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Times, Wednesday, November 10, 2021 — 3
News bites
POLITICS
Collins meets local business leaders
KMART WISHING TREE APPEAL
The Salvation Army and Kmart have teamed up again for the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal! Now in its 29th year, the appeal is New Zealand’s largest and longest-running gift collection, aiming to create a brighter holiday season for the most vulnerable in the community. Commencing Monday November 8 through to December 24, shoppers can buy and drop unwrapped presents in any Kmart store nationwide (even through-
N
ational Party leader Judith Collins was in Howick on Saturday meeting local business owners about the Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on jobs and the economy. With Collins were local MPs Simeon Brown (Pakuranga) and Christopher Luxon (Botany), as well as National MP Melissa Lee (List). Times Media managing director Reay Neben was among the local businesspeople speaking with Collins and her colleagues. Collins said the message from Howick businesses was clear. “They are struggling, and need clarity from the Government about the future,” she told the Times. “Aucklanders have now been locked down for 12 weeks and the Government still can’t tell us whether we will be able to have a Christmas holiday or not.” She said this uncertainty is costing people and hurting businesses. “National has made it clear we should be removing restrictions once we reach 85-90 per cent vaccination or the 1st of December, whichever comes first,” said Collins. MP for Pakuranga Simeon Brown said it was important to get out and listen to local businesses in Howick. “Whilst Aucklanders are locked
out lockdowns), or consider making a financial contribution in store or online.
SATURDAY FREE COUNSELLING CLINIC
Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga is providing general counselling for individual adults for issues such as relationship difficulties, stressful changes and challenges, depression and anxiety. To make a booking phone 576 8331. At current Covid Level 3 Step 2, bookings are via Zoom.
Howick College cleaner tests positive for Covid
Opposition leader Judith Collins (right) was in Howick chatting to local business owners. Also pictured are, from left, Auckland List MP Melissa Lee, the Times’ owner Reay Neben, Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown and Botany MP Christopher Times photo Wayne Martin Luxon.
down in Level 3, the Prime Minister and her officials are making their decisions from the relative freedom of Level 2 in Wellington, said Brown. “The decision makers are becoming increasingly out of touch with the needs of Aucklanders and business owners.
“Auckland is now highly-vaccinated and we need a clear plan to reopen rather than the indecisiveness and inaction we are seeing. “I will continue to advocate strongly for local business owners to have the certainty they need to re-open and stay open.”
Avenrose Florist
evening between 4pm – 7pm on Wednesday November 3 and Thursday November 4. “The cleaner was fully vaccinated and undertook a test on Friday morning as soon as they experienced symptoms. “The risk assessment for school is that of very low/no risk to students and staff.” Other cleaners in the school at the time have all returned negative tests,” he said. Ropati also confirmed the school will remain open. “We will open as usual on Monday November 8.”
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A cleaner at Howick College who was double-vaccinated has tested positive for Covid. Howick College principal Iva Ropati sent a note to parents and caregivers at the weekened in which he said the school has been working closely with Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education officials to guide the school’s response. “A school cleaner has been confirmed as having Covid – 19,” said Ropati. “The person was infectious while working at our school in the late afternoon and
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