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We Say/You Say: trans-Tasman bubble
Hi Marlborough!
After more than a year of closed borders, Australians and New Zealanders will soon be able to jet-hop between countries after the government announced that the trans-Tasman travel bubble will be operational from April 19.
With quarantine-free travel now possible, are you more … View moreHi Marlborough!
After more than a year of closed borders, Australians and New Zealanders will soon be able to jet-hop between countries after the government announced that the trans-Tasman travel bubble will be operational from April 19.
With quarantine-free travel now possible, are you more likely to head across the Tasman or travel domestically?
Fronting Australian media yesterday, Jacinda Ardern not only spoke of the excitement of families being able to be reunited, but also pitched New Zealand tourist activities to Australian viewers.
"If there is a hot spot in one of the states of Australia we may just act in the same way that another state would ... Just prepare that there may be disruptions, but what better place in the world to be stuck. Am I right?," she said.
The trans-Tasman bubble will operate on a three tier basis: Continue, Pause and Suspend. If there are a few cases in Australia linked to the border, quarantine-free travel will continue. Travel may be paused for 72 hours if there are rogue community cases and in the instance of a state or nationwide lockdown, travel will be suspended.
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We Say/You Say: Solar Farms
Tēnā koutou Marlborough,
Would you support more solar panel farms in your area?
One of the largest solar power farms in New Zealand is nearing capacity and the managing director has expressed his desire to build further on the existing site.
Campbell McMath's company Kea Energy, is … View moreTēnā koutou Marlborough,
Would you support more solar panel farms in your area?
One of the largest solar power farms in New Zealand is nearing capacity and the managing director has expressed his desire to build further on the existing site.
Campbell McMath's company Kea Energy, is based in Christchurch and owns 14 sites around the South Island and the company's Wairau Valley farm is generating 1.85 megawatts for Marlborough Lines. McMath says an increase will mean they can further utilise the site.
"We have chosen a bifacial panel which has glass on both sides, which is a little more environmentally friendly than your traditional monofacial panel. Our intention is to keep the panels as long as economical and then sell on to hobbyists, for up-cycling," he said.
There are several solar panel sites currently in the Marlborough region, including the largest farm in New Zealand on the Peter Yealand's estate. In 2018, Stuff reported that it generated enough solar energy to power 86 homes.
Share your thoughts below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments featured in the Marlborough Midweek.
We Say/You Say: Lighthouse Renovations
Hi Marlborough,
What's your opinion on the Cape Campbell lighthouse renovations?
Cape Campbell lighthouse is getting its regular face lift, with 20 tonnes of scaffolding erected around the 18-metre high structure.
The 116-year-old structure was last renovated in 2005, with Maritime … View moreHi Marlborough,
What's your opinion on the Cape Campbell lighthouse renovations?
Cape Campbell lighthouse is getting its regular face lift, with 20 tonnes of scaffolding erected around the 18-metre high structure.
The 116-year-old structure was last renovated in 2005, with Maritime New Zealand saying restoration work is usually undertaken every 12 to 15 years.
“Compared to a lot of our sites which are located on islands, Cape Campbell is an easier location because you can drive to it. But it is also a challenging site because it is on the coast, and it is exposed to high winds,” they said.
While there are risks involved with working on the structure, Scaffold Marlborough owner Rob Hellstrom says that all scaffolding needs to be free standing, in order for it not to interfere with the historic landmark. It took less than two weeks to set up the nine levels of scaffolding.
"The team wear safety harnesses with double lanyards, so they can walk around being attached all the time,” Hellstrom said.
Restoration is expected to take between six to eight weeks.
Share your thoughts below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments to be used in the Marlborough Midweek.
Poll: Do you know where to find an AED when you're out and about?
Hi Marlborough,
The Red Cross Centre and the Blenheim i-Site has received two new defibrillators, or AEDs (automated external defibrillator).
Blenheim i-Site Operations Manager Amy Swain said people often ran to the i-Site for help.
“We're an information centre, so it makes sense … View moreHi Marlborough,
The Red Cross Centre and the Blenheim i-Site has received two new defibrillators, or AEDs (automated external defibrillator).
Blenheim i-Site Operations Manager Amy Swain said people often ran to the i-Site for help.
“We're an information centre, so it makes sense that people rush here to ask us for help in an emergency,” Swain said.
“And a lot of international people come here for help too ... while they're not here at the moment, hopefully they will be eventually.”
Share your thoughts below and don't forget to write NFP if you don't want your comment featured in the conversations section of the Marlborough Midweek.
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68.8% Yes, I do know where to find one
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31.3% No, I don't know where to find one
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