A man has been arrested in Opotiki following a pursuit along State Highway 2 tonight. A police patrol car was rammed during the pursuit, a Police spokesperson said. “At around 5:50 pm in the Wainui Road area a vehicle was seen driving at excess speed. When the vehicle failed to […]
Social cohesion threatened in post-covid-19 world
Top social scientists say New Zealand’s strong national unity during lockdown – reflected in a proliferation of teddy bears in windows and Anzac Day poppies on front lawns – is now under threat as grim new economic realities and prolonged disruption in personal lives hit home for many. Experts from […]
COVID-19: Support for tertiary students to learn online
Education Minister Chris Hipkins today announced a $20 million fund to help eligible tertiary learners access digital devices and internet connections to continue their study disrupted by COVID-19. “Many programs are being delivered online in response to COVID-19, including courses like carpentry that are traditionally delivered on-the-job. As we rebuild […]
Keep a lookout for child abuse – Child Matters
With some children back at school – and more set to head back when New Zealand eventually moves to Level 2 – teachers, aides and the wider community are urged to keep a close eye on the welfare of children after the COVID-19 lockdown. Child Matters CEO, Jane Searle says […]
Watch: Two with serious burns after fire in sleepout
Two patients have sustained serious injuries after a fire in a sleepout in Kawerau. Fire crews were called to a property in Bowen Street just after 10:30 am, a Fire and Emergency spokesperson said. “The fire was out on arrival; however, two people sustained serious burns.” Three ambulances and a […]
Car hits tree near Kawerau
One person has been taken to Whakatāne hospital after the vehicle they were driving hit a tree. Police were advised at 6.24pm that a car had hit a tree on Kawerau Road (SH34) a Police spokesperson said. “The driver received moderate injuries and was taken to Whakatane Hospital for treatment.” […]
Next level fishing from Whakatāne Wharf
A Whakatāne man has taken to social media to share a “tall” fishing yarn that has come out of lock down. Muti-sport legend Neil Jones posted on the NZ Surfcasting and Rockfishing Facebook page about an epic fish caught from the Whakatāne Wharf – a wharf Jones said is usually […]
Council explores immediate economic relief options
Three months’ rent relief for Council leaseholders, refunds for affected bookings and credit for memberships are some of the measures agreed on by Whakatāne District Council elected members at Council’s 30 April meeting. The Analysis of the Impacts of Covid-19 on Revenue report sought to equip elected members with necessary […]