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National News
Alpine climber falls from cliff
This afternoon Taupo's Greenlea rescue helicopter was involved in a dramatic rescue of an alpine climber on
Mt Ruapehu.
National Park Police co-ordinated a search and rescue response involving RARO (Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation) / LandSAR volunteers assisted by Whakapapa ski patrol and Iwikau medical centre staff.
The Rescue helicopter arrived to find the man suspended by his climbing ropes on a near vertical icy rock face.
The Greenlea helicopter lifted a rescuer on a110' static long line to the scene and held him there while the RARO team member put the climber into a harness and the pair was lifted from the cliff face and flown to an adjacent staging area above the Whakapapa Ski area.
The man was subsequently flown down the mountain and stabilised by Iwikau medical centre doctors and OSJ paramedics before being transported to Waikato Hospital.
Horse owners fail to care for horses
Ruapehu District Council (RDC) Compliance Team Leader, Brenda Ralph, said that her staff has impounded two horses over the last couple of weeks where the owners have failed to respond to council’s requests to take better care of their horse and prevent it from being a public nuisance.
"The owners have had repeated warnings from council about the care and keep of their horse around residential neighbourhoods," she said.
"Irresponsible horse owners have been an on-going issue in some Ruapehu townships for a while concerning both council and the Police."
"Council has been trying to work with the horse owners to change their ways without impounding animals and imposing fines."
"Unfortunately in these cases the owners have ignored our warnings about the consequences and failed to change their behaviour forcing council to take a harder line."
Mrs Ralph said that council has been receiving numerous complaints about horses wandering freely around residential neighbourhoods or horses being tethered inappropriately such as in public reserves.
"One horse owner has even admitted that he habitually lets his horse loose at night to wander the streets to feed," she said.
"Horses wandering the streets at night are an obvious traffic hazard as well as doing damage to public and private property."
"One owner has received a $375 fine with the horse being returned on the condition that it is kept in a rural area from now on."
"The second horse is currently in the council pound and we are awaiting contact from the owner."
Mrs Ralph noted that if the owner fails to contact council to address the issue within seven days then the horse can be put up for public auction.
Large blaze at old post office
Fire crews and police are at the scene of a large blaze at the old Te Awamutu Post Office building.
Police were called to the building on Sloane street in Te Awamutu just before 7pm tonight.
A fire communications spokesperson says emergency services are at the scene and police have been called to assist with traffic control.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, it is known that the building was undergoing renovations at the time of the fire.
Fire appliances from nearby districts have been called to assist.
- Cameron Avery
- Cameron Avery
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Ruapehu books in schools going good
Ruapehu’s ‘libraries in schools’ programme is successfully introducing a new generation to the joys of
reading and learning and the self-esteem that comes from solving problems for their themselves.
RDC Community Librarian, Fiona Thomas, said that last week after a visit by St Patrick’s two of the kids came back independently with their mum’s to join the library and take out books they found during their visit that they wanted to read.
“One of the mum’s was particularly delighted as her boy was normally a non-reader,” she said.
“This is exactly the sort of outcome we want to achieve with the ‘libraries in schools’ programme.”
“By bringing classrooms into the library the kids learn firsthand all about how the library works and easy and fun it is.”
Mrs Thomas said that along with St Patrick’s, Ngakonui and Taumarunui Primary Schools have taken part in the programme that started this year.
“Libraries in schools is proving hugely popular with the kids helping them find out all about the joys of reading while learning how their library can help them research information,” she said.
“Studies clearly show that the love of reading can make such a huge difference to a child’s future.”
“Getting young people comfortable about using their library and understanding all the services their library offers gives them a huge learning advantage while helping set them up for when they go onto high school and higher education.”
Mrs Thomas said that the child friendly programme consists of a range of fun activities such as quizzes, challenges and treasure hunts that teach the kids all about their library from its lay out, the Dewy Decimal system, different categories, ways to source information, how to check what books are available and other things.
“The St Pat’s kids visit had a ‘rollicking adventure stories’ theme especially aimed at getting the boys excited about reading.”
“During their visit the children learned how to find their favourite authorusing the alphabetical order system, went on a book hunt using clues to find the ‘Wosley – Worm Family’ and then talked about the books they had found.”
Mrs Thomas added that due to the success of the programme in Taumarunui council was planning on canvassing other district schools to see if they would be interested in taking part.
“It would be especially good if some of the smaller rural school kids could come in and take part in the ‘libraries in schools’ activities,” she said.
Rotorua to welcome new residents
Mayor Kevin Winters will officiate at a Citizenship Ceremony at the Rotorua District Council Civic Centre tomorrow at 1.30pm in the Council Chamber where 30 people will become New Zealanders.
They represent nine nationalities: Filipino (11), British (5), Tongan (4), Fijian (3), Indian (2), South African (2), Mauritian (1), American (1) and Chinese (1).
10,224 cannabis plants recovered in operation
This year's Central District Cannabis and Crime operation is being declared a success and public information is cited as a major contributor for it.
This year's operation saw a total of 10,224 plants recovered compared to 10,134 last year. 5,918 of this year's haul was from the aerial operation with the remaining 4,306 coming from search warrants.
"The total number of plants seized this year is outstanding. The operation has been a success and the significant amount of public support we have received has been a major contributor to this," says Detective Senior Sergeant Keith Borrell, Central District Operation Coordinator.
"Information received directly and through Crimestoppers sends a clear message that people don't want drugs in their communities. The public's support partnered with our enforcement activities delivers a strong blow to illicit drug rings."
Together with the rural recovery there is a significant ground phase which this year resulted in 80 search warrants against drug dealers and cultivators in the district.
The annual operation starts with an intelligence-gathering phase and is followed by an aerial recovery phase using Air Force Iroquois helicopters to winch police officers into cannabis plots.
Cannabis grows were located in 108 plots and 122 offenders have been identified resulting in 178 charges.
Officer's also located two clan labs and recovered firearms, vehicles, cannabis seeds, ecstasy tablets, and methamphetamine.
"Police are committed to dismantling illicit drug networks and with the vital support of the public we can keep drugs out of communities and ensure that they are safe places to live."
In the past few weeks Central District Police have made two significant drug seizures (not part of the above operation) at properties in Waverley and Levin.
Last week an indoor cannabis growing operation was located at a property in Levin during a search warrant. Police seized approximately 67 cannabis plants and just over one kilogram of quality cannabis heads. A 41-year-old man has been arrested and charged with cultivating and possessing cannabis. The investigation is ongoing.
Three weeks ago a cannabis drying operation was located at a property just north of Waverley. The property had been of interest to Police for some time and a search warrant was executed. Officers seized 770 plants that were drying in a shed and several kilograms of quality cannabis head. Police believe that the cannabis was grown at another location and brought to the shed to dry out. Four men have been arrested and charged. A 59-year-old was charged with allowing their premises to be used for drug offending and the other three in their mid-thirties have been charged with cultivating cannabis and possession for supply. This investigation is also ongoing.
If you have information about drug cultivation, manufacture or supply rings please contact your local Police Station. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Area results for aerial recovery phase:
Taranaki - 1,052 plants
Ruapehu - 2,344 plants
Whanganui - 1,737plants
Manawatu - 785 plants
Taihape fatal house fire victim named
Police have now release the name of the man who died in a house fire in Taihape on Saturday.
Hamish Allan, a local farm worker, aged 28, from Taihape was in the house with his partner at the time of the fire which happened around 10:30pm.
Taihape Constable Tony Lomas said: "A good samaritan was passing by at the time and noticed smoke and flames coming from the house. He entered the house and woke Mr Allan's partner who was asleep."
"She managed to exit the burning house with her cat and the man went back in for Mr Allan, however the house was soon engulfed in flames and he was unable to get to him safely."
Police, Fire, and Ambulance attended the scene. The woman was uninjured and was checked over by ambulance staff.
The joint Police and Fire Service investigation is ongoing and the death has now been referred to the coroner.
Fire investigators are working to establish the cause of the fire. Police do not believe the fire was suspicious.
Photo / Cameron Avery
One dead in fatal house fire
A man is dead after a fatal house fire near Taihape last night.
Emergency services were called to the house on Micklesons Road at Utiku, between Taihape and Mangaweka, shortly before 11pm last night,
When fire crews arrived the house was fully ablaze, a northern Fire Service communications spokesman said.
A woman outside the house told firefighters there was someone still inside, and a man was found dead inside shortly after midnight.
Extra crews and appliances were called in to assist.
Fire safety and police are investigating.
Photo / Fire safety and police are investigating a fatal house fire near Taihape overnight Photo: Cameron Avery.
-Lani Hepi.
Multiple mountain rescues keep rescuers busy
It was a busy day yesterday for the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation (RARO), the Greenlea Taupo and Palmerston North rescue helicopters in the Tongariro National Park yesterday.
Four separate incidents resulted in six persons being rescued from The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu.
Soon after midday on Saturday the first incident occurred where a lady suffered an injury to her ankle near Red Crater on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and was airlifted to Taupo Hospital by the Taupo rescue helicopter.
At about 2.30 pm before the helicopter had time to shut down a report of another incident was received by Police on Mt Ngauruhoe.
A male had been struck in the head by a rock dislodged above him and had lost consciousness. His wife witnessed this and ran downhill to his aid only to fall and sprain her knee rendering her immobile and requiring assistance also.
Due to low heavy cloud surrounding Mt Ngauruhoe, two RARO volunteers were airlifted as close as possible below the two patients
Due to the nature of the injuries, low cloud and Police receiving a call for another injured person near the summit of Ngauruhoe, a further four RARO volunteers were flown in to assist with the rescue.
Whilst this rescue was unfolding Police received yet another call for help where a male was unwell approximately 200 meters above the Turoa ski field and unable to make his way down.
The Palmerston North rescue helicopter was deployed to assist. It was able to locate and hover beside the male and load him and his partner and fly them from the mountain to receive medical treatment.
In the meantime a fortuitous break in the weather allowed the Taupo rescue helicopter to hover load two of the patients from a rocky outcrop on the side of Mt Ngauruhoe and fly them to a waiting ambulance at the Mangatepopo Road end.
Due to his condition and the steep loose terrain, the male with the head injuries was placed in a stretcher where he lay. Along with a RARO member he was attached to a long line under the helicopter and flown from the mountain. He was then loaded into the helicopter and flown to hospital.
The high numbers of people in the Tongariro National Park for the holiday weekend combined with the Tongariro Alpine Crossing still being partially closed has seen more people doing the alternative route of Mt Ngauruhoe.
Extra care is required while climbing this steep scree route to the summit not to dislodge loose rocks on people below.
- If you drink - DON'T DRIVE.
- When it comes to drink driving or using drugs and driving, forget the limit: just don't do it!
- Remember there is now a zero alcohol limit for drivers under the age of 20.
- If your nominated sober driver drinks alcohol make alternative transport arrangements. Never get into a vehicle when you know the driver has been drinking. Remember your life is quite literally in their hands.
- Keep your speed down. Don't forget the reduced speed tolerance.
- Drive to the conditions
- Ensure you and all of your passengers are properly restrained.
- If you're driving put your phone down. No phone call is that important.
- Don't drive tired. Get plenty of rest.
- Make every journey a safer journey!
Arrive safe this Easter - Bop Police
A continuation of the long hot summer is expected to attract large numbers to the Bay of Plenty this Easter Weekend and road safety is a top priority for police in the District.
Last year was the first time since records began 57 years ago that no-one died on New Zealand Roads, a moment in history Police would like to see repeated.
The rivers, lakes, beaches and other outdoor havens across the Bay of Plenty provide the perfect Easter playground. In addition Taupo has a major Hot Rod event which is expected to draw a significant crowd.
Bay of Plenty District Road Policing Manager Inspector Kevin Taylor said: "The Bay of Plenty is not only a great place to visit it is a thoroughfare for holidaymakers travelling across the North Island. As well as normal holiday traffic flows we are expecting significant numbers of motorbikes and specialist vehicles, particularly around the State Highways 1 & 5 in the Central Plateau area. All Bay of Plenty Road Policing staff will be out on the road network this Easter weekend as part of the national 'Operation Crossroads'.
"Patience is a virtue all drivers are strongly encouraged to embrace this weekend. The few seconds you save by driving too fast or overtaking in the wrong place could cost you and your family more than just time. If you encounter large numbers of vehicles travelling together, exercise that virtue and enjoy the drive."
The official holiday period begins at 4pm on Thursday (28 March) and ends at 6am on Tuesday April 2.
There will be a particular focus on drink/drug driving, speed, fatigue, distractions and seatbelts.
"Our focus will be to get you to your destination safely, making sure you are spared from the trauma and heartbreak caused by road fatalities. We need every motorist on the road this Easter to do their bit to make sure this happens," said Inspector Taylor.
To stay safe this Easter:
Water restrictions eased in Hamilton
A sustained reduction in water use in Hamilton has seen an easing of water restrictions from today. But residents are being warned if water levels at Lake Taupo and in the Waikato River continue to fall, more stringent restrictions may once again be required.
The city has reduced restrictions to Water Alert Level 2 - the use of sprinklers and irrigation systems are allowed between 6-8am and 6-8pm on alternate days only. However the Council continues to closely monitor the situation and says restrictions could heighten if water use rises or the level of Lake Taupo falls to a point where it impacts on the ability to take water from the Waikato River.
The reason for the reduction, at a time when there is a drought, is because of a sustained low level of water use, with Hamilton averaging 55 million litres (ML) of water a day compared to 75-80 ML in late February. This is due to cooler weather and an excellent response from residents, businesses and other large water users to level three restrictions, in place since 27 February and banning sprinklers, irrigation systems and non essential outdoor water use.
Water levels in Lake Taupo and within the Waikato River system are being monitored daily. If Hamilton needs to implement its low river level contingency plan, then the city’s water use would need to fall to around 40 million litres of water a day. This would require Water Alert Level 4 restrictions, a total ban on all outside non essential water use.
Hamilton City Council City Waters manager Tim Harty praised the city’s water users for their considered water use in recent weeks.
"Thanks to everyone who has abided by the water restrictions to date, as a result we have seen this sustained fall in water use. We’ll continue our daily monitoring of water use, along with water levels in Lake Taupo and the Waikato River system, but urge people to continue to be responsible with their water use and keep to the new alternate day sprinkler use restrictions.
"Our most critical time for the city’s water use and supply is still potentially to come, with the current outlook being if there is no decent rainfall in the Lake Taupo catchment in the coming weeks then by late April/early May we’ll need to ramp up water restrictions as part of our low river level contingency plan."
New leads into Taiaroa murder
Police are assessing information provided by motorists who were surveyed at road checks yesterday, exactly one week since the fatal shooting of George Taiaroa on Tram Road, Atiamuri.
Over 1,000 vehicles passed through five checkpoints set up to cover the potential routes that a blue Jeep Cherokee of interest to the Police may have taken. The road checks ran from 2pm until approximately 6.30pm aimed at capturing regular road users who may have been in the area last Tuesday afternoon.
Detective Inspector Tim Anderson said: "A number of motorists offered information they thought might assist us. I can't comment in any detail about the information and it's too early to say where any of it will take us, but the fact that we identified more potential witnesses made it a very worthwhile exercise. It also convinces us that there is still information to be found, so I can't stress enough the importance of telling us what you know, no matter how small or irrelevant it may seem."
Of particular note, a motorist at one of the checkpoints was identified as someone who had been at the Tram Road scene immediately after the shooting but had not previously spoken to Police.
"If you were witness to anything that might be relevant or have any information that can help us, please don't wait for us to try and find you, come and speak to us," said DI Anderson.
The public appeal has also brought forward the driver of a car which came nose to nose with a tractor on the Tram Road bridge in the 30 minutes prior to the shooting. Each snippet of information provided to the team helps to piece together events on that day.
Although yesterday's operation was focused on the road network police are keen to remind the public of the off-road capability of the 4WD that is at the centre of the investigation.
"We have a long weekend approaching and fine weather is expected to bring a lot of people to the area," said DI Anderson. "I appeal to anyone camping, tramping, hunting, biking or enjoying any other outdoor activities in the area to keep an eye out for any that might assist us, whether that's a vehicle or something else that seems suspicious or out of place."
Police are still yet to establish a motive for the shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigation team directly on 0800 Kingswood (0800 546 479). Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
140 DOC front line jobs cut
Further downsizing at the Department of Conservation proves that despite government promises, budget cuts are costing valuable frontline jobs, according to the Public Service Association.
DOC has announced it is cutting 140 positions around the country as part of a shift in organisational focus and in a bid to make up to $9 million dollars in savings from on-going government funding cuts to its operational budget.
The PSA represents more than 1400 DOC staff.
PSA National Secretary Brenda Pilott says this latest restructure comes hard on the heels of another review less than two years ago which resulted in the loss of about 100 jobs.
"Government budget cuts and funding pressures mean job uncertainty has become an unwelcome fact of life for DOC staff over the past few years and has led to a loss of capacity in some areas."
The PSA believes this restructure will affect frontline operations across almost every DOC office with the disestablishment of mainly regional programme manager positions.
"These are not solely desk-bound, paper-pushing jobs," says Brenda Pilott.
"These people are hands-on managers who spend time in the field organising and planning resources and running frontline activities and programmes such as species recovery or track building. They might have the word manager in their title but they do frontline work and are central to the delivery of DOC’s operations."
"The government has continued to say that public sector funding cuts will not affect the frontline. DOC has been one of the hardest hit in terms of government budget cuts and it’s reached a stage where it can’t make the required savings without sacrificing frontline jobs," she says.
The PSA says the actual number of job losses and details of where they are likely to happen isn’t clear at this stage because while 140 positions are being lost, people will be able to apply for other vacant positions or move location.
Brenda Pilott says affected staff have some tough decisions to make.
"They have to decide whether to either up-skill or down-skill just to keep a job, take redundancy, or uproot themselves and their families to take up a role in a different area. It represents significant upheaval and change and a loss to the organisation of valuable expertise, experience and capability which is very difficult to replace," she says.
The PSA has been part of the review process and has received regularly briefings. It will be holding DOC to assurances that it will try and retain staff where possible and that there will be a genuine consultation process for staff on the restructuring proposal before final decisions are made.
It is also pleased to hear that DOC intends assessing the socio-economic impacts of its proposal on individual communities before committing to any final change.
Minor activity on White Island
GNS Science says that a pattern of repeating minor activity has become established at White Island over the last month. The Volcano Alert Level and Aviation Colour Code remain unchanged at 1 and Yellow, respectively.
Periods of passive steaming and degassing have been accompanied by very low levels of volcanic tremor. This activity has alternated with minor mud and steam explosions from the active crater when there has been strong volcanic tremor. Tremor episodes have lasted from less than one day to over a week.
Recent airborne sulphur dioxide gas measurements on 20 March were at similar levels to over the last month (550 tonnes/day) although carbon dioxide levels were higher (2400 tonnes/day).
The potential for larger, more explosive eruptions that might impact on visitors to the island is always present. Any larger eruptions may occur with no warning to any visitors to the island.
The ultimate outcome of the current activity at White Island remains unclear and GNS Science continues to closely monitor White Island through the GeoNet project.
Unrest at White Island began in July 2012, leading to explosive eruptions and ash emissions in August. A small lava extrusion occurred in November, followed by phreatic, steam driven activity in December which continued through January and February 2013. Very minor ash emissions have been interspersed throughout this eruption sequence as conditions within the craters have changed.
First week at work for new airport bosses
Rotorua International Airport’s new chief executive Alastair Rhodes and new director Ray Sayer were both officially welcomed on Monday to their new roles by airport company chairman Ray Cook.
Alistair Rhodes comes to the airport from a senior management position at Air New Zealand, while new board member Ray Sayer is an international aviation business consultant who has made Rotorua his home.
Mr Rhodes says he will be spending the next few months gaining an indepth overview of the airport’s business from those who work for and with the operation.
“The airport is a complex business but it’s an operation that’s absolutely critical to the region and its growth, and as a result I want to spend the time accessing opportunities and defining the strategy over coming months. As part of this I’m looking forward to taking the airport – and the community with it – into a new phase that materially contributes to the region’s development.”
Improvements to police tactics
Police has today announced changes that will see officers receive enhanced tactical training that better matches their role and will improve staff and public safety.
National Manager Operations, Superintendent Barry Taylor, says changes to current Police Integrated Tactical Training (or PITT), to be rolled out over the next 16 months, will see the introduction of a three-tiered tactical response structure.
“While the current PITT training structure is working well, it cannot deliver all that we need it to into the future, especially if we are to ensure that all constabulary staff are deployable and trained to a consistently high level that best matches the day-to-day demands of their role,” he says.
As of 1 July next year, the revised structure will see staff receive enhanced tactical training as either level one, two or three responders, with level one representing those who will respond to high risk and urgent situations that may necessitate access to Taser and firearms, while level two and three responders will deal with the remainder of incidents that are lower risk and make up the vast majority of Police interactions.
“These changes are about reinvesting our training resources more effectively into the people that need it the most,” Mr Taylor says. “For example, it doesn’t make sense that an officer in a support role, who is highly unlikely to come across a violent or potentially dangerous offender, needs Taser and firearms training. But at the other end of the scale, where we have a frontline officer who is far more likely to encounter potentially high risk situations, it is appropriate they receive the enhanced training.
“With these changes, we expect that our service levels will improve further as those staff who most often respond to critical incidents will receive more targeted and relevant training that better matches their role and responsibilities.”
The level of response training staff receive will be based on careful assessment of their role and its risks by their district management team, and will principally affect those staff who receive Taser and firearms training. The enhancements will be delivered within existing training budgets.
All Police staff will still receive training in important tactical techniques such as baton, handcuffs, OC spray and defensive tactics, which are effective in resolving the vast majority of situations encountered.
“The reality is that the vast majority of Police interactions are resolved without incident. This is supported by analysis of our use of force data, which shows that situations requiring the deployment of tactical options such as Taser or firearms represent only a small percentage of these interactions. Accordingly, the new structure continues to focus strongly on de-escalation through good communication and sound decision-making skills,” Mr Taylor says.
Waikato farmer picked as new Ballance chairman
Waikato farmer and businessman David Peacocke has been elected as Chairman designate of Ballance Agri-Nutrients Limited, set to replace David Graham who will retire from the board in September after 10 years as Chairman.
Mr Peacocke, who joined the board in 2005, was elected to the new position by fellow directors at the company board meeting in late February. He and his family are based in Raglan on their beef property and he has interests in several large family farming operations.
The Peacocke family farmed cattle up until about 20 years ago when they transitioned to a mixed operation which now includes dry stock, dairy and cropping in both the Waikato and Canterbury regions. The family are long-standing customers and shareholders of Ballance and its predecessors, and Mr Peacocke’s father Frank also served as a director on the Bay of Plenty Fertiliser Co-operative then Ballance board from 1991 to 2005.
Ballance Chairman David Graham said that the company opted to appoint a Chairman designate in acknowledgement of the importance of the role and the size and scope of the co-operative.
One of New Zealand’s top 50 businesses, total revenue for Ballance in its last financial year to 31 May 2012 exceeded $900 million, resulting in a $77 million trading result and an average rebate and dividend payment of $44.29 per tonne to its 18,000 farmer shareholders.
"The Board has been working through the process to select a new Chairman over the last six months. We now have a further six months during which introductions and handovers will occur to ensure a seamless transition. Our relationships with everyone from our suppliers to our shareholders are extremely important to our company, and the process will mean David will hit the ground running when his official duties commence after the company’s annual meeting on 25 September this year," said Mr Graham.
As 2004 Supreme Award winner in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for the Waikato region, Mr Peacocke is more than familiar with the challenges facing farmers and sees Ballance playing an increasingly important role in their ability to overcome them.
"Farmers are constantly juggling the need to meet rising environmental expectations with the need to increase production and do it profitably. Ballance has evolved to meet these needs with the full range of nutrient products and advice, and will continue evolving as farming does to keep our shareholders and customers ahead of the game. We’re entering into a new era and I am looking forward to contributing in my new role as Chairman," said Mr Peacocke.
"I couldn’t think of a more exciting time to be part of the Ballance co-operative as we bring the recently acquired farm technology and animal nutrition businesses into the fold and increase the breadth of the value-add products and services we offer to our shareholders."
He says Ballance is the epitome of a modern co-operative, proactively advocating on behalf of shareholders when regulatory changes have the potential to impact farming, and investing significant sums in research and development to keep farms productive, profitable and sustainable.
Mr Peacocke holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) from Lincoln University.
Now is time for the flu jab
Bay of Plenty residents are being urged to get their annual influenza immunisation now, before the influenza season starts in New Zealand this year.
The vaccine has arrived in surgeries and the National Influenza Specialist Group (NISG) advises that now is the best time to be vaccinated.
"It can take up to two weeks from vaccination to develop immunity and influenza is on its way," says NISG spokesperson and virologist, Dr Lance Jennings. "We particularly need to protect our elderly and very young patients from this serious disease."
He says the A(H3N2) influenza virus, in particular, struck hard in the Northern Hemisphere winter.
"The disease spread quickly, and was particularly severe for the elderly and those with an ongoing medical condition. People 65 and over accounted for more than half of all reported influenza-associated hospitalisations in the United States this winter - the highest number since records began in 2005. The next highest group were children under four years old. A total of 64 children died in the US from influenza-associated illness this season."
The New Zealand vaccines for 2013 cover the virus strains causing problems in the Northern Hemisphere and most likely to affect us this year.
Influenza immunisation is free from a GP or nurse for New Zealanders at high risk of complications - pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and children and adults under 65 years of age with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease (including asthma), kidney disease and most cancers. Free vaccination will be available until 31 July, 2013.
Immunisation is available, for a small charge, for healthy adults and children six months and over at surgeries and some pharmacies. Many employers provide free vaccination for their employees.
Don’t get it, don’t give it
As well as getting a flu vaccination, you may protect yourself and your family/whanau from flu if you:
- wash and dry your hands often
- stay away from people who are sick
- stay away from work or school if you’re unwell
- cover your coughs and sneezes.
16-month-old toddler killed after struck by car
Police are investigating the death of a toddler who was struck by a car in Rotorua this evening.
The incident occurred shortly after 5.30pm on Turner Drive.
It appears at this stage that a woman was leaving an address on Turner Drive and was unaware that the child had followed her out of the house.
Her vehicle struck and killed the 16-month-old boy on the footpath. The driver is understood to be a relative of the child but ís not the child's mother.
Police are investigating the incident and support is being provided to the family who are understandably distressed.
The incident occurred shortly after 5.30pm on Turner Drive.
It appears at this stage that a woman was leaving an address on Turner Drive and was unaware that the child had followed her out of the house.
Her vehicle struck and killed the 16-month-old boy on the footpath. The driver is understood to be a relative of the child but ís not the child's mother.
Police are investigating the incident and support is being provided to the family who are understandably distressed.
Cultural diversity in the classroom
Mention the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and it may conjure whimsical thoughts of magic carpets and genies but there’s nothing whimsical about fresh opportunities for the region through a new collaboration between Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and the Saudi Arabian King Abdullah Scholarship Programme.
In total 22 Saudi students are currently enrolled at the Polytechnic and last week a group of diplomats from the Saudi Arabia Cultural Mission visited the region to see how their students were settling into life as Kiwi students.
In attendance were His Excellency Dr Sattam Alotaiby, Cultural Attaché, Mr Mohammed Yaghi, Director of Academic Affairs and Mr Bahaa Elmohands, Student Advisor for TVTC (Technical and Vocational Training Corporation) students. All were pleased with the students’ progress, some of whom are now into their second and third years of study.
Anne Young, International Manager at the Polytechnic, said economic benefits to the region were significant, both in terms of the dollars the students contributed and the greater opportunities for tourism with students’ families also visiting the region.
“In addition to the financial benefits, there is also the intangible value of having culturally diverse students in our class mix,” says Anne. “They contribute to diversifying our student body and helping us to meet our internationalisation goals. As they are spread among different classes and subjects they bring a different perspective to class discussions which give all students (domestic and international) a more global view of their subject and better prepares them for a globalised workforce.”
Eight of the Saudi students are studying Fashion with the Polytechnic; four are in the third year of the Otago Polytechnic Bachelor of Design (Fashion) while the other four are in the second year of a Diploma in Design (Fashion). A further six students are studying Applied Computing, five Tertiary Studies and the remaining three Business Studies.
“It was important to have the opportunity to host the Saudi Arabia Cultural Mission and discuss ways of enhancing our cooperation and to accept more Saudi Arabian students in the future,” said Dr Alan Hampton, Polytechnic Chief Executive.
“Increasing the number of international students at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic is strategically important in further internationalising the campus, student experience, Tauranga city and our region.”