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This is a crucial time. You might be tempted to leave the house this weekend to enjoy your free time. But it’s incredibly important that you don’t revert back to ‘normal life’.
Remember why we are all taking these extreme measures. Stay home. Save lives. This breaks the chain and stops … View moreThis is a crucial time. You might be tempted to leave the house this weekend to enjoy your free time. But it’s incredibly important that you don’t revert back to ‘normal life’.
Remember why we are all taking these extreme measures. Stay home. Save lives. This breaks the chain and stops the virus spreading.
How to break the chain, and protect us all:
STOP THE MOVEMENT
The virus is spread by us. It can’t move by itself. So we all need to avoid moving around as much as possible, eg:
● don't travel to and from baches or second homes
● avoid driving out of your neighbourhood
● don't travel across the country in campervans
● note that DOC has closed all of its campsites and huts.
KEEP EXERCISE LOCAL
There are very few exceptions to staying home, but exercise is one of them. Going for a walk, run or bike ride is good for your mental health. Just remember to:
● stay close to home. Enjoy your neighbourhood, but go no further
● keep it solitary, or only with those you live with
● keep a 2 metre distance from others.
DO SAFE ACTIVITIES ONLY
● Our emergency services need to be fully available to respond to COVID-19 cases. Any search and rescue operation reduces the ability of first responders to help others.
● Do your bit to help them by only undertaking safe activities, and avoiding going into areas where you could get lost or hurt and require their help. Avoid outdoor activities like swimming, surfing, tramping, or boating, hunting or hiking.
AVOID PUBLIC SPACES
● All bars, restaurants, cafes, gyms, cinemas, pools, museums, libraries and playgrounds are closed.
● Avoid places like beaches where people commonly linger, or are unable to maintain a 2 metre distance.
● Don't touch surfaces others may have touched when outdoors, like park benches or playgrounds.
When you return home carefully wash your hands, and any items you took with you outdoors.
Using the bus is now free, but you'll have to register your details first.
Making trips free removes the need for drivers and passengers to touch cash or Busit cards, a statement said.
People who need the bus - for work or to get to places like the pharmacy or supermarket - now have to … View moreUsing the bus is now free, but you'll have to register your details first.
Making trips free removes the need for drivers and passengers to touch cash or Busit cards, a statement said.
People who need the bus - for work or to get to places like the pharmacy or supermarket - now have to register their journey online using this form. You can also ring 0800 205 305.
This means that, if someone who turns out to have coronavirus uses the bus, health authorities will be able to trace people they may have been in contact with.
Busit passengers are also asked to sit in rows away from each other to keep their distance and give the bus driver some space.
Please keep in mind the fact that the virus can live for several days on some surfaces before making plans to leave something in someone's mailbox or similar. We all want to help each other but let's not add more risks to the situation which is in any case most likely to drag out for more… View morePlease keep in mind the fact that the virus can live for several days on some surfaces before making plans to leave something in someone's mailbox or similar. We all want to help each other but let's not add more risks to the situation which is in any case most likely to drag out for more than a month.
Want to know how many coronavirus cases there are in your DHB area?
If you want to check, the Ministry of Health has a NZ map and a table which breaks down the numbers by DHB.
See it here.
Also, if you want a daily update from Stuff, you can sign up here.
Renovate a bland old piece of furniture by giving it a spectacular colour block makeover!
Most homes have an old tallboy or set of drawers that need a little rejuvenation. Rather than put it in the too-hard basket, give your furniture a new lease on life with a fresh Resene paint finish that can … View moreRenovate a bland old piece of furniture by giving it a spectacular colour block makeover!
Most homes have an old tallboy or set of drawers that need a little rejuvenation. Rather than put it in the too-hard basket, give your furniture a new lease on life with a fresh Resene paint finish that can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how to makeover your furniture.
Neighbourhoods can be a great source of support. Connect with each other through our Reach Out page, show kindness and compassion, and strengthen connections with your communities.
Reach out to your Neighbours here now.
Do you know what rental properties are exempt from the Healthy Homes Standards? Can you still claim insurance if you stop inspecting your rental property?
It’s not always easy staying up to speed with the latest changes in regulations for rentals!
Put your knowledge to the test, and if you … View moreDo you know what rental properties are exempt from the Healthy Homes Standards? Can you still claim insurance if you stop inspecting your rental property?
It’s not always easy staying up to speed with the latest changes in regulations for rentals!
Put your knowledge to the test, and if you find yourself stumped, give our property management team a call. When it comes to rentals, they’re experts.
Contact Robyn and put her to the test.
Mobile 021 824 422 | Email robyna@lodge.co.nz
A huge congratulations to Te Aroha Vet Clinic. This local legend is a finalist in the Prospa Local Business Hero Awards.
Now they need your vote to give them a chance to take home a prize package worth $10,000!
Good on you, and good luck, Te Aroha Vet Clinic. Thanks for bringing joy to … View moreA huge congratulations to Te Aroha Vet Clinic. This local legend is a finalist in the Prospa Local Business Hero Awards.
Now they need your vote to give them a chance to take home a prize package worth $10,000!
Good on you, and good luck, Te Aroha Vet Clinic. Thanks for bringing joy to your community - especially in these uncertain times.
***********
Nominated by Valerie Walton from Te Aroha: "Te Aroha Veterinary Clinic provide a fantastic service from a team that are dedicated to I was devastated losing Blue (horse) I bred her 14 yrs ago and loved her dearly and now I had her orphan foal to care for. Without her dedication staying for hours trying to save Blue I honestly don't know how I would have coped. They are a true asset to our community they go above and beyond the call of duty helping to care for our all animals providing around the clock care and service.”
MAKING THE CASE FOR A RATES FREEZE IN HAMILTON
TIME FOR A RATES FREEZE.
The COVID-19 virus is having a significant impact on people’s lives globally and Hamilton citizens are not isolated from this global economic downturn.
The Hamilton Residents and Ratepayers Association is very concerned for … View moreMAKING THE CASE FOR A RATES FREEZE IN HAMILTON
TIME FOR A RATES FREEZE.
The COVID-19 virus is having a significant impact on people’s lives globally and Hamilton citizens are not isolated from this global economic downturn.
The Hamilton Residents and Ratepayers Association is very concerned for the citizens of Hamilton who will lose their jobs, have their income reduced, our seniors and those on marginal incomes.
The HRRA therefore calls for an immediate FREEZE on any rate increase in Hamilton and a re-focus on cost savings during these difficult and uncertain times.
Given the current economic crisis, we request that Hamilton City Council Elected members and Senior Management take a leadership position, tighten their belts, and ensure all operating expenses and large projects are revisited in terms of their cost/benefit for the community.
We just can’t waste money on worthless projects just for the sake of having these “nice to have projects”. Our city needs to focus on what is absolutely essential and other schemes and things just have to be moved to the back burner.
We can’t just spend money as if we have a blank cheque book. Our ratepayers are the ones who suffer. These are our people. They voted for you, the elected members, to show leadership and for you to stand firm and not waste our money.
The Hamilton Residents and Ratepayers Association speak on behalf of our folks in Hamilton and we should be recognised as such. We are a collective, voice of the people.
We want to acknowledge that the Waikato Regional Council have accepted a rates freeze during this crisis.
We are asking on behalf of the residents and ratepayers of Hamilton for a RATES FREEZE.
Hey Hamilton! Just a reminder that all playgrounds are closed. Please keep your play at home for the next four weeks.
Hi neighbours,
Today is the beginning of our nationwide lockdown, so Operatunity is marking it with some music!
They plan to do it as often as they can through-out the four weeks, given they can't get out and about in the community.
They've rallied all the Operatunity artists to produce … View moreHi neighbours,
Today is the beginning of our nationwide lockdown, so Operatunity is marking it with some music!
They plan to do it as often as they can through-out the four weeks, given they can't get out and about in the community.
They've rallied all the Operatunity artists to produce their own virtual concerts. Some footage is from their archives, some shot on phones and some was recorded before the lockdown.
There will be a variety of songs, singers and musicians over the next few weeks.
So if you want to check out today's one, head along to the link below.
Not sure what others think of the yesterday annoucement the govenment made for all homeowners who will be getting 6months mortgage holidays as we tackle the Covid 19 ...what about tenants that are renting from the landlords or home owners? We too are facing the same situation and some of us will … View moreNot sure what others think of the yesterday annoucement the govenment made for all homeowners who will be getting 6months mortgage holidays as we tackle the Covid 19 ...what about tenants that are renting from the landlords or home owners? We too are facing the same situation and some of us will be unemployed for 4 weeks and after the lockdown too .
The government should impose the law for everyone not just specific people. The home owners may not have to pay mortgage while we are paying their mortgage for them if they are renting their porperty and on top of that we still have to pay for other essentials like power bill, phone and internet etc..and with not working during the lockdown..
I am just speaking my mind here as I am a tenant and I am sure those in my situation feel the same.
We are all in the same boat, home owners or tenants ,,,but only part of the boat is salvage while the rest are left to sink....
Worried and helpless
Sally
Morning neighbours,
There's a lot of work going on behind the scenes to keep everyone in the food supply chain virus free.
The aim? Kick Covid to touch.
Senior reporter Lawrence Gullery has delved into the story behind the primary products that'll keep us fed during the lockdown. Read… View moreMorning neighbours,
There's a lot of work going on behind the scenes to keep everyone in the food supply chain virus free.
The aim? Kick Covid to touch.
Senior reporter Lawrence Gullery has delved into the story behind the primary products that'll keep us fed during the lockdown. Read the story here.
Note: Our reporters and photographers have been deemed an essential service during the lockdown and will be out and about finding stories to keep our readers informed and engaged.
Feel free to get in touch with the newsroom at news@waikatotimes.co.nz or comment below if you have something you think is worthy of their attention.
Hello neighbours, hope your first day of alert level 4 has started well.
Did you know recycling collection will stop during lockdown? Rubbish collection will continue.
Read more here.
Dear concerned citizen,
We must now all stay home. Because that’s how we’ll stop the virus.
Level 4 measures will likely be in place for a number of weeks.
Don’t worry. During that time you will still be able to access all the essentials you need, including medicine, food, and other… View moreDear concerned citizen,
We must now all stay home. Because that’s how we’ll stop the virus.
Level 4 measures will likely be in place for a number of weeks.
Don’t worry. During that time you will still be able to access all the essentials you need, including medicine, food, and other home supplies.
ALL THE TIME, NO EXCEPTIONS
It’s incredibly important that we all follow the Level 4 plan, all the time. No exceptions. Because doing so will save lives.
A CHALLENGE FOR EVERYONE
We realise these are big changes. But these are challenging times.
If we don't all stay home, the whole country will need Level 4 restrictions for longer.
SUPPORT OUR EMERGENCY SERVICE PEOPLE
We owe it to the essential services. Our nurses, doctors and everyone else on the frontline. They’re working tirelessly to save lives. We should all do everything in our power to help them do this.
Thank you to each and every person, for doing their bit.
While you’re staying at home:
STAY CONNECTED
• Don’t let physical distance stop you staying connected. Keep in touch with people using video calls, phone calls, chat and texting.
• If you know people who are living alone, vulnerable, or separated from their loved ones, regularly check-in with them.
STAY WELL
• Continue to practice good hygiene – wash your hands with soap. Then dry.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Regularly clean surfaces in your home with disinfectant.
• Keep up regular physical exercise, and get some fresh air when possible. It’s good so long as this is solitary, or only with those you live with.
REACH OUT
If you need advice, support or help, try reaching out to friends, family, whānau or workmates.
WE'RE UPDATING INFORMATION CONSTANTLY
For all the latest advice, including answers to your health and financial questions, go to Covid19.govt.nz.
And remember: what you do now, will help protect all of us.
© Neighbourly 2025
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