Frontline heroes: Paramedics aren't standoffish, they're just distancing
Now that we are in lockdown spare a thought for all the essential workers like Mark Shakespeare, from Wellington Free Ambulance.
He still has to go to work and face difficult situations helping the sick and the injured. At the same time, he has to keep himself safe.
“We’re giving more room between ourselves and patients. We’ll turn up with PPE such as masks and gloves.We’ll also ask several questions and depending on the answers, we’ll wear extra PPE to keep them and us safe.”
While the number of emergencies requiring attention remains about the same, the nature of the call-outs changes during lockdown, he said. Paramedics are responding to a lot more calls from people experiencing anxiety and mental distress.
Have you got anyone in your family who is an essential worker?
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?
-
40.3% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
-
57.8% No, I enjoy it
-
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.
Loading…
