Back
2786 days ago

Council's bulk water mains repairs and storm issues

The Team from Hamilton City Council

Hi Neighbours, here's where we are up to as we deal with the effects of the last few days' weather.
Monitoring overnight and this morning of the riverbank subsidence near our Eastern Bulk Main water pipes has been completed and shows an improved situation. The urgent stabilisation works we have been putting in place in recent weeks have proved effective at this stage despite the weather and high river levels. Further rain is forecast locally and in the Taupo catchment this afternoon, so we are maintaining our monitoring.
We are continuing to request that people conserve water just in case we have to shut down this main, and we thank the community for their efforts.
It is important to note that these precautions are all about potential disruption to supply of water, not about water quality. There are no issues with our water treatment plant or our ability to treat water. The issue is basically that if further subsidence affects the Eastern main we may have to supply the city from the Western Main only.
The heavy rain, coupled with soaked ground, created a number of wastewater overflows at sites throughout the city yesterday. As of this morning we are aware of 77 properties which have been affected and clean-up work is being organised. We understand people want this work done as quickly as possible but we simply can’t get people and equipment to everyone at the same time and ask for your patience while our crews get it sorted.

More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

What workplace change would you like to see most?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.

As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.

Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!

Image
18 days ago

Six tips for improving security around your home

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.

2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.

3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.

4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.

5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.

6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property

Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.

Image
10 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

Image