe distance and then ask a neighbour over a fence, or a passer-by, to call 111 for you. Your safety comes first.
It’s everybody’s responsibility to speak out and keep each other safe right now. If you think something is not ok with a friend, neighbour, or colleague, it’s okay to call Police on their behalf. The person you’re worried about may not be able to speak up for themselves. You could be saving a life.
For more information or support: www.police.govt.nz...
Advance preparations have begun so Northland landowners keen to protect their properties from erosion can start to do once Central Government eases current restrictions to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.
Every year about this time the Northland Regional Council (NRC) invites landowners with … View moreAdvance preparations have begun so Northland landowners keen to protect their properties from erosion can start to do once Central Government eases current restrictions to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.
Every year about this time the Northland Regional Council (NRC) invites landowners with erosion-prone properties from Topuni north to order poplar poles and willows from its 16-hectare nursery for the winter planting season.
Local councillor Rick Stolwerk says best time to plant the trees in Northland is typically during June and July so the council is already working within the confines of the current lockdown in the hope that any associated restrictions will have eased by then.
On that basis the council had this week (subs: Monday 06 April) begun calling for tenders from commercial operators for this year’s harvest and planting at the poplar and willow nursery itself.
Councillor Stolwerk represents the NRC’s Coastal South constituency (which includes the Mata area, south of Whangarei where the nursery is based) and says tender documents can be downloaded from the Government Electronic Tender Service: www.gets.govt.nz...
He says it’s important for anyone considering bidding for the tender realises the council reserves the right to extend the timeframe to award the tender or – in the worst case scenario – cancel tenders altogether depending on the covid-19 lockdown situation.
At the same time, the council is now also urging Northlanders to place orders for the poplars and willows themselves for the upcoming planting season.
The council’s Nursery Co-ordinator Matthew Mabbitt says a three-metre poplar pole will cost $12 (+ GST) and a one-metre shrubby willow pole $4 (+GST) and as with previous years, there is also a small fee for delivery to the farm gate.
“While payment for the poles doesn’t need to be made until Wednesday 20 May, by which time the situation with the pandemic will hopefully be much clearer, the council will actually stop taking orders for poles later this month; on Tuesday 28 April.”
Mr Mabbitt says demand always well exceeds supply and the council expects that’s likely to be the case again this year, despite the current pandemic.
He says the fast-growing trees have broad and binding root systems and have been widely used for years in Northland to prevent and control erosion and cut waterway sediment pollution.
“Although the species used aren’t native, they’re preferable because their rapid growth rates mean they can be starting to control erosion within as little as just three years.”
He says anyone interested in securing poles should contact a member of the council’s land management staff on (0800) 002 004 or email: nursery@nrc.govt.nz to arrange a consultation and develop a free planting plan.
Regional council staff are available to provide this service remotely – without needing to visit properties – thanks to recent investment in high-resolution oblique aerial photos and modern computer-based mapping systems and are still fully operational during the lockdown period.
General information about establishing poplars and willows is also available from the council’s website via: www.nrc.govt.nz...
Images include:
A file shot – taken in April last year - of Nursery Co-ordinator Matthew Mabbitt at the NRC’s Mata nursery ahead of the 2019 planting season.
Regional councillor Rick Stolwerk; NRC planning ahead on poplar and willow front for eventual easing of Covid-19 restrictions. *(Note this is a file shot that was taken of Cr Stolwerk during a 2017 visit to the nursery).
Thank you to all our essential service workers working tirelessly to ensure our communities are kept safe.
Issac is 81years old and was observed by a member of the public struggling to walk to the supermarket. A quick interaction with Isaac revealed he was in need of some intervention.
Community … View moreThank you to all our essential service workers working tirelessly to ensure our communities are kept safe.
Issac is 81years old and was observed by a member of the public struggling to walk to the supermarket. A quick interaction with Isaac revealed he was in need of some intervention.
Community Constable Reuben Boniface ?♂️ was able to connect Issac with Age Concern Southland and with their assistance provide a care package of cooked meals and loaves of bread to help him through this time ? #kindnessgoesalongway
Advance preparations have begun so Northland landowners keen to protect their properties from erosion can start to do once Central Government eases current restrictions to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.
Every year about this time the Northland Regional Council (NRC) invites landowners with … View moreAdvance preparations have begun so Northland landowners keen to protect their properties from erosion can start to do once Central Government eases current restrictions to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.
Every year about this time the Northland Regional Council (NRC) invites landowners with erosion-prone properties from Topuni north to order poplar poles and willows from its 16-hectare nursery for the winter planting season.
Local councillor Rick Stolwerk says best time to plant the trees in Northland is typically during June and July so the council is already working within the confines of the current lockdown in the hope that any associated restrictions will have eased by then.
On that basis the council had this week (subs: Monday 06 April) begun calling for tenders from commercial operators for this year’s harvest and planting at the poplar and willow nursery itself.
Councillor Stolwerk represents the NRC’s Coastal South constituency (which includes the Mata area, south of Whangarei where the nursery is based) and says tender documents can be downloaded from the Government Electronic Tender Service: www.gets.govt.nz...
He says it’s important for anyone considering bidding for the tender realises the council reserves the right to extend the timeframe to award the tender or – in the worst case scenario – cancel tenders altogether depending on the covid-19 lockdown situation.
At the same time, the council is now also urging Northlanders to place orders for the poplars and willows themselves for the upcoming planting season.
The council’s Nursery Co-ordinator Matthew Mabbitt says a three-metre poplar pole will cost $12 (+ GST) and a one-metre shrubby willow pole $4 (+GST) and as with previous years, there is also a small fee for delivery to the farm gate.
“While payment for the poles doesn’t need to be made until Wednesday 20 May, by which time the situation with the pandemic will hopefully be much clearer, the council will actually stop taking orders for poles later this month; on Tuesday 28 April.”
Mr Mabbitt says demand always well exceeds supply and the council expects that’s likely to be the case again this year, despite the current pandemic.
He says the fast-growing trees have broad and binding root systems and have been widely used for years in Northland to prevent and control erosion and cut waterway sediment pollution.
“Although the species used aren’t native, they’re preferable because their rapid growth rates mean they can be starting to control erosion within as little as just three years.”
He says anyone interested in securing poles should contact a member of the council’s land management staff on (0800) 002 004 or email: nursery@nrc.govt.nz to arrange a consultation and develop a free planting plan.
Regional council staff are available to provide this service remotely – without needing to visit properties – thanks to recent investment in high-resolution oblique aerial photos and modern computer-based mapping systems and are still fully operational during the lockdown period.
General information about establishing poplars and willows is also available from the council’s website via: www.nrc.govt.nz...
Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. It is normal to feel stressed or lonely when self-isolating, but there are some things you can do to feel better.
Even if you are not sick you may be feeling anxious about COVID-19. This is normal.
Reach out to your family and whānau, friends and… View moreYour emotional and mental wellbeing is important. It is normal to feel stressed or lonely when self-isolating, but there are some things you can do to feel better.
Even if you are not sick you may be feeling anxious about COVID-19. This is normal.
Reach out to your family and whānau, friends and workmates. Sharing how we feel and offering support to others is important.
We want to remind you that if you or someone you know is struggling right now, there is free help available.
See below a list of helplines throughout New Zealand ?
Kia Kaha Aotearoa.
The Doctors Kerikeri strive to keep our community informed and healthy.
We are preparing for Flu season 2020. To avoid the spread of flu we would like to take this opportunity to remind our community about preventable measures every day. Simple actions such as washing your hands or staying home … View moreThe Doctors Kerikeri strive to keep our community informed and healthy.
We are preparing for Flu season 2020. To avoid the spread of flu we would like to take this opportunity to remind our community about preventable measures every day. Simple actions such as washing your hands or staying home from work and/or school
when feeling unwell reduces the spread of germs.
If you do become unwell please CALL THE MEDICAL CENTRE FIRST before presenting at the practice. You will be triaged and helped over the phone by one of our clinical staff. If you do need to come into the practice, please follow instructions given to you by our team. This is to ensure the best care for you and others attending the medical centre.
For information regarding COVID19 (Coronavirus) please call the HELP LINE 0800 358 5453
Phone: 09-407 7777
Address: 4 Homestead Road, Kerikeri 0230
© Neighbourly 2024
Loading…
