The Provincial Development Unit is working through applications and projects to see where Provincial Growth Fund money can be repurposed for initiatives deemed more critical to fighting the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says. “We need to be throwing everything we have at […]
Theft from Kohanga during lockdown
Te Teko Kohanga Reo kaiako Lorraine “Lolo” Hale has called out the low-lives who stole from the kohanga during the first week of the nation’s Covid 19 lockdown. Hale expressed her anger and disappointment in a Facebook post, describing the theft as a violation of “our babies papatakaro (play space).” […]
New closing time for Whakatāne COVID-19 assessment centre announced
The Whakatāne COVID-19 assessment centre will be opening from 9am-4pm daily starting this Thursday (9 April). The new opening hours mean the Community Based Assessment Centre (CBAC) at the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall will be closing two hours earlier than it had been previously. Bay of Plenty Community Based Health […]
COVID-19 assessment centres to launch in Ōpōtiki and Kawerau
COVID-19 assessment centres are this week being launched in Ōpōtiki and Kawerau. The “Pop Up | Drive Thru” centres both open on Thursday (9 April) and will each operate three days a week going forward until further notice. Ōpōtiki will run on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am-2pm, whilst Kawerau […]
The Hub camp closed
The temporary overnight camping area established at The Hub last week has now closed. All those who were staying at the Hub have now been found alternative accommodation. Welfare staff from the Council’s Emergency Operation Centre have been working with other agencies and accommodation providers to make this happen. Portaloos […]
First day at Baypark a success for Tauranga COVID-19 Assessment Centre
The Tauranga COVID-19 Assessment Centre’s first day in its new home at the Trustpower Baypark Stadium has been a success say organisers. The Tauranga Community Based Assessment Centre (CBAC), which is testing those with potential COVID-19 symptoms, had been relocated to Baypark from the Tauranga Racecourse and opened its doors […]
Better coverage for Minginui and Te Kaha
People in Minginui and Te Kaha will now have access to 4G mobile and wireless broadband services. Two new cell towers have gone live as part of the RCG – Rural Connectivity Group roll out providing critical online access at a time when connectivity is more important than ever. The […]
Whakatāne Hospital prepared for COVID-19
Whakatāne Hospital is triaging patients at the front entrance as part of its preparedness to protect patients, staff and the wider community from COVID-19. “People will notice a portacom is now set up at the front entrance. Rather than coming into the emergency department (ED) waiting room to be triaged […]