Prince Charles and Camilla make secret donation to Westport flood relief
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have given a secret donation to Westport’s flood relief fund.
Buller mayor Jamie Cleine said the royal couple made the donation to Buller’s Mayoral Relief Fund to help residents affected by the flood that inundated the West Coast town in July.
He said at the request of His Royal Highness the amount would not be disclosed.
About 500 homes were damaged by the flood, resulting in provisional insurance costs of about $85 million.
The Mayoral Relief Fund has received more than $500,000 in government funding and donations. It has paid out about $300,000 so far, with the rest earmarked for uninsured people.
Cleine said some residents had lost everything and would be unable to return home for a long time.
“It is very thoughtful of them to contribute to the Mayoral Relief Fund. I have thanked His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall for their generosity on behalf of our community.”
The heir to the throne visited Westport in November 2015 and charmed the crowds during a walk along the main street.
He also visited the now-closed West Coast Brewery to sample beer and whitebait patties, which he described as a perfect combination.
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Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
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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64.5% Yes
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32.9% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below