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A scathing report has slammed an inpatient unit at Dunedin's Wakari Hospital that housed male and female patients together, including some who posed a serious risk to others.
Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier's report on Ward 10A noted the12-bed medium-secure facility was not fit for … View moreA scathing report has slammed an inpatient unit at Dunedin's Wakari Hospital that housed male and female patients together, including some who posed a serious risk to others.
Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier's report on Ward 10A noted the12-bed medium-secure facility was not fit for purpose, was in critical need for an upgrade, and was creating a “volatile environment”.
He noted the ward housed people of both sexes with intellectual disabilities and/or mental health issues.
That dynamic was compounded by some on the ward with criminal convictions, who posed a serious risk to others.
“That mixture should not happen. It is not accepted as acceptable practice ... you just don't do it," he said.
Boshier said he had never before seen a “mixture of what I would call criminal forensic and civilians who are there simply because they are unfortunately – and sadly mentally – unwell”. “I just don’t think it is fair.”
Staff told Boshier's inspectors that due to the complexity of the ward's patient mix and its layout, it applied restrictive practices to all patients, irrespective of their legal status or risk.
“I consider it unacceptable that non-forensic patients are subjected to restrictive practices simply due to being accommodated with forensic patients,” Boshier wrote in the 52-page report.
The report noted several patients had been in the ward long-term, including one who had spent 5316 days there.
The environment was described by a staff member as a “disgrace”, and Boshier believed staff and patient safety was compromised.
“I had never encountered that degree of directness by staff before ... I’ve not seen a facility operated in this way in all the inspection reports that we’ve done,” Boshier said.
He cited the case as another example of how the Ministry of Health had failed in its responsibility to ensure that investment in facilities met the needs of the community.
Boshier also highlighted issues with seclusion and restraint inside 10A, including a patient who was barricaded in their room and another who had a N95 face mask placed on them while being restrained, to stop them from spitting.
The ombudsman's report noted some positive aspects of the ward, including patients being able to lock their bedroom and bathroom doors.
The Southern District Health Board (DHB) said it understood the “need to address the co-habitation of forensic patients with non-forensic patients in Ward 10a, the restrictive practices placed upon non-forensic patients living in this environment and the gender separation of service users”.
Another report on Ward 6C, a12-bed secure mental health/psychogeriatric ward for older persons, noted that patients' access to fresh air and sunlight was also restricted.
One patient said they had been outside twice in the five weeks they had been there.
Inspectors made unannounced site visits at the sites between March and June last year, under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989.
Health Minister Andrew Little said he was yet to read the report, but was aware of it.
The Government committed funding, back in 2019, to build and improve mental health facilities, he said.
In June, just 6 per cent of the $438.3 million allocated to new mental health facilities had been spent.
Little said the new Dunedin Hospital, which was due to be completed in 2028, should also improve mental healthcare in the region.
A bank used half the profit from the sale of a Dunedin rental to pay down a mortgage on a couple's home – without consulting them.
“We never planned to be landlords,” Mike Bennett said of the couple's decision to sell their Forbury property before Christmas.
Bennett and his wife, … View moreA bank used half the profit from the sale of a Dunedin rental to pay down a mortgage on a couple's home – without consulting them.
“We never planned to be landlords,” Mike Bennett said of the couple's decision to sell their Forbury property before Christmas.
Bennett and his wife, Claire, had planned to use some of the $300,000 profit, after the mortgage had been settled, to renovate the home they lived in.
But days after the sale was completed, the couple received news from the bank that would change their plans.
Because of their change in circumstances – Bennett had changed jobs while his partner was completing a master’s degree – the bank advised it was effectively taking “a chunk of the proceeds”, Bennett said. Continue reading here.
The Motatapu run and bike event in Queenstown has been cancelled for the second time in two years due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Event organisers “went down every avenue” but pulled the pin on the March event on Wednesday .
Organisers were “incredibly sad and disappointed” to cancel the … View moreThe Motatapu run and bike event in Queenstown has been cancelled for the second time in two years due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Event organisers “went down every avenue” but pulled the pin on the March event on Wednesday .
Organisers were “incredibly sad and disappointed” to cancel the event, they said in an email to participants.
“We have been doing our due diligence since the country moved to the Covid-19 protection framework red setting to try and deliver an event, which is not only safe but adheres to the government guidelines.
“We really went down every avenue to give you the opportunity to get out into our stunning high-country stations... But unfortunately, this is just not possible within the government protocols.”
The event attracts nearly 4000 competitors and this year had a new cycle track on exclusive country around the back of Queenstown’s Coronet Peak.
Organisers tried several strategies to fit within the level red regulations, but said they could not make it safe enough for athletes.
“We have been working through scenarios including, pods of 100, large holding areas at the start, separate registration areas, separated waves, a two-day format, starting far earlier than normal and finishing in the late evening.
“Also, the sheer volume of competitors we have moving through the courses makes it impossible to prevent convergence of 100 person pods and the potential spread of Covid-19 amongst our athletes.”
The event did not qualify for the government event Insurance scheme, which was set up for events of more than 5000 paid competitors.
The event is set to take place in March next year. Competitors can use this year’s entry for the following year or choose a refund of only 60 per cent.
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?
🗺 "When people are struggling, that's a painful place to be in, to not know who you are and where you belong and what you desire" - Gaby Hoffmann.
🔜 Carry in your imagination places you haven't been where you already belong. Visualisation is a powerful tool in life to … View more🗺 "When people are struggling, that's a painful place to be in, to not know who you are and where you belong and what you desire" - Gaby Hoffmann.
🔜 Carry in your imagination places you haven't been where you already belong. Visualisation is a powerful tool in life to create what we truly desire. Thinking of Star Trek - step into the hologram room, choose the program you want & enjoy - www.DreamBigNewZealand.co.nz... 🌈
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.
A trio of “destination” children's playgrounds similar to Christchurch’s Margaret Mahy playground could be built in Dunedin.
The Dunedin City Council will meet next week – via audiovisual link – to debate options as part of its draft plan as it tries to keep a 6.5 per cent rate rise… View moreA trio of “destination” children's playgrounds similar to Christchurch’s Margaret Mahy playground could be built in Dunedin.
The Dunedin City Council will meet next week – via audiovisual link – to debate options as part of its draft plan as it tries to keep a 6.5 per cent rate rise for 2022-23.
In May last year the council decided to support, in principle, the development of a new destination children’s playground.
A consultant was commissioned to assess Dunedin’s current play spaces – defined as having playground amenities and supporting infrastructure – and to provide examples of other relevant New Zealand destination play spaces.
Marlow Park, Woodhaugh Gardens and Mosgiel Memorial Gardens were identified as the parks that best fitted the definition of a destination play space, but all had some deficiencies.
Marlow Park, more commonly known as “the Dinosaur Park”, was considered old and outdated compared to modern standards, while lacking equipment for older children.
Woodhaugh Gardens had a lack of all-weather surfaces, while Mosgiel Memorial Park had an inefficient use of space.
A new destination would require a larger financial investment, and that was not recommended.
The report noted that Christchurch’s Margaret Mahy play space was completed in 2015 at a cost of $4 million, while Auckland’s Kopupaka play space, which opened last year, cost $6m.
The council were presented with three options, including either using a new greenfields site, making one destination playground, or investing in all three current destination play spaces.
That last option would result in each major city catchment area receiving investment in a destination play space.
The council’s current 10-year plan includes budgets for minor renewal and upgrade work at each of the three destination play spaces.
Maidstone Max is being touted as a regional attraction for Upper Hutt following its rebuild, that includes accessible features so it can be enjoyed by wheelchair users.
But to raise the quality of the facilities to an appropriate standard, the report estimated a capital investment of $4m to $6m spread across the three destination play spaces would be required.
The council will also discuss funding options for kerbside recycling after it previously resolved to adopt targeted rates funding for collection bins, plus an opt-in garden waste bin funded via fees and charges.
That led to a report outlining options for a flat and progressive targeted rate for kerbside collection.
The report noted that Dunedin’s proposed kerbside collection plan was similar to that of Auckland, which limited the volume available for general waste while increasing access to diversion services.
A key component to that plan would be “pay as you throw” technology, effectively meaning residents would only pay for bin collections when needed and incentivised the reduction of household waste.
No options were presented to the council.
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Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for the country's best shed! Send in the photos and stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds. The Resene Shed of the Year 2022 winners will receive prizes worth more than … View moreOnce again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for the country's best shed! Send in the photos and stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds. The Resene Shed of the Year 2022 winners will receive prizes worth more than $2200. Just tell us in writing why your garden shed is New Zealand's best, and send up to five high-quality photos. Email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close Feb 27, 2022.
As boulders the size of fire engines hurtled down the cliff towards him, Dunedin electrician Clive Kirkland knew it was matter of life or death.
It was September 2000, and he was on the second day of a South Island motorbike tour with five mates.
They had spent the previous night in Queenstown … View moreAs boulders the size of fire engines hurtled down the cliff towards him, Dunedin electrician Clive Kirkland knew it was matter of life or death.
It was September 2000, and he was on the second day of a South Island motorbike tour with five mates.
They had spent the previous night in Queenstown and were heading towards Wānaka when they spotted rocks on the road below the towering Nevis Bluff, on State Highway 6.
They stopped to see what was happening and noticed rocks the size of footballs popping out of the cliff face above them.
“It was like someone would spit a berry fruit ... like they were under pressure. It was so amazing to see.”
Two of their group proceeded through the rocks while the rest decided to turn back.
“Then all of a sudden it just opened up, and this big rock slip came pouring down on the road.”
The boom from the collapse was heard across surrounding vineyards and the dust cloud could be seen from 5 kilometres away.
Witnesses described the boulders as being as large as houses. Kirkland said they were the size of fire trucks.
“It was almost time to get off our bikes and run for our lives. It just happened so quick.
“It was life or death.”
When the slip stopped the rocks were piled so high that Kirkland and his friends could not see over them.
Ever since giant boulders fell in 2000, work has been ongoing to stabilise the Nevis Bluff.
“We were sitting there worried about our friends, then one of them came rock climbing over the top of the rocks and waves and says ‘we’re OK’.
“He shouldn’t have gone over there. He was a bit of an adventurer.”
Waka Kotahi estimated about 10,000 cubic metres of rock fell – about a third of a much larger fall in 1975.
After the fall in 2000, it took two weeks for the road between Queenstown and Cromwell to reopen and led to an ongoing monitoring regime, stabilisation work and controlled explosions.
In today’s dollar value, it has so far cost about $23 million to protect a road estimated to be used by nearly 5400 vehicles each day, pre-Covid-19.
A new $1 million project started on Tuesday to remove a massive section of rock from the bluff known as the Yates Feature (named after abseiler Ben Yates, a key member of the team mapping the unstable features on the Nevis Bluff after the 2000 rockfall).
It sits about 150m above the road at the Queenstown end of the bluff and is about 30m high, 20m wide, and weighs more than 4000 tonnes.
Waka Kotahi Central Otago senior network manager Robert Choveaux said movement and fresh cracking had been observed at the site since late last year and the team now wanted to stabilise the rock.
The schist was susceptible to freeze/thaw conditions in winter, rain, and dry, hot and windy conditions.
The goal now was to prevent an uncontrolled collapse.
The team would insert 100 rock bolts into the rock mass to stabilise it, rather than using explosives, which would be significantly disruptive to road users, Choveaux said.
“The majority of the work can be completed with the road remaining open to two lanes with minimal disruption to road users, but there will need to be closures as abseilers and drilling gear is set up and moved around the rock face.”
The work is expected to take 16 weeks to complete, subject to rock and weather conditions.
Kirkland, who has since retired and is now living in Wānaka, said he and his motorbike friends called the road past the Nevis Bluff the “Rock Slide Rumble.”
“Every time I go through, and I’ve been through quite a lot, I think about it.
“It really was life or death,” he said.
Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision. That is awesome & it is SO worth it - www.DreamBigNewZealand.co.nz... 🌈
Hi Neighbours,
Download your Property Climate Risk Report today and receive a 20% discount! Simply insert this code SUMMER22 at checkout and find out how climate resilient your property is today.
The peak property buying and selling season is here and after the record-breaking warmth of … View moreHi Neighbours,
Download your Property Climate Risk Report today and receive a 20% discount! Simply insert this code SUMMER22 at checkout and find out how climate resilient your property is today.
The peak property buying and selling season is here and after the record-breaking warmth of 2021, it is time to consider how our climate could impact your home.
Let's plan together to keep your home cooler, drier and more liveable.
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for eggplant recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before January 30, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown … View moreDear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for eggplant recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before January 30, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown Recipes.
Electrification of the motoring industry is not only inevitable, it is happening at a far faster rate than most people were probably expecting.
Our new weekly newsletter Quick Charge makes it easy to be informed and entertained, bringing you all of the biggest EV news, as well as regular updates… View moreElectrification of the motoring industry is not only inevitable, it is happening at a far faster rate than most people were probably expecting.
Our new weekly newsletter Quick Charge makes it easy to be informed and entertained, bringing you all of the biggest EV news, as well as regular updates on our various long-term tests and other bits and pieces that have caught our eye.
Sign up (it's free!) here.
Wake up on Sunday morning to a treat in your inbox from the team at Sunday magazine.
As well as the weekly cover story, Sunday's free newsletter delivers the latest on food (including delicious recipes from our resident chef Sam Mannering), fashion, design, beauty and well-being direct to … View moreWake up on Sunday morning to a treat in your inbox from the team at Sunday magazine.
As well as the weekly cover story, Sunday's free newsletter delivers the latest on food (including delicious recipes from our resident chef Sam Mannering), fashion, design, beauty and well-being direct to your inbox.
Sign up here and we'll see you on Sunday!
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