847 days ago

Westport air testing not sinister

The Team Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

Air monitoring in Westport by the West Coast Regional Council is simply to gather data and there is nothing sinister behind it, staff say.

A planning and science report to the Resource Management Committee this week said a survey of airborne particulates was now under way in Westport, with about 15 devices deployed around the township.

"Strong winds and vandalism have created minor disruptions, which has been overcome thus far," the report said.

"There are no compliance considerations with this spatial survey for individual households or councils under the National Environmental Standard for Air Quality."

The survey results would help the council to determine whether further monitoring was required, and where.

Monitoring of nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide was also under way in both Westport and Reefton.

"These substances can be generated by a range of combustion processes," staff said.

Cr Laura Coll-McLaughlin, of Westport, said there had been comment on social media about the air quality project in Westport.

There was some "mixed community sentiment" about it and also suspicion there were "some ulterior motives".

However, she said it was positive the council was gaining baseline data.

Acting planning and science manager Rachel Vaughan said the council was required to monitor air quality.

Air quality monitoring would require a bigger body of work in future, while allowing for a transition in what local people could use keep their homes warm and dry, she said.

Reefton, which sits in an inland basin with typically still weather, has had ongoing air quality monitoring by the regional council for a number of years.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 65.3% Yes
    65.3% Complete
  • 32.3% No
    32.3% Complete
  • 2.4% Other - I'll share below
    2.4% Complete
1058 votes
10 hours ago

Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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22 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

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