Birchville, Upper Hutt

963 days ago

Stay safe and stay calm as Omicron spreads

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Omicron is here and Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy is reminding locals to stay calm and be safe.
Earlier in the week two locations of interest were posted in Upper Hutt and last week St Patrick’s Silverstream sent 100 boys home after they were deemed close contacts of a year 12 student, who was a … View more
Omicron is here and Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy is reminding locals to stay calm and be safe.
Earlier in the week two locations of interest were posted in Upper Hutt and last week St Patrick’s Silverstream sent 100 boys home after they were deemed close contacts of a year 12 student, who was a positive case. Guppy says it “is only a matter of time” before Omicron becomes widespread in the community.
He is reassured by the high vaccine numbers and is confident the city will cope.
“Our people have generally been very good at following the precautions and public health measures. Upper Hutt has strong vax numbers and people are getting boosted.”
He says it is more important than ever that people now do the right thing.
“We’ve started talking to our community, through our social media channels, about self-isolating at home when the time comes, things to prepare in advance, that kind of thing.”
He says people should not be panicked by Omicron.
“We do not need to be anxious or frightened. This next phase is about getting on with life.”
The reality, he says, is that we need to learn to live with Omicron. It is already having a negative impact on the local economy and “where possible” he urges people to continue to shop local.
“Our retailers, particularly in the hospitality, are noticing a drop in foot traffic with everyone working from home so if you can still pop in and get your takeaway coffee as an example, they’d love your support.”
It is important to remember to wear a mask, social distance and always scan in, he says.
He has one final plea for locals – get vaccinated and if you have not already done so, get your booster.
The reality is, he says, that the best way to beat Omicron and get back to normality is to get vaccinated.

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964 days ago

Read our Kōwhai magazine online

In this summer edition, find inspiration from conscious living leaders like artist David Trubridge who takes inspiration from nature and the founders of Naturebox, Blair and Ollie who want to help Kiwis sustainably grow food. We meet Ryman residents Ross and Eleanor who love to explore Aotearoa … View moreIn this summer edition, find inspiration from conscious living leaders like artist David Trubridge who takes inspiration from nature and the founders of Naturebox, Blair and Ollie who want to help Kiwis sustainably grow food. We meet Ryman residents Ross and Eleanor who love to explore Aotearoa whenever they can. Find out more

964 days ago

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964 days ago

Have you seen Darren?

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Police are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Darren Millar, 46, who has a Warrant to Arrest and is wanted by Police. Anyone with information is urged not to approach him and instead to call 111 immediately and quote file number 220209/4335. Alternatively information can … View morePolice are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Darren Millar, 46, who has a Warrant to Arrest and is wanted by Police. Anyone with information is urged not to approach him and instead to call 111 immediately and quote file number 220209/4335. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

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964 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Last year, Greytown magician Paul Bates' Tardis-inspired shed was declared the Shed of the Year. This year, Resene and NZ Gardener are once again on the hunt for the country's best shed! Send in the photos and stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage … View more
Dear neighbours,

Last year, Greytown magician Paul Bates' Tardis-inspired shed was declared the Shed of the Year. This year, Resene and NZ Gardener are once again 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.

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965 days ago

Do you have a great kūmara recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for kūmara recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before February 27, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown … View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for kūmara recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before February 27, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown Recipes.

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969 days ago

Poll: Do we need an inquiry into Transmission Gully?

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Business leaders from across the Wellington region are calling for an independent inquiry into Transmission Gully.
Five deadlines have been missed and it is still not known when it will open.
Tell us what you think and if you do not want your comments used by Stuff, please put NFP.

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Do we need an inquiry into Transmission Gully?
  • 32.7% Yes
    32.7% Complete
  • 67.3% No, just finish it!
    67.3% Complete
1023 votes
965 days ago

Annoucement

Office for Seniors

The Government has appointed Carolyn Cooper as the inaugural Aged Care Commissioner, to lead much needed systematic change in the sector, Minister for Seniors and Associate Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today.

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965 days ago

How about heart-shaped foliage plants for your Valentine?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

It's not too late to grab these sensational plants for your green-fingered, houseplant-loving Valentine. Here's a quick guide to the hottest indoor plants for that special person in your life.

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965 days ago

Share the love around Neighbours!

The Team from NZ Compare

Happy Valentines Day from the team at NZ Compare!
Take the time today to enjoy the love that surrounds you. Pass it onto your friends, family, pets, maybe even a neighbour! Brighten someone's day.

Don't forget to show yourself some love too!

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966 days ago

Want to recognise your favourite local business?

Prospa

We all love a cheeky grin and a wave from our local grocer, or a toot from the delivery driver, or a coffee order that’s ready before we arrive. And especially over the last year, it’s been the small businesses in our communities that have almost made things seem ‘normal’. 

View more
We all love a cheeky grin and a wave from our local grocer, or a toot from the delivery driver, or a coffee order that’s ready before we arrive. And especially over the last year, it’s been the small businesses in our communities that have almost made things seem ‘normal’. 

Give your favourite local business owner the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
Nominate now

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968 days ago

Friday Feathered Friend

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Another lovely pic from Andrew Gorrie. For a change please suggest some captions of what the feasting kereru is thinking?

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966 days ago

SPCA Pet of the Day: Meet Hana

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

"My family could no longer look after me, so now I am looking for a new family. I am sweet when it suits, I look adorable and my caregivers tell me I am, but if I have had enough fuss, or I see another cat, I have another side. I am looking for someone who can speak cat, who can read cat, and … View more"My family could no longer look after me, so now I am looking for a new family. I am sweet when it suits, I look adorable and my caregivers tell me I am, but if I have had enough fuss, or I see another cat, I have another side. I am looking for someone who can speak cat, who can read cat, and loves me for who I am. I hate other cats, and would probably make a dog's life unpleasant. I am looking for a home with older children, or just adults, who will love me for who I am. If you are still reading this, then please click apply now so my caregivers can find out more about you, and can make you an appointment to come and meet me."

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968 days ago

SPCA pet update: Lola

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

"We adopted this sweet girl, who now is called Lola. She is absolutely cheeky, playful and full of life. She’s so good with toileting and eating. She naps for super short periods and then has way too much energy 😂 She has settled in well to our home and has certainly made it her own. Lola… View more"We adopted this sweet girl, who now is called Lola. She is absolutely cheeky, playful and full of life. She’s so good with toileting and eating. She naps for super short periods and then has way too much energy 😂 She has settled in well to our home and has certainly made it her own. Lola finds our rainbow lorikeet very interesting and has tried many times to make friends with him. She’s growing way too fast for my liking in the three weeks we’ve had her."

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969 days ago

Comparing The Incomparable

Michael from Trentham

TVOne News tonight did itself a disservice by comparing Denmark favourably with NZ in relationship to the Covid response.

Denmark has six million people whilst NZ has five million and both countries are among the highest ranked in the OECD.

Demmark has just now cut the cord of restrictions… View more
TVOne News tonight did itself a disservice by comparing Denmark favourably with NZ in relationship to the Covid response.

Denmark has six million people whilst NZ has five million and both countries are among the highest ranked in the OECD.

Demmark has just now cut the cord of restrictions that NZ holds onto.

But TVOne News failed to state that Denmark has lost almost 4000 people to Covid while NZ sits just above 50.
Only a few days ago, Denmark still recorded 18 deaths to Omicron in a single day. NZ's worse day for Omicron deaths so far is one or two.

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