24/12/2020: Have a Merry Christmas/Festive season and please stay safe...
On behalf of the Greater Brooklyn Residents association we warmly wish you all a safe, relaxing and happy Christmas and festive time. And that you stay safe as we want to engage with you in 2021. Especially in the water and especially around our southern coast.
And we are well looked after by our emergency services - in particular the Police Marine section active today rescuing a kayaker off the south coast...
"Maritime rescue at Red Rocks "
A person was rescued today today by the Police Maritime Unit on board the Lady Elizabeth IV after being swept out to sea in a kayak by wind and a strong current.
They had launched their kayak at Red Rocks and intended on fishing close to shore, however shortly after their kayak capsized a few hundred metres offshore.
They were swept further out to sea by strong local currents before they managed to get back on the kayak.
When they tried to paddle back to shore, the 25-knot offshore wind prevented them making any headway.
They then capsized again but managed to deploy the anchor to stop them being swept further out to sea.
They lost their handheld VHF during the capsize and crawled onto the upturned kayak.
Their cell phone was protected by a waterproof bag, but they were unable to call for help as there was no coverage in the area.
To top it off their life jacket had promptly deflated.
Luckily a keen-eyed person on top of the hills noticed them struggling in the water and called Police.
A mayday was broadcast and the Bluebridge ferry ‘Straitsman’ helped Police by stopping mid journey to assist with locating the person.
They were pulled from the water by Police at about 3pm.
Senior Constable Kyle Smith of the Wellington Maritime Unit says things could have easily ended differently.
“Although the man had enough equipment for his undertaking, a number of things went wrong leaving it up to chance that he was rescued today.
“Police would like to remind people not to underestimate the weather forecast, check your equipment is working and always let someone know what your plans are.”
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
You can also view this release, including any additional images, on the NZ Police app or at: www.police.govt.nz...
Noho ora mai,
New Zealand Police
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.5% Yes
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11.3% No
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3.1% Other - I'll share below
Today's Riddle: Guaranteed Brain Stretch!
What bird is the strongest of them all?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Combining biking with bus travel
Hi neighbours
Anyone out there who, like me, would love to bike more, but have difficulty getting their bike on the rack on the bus ? It's sometimes necessary, so as to avoid steep hills and roads where I don't feel safe.
Metlink say their drivers aren't meant to help.