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Talofa lava
It’s Samoa Language Week, a chance for us to celebrate the rich culture, identity and language of our Samoan community. This year’s theme is ‘Tapena sou ōso mo lau malaga', which in English means ‘Prepare yourself a gift for your travels’, urging us to prepare for the … View moreTalofa lava
It’s Samoa Language Week, a chance for us to celebrate the rich culture, identity and language of our Samoan community. This year’s theme is ‘Tapena sou ōso mo lau malaga', which in English means ‘Prepare yourself a gift for your travels’, urging us to prepare for the road ahead.
I can’t think of a more fitting theme for our region at this time. Our diversity is a strength that will continue to guide us in our path to post-COVID recovery.
GW’s role in parks and environmental management is returning to pre-COVID capacity, with a few changes to keep our people and community safe.
One council function that continues to look quite different is public transport. This week, we released two videos describing how to travel safely on public transport and Metlink school buses. I encourage you to watch them, and share them with your own networks. If we all stick to the guidelines, we can keep Wellington moving smoothly and safely.
Manuia le vaiaso (have a good week) and kia kaha
Daran Ponter
Chair, Greater Wellington Regional Council
Travel on public transport and Metlink school buses under Alert Level 2
If you’ve been keeping an eye our Metlink Facebook page, you might have seen two new videos launched this week outlining how to keep safe on public transport and Metlink school services.
All Metlink passengers
If you’re using the bus, train or ferry during COVID-19 Alert Level 2, this video tells you what you need to know.
Please remember:
• Follow the physical distancing guidelines
• Enter buses through the front door
• Tag on and tag off with Snapper as normal
• If you can avoid traveling at peak times due to reduced capacity
• Keep a record of your travel at Alert Level 2
• Wash your hands before and after
• Don’t travel if you feel sick
Parents, caregivers and students
Now that we’ve moved to Alert Level 2, schools have reopened and Metlink’s School Bus Service is resuming. Things aren’t quite back to normal though, so if you or your child travel on a Metlink school bus, this video outlines what’s different.
Here’s a recap of what parents, caregivers and students should know:
• Children can sit next to each other as normal but standing isn’t permitted
• Because of this capacity will be reduced, so prepare a Plan B in case the bus is already full
• Make sure the students understand hygiene and physical distancing requirements to keep everyone safe
• Let them know they need to keep their distance from the driver
• There’s hand santiser to use on the buses
• Schools are prepared, too:
o Schools will have a register of students on each bus to help with contact tracing if it’s needed
o Schools understand physical distancing and hygiene requirements and can assist
You’ll find more information on the Metlink website or you can call 0800 801 700.
Thank you for being kind, considerate, and understanding as we work within the guidelines set out to keep everyone safe.
More details to come on Jumbotron at Wellington Railway Station
Keen commuters passing through the Wellington Railway Station may have noticed a new jumbotron (giant LED screen) in the centre of the station.
Currently, this screen is showing COVID-19 messaging, but look out for more info from us next week, when we officially launch the jumbotron along with a range of audio and visual improvements around the station which will better inform passengers about their journeys and safety.
Restrictions on park gatherings amended in-line with new guidelines
Last week, we announced that regional parks are reopening most of their amenities, including toilets, BBQs and camping facilities, with appropriate cleaning and physical distancing measures in place.
There are also no longer restrictions on recreational activities such as camping, motorised recreation, hunting, or horse riding.
As of Friday 29 May, gatherings within our parks can be expanded beyond 10 people. This is in-line with new Level 2 guidelines announced by the central government on Monday.
Please continue to keep Alert Level 2 principles in mind though:
• Everyone needs to be able to maintain a safe distance from people outside of their group - please be considerate and keep your gatherings to a sensible size, so there’s room for everyone
• You still need to keep a record of where you’ve been, and with whom, for contract tracing purposes
• Wash or sanitise your hands before and after touching gates, locks and other high-touch surfaces
• Stay home if you’re unwell
Our volunteer groups are also back in action this week! Thanks to our Park Rangers for helping transition these essential groups back into the parks.
Park Ranger offices are still officially closed, but if you see a Ranger or volunteer around, keep your conversations short and at a 2-metre distance. Remember that you can call 0800 496 734 for any park related inquiries.
University of Auckland’s COVID-19 stress and health study
The University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences is conducting a nation-wide COVID-19 Stress and Health study to explore how the pandemic is affecting the physical and mental wellbeing of New Zealanders. The study has been approved by the AHREC (ethics committee).
Professors Elizabeth Broadbent and Norina Gasteiger are recruiting participants over the age of 18 and living in NZ.
If you’d like to participate in the study, or find out more, visit: www.covidstressstudy.com...
Good progress has been made to repair a wastewater pipe in Victoria Street in the Wellington CBD, after it burst last night.
The pipe is being excavated and the point of the burst has been found. It is a 300mm, cast iron pipe, that records show was installed in 1961. We are currently planning to… View moreGood progress has been made to repair a wastewater pipe in Victoria Street in the Wellington CBD, after it burst last night.
The pipe is being excavated and the point of the burst has been found. It is a 300mm, cast iron pipe, that records show was installed in 1961. We are currently planning to replace two six-metre sections of pipe with new, concrete-lined steel, which is a more resilient material. All going well we hope to complete the repair today, with full reinstatement completed tomorrow (Saturday).
Traffic is down to a single lane for a small part of Victoria Street near Harris Street and motorists are being asked to avoid the area if they can, or to expect minor delays.
Normal wastewater flows have been managed by the use of sucker trucks transferring wastewater from the nearby pumping station to a point further along the wastewater network, and by diverting flow into another wastewater pipe in Wakefield Street.
More visual inspections were carried out along the waterfront this morning, with no visible signs of a discharge. Water quality testing will continue, and warning signs remain in place until given the all clear by regional public health.
Work is under way to repair a wastewater pipe in Victoria Street in the Wellington CBD, after it burst last night.
Traffic is down to a single lane for a small part of Victoria St and motorists are being asked to avoid the area if they can, or to expect minor delays.
The burst caused a minor … View moreWork is under way to repair a wastewater pipe in Victoria Street in the Wellington CBD, after it burst last night.
Traffic is down to a single lane for a small part of Victoria St and motorists are being asked to avoid the area if they can, or to expect minor delays.
The burst caused a minor overflow. Signs warning of the risk have been placed on the waterfront and a visual inspection showed no sign of any discharge. Water quality testing will be undertaken from today.
The pipe will be excavated today to assess the extent of the burst, then repairs carried out. All going well work may be completed today, but it could take longer to complete reinstatement of the area.
We’ll provide a further update on repair progress around midday.
Hey neighbours, thanks to everyone who nominated an essential worker to win one of three Resene prize packs, each including a Resene colour consultation, a $350 Resene voucher and the latest Resene fan decks.
The lucky winners are: Lee-Ann Hodgson, in Hunterville, Susannah Aho, in Auckland, and … View moreHey neighbours, thanks to everyone who nominated an essential worker to win one of three Resene prize packs, each including a Resene colour consultation, a $350 Resene voucher and the latest Resene fan decks.
The lucky winners are: Lee-Ann Hodgson, in Hunterville, Susannah Aho, in Auckland, and Chad Birt, in Titahi Bay. Congratulations!
James August ventured out to the pub on the opening night after lockdown last Thursday in good spiri…
Dr Caroline Ram has been a GP for 20 years, and now joins our highly passionate and qualified team.
Appointments are now available and new enrolments are welcomed. Please call our friendly team on 04 555 4450 to make an appointment.
Dr Ram is highly skilled in many areas, and likes to add … View moreDr Caroline Ram has been a GP for 20 years, and now joins our highly passionate and qualified team.
Appointments are now available and new enrolments are welcomed. Please call our friendly team on 04 555 4450 to make an appointment.
Dr Ram is highly skilled in many areas, and likes to add acupuncture options for her patients.
Dr Ram has been a locum in a number of locations in the Hutt Valley area and has always worked part time. She lives in Lower Hutt and married with 2 adult children.
Now two locations:
High Street Health
577 High Street Boulcott, Lower Hutt
Opening Hours: 8.00 am – 6.00 pm Monday – Friday
High Street Health Epuni
102 Oxford Terrace, Lower Hutt
Opening Hours: 8.30 am – 5.00 pm Monday – Friday
Phone: 04 555 4450
www.highstreethealth.nz
Hey neighbours, how do you feel about the changes to building consent rules for low-risk home projects?
The government says the change will save homeowners time and money, but pro builder and The Block NZ foreman Peter Wolfkamp, is advising caution if you're planning a DIY sleep-out or … View moreHey neighbours, how do you feel about the changes to building consent rules for low-risk home projects?
The government says the change will save homeowners time and money, but pro builder and The Block NZ foreman Peter Wolfkamp, is advising caution if you're planning a DIY sleep-out or office. Find out why, here.
Sometimes a low-tech tool is the answer.
A blocked stormwater pipe in Titahi Bay led to a CCTV investigation, which identified a blockage about 7 meters from the manhole cover. A water jetter was winched through the pipe and cleared out cans, bottles, Lego blocks and other bits of plastic, but a … View moreSometimes a low-tech tool is the answer.
A blocked stormwater pipe in Titahi Bay led to a CCTV investigation, which identified a blockage about 7 meters from the manhole cover. A water jetter was winched through the pipe and cleared out cans, bottles, Lego blocks and other bits of plastic, but a tangle of roots seen on the screen wouldn’t budge.
Here we have Servicepersons Grayson (at the back holding the handle) and Tito using a corkscrew extended to 7 meters to clear roots out of the pipe.
I'm writing a story about CCTV security cameras on homes, what's the best system, how to install them, and whether or not they're a useful deterrent.
I wondered what you thought about private security cameras. Are they good for the neighbourhood? Or a sign troubled communities?
If … View moreI'm writing a story about CCTV security cameras on homes, what's the best system, how to install them, and whether or not they're a useful deterrent.
I wondered what you thought about private security cameras. Are they good for the neighbourhood? Or a sign troubled communities?
If you've got a strong opinion about them, drop me a line and let me know what you think.
Ryman’s Peace of Mind guarantees provide a little certainty in your retirement. Our affordable base weekly fee is fixed for life*, our deferred management fee is capped at 20 per cent, one of the lowest around, and villages provide independent living, assisted living and a full range of care … View moreRyman’s Peace of Mind guarantees provide a little certainty in your retirement. Our affordable base weekly fee is fixed for life*, our deferred management fee is capped at 20 per cent, one of the lowest around, and villages provide independent living, assisted living and a full range of care options. These are just some of the ways we’re pioneering a new way of living for a new retirement generation.
*Some conditions apply.
Visit our website to find the village that’s right for you.
Stay active and strong with older adult strength and balance classes.
The Community Strength & Balance page on the Sport Wellington website has information about a variety of online and in-person classes which are run by local instructors and designed to help you improve your strength and … View moreStay active and strong with older adult strength and balance classes.
The Community Strength & Balance page on the Sport Wellington website has information about a variety of online and in-person classes which are run by local instructors and designed to help you improve your strength and balance.
Classes are part of the Live Stronger for Longer movement which aims to help people remain healthy, active and independent as they age and include Tai Chi, Pilates, seated exercise and more.
They are available for anyone to try so give one a go today!
From Waikato to the Bay of Islands, we reveal three subterranean secret spots you can escape to #backyourbackyard
We are looking for feedback from Neighbourly members throughout New Zealand on their health and wellbeing - and whether they saw our recent programme with TVNZ, Healthy For Life.
We'd love you to take our survey. It'll only take a couple of minutes.
We're proud to be working with our friends at Stanley Street to help support all New Zealand businesses in these troubled times.
We think you'll love these free Support Local toolkits. If you spot one of these in a window of a business near you (or on your takeaway coffee cup!) … View moreWe're proud to be working with our friends at Stanley Street to help support all New Zealand businesses in these troubled times.
We think you'll love these free Support Local toolkits. If you spot one of these in a window of a business near you (or on your takeaway coffee cup!) you'll know you're helping a proudly local company.
Hey neighbours, we're all feeling the impact of the coronavirus pandemic right now, but lots of you have told us you're especially concerned about its effects on property prices in NZ. That's why we asked Quotable Value's general manager David Nagel to join us for a … View moreHey neighbours, we're all feeling the impact of the coronavirus pandemic right now, but lots of you have told us you're especially concerned about its effects on property prices in NZ. That's why we asked Quotable Value's general manager David Nagel to join us for a live Q&A to help answer your property questions.
We had a huge response, so if you sent in a question or dropped in for the chat, thank you. If you missed it, you can still check out the recap, here.
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