Flu Flying High
Influenza is all around us and affecting our lives more than some may realise.
It has been said that the flu is more dangerous/damaging/ easier to transmit than the Omicron variant of Covid 19.
The flu jab is available in NZ and is usually highly effective in preventing people from getting the flu or passing it on. But it is currently not compulsory though is free to people over a certain age or people with certain health conditions and involved in certain professions.
One of the current issues is that many people connected with DHBs in NZ ( nurses, doctors etc) are not getting the flu jab. In the Wellington region overall the number of such people not vaccinated against the flu is over 40%. The main reason given for not getting a simple, safe (to a very high degree) and lightening quick jab that has been around for over 20 years, is TIME.
Unvaccinated medical personnel not only are subject to getting influenza but they can pass the flu onto patients whose health is already compromised. And the other aspect is that the medical profession is critically short of staff and a bout of influenza will compound the shortages with flu ridden absentees from the workforce.
So should time for a jab be made available for the health profession? Should time and a jab be mandated like Covid vaccinations were?
We're taking the bus!
The number of Wellingtonians taking the bus and train rose by 3% last week compared to the same time last year, according to Metlink.
Not surprising given petrol prices at the moment. But if you're considering giving up your car commute for a leisurely bus ride in the mornings, it would be worth it.
It's about to get even easier: In April, e-pay will be launched, meaning you can tap on with your credit cards as well as smart devices.
It's better on the environment too: With most Metlink trains running on electricity, 25% of the bus fleet being EV’s and the Ika Rere electric ferry, Metlink is able to move more people using less fuel than any other transport option.
With fuel costs so high, it's a good idea to jump on board if you can. If you've become a public transport convert recently, how have you found it?
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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40.3% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.8% No, I enjoy it
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
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