Preaching To The Converted
Upper Hutt's most Covid vaccinated locality is Trentham right where I live. We are currently at just over 90%.
This compares with the lowest vaccinated residents which is Maoribank and its surrounds with 76%. But the worse performing area of the Hutt Valley is the Delaney area of Stokes Valley at 67%.
Has the message not gotten through entirely to these places?
All approved Covid 19 vaccines are effective against the infection including the Delta variant and they prevent to a great extent the virus from spreading, from being severe and requiring hospitalisation and death from the disease.
The CDC came up with this equation: unvaccinated people are 11 times more likely to die of Covid 19.
CDC says vaccinated people are five times less likely to get infected and 10 times less likely to end up in hospital. These figures are pre the full effects of the Delta variant but will have changed little.
NZ's Ministry of Health says 97% of those being hospitalised in NZ are unvaccinated.
The ministry estimates that less that 100 people in the entire country would be unable to take the Pfizer vaccination but for many of these one of the other approved vaccines would be suitable.
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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39.7% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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58.5% No, I enjoy it
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1.8% 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.
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?
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