1572 days ago

Message from Sandra Hazlehurst to stay safe

Reporter Community News

Wear a mask during while buying groceries, exercising or receiving healthcare, and practice social distancing.
These are just few of many messages conveyed by the Hastings District Council after New Zealand suddenly plunged into Alert Level 4 at 11.59pm on Tuesday night.
The council’s essential services were still operating during lock-down, but other restrictions and closures were in place in line with Ministry of Health guidelines.
Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said council was well-prepared for any shift in alert levels, and ready to respond to keep people safe.
“Although it’s disappointing to be back in this situation again, all of our teams are working hard to keep essential services operating and help our community get through this,” she said.
All council facilities were shut, including public toilets, public drinking water fountains and chlorine-removed taps.
Kerbside waste collections were still running as normal, but the transfer stations and rural recycling stations were closed, except for essential workers.
All playgrounds were closed, but parks and reserves remained open for people to walk and exercise in, but they were asked to follow the advice to wear masks, stay two metres apart, remain at home if they feel unwell, and not take part in any activities that could result in injury requiring emergency help.
Council’s Lyndon Road customer service centre was closed to the public, but the team will be responding to enquiries.
The Animal Control Centre was also closed to the public and officers, only responding to call-outs where there was a “threat to public safety or livestock”.
“The best thing we can all do right now is stick to the health advice which is keeping us safe.
“Once again, we need to look out for each other, be kind and keep to the government guidelines to stay safe and do what we can together so we can get back to normal as soon as possible,” Hazlehurst said.
The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council said the GoBay bus services had moved to a Saturday timetable, with the addition of the regular routes.
Council said GoBay services would be available for essential service workers, and for communities to access supermarkets, pharmacies and health facilities in accordance with Government directions.
Face coverings were mandatory on all public transport services, with council asking travellers to bring their own mask and put it on before boarding.
Fares would remain in place across the region, but cash handling will be removed.
*For any further information please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the council website www.hastingsdc.govt.nz... or call customer service on 871 5000.

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6 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.4% Yes
    53.4% Complete
  • 46.6% No
    46.6% Complete
1959 votes
4 days ago

A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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2 days ago

‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...

The Team from New Zealand Police

As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.

Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.

There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”

A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105

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