Lizard News MAY 2020
FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY
Te Puna • Whakamārama • Matakana Is • Ōmokoroa • Pahoia • Apata • Aongatete • Katikati • Tahāwai • Bowentown • Athenree • Waihī Beach
Matakana water crisis t was literally all hands to the water pump at Western Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) over the first weekend in May when a request for help was received from Matakana Islanders, who were fast running out of household water.
I
The call came in about lunchtime on Friday 1st May when up to a dozen homes on the island were running dry – some with no water to last them through the night. Welfare and Logistics staff at EOC quickly put a plan in place, called Down-
ers to arrange a water tanker and by 8am the following morning the first tanker load was on the island topping up the tanks. Never was there a more welcome sight to those on the island – one kuia was standing on her deck with tears of relief as the tanker rolled up to provide her household with water. They had completely run dry the previous evening. Western EOC Iwi Liaison coordinator Carlo Ellis said it was a great example of teamwork and collaboration between the island’s whānau, Te Awanui Hauora, Downers and the Western EOC. “The whānau have been amazing from day one looking after people in need, so being able to respond quickly when they reach out is perfect in these times. They were beyond grateful,” says Carlo. The Western EOC iwi relations team had previously established contact with the island early in the COVID-19 lockdown period – so it was simply a matter of connecting the right people and getting the job done, says Carlo. Since the water supplies were deliv-
ered, whānau on the mainland have sent messages of gratitude to EOC as it would have meant them breaking their bubbles to go to the island to help. “It was a huge help,” says Nimmy Ngātai. “We would usually be pretty self-sufficient and sort it ourselves, but with lockdown, it makes it harder. Just knowing our needy whānau can stay safe over there means we can do the same here”. Downer’s Water Reticulation Manager Leslie Cunningham says it was magic the way the whole operation worked out so well and so fast. His emergency driver Barry Frost jumped at the chance to help the islanders out. Barry took two tankers to the island on separate barge trips on Saturday morning, taking a total of 20,000 litres to fill the main tank that supplied the waterless homes. “This operation was as good as it gets – the purchase orders were done swiftly, there were no delays, no questions – just a united effort to get the job done and get those people some water,” says Leslie. Article supplied.
Back in(g) business ocal businesses are adjusting to the ‘new normal’. Lizard News is one of many small companies making changes, as we come out of Covid-19 lockdown into bubble life at Level 3, and hopefully Level 2 social restrictions, later this month. Like many advertisers, our ability to trade has been compromised in
L
recent weeks. We have taken the unusual step of placing all of our regular and repeat advertising on hold, unless we have heard otherwise. We will continue to have an “opt in” approach for our supportive community businesses, so please get in touch if you wish to advertise in June.
An emergency tanker driver making one of two ferry trips to Matakana Island on Saturday 2nd May to restore supplies, after water to a dozen homes ran perilously low. PHOTO: Supplied.
In times like this, look for a builder you can trust At G.J.’s we are dedicated to a policy of certainty, trust and transparency, and we believe every person who builds a new home should be able to enjoy the experience. We understand that when it comes to building your home, nothing is more important than being able to rely on those people responsible for its construction, therefore we thank you for voting us ‘New Zealand’s most trusted’ home builder. Tauranga North of ce, next to Nourish Cafe, off SH 2. We’re at the of ce working, but unable to see customers until Level two. Call us, or visit our website or trademe for listings.
Shane and Kirsty McConnell, and Steve Watt, Franchisees for G.J. Gardner Homes.