Palmy home show fire hazard - how would you get out of the maze?
- Auckland's sports arena is in the news because of an appalling fire alarm shambles. Some of the audience faced locked-door fire escapes and felt trapped and terrified. The staff failed to communicate with the 43,000 people at the event. See bit.ly...
- Last week at the Home Show at our arena, I was similarly concerned about fire safety.
- The trouble is that you are channeled along this huge, long unbroken walkway between endless display booths. After seeing most of it (it gets junky towards the end), I wanted to just go back and go home, but found myself endlessly walking, walking, walled-in without access to a door out.
- I became 'warmly' irritated, and realized the fire hazard. No easy out. And surrounded by ultra-flammables like sofas, beds, paper, rubber, plastic, etc. that would produce choking smoke. Not in an open sports arena, but enclosed in the huge roofed building.
- Eventually I arrived back near the entrance. Before leaving, I spoke to a young guy at a kiosk about it. I encouraging him to talk to the management. He saw the point and agreed enthusiastically, but I don't know if he reported it.
- The arena should have suitcase-sixed, bright-LED-light, battery-lit, 'Fire Exit' lamps visible at all times, visibly able to compete with all the visually loud advertising displays. AND a clear, easy pathway to escape, not blocked by walls of kiosks and all their tables loaded with equipment adding obstacles.
- What do our local firefighters and police think of the risk? Perhaps none of them go to the Arena expos, or while relaxing there, naturally feel 'off duty'.
- What do you think?
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.2% Yes
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22.4% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Pregnancy Study - Seeking participants for Massey Observational study
Are you less than 15 weeks pregnant or know someone who is?
I would love to hear from you regarding joining an Observation study on New Zealand Pregnant woman investigating Thyroid function. We are seeking participants who are: - ages 18 years or older - Who are early in their pregnancy (less than 15 weeks)
What your participation involves:
• We will ask you a series of questions about your dietary intake, supplement use and lifestyle.
• We will ask you to collect a sample of urine to analyse some micronutrients.
• We will take a blood sample to analyse for micronutrient status and thyroid function.
• After your baby is born we ask that you send us some of baby’s nail clippings
We reimburse your travel expenses.
If you or someone you know would like to take part, or to find out more about the study, please get in touch via email WOVEN@massey.ac.nz or phone 06 951 6437