16 April Independent Herald by WELLINGTON SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS

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 16, 2020

Today 11-18

Friday 13-18

Saturday 14-18

Sunday 12-17

Phone: (04) 587 1660

Trapped in luxury By Glenise Dreaver

Spending your annual family holiday on a three-week-long South Pacific cruise on a luxury liner … what’s not to like? For Wilton man Minto Fung, who’d never

done a cruise, nor seen the South Pacific, it was perfect for both himself and his parents. They joined the ‘Norwegian Jewel’ in Sydney on February 28, having heard about coronavirus in Asia, “but all very low key,” says Minto. Continued on page 2.

Minto Fung and his parents, from Wilton, were taking no chances at Los Angeles airport on their way home after their recent, much-extended, South Pacific cruise. Photo supplied.

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A first-ever cruise to remember Continued from page 1. The cruise went well, first Brisbane then other exotic destinations. However, Minto was sitting in the bar with friends on March 15, a week out from the end of their cruise, when the captain announced that the French Polynesian Government, governing Tahiti and other smaller Pacific Islands, would not let them dock and they had to find somewhere else. With both New Zealand and Fiji then closing off respectively, Minto says they had to sail around the Pacific finding somewhere to disembark. No hardship though. With no illness among the 2000 passengers and 1000 crew, there was still top class entertainment and restaurants. “We just continued to enjoy ourselves, drinking, eating and laughing,” says Minto. (A civil servant in his working life, he’s also a well-known classical musician so his winning the ship’s karaoke competition with Andy William’s classic ‘Can’t take my eyes off of you,’ is no surprise.) However the Australians on board started holding daily meetings and their panic began

Minto Fung and his parents, from Wilton, enjoying dinner with friends aboard the Norwegian Jewel as they cruised the South Pacific. Photos supplied.

to spread Minto says, with confidence in their prime minister best described as low to nil. In the end, sailing through the Pacific to seek sanctuary, it was the US Government that allowed disembarkation for most passengers in Hawaii, with chartered flights straight on to Sydney, London and Frankfurt. The 30+ Kiwis however flew to Los Angeles, from where

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the New Zealand consulate in Hawaii had advised them to take the Auckland flight on March 24. Minto and his retired parents arrived back just on lockdown. “That was 11.59am on March twenty fifth. We arrived hours after that, too late for our connecting flight to Wellington.” So the Fungs spent 14 days quarantined in a luxury Auckland hotel, food delivered and

allowed one short daily walk. “Very pleasant,” says Minto, adding that time passed very quickly. Their clean bill of health gained, they then had to leave for home immediately and last week, six weeks after leaving Wilton, they finally arrived back. ‘Thank God we’re home,” says Minto.

ABOVE: By the poolside while docked in Brisbane with little to suggest that the world would change forever within days. RIGHT: Karaoke king Minto Fung, aboard the Norwegian Jewel that provided many extra days of unexpected luxury.

WCC voting on $16m in complex, risky repairs The Wellington City Council is considering the complex and expensive fix resulting from the break in the sewer tunnel which runs for 1.8 km under Mt Albert. Mayor Andy Foster says council will be asked to for ma l ly approve costs today, Thursday

Apr il 16 a nd spread t hem over 10 yea rs. He says: “The estimated cost is up to $16m all up for trucking and replacement pipes. “The repair is complex and risky and we have had to get special dispensation to bring in skilled personnel from Germany

where the new piping is made. They have left Germany, and will spend two weeks in quarantine on arrival. “The repair itself involves drawing a 2km new pipe through the existing concrete sleeve. All going well it will be completed in mid May,” says Andy.

Thursday April 16, 2020

ear deals to B rodent tsunami

A note from the publishers...

By: Gerald Rillstone

Heidi Kulgin has had a busy time of it under lockdown with her pet Main Coon cat called Bear dispatching rodents most nights. He’s a star at catching rats and Hiedi says the rat catches on her property in Wilton have been around 50 per cent to Bear and 50 per cent to the trap. “In the last two weeks it has been a rat-killing tsunami as the rats come down out of the trees looking for food and shelter,” Heidi says. “One recent day I caught a ship rat in the morning in the trap and one in the evening and Bear caught two.” When Bear catches a rat he always brings it in to Hiedi’s bedroom to show off what he has done and then has a play with the dead rodent for a few minutes. “He likes the praise and I don’t mind him bringing them in. “I let him eat the smaller rats and the mice. If he eats a large one it tends to make him throw up so I take those and dispose of them,” she says. In the last week Bear caught a record-size rat which Heidi weighed in at 270 grams.

Bear keeps a watchful gaze over his domain in Wilton. Photo supplied.

“I am really proud of him. He always brings his catches in and has only caught one bird very early on. I told him off for it and it hasn’t happened again,”

Heidi says. The Maine Coon is the largest domesticated cat breed with a distinctive physical appearance and valuable hunting skills.

Learning support for children The remote school term started on April 15 with online learning and TV education during school hours. This is available on TVNZ2+1, TVNZ on

Demand, Sky Channel 502 and Maori Television in Te Reo. Paper resources are being sent to homes where children can’t access a computer or the internet.

It is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, specifically native to the state of Maine, where it is the official state cat.

MP for Ōhāriu

My farmer uncle always used to say that when buying a bull, it’s the pedigree of the person selling the bull which is as important as the pedigree of the bull. And so it is with the plethora of experts being dragged out and promoted by a media desperate for a new angle on the Covid-19 lockdown. Some have expertise in one area, for example medicine, but that doesn’t seem to stop them having strong opinions about the economy, border controls, and other country’s political response. And then there are the radio hosts or shock jocks, who have no expertise on anything other than filling in a three hour breakfast slot with ill-informed commentary which seems to change from day to day. And of course it is the Opposition’s role to challenge the Government’s handling of the crisis to maintain their profile at a time when the usual business of Parliament is on hold.

The Thursday before the Good Friday supermarket closure those in this long queue outside the Crofton Downs Countdown supermarket were careful to keep their social distance as they

All of the above is a natural result of living in a democracy, and preferable to what is occurring in authoritarian, one party states where those attempting to alert the public to

whiled away the long wait, most on their mobiles. The line extended back past the bus stop near the Chartwell Drive intersection, while the carpark was full. Photo: Glenise Dreaver.

Well here we are with week 3 now complete. While we may have felt a little restricted at times, it’s seems Jacinda’s plan was a good one. There is sadness for those New Zealanders who have succumbed to COVID-19, along with relief the numbers aren’t even higher. Advice for everyone now - be prepared! Who knows exactly when the full Lockdown will be lifted and just how much notice we’ll all get. So be ready to hit the ground running. Have a plan and ideas for the rest of the year and beyond. We would personally like to sincerely thank our loyal advertisers, ones that have been able to find their way to still support us. It is very much appreciated. Thanks also to our amazing readers who have encouraged us with such positive feedback about our online editions and signed up to our free subscription. This will ensure you receive The Herald every week. Thanks for letting us into your inbox! Let us know what you like or would like to see more of in The Herald - after all, we produce this paper for you! Til next week, stay safe and keep yourself up-to-date and connected to your community from the comfort of your own bubble. Katrina and Les Whiteside

Greg O’Connor As we enter the third week of lockdown, we are being bombarded with opinions from self-proclaimed experts on the rationale for, the justification of, and the ideal length of the country’s lockdown strategy to beat the Covid-19 virus.

Easter wait

what is occurring are ruthlessly silenced, and as a result, their citizens and the world will never know the full truth. But it does require New Zealanders to become discerning and questioning of the information they are being bombarded with, and to trust in our leadership and officials, who have access to the most up to date, accurate and politically neutral information with which to make decisions. As I sit through caucus briefings led by Jacinda Ardern, I never cease to be amazed at her, and her Ministers’, in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the New Zealand and world response, and the quality of advice she is receiving. For my part, I am spending my days listening to fellow constituents and local businesses to ensure I am able to test local concerns against the government response, and the two are well balanced. This gives me the confidence to reassure you that the government are doing the right thing by New Zealanders in our response, now and into the future. So back to my uncle’s bull analogy, be skeptical of and check the pedigree of every opinionated commentator, and test their claims and opinions against the official facts and figures. You will quickly work out what end of the bull much commentary emanates from.

You can contact my office on 04 478 3332 or email Greg.OConnor@parliament.govt.nz. Authorised by Greg O’Connor, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

Thursday April 16, 2020

inbrief news JCA survey on hold Darren Bottin, president of the Johnsonville Community Association, reported to the Johnsonville community liaison meeting in February about a planned survey to research the community’s priorities. He says they were looking to the “short-medium” term, to guide the association’s three, five and ten year goals. “As of the moment, it’s on the back burner until normal meetings can resume.” Darren says that currently the challenge is to release any form of newsletter with the right balance of approvals and quality of content. “Ideally it needs to be targeted to those most isolated, that is with no internet, without diluting the current wash of official releases.”

Cell towers targeted The NZ Telecommunications Forum (TCF) is condemning what it calls “wilful damage” to New Zealand’s mobile networks, which is causing disruption when the industry is responding to increased demand for phone and internet services during the Alert Level 4 Covid-19 lockdown. Spark, Vodafone, and 2degrees report that recent threats or damage to cell towers has included attempts at arson. “We condemn all acts of vandalism but it’s even more frustrating to deal with an attack on critical national infrastructure during a time of national emergency, says TCF CEO Geoff Thorn. He adds that those responsible for these criminal acts put New Zealand lives in danger at a time when the country is making sacrifices to rid our communities of a deadly virus. “If anyone sees any suspicious behaviour near a cell site, they are asked to report this to Police.”

Hub a stand-out award finalist The Ian Athfield-designed Waitohi–Johnsonville Library and Community Hub is the only building on the shortlist in the Public Architecture category of the 2020 Wellington Architecture Awards. The shortlist was picked from just two original entries but its win is, however, subject to a site visit, which has had to be put on hold because of lockdown. It may be replaced by an online process – this is still to be decided. The Hub is also one of ten finalists in the Interior Design category. Once the judging process is sorted out, the Wellington winners will be announced, then considered for a national-level New Zealand Architecture Award. The awards shortlist includes a number of other local buildings among the forty-three projects in the 11 categories, All were selected from entries to the Wellington Branch of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA). Two in the Education category

The Waitohi Community Hub. The Ian Athfield design is the only entry shortlisted for Wellington's Public Architecture award, and one of ten buildings shortlisted in the Interior Design section. Photo: Jason Mann.

are Khandallah and Thorndon schools, both the work of McKenzie Higham Architects. The Hot Box, Wadestown, by Patchwork Architecture is one of ten finalists in the Housing sec-

tion, along with a 10x10 House, Kilbirnie, from the same firm, and a Vera Street House in Karori from Parsonson Architects. Housing – Alterations and Additions sees a Karori Small

10 X 10 in Kilbirnie, a finalist in the Housing section. Photo: Simon Wilson.

House – Stage 2 by Herriot Melhuish O’Neill Architects Wellington studio shortlisted while The Hut, Wadestown, by James Fenton Architect, is a Small Project finalist.

This home in Vera Street, Karori is one of ten finalists in the Housing section of Wellington’s architectural awards. Photo: Paul McCredie

news tips Send your tips to herald@blenheimsun.co.nz

The Hut, Wadestown, a finalist in the Khandallah School, like Thorndon School (right), is a finalist in the Wellington Architecture Housing section. Photo: Paul McCredie. Awards Education section, and both designed by MxcKenzie HIgham. Photo: Paul McCreide.

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

Q: Are you trying any new recipes at the moment? If so, what?

Brenda Jones

Donna Goss

I haven’t really tried any new recipes but I have found that I have had the time to make some old recipes that I loved. Like an old family favourite dessert, Apple Roll.

My husband is awesome at making Russian fudge. He’s been trying to mix it up a bit by adding new flavours into it. I’m encouraging him to rummage around in the pantry for interesting things to add crunch.

Keila Venezia Laberinto-Jensen

I baked berry chocolate muffins last week and they were so delicious! The recipe is in the Edmonds Cook Book.

Shelley Matheson

Sarah Royle

I made butter chicken and naan bread from scratch, it was delicious. It was a bit spicy but the whole family loved it. Will definitely try that recipe again. Lots of homemade baking like scones and bread.

Making hot cross buns, they were very delicious!

Anne Nicholas I had lots of pears so i made them into a pear and sultana chutney. It’s fantastic with tasty cheese and pork chops. I’ll have to hide it from the family when lockdown is over.

EYE ON CRIME In Johnsonville an attempt was made to enter a Housing Corporation property in Fisher Street where an elderly person was living alone. The intruder used a key to unlock a door but could not make further progress because of a security chain. The incident distressed the victim and Police have invited them to call 111 if there are any further concerns. In Newlands a neighbour living

in a nearby street witnessed a vehicle stop in front of a house under construction in Cedarwood Street and take long pieces of timber from the front of the new house and load them into a white hatchback. In Khandallah the storage shed at the St. Vincent de Paul’s charity shop in Ganges Road was broken into. The intruders removed screws from the outside hinges on the rear

door and lifted it to gain access. It is not yet known if anything was stolen. CCTV footage is being passed to Police. Intruders entered a property in Nicholson Road and stole a planter pot with a specimen buxus bush growing in it. The large pot was made of grey ceramic and the buxus bush had been trimmed in the shape of a ball. It was placed at the end of the driveway next to the garage doors.

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It would have been very heavy to lift and carry away. In Churton Park a householder in Dormer Place had used his chainsaw to cut firewood on his property and when finished placed the chainsaw, covered, behind the door in a shed at the end of his garden. Next day when he went to the shed the chainsaw was missing. His garden backs on to the reserve

and he thinks this gave access to his shed. In Wadestown a blue/silver Subaru Outback, parked in Lennel Road during the early afternoon was entered. No information available on means used to gain access. Tools were stolen including a Paslode framer nailing gun, a power drill and an impact gun with drill bits and batteries and charger, and a pair of sunglasses.

AA advice for lockdown The Automobile Association has some advice for those using their car very little, or not at all, doing lockdown. A well-maintained vehicle and a battery in good condition should not feel any effect of not using it for a few weeks. But if you are unsure and want peace of mind, where possible give it a half-hour run at least once a week to ensure the battery is topped up. Or you can just leave your vehicle to idle, making sure it is in a well ventilated area if it’s stationary while running. This means keeping the garage door open if you choose to run it there. That idling also allows the engine oil and coolant to be circulated, which is good for your engine’s health. There are also maintenance chargers available, which are designed to be plugged in and left. These will switch on and off as required to keep the battery topped up. The correct tyre pressure is extremely important in order for them

The Automobile Association has advice for owners of cars being kept in lockdown conditions. Photo Glenise Dreaver.

to maintain their shape and prevent flat spots. If the vehicle is being stored long term, it is best to inflate all tyres a bit more than usual when you’re next at your service station. That ensures that the adequate pressure remains even if a small amount leaks out over time. If your vehicle does very

little mileage and is laid up for a month or so, it is recommended that from time to time you check the oil and water levels. If your vehicle is overdue for a service, you should still have this checked by an AA Auto Centre or an AA Approved Repairer as soon as government restrictions are lifted.

Thursday April 16, 2020

Harry Potter a top draw at online library site Wellington City Libraries (WCL) reports that the magic of words continues to delight the capital even while their branches are closed, with Harry Potter still proving popular with kids of all ages. The use of the libraries’ online resources is still increasing every day, with ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ one of the top five eBooks and eAudiobooks downloaded during lockdown. “It’s not surprising Harry Potter is in the top five, as these stories appeal to young people and adults alike,” says Laurinda Thomas, WCL and community spaces manager. “The number of people reading eBooks and listening to audiobooks has jumped by over thirty percent compared to 2019.

She adds that over the past weeks they welcomed the biggest increase in new members, with 436 new people registering online. “That’s double the average weekly joining rate of 215,”“ she says.. “Plus we updated the details for 377 existing members so they can access the online resources. ”Now we’re focused on delivering new content, activities and events to stay engaged, educated or entertained during lockdown.” ”This week we launched the #StayAtHome Film Festival, where our librarians will promote a selection of films on different genres every few days. “People can watch the films for free using our Kanopy or Beamafilm subscriptions through

their library card.” The festival opens with Marilyn’s picks for women in sport on , she adds “Marilyn will also be running tutorials for people who are using the lockdown to develop new work skills from courses available on Lynda.com. She’ll post a new blog with tips and links to free courses every few days on our website.” The WCL website is found at wcl.govt.nz . they can also be followed on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. To joi n, you ca n comp l e t e t h e WC L o n l i n e for m at wcl.govt.nz /join. Membership is open to all Wellington residents, students and people currently staying or working in the city.

Library resources During the closedown, Wellington Libraries is streaming Facebook Storytimes every weekday morning at 10:30am, and Saturdays at 2pm, at https://www.facebook.com/ wellingtoncitylibraries WCL also has Kids’ Blog

and Teen Blog to access everything from reading suggestions to craft ideas, homemade board game tutorials to educational resources. There is also a #StayAtHomeFest 2020, linking engaging author talks with links to

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books and digital resources to explore. The Fest is found at https://wcl.govt.nz/stayathomefest And gree Facebook live music concerts can be found at https://www.facebook. com/wellingtoncitylibraries

A delighted Wellilngton City Libraries manager Laurinda Thomas was last August anticipating the November opening day for the state-of-the-art Waitohi Community Hub, needing just furniture, books, resources and people to fill it. It's sadly again empty of people, but books and resources are still available online. Photo: Glenise Dreaver

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WCC’s ‘shovel ready’ projects listed, waiting A list of 10 ‘shovel ready’ construction projects, totalling almost $ 650m and potentially generating more than 2200 jobs, has already been compiled by Wellington City Council. This is in response to a Government call for initiatives that can be funded to help a rapid economic bounce-back from Covid-19. The city’s ‘shovel ready’ work, defined as being able to start construction within six months, includes $25m for the St John’s site redevelopment in Karori. This could feature a mix of housing units and commercial space. Omāroro Reservoir, Mt Cook is also on the list. This $52m quake-resistant reservoir is fully consented. It will hold 35m litres of water to supply 70,000 people in the CBD and adjoining low-lying areas. Flood-protection schemes in Hunter Street (CBD), Kilbirnie and Tawa,$47m are included as are CBD wastewater upgrades costing $31m to strengthen the wastewater network in Te Aro. Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre is listed with work on this $180m, five-star

The empty St John site in Karori has been used as a canvas for the 'yellowing' of Karori to lift local spirits. Now it is being promoted to government as a 'shovel ready' project, ripe for redevelopment as part of the economic boost the country will need post-Covid. Photo: Simon Woolfe.

green-rated building already begun. Harrison Street and Nairn Street social housing developments are two new-build projects submitted, worth $17m in total, to provide 47 social housing units with 232 bed spaces National Music Centre in Te Ngākau Civic Square. The cost is $84m for strengthening and

WCC asking for off licences during pandemic Wellington Mayor Andy Foster says that WCC will be asking the government to change laws to allow emergency off-licences to be made available for bars and cafes, “This is the only way many businesses will be able to trade at Level 3, but it also helps at any level below that,” he says. This move emerged from last Thursday’s council meeting which approved what Andy describes as “a pandemic response and recovery plan with a wide range of measures to help businesses and employees”. “Our hospitality, retail, entertainment and tourism sectors are being hit particularly hard,” he says. With Wellington widely recognised as having the best central city in the country, he adds that hospitality, retail, arts and events are all critical to that. “We are going to need to

work very hard to get that heart beating again when we emerge from lockdown. That means doing all we can to draw people back to town safely.” He says the approved measures include rates relief to allow eligible commercial ratepayers to defer their June rates, without penalty, for at least six months; not charging, and in some cases refunding food and alcohol licence fees and stopping fees for outdoor dining areas on public footpaths for the duration of the pandemic. A ndy adds t hat t he Covid-19 numbers are promising, and emphasises that the most important message for all of us is that we cannot squander that position. “We cannot be complacent, we must dig deep, stick to the rules, and know that we will get through this together,” he says.

reconfiguration of the 1950s Municipal Office Building to provide teaching and office space for the NZSO and Victoria University. Wellington Museum (Queens Wharf): $31m for strengthening of the Grade 1 heritage-listed Bond Store and an internal revamp to transform the museum visitor experience. City Housing upgrade pro-

gramme: $180m over 10 years to continue the upgrade of the council’s social-housing stock, by improving kitchens, bathrooms, insulation, heating and ventilation. Island Bay cycleway: $14m for improvements with an emphasis on safety for all. Mayor Andy Foster says a priority for the council is to ensure the projects would, as much as

possible, provide work for small and medium-sized contractors and subcontractors. He says that, collectively, the projects could directly employ more than 2200 workers. Andy says that they have worked “very quickly but carefully” to put the package of 10 potential Wellington shovel ready investments together for consideration.

Wellingtonians linked in to Covid-19 research Wellingtonians involved in two ESRled influenza studies are stepping up as part of the global research effort to better understand the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two large-scale and long-term studies based out of Wellington, SHIVERS-II and WellKiwis, will expand to include testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The studies will take swabs and blood samples from participants to identify and follow up any COVID-19 infections. ESR’s principal investigator of SHIVERS-II and WellKiwis, Dr Sue Huang says expanding the studies will help answer some crucial scientific questions. “Understanding the immunity and susceptibility of a population against COVID-19 is critically important to tailor public health responses appropriately,” says Dr Huang. “The comprehensive understanding of immune responses to COVID-19 will also inform effective vaccine development and immune intervention treatment. “Knowing the proportion of asymptomatic or mildly ill cases is important as it will help us to under-

stand what is driving this COVID-19 pandemic,” she says. The studies will also expand to include the full households of those interested participants to provide important information about the spread of COVID-19. “The household is a valuable setting to understand the chain of transmission, the clinical spectrum of illness and the amount and duration of virus being shed from infected individuals. “This will inform public health measures in reducing the impact of the infection,” says Dr Huang. The two studies follow Wellington adults and children over a number of years. SHIVERS-II focuses on adults’ immune responses to the flu and flu vaccinations, while WellKiwis follows new-born babies to better understand how their first flu exposure influences their ongoing immune responses to influenza. “Globally there are very few studies of this kind. By taking part in these studies the participants are providing unique platforms for comprehensive understanding of immune responses during the COVID-19 infection,” says Dr Huang.

Dr Sue Huang, leading the ESR's research into Covid 19 with data gathered from Wellington volunteers. Photo supplied

Thursday April 16, 2020 11

Unwell? You can still call your doctor As we continue into the third week of the level 4 Lockdown period, Nelson Marlborough healthcare professionals urge people not to put off calling their doctor or practice nurse if they are unwell. Dr Nick Baker, Nelson Marlborough Health Chief Medical Officer and Karen Winton, Acting Chief Executive of Nelson Bays Primary Health, remind people that Healthline, GP clinics (health centres), pharmacies, urgent care centres (after-hours) and emergency departments are open for business during the level 4 Lockdown period. They urge anyone with health needs to get attention, do not let little problems develop into major issues before getting help.

“Please don’t wait until the end of weekends, public holidays, or until the end of the Lockdown period, to seek medical attention. What may start as a minor issue could become serious if you leave it too long,” Dr Baker says. “We have seen cases recently where people have put off getting health care and illnesses have got worse” “On public holidays like ANZAC day, people can contact their local urgent care clinic or call the general Healthline number for advice. For emergencies, people shouldn’t hesitate to call 111 or go to a hospital emergency department. “Our teams are there to provide care and that hasn’t changed during the COVID-19 response or Lockdown period.”

Coastal flooding Emergency services spent yesterday responding to tidal flooding along the south coast of Wellington. Reports of high swells began coming in about 9:50am, particularly in the Owhiro Bay and Island Bay areas. There were some power outages in the area as a result of infrastructure being affected. High tide has passed and forecasting suggests the water will recede, with the next high tide at around 11:30pm. A number of road blocks were in place, and Police worked closely with partners to clean up the roads and assess damage.

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Karen Winton encourages anyone to call their GP clinic for advice. “Many people will continue to need care for existing or new health conditions, as well as seek medical help for any COVID-19 concerns. “These are extraordinary times and require extraordinary measures. But the message is clear, general practice (your family doctor) and urgent care centres are open for business, even if that business is delivered in a slightly different way. “Patients will still be seen ‘in-person’ if required. Other people may be offered a consultation by phone, email or video-call. You might also be seen by a nurse or doctor in your call, in a

Fertiliser application permitted The grazed areas at Battle Hill Farm Forest Park and the western side of Belmont Regional Park started undergoing fertiliser application from Wednesday, April 2, part of the essential services permitted during the COVID-19 lockdown. A spokesperson for Greater Wellington Regional Council says the operation had been delayed over the past few months due to the dry weather. However, the next few weeks are optimal for application. “This timing will allow for enough growth in pastures to carry stock through the winter period.” During lockdown there will be very few people around, providing a window of opportunity for safe fertiliser distribution he says. At Belmont a plane carrying fertiliser will use the park’s airstrip and fly west to the farmed area behind Waitangirua and Cannons Creek where it will apply fertiliser to the grazed areas. The pilot will be briefed about the walking tracks to avoid people. At Battle Hill, the fertiliser application will be done by helicopter and tractor ground spreading. All distancing restrictions required for lockdown will be followed with only essential people on site.

practice carpark. We are doing thing differently, to keep people safe during COVID-19, but care is still here.” Mrs Winton encourages older people especially to reach out for help. “If you are over 70s and not meant to be leaving your home during the Lockdown period, please call your GP first for a phone assessment. If you need to be seen, come in and they will make sure you are safe when you visit. “Using a car to seek essential health care is allowed, and the sooner you are assessed, the better your health outcome will usually be.” Dr Baker emphasises that people should not delay seeking help for

urgent needs due to fear of leaving their bubble and being at risk of being infected with COVID-19. “New Zealand hospitals follow international best practice for infection prevention. Things will look different when you go to an after-hours clinic or ED. You may be screened – asked questions about your symptoms – at the door for example, given a mask to wear, or assessed in a cabin outside of the main building. These are all precautions to keep you and others safe from infection,” Dr Baker says. For more information about where to get healthcare in the Nelson Marlborough region, go to: www.nmdhb.govt.nz/healthcare/

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12 Thursday April 16, 2020

Pet care during the lock-down By Gerald Rillstone

With reports of pets going missing in Johnsonville during the lockdown, SPCA Wellington has been kept busy while operating with a skeleton staff. Ros Alsford, SPCA Wellington Centre operations manager and SPCA general manager, Central Region says regardless of the lockdown there is still plenty of work to do. “We are running the SPCA Wellington Centre on a skeleton staff so there is lots to do. “Unfortunately animals falling ill, animal cruelty, animal abandonment and animals needing emergency medical attention do not stop, even in these unprecedented times,” Ros says. Since closing the door to the public two weeks ago they have had to cope with continued calls for help. “Our inspectors are receiving a steady stream of calls to animals needing our assistance. We have also seen a large number of animals needing emergency medical treatment over the last two weeks,” she says. They are currently caring for chickens, a rooster, rabbits, cats and

Police call for local witnesses Police are seeking witnesses to a fleeing driver incident in the Johnsonville area following a burglary in Brooklyn on Monday afternoon. At around 3pm, Police had responded to an aggravated burglary involving a firearm at an address in the Brooklyn area. No one was injured during this incident and the offenders fled from the scene in a vehicle. Police signalled for the vehicle to stop but when it failed to do so a pursuit was begun. Police abandoned the pursuit when the vehicle was seen driving in the wrong direction up the State Highway One Johnsonville off ramp, where the vehicle was abandoned and the offenders fled on foot. Officers found two of the offenders nearby. The third was tracked by a Police dog unit and found in a property shortly after. A firearm was also recovered. The offenders, two men aged 29 and 34 and a 29-year-old woman appeared in the Wellington District Court on Tuesday. They were charged with a number of offences between them including aggravated burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm and failing to stop. All three were remanded in custody until May 8, when they are due to reappear. Police have appealed to any members of the public who witnessed the incident, particularly anyone who saw the vehicle being abandoned on the Johnsonville off ramp, or anyone with information about the incident, to contact them on the 105 line.

dogs at the SPCA Wellington Centre. Sarah Hitchings senior communications coordinator for the SPCA also offers some advice for people caring for pets during the lock-down. She says currently there is no evidence that companion animals, such as cats and dogs, can infect humans with COVID-19 virus. This includes transmission via the skin or fur of pets. “However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, we encourage all companion animal owners to interact with your pets as normal but continue good hygiene practices.” That including washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after touching them, their food, toys and bedding, she says. If you are sick or under medical attention for COVID-19, arrange for another person to care for your companion animal, if possible. If you are unable to do this then, as a precaution, you should avoid contact with animals in your household, including petting, snuggling, being Local pet Misty the border collie cross is happy to have more human company during the lock-down. kissed or licked, and sharing food. Photo supplied.

Temporary work on footpaths and cycleways Living Streets Aotearoa is welcoming Associate Transport Minister Julie Genter’s announcement of funding for temporarily widening footpaths and creating cycleways. “Walking is healthy and popular both in lockdown and normal times,” says Celia Wade-Brown, former Mayor of Wellington and now Living Streets Aotearoa national secretary. “Walkers of all ages need decent spaces to walk, jog or run. “Far too many town and city streets are too narrow or poorly maintained although there are already more people on foot than driving in many locations, especially at the moment. “More people walking makes a place more vibrant, enjoyable, safe and will help local businesses return to economic prosperity”. Celia adds:“People need to feel safe, to be willing to walk and to let their children walk to school post-lockdown.

“ T h e s e t em p o r a r y ext e n sions should be made permanent as soon as possible. I call on citizens to tell their councils which streets are top priority. “In Wellington I’d pick the Wellington South Coast for wider paths and Jervois Quay for pop-up cycle lanes but there must be many more around the country. “Walking is great medicine too. It’s accessible, it’s inclusive, and it’s affordable. Humans need to walk!” Celia is a keen walker and cyclist and says: “Cyclists logically want to go faster than walking speed. Let’s give them the separate space to do so. “I hope this announcement signals a change in direction for the Government away from putting cyclists of all ages onto existing footpaths.” Walking is permitted during Covid-19 Level 4 lockdown as long as people maintain 2m physical distancing.

Former Wellington Mayor, Celia Wade-Brown now an advocate for more user-friendly footpaths. Photo supplied.

Dramatic drop in city’s pollution Greater Wellington Regional Council has released details on air quality for the first full week of lockdown showing dramatic falls in pollutants across the region. The council routinely measures levels of air pollutants from traffic at two monitoring stations to check that air quality meets the guidelines and standards set to protect human health. Air pollution from traffic emissions measured at its Wellington City station from March 26 to April 1 dropped by 72 per cent as a weekly average compared to the same period over

the previous four years (2016-2019). Levels measured at its Upper Hutt station, which are usually much lower than Wellington City, fell by 63 per cent. Thomas Nash, chair of Greater Wellington’s Climate committee says: “Shutting down our towns and cities and confining everyone to quarters is definitely not the way to tackle pollution and climate change. “The effects of this shutdown are severe and they are not being felt equally within our communities. Let’s hope we can get out of the lockdown safely and swiftly.”

“At the same time, when we start to rebuild, we should remember what happens when we drive less, consume carefully and live locally. “The air becomes cleaner, as this new data shows. The waters around us revive, with a rare sunfish visiting Wellington last week. Crucially, our emissions plummet. “The challenge now is to restart our economy without greatly restarting emissions. At Greater Wellington we’re determined to use all the tools in our quite considerable toolbox to reshape this region so that it is climate-safe and fit for purpose in the 21st century,” he added.

Thursday April 16, 2020

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Thursday April16, 2020

sports talk With Jacob Page

Love of horse racing Now is the time for a little sporting nostalgia and over the past week I’ve spent a fair chunk of time reflecting on my love of horse racing. It is hard to explain why this has been the case, it’s more just luck that Youtube videos had me reflecting on my time as a casual racing fan through to the modern day. My week came full circle

with 1997 Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup winner Might and Power dying over the weekend after a bout of colic. He was one of the first gallopers I can remember, his dashing front-running efforts are something I can still recall even though I was only eight-years-old. Ironically, I’ve been a harness racing fan predominantly. The first horse I can remember

was 1993 New Zealand Cup winner Chokin. I went to my first Cup meeting at Addington a few years later with my late Grandad who literally lived for the second week in November. For most of my childhood I would go each Cup Day with Grandad trying to convince the gate attendants I should get in for free as I was clearly under-five

when in reality I was nine or 10. The ploy had mixed results but I was allowed $2 on each race and a pottle of chips up in the public stand. It is funny how those childhood memories stick with you. A vivid memory is my Nana, who would watch the day on television, and would demand Grandad wear a tie which he secretly detested.

In a sport which continues to have its struggles, especially in trying to appeal to common sports fans, Grandad would always say “don’t back against the Purdon stable”. The advice is still solid today. This lockdown could prove to be a defining point for the racing industry as they try to stay relevant. I’ll just hope to add another Cup Day to my list come November 10.

Jake sets sights on future competitions By Andy McGechan

There’s perhaps nothing worse for a motorcycle champion than being kept locked up indoors. You could easily imagine Wainuiomata’s Jake Whitaker getting wild, scratchy and hungry, for bike action at least, during the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown. But instead of developing into a bear with a sore head during his enforced “hibernation”, this international athlete is putting on a brave face and making the most of his free time. The KTM motorbike rider is spending plenty of time on his home gym, lifting weights and running, joined in his fitness regime by wife Jane, who is also an accomplished dirt bike racer, and their

young son Maxton. “I’m able to do a bit of stuff in the workshop,” the 28-year-old furniture polisher says. “I’ve been catching up too with all those home improvement jobs, but the nationwide lockdown has also freed up a lot of time for me to devote to fitness training. “We’re getting out for family walks, but the bike tracks are closed and so there is no mountain-bike training or motorbike practice time for me at the moment. We have a home gym and have been hammering that. “I think my New Zealand Enduro Championship rivals will be in the same position as me though. But, as far as general fitness goes, I feel ready to go at any time.” The New Zealand Enduro

Championships had been set to kick off near Whangamata in late March, but that event was cancelled because of the fire risk at that time. Then the following round of the nationals, set for Tokoroa on April 18, was abandoned because of the Coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown. Whitaker anticipates the nationals may not now eventually get started until Martinborough on May 24, an event that had originally been scheduled as the fourth round of five in the 2020 series. “Regardless of what happens with the enduro nationals, I’m planning ahead to contest the 2020 New Zealand Extreme Off-Road Championship and that usually kicks off soon after the enduro series wraps up, probably in September.”

Fares reduced for those with mobility issues As part of the national response to COVID-19, The NZ Transport Agency this week implemented a fare reduction for Total Mobility customers. They will be able to access fully-subsidised fares of up to $80 per trip, ensuring access to essential services and enabling essential workers to access their workplace. This fare reduction will remain during COVID-19 alert levels 3 and 4, until June 30. Existing Total Mobility rules and monitoring processes will apply and Greater Wellington Regional Council and Metlink will manage demand through their current

eligibility assessment process. Metlink General Manager Scott Gallacher says, “It’s important that we align subsidy standards across public transport services, so everybody is supported during this unique and challenging time.” “To ensure the health and safety of passengers and service providers, all services will adhere to Government advice relating to COVID-19.” The fare that would normally be paid by the customer will be paid by Greater Wellington directly to the contracted transport service providers, with a claims process that allows more frequent payments to assist service providers in supporting

their drivers. The fare subsidy is for the transportation of Total Mobility customers with permanent disabilities only. For home delivery options for Total Mobility customers and other people more vulnerable to COVID-19, more information can be found on the COVID-19 website: https://covid19.govt.nz/ individuals-and-households/shopping/ if-you-cant-get-essential-supplies/ More information on the eligibility process is available on the Metlink website under ‘Getting around’: https:// www.metlink.org.nz/getting-around/ accessibility-guide/total-mobility/

16 Thursday April 16, 2020

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