Message from Sandra Hazlehurst to stay safe
Wear a mask during while buying groceries, exercising or receiving healthcare, and practice social distancing.
These are just few of many messages conveyed by the Hastings District Council after New Zealand suddenly plunged into Alert Level 4 at 11.59pm on Tuesday night.
The council’s essential services were still operating during lock-down, but other restrictions and closures were in place in line with Ministry of Health guidelines.
Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said council was well-prepared for any shift in alert levels, and ready to respond to keep people safe.
“Although it’s disappointing to be back in this situation again, all of our teams are working hard to keep essential services operating and help our community get through this,” she said.
All council facilities were shut, including public toilets, public drinking water fountains and chlorine-removed taps.
Kerbside waste collections were still running as normal, but the transfer stations and rural recycling stations were closed, except for essential workers.
All playgrounds were closed, but parks and reserves remained open for people to walk and exercise in, but they were asked to follow the advice to wear masks, stay two metres apart, remain at home if they feel unwell, and not take part in any activities that could result in injury requiring emergency help.
Council’s Lyndon Road customer service centre was closed to the public, but the team will be responding to enquiries.
The Animal Control Centre was also closed to the public and officers, only responding to call-outs where there was a “threat to public safety or livestock”.
“The best thing we can all do right now is stick to the health advice which is keeping us safe.
“Once again, we need to look out for each other, be kind and keep to the government guidelines to stay safe and do what we can together so we can get back to normal as soon as possible,” Hazlehurst said.
The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council said the GoBay bus services had moved to a Saturday timetable, with the addition of the regular routes.
Council said GoBay services would be available for essential service workers, and for communities to access supermarkets, pharmacies and health facilities in accordance with Government directions.
Face coverings were mandatory on all public transport services, with council asking travellers to bring their own mask and put it on before boarding.
Fares would remain in place across the region, but cash handling will be removed.
*For any further information please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the council website www.hastingsdc.govt.nz... or call customer service on 871 5000.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.6% 1st December
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17.5% A week before Christmas
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33.2% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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83.2% Yes
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14.3% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below