2nd April Independent Herald issue

BRETT HUDSON NATIONAL LIST MP BASED IN ŌHĀRIU P 04 478 0628 E Brett.HudsonMP@parliament.govt.nz

Authorised by Brett Hudson, 29 Broderick Rd, Johnsonville

Thursday April 2, 2020

Today 12-17

Friday 10-16

Saturday 12-18

Sunday 12-19

Phone: (04) 587 1660

Yellow for hope

By Glenise Dreaver

A few (pre-Covid-19) weeks ago Steven Woolf, Onslow Western Wharangi ward councillor, had an idea.

He talked to fellow councillor Diane Calvert, and the two decided to encourage the “yellowing” of the Wharangi Onslow Western area of Wellington.

Why yellow? “ It’s a vibrant colour, the colour of Wellington, of the sun, of optimism,” says Simon.

And the campaign is continuing despite lockdown. “It’s more important than ever to keep people’s minds on something vibrant, to spread a good feeling,” he says.

Continued on page 2.

The yellowing of Karori - and of Simon Woolf.

Note the yellow crutches. Photo supplied.

CROFTON DOWNS

Providing Essential Goods To Essential Services Providers...

Locals Supporting Locals 128 Churchill Drive Ph: 04 479 8765 www.mitre10.co.nz

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Thursday April 2, 2020

How to reach us

Phone (04) 587 1660 Address 23 Broderick Rd, Johnsonville P.O. Box 38-776, WMC 5045 Fax (04) 587 1661 www.wsn.co.nz REPORTER

Glenise Dreaver herald@wsn.co.nz 587 1660 NATIONAL SALES

Sam Barnes sam@wsn.co.nz 587 1660 SALES

Steve Maggs steve@wsn.co.nz 587 1660 SALES

Brenda Ingram-Johnson brenda@wsn.co.nz 021 640 152

Western ward embracing the colour of hope Continued from page 1.

Before isolation, they’d made a start with the re-installation of the yellow furniture in the vacant square on the corner of Donald Street and Karori Road, formerly the St Johns site. It had been there before, but has been put back – with however, a request that it not be used for sitting on at this time.

Simon says they are encouraging anyone who wants to add to it to leave yellow contributions on the St Johns site to do so, however not to leave their Bubble or enter other’s Bubbles to do that.

Residents are also being encouraged to participate, with yellow decorations at the front of their properties, and some lampposts and other sites already have yellow ribbons.

Simon expects this community to embrace the idea. “This ward is a very connected one,” he says, pointing to the proactive approach of residents’ and community groups, and also service clubs.

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ABOVE: Life before lockdown: This family took advantage of the last days to use the "yellow" space on the old St John site in Karori.

Residents are now asked to keep outside the boundaries of the yellow installation - enjoy the colour, but please don't touch.

INSET: Just a start on the yellowing-up of Karori. Photos: Simon Woolf.

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As well as the yellow t shirts that the councillors, and other community leaders like Paul Stevenson are wearing, Simon has painted his crutches yellow. (It’s three months since he had to be medi-vacced off the Routebourn track with a significant leg injury and while he’s been attending to council business since they started up again in January, the crutches are still needed.)

There’s another idea now begun, at what’s proving to be the ideal time, a contest that is a spur to the area’s creativity. The two councillors had deferred their “What’s best in the West” competition in the pre-council election run up last year “There’s now a poetry-drawing-painting-short story-photo competition,” Simon says.

One prize that has already been donated is an Epson eco-printer and there will be others.

Details can be found on Simon’s Facebook page.

At the Karori Community Garden, these flowers sending the suburb's message of positivity and determined cheerfulness.

Photo supplied.

No gardening materials? ‘Wrong!’ says Paul Paul Stevenson initiated and leads the crew looking after Karori’s community garden.

The garden is of course off-limits during lockdown, but,many people are now looking for outdoor activity like gardening to do at home and Paul has some advice.

“It’s pretty hard when you’re in lockdown and think you haven’t got the right material,” he says.

“Wrong!”

He says the first thing is that grounds should be well prepared.

fact of the week

“First you can turn over beds.

“Then add grass clippings and leaves, or even some clean dirt if you have it.

“Dig it in, leave it for a couple of weeks, then turn over a couple of times.,” he says.

He points out that you can make beds by building them out of nontreated wood, or bricks.

“Grow plants in buckets or clean recyclable plastic bags.

“Flowers can be grown in old tyres. Beetroot, cabbage, bok choy, celery, If you have still got a warm part

of your section at this time of year, potatoes and even lettuce can still be grown.

“And kids can do plantings in cutout soft drink bottles. You can even cut the bottles in half, and put over plants. They act like a tiny hothouse.

“Mitre10 and Tui garden websites have a ton of planting ideas for the little and big kids with plenty of ideas for bee -friendly ideas throughout the year.

“Gardening is fun, artistic and very therapeutic.

“Fresh air and back to nature!” says Paul.

PROSTATE CANCER

SUPPORT GROUP

Update from your local city councillor I hope you and your families have settled into this unprecedented situation of a nationwide lock-down as well as can be expected.

It’s been a steep adjustment curve for everyone including me and my family. An immense thanks to our Council team and all those other essential workers who remain out there on the frontline helping to keep us all safe and make the lock-down achievable and it's great to see the Independent Herald back up and running online. Over the past week, the Council’s priority has been putting in plans to keep our essential services (water, sewerage, electricity, roading, community housing, community welfare) going and provide support for the most vulnerable members of our city. These plans and services are now mainly in place and from this coming week some additional services may be able to start up even if no face to face contact is required.

An established support group in Wellington for men and their families who are living with a diagnosis of or treatment for prostate cancer.

COORDINATOR Graeme Coutts 022 674 7832 Bill Guthrie 027 247 5427 EMAIL lowerhutt@prostate.org.nz

I have updated my website with relevant Covid-19 information so please check it out www.diane.calvert.nz

for more information call

Take care, stay home, stay safe

Please get in touch if you have a question or concern 029 971 8944 | diane.calvert@wcc.govt.nz www.dianecalvert.nz | /dianecalvertnz Authorised by J Owens, 22 Agra Cres, Wellington 6035.

The longest wedding veil was longer than 63 football fields!

0800 477 678

www.prostate.org.nz

Thursday April 2, 2020

3

inbrief news Help for at-risk shoppers

Marsden College students, at left Keisha Wong and Eva Brunel, are able to The Principal of Marsden Collegiate school Narelle Umbers: enjoy the use of technology to support their learning during lockdown. moving the school to distance learning during the Covid-19 Photo supplied. isolation period. Photo supplied.

New ways of learning at Marsden School As the country faces the reality of lockdown, preschool to Year 13 students at Samuel Marsden Collegiate School have started their remote learning.

The policy is to have staff connecting virtually with students on a regular basis.

Preschool and primary school students have a daily menu of

offline and online activities including fun ‘Marsden Moves’ physical activities and a daily ‘Wellbeing Window’.

Year 7-13 students are doing synchronous learning, where teachers and students meet via live conferencing, and “asynchronous” learning.

That means they work at their own pace, and have the chance

to present work in novel and innovative ways.

“We are fortunate that we can connect virtually with the members of our school community,” says principal Narelle Umbers.

“The wellbeing of everyone in our learning community is key and we are ensuring both staff and students remain connected.

“We know that if our students

Student Volunteer Army

stay well, both mentally and physically, this ultimately leads to better learning.

“We are also placing an emphasis on being kind, to ourselves and those near us.

“We are embracing this as an exciting time that will bring new opportunities and innovative and creative ways of doing things,” she says.

Food rescue truck arrives at crucial time

By Glenise Dreaver

Last week we ran a story about the Grenada North-Tawa based Kiwi Community Assistance (KCA) food rescue service.

With a donation of $25,000 from the ANZ Bank Staff

Foundation, and another $10,000 from the Wellington North Rotary, they had just supplemented their delivery capacity with a larger chiller truck.

That vehicle is quickly proving its worth in the vital service of distributing res-

cued, otherwise wasted food to local foodbanks.

It arrived in the nick of time.

Co-founder Tracy Wellington says they are classed as an essential social service so are working as business as usual with a skeleton

Countdown supermarkets says they are experiencing unprecedented demand for online shopping.

This means, a spokesperson says, some of their most vulnerable and at risk New Zealanders are often unable to order the essential food and groceries they need at this challenging time.

Countdown has introduced a Priority Assistance service prioritising those aged 70 years and over, or who are immune-compromised, have chronic illnesses or have a disability.

They are expecting high demand for the service and Countdown says they are doing their best to increase delivery times as much as possible.

For information go to

The Student Volunteer Army SVA has launched a nationwide response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

They want to ensure that over 70s can get groceries, that pharmacists can get prescriptions to housebound clients, and on helping healthcare professionals who have to juggle childcare with schools closed.

Sam Johnson, SVA founder says: “We’re working with relevant agencies to make sure that we can quickly build a volunteering network that helps fill these essential gaps safely for everyone, and can impact the entire country over the next four weeks.

“We encourage anyone who needs support to let us know, or to register as a volunteer by contacting us at www.sva.org.nz or by calling 0800 005 902.

Daylight Saving this Sunday

crew of three to four people.

“Since Monday this week we are averaging about two tonnes a day of fresh produce coming in,” she says.

“It is at times like these that we realise how crucial our service is to the local foodbanks.”

Daylight saving ends this weekend.

It is best to turn the clock back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night. With clocks being wound back this weekend, the New Zealand Fire Service is also reminding people to check their smoke alarms.

COVID-19: IMPORTANT INFORMATION We’re responding to COVID-19 to keep New Zealanders healthy and position our country for recovery.

The situation is moving quickly, so keep up to date at covid19.govt.nz and access other information and assistance using the details below: Latest COVID-19 info:

For business and tax info:

If you’re showing symptoms of COVID-19:

For up to date travel advice:

0800 779 997 | www.covid19.govt.nz Please call your local GP

For COVID-19 financial assistance:

0800 40 80 40 | www.workandincome.govt.nz

www.ird.govt.nz/covid19 www.safetravel.govt.nz

For immigration and visa advice: www.immigration.govt.nz

Greg O’Connor | MP for Ōhāriu | Greg.OConnor@parliament.govt.nz | 04 478 3332

Authorised by Greg O’Connor MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

4

Thursday April 2, 2020

Dress for Success explained Philippa Wells, executive manager of Dress for Success Wellington, was the guest speaker at Johnsonville Rotary on March 9.

That night, members, partners, friends and community members brought donations of dresses, skirts, women’s suits and men’s suits and at least one sports jacket.

Members heard that Dress for Success Wellington has two full time and three part time staff, as well as many volunteers.

Phillipa told those present they provided job seekers with appropriate garments for job interviews. Many of those helped are young people finishing school or other training and women returning to the workforce after having had a family.

New migrants and refugees are just some of those being assisted. Homeless people are also helped to prepare for house viewings. “And they get to keep the clothes,” she said.

They also assist males under the name StartSmart.

Philippa told one story of a woman returning to work after five years out of the workforce and facing a lack of confidence.

They had provided her with a capsule wardrobe to start work.

She said, “What an amazing

Finding new ways of worshipping

Dress for Success volunteer Julie Kennedy, at left, with executive manager Philippa Wells at the sorting table in the clothing management room. Photo supplied.

experience. They cared for me.

There was no judgement and I didn’t have to worry about my size. I walked away proud.” She

is now on their board.

Philippa also says the organisation also arranges pre-employment training and mentoring.

Donald Gordon of Wadestown Presbyterian Church had last week already decided to throw his usual Sunday Service plans out the window because of the Covid-19 pandemic..

He’d planned a shorter sermon and more time for prayer, choosing time for reflection, encouragement, “and just to be around people while we still could”, he says.

With Saturday’s announcement leaving the over-seventies at home, and many others avoiding the risk of public gatherings, only a handful of people came to that last Sunday morning together for a while.

“Everyone is scared, anxious, sometimes angry,” Donald says.

“Some see the death rate statistics and notice that they’re rather uncomfortably sitting in the high risk zone.

“Some are worrying about losing their jobs, paying the rent or keeping up with the mortgage.

“And if you’re at the low end of the income scale, you don’t have the spare cash to panic buy, you just have to watch helplessly and hope the supermarket shelves don’t get emptied.

“Our church is making plans for what we do now that we won’t be able to meet, and also for our members to support the people around us.

“Getting to know our neighbours is more important than ever. Exchanging phone numbers now lets us check up on each other. We can still pick up groceries for the person

Donald Gordon, minister at Wadestown Presbyterian Church, looking at new ways of ministering to the community. Photo: Glenise Dreaver.

next door.

“My immediate task is to organise pastoral care, to check up on our members, and encourage them to keep in contact with each other over the phone.

“People who are self-isolating or working from home will be missing out on a lot of interpersonal contact.

Because their worship on Sunday is something they do together, they won’t be livestreaming he says.

“Instead we will join together via video and phone conference, making lots of space for people to be together, to sing, to pray, to feel heard and seen, and to know that God is with them.”

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE Here to Help

We are living in extraordinary times as New Zealand comes together to stop the coronavirus.

As a List MP based in Wellington I am here to help and support you and our community. Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email if you or someone you know requires information or assistance.

You can phone me anytime on 04 817 9338 or email me on nicola.willis@parliament.govt.nz. I will also be making regular updates on Facebook: facebook.com/NicolaWillisMP. I am here to serve our community throughout this difficult time by providing information, advocacy, connection and support for you and your loved ones.

The Government has National’s full support during this crisis and in its decision to elevate New Zealand’s alert level. We will work in a supportive and constructive way in the interests of New Zealanders. We have offered the Government the services of our MPs and staff to assist wherever we can.

It’s important we support each other during this difficult time (from behind closed doors) and I have great faith that the values of New Zealanders will come to the fore as we rise to this challenge.

Kia kaha & ngā mihi,

Nicola Willis National List MP based in Wellington

nicolawillis.co.nz/coronavirus nicola.willis@parliament.govt.nz 04 817 9338 NicolaWillisMP

The most up-to-date health information on the coronavirus is available at this website: www.covid19.govt.nz or for urgent medical inquries call Healthline free on 0800 358 5453.

Authorised by Nicola WIllis, 13 Murphy Street, Thorndon, Wellington.

Thursday April 2, 2020

Surviving against the odds

Scientist inspires

By staff reporter

By staff reporter

The Malaghan Institute in Kelburn Parade is undertaking some ground breaking medical research.

It is revealing that the immune system can be used and manipulated naturally to change disease outcomes.

At the helm of this leading-edge development is Professor Graham Le Gros, formerly of Blenheim, but now of Brooklyn, Wellington.

He says that at Marlborough Boys’ College, where he was educated, there were a number of “inspiring” teachers.

“Mr Stringer was my science teacher… he was a special teacher,” he says.

“There was a chemist too. I can’t remember his name, but he used to make some great explosions,” Graham laughs. “I had a great life in Marlborough.”

After high school Graham explored a number of study options before heading over to the United States and training at the National Institute of Health in Washington DC. “I decided I really wanted to make an impact so I joined a large pharmaceutical company and worked on an anti-allergy drug,” he says.

He met his wife, Franca Ronchese, a scientist specialising in the cancer immunology and allergy fields.

Eventually Graham was enticed back to New Zealand by the directors of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and he and his wife now

Professor Graham le Gros of the Malaghan Research Institute in Kelburn Terrace with cancer survivor David Downs. Photo: Celeste Alexander.

spearhead the asthma and allergy research programmes, finding new ways to treat and cure allergic disease.

Graham also leads an active biomedical research programme in allergic and parasitic diseases.

The Malaghan Institute, in partnership with Wellington Zhaotai Therapies, is developing and trialling a ‘third generation’ CAR T-cell therapy (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell).

The therapy works by redirecting a patient’s own immune cells (T-cells) in the laboratory, to directly identify and attack cancer cells. These modified T-cells are then returned to the patient where they can attack and

destroy cancer cells.

“It’s amazing new technology,” Graham says. “It’s like trying to drive a Ferrari and unleashing awesome power. You just have to watch you don’t hurt someone.

“This is why trials are so important and it can take years and lots of checking and testing.

“It’s an exciting time to be a scientist and I want to see more young people join the sciences.

It’s about getting talented young New Zealanders, putting their skills into science and seeing them become leading scientists.

“I will say you have to have some spirit, resilience, self-confidence and a genuine interest in science too,” he says.

Fundraising for very special playground The northern suburbs quizzing fraternity was out in force on Sunday March 8 to raise money for a rehabilitative playground at the new Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital.

More than 170 people representing 26 teams packed out the 1841 Bar & Restaurant for a fundraising quiz organised by the Johnsonville Lions Club.

It raised more than $3200

for the new playground, part of a fundraising effort involving 58 Lions clubs in District 202M. That includes the bottom half of the North Island and top of the South. “As a single entity you can achieve little but as a multiple group you can move mountains,” said quiz organiser Jim Ng. First prize of $500 cash was donated by Harcourts Johnsonville, and a range of

raffle and spot prizes were donated by local businesses such as Twiglands and Repco.

Together, the Lions clubs hope to raise $500,000 for the unique playground, known as a playscape.

The playscape will provide both play areas and quiet reflective areas for young patients aged from 0 to 16 years and their families. It will be the first playground of its type in the southern hemisphere.

Just some of the crowd at the very successful special playground fundraising quiz held at 1841.

Photos supplied.

In January 2017, 48-year-old David Downs of Blenheim heard he had non-Hodgkin lymphoma and decided to take the next 12 months off work to have treatment.

Sadly after 12 rounds of chemotherapy, he heard the news no-one wants to hear. The treatment was unsuccessful and he was terminal, with only 12 months, or less, to live.

“It was a tough time,” he says. ’But I was very public about being sick as my way of coping so my journey became well known.”

He heard of, and applied to join an experimental clinical trial being run by the Harvard Medical School in Boston for a new type of cancer treatment called CAR T-cell therapy, one of 180 people accepted.

CAR T-cell (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy is an emerging form of cancer treatment which has recently been licensed in Australia, the United States and Europe for patients with certain types of lymphoma and leukaemia.

David had T-cells extracted from his blood which were genetically modified and injected back into his body.

Close to a month later he had scans and a blood test which confirmed that there was no sign of cancer. He was in complete remission!

“Normally there are three options for cancer treatment,” David says.

“There’s surgery, chemotherapy and

radiation. So for me to be able to say the word ‘cured’, is absolutely unbelievable.”

David travelled back to Boston three weeks ago for a checkup – his 12th and final visit. There, he received the news he was cured.

“I can now officially call myself cancer free!”

Asked how it felt to hear those words David says; “A mixture of emotions.”

“I feel utter relief along with a lot of sadness and a bit of guilt,” he says. “I know there were lots of people who did not get the same results as I did.”

With this in mind David is now a patient’s advocate and speaks to people who contact him, or who have been put in touch with him via their oncologists.

“I share my own experiences with cancer. There’s so many little things that fall outside of the medical stuff that doctors can’t help with… that’s how I help people,” he says.

And because of his high profile, the Malaghan Institute invited him to visit and he has become an ambassador , helping to raise awareness of this ground-breaking research.

“When I was sick the only option I had for this therapy was to go overseas. But now the Malaghan Institute is improving on the therapy – globally this is huge and taking place in New Zealand which is exciting.

And David has also written a book about his cancer journey titled ‘A Mild Touch of the Cancer’.

Greg O’Connor MP for Ōhāriu

The rapid pace at which we went from being advised to practice good hygiene, to complete lockdown, meant by the time we ceremoniously closed our gates and doors and filled the metaphorical moat we have been asked to dig between those in our bubbles and the rest of the world, society and individuals were still running on adrenalin. That manifested itself in a plethora of Covid-19 related messages from every organisation and business we are involved with, from churches, clubs, politicians, banks and many more. The danger of this deluge of well-meaning and sometimes self-serving information is overload and confusion about entitlements and assistance, what behaviour is permitted and what’s not, what is an essential service and what’s not, what are reasonable exercise parameters etc.

Now that the adrenalin is wearing off and we start to settle into what we hope will be a short sharp lockdown, it’s a good time to ensure we are all working off the same set of rules.

This is where the www.covid19.govt. nz website comes in. It is a living document which will be continually updated as the necessary policy and practical changes are made to adapt to the changing situation.

I am fielding numerous calls and enquiries from businesses, groups, and individuals in the electorate, mostly on topics I am able to answer based on the experience of others, which have found their way onto the site. However there is always a new situation which requires access to the Ministry or Department responsible which they haven’t dealt with before.

I’m finding the officials very eager to assist, with the challenge to find the right person who can make the decision, and that is my role as your MP. I often reply to those asking the ‘can I?’ question, by saying ‘if you knew you had Covid-19, and one of the people you will come in contact with directly or indirectly was someone close to you who may die if they caught it, will you still do what you are proposing?’.

They usually knowingly nod and say no.

So as we settle into lockdown, and as the adrenalin wears off, let’s watch and listen to our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her well informed team and advisors and have faith that the world’s best practice we’re implementing is the quickest way to eliminate this virus from our magnificent country.

You can contact my office on 04 478 3332 or email Greg.OConnor@parliament.govt.nz.

Johnsonville Lions Club member and quiz organiser, Jim Ng, hands over prizes to two winning team leaders.

5

Authorised by Greg O’Connor, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

6

Thursday April 2, 2020

readers have their say... Find out the WORD on the Street.

Hunting for intelligent public opinion

“What am I doing here?

Where’s my comfy sofa?”

“Help! It’s a bit cramped here!”

“This is all very well, but we want to know where’s the marmalade?”

“Has no one told this guy there’s no hitch hiking allowed these days?”

“Good grief! Haven’t you got the message about staying in your bubble?”

“How about I pose as a bear?”

Bears versus bugs

By Brian Sheppard

Precautions needed to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus mean staying in our homes and, when out, keeping a social distance from others.

Playgrounds, where children would normally go for fun and exercise, are now closed and we are asked to limit our outdoor exercise

to places where we can walk from our homes.

For many, this means a walk around local streets, which children soon find boring.

Kiwi families find solutions to crises.

One that is hopefully spreading faster than the virus can be seen in your neighbours’ windows.

Big bears, little bears and lots of other cuddly toys are sitting looking out. It’s all

part of a simple idea inspired by Michael Rosen’s classic children’s book ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’.

As more bears find their ways to windows, parents are taking their children on their very own bear hunts.

If your bears and cuddly toys are feeling neglected in a lonely box or cupboard, let them sit in your window to spread some joy

In China Soup

By Glenise Dreaver

‘In China Soup’ is nothing to do with Covid-19, but rather the name of the book just written by Ian Gemmill of Newlands.

Ian, formerly a civil engineer living in Khandallah, is now of Newlands.

He had a total lifestyle change in 2000 when downsizing in the corporate world gave him an opportunity to take voluntary redundancy.

“So I decided to reinvent myself as a teacher.”

After studying for his diploma, he became a teacher and tutor, but having familiarised with the job in Wellington, he became a maths teacher first in England, then in international schools in China.

His first job in Jiangsu Province lasted for a year, when, he says “things went a bit awry” with the student fee sharing arrangement with the host school, so he moved to spend three further years in schools up in Manchuria, from where he returned to New Zealand in 2011.

The book, he says, has at its heart the story of two men who met as fellow expatriates. While it’s based in their unique experiences, there is an element of the novel about it, with names, events and places changed.

‘Liam’ came from New Zealand and ‘Evans’, a journalist, from Africa via the US. Despite their friendship, their experiences were very different.

The book explores their Chinese sojourn from their different viewpoints, their understandings

Ian Gemill designed the cover of his book 'In China Soup'.

and misunderstandings, with ‘Evans’ much more questioning and even confrontational at times creating waves. ‘Liam’ tried to be balanced: “He’d back off.”

This book’s taken time – the first draft was completed in 2013, in a one-month online marathon

entailing Ian working at it two hours every night. In 2019 he decided to get editorial assistance and publish it. This has included designing the cover himself.

He has self-published, though he is negotiating with one book chain about whether they will distribute the book nationwide.

to your neighbours, young and old.

WCC councillor Simon Woolf, portfolio leader sport and recreation, has a reminder – and a plea - for parents.

Family groups are, he says, gathering where there are bears, with children in particular “breaking the bubble”.

“Please remember to keep your social distance,” he says.

EYE ON CRIME In Johnsonville a Subaru Legacy left in Tawa for towing after having broken down, was stolen and later recovered by Police near Ohariu Valley Road with the ignition pulled out and the sunroof smashed. The front registration plate was also missing.

A homebuilt trailer loaded with a fridge and camping gear and parked insecurely overnight in Dominion Park Road was stolen.

A gardener working in the garden of a house in Broderick Road had his Nissan Vanette stolen as he took his equipment into the garden.

Two lawnmowers, a weedeater, a chainsaw, a toolbox, a pressure sprayer and a vacuum cleaner were in the vehicle.

A Suzuki Swift parked overnight in Morgan Street had a window smashed and a fuel card stolen.

In Newlands a Toyota Hilux was stolen from front of a house in Edgecombe Street.

A house in Warrington Grove had a window broken, but no entry was gained.

In Khandallah a house in Mysore Street had its garage door forced. Stolen items include a large chest of tools, a power drill, hunting knives and a GPS unit.

A Citroen hatchback parked overnight in Homebush Road had sunglasses and a dash cam stolen after a window was smashed.

A Mazda stationwagon parked overnight in Clutha Avenue had a window smashed and a golf bag with clubs and balls stolen.

A Volvo stationwagon parked in Lochiel Road was also stolen and later recovered by police.

A Honda Fit parked overnight in Clutha Avenue had a window smashed and sports equipment sto-

len while a silver Toyota Corolla in Ranui Crescent was broken into in the early hours and a wallet stolen.

A bank card was used several times fraudulently at service stations.

In Ngaio a Quetta Street home was broken into during daylight in the owner’s absence. Jewellery and a New Zealand passport was stolen.

In Trelissick Crescent the roller door of a garage was forced open while a Mazda CX-5 parked in Cockayne Road overnight had its rear registration plate stolen.

In Churton Park two vehicles, a white Suzuki Swift hatchback and a white Mitsubishi Fuso truck, parked overnight in Cranwell Street, had their windows smashed but nothing was stolen.

A Sangyong Korando parked in Hawtrey Terrace was had a window forced and a wallet containing cash, bankcards and a driver’s licence, and glasses, were stolen.

In Ngauranga an Aprilia motorcycle parked overnight in Jarden Mile was stolen.

In Karori a house under construction, left locked and secure, in Nottingham Street was entered and jewellery and a computer were stolen.

A boat parked overnight on Cornford Street was entered and two full fuel tanks stolen.

A Moped parked overnight in a driveway in Thurleigh Grove driveway was stolen after being advertised on a website, with the owner’s address provided to a potential buyer.

In Northland two XiaoMi electric scooters outside a house in Glenmore Street were stolen.

An offender forced the electrically operated door of a garage of a Northland Road home up, but no theft was reported..

Thursday April 2, 2020

7

Memories shared of respected journalist, Phillip Campbell

By Celeste Alexander

“Straight up, fair, kind, successful, and one of the old original honest journalists” – these are just some of the many ways friends and former colleagues have described Phillip Campbell, a notable journalist who forged his name in an industry which now paying tribute to his life.

Phillip is well known and loved by many from all corners of the country, including in Marlborough, and will be respectfully remembered after passing away suddenly last Wednesday in Waikato Hospital, aged 72-years from a heart condition.

He is survived by his wife Lesley and daughter Rebekah.

Born in Island Bay, Wellington Phillip took his first step into journalism with a position at the Marlborough Express where he worked in advertising and as a reporter from the late 1960s to 1972.

Former colleague and now retired journalist, Bill McElhinney, fondly remembers his time working with Phillip.

“He was a reporter when I worked there in 1970 and we became good friends,” Bill says.

“I was a subeditor and he was a reporter. His main interest was sport and he was a particularly good rower.

“He earned the nickname ‘Sculler’ because of his rowing abilities.

He was a very genuine person, made friends easily and was popular among his sporting contacts.

“I’m very sorry to hear of his passing; he was a lovely guy and a well-respected journalist – a true local boy,” Bill says.

The same sentiment was shared by retired photographer, Graham Brooks, who is close to the Campbell family.

“I knew the family well and went through college with Phillip’s

younger brother, Lindsay. I worked with his mother and saw a lot of his father. I went on to spend a lot of time with the family over the years and they were a lot of fun – a cracker family!

“In later years I got to know Phil and with the rise of social media we made contact once again around three years ago and started corresponding more, talking about memories and the local people he knew.

“Then one day he offered to write some pieces for the Facebook page; Old Marlborough, the way we were, and I said ‘right, let’s go’!

“He would send them to me, I’d correct dates and times to the best of my ability and send it to him, then he would rewrite them and send them back again,” Graham laughs.

“Phil emailed one day saying he didn’t think he would be writing much anymore, and looking back I can see now he wasn’t well with his heart condition.

“Before he came to Blenheim for a recent reunion we made plans to catch up. He had a whole lot of ideas from the reunion to write about… but sadly it wasn’t to be.

“He was an extremely gifted man, very fair and he worked so hard. He was one of the old original honest journalists. If something wasn’t right he would say so.

“The Campbell family was a very tight family and were proud of him, and they had the right to be proud!

What Phil had and took with him you can’t replace.

Graham says.

Marlborough District Councillor and friend, Mark Peters was saddened by his passing but grateful for the time he and wife Viv spent with him during a recent reunion held in Blenheim for former pupils of St Mary’s Boys School Forms 1 and 2 classes. The old school they

Respected journalist and a great friend to many, Phillip Campbell (left) has left a lasting impression on all of those who knew him after passing away on March 25. He is pictured here with Mark Peters at a recent reunion held for former pupils of St Mary's Boys School Form 1 and 2 classes. Photo provided

attended doesn’t exist now, but was located on part of what is now St Mary’s School grounds.

Mark and Viv hosted Phillip for both nights of the reunion and say he was “thrilled to bits he could make it”.

“He was a dear friend, chum, supporter, scribe, commentator, raconteur extraordinaire, and overall bloody good bugger. Phil has always been a really neat guy – just a gentleman! He had the most amazing command of the English language I have ever come across.

“He was clearly not well when he came down with his brother Lindsay but he took part in the reunion and thoroughly enjoyed it.

“We were all thrilled to bits that he could make it and he was delighted he did. We had around 63 people attending and of that, 37 were from the combined classes of Forms 1 and 2. In 1960 we had about 54 boys in that combined

class; eight or nine have since passed but of the rest about 37 came to the reunion.

“One of Phillip’s recent emails was how glad he was that he made the effort to come to Blenheim to be with us, and how he enjoyed everyone’s company. Given that the whole reunion was his and Bill Lynch’s idea, thanks so much Phil that you did that.

“The reunion was a fateful and final farewell for those of us here though, and for that we must be thankful.”

Mark says Phillip attended the school “with the rest of us” around 1957-61. “Then when he was 16 he applied for a job at the Marlborough Express and waited two hours sitting on the steps to see the editor.

“He said he really wanted the job and got it! He went on to work with my cousin Gabriel David who mentored Phil through those days and for his efforts became an award

winning sports writer, successful journalist and editor.

“Our thoughts, prayers and sympathies go out to Lesley and Rebekah, to Lindsay and to his entire family and friends. He will command a lofty perch in Heaven because he was wise and good and honest,” Mark says.

Phillip was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for services to sport and journalism in 2013.

Former Prime Minister, Helen Clark, was quoted by SunMedia in his obituary to “greatly admire” Phillip.

“Phil will always be remembered as a professional journalist of the highest integrity who was dedicated to informing the public accurately.

He set a standard for all journalists present and future. Phil will be greatly missed.”

RIP Phil Campbell 30/01/1948 25/03/2020

Remember fire safety during COVID-19 lockdown Fire and Emergency is urging New Zealanders to think about fire safety as they self-isolate to prevent spread of COVID-19.

Fire and Emergency Chief Executive, Rhys Jones, says with people staying home for at least the next three weeks, it’s now more important than ever for everyone to be fire-safe.

“We’re heading into winter, and with households self-isolating together, there’ll be more cooking at home, and more use of open fires, heaters, and dryers - all things which can increase fire risk,” Rhys says.

“We regularly attend fires caused by overloaded electrical outlets.

So, if you’re working from home, please check your workspace set up to ensure plugs aren’t overloaded.

Make sure your heating source is at least a metre away from everything - including other people, laundry and furniture. Keep your cooking surfaces free from grease and please - never, ever leave pans unattended on the stove top.”

Rhys Jones says this is a good time to press the button on all your smoke alarms to check they’re working, “A house fire can kill in five minutes - go over an escape plan with everyone in your household.

“At times like this it’s really important to look after each other. So please also check in with vulnerable family members and neighbours.

Do what you can to help them with their own fire safety preparations, as long as you can do so safely, following the advice about physical

distancing on covid19.govt.nz.”

Rhys says New Zealanders could rest assured that Fire and Emergency was well-prepared and ready to respond to emergencies as usual during the nationwide self- isolation period.

“If you do need to call 111 for a fire, we will ask you whether anyone at the address is self-isolating or has a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Where this is the case, we already have necessary measures in place to ensure everyone’s safety including protective clothing, gloves, masks, safety glasses and masks.

“Our top priority is to keep your people and our people safe. Together we can prevent both the spread of COVID-19 and the often-devastating consequences of household fires.”

Looking for an easy DIY project during lockdown? How about installing new fire alarms in your home, or checking your existing ones have fresh batteries.

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Thursday April 2, 2020

Thursday April 2, 2020

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Thursday April 2, 2020

Changing times for our paper Your local newspaper The Independent Herald, now in its 47th year of printed publication - until this week.

We made the decision to not publish our weekly paper with some sadness but realising it was the only sensible action to take.

The fact is every single time one of our own team, including our deliverers leaves the confines of their homes, it doesn’t just affect them and their families but our whole community and nation.

Nor did we wish to create another ‘touch point’ to spread the

virus, with a physical copy.

A copy that we are normally so proud to produce.

It wasn’t a decision made lightly as we love sharing news of what makes our region so great.

Bear with us though!

Our online edition is still available weekly and will be filled with as much positive news you could ask for.

Then, before you know it, we’ll be back with your favourite local community newspaper, sharing the best businesses, people and places this region has to offer.

When the lockdown is lifted, we will be a critical vehicle for our business community to get their messages out to our readers.

Til then, we are not abandoning you!

Please read online at www.wsn. co.nz Now as week ONE is complete, we hope you and your families are keeping safe.

Remember - when people support each other, incredible things happen.

Activities for families The dilemma - what ideas are on hand that suit isolation?

With cinemas, libraries, shopping venues and the like all shut down, parents will be looking at other ways to keep their kids entertained.

G et t i ng c re at ive seems like the go-to.

Painting, jigsaws, card games, board games, tea parties, playdoh, reading, to name a few.

It could also be a good time for the kids to help with household chores, which don’t have to be

Katrina and Les Whiteside publishers of The Independent Herald encourage readers to share our papers online with family and friends.

boring.

Encourage the cleaning, tidying of bedrooms, also a way to keep them active.

If you have enough pantry supplies, you can also enjoy baking with the family.

Usually a hit with everyone.

Children may be missing their learning in the classroom but there are other life skills

that can be taught during this time. Depending on their age of course.

Learning to cook, do the laundry, sewing, phoning grandparents, studying world maps.

Another family option is to get out the old photo albums and enjoy looking at precious moments from years gone by.

Be inventive - good luck!

Enliven is offering the opportunity for employment at its rest homes and retirement villages.

free phone

0508 ENLIVEN

with Enliven in Wellington Enliven creates elder-centred communities that recognises elders as individuals and supports them in a way that’s right for them. Each Enliven facility in Wellington boasts friendly and welcoming communities that exude warmth and homeliness.

In the Wellington region, Enliven offers:

• Woburn Home and Apartments, Woburn • Longview Home, Tawa

• Cashmere Home and Cashmere Heights Home, Johnsonville • Huntleigh Home and Apartments, Karori retirement villages rest home hospital dementia short term respite health recovery day programmes For more information please visit:

www.enlivencentral.org.nz

Rest homes providing employment opportunities Enliven is looking for passionate people with an affinity for older people and an interest in their health and wellbeing to join their team.

The not-for-profit organisation, part of PSC, provides an essential service to New Zealand’s elder community through its rest homes and retirement villages, including Huntleigh Home in Karori and Longview Home in Tawa.

With the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic impacting on the employment of many, CEO Pat Waite said the Enliven team wanted to highlight the opportunities available, for the right people, in aged care.

Across the lower North Island Enliven already em-

ploys more than 800 staff who work hard to ensure residents are happy and well cared for. Of course, infection control and high standards of hygiene are also paramount.

All 15 Enliven rest homes and seven retirement villages must remain operational during this time because of its duty of care for its residents, Pat says.

“This employment opportunity can provide people the ability to give back to their community and support its elder population.

“We understand there may be people in the community who have recently found themselves out of work, or had study postponed, and are looking for a job – be that

short or longer term.”

Pat says Enliven is adhering to Government guidance for COVID-19 and following the Level 4 lock down requirements.

“During this time, visitors are asked to stay away from our homes and stay home as much as possible. Our staff are working hard to ensure the utmost care for our residents.”

Roles at Enliven’s rest homes include everything from nurses, health care assistants and recreation officers to chefs and support staff.

For more information, visit psc.qjumpersjobs.co or email recruit@psc.org.nz.

Thursday April 2, 2020 11

SPORT

sports talk With Jacob Page

Common sense reigns as sport dries up The stubbornness of the International Olympic Committee was admirably foolish at best.

The decision to postpone the Tokyo Games until next year amid Coronavirus was the only logical step.

I’ve spoken to several Olympic and Paralympic athletes both on and off the record over the past week and they were all in agreeance this was the best decision.

Part of me does feel for the athletes who have worked extremely hard over a four-year cycle to get themselves to peak at the right time but world events dictate we all have to give up something for the greater good.

Of course, some lose more than others from this outcome.

The likes of two-time medallist Nick Willis, who will be 38 next year

and now has to put more kilometres on his legs to prepare for a final tilt at 1500m glory.

Mahe Drysdale, a champion rower in his day, is in a similar position as is throwing phenom Valerie Adams, now a Mum faces similar challenges.

Rest assured Tokyo and Japan as a whole, will still put on a spectacular fortnight of competition.

It will be just as grandiose as China

in 2008 but more to scale for Japan’s smaller population.

This enforced lockdown and general uncertainty is daunting at times but when we get out of it, and we will, there will be plenty of sport to watch, that is for sure.

The NRL has clearly never planned for a rainy day and now players are being asked to take a whopping 87 percent paycut just to keep the

Local footballers will miss “fix” Wellington North Football Club president Grant Stephen says with all local football training on ice until April 18, and still subject to change to a later time, players and supporters alike will have to get their football fix in other ways.

“The options however, appear few and far between,” he says.

“The confirmation has come from Capital Football and NZ Football that all football is postponed until May 2.

“This was just one small ripple in the undercurrent of disruption faced by all sporting codes across the nation and around the world in light of bigger issues at play with the COVID-19 pandemic,” he adds.

Grant also reports that it was a bit of a mixed bag for the club at what proved to be their last matches for some time on Saturday March 14.

“For North Wellington’s top men’s sides it was not a good day at the office.

The Men’s Central League side was undone by Tawa’s Premier League team who won their semifinal encounter on penalties after a 1-all draw in the Hilton Petone Cup. “It will be a long wait for Tawa to

Grant Stephen WNFC president had had an earlier disappointment with the 2019 theft of the AED defibrillator outside the clubrooms at Alex Moore Park. It has since been replaced. File photo

see if they can go all the way with the remainder of the tournament being postponed until further notice.

In a preseason-friendly, North Wellington’s reserve team started promisingly against Wellington Olympic but they turned a 1 goal lead into a 3-1 deficit as the game ran away from them in the last quarter.

The club’s W League (Women’s Central League) side had a dream run with their first game in the top

flight against another W League side, Palmerston North Marist, came out on top 5-1. This was another preseason encounter in the Kelly Cup competition which has also been postponed until further notice.

North Wellington were 4-0 up at the half time break and to the regret of coach Elliott Taylor, the team could not carry on the momentum in the second half.

competition afloat.

American sports like the NBA, NHL, and Major League Baseball are all looking at ways to keep their 2020 seasons alive in the coming months while English football is the same.

The prospect of a buffet of sport after this pandemic is exciting.

As long as we all stay home and stay in our bubble.

Warning on recreation in the water Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) is urging all New Zealanders to recreate responsibly during the lockdown period and stay out of the water.

While it might seem tempting to head out to sea, the rivers, lakes or head for the hills for some remote recreation, the public is reminded that New Zealand’s water safety and search and rescue services are predominantly made up of volunteers who will also be in lockdown.

WSNZ supports the positions of all its’ partner agencies who are united in their messaging.

“The message is a clear one,” says WSNZ CEO Jonty Mills. “If you get into trouble you will put others at risk who will have to come out of self-isolation to help you and potentially be exposed to COVID-19.”

New Zealanders are asked to listen to the authorities and avoid high risk activity

during this period that could potentially end up needing rescue or emergency services.

“The Prime Ministers advice is clear. Stay at home to save lives. We’re right behind that resolve.”

“While it is important to get some exercise we are urging everyone to avoid going boating, fishing and swimming or tramping into remote areas,” says Jonty.

“We are all in this together and everyone has to do their part to fight and beat COVID-19. That means recreating responsibly and not putting our emergency and rescue services at unnecessary risk.

“They need to be fully available to respond to COVID-19 so be responsible about the type of exercise you undertake and where.

“This is a time for New Zealanders to pull together to ensure that our emergency services are available to help those in highest need.”

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Independent Herald The largest circulating newspaper in Wellington West & Northern suburbs

Thursday April 2, 2020

Valid Monday 30.03.20 to Sunday 05.04.20

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