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From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
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Staffing shortages are already putting the pressure on at Ashburton Hospital while the threat of an omicron outbreak in the region looms large.
The Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) has confirmed that the current number of … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
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Staffing shortages are already putting the pressure on at Ashburton Hospital while the threat of an omicron outbreak in the region looms large.
The Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) has confirmed that the current number of nursing vacancies in the Ashburton District is putting pressure on the DHB’s acute and inpatient nursing workforce in Ashburton.
CDHB general manager rural health services Berni Marra said they were reshuffling staff and reviewing services to cope with the shortage.
“To minimise disruption to our Ashburton-based services, we are making full use of our talented Ashburton team, with nursing staff from various outpatient, community, day surgical and education work forces being redeployed to assist the areas currently under pressure.
“We’re also reviewing outpatient clinic and community care bookings for the next six weeks, with urgent and acute care, e.g. emergency and palliative, being prioritised.”
People may notice a difference in the way other services were delivered in Ashburton, Mara said.
“While our district nursing service continues, more clinics will be taking place virtually via telehealth for example.
“Our colleagues across the DHB are also supporting our community and our services, as we work through an active recruitment programme including talent sourcing from overseas, multi-channel advertising across all job boards, targeted campaigns, recruitment open days and attendance at career expos.
“While we work to overcome this short-term challenge, our community can be confident that they will continue to receive quality care from our Ashburton teams, when and where they need it.”
Acute and inpatient services would continue to be available and people should continue to access the care they need when they need it, she said.
“This includes making their GP their first port of call – they can tell you what to do and where to go if you need to be seen urgently.
“After hours, people can call Healthline for general health advice on 0800 611 116 anytime,” Mara said.
If you or someone you know needs mental wellbeing support or advice: Call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor. This service is free of charge and is available day and night.
We’ve all spent a lot of time at home last year, so many of us are in the same boat when it comes to our high power bills! GULP!
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… View moreWe’ve all spent a lot of time at home last year, so many of us are in the same boat when it comes to our high power bills! GULP!
More Kiwis are now working from home, if that's you then it's time to check if you’re on the right power plan. SWITCH, SAVE and SMILE this Summer!
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From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
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The newly elected Ashburton District Councillors later this year will walk into a pay rise.
The Remuneration Authority, which dictates the elected councillors' salaries, is proposing to increase the remuneration pool from … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
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The newly elected Ashburton District Councillors later this year will walk into a pay rise.
The Remuneration Authority, which dictates the elected councillors' salaries, is proposing to increase the remuneration pool from $383,524 to $450,195, to be distributed to Ashburton District councillors following the elections in October.
The pool doesn’t apply to the mayor and the Methven Community Board members.
Currently the deputy mayor salary is $58,365 and the other eight councillors receive $40,645. The pool increase would increase an Ashburton District councillor salary to about $47,000.
Some councillors spoke of being uneasy about a pay increase, which is outside their control, during what are tough economic times.
“I just find a 15.76 per cent increase a little bit unjustifiable in my own mind,” councillor John Falloon said.
“Basically, we only have inflation up to December at 5.19 but admittedly this does go back for three years so there may be some justification there, but to me I feel a little bit uneasy about a 15.76 per cent increase.”
Councillor Carolyn Cameron said she felt uncomfortable with the level of the increase.
With wages not keeping up with inflation, there seemed to be a disconnect “that elected members such as ourselves can benefit to a greater extent than the people that voted for us”, she said.
However, mayor Neil Brown said the increase would hopefully entice new, potentially younger, candidates to come forward for the next election.
“There’s been talk over the years that if the role paid more, then more younger people with full time jobs could go to part time jobs and spend a lot more time doing council and not miss out on any salary. This goes that distance I believe so we may get more young people around the table, we might not. Time will tell.”
The councillors have their opinions but ultimately the Remuneration Authority determines the salaries.
“You can’t determine what you get and what you don’t get but once its delivered to you, you can decide what you do with it.
“If you don’t want it you can give it away,” Brown said.
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
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Ashburton’s new over-80s parking by-law has been questioned by one of its councillors, who’s not sure how it will help.
Councillor Carolyn Cameron felt the bylaw, which comes into effect on April 4, didn’t really benefit … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
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Ashburton’s new over-80s parking by-law has been questioned by one of its councillors, who’s not sure how it will help.
Councillor Carolyn Cameron felt the bylaw, which comes into effect on April 4, didn’t really benefit older residents’ parking and their access to the CBD.
Residents aged over 80 would be eligible for a free special parking permit that entitled them to double the allotted time in the 30 and 60-minute time restricted car parks.
The permits do not apply to the pay and display parking area.
Cameron said the policy was supposed to make it easier for older people to access the shops by being able to park closer, not for longer.
“So I don’t know how this is helping,’’ said Cameron, who supported the policy. She reiterated access, not time, was the issue but didn’t know the solution.
“This is giving them to park longer at the shops but how is helping them park nearer the shops. The problem in Ashburton is parking location.”
Council strategy and policy manager Toni Durham said staff had considered other options but this was “the best we could come up with”.
Not all over 80s would be eligible for a mobility park and the council didn’t want to impact on access for other mobility park users, Durham said.
With the $15 million Ashburton CBD revamp, the council had already lost about 40 parking spaces and was loath to further reduce the number of parks by creating specific ones for over 80s, and then see them unused.
Councillor Stuart Wilson, who declared a conflict of interest and removed himself from voting due to being over 80, could see the benefit.
“The majority won’t proudly display in their windscreen they are over 80 so it will be limited to those who have limited mobility but don’t qualify for a mobility sticker.”
Councillor Rodger Letham couldn’t see any advantages for simply extending the parking limit.
Deputy mayor Liz McMillian said: “It’s a start and we need to start somewhere”.
The policy would be reviewed in five years or sooner if required, especially if there was low uptake of the permits.
From reporter Cate Broughton:
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Older and vulnerable people are being encouraged to “hunker down” in their homes during the peak of the Omicron virus, by some health experts – but others say this isn’t necessary.
New Zealand epidemiologist Professor Tony … View moreFrom reporter Cate Broughton:
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Older and vulnerable people are being encouraged to “hunker down” in their homes during the peak of the Omicron virus, by some health experts – but others say this isn’t necessary.
New Zealand epidemiologist Professor Tony Blakely is based at Melbourne University and says he encouraged his nearly 80-year-old parents – who live in Rotorua – to stay at home when Omicron cases climb and the virus becomes endemic.
However, Cancer Society medical director Kate Gregory said there was not enough evidence to support giving this advice to cancer patients.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed there was community transmission of the Omicron variant in New Zealand.
The Ministry of Health on Monday reported confirmed Omicron cases in the Nelson-Tasman region, Auckland and Palmerston North.
Blakely said he talked to his parents about continuing their usual activities while using a N95 mask, but “hunkering down” when cases climbed.
“You probably do that for another 10 days until case numbers start to go up in Rotorua, and then you really hunker down. So that’s what we’ve talked about.”
Blakely said “the maths of an epidemic” meant up to half of the population was likely to get infected with Omicron.
“The trick is to make sure the people who get infected are the young ones. So you accept that. You accept there will be hospitalisations associated with that.
But to minimise the hospitalisations, the mortality and morbidity – a bit like trench warfare – you send over the young ones, and you hunker down the oldies and those with co-morbidities.”
Blakely said his parents, who are double vaccinated and have had their booster, had already decided to stay at home when cases climbed.
But he said it was hard to say how long this period should last.
New Zealand’s traffic light setting of red – the highest level of restrictions under the traffic light system –would help to slow the spread of Omicron, and protect essential services from being overwhelmed, but this would also mean the peak of the virus would last longer, Blakely said.
“Here’s the deep irony, the better New Zealanders are at flattening the curve, the longer the hunker down will be.”
Blakely acknowledged prolonged periods of isolation for the elderly and vulnerable could have significant mental health impacts.
In Australia, Omicron has taken a huge toll on the aged-care sector with hundreds of outbreaks in aged care homes. But some families have said the lockdowns were overly cautious and too hard on the elderly residents, most of whom were fully vaccinated.
Wellington GP and Royal New Zealand College of General Practice (RNZCGPs) medical director Bryan Betty said the Australian experience of Omicron showed it could peak for as long as four to six weeks.
Betty said most people – including fit older people – would experience a mild to moderate illness, if infected.
“However, the caveat on this is ... we know the biggest risk factor for a poorer outcome from Covid is age, the elderly population in particular are vulnerable to a poorer outcome with Covid.”
Betty said it would be good for older people to consider staying home, with some support from friends and family, “as the case numbers rise” in the community.
Cancer Society medical director Kate Gregory said there was not enough evidence to date to support advising patients to stay home, but this could change “if we see much higher numbers”.
“If, in a week’s time we are seeing thousands and thousands of cases we may be advising people differently. I think the reassuring thing we’ve seen is that Omicron doesn’t seem to cause such severe disease and we know the vaccine provides very good protection.”
Gregory said for cancer patients the best defence is to be vaccinated and for the people in their households to be vaccinated.”
She said in her experience a “vast majority” of cancer patients had received two doses of Covid-19 vaccine, many with a third primary dose.
“It’s a frightening time, and especially for those who are more vulnerable.
"I think as long as people have the vaccine, wear the mask, do the hand-washing and get tested promptly, I think that’s probably fine. At the moment, that’s the advice we’re giving our patients.”
Our February Seniors newsletter is out now. In this issue we announce our Age friendly fund successful recipients, shine a light on the those nominated for the New Years Honours for Services to Seniors and much more. Check it out here: mailchi.mp...
Kia ora Aotearoa. Stuff has just finished their annual Summer Snaps competition and we’re thrilled to announce that you'll be the judge of the People and Communities photograph category.
The entries in this category have been shortlisted and we now have five brilliantly captured … View moreKia ora Aotearoa. Stuff has just finished their annual Summer Snaps competition and we’re thrilled to announce that you'll be the judge of the People and Communities photograph category.
The entries in this category have been shortlisted and we now have five brilliantly captured photographs to battle it out. There's a camera up for grabs for our talented photographers, and it's up to you to choose who takes the crown...and the Canon EOS!
Cast your vote in the poll below before 12pm, 11 February.
Peri-urban areas can be described as the landscape interface between town and country or the rural-urban transition zone where urban and rural areas mix.
The probability of wildfire is driven by the amount and dryness of fuel, ambient weather and ignitions. Dry weather exacerbates wildfire risk… View morePeri-urban areas can be described as the landscape interface between town and country or the rural-urban transition zone where urban and rural areas mix.
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We can produce personalised reports for any house on the planet!
Click here to get your property report: https://property-climate-risk-report.co.nz/
Purchase a six month subscription to the Sunday Star-Times for $102 and get a free $100 Interflora e-voucher. Terms and conditions apply.
This easy DIY project finished in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Pickled Bluewood provides a roosting and resting site for a rare and threatened native bat.
Find out how to create your own.
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
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Plans to keep an historic ice skating rink open at least three months a year and reopen a popular waterfall walking track have been given a financial boost.
Ashburton's Braided Rivers Community Trust has given out $457,919 worth of… View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
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Plans to keep an historic ice skating rink open at least three months a year and reopen a popular waterfall walking track have been given a financial boost.
Ashburton's Braided Rivers Community Trust has given out $457,919 worth of grants to 14 organisations in Mid-Canterbury.
The trust, in conjunction with the Lions Foundation, gave $150,000 to the Staveley Hall Society’s $1.12 million refrigeration project to future-proof the rural town’s historic skating rink, and $75,000 to the Mt Somers Walkway Society towards its plans to reinstate walking access to Sharplin Falls.
Trust chief executive Rob Reid said the two tourism projects were great ones for the trust to get behind.
“The ice rink is going to be a huge project for the district,” Reid said.
The redevelopment project would provide the necessary infrastructure to keep the rink open for ice skating and curling at least three months a year.
Project spokeswoman Claire Harden said the grant brought the project’s fundraising total to $753,352.
“We are not far off now.”
Most of the work would begin after this year's ice skating season – if the weather allowed, Harden said.
The project is planned to be completed in time for the 2023 season.
Next to the rink is the currently inaccessible Sharplin Falls, but the local walkway group plans to change that.
Rockfalls on the track during and after the 2011 earthquakes forced the Department of Conservation (DOC) to close the track due to safety concerns.
Following extensive consultation with DOC and geologists, the Mt Somers Walkways Society has undertaken to build a new track itself.
Society fundraising co-ordinator Jack Allan said the $75,000 grant from the trust kept them on target and was a great boost to start the new year.
The project was estimated to cost about $470,000, but Allan said that may increase due to the rising cost of steel, with the major cost of the project being two new 30-metre-long bridges.
The other complicating factor was that several events planned to benefit the project had to be postponed or cancelled, he said.
List of recipients:
Mid-Canterbury Children’s Trust Board – Children’s Day entertainment costs 2022: $12,000
Mt Somers Walkways Soc Inc – bridges for the reinstated Sharplin falls track: $75,000
Rotary Club of Ashburton Plains Inc – two berths on Spirit of Adventure: $5000
Ashburton Toy Library – running costs: $7000
Rakaia Community Assn Inc – Fencing for new dog park: $21,037
Ashburton Railway & Preservation Soc Inc – Maintenance costs: $33,000
Zonta Club of Ashburton Charitable Trust – International Women's Day costs: $3882
Dorie Preschool Trust – running costs: $15,000
Ashburton Netherby School – Numicon resources and library costs: $18,000
Family Help trust – vehicle and IT Equipment: $20,000
Caninspire Charitable Trust – running costs: $10,000
Ashburton Swim Team Inc – competition and travel costs: $30,000
Mid-Canterbury Netball Inc – running costs: $60,000
Staveley Hall Society – costs for new ice Sskating rink: $150,000
Total: $457,919
Hi everyone,
Hokitika has been named the most welcoming town in NZ in Booking.com's 10th annual Traveller Review Awards.
Would be keen to hear from those who live there or who have visited whether they think the town really is exceptionally friendly. What makes it a welcoming place, or … View moreHi everyone,
Hokitika has been named the most welcoming town in NZ in Booking.com's 10th annual Traveller Review Awards.
Would be keen to hear from those who live there or who have visited whether they think the town really is exceptionally friendly. What makes it a welcoming place, or otherwise? Were there any cafes, restaurants, shops or other places you received a particularly warm welcome?
Lake Tekapo and Oamaru came in second and third place respectively, followed by Cambridge, Picton, Invercargill, Martinborough, Kerikeri and Palmerston North. Would also love to hear from you if you have thoughts on these places. Please include 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you don't want it to appear in a travel article.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts?
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
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It’s known as the breadbasket of New Zealand, but Mid-Canterbury workers could become burnt out trying to complete this year’s harvest.
The issue is a worker shortage due to delays in skilled overseas workers getting into the country, … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
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It’s known as the breadbasket of New Zealand, but Mid-Canterbury workers could become burnt out trying to complete this year’s harvest.
The issue is a worker shortage due to delays in skilled overseas workers getting into the country, locals say.
The Government announced changes in December to the class exemption scheme and securing more visas for overseas workers, but the amendment was only actioned last Friday.
Ashburton mayor and farmer Neil Brown said workers would likely burn out trying to get this year’s harvest completed.
“I’m reasonably certain the harvest will be done but what it’s doing is the farm staff and contractors that are available are working harder and longer, and they will burn out.
“[The harvest] is a farmer’s income, so they will do everything they can to get it on time and beat the weather.”
Consumers will be hoping they do, or they will face further price spikes.
The disappointing factor for Brown is that the visa issue has been an ongoing discussion with the Government for two years. “And it hasn’t been remedied.”
Federated Farmers Mid-Canterbury president David Clark said there was not much farmers and contractors could do other than get on with the job.
“We are all working long hours and if the weather turns against us in the harvest it’s going to be a massive problem.”
Methven-based May Brothers Contracting managing director and harvesting manager Phil May said delays in getting overseas workers would have a massive impact.
“We are having to train and upskill people, but you can only do so much and that takes time.”
Pre-Covid, they usually got about 25 workers in for the harvest season, he said.
They were about 10 staff short this season, meaning the staff they did have were working some long hours.
“It’s not ideal and frustrating as you feel for the staff you do have, but harvest doesn’t stop for anyone.”
Clark said with the Government being aware of the issue, its continued mishandling was another slap in the face for primary industry.
“The agriculture minister needs to be the minister of primary industry and actually go into bat for us.
“If it wasn’t for the primary sector in New Zealand this country would be hanging up the in receivership sign.”
The continued delays meant the much-needed workers would probably not arrive until it was too late, if they came at all, he said.
“[The Government] seem to think we will just magic up some locals to do this work.”
The issue was that it was seasonal work, providing jobs for three to five months, he said.
“You can’t offer someone a full time permanent position. You need a big peak workforce.”
Before Covid-19 restricted travel, northern hemisphere workers readily arrived here for harvest, and New Zealand workers reciprocated by heading north in winter, he said.
This summer, farmers and contractors were having to make do with the local staff at their disposal.
The Tiger represents bravery and strength, so this Lunar New Year, we’d like to offer you the chance to WIN 1 of 3 $50 Prezzy Cards, to spend at your local café, takeaway or restaurant!
Our locals have been doing it tough but remaining resilient, brave and strong through the last year. … View moreThe Tiger represents bravery and strength, so this Lunar New Year, we’d like to offer you the chance to WIN 1 of 3 $50 Prezzy Cards, to spend at your local café, takeaway or restaurant!
Our locals have been doing it tough but remaining resilient, brave and strong through the last year. Let's go show them some love Neighbours!
Click 'read more' below to head over to the NZ Compare Facebook page and leave a comment on our Lunar Post telling us what awesome local you'd support if you won.
We hope this Chinese New Year will be filled with happiness, prosperity, and many precious moments with your loved ones.
Entries close midnight 8th February 2022.
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