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I am (very) pleased to tell you that now that the country is in Level Three, the May issue of NZ Gardener will be sent to our printers, and the magazine will be on sale from May 7. And believe me the May issue is packed with the good stuff, with ideas of what you can sow, plant, pick and preserve … View moreI am (very) pleased to tell you that now that the country is in Level Three, the May issue of NZ Gardener will be sent to our printers, and the magazine will be on sale from May 7. And believe me the May issue is packed with the good stuff, with ideas of what you can sow, plant, pick and preserve to make the most of your garden right now, plus Lynda Hallinan reflects on 60 lessons for gardeners from the lockdown, a bumper gardening quiz, and you can visit a spectacular Taupō garden alive with birds, a whimsical wonderland in Glenorchy in full bloom and meet the clever and resourceful gardeners of the Chatham Islands... all without leaving your bubble. And thanks so much to everyone who has been in touch to offer their support to the NZ Gardener team, especially those who have subscribed or renewed or purchased a subscription as a gift (an NZ Gardener subscription is a great Mother's Day idea, just sayin'!) We are so grateful to you all, and it's your support that allows us to keep inspiring and informing gardeners from all around New Zealand as we have been doing now for more than 75 years. Please share this message with your gardening groups on social too. We’re looking forward to the many more years of celebrating the amazing gardens and gardeners of New Zealand that lie ahead.
Kia ora
Many of you will have heard the Prime Minister’s announcement that New Zealand will move to alert level 3 at 11:59 pm Monday 27 April. Like others around the region, Greater Wellington has been busy preparing for a smooth transition to this new alert level.
This is an overview of how … View moreKia ora
Many of you will have heard the Prime Minister’s announcement that New Zealand will move to alert level 3 at 11:59 pm Monday 27 April. Like others around the region, Greater Wellington has been busy preparing for a smooth transition to this new alert level.
This is an overview of how council will operate under alert level 3. There are a few significant changes, including a return to regular timetables on buses and trains and opening most of our parks to vehicles. And while council function is affected by the pandemic, I’ll continue to bring you weekly updates on how we’re responding through this newsletter.
I want to thank you again for your ongoing dedication to stopping the spread of COVID-19. We should feel proud of our effort so far, and heartened to stay the course by remaining at home under alert level 3.
Kia kaha till we meet again…and stay in your bubbles!
Daran Ponter
Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair
Public transport
Metlink will return to full regular timetables on buses starting on Sunday 26 April and trains on Monday 4 May. Fares will continue to be free under alert level 3 for essential travel such as going to supermarkets, veterinarians, pharmacies and other health facilities. Those over 70 should continue to stay home, but may use public transport to visit a doctor or pharmacy. Total Mobility customers will continue to be able to access subsidised fares of up to $80 per trip at this alert level.
We’re asking passengers to please start using their Snapper cards to tag on and off. This will help us gain valuable insight into how the network is preforming now, and when it returns to full service under level 3. If you do not have a Snapper card, you can order one free by calling 0800 555 345.
We’re also requesting that passengers abide by the physical distancing measures in place, even if that means missing out on their first choice train or bus as demands start to pick back up. Metlink’s real time information will be up and running as soon as we enter alert level 3 to help people plan journeys, and we’ll continue to update passengers with any developments on the Metlink website and app.
Ferry services will not return at alert level 3. Metlink is working with the ferry operator for a return at alert level 2.
Environmental management
The shift to level 3 means that our field and operational staff are able to resume more environmental management operations. Our harbour communication station is still working to ensure safe and efficient maritime management for commercial users of our region’s waters. Our Flood Protection staff have been responding to the various flood events across the region and we’ve also had teams out applying nitrogen-free fertiliser to the grazed areas at Battle Hill Farm Forest Park and the western side of Belmont Regional Park. As an environmental protection agency it is important to keep delivering these essential services to the region.
Water
As under level 4, Wellington Water Ltd continues to operate as an essential service to provide clean drinking water and safe wastewater treatment to our communities. Some staff members have been redeployed to bolster the frontline numbers for additional resilience and they are securing supply chains for all critical equipment, chemicals and other materials that keep water services running.
Regional parks
We know exercise and recreation is important, and our parks are available for safe and local access for you and your bubble. At alert level 3, we continue to limit exposure of COVID-19 to our staff and visitors. We are opening most of our park gates to vehicles, and most toilets. Park ranger offices remain closed and there is no camping, no motorised recreation, no hunting or gatherings allowed.
Our park ranger team and contractors will be back working in the parks. We ask that visitors please avoid our worksites, which will be clearly marked.
As well, volunteer activities will not be permitted in our parks under alert level 3. While we value the work of our volunteers immensely, we value their health and safety even more.
Predator free
Under alert level 3, our professional pest animal trappers will be able to resume some their predator control operations. Likewise, our allies at Predator Free Wellington will ramp up work next week, and have already been out this week attending to some essential work as a result of storm damage.
We know our volunteers are eager to get back to it, but under this alert level we are limiting pest control operations to staff only. We ask that our volunteers please continue to follow the government’s advice to stay home as much as possible. If you’d like to help us keep the heat on rats, stoats and other predators, please consider installing a trap in your backyard.
We’ll continue to offer support to conduct small operations that are deemed a matter of health and safety. These include responding to residents’ concerns about triggered traps in Wellington City, and wasp nest removal. To protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and the community, a small team who are operating independently has been approved to respond.
WREMO
The Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO) is a key part of Greater Wellington’s COVID-19 response, and is staffed and operated by council officers.
Under alert level 3, WREMO continues to operate seven days a week in order to combat the effects of COVID-19 and share information with the public on how to stay safe, ways communities can look after each other and how to get help for those who need it.
The WREMO helpline is also operating daily from 7am to 7pm and people can reach out for help by calling 0800-141-967.
Hey neighbours, how's lockdown life treating you? If you've been trying to sort some long overdue DIY jobs around the home, with mixed results, help is at hand.
Have you already had a DIY disaster you need to fix, or are you looking to do some home improvements but don't where … View moreHey neighbours, how's lockdown life treating you? If you've been trying to sort some long overdue DIY jobs around the home, with mixed results, help is at hand.
Have you already had a DIY disaster you need to fix, or are you looking to do some home improvements but don't where where to start? Email homed@stuff.co.nz to tell us all about it - including photos if you can - and we'll ask our experts for their advice on how you can fix things up, or where to start with your project.
So whether you have a interiors design dilemma, a need for some home DIY know how, bigger plans for a reno you'd like an expert opinion on, or even a tough cleaning problem you want cleared up, we'll get you some answers. What are you waiting for? Email your questions and photos to homed@stuff.co.nz and we'll get back to you.
Please note: We are unable to recommend specific businesses or tradespeople to provide quotes etc.
Alert Level 3 is a milestone in our struggle against COVID-19. We are all responsible for what happens next. Every contact we make is a chance for the virus to spread.
We could easily lose what we have gained. Our success, or failure, depends on the decisions that we’ll each make alone – … View moreAlert Level 3 is a milestone in our struggle against COVID-19. We are all responsible for what happens next. Every contact we make is a chance for the virus to spread.
We could easily lose what we have gained. Our success, or failure, depends on the decisions that we’ll each make alone – but which in turn – will affect all of us.
Two weeks then a review
• On 11 May, we will review our progress and decide if we can safely continue to step down restrictions, or if more measures are required to protect us all.
• So the decisions we each make now, matter. Because every interaction we have is an opportunity for the virus to spread.
Keeping safe at Alert Level 3
• At Alert Level 3, the best way to keep those around you safe, is by keeping your bubble small. Interact with as few people as possible. Less people equals less risk. And continue to stay at home whenever you can.
• We should each be making the minimal number of trips. Be sure to stay local, and only make necessary trips.
• And importantly, work and learn from home if you can.
Let’s do this
We’re a team of 5 million. Formidable. And we can do this.
So thank you New Zealand for making the right decisions, when it really counts.
To show our appreciation for those running small business in our communities, we are giving away our 3 month Premium Business Listings for FREE*.
Usually $150, your Premium Listing enables you to stay visible and connected to those around your business. Let your neighbours know how you're… View moreTo show our appreciation for those running small business in our communities, we are giving away our 3 month Premium Business Listings for FREE*.
Usually $150, your Premium Listing enables you to stay visible and connected to those around your business. Let your neighbours know how you're operating in Alert Level 3, share tips and tricks unique to your industry, send a few shoutouts - or share how your community can support you at this time.
There's no catches and no hidden fees. It's just our small way of saying thank you for playing such an essential part in our communities.
Grab a FREE 3 Month Premium Business Listing now. (Feel free to share the news with your fellow small business owners too!)
*limited time only
ANZAC Day will be marked a little differently this year. We’ll be warm and cosy at home and The Last Post won’t start until you press play. But one thing will be the same – remembrance.
To help us remember those who served and understand what ‘to serve’ meant, … View moreANZAC Day will be marked a little differently this year. We’ll be warm and cosy at home and The Last Post won’t start until you press play. But one thing will be the same – remembrance.
To help us remember those who served and understand what ‘to serve’ meant, Ryman recorded their ANZAC resident’s stories. Some are humorous, others are tragic and eye-opening, but they all offer insight into the courage, bravery, and determination required to serve.
What better way to remember than to read the memories of those who were there?
For over 150 years, the news and information we uncover and provide have relied on your support, either through subscription to our newspapers, consuming news via our online sites, or indirectly through the patronage you provide to those who advertise with us.
Now there’s a … View moreFor over 150 years, the news and information we uncover and provide have relied on your support, either through subscription to our newspapers, consuming news via our online sites, or indirectly through the patronage you provide to those who advertise with us.
Now there’s a new way you can support us: by making direct financial contributions to help power our news teams up and down the country.
Make a contribution and you’ll help our journalists continue to do what they do best: provide our readers with trustworthy, accurate and reliable news.
From Tuesday next week, on your normal collection day, we will resume kerbside recycling collection for glass, paper and cardboard only.
▪️Put it out on the usual collection day before 7am, but to help cope with the quantities at this time, please don't put all your stored items out all … View moreFrom Tuesday next week, on your normal collection day, we will resume kerbside recycling collection for glass, paper and cardboard only.
▪️Put it out on the usual collection day before 7am, but to help cope with the quantities at this time, please don't put all your stored items out all at once.
▪️We don’t have an exact date for when plastic and can collection will re-start. This material is sorted manually to be recycled for market, and at the moment this can’t be carried out safely. As soon as the situation changes and this service can be resumed safely we will begin collecting plastic and cans again. Please continue to dispose of these items in your orange council rubbish bags, or clean and store them
▪️Public recycling stations remain closed, including rural green bins.
▪️The delivery of new recycling crates, which was suspended at Level 4, will resume from Tuesday next week.
▪️Henderson Rd transfer station remains closed to anyone but account holders. Work is underway to get it open to the public. Official council bags can be dropped off for free during opening hours.
Anzac Day is being celebrated differently this year, with virtual services and online events, all from our own living rooms, balconies and driveways. Download this pdf of a poppy, by award-winning illustrator Sharon Murdoch, to print off and stick in a front window - To show that even in lockdown, … View moreAnzac Day is being celebrated differently this year, with virtual services and online events, all from our own living rooms, balconies and driveways. Download this pdf of a poppy, by award-winning illustrator Sharon Murdoch, to print off and stick in a front window - To show that even in lockdown, in our small bubbles, we shall not forget. That we can still say thank you for the sacrifices, we can still pay tribute to the bravery of so many.
As a first-home buyer it pays to weigh up your options to see whether buying new or buying 'character' is best for you.
Dear neighbours and gardeners, here's what you can and can't do for your garden next week. Plus, always check with your local garden centres to see what they're doing too.
We’ve been privileged to help Kiwis get the essentials needed to work, study, and stay connected. It’s led to huge demand and some orders are taking longer to deliver. We’d really like to apologise to the customers who’ve experienced these delays.
To help get it sorted faster we’ve … View moreWe’ve been privileged to help Kiwis get the essentials needed to work, study, and stay connected. It’s led to huge demand and some orders are taking longer to deliver. We’d really like to apologise to the customers who’ve experienced these delays.
To help get it sorted faster we’ve quadrupled our Customer Care team, and expanded our order fulfilment network so we can get thousands more orders delivered each day. Plus our remote Tech Solutions service will be free until May 11 to lend customers a hand with technology advice or setting up.
Thanks for your patience, everyone. We’re getting there.
The Sunday Star-Times is looking to speak to a patient who has recently had some experience of the health system - either receiving treatment in a hospital or clinic or at an ED - and would be willing to talk about their experience, and how it could have been made better, either by shorter wait … View moreThe Sunday Star-Times is looking to speak to a patient who has recently had some experience of the health system - either receiving treatment in a hospital or clinic or at an ED - and would be willing to talk about their experience, and how it could have been made better, either by shorter wait times, better communication or level of care. We'd need you to be happy to be identified and photographed (from a distance). If you think you can help, please email senior journalist Andrea Vance on andrea.vance@stuff.co.nz.
Dear Hawkes Bay - ANZAC Day will look a little different for us this year - however, there are many ways for you to acknowledge the incredible men and women who have served our communities and given their lives for our country.
We invite you to share a memory or photo to commemorate this … View moreDear Hawkes Bay - ANZAC Day will look a little different for us this year - however, there are many ways for you to acknowledge the incredible men and women who have served our communities and given their lives for our country.
We invite you to share a memory or photo to commemorate this special day on Neighbourly below. It could be a story of a member in your family who served - or perhaps the way you and your family celebrate ANZAC Day each year. (It might even be a photo of your freshly baked can't be-beaten ANZAC cookies).
We also invite you to take part in Stand at Dawn and join us at 6:00 am on Saturday 25 April. Stand at your letterbox, at the front door, in your lounge rooms, balconies, in your driveway. Wherever you are in the world, stand with us and take a moment to remember our fallen – but please stay within your ‘bubble’.
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