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Dear neighbours and NZ Gardener family,
Our April issue should be with our subscribers now and available in supermarkets and service stations (having been distributed prior to the lockdown restrictions). Whether or not it's on the stands yet is a bit patchy ... but then the incredibly brave… View moreDear neighbours and NZ Gardener family,
Our April issue should be with our subscribers now and available in supermarkets and service stations (having been distributed prior to the lockdown restrictions). Whether or not it's on the stands yet is a bit patchy ... but then the incredibly brave and hard-working supermarket staff have quite a bit on their plate right now so I understand if there is a delay! Please, please, please everyone ... don't go out to buy it! Normally of course we love you buying NZ Gardener but right now it's far more important that you stay home and stay safe. (You can buy a copy with your online shopping though! That's safe and I think we are all in the market for something uplifting to read right now).
In this issue we offered to send out sweet pea seeds to any reader who sent us a SSAE. Just to reassure you, we will still send out sweet pea seeds to any reader who is keen to participate. We are just not quite sure when! Ignore the dates in the magazine of when you needed to send the envelope in by - that has been indefinitely extended. But we cannot wait to send you the seed and for those flowers to bloom as by then we will be well through this or even have it behind us. And keep letting us know what you are sowing and growing, send in pictures of your harvest, your flowers or what you are sharing.
We always love hearing from NZ Gardener readers but now when we are all staying apart that connection means more than you can imagine. Stay home, stay safe and stay in touch everyone. For the most updated gardening advice, subscribe to our digital e-zine Get Growing, which will be delivered to your inbox completely free.
After a few days in lockdown, we're starting to get the hang of it. Does anyone have any tips around structuring your day? Are you sticking to a routine? What's working, what's not? How can we use this time in isolation effectively? Let's discuss in the comments.
In the last week, the number of coronavirus cases across the country has doubled and health leaders in Nelson and Marlborough are grateful people are sticking to the rules in order to reduce the spread of the virus.
Nelson Marlborough Health chief medical officer Dr Nick Baker said as the Covid-19… View moreIn the last week, the number of coronavirus cases across the country has doubled and health leaders in Nelson and Marlborough are grateful people are sticking to the rules in order to reduce the spread of the virus.
Nelson Marlborough Health chief medical officer Dr Nick Baker said as the Covid-19 situation unfolded, it resembled the 1918 influenza pandemic in many ways, especially in the way it had spread around the globe.
"We know that left to its devices, this virus will cause a nasty sharp spike of cases and we will have a three month epidemic which will overwhelm our health system.
"Without the impact of mitigation, no health system on this planet can cope with a full blown Covid-19 outbreak," Baker said.
"The big message from me this week is, don't let up, we are dong the right things, don't get a false sense of security because the numbers of new cases might have dropped.
"This isn't over."
A community centre in Marlborough has closed its doors but has left a window open for people in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
Crossroads Marlborough kitchen manager Richard McDonald said due to the Government's lockdown people could not gather in the centre as usual, but they could … View moreA community centre in Marlborough has closed its doors but has left a window open for people in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
Crossroads Marlborough kitchen manager Richard McDonald said due to the Government's lockdown people could not gather in the centre as usual, but they could still collect takeaway food delivered through a window at the centre, or phone in if they need someone to talk to.
"We have a closed door policy but we are operating through the window and over the phone. Even though we are in a shutdown situation we are here for social contact," McDonald said.
Wondering why you didn’t get tested when you went to a community-based assessment centre (CBAC)? When you see a clinician at a CBAC they’ll ask ‘screening’ questions to determine whether you need to be tested. So you will be seen, screened and given advice. But you might not always be … View moreWondering why you didn’t get tested when you went to a community-based assessment centre (CBAC)? When you see a clinician at a CBAC they’ll ask ‘screening’ questions to determine whether you need to be tested. So you will be seen, screened and given advice. But you might not always be tested.
Our website has some more info about this.
The effect of misinformation, myths and gossip can be stopped in its tracks if we all use official news sources. Myths can often be difficult to spot, so we encourage you to only use official news sources at this time https://covid19.govt.nz/.
Hi everybody, be safe, positive and look after each other. Can I provide help over the phone regarding urgent residential property issues, please contact me on 0274804667, will be my pleasure to offer assistance. Cheers Tom
Volunteering is all about kindness and community. While NZ is in lock-down, traditional volunteering isn't necessarily possible, but one great way of helping others in our communities is to reach out to our neighbors (from a safe distance of course).
Tag someone in the comments who's kept… View moreVolunteering is all about kindness and community. While NZ is in lock-down, traditional volunteering isn't necessarily possible, but one great way of helping others in our communities is to reach out to our neighbors (from a safe distance of course).
Tag someone in the comments who's kept in touch with you during the lockdown ⤵️
Playing games online isn’t just for the grandkids, we have a whole list of free game websites to keep you entertained; crosswords, jigsaw puzzles and sudoku to name a few.
Dear concerned citizen,
It’s important that we all try and shop safely as we unite against COVID-19.
Here’s a few things we should all now do, that will help slow the spread of the virus:
• send one person from your household to do the whole shop
• be aware that stores will limit … View moreDear concerned citizen,
It’s important that we all try and shop safely as we unite against COVID-19.
Here’s a few things we should all now do, that will help slow the spread of the virus:
• send one person from your household to do the whole shop
• be aware that stores will limit numbers to help you keep 2 metres away from others
• be kind to essential workers, and others you’re sharing the shop with
• come with a list so you can get in and out as quickly as possible
• only touch what you want to buy
• if you like, take a soapy towel in a small container to wipe down trolley or basket handles etc
• keep 2 metres away from others, including staff. They need to keep safe too!
• use payWave if you can, not cash
• bag groceries away from others if you can
• take out produce when you get home, and wash first in soapy water to protect against the virus, then rinse to remove any soap residue wipe down packaged goods with a soapy clean towel, then dry
• wash your hands before and after you shop.
Can I bring people in my household with me to buy essential supplies?
You should dedicate one person per household to be the shopper. This is the safest way to get essential supplies, as it reduces the number of people who are out, and helps stop the virus from spreading.
Leaving online shopping to those who need it most
• If you are healthy, or aged under 70, you should go to the supermarket to do your shopping. This leaves online delivery slots free for those that need them most.
• If you’re a parent on your own with children or over 70, move to online shopping if available. This is important for the safety of your children and others – especially essential service providers.
• If that’s not possible, reach out to nearby friends, family or neighbours who can assist you with the shopping and get it to your doorstep. Your local community may also be able to assist, or you can contact your local store – some are putting special systems in place to help.
Thank you
If we all do our bit we’ll get through this. Thank you for working together and staying home. We can, and must stick with it.
While your Four Square-ing, here’s four simple rules for shopping during Level 4.
1. Be prepared so you know what you need
2. Choose your household shopper who’ll pop into Four Square alone.
3. Stay a safe distance from your fellow Four Square-ers and … View moreWhile your Four Square-ing, here’s four simple rules for shopping during Level 4.
1. Be prepared so you know what you need
2. Choose your household shopper who’ll pop into Four Square alone.
3. Stay a safe distance from your fellow Four Square-ers and staff
4. Use contactless payment where possible
For updates and information about confirmed cases in the Nelson Marlborough region, community-based assessment centre (CBAC) data and any new information for our communities visit our website:
I would like to acknowledge the great effort most of us are making to play the game in lock-down, it’s not cool to flout the rules so keep up the good work of staying home and saving lives, unless you need essentials. What we do now, will determine our outcome, so let’s all stick with it and do… View moreI would like to acknowledge the great effort most of us are making to play the game in lock-down, it’s not cool to flout the rules so keep up the good work of staying home and saving lives, unless you need essentials. What we do now, will determine our outcome, so let’s all stick with it and do our your bit!
Need some resources to help you cope with the kids during the lock down? Health Navigator has a nice care package to help you get through staying at home for a month. When you get a moment have a read of the Health Navigator tips.
For Student Volunteer Week we're shining the spotlight on a few local young volunteers. Today we'd like you to meet Justin and Taylah who volunteer with Marlborough Youth Trust...
How old are you?
Taylah: 18
Justin: 20
What do you do when you volunteer?
We are both part of the … View moreFor Student Volunteer Week we're shining the spotlight on a few local young volunteers. Today we'd like you to meet Justin and Taylah who volunteer with Marlborough Youth Trust...
How old are you?
Taylah: 18
Justin: 20
What do you do when you volunteer?
We are both part of the Marlborough Youth Trust Advisory Group (MYTAG). At MYTAG meetings, we do development courses and plan youth-focussed events like Spring Fest and Beach Fest. Planning events involves arranging a venue, entertainers, food vendors, transport, parking, advertising, and making sure it all fits within a budget. We also volunteer at the events, helping with set-up (e.g. staging) and pack-down, manning the front gate, and other miscellaneous tasks that make sure the event runs smoothly. Justin often runs the sausage sizzle.
What is your favourite part?
Taylah: Getting to see what happens behind the scenes and seeing everyone working together.
Justin: Seeing the event finally fall into place after months of planning and watching the youth attending the event having heaps of fun.
Why did you start volunteering?
Taylah: I have a passion for helping people and I was already involved with Marlborough Youth Trust so it felt natural to take the next step.
Justin: I joined the Youth in Emergency Services program in 2018 and, near the end of the course, Bex (Youth Worker at MYT) asked if wanted to continue my involvement with MYTAG and other MYT things. I’d really enjoyed the YES program so it was an easy yes!
How do you feel your volunteer work impacts the Marlborough community?
Taylah: Running youth-focussed events provides an opportunity for Marlborough’s young people to find and develop their passions.
Justin: Our youth-friendly events give young people an opportunity to hang out with people they might not meet otherwise, and it’s all in a safe environment.
Has volunteering given you an opportunity to learn anything or gain new skills?
Both: We have both been able to complete the Psychological First Aid course (taught us how to provide emotional and practical support to someone who has experienced a traumatic event) and the Strength Finders course (helped us discover our top five strengths so that we can work better in a team and pursue some personal development).
What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting volunteering?
Justin: “The skills you can learn while volunteering are definitely worth it; they look great on a CV. You also don’t know where these volunteer roles will lead to; you might find an industry you thought you’d never work in”
Taylah: “Volunteering can make you feel better in yourself, but it can also make other people feel better when they know you are putting all this time in for them.”
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