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Tiny house builders have had a surge in interest during the lockdown, some from families that are 'herding'
During COVID-19 lockdowns overseas, we've seen someone run a half marathon on a tiny balcony and the distance of Everest up and down a staircase. What will we see next in New Zealand!?
We are an active country and we like to get outdoors in our beautiful landscapes. But we know that right now… View moreDuring COVID-19 lockdowns overseas, we've seen someone run a half marathon on a tiny balcony and the distance of Everest up and down a staircase. What will we see next in New Zealand!?
We are an active country and we like to get outdoors in our beautiful landscapes. But we know that right now we must #stayhomesavelives. Here is a way that you can still keep active in your own home, and still enjoy the beautiful scenery that we have here in Aotearoa! ? #RedCrossVirtualTour
As Summer waned and Autumn loos'd,
lightly tethered leaves,
A hemis-fear away families blanched,
and all-together grieved.
Bands of whistling, darkening clouds,
chimed in with bell-vire' towers,
And squalled upon our sacred shores,… View moreAs Summer waned and Autumn loos'd,
lightly tethered leaves,
A hemis-fear away families blanched,
and all-together grieved.
Bands of whistling, darkening clouds,
chimed in with bell-vire' towers,
And squalled upon our sacred shores,
their deadly Covid showers.
Harken! Forced to act and act with force,
stepped-up our stately queen,
Her A-team laboured as surgeons might,
in a patient's dream.
Locked-down, not out, our nation true arose,
to smote the viral foe,
E-sent workers, checkpoint heroes, all of us,
battled toe-to-toe.
'Tihei mauri ora!' encored high-up ancient folk,
a'bow in Matariki,
'Toia mai! Toia mai!' rejoined our captain queen,
with wiri feathered tiki.
O! As Maui had once pulled and fought,
to bare for us our lands,
So a'same our nation pulling taut was hauled,
by Jacinda Ardern's calloused hands.
Many lives were saved and others cared a'not,
as our strategy evolved,
Vigilance with contact tracing, upped in rank,
For those in health were gold.
As wild winds calmed, light flittered, coloured,
with pi-waka amongst our forest trees,
Thoughts turned to thank our selfless leader,
who'd brought us off our knees.
NZ paused a'mome' upon creative gesture,
of pure variant-word idea,
To capture 'cind' [kind] as in her name we see,
O! Our gift to her was clear.
'Be kind', her call, as 'cind' we immortalise it,
by quill and worded power,
As 'cind', our hearts rejoice, her legacy to us,
in our nations darkest hour.
#cindappreciationPM
Artwork: Samantha Knightbridge
www.misshauora.wordpress.com...
Poem: Harko Brown
chng.it...
"Extreme" drought conditions in Northland are being called the worst for decades and have left farms with no stock food, and some with no water for stock. The coronavirus lockdown is also adding to the stress. Is the drought impacting you? How?
A full recording of the Far North District Council’s first ordinary meeting held online can now be viewed at the FNDC website.
It is the first time the Council has conducted a meeting completely online – a move made necessary by COVID-19 Alert Level 4 restrictions.
Under the restrictions, no… View moreA full recording of the Far North District Council’s first ordinary meeting held online can now be viewed at the FNDC website.
It is the first time the Council has conducted a meeting completely online – a move made necessary by COVID-19 Alert Level 4 restrictions.
Under the restrictions, no physical meetings are permitted, effectively halting normal decision-making processes for local authorities across the country. To address the problem, the Government passed the COVID-19 Response (Urgent Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020 on 25 March allowing local authorities to hold virtual meetings instead.
Far North District Councillors are now meeting every two weeks to undertake urgent decisions required. Their first general meeting was held on 9 April using Microsoft Teams, a collaboration tool the Council was already rolling out across the organisation before the pandemic lockdown.
Mayor John Carter says all Council meetings held during Level 4 restrictions will be held online. Full recordings of the meetings – except those parts held in public exclusion – will be made available within three working days.
He says the next Council meeting on 23 April will also be held online, recorded and posted to the Council’s website. All Committee meetings have been cancelled for April and May.
Go to the Council website at www.fndc.govt.nz... to view the meeting video.
The Cancer Society’s Domain Lodge, continues to offer free accommodation for Northland cancer patients travelling to Auckland. Giving patients easy access to treatment, is an essential service, and remains open. There is restricted access to the building in order to protect cancer patients who … View moreThe Cancer Society’s Domain Lodge, continues to offer free accommodation for Northland cancer patients travelling to Auckland. Giving patients easy access to treatment, is an essential service, and remains open. There is restricted access to the building in order to protect cancer patients who are staying and ensure everyone remains in a ‘bubble’.
Comments from Dr Chris Jackson, Cancer Society Medical Director and Oncologist:
Cancer hasn’t stopped for COVID-19, but the way in which people seek and receive care for cancer has changed a lot since the level 4 lockdown.
Despite the changes in service delivery, the Cancer Control Agency has been very clear that people with a high suspicion of cancer, or people with cancer who require immediate treatment, should still receive those tests and treatments.
The level 4 lockdown has been an unprecedented event. It happened with unparalleled speed, and resulted in some non-life threatening hospital work being immediately deferred.
Since that time the Cancer Control Agency (working with DHBs and clinicians) has been working through what can and can’t be done during the stages of lockdown. More and more hospital work is now available.
Patients up and down the country have been affected by these disruptions and have been incredibly understanding and patient while this work has been done.
People who have symptoms or signs of cancer, or who are concerned that their existing cancer is worsening during the level 4 and then level 3 lockdown should still be able to access healthcare. People should contact their own GP in the first instance, or if they have an assigned cancer specialist, talk with them. While some appointments may be done by telephone or videoconference, essential scans and treatments should still be going ahead. Some treatments that heavily suppress the immune system may be deferred if it is in people’s best interests to have the treatments delayed due to the risks of COVID-19. These will be discussed with patients individually.
Despite losing significant funding due to cancellation of major fundraising events, the Cancer Society has redesigned its services to support people remotely throughout the lockdown, the cancer society nurses are still available to talk to.
The Cancer Society remains here to help with a fully staffed 0800 cancer information line (0800 226 237) that people can call and discuss any concerns or questions they may have.
This is Lulu from Mount Eden in Auckland, who has gone from having almost no-one home at the same time to having seven flatmates home almost all the time and this is how she feels about it...
Who are your bubble pets? Share your photos of your pets in the comments below - whether it’s helping … View moreThis is Lulu from Mount Eden in Auckland, who has gone from having almost no-one home at the same time to having seven flatmates home almost all the time and this is how she feels about it...
Who are your bubble pets? Share your photos of your pets in the comments below - whether it’s helping you work from home, on a local neighbourhood walk getting some exercise, or any cute, fun, and funny photos!
Far North District Council ratepayers facing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing drought may be able to defer paying their rates for up to six months.
The Council adopted the rates relief measure at its 9 April meeting in recognition of the financial hardship… View moreFar North District Council ratepayers facing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing drought may be able to defer paying their rates for up to six months.
The Council adopted the rates relief measure at its 9 April meeting in recognition of the financial hardship many rural, residential and commercial ratepayers are facing as a result of the pandemic and the nation’s response to it. It is effective immediately and is intended to provide relief to ratepayers who will receive 2019/20 fourth instalment rate invoices next week.
Mayor John Carter says the offer is an interim measure until the pandemic’s full impact on the economy is known. “We know many of our residents are struggling financially, because they have lost their job or their incomes have been reduced.”
Those applying for the assistance will need to meet simple criteria to demonstrate financial hardship. This includes loss of income, qualification for the Government’s pandemic support package or qualification for a mortgage holiday from a bank. “We want to help ratepayers through this unprecedented event. If the pandemic means you are struggling to make ends meet, contact us and we will see how we can assist, either by deferring rates bills or by referring you to other government assistance options.”
Mayor Carter says Council staff are also busy exploring central government funding options to help get the district’s economy back on track as quickly as possible after the lockdown. “We have prepared a number of large and small infrastructure proposals we believe will create jobs and stimulate the economy.”
Planning is also well-advanced on how the Council will restart non-essential services once pandemic restrictions are relaxed. “We will be guided by central government and health experts, but we are acutely aware of the leadership role the Council plays in our economy. We will be working hard to make the transition safe and seamless.”
Have a read - and when we are able to travel - take a trip and wander around the Whangarei Quarry Gardens. Autumn is one of the best seasons to see a garden and it's environs - Enjoy!
Hi Neighbours!
The Office for Seniors is working hard to keep you informed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our most recent COVID-19 special edition Newsletter includes phone numbers for all regional civil defence teams, they can help you if you are struggling to access your supermarket … View moreHi Neighbours!
The Office for Seniors is working hard to keep you informed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our most recent COVID-19 special edition Newsletter includes phone numbers for all regional civil defence teams, they can help you if you are struggling to access your supermarket essentials.
It also includes details on COVID-19 related scams and what to look out for to stay safe.
Read the newsletter here: bit.ly...
Missing your haircut, your morning coffee or dinner out? We've set up a site where you can support your local small business by buying a voucher now for a service you will get in the future - give these small businesses the money they need now to keep the lights on while they have the doors … View moreMissing your haircut, your morning coffee or dinner out? We've set up a site where you can support your local small business by buying a voucher now for a service you will get in the future - give these small businesses the money they need now to keep the lights on while they have the doors shut. Lots of great places to support across the Northland area here...
sosbusiness.nz...
Hone Harawira, who is leading Tai Tokerau Border Control checkpoints in the Far North, took a 600km round-trip to Auckland - including stopping for a meal at his sister's house - to learn more about Covid-19 tests and personal protective equipment, and get medical supplies. He says this was … View moreHone Harawira, who is leading Tai Tokerau Border Control checkpoints in the Far North, took a 600km round-trip to Auckland - including stopping for a meal at his sister's house - to learn more about Covid-19 tests and personal protective equipment, and get medical supplies. He says this was essential travel, with the checkpoints keeping people safe. This comes as Northland has 26 cases of coronavirus. What do you think about the travel? And what are your thoughts on the checkpoints in general?
The end is in sight for the coronavirus lockdown. But, while we move out of this crisis, there are some things that perhaps shouldn't go back to normal. What do you think we should continue or carry on not doing after the lockdown?
Refresh an old fashioned mail tray with a modern new look using the Resene Whites and Neutrals range.
Reinvent it as a magazine holder, spice rack or use it to hold your favourite cookbooks. Paint the front panel in Resene FX Blackboard Paint and use it as a handy writing space.
Make the most … View moreRefresh an old fashioned mail tray with a modern new look using the Resene Whites and Neutrals range.
Reinvent it as a magazine holder, spice rack or use it to hold your favourite cookbooks. Paint the front panel in Resene FX Blackboard Paint and use it as a handy writing space.
Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene.
Find out how to create your own Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene.
You might be using more wet wipes to keep your home clean, but it’s very important not to flush them afterwards.
They block up the pipes, which then need fixing immediately. When workers have to leave home to fix blocked pipes, they’re at risk of COVID-19. That puts everyone else in their … View moreYou might be using more wet wipes to keep your home clean, but it’s very important not to flush them afterwards.
They block up the pipes, which then need fixing immediately. When workers have to leave home to fix blocked pipes, they’re at risk of COVID-19. That puts everyone else in their bubble at risk as well.
Do your bit for workers and their whānau, and put your wet wipes in the bin.
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