Caution around driveways
Police are asking people to pay extra attention to driveway safety, after a number of incidents recently involving children being harmed.
Driveways can be extremely dangerous, and people need to do everything they can to ensure they keep themselves and others safe, especially where children are present.
Children move around quickly, and often won’t be seen as you are reversing down your driveway.
Always check your driveway before driving in or out, and make sure you know the whereabouts of any children.
Please use your reversing camera if your vehicle has one installed.
Alternatively, ensure all children not in the vehicle with you are accounted for.
If another adult is at the property, make them responsible for ensuring children are well clear of any moving vehicles.
If there are no other adults present, have a ‘safe spot’ for children to stand and wait for the vehicle to stop moving.
This should be somewhere in view of the driver.
Check your blind spots often, and if you can no longer see a child, stop your vehicle and move them somewhere safe before you continue driving.
If your driveway is close to the children’s play area, consider a fence or gates to separate the play area from the driveway.
You should also take the time to speak to your children about the dangers of moving vehicles and remind them that just because they can see the driver, doesn’t mean the driver can always see them.
Taking those extra few seconds to make sure our tamariki are in a safe space when you drive in and out of your driveway can help prevent so much heartache and trauma.
Remember they don’t understand the potential consequences.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
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Waikato Hospital’s Emergency Department is the latest location of interest for measles.
Two separate days in the last week were listed on Health NZ’s website on Friday morning as a place where someone with measles was known to have visited.
Poll: Have you ever had a Healthy Homes inspection done where you live?
Conflicting Healthy Homes inspection reports are raising concerns about the consistency of standards meant to ensure rental properties are safe and liveable.
In one recent case, a Cambridge rental property underwent two inspections within a week, with significantly different outcomes. The first, arranged by tenant Sara Lewis, identified multiple issues including mould, vermin, and ventilation concerns. A second inspection, arranged by property managers Harcourts, just six days later, found little to criticise.
Have you ever had a Healthy Homes inspection done where you live? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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37.5% Yes
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62.5% No
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