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Consumer NZ breaks down 26 toilet papers in latest test

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Consumer NZ breaks down 26 toilet papers in latest test

Consumer NZ’s test of 26 toilet papers finds loo roll that’s kind on your skin isn’t always the kindest to the environment or your plumbing.

Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy said, with the growing importance of making greener purchasing choices, there was more to picking the best bog roll than just comfort.

“We were especially keen to see which loo papers broke down quickest. We were surprised that the softest product, Kleenex Complete Care (extra thick sheets), took a whopping 11 minutes to disintegrate – 20 times longer than EarthCare 100% Recycled, which took 32 seconds,” Mr Duffy said.

“We’ve known for some time the importance of toilet papers to New Zealanders – it’s a product that consumers regularly tell us they want to be tested. We want to ensure Kiwis have the best information available to help them make good purchasing decisions in this critical area.”

Earthcare was consumer NZ’s choice. Photo supplied

Consumer NZ assessed separation ease, disintegration time, environmental factors and, critically, puncture resistance to produce its toilet paper ratings.

“Products containing recycled or sustainably sourced paper or that are manufactured in New Zealand using locally sourced raw materials were awarded higher scores.”

Printed, perfumed and bleached products lost points because of the additional environmental impacts of these processes.

“We think manufacturers should be minimising unnecessary features in products where those features consume extra resources.”

Consumer NZ also considered softness, but it wasn’t included in its overall rating.

“It’s a sensitive area and results vary depending on whether the user is a folder or a scruncher. We didn’t want to give anyone a bum steer,” Mr Duffy said.

The good news is there are products that have a lower environmental impact and allow consumers to take the time to treat themselves to a higher level of comfort.

Recommended and “Don’t buy” toilet papers

Of the 26 products tested, 10 got Consumer NZ’s recommendation. These were:

  • Earthcare 100% recycled unscented white rolls
  • Savers Printed toilet tissue
  • Sorbent Silky White long rolls
  • Sorbent Thick & Long Silky White (king size)
  • EarthSmart 360º Recyclable Paper Pack 100% Recycled Paper long rolls
  • Purex Soft White
  • Quilton Hypo-allergenic unscented
  • Sorbent Hypo-allergenic Thick & Large (king size)
  • Quilton Ecoply (unscented)
  • Sorbent Hypo-allergenic Pure White long rolls

Three products were “Don’t buys”:

  • Essentials White toilet tissue
  • Necessities Toilet tissue
  • Kleenex Complete Clean (extra thick sheets) toilet tissue

See the full test results for 26 toilet papers at consumer.org.nz.

NZSF & Russell Property buys up Formosa and surrounds

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NZSF & Russell Property buys up Formosa and surrounds

The new owner of a large block of land at Beachlands says it looks forward to engaging with the local community on the area’s future.

A partnership comprising the NZ Super Fund and parties associated with the Russell Property Group became the new owner of the 250-hectare waterfront landholding in east Auckland, including the Formosa Golf Course, following the settlement of the acquisition announced earlier in March.

NZ Super Fund Head of Direct Investments Will Goodwin says that settlement was completed as planned despite the Covid-19 lockdown and that Russell Property Group had been appointed as manager of the property.

The 250-hectare area has been bought by several interests. Photo supplied

“The partnership will be exploring opportunities for the site with any future plans and associated infrastructure improvement to be developed in close consultation with the local community for the benefit of Beachlands and Auckland as a whole.”

Russell Property Group Managing Director Brett Russell says the acquisition consolidated the Formosa Golf Club & Resort site and the 620 Whitford-Maraetai Road site to create a significant land holding able to support well-integrated and carefully considered development.

“We are excited to welcome golfers back to Formosa this week with Alert Level 3 protocols in place to provide a safe environment for everyone.

“We will commence improvements to the golf course immediately to benefit our members and public golfers with the conference and event facilities undergoing maintenance and refurbishment before possible opening later in the year.”

1000 people going on dole every day-Brown

Times Team
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1000 people going on dole every day-Brown

Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown writes:

New Zealand appears to be on track for just one more week of Alert Level 3, but we can’t become complacent right before the finish line. Our daily case numbers remain low and there is still no evidence of undetected community transmission, so please continue to stay safe and ensure our hard work and sacrifice isn’t in vain.

If we move to Level 2 next week, it is worth remembering that this does not mean everything goes back to the way it was. What we knew as normal before is likely to change going forward, but more importantly, Level 2 means we must continue to remain vigilant.

The economic ramifications are also still to be realised and with the news last week that 1000 people are going on the dole every day the statistics are very concerning. Moving into Level 2 certainly doesn’t mean our problems are over. Our next steps will shape New Zealand for the future so it’s vitally important we get it right. We can start by doing simple things like shopping local and supporting the businesses in our community, but COVID-19 will undoubtedly change the way we live, learn, and work going forward.

The full list of rules under Level 3 can be found by clicking here and visiting the Covid-19 government website, so please familiarise yourself with them if you haven’t already so we are all following the rules for the next week.

Shop Local

As a result of the Covid-19 lockdown it is more important than ever that we support our local businesses as we begin to return to some normalcy. Many of them in Pakuranga and Howick will be struggling to get through this, so shopping local is vitally important to keep them going and show support for our local community and our neighbours who run these businesses.

For information about what’s open during Level 3 in Howick, click here.

For information about what’s open during Level 3 at the Pakuranga Plaza, click here.

If you’re a local business looking for some support or extra promotional opportunities within the local community, consider joining the Shop Local, Shop Howick Facebook page.

And as always, if you need any help or support from me or my office, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Brown’s Island:Pest and human presence unwelcome

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Brown’s Island:Pest and human presence unwelcome

Cameras on Motukorea/Browns Island in the Hauraki Gulf have captured footage of Aucklanders accessing the island during both lockdown Alert Levels 4 and 3.

This comes after stoats were detected on the pest-free island during routine maintenance in mid-March.

Environment and Community Chair Councillor Richard Hills is incredibly disappointed by the development.

“There is an amazing group of volunteers who care for our Gulf Islands, in addition to our own programs. They’ve all spent the last six weeks anxiously waiting to get back to the work to protect the native wildlife on the island. To hear that people have been spotted ignoring the restrictions and using Motukorea as their own private island will be gutting.”

The monitors were placed to track pest activity following the detection of stoats. They have also spotted kayakers, day visitors, and even one visitor at 01.30 in the morning.

“It’s so disappointing to see a small number of people acting without thinking. I’ve been so proud of our community and how we have risen to the challenge posed by Covid-19 and led the world in our effort to eradicate it.”

“I ask that people stay clear of these islands as no one should be travelling this far from their shores, in line with lockdown restrictions. Aucklanders are working together to swiftly move to Level 2 and see a return to some normality.”

Sergeant John Saunders of the New Zealand Maritime Police Unit says “It’s concerning to see these types of behaviours persist. Not only are these kayakers putting themselves at risk, but they also compromise the safety of our emergency services.”

“We’ll certainly be taking a closer interest in what’s happening around the island and those breaching the rules can expect action. Stay home and stay safe.”

Since mid-March, the Auckland Council biosecurity and regional park teams have been running a stoat incursion response on the island after signs of a stoat(s) was detected during routine surveillance.

Kayakers flouting lockdown rules on Brown’s Island. Photo supplied

Three stoat dogs and handlers visited the island before Level 4 restrictions were imposed and the response programme has been ongoing under strict Covid-19 safety protocols since. Responding to biosecurity incursions in predator-free areas is considered an essential service during the Covid-19 response where there is potential for loss of species.

“We’re continuing to monitor and review the situation, but its capture is proving difficult. To date the stoat that likely swam to the island has proved elusive,” said Phil Brown, Auckland Council’s Head of Natural Environment Delivery.

“The most recent check (last Thursday) confirmed it is definitely still at large on the island. The presence of people on the island is not only breaching the Covid-19 rules, it hinders our conservation efforts greatly

Motukorea/Browns Island has a network of surveillance traps and monitoring devices in place to detect the arrival of animal pests on the island.  The trap network has recently been strengthened and expanded with additional traps and cameras.  Rebaiting and weekly checks will continue.

No new cases of Covid-19 for second day in a row

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No new cases of Covid-19 for second day in a row
Photo AHG NZ

Ministry of Health Covid-19 update

May 5, 2020

Today we have no new cases of Covid-19 to report.

Additionally, one case that had previously been reported as a probable case of Covid-19 has been reclassified as not a case.

This means New Zealand’s overall total of confirmed and probable cases decreases by one, to 1486.

New Zealand’s total number of confirmed cases remains at 1137.  This is the number we report to the World Health Organization and in many instances this is the number reported publicly by other countries.

There were 3232 tests completed yesterday, with a combined total to date of 155,928.

Of our cases, 1302 are reported as recovered – an increase of 26 on yesterday.

A total of 88 per cent of all confirmed and probable cases have now recovered.

There are four people in hospital, none in ICU. There are no additional deaths to report.

We still have 16 significant clusters in New Zealand, with three now closed as previously reported.

One existing cluster – St Margaret’s Hospital and Rest Home – has today had five cases newly linked to it. It is important to note these are not new cases. Following investigations, an existing group of cases have been linked to the St Margaret’s cluster. These are not patients at Waitakere Hospital.

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said having zero new cases of Covid-19 to report for the second day in a row was very encouraging, and all New Zealanders should feel proud of what they had achieved together over these past weeks.

“But we must stick to the plan. The worst thing we could do is celebrate success prematurely and jeopardise the gains we have made.

“Stay the course and stay in your bubble – don’t squander what we have achieved by giving the virus a chance to spread in our communities that we have worked so hard to protect.”

Exemptions

New Zealand requires everyone entering the country to go into a 14-day managed isolation period or quarantine if they are symptomatic, unless they have an approved exemption.

To date, since March 28, around 6000 returned travelers have gone into managed isolation. There are currently 179 people in quarantine facilities, and 2792 people in managed isolation.

These precautions are to prevent the virus coming into the country, to ensure all New Zealanders are protected.

There is a process for requesting an exemption on compassionate grounds.

The Ministry has to date received 24 requests related to a dying relative that had been declined.

There has been a judicial review of a request, which last Friday resulted in the court intervening and a personal visit organised.

As a result of that judicial review, the Ministry is now reviewing previous similar requests to ensure they followed the correct process and taking into account the Judge’s findings.

That review started today and I have asked for it to be completed as soon as possible this week.

The Ministry’s work to date has been to balance protecting New Zealanders with allowing individuals to safely visit a dying relative or attend their funeral.

The Ministry has taken a very precautionary approach and this review now will ensure that each case was looked at as carefully and compassionately as possible.

International Day of the Midwife

Today is International Day of the Midwife and a great opportunity to celebrate our midwives.

There are about 3200 of these front-line essential workers are in our hospitals and communities every day, supporting women through their pregnancy, birth and early parenting journeys.

An estimated 6000 babies have been born since New Zealand went into Alert Level 4 lockdown. And we know that midwives have been indispensable to women and babies more than ever during this time.

World Hand Hygiene Day

Although every day is hand hygiene day at the moment, today is also officially World Hand Hygiene Day. Hand hygiene is crucially important for many reasons – to prevent spread of Covid-19, to prevent spread of other diseases and to help fight the rise of antibiotic resistance.

This year, the campaign theme is “Save Lives: Clean your hands” which is very relevant right now.

One of the best things we can all do to prevent the spread of Covid-19 is to regularly and frequently wash our hands.

Puzzle Page – issue 9

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Click to download the puzzle page from issue 9

Covid-19: support for tertiary students to learn online

Times Team
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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 the economy, we need a skilled workforce to keep our sectors such as construction moving forward,” Chris Hipkins said.

A recent survey by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) shows at least 11,150 learners do not have the right devices to engage in distance learning and at least 11,350 learners do not have access to broadband internet at home.

“The Government wants to make sure that students in need can access support for distance learning so they can continue their studies. We moved swiftly to help cover extra costs, by increasing the student loan amount available for course-related costs for full-time students from $1,000 to $2,000, on a temporary basis.

 “Now we have set up a fund that tertiary education organisations can access including Wānanga, the NZIST and its subsidiaries, universities, transitional industry training organisations, and private training establishments.

 “Tertiary providers are best placed to work with their learners to identify those who are most in need during this time. Learners should contact their tertiary provider to discuss what kind of support they require,” Chris Hipkins said.

The New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) will distribute funding to its 16 subsidiaries.  The NZIST was formed on 1 April as part of the Reform of Vocational Education, providing on-the-job, on-campus and online learning.

Showcase To Celebrate Young Artists Of East Auckland

Times Team
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Showcase To Celebrate Young Artists Of East Auckland

The Howick Youth Council’s East Auckland Visual Arts Showcase will once again showcase the best of visual art produced by young people living in East Auckland.

They want to give young artists in our community the opportunity to show off their work — whether it be painting, sculpture, animation, photography, or mixed media.

In partnership with Arts Out East and Uxbridge Arts & Culture, art produced by young artists will be on showcase from Friday 19th June to Friday 27th June at the Malcolm Smith Gallery in Howick.

This exhibition will be free to view and is open to submissions from youth aged between 12 and 24 who live in the area covered by the Howick Local Board.

2020 will be the third year in which the showcase has been run.

“Running this event into its third year has been such a privilege. It‘s always so inspiring to see the amazing work produced by the young artists of East Auckland. This year is no different,” says HYC team lead Cuan Pillay, whose team is in charge of the project.

To learn more about submissions, visit howickyouthcouncil.org.nz/post/hyc-visual-art-2020

For the first time, the showcase will also include two main categories: Themed Art and Open Art — with a chance to submit art that relates to the theme: ‘Modern and Traditional Connection’. ⁣

Submissions for the showcase close on May 17th.

The Howick Youth Council is a collective of passionate young individuals striving to make Howick, Botany, Ormiston, and Pakuranga a more attractive and vibrant place for its young people. With 32 members in 2020, HYC is one of the largest youth voice groups operating in New Zealand.

They’re supported by the Howick Local Board with an aim to connect, develop and represent young people in the East Auckland area through running a variety of events and ensuring youth voices are heard in the decisions that shape our city.

 

 

 

 

Times spanner-the past, present, and future of your local paper

Times Team
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Times spanner-the past, present, and future of your local paper

Gavin Gosney of radiowavenz.com interviews Times Managing Director Reay Neben who provides an insight into the history of the paper over the last 49 years.

Times MD Reay Neben with staff after winning several NZ community newspaper awards in 2019

No new Covid-19 cases overnight in NZ; no further deaths

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No new Covid-19 cases overnight in NZ; no further deaths
Photo AHG NZ

Ministry of Health Covid-19 update

From Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield

May 4, 20202

Today we have no new cases of Covid-19 to report.

One probable case already known to us has been reclassified as confirmed following a positive test.

This means there is no change to the overall total of confirmed and probable cases which remains at 1487.

There are no additional deaths to report.

New Zealand’s total number of confirmed cases rises by one and is now 1137.  This is the number we report to the World Health Organization and in many instances this is the number reported publicly by other countries.

There were 2473 tests completed yesterday, with a combined total to date of 152,696.

Of our cases, 1276 are reported as recovered – an increase of 10 on yesterday. A total of 86 per cent of all confirmed and probable cases are now considered as recovered.

There are four people in hospital, none in ICU.

There are still 16 significant clusters.  Three of these clusters are now considered closed as there is no longer transmission of the virus associated with the cluster.

“These are encouraging figures,” says the Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield.

“But today is one moment in time. The real test will come later this week as we factor in the incubation period of this virus.

That’s when we will able to consider any new cases which might emerge in the community as a result of the step from Level 4 to Level 3.

“We can’t afford to squander all the hard work and effort of the past weeks.

“We saw at the weekend that it can be easy to start slackening off. We need to maintain discipline, continue pushing on and sustain the advantage we have fought so hard for.”

No parties, no socialising, no excuses-Police

Times Team
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No parties, no socialising, no excuses-Police

Police are urging people to resist the temptation to socialise in gatherings that breach the Alert Level 3 restrictions.

Since the introduction of the Alert Level 3 restrictions Police have received 1,200 reports from the public to the 105 breach notification line in regard to mass gatherings.

Of the 1,200 reports 685 were received in the 24 hours between 6 pm 1 May and 6 pm 2 May.

“Under no circumstances should anyone be having a party under the Alert Level 3 restrictions.

Such behaviour could waste all the sacrifices made by our team of five million over the last five weeks,” said Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Fraser.

Now is not the time to be complacent and we know from the volume of people reporting these parties and gatherings, that they don’t want to lose all the gains made in the collective effort to beat Covid-19.

“Police are prioritising attendance to reports of mass gatherings of 10 or more people.

Holding a party in the current environment is in breach of the Health Act and where appropriate enforcement action will be taken, this could be against the party hosts and the attendees,” said Acting Assistant Commissioner Fraser.

Since the introduction of Alert Level 3 restrictions Police have taken enforcement action against 514 people for breaches of either the Health Act or the Civil Defence Emergency Act.

Of the 514 breaches there have been 135 prosecutions and 342 warnings.

In the 24 hours between 6 pm 1 May and 6 pm 2 May Police took enforcement action against 112 people.

 

Fire&Emergency celebrate International Firefighters’ Day

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Fire&Emergency celebrate International Firefighters’ Day

Today Fire and Emergency New Zealand has released a video celebrating our people on International Firefighters’ Day.

“This video is about showing that New Zealanders celebrate and acknowledge the important work our firefighters and the people who support them do, says Fire and Emergency CEO Rhys Jones.

“It is a difficult and dangerous job, but every one of our 1,800 career and 12,000 volunteer firefighters are committed to serving and protecting New Zealand communities. And they do a great job.

“We know our people do more than just fight fires. International Firefighters’ Day is a chance to publicly thank them for their bravery and commitment attending medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, and weather and hazardous substances incidents, as well as fires. They respond to around 80,000 incidents a year.

“Through our nation’s Covid-19 response, our firefighters have continued to provide their essential service to people in need, Rhys Jones says.

“For many firefighters, their important role also brings with it missed meals, sleep and family commitments. So we also acknowledge their families and whanau for their support, which allows them to be available to serve New Zealander 24/7, 365 days every year.

“We thank them all for the work they do.”

Rhys Jones says if you know a firefighter, please take this opportunity to send them a message and say thanks.

You can view the video here.

 

Uxbridge Girl Guides learn how to tackle cyberbullying

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Uxbridge Girl Guides learn how to tackle cyberbullying
GirlGuiding New Zealand is hosting virtual programme for all guides via Zoom instead of face-to-face meetings. Photo supplied

How would you react if someone says horrible things about you online? What if someone makes you uncomfortable by repeatedly sending embarrassing photos of you to your group chat? Or sends screenshots of a private conversation to your friends without proper context to try and turn them against you?

These are some of the questions that Victoria Pickett, unit team leader of Uxbridge Girl Guides that meets at Vincent St (when not in lockdown) asked guides from age nine to 12-year-olds about cyber safety.

Girls created their own avatars, working through hypothetical cyberbullying scenarios; played online games and learned about computer viruses. One of the leaders even set up a game where Guides had to pretend to be hackers trying to guess her password to demonstrate the importance of password security.

In the wake of Coronavirus Covid-19, GirlGuiding New Zealand is hosting virtual programme for all guides via Zoom instead of face-to-face meetings.

Talking about the cyber safety badges at a time when the world is navigating its way with video chats,  21-year-old Victoria says that ‘Surf Smart’ has always been a part of the guide programme.

Even the Pippin programme (for girls age five to six years) introduces the concept of cyber safety. We knew that girls would have to do their schoolwork virtually and many of them would be interacting with their friends virtually.

Running the programme with 20-year-old Amber Peek, the unit team leaders believe internet safety is the need of the hour.

“It puts students in a vulnerable position as parents are less able to supervise their internet use and provide guidance.”

She says the hypothetical cyberbullying scenarios were all based on situations she had experienced or witnessed in her childhood and teenage years.

“As young leaders, Amber and I are in the unique position of being able to speak about internet safety since we were brought up with the internet.

“All the videos I’ve seen on cyberbullying seem to involve young people receiving horrible messages online from random people at their school for no reason with the general advice being to just not go on the internet.

“But cyberbullying is a lot more complicated than that and trying to avoid the internet as a young person in 2020 can be socially isolating (not so much at 9-12, but definitely as a teenager),” she says.

Uxbridge Girl Guide Lauren Shehean attends the Anzac Day Service on Zoom led by unit team leader Victoria Pickett. Photo supplied

Last week, they held a short Anzac Day Service on Zoom, playing the Last Post, holding a minute’s silence, and having one of the guides read out the Ode of Remembrance.

“We are also learning about rations which seemed relevant to our current situation…and the Guiding International Service teaching them about how adult guides all over the world took action in a time where it was easy to feel powerless.”

Upcoming activities include talent shows and an international night of food and activities but Victoria is particularly excited about a virtual camp-themed Fantasy Monster Hunters.

“We have a lot of fun and educational activities lined up like getting them to explain how they would perform first aid after a dragon attack or which knots they would need to rescue a boy from a Faerie trap,” she says.

GirlGuiding NZ offers programmes to girls age 5-18.

Leaders, girls and parents are being encouraged to post their activities with the hashtag #VirtualGroupGuidingNZ

 

 

 

2 new cases of Covid-19 for total of 1487

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2 new cases of Covid-19 for total of 1487

 

Photo AHG NZ

Ministry of Health Covid-19 update

From the Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield

May 3, 2020

Today we have two new confirmed cases of Covid-19 to report and no new probable cases.

Both of today’s cases can be linked to the St Margaret’s Hospital & Rest Home cluster in Auckland. Both cases are household contacts of an employee at the rest home.

The total of confirmed and probable cases is 1487.

There are no additional deaths to report.

New Zealand’s total number of confirmed cases is 1136.  This is the number we report to the World Health Organization and in many instances this is the number reported publicly by other countries.

There were 4634 tests completed yesterday, with a combined total to date of 150,223.

Of our cases, 1266 are reported as recovered – an increase of three on yesterday. A total of 85 per cent of all confirmed and probable cases are now considered as recovered.

There are eight people in hospital, none in ICU.

There are still 16 significant clusters.

Three of these clusters are now considered closed as there is no longer transmission of the virus associated with the cluster.  A Covid-19 cluster is considered closed after a total of 28 consecutive days – or two incubation periods for the virus – since its most recent report date of a reported case.

The three closed clusters are the Wellington wedding cluster and the two clusters linked with group travel to the United States – one in Wellington and the other in Auckland.


Alert Level 3

Almost a week into Level 3, the Director-General of Health has reinforced the need for people to continue to act in line with the Level 3 expectations.

“It’s crucial that all New Zealanders stay vigilant and follow the guidelines of physical distancing, keeping to our bubbles, practicing good hand hygiene and if you’re unwell, staying away from others and seeking medical advice,” says Dr Ashley Bloomfield.

“Today’s numbers are encouraging but we can’t take them for granted.  As I said last week, we all have a part to play.

“We’re now nearly a week into Level 3 and while there could be some excuses early on, everyone should now be more familiar with the rules, both around increased retail activity and our own social interactions.

“It’s been concerning to see some behaviours continue into the weekend and ultimately, this could slow a move to Level 2.

“Continuing to be vigilant will be key in supporting a move down to Level 2 as soon as possible,” says Dr Bloomfield.

One key message around physical distancing for businesses is to keep at least 1 metre between workers and 2 metres from customers or the public.

Overall: stay home, save lives – this remains the number one rule for Alert Level 3.

And of course, if you’re sick, you must stay home.  Contact your GP or Healthline and ask about getting tested.

6 new cases of Covid-19; 1 additional death

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6 new cases of Covid-19; 1 additional death
Photo AHG NZ

Ministry of Health Covid-19 update

May 2, 2020

Today we have two new confirmed cases of Covid-19 to report and four new probable cases.

Five of today’s cases can be traced to a known source. One case is still being investigated.

The total of confirmed and probable cases is 1485.

New Zealand’s total number of confirmed cases is 1134.  This is the number we report to the World Health Organization and in many instances this is the number reported publicly by other countries.

There were 5691 tests completed yesterday, with a combined total to date of 145,589.

Of our cases, 1263 are reported as recovered – an increase of 11 on yesterday. A total of 85 per cent of all confirmed and probable cases have now recovered.

There are five people in hospital, none in ICU.

Sadly, today we are reporting the death of a resident of Rosewood Rest Home who was transferred to Burwood Hospital.

George Hollings was in his 80s and his family have asked us to share his name and some information about him.

George had a lot of friends who the family don’t have contact details for and they’d like for them to have the opportunity to grieve along with his family.

His family tell us that George will be remembered as a real Kiwi bloke, a rough diamond, who loved his deer-stalking. They ask for the media to respect their privacy and to give them time to grieve.

His family also say the staff who cared for George did an exemplary job. “We can’t speak highly enough of the care Dad received. You’ve clearly chosen the best, most compassionate staff to work at Burwood”.

George was considered to be a probable case of Covid-19, and he also had underlying health conditions.  He passed away early this morning.

Every person we lose to Covid-19 is a tragedy, with a family and friends left without their loved one. Our thoughts are with George’s family today and in the coming days. There have now been 20 deaths from Covid-19 in New Zealand.

There are still 16 significant clusters, no change from yesterday.  

Three clusters are now considered closed as there is no longer transmission of the virus associated with the cluster.  A Covid-19 cluster is considered be closed after a total of 28 consecutive days – or two incubation periods for the virus – since its most recent report date of a reported case.

The three closed clusters are the Wellington wedding cluster (closed April 25) and the two clusters linked with group travel to the United States – one in Wellington and the other in Auckland – closed today.

Health needs

A further reminder that people should not delay seeking care for any health needs either by phoning Healthline 0800 611 116 or through their GP.

And, as usual, if it is an emergency then dial 111 and ask for the ambulance service or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Also, if you get an appointment for an investigation such as an x-ray or scan, or to get an elective operation or procedure, it is safe to attend. The hospital will have tight processes in place to keep you and the staff safe.

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