News in brief 28 November 2008
Key messages for civil defence readiness in Golden Bay
1. Disasters happen quickly. We can't prevent them, but there are steps we can take to reduce the impact and be better prepared to recover quickly.
2. Flooding is the most frequent and damaging hazard in Golden Bay. We also need to be prepared for earthquakes and storm surges. Golden Bay is vulnerable to being cut off by a slip on the Takaka Hill Road.
3. In an emergency you could be on your own for three days, maybe more. Can your home, business, or school cope?
4. You can take some simple steps to be better prepared.
- Develop a household emergency plan. For example, how and where will your family members contact each other if the emergency happens during work or school hours? Where will you re-unite?
- An emergency survival kit is a must - food and water for at least three days, radios, torches, batteries, an alternative cooking method with spare fuel, emergency clothing, essential medicines, first aid kit and, when needed, supplies for babies and pets.
- Water - you need three litres per person for three days.
- Many newer types of phones need power to run - but keep your old phone as a spare for when the power goes out.
- Have a "Getaway Kit" if you need to be evacuated (eg in a flood).
5. For information in an emergency listen to Classic Hits 1269 AM, More FM 92 or Fresh FM 101.
For more details, see the inside cover of your Yellow Pages or go to <www.getthru.govt.nz>.
Submitted
‘Absolutely amazing" contribution
Every year, the Golden Bay Patchworkers & Quilters Guild raffles a quilt at its annual exhibition and donates the proceeds to a charity. This year they selected the Golden Bay Emergency Communication Service Charitable Trust. This is the small group of volunteers who maintain the radio equipment on Mt Burnett that is available for Bay-wide communication in case of an emergency. We get Radio New Zealand National that way too.
Spokesperson, Noel Riley said that the $3000 the trust received from the proceeds of the raffle was "absolutely amazing."
"This money will help us to keep on with the huge task of just keeping the equipment running."
Magpie trapping continues in the Takaka valley
TDC biodiversity officer Ken Wright has reported that since the recent magpie article in The GB Weekly, a further six magpies have been caught in the Takaka Valley, bringing the total this season to 11 birds. Four magpies were caught at East Takaka with the multi-catch trap on one day, and two more were recently trapped at Craigieburn Road. Mr Wright was pleased with the result and the efforts to curb the spread of the birds. "It shows that farmers don't want this pest bird in their district and if you have magpies on your property please contact the local TDC office to borrow the multi-catch magpie trap."
Magpies have been self-introducing from the Motueka River valley and the biodiversity officer's aim is to eradicate all newcomers before they become established. Six farmers in these districts have shot occasional birds over a four- to five-year period. The trap is available by contacting Ken Wright through TDC .
Ina Holst
Community backs Foodbank
The Golden Bay community has once again rallied to support the foodbank. Last week The GB Weekly published a story about the depleted state of the foodbank's supplies and cash reserves.
"The response has been great," said community worker Glynn Rogers. "So far we've had a cattle beast donated, some cash and lots of groceries. We had some former clients - people we'd helped out in the past, call in with a lovely cash donation."
At the Pohara Boat Club's Christmas party on 6 December, members and guests will be asked to bring a ‘token of their Christmas spirit' which will be given to the Foodbank. The local schools are also continuing to collect non-perishable grocery items for the Foodbank.
"We're really grateful for this show of community support," said Glynn .
Neil Wilson
