Algal Bloom in Rakahuri/Ashley River at the Rangiora-Loburn Bridge
From the Canterbury District Health Board:
-------------------
Community and Public Health has issued a health warning for the Rakahuri/Ashley River at the Rangiora-Loburn Bridge.
The warning follows identifying moderate to high cover of potentially toxic blue-green algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the Rakahuri/Ashley River at the Ranigora-Loburn Bridge.
There are also other access points along the Ashley River that may have cyanobacteria present and people are advised to check for the presence of cyanobacteria and avoid contact.
People and animals, particularly dogs, should avoid the area of the Rakahuri/Ashley River at the Rangiora-Loburn Bridge until the health warning has been lifted.
Canterbury medical officer of health Dr Ramon Pink said the algae looked like dark brown to black mats and could produce toxins harmful to people and animals.
“Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips," he said.
“If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your doctor immediately, also let your doctor know if you’ve had contact with dark brown/black algal mats or water in this area.”
Pink said people and animals should remain out of the waterways until the warnings had been lifted.
Reticulated town water supplies are currently safe but no-one should drink water from the river at any time
Pets that show signs of illness after coming into contact with algal mats should be taken to a vet immediately.
Environment Canterbury is monitoring the sites and the public will be advised of any changes in water quality.
And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...
A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.
The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.
The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!
Poll: What is the smallest size hearing device Triton Hearing offer?
Some kiwis think hearing devices are big and ugly.
What if we told you technology has advanced substantially and they’re available in all shapes, colours, and sizes?
Go in the draw to win* a $40 MTA voucher when you share your answer to the
question below. Give it a go!
*T&C’s apply – must be over 18.
-
88.1% a) The size of a pea
-
4.8% b) The size of a AAA battery
-
7.1% c) The size of a $2 coin
The Tova Show
Hello! Are you a …
- A student/young professional renting
- A young family, renting or owning
- An older New Zealander/retiree/pensioner
We’re reaching out from the Tova show, the flagship weekly politics podcast on Stuff, as we prepare for our budget coverage and how it’s affecting Kiwis - we’d love to hear from you.
We need a few people who are available the week before the budget (Wednesday 22nd/Thursday 23rd May) and on the day of the announcement (Thursday 30th May).
Please email tova@stuff.co.nz or comment below if you’d like to share your perspective with us. We give you our commitment to treat your experience with sensitivity and care.
Type NFP if you don't wish your comments to be used.
Loading…
