564 days ago

Precautionary evacuation

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Rotorua Lakes Council emergency management is asking residents of Western Road (Ngongotaha) to self- evacuate.

What you need to know:
- The evacuation is a precautionary measure in case the river rises higher.
- This is not a declared state of emergency, but the situation is being monitored.
- Council is working with Bay of Plenty Regional Council to monitor stream levels and the incoming rain forecast.
- Council staff will be out in Ngongotahā, going from house to house on Western Road talking to residents and providing advice about self-evacuation but it will take some time for the team to reach everyone.

IF YOU ARE ASKED TO EVACUATE:
- Take something warm to wear and essentials (medication, baby food etc). Take your pets.
- If possible, go to friends and whanau. Otherwise, move away from the river to a dry, safe location.
This does not mean the river WILL flood, but Civil Defence don't want to be taking any chances with people's safety.

Council is encouraging any other residents living near waterways to keep an eye on what is happening around their properties. If you see issues or feel you need to evacuate please contact council on 07 348 4199.

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More messages from your neighbours
5 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? 💰🌲
  • 53.5% Yes
    53.5% Complete
  • 46.5% No
    46.5% Complete
1814 votes
1 day ago

Appeal for information following fatal crash: Tāneatua

The Team from Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police

Police investigating a fatal crash in Tāneatua are seeking further information from members of the public who witnessed the crash, or any movements leading up to the crash, to assist with our enquiries.

Prior to the crash, Police can confirm the red Honda Accord was observed travelling on Reid Road in excess of the speed limit.

A Police vehicle travelling the other direction observed the vehicle at speed, however was unable to locate the vehicle as it travelled towards White Pine Bush Road.

Police believe there were two other vehicles near or on the Pekatahi Bridge at the time of the crash, and we’d like to speak to the occupants of those vehicles to understand what they saw.

Additionally, we’re still seeking information from anybody who saw a red Honda Accord travelling in and around Tāneatua between 5:30pm and 6pm on Tuesday 2 December.

If you have information, please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 251202/5566.

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1 day 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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