How to spend our first weekend at Alert Level 4
This is a crucial time. You might be tempted to leave the house this weekend to enjoy your free time. But it’s incredibly important that you don’t revert back to ‘normal life’.
Remember why we are all taking these extreme measures. Stay home. Save lives. This breaks the chain and stops the virus spreading.
How to break the chain, and protect us all:
STOP THE MOVEMENT
The virus is spread by us. It can’t move by itself. So we all need to avoid moving around as much as possible, eg:
● don't travel to and from baches or second homes
● avoid driving out of your neighbourhood
● don't travel across the country in campervans
● note that DOC has closed all of its campsites and huts.
KEEP EXERCISE LOCAL
There are very few exceptions to staying home, but exercise is one of them. Going for a walk, run or bike ride is good for your mental health. Just remember to:
● stay close to home. Enjoy your neighbourhood, but go no further
● keep it solitary, or only with those you live with
● keep a 2 metre distance from others.
DO SAFE ACTIVITIES ONLY
● Our emergency services need to be fully available to respond to COVID-19 cases. Any search and rescue operation reduces the ability of first responders to help others.
● Do your bit to help them by only undertaking safe activities, and avoiding going into areas where you could get lost or hurt and require their help. Avoid outdoor activities like swimming, surfing, tramping, or boating, hunting or hiking.
AVOID PUBLIC SPACES
● All bars, restaurants, cafes, gyms, cinemas, pools, museums, libraries and playgrounds are closed.
● Avoid places like beaches where people commonly linger, or are unable to maintain a 2 metre distance.
● Don't touch surfaces others may have touched when outdoors, like park benches or playgrounds.
When you return home carefully wash your hands, and any items you took with you outdoors.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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Whangarei Film Society - screenings for Thursday March 5th
Good People
We are glad to be back for 2026 and thrilled that the first WFS event for the year was so well attended. We had over 170 people see the brilliant documentary, Not Only Fred Dagg But Also John Clarke.
Our next film night is on Thursday 5th March in the Capitaine Bougainville Theatre at Forum North.
At 6pm, WFS will screen the Canadian documentary about the lives of artists in isolated regional areas etching out a career for themselves, RENDERING VISIONS.
Please note: This screening includes an interview with the film's director, Ms Ashley Laurenson, straight after the screening of the film, so don't miss it.
Our 8pm screening is the NZ documentary and tribute to a comedy legend, NOT ONLY FRED DAGG BUT ALSO JOHN CLARKE.
RENDERING VISIONS
Canada, Documentary 2025, 64 mins
Cast: Liana Wheeldon, Renee Manners
Director: Ashley Laurenson
Alberta Canada is home to Fort McMurray, a region rich in oil sands and it's a cornerstone of the nation's petroleum industry.
But for the creative community of Fort McMurray, the path is less clear.
So, through a series of interviews, local Director, Ashley Laurenson asks the question - “What do artists need to thrive in an isolated community?”
Laurenson explore the struggles, resiliency and creativity in the region as she compiles heartfelt stories from local artists, historical accounts from arts champions and messages of hope for future artists.
PLEASE NOTE: The screening on 5th March will include an interview with the director, Ashley Laurenson following the screening of the film.
Showing at Forum North, 7 Rust Ave Whangarei on Thursday, 5th March at 6pm (plus director interview) and Thursday, 12th March at 8pm (film only)
View the trailer at: www.youtube.com...
Tickets: Door sales only. $10 WFS members. Non-members pay $5 extra as an Associate Membership fee, per film. (Total of $15)
All welcome. Cash only please – no Eftpos available.
Like us on Facebook or visit whangareifilmsociety.org to sign up for free updates each week on the films we're screening.
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
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